State and local governments across the country  which together employ nearly 20 million workers  are bracing for layoffs as they deal with the economic ramifications of the coronavirus.

The big picture: Stay-at-home orders have forced businesses to close and cut jobs, tanking state revenue from sales, personal income taxes and fees. Meanwhile, states have paid steep costs for emergency relief and for increases in social safety net programs like unemployment insurance on top of their usual services like police, mass transit and water.

The nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) estimates that states could rack up more than $765 billion in budget deficits over the next three years.

88% of local leaders say they're preparing for painful reductions in revenue this year because of the pandemic, according to a National League of Cities survey.

Nearly a third of them anticipate furloughing employees, while a quarter expects layoffs.

Why it matters: Nearly two-thirds of state spending goes to education, health care and transportation, per the CBPP.

Localities and states shed 3% of their workforce as a result of the 2008 financial crisis, according to census data. Half of them were teachers.

Those public sector jobs returned slowly and still haven't rebounded to the levels they were before the recession.

"[W]e should expect, among other effects, to see fewer teachers in classrooms, higher tuition at public colleges and universities, stingier coverage for Medicaid enrollees and forgone infrastructure improvements," wrote former Obama administration economic adviser Matthew Fiedler in a New York Times op-ed.

The state of play: Dayton, Ohio, has already furloughed nearly 25% of its workforce, and the city is planning to cut more.

Cincinnati also furloughed 1,700 workers, a little more than a quarter of its 6000 employees.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said the city will furlough its employees for 26 days in the next fiscal year starting this October  the equivalent of a 10% pay cut.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige said he will take a pay cut, and he's proposed a 20% cut for some state employees, including teachers.

Go deeper: States face economic death spiral from coronavirus
The 665-word letter had gone, as expected, unanswered. So Sen. Charles Grassley fired off an email to the White House Counsel's Office, pressing for an explanation as to why President Donald Trump abruptly dismissed an inspector general who had played a key role in the Ukraine scandal that led to Trump's impeachment.

Pat Cipollone called Grassley, R-Iowa, directly, promising he would get a response to the senator quickly on the controversial firing of Michael Atkinson, the intelligence community watchdog who had alerted lawmakers to a whistleblower's complaint about Trump pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rival.

The two would speak again last week, with the White House lawyer promising an answer to Grassley by Tuesday that would detail the reasons for firing Atkinson and another inspector general who had recently been ousted by Trump.

"It could be one additional letter, or it could be 10 additional letters," Grassley noted as he described his past attempts to glean information from various administrations. "But it is frustrating."

Grassley is facing the stiffest challenge of his nearly four-decade Senate career to his self-appointed role as a champion of inspectors general: a president from his own party who has made clear that he has no use for internal government watchdogs and no hesitation to get rid of those he considers disloyal.

Grassley says he resents Democrats questioning his dedication to protecting these government officials. But so far amid Trump's rapid-fire dismissals of the watchdogs, he has refrained from taking aggressive action beyond sending carefully worded letters that don't appear to have had much, if any, impact on Trump's attitude or actions toward inspectors general.

The 86-year-old Grassley is coming under criticism that on protecting government watchdogs in the Trump era, he's all bark and no bite.

In a virtual roundtable in Wisconsin last week, former vice president Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, argued that Republicans had abandoned their long-standing defense of inspectors general and singled out Grassley.

"They were strongly, strongly, strongly supportive of these independent inspector generals, starting with Chairman Grassley and others. Where are they? Why aren't they speaking up about this? It really bothers me - bothers me a lot," Biden said.

Grassley's response is that he is precisely the same man Biden knew when both men served in the Senate.

"Unfortunately, a lot of Democrats question my record on this issue, and you've been seeing here in the last couple of weeks," Grassley said in an interview with The Washington Post last week. "They do that when it's politically convenient, and I quite honestly resent that."

Grassley continued: "They ought to have the same attitude toward oversight, whether you have a Republican or Democrat president."

Still, the scrutiny is undoubtedly increasing on Grassley, as Trump takes unprecedented steps to remove watchdogs who have played significant roles in administration controversies or on the suggestion of his closest advisers. The president recently indicated he would terminate Steve Linick, the State Department's inspector general who had started to investigate alleged misconduct on the part of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, one of his most influential Cabinet officials. Pompeo had advised Trump to dismiss Linick.

In addition to Linick and Atkinson, Trump has moved to replace Christi Grimm, the principal deputy inspector general for the Department of Health and Human Services who has run the office since January, by nominating a permanent inspector general for HHS. Grimm's office released a report on acute shortages of testing and personal protective gear amid the coronavirus pandemic, and she is scheduled to testify before the House on Tuesday.

Trump also removed Glenn Fine, who had been the acting inspector general for the Pentagon and was to chair a federal panel overseeing the Trump administration's management of the massive $2 trillion coronavirus rescue package passed by Congress in March. And Mitch Behm was removed on May 15 as acting Transportation Department inspector general, though he will remain with the office.

A 1978 law created the modern-day inspector general, and Grassley was elected to the Senate two years later. The dozens of inspectors general across the administration conduct oversight of federal agencies, and although they are technically political appointees, their independence has long been prized.

Grassley, two other Republican senators - Mitt Romney of Utah and Susan Collins of Maine - and a few Democratic senators sought details about the reason for the Atkinson dismissal, noting that a 2008 law requires a president to give lawmakers a written explanation for removing any inspectors general. On his own, Grassley earlier last week sent Trump a similar letter on Linick, noting that lost confidence alone was not a sufficient explanation.

The action, Grassley said, mirrors the approach he and a bipartisan group of senators took in 2009 when President Barack Obama summarily dismissed Gerald Walpin, the inspector general of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which operates the AmeriCorps program, without giving Congress an adequate explanation.

Even after the Obama White House provided a response, Grassley and then-Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., continued their investigation into the firing, releasing a report on the matter later that year. It's premature to know whether Grassley or other senators will similarly investigate after the Trump White House responds to its inspectors general firings.

"Very few folks paid attention to it like they're paying attention to this," Grassley said of the Walpin controversy.

But Walpin was the only inspector general that was fired in such a fashion under the Obama administration. The speed and scale of Trump's dismissals are much broader, and according to critics and some Republicans, much more concerning.

"I look at less at individual circumstances, and the fact that we've had four," Romney said. "I feel that that has the potential of sending a chilling message."

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who has drafted his own legislation to protect inspectors general, dismissed the letters, arguing that "they're of absolutely no utility" because Trump ignores them.

"I think the broader problem here is that the Republican Congress, the Republican Senate just believes it's an appendage of the White House," Murphy said. "They act as if they work for the president. So they're allowed to occasionally raise internal objections, but they're never going to do anything to actually change the president's behavior."

Indeed, this president's aggressive antipathy toward oversight underscored how much the powers of congressional investigations and oversight have diminished. Trump's White House has ignored subpoenas, done an end run around congressional funding and relied heavily on acting appointees who escape Senate scrutiny.

Trump underscored his grievances against the inspectors general last week, arguing that he has been "treated very unfairly" by them.

The class of Senate Republicans who have shown outward concern about the dismissals of the inspectors general is small. The issue didn't surface when Trump made an impromptu visit to Capitol Hill earlier last week to have lunch with GOP senators, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said the firings were well within Trump's authority.

The few who have spoken out include Collins and Romney, who said last week that he had some conversations with administration officials about Linick's dismissal. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., and Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, have also gently prodded Trump in a letter to send a message "to the executive branch to work with IGs, not against them."

"Senator Grassley has been so amazing for so many decades, it's kind of unfair for everyone to always turn to him," said Danielle Brian, the executive director for the Project on Government Oversight. "This is very politically difficult for a person to challenge their own party's administration, and he shouldn't be expected to do it by himself."

Any Grassley challenge to Trump would cast a spotlight on fellow Republican Iowa senator, Joni Ernst, who is up for re-election this November in an increasingly difficult political environment for the GOP with its Senate majority at stake.

Grassley was early in his Senate career when then-President Ronald Reagan terminated all the existing inspectors general in 1981, although some were eventually reinstated. During his career, Grassley has not only defended inspectors general, but he has also worked to oust watchdogs he felt fell short of the job.

For instance, in 2003, Grassley and then-Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., raised public concerns about Janet Rehnquist, the daughter of the former chief justice who had been serving as the inspector general for HHS, ultimately leading to her resignation.

In 2009, Grassley launched an investigation into the sudden retirement of Fred Weiderhold, who had been the inspector general for Amtrak but left and signed a nondisclosure agreement.

During the Trump presidency, Grassley has proven he can rankle the administration on its priorities if need be.

As chairman of the influential Finance Committee that oversees trade policy, Grassley threatened to hold up ratification of Trump's trade deal with Mexico and Canada until he lifted steel and aluminum tariffs that had sparked retaliatory levies from the two countries that had hurt farmers in Iowa.

In 2017, Grassley wrote a letter to Trump upbraiding an opinion from the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel asserting that only committee chairmen could make legitimate oversight requests. At the time, both chambers were controlled by the GOP, meaning all committee heads were Republicans. The White House eventually distanced itself from that OLC memo.

"It really isn't Grassley versus Obama, or Grassley versus Trump, or Grassley versus Bush or even going back to Reagan. It's Article I of the Constitution versus Article II of the Constitution," Grassley said. "It's easy to pass laws and appropriate money, but to get it carried out the way you intended to carry out is what oversight's all about."

Democrats say Grassley should be willing to go as far as holding up nominees or calling for hearings into the inspector general firings, because he's proven he's willing to do so for other matters.

As he awaits a response from the White House on why Trump ousted Linick and Atkinson, Grassley has started drafting bipartisan legislation that would bar political appointees from serving as acting inspectors general in an attempt to protect their independence. Linick has been temporarily replaced by Stephen Akard, an ally of Vice President Mike Pence who was confirmed as the head of the Office of Foreign Missions at the State Department last fall.

Grassley has declined to name the Democrat he has been working with, but aides said it is Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. That panel would probably have jurisdiction over any hearings on the firings, but that appears unlikely; its chairman, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., - like most other GOP senators - has not opposed the dismissals.

"Regardless of which party controls the White House or Congress, Senator Grassley has always been a tenacious advocate for effective, nonpartisan oversight," Collins said. "In particular, he believes, as I do, that inspectors general are key to accountability in federal programs and root out waste, fraud and abuse."

- - -

The Washington Post's Matt Viser contributed to this report.
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By Express News Service

JAIPUR: The shocking suicide of a Police SHO in Churu district of Rajasthan has sparked a row with the Opposition BJP demanding a CBI inquiry into the case.

Vishnudatta Vishnoi, the SHO of Rajgarh police station committed suicide by hanging from a fan in his government quarters on Saturday sending shock waves in the Police Department. On being told about the tragedy, Churu SP Tejaswini Gautam, along with top officials reached the spot; soon the SP called an FSL team to the spot and brought the body down. The cops are also said to have received a suicide note from the spot, but officials have refused to comment on anything till now.

Vishnoi is said to have been under stress for some time. He was investigating a case of murder on Friday and reached his quarters after finishing work at the police station. But on Saturday morning his quarters remained closed for a long time. A large number of people gathered when they became aware of the suicide and many shouted slogans and sat on a dharna against a local Congress leader.

It has been reported that he was investigating the murder of one Rajendra Garhwal who was killed in a gang war in the Sadulpur area of Churu district by unidentified miscreants. Vishnoi was engaged in the probe till Friday night.

Rajasthan's Director General of Police, Bhupendra Singh, has handed over the investigation of the suicide case to senior officers of CID Crime Branch. He said that Vishnoi was one of the most promising and one of the best officers and his untimely demise has hurt the entire police fraternity. "The suicide incident of a dutiful police officer is tragic for the police family. Some people are trying to spread misleading things about this sad incident," he added.

However, former Union Minister and MP from Jaipur Rural, Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore, while describing the suicide of Vishnu Dutt Vishnoi, said that such incidents put a question mark on the policies of the Congress government in the state. He has demanded a CBI inquiry into this. "His Whatsapp Chat clearly shows that he committed suicide due to political pressure and the reasons why an honest and brave police officer was forced to commit suicide have to be revealed."

Vishnudatta was a strict officer and the police department says that his methodology had social innovations. He was very popular as well and had thousands of followers on social media. Vishnudatta had an honest image in the police department. He also had done a makeover of 13 police stations. He hailed from Raisinghnagar in Hanumangarh district and was recruited in the year 1997 as a Sub-Inspector in the Police Department. His uncle Subhash Vishnoi has also been an Additional SP.
At least 475 people returned to



Mizoram by a special train from Telangana on Sunday, an official said.

The returnees arrived at the Bairabi railway station, from where they boarded 32 buses for their respective districts after being screened, he said.

They were received by Kolasib district deputy commissioner H. Lalthlangliana, Kolasib superintendent of police Vanlalfaka Ralte and other officials at the railway station.

Of the 475 people, who returned from Telangana on Sunday, 216 belonged to Aizawl district, Lunglei district (30), Serchhip district (29), Kolasib district (40), Champhai district (41), Siaha district (35), Mamit district (22), Lawngtlai district (23), Saitual district (12), Khawzawl district (25) and two were from Hnahthial district.

All the 40 returnees in Kolasib district were sent to quarantine facilities on Sunday, the official said.

Other returnees would also be sent to designated quarantine centres once they arrived in their respective districts, he added.

An official of task group on migrant workers and stranded travellers said that more than 2,500 people have returned from different states during lockdown till Sunday.

He said that more than 1,600 people from Karnataka, Odhisa and Kerala are expected to arrive within this week.

According to the officials, more than 13,000 stranded in various states, have reported to the Mizoram government to return, till Friday.

The government and churches have set up more than 430 quarantine facilities to accommodate more than 13,800 people across the state.

Mizoram as of now is Covid-19 free state since its lone patient was discharged after he recovered from the virus on May 9.

Health department officials said that at least two suspected Covid-19 patients were admitted in Zoram Medical College (ZMC) on Sunday.

Their samples were collected and results were awaited, they said.

Meanwhile, police said that a total of Rs 12.8 lakh has been collected as fine from at least 5,901 people for violating ordinance to contain the spread of COVID-19 since May 4.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
French oil trader Pierre Andurand was catapulted into the spotlight this year after correctly betting that the deadly novel coronavirus would spark a sub-zero oil market collapse.

Andurand, the 43-year-old founder of London-based Andurand Capital who runs two multi-million-dollar funds, bet in February that the deadly Covid-19 outbreak could represent a rare "black swan" event that would send prices into reverse.

Two months later, in another remarkable call, the hedge-fund trader tweeted on the morning of April 20 that oil could turn negative in a perfect storm of evaporating demand, chronic oversupply and scarce storage.

'Negative prices are possible'

"There is no limit to the downside to prices when inventories and pipelines are full. Negative prices are possible," tweeted Andurand, who is based in Malta.

"I am not saying it will happen. If it does it would be very short lived. But just be careful out there."

Andurand, who was born in the southern French city of Aix-en-Provence and studied applied mathematics before attending the French business school HEC Paris, had just predicted the oil market's biggest-ever shock.

Just a few hours afterwards, New York light sweet crude nosedived into negative territory for the first time in history, plagued by demand-destroying coronavirus, a vast supply glut and a Saudi-Russian price war.

West Texas Intermediate crude hit a historic low of minus $40.32 per barrel on April 20 as sellers were forced to pay to offload the May contract amid scarce storage capacity.

That compared with around $60 a barrel at the start of this year.

London's Brent North Sea oil dived to a record-low $15.98 on April 22 but did not turn negative.

Andurand's funds have sky-rocketed in value on the back of his remarkable prediction, winning a three-digit percentage since the start of the year.

'Comeback kid'

Yet it has not all been plain sailing. His funds have lost money in recent years in choppy trade -- and had also initially faltered at the start of this year.

The Financial Times described him this month as a "comeback kid" who "performs best when markets are at their most volatile".

The business newspaper also noted his luxury London townhouse in plush Knightsbridge and his flash Bugatti supercar.

Andurand had previously correctly forecast that oil prices would strike a record peak of $147 per barrel in 2008.

He also correctly predicted they would crash during the notorious global financial crisis.

Speaking to AFP, Andurand indicated the forensic detail of his market analysis.

'Analysing in detail'

"When I feel that there has been a significant change in demand and supply, I analyse it in detail and try to assess its overall impact on oil prices," the Frenchman explained in an interview.

The trader said he had realised "at an early stage" that the Covid-19 pandemic would be "hard to stop" for governments across the world.

Andurand added that he then realised there was a "strong probability of containment measures" that would likely slam the brakes on global oil demand -- and spark a chain reaction that would tank the market.

Fast-forward one month, however, and oil prices have recovered somewhat to trade at around $35 per barrel, on the back of an easing supply glut and output cutbacks from OPEC and fellow crude producers.

The market has also been soothed by the relaxing of lockdowns that have crippled oil-intensive sectors like transport and manufacturing.

Andurand now forecasts prices to continue to recover, judging that production cuts have been "sufficient" to soak up excess supplies.

Some analysts warn however that oil remains vulnerable to a second wave of coronavirus that could further damage the global economy and energy demand.
Lucknow, May 24 : The Indian Boozers Association (IBA), based in Bulandshahr, has demanded status of '40 crore tipplers in the country at par with that of farmers and the MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) sector.' Their argument is that if tipplers are contributing huge revenue to the government coffers, there should be welfare measures and government schemes for them.

The IBA came into existence in 2015 when 50 eminent persons in Bulandshahr and nearby districts came together to fight for the rights of liquor consumers and to create awareness among the masses to remove the 'stigma' attached to drinking.

IBA founder president Hari Angira, said, "During the ongoing pandemic, the government machinery came to a standstill and when every source of revenue dried up in the lockdown, it was the tipplers who came to the rescue of the government by buying liquor. If we demand dignity and welfare schemes for liquor consumers and their families, what is wrong in that? After all, we -- like doctors and nurses and policemen -- are also contributing to the fight against coronavirus. We should also be officially termed as 'Corona Warriors'." District president of IBA, Laxmi Narain, said, "Liquor consumers are subjected to all sorts of harassment. Of late, governments of various states have increased excise duty on liquor and still consumers are willingly paying for it. It is we who are contributing to the government coffers at the moment. We want MSME status, concessional loans and relief package. When there are so many welfare schemes for a farmer, why not one for liquor lovers. We demand insurance schemes for consumers' families." Hari Angira said, "On the face of it, the entire concept might sound hilarious but a grave reality lies hidden behind it. We have a logical demand here. Either the government should completely ban production, stocking and sale of liquor or give some benefits to consumers." The IBA now plans to spread its wings to all districts in the state in order to muster greater support for its demands.
Editors note: The Journal-Courier has been working with a group of business and community leaders to shine a light on the importance of the sometimes behind-the-scenes work taking place to improve the present and build for the future of our hometown.



Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corp. is collaborating with its community partners, Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce and Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as the Jacksonville/Morgan County Office of Emergency Management and Morgan County Health Department, to prepare for the eventual reopening of our local businesses that were deemed non-essential during the states stay-at-home orders.

Our working group intends for the outline below to serve as a guide for businesses to use in devising their own plan to safely reopen when allowed. We recommend that every business complete a document to use for planning and implementation during the back-to-work transition to establish a safe environment for employees and customers.

Some items will not pertain to all businesses, while others will require more detail. We offer this outline simply as a resource to help businesses develop a reopening plan of action.

Preparation for Business Reopening Guide

.

Facilities preparation

 Sanitation prior to opening

 Process in place if staff member tests positive for COVID-19

 Return-to-work process for employee who tested positive for COVID-19

 Sick-leave policy for family member/roommate who tested positive for COVID-19

 Layout of facilities for customers and employees

 Minimum 6-foot spacing

 Remove waiting areas and any areas where staff or customers gather

 Traffic patterns

 Payment methods

 Additional protection for staff who have contact with customers during payment process

 Cleaning/disinfecting process (daily and ongoing)

 Any specific locations customers touch

 Training and documentation for staff maintaining cleaning/disinfecting schedule

 Personal protective equipment  masks, gloves, sanitizer, disinfectant

 Availability

 Storage

 30-day supply

.

Employee preparation

 Expectations and health protocol

 Decide if employee temperature will be taken at home before coming to work or if the employer will record when arriving at work

 Documentation of employee-screening questionnaire: available at bit.ly/employeeCOVIDchecklist

 Review symptoms that prevent employees from working

 Wear mask if 6-foot distancing is not possible and when customers are present

 Work schedule structure

 Vulnerable population employee policy

 Childcare issues policy

 Common area restrictions and rules  kitchen, copier, etc.

 Written cleaning/disinfecting policy

 Display Department of Labor workplace poster: available at bit.ly/DOLEmploymentRights

.

Customer safety

 Masks required

 Business decides if business or customer supplies the mask

 6-foot distancing

 Modify traffic pattern as possible

 Hand sanitizer must be available

 Payment method

 Display Centers for Disease Control workplace posters: available at bit.ly/CDCPoster

 Business monitors adherence to mask rule

.

Vendor deliveries/contractors

 Schedule as possible

 Maintain single entry point

.

Our working group understands that non-essential businesses are critical to the economic vitality of our region. Until all businesses are allowed to open, we urge area business owners and managers to devise a reopening plan that carefully promotes the safety of its employees and customers.

Visit the Morgan County Health Departments website at www.morganhd.com for further COVID-19-related guidance, including up-to-date recommendations, news and statistics.

.

Kristin Jamison is president of Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corp.
A zoo dubbed the worst in Britain is threatening to put down its animals because it is running out of money to feed the exotic breeds amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Tracy and Dean Tweedy, who own Borth Wild Animal Kingdom in West Wales, fear they only have enough money to feed more than 300 animals for a week.

The married couple say their money is running out to care for their stock and are planning 'as a last resort' to euthanise 'the animals that we care for'.

Married couple Tracy, 49, and Dean Tweedy (pictured) say their money is running out to care for their stock and are planning 'as a last resort, euthanising the animals that we care for'

The zoo is running out of money to care for its 300 animals and the married couple said they are planning 'as a last resort' to euthanise 'the animals that we care for'

Council chiefs 'lost confidence' in the ability of the zoo to operate safely following the deaths of two lynx and other animals.

In January this year, the zoo was ordered to close because it did not have trained gunmen in case of an animal escape.

But it was allowed to reopen in February before having to close again in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Ms Tweedy, 49, said many staff are on furlough and the zoo's business relief grant of 25,000 has nearly run out.

She said: 'We were already only scraping by financially after the long, quiet winter season.

'We need help now more than ever. Despite everything, we are as determined as ever to not give up.'

Council chiefs have 'lost confidence' in the ability of the zoo to operate safely following the deaths of two lynx. Pictured, the lynx in the zoo before it escaped and was shot

Ms Tweedy, 49, said many staff are on furlough due to the coronavirus pandemic and the zoo's business relief grant of 25,000 has nearly run out

It costs 3,000 a week to run the zoo and if the animals cannot be fed or re-homed, a cull of the animals has been considered

She said it costs 3,000 a week to run the zoo and a cull of the animals has been considered if they cannot be fed.

After the money runs out, the couple will have to start looking at re-homing but are considering euthanasia as a last resort.

Problems for the zoo began in late 2017 when Lilleth the Eurasian lynx escaped and was shot dead by a marksman after being found at a nearby caravan site.

A second lynx, Nilly, also died in what was described as a 'handling error'.

A report revealed one in five of the zoo's animals died in just one year. It was discovered that monkeys, crocodiles and a leopard also died from its animal stock during 2018.

Owner Tracy and Dean bought the zoo for 625,000 in 2016 to start a dream new life with their family, but it has since turned into a nightmare.

Tracy and Dean bought the zoo for 625,000 in 2016 to start a dream new life with their family, but it has turned into a nightmare

A report revealed one in five of the zoo's animals died in just one year. It was discovered that monkeys, crocodiles and a leopard also died during 2018. Pictured, the police at the zoo when the Lynx escaped

Tracey said: 'It would be tragic if mid Wales lost its only zoo. We work with so many local organisations on animal education and wildlife conservation that we see ourselves as a vital asset for the community.'

Tracy said many of the animals would be very hard to re-home due to licence requirements needed to look after the exotic animals.

'We also run as a sanctuary for animals that have been rescued from the exotic pet trade. For many of these animals, we are a last resort.

'They came here because destruction was their only alternative.

'They would be very difficult to re-home as the licence requirements to look after these animals and provide the proper care, can be very involved and expensive,' she said.

The couple say Westminster has announced a fund to help zoos in England but there is no similar support in Wales.

The Welsh government said it had already provided all licensed zoos with details of existing support schemes.

Ms Tweedy said many of the animals would be extremely difficult to re-home due to licence requirements to look after the exotic animals

The couple say the Westminster government has announced a fund to help zoos in England but there is no similar support in Wales

'If any zoo operators have concerns about their ability to meet the needs of their animals, they should contact their local authority's animal health team for advice without delay as they are on hand to offer support,' a spokeswoman said.

It said its 500m economic resilience fund provided more generous support than one specifically for zoos would have.

A spokesman for Ceredigion County Council earlier said: 'The local authority has lost confidence in the ability of the zoo to operate responsibly and safely.'

Zoos were forced to close at the end of March due to the coronavirus lockdown and many have warned their futures are in danger from the impact of the pandemic.

Andrew RT Davies, Shadow Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the Welsh Parliament, said: 'This is a dire situation that the zoo finds itself in, but I'm afraid that zoos right across Wales are in the same precarious situation and desperately need support due to the profound impact of Covid-19.

'It's outrageous that whilst the UK Government has taken action and given 14 million to support zoos in England the Welsh Government has still not followed suit.

'It is high time that the Welsh Labour Government listened to the plight of our zoos and introduce the much-needed fund.'
Syracuse, N.Y.  Overall 115 people have died from the coronavirus in Onondaga County, including three people who died in local hospitals in the past day, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said during his Saturday news conference. That includes one person who was 102, McMahon said.

Another three people died in nursing homes, the state reported to the county. That brings the number of nursing home deaths in the county to 47, according to state data.

Of the 79 people in hospitals because of the coronavirus, 51 are people who have recovered enough to be discharged but cannot return to their nursing homes because they are still testing positive, McMahon said.

That means just 28 people are in the hospital for treatment, including 17 in critical condition, he said. Thats compared to 40 that needed hospitalization on Friday.

McMahon said he spoke with Gov. Andrew Cuomo today about the nursing home residents who are stuck in limbo. The state on Mothers Day issued an order banning hospitals from discharging people with the coronavirus back to nursing homes. The idea was meant to stop the virus from spreading among other nursing homes. But its also left people in the hospital who dont need to be there.

Were working on a solution for that with the state, McMahon said, adding he thought there would be a new policy for these people within the next few days.

Overall, the county has had 1,836 confirmed cases, up 48 in the past day, McMahon said. About half  53%  of the people whove tested positive in the past three days had no symptoms, he said.

We need to really, really remember that when were out doing our daily activities, he said. Even though people are feeling healthy, they may have had exposure and they may be contagious.

The county has conducted more than 30,000 tests during the past two months. In early weeks, the rate of people testing positive was a little more than 8%.

Today, its at 6.3% over that same time period, McMahon said. In the past three days, the positive rate of about 1,500 tests per day was 3.1%, he said.

Currently the county has confirmed 736 active cases and 990 people have recovered from Covid-19.

Heres a breakdown of active cases by location. C means confirmed and R means recovered:

Camillus  58C, 38R

Cicero  62C, 35R

Clay  147C, 103R

DeWitt  66C, 53R

Elbridge  3C, 2R

Fabius  2C, 2R

Geddes  94C, 30R

LaFayette  5C, 3R

Lysander  34C, 27R

Manlius  67C, 55R

Marcellus  7C, 5R

Onondaga  129C, 35R

Onondaga Nation  0

Otisco  5C, 5R

Pompey  25C, 22R

Salina  83C, 56R

Skaneateles  15C, 15R

Spafford  2C, 2R

Syracuse  1007C, 491R

Tully  2C, 2R

Van Buren  23C, 9R

McMahon said he will resume his briefings on Tuesday. The county will provide updated data on Sunday. The county health department is taking Monday off, he said, so no update is expected on Memorial Day.

MORE ON CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources

Destiny USA gearing up to reopen

Can store owners require you to wear a face mask to enter?

No in-person summer school in NY; too early for decision on fall, Cuomo says

Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com

Got a story idea or news tip youd like to share? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274.
Maj. Steven Brewer sat by the graves on Saturday like a teacher reading a childrens story. The students were arranged in straight lines as if still seated at the school desks they occupied over a century ago on the same grounds, now a cemetery of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School at the Army War College. Read more

CARLISLE  Maj. Steven Brewer sat by the graves like a teacher reading a childrens story. The students were arranged in straight lines as if still seated at the school desks they occupied more than a century ago on the same grounds.

The site on Saturday was the cemetery of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School on the campus of the Army War College, where a group of Native Americans have come every Memorial Day weekend since 1973 for a vigil of sorts. They come to honor the students who died while attending school there and to decorate their graves.

The practice was started by the American Indian Society of Washington, D.C. and continued in recent years by the Circle Legacy Center of Lancaster.

Because of the coronavirus and a lock down on the military base, this year was different. Attendees were limited to those who had a military ID. A group that in past years normally numbered about 50 was reduced to eight this year because of restrictions intended to help stop the spread of the deadly virus.

It was up to Brewer, a non-Native American, Karen Collins, an Eastern Shawnee elder who helped originate the memorial practice, and Shawndae Sharps family to carry on the tradition.

Before the pandemic, Brewers family had intended to participate in the larger ceremony. His wife, Chelle McIntyre-Brewer, is of Arkansas Cherokee descent. Their children, Lorelei, 14, and Killian, 7, had started growing sage last June to dry and bundle for the event. But they could not be present to see their work used to decorate the 189 graves, 170 of them for Native American students.

Lorelei was born with a serious heart condition. To diminish possible exposure to COVID-19, the family, with the exception of Steven Brewer, who works in the Army health clinic at the Carlisle barracks, has quarantined inside their Duncannon home since March 3. McIntyre-Brewer says the lesson for their children is something they emphasize in the family: Its not always about you. Focus on someone else. Its a lesson in humility.

Brewer wanted to continue a tradition that Lorelei had started a year earlier of reading to the graves. The book that was chosen was We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Cherokee author Traci Sorell. The book teaches resilience and gratitude for the experiences of ancestors. Last year, Lorelei sat in her wheelchair and read three stories and even took the time to hold the book out and show the pictures around, Brewer recalled. I wanted to make sure we did this. I know it was really important to her and it touched me seeing it.

The cemetery has become a lasting symbol of the assimilation effort initiated by the United States government at Carlisle and later at other boarding schools.

Opened in 1879, it was the nations first federal off-reservation boarding school, created to solve the Indian problem" by cleansing children of their savage nature. Thousands of Indian children were shorn of their names, languages, religions, and family ties.

About 8,000 students attended the Carlisle school during its 39-year history. Since 2017, 11 students have been disinterred and returned to their native lands. There will be no homecomings this year. Like many things, the pandemic has caused a postponement until next year.

Even with those repatriated, it doesnt mean we forget, said McIntyre-Brewer. There is still a memory of what happened and a memory that still needs to be reconciled with. We are still understanding a significant amount of loss.

Staff writer Jeff Gammage contributed to this article.
MIDLAND, MI  The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has arrived in Midland County to aid relief efforts in the wake of historic flooding caused by the failure of the Edenville Dam and breach of the Sanford Dam.

During a press conference held within the Midland Law Enforcement Center on Saturday, May 23, FEMA Regional Administrator James K. Joseph was joined by three Michigan politicians: U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing; U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township; and U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland.

Before the conference, Peters, Stabenow, Moolenaar, Joseph, and FEMA officials went on an aerial survey of the damage caused by the flooding and dam failure earlier this week. They also drove through Sanford to see the wreckage. All repeatedly spoke of the devastation that resulted from the flooding.

Joseph arrived in Michigan from Chicago on Friday. He said FEMA will have a two people on the ground on a daily basis, with a handful more in the county for the next several days for assessments. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, most of FEMAs damage assessment will be conducted virtually, Joseph said.

The conference was held two days after President Donald J. Trump approved Gov. Gretchen Whitmers emergency declaration request, making FEMA resources available to the state and local governments.

Joseph and his team met with Whitmer in Lansing on Friday.

We really talked about what the impacts have been so far, but also being able to see it firsthand today, he said. We were up in the air, looking at aerial coverage of where the dams were impacted, where the water impacted the community and the homes, and also having the opportunity to drive through some of those areas. While yes, it is absolutely devastating  we are encouraged, and I was encouraged by the fact that you really see the community coming together. Youre seeing neighbor helping neighbor. Youre seeing how this entire area, the cities and the county together are working hand-in-hand.

When a damage assessment jointly occurs with FEMA, the state, and local communities, typically there is a team going neighborhood-to-neighborhood and door-to-door, Joseph said.

But in this situation, in the COVID-constrained environment that were in, we will be doing things a little bit differently, he continued. We are not going to stop short of any assessment or any support. However, we will not be going door-to-door. We are going to respect, number one, the cleanup efforts that the impacted families are going through. Were going to respect their personal space and we also want to ensure that were protecting the health of our FEMA, state, and local government employees as well. So we will be performing  a vast majority of the assessment virtually.

Michigan State Police have been conducting aerial photography and local communities have been doing assessments by driving through affected areas. FEMA will use that data to render aid, Joseph said.

Moolenaar expressed his appreciation of FEMAs response.

Theres a lot of devastation, people really struggling right now, Moolenaar said, but people also pitching in, helping, neighbor helping neighbor in resilience and strength.

Moolenaar spoke of a spirit of optimism he wanted to convey.

Were gonna come back from this, but we cant do it alone, he said. Thats why we have some great help here, a bipartisan, bicameral effort.

He went on thank Trump and Whitmer for securing FEMAs assistance.

I know were in the early steps, but were encouraged by the progress thats being made, he said. The fact that there were no lives lost is really a miracle. It also speaks to preparation and leadership people showed and spirit of people who cooperated with evacuations.

Stabenow referred to the disaster as another punch in the gut to everybody in mid-Michigan after having to battle a virus.

Having been born in Gladwin and raised in Clare, and with family still in the area, the incident has affected Stabenow on a personal level, she said.

This is devastating for people, she said. We did get a chance to see aerial view. Its devastating, overwhelming.

On driving through Sanford, she saw residents handing out lunches and cooking meals for their beleaguered neighbors.

Thats who we are in Michigan, she said, adding the state is fortunate to have Peters as the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee that oversees FEMA.

Peters said it was an incredible experience in seeing the devastation families are facing.

Going through Sanford was definitely something that I will always remember, he said. When you understand just the dramatic impact on peoples lives who have been completely upended, and you just think about being completely upended like that at a time when were experiencing a pandemic. Its just unimaginable.

Both Peters and Stabenow stated the Edenville Dams failure and Sanford Dams breach could have been avoided.

This is something that could have been prevented, Peters said. We have dams that were clearly weakened. Folks knew that they would give in a very severe storm. Were now entering a period of human history where were going to see with climate change severe storms more regularly. Were going to see the magnitude of those storms increase as well and we need to be prepared. So as the rebuilding process goes forward, we have to make sure were rebuilding for resiliency, not just replacing what we had before.

Stabenow concurred, saying Edenville Dam-owners Boyce Hydro had stonewalled federal regulators for years prior to this weeks flooding.

This privately owned dam could have been addressed before if the owner had stepped up to do it when he was being told that there were problems for years, she said.

As I walked through Sanford, it just confirmed to me we cant let this happen again, Peters said. Preventable occurrences like these out here are simply unacceptable.

Related:

Economic impact, future of failed dams repair weigh heavy on residents around Wixom Lake

Our whole life is gone, says woman whose Sanford home was washed away in Midland floods

Failed dam owner fought with state over Wixom Lake levels before flood

Feds warned years ago Edenville Dam couldnt handle a historic flood

Federal regulators order Sanford Dams owner to investigate after flood

It doesnt look good, but Sanford Dam is actually still standing with some of berm washed away

Flooding in Michigan: Everything we know about Midland County dam break

Video shows Michigan dam break as it happened: Catastrophic is the only thing I can call it

Fisherman mourns loss of Wixom Lake in wake of dam break and flood
Mo. congregation sues county for imposing limits on churches, but not secular venues

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A congregation in Missouri has filed a lawsuit against county officials over restrictions on in-person worship services that they believe violates their First Amendment rights.

Church of the Word of Fenton filed suit against St. Louis County over a local order that limits in-person worship services to 25% capacity while secular businesses are allowed 100% capacity.

Church of the Word Pastor Matthew Sheffer told news station Fox 2 Now that he believed the county order unfairly hindered his congregation.

When you do media you cant have face-to-face interactions. This is important. Were hindered. Were evangelists. We cant even invite people to church, Sheffer said.

The church is being represented by attorneys David Gregory and Henry Elster, who expect a court to take up the lawsuit no later than next week.

I would say, while we understand there are emergency circumstances, and elected leaders need to make decisions, there are certain lines in the sand they cant cross in some of the rights protected by the First Amendment are essential, Elster told Fox 2.

In a statement posted on their Facebook page Wednesday, Church of the Word asked for prayers from their supporters as they underwent the litigation.

We are actively engaging with the civil realm to make sure that the establishment of religious liberty and freedom of speech isnt lost in these days [of] government expansion and fear, they said.

In response to the spread of the coronavirus, the vast majority of churches across the United States opted to close their doors and move their services online.

As many states are reopening, some houses of worship have taken issue with local and state orders that place greater limits on them than secular entities such as malls and grocery stores.

For example, earlier this month two churches, a pastor, and a conservative Christian group sued North Carolina over its restrictions on indoor in-person worship services as it lifted lockdown orders on other industries and businesses.

Last Saturday, Judge James C. Dever III ruled in favor of the Christian groups, granting them a temporary order that prevented the state from enforcing the rule.

The record, at this admittedly early stage of the case, reveals that the Governor appears to trust citizens to perform non-religious activities indoors (such as shopping or working or selling merchandise) but does not trust them to do the same when they worship together indoors, Dever said.
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An ambulance being driven through Center City. Read more

A man was arrested Saturday afternoon after he barricaded himself inside an emergency department room at Temple University Hospitals Episcopal Campus, turned on oxygen tanks, and then set fire to the bedsheets, police said.

After a maintenance employee broke through a window into the room, the man, who had entered the emergency room for detoxification treatment, climbed out and fought with security officers, police said.

Police arrived and arrested the man. The fire was extinguished and declared an arson by the fire marshal.

No injuries were reported.

The emergency room was evacuated and was to remain closed until further notice.
Mumbai, May 24 : Maharashtra saw its Covid-19 tally crossing the 50K mark with the highest single-day infections of 3,041 patients catapulting the number of cases to 50,231, besides 58 deaths, health officials said here on Sunday.

This comes to roughly one death every 25 minutes, and a staggering average 127 new cases recorded every hour in the state.

The state has been recording over 50 fatalities and over 2,000 new patients for the past one week now, with the previous highest figure standing at 2,940 cases on May 22.

With 58 fatalities -- down by 18 from highest 76 notched on May 19 -- the state death toll has touched 1,635.

The Health Department said with the new cases, 33,988 were 'active cases'.

Of the total 58 fatalities, 39 were recorded in Mumbai alone, taking the city deaths up from 949 to 988 now, while the number of Covid-19 positive patients here shot up by 1,725 cases to touch 30,542.

Mumbai's congested Dharavi slum continued to be a major hotspot with 27 new cases on Sunday, taking the total number of infectees to 1,541 and 59 deaths till date. In a new initiative, the civic authorities are experimenting with group 'laughter therapy' for the people of Dharavi in a bid to ease stress and anxiety levels in the crowded slum district, now largely in containment.

Besides Mumbai's 39 deaths, there were six each in Pune and Solapur, four in Aurangabad, two in Thane (Thane City and Mira-Bhayander) and one in Latur.

They comprised 34 men and 24 women, and nearly 67 per cent of them suffered from other serious ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems and asthma.

On the positive side, 1,196 fully cured patients returned home on Sunday, taking the number of those discharged to 14,600.

Addressing the state on Sunday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has warned of cases spiking in the next few days besides hinting at an extension of the lockdown 4.0 and flight restrictions.

Meanwhile, top leaders including Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Thackeray, Congress state President Balasaheb Thorat, Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson Nawab Malik and others greeted the Muslim community on Eid on Monday and urged them to celebrate the festival at home amid coronavirus safeguards.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (Thane Division, comprises Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad districts) continued to cause grave concerns with 1,110 Covid-19 deaths and positive cases shooting to 38,585.

Though trailing a distant second after Mumbai, Pune Division (Pune, Solapur, Satara) fatalities touched 309, besides 6,562 patients.

The next major area of concern is Nashik Division (Nashik, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nandurbar) with 103 deaths and 1,570 positive cases, followed by Aurangabad Division (Aurangabad, Jalna, Hingoli, Parbhani) with 47 fatalities and 1,446 cases, and finally Akola Division (Akola, Amravati, Yavatmal, Buldhana, Washim) with 34 deaths and 733 cases.

There's Latur Division (Latur, Osmanabad, Beed, Nanded) with 8 deaths and 226 cases, Kolhapur Division (Kolhapur, Sangli, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri) with 5 deaths and 504 patients, and finally Nagpur Division (Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli) with 8 deaths and 556 cases.

Meanwhile, the number of people sent to home-quarantine increased from 485,623 to 499,387 -- a jump of 13,764 -- and those in institutional quarantine went up from 33,545 to 35,107, a spurt of 1,562.

The state's containment zones came down from 2,345 to 2,283 on Sunday and 16,913 health teams have carried out a survey of a population of around 66.6 lakhs in the state.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Dominic Cummings leaves Downing Street shortly after listening to Boris Johnson defend his "integrity" - ISABEL INFANTES /AFP

Shortly after 6pm on Sunday night, Dominic Cummings left Downing Street with the beginnings of a smile on his face.

Along with the nation, the 48-year-old advisor had just listened to his boss, Boris Johnson, defend him as a man of integrity who had merely followed the instincts of every father.

A few hours earlier, Mr Cummings had emerged from his own front door besieged by media who demanded to know why he had apparently breached lockdown rules not once, but three times.

It marked the start of an extraordinary day in which he faced calls to resign from Tory MPs and was accused of dragging the Government into a Domnishambles.

At one point the police turned up outside his north London home and knocked on the door in an apparent attempt to speak with him.

In fact, Mr Cummings was by that time four miles away in Downing Street, masterminding his own political survival.

Overnight, newspapers had accused Mr Cummings of repeatedly breaching lockdown rules, and issuing a misleading and contradictory account of his movements.

Witnesses claimed Mr Cummings had been spotted twice travelling 270 miles from London to his parents' farm in County Durham with his sick wife and young son, as well as later taking a day trip to look at bluebells.

The news prompted calls on Sunday for Mr Cummings resignation from Labour MPs, Nicola Sturgeon and many of Mr Cummings political foes from the Brexit campaign, who perhaps scented blood.

Of deeper concern for Downing Street, however, was the level of anger among Tory MPs, many of whom complained that they - and the nation - appeared to have been misled.

Some MPs shared messages from their constituents on the Tory WhatsApp group, including one from a woman who asked if she could now return to babysitting her grandchildren, as Cummings' parents had done. One Whitehall source branded the saga a complete Domnishambles.

"If it was any other adviser or even minister they would have gone by now, but Cummings seems to operate on another planet, said one MP.

Story continues

MPs are contacting the whips and saying he has to go. I'm sure the chief whip will have fed that back to No 10.

"No one can understand why he hasn't gone. He doesn't like the Conservative Party and he doesn't seem to like MPs very much, so why is he even in Government?"

Others were prepared to go public. Steve Baker, the former Brexit minister, was the first Tory MP to come out and to call for Mr Cummings to go.

Mr Cummings' career had always 'created an awful lot of collateral damage', including the Brexit campaign, Mr Baker told Sky News, adding: He is not always right and he certainly isn't indispensable.

While Mr Baker's animosity towards Mr Cummings dates back to their Vote Leave battles, others who have no history with him were soon to follow, including former whip Craig Whitaker.

By lunchtime, nine Tory MPs had tweeted calls for him to go, but there was silence from Cabinet ministers following further revelations about Cummings' movements.

Police at Dominic Cummings' front door - GETTY IMAGES

On March 30, Downing Street confirmed Mr Cummings was suffering from coronavirus symptoms and was self-isolating  at home.

The following day, Durham police were "made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city". The force said officers "made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house".

Mr Cummings wife Mary Wakefield later wrote in the Spectator magazine on April 25 of the family's battle with coronavirus during that time, but made no mention of the trip to Durham.

In a chaotic and unpredictable environment, theres nothing more comforting than having total control over your own tiny world, she wrote.

After news of the trip emerged on Friday, Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, claimed during the Downing Street briefing the next day that Mr Cummings had 'stayed put' for two weeks once he arrived at his parents' property.

But this narrative appeared to unravel when a witness told the Sunday Mirror and Observer that he had sighted Mr Cummings at a town 30 miles away from his parents' home.

Robert Lees, a retired chemistry teacher, said he saw the aide and his family walking in Barnard Castle, Teesdale, on April 12.

"I went home and told my wife, we thought he must be in London," he said.

"I searched up the number plate later that day and my computer search history shows that.

Another neighbour alleged to have seen Mr Cummings back in Durham on April 19, five days after he was first pictured back in Number 10, apparently admiring the lovely bluebells in woodland near his parents farm.

A protester demonstrates outside the home of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Special Advisor, Dominic Cummings, in London, Britain, 24 May 2020 - SHUTTERSTOCK

On Sunday morning, Mr Cummings left his house with his wife and son shortly after 11am, and was greeted on his doorstep by a pack of journalists. One asked: Are you the Special One, Mr Cummings?

He paused only to tell a photographer to mind her fingers in his car door, before travelling to Downing Street.

Shortly after his departure, the campaign group Led By Donkeys parked a van-mounted 11m2 screen outside his house, and played video messages from coronavirus patients, cut with the Prime Ministers lockdown statement.

One neighbour alleged they had seen Mr Cummings returning with his family from Durham in the middle of the night on April 14.

I woke up in the middle of the night between 3am-4am, the neighbour told the Telegraph.

I heard Dominic and his family getting out of a car. It could only have been them as I recognised his voice and accent, which I have heard regularly over the past year. I heard him getting out of a car with a small child conversing to get things out of the car like families do when returning from a trip.

I immediately thought, that's strange. Why would he be travelling in the middle of the night? He must be wanting to return home without people knowing he has been away.

At around 3pm on Sunday, two police officers arrived at the house, and knocked on the door. Scotland Yard said in a statement that officers had received a complaint about a large group of people outside the address, but refused to disclose who had made it.

Mr Shapps had been chosen to bat for Mr Cummings during a round of morning television interviews.

A Led by donkeys truck displaying a video of Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, drives by Dominic Cummings' house in London, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London, Britain, May 24, 2020 - REUTERS

Under repeated questioning, Mr Shapps declaimed the Government had "never told people where they have to specifically locate themselves, appearing to contradict government guidance issued on March 22 ordering the public to stay in their "primary residence".

The claims that Mr Cummings had returned to Durham after April 12 were untrue, he said. Asked directly if Mr Cummings would resign, Mr Shapps said: 'No.'

But by lunchtime, support from the Cabinet had "largely drained away". Many had been asked to tweet out messages of support on Saturday, before further revelations emerged later that evening.

One Cabinet source said: "There is definitely unhappiness about being asked to tweet support on Saturday when presumably No 10 knew there was more to come out.

"There is a feeling among some Cabinet ministers that they have been lied to.

"Dominic didn't have a huge amount of support within Cabinet to begin with - he has turned people over, he has sacked people's advisers, so it feels as though it's just the Prime Minister and maybe Michael Gove who are still backing him.

"There is genuine anger in the Cabinet about the damage being done to the lockdown message by all of this. Just how much water is the PM willing to take on board to save Dom?"

Some senior ministers, however, were conspicuously absent from the Twitter tributes, including Priti Patel, the Home Secretary. Whitehall sources claimed Ms Patel was unhappy with Cummings' behaviour, and concerned that it would make the job of police impossible because people might use it as an excuse to ignore the rules.

Other cabinet ministers who have fallen foul of Cummings in the past are understood to have phoned each other expressing hope that he would finally be forced to quit.

Despite the deepening row, Mr Cummings future was secured after discussions with the Prime Minister - at least for now.

At a hastily rearranged press conference, Mr Johnson said he could "not mark down" Mr Cummings for the way he acted.

"I have had extensive face-to-face conversations with Dominic Cummings and I have concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of childcare, at the moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus - and when he had no alternative - I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent.
On April 20, the West Texas Intermediate crude benchmark did not just fall below zero, it plummeted to negative $37.63 a barrel. This stunning price crash was the result of a months-long series of unfortunate events, starting with a global decrease in oil demand spurred by the spread of COVID-19. When the leading OPEC+ countries of Saudi Arabia and Russia initiated talks to decide on a strategy to contend with the global slump in oil demand, the talks quickly developed into disagreement and then an all-out oil price war. That price war led to a massive oil glut to the tune of approximately about 10 million barrels of oversupply on the global oil market per day. While oil markets have bounced back from negative territory, oil prices remain low, and the issues that caused the crash - a global pandemic, a massive oil glut, and a severe shortage in oil storage capacity - persist. This has led to some unusual oil bartering, as reported by Reuters this week in an article that issued a warning: Sellers beware: Price collapse triggers bartering over oil and gas deals.

The collapse in oil prices to 21-year lows has led potential buyers of oil and gas fields to try and renegotiate deals at higher prices, with the first examples emerging of sellers having their hand forced. According to Reuters, when most oil companies are slashing budgets, dividends, and headcounts to preserve cash, sellers are facing a difficult choice between sweetening the deal or risking losing it altogether.

The report cites the example of Premier Oil, a UK-based independent oil company that is in a tough spot (you could even say theyre over a barrel) concerning a pending deal over assets in the North Sea. Premier is now seeking a cheaper price than the $625 million they had already agreed to pay BP for the assets. And theyre not alone. According to Reuters, Energean is doing the same with a $700 million purchase from Edison. Oil and gas equity analyst Al Stanton of the Royal Bank of Canada told reporters that these instances are part of a trend in which the oil industry is revisiting its before coronavirus (BC) bids, and we envisage announcements from other firms as they re-price or repackage previously announced deals.

While some companies are seeking discounts on deals they had already sealed, others are walking away from them altogether. This month, French supermajor Total abandoned its purchase of Occidental Petroleums assets in Ghana, which hit a glitch over part of the French firms wider deal with U.S. Occidental. The company released a statement concerning this decision which cited the extraordinary market environment and the lack of visibility that the group faces.

Related: The Worlds Most Controversial Oil Frontier Falls Out Of Favor With Big Banks

Many deals that remain on the table are in danger of falling through in the near future, but there have also been a number of successful renegotiations. Privately held Hilcorp Energy and private-equity firm HitecVision have successfully renegotiated deals with energy majors BP and Total, respectively, during the current oil price meltdown, reports Reuters, before quoting an industry banker that says, sellers, especially the majors, have certainly been very constructive.

While its not all bad news for oil deals, the outlook remains pretty bleak for the near future. Even as markets begin to bounce back, its a long, volatile road ahead as we head into what will likely be a years-long recession. As many oil companies have already declared bankruptcy or shut-in large numbers of wells, were looking at a long road to recovery. That being said, there are a lot of industry hopefuls that say that the decreased number of oil companies and active wells hold promise for high oil prices when demand returns.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
As the coronavirus spread throughout the world, it left a trail of destruction and residents in Colombia were forced to quite literally wave red flags in a desperate cry for help.

South America is the new epicentre of the coronavirus, however parts of Central America like Mexico are also ravaged by the virus, and of course the United States still has the most confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world.

Just outside of Colombias capital of Bogota, red cloths are seen flying from windows in Soacha and the idea behind the flags have spread to other parts of the country.

A man in a situation of vulnerability hangs a red cloth in his house. Source: AFP/Getty Images

Colombia enacted a mandatory lockdown in March, forcing people out of their jobs and not being able to support themselves or their families, decimating the countrys already fragile economy.

Mayor of Soacha, Juan Carlos Saldarriaga, had the idea to use the red flags to identify those in the community who need help.

It is important to highlight that the idea initially is for neighbours to support each other by providing food or donations to those who need it most in the sector, the mayor said according to Alcaldia de Soacha on Facebook.

If you see a red rag on your neighbours door, it means a call for solidarity.

The symbol for help began to spread to Bogota, and then all across the country, according to Al Jazeera, and people are using red items from clothing to rags to fly as their flag.

The red flags are the SOS of poverty amid the coronavirus pandemic. Source: Getty Images

Colombia has more than 11,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and more than 460 related deaths.

However, some people are still waiting to receive food, and Mayor Saldarriaga said back in April there were entire neighbourhoods in Soacha where every home bore a red flag.

Flags of other colours are also flying, indicating other issues a household is facing amid the pandemic.

Colombia Director for Action Against Hunger, John Orlando told Al Jazeera in April blue flags symbolise a need for medical help, while black signifies someone is suffering from some form of violence.

The needs are going to continue and most certainly increase in the coming weeks and months, Mr Orlando said.

Story continues

More than 500km from Bogota in Florencia, Mayor Luis Antonio Ruiz said more than 15,000 families had received grocery bags when speaking with the Washington Post earlier in May.

In Florencia, people are also flying the red rags, however Mayor Ruiz admitted the local government cannot help everyone, without help from higher up, nor could it be expected for people to remain in their homes while they go hungry.

However, the government has once again extended the quarantine until May 3.

Perhaps we will have one of the longest periods of mandatory preventive isolation in the world, but we have been doing it responsibly, gradually, President Ivan Duque said according to the Bogota Post.

People in Colombia are hanging red flags out their window as they struggle to get help. Source: Getty Images

Come June, Colombia is set to enter a new phase of restrictions, which would mean different measures across the country  with local authorities doing what is best depending on the situation.

Colombia shares borders with Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil and on May 15, Colombia upped their anti-virus measures at the Brazil border.

Colombian President Duque deployed the military to its border with Brazil after a surge of COVID-19 cases.

The coronavirus has spread to indigenous communities in the Amazon and about 8,000 indigenous people live near the Colombian border town of Leticia, where cases have shot up in recent weeks.

A woman and two girls wearing face masks as a preventive measure against the spread of the novel coronavirus. Source: Getty

Theres not enough protective equipment for agents who enter indigenous territories or meet with native people in cities in Brazil.

Necessities like kerosene and gasoline are in short supply. Food deliveries only began last week  a month after indigenous people were instructed to remain in their villages  and remain vastly insufficient.

The Associated Press spoke to four agents who work with indigenous peoples in the farthest reaches of Brazils Amazon, and they were unanimous in their conclusion: The national Indian foundation, known as FUNAI, is hardly doing anything to coordinate a response to a crisis that could decimate ethnic groups.

At least 88 indigenous people have already died of COVID-19 in the Amazon, according to a tally by the Brazilian indigenous organisation APIB that includes health ministry figures and information from local leaders.

The count is likely higher, because hospitals often dont use patients indigenous names when admitting them.

South America is the new coronavirus epicentre. Source: Getty Images

Brazil now has the second highest number of coronavirus cases in the world, behind the United States and surpassing previously hard hit countries like Spain, Italy and the initial epicentre  Chinas Hubei province, Wuhan.

Experts have long feared the virus numbers in South America are probably much higher than what is being reported due to the lack of testing.

Just like previous epicentres, hospitals in the region are overwhelmed and experts are warning the death toll could be considerably higher, as it is feared people are dying in their homes.

A morbid solution to aid hospitals struggling with a surge in COVID-19 deaths was proposed by a Bogota-based advertising firm.

ABC Displays created a cardboard hospital bed which could then be repurposed as a coffin when a patient dies.

"We developed it because of the situation caused by COVID-19 in the world because we realised that there was a lack of hospital beds," the company's manager, Rodolfo Gomez told EFE.

 With Associated Press.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
A gelignite bomb demolished a Yugoslav trade and travel centre in Victoria Street, Footscray, yesterday. Five shops next to the travel centre were extensively damaged.

The wreckage outside the Footscray travel agency after the bombing.

First published in The Age on May 26, 1975

The blast tore down power lines and smashed the windows of about 20 houses.

Victoria Street was littered with broken glass and bricks.

Police said the bomb had been planted on the doorstep of the Adriatik Trade and Travel Centre and exploded soon after 4 a.m.

The front of the travel centre was blown out and office furniture, smashed to splinters, was thrown out on to the street.

All that remained was a wash basin dangling on the back wall. There was a hole about 12 inches deep where the base of the front door had been.
Mr James Korsah-Brown, an aspiring parliamentary candidate for the Mfantseman Constituency branch of the New Patriotic Party

(NPP)has said difficulties in accessing loans by Small Scale business in the Country was real.



He has therefore applauded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the GHC 600m Small Scale Enterprises (SSE) fund to help grow small scale companies and businesses across the Country.



Mr Korsah  Brown has in this regard, appealed to managers of the fund to make flexible conditions for accessing it to enable players in the SSE sector to expand their businesses and employ more people.



The Parliamentary Aspirant who made the appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Saltpond expressed concern about how young people engaged in fishing, farming and trading were tagged by society as uneducated.



According to Mr Korsah-Brown this wrong perception had killed the interest of many young people in that sector who found it difficult to get access to capital to start their own businesses, leaving many of them frustrated.



Mr Korsah-Brown urged the youth in that sector to embrace the fund, which he said had the lowest commercial loan interest in the system to set up businesses to make them self-reliant.



He also pledged his personal support to small enterprises to stimulate growth with his banking and international trade background.



He appreciated governments efforts in bringing affected businesses and companies back to life.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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This young girl in rural India previously had dropped out of school due to cataracts. Today, she is back in school and thriving. Just think about the tens of thousands of lives that Allergan has touched by supporting Combat Blindness International for the past 13 years, said Suresh Chandra, Indian American founder of CBI. (photo provided)
Salman's restaurant was already booked for iftars following this year's Ramadan before the mitigation measures for COVID-19 started.

Charity for those in need

According to Salman, they raised over $40,000, which was enough to provide almost 6,000 meals to the needy. Each meal included a main dish, soup, bread, and desserts. He said that he and the local community wanted other families to feel the same way they did in the holy month.

His act of charity was not exclusive to people of the Islamic faith either: The initiative was extensive and inclusive of everyone in the community who needed help. If meals would not be able to be delivered personally by Salman and the restaurant staff, they instead give people tickets to come pick up meals.

Salman treated everyone who worked at the cafe like family, and so he did everything to keep them employed throughout the lockdown in Texas. He even let the employees take home food for their own families.

Since the cafe was closed from the beginning of Ramadan, and with everything at reduced capacity as Texas was gradually reopening, they would not be able to serve their usual five hundred customers in the holy month.

Salman started the endeavor when his best friend suggested that while the coronavirus prevented the cafe from holding large iftars, he might as well cook meals to families in need.

Check these out:

Muslim communities in the United States donate food this Ramadan

Salman was able to publicize his restaurant's initiative for providing free meals with the help of the local community, mosques, and the nonprofit organization Islamic Circle of North America.

Director of ICNA USA's refugee program Hala Halabi helped Salman give tickets to people in vulnerable groups for free meals. The organization's food banks and other services in the country does annual drives distributing food during Ramadan.

However, Halabi said that because of the COVID-19 crisis they already used most of their resources helping communities before the holy month even started. She added that she and her colleagues volunteered to find patrons for their Ramadan drive.

Islamic communities all across the country have started initiatives to donate food this Ramadan like Salman. It is also a movement to help employees remain on the job while going on charity drives. Several Muslim-owned businesses and groups collaborated to feed the homeless during the holy month.

In Connecticut for example, restaurant owners delivered meals and masks to hospitals, according to news reports. In Dallas, the communities bought meals from local restaurants to serve to the less fortunate to also support the plummeting economy.

Halabi said that the need was "way bigger" than on usual days. She said that on their regular drives each year, refugees were dependent on them during Ramadan. Members of the ICNA helped the refugees and immigrant communities, most of whom were Afghan, Iraqi, Rohingya, and Syrian.
The family of a British soldier who was killed at Dunkirk have finally received a poignant letter he wrote to his mother just days before his death nearly 80 years ago.

Private Harry Cole, 30, penned a letter to his mother Rosa on May 26, 1940, predicting with hopeless optimism that German troops would soon be 'on the run' and 'back in Germany in double quick time.'

He also reported the death of a friend and added poignantly: 'Well mother, please don't worry about me, I shall get through it OK.'

The family of a British soldier who was killed at Dunkirk have finally received a poignant letter he wrote to his mother just days before his death nearly 80 years ago

Private Harry Cole, 30, penned the letter to his mother Rosa on May 26, 1940, just three days before he was shot dead in Belgium during Dunkirk

But he was shot dead by a sniper just three days later in Belgium while serving with the British Expeditionary Force in the 1st Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment.

His letter was lost as British troops were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk in the face of the lightning Blitzkrieg advance by German forces early in World War Two.

It has now finally been delivered to his old family home in Hasketon, near Woodbridge, Suffolk, almost 80 years later after being kept in an attic by a German Army officer and stored in a council archive for eight decades.

Private Cole's younger brothers Clemmie, 87, who still lives in the family's old council house in the village and Derek, 89, who lives nearby, were shocked to finally read his last written words.

The letter was among 50 written on the front line by soldiers from the 1st Battalion, which were sent to a local headquarters for checking by censors to ensure they contained no military secrets.

They were found in an abandoned truck by a German Army officer who kept them in his attic until 1968 when he was having a clear out.

He took them to the British embassy in Bonn and they were forwarded to the Suffolk Regiment Association in Bury St Edmunds, where staff set about trying to trace the recipients in 1969.

Private Cole's younger brothers Clemmie, 87, (pictured) who still lives in the family's old council house in Hasketon, near Suffolk, and Derek, 89, who lives nearby were shocked to finally read his last written words

The letter Private Cole (right) penned to his mother (left) was lost as British troops were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk in the face of the lightning Blitzkrieg advance by German forces early in World War Two

Nine were successfully forwarded to the families who were supposed to receive them, but the other 41 remained languishing in archives which were taken over by Suffolk County Council.

The surviving letters, including the one written in pencil by Pte Cole, were uncovered again this year by council researchers planning to exhibit them as part of a local history project.

Incredibly the council's assistant archivist Heidi Hughes who lives in Hasketon, saw that Pte Cole's letter was addressed to a house in her home village.

She realised she knew fellow villager Clemmie Cole and made inquiries to find out if he was related to Harry. He confirmed that the soldier was his older brother who had been killed in the war.

Retired prison service carpenter Clemmie, who lives with his wife Joy, recalled how he came home from the village school as a boy in 1940 to find his mother weeping over a telegram, confirming that his big brother was missing in action.

He said: 'It was such a shock to receive Harry's letter after so long. I was quite moved to read his words, knowing that he was killed just a couple of days after he wrote them.

In his letter, Private Cole, 30, predicted with hopeless optimism that German troops would soon be 'on the run' and 'back in Germany in double quick time'. Pictured, a pile of letters featuring in the online exhibition

The surviving letters including the one written in pencil by Pte Cole were uncovered again this year by council researchers planning to exhibit them as part of a local history project. Pictured, the envelope with a censor's stamp containing the letter

'My mother had seven sons and no girls. Harry was the oldest and he was her favourite. She thought the world of him and she always looked forward to his letters.

'He had gone into service in a big house after he left school, but ended up joining the Army. He was posted to India before the war and was in uniform for seven years.

'I can remember him coming back on leave and bringing his rifle with him. I picked it up when he put it on his bed and thought how heavy it was.

'My mother used to say that he hated the Army. He was apparently a very quiet chap and it was not the life for him, but he was unable to leave.

'When he was away fighting, my mother said she suddenly saw his face appear at her bedroom window one night. She told my father to look, but it had gone.

'She always thought that it was his spirit visiting the house on the day he was killed.

'Another soldier who was with Harry when he was shot later told my parents what had happened to him.'

Mr Cole said he had another brother Wilfred who served in the Suffolk Regiment and spent three and a half years as a prisoner of war of the Japanese after the fall of Singapore.

Pictured, the war memorial in Hasketon, Suffolk, which has the name of Private Harry Cole, 30, who was killed during the British Army's retreat to Dunkirk in 1940

'Love to all, Harry': The letter was kept in an attic by a German Army officer and stored in a council archive for eight decades and will now be included in an online exhibition With Love From Dunkirk on Suffolk Archives

A third brother Alfred served in the Royal Navy on Russian convoys before being posted to Australia in 1945 where he deserted.

He gave himself a new identity, only writing to his family a decade later to say that he was alive and married with two sons.

A fourth brother Stan also served in the Royal Navy and went to live in London after the war, but never contacted his family again.

Rosa Cole died aged 69 in 1958 while her husband Harry (crt), a former railway signalman who fought in World War One, died in 1989 aged 98.

Extracts from Pte Cole's letter is in an online exhibition, called With Love From Dunkirk, put on by Suffolk Archives and Suffolk Artlink.

Hannah Salisbury, a community and learning officer for Suffolk Archives, said: 'When we looked at these 41 letters, we thought we might be able to find some great nieces or nephews of the soldiers who wrote them. It was incredible to find a brother.'

Pte Cole's letter will appear alongside six others sent by troops and lost at the same time, in the project funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for heritage, said: 'This is an astonishing story and really demonstrates the importance and personal nature of our archives.

'These letters are so very poignant; one can only imagine the hardship and anguish these soldiers and their families must have endured. It is heart-warming to think that we may now be able to help some of their families to fill in the gaps and see letters that up to now they didn't know existed.'

Rosa Cole (pictured) died aged 69 in 1958 while her husband Harry (crt), a former railway signalman who fought in World War One, died in 1989 aged 98

This is the text of the Private Cole's letter:

'My Dear Mother, At last I can manage to write you a few lines after all the hustle and bustle of this life. I was very pleased to get your letter and to hear you are all OK, got it yesterday, and you sent it on the 12 so you can tell it has taken some time to get here, the reason is we are not in one place long at a time, I have just received papers which I was glad to get as we don't get much news nowadays, funny isn't it being at war and don't know what's happening.

'Well mother, please don't worry about me, I shall get through it OK.

'So Stan thinks of joining up does he, I shouldn't trouble if were him, I should wait until I got called up, anyway tell him it's join anything but the infantry.

'What did you think of the Jerries getting through to France (?) I have an idea that they will soon be on the run and when that happens, nothing will stop them getting back to Germany in double quick time. Hitler's number is booked alright, and the day they catch him they ought to roast him alive.

'I am sorry to say that Bob Bishop has been killed.

'Well mother, dad and boys, I guess I must close once again, hoping you all keep well, roll on when this do is over so we can get back to rest, peace and quietness once again.

'Don't worry if you have to wait a long while for a letter or card sometimes mother, as we can't always write for days at a time, also there is delay getting it away, so until next time, Cheerio, Love to all, Harry xxxxxx.'
A German state governor's proposal to end blanket coronavirus restrictions in his region, which would be a first for the country after a comparatively successful response to the pandemic, drew mounting criticism Sunday from other officials.

Bodo Ramelow, the governor of the eastern state of Thuringia, said Saturday that he hopes to lift the remaining statewide lockdown rules on June 6 and replace them with a concept of recommendations and fighting COVID-19 locally if infection figures rise.

It's not clear yet exactly how that would work, but Ramelow's idea centers on taking action in individual cities or counties if they report 35 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants within a week. That's a lower threshold than the 50 that is currently the national standard.

In Germany, state governments are responsible for imposing and lifting lockdown restrictions. All 16 states currently have coronavirus rules, including physical distancing requirements and an obligation to wear masks in public transport and shops, and Thuringia's new approach would raise pressure on other states to ease their lockdowns further.

Germany started easing lockdown restrictions on April 20. So far, new coronavirus infections have continued to decline overall though outbreaks at several slaughterhouses have caused concern recently, as have infections after a



Baptist service in Frankfurt and at a restaurant in the country's northwest. While Ramelow's proposal draw some praise, there was criticism from the mayor of one of the state's biggest cities, Jena, which pioneered requiring people to wear face masks in some situations.

Thomas Nitzsche compared the proposed change in a Facebook post to entering a mine field. The chief of staff of neighboring Bavaria's governor bluntly rejected Ramelow's idea, saying his government was appalled. Thuringia's plans are a highly dangerous experiment for everyone in this country, Florian Herrmann told the Bild newspaper.

Lifting all protective measures comes too soon and isn't appropriate in the current situation, because the virus hasn't yet been defeated.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dear Annie: I have been married to my wonderful wife for 25 years. When we were dating, all my friends were jealous because she was so movie-star beautiful. What they didn't know was how incredible her figure was. We didn't go swimming much, and she always dressed conservatively. I kidded her that I was the only one that knew what a grand figure she had. We had been married for a couple of years when a friend of hers told her about a nude beach not far away in Miami. To my surprise, she wanted to go, and she loved it, especially the attention she received. She had been so shy and conservative in her dressing that I don't think she realized just how attractive she was in all ways.

That was about 25 years ago. Soon after the nude beach, we moved to a home with a pool and she insisted we surround the pool with a six-foot fence. She stayed nude at our pool regardless of who visited except if it were our parents or if anyone brought their children. Then this carried over to indoors. She just stopped wearing clothes unless she was going out. Our social friends sort of got used to it, as did the mailman, FedEx guy and even our favorite pizza delivery folks. She would just throw open the front door and welcome them.

Never have I thought she has been unfaithful; she just enjoys the freedom of nudity. We went to a few nudist clubs around Florida before we started having our children.

Annie, she is now in her mid-40s and while I still think she is lovely, and I love her more than ever, her figure has not aged well. She hasn't changed her lifestyle much (she dresses when our kids have friends over), and I want to suggest that not everyone enjoys seeing her naked at her age. I just don't have the nerve to tell her. Any suggestions? -- Seen It All

Dear Seen It All: Your wife was never doing this for anyone's enjoyment but her own. And if you didn't take issue with the nudity when she was 20, then I think it's shallow of you to take issue with it now. Still, I think your wife needs to be more conscientious and careful. Answering the door in the buff could constitute indecent exposure; at the very least, it could make someone uncomfortable, violating their boundaries. Encourage her instead to get back into visiting nudist clubs and retreats, where she can be with consenting adults who share the same interest.

Dear Annie: Recently, you printed a letter that suggested people start "Round Robin" letter-writing circles while we're all cooped up at home. I agree that letter writing can be a wonderful hobby. When my wife was in fifth grade, the class did a "pen pal" program where everybody wrote a letter to a person in a foreign country. She and her pen pal in Australia wrote back and forth, with each letter taking about a month to arrive, for the whole year. After that, my wife would send a Christmas card and a birthday card every year to her former pen pal. Sometimes they would share life updates.

Three years ago, we planned a trip to Australia and she told her pen pal about it.

She said to come visit them. We stayed with them for a week, including a trip to the Outback. Then we took a train to Melbourne, where her daughter lived and stayed with them for several days. Then we went back to Sydney and flew home -- one of our best vacations ever! -- Phil

Dear Phil: What an amazing thing. Strangers really are just friends waiting to happen.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM
If youre looking for relief, heres some good news. Restrooms will be open across 31 state parks, forests and historic sites in New Jersey this Memorial Day weekend, although hours remain limited to continue curbing the spread of the coronavirus.

According to state officials, new cleaning protocols are in place at all restrooms, and visitors are asked to wear a face mask upon entering them.

State parks will continue to limit parking capacity to 50% this weekend, as well as enforce social distancing protocols. Picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions and food concessions remain closed.

State officials reopened restrooms on May 16 following police reports that visitors were leaving urine-filled bottles and feces behind after Gov. Phil Murphy reopened state and county parks earlier this month.

The following is a list of state parks with restrooms (and their locations) that are open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.:

The restrooms at Island Beach State Park, which are located at Swimming Area 1, are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those at Liberty State Park, located in the administration building in Lot 4 and Gatehouse at Zapp Drive in Lot 8, plus portable toilets in Lots 4 and 8, are all open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Parks without restroom facilities as of Friday, May 22, include the Belleplain State Forest, Double Trouble State Park, Parvin State Park and Princeton Battlefield State Park.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Caroline Fassett may be reached at cfassett@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
The Delhi government has decided to hire 200 taxis from cab aggregators Ola and Uber to strengthen its ambulance service which is under pressure due to the coronavirus pandemic, news agency PTI reported.

The hired taxis - 110 from Ola and 91 from Uber - will be used for carrying non-critical and non-Covid-19 patients to and from hospitals, PTI quoted from a Delhi government order.

The taxis to be used as ambulance vehicles will be placed under the CATS director who is responsible for managing the Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS) ambulances.

The national capital, meanwhile, added 23 more deaths due to Covid-19 on Saturday, taking the toll to 231, even as 591 fresh cases increased the tally to 12,910, according to official data.

The fresh fatalities put the mortality rate of the disease in Delhi at about 1.8 per cent, up from the one per cent on May 11. The figure remains lower than the national average of three per cent.

Of the total Covid-19 deaths so far in Delhi, 158 have been recorded in the last 12 days. A three-member death audit committee recently began clearing the reporting backlog of deaths that were not added to the cumulative tally.

An order by Delhi chief secretary Vijay Dev on May 10 directed all designated Covid-19 hospitals to report the deaths by 5pm each day to ensure timely reporting. This was done after discrepancies in the cumulative data and deaths recorded at the hospitals were pointed out.

The average number of daily cases has increased steadily in May, with the city recording over 500 cases each in the last five days.

Even as Delhi is recording a high number of cases, the doubling rate - an indicator of the pace of spread of the infection - has gone up to about 15 days.

Of the 6,412 infections active currently, 1,886 people with severe symptoms have been admitted to designated Covid-19 hospitals. Of them, 184 are in intensive care units, with 27 people on ventilators.
Elon Musk is an engineer and entrepreneur, a super-wealthy founder of several top tech companies. Musk is known for his technological savvy and his far-reaching vision, which has propelled him to the top of the industry and placed him in a class all his own.

Musk has been in the headlines a lot lately, mainly due to the birth of his infant son with the artist Grimes, but recently, he opened up to Joe Rogan on an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience about another issue entirely.

What is Elon Musk best known for?

Elon Musk | Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

RELATED: Elon Musk and Grimes Have Reportedly Been On and Off Their Whole Relationship

Elon Musk was born in South Africa in 1971. Raised in a complex, multicultural family, Musk was an intelligent child, eagerly devouring any book that he could get his hands on.

Before he even reached adolescence, Musk was developing and selling patents for his very own computer coding programs. As a young man, Musk decided to move to the United States and pursue his dreams of tech innovation, and in the early nineties, he began studying at the University of Pennsylvania.

During the early years of his career, Musk worked on projects like Zip2, a web software company. By far the most successful of his early ventures was PayPal, an email payment company that Musk helped to develop.

A few of Musks other wildly lucrative projects include the SpaceX program, a space exploration company that focuses on advancing the current state of rocket technology, and Tesla, Inc. motor corporation, which focuses on developing and distributing affordable, environmentally-friendly cars.

Elon Musk told Joe Rogan that he is selling all his houses

Elon Musk is one of the worlds wealthiest men, and although he devotes a lot of his time and energy to advancing causes that help save the planet, he still lives a very lavish lifestyle.

Reportedly, Musks net worth is around $38 billion, and he is known to spend money not just on new and exciting tech opportunities, but on various houses as well. However, it looks as though Musk is rethinking some of his billionaire habits, as he revealed in a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience.

Speaking to Joe Rogan, Musk admitted that he is in the process of selling his many homes because he no longer wants any material possessions. Although Musk stated that it makes him slightly sad to part ways with his houses, he said that he believes that possessions are an attack vector and that people tend to target him due to his lavish, billionaire lifestyle.

He said that he will keep things that have sentimental value to him, and probably a few Teslas but that he is working on seriously paring down the number of material objects that he owns, and that he doesnt want to be defined by the things that he has.

Elon Musk is carrying out his plan

RELATED: Elon Musk May Have Serious Problems With Grimes Mother

Elon Musk is certainly making a bold statement by stating that he wants to sell the majority of his worldly possessions. While it seems as though he wants to redefine the way that the media portrays him, it might not work.

After all, if he goes from living in a mansion that he owns compared to a mansion that he is merely renting, there might not be much difference in the minds of those who are dead-set against Musk and his lifestyle.

Still, he is taking the chance. Within the past several weeks, Musk has been systematically listing his homes for sale, including five of his properties in California. Previously, he listed a home that he owns that was previously the residence of Hollywood legend Gene Wilder.

Whether Musks plan will work remains to be seen, but for now, the tech investor is certainly carrying through with his promise to Joe Rogan.
Though she was part of a handful of movies in the early 90s, Somy Ali remains etched in our collective memories for being Salman Khans beloved whom he had almost married, had Aishwarya Rai not entered his life. It has been decades since we have heard about her or from her.

Bollywood is not for everyone.

Some realise it sooner and tread different paths to make different achievements in life, while others keep trying till the industry throws them off.

In this giant rigmarole of realisations and refusals, we have seen many of our beloved celebs fading out into oblivion, leaving us wondering, where are they, how are they...?

This Missing Report series digs deep into the untold stories of such missing stars, and today we are covering Somy Ali.

Somy Ali

Somy Ali was born in Karachi to an Iraqi mother and a Pakistani father. She received initial education at Convent of Jesus and Mary, in Karachi, and then migrated to the US at the age of 12, with her mother and brother.

Though a fan of Bollywood, Somy wouldnt have aspired to be a part of it if not inspired by a teenage crush in the industry. Like many other girls of her age in the subcontinent, 15-year-old Somy had lost her heart to Salman Khan after watching Maine Pyar Kiya. Led by matters of the heart, she convinced her mother and flew to India to work in the movies, but her true intention was to get in touch with Salman Khan.

Her charm was magnetic and it smoothened her way into the industry. She started off with modelling assignments, and Bollywood offers followed eventually. Dharmendra wanted to launch her alongside his younger son, Bobby Deol. But Somy skipped it as the script demanded her to don a two-piece swimsuit.

She was all prepared to debut in 1992 with Buland, but the film remained shelved for life. Finally, in 1994, Anth: A Dream for a Better Tomorrow became her first film to hit the theaters. She was cast opposite Sunil Shetty in the action film, and Paresh Rawal, Alok Nath, and Deepak Shirke made the supporting star cast. Anth debuted well at the box-office, but its success was accredited to the thrilling action sequences, while the debutante actress went unnoticed.

Story continues

Somy Ali in "Aao Pyar Karen"

Somy worked in about 10 movies, including Teesra Kaun?, Yaar Gaddar, Andolan, Mafia, and Aao Pyaar Karen through the 90s, but was never considered a bankable actress. Her acting was just as weak as the reason behind pursuing it: marrying Salman Khan.

But her landing in Mumbai was not a total flop either. She did met Salman, endeared herself with him, and eventually, replaced his then-girlfriend, Sangeeta Bijlani. The two were one of the most gossiped-about couples in the industry, till Salman Khan hit the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and caught a glimpse of Aishwarya Rai.

Heartbroken Somy resigned from her Bollywood commitments  not that a lot was happening there, anyway  and flew back to the US.

These were difficult times for Somy. In her mid-20s, she was a school dropout who had only studied till 9th grade. But determined to pull her life together, she returned to school and shared the classroom with kids much younger than her. She then attended Nova Southeastern University to get an undergrad degree in Psychology and earned a master's degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Miami. After developing an interest in journalism and experimenting with documentary films, in 2003, she graduated from the New York Film Academy with a degree in film making, direction, screenwriting, and editing. Most of her projects addressed social evils like domestic violence, abuse, or suicide.

Somy Ali

She was deeply affected by the massive trauma and abuse women of South Asian origin had to put up with in the US when a Bangladeshi neighbour knocked on her door for help, after being raped by her father-in-law and being beaten by the husband through 10 years of marriage.

Somy realised that numerous South Asian women brought in the US were living a torturous life and was desperate to help them. In an interview with TV Asia USA, Somy revealed that she had suffered sexual abuse as a child in Pakistan, as a teenager in the US, and that she was recuperating from a draining romance with a Bollywood star, and it motivated her more towards helping women trapped in abusive relationships in that country.

The former Bollywood actress is now the founder and president of a US-based non-profit organisation for women and children called No More Tears. Established to empower victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking, Somy Alis organisation prides itself on having rescued over 30,000 women, children, men, and members of the LGBTQ community, with all the proceeds going toward funding and enabling them to find financial independence. The actress has turned her broken self into a social crusader and certainly deserves to be applauded for all that shes giving back to the society.
A baby was delivered at Agra Fort station aboard a Shramik Special train on Sunday (May 24, 2020). As soon as the train reached Agra Fort the Controller of Commerce was informed that a woman on the train was experiencing labour pains and that she was going to deliver.

The woman, Rinku Devi, was attended by Doctor Vima and her team. She was administered medicines and given primary treatment after which the woman gave birth.

The mother and the child are said to be in a healthy condition.

The Department of Commerce provided food items for the remainder of their journey.

The woman is a resident of Alipur village and was travelling to Nalanda in Bihar.

The train was on its way to Siwan from Surat.
By imposing a hugely controversial and sweeping national security law for Hong Kong, China has just struck a deathblow to the citys autonomy and liberties. Clearly, the new law will kill future democratic movements.

In the past, the Beijing authority framed nearly all large-scale demonstrations, such as from the Umbrella Movement, as acts of subversions of Chinas authority. Even though 2 million Hongkongers took to streets to call for a withdrawal of the extradition bill, such public controversy over highly controversial policies had already been regarded by Beijing as attacks to its sovereignty and security.

Beyond any doubt, the law  which would ban treason, secession, sedition and subversion  sends a chilling message to future mass movements or critical voices of Beijings policies.

Unlike other common law jurisdictions, the ill-defined term national security is often subject to arbitrary, discriminatory and politically motivated interpretation and enforcement in China. As a way to silence criticisms, the charge of inciting subversion is repeatedly used against dissenters.

For instance, after drafting a manifesto calling political reforms, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo was sentenced to an 11-year imprisonment on charges of incitement of subversion of state power. Reporters like Tan Zuoren have also been charged for incitement  having been arrested while investigating the deaths of thousands of children whose schools collapsed during a 2008 earthquake in Sichuan.

Human rights lawyers like Wang Quanzhang face intimidation and imprisonment, while Gui Minhai, who sold critical books about China in Hong Kong, was sentenced earlier this year to 10 years in jail for illegally providing intelligence overseas.

Grassroots groups, religious organisations and civil rights activists have all been swept up in massive crackdowns in recent years. By imposing the similar security law, this authoritarian regime is now aiming its new weapon at the citys robust civil society and liberties.

The most terrifying thing is the plan to establish a new national security branch in Hong Kong, which supersedes the Hong Kong government. In the past, Chinas offices in Hong Kong often operated in secrecy, but actively intervened in Hong Kong affairs, from mobilising pro-Beijing voters in elections to threatening to sue local media for unfavourable coverage. Hence very real fears that the proposed new body will turn out to be a secret police branch pulling strings behind the scenes.

Our city leader, Carrie Lam, even refused to explain how to ensure sufficient checks and balances on the body to hold it accountable for any abuse of power. When the spectre of the secret police hangs over the citys freedoms, this is the end for Hong Kong as we know it.

It also carries implications for human rights activists. For a long time after the Tiananmen Square massacre, Hong Kong has been serving as a safe haven for human rights organisations working in mainland China. With relatively independent judiciary and proper human rights protections, Hong Kong provides a valuable breathing space to all these Chinese activists. However, once the law is imposed, it will bury this last beacon of human rights from the mainland.

The proposed law will have ripple effects on expats and investors working and living in the city due to the loosely defined idea of foreign forces. Under Chinas aggressive Wolf Warrior diplomacy, foreigners living in China have already become the convenient scapegoats for Beijings diplomatic purposes. As many China observers point out, there has been a growing use of hostage diplomacy by Beijing in recent years.

Two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, were detained more than 15 months as retaliation for Canadas arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. Foreign reporters were also denied renewals of work visas for covering political dissents.

 Scuffles break out between Hong Kong legislators over security freedoms

Autonomy and civil liberties are promised by Beijing in its joint declaration, a legally binding international treaty at the United Nations, but China is rewriting the rule by scrapping its promise with force and fear.

Thousands of Hongkongers have already taken to the streets this weekend, and faced tear gas from police. To safeguard the citys freedoms and autonomy, I call upon the world to urge China to halt this controversial legislation. Since the law will have massive implications for international communities and the existing trade treaties with Hong Kong, I urge the world to include human rights terms in trade treaties with the city.

This is the beginning of the end for all Hongkongers. We fight for any slight hope of our democracy under Chinas authoritarian claws not because we are strong, but because we have no other choice. We hope the world can stand with Hong Kong once again.

Joshua Wong is the secretary general, and Amon Yiu is a member, of Demosisto
Patients infected with either severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) or SARS-CoV-2 produce antibodies that bind to the other coronavirus, but the cross-reactive antibodies are not cross protective, at least in cell-culture experiments, researchers report May 17 in the journal Cell Reports. It remains unclear whether such antibodies offer cross protection in the human body or potentiate disease. The findings suggest that more research is needed to identify parts of the virus that are critical for inducing a cross-protective immune response.

"Since coronavirus outbreaks are likely to continue to pose global health risks in the future, the possibility of developing a cross-protective vaccine against multiple coronaviruses has been considered," says co-senior study author Chris Mok of the University of Hong Kong. "Our findings, albeit limited at present, would suggest that broadly cross-neutralizing antibodies to coronaviruses might not be commonly produced by the human immune repertoire. Moving forward, monoclonal antibody discovery and characterization will be crucial to the development of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in the short-term, as well as a cross-protective coronavirus vaccine in the long term."

From late 2002 to 2003, more than 8,000 people worldwide became sick with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), resulting in more than 700 deaths. The virus responsible for this outbreak, known as SARS-CoV, shares approximately 80% of its genomic nucleotide sequence identity with that of SARS-CoV-2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The two coronaviruses also enter and infect cells the same way. During this process, the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein, which is located on the surface of the coronavirus, binds to a human cell receptor called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, triggering viral fusion with the host cell.

Past studies have shown that protective antibodies against SARS-CoV bind to the RBD. But relatively little is known about the antibody response induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is also unclear how infection with SARS-CoV influences the antibody response against SARS-CoV-2, and vice versa. Gaining insight into these questions could guide the development of an effective vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 and shed light on whether such a vaccine would also cross-protect against similar viruses.

"There are related viruses still circulating in bats, and it is unclear whether any of these may also threaten human health in future," says co-senior study author Malik Peiris of the University of Hong Kong. "As such, whether infection by one of these viruses cross-protects against another is an important question."

To address this gap in knowledge, the researchers analyzed blood samples collected from 15 SARS-CoV-2-infected patients in Hong Kong between 2 and 22 days after the onset of symptoms. Compared to blood samples from healthy controls, the five samples collected from patients 11 days after symptom onset or later had antibodies capable of binding to the RBD and other parts of the S protein on both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV.

The researchers also analyzed blood samples collected from seven patients 3 to 6 months after infection with SARS-CoV. Compared to blood samples from healthy controls, those collected from patients had antibodies capable of binding to the RBD and other parts of the S protein on SARS-CoV-2. Taken together, these findings show that infection with one coronavirus induces the production of antibodies that can bind to both RBD and non-RBD regions of the S protein on the other coronavirus.

Using cell-culture experiments, the researchers next tested whether infection with SARS-CoV-2 induces SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibodies, which protect host cells by preventing the virus from interacting with them. All 11 blood samples collected 12 days or later after the onset of symptoms had neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. But only one blood sample had cross-neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV, and this response was very weak. Similarly, five blood samples from patients infected with SARS-CoV had neutralizing antibodies against this virus, but none could cross-neutralize SARS-CoV-2. Additional experiments in mice supported the findings from patients.

For now, the clinical implications remain unclear. One possibility is that cross-reactive, non-neutralizing antibodies offer cross protection against viruses in the body, even though they don't protect cultured cells. This phenomenon has been observed for other types of viruses. On the other hand, non-neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 could enhance viral entry into cells and viral replication through a process called antibody-dependent enhancement of infection, which has been previously reported for SARS-CoV.

"Whether antibody-dependent enhancement plays a role in SARS-CoV-2 infection needs to be carefully examined in the future," says co-senior study author Ian Wilson of the Scripps Research Institute. "Addressing this question will be critical for developing a safe and effective universal coronavirus vaccine."

This work was supported by the Pasteur International Network Association, the US National Institutes of Health, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Guangzhou Medical University, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
Kim Hyon-chong, second deputy director of the presidential National Security Office (NSO), salutes the national flag ahead of a lecture at the National Assembly, May 22. Yonhap



By Do Je-hae



The escalating U.S.-China tension is emerging as a key diplomatic challenge for Korea.



During a recent lecture, Kim Hyon-chong, second deputy director of the presidential National Security Office (NSO), reportedly broached the concerns faced by Korea in the post-COVID-19 period due to Korea's geopolitical situation, including the U.S.-China conflict.



The lecture, which was organized by the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) for its lawmakers-elect on May 22, was not disclosed to the public. But according to participants from the DPK, the deputy NSO chief talked about concerns rising from the U.S.-China competition.



It was considered rare for a Cheong Wa Dae official to mention the U.S-China conflict and its implications for Korean diplomacy, given Cheong Wa Dae officials and President Moon Jae-in have avoided publicly mentioning the issue.

President Moon has placed utmost priority on realizing a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping this year, first for economic reasons and second, for moving along inter-Korean projects.



During a recent phone call on May 13, Xi reaffirmed his commitment to visiting Korea this year, according to the presidential office. Cheong Wa Dae has also underscored that the two leaders have been maintaining close contact since the outbreak of the pandemic, and the bilateral cooperation has resulted in some visible outcomes such as simplified entry procedures for Koreans visiting China on business.



Despite these important developments in bilateral relations and even the possibility of a visit by Xi to Korea for the first time in six years, speculations are rising that the Moon administration is not sufficiently prepared to deal with the rising U.S.-China competition, particularly for more influence on Northeast Asia.



There was not any mention of the geopolitical situation in Moon's recent national address to mark the third anniversary of his inauguration, and the President instead repeated his stance that he will do what he can to push ahead with inter-Korean projects this year.



It is noticeable that the conflict between the U.S. and China has been intensifying over the past week, as Beijing signaled a tightening of control over Hong Kong with a proposal to impose new national security legislation.



The move has prompted criticisms from U.S. officials and lawmakers. "The United States condemns the People's Republic of China (PRC) National People's Congress proposal to unilaterally and arbitrarily impose national security legislation on Hong Kong," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement, May 22.



Beijing has lashed out at Washington for interfering in its internal affairs.



The U.S.-China row over Hong Kong came as the Donald Trump administration delivered its Strategic Approach to China report to Congress.



The report highlights that China harms U.S. interests and undermines the "sovereignty and dignity of countries and individuals around the world."



"The People's Republic of China's (PRC) rapid economic development and increased engagement with the world did not lead to convergence with the citizen-centric, free and open order as the United States had hoped," the report said.



"The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has chosen instead to exploit the free and open rules based order and attempt to reshape the international system in its favor."

Korea's dilemma



In particular, the report highlights Korea as one of the victim of its undue political influence.



"Beijing uses a combination of threat and inducement to pressure governments, elites, corporations, think tanks, and others  often in an opaque manner  to toe the CCP line and censor free expression. Beijing has restricted trade and tourism with Australia, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Norway, the Philippines, and others, and has detained Canadian citizens, in an effort to interfere in these countries' internal political and judicial processes."



The report is also critical of China's Belt and Road Initiative.



Speculations are rising that Korea will face increasing pressure to choose between the U.S. and China as both countries see Korea as an important partner for expanding their influence in the region and are expected to seek Korea's participation in their respective regional strategies for economic and political interests.



President Moon has shown support for Trump's Indo-Pacific strategy and also China's Belt and Road Initiative.

The U.S. is Korea's most important ally, but for the Moon administration, fostering better relations with China, a key trading partner, is an urgent issue.



Given the rising pressure from China, the importance of Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral cooperation has also been increasingly highlighted.



But this has not been easy, with Korea and Japan still being unable to resolve differences over trade, history and security issues.



The U.S.-Korea alliance remains strong, but the prolonged negotiations for determining the costs for maintaining U.S. troops in Korea has raised concerns about a weakening of the alliance.
On Jenny Marr's 34th birthday, she and her husband decided it was time to start trying for a baby.

Both only children, Jenny Marr, 35, and her husband, Chris Marr, 35, live in Dallas. They would have been happy with just one child - a compact family of four, including their dog Zeke.

On Oct. 6, she took a pregnancy test: It was positive.

The couple, yearning to hear the sound of a steady heartbeat, began counting down until they would finally see their baby on a sonogram screen.

Little did they know, though, that they had not one, not two, not three, but four heartbeats to hear and four sonogram images to study.

Jenny Marr was carrying a quartet of medical marvels: identical monochorionic quadruplets, of which there are only 72 cases recorded in medical literature, according to her obstetrician, Lauren Murray.

Naturally, the first ultrasound was far from what the Marrs had anticipated.

At just over 10 weeks pregnant, Marr went in for her first OB appointment. Her husband sat next to her as Murray spread gel over Marr's still small baby bump.

"Dr. Murray began doing the sonogram, and all of a sudden she got this funny look on her face and turned the screen away from us," said Jenny Marr. "I immediately started thinking something was wrong with the heartbeat. I told her it was okay and that she could tell me if there was a problem."

"Oh no, there's definitely a heartbeat," Murray responded. "Actually, there are three babies in there."

Murray turned the screen toward the couple. At that moment, Chris Marr's face went ghost white and he passed out, said Jenny Marr.

After about six minutes of shock and silence, the tears started streaming for both parents-to-be.

"It sounds horrible to say, but I don't know if it was necessarily tears of joy. We were completely overwhelmed and frankly, terrified," said Chris Marr.

"The fact that we didn't have any medical intervention, and no history of multiples in either of our families, made the news a total shock," said Jenny Marr.

Still, they had another surprise in store.

One week later, after the Marrs had somewhat digested the new reality that they were having three babies instead of one, they went to see a high-risk-pregnancy specialist, Brian Rinehart, who practices maternal fetal medicine at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas.

"Yet again, the sonographer got this weird look on her face," said Jenny Marr. "We asked her what was taking so long, and she told us that she wasn't supposed to say since she's not a doctor. But she ended up blurting it out anyway, something along the lines of: Ya'll, there are 100 percent four babies in there."

"That's when three became four," said Chris Marr. "I told Jenny we shouldn't go to our next appointment because they'll just keep multiplying," he said, laughing.

The couple had somewhere in the range of a 1 in 11 million to 1 in 15 million chance of conceiving these babies, Rinehart said.

"Twins, triplets, and even quads have gone way up with assisted reproductive technologies. But naturally conceived identical monochorionic quadruplets is something we just don't really see," Rinehart said.

Identical monochorionic quadruplets occur when a fertilized egg splits in two, and both cells split again. Unlike fraternal twins, which come from separate eggs and implant independently, identical multiples are lumped together, sharing one placenta.

"Put simply, nonidentical quads travel down separate lanes on a highway to get to the same parking lot, while monochorionic quads travel in the same lane, in the same car, and land in the same spot," Rinehart explained.

Any pregnancy is risky, he said, but in this case, the risks are multiplied by four.

"Pregnancy, even with one baby, is hard on the body. Four is just ridiculous," Rinehart said. "The body is simply not made to do that."

For the mother, carrying multiple babies comes with the increased risk of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and other health issues.

For the babies who share a placenta, there is an increased risk of uneven distribution of blood flow, resulting in one or more babies not receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients.

"It's kind of like survival of the fittest," said Murray. "The babies need to share the placenta evenly in order for all of them to survive."

Chris Marr was riddled with fear and worry for the majority of his wife's pregnancy, he said.

"When you Google 'monochorionic spontaneous quadruplets,' there's not very much data, and the data that's there doesn't point to many good outcomes," said Chris Marr, who works in the real estate investment industry.

His wife, however, remained optimistic the entire time.

"I just decided from the beginning that I was going to stay positive and roll with the punches," said Jenny Marr, who was manager at a dental practice before she had the babies.

And she did.

"Her attitude and emotional bandwidth to deal with the situation was exceptional," Murray said. "It's overwhelming enough to have one baby."

Fortunately for her, the pregnancy was smooth, and the babies grew equally, until the final curveball came: the coronavirus pandemic.

On March 15, at 28 weeks into her pregnancy, Jenny Marr went into early labor, just when covid-19 protocols were being put into place and hospitals across the country were preparing for the worst.

That was the first time she really let herself worry.

But the C-section was successful, and within three minutes - Harrison, Hardy, Henry and Hudson - came into the world.

"It's exhilarating every time I deliver a baby," Murray said. "But to deliver identical quads was just incredible."

All four boys came out strong and healthy, and even the tiniest baby - weighing 1 pound, 15 ounces - didn't require oxygen support.

All four stayed in the neonatal intensive care unit for several weeks to be monitored, until the last Marr boy arrived home last week.

The Marr parents said they're relishing every moment with their boys, watching as they grow and change every day.

"They all have such different personalities already," said Chris Marr. "It's incredible to watch."

The identical boys wear different-color ankle bracelets to help distinguish them.

Even so, "we confuse them from time to time," said Chris Marr.

On a recent afternoon, the couple sat in their living room, looking over their squirming babies.

"I still can't believe we created these tiny humans," said Jenny Marr. "All in one shot."




Good morning Nigeria and welcome to Eid el-Fitr 2020, Eid Mubarak to you, your friends and your family from Naija News Team.

Eid el-Fitr also called the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. Eid is the first and only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast.

Since today is Eid al-Fitr, many expect good Eid Mubarak wishes from their friends, family members, and loved ones, hence, a need to compile one.

Below are some Eid Mubarak messages you can send to friends, family members, and loved ones.

1. Before we ask for happiness and prosperity, we should ask for mercy. May Allah shower his mercy on us. Eid Mubarak!

2. With the sight of the new moon, Ramadhan Kareem is finally over. May Allah (SWA) grant us the Tawfeeq to apply the gems of wisdom from Ramadhan into our daily lives. Happy Eid al Fitr Mubarak.

3. You are the reason why my life is so colourful each day. Let me make this Eid such a colourful one for you! Eid Mubarak my love!

4. May Allah open the doors of happiness and prosperity for you. Eid Mubarak to you and your family. Enjoy a blessed time during this Eid.

5. I wish you and your family a very joyful Eid. May Allah accept all your prayers and forgive all your faults. Eid Mubarak!

6. Eid Mubarak! May Allah fulfil your all dreams and hopes.

7. May this Eid brings you joys unlimited, may all your wishes come true on this holy day and may you and your family be blessed by the grace of Allah. Eid Mubarak!

8. Let this special occasion of Eid adorn your life with the colours of heaven. I wish a wonderful Eid day for you and your family.

9. May this Eid be the beginning of another successful year in your life. Eid Mubarak to you and your lovely family!

10. Enjoy like a child and be thankful to Allah for he has bestowed all the Muslims with such a beautiful day. Eid Mubarak to you!

11. May this beautiful occasion of eid gives you all the reasons to make your life even more beautiful. Wishing you a happy Eid day! Eid Mubarak!

12. Let this Eid be the occasion of sharing the love and caring for the people who need to be loved and cared. Eid Mubarak to all!

13. Take a break from living in stress and this is Eid so lets celebrate! You are welcome to join us. Life is so endlessly delicious. Happy Eid Day!

14. Start living now and stop worrying about tomorrow. Life is too short to spend in tension. Just enjoy every moment of every day. Thinking of you on this Eid Day.

15. Eid Mubarak! Seize the moment and be happy. Because very little is needed to make a happy life, its all within yourself and your way of thinking.

16. The most beautiful thing for me is to see you smiling. You are so close to my heart that no one can even beat you. Enjoy this Eid to the fullest. Eid Mubarak!

17. The month of Ramadhan has left us my friend, and the joyous occasion of Eid is present before us once more. May we all enjoy the festivities of Eid.

18. Eid Mubarak to all my lovely friends. May God bless us all and make us all devout and honourable Muslims.

19. You can bring a smile on face even when I am feeling sad. A friend like is a treasure to keep forever. May Allah shower his blessings on you. Eid Mubarak dear!

20. There is no blessing in the world greater than a true friend. I thank God every day for giving me a friend like you. Eid Mubarak to you and your family!

21. Eid is the perfect occasion for us to rejoice in happiness together and tighten the bond of our family. Eid Mubarak to all of you!

22. Eid Mubarak! May this Holy day guide us all towards the way of light and remove the darkness of our hearts. Have a happy Eid day!

23. Wave goodbye to another amazing year and be ready to welcome the crescent moon, beautiful new dresses and of course all the delicious food. Eid Mubarak to my loving family! I love you all!

24. As the holy day is approaching, I feel like I cant wait for more to be reunited with you guys. Love you from the deep of my heart. Eid Mubarak to you all!

25. Dear mom and dad, I feel so lucky to have parents like you to spend the day with. You have been the reason why every Eid day seems like a day I spend in heaven. Eid Mubarak to you!

26. Dear wife, Eid Mubarak to you! May Allah grant everything you have prayed for and rewards you with his blessings. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

27. My wife, I wish you a joyous, prosperous and blissful Eid day! Thank you for taking care of me during Ramadan as well. May Allah bless you!

28. From the depth of my heart, I wish my adorable husband a very happy Eid Mubarak. May Allah bless our marriage and our family.

29. Eid Mubarak to the light of my heart. May we all always stay true to the straight path and may Allah unite us together in Jannah.

30. Thank you for adding so many colours in my life. You make me feel alive and special all the time. May Allah protect you and guides you towards success and happiness. Eid Mubarak dear.

31. Your love makes my every day so special. And when it comes to Eid, my pleasure doubles as I have you to spend the day with and share the joys together.

32. I feel happy because I am getting one more Eid to love you, to care for you and to pray for you. You mean everything to me. Eid Mubarak!

33. God knows how grateful I am for having you as my lover. I want to live a thousand years more only to love you. Eid Mubarak, my love!

34. I pray to God that he gives you more happiness and reward you with a bright future. You deserve the absolute best in life. May this Eid be unforgettable for you!

35. All I want in life is you to stay with me forever. With you, every occasion and every festival in my life is beautiful. Eid Mubarak.

36. I want to make every day of your life an Eid day. I have fallen so deeply in love with you that I can no longer think of anything but you! With lots of love my dear, wishing you a happy Eid UL FITR!

37. My life has become a romantic movie since I met you. Lets release the movie on the Eid this year! Eid Mubarak dear!

38. Your love cares and honesty makes you the best brother in the world. Every time I look at you, I cant help feeling grateful to Allah! Eid Mubarak!

39. As long as I have a brother like you, no sorrow in the world can touch my heart. You are the nicest brother in the world. Eid Mubarak dear brother! God bless you.

40. Eid Mubarak to the brother closest to my heart. May the Almighty bless you immensely in all that you do.

41. It is in my happiest moments that I find myself thinking about you brother. On the joyous occasion of Eid, I wish you and your family endless joy.

42. May Allah decorate your life with success and brighten your ways with the lights of heaven. You are always on my prayers. Eid Mubarak, brother!

43. May the grace of Allah fall upon you like raindrops and may all your problems be vanished like a puff of smoke. Always keep faith in Allah. Eid Mubarak.

44. May Allah bring peace and smoothness in your life. May Allah accept all your prayers and reward you with the best always. Happy Eid UL FITR to the best brother in the world.

45. Wishing a very happy Eid Mubarak with lots of love and respect from the deepest corner of my heart. I feel lucky to have a sister like you. Eid Mubarak!

46. A sister like you is a blessing only for the fortunate ones. I want to thank Allah for being so kind to me by giving me a sister like you. Eid Mubarak!

47. Dear Sister, Eid is so joyous only because I get to spend this day with you! Eid Mubarak! May we be able to spend hundreds of Eids together!

48. My lovely sister, wishing you a happy and safe Eid Day! May the bond of our sisterhood remains strong forever! You are in my thoughts and prayers!

49. You are a blissful soul that God gave me as a sister. Thanks for making my life wonderful. Wishing you a very happy Eid Mubarak sister!

50. Eid Mubarak to the most beautiful angel without whom my childhood would have been so boring and lifeless. Wishing you a joyous Eid UL FITR.

51. You always took care of me like mom and protected me like dad. Your unconditional love and motherly care made me feel secure all the time. May this Eid bring happiness and good health for you!

52. I wish you a day full of fun, cheers, and smiles. Dont forget to thank Allah for everything because he loves you. Happy Eid Mubarak!

53. Dont waste your time thinking about tomorrows. Because Allah has a plan for you and he always has the best plan for everyone. Eid Mubarak!

54. May your life be filled with success and your house with happiness. Eid Mubarak to you and your family. Enjoy the day to the fullest!

55. Take a break from all the stresses and give some time to your family. May this bring you all the things you need in life. Eid Mubarak!

56. May this Eid prove to be very special for you and your family. May the Almighty bless you in every area of your personal and work life.

57. May the love of Almighty Allah be with you forever. May he grant you a long life. Eid Mubarak to the wisest and most amazing boss in the world!

58. May success and glory be your best friends in life. May you continue to amaze the world with your ideas and philosophies. Eid Mubarak!

59. As the holiest of all months is about to end, I want you to know that Im praying for you that you are blessed with good health and happy days. Eid Mubarak!

61. On this blessed occasion, I pray that the Almighty blesses your life with peace and prosperity. Eid Mubarak Boss!

62. Thank you for being not only a boss but also a guardian and a mentor for us. May your life be filled with happiness unlimited! Eid Mubarak!

63. May Allah reward you for all your good deeds and shower your life with success, knowledge, and prosperity. Wishing you a very happy Eid!

64. Sending you warm wishes and happiness on the occasion of Eid. Remember me in your prayers.

65. In every smile and laughter; In every silent prayer answered; In every opportunity that knocks your door  May Allah bless you!

66. This is the day when we should pay gratitude to the divine light for all the wonderful things around us. Eid Mubarak!

Let this occasion fill your life with the brightest of colours. Eid Mubarak.

67. Heres wishing you and your family a very Happy Eid.

68. Remember your Lord morning and evening, deep in your heart with humility and with fear; and also in a low voice; do not be of those who are heedless.  The Holy Quran 7:205

69. May you receive all the joys of life on the occasion of Eid. Eid Mubarak!

70. May you be blessed with kindness, patience and love. Eid Mubarak.

80. Eid is the time for sharing what we have with others. Have a wonderful Eid.

81. Eid is a time to amend, forgive and reflect. May Allah grant you wisdom and kindness.

82. May Allah guide you on the right path and help you whenever you ask for his advice. Eid Mubarak.

83. May you be guided by your faith in Allah and shine in his divine blessings!

84. The first and the foremost thing that we should ask from Allah is mercy to make it a purposeful Eid for all of us. Eid Mubarak

85. May the goodness and joys of Eid are multiplied millions of times to bring eternal happiness in your life. Eid Mubarak to you.

86. May the goodness of Eid ul Fitr is always there to inspire you to live each day of your life with positive hopes.. Eid Mubarak to my friends.

87. To my dear friend, I wish that Allah is always there to guide you towards a better life, a more prosperous future. Eid Mubarak to you.

88. Even the best of the Eid celebrations are incomplete without my family.. Wishing a blessed and Happy Eid to all.

89. In every shared smile and laughter; In every silent prayer answered; in every opportunity that comes your way  may Allah bless you immensely! Eid Mubarak!

90. Eid is a day of sharing what we have and caring for others. May you have a wonderful Eid this year!

91. Eid is the time of year when you should amend your mistakes and forgive others mistakes.

92. May Allah on this day grants you wisdom and kindness!

93. May the God Almighty show you on the right path and help you in every step of your life. Eid Mubarak!

94. May this Eid brings you joys unlimited, may all your wishes come true on this holy day, may Allah approve your kind deeds, forgive your disobedience and sins, and ease the suffering of all individuals around the globe. Eid Mubarak blessed by the grace of Allah. Eid Mubarak!

95. Let this Eid be the occasion of sharing the love and caring for the people who need to be loved and cared. Eid Mubarak to all!

96. Accept the blessings of Allah with all your heart and forget the sorrows that burden your soul. Enjoy the moments you share with your family. Happy Eid Day!

97. You can bring a smile on face even when I am feeling sad. A friend like is a treasure to keep forever. May Allah shower his blessings on you. Eid Mubarak dear!

98. Eid is a day to cheer and to laugh with all your heart. Its a day to be grateful to Allah for all of his heavenly blessings on us. Wishing you a happy Eid.

99. Before we ask for happiness and prosperity, we should ask for mercy. May Allah shower his mercy on us. Eid Mubarak!

100. May this Eid bring joy and love to your heart and create all the opportunities of success for you! Eid Mubarak.

Please note that the messages contained in this article were not originally compiled by this author but were edited where necessary.

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Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat has started donating Rs 50,000 from his salary to be deducted every month for the next one year to the PM-CARES fund created to battle coronavirus.

Defence sources were quoted as saying by news agency ANI that in March, the CDS had written to the authorities concerned that for the next one year, Rs 50,000 be deducted from his salary and deposited in the PM-CARES fund.

After the letter was written, the first deduction of Rs 50,000 was done from the April salary and deposited in the fund. The CDS had also donated one-day salary for the PM-CARES fund along with all other defence services personnel who had donated in March soon after the fund was started.

The Defence Ministry employees have been given an option of donating one-day salary every month for the next one year on a voluntary basis, ANI reported.

National Disaster Management Authority member and former Coast Guard Chief Rajendra Singh has also donated 30 per cent of his salary to the fund.

About 10 days ago, the fund decided to allocate Rs 3,100 crore for fight against Covid-19, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Out of the Rs 3,100 crore, nearly Rs 2,000 crore will be earmarked for the purchase of ventilators and Rs 1,000 crore for care of migrant labourers, it said. Another Rs 100 crore will be given to support coronavirus vaccine development, the statement said.

The trust formed on March 27 is headed by the prime minister. The other ex-officio members of the trust are the defence minister, the home minister and the finance minister.
There have been plenty of developments regarding the state's COVID-19 cases since Friday, with the total reducing from 1058 on Friday, to 1056 come today.

On Saturday, there were two new cases, however, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced today that these two were actually being managed in New South Wales and were struck off the Queensland total.

On Sunday, there was one new case, with the patient identified as bring in Cairns - a known hotspot of community transmission with Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Health officials say the Cairns patient contracted the virus locally, but the exact source of infection was not known.

There were no new cases today, however Ms Palaszczuk says a further three Queensland cases reported in April and May have been struck off the state total because they have since been "classified as invalid after further investigation".

The three cases removed from the total consist of two Gold Coast COVID-19 patients and one Brisbane patient.
THE HSEs chief clinical officer said there will be no immediate change to the 2 metre social distancing rule which had helped Ireland not only bend that curve but reduce the infection rate to 0.5.

Though increasing pressure has been levelled at the HSE to consider reducing social distancing to 1 metres to help kickstart the economy, Colm Henry said the State would continue to be guided by best international practice - which recommends 2 metres and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) guidance.

Mr Henry recognised the impact on HSE services and businesses throughout the State but he confirmed the measure would stay in place for the foreseeable future due to the concerns regarding droplet spread of infection through the air.

Mr Henry told a Covid-19 press briefing this morning: Its important for us all to remember whats happened since March 27.

It was only through the measures brought in on March 27, that were quite stringent but included social distancing of 2 metres, that we were able to not just bend that curve but reduce it back to where it is to 0.5 (infection rate.)

There is variability on how this is expressed internationally. Many countries, including the U.S and UK, have included the distances of 2 metres, bearing in mind its a droplet spread illness. But there are implications for our own services and clearly for services and businesses outside the HSE but its based on the projected length a droplet can spread.

Initially we thought this was for coughing and sneezing but as we gained a greater understanding (of Covid-19) we are more aware how it can spread in those who are pre symptomatic or asymptomatic.

The HSE are governed by the decisions of NPHET and how they advise based on the best international advice.

And we are informed from other countries and how they emerge from the pandemic, how theyre refining that distance or otherwise.

But at the moment, its 2 metres based on the best available evidence we have.

Director general of the HSE, Paul Reid told the Covid-19 briefing the NPHET guidance of 2 metres was how we are planning in terms of framework for services to work through.

It does have significant implications for us in terms of emergency departments, patients waiting rooms etc, he added.

So, two metres, certainly reduces the volume that we could have attendingBut we have to work off what the current guidance is.

One metre would certainly give us extra capacity in terms of managing outpatient departments and ED (emergency departments), or generally managing our services but we will be guided by what the current guidance is from the Government through NPHET.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, May 24, 2020 16:42 606 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd9e3dc5 1 News Yogyakarta,coronavirus,COVID-19,tourism,travel,tourist-attraction,tourist-destination,Borobudur-Temple Free

The Yogyakarta administration will apply new normal health protocols starting in July, including in the tourism industry.

Kadarmanta Baskara Aji, the administration secretary, told tempo.co on Friday that one of the regulations would limit the number of visitors to tourist destinations to 100 people.

Along with tourist destinations, hotels, shopping malls and traditional markets will also have to comply with the protocols. Hotels, for instance, must provide hand sanitizer and handwashing stations. The number of guests per room will also be limited.

For shopping malls and markets, organizers will have to be prepared for large crowds and make sure that visitors wear face masks.

Regarding why the protocols were to be applied in July, Aji said one of the factors was that social assistance funds would end in June. Afterward, the public would be expected to resume their activities and businesses while adhering to health protocols.

Read also: Yogyakarta woman creates 'transparent mask' to help the deaf communicate in time of coronavirus

Yogyakarta tourism agency head Singgih Rahardjo said that for businesses to resume their operations, they would be expected to be fully prepared and would have to follow the development of COVID-19 cases in the city. Also, tourism would only resume if there was a decline in the number of cases in Yogyakarta and a recommendation from the COVID-19 task force in the city.

On Wednesday, it was reported that 20 hotels and restaurants in Yogyakarta were planning to resume operations in early June despite the pandemic.

Deddy Pranowo Eryono, head of the Yogyakarta branch of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), said that the properties were required to prepare the necessary facilities to implement the COVID-19 health protocols.

Popular tourist destinations such as the Borobudur and Prambanan temples in Central Java will also be opened to tourists in June after being closed for the past three months. The temples organizer said that their reopening would comply with COVID-19 protocols, such as requiring visitors to wear face masks and practice physical distancing. To reduce interactions between visitors and staff, the management would use cashless ticketing services. (wng)
Lucknow:

Quami Ekta Dal (QED) MLA Mukhtar Ansari on Tuesday said a merger between his party and the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh for the 2017 Assembly election was "difficult" but did not rule out "forging an alliance" with the latter.

"The QED-SP merger is difficult now, but we can forge an alliance. However, the final decision in this regard will be taken by SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and QED president Afzal Ansari," he told reporters here after meeting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and senior SP leader Shivpal Yadav.

Mukhtar said the meeting, which lasted for over 45 minutes, was to apprise the two of the problems of his constituency.

"There were no talks of any merger," he said, adding that the QED wants to defeat the "communal forces" and the party's poll strategy "will be decided accordingly".

Meanwhile, QED president Afzal Ansari told PTI that he had not received any proposal or indication from the SP for the revival of the merger. "If they invite us, we will think about it," he said.

It may be recalled that on June 21, a merger between the two parties was announced at the SP headquarters in the presence of Shivpal. However, three days later, it was called off by the SP parliamentary board.

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Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat has decided to contribute Rs 6 lakh to the PM CARES fund for COVID-19 over a period of one year with a monthly contribution of Rs 50,000, officials said on Sunday.

Gen Rawat has already started making the contribution from April and will continue it till March next year, they said.

"The monthly contribution is 20 per cent of his total salary. In total, he will donate Rs 6 lakh to the PM-CARES fund," a military official said.

Gen Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff, had donated one day's salary to the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES) in March as part of a collective decision by the Defence Ministry and three services.

In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced setting up of the PM CARES fund to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Political leaders, corporates, defence personnel, employees of Railways and PSUs, and Bollywood personalities were among a cross-section of organisations and people making their contribution to the fund.

Earlier this month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a proposal providing for voluntary monthly contribution of one day's salary for next 11 months to the PM CARES fund for COVID-19 by nearly 1.5 million-strong armed forces and all other employees of the Defence Ministry.

The total estimated contribution would be around Rs 5,500 crore if a majority of the armed forces personnel and the employees of the ministry including from the defence public sector undertakings decide to go for it.

According to an official note, the contribution to the PM CARES fund will start from May and will continue till March 2021.

The defence minister as well as all senior officials of the ministry and three services are making their contributing to the fund.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Struggling National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has availed free transport for the movement of goods and commodities meant to assist in the fight against Covid-19 to every entity demanding the services.

The State-run company's public relations manager, Nyasha Maravanyika confirmed the development to NewZimbabwe.com and said the decision to provide free transport is part of the parastatal's corporate responsibility in the fight against the global pandemic.

"NRZ 's decision to provide free transport in the movement of goods to communities affected by Covid-19 is motivated by our desire and drive to play a critical role in the fight against the pandemic," he said.

We hope this gesture will alleviate the suffering of people from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic."

As part of the initiative, the company Friday transported 30 tonnes of rice donated under the presidential food aid scheme to Bulilima West constituency in Matabeleland South.

"This follows a request from the Member of Parliament for the constituency Dingumuzi Phuthi to assist in the movement of the rice which will be distributed to people affected by the effects of Covid-19 pandemic in the constituency," said Maravanyika.

However, the ruling Zanu PF government has been accused of distributing donated food aid along partisan lines denying those perceived to be members of the opposition access to the donations.

NRZ has so far spent more than ZWL$2 million in the procurement of materials needed to slow the spread of the viral pandemic within the organization's operations and various communities in Dete, Rutenga, Westgate, Chiredzi and Masvingo where it operates in.
Already reeling under the ongoing lockdown, many jute mills in Bengal have suffered structural and material losses during cyclone Amphan that hit Kolkata and surrounding districts on May 20.

Among the worst-hit mills are a few the states oldest ones located in South 24 Parganas and Howrah districts, Raghavendra Gupta, chairman Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA), told HT on Sunday. Set up in 1884, IJMA is the apex business chamber for Indias jute industry.

Bengal is the highest producer of jute in the country. The fresh crisis comes at a time when mills in Bengal were under pressure from other states to produce bags on an emergency basis for transportation of Boro rice and relief materials being supplied to people during lockdown.

Although there is no report of any damage to machinery, structures of the mills and stored raw jute suffered damage. We are yet to calculate the extent of loss but supplies of jute products will be definitely hit. All the 60 operational jute mills in the state had started production (with limited manpower) during the lockdown, said Gupta.

Incidentally, last week IJMA said that during the lockdown the industry suffered a nationwide loss of Rs 1250 crore.

The jute Industry is grappling for survival after being in lockdown for over one and a half months now. Already 1.5 lakh metric tonnes of production of jute goods has been lost estimated to be valued at Rs.1,250 crore. With the cash flows drying up, jute mill companies are finding it extremely difficult to make ends meet, IJMA said in a statement on May 19.

On April 3, the Centre urged the Bengal government to direct jute mills to resume operation in view of shortage in supply of packaging materials. In a letter, the Centre said, Procurement operations of foodgrain, for which availability of packaging material like jute bales are immensely required by major procuring states like Punjab, Harayana, Uttar Pradesh and Madya Pradesh where procurement operations will begin from April and peak season is for only two-three weeks only, the letter said.

On April 5, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to open jute bag manufacturing units in Bengal and ensure transportation of jute bags through special goods trains to his state. Rao told Modi that there was a severe scarcity of bags and Telangana needed 20 crore jute bags to procure paddy.

The Bengal government, however, issued permission to the jute mills to resume operation with limited manpower. Initially, permission was given to deploy only 15 per cent people which was later increased to 50 per cent in phases.

Gupta told HT last week that the future of over three lakhs jute mill workers and 40 lakhs jute farmers hang in balance and if the situation persists it may result in permanent sickness and closure of mills.

Jute industrys loss has been plastic industrys gain. Continuous dilutions under the provisions of the Jute Packaging Act has taken place over the lockdown period. Already about 3 lakh bales of orders for jute bags have been diverted to PP/ HDPE industry. If the lockdown situation continues any longer, further dilutions cannot be ruled out, IJMA said in a recent statement.

The damage done by Amphan is going to hit relief work. This is a new crisis, said a senior state food and supplies department official who did not want to be named. The departments minister Jyotipriyo Mullick could not be contacted despite repeated attempts because of failure in mobile network.

According to IJMA, the carryover of raw jute at the end of the jute crop year 2019-20 is expected to be over 22 lakh bales. With reports of normal sowing this year, across all jute growing areas, the prices of jute fibre has fallen below the Minimum Support Price of Rs. 4,225 per quintal for TDN3 grade, said IJMA in a statement.
After the first case of Covid-19 was detected in Pakistan on February 26, the countrys Catholic Church has been on the alert for the worst-case scenario.

By Robin Gomes

Since the first coronavirus case, the number of infections in Pakistan has been growing. The countrys four provinces began to take action to contain the spread of the virus until a general lockdown was in place.

Pakistan now has a total of more than 50,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with over 1,000 deaths.

Since the lockdown, the poor and vulnerable people have been particularly hit with the loss of jobs and means of livelihood.

Daily-wage earners have found it particularly hard to provide food for their families, apart from basic sanitation and health needs.



Caritas in action amid a worsening situation

Caritas Pakistan, a member of Caritas Internationalis - the global confederation of 165 national Catholic relief and development agencies - is the social and development arm of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops' Conference.

According to Amjad Gulzar, the executive director of Caritas Pakistan, the overall situation in the country has been worsening since the first case was discovered.

Listen to Amjad Gulzar

He told Vatican News that, while the government was taking measures to ensure public health, Caritas was drawing up its own plan of action, sharing updates and situation reports with Caritas Internationalis members.

On March 19, Caritas Pakistan called a meeting of all its diocesan offices and established certain guidelines to ensure the safety of its staff, volunteers and community groups who assist people during the pandemic. For this, they need safety and hygiene kits.

With the situation growing worse, the government declared a nationwide lockdown. The governments of all four provinces followed suit.



Protecting against Covid-19

Gulzar pointed out that the pandemic is an unprecedented emergency that the entire world has been grappling with. Pakistan is no exception.

Social distancing appears to be the most effective measure against this deadly, invisible enemy. Hence restrictions on movement and gathering of people and lockdowns are the emergency path of governments to contain the spread of the virus.

Caritas Pakistan thus began to gather information from the World Health Organization (WHO), the UNs Childrens Fund UNICEF, government public health institutions and others to protect the people and make them aware of the danger of the virus.

They then developed information and education materials which they began distributing to the people through their field officers, the social media and other means.



Lockdown - joblessness, food needs

Gulzar pointed out that the immediate effect of the lockdown was the immense suffering of the people because of the loss of jobs and livelihood.

Daily daily-wage earners have been worst hit. Putting food on the table daily was the immediate need.

Caritas swung into action, providing those affected with relief food packages. A single food package includes 10 kg of flour, 3 litres of cooking oil, 5 kg of rice, 3 kg of lentils and essentials such as chilli powder, salt, tea leaves and sugar.

According to Gulzar, the amount is sufficient to feed a family of 4 to 5 persons for over a month. This way, Caritas has been able to help more than 5,000 families.



Coordination among Church entities

According to Caritas Pakistans executive director, they are working in close collaboration with all the 7 dioceses of the country, through their respective parishes, organizations and institutions.

Gulzar also pointed out that the government has announced many relief and development plans but little has been done to implement them.

But the Catholic Church of Pakistan through Caritas is reaching out to the vulnerable people.

Many religious congregations are also engaged in charity and relief work. Caritas has been coordinating with them for more effective and concerted action of the Catholic Church.

Post-Covid-19 plan against unemployment

The lockdown of over 2 months, Gulzar observed, has brought the economy of the country to a standstill. Its effects will linger long after the economic and commercial activities have resumed.

One of these effects, he said, will be a very high level of unemployment, which will affect entire families and communities.

Caritas recently held a coordination meeting with all the diocesan Caritas heads for a plan of action against unemployment in the post-Covid-19 period.

In this regard, specific programmes will be launched to assist particularly the poor and the most vulnerable in 48 districts in the coming 4 years.

Youth will be provided with specific opportunities, skills and vocational training so that they can be employed or self-sufficient.

Gulzar pointed out that the government offers many schemes and programmes for the economic upliftment of the poor. Caritas will help people to access and benefit from these initiatives.

Caritas will be coordinating with diocesan offices and district authorities to implement certain projects for the social and economic development of people who are hit by the lockdown.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Wyoming rose by 23 on Sunday, along with two more probable cases.

Eleven of the new cases were confirmed in Washakie County, site of an outbreak at a Worland assisted-living center. Three new cases were reported in both Natrona and Albany counties. Two each were reported in Fremont and Johnson counties and one each in Big Horn and Hot Springs counties.

Two new probable cases were reported in Fremont County.

Nineteen new confirmed coronavirus recoveries were also announced. No probable recoveries were reported.

Probable cases are defined by officials as close contacts of lab-confirmed cases with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

A patient is considered fully recovered when there is resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and there is improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath) for 72 hours AND at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared, according to the Wyoming Department of Health.

There are now 838 cases  638 confirmed and 200 probable  and 578 recoveries  429 confirmed and 149  probable as well as 12 deaths.

About two-thirds of confirmed patients have fully recovered, a number that grows to about 69 percent when factoring in probable figures.

Officials caution that the reported numbers are low, even with the addition of probable cases.

On April 2, the Wyoming Department of Health began restricting testing to six priority categories; potential patients who dont fall in one of those categories had to be tested by private laboratories. However, the department announced April 23 that it would be able to resume testing patients outside of those six categories, although priority patients samples remain at the front of the line.

Patients have tested positive for coronavirus in 22 of Wyomings 23 counties. Only Weston County is without confirmed cases. Wyoming has the second lowest recorded number of coronavirus deaths of any state, and its death rate is fourth-lowest to Alaska, Hawaii and Montana, according to the New York Times. The states infection rate is sixth-lowest among states, also according to the Times, which includes probable counts where they exist.

Less than 13 percent of Wyomings cases required a hospital stay. In 17 percent of the cases, health officials dont know if the patient was hospitalized.

The virus has disproportionately affected people of color throughout the United States, a trend that is also reflected in Wyomings data. About 48 percent of confirmed cases in Wyoming are white, 32 percent are American Indian, 12 percent are Hispanic, 0.8 percent are Asian, and 1.3 percent are black. The racial identities of 8.3 percent of confirmed cases in Wyoming are not known, and 3 percent of confirmed cases identified as other races. According to 2019 census estimates, Wyomings population is 83.8 percent white (not Hispanic/Latino), 10.1 percent Hispanic/Latino, 2.7 percent American Indian/Alaska Native, 1.3 percent black, 1.1 percent Asian and 2.2 percent two or more races.

In 50 percent of the cases, the patient came in contact with a known case. In another 11 percent of the cases, the patient had traveled either domestically or internationally. Community spread has been attributed to 19 percent of the cases. In 10 percent of Wyomings cases, health officials dont how the person was exposed to the virus, and 13 percent of cases are pending investigation.



Cases in Wyoming by county (probable in parentheses)

Albany: 17

Big Horn: 3 (1)

Campbell: 17 (13)

Carbon: 9 (7)

Converse: 14 (10)

Crook: 5

Fremont: 218 (30)

Goshen: 4 (1)

Hot Springs: 8 (2)

Johnson: 14 (4)

Laramie: 121 (61)

Lincoln: 11 (4)

Natrona: 57 (14)

Niobrara: 1 (1)

Park: 2

Platte: 1

Sheridan: 12 (4)

Sublette: 1 (2)

Sweetwater: 17 (8)

Teton: 69 (31)

Uinta: 9 (3)

Washakie: 28

(4)Weston

Deaths in Wyoming by county

Carbon: 1

Fremont: 6

Johnson: 1

Laramie: 2

Teton: 1

Washakie: 1

Rate of spread

This graph shows the rate at which confirmed and probable cases in Wyoming have been announced, as well as the number of patients who have fully recovered.

Keep in mind, however, that state and medical officials say the true number of COVID-19 cases is surely higher than the official numbers due to testing limitations.

Testing statistics

The Wyoming Department of Health has published the following data:

As of Sunday, there have been 20,189 tests performed for COVID-19 in Wyoming.

Wyoming Public Health Laboratory: 10,175

Commercial labs: 10,913

CDC: 1

National cases

There have been more than 1.6 million cases nationally, with about 97,000 deaths, according to the New York Times running count.

Know the symptoms

COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, is a respiratory illness. Its symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath. Symptoms appear within two weeks. If you have contact with a person who has COVID-19, you should self-isolate for 14 days.

Follow the Wyoming Health Departments tips

Stay home when sick and avoid contact with other people unless you need medical attention.

Follow advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on what to do if you think you may be sick.

Follow current public health orders.

Follow commonsense steps such as washing your hands often and well, covering your coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting.

Nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other healthcare facilities should closely follow guidelines for infection control and prevention.

Older people and those with health conditions that mean they have a higher chance of getting seriously ill should avoid close-contact situations.
The government today released its plans for keeping pupils safe from coronavirus including using floor dividers to keep children apart and implementing a queuing system for the school run.

From June 1, primary school children in reception, year 1 and year 6 classes are due to return and Boris Johnson tonight insisted that would happen as planned.

But the release of the new guidance for teachers and heads today comes after teaching unions and the Government have been at loggerheads for weeks over the safety of opening schools - and could yet cause more disagreements.

The National Education Union (NEU) is leading opposition to a June 1 return, and some 50 councils are also set to defy the Government's instructions.

The main steps outlined in the guidance for teachers are:

Make sure any surfaces touched by children are cleaned several times a day;

Try to keep small consistent groups of children together throughout the day;

Implement some kind of queuing system for carers when picking up children;

Dividers could help keep groups of children in different parts of the room;

Remove all soft toys or any toys that are hard to clean;

Make sure children and staff with symptoms of Covid-19 do not come in;

Ensure social distancing of groups of children and staff as much as possible;

Make sure hands are washed regularly throughout the day and children are observed doing so;

Ensure children under two years of age have the already required 3.5m space in all directions, reducing to 2.5m for two-year-olds and 2.3m for three to five-year-olds;

Have a good supply of disposable tissues to implement 'catch it, bin it, kill it';

Arrange for children to be collected at the door if possible;

Limit visitors and keep windows open for ventilation;

All planned activities should be risk assessed in light of coronavirus;

Teach hand washing and using tissues through games, songs and repetition;

Institutions should have a policy in place for responding to a case of coronavirus;

Students form a long line to have their temperatures checked before entering class at Jeonmin High School in Daejeon, South Korea last week

These are the main steps set out in the guidance for teachers:

Preparing the premises

The government guidance published today stipulates that the first thing institutions should do is ensure the premises is ready to receive children safely.

The building should be checked if it has been out of use for a long time, and if it has been closed then schools should consider legionnaires checks.

Any activities should be reassessed in light of the coronavirus pandemic and once children have returned 'all frequently touched surfaces, equipment, door handles, and toilets, used during the day, will need to be cleaned thoroughly several times a day.'

Educators will have to consider how best to use the space of their premises 'and how they can be best used to keep small, consistent groups of children together throughout the day, and to keep the groups apart from each other.'

The guidance adds: 'Depending on the size and the layout of individual settings, consider how floor space, rooms and outdoor space can be organised to ensure physical distancing between staff and between groups of children, considering the early years foundation stage age-based space requirements.'

Under preexisting age-based space requirements, children under two years need 3.5 metres squared per child, two-year-olds need 2.5 metres squared per child, and children aged three to five years need 2.3 metres squared per child.

It could be useful to utilise area dividers to keep children in different parts of the room or use floor markings to help staff keep track of different groups.

Area dividers may help to keep groups of children in different parts of the room, and floor markings could be helpful in assisting staff with keeping groups apart. The use of communal spaces in settings should be managed to limit the amount of mixing between groups as much as possible.

The guidance adds: 'Public health advice is to remove all soft toys, and any toys that are hard to clean, such as those with intricate parts. Where practicable, remove soft furnishings, for example pillows, bean bags and rugs.'

This photo, taken in the town of Tourcoing on the border with Belgium, shows boys and girls forced to stay away from each other inside areas marked out with chalk.

Implement measures to reduce risk for staff and children

Schools and other premises where children are going to be learning or looked after should look at how to reduce possible transmission of coronavirus, the guidance says.

The new measures admit that children in early years are unlikely to keep two metres apart but there are a range of protective measures, these are:

Ensure parents are advised to keep children with any symptoms at home; ensure staff who are symptomatic do not attend work; frequent hand cleaning and good respiratory hygiene practices; regular cleaning of settings; minimising contact and mixing.

The guidance says staff should be encouraged to keep group sizes to a maximum of eight children and 'to ensure that there are no more than 16 children in a group in early years settings.'

It is understood that children and staff in early years provision are unlikely to be two metres apart but that children and staff should mix in a 'small consistent group' and that 'small group stays away from other groups.'

The new measures should ensure that:

Physical distancing between groups of children and staff as far as possible; that individual groups use the same area of a setting throughout the day as much as possible; that the sharing of toys and resources is reduced; that any toys or resources that are shared can be easily cleaned between different groups' use

The guidance also states that children should take part in handwashing throughout the day and they should be supervised.

There should also be a number of disposable tissues to 'implement 'catch it, bin it, kill it'.

Enhanced clearing is a core mantra within the government measures and says that all surfaces touched by children, such as doors or doors, are cleaned more regularly than usual.

There should also be a clear policy on bringing toys or items from home and this should only be done if 'absolutely essential'.

The government today released its plans for keeping school children safe from coronavirus including a queuing system for the school run

A rainbow sign in support of the NHS in the window of Beckers Green Primary School in Braintree during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown

Staff will have to implement some kind of queuing system when picking up children, to limit contact with carers.

The guidance suggests that 'for example by limiting drop off and pick up to one parent or carer per family and staggering timings.'

It adds: 'Consider how you can use technology to communicate with parents and carers digitally, for example when providing handover information at the end of the day.'

Schools should also keep windows open as much as possible and limit the amount of visitors.

The guidance states that the vast majority of children and staff will not need PPE and that staff do not have to take the temperatures of children every day.

It adds: 'Ensure that your setting is operationally prepared to implement these measures, and that they are clearly communicated to all staff members. Ensure that supplies of essential products are in place, as well as contingency plans to respond to any shortages in supplies.'

Reviewing staff for availability at work

There should be an audit that takes place on what staff are available to start work on June.

The guidance says that: 'Anyone who is displaying coronavirus symptoms, or has displayed symptoms in the previous 7 days, or lives with someone who has displayed symptoms in the previous 14 days, should not attend work unless they have tested negative for coronavirus.'

A staff member who is clinically vulnerable is also advised not to attend school.

Agree a protocol for responding to a suspected case of coronavirus and ensure setting is prepared

A school's sickness policy should be amended to reflect what to do if you have a case of suspected coronavirus.

The guidance states: 'Anyone who begins to display coronavirus symptoms while in the setting should be sent home immediately and follow government guidelines on what to do if you or someone in your household develops symptoms.

'If a child is waiting to be collected, they should be separated from their group and isolated with one member of staff if this is possible.

A facemask should be worn if a distance of two metres cannot be maintained from a child who is symptomatic and awaiting collection and if contact is necessary, then gloves, an apron and a facemask should be worn.

'If a risk assessment determines there is a risk of splashing to the eyes, for example from coughing or spitting, then eye protection should also be worn.'

Pre-school children are seen in a classroom in The Hague, the Netherlands amid Covid-19 on May 11

Communicate with teachers, carers and parents

The guidance asks schools and childcare services to communicate their plans for reopening with staff, parents and carers - to ensure they are aware of and understand all new measures to reduce the transmission of coronavirus.

It also states schools should build in time for staff to review processes and procedures and to ask questions and raise concerns in advance.

'Ensure that all staff understand that those who have coronavirus symptoms, or who have someone in their household who does, should not attend the setting in any circumstances,' the guidance states.

'Ensure staff understand that if they develop coronavirus symptoms, they are entitled to a test, and are encouraged to organise one in this scenario following government guidance on getting tested.'

Schools have also been asked to consider the instruction and training staff will need on infection control, for example putting on, taking off and disposing of PPE.

Staff must make sure parents and carers understand that if a child has coronavirus symptoms, or if there is someone in their household who does, they should not attend the setting.

Identify the number of children returning to classrooms

The guidance also asks school officials to identify which children are likely to return to classrooms on June 1, working with parents, carers and local authorities.

'Where children are unable to sustain safe social distancing and hygiene measures, and live in a household with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable and has chosen to shield, those children will not be expected to attend an early years setting,' it states. 'Consider how you can support parents and carers to understand the risks.'

Children should attend only one school or childcare setting if possible, it added, to minimise contact between groups of children and staff.

Childminding services were told to consider how they can work with parents and carers to agree how best to manage any necessary journeys, for example pick-ups and drop-offs at schools to reduce the need for a provider to travel with groups.

Education and childcare settings which have higher demand than capacity under social distancing may be required to introduce a temporary cap on numbers of children attending.

Planning school groups to reduce contact between children and staff

Under government guidance, schools are asked to use audits of staff availability and likely demand for places for children to plan groups, ensuring staff to child ratios set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework are adhered to.

'Keeping group sizes to a maximum of eight children is preferable so groups are as small as possible, and providers are expected to ensure that there are no more than 16 children in a group in early years settings,' it states.

'Sessional nurseries that have different cohorts of children at different times of the day may wish to consider having smaller group sizes to limit the number of children staff are in contact with.'

Children are seen in a classroom in Hai'an, China on May 20 amid the coronavirus pandemic

Identify safeguarding, special educational needs and disability (SEND), child wellbeing and welfare requirements

Educators and childcare providers will need to plan how children will be supported to address the specific issues which may have arisen due to coronavirus, the advice added.

'The coronavirus outbreak may have caused significant mental health or wellbeing difficulties for some children,' the document states. 'Be alert to harms that may have been hidden or missed while they have not been attending settings.

'Consider the mental health, pastoral or wider health and wellbeing support children may need, including with bereavement, and how to support them to transition into the setting after a long period of absence.

'Consider how you will involve parents and carers to identify specific support for children and how childrens needs may have changed and to prepare for their return to your setting.'

The guidance added readjustment to routines may be challenging for children with special educational needs and disability, and schools should ensure they have the staff needed to support these students at safe ratios.

Planning what children should learn and how to adapt the EYFS curriculum

Teachers and childcare providers should prioritise helping children adapt to these new routines and supporting them as they settle back into the setting, especially where there have been staffing changes.

The guidance said continuing to support early language and communication skills is essential, and children who have had limited opportunities for exercise should be encouraged to 'exert themselves physically.'

'Settings should use reasonable endeavours to deliver the EYFS learning and development requirements as far as possible in the current circumstances, as set out in guidance on the temporary changes to the EYFS requirements in light of coronavirus,' the guidance added.

'This means continuing to provide an environment that invites learning across all 7 areas as far as is practicable during this time. Consider how stories, singing and games can be used to help children to socialise and resettle into familiar everyday routines.'

Teachers are asked to consider how to encourage children to learn and practise habits such as regular handwashing and using tissues, including through games, songs and repetition.

The guidance added educators should consider new approaches which will need to be taken to minimise the sharing of resources between groups, for example painting, sticking, cutting and outdoor construction activities.

These should be thoroughly cleaned before and after use by different groups, and tools such as Play-Doh should not be shared between groups.

Sand pits should not be used at this time but outdoor spaces can be used as much as possible where available, the guidance states.
By Bruno Kelly TRES UNIDOS, BRAZIL (Reuters) - Tres Unidos, an indigenous village in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, locked out all visitors, hoping that isolation would keep it safe. And yet the new coronavirus still came.

By Bruno Kelly

TRES UNIDOS, BRAZIL (Reuters) - Tres Unidos, an indigenous village in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, locked out all visitors, hoping that isolation would keep it safe. And yet the new coronavirus still came.

It arrived, most likely up the Rio Negro, the giant snaking river that connects Tres Unidos with the Amazon's largest city, Manaus - five hours away by boat.

The rivers, the lifeblood of these remote communities, are now also bringing disease. The dots of confirmed coronavirus deaths on a map published by Brazil's government follow the rivers in these remote parts.

Waldemir da Silva, the village chief better known here as Tuxuau Kambeba, said the virus came quietly, as if carried on the wind.

"The virus is treacherous," he said, wearing a white face mask and a wooden headdress.

"We started getting ill and thought it was a bad cold, but people got worse. Thank God the children did not get it," the 61-year-old told Reuters.

The drama of the 35 families of the Kambeba tribe is repeated in indigenous communities across the Amazon, as the epidemic moves upriver from Manaus, one of the hardest hit cities in Brazil, where hospital have run out of intensive care units and cemeteries are using collective graves to bury the dead.

FEAR OF INFECTION

With the virus comes fear. For the inability to know who has the virus. For the poor quality healthcare. For the future of indigenous people.

A non-profit conservationist group, Fundacao Amazonas Sustentavel, based in Manaus, is trying to help.

It has donated test kits and the state government delivered 80 on Thursday to the Kambeba village.

Three people resulted positive when they were tested by the community's nurse technician, Neurilene Kambeba, adding to 13 previous confirmed cases in the village of 106 people.

"We feared the whole village was infected because many people had symptoms and we had no way of knowing," she said.

"We are fighting for that virus to disappear and no one dies, because Manaus is very far away and we might not get there in time to save a critical patient."

The Kambeba, who originated in the upper reaches of the Amazon in the forests of Peru, are known for their mastery of archery. Two men from the village have won medals competing in Brazil's national team.

The community is treating the sick with hot drinks of traditional herbs prescribed by the elder indigenous woman to cure ills, such as garlic and lemon for coughs, or mangarataia, the word for ginger in their language.

Virgilio Viana, head of the Fundacao Amazonia Sustentavel, said the villages nearest to Manaus were most vulnerable to infection by the coronavirus.

Brazil is far behind other countries in testing for the virus and the situation is even more challenging in the Amazon, he said. The government has said it had difficulties buying tests abroad but has now stepped up testing as it plans to open up the economy, despite surging deaths from COVID-19.

"The rapid tests are very important to be able to diagnose COVID-19 cases so that medical protocols of social distancing can then be followed to avoid contagion," Viana said.

(Corrects non-profit's name to Amazonas, paragraph 9)

(Reporting by Bruno Kelly; Writing by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
OTTAWAIndigenous health authorities that service Western Canadian First Nations say they are experiencing problems accessing enough medical and protective equipment needed to protect their citizens from COVID-19.

Senior representatives from regional First Nations health authorities in Saskatchewan and British Columbia told a Commons committee Friday they need more personal protective equipment.

We have delays in accessing PPE, said Tara Campbell, executive director of the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority in Saskatchewan.

On-reserve populations PPE in Saskatchewan are distributed by the province and unfulfilled requests are then forwarded to the national emergency stockpile.

She also said medical supplies such as thermometers and testing supplies are not readily available and that nursing capacity remains a critical issue.

Campbell noted the key role that testing played in addressing an outbreak in the northern Saskatchewan community of La Loche earlier this month, where extensive door-to-door and mobile testing was done to identify and stop the spread of the virus.

By being able to test and get results sooner, we were able to isolate individuals to make sure that transmission was minimal, she said.

We arent able to do this in every community because testing supplies are limited.

Chief Charlene Belleau, chair of the First Nations Health Council of B.C., said access to PPE has also been a concern for First Nations across her province.

We also recognize the limitations across the country, but we are constantly advocating for PPE not only for our health-care providers but also for our people that are providing security on the lines or at band offices, she told the committee.

The federal government has said it has been delivering large amounts of protective equipment to Indigenous communities to ensure they are able to protect their citizens and front-line workers against the novel coronavirus.

On Friday, Indigenous Services Canada tweeted that as of May 22, it had shipped 845 orders of PPE to First Nations communities and had one order in progress.

But Conservative MP Bob Zimmer, who is the partys Northern affairs critic, says the accounts coming from First Nations chiefs and advocates at committee over the last few weeks indicate more of these critical supplies are needed in many Indigenous communities.

Its a federal responsibility to provide PPE to the Indigenous communities and it was supposed to be established that way. Were hearing of shortages across the board, across Canada, Zimmer said Friday.

Richard Jock, interim chief executive officer of British Columbias First Nations Health Authority, said his agency has developed a system to distribute PPE to its communities and regions to ensure there is a few weeks supply to try to prevent critical shortages.

But supplies are low.

I would not want to say that theres a stockpile or an accumulated surplus, he said.

Bellau also noted a rising dispute in B.C. about what level of government  federal, provincial or Indigenous  should pay the increased costs being incurred by First Nations that have hired security personnel to block or limit access to their communities to prevent outbreaks COVID-19.

(Indigenous Services Canada) cannot rely on First Nations utilizing our own resource revenue as a means of protecting our communities, she said.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam attends the opening session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 22, 2020.

The U.S. government will likely impose sanctions on China if Beijing implements national security law that would give it greater control over autonomous Hong Kong, White House National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said Sunday.



The draft legislation represents a takeover of Hong Kong, O'Brien said, and as a consequence U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would likely be unable to certify that the city maintains a "high degree" of autonomy. This would result in the imposition of sanctions against China under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, O'Brien said.



Pompeo has already called the proposal a "death knell" for Hong Kong's autonomy. O'Brien warned that Hong Kong could lose its status as a major hub for global finance.

"It's hard to see how Hong Kong could remain the Asian financial center that it's become if China takes over," O'Brien told NBC's Chuck Todd on "Meet the Press." He said financial services initially came to Hong Kong because of the rule of law that protected free enterprise and a capitalist system.

"If all those things go away, I'm not sure how the financial community can stay there. ...They're not going to stay in Hong Kong to be dominated by the People's Republic of China, the communist party."



The legislation was announced during the annual session of China's parliament, the National People's Congress. The session had been delayed for months during the coronavirus pandemic. Hong Kong faced months of at times violent anti-government protests before the pandemic effectively shut China down.

Hong Kong has been governed under the "one country, two systems" principle since the former British colony was returned to Chinese rule in 1997. The system gives Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and a greater degree of freedom for the special administrative region than the rest of China.

A draft decision on "establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms" for Hong Kong was submitted to China's parliament Friday, according to state news agency Xinhua. A document explaining the decision said the one-country two systems principle "has achieved unprecedented success in Hong Kong," but the "increasingly notable national security risks" in the city "have become a prominent problem," according to Xinhua.

The document says activities "have seriously challenged the bottom line of the 'one country, two systems' principle, harmed the rule of law, and threatened national sovereignty, security and development interests," according to Xinhua.

The move from China has incited strong opposition from pro-democracy activists and politicians. Thousands of protesters demonstrated for the first time since the introduction of the national security law on Sunday. Hong Kong police fired tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowd.

Nearly 200 political figures from the U.K., Europe, Australia, North America and Asia condemned the law in a joint statement.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  So now we know, without a doubt, that the Russia collusion narrative was a hoax from the start.

President Donald Trump was right about that.

And were not learning this from anonymous leaks to the media. We can read it for ourselves, as one Obama administration official after another, in transcripts of sworn testimony before the House Intelligence Committee, told lawmakers that they saw no evidence that Trump or any member of his campaign colluded with the Kremlin to steal the election from Hillary Clinton.

It was the one time that these people actually told the truth, even if some of them continued to make the rounds of anti-Trump cable programs, talking about how the president was a Russian asset.

The investigations continued even though there was nothing to investigate. And the prosecutions of those in the Trump orbit, including Michael Flynn, went forward.

We had the Robert Mueller investigation, and the empty report that came out of it. The report gave Democrats nothing actionable against the president on collusion because there was nothing actionable there in the first place. We then had an impeachment proceeding that grew out of the whole lie.

Weve known for a while that the Trump campaign was illegally spied on by members of the countrys intelligence apparatus loyal to former President Barack Obama.

We know that resistance Democrats relied on a document, the infamous Steele dossier, which they knew to be a tissue of fabrications, bought largely with Clinton campaign money, in order to obtain FISA warrants to eavesdrop on American citizens.

Trump was right about that too, by the way.

And when the Obama forces couldnt beat Trump at the ballot box, they sought to remove him from office, lest he make their snooping public. The fake FBI investigation of Flynn, which has finally crumbled, was just part of that effort.

Was it coincidence that shortly after the damning House testimony was released, Obama suddenly decided to chirp up about how lousy he thought Trumps response to the coronavirus pandemic had been?

Strange behavior for an ex-president who has tried so hard to stay above the fray, who hasnt wanted to sully himself with dirty politics, who has wanted to preserve that hard-earned reputation for class and grace.

It looks like things are hitting a little too close to home for Obama, whose administration made spying an art.

They seized the home and work phone records of 20 Associated Press reporters in order to find out whod leaked info about a foiled Al Qaida terrorist plot.

Obamas Justice Department hounded Fox News reporter James Rosen, including raiding his personal emails, tracking his movements and naming him as a possible criminal co-conspirator, while investigating another news leak.

Under Obama, the National Security Agency without warrants collected mountains of data on Americans and foreign citizens. The NSA spied on German Prime Minister Angela Merkel, and also eavesdropped on German media outlet Der Spiegel.

Richard Nixons infamous Plumbers never worked so hard. So its hardly surprising to learn that the Obama forces also spied on Trump, who threatened to undo every sacred Obama policy. It was standard operating procedure for them.

So what did Obama know about all the shady operations against Trump, and when did he know it? What did Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, know?

Its one of the greatest scandals in American history. Not that its getting covered that way by the media. The resistance press will happily accept Pulitzers for the collusion lie, but wont dare tread on Obamas hallowed legacy. Theyve gotten expert at looking the other way.

And that scandal is almost worse. Democracy does indeed die in darkness.
The SIS said the correspondent exhibited 'professional misconduct, disinformation and misinformation in his recent reports on Egypt'

Related State of emergency extended

Egypts State Information Service (SIS) says it has sent a warning to the editor-in-chief of The Washington Post newspaper over professional misconduct and disinformation displayed in a recent report on Egypt.

The SIS, which is responsible for regulating the affairs of foreign press and media correspondents in Egypt, also said in a press release on Saturday that it has alerted the Cairo bureau chief of The New York Times over numerous professional violations in some of his recent reports.

Chairman of the SIS Diaa Rashwan met with Cairo Bureau Chief for The Washington Post Sudarsan Raghavan late on Saturday. Rashwan briefed Raghavan on the professional misconduct, disinformation and misinformation contained in his recent reports on Egypt, the SIS said in its statement.

Rashwan handed Raghavan a copy of the letter sent to the editor-in-chief of The Washington Post detailing the journalistic violations by its Cairo-based reporter, who was issued a warning that in the event that such professional violations . . . appropriate measures permitted by both the law in Egypt and the rules of many countries worldwide shall be taken against him.

In the letter to the editor-in-chief, the SIS specifically referred to a report published in The Washington Post on 10 May 2020 titled As coronavirus spreads in Egypt, Sissi sees opportunity to tighten his grip.

The letter detailed what the SIS described as professional violations in the report.

The SIS said that the report anonymously quoted human rights activists, and directed very serious accusations to the Egyptian government, describing it as a military-backed government.

The SIS argued that this rhetoric is at odds with the reality of Egypts established civilian state with all its legitimate institutions, governed by a constitution approved by the people in a referendum.

The SIS also said in the letter that contrary to what was mentioned in the report, the amendments to the emergency law were due to the country's need to take extraordinary measures to counter the spread of the coronavirus, and not to grant the country's security institutions additional powers.

The letter stressed that the amendments  which expand powers to ban or limit public and private gatherings, to shut down schools, and to restrict people from owning, transporting, selling, buying or exporting any goods or services, as well as control their prices  are essential for any country in order to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The SIS denied the correspondents claim that the government did not respond to a request for comment, saying that it had not received any communication from the correspondent in this regard.

It also stressed that unlike what was mentioned in the report, the banning of prison visits was not to silence political prisoners, but rather to protect the prisoners themselves from the pandemic.

The SIS said that based on such professional misconduct, it warned Raghavan of the need to adhere to the proper professional standards when practicing his journalistic work in Egypt.

The SIS added in its statement that its chairman Rashwan also met with Cairo bureau chief for The New York Times Declan Walsh, and alerted him on numerous professional violations in some of his recent reports.

The SIS underscored that it had previously issued a warning to the US newspapers bureau chief last month.

Bellow is the full text of the SIS letter:

Dear Mr. Martin Baron

Editor-in-Chief, The Washington Post

The State Information Service (SIS) conveys its highest regards to you and your esteemed newspaper and wishes to notify you of the following:

Based on our appreciation of the Washington Post, and its known adherence to professional rules in journalism, we wish to inform you that the newspapers Cairo Bureau Chief Mr. Sudarsan Raghavan has often encroached on the rules of the press profession, which are recognized throughout the world and are endorsed by your esteemed newspaper.

The latest example of such encroachment is the report by Mr. Raghavan titled As coronavirus spreads in Egypt, Sissi sees opportunity to tighten his grip, which was published in The Washington Post on 10/5/2020 and contained numerous professional violations as follows:

- The report attributed to what it calls human rights activists, an anonymous source, very serious accusations to the Egyptian government, describing it as a military-backed government. Such words are mere rhetoric and are at odds with the reality of Egypts established civil State with all its legitimate institutions, governed by a constitution approved by the people in a referendum. Officials of State institutions (the Presidency and Parliament) came into power through free elections monitored by hundreds of reporters from around the world, including the correspondent of your esteemed newspaper.

- At the same time, your correspondent in the aforementioned report accused officials in Egypt of exploiting amendments to the emergency law to grant the country's security institutions additional powers. It is a false accusation as the amendments to the emergency law were necessitated by the country's need to take extraordinary measures to counter the spread of the "Coronavirus". These are appropriate measures, considerably mitigated than those that all the nations of the world, including the United States itself, have had to take.

- The correspondent based his report on a highly politicized statement by Human Rights Watch, which was rejected by Egypt. Besides, what your reporter has said about giving the State's official authorities the powers to ban or limit public and private gatherings, to shut down schools, and to restrict people from owning, transporting, selling, buying or exporting any goods or services, as well as control their prices are necessary measures taken by all the countries of the world in the face of the pandemic.

- Your correspondent, who resorted to mere platitude by what he labeled activists and a tendentious statement by HRW, lives in Cairo and could have followed the rules of journalistic work by resorting to the relevant sources and taking their views into account when publishing the report, as well as following up on the reality in the Egyptian street, where citizens roam in much greater freedom than other countries despite the spread of the pandemic; a matter reflecting that the intervention of all official authorities in the lives of individuals is at a lower level than any measures in other countries.

- The correspondent claimed that the government did not respond to a request for comment. Unfortunately, the State Information Service has not received any communication from the correspondent in this regard. In fact, the correspondent consistently has not contacted SIS to communicate with stakeholders in Egypt for most of his reports abundant in allegations and fallacies.

- Your correspondent made false claims that the Egyptian people's revolution in 2013 to get rid of religious fascism was a military coup, While ignoring the armed terrorism that our country has been subjected to so far by these terrorist groups invoking the Islamic religion, and claiming that terrorists who are being fairly tried in public for their crimes are political opponents.

- Your correspondent ignored all the rules of the journalism profession when he turned to a researcher at the Washington-based Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, and an unknown researcher said to be from Amnesty International. It would have been prudent for him to witness firsthand the situation on the ground, rather than propagating their baseless claims and ignoring the views of the concerned parties on these allegations, thus violating press rules requiring that the views of all parties be taken on an equal footing.

- In his report, your correspondent criticizes the temporary suspension of prison visits and sees it as a way to silence political prisoners, while it is a measure to protect the prisoners themselves from the pandemic. Prison visits have been replaced by other means of communication between prisoners and their relatives. Present-day realities confirm that this measure has so far helped to protect the lives of prisoners.

- This biased, unprofessional and subjective report is a continuation of the excesses of your correspondent in Cairo, based in its entirety on raising the most serious accusations against the State institutions in Egypt, resorting to the same type of sources, either anonymous sources labelled as "activists", or researchers, harboring well-known negative stances against Egypt, who do not reside in it and even have not entered it for years.

- The presence of the reporter in Cairo and granting him accreditation as a foreign correspondent means, under journalistic customs worldwide, that the correspondent has to apprise himself of the reality and to communicate with all parties, not to poll the opinions of everyone who has antagonism with the Egyptian State around the world.

In light of all the above, we wish to inform you that the State Information Service has met with Mr. Sudarsan Raghavan and warned him of the need to adhere to the proper professional standards when practicing his journalistic work in Egypt, in accordance with his accreditation as a foreign correspondent. Otherwise, we will have to take measures, permitted by law in Egypt and the guidelines regulating the work of accredited foreign correspondents, and which are applied not only in Egypt, but also globally.

In conclusion, we wish to express to you our sincere appreciation to the esteemed "The Washington Post" newspaper, which undoubtedly would not tolerate such professional violations by its Cairo bureau chief, which are inconsistent with the newspapers status and credibility.

Sincerely,

Diaa Rashwan

Chairman, State Information Service

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The city Department of Veterans Services (DVS) has introduced a new project, called VetCheck, which will make supportive check-in calls to the veterans across the city during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The new project, which is a partnership with the Mayors Office of ThriveNYC, is designed to offer New York Citys veterans support and a connection to the veteran community during the pandemic. Its also intended to provide immediate information about essential public services, including free meals, COVID-19 test site locations, and mental health resources.

The city is home to more than 200,000 veterans.

The initiative will collaborate with veteran-serving organizations, such as the United War Veterans Council, The Mission Continues, Catholic War Veterans, Travis Manion Foundation, and various American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars posts.

Lieutenant Colonel James Henden, the commissioner of the New York Department of Veterans Services described the sacrifice veterans and those close to them face daily.

Veterans and those close to them are dedicated to a life of duty and serving others, said Henden. Mission: VetCheck allows them to continue their service by volunteering to help reduce the social isolation that is being felt by fellow service members -- past and present -- in addition to their families. This helps to meet veteran community members core needs during these tough times.

New York Citys veterans deserve every resource our city has to offer, particularly during this isolating and difficult time," said Susan Herman, director of the Mayors Office of ThriveNYC. ThriveNYC is proud to support Mission: VetCheck, which mobilizes the power of volunteers and the energy of the veteran community to connect veterans to one another and to vital public resources.

VetCheck will train volunteers from the citys veteran community to make compassionate check-in calls to other veterans.

Volunteers will be offered supplemental training resources through PsychArmor, an organization that provides military-specific training.

Veterans who are interested in helping their fellow veterans by making check-in calls can sign up to volunteer at Mission: VetCheck

Veterans who are seeking a check-in or know a veteran who would benefit from a call can also visit Mission: VetCheck

Veterans can also be referred to the DVS for additional resources and support such as housing, benefits, or healthcare needs.
You might have watched the film Ratatouille, in which a rat named Remy aspires to become a culinary expert at a restaurant in Paris. Well, seems like he is not the only rat who had some creative skills. Another rat artist has earned overnight fame for his painting skills. Gus, the famous rat from Manchester, has drawn a number of abstract arts and sold them to raise money.

According to The Sun, Gus artistic skills were first noticed by its owner Jess Indseth, who saw a different side of the rodent when it was left to play with her art and craft set. The 19-year-old owner decided to bring in some non-toxic childrens paints, just to help her pet nurture its skills further.

Gus drew paintings on mini canvases using his paws, and the results left everyone surprised. Jess has sold her artwork to Etsy, for around 20 (approx. Rs 1800) a pop. She ended up receiving multiple orders from around the globe.

Talking to the news outlet, Jeff, who is a professional swimming instructor, said, I love his artwork and lots of people across the world too. I was shocked to find there was a market for rat paintings  but its amazing.

Gus is Jeffs fourth rodent, which she bought from a breeder in 2018. She also has Boo, Dot and Eve, however, Gus seems to the calmest of all.

Jeff has sold around 60 painting so far, earning a profit of around 1200 (approx. Rs 1.10 lakhs). Gus is the most artistic. Hes a star, Jeff added about her little pet.
In some cases, Burns recalled, he would ask the secretary to step outside so that a family member can enter. When gatherings were limited to 10 people, Burns said families had to decide who can come in and funeral directors had to monitor how many people were in the room.
Oregon is less than halfway through Memorial Day weekend, and already mountain rescue crews have been dispatched twice to bring down climbers stranded on Mount Hood.

The latest climber rescued was Dani Rudinsky, 23, of Colorado, who became stranded after she injured her ankle in a small avalanche, according to the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office.

Avalanche danger is high, given recent heavy snowfall and warm weather. Gov. Kate Brown and other officials have also asked people to stick close to home as they look for opportunities to get outside over the holiday weekend.

Early Saturday afternoon, mountain rescue crews were just wrapping up their operation to save a climber who became lost on the mountain amid whiteout conditions Friday. Nikolas David Larson, 31, of Sunriver, had hypothermia by the time rescuers brought him down on Saturday.

Climber Dani Rudinsky took this photo of her position below the Reid Saddle, where she was stranded after injuring her ankle in a small avalanche.

Around 12:30 p.m. Saturday, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office got a call from Rudinskys climbing partner, who reported that Rudinsky injured her ankle. The two were on the west side of Mount Hood near Yocum Ridge, below the Reid Headwall. They used a satellite-based communication device to send a distress call and communicate with rescuers, according to the sheriffs office.

Rudinskys rescue required significant resources: three teams, with a total of 26 people. This coming on the heels of the last rescue mission made the rescue even more difficult," the sheriffs office said in a press release.

The first team, composed of AMR Reach and Treat and Portland Mountain Rescue members made sure Rudinsky was stable and loaded her into a stretcher, according to the sheriffs office. Two more teams arrived, with people from Hood River Crag Rats and Portland Mountain Rescue. They set up a rope line to pull Rudinsky up to the south side of Illumination Saddle, an elevation of 9,200 feet, then skied down with her to Timberline Lodge.

Mountain Wave Search and Rescue, Clackamas County Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue, and search and rescue coordinators from the Hood River County Sheriffs Office also helped.

By the time rescue crews reached the lodge at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, teams had been working on the mountain for nearly 23 hours straight to begin the Memorial Day Weekend, the sheriffs office noted. Rescuers left it to Rudinsky to determine whether to seek medical treatment.

-- Hillary Borrud: hborrud@oregonian.com; @hborrud

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
A Limerick teenager is due to appear in court tomorrow following a collision between a garda patrol car and a hot-wired motorcycle.

Gardai said two male youths, aged 17 and 16, were arrested in the early hours of Saturday morning in connection with the incident.

Two youths who fled the scene on foot were arrested by gardai.

A Garda spokesman said: Two male youths were arrested by gardai after a motorcycle they were travelling on collided with a Garda patrol car. The collision occurred at Charlottes Quay shortly after 3am, Saturday 23 May 2020.

The two youths fled the scene on foot and were apprehended by gardai a short distance away.

Gardai had been responding to reports of a motorcycle being stolen from Gratton Court when the incident occurred.

Its understood the ignition of the motorcycle had been hot-wired.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Gardai said two youths were detained at Henry Street Garda Station for questioning and inquiries are ongoing.

The younger of the two arrested males was released from custody pending a file being sent to the DPP.

The second youth is still in custody and will be brought before Limerick District Court first sitting Monday 25th 2020.
They returned back to Los Angeles this week after spending the past month in Canada amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

And Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber took advantage of the Californian sun on Saturday, soaking up the rays with a day by the pool.

The 23-year-old model took to social media to showcase a sizzling photo of herself wearing a two piece bikini.

Stunner: Hailey Bieber took to social media to showcase a sizzling photo of herself wearing a two piece bikini on Saturday

Hailey rocked a red triangular bikini top that drew attention to her ample cleavage and incredibly toned physique.

She teamed the look with a skimpy black bottom and accessorised with her signature hooped earrings.

The daughter of Stephen Baldwin added a rose colored bucket hat to her look, explaining on social media that she was wearing it to conserve her natural collagen supplies.

Gorgeous: The model teamed the look with a skimpy black bottom and accessorised with her signature hooped earrings

Educating her fans: The daughter of Stephen Baldwin explained on social media that she was wearing a hat to conserve her natural collagen supplies

'I never used to wear a hat in the sun but since learning we use 1% of our collagen a year after the age of 23 suddenly, I low hats??' she explained.

Justin also took to social media to share a video of his wife swimming in the pool.

'Wifey,' he captioned the clip adding the two side eye emoji.

Justin and Hailey returned home to Los Angeles earlier in the week after spending much of the lockdown with his family in Canada.

Happy husband: Justin couldn't help but froth over his wife on social media

The pair have been close to inseparable ever since they rekindled their love in the summer of 2018.

Before then, Justin and Hailey had briefly dated in 2015 but split after a few months.

Earlier on Friday, the beauty revealed that she had snuck out of the house to go on her first date with Justin, behind her parents' backs.

'The story behind that actually is that he asked me to go out for sushi with him, and I called my parents to ask them if I could go, and they said no,' Hailey said on Facebook Live on Friday.

Young love: Justin and Hailey first began dating back in 2015 (pictured October 2015)

'They were like, "absolutely not, you are not going to dinner with Justin by yourself. It's not happening."'

'Cause I still lived at home at the time, and my older sister kind of covered for me and was like, "Oh yeah she's gonna sleep over at my apartment, and all good," and she covered for me... We didn't get caught,' she said.

The couple's date took place in New York, where they went to the movies and got dinner together.

'The first time we kissed, we were in New York, and we had gone to dinner together, and we were just hanging, and we went back to watch a movie, and we kissed,' she reflected.
Hong Kong, May 24 : Hong Kong police fired multiple rounds of tear gas on Sunday as hundreds of people took to the streets to protest China's planned national security law for the city, denouncing the proposed legislation as a threat to civil liberties and the end of the "one country, two systems" principle.

Earlier in the day, the police urged citizens on its Facebook page not to take part in any unauthorised assemblies, saying it had mobilised enough officers to take decisive action and make arrests, reports the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Sunday's protest took place two days after a resolution to "prevent, frustrate and punish" threats to national security in Hong Kong was presented to China's legislature, the National People's Congress.

The draft legislation would outlaw acts of secession, subversion and terrorism.

The resolution is expected to be passed on May 28, authorising the NPC Standing Committee to craft a tailor-made national security law and impose it on Hong Kong, bypassing the city's legislature.

The new law would require the Hong Kong government to set up new institutions to safeguard sovereignty and allow mainland agencies to operate in the city as needed, sparking concerns about mainland agents making arbitrary arrests.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam welcomed the law, while assuring residents and investors that the law would protect, rather than hurt, their rights, said the SCMP report.

She maintained that it would not undermine the governing principle of "one country, two systems" for Hong Kong, its high degree of autonomy or the cherished principle of "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong".

Hong Kong's opposition politicians have said the plan to introduce the law by fiat is tantamount to adopting a "one country, one system" model in the city, abandoning the "one country, two systems" principle that guarantees the city a high degree of autonomy.

Sunday's demonstration was also called to protest a national anthem bill that would criminalise abuse of the Chinese national anthem in Hong Kong.

The bill, which city leader Carrie Lam has called a top priority, provides for jail terms of up to three years.

The Legislative Council will debate the bill on Wednesday.
Months before World War II in the Pacific came to its abrupt conclusion, one of the great and largely unacknowledged heroes of Texas appeared suddenly off the island of Guam. The heroes who most deserve honor are often the ones who do not seek it out, whose actions spoke more than their words.

Decked out in his tropical whites on May 26, 1945, Fleet Adm. Chester A. Nimitz, commander of all allied naval forces closing in on Japan, stood on the deck of the British battleship H.M.S. George V which stopped in Guam after bombarding the Ryukyu Islands. In a few clipped sentences, Nimitz praised the British task force as efficient and valuable.

Seemingly modest, those words are high praise in the military. That tiny moment in the torrent of history and Nimitz are worth recalling now.

World War II ended 75 years ago this year. With Memorial Day, we reflect on the fallen. We also cannot help but reflect on the great leaders of that time. Certainly imperfect, Nimitz was renowned for a few qualities: He was taciturn, diligent and experienced, which led to his fourth  the ability to take informed, decisive risks. Last, he was humbly empathetic to his sailors.

Why does this matter now? Our wartime president whose declared enemy is a virus is transfixed by his own reflection and casually flings about the term warrior on seemingly anybody serving his political narrative, including regular Americans charging ahead to reopen the country amid a global pandemic. A slew of governors, including that of Texas, have followed. Yet if you looked up in the sky, Americans, at any time over these past months of the pandemic, you would see our flag flying at full mast, despite more than 90,000 dead. That lack of empathy for our fellow Americans was only redressed on Thursday, when the president, responding to a written request by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other congressional leaders, ordered the flags flown at half mast at last.

Nimitz, one of this nations greatest naval commanders, was born Feb. 24, 1885 in the unlikeliest of places: landlocked Fredericksburg, Texas, some 200 miles from the sea. The only other arrival of note in Fredericksburg that year would be the new, limestone-block jail. As a boy, Nimitz was a smart student, worked at his familys hotel, now the National Museum of the Pacific War, and wanted to be an officer  in the U.S. Army, according to his modern biographers. He had glimpsed a few in town one day and West Point became his desire.

But when appointment time came, his congressman informed him that the West Point slots were full. Nimitz could apply for another service academy: the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. Recalling the seafaring stories an immigrant paternal grandfather had told him as a boy, Nimitz jumped at the chance. Accepted, he skipped graduating high school to enroll on the verdant campus on the banks of the South River, majestic Chesapeake Bay just around the point.

He graduated seventh in his class in 1905, the same year the U.S. Army was finally putting down the last of the insurrections in U.S.-held Philippines. His first junior officer appointments were typical but filled with the romance of Asia and the broad swells of the Pacific; his first command nearly ended in disaster when he grounded the gunboat U.S.S. Panay on a shoal in the Philippines. His subsequent court martial found that faulty charts were to blame. Skippering several submarines in the Atlantic, he was ordered to shore duty in 1913, just four years before America would enter World War I.

The middle of Nimitzs career seems decidedly unglamorous. The career of a great naval officer is punctuated with stints steering desks, heads full of engineering problems and mastering the vast bureaucracy down to the details of personnel. Boring old competence counts. Besides, Nimitz had a head for math.

So, he headed to Groton, Conn., to build diesel engines. Then he vanished into the Navy bureaucracy, a staff officer during World War I who didnt see combat in that war, graduate school and building the Navy ROTC. A couple of California fleet commands under his belt later, the Bureau of Navigation in Washington beckoned. Yet quiet diligence paid: he had his star as a rear admiral. After Pearl Harbor was attacked, Nimitz headed to Hawaii as the new commander-in-chief of Pacific naval forces.

Married with a family, Nimitz was different than many of his fellow flag officers, some imperious with ambitions of empire, like George S. Patton in Europe or Douglas MacArthur in the Pacific. He honestly felt bad replacing the previous commander, humiliated and dismissed in the wake of Japans devastating surprise attack. Upon assuming command, he refused to fire his predecessors staff. He shared his quarters with two other officers.

In his private moments he could not throw off the depression that had burdened him since his arrival, E.B. Potter wrote in his seminal 1976 biography, Nimitz. He was disappointed that he could do so little to turn the tide of war, and he suspected that he had disappointed his sponsors.

I will be lucky to last six months, Nimitz wrote to his wife, Catherine, back in Washington in 1942. He needed to stop the relentless Japanese advances of 1941 while buying time to get more ships, planes and men into the fight.

God grant me the courage to not give up what is right, he said, even though I think the situation is hopeless.

The Battle of the Coral Sea in the spring of 1942 stopped the Japanese invasion of New Guinea, which would have possibly led to the Allies loss of Australia. The Battle of Midway was a risk, certainly, but Nimitz had foreknowledge: intelligence showed the Japanese would invade. He caught them off guard, and his force sent four Japanese carriers to the bottom; Nimitz altered the balance of power in the Pacific. Nimitz got the fleet he needed in 1943 to press the Japanese back, and so he did through 1944 from the Marshall Islands.

That opened the door to the Battle of the Philippine Sea where Japanese Adm. Soemu Toyoda said: The fate of the empire rests on this one battle. Toyoda lost the battle long with two carriers and 400 aircraft in all. His prediction was right. Saipan and Guam followed, and then Tinian, where atomic-laden bombers launched for Japan the next year.

In what is widely hailed as among the greatest naval battles ever fought, the Battle of Leyte Gulf from Oct. 23-26, 1944, involving 200,000 men, Nimitz not only stopped Operation Sho-Go, a last-ditch effort to stop the Allied landings on the Philippines  he destroyed the entire offensive threat of Japans Imperial Navy.

Yet throughout the war, Nimitz had pined over the possibility of defeat. He took his .45 pistol to the range regularly for practice; and dwelled quietly on his fears, trying to still and concentrate an anxious mind.

Whether it was with his staff at Pearl Harbor or visiting the fleet, he liked to barbecue Texas-style for his sailors, have them play horseshoes, knock back a beer and tell ridiculously corny jokes.

In my opinion, we were blessed and lucky to have had such a man as this, said retired general Michael Hagee, former commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps and CEO of the foundation that operates the National Museum of the Pacific War with the Texas Historical Commission. He frequently said, I did not win the war. He did not seek recognition.

He was an intense person, said Hagee, who grew up in Fredericksburg before his own illustrious military career. But he had empathy for people.

Washington created a new rank for him: fleet admiral, the highest rank in the Navy yet. At Japans surrender in Tokyo Harbor, in 1945, he bit his tongue to play second fiddle to the swollen pride of MacArthur. After retiring, he refused to authorize a memorial to himself in 1962, Hagee said. His character was whittled down to supporting cast in the movies. He turned down offers of biographies. His papers finally made their way to Navy archives in Washington. He helped the Japanese raise money to restore their iconic dreadnought battleship, Mikasa, the flagship at their 1905 Battle of Port Arthur in which they destroyed the Russian fleet.

Potter sheepishly asked him to keep him in mind for an authorized biography. You know where my papers are, the old admiral said. And that was it. Nimitz died on Feb. 20, 1966, well into retirement, at his home on the Yerba Buena Island naval reservation in San Francisco.

He didnt make it home to Texas much before that. He notably flew over his hometown once and people turned out to see the plane; later he stopped in and along with a parade was finally given his high school diploma. And his native Texas never did properly acknowledge him.

Walk the leafy lawn of the state Capitol in Austin and youll find heroes of the revolution against Mexico and monuments to the Confederacy. But no statue of Nimitz. At the Battleship Texas State Historic Site in the Houston Ship Channel? Nope, even though the U.S.S. Texas fought her last war in Nimitzs Pacific campaign, bombarding Iwo Jima, the Ryukyus and Okinawa.

It is long overdue for the state to erect a statue of Nimitz at the Capitol. Austin should simply gift financial and marketing help to the National Museum of the Pacific War, too, no strings attached.

Nimitz was both a hero and a leader. And at about this time, we could stand to remember what great leaders and heroes really look like.

Parker, author of Lone Star Nation: How Texas Will Transform America, is a contributing columnist for the Houston Chronicle.
President Donald Trump has claimed hydroxychloroquine has 'rave reviews' and revealed he started taking it after two people tested positive for the coronavirus in the White House.

Trump made the assertion while on 'Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson'- scheduled to show on Sunday - and shared that he had been taking the anti-malaria drug for roughly two weeks.

'Hydroxy has had tremendous rave reviews,' Trump said, after being asked whether him taking the drug was sending mixed messaging to the country since so many have been skeptical about its usage.

'I believe in it enough that I took a program because I had two people in the White House that tested positive.'

Since Trump told reporters Monday that he decided to take hydroxychloroquine, a drug that he's been touting as a potential coronavirus treatment for weeks, the White House has been on the defense.

'Hydroxy has had tremendous rave reviews,' Trump declared, while on 'Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson', scheduled to show on Sunday

Amid a politicized battle over hydroxychloroquine, @SharylAttkisson sits down with @realDonaldTrump to talk about the drug after finishing his two-week course of it, the pandemic and reopening the economy, Full interview is Sunday on Full Measure.



More: https://t.co/xg0bmnywZg pic.twitter.com/hiilZppG1P  Full Measure News (@FullMeasureNews) May 23, 2020

Government health experts don't have evidence yet that hydroxychloroquine is effective against the coronavirus. The FDA did approve its 'off-label' use, but also put out a warning on April 30 about heart problems it could cause and said it should only be used to treat coronavirus patients who are hospitalized

That evening the White House press secretary sent out a note from the president's physician that said 'we concluded the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks' on the decision for Trump to take hydroxychloroquine.

But the doctor didn't say he wrote Trump the prescription.

Government health experts don't have evidence yet that hydroxychloroquine is effective against the coronavirus.

The FDA did approve its 'off-label' use, but also put out a warning on April 30 about heart problems it could cause and said it should only be used to treat coronavirus patients who are hospitalized.

Another clip from the Sunday program shows President Trump slamming Columbia University after a damning study from the university revealed that starting lockdown earlier could have curbed coronavirus cases by 83 per cent.

Another clip from the Sunday program shows President Trump slamming Columbia University after a damning study from the university revealed that starting lockdown earlier, could have curbed coronavirus cases by 83 per cent

.@realDonaldTrump reacts to a new Columbia University analysis indicating that a majority of U.S. deaths caused by COVID-19 could have been prevented if social distancing and lockdowns had started earlier. Full interview is Sunday on Full Measure.



More: https://t.co/4o8VAHdHmi pic.twitter.com/vuywVKPTft  Full Measure News (@FullMeasureNews) May 23, 2020

'Columbia University is a liberal, disgraceful institution, to write that,' he said of the top ranked university.

Trump claimed that banning travel from China on January 31 was unprecedented and resulted in him getting 'tremendous heat.'

'And that went on for months, they were criticizing me,' he continued. 'Sleepy Joe Biden said I'm xenophobic, meaning I don't like certain people.'

He later added: 'I saw that report from Columbia University and it is a disgrace that they would play right to their little group of people to tell them what to do.'

More than 54,000 lives in the US would have been saved and over 900,000 coronavirus cases could have been avoided if social distancing measures and stay-at-home orders were imposed two weeks earlier, according to the study form Columbia.

The federal government and states began issuing stay-at-home orders on March 15 - four days after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a pandemic.

'Columbia University is a liberal, disgraceful institution, to write that,' he said of the top ranked university

By May 3, a total of 65,307 Americans had died from the virus and the number of infections across the country had surpassed one million.

Had the US introduced lockdown measures one week earlier on March 8, the death toll is estimated to have been just 29,410 by then, according to the study.

The number of cases nationwide would have been just under 390,000.

Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai N.Y.U. and Grossman School of Medicine also found that the bulk of New York's COVID-19 cases were by way of Europe.

The scientists studied DNA from thousands of samples of coronavirus patients and concluded that the first travelers to bring the virus to the city came from Europe, not Asia, according to The New York Times.

But they also found that the strand of the virus that arrived in Washington state came from China.

President Trump banned entry to the US by foreign nationals who had visited China within the past two weeks on 31 January. He banned travel from Europe on March 11.

President Trump's appearance on 'Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson' is scheduled to air on Sinclair sites at 9.30am EDT on Sunday.
Senior Colonel Wu Qian, Director General of the Information Office of China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND, answers reporters' questions at a regular press conference on April 30, 2020. (eng.mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

BEIJING, May 24  The Chinese military expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition on Sunday to the US selling Taiwan $180 million of equipment including torpedoes, and strongly urged the US side to immediately stop arms sales to Taiwan and stop military ties with Taiwan.

The US act is a grave violation of the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques. It seriously interferes in China's internal affairs, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of National Defense (MND), in a written statement on May 24.

At present, the cross-Strait relations are complex and grave, as the Taiwan regional leader Tsai Ing-wen refuses to recognize the 1992 Consensus, attempts to raise her status by bonding with foreign forces, intensifies the cross-Strait antagonism, and damages the cross-Strait relations. Under such a situation, the new-round US arms sale to Taiwan sends out seriously wrong signals to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities and "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces, seriously undermines Chinas sovereignty and security, the peace and stability across the Taiwan straits, as well as the China-US military relations, said Senior Colonel Wu.

Wu reaffirmed his standpoint in the end of statement, saying that the national rejuvenation and national reunification are the common aspirations of 1.4 billion Chinese people, and also the irresistible trend of history, no one or any force can stop it. Wu strongly urged the US side to immediately stop the arms sales to Taiwan and stop military contacts with Taiwan, in case of further undermining the relations between the two countries and the two militaries.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, Wu stressed.
Sri Lanka will ease the coronavirus lockdown restrictions from May 26, limiting the curfew hours from 10.00 pm to 4.00 am among other relaxations.

The curfew will be lifted during the day across the country, including hot-spot districts of Colombo and Gampaha, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's said in a statement.

The two districts were identified as coronavirus hot-spots and placed under round-the-clock curfew since March 20.

Inter-district movement will be permitted from Tuesday, except to Colombo and Gamapaha.

]

Though the curfew will be lifted during the day, social-distancing and other practices to check the spread of COVID-19 will be implemented strictly, officials said.

The coronavirus has claimed nine lives in the island nation with 1,068 confirmed cases.

This is the second round of curfew relaxations in the island-nation after certain changes were effected on May 11 to revive economic activity, as part of which employees of state and public sector companies were allowed to travel to work.

Senior police official Ajith Rohana said the curfew will be strictly enforced on Sunday and Monday. Id will held in Sri Lanka on Monday.

"There will be over 900 roadblocks during the curfew on both days," Rohana said.
While this weeks weather is not expected to be as extreme as the storm last year that cut power to millions and led to hundreds of deaths, experts still have their eyes on the weak link of the states energy system.
Telecom players have urged regulator Trai to move forward quickly on the issue of fixing floor price for tariffs, saying the matter is imperative to ensure that the sector is sustainable and in a position to bear the deferred spectrum and AGR dues.

The Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI) -- whose members include Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio -- has written to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) seeking an open house discussion on the issue "at the earliest".

"Given the financial pressure on the sector and the fact that ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) and tariffs of the Indian telecom sector are the lowest in the world, floor pricing is imperative to ensure that the sector is sustainable, and is in a position to bear the deferred spectrum and AGR (Adjusted Gross Revenue) dues, while continuing to invest in world class networks and services," COAI said in its letter to Trai Chairman R S Sharma.

The association said the industry looks forward to an early decision by the authority on having floor tariffs for data services.

"While, we acknowledge that the recent situation on account of COVID-19 might have caused some constraints, however the Authority has started conducting the OHD (open house discussion) through online process on various other topics. Accordingly, we request the Authority to kindly hold an OHD on this issue at the earliest," COAI said.

The industry is seeking an early conclusion on this important matter with great interest, COAI said.

The regulator had earlier this month resumed its customary open house discussions on pending matters through video-conference. However, Trai sources had made it clear that the issue of floor price of tariffs is unlikely to be taken up via online mode till the ongoing situation arising from the COVID-19 pandemic stabilises.

Given the coronavirus pandemic and the difficulties faced by people, Trai may wait for the situation to stabilise before it proceeds to the OHD stage on floor price issue, a source had said.

Recently, Bharti Airtel CEO, India and South Asia, Gopal Vittal in an earnings call drew attention to the pending floor price issue, saying while the telecom industry has seen some bit of repair, tariffs continue to be "unsustainably low". He exhorted the sector regulator to address the floor price issue "sooner than later".

"We believe that an ARPU of Rs 154 is inadequate to turn a reasonable return on capital as a company and remain hopeful that ARPUs will get to Rs 200 in the short term and eventually to Rs 300 which is where it should be for a business like ours.

"Of course, even at this level of ARPU we believe we will be very well placed to serve all the lower-end customers who may have the capacity to pay Rs 100 or less," Vittal had said.

Airtel said the full impact of the tariff hike undertaken in December 2019 came through in its entirety with no downtrading.

"While there will be some growth on ARPU on secular basis because of upgradation from 2G to 4G, we have maintained that tariffs are still unsustainably low.

"The industry is very keen to have telecom regulator intervene in pulling together...floor prices...I think all responses have gone to Trai and right now they have not taken a decision given circumstances around COVID-19. But I do believe that this needs to be corrected sooner rather than later," Vittal had said.

For Bharti Airtel, the ARPU or earning per subscriber -- a key metric for telecom companies -- stood at Rs 154 in March quarter against Rs 123 in year ago period, and Rs 135 in December quarter.

For Jio, APRU was sequentially higher at Rs 130.6 per month, and the company had said that further impact of December 2019 tariff hike will flow through in the coming months.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After an absence of 22 days, North Korean strongman Kim Jong-Un returned to the pages of state controlled media. Photographs appeared on the main pages featuring Kim chairing the Central Military Commission, North Korea's most powerful body.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and the Rodong Sinmun (Workers News) splashed pictures on their main pages featuring Kim chairing the Central Military Commission (CMC) on Sunday.

The articles cite unnamed "policies" being set forth to "increase the nuclear war of deterrence" and "putting the strategic forces on high alert."

In a slideshow of 13 pages published by KCNA, Kim, looking puffy, is seen sitting alone at a huge desk overlooking a room full of men in uniform who are taking notes.

Speculation

Kim has appeared in public only sporadically in recent weeks  leading a certain amount of speculation among Korea watchers.

The leader last was shown inaugurating the Sunchon fertilizer factory on 2 May, just one day after a North-Korean defector in Seoul had claimed with 99% certainty that Kim was dead.

According to DailyNK, a website run by Korea watchers, Kim then stayed in a local villa Samjiyon, from 9-10 May, with a mobile sentry post with soldiers "wearing wartime gear" set up around 50 meters from the entrance to the Kim's private road.

Every two hours there was a change of guard, while movements of the local inhabitants was restricted. On 19 May, life appeared to "return to normal."

On 20 May, it was reported that he "sent a verbal message of congratulations" to the President of Cameroon Paul Biya on the occasion of his country's national day.

Nuclear ambitions

North Korea watchers estimate that the country disposes of 20  30 nuclear warheads and has successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of flying up to 13,000 kilometres.

According to the Washington D.C. based Nuclear Threat Intiative, a watchdog monitoring nuclear proliferation, North Korea unilaterally withdrew from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in January 2003, is not a party to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), and has conducted six increasingly sophisticated nuclear tests since 2006.

Until now, a more engaged attitude towards arch-enemy the US, including three top-level meetings between Kim and US Presdident Donald Trump, have not lead to Pyongyang scaling down its nuclear capabilities.
Three more people tested positive for coronavirus disease Covid-19, taking the total number of cases in the state to 29. Out of these, 25 are active cases.

The three latest cases were tested at the Virus Research & Diagnosis Laboratory (VRDL), state health department officials said.

Meanwhile, two others tested negative for the disease and were discharged from the hospital.

The first two Covid-19 positive cases, which were detected in Manipur on March 24 and April 2, fully recovered during treatment and were discharged from hospitals on April 12 and 21 respectively.

In a press release, the Manipur government said that one of those who has been detected Covid-19 positive is a 26-year-old male who came from Tamil Nadu. He left Chennai on May 10 and reached Jiribam on May 13.

The person is now admitted in the Covid-19 Care facility RIMS, it added. He belongs to Imphal West district.

Two others - both males - are aged 19 and 26 and tested positive for coronavirus disease, a second release from the government said.

They belong to Thoubal district and they returned from Delhi in different buses, it said. The district authority is well prepared to cope with any eventuality.

Giving details about the people who have been cured of the disease, the release said that two people - a woman and her son from Tengnoupal district in Manipur - were discharged from the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) after they were found Covid-19 negative. Informing that the total number of recovered cases in the state has increased to four, it said, The current recovery rate is 13.79 per cent.

Meanwhile, a special train carrying 1,571 passengers from Chennai arrived at the Jiribam railway station in Manipur on Saturday. The people who got down from the train were later transported to the respective quarantine centres after medical screening at Jiribam, reports said.

The number of Covid-19 positive cases is on the rise after Manipuri people from different parts of the country started arriving in the state. According to official reports, more than 10,000 people have returned to Manipur from different states.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, whose full-throated opposition to high-dollar fundraising events was a central tenet of her presidential campaign, has agreed to host such a gathering of donors for Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, who is considering her to be his running mate.

The online event is set to take place on 15 June, according to three people with knowledge of the plans, who spoke under condition of anonymity to share the details.

During her presidential run, Warren explicitly vowed not to attend private fundraisers or dial-up rich donors. A Massachusetts progressive, she championed tax increases on the wealthy and at times sharply criticised big-money donors. Her rise in public opinion polls last summer deeply concerned many veteran Democratic donors, particularly those on Wall Street and in the banking sector who believed she would damage their industries.

Ms Warrens spokeswoman declined to comment. Biden campaign officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Ms Warren built a network of high-dollar donors as a senator and used to attend fundraising events, building up her own campaign war chest before she entered the Democratic presidential race. But in late February 2019, as she sought to gain traction in online presidential fundraising, especially among progressives whom senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., was also courting, she ruled out big-money events.

That means no fancy receptions or big money fundraisers only with people who can write the big checks, Ms Warren said in an email to supporters at the time. It means that wealthy donors wont be able to purchase better seats or one-on-one time with me at our events. And it means I wont be doing call time, which is when candidates take hours to call wealthy donors to ask for their support.

Ms Warren will now mine her old donor network to help Mr Biden as she manoeuvres to become his running mate, a position that she has said she would accept if asked.

While she remains ideologically to Mr Bidens left, Ms Warren has edged closer to some of his politically pragmatic positions. Ms Warren, a supporter of a single-payer Medicare for All system, has voiced support for a proposal more line with Mr Bidens position of expanding the Affordable Care Act.

All of this follows Ms Warren, before and during the 2020 presidential primaries, offering herself as a candidate who could represent Democrats dreams, not their fears that Donald Trump would win a second term if the party nominated anyone other than Mr Biden.

We cant choose a candidate we dont believe in just because were too scared to do anything else, she said during her stump speeches last summer and fall.

Ms Warren struggled to raise money at the outset of her presidential campaign. But after announcing she would refuse to grant private audiences to large donors or conduct high-dollar events, her fundraising took off.

Before running for president, Warren had a record as a strong fundraiser (Getty)

She raised $115.8m (95.1m) during her campaign  $66.5m (54.6m) of which came from donors who gave less than $200 (164).

Before running for president, Ms Warren had a record as a strong fundraiser: during her 2018 Senate re-election bid, she raised $30.8m (25.3m) for a race in which she faced little serious competition. During her first Senate race, in 2012, she raised $42.5m (34.9m).

While she did not hold private fundraising events for her own campaign, Warren did appear at multiple such events for the Democratic National Committee. She also, before launching her presidential campaign, contributed funds shed raised from high-dollar donors to state Democratic parties.

Mr Bidens other rivals have aided his fundraising since he became the partys presumptive nominee. Former mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, raised $1m (821,959) in a grassroots online fundraiser on Friday. Mr Buttigieg is scheduled to appear at more fundraising events with Mr Biden next week, as is senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. Senator Kamala Harris of California, businessman Andrew Yang and senator Kirsten Gillibrand, all former rivals, are set to appear at Mr Bidens fundraising events in June.

Mr Sanders sent a fundraising appeal for Mr Biden to his donor list but declined to share his list with the Biden campaign.

The New York Times
By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 22, 2020 | 07:29 PM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY





On Friday, Leadership Paducah announced the partnership with the goal of providing a bed for each child to call their own, calling the effort "Wish Upon A Star."





The class says they heard Laura Roberts with Starfish Orphan Ministry speak, and were touched when they heard how many children in Paducah do not have their own bed. On average, Starfish receives 1,200 requests for beds each year, and with their current budget they would only be able to accommodate approximately 600 of these requests.







A $100 contribution provides one bed, which includes the frame, stuffed animal, mattress, pillow, and bedding.







"Thank you for loving and helping others through difficult circumstances in their lives, like not having beds, said Tonya K., a local mother of four children. My family is one of them. The gentleness and open arms (at Starfish Orphan Ministry) were the most genuine feelings we have received in a while! We love all having our own bed to sleep in!"







Anyone that is able to donate is asked to do so by visiting the link below, or by sending a check to Leadership Paducah, Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 810, Paducah, KY 42002, or email them at info@paducahchamber.org.







Leadership Paducah, which is coordinated by the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, is a program that works to develop the leadership potential the men and women in the McCracken County area. Through the program, those participating become acutely aware of social and economic changes, and the impact of such changes in the local community. The program is designed to foster an in-depth understanding of the inner-relationships and complexities of the Paducah/McCracken County area through a series of face-to-face discussions with the community and state leaders.

Leadership Paducah has joined together with Starfish Orphan Ministry to make a difference in the lives of 1,000 local children.

On the Net:
The US Navy has demoed another weapon to add to its devastating arsenal, a high-tech drone shooting laser that will attack and damage any drone or vehicle with pinpoint accuracy.

A US ship in the Persian Gulf deployed the active laser weapon to test how will it work in actual conditions as a ship-based naval weapon.

It is a weapon called LaWs or Laser Weapon Systems that is part of the US Navy modernization. Not just a naval project, but a weapon ready under testing and tweaking for maximum effect, mounted on the USS Ponce amphibious transport ship.

The ship-based LaWS is ready to be used now, and for any future engage, the Ponce and its crew as reported by CNN.

LaWS weapon are projectile less weapons against aerial or ground targets.

Captain of the USS Ponce called the new naval weapon better than any solid projectile, advanced lasers are a notch over specific weapons that are best against specific targets only. For example, a laser that can hit a flying object or ground target will give anything mounting the weapon system a versatile attack system.

America's adversaries will be at a loss against a high-grade laser-like Star Wars weapon that attacks faster and at the speed of light, much faster than any ICBM or hypersonic weapons touted by the PLA. Giving all adversaries a fast counter strike to missile threats.

Most militaries are trying to develop laser weapons, but the US may have given them a right hook by fielding the first truly functional laser weaponry on the planet.

Also read: Aircraft Carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt Will Be Putting China in Place as It Blatantly Harass US Assets

Projectile weapons need delivery systems and fuel to propel them. According to Lt. Cale Hughes, lasers are photonic light that bath incoming target, and lasers are a not affected. Any range or physical factor is nothing to a beam of high energy light. Also, targets will be hard-pressed to evade any weapon that travels at the light speed.

The USS Ponce and her crew used a drone aircraft, used by China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and other forces facing the US today. LaWS gives America a way to lessen threats posed by them since they can just point and shoot to destroy the target.

During the LaWS demo, the drone was shot and its wing got burned which knocked it from the sky. The laser struck without warning and attacks stealthily compared to other weapons, noted Officer Hughes. It is a precise assault weapon and best at lessening collateral casualties in attacks.

The cost of the laser weapon is $40 million, with an electrical supply from the generator of the system, a three-man crew. It costs less than a high-tech missile and is a dollar per use non-projectile weapon.

Currently, deployment of the laser weapon is for used against aircraft and small boats which are utilized for aerial and surface targets, it has proven itself reliable over the three years of testing and effective too.

Soon to come is the second-gen upgrade that will be shooting down missiles, as the next objective. So far, the USS Ponce is still classified (its mission status) and potential for shooting down missiles is under wraps.

This naval Star Wars weapons utilize a high-tech drone busting laser, which is now in operation not just in development should warn adversaries that America means business.

Related article: Two US Warships Warned Chinese Navy to Stop Coercing an Unarmed Drilling Ship in Malaysian Waters

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Mumbai: Hours after two seers (sadhus) were found strangled to death in Maharashtra's Nanded, the police have arrested a person Sainath Shingade from Telangana in the case.

According to the police, the accused was trying to run away with the dead body in the trunk of his car when his vehicle crashed at the gate of the ashram.

The accused is then said to have stolen a bike and fled from the scene. He left behind a laptop and around Rs 65,000 in the car which he allegedly stole from the sadhus.

The police suspect that the accused wanted to stage a scenario that the seer had left the village.

On Saturday, the bodies of the two seer's were found inside the ashram near the bathroom of the house. The deceased sadhus have been identified as Balbrahmachari Shivacharya and his accomplice Bhagwan Shinde.

The police suspect that the accused had entered the ashram with an intention to steal and had managed to loot Rs 69,000, laptop and other valuables from the victim's bedroom including his car keys.

As Shivacharya tried to grapple with the robbers, they strangled him and his accomplice to death with a charging cable

They sped off in the monk's car but ended up crashing at the main gate of the ashram which alerted people and around 8-10 inmates ran outside and saw the attackers jumping onto a two-wheeler and speeding off into the darkness.

Nanded Superintendent of Police Vijaykumar Magar had earlier said around five crack teams have been formed to nab the absconding criminals.

Further investigations are on.


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Pastor Okochi Obeni

Pastor Okochi Obeni of Gods Descendants Assembly, Amasiri, Afikpo North Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, was recently tortured, brutalised and forced by his tormentors to drink water from the gutter, for allegedly criticising the council chairman, Ogbonnaya Oko Enyim. The cleric, who is currently hospitalised at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, shares his experience with EDWARD NNACHI

What kind of relationship do you have with the Chairman of Afikpo North Local Government Area, Ogbonnaya Oko Enyim?



Im a social media activist. Both of us are from Amasiri community so he is the chairman of my local government area. As a social critic, I criticise bad governance and people in power not doing well. The same way I criticise people in positions of authority not doing well is the way I criticise the chairman. The perceived negative relationship I have with him started when he was asked to build a kilometre of road like his counterparts in other local government areas of the state.

The governor told them to construct a kilometre of road anywhere in their councils. He was unable to do that. It took him quite some time to take action as regard the road construction. So, I wrote about it. I criticised it. So, when he was seeking re-election, I wrote again that any local government chairperson who could not build a kilometre of road in their council was not worthy of being re-elected. It was from that point that I started having problem with him.

He started hurting me, using different means. He reported me to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Nigeria Police, saying I was attacking him on social media. I went there and my statement exonerated me. I told them I did not have any personal issue against him and that I was only trying to hold him accountable as a public office holder.

Did you ever suspect that your posts and comments on Facebook could put you in harms way?



As a social media activist, Im not afraid of what people would do to me, since Im not lying against them. For sure, those in government who are not doing well will in one way or the other try to make people keep mute or accept their ill-governance style. I was not afraid because I was expecting it. But I didnt know it would be come in a barbaric manner like what I experienced.

But one thing is sure, there is no way they can stop the media in this state. The media is the fourth arm of the government. Other arms of government have their critical roles to play in society. Just like that, the media have a critical role to play to ensure the survival of the society. So, if they dont want to be criticised or hate criticisms so much, they should stay away from public offices. I knew and had preempted that what the chairman and his agents did to me on Thursday, May 14, 2020, would come some day. But one thing I know is that injustice to one, is injustice to all.

Can you narrate how you were tortured?



I was expecting to be treated badly by these people, but I did not envisage it would take that form. That day, I was called by one Amadi Julius Nyerere, who is a nominee of the chairman and a Technical Assistant to Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi. He called and said the Essa age grade chairman wanted to see me. I thought the plan was to reconcile me with the council chairman, so I went there. On reaching there, I discovered that all the aides of the council chairman, Isi Oru age grade members, and Essa age grade chairman (who is related to the council boss), and his executives, were all there. It dawned on me that there was a plan already on the ground that was being followed using all means available since their plan to use policemen in Ebonyi State Security Neighbourhood Watch had failed.

So, they resorted to attacks. I never experienced the kind of ugly treatment they gave me. They tied my hands behind my back and up till this very moment, I cant make use of my hands. I cant hold any object; you can see how Im struggling to hold my phones. They forced me to drink gutter water and did all sorts of things to me. They put my body through all manner of inhuman treatments, aside from flogging me 36 times.

I want people to know that public service should not be a do-or-die affair. If you know are not competent to be in a position of authority and cant tolerate criticisms, please stay off and let people who understand what governance entails take up positions of authority. Also, allow the media to do their work.

You were seen in the video apologising in your native dialect and asking for forgiveness; why were you apologising if you knew you were right?



As I said earlier, my hands were tied behind my back. Those people made to stay on my knees for over two and a half hours inside a gutter. So, to be honest with you, my strength was failing me and I needed freedom. I lost consciousness twice. All I needed was freedom. I noticed blood was not flowing through my veins anymore. Whatever anyone told me to say at the point to regain my freedom, I would say. If you watched that video, you would hear where in my dialect, I was begging them to loosen the knot in the rope used to tie both my hands together.

They said they would ask me some questions and if I answered them correctly, they would free me. I said I would answer their questions. It was a terrible experience. And so, whatever I said in that video, I said under duress. Whatever apology or pleas I made in that video were for the sake of my freedom. I knew they werent going to be binding on me and I never meant them. Im a human rights activist and I must continue to make those in positions of authority to be accountable to the people and be transparent in their dealings with the people.

They are paid with public funds; therefore, the public and the press must be able to hold them to account. Therefore, whatever I said was said under duress.

How is your condition now?



At first, I thought it was going to be a minor thing after the doctors here treated the wounds I had. However, after the treatment, I discovered I could not make use of my hands. I also realised I could not make use of my buttocks because I hardly sit properly and easily now. Just as I was rejoicing that I was going home to meet my family, a doctor examined me and discovered that most of my veins and nerves had been damaged because of the long hours that my hands were tied and I was beaten.

He said the health challenges could become permanent if I didnt treat them quickly. He said it could lead to paralysis. They further advised that I should be moved to the physiotherapy centre of the hospital and thats where I am currently. I have been receiving treatment here but I still cant hold any object. I cant easily close my hands or open them. I still feel so much pain all over my body, but it is better than how I felt on the day of the incident.

My worst fear is that these current health challenges might lead to permanent paralysis in the future. Im begging people to pray for me to recover quickly.

What do you want as justice?



The people who tortured me should all be arrested. Im still surprised and worried that Ogbonnaya Oko Enyim has not been arrested. It doesnt give me joy that somebody would commit such a heinous crime and be walking freely on the streets of Nigeria. Im still begging the police to do something about it. I heard that the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer in Abuja, Mr Frank Mba, said some arrests had been made; I am not yet satisfied. Ogbonnaya Oko Enyim, Okpara Akpu Mbe, Oko Olughu, Amicable, and others should have been in police custody by now.

They instigated the attack; they were the ones videoing me and telling the Isi Oru people what to do to me. So, Im begging the security agencies to come my rescue by bringing these people to justice. It is not all about me; it is about other practitioners and journalists whose lives are very much in danger in the state. Let them do justice to this matter and when they do, I will be glad and will be able to beat my chest and say Nigeria is a safe place for the media.

Would you still have the courage to be critical of the local government chairman and other political leaders in the state who you think are not doing well?



Well, this is the first time I was threatened. The chairman once took me to the state Criminal Investigation Department for criticising his style of governance. But that didnt bother me. He once sent members of the Ebonyi State Security and Neighbourhood Watch to my family; they came and threatened my wife, which I also ensured was published to draw attention of the public to the situation and that the lives of my wife and kid were at stake, but that also didnt stop me. So using the Isi Oru and other traditional means illegally to frustrate me cannot also stop the fighting spirit in me.

I only want to see good governance, not bad governance in our land. Those in authority should be accountable to the people; thats what I have been saying and thats why the local government chairman is angry with me and everyone that criticises him. Those at the grass roots should feel the impact of governance. This is the crux of my agitation; this is why I have been involved in active social media activism. They cant stop me. When I recover, I will still investigate and write to condemn evil and all violations against human rights in Amasiri, Afikpo North Local Government Area in Ebonyi State.

Whats your greatest regret amid all these?



My regret is that the elite in Amasiri are keeping quiet over this issue. They think it is about me alone. It is about the general interest of Amasiri land. I read that the local government chairman called some journalists (The PUNCH not included), community people, government officials and others to his house and told them that torturing me was in line with our tradition.

Amasiri community is where the only Senior Advocate of Nigeria in the entire Ebonyi State hails from and you are telling the world that barbarism or inhuman treatment is part of our culture. It baffles me. Im lost. But I thank God that the custodian of our culture and tradition, (Ezeogo) Patrick Aja (The current Isakaogu of Ndukwe Kingdom), has debunked the media report because barbarism and inhuman treatment are not part of our culture. I had expected all educated Amasiri men and women to stand up and condemn this barbaric action. My only regret is that people are not saying anything about a development that can jeopardise the future their children. I dont regret holding government to be accountable to the masses.

What was your criticism of the local government chairman about?



Well, Im not criticising the council chairman, Im only criticising his style of governance, I mean, his bad leadership tendencies. I do not hate him. I dont hate him as a person. All Im against is the way he runs the affairs of the council. You should take governance to the people who own it. But we cant find this kind of thing happening here.

Good enough, he is the first chairman of Afikpo North Local Government Area to have come from Amasiri land. The roads in Amasiri are dilapidated. We dont have good drinking water, and he is from here. If we dont hold him accountable, the ugly trend may not change anytime soon. It was because I engaged him on social media that he started the one kilometre road in the first place and he has not been able to complete it after over one year. And when I write about it, he will come and attack me again. But when we hold leaders accountable, they will know that journalists are watching them and do what is expected of them.

***

Source: Sunday PUNCH
(Newser)  The New York Times is out with an extraordinary Sunday front pagethe entirety of which consists of the names and obituaries of 1,000 Americans, approximately 1% of the almost 100,000 now lost to the coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins statistics. "But a count reveals only so much," intones the Times. "Memories, gathered from obituaries across the country, help us reckon with what was lost." This includes one of its own, "Alan Finder, 72, Ridgewood, NJ. Unflappable New York Times journalist," and runs the gamut from "Noel Sinkiat, 64, Olney, Md. Nurse planning for retirement" to "Bassey Offiong, 25, Michigan. Saw friends at their worst but brought out their best." From the very young to the very old, the very serious or career-minded to the very light-hearted or family-oriented, the piece makes clear that the virus has rampaged through America with impunity. Click for the Times' interactive. (Read more coronavirus stories.)
A Utah man has been arrested after he told police he killed a 25-year-old woman he met on the Tinder dating app.

Ethan Hunsaker, 24, called 911 at 3.19am on Sunday to report that he killed someone inside a home in the area of 1300 N. Reid Avenue in Layton, police say.

When officers arrived to the scene they found a woman lying on the floor with multiple stab wounds to her torso.

Emergency workers tried to resuscitate her, but she died of her injuries at the scene. The woman's name was not immediately released.

Utah man Ethan Hunsaker, 24, was arrested on Sunday after he called police saying he killed a 25-year-old woman he went on a Tinder date with

Hunsaker said he met the woman on the dating app Tinder late Saturday night.

'The motive behind this homicide is under further investigation; however, the attack appeared to be unprovoked,' police said.

Hunsaker and the woman began communicating Saturday night around 9pm. Husaker picked the woman up from her home and they went to a Layton bar together. A short time later they went back to Hunsakers home.

Hunsaker told police he woke up during the night with a woman laying on his left arm and he began choking the woman for about a minute and she fought back, according to a probable cause statement filed by police.

Cops said this was consistent with the marks on Hunsakers arms, neck and shoulders.

Hunsaker then walked into his kitchen and grabbed a pocket knife and stabbed the woman, who was lying on the floor. He stabbed her multiple times in her chest, side and back, cops say.

He then dialed police about 10 minutes later, according to KSL.

Hunsaker said he met the woman on the dating app Tinder late Saturday night. Stock image of Tinder app above

Cops reported that the date had been normal and there was no argument to incite the killing.

Police said Hunsaker has a history of mental health problems. He told police he has 'daily thoughts' of suicidal and homicidal ideations.

Hunsaker was arrest on suspicion of first degree murder and is being held in the Davis County Jail.

It wasn't immediately clear if Hunsaker has obtained an attorney and he could not be reached for comment.

Anyone with information about the killing is asked to call Layton police at 801-497-8300 and reference case number 20-06994.
The province is now opening up COVID-19 testing to all Ontarians  even those without any symptoms, says Premier Doug Ford.

Our best defence right now is to ramp up testing, Ford said Sunday, promising a new strategy will be announced this week to target various sectors and hotspots across the province as experts have been calling for and as numbers continue to fall far short.

If you are worried you have COVID-19, or that youve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, even if youre not showing symptoms, please go get a test. You will not be turned away, you dont need an appointment, Ford also said at Queens Park.

... If you feel you need a test, youll be able to get a test, he also said. So please dont wait.

Previously, only those showing one or more symptoms were able to be tested for the novel coronavirus. But this change in policy is the only way to boost the numbers, Ford said, and comes after criticism the province is not testing broadly enough, especially now as more businesses reopen and new cases continue to rise.

Its the second change to testing protocols in 10 days. Before the May long weekend, Ford and his health officials said people with minor symptoms were welcome to make appointments at assessment centres that had previously turned them away.

Ford has since acknowledged that change was not well communicated and said an advertising campaign is coming to clarify the evolving protocols for testing.

On Sunday, the premier also addressed the large crowds that showed up at Torontos Trinity Bellwoods Park on Saturday, saying he was absolutely shocked to see the photos circulating on social media, and pleaded with Ontarians to avoid mass gatherings.

I thought it was a rock concert at the beginning, Ford said, warning there is still a deadly virus amongst us and if we allow it, it will spread  it will spread like wildfire.

Ford has also been under fire because the province has used less than half its available lab capacity to process tests in the last week, meaning about 54,000 more could have been tested to get a more accurate picture of the virus.

The shortfall continued Saturday when 11,383 samples were processed at a network of public health, hospital and commercial labs than can handle more than 20,000 samples day.

A number of epidemiologists have been pressing the government to test people with occupational risk of exposure, such as grocery clerks.

Ford has been pleading with Ontarians to get tested at assessment centres, which until a week ago were rejecting people with mild or moderate symptoms.

Testing dropped off last weekend after a blitz of residents and staff in nursing homes was completed, and critics said the government did not have a plan in place to fill the void.

Ontarios chief medical officer said Friday that he was concerned about issuing a plea at that time and having labs swamped, creating a backlog of tests that would make it harder to track the virus.

It became clear we should be utilizing that capacity, said Dr. David Williams. The capacity is now available.

Ford said Sunday that no one will be denied a test, but also warned that even if you receive a negative test result, it doesnt mean youre clear. You can still be exposed to the virus. So please continue to monitor your health. Watch for symptoms, and get tested again if you see symptoms or youre worried about exposure.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said blamed Ford for not taking action to put a new plan in place to fix the provinces recklessly inadequate testing regime.

She also noted that the government has failed so far to meet its goal of 20,000 tests a day.

For weeks, Doug Fords restrictive testing rules were turning people away from assessment centres, Horwath said in a written statement. He blamed a lack of swabs. Then he blamed a lack of reagent. Then he blamed public health leaders. In all that time, he hasnt expanded testing, or taken it outside the existing assessment centres.

She said testing needs to be expanded far beyond those assessment centres. Thats Fords job, and hes been negligent in failing to do it.

The NDP says the province needs to regularly test everyone in group homes, shelters and retirement homes, as well as workers in businesses that are reopening and start up mobile assessment centres.

Enough words. Enough blame. Lets see some action. Peoples lives and our provinces economic health depend on it, Horwath also said.

As of Sunday morning, health units recorded 26,759 total COVID-19 cases  with 458 new cases  and 2,140 deaths.
While the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under pressure to sack Dominic Cummings, the British Police contradicted Downing Street's statement and said that they made contact with the senior advisor's father. The police reportedly said that the father of the top advisor confirmed that his son had travelled with his family from London and the officer made contact.

On May 23, a Downing Street spokesperson reportedly said that at no stage was Cummings or his family spoken to by the police about breaking the rules. However, the police officials contradicted the statement by the UK PMs office and said that an officer had spoken to Cummings father earlier about him travelling to Durham. As per a media report, Cummings had left his London home to stay with his parents in northern England while he was also suffering from symptoms of COVID-19.

READ: UK PM's Advisor Under Pressure Over Lockdown Trip

Cummings was reportedly spotted near his parents home with his son. Downing Street believes that Cummings' actions were in line with the coronavirus guidelines and he behaved reasonably and legally. However, the Labour Party demanded the ruling party to provide a swift explanation for his actions as they pointed out that the government guidelines were very clear to stay home and not to take any non-essential travel.

Although the government spokesperson reportedly said that owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus it was essential for Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for.

READ: UK's Labour Party Calls For Urgent Inquiry Into PM Adviser Cummings' Lockdown Trip

Opposition leaders demand resignation

Meanwhile, the Scottish National Partys Westminster leader Ian Blackford reportedly said that Cummings should resign or be dismissed by Johnson. Ed Davey, who is the acting leader of the lIberal Democrats also reportedly said that if Dominic Cummings has broken the guidelines he will have to resign.

The incident reportedly took place back a week after Johnson sent the UK into lockdown and banned people from visiting other households. Back in March, the UK PM gave instructions that people must stay at home and should not be meeting family members who do not live in their home. However, the Downing Street spokesperson explained that his sister and nieces had volunteered to help and that is why Cummings went to a house near, but separate from his extended family. He went on to also say that Cummings sister shopped for the family and left everything outside.

(Image credit: AP)

READ: UK PM's Adviser Cummings Says He Will 'obviously Not' Resign After Defying Lockdown

READ: Boris Johnson Plans To Scale Back Huawei Role In UK's 5G Network: Report
From smart police helmets to research labs, the novel coronavirus has given Dubai an opportunity to test its technological and scientific clout as it shapes its approach to the pandemic. A key part of the glitzy Gulf emirate's fight is its COVID-19 Command and Control Centre, set up to coordinate the efforts of Dubai's doctors, epidemiologists and other professionals. It is hosted within the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) in Dubai's Healthcare City, also home to state-of-the-art hospitals, labs and research centres. "For several years, Dubai has endeavoured to put in place solid digital infrastructure, and this has contributed to the fight against the coronavirus", said Amer Sharif, who heads the multidisciplinary centre. It was established at the start of the health crisis by Dubai Crown Prince and social media star Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. In one room, young mask-wearing men and women sit at carefully separated desks crunching data on laptops and coordinating with workers on the ground. The initiative includes a scientific team whose role is "to stay abreast of the latest advances in research and scientific evidence, both in the country and elsewhere in the world", team head Alawi Alsheikh-Ali told AFP. - 'Data and science' - The United Arab Emirates has carried out more than 1.6 million coronavirus tests, and has officially declared over 28,700 infections, including 244 deaths. This high-tech approach, Sharif said, including "the complete digitisation of the health system", has prevented a greater spread of the virus and made the lockdown easier. Tom Loney, associate professor of public health and epidemiology at MBRU, said the coronavirus was an opportunity for Dubai to put its capabilities to the test. "It's the ability to react, to make quick decisions based on data and science" that sets Dubai apart, said Loney, who is also an adviser to authorities in the city-state. According to him decisions were made by order of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, whose portrait is featured on the MBRU building. Dubai is one of seven emirates in the UAE, a key Gulf state with big technological and scientific ambitions. The emirate lacks the oil wealth of its neighbours, but has the most diversified economy in the Gulf, building a reputation as a financial, commercial and tourism hub. The UAE sent an astronaut into space last year, and in July is set to launch the first Arab probe towards Mars, a project sponsored by the emir of Dubai. - 'Own model' - Many tech options were already at Dubai's fingertips when the pandemic struck, and the emirate was quick at putting its technology to a variety of uses during the virus crisis. Police wear smart helmets that take the temperature of passers-by while laboratories make protective masks using 3D printers. When a night-time curfew begins, Dubai residents -- 90 percent of whom are expats -- receive a reminder message on their mobile phone in Arabic, English or other languages. The UAE has regularly announced research advances into the COVID-19 illness, developing several apps to help manage the pandemic. One of them, Alhosn, which the government has encouraged residents to download, helps track people who are infected with the virus or who may have come in close contact with confirmed cases. But the use of technology to fight the pandemic has raised concern across the world over government surveillance and privacy risks. Tech experts and the media have highlighted this issue in the UAE, where some foreign websites and applications are already blocked. But Sharif pushed back against scepticism. "Dubai and the Emirates respect privacy, whether it is a question of patient records or smart applications", he said. The emirate was creating its "own model" of responding to the health crisis, Sharif added, though authorities were also looking at countries such as South Korea, seen as a positive policy response to the crisis. "We must follow the developments... but also add to them," he said. The centre was established at the start of the health crisis by Dubai Crown Prince and social media star Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum The COVID-19 Command and Control Centre has been set up to coordinate the efforts of Dubai's doctors, epidemiologists and other professionals The command centre is hosted within the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dubai's Healthcare City
"Trump gave China more than praise. He shipped China 17 tons of American masks and medical supplies. Our masks and supplies. Supplies we need now."

- voice-over of ad via American Bridge 21st Century, a Democratic super PAC, released April 17, 2020

- - -

For weeks into the coronavirus crisis, President Donald Trump expressed support for China's handling of the epidemic that first emerged in the city of Wuhan and the country's "transparency" on the situation. Now that the death toll in the United States has soared, Trump and his aides have started to blame China, accusing it of not quickly sharing information that might have stemmed the pandemic.

This attack ad opens with a reminder of how long Trump kept praising China and its president, Xi Jinping. Then it makes the charge above - that Trump shipped medical equipment to China now desperately needed in the United States.

It's certainly fair game to highlight that the president played down the emerging crisis for weeks. The Washington Post reported on April 18 that "U.S. manufacturers shipped millions of dollars' worth of face masks and other protective medical equipment to China in January and February with encouragement from the federal government [which] underscores the Trump administration's failure to recognize and prepare for the growing pandemic threat."

But the specific instance highlighted in the ad - and also in a similar ad circulated by The Bulwark, an anti-Trump group formed by Republicans - is framed in a misleading way.

- - -

The Facts

The ad says that "Trump . . . shipped 17 tons of American masks and medical supplies. Our masks and supplies." The impression left by the ad is that these were U.S. government goods, shipped on Trump's order.

But these were actually donations by private charities and public companies for Project HOPE, an international health-care organization that has been operating in Wuhan for a quarter-century and helped establish a nursing school there. Usually, donors to Project HOPE arrange for charter aircraft to take their donations overseas.

For instance, as these shipments arrived in Wuhan, another shipment - 2 million respirator masks, 11,000 protective suits and 280,000 pairs of nitrile gloves donated by MAP International and MedShare - was sent to Project HOPE via UPS, which provided the transportation as an in-kind donation.

In the case highlighted in the ad, the State Department's role was providing the aircraft. The department sent chartered planes to Wuhan to pick up some 800 consulate workers, their families and other Americans. The planes otherwise were going to be empty on the way to China, so officials decided to fill the jets with goods donated by Samaritan's Purse, the Boeing Company, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Intermountain Healthcare. Money to help underwrite the effort was provided by Kenneth Griffin, a hedge fund manager who is chief executive of the investment firm Citadel. (It's unclear whether he helped defray the State Department's transportation costs. A Citadel spokesman would not clarify.)

"We have evacuated more than 800 people from Wuhan," Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun told reporters on Feb. 7. "The first charter flight departed Wuhan on January 28. Two subsequent flights departed on February 5th. Yesterday, on February 6 two additional evacuation flights departed Wuhan, carrying 800 passengers. The State Department, working closely with our partners in China, has loaded the holds of those arriving 747s with 18 tons of privately donated medical supplies and humanitarian assistance for the Chinese people. This includes urgently needed masks, gowns, gauze, respirators and other vital materials."

Project HOPE said the shipment would have been made with or without the State Department's help.

"Countless flights carrying protective gear from all over the world arrived in China as our team worked to help doctors and nurses on the front lines," said Rabih Torbay, Project HOPE's president and chief executive. "Particularly with increasing caseloads like we were starting to see toward the end of January in and around Wuhan, it is hard to imagine transport would be the limiting factor to helping contain a deadly outbreak before it becomes a pandemic."

Indeed, Boeing's announcement on the donation made no mention of the State Department, simply saying it had made "a donation of 250,000 medical-grade respiratory masks to address medical supply shortages in China." Similarly, a news report on the Mormon Church's donations referred only to planes being chartered for the trip, carrying 220,000 face masks, 870 pairs of protective goggles and more than 6,500 pairs of protective coveralls.

On top of the donations delivered by the State Department flights, Project HOPE spokeswoman Rebecca Gustafson said the organization delivered protective gear and equipment to more than 25 hospitals in China, including more than 4.7 million face masks, 87,000 isolation gowns, 20,000 protective coveralls, 273,000 pairs of examination gloves, 20 defibrillators and 20 patient monitors, 15 ventilators, 12 medical air compressors and 10 disinfection machines.

At the time of the State Department flights, the World Health Organization was pleading for help to stem the crisis in China. "Front-line health workers in China require the bulk of PPE supplies," WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Feb. 7, when 12 cases had been confirmed in the United States. "There is limited stock of PPE and we need to make sure we get it to the people who need it most in the places that need it most. . . . WHO discourages stockpiling of PPE in countries and areas where transmission is low."

(Santa Clara county announced April 21 that a person who died at home on Feb. 6 tested positive for covid-19, several weeks before the first recorded death in the United States.)

It was also a one-off event for the State Department, which has not assisted or supported the delivery of additional aid to China, beyond the nearly-18-ton shipment highlighted in the ad. For context, that's a relatively small amount considering the numbers cited for Project Airbridge, the U.S. government effort to deliver medical supplies across the United States, such as 80 tons shipped on March 29 and 83 tons shipped on April 2.

Jeb Fain, a spokesman for American Bridge, defended the line in the ad. He noted that the ad merely used the word "shipped."

He also said it was appropriate to pin the shipment on Trump because a top official from the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, in late March had said: "Under the direction of President Trump, the United States Government is responding rapidly. The U.S. was among the first nations to offer help to the Chinese people, and we are the largest financial backers of the World Health Organization and UNICEF. In early February, the United States delivered more than 17 tons of medical supplies to China donated by the American people. These supplies included masks, gowns, gauze, respirators, and other vital materials."

"As The Washington Post's own reporting and multiple fact-checking organizations have already verified, the president's own State Department, as they said themselves, shipped 17 tons of American masks and medical supplies to China in February under the president's own direction," Fain said. "Those are the facts and they're not up for debate. This president doesn't get to avoid accountability now that he finds it politically inconvenient."

- - -

Thirty-second attack ads are not often known for nuance. But this one goes awry when it suggests that Trump shipped to China protective gear that belonged to Americans. These were donations by private charities and public companies at a time when the U.S. case count was still low. All the State Department did was supply planes that would have been empty anyway. Nevertheless, the State Department touted the shipment and attributed it to Trump's leadership.

The line in the ad is carefully, even cleverly, worded, keeping it just shy of the Three Pinocchio mark. But it's misleading enough to earn Two Pinocchios.
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As the coronavirus pandemic ramped up earlier this year, Springfields Eastfield Mall was left with empty halls, an ugly decrease in revenue and a skeleton crew of workers, according to property manager David Thompson.

When management found out in March that brick-and-mortar retailers and other businesses deemed non-essential would be forced to close due to the public health crisis, they announced the shopping centers staff would be reduced.

The majority of the malls merchants, roughly 70 of which are retailers, had to close their doors and vacate their spaces. Like so many business throughout the state and country, store owners at the shopping center on Boston Road are struggling, Thompson noted.

The malls livelihood depends on the rental income of our tenants, and right now thats few and far between, he said. It causes a lot of anxiety for our tenants.

Now, only a few janitors work at the shopping center each day. With many of the buildings lights turned off to conserve utility costs, employees walk through the malls dimly lit hallways with a sense of surrealism.

A space that would normally be occupied with busy shoppers is instead filled with dead air. Staff who are still tasked with maintaining the space use the word "spooky to describe it, according to Thompson.

As you can imagine, if you take a walk through the common area, its a ghost town. Its a sparkling and clean ghost town, he said. Its kind of eerie.

As Thompson and other retail property managers in Massachusetts look eagerly to open their doors in the coming months and get a steady flow of customers back into their shopping centers, excitement as well as uncertainty remains.

Retailers have been included in both the first and second phases of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Bakers plan to reopen the state amid the COVID-19 public health crisis, but how malls fit into that plan is uncertain.

Business owners in the retail industry will not be able to open their physical spaces until June at the earliest. That date may fluctuate too depending on whether there is a spike in cases of the viral respiratory infection that forces the state to reinstitute certain social distancing restrictions.

Although retailers will be able to operate with remote ordering and curbside delivery starting May 25, for several business, this type of service is not expected to boost sales substantially.

A big part of shopping, especially at malls, is the experience: walking through public spaces, trying on clothes, feeling fabrics.

Thats pretty much the entire approach for our retailers: Customers want to come in," said Thompson, noting that many people would rather shop in person than online, especially with clothing as they can try it on and look at the products on the shelves. Those are obviously the customers we count on.

He added, Its tough. Its a struggle.

According to Bill Rennie, vice president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, the states permission of curbside business is a step in the right direction, but it is not going to result in a tremendous volume of sales that will be sufficient to keep stores open long-term.

The RAM conducted a survey in April that looked at the previous nine weeks of business. It reported a nearly 68% decrease in revenue from the previous year, Rennie said.

The survey was based on responses from small- and medium-sized retailers alike that were open at a limited capacity, severely restricted or closed completely. Some businesss revenue was down by 95% or 100%, while others were breaking even, according to Rennie.

Depending on what kind of retailer you are and the product you sell, a big part of that shopping experience is seeing that item with your own eyes, holding it in your hand," he said. There are certain things that consumers generally want to touch and feel before they make that purchase.

He added that many retailers were planning on opening to open their doors on May 18 when the governors order closing non-essential businesses was expected to expire. But their thinking has since changed with Bakers recently announced timeline for reopening.

Still, curbside business is better than no business, Rennie said.

Again, its a small step forward. Were waiting to see what the parameters are, if there are any, defining how curbside works," he said. Were hopeful for additional guidance. Our members are focused on being able to open the doors in a safe and protective environment.

4/24/2020 - A huge heartfelt thank you banner to the essential workers during COVID-19 pandemic at Thornes Marketplace in downtown Northampton. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican)

'Its risky: The pessimism and uncertainty surrounding curbside delivery

Earlier this week, Thompson sent out an email to his merchants at the Eastfield Mall, outlining the governors reopening plan. He was also trying to gauge his tenants thoughts on opening their doors again.

The property manager received only two replies back that were both vague at best," he said. The retailers uncertain responses were understandable, though, Thompson noted. Many businesses are barely scraping by, and they are debating whether it is financially viable to open with curbside delivery.

Theyre obviously going to have to hire staff back, get them back on the payroll, and theyre not sure whether the customer base will be there to support them," he said. Thats the feedback Im hearing: Its risky.

Frustrations in regard to other businesses being able to open before retailers have also mounted for those in the industry.

Restaurants have been allowed to operate with curbside delivery since the start of the outbreak. The 99 Restaurants at the Eastfield Mall, for instance, has been using the service for the past few months, Thompson said.

Now, barbershops and salons will be next in line to conduct restricted in-person business per the guidance set forth by the governors 17-member reopening advisory board. Thompson noted that one of the Springfield malls salon is planning to open Tuesday with safety officials present to monitor the operation.

The frustration were seeing now, of course, is mainly from those who were deemed non-essential, who, in the first phase, the only step forward for them is curbside pick-up, said Rennie of the Retail Association of Massachusetts.

The RAM vice president pointed out that all of the New England states had already implemented curbside business for retailers. Massachusetts, one of the states hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, is further behind in its reopening process.

What were seeing right now is a lot of frustrations from our members who are deemed non-essential and have remained closed for several weeks now," he said. With the reopening process put in place, were seeing a lot of questions from our members about why a salon or a barbershop can reopen with such close contact, but we can have limited store openings.

At Thornes Marketplace, a smaller-scale shopping center in the heart of downtown Northampton, questions about reopening are aplenty and so are doubts about the positive impact of curbside delivery.

Both management at the Eastfield Mall and Thornes would not disclose the amount of total revenue lost among its merchants over the pandemic, but they said it was dramatic.

The Northampton shopping center was expecting some of its tenants to be able reopen on May 18 and was helping them prepare for that possibility, according to Jody Doele, marketing manager at Thornes. With the governors recently announced reopening plan, though, that timeline has shifted.

The marketplace is back to thinking about what a potential reopening would look like in the coming weeks. Management has bought sanitizer, gloves, masks, floor decals and even foot-operated door openings for bathrooms as part of their preparations, said Doele.

Multiple businesses in Thornes have already started using e-commerce sites to sell goods, but how curbside will affect sales is still uncertain, and Doele is not expecting the service to drive up sales as, akin to many retailers, the experience of shopping play a big role in customers purchases.

If our current revenue is zero, we have no sense of what curbside delivery will equate to in sales," she said.

The Eastfield Mall is similarly asking many questions about curbside business and the protocols surrounding it. Thompson noted the governors orders are fairly vague, and he is talking with his staff at least twice a week over the phone or via Zoom video-conferencing about their preparations.

What is unclear is the personal protective equipment and signage needed. The property manager has ordered masks, floor signs and hand sanitizer already - everything thats needed for a reopening, he said.

Thats where were at now," Thompson said. Its uncharted water. No one really quite knows yet.

Uncertainty surrounding mall reopenings in the commonwealth is widespread. MassLive reached out to a dozen shopping center owners across the state and heard back from only half of them.

Questions remain for what reopenings will look like at the 14 Massachusetts shopping centers run by the Simon Property Group, which owns Copley Place in Boston, the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis, the Burlington Mall, the Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough, the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets and more.

The company announced in late March - after discussions with federal, state and local officials - it would close all of its retail properties throughout the United States, which includes dozens of malls, premium outlets and mills.

The health and safety of our shoppers, retailers and employees is of paramount importance, David Simon, CEO of the company, said in a statement.

Jacqueline Boselli, a spokesperson for the Simon Property Group, told MassLive the company will comply with all state and local orders and only reopen properties when permitted to do so. She did not provide any specifics about what the reopening process would like at any of the groups malls, though.

We will share additional information when it becomes available, she said.

The Assembly Row shopping center in Somerville, Massachusetts. (Courtesy Aram Boghosian)

There is light at the end of the tunnel: The optimism

Despite the pessimism and lingering questions about curbside delivery for malls, retailers are looking forward to the far-off possibility of fully reopening their doors for in-person services. Businesses are excited to get back to business, Thompson said.

I dont want to paint a whole dark, gloomy, doom picture for all of this," he said. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and I think were close to it.

There are two trains of thoughts that exist surrounding brick-and-mortar store reopenings, Thompson said: one in which people will be too fearful to shop again due to the virus and another in which customers will flock to retailers because of pent-up demand.

Thompson is opting for the latter train of thought. The general manager is looking at the situation optimistically and is hopeful for an influx of sales, he said.

People are frustrated. They have cabin fever, and they want to go out and resume normal life," he said. I think once we are fully open or close there to, Im counting on a big increase in customer traffic.

While some shopping centers are still in the process of preparing for curbside delivery, some malls have already readied their own systems to try to boost sales while also abiding by social distancing guidelines.

Boston Properties, which owns the Prudential Center shopping center in the Back Bay neighborhood of the city, is in the process of surveying its retailers for interest in curbside business. The company will better understand which retailers will offer the service next week, it said.

The Hampshire Mall in Holyoke is also expected to begin curbside pick-up services May 25 and has issued healthy shopper guidelines" for everyone entering its properties that mirror many state and federal restrictions.

We and our tenants appreciate the states willingness to move on with phased re-openings in a manner that protects the health and safety of everyone, Lynn Gray, manager of the mall, said in a statement. We look forward to a full re-opening when we are able to do so."

Assembly Row, a shopping center in Somerville owned by Federal Realty, announced on May 1 what it describes as a robust contactless pick-up program that it will roll out once retailers are allowed to partially reopen.

With the service, customers will be able to place orders with stores by phone or online and arrange for pick-up, with the aim of making patrons and the shopping centers more than 80 merchants feel comfortable to conduct business again.

The service will also be available at Federal Realtys Linden Square shopping center in Wellesley, according to a statement from the company.

David Middleton, general manager of Assembly Row, told MassLive that while the state is acting on the more cautious side of things, allowing retailers flexibility with curbside delivery is better than nothing.

I think anyone in this industry can share in frustrations," he said. But I think with Massachusetts being in the top three in terms of COVID-related deaths, I think its a fair approach. Its a tough pill to swallow, but we have to look at the bigger picture.

One factor that works in Assembly Rows favor is the fact that it is an outdoor shopping center, according to Middleton, but the general manager noted that he and other retailers will all have to adapt to a new reality of operating during a pandemic.

Retailers are just going to have change the way they go about selling their merchandise to customers. Its just going to be the new normal," he said.

Like Thompson, Middleton thinks there is a pent-up demand for retail shopping as well. Spring products are sitting on stores shelves, and people are hungry to leave their homes and buy them.

Its been 10 weeks or so since people have been able to get out of their house. Were on the glass-half-full side, instead of looking at it in a pessimistic way," he said. We view ourselves as a neighborhood. We want people to come back to the neighborhood safely and help the restaurants and retailers as much as they can.

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Lyne Lucien/The Daily Beast / Photo Getty

Erica* was already on edge before the pandemic started. She had recently secured a full stay-away order against her ex, but said hed already started violating itcalling her late at night, showing up at their childs school unannounced, sending her threatening texts, according to her recent court petition.

Every time she dropped her kid off for a visit, she said, her ex would try to pick a fight. Shed taken to watching behind her back every time she left the house, fearing he would pop out from behind a garbage can or parked car. I feel like a criminal, she said one day last month. Like I owe someone something, and Im going to have to pay it back.

When the lockdown started, Ericas kid didnt want to go for the weekly parental visits anymore, and Erica didnt fight itshe was already afraid of letting her child outside their home in New York City, where the coronavirus was raging uncontrollably. But when her child didnt show up for a scheduled visit, Erica said, her ex only got more angry. One day, according to court filings, he called her more than 100 times in an hour, threatening to have her arrested. Erica had already made a police report and filed a petition to suspend visitations during lockdown, but no arrest had been made, and the court had not responded.

In an interview last month, an attorney working with Erica worried aloud that the situation would only get worse without a court intervention.

Even though right now hes not hitting her, its only a matter of time before it escalates to a dangerous situation, said Anna Maria Diamanti, the director of family and matrimonial practice at womens legal services provider HerJustice.

She didnt know how accurate her prediction would turn out to be.

Experts say domestic violence rates in New York have increased at least 30 percent amid the COVID-19 pandemic, owing to a dangerous cocktail of anxiety, economic turmoil, and almost everyone being trapped inside. At the same time, the courts have been hamstrung by staffing cuts and remote-only operations. Understaffed and overburdened, family courts have tried to prioritize orders of protection and other emergency filings. But advocates say cases like Ericasongoing custody and visitation disputes on the verge of becoming emergencieshave been pushed to the sidelines, sometimes with violent results.

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This case is an illustration of pretty much everything weve been afraid of in this shutdown, said Naomi Young, a lawyer at HerJustice who helped Erica with her case. As a lawyer who works on these cases, this was one of the most frustrating and terrifying experiences Ive ever had.

Custody and visitation casesalready one of the most common family law disputeshave taken on a renewed intensity during the pandemic. How should parents with shared custody swap children if it means traveling long distances or using public transportation? Who sets the standard for social distancing or remote learning in the home? In some cases, front-line medical workers have reported partners refusing to let them see their children out of fear they will bring the virus home from the hospital.

Domestic Violence in Lockdown Could Be the Worst Plague of All

These cases are even more fraught for survivors of domestic violence. Jennifer Friedman, legal and policy director for the Bronx and Manhattan at Sanctuary for Families, said abusers often use the courts as a means of torment from afar. Abusers frequently subject their victims to lengthy, expensive, and unnecessary litigation, she said, using their children as a pawn.

If youre already engaged in this kind of intensive litigation, under the additional stresses placed by this COVID emergency, you can imagine how challenging a time this is for victims of domestic violenceeven those who are already separated from their abuser, she said.

Currently, however, New York state courts are not open to hearing new custody and visitation cases, except in limited circumstances. Starting in late March, the courts shuttered their physical locations and postponed all scheduled cases on their dockets. A skeleton crew of judges and clerks provided remote-only hearings for emergency issues like orders of protection, juvenile delinquency cases, and emergency child welfare proceedings. On the first day that family courts went virtual, a court spokesperson told the New York Post, the number of requests approved for hearings went from the usual 85 down to 12.

In recent weeks, the courts have resumed hearing some previously scheduled cases. But they are still not taking new petitions for custody and visitation, unless a judge decides its an emergency.

New York City courthouses have been closed since mid-March. Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Domestic violence advocates who spoke with The Daily Beast praised the courts for adapting quickly in an unprecedented situation. But they emphasized that the current regulations are leaving some victims without recourse.

The courts are still available if you need an order of protection, Young said. But in cases that dont rise to that level, or require a different type of filing, thats when it becomes really problematic.

Luba Reife, the deputy director of the Family Law Project at Sanctuary for Families, said she had advised multiple survivors like Erica during the shutdown. She had also spoken with survivors in the opposite situation, in which their abuser had custody of the child when lockdown started and was now refusing to return them. Usually the court would step in to adjudicate these matters, Reife said, but these days that was rarely possible.

The attorney recalled one client whose ex had kept their child from her since March. She sought help from the court, but the case was adjourned until July.

Weve been advising a lot of very desperate people who are saying, Ive only been able to FaceTime with my child at the whim of my ex. What can be done? Reife said. And the answer is, there really is not much that can be done.

People are not really able to modify orders easily at this point, she added. The only mechanism to really change a current order is to not follow it.

A spokesperson for the New York State Unified Court System said that, for the health and safety of all concerned, the city went from 125 courtrooms to just five citywide virtual courtrooms in March. She also linked to a press release announcing that five more county-specific courtrooms would be added this week to address applications in pending cases that could be resolved with a brief remote appearance.

We had to draw the line somewhere, the spokesperson said of which cases the court chose to hear. Unless it was life or death, it would have to wait.

Erica was one of the lucky few whose cases were deemed an emergency. A judge heard her petition in late March, just as the courts were closing, and granted her a virtual hearing a few days later. But when Erica tried to call in for the court date, no one answered. When she finally reached someone at the court, they told her the hearing was not on the court schedule. Even when she provided photos of her summons with that days date on it, the court employee told Erica there was nothing she could do; she would have to wait for another court date by mail.

But the new court date never came. Instead, one day in late Aprilalmost a month after her original hearing dateEricas ex showed up. He found her outside on a grocery run, she said, and beat her so badly she had to call the paramedics.

I felt like I was going to die, Erica told The Daily Beast. I kept getting hit repeatedly, hands closed, on my head. All I remember was the ongoing punches, that I feel like it never ended.

He hit me like I was his worst enemy, she added. I felt like that was going to be it, that was the end of me.

Someone eventually called the police, who arrived and took a report, but Ericas ex has yet to be arrested. A spokesperson for the NYPD said the investigation remains active.

The number of domestic violence reports in New York increased by 15 percent in March and 30 percent in April, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. At the same time, the number of domestic violence arrests have plummeted, dropping 43 percent between March and April. Legal advocates who spoke to The Daily Beast said they were also seeing a decrease in callseither because survivors were too consumed by the current economic crisis to reach out, or because they could not get away from their abuser to do so.

In the absence of more court interventions, advocates worry that a growing number of abusers will take matters into their own hands.

Any time you have a situation where youve lost an opportunity to hold [an abuser] accountable for their behavior, that always runs the risk that the behavior will escalate, Diamanti said. The more abusers can get away with, the more they will do.

The longer the courts are closed, the more critical and the more difficult and urgent peoples situations are going to get, Young said. When the courts do open theres going to be a flood of people who have been trying to self-help for weeks or months.

In her weekly public address last week, New York state Chief Judge Janet DiFiore announced the landmark reopening of five upstate regions for in-person court operations. But she cautioned that the reopening would be slow and incremental, and would very significantly by region.

I know you are all anxious for our courts to get back to full operations. I am as well, she said. Lets be patient and remind ourselves of the careful, incremental way in which weve responded effectively to the pandemic, so that we dont forget, and arent tempted, to jump ahead of where we need to be right now.

In the meantime, attorneys are attempting to advise clients in what Friedman called a very unstable world with no precedent. Reife said shes been telling clients to document every FaceTime and Zoom call between their child and their abuser, in hopes of proving that they did not violate their visitation agreement during the pandemic.

In a video call with survivor advocates last week, a survivor using the pseudonym Jane Doe said she had moved to virtual visits between her abuser and their child during the pandemic. But she said her abuser had accused her of withholding the child, and she was afraid that when the courts reopened, she would be penalized for acting in what she felt was her kids best interest.

Im really worried that the court does not recognize how much abuse is being extended through the means of visitation, even long after obtaining an order of protection, she said. Im really worried that the court will punish the survivors as a result of COVID-19, and I'm really afraid that when this emergency is over, a lot of survivors who have not been complying with this visitation issue could face serious ramifications.

Erica, meanwhile, said she is still worried about what might happen with her ex. Just last week, she said, the Administration for Child Services filed an abuse and neglect petition in the case, temporarily suspending visits between the child and father. But in the meantime, shes still looking behind her back every time she goes out.

I just bury my head in work because its stressful for me, its stressful for [my child,] and in reality I dont know what else to do, because every time I raise my hand for help I get shut down, she said.

At the moment were just staying home, she added. Theres not much I can do.

*Erica is a pseudonym.

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(Newser)  Merriam-Webster has updated its entry on "Chinese restaurant syndrome," a term many Asian Americans saw as antiquated and even racist. The phrase was previously defined as a legitimate illness brought on by food seasoned with monosodium glutamate but "especially Chinese food." Merriam-Webster.com said symptoms include numbness of the neck, arms and back as well as headaches and dizziness. Now, the definition has a detailed disclaimer noting the term as "dated" and "offensive," the AP reports. It also states research conducted since the so-called syndrome was reported in the 1960s has not found any link between MSG and those symptoms. It also contains a link to another entrythe more clinical term, "MSG symptom complex."

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Peter Sokolowski, editor at large at Merriam-Webster, confirmed the changes. "This process is always ongoing, and includes the gathering of evidence and drafting of revisions to be reviewed by specialized and senior editors before being added to a scheduled release of changes," he said. The issue gained attention in January when Ajinomoto, a longtime Japanese producer of MSG seasonings, called on Merriam-Webster to alter its entry. The company hired restaurateur Eddie Huang and The Real TV co-host Jeannie Mai for a social media campaign. MSG comes from glutamate, a common amino acid or protein building block found in food. The Food and Drug Administration says MSG is generally recognized as a safe addition to food.

(Read more Chinese food stories.)
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We will never get out of this now. It will go on for ever. We will not be free people again.

Even when we seem to be free we will be like prisoners on parole, who can be snatched back to their cells at a moments notice.

I think I now understand why this period has come to be known by the repulsive word lockdown, an American term which describes the punishment of rioting convicts in a penitentiary, by confining them in their cells for long periods.

Police are pictured speaking to demonstrators in Hyde Park, London last week. We are learning, during this induction period, to do what we are told and to become obedient, servile citizens of a new authoritarian State

I hate this word, because it does not seem to me to be fitting to describe free people in a free country.

But we are no longer such people, or such a country. We have become muzzled, mouthless, voiceless, humiliated, regimented prisoners, shuffling about at the command of others, stopping when told to stop, moving when told to move, shouted at by jacks-in-office against whom we have no appeal.

We are learning, during this induction period, to do what we are told and to become obedient, servile citizens of a new authoritarian State. We are unlearning the old rules of freedom.

All the things we used to take for granted now belong to the State, which can hand them back to us if we are good, and yank them away from us again if we are bad, or if it can think of an excuse.

And there will always be an excuse, a rise in the fictional R rate, an emergency that can be exaggerated into fear, whether it be a virus, a terror threat or even the new Middle Eastern war that I have long feared is coming.

But who would have thought it would be Covid-19, of all things, that would be the pretext for the snuffing out of centuries of liberty?

I have long sensed a desire in our new elite to be more powerful. It goes with their belief that they are so wonderful that nobody ought to disagree with them.

You could tell that they longed for curfews, to go on the TV with grim faces and tell us all to go quietly to our homes, to ban gatherings of more than three people, for our own good. But it never quite worked.

People actually laughed in 2003 when Anthony Blair madly sent tanks to Heathrow Airport to deal with an alleged terror threat, which never materialised.

Al Qaeda was a good bogeyman for a bit, but all the stuffing came out of it, especially when we ended up supporting it in Syria. Islamic State had the same basic problem.

Its supposed supporters here almost invariably turned out (like Al Qaedas before them) to be fantasists or drugged-up maniacs with no coherent aim or plan. There was never an excuse to fire up the shiny new Civil Contingencies Act, with its enormous dictatorial powers,

All the things we used to take for granted now belong to the State, which can hand them back to us if we are good, and yank them away from us again if we are bad, or if it can think of an excuse. A sign about the lockdown is pictured above in Pilsley

But now the new Strong State, growing in our midst for decades, has finally become powerful enough to emerge in all its naked nastiness. Or rather, all the proper institutions of a civil society have grown so weak that the Strong State can now get its way.

The married family, the independent middle-class, able to make a decent living on the basis of hard-won qualifications, the political parties, Parliament itself, the Opposition, the Monarchy, the Armed Forces, the Church (pathetically anxious to close itself), the Civil Service, most of the media, the BBC, are just husks of what they were 50 years ago.

In many cases, bodies supposed to stand up for us now lecture and browbeat us on behalf of the Government. But I think the worst thing of all has been the naked transformation of the police into a politicised state militia. I have had plenty of criticisms of the police before now, and take none of them back.

But their performance in this crisis has been deeply shocking and sad. They have acted as the agents of Ministers, openly taking one side in a political controversy, shouting angrily and menacingly at innocent citizens that they must go home and that, if they do not, they are killing people.

Lulled by the lotus-eating weeks of furlough payments and mortgage holidays, and by the almost unceasing spring sunshine, we have lolled about for the past two months vaguely wondering what that faint unpleasant sound in the distance might be. A sign about social distancing is pictured above in Margate

Lord Sumption, the former Supreme Court judge, distinguished historian and Reith Lecturer who has spoken repeatedly for Britain in these dark times, said it very clearly many weeks ago: This is what a police state is like. Its a state in which the government can issue orders or express preferences with no legal authority and the police will enforce Ministers wishes.

These are not the words of some troublesome scribbler, like me, but those of an enormously distinguished intellect who is nobodys fool, never uses a word he has not considered, and knows his way very well round the past and the present.

And so it has been. Lulled by the lotus-eating weeks of furlough payments and mortgage holidays, and by the almost unceasing spring sunshine, we have lolled about for the past two months vaguely wondering what that faint unpleasant sound in the distance might be.

Well, I will tell you what it is. It is the forging of the fetters we shall be wearing in the times to come, because, for the most part, we didnt care about our liberty, and so no longer deserve to have it.

TV so good youll forget its French

Where to turn for solace in the midst of all this? Lewis Carrolls Alice books, works of witty genius about the folly of mankind, are one refuge. Poetry sometimes helps.

But I have also found that the brilliant French TV spy thriller series The Bureau is a great escape.

Full of intelligent women, endlessly clever, and making much use of the glories of pre-virus Paris, I think its the best TV espionage thriller since the Alec Guinness version of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

You forget its in French after about 30 seconds.

Endlessly clever: Mathieu Kassovitz in The Bureau

One silent killer we should be terrified of

I see the tireless lobby for horrible electric scooters and e-bikes has got to work again, trying to make out that the Governments insane attack on public transport (too dangerous to use, allegedly, lest you find yourself sharing a carriage with a virus) means that such vehicles are the future.

What rubbish. These silent killers are a terrible danger to pedestrians and proper cyclists.

They do nothing for the health of their users, who get no proper exercise from riding them, but clutter up cycle lanes.

They are the ideal means of transport for people who have lost their licences through drink or drugs and want to continue to use motor transport. Or for people who cant or wont pass driving tests but want to go fast anyway [File photo]

They just shift their pollution to power stations, and the ingredients of their batteries require the rape of large parts of the Third World.

They are the ideal means of transport for people who have lost their licences through drink or drugs and want to continue to use motor transport. Or for people who cant or wont pass driving tests but want to go fast anyway.

Their supposed speed limiters are a joke, easily overcome. Those cities which have allowed e-scooters have bitterly regretted it, as their pavements have become as dangerous as the roads themselves.

Yet the excuse of the new normal or recovery from the virus crisis or protecting the NHS will in the next few months be repeatedly used in a hundred such bad causes, from a Stalinist raid on savings (probably in the guise of an NHS surcharge which will be impossible to oppose) to a bonfire of the remaining planning controls and green belts.

And people will fall for it, as they have fallen for the whole phoney crisis.

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In pharmacy school, Lindsey Belding learned all about the drugs that fight cancer, and the things that they do to the body. So in January 2018, when her then-fiance, Luke Belding, was diagnosed with leukemia, she was ready to be his advocate, to help him navigate treatment, to walk with him on the journey.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 23/5/2020 (607 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In pharmacy school, Lindsey Belding learned all about the drugs that fight cancer, and the things that they do to the body. So in January 2018, when her then-fiance, Luke Belding, was diagnosed with leukemia, she was ready to be his advocate, to help him navigate treatment, to walk with him on the journey.

Theyd already been through so much together. Theyd met online in the summer of 2013: he from New Brunswick but preparing to do his masters degree in marine biology at a university in Boston; she from Massachusetts, set to start pharmacy school in Maine. Their connection was instant, and soon proved unshakeable.

Lindsey and Luke's bond did not waver through his cancer diagnosis weeks after their engagement, or through his first stem-cell transplant that summer, a gift from his brother.(Supplied)

He loved that she was smart, and funny, and independent. She loved that they seemed to be riding on the same wavelength, as if theyd known each other forever. They were best friends before theyd even met in person, she says, and when they finally did meet, that bond only grew stronger.

It stayed strong throughout the early years of their relationship, most of it long distance, visiting a few times a year. Strong throughout Lukes 2016 move to Winnipeg, where he started his PhD research in fish biology, and where he proposed to her the next Christmas, around the time he started to feel a searing pain in his bones.

Their bond did not waver when he was diagnosed with cancer weeks after their engagement, or throughout his first stem-cell transplant that summer, a gift from his brother. Shortly after the transplant, with the support of Lukes nurses, they held a quiet and intimate wedding in the sanctuary of Health Sciences Centre.

He was bald from chemotherapy then, and wore a plaid shirt and slippers. She wore a pretty white dress, and held a spray of flowers. They planned a more formal wedding for exactly one year later, but it never came to pass: in early 2019, Luke relapsed, kicking off months of agonizing recovery and a search for a new stem-cell donor.

Lindsey and Luke on their wedding day at HSC. (Supplied)

Throughout it all, Lukes brother Ben Belding says, Lindseys strength, and the couples bright spirits, kept them going.

"Shes just his rock," Ben says, from his home in Calgary. "Through this whole process, shes been so motivated. Shes been home health care worker to him, shes been nurse to him, shes been everything Shes always been at his side, and always been positive."

In the spring of 2020, they found a stem-cell match. The process had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but at last they could dream of a smoother road ahead. Theyd just got a new puppy; Lindsey was settling into her work as a pharmacist in Winnipeg.

On April 9, Luke received his second transplant. The recovery was difficult, and the hospital was closed to visitors, but they know how to handle distance. They texted every day, and chatted on video calls every evening. On May 7, Luke marked his 29th birthday alone in hospital; he was supposed to go home the next day.

Lindsey had started feeling sick, with a sore throat and rising fever. She assumed it was something like strep, her body run ragged from stress. She took a COVID-19 test; it came back negative. To be safe, doctors decided to keep Luke in hospital until she recovered.

Days passed, and she didnt get better, and when she went to an urgent care centre for tests and treatment they found something concerning: her white blood cell count was low. Her immune system was failing. She would be admitted to hospital and isolated for her own safety.

On May 14, five weeks after Lukes second stem-cell transplant, Lindsey learned she too had B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia  the same type of cancer which Luke had been facing for the last two years.

Lindsey and Luke during their wedding ceremony at HSC. (Supplied)

It was a staggering diagnosis. The chances of a newlywed couple both contracting this type of blood cancer is astronomically low; the vast majority of cases occur in children. A mathematician the Free Press spoke to Saturday estimated the odds of the Beldings situation at roughly one in 10 billion.

When they found out, Lindsey was in shock. Luke just felt numb. Even doctors who heard about it were stunned: Dr. Anthea Peters, a hematologist and professor at the University of Alberta who specializes in blood cancers, told the Free Press shes never heard anything quite like the Beldings story, calling it incredibly bad luck.

"Its still hard to wrap our minds around," Lindsey says, chatting over the phone from her room at HSC. "There are really no words to explain, because its just so unique and weird and everyone keeps saying, what are the odds? I keep saying that too. Its just so bizarre. Thats the best way to put it."

In the midst of this stunning news, a moment of grace. For about 24 hours after Lindsey was admitted and before Luke was discharged, they were on the same HSC ward. For the first time in over a month, they were able to hug, and laugh, and share that precious face-to-face time.

"It was just being able to see her smile," Luke says, over the phone from their home. "It was needed."

Now, they once again find themselves facing cancer apart, but together. Lindsey has started chemotherapy, with her current treatment plan scheduled to run through the middle of June. Luke is at home, where he is working to recover from his transplant and preparing to support the couple once Lindsey is released.

"Im just trying to slowly get myself back into a condition where once shes home, she can rely on me to do most of the things for the both of us," Luke says. "She was doing everything for us when I was sick, so I have to be able to at least do something while Im just kind of sick, and shes really sick."

They have support. Luke points to their family, who have rallied around them from afar, and to his colleagues at the University of Manitoba laboratory where he studies fish. They are grateful too for the staff at HSCs GD6 ward, who have supported both of them all this time: "they are amazing, wonderful people," Luke says.

Still, as one can imagine, the financial burden on the young couple has been and will be heavy. Their family has set up a GoFundMe to help them support their recovery; people can donate online here.

In its first 24 hours, the GoFundMe had raised more than $24,000, and messages of support have flowed in from all over.

"Weve seen such a nice ray of sunshine the last few days in humanity," Ben says. "Its so important to look out for your neighbours that just might mean reading the story and sharing positive vibes. It makes a big difference. Its hard to express how much that means to someone. Ive never felt that power before until recently."

Stay informed The latest updates on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 delivered to your inbox every weeknight. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

Above all, the family hopes that people who read their story will be inspired to sign up to donate blood and stem cells. People aged 17 to 35 who meet the health criteria are eligible to register as a stem cell donor; more info, including an eligibility questionnaire, is available online at blood.ca/stemcells.

"It saves lives," Luke says, noting that both have benefitted from donated blood products as well.

For now, they look to the future. For seven years theyve been a couple, most of that time separated by distance or illness. The challenge ahead of them now is steep  like a huge wall they have to climb, Luke says  but they will face it the same way theyve faced everything else: as a pair, unbroken and unbreakable.

"We havent had a chance to have a normal life," Luke says. "But we try to normalize our lives as much as possible. Were good as individuals, but were better as a team. Were each others best friends, and thats how we function, and hopefully thats how well continue to function."

For those who wish to follow the couples journey, Lindsey has been keeping a blog at lifeloveandleukemia.blog.

melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca
The father of a 19-year-old law student gunned down in an alleged drive-by shooting told how the family fled war-torn Lebanon in the hopes of finding safety in Britain ten years ago.

Innocent passer-by Aya Hachem was walking to Lidl supermarket near her family home in Blackburn when she was hit by a bullet fired from a passing Toyota car last Sunday.

The first of two shots struck a building but the second fatally pierced her chest.

Her father Ismail Hachem - a former soldier - arrived in England ten years ago as an asylum seeker. He was granted British citizenship last year.

Aya Hachem's mother is comforted during her daughter's funeral in Qlaileh in south Lebanon

Paramedics battled to save the Children's Society charity volunteer, but she died a short while after she was taken to hospital. Pictured: Her funeral on Saturday

The teenager's funeral was held in Qlaileh in south Lebanon on Saturday. Pictured: Her coffin is carried by relatives

Relatives of Miss Hachem threw flower petals during her funeral at a cemetery in her family's hometown

He said his family sought 'to find safety' after he was shot in the back.

He now questions how his family will ever feel safe again after the broad-daylight attack.

He told The Sun on Sunday: 'Aya and her mother used to discuss her graduation dress. Instead her mother dressed her in her funeral dress.'

The family returned to Lebanon for the teenager's funeral which was held in Qlaileh on Saturday.

Ms Hachem was a second year student at the University of Salford and the eldest of four siblings.

Ismail Hachem - father of a 19-year-old law student gunned down in an alleged drive-by shooting - told how the family fled war-torn Lebanon in the hopes of finding safety in Britain ten years ago

Innocent passer-by Aya Hachem was walking to Lidl supermarket near her family home in Blackburn when she was hit by a bullet fired from a passing Toyota car last Sunday

Paramedics battled to save the Children's Society charity volunteer, but she died a short while after she was taken to hospital.

It comes as four men and a woman appeared in court charged with her murder.

The defendants, from Blackburn and Great Harwood, spoke only to confirm their name and address when they appeared at Preston Magistrates' Court.

The court was told that the allegations were so serious they could only be heard at the crown court and no applications for bail could be made.

The five defendants will appear for a bail application hearing at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday.
To the Editor:

Re Industry Ties Pose Possible Conflicts for Scientist Leading Vaccine Team (news article, May 21):

Who would be more qualified to head a fast-track effort to develop a coronavirus vaccine than someone who had run a major pharmaceutical company? It makes no sense to suggest that a person with that experience should be disqualified because of a potential conflict of interest. The theoretical possibility that a man, who is probably by now a multimillionaire, would subvert such an important program because of a theoretical financial interest is far outweighed by the benefits that his experience brings to the process of developing an essential vaccine.

As one who has spent a career going in and out of government service, I have always questioned the wisdom of assuming that people who abandon lucrative careers in private industry because they perceive the importance of public service will somehow sell out their office in an effort to enhance some theoretical financial interest.

The nation desperately needs the services of someone like Dr. Moncef Slaoui.

John S. Martin

Fort Myers, Fla.
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The state of Michigan reported just five deaths as a result of the coronavirus on Sunday, May 24  the lowest number on record since Saturday, March 21.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has noted previously that reported numbers tend to be lower on Sundays and holidays, and data has regularly reflected that. Not all local health departments are reporting over the holiday weekend.

Still, the total number of new cases and deaths reported on Sunday are the lowest in some time.

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The MDHHS reported 314 new confirmed cases of the virus Sunday, the states second-lowest daily total since March 23.

Michigans 54,679 total number of confirmed cases ranks eighth among states.

Michigan now has 5,228 total COVID-19 deaths, which remains the fourth highest number in the nation behind New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention.

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For the first time in four days, Kent County did not report the most new cases among Michigan counties, as Wayne County moved back into the top spot with 74 new cases reported.

Kent County reported the second most new cases in the state with 51 on Sunday as Ottawa and Oakland both reported 23 new cases.

Heres a look at the Michigan counties with the most confirmed cases:

1. Wayne County: 19,771 cases (2,329 deaths)

2. Oakland County: 8,215 cases (955 deaths)

3. Macomb County: 6,499 cases (778 deaths)

4. Kent County: 3,359 cases (67 deaths)

5. Genesee County: 1,948 cases (240 deaths)

6. Washtenaw County: 1,294 cases (96 deaths)

7. Saginaw County: 989 cases (106 deaths)

8. Kalamazoo County: 797 cases (47 deaths)

9t. Ingham County: 696 cases (25 deaths)

9t. Ottawa County: 696 cases (26 deaths)

For more statewide data, visit MLives coronavirus data page, here.

Note: This story has been edited to reflect current cumulative case and death data.

COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Also on MLive:

Michigan to report coronavirus antibody test results separately

Sunday, May 24: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Michigan coronavirus recoveries now exceed 33,000

For vacation spots outside of Michigans reopened zone, Memorial Day weekend goes from boom to bust

Michigan marijuana industry changed, but thriving amid coronavirus pandemic

Merritt Speedway opens 2020 season: We did everything Covid-wise
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Mass murders, vandalism, social media abuse, propaganda, assault.

Anti-Semitism in the U.S. and Europe is rising and worsening in ways not seen since the 1930s.

Like a virus, it mutates and evolves across cultures, borders and ideologies, making it all but impossible to stop.

This is exactly why filmmaker Andrew Goldberg took on the hot topic in the film, Viral: Antisemitism in Four Mutations.

I started it right after the election and worked on it for three years, Goldberg says during a recent interview. It was nonstop and exhausting. The story is changing every day and there is always another piece of bad news. It was difficult to keep up with.

PBS is stepping in and airing the film nationwide after the films theatrical run was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It will premiere at 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, on New Mexico PBS.

Goldberg and crew traveled around the world with production for the 90-minute film.

It examines the mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and the rise of anti-Semitism on the far right. In Hungary, it looks at how Prime Minister Viktor Orban launched a massive campaign reminiscent of Nazi propaganda against Jewish billionaire George Soros.

In England, members of the traditionally anti-racist, far-left Labour party conflate Israel and Jews with anti-Semitic vitriol, causing tremendous pain for the Jewish community.

And in France, the film illuminates the seemingly endless wave of violence against Jews by Islamists and radicals.

In fact, the filmmakers were one of the only productions allowed to film in the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh after the shootings in 2018.

Pittsburgh happened and that came out of nowhere, Goldberg says. That would slow our production down because we wanted to tell a complete story.

The film features interviews with Bill Clinton, Tony Blair and Deborah Lipstadt to victims of terror, experts and anti-Semites themselves.

It is narrated in part by Julianna Margulies.

Goldberg says because anti-Semitism continues to rear its head around the world, an entirely different film could be made today.

Through all of the interviews, Goldberg held onto his journalistic values and stayed neutral.

Everybody that we talked to, they are trying to get you to see their point of view, he says. People did get aggressive in this way.

Goldberg says the increasing bigotry and violence within each of these four countries paints a terrifying portrait of how global hatred disseminates and harms.

Activist Maajid Nawaz says in the film, If we dont draw a red line in the sand when it comes to anti-Semitism, Muslims will be next, gays will be next and everyone else who is deemed a minority will be next.

Goldberg hopes the film will open up minds and keep the narrative moving forward.

Theres been very strong voices that have come from previous situations, Goldberg says. When you dont see an administration stand up, its seen as a form of permission. America has a long history of public voice making change. That voice should never be silent.

ON TV

Viral: Antisemitism in Four Mutations will have its national premiere at 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, on New Mexico PBS.
LONDON - Prime Minister Boris Johnson's push to reopen schools in June, to get kids back in classrooms and free up their parents to jump-start Britain's moribund economy, is running into surprisingly steep resistance.

Parents here are all jitters. Teachers fret it's too soon. And the scientific advisers, charged with predicting what's safe or not, are offering a muddle of conflicting models.

Johnson reaffirmed his plan that primary schools in England should open in a week at a news conference Sunday evening. It's not going well.

The prime minister acknowledged that it might not be possible for all schools. He promised more cleaning of grubby surfaces, more social distancing between first graders, more use of outdoor space, and more virus screening for students and teachers.

But full stop: Johnson's pitch to reopen schools is a major test of the trust placed in his government - one of the most important metrics for unlocking the lockdown.

The British government has been hammered for its shortcomings in deploying widespread and transparent testing and tracing; in safeguarding nursing homes, where deaths have skyrocketed; and in providing protective gloves and masks to front-line medical workers, who during the worst days of epidemic spike were forced to don garbage bags as gowns.

The holiday weekend brought more trouble for Downing Street, as the press revealed that Johnson's top adviser - his spin doctor Dominic Cummings - had breached quarantine rules by taking a 260-mile road trip to his parents' property in north England while he was stricken by coronavirus.

The Cummings affair has generated complaints that there was one rule for the elites and another for the ordinary folk, who don't have country homes to escape to.

On Sunday, Johnson vowed to stand by his man, saying that Cummings "acted responsibly and legally and with integrity and with the overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives," when he traveled north to isolate at his parent's home with his sick wife and child.

The prime minister desperately wants Britain to catch up to the rest of Europe and America, to come out of lockdown soon, but slowly.

Johnson was almost killed by the virus, and since his release from intensive care he has stressed caution.

But Britain has fallen into what economists say is its deepest recession in 300 years, and shutdowns here and around the globe have underscored a reality of modern life: You can't run an economy without schools, which not only provide learning for the next generation, but provide essential child care for working parents.

If schools don't open, parents can't go back to work.

Britain is watching what happens as classes resume in Germany, New Zealand and Denmark. But infections in those countries have been much lower. Britain, with 37,000 dead, has suffered the highest toll in Europe.

Johnson's government has pursed a united "four nations" approach, with coordination among England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. But that solidarity is splintering.

Scotland and Northern Ireland announced Thursday that their pupils won't be starting school until August. Wales hasn't yet set a date. This was a major blow to Johnson's government.

Teachers and their unions are urging caution. The unions say their members are bewildered by government plans, such as they are. Why not delay for a few weeks, asked Kevin Courtney, a leader of the National Education Union.

Nor does it appear that Johnson has won over the most important constituency: Worried parents.

Justine Roberts, the founder of Mumsnet, a parenting website in Britain, said "many parents are seriously reluctant to send their children back to school."

"Our users are worried about children passing on the virus within households, in the wider community and to school staff," she said.

The government plans to start with a partial reopening of elementary schools, inviting back students in the equivalent of kindergarten, grade one and grade six, which is the final year of primary school, as it's known in the U.K.

Roberts said that there is "some sympathy" for the rationale behind starting with the older students, "to help those children with the transition to secondary school." But the plan to resume classes for younger children is "causing bafflement and some anger, and a suspicion that decisions are being driven by the need to get people back to work."

Opinion surveys show people are wary. The most recent polling by YouGov indicated 36 percent approve of opening schools in early June and 50 percent oppose it. Fourteen percent said they didn't know.

Dozens of municipalities in England say they cannot guarantee their elementary classes will reopen on June 1. Inquiries by the BBC and Financial Times found that at least 44 of 151 municipal councils in England have said they won't open all their primary schools by then - a clear rejection of government calls.

The prime minister has promised to deliver a "world-beating" test and trace system by June 1 to stop a possible second wave of contagion. But that program has been delayed - and might not be up and running until after Johnson wants schools to open.

The first 24,000 tracers are just being hired and trained now. A mobile phone app from the National Health Service has experienced glitches.

The government's scientific advisers have told ministers that schools need a robust system to test and trace new cases of coronavirus before students can safely return to their classrooms.

Reports from the scientists, who advise the government, found that reopening schools did not pose a major risk to students or teachers, but they also said that infections could climb if classes began. The papers published by the advisers provided few clear-cut answers.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said "the welfare of children remains at the very heart of everything we are doing."

"Being able to be back in school will benefit not just their education but also their well-being," he said.
For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME.

Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire.

Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III.





to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever.





Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation.





View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union.

Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history.

Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words.




More than 40 churchgoers who attended a service after lockdown was eased in Germany earlier this month have contracted coronavirus, officials say. The service was held on 10 May at a Baptist church in Frankfurt.



Church officials say they followed social distancing rules and disinfected the building ahead of the service.



Each of Germany's 16 states determines its own lockdown exit plans. Hesse, where Frankfurt located, relaxed restrictions on worship on 1 May.



Those attending services have to be kept 1.5m (5ft) apart, and provided with hand sanitiser.



Wladimir Pritzkau, the deputy head of Frankfurt's Evangelical Christian Baptist congregation, told German media that the rules were adhered to during the 20 May service.



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Teresa and Mark Marsden still feel the loss of their daughter seven years after she took her life at The Gap, an infamous suicide spot in Sydney's east. They feel her absence every day, but most acutely at birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. They still receive letters and fines addressed to Renae Marsden for not voting.

While they won't get their daughter back, they are determined no one ever experiences the journey to hell they've been on.

Parents Mark and Teresa Marsden of catfishing victim Renae Marsden want a law to make the act illegal. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

In 2013, Renae Marsden was making wedding plans, enquiring about a honeymoon in Greece and looking forward to her 21st birthday. Her friends and family describe her as a happy, bubbly and loving young woman who had her whole life ahead of her.

But on August 5, Ms Marsden took her life at The Gap after her relationship with the man she'd been dating for two years, but had never met, came to an end.
Just days ago, scientists leading the University of Oxford's coronavirus vaccine development expressed optimism about their progress  more than 1,000 people in the United Kingdom have been inoculated already, and 10,000 more will be given the vaccine in May and June. But there's some cause for concern, The Telegraph reports.

Professor Adrian Hill, director of the University's Jenner Institute, said what was formerly an 80 percent chance of developing an effective vaccine by September  possibly in time for a potential second wave of infections  has dwindled to 50 percent. That's not because the team no longer believes in its work, which is reportedly still going well. Instead, the U.K.'s infection rate decline may make it tough to gauge the vaccine's efficacy. "It's a race against the virus disappearing, and against time," Hill said.

Hill only expects fewer than 50 of the 10,000 trial volunteers to catch the virus, which has faded since the U.K. and other countries implemented strict lockdowns, and if it turns out that fewer than 20 test positive, the study's results may be useless.

The vaccine showed promise when it was tested in six rhesus macaque monkeys earlier this year, but it will obviously need to show that it provides the same protection in humans before it can be distributed.

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Diane Carlson Evans, a Vietnam nurse whose brainchild was the Vietnam Womens Memorial in Washington, D.C., is noted for her perseverance. Carlson Evans went through a decade-long struggle, with plenty of resistance but also lots of help, to get the memorial at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, completed in 1993.

Now, 27-years later, she is, among other things, thanking all those she worked with on the project, via her book, Healing Wounds, A Vietnam War combat nurses 10-year fight to win women a place of honor in Washington, D.C.

For years, I have wanted an opportunity to be able to say thank you to those who helped me live up to the song which describes my life: Gonna Stand My Ground, and I Wont Back Down by Tom Petty, Carlson Evans wrote in a Jan. 10 email. Theres a price we pay for standing our ground. But at the end of the day, it is worth it.

After 50 years since returning from Vietnam, I have told my story. Thank you for standing with me and helping to share that story.

Bob Welch co-authored the book, which goes on sale Tuesday, May 26.

Diane Carlson was raised on a dairy farm in Minnesota. After graduating high school in Buffalo, Minnesota, in 1964, she attended the Army Student Nurse program in Minneapolis. Carlson then volunteered to serve as a combat nurse in Vietnam, from 1968-69.

Just out of college and 21 years of age, her first assignment was the (burn unit) 36th Evacuation Hospital in Vung Tau, right on the South China Sea beach.

I didnt feel the war there as much as I did when I was transferred up north, to Pleiku, in the central highlands jungle near the Cambodian border, she recounted. I was with Two Corps supporting the 4th Infantry Division, in the 71st Evacuation Hospital. The war was very different there. The 4th Infantry had something like a 75 percent casualty rate.

First Lt. Carlson was head nurse in the post-surgical unit. The patients were on respirators, blood transfusions and chest tubes, and it was very hard to see so many young men with such horrific wounds. They had to deal with patients dying, in addition to having to set aside dying patients in order to save the most salvageable ones.

Pleiku was only about a 10-20 minute helicopter ride from the field of action, and they came under attack many times.

We got to know the difference between the outgoing artillery and the incoming rockets and mortars that would fly in and hit our hospital, sending shrapnel everywhere, Carlson related.

After her tour in Vietnam, Diane went on to complete a total of six years in the Army Nurse Corps, attaining the rank of captain.

In 1984, Carlson Evans co-founded the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project. It took seven years of testimony before three federal commissions and two congressional bills, for Evans and her supporters to garner permission for the memorial, honoring the 11,000 military women who served in Vietnam and the 265,000 who served around the world during the Vietnam era.

With the help of thousands of volunteers  plus the public support of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion  and the corporation which underwrote the project, funds were raised to complete the effort.

The Vietnam Women's Memorial was dedicated on Nov. 11, 1993, with remarks from then Vice President and Vietnam veteran Al Gore. Sculptor Glenna Goodacres 7-foot bronze statue  featuring three women and a wounded soldier  stands on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Since then, as founder and president of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation, Carlson Evans speaks nationally about the experience of women in wartime. With husband Dr. Mike Evans (also a veteran), she parented four children, and came to Helena about 20 years ago.

Among her accolades are honorary degrees, doctor of humane letters, from Haverford College (Pennsylvania), Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, Connecticut), and Carroll College; the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs "Advocate of the Year" Award; the "Outstanding Civic Achievement Award" by the USO, Washington, D.C.; and the "Vietnam Veteran of the Year" award from the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans of America.

Carlson Evans has also been awarded the "Woman Agent of Change by the AAUW (American Association of University Women); the "Woman of the Year, Jesse Bernard Award" Center for womens Policy Studies, Washington, D.C.; the BRAVO (Brotherhood of all Veterans Organizations "National Special Service Award; Veteran of the Year Award" by VIETNOW; and VFWs Gold Medal of Merit.

She has earned New York Citys Lillian D. Wald "Spirit of Nursing" Award, as well, in addition to the Montana Amnesty International Human Rights award. In 2018, she was awarded the American Legions Patriot Award.

Regarding Carlson Evans long battle for the nurses memorial, the amazon.com website states, that the wounded soldiers who survived Vietnam proved to be there for their sisters-in-arms, by joining their fight in combatting unforeseen bureaucratic obstacles and facing mean-spirited opposition.

Her impassioned story of serving in Vietnam is a crucial backstory to her fight to honor the women she served beside, amazon recounts. She details the gritty and high-intensity experience of being a nurse in the midst of combat and becomes an unlikely hero who ultimately serves her country again as a formidable force in her daunting quest for honor and justice.

Carlson Evans had numerous book signings scheduled  in Kentucky, Colorado, Minnesota, Washington D.C., and Montana  before all were canceled through September, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are more important considerations right now, my heart goes out to those who are suffering physically and/or economically, said Carlson Evans, who is doing an interview with New York Public Radio on Tuesdays release date. Mine is just a book.

Healing Wounds may be purchased at Montana Book Company, or visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/1682619125.

Curt Synness, a Navy veteran, can be reached at (406) 594-2878 or email curt52synness@gmail.com. Hes also on Twitter @curtsynness_IR

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In a latest chargesheet filed by the Delhi Police in the 2000 match-fixing case against prime accused Sanjeev Chawla, some startling revelations have been made.

Chawla, a British citizen was extradited to India after a rather lengthy process this year in February, but was out of Tihar Jail in the absence of High Courts stay order. On May 13, Delhi Police approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Court order, according to a report in the Indian Express.

The chargesheet lists in detail, the role played by Chawla, in fixing matches during South Africas 2000 tour of India.

on the basis of statements of the witnesses recorded during the investigation, conversation recorded between the accused in the seized audio and video cassettes, CFSL report and other documentary and oral evidence, it can be safely concluded that some of the matches were fixed and in some, an attempt was made to fix themthe chargesheet read.

In furtherance of this conspiracy, the 1st Test Match at Mumbai and 1st One-Day International at Cochin were fixed and the same resulted in wrongful gain to the accused and wrongful loss in general to the public at large, who had gone believing that they would perform optimally.

The accused persons have thus committed offences punishable under sections 420 and 120B of IPC, the chargesheet said.

Former BCCI secretary as witness

In the list of 68 witnesses, one of the biggest names was former BCCI secreatary Jayawant Lele, who held the post when the scandal broke out in 2000. He passed away in 2013.

Mumbai Test, Cochin ODI were fixed

The South Africans played two Tests and five ODIs in India in that series. In the chargesheet it is mentioned that Mumbai Test and Cochin ODI were fixed. some of the matches were fixed and in some matches an attempt was made to fix them."

It was decided that South African team will not score more than 250 runs in an innings. Though the South African team won the Test in three days, this was attributed to a very poor performance by India. The Indian team had batted first and scored 225 and the South African team scored only 176. In the 2nd innings, India scored a mere 113 and the South African team won the match by scoring 164 runs only. Thus, the South African team did not score more than 250 runs in both the innings, as committed by accused Hansie Cronje to the fixers. Thus, this match was a fixed one.

Cochin ODI (March 9, 2000)

Constant calls made to Hamid Cassim by Sanjeev Chawla and Hansie Cronje on the night intervening 8/9.03.2000 further corroborate the statement of Hansie Cronje made before King Commission that he was being regularly pressurised to underperform as per their bidding.

Hansie: No, no  They were saying that they were already doing Cochin, the other guys are already angry with me because I have not received their money

Sanjeev: I can deposit the money in your account, it is not a problem  Tomorrow itself I can deposit the money.

Bangalore Test (March 2-6, 2000)

Though Hansie Cronje had spoken to other players, as per the statements made before the King Commission, this match was not fixed although an attempt was made to fix it.

2nd, 3rd, 4th ODIs

Though the matches were not fixed, it can be inferred that Hansie Cronje helped in giving inside information to the accused persons and helped them in placing bets and earn huge profits.

5th ODI

From the recorded conversation, it is evident that Hansie Cronje had agreed to fix the score of the match and he had also agreed to fix the individual score of Herschelle Gibbs. It was also agreed that if the result came as agreed, then Sanjeev Chawla will pay $140000 to Hansie Cronje. Though the players forgot about the deal in the heat of the game and did not agree, it can be concluded that a serious attempt was made to fix the match.
Tomorrow is Memorial Day, when we honor the sacrifice of the men and women who died for our country. Too often we forget the meaning of the day and head off to sales, the beaches, and the backyard barbecues. In those states still locked down, it will be a continuation of the grim economy and spirit-busting effects of overreaching dictators, little based on reason. It will be a particularly hard to celebrate day for the many friends and family members of those killed in nursing homes and assisted living residences due to outrageously misguided gubernatorial dictates.

There still is a lot we dont know about the transmission and treatment of the virus, though youd be well advised to skip the hysterical accounts in the fake news and rely on more substantive accounts elsewhere. One thing has been consistently true, though: The elderly have been the most vulnerable to this disease. Reason would suggest, in that case, that instead of focusing enforcement attention on closing parks and beaches and arrests of lone surfers or churchgoers sitting in their closed window cars, attention should be paid to those institutions which house in close quarters the aged and infirm. Apparently, however, Democratic governors live in a post-rational world.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5.1 million people live in nursing homes or residential care facilities, representing 1.6% of the U.S. population. And yet residents in such facilities account for 42 percent of all deaths from COVID-19, for states that report such statistics. Alaska, Hawaii, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming do not break out deaths by residential categories. But among the 79,259 U.S. COVID-19 deaths captured by our analysis, 32,930, or 42 percent, were nursing or residential care home residents.

You would think, then, that the contra-rational approach of governors like Andrew Cuomo would draw media attention and criticism. Instead, he is being lionized, probably because the pensmiths hope that he will be the Democratic nominee when the party gives the demented and corrupt Joe Biden the hook.

Professor Glenn Reynolds, reminds us of the idiotic moves Cuomo took.

Probably the biggest and deadliest mistake was New Yorks requirement that recovering patients with COVID-19 be accepted by nursing homes. Thats right -- people who were still contagious with a disease that is especially deadly to the old and sick were placed in facilities that were full of the old and sick. Nursing homes that protested were ordered to shut up and take the patients anyway. More than 5,300 nursing home patients in New York have died from Covid-19, and as an Albany Times Union account notes, critics blame this policy. Cuomo has now tacitly admitted the error by reversing the policy, requiring patients to test negative before they are sent to nursing homes. But it took rather a long time to reverse what seems like an obviously deadly policy, one that the Wall Street Journal called a "fatal error." Writing in the New York Post, Michael Goodwin notes: First, nursing homes never believed they had any right to deny infected patients, saying the order from the state Department of Health would have included that option if that were the intent. The orders language did not offer any hint of flexibility... Worse, the order came without warning, took effect immediately and gave the homes no time to set up segregated beds and staff. All nursing homes, good and bad, large and small, were treated as if they were fit for an influx of coronavirus patients. The second problem with Cuomos claim is the case of the Cobble Hill Health Center, which lost at least 55 patients to the virus. The CEO, Donny Tuchman, showed reporters April emails where he asked state health officials for assistance, and was turned down. He also asked them if COVID-19 patients he had could be sent instead to the Javits Center or the Navy ship Comfort, both of which were far below capacity. He was rejected again. Its true there was one way Albany officials did help beleaguered nursing homes. The packages of equipment they sent included body bags.

He wasnt the lone governor to adopt this stupid policy. The governors of California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey adopted the same stupid rule to place COVID-19 infected patients in nursing homes for the elderly, resulting in high mortality rates there.

Its not that the governors had no warning of the disastrous effects of these policies -- they received ample warning

Health experts and trade associations had warned early on that forcing nursing homes to take on newly discharged COVID-19 patients was a recipe for disaster, noting that such facilities didnt have the ability to properly quarantine the infected. This approach will introduce the highly contagious virus into more nursing homes. There will be more hospitalizations for nursing home residents who need ventilator care and ultimately, a higher number of deaths. Issuing such an order is a mistake and there is a better solution, American Health Care Association President and CEO Mark Parkinson announced in March after New Yorks order went into effect. David Grabowski, a professor of health policy at Harvard Medical School, sounded incredulous when asked about the policy. Nursing homes are working so hard to keep the virus out, and now were going to be introducing new COVID-positive patients? Grabowski told NBC. Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition in New York, echoed that sentiment. To have a mandate that nursing homes accept COVID-19 patients has put many people in grave danger, Mollot told the Bucks County Courier Time.

I agree with FEE -- the consequences of central planning, which disregards the input of those on the ground with real experience, is a hubristic disaster -- always.

This week a video of a horrific lengthy and brutal beating of an aged and feeble 70-year-old veteran in a nursing home by a 20-year-old strong man -- a video Im loath to link to precisely because it is so awful to watch -- adduced a lot of comments online blaming the nursing home. The facts prove otherwise. The first blame, of course, goes to the thug, but just as blameworthy is the governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, and her government minions.

Because of the lockdown -- and one assumes bureaucratic error, the elderly man had been removed from "his apartment without notice to his family who had no idea how to reach him" and placed in the nursing home. At the direction of Whitmer, the man doing the beating was placed there because he had been diagnosed with COVID-19 in a nearby hospital. The placement of this young man there was unconscionable because along with being infected, he had a history of assaultive behavior and mental illness:

The suspect's father, who asked not to be named, said his son has mental health issues and a pending assault case in Washtenaw County and should never have been placed in the nursing home. "He has issues and for them to put him in a facility like that, nothing good was going to happen," the suspect's father told 7 Action News. He said his son was recently moved to the nursing center because the 20-year-old was diagnosed with COVID-19 at the University of Michigan Hospital. The father said he's been working with Washtenaw County Mental Health Services to get his son the help he needs and that he was placed in a group home in Chelsea. But, recently, he said his son began hearing voices and that's when he was taken to the hospital and it was there he says that his son was diagnosed with COVID-19. "He never should have been housed, quarantined with the victim that he eventually assaulted. That should have never happened," he said. "Someone dropped the ball."

The statewide lockdowns were taken on little scientific basis, arbitrarily issued, and have had a disastrous impact on the economy. And the skyrocketing nursing home death rates are not the whole of the deaths caused by top-down mismanagement of what, it seems from the most accurate sources, was hardly more dangerous to the general population than the normal flu.

Doctors in Northern California say they have seen more deaths from suicide than theyve seen from the coronavirus during the pandemic. The numbers are unprecedented, Dr. Michael deBoisblanc of John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, California, told ABC 7 News about the increase of deaths by suicide, adding that hes seen a years worth of suicides in the last four weeks alone. [snip] Suicide has been an increasingly significant problem across the country as the coronavirus outbreak caused stay-at-home orders that led to unemployment and stress. By late March, more people had died in just one Tennessee county from suicide than had died in the entire state directly from the virus. A study published in early May suggested that the coronavirus could lead to at least 75,000 deaths directly brought on by anxiety from the virus, job losses, and addiction to alcohol and drugs. Another study conducted by Just Facts around the same time computed a broad array of scientific data showing that stress is one of the deadliest health hazards in the world and estimated that the coronavirus lockdowns will destroy 7 times as many years of human life than strict lockdowns can save. Earlier this week, more than 600 doctors signed their names on a letter to President Trump, referring to the continued lockdowns as a mass casualty incident and urging him to do what he can to ensure they come to an end.

When should these lockdowns cease? Well, our windsock oracle Dr. Anthony Fauci said on March 12 that thered be suffering and death if we reopened too early and 10 days later offered up that staying closed too long could lead to irreparable damage. With guidance like that and his earlier flip-flops --like the wear masks now-we dont need masks then -- and all his murky Delphic musings, its time to ignore him and listen to the doctors on the ground and your own pragmatic observations of the devastation people like Fauci and the governors caused.

Having enjoyed the wielding of such enormous powers, a few of those same governors are reluctant to cede power back to the voters, voters increasingly defiant at the loss of their constitutionally guaranteed rights.

Governor Whitmer, apparently in response to the growing citizens revolt just further extended her lockdown to June 12. It applies to others, not herself of course. Shell be at her summer home and hosting a graduation party for her daughter.
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Linkedin Tri Indah Oktavianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, May 24, 2020 14:10 606 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd9e0e17 1 National Jokowi,COVID-19,Kaesang-Pangarep,Bogor-Presidential-Palace,COVID-19-in-Indonesia,Idul-Fitri,Iriana-Joko-Widodo,first-lady,prayer Free

President Joko Jokowi Widodo performed Idul Fitri prayers with his family and a few aides in front of the Bayurini Pavilion of Bogor Palace in West Java, in accordance with the governments proscription of mass prayers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Jokowi, First Lady Iriana and their youngest son Kaesang Pangarep joined the Idul Fitri prayers led by Baitussalam Mosque welfare council head Muhammudun.

If before Ramadan we were in conflict with each other, insulting each other, committing many wrongdoings, on this Idul Fitri holiday let us make a commitment to improve ourselves, get along with each other, forgive each other, unite and tighten the bonds of brotherhood, Muhammudun said in his Idul Fitri sermon on Sunday.

Beside the Presidents family, the prayers at Bogor Palace were attended by presidential security detail commander Col. Achiruddin, presidential press bureau staffer Erlin Suastini, presidential aide First Lt. Mat Sony Masturi and the Presidents personal bodyguard, First Lt. Windra Sanur.

After the prayers, Jokowi and his family celebrated the holiday in Bogor rather than in his hometown of Surakarta in Central Java, in accordance with the governments ban of the Idul Fitri exodus that usually sees millions leave the major cities to gather with their extended families in their hometowns.

The State Palace has also announced that Jokowi will be foregoing the traditional open house event due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Previously, Coordinating Legal, Political and Human Rights Minister Mahfud MD reminded the public that mass Idul Fitri prayers in mosques or public squares were prohibited this year by the Health Ministrys regulation on large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) and the 2018 Health Quarantine Law.

The countrys largest religious organizations, namely Muhammadiyah, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), had also encouraged Muslims to pray at home during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Published on 2020/05/24 | Source

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education on Monday issued experimental guidelines to prevent a resurgence of coronavirus infections as schools reopen.

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High school seniors will return to school first on Wednesday and the rest will follow in the coming weeks. They could be taught alternately one week online, one week off according to their grades.

Elementary and middle schoolchildren should attend school at least once a week, but parents can home-school them for up to 34 more days without losing points for attendance. Kindergartens can also give both online and offline classes starting May 27.

Each school will have discretion to decide which type of classes they will give, a spokesman for the office said. "We've provided minimum guidelines for offline classes".

They also involve thermal imaging cameras being installed and pupils having their temperature taken twice a day. If any coronavirus infection occurs, the school will close again.

Some parents feel this barely lightens their burden and their kids are unlikely to learn much. One 39-year-old mother said, "It's going to be just the same amount of trouble as homeschooling if my kid goes to school only once a week".
Guwahati/Gangtok/Agartala, May 24 : Sikkim reported its first coronavirus case and Arunachal Pradesh a fresh case while Assam registered 64 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking the state's total tally to 392 as on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, with the starting of domestic flight operations from May 25, different northeastern states have issued different Standard Operating Protocols (SOP) for the arriving passengers.

In Gangtok, Sikkim Health Secretary Pemba T. Bhutia said that the Himalayan state reported its first coronavirus case when a 25-year-old student who returned from Delhi last week tested positive on Saturday.

The student from Rabangla in South Sikkim district is admitted at Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital in Gangtok. Hospital sources said his condition was stable.

A month after Arunachal Pradesh became coronavirus free, an Arunachal student who has returned back to the state from Delhi by bus along with 33 other people on May 18 has tested Covid-19 positive on Sunday.

The border state had become coronavirus free after its lone patient, a 31-year-old man who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi, was discharged from hospital on April 24.

In Manipur, three people, including a woman, tested positive on Saturday night taking the state's total cases to 32 with 28 of them active.

In Tripura, three people, who recently came from Delhi, tested positive on Sunday night taking the state's total Covid-19 positive cases to 194, which included 161 Border Security Force personnel and their kin. However, only 27 cases are active.

In Guwahati, Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that 90 per cent of the 392 Covid-19 patients in the state have been reported from quarantine centres across the state. He said out of 33 districts, Dhemaji in eastern Assam has reported no coronavirus case, while Hojai in central Assam, had the highest number -- 77 -- of cases.

"So far by train and by road, 60,000 people, mostly from southern and western India, returned to Assam. Over 12 lakh people of the state are residing in different parts of the country," the minister told the media on Sunday evening.

He said that of the total positive cases, 39 cases were attendees of the Tablighi Jamaat's congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin in March, 271 are due to inter-state travelling and remaining from unknown sources.

Out of the total cases, 57 people have been discharged from hospitals after they recovered from the disease and three migrated to other states, while four died, including a 16-year-old girl.

Sarma, who also holds the Finance portfolio, said that around 2,000 passengers would come to Assam daily by different domestic flights and all except those who would not remain in the city for more than 8 to 10 hours would have to be in a quarantine centre in hotels, guest houses and in educational institutions.

According to the SOP issued by Tripura, health authorities will collect samples of one among every five passengers.

The Meghalaya government in a notification said that after arrival by aircraft and railways up to Guwahati, the Transport Department would arrange buses to pick up the Meghalaya-bound people, who would be taken to Shillong or Tura for testing. These people would be kept in institutional quarantine for up to 48 hours till the test results of the samples are known.

A Mizoram government notification said that no person shall board any flight bound for Lengpui Airport in Aizawl without obtaining prior permission from Mizoram Home Department and any person arriving there without a movement permit shall not be allowed to leave the airport.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Education is a hot topic this Legislative session. Here's what bills we're watching.

Here are some of the hot-button education bills were tracking at the Argus Leader. Check back each day to see where they stand as we update.
Boris Johnson has offered full support to his embattled senior adviser Dominic Cummings but many questions still remain about the aides actions, following allegations that he broke lockdown rules twice.

It has already become a cliche to suggest that Downing Streets explanations for Mr Cummings behaviour have raised more questions than answers, but on Sunday the prime minister offered barely any answers at all.

Mr Johnson insisted his adviser acted responsibly and legally and with integrity when he drove his family 260 miles at the height of the UKs coronavirus lockdown.

However, he failed to answer key questions on what Mr Cummings had done and what the advisers actions meant for the governments public health guidance.

Below are the questions Mr Johnson failed to answer at Sundays press briefing.

Q: Did Mr Cummings make a trip to Barnard Castle in April when he was isolating or at least based in Durham?

Mr Cummings was reported to have made a trip to Barnard Castle, about 30 miles from the Cummings family property in Durham, on 12 April and Mr Johnson was asked specifically about this allegation on Sunday.

The prime minister replied: I think when you look at the guidance, when you look at the particular childcare needs that Mr Cummings faced at the time, it was reasonable of him to self-isolate as he did for 14 days or more with his family where he did. I think that was sensible and defensible and I understand it.

He added: As for all the other allegations, I just repeat what I have said earlier on: I have looked at them carefully and I am content that at all times throughout his period in isolation, actually on both sides of that period, he behaved responsibly and correctly and with a view to defeating the virus and stopping the spread.

Mr Johnson failed to directly address the reports about Mr Cummings alleged trip to Barnard Castle and failed to explicitly deny the trip happened.

Q: If somebody is in the same position as Mr Cummings and has the same childcare concerns, are they at liberty to do precisely what he did?

The prime minister sought to justify Mr Cummings actions by arguing they were totally understandable but stopped short of saying other people were allowed to do what he did.

Looking at the very severe childcare difficulties that presented themselves to Dominic Cummings and his family, I think that what they did was totally understandable, there's actually guidance about that particular difficulty, about what you need to do about the pressures that families face when they have childcare needs, Mr Johnson said.

His answer did not clarify whether a different family would have been allowed to follow Mr Cummings course of action.

Q: Why did Mr Cummings need to go to Durham when he has now said his family did not care for his son?

Mr Johnson defended his adviser by arguing the family travelled to Durham in search of childcare, but it is unclear why exactly Mr Cummings had to travel 260 miles for help.

Downing Street has also said Mr Cummings and his wife did not need childcare in the end and instead relied on the family to deliver food to their door.

In response to a question on this issue, Mr Johnson said: The guidance makes it very clear that where you have particular childcare needs that has got to be taken into account.

He added: "I have seen a lot of stuff in the last few days about this episode of self-isolation by Mr Cummings that does not seem to correspond remotely with reality.

"As far as I can see he stuck to the rules and he acted legally and responsibly with the sole objective of avoiding such contact as would spread the virus."

It is still unclear why Mr Cummings could not have got help with childcare or food deliveries in London if he needed them.

Q: If the guidance supposedly said it was permissible to travel for childcare purposes, why were so few people aware of this?

Mr Johnson also failed to address why it was not clear to many people that you could travel long distances for childcare, as Mr Cummings did, if this was supposedly allowed.

On 23 March, the prime minister was unequivocal when he said: You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home.

His statement announcing the lockdown also made no references to supposed exemptions for childcare needs.

When asked about this issue on Sunday, Mr Johnson replied: Mr Cummings did isolate for 14 days or more and the circumstances of his self-isolation were determined by the difficult childcare position that he found himself in and I understand that and I think that many other people do.

However, as he ended the press conference, the prime minister noted: I think we will be back again tomorrow.

These questions do not represent a complete list of the many unexplained details about Mr Cummings' actions or the governments response to them, and many parts of the story remain unclear.

Some of the other questions we still do not have answers to include:

When was Mr Johnson made aware of the trip and did he authorise it?

Why did Downing Street keep quiet about the trip to Durham for weeks?

Was it right for Mr Cummings to follow his instincts when the rest of the country was following clearly defined rules?

These are questions Downing Street will likely be asked to answer over the coming days.

Additional reporting by Press Association
Rod Prosser, Beverley McGarvey, Paul Anderson.

10 is on the hunt for a chief operations and commercial officer who will co-manage ViacomCBS operations in Australia/ NZ, with Beverley McGarvey Executive Vice President of ViacomCBS Australia and New Zealand.

When Paul Anderson resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Network 10 and Executive Vice President in March, 10 advised the market it would be seeking to appoint co-leads.

Today the Australian Financial Review reports executive search firm Mission Bay is on the hunt for the COCO role.

10 declined to comment.
Ejaz Kaiser By

Express News Service

RAIPUR: A gang-rape complaint left the Chhattisgarh police baffled, as a teenaged first-year graduate student admitted, in an ICU of a private nursing home in Bilaspur district, claimed through vaguely written contents on a sheet of paper citing balatkar, ward boy, etc and she accused every ward boy as "offender".

Meanwhile the Bilaspur police after lodging an FIR have begun investigation. The girl who attempted suicide was rushed to the private hospital in a serious condition on May 18.

She still seems to be in a state of hallucination ostensibly caused by traumatic experience faced owing to her attempted suicide. Nothing could be said as of now on gang-rape in ICU or ward boys involved, as she seemed abstracted of her surroundings. We are waiting for the girl to show signs of recovery as her communication is emerging from her hazy memories. We have paraded all ward boys of the hospital before her and she inattentively cited all of them as offenders, Bilaspur SP Prashant Agrawal told the New Indian Express.

On Saturday, the girls father lodged a police complaint recounting on what she expressed through words giving sketchy description on the alleged rape incident inside the ICU.

The father claimed that she was raped by the ward boys inside the ICU following which the police had registered an FIR.
Remember the Red Wall? Rather like Brexit, the seismic shift in UK politics  when traditionally Labour seats in the North and Midlands fell to the Tories in the election a few months ago  has been eclipsed by the coronavirus.

Boris Johnson cannot afford to forget these supporters, particularly in the strange political and economic landscape that has emerged along with the pandemic.

Virus or no virus, the Tories need to deliver on their promise to bring back prosperity to the regions.

I'm in charge: Prime Minister Boris Johnson came to power with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to wipe out the Conservatives' toxic image in the North

To do this, they need a proper industrial strategy that will promote advanced manufacturing and innovation.

Above all, they must help the young, whose prospects are most at risk, to make their way into good jobs, with tax breaks for employers taking on recruits, for instance.

Scenes on sun-drenched beaches in the past few days suggest some of us have seized on the pandemic to take a long holiday at taxpayer expense.

What a fool's paradise. You can bet that is not the mood in Derby, where the townspeople have learned that the major employer, aero engine-maker Rolls-Royce, is planning thousands of redundancies.

This represents not only a loss of jobs, but of opportunity for youngsters striving for a coveted apprenticeship.

It's also bad news for the Tories, who took local Labour seats in the election including Derby North, High Peak, and Dennis Skinner's old constituency of Bolsover.

Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria is another Labour stronghold that swung to the Tories in December.

Barrow - a Labour stronghold that swung to the Tories in December and which scores high on most measures of deprivation, has been hit by Covid-19 with a very high rate of infection

The major employer there is the submarine yard of BAE Systems, which is protected from the full extent of the economic slump by its military importance.

But Barrow, which scores high on most measures of deprivation, has been hit by Covid-19 with a very high rate of infection.

Places like the TS3 postcode in my birthplace, Middlesbrough, which includes some of the poorest parts of town with many already unemployed, have suffered extremely high mortality rates.

If the Government is not careful, one unwanted side-effect of Covid-19 is that inequalities, far from being levelled out, could become more firmly entrenched.

That would be a disaster for the Tories, who must also now contend with a more credible Labour leader, having had it easy with the ludicrous Jeremy Corbyn.

If the virus results in another hit to manufacturing and jobs in the North, people who defected from Labour to the Tories may start to regret their choice.

As the Conservative mayor of Tees Valley, Ben Houchen, told me, the 'never trust a Tory' mindset is not far beneath the surface in Labour heartlands such as the North East.

Some cynical unions are even creating a narrative of callous politicians conspiring with rapacious bosses to make people work in peril of their lives to shore up profits.

This does not bear a moment's serious examination. Of course there are some rogue bosses out there, but Britons no longer toil in a world of Dickensian cruelty. We have Rights with a capital R.

But the fact that this nonsense is gaining currency should remind the Tories not to take for granted their new friends in the North.

Measures needed include tax breaks for R&D and green tech, freeports and targeted help to attract big employers.

Johnson came to power with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to wipe out the Conservatives' toxic image in the North. He will never achieve this if he allows manufacturing to buckle under the virus.
States across the country will resume domestic flight services from today, except Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, said Union Minister for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri.

Airports in Andhra Pradesh will resume services on Tuesday, May 26, and West Bengal will restart on Thursday, May 28.

Earlier on Sunday evening, IANS had reported on the delayed resumption of flight services in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.

"It has been a long day of hard negotiations with various state govts to recommence civil aviation operations in the country. Except Andhra Pradesh which will start on 26/5 & West Bengal on 28/5, domestic flights will recommence across the country from tomorrow," Puri tweeted.

It has been a long day of hard negotiations with various state govts to recommence civil aviation operations in the country.



Except Andhra Pradesh which will start on 26/5 & West Bengal on 28/5, domestic flights will recommence across the country from tomorrow.  Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) May 24, 2020

In another tweet, the minister said that starting Monday, there will be limited flights from Mumbai and as per approved one-third schedule from other airports in the state.

For Tamil Nadu, he said that there will be maximum 25 daily arrivals in Chennai, but there would be no limit on number of departures.

"As per request of state govt, operations in Andhra Pradesh will recommence on limited scale from 26 May. For Tamil Nadu, there will be max 25 arrivals in Chennai but there's no limit on number of departures. For other airports in TN, flights will operate as in other parts of country," Puri said.

Domestic flight services resume on Monday after around two months of suspension amid the nationwide lockdown.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 09:01:53|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland reported two new imported COVID-19 cases Saturday, bringing the total number of imported cases to 1,713, the National Health Commission said Sunday.

One new case was reported in Shanghai and one in Guangdong Province, the commission said, adding that three new imported suspected case were reported in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Of the total imported cases, 1,673 had been discharged from hospitals after recovery, and 40 remained hospitalized with one in severe condition, the commission said.

No deaths had been reported from the imported cases. Enditem
Alhamdulillah, All Praise be to Allah, by whose Grace and Blessings we, at the Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Foundation (STBHF) are able to felicitate the Muslim ummah worldwide.

Eid-ul-Fitr is an Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. This is a time for peace for all Muslims in the world to devote to prayers and mutual well-being. It is a joyous occasion with important religious significance. Happiness is observed at attaining spiritual uplift after a month of fasting.

On this auspicious occasion, the Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Foundation (STBHF) would wish to extend its warmest wishes to Muslims celebrating Eid-el-Fitr in Qatar and around the world. We congratulate all members of the Muslim community, the men and women who have successfully undertaken the month-long Ramadan fasting.

Eid-ul-Fitr is considered one of the main festivals of the Muslim people all over the world. The festival of Eid is celebrated every year after the spotting of the moon on the 30th day of Ramadan. The festival is also called the Festival of Breaking the Fast. The Muslim communities all around the world fast for 30 days called Ramzan or Ramadan, before finally breaking it on Eid-al-Fitr. On this day, people forget their grievances and embrace each other and wish for each other's well being.

Muslims also offer prayers in large groups. But this time due to lockdowns and other necessary health precautionary measures because of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is celebrating the occasion by following the rules of social distancing. While people will celebrate the festival at their homes, the spirit and enthusiasm of the day are at its peak.

Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but thanking God for the help and strength that they believe He gave them throughout the previous month to help them practice self-control.

The significant of Eid -ul -Fitr is purely spiritual. It is the day when the Muslims thank Allah for having given them the will, the strength and the endurance to observe fast and obey His commandment during the holy month of Ramadhan. Eid has no connection with any historical event nor is it related to the changes of seasons or cycles of agriculture. It is not a festival related in any way to worldly affairs.

This day, in Muslim world, brings rejoicing and happiness. The rejoicing is not, however, at the departure of the month of Ramadhan; it is the happiness which man feels after successfully completing an important task.

So far as the passing away of the month of Ramadan is concerned, Muslim religious leaders of the early days of Islam always felt profound sorrow when it came to an end, as they felt that they were being deprived of the spiritual blessings which were associated with the month of fasting. These show the true Islamic feeling towards the month of Ramadan and its blessings and spiritual benefits.

Eid-ul -Fitr is related to such a month of blessings, because it is on this day that the strict restrictions of the preceding month are lifted. Unfortunately, in some places, this resumption of the normal activities is misinterpreted as a licence to indulge in activities prohibited in Islam, like transgression against peaceful neighbours-the case of Saudi Arabia championing a campaign of lies, deception and terrorism against the people of Qatar.

Fortunately, such trends are not common yet; but such States should be made to understand the significance of Eid -ul-Fitr. Religious observances of the Eid-ul-Fitr are designed to offer thanks to Allah that He helped us in accomplishing the aim of Ramadhan.

Surely, it would be an affront to Allah if anybody, after thanking Him for completing that spiritual training, goes right away sinning against Him!

Eid-ul-Fitr can be interpreted as a three-fold blessing: First it provides one more occasion for the Muslims to thank God and remember His blessings.

Secondly, it affords an opportunity of spiritual stock-taking, after the month of Ramadhan. A Muslim can now ponder over the strength (or weakness) of his will power; he can see, in the mirror of Ramadhan, what were the strong (or weak) points of his character, because under the stress of fasting, the hidden qualities (or evils) of human character come to surface in such clear way which is, perhaps, not possible otherwise. Thus a man gets a chance of self-diagnosis of the traits of his character, which probably no one else may ever detect.

Thirdly, it enjoins the well-to -do persons to share a portion of what they have with their poor brethren. On the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, a Muslim is obliged to give to the needy food-stuff at the rate of a prescribed weight, on behalf of himself and of every member of his family, including servants and guests who were sheltered under his roof on that night. It would certainly be pleasing to God if we did not forget these lessons after Eid-ul-Fitr.

Incidentally, here the difference between religious and materialistic outlooks becomes sharper. Religion exhorts a man to give, by his own free will, a share of his wealth to those who are less fortunate, and to give it for obtaining the blessings of God. Materialism teaches him to snatch from others whatever they have got without any regard to the moral or ethical questions involved.

Thus, the religion tries to strengthen the highest qualities of the human character; materialism strives to make him the slave of the lowest animal instincts degrading him to the level of the beasts.

It is gratifying that in recent years, our generous citizens, according to the humanistic customs inherited from our ancestors, have been helping low-income families, orphans, the disabled, orphanages and nursing homes,  making a worthy contribution to the improvement of cities and towns of our country.

We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has done pious deeds in this holy month and we are confident that the number of such people will continue to grow.

Each good deed aimed at supporting the orphaned and the poor in the Muslim culture is considered the best deed.

The humanistic and tolerant nature of the sacred religion of Islam is expressed through such good and godly deeds, and importantly, such actions contribute to the strengthening of national unity, stability in society and relations between the inhabitants of the country.

Even in the early stages of the spread of Islam, the wise and insightful sons of the Tajik people and culture, such as Imam Azam Abu Hanifa and Imam al-Bukhari, played a prominent role in commenting and spreading the humanistic ideas of the sacred religion of Islam, in spreading science, enlightening the people and promoting cultural values.

Indeed, the maintenance of the lamplight of education and the encouragement for the study of science are one of the most important points in the teachings of our highly educated ancestors.

We would like to express our respect to all Muslims who are making great efforts to prevent the spread of the Corona virus pandemic during the holy holiday of Eid al-Fitr. We highly value our relations of trust with Muslim communities and countries, and we hope to strengthen the relations in such areas like charity and providing noble service to improve the lives of people.

While we are facing the deadly Corona virus pandemic, we would like to cooperate closely with the international community including all Muslims in order to overcome this challenge, and further strengthen the deep and cordial relationships with Muslim communities worldwide.

As we observe Eid-al-Fitr this year, we prayer that the faith and will of the faithful be directed to the accomplishment and creation, and not to incite hatreds, revenge and committing actions that threatened the existence of humankind. We would like also to extend our unflinching solidarity to the Muslim Ummah, and wish for early convergence of the Corona virus pandemic, as well as their health and happiness.

Concluding, we would like to commend Muslims around the world for their courage and sacrifices in agreeing to celebrate and pray from their various homes to stay safe and save lives. Before we request joy and success, we ought to request kindness. May Allah shower his leniency on us! Ameen!!

Happy Eid-al-Fitr!

Sender:

Mohamed Alie Jalloh

Programme Coordinator

Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Foundation

(STBHF)
The Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine has told Radio Farda Kyiv insists on punishing those responsible in Iran for shooting down its passenger plane in January.

As the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 took off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini international airport on January 8, heading for Kyiv, two missiles were fired at the plane which crashed near the capital city, killing all aboard.

Victims of the crash included 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans, and three Britons.

Speaking exclusively to Radio Farda, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Yevheniy Yenin, on Saturday, May 23, dismissed a recent remark attributed to the Islamic Republic Minister of Defense.

The previous day, a former lawmaker had cited the country's Minister of Defense, Brigadier General Amir Hatami, blaming the operator for violating regulations and "rules" for firing two missiles at the Ukrainian airliner over Tehran.

Reacting to the comment attributed to Irans defense minister, Yenin told Radio Farda, "We will only accept Iran's explanation if we are convinced that it has made every effort to conclude the investigation."

For three days, the Islamic Republic authorities vehemently insisted that technical failure caused the crash.

Ultimately, under domestic and international pressure, the country's Joint Chief of Staff admitted that an Islamic Revolution Guards Corps missile had downed the plane.

Meanwhile, Tehran has so far refused to hand over the doomed plane's black boxes for decoding outside Iran.

Earlier, the head of Iran's Armed Forces Judiciary, Shokrollah Bahrami had disclosed that one person had been detained in connection with the plane's case and several others had been summoned as defendants.

"We expect the investigation to be comprehensive and transparent, in line with international law and standards," Yenin sais, referring to statements made by Iranian government officials.

Furthermore, he called on the Islamic Republic government to give Ukraine, as the owner of the aircraft, access to relevant information.

He also asserted that other countries involved in the case have a similar position to Ukraine's.

While reiterating the fact that Tehran has so far not delivered any official explanation about the tragedy, Yenin noted that the Islamic Republic has not yet set a compensation to be paid to Ukraine and its International Airlines company (UIA), as well as the relatives of the victims.

Moreover, Iran has so far refused to table a guarantee ensuring that a similar incident will not happen again in the future, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister complained.

Ukrainian government officials have repeatedly stressed the need for Tehran to cooperate in investigating the incident, asserting that not only the anti-air system operator but also all those who ordered firing missiles at the Ukrainian passenger plane should be identified and punished.

Kyiv has also repeatedly warned that should Tehran not cooperate, it will sue the Islamic Republic at international bodies.
Mumbai, May 24 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday hinted at further extension of the lockdown after May 31 and proposed restrictions on plans to resume domestic flights from May 25 as the Covid-19 situation could worsen after the onset of monsoon.

Addressing the state, he said it was not proper to impose the lockdown suddenly and now it couldn't be lifted abruptly as it would be detrimental to the people.

"We will have to study the situation carefully before moving ahead, every step will be taken cautiously to bring back life to normal. The coming weeks are critical as the spread of coronavirus is increasing. People must exercise extreme precautions during monsoon," Thackeray said.

Hours after Home Minister Anil Deshmukh red-flagged the Centre's plans to resume domestic flights from Monday, Thackeray spoke to Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri on the issue.

"The Chief Minister has communicated that till Mumbai International Airport plans and fine-tunes airport operations, they (Centre) should initiate minimum possible domestic flights from Maharashtra from Monday.

"These should be purely emergent in nature, like for international transfer passengers, medical emergencies, students and cases on compassionate grounds," said an official from the CMO.

Minority Affairs Minister Nawab Malik later said that the state government is likely to permit around 25 flights daily including cargo services.

Taking a swipe at the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party's recent 'Maharashtra bachao' agitation, Thackeray said they should not indulge in politics in this crisis before the state.

"Even if you play politics, we will not. We have the responsibility of the state and the peoples' faith. We will continue to work for the people," he said.

Thanking the Centre for agreeing to the state's demand to provide foodgrains to even those who don't have ration cards, he pointed out that lakhs of Shiv Bhojan Thalis are being served to the people at Rs 5 per plate.

Besides, around six lakhs labourers from other states are being provided breakfast and two meals at shelter homes, he added.

"They are not a burden on us but they wanted to go home, and after getting sanction, nearly seven lakhs have been sent by 481 special trains. We have taken such good care of them that they chant 'Jai Maharashtra' while leaving," said Thackeray.

"Whether the Centre will pay the 85 percent cost of tickets for these labourers or delays it, we have already paid for it fully, around Rs 85 crore so far. We have demanded 80 trains daily, but we are getting around 30-40 trains for sending the migrants back," he pointed out.

In addition to the departures by trains, more than 3.80 lakh migrants have been sent by 32,000 buses to the state borders or railway stations at a cost of Rs 75 crore.

The CM said over 50,000 industries have resumed operations with more than six lakh employees returning to work in the Green Zones, and now efforts are on to allow shooting of films and television serials besides opening up cinemas in Green Zones.

Thackeray said the next battle would be more serious with patients likely to increase, but people must not panic as the health services are all geared to tackle it.

"By May-end, 14,000 beds with ICU-Oxygen facilities are coming up in Mumbai and all over the state, several lakhs of beds are being readied for Covid-19 patients.

Reassuring the farming community which is now busy with the ensuing Kharif season, Thackeray said that in a new experiment, seeds and fertilisers would be provided to the peasants at their farms.

He urged the masses to stay away from monsoon diseases, avoid getting drenched in the rains, and take all other Covid-19 precautions in the interest of all.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
A 20-year-old school dropout was arrested for allegedly stalking a girl in west Delhis Paschim Vihar area, police said on Saturday.

The accused has been identified as Rahul Chillar, a resident of Rajdhani Park, Nangloi. He was arrested on Friday, they said.

On Tuesday, a woman lodged a complaint at the Paschim Vihar (West) police station alleging that Chillar was stalking her daughter and called her frequently. He studied in same school as the girls and is her senior by two years, a senior police officer said.

He used to talk to the girl but now she refuses to talk to him, which annoyed him, the officer said.

On Tuesday, he barged into the girls house. He was carrying a pistol and threatened the girl and her mother, according to the officer.

The womans nephew reached there and snatched the pistol from Chillars hands. Thereafter, the accused fled from the spot. He left behind his mobile phone, the officer said.

Chillar has been arrested and further investigation in the matter is underway, the police said.

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Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, Samira have wished Muslims in Ghana a happy Eid Mubarak.

The Vice President in a video message described this years Eid as one of the most challenging in recent times due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in the country.

Due to the outbreak of the pandemic and its attendant restrictions, Muslims for the first time cannot gather at the mosques to mark Eid ul-Fitr today, Sunday, 24 May 2020.

Muslims in the country have been advised to pray at home in accordance with the ban on public gathering.

Dr Bawumia also indicated that he has missed the opportunity to tour the country during Ramadan periods to pray and have iftar with his fellow Muslims in various communities due to the pandemic.

As-salamu alaykum, as we celebrate this year's Eid we want to thank Allah for seeing us through one of the most challenging Ramadans in recent times. We had to deal with the restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic and for that reason, the usual prayers in the mosques with our family and loved ones weren't the same. We have had to stay at home throughout this period.

Personally, I missed the beautiful opportunity I have usually had during my Ramadan tour to pray and have iftar with various communities across the country. Nonetheless, this has been a very spiritually fulfilling experience and we pray to the Almighty Allah to accept our sacrifices during this month of Ramadan and to bless the nation.

Mrs Samira Bawumia asked all Muslims to pray for their loved ones.

As we continue to observe the coronavirus restrictions and guidelines by celebrating Eid at home this year, let us continue to pray for our friends, families, loved ones and our nation.

citinewsroom
The Russian navy has canceled two major shipbuilding projects; the 19,000 ton Lider class (Project 23560) nuclear-powered cruisers and the upgraded version of the 5,400 ton Gorshkov class (Project 22350) frigates. This upgraded (Project 22350M) frigate would have a larger hull that the original Gorshkov, weigh 8,000 tons and have more weapons and more equipment that might not work.

The Lider class ships were originally proposed as 12,000 ton cruisers without nuclear power. With nuclear power they replace the Cold War era 28,000 ton Kirov class battlecruisers. Without nuclear power the Libers replace the similar, but older, Slava class cruisers.

The Kirovs are not aging well and two have already been retired. The other two are being refurbished, a process that takes at least three years, and kept in service into the 2030s. The nuclear powered Lider were to cost $1.4 billion each. Thats more than three times what the original Gorshkovs cost and twice what the larger Gorshkov will go for. Many naval experts saw the Kirovs as an expensive type of ship Russia could not afford and really did not need. The same applied to the nuclear-powered Liders and larger Gorshkovs.

What really killed the Liders and additional Gorshkovs was not just a shrinking naval budget but the many problems encountered with the Gorshkovs and the realization that these problems would not go away in a larger version. Numerous delays getting the first Gorshkov into service played a large role in the cancellation. Construction the first Gorshkovs began in 2006 but by 2010 only one had been launched and it was still only half complete. Two have now been completed and construction is underway on the fourth. The second two Gorshkovs are still not in service although one is still undergoing sea trials and the third is to be launched soon.

The navy originally wanted twenty Gorshkovs to replace the Cold War era Sovremenny class destroyers and Burevestnik class frigates. Until the recent cancellation the government only promised money for twelve Gorshkovs with the possibility of three more. These building plans were contingent on these new ships proving their worth. That did not happen.

The first Gorshkov has finally passed sea trials a year after it entered service in 2018. One of the delays involved the failure of the anti-aircraft missile system to function properly. There were also problems with the engines. The builder kept insisting it would be ready soon but soon kept getting extended. Another side effect of the Ukraine invasion was Ukraine refusing to supply any more naval turbines. The navy has a Russian firm building these but that is often behind schedule as well and ships like the Gorshkovs use turbines.

The original Gorshkov's are armed with a 130mm gun, two Kashtan autocannon systems for missile defense and 8 Yakhont 3M55 or PJ-10 BrahMos anti-ship missiles. Both are three ton supersonic missiles, with the BrahMos being an advanced version of Yakhont developed in cooperation with India. There is also a launcher for 24 Uragan 1 (SA-N-12) anti-aircraft missiles (30 kilometers range, 70 kg/154 pound warhead), four 533mm (21 inch) torpedo tubes, four RPK-9 (SS-N-29) anti-submarine rockets and a helicopter. Gorshkovs require a crew of 210 sailors and will have the latest electronics the Russians have available for anti-air and anti-submarine work. These ships cost about $400 million each and are capable of doing most of what the older, larger 7,900 ton Sovremenny class destroyers did.

These older, larger, ships, were designed for high seas operations far from Russian shores. Given the shrinking naval budget and quality control problems with larger ships, the only new ships still being built are smaller ones. The new fleet will be a return to the traditional Russian navy job of defending coastal waters. Even accomplishing that mission is in doubt if Russian cannot get its shipyards up to speed. Russia has been able to build some new corvettes but these are smaller and much less capable ships than the Gorshkovs.

Prolonged low oil prices are doing major damage to the Russian Navy. Less oil income on top of the damage done by economic sanctions because of the Ukraine invasion, plus the additional production costs caused by loss of Ukrainian defense industry suppliers, has forced Russia to make a number of changes that have not been mentioned in navy press releases.

Russia has been trying, since the late 1990s, to build replacements for Cold War era warships. Most of these have reached the end of their useful lives and many of them, while still listed as in service, rarely, if ever, seem to leave port. Russian admirals have been aware of the fact that they won't have much of a navy by the 2020s unless these older ships are replaced. The problem is that the older ships cannot be easily or cheaply refurbished or upgraded because that would cost more than buying new ones, These older ships are not just falling apart, but because there was not any money available right after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, there were few repairs and no upgrades during the 1990s.

The twelve destroyers currently in service were all completed in the 1980s and 1990s. There is also one 1960s vintage destroyer in the Black Sea, which is more for show than active service. The destroyers are wearing out quickly and wont be fit for service much longer. The plans for two new classes of destroyers have been put off until the 2020s. The current destroyers suffered from lack of maintenance in the 1990s and there is no money for refurbishment. These dozen destroyers wont last much beyond 2030, at least not as ships that can stay at sea much. There has been some new construction for frigates (ocean-going ships displacing about 4,000 tons) but some of that construction has stopped or been canceled. Construction of smaller ships like corvettes (500-1,000 tons) and patrol boats is continuing but not at a rate to replace all those currently in service. These smaller vessels are mainly for coastal security and the Cold War era fleet had a lot more of these because Russia was a classic police state that enforced strict border controls. That has been loosened up since the Cold War ended and the loss of many older ships will not leave the coasts undefended.

Submarines were one ship type that got priority for new construction even in the 1990s but that has now slowed down. This is critical when it comes to building replacements for the last Cold War class of SSBNs (nuclear ballistic missile subs) which were all completed in the 1980s. These have been quietly retired or semi-retired (only going to sea for training). Priority was put on building eight new Borei class SSBNs. These were delayed and the first one did not enter service until 2013. There are now four in service but construction on the other four has been stopped. Some of these are half-built but there is simply no money to finish them now. So the SSBN fleet is in danger of shrinking to four subs for a while, maybe a long while.

The Russian economy revived in the late 1990s and parliament came up with more money after 2000 to build enough surface ships to maintain a respectable fleet. But that revealed another problem. Most of Russia's warship building capability (experience and skills) disappeared after 1991. Before 2014 the government thought it had a solution and that was to make a deal with France to import modern warship building techniques, by purchasing two Mistral amphibious assault ship/helicopter carriers, and the right to build two more in Russian shipyards. During that process, Russian shipbuilders would learn how it's done in the West. Since the late 1990s, most of the Russian construction effort went into finishing a few subs and building some surface ships for export. Even these subs had serious construction problems. Mainly it was quality control and the Navy refused to accept ships, especially subs that could not pass sea trials. Apparently, the shipyards were ordered to put all their efforts into the subs and eventually some of these limped into service. But the deal to import French shipbuilding techniques disappeared when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014. France refunded the billion dollars paid for the two Mistrals (and later sold them to Egypt) leaving the Russians on their own.

The Gorshkovs are not an isolated example. The same problems have been encountered with the Su-57 stealth fighter, the radical new T-14 tank, the new Borei SSBN and the Bulava ballistic missile for Borei. In general, Russian defense industries continue to have problems developing new technology or even manufacturing older items reliably. The Russian space program is having similar problems with its rockets. The list goes on and on. Russia plays down all these problems but the net result is they have very little locally produced stuff to replace their Cold War designs. Worse, China is now producing improved and more reliable versions of those Cold War era weapons, along with new Western tech (like large, missile-armed UAVs) that Russia cannot master. In the late 1980s the Soviet (Russian) Navy was the second largest in the world and largely consisted of new ships, many of them nuclear-powered and equipped with a formidable array of weapons. All that is largely gone now. China has left its Cold War era ship designs behind and is copying Western designs. So are the Russians, but not as competently as the Chinese. Nor can the Russians build dozens of new warships a year and have them operate reliably. American intel collecting aircraft, ships and satellites monitor sea trials for new Russian and Chinese ships and note that the Chinese are doing much better. Now the second largest fleet in the world is Chinese and it is looking to be a far more dangerous adversary than the Soviet fleet ever was.
Press Release

May 24, 2020 Gatchalian proposes creation of National Education Council to 'build back better' from COVID-19 impact Senator Win Gatchalian has filed a bill proposing the creation of a 'National Education Council' (NEDCO) to institutionalize national coordination and harmonization of policies among the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Senate Bill No. 1526 mandates NEDCO to create a national education agenda, which will establish the country's strategic vision for education. The national education agenda will have a horizon of at least five years, which NEDCO will update annually. NEDCO will also submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of the national education agenda. According to Gatchalian, the establishment of NEDCO will boost the education sector's efforts to 'build back better' from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected more than 28 million students from pre-primary to tertiary levels. To reiterate the need for aligned education policies, Gatchalian cited as an example the need for a stronger link between teachers' in-service and pre-service teacher education, noting that the latter is not within the DepEd's mandate. Pre-service teacher education provides training to student teachers before they undertake the actual teaching experience while in-service teacher education provides learning opportunities for practicing teachers. NEDCO will also implement an action agenda to boost the country's performance in assessments such as the National Achievement Test (NAT), Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Education Index, and Education for All Development Index. Gatchalian recalled the results of PISA 2018, which revealed that out of 79 countries, the Philippines ranked lowest in Reading Comprehension and second lowest in Science and Mathematics. The senator added that if the proposed measure becomes a law, one of NEDCOs' tasks is to make the education system more resilient considering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Sa pagbuo ng NEDCO, palalakasin natin ang ugnayan sa pagitan ng DepEd, TESDA, CHED, mga iba't ibang sektor, at ahensya ng pamahalaan upang maging mabisa ang pagpapatupad ng mga reporma sa ating sistema ng edukasyon," said Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture. NEDCO will be chaired by the President, while the DepEd Secretary, CHED and TESDA Chairpersons will serve as Co-Vice Chairpersons. Other members of the NEDCO will include the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, the heads of various government agencies, and representatives of different sectors. The proposed measure also taps the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for education mapping and statistics. The creation of a body similar to NEDCO was first proposed in the 1991 Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM) to further strengthen the role of education in accelerating national development and global competitiveness. The National Coordinating Council for Education (NCCE) was created through Executive Order (EO) No. 273, s. 2000 issued by former President Joseph Estrada. In 2007, the Arroyo administration abolished the NCCE and transferred its functions to a Presidential Assistant and then to the Presidential Task Force to Assess, Plan and Monitor the Entire Educational System.
As the new coronavirus pandemic continues, Muslims in the western Balkan countries have been finding new ways to pray for Eid celebrations at the end of Ramadan.

Faithful in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo, countries with a predominantly Muslim populations, have been either praying at home or outside closed mosques.

Imams have been in digital contact throughout the fasting month of Ramadan, and are expected to conclude it with Eid in the same way .

In Pristina, Mufti Naim Ternava of the Islamic Community of Kosovo led prayers at a mosque in front of a group of imams sitting 1.5 meters from each other, with attendees listening through loudspeakers.

"Brothers and sister, on this Bayram day I invite you to be patient a little bit more until we overcome the danger from the COVID-19," said Ternava, calling the faithful to avoid visiting each other.

The event comes after a group of Muslims prayed at the Skanderbeg Square in Pristina to protest the Community's decision against opening the mosques.

Kosovar health authorities repeated advice for people to not gather in mosques or visit relatives during the pandemic.

"Let's consider our sacrifice and care to preserve the health of everyone as a sublime value" health authorities said in a statement.

In Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, mosques opened on 6 May after seven weeks of closure.

Restrictions are still in place, with facemasks and social distancing measures in force during prayers, and older people advised to stay at home.

For Eid prayers, everyone was asked to perform the first daily prayer that precedes it at home.

In addition, the Islamic Community agreed not to carry out its traditional Eid reception, usually attended by government officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of other religious communities in the country.

"Thank Allah when we went through all this, adhered to, followed the instructions of the state, persevered in all this and hopefully it will get better." Vail Imamovic said

In Tirana, Albania, where the capital's main Skanderbeg Square is usually packed with faithful during Eid, people gathered inside the mosques instead, as they opened their doors after two months of closure.

"The moment the mosques were closed seemed as if a big entrance was shut, God's door. But later we understood that if a mosque was closed at a quarter, then hundreds of mosques opened because the home of each one of us turned into a mosque," said Imam Gazmend Teqja of the Xhura Mosque in the Albanian capital.

At a mosque not far from the centre, people gathered in the street in defiance of social distancing orders. No police were seen stopping the gathering.

As of Sunday there have been 29 confirmed deaths and 1,032 confirmed cases in Kosovo, 141 confirmed deaths and 2,391 confirmed cases in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and 32 confirmed deaths and 989 confirmed cases in Albania.

(Representative Image)
Senior Chinese leaders Saturday joined national political advisors in different group discussions at the third session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The leaders -- Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng -- are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Premier Li Keqiang stressed strengthening the development of convenient and efficient testing technologies, effective drugs and vaccines against COVID-19, and promoting international cooperation in the regard.

Noting that the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core has attached great importance to the cause of multiparty cooperation, Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, called on non-CPC parties to take an active part in coordinating epidemic control and economic and social development.

Wang Yang, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, stressed upholding the fundamental principles of "peaceful reunification" and "one country, two systems," adhering to the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle, and resolutely opposing and deterring secessionist activities advocating "Taiwan independence" in any form.

Wang Huning, a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, stressed speeding up the reform and improvement of the system for disease prevention and control, making breakthroughs in key and core technologies related to medical and health care, and addressing issues that concern the immediate interests of the people.

Zhao Leji, secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, called on political advisors to make proposals for major decisions and plans, such as the task of coordinating epidemic control and economic and social development.

Vice Premier Han Zheng said establishing and improving at the state level the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security is a carefully-made decision by the central authority based on Hong Kong's situation. The move targets acts of splitting the country, subverting state power, organizing and carrying out terrorist activities and other behaviors that seriously endanger national security, as well as activities of foreign and external forces to interfere in the affairs of the HKSAR, he said.
In a significant



observation, a judge of the Orissa High Court has observed that indulgence in sexual intercourse on false promise of marriage does not amount to rape.

Justice S K Panigrahi also raised questions about whether rape laws should be used to regulate intimate relationships, especially in cases where women enter into a relationship by choice.

Justice Panigrahi made the observations on Thursday while allowing the bail application of a rape accused, setting aside a lower court order.

The case related to the arrest of a student from Koraput district of Odisha under rape charges on a complaint by a 19-year-old tribal woman in November last year.

According to the case records, the young man and the woman of the same village were in a physical relationship for about four years and she got pregnant twice during that period.

The woman later lodged a police complaint alleging that the man had established physical relations with her taking advantage of her innocence and promising that he will marry her.

The woman had claimed that she was coerced by the accused into terminating her pregnancies by consuming abortion pills.

Police registered a case and arrested the man, who was in jail for the last six months.

The high court on Thursday allowed his bail application on the condition that he will cooperate with the prosecution and shall not threaten the alleged victim.

In his 12-page order, Justice Panigrahi discussed the rape laws in detail and observed that "a consensual relationship without even any assurance obviously will not attract the offence under Section 376 of the IPC (rape)".

Noting that there was a need to delve into the issue, Justice Panigrahi said questions are often raised as to how such cases are addressed by the statute and judicial pronouncements.

He, however, also observed that the rape laws often fail to address the plight of socially-disadvantaged and poor victims, who get lured into sex by men on false promise of marriage.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The military commander of eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) said on late Saturday that they will continue fighting forces loosely allied with the UN-supported Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, even though his campaign has suffered setbacks in recent weeks.

Khalifa Haftar, commander of the LNA forces , has been waging a campaign for over a year trying to capture the capital. The military tide has been reversed in recent weeks, and his forces lost several towns and a key airbase.

Haftar's side controls the country's east and most of the south, while the GNA controls areas in the west, including Tripoli.

In a two-minute audio speech addressed to his forces, Haftar said they ``will fight and fight'' against what he called ``Turkish colonialism.''

Turkey is aiding the embattled government in Tripoli. It has recently stepped up its military support with armored drones, air defenses and Syrian mercenaries with links to extremist groups.

``To our brave officers and soldiers, you are fighting a holy war that is open to all fronts, a comprehensive war in which there is nothing but victory,'' Haftar said in the speech. ``Every Turkish solider, mercenary sent by (Turkey's President Recep Tayyip) Erdogan to Libya and every traitor who has allowed the occupier to return is a target of our armed forces.''

Col. Mohamed Gnounou, a spokesman for GNA forces, said Saturday that they seized two military camps on the outskirts of Tripoli that LNA forces had captured at the beginning of their campaign last year.

Haftar's side said its fighters were merely completing a retreat of 2 to 3 kilometers (about 2 miles) from Tripoli's southern reaches to allow families to visit each other safely in celebration of the Eid al-Fitr holiday Sunday. It also said they had retaken the Yarmouk military camp and killed ``large number of the militias`` and captured a dozen others. It said they shot down two Turkish drones over southern Tripoli that were targeting their forces.

The claims of the two sides could not be independently verified.

The US ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, called Saturday for a halt to the ``destabilizing flow'' of Russian and other foreign military equipment and mercenaries into Libya.

``The needless offensive against Tripoli must end so all foreign forces can depart and Libyan leaders who are prepared to lay down their weapons can come together in peaceful dialogue on the issues that divide them,'' Norland said during a phone call with Tripoli-based Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj.

Aguila Saleh, the speaker of Libya's parliament, called for the UN Security Council to withdraw its recognition of the Tripoli-based government and appoint a new administration representing all Libyan regions.

In an address aimed at the Libyan people on the eve of Eid el-Fitr, he also called for clearing Tripoli of ``terrorist groups'' and a fair distribution of the nation's oil and gas revenues.

The escalation in fighting comes despite increased international pressure on both sides to return to negotiating a political settlement and to halt the violence over concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

Libya has reported at least 75 cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, including three deaths.

The oil-rich country has been in turmoil since 2011, when a civil war toppled long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed. Libya has since split between the rival administrations in the east and the west.

The turmoil in Libya has steadily worsened as foreign backers increasingly intervene despite pledges to the contrary at a high-profile peace summit in Berlin earlier this year.

* This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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Researchers at Columbia University are conducting this critical study to assess CQ as prophylaxis against COVID-19 in healthcare workers

Hyderabad based Natco Pharma Limited reiterates its commitment in supporting a clinical trial to prevent symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections by donating Chloroquine Phosphate (CQ) Tablets through its marketing partner in the United States, Rising Pharmaceuticals, to a study conducted by Columbia University, New York.

After NATCOs recent donation to a global clinical trial conducted by the CROWN (COVID-19 Research Outcomes Worldwide Network) Collaborative at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis it has now committed to support the Phase 2 of a clinical trial at Columbia University. The trial aims to determine the effectiveness of CQ in preventing COVID-19 infection in healthcare workers with moderate to high risk of exposure to the virus.

Researchers at Columbia University are conducting this critical study to assess CQ as prophylaxis against COVID-19 in healthcare workers. The Phase 2 trial will enroll 350 volunteers who work in direct patient care roles at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and who have contact with patients who may have COVID-19 infection.

NATCO has been supplying CQ Tablets, a USFDA approved drug, through its marketing partner to the United States since 2011. Columbia University, a private Ivy League research university in New York City established in 1754 is renowned across the world for its expertise in conducting well designed clinical trials and NATCO is glad to work with them on this path breaking trial.
Bolsonaro's approach has mirrored that of Trump, who in the early days of the outbreak sought to downplay the severity and suggest the few cases that existed in the U.S. would just disappear. After agreeing to encourage Americans to practice social distancing, Trump began to say the cure can't be worse than the problem itself. He has been aggressively pushing governors to allow businesses to reopen and traveling more himself.
With much of the nation shut down due to COVID-19, one might not even remember that May 25, 2020, is a Monday  or, more importantly, Memorial Day. The customary Memorial Day festivities of barbecues, beer, wearing white, traveling, and shopping will be truncated, if not arrested. But perhaps this is a sublime unintended consequence of social distancing and sheltering at home orders. If it settles our minds and let us focus on first things first  actually giving Memorial Day its due.

Although there are many competing claims for its origin, the record is clear that Memorial Day began as Decoration Day near the end of the Civil War. Dedicated women and men would decorate the graves of the wars fallen soldiers. The strewing of flowers on their tombs were almost compulsory, spontaneous affairs scattered throughout the country. No laws, resolutions, or executive orders spurred the adorners to action. Then, women and men were inspired by the each other to give solemn homage to the dead.

However, one cannot cabin a good idea  its power will spill over to the broader society. Major General John A. Logan was the leader of the Grand Army of the Republic  an organization of former Union soldiers. He ordered that on May 30, 1868, the fallen be commemorated and their graves be decorated. The day was celebrated in 27 states.

That year included the first Decoration Day at Arlington National Cemetery. Former Union General, current congressman, and future President John Garfield was the keynote speaker. Garfield reflected that the fallen had summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and . . . made immortal their patriotism and their virtue. He also remarked that our history had made our people unfit for despotism, and the war dead sacrificed for freedom: They must save their Government or miserably perish.

Logans order, the commemorations across the country, and Garfields stirring words created a strong foundation to firmly establish Decoration Day as an annual celebration  held every May 30. With Michigan leading the way, Decoration Day became a state holiday across the nation.

Why May 30? Southern Decoration Days were tied to some key event of the Confederacy, but Logan yielded to a much stronger power  Mother Nature. The flowers would be in full bloom.

With the fading of the Civil War generation, the intervention of other conflicts, and World War I, Decoration Day expanded to include all war dead. By World War II, it was commonly referred to as Memorial Day.

Congress in the 1960s got the bright idea to create a three day weekend, uprooting nearly a century of tradition, by shifting the date to the fourth Monday of May. With that change, much of the memorial was lost, and the travel season and other festivities began.

Frederick Douglass declared on Decoration Day in 1871 that if our country has before it a long and glorious career of justice, liberty, and civilization, we are indebted to the unselfish devotion of the noble army who rest in these honored graves all around us. Nothing could be more true today.

This Memorial Day, enjoy yourself. But also honor our dead  through a prayer, moment of silence, flying the flag, attending a ceremony (if legal), or other meaningful reflection. Be worthy of the sacrifices of the fallen by rededicating yourself to American freedom and liberty. They  and you  deserve it.

Hon. Michael Warren is an Oakland County Circuit Court Judge, co-creator of Patriot Week (www.PatriotWeek.org), and author of Americas Survival Guide (www.AmericasSurvivalGuide.com).
The Republican-controlled Legislature then adopted a new restriction  that felons had to settle their financial obligations to the court before having their eligibility to vote restored. Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, signed it into law last year. The states lawyers argued that voters knew when they supported Amendment 4, the measure restoring voting rights, that felons would have to pay their outstanding debts before becoming eligible to vote.

But the judge roundly rejected that argument  and noted that the state has no uniform way to let felons know how much they owe or have already paid.

Surely very few Florida voters knew that every Florida felony conviction results in an order to pay hundreds of dollars in fees and costs intended to fund the government, even when the judge does not choose to impose a fine as part of the punishment and there is no victim to whom restitution is owed, Judge Hinkle wrote in his 125-page opinion.

Surely very few Florida voters knew that fees and costs were imposed regardless of ability to pay, that the overwhelming majority of felons who would otherwise be eligible to vote under Amendment 4 owed amounts they were unable to pay, and that the State had no ability to determine who owed how much.

He upbraided Florida for failing to come up with a satisfactory way for felons to check how much they might owe or show the state that they could not afford to pay.

The judge ordered the division of elections to issue a form with which felons might request an advisory opinion on their eligibility to vote. The felon would then be able to register to vote within 21 days unless the division finds that the applicant is ineligible.

Judge Hinkle temporarily blocked the restriction in October, a decision later affirmed by appeals court. Judge Hinkle then held an unusual bench trial via video conference in late April and early May. The coronavirus pandemic had made it unwise for lawyers and witnesses to appear in court in person.
WATERLOO REGION  Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is encouraged to get tested at any of Waterloo Regions four centres.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford  in a departure from previous provincial guidelines  has also directed people who have no symptoms, but think they might have been exposed, to get tested.

All of the local centres  operated by the three hospitals and a Waterloo walk-in clinic  were on the weekend accepting self-referrals from people experiencing symptoms, who can call directly to book an appointment.

The centres have been open. Weve extended the hours, St. Marys General Hospitals president Lee Fairclough. They can come and be tested. Basically, its a phone call to book a time.

The centres expanded testing to anyone with symptoms on the holiday weekend, following earlier provincial directives.

Snapshot of COVID-19 cases in Waterloo Region Updated May 24 112 People who have died 4 Days, no deaths 1,078 People who have tested positive 713 People have recovered Source: Region of Waterloo public health

During his Sunday briefing, Ford said he was opening testing further to people who are worried they have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with the virus, regardless of whether they have symptoms.

Even if youre not showing symptoms, please go get a test. You will not be turned away, Ford said. No matter if youre showing symptoms or you arent showing symptoms and bring your family along with you to get tested.

He said the government will soon be releasing a detailed testing strategy targeting various sectors and hot spots across the province with the aim of ramping up testing, adding that the only way to continue reopening the economy is to see the numbers of new cases going down.

If you feel you need a test, youll be able to get a test. So please dont wait. Our assessment centres are ready to receive you, Ford said.

Local testing centres are all open seven days a week, although hours vary. Information is posted on Region of Waterloo Public Healths site, including locations, hours and numbers to call for an appointment.

The St. Marys location, which is in north Waterloo where it held a cardiac program, tested 44 people on Saturday and most weekdays reaches close to the current capacity of 55.

We have the ability to expand that as we need to, Fairclough said.

People shouldnt hesitate to get tested, as all the locations have the capacity to test more people and Fairclough emphasized that theres no need to worry about overburdening the health system.

People also dont need to avoid getting tested because they dont want to go into a hospital. A provincial requirement for all assessment centres is that theres a separate, marked entrance. Thats the case at both centres located within Grand River Hospital and Cambridge Memorial Hospital.

Booking an appointment also means no lineups or crowds.

Fairclough also encourages people who have recently returned to work and develop symptoms to get tested.

No new COVID-19 deaths in Waterloo Region were reported over the weekend.

The total number of 112 has remained steady since Wednesdays update by public health, and its only one more death since the long weekend.

The Sunday update which includes data up to 7 p.m. the day before, reported 1,078 confirmed cases, up only 12 cases since Friday.

Of the current local cases, 713 are resolved and 29 are hospitalized.

Two out of three cases in the region are resolved.

Outbreaks are declared at 12 long-term care and retirement homes. An outbreak at PeopleCare Hilltop Manor in Cambridge ended on Saturday.

A total of 15,486 tests have been done in the region.

We just want to be sure that were reaching the people we need to, she said.

Regional Chair Karen Redman said during Fridays briefing that its welcome news everyone with symptoms can now get tested and overall the number of new cases in the region are slowing.

However, COVID-19 is still present in Waterloo Region, Redman said.

She encouraged people to wear a face mask or covering when theyre in situations where its difficult to keep two metres from others.

If we all wore face masks, we would be protecting each other. You protect me. I protect you, Redman said. As a caring, collaborative community, I know that we can do this together.

Both provincial and federal officials are now recommending the use of face masks to limit the spread of COVID-19 as stores and amenities begin to reopen.

It is part of our new normal, Redman said. If we all continue to physically distance, maintain good hand hygiene and wear mask coverings to protect each other, we will beat this.

Township of North Dumfries Mayor Sue Foxton also encouraged people to get out and enjoy life, but not to forget important public health measures put in place to curb spread of the virus.

Weve started the new normal. Weve started the next way on how were going to live our lives.

And that means we have to watch social distancing, we have to wear masks when we go out in public because sometimes we get crowded together even though we dont intend to be, Foxton said in a Twitter message on the weekend.

She reminded people that the battle is not over yet.

The success of how we do this allows us to defeat and move forward stronger and better. But we have to do it together. We have to follow the rules, Foxton said.

The more things we do right, the less restrictions well have and the more well be able to move forward and outward together and enjoy each others company again.

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MANISTEE COUNTY, MI - Manistee County Sheriffs deputies and Michigan State Police are investigating an early-morning murder-suicide and attempted carjacking incident that left three separate crimes scenes across the county.

The string of incidents began about 7:30 a.m. Sunday when Manistee County Sheriffs deputies responded to a report of a shooting in the 4300 block of Potter Road in Onekama Township, police said. Deputies found a 28-year-old Bear Lake man had been shot numerous times. The victim, whose name has not yet been released, died at the scene.

Witnesses stated they observed a subject pull into the driveway and shoot the victim numerous times and then leave, police said.

At 8:37 a.m. today, authorities responded to a complaint about gunshots being fired in the 14000 block of Contes Highway in the Brethren area of Dickson Township. Police determined no one had been injured there, but there had been a carjacking attempt that seemed to involve a vehicle similar to the one reported at the earlier homicide scene.

Michigan State Police troopers from the Cadillac post were assisting with the investigation when they learned the suspect, a 27-year-old man, might be in the Wellston area. Troopers went to an address on Spruce Street there, but learned the suspect had walked away from that home a few minutes before.

Authorities were approached by a resident, who told police that the suspect had tried to steal his car, then ran away toward a nearby swamp. Police set up a perimeter and saw the suspect walking on Spruce Street a short time later.

The suspect pointed a firearm in the direction of a trooper before shooting himself with his own firearm, state police said. Troopers approached the suspect, took him into custody, and attempted life-saving measures until EMS crews arrived. The suspect died on the way to the hospital, police said. His name has not been released by police.

Assisting on this investigation were the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Police Department, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and local emergency workers.

A special thank-you goes out to the various residents in Wellston who provided quick updates to the troopers on scene, state police said.
TORONTO, May 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Fraser Institute today released its annual rankings of Ontario secondary schools, and the findings show that more Ontario high schools declined in performance in 2019 than those that improved.



The Report Card on Ontarios Secondary Schools 2020 , the most accessible tool for parents to compare the academic performance of the provinces schools, ranks 733 anglophone and francophone public and Catholic schools (and a small number of independent and First Nations schools) based on nine academic indicators derived from annual provincewide reading, writing and math tests.



The Report Card offers parents information they cant easily get anywhere else, about how their childs school performs over time and compares to other schools across Ontario, said Peter Cowley, a Fraser Institute senior fellow.

This year, 73 schools around the province experienced declining performance, while 47 schools showed improvement.

But contrary to common misconceptions, the data suggest every school is capable of improvement regardless of where its located, where it ranks, or the students it serves.

For example, Great Fort Erie Secondary School in the Niagara region was one of the top five fastest improving schools in the province last year (rising from a score of 3.6 out of 10 in 2015 to 6.8 in 2019) despite 26.7 per cent of its students having special needs.

Similarly, over the same period, Ecole secondaire Hanmer, a French-language high school north of Sudbury that ranks 658 out of 733 this year, is the third-fastest improver across the entire province and has improved its rating from 0 to 3.7 from 2015 to 2019.

We often hear excuses that some schools cant improve student performance because of the communities and students they serve, but all over Ontario, there are schools with students facing significant challenges that still find ways to improve, Cowley said.

For the complete results on all ranked schools and to compare the performance of different schools, visit www.compareschoolrankings.org .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Peter Cowley, Senior Fellow

Fraser Institute

604-789-0475

peter.cowley@fraserinstitute.org

Bryn Weese, Fraser Institute

(604) 688-0221 ext. 589

bryn.weese@fraserinstitute.org

Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter | Like us on Facebook
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 11:41:29|Editor: huaxia

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BUJUMBURA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The Burundian National Independent Human Rights Commission on Saturday evening said the general elections on May 20 were held in a "good and fair" manner.

"I confirm that elections took place at a time when peace, security and human rights were respected," said Sixte Vigny Nimuraba, chairman of the commission, in a press statement released in Burundi's economic center Bujumbura.

Nimuraba urged security forces to continue being professional in protecting human rights as they did on the polling day. He also called on political competitors to respect results of the elections once they are released.

Burundi voters went to the polls on Wednesday to elect a new president, members of the National Assembly, and district councillors. According to the agenda of the National Independent Electoral Commission, provisional results for the three polls are expected to be published on May 26.

Agathon Rwasa, a major challenger to the ruling party in the elections, on Thursday rejected provisional results released earlier in the day by a dozen of district electoral commissions, a small portion of the total 119 commissions nationwide, which showed the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) gained a large victory in the three elections.

The presidential candidate and chairman of the opposition National Council for Liberty party said the results are a "fantasy," arguing he has evidence that he and his party win in those districts.

Burundi plunged into crisis in April 2015 when the current president, Pierre Nkurunziza from CNDD-FDD, decided to run his controversial third term bid, which he won in July 2015. His candidature, which was opposed by the opposition and civil society groups, resulted in a wave of protests, violence and even a failed coup in May 2015.

The overall security of Burundi has improved, and the current situation is generally stable. Enditem
<! Pastor Enoch Adeboye during the sermon >

The General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Sunday said it will take a special miracle from God for Coronavirus to completely leave the world.

Adeboye, who spoke during a live telecast to members of his church on Dove TV, charged Christians to trust in God because He could not be caught by surprise.

The man of God insisted that just like other infections, Coronavirus would not go away in haste, but would remain in the world for a while.

Coronavirus will not disappear completely. Just like flu, Cholera and Ebola, it wont leave the world completely.

 It will take a special miracle from God for it to leave the world completely. Many people will be grateful to God after this lockdown.

Some people who dont spend time with their families will be grateful to God. Trust God that nothing takes him by surprise, he knows everything from the beginning and He is in charge, he stated.

Adeboye added that he had told his members at the beginning of the year that this year (2020) the world is going to behave like a child in convulsion. l also told those of you who are my children: you are going to pass through this thing without a problem. Those of you who are genuinely my children, you will pass through the sea without even a touch of water on you. When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fiery furnace, even the smell of fire was not on them.

I want you to believe me because my Father does not lie: You will come out of this problem safe and sound.

You must take the step of faith. I want you to put yourself in the position of the Children of Israel. Moses spoke, told them tomorrow will be alright, they saw the wind blowing, they saw a path opening up in the Red Sea, but it took an act of faith on their part to work into the middle of the Red Sea because on their right and left hand, there was a huge wall of water but they marched on.

May l appeal to you, if you want to pass through whatever challenges you are facing, you better cross over to the right side. Cross over to Jesus Christ, He can make a way where there is no way. His name is the way. Surrender your life to Him.
A n investigation has been launched after a tweet on the official UK Civil Service account hit out at truth twisters.

The account shared the blunt message after the Downing Street press briefing on Sunday and was shared thousands of times before being deleted around 12 minutes later.

The post said: "Arrogant and offensive. Can you imagine having to work with these truth twisters?"

The tweet, which was liked more than 30,000 times before being removed, came after Prime Minister Boris Johnson moved to defend his chief adviser Dominic Cummings over allegations he breached lockdown rules by travelling to Durham.

The tweet was soon deleted and it is not clear if the account had been hacked or if the tweet had been posted from somebody working there.

BBC Newsnight policy editor Lewis Goodall retweeted the post and said: "This has just been tweeted from the UK Civil Service account.

"This is the craziest political weekend for a long time."

A UK Government spokesman told the Standard: An unauthorised tweet was posted on a Government channel this evening.

The post has been removed and we are investigating the matter.
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The beginning of the new decade hasn't exactly gone according to plan. The past couple of months have been consumed by dealing with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has ravaged the U.S. economy and labor market, as well as cost almost 92,000 Americans their lives, as of early in the morning on May 20, 2020. By some estimates, COVID-19 could push the unemployment rate to 25%, which would rival the all-time high set during the Great Depression.

Just in case you forgot, we're just over five months from Election Day

But seemingly lost among these challenges is the fact that this is an election year. In a little over five months, voters will head to the polls (or perhaps mail in their ballots) to determine who'll lead the country forward for the next four years.

From the Democratic Party ticket, former Vice President Joe Biden has emerged as the presumptive nominee from a field that once consisted of around two dozen candidates. Meanwhile, on the Republican ticket it'll be incumbent Donald Trump seeking a second term.

Although pretty much all events lately have been held virtually, because of safety concerns surrounding COVID-19, one thing that's pretty clear is that these two candidates share little in common. Biden, for example, was vice president when Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, became law and expanded healthcare options for many low-income Americans and their families. Biden has pledged to expand the ACA if elected as president. Trump, on the other hand, made a pledge before winning his first term to dismantle or repeal Obamacare. He's been modestly successful in weakening many of its components, albeit some facets of the Affordable Care Act remain in place to this day.

And make no mistake about it: Biden's and Trump's differences don't end at healthcare. They have differing stances on immigration, climate policy, trade, corporate taxation, Social Security, and much more.

The one issue Trump and Biden actually see eye-to-eye on

But amid the partisan divide that Washington, D.C., has become known for in recent years, the former vice president and current president do share one thing in common  and it's something that two-thirds of the American public isn't going to happy about. Namely, neither Biden nor Trump has any intention of legalizing marijuana.

According to an October 2019 survey from national pollster Gallup, 66% of Americans were in favor of legalizing cannabis, which is unchanged from the previous year, and up substantially from the 44% who supported legalization 10 years ago. Based on party identification, Democrats (76%) and Independents (68%) strongly favor legalization, with Republicans (51%) relatively neutral. But, to be clear, favorability toward marijuana has improved significantly for self-identified Republicans over the past decade.

Furthermore, 33 states have legalized medical marijuana since 1996, with 11 of those states also allowing for the consumption and/or retail sale of recreational cannabis products. In other words, the cannabis industry has existed in the U.S. in opposition to federal law, which lists it as a Schedule I (i.e., illicit) substance, for the past 24 years.

Yet, even with an overwhelming percentage of the public in favor of legalization, neither candidate is likely to support legalization. However, there could be some nuanced differences for the industry depending on who wins the November election.

Two big changes we could see if Biden wins in November

If the contender, Joe Biden, were to take the Oval Office comes January 2021, there would likely be two key differences to how the U.S. cannabis industry looks today.

First of all, Biden has championed the idea of decriminalizing cannabis at the federal level. Obviously, this wouldn't mean that anyone could have pounds of weed in their possession at any given time. However, small possession offenses may result in a fine, rather than jail time. This could certainly open the door to more consumers considering marijuana products for personal use.

The second change is that Biden's presence makes it a bit likelier that some sort of cannabis banking reform measures will be signed into law during his first term. As a refresher, since most banks and credit unions report to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (a federally created agency), they fear the financial or criminal repercussions of assisting cannabis-based businesses. This means most pot companies can't access traditional forms of financing. Under a Biden presidency, that has a greater likelihood of changing.

This is noteworthy given that real estate investment trust Innovative Industrial Properties (NYSE:IIPR) has made a financial killing by offering sale-leaseback agreements to U.S. multistate operators (MSO). Since MSO's are struggling to access traditional forms of financing, Innovative Industrial is stepping in and purchasing cultivation and processing sites in exchange for cash. In return, it rents these assets back to their previous owners for an extended period of time (10 to 20 years), reaping the rewards of rental income. If cannabis banking reform comes to fruition, Innovative Industrial Properties would lose the advantage of being a funding source for U.S. pot stocks.

Expect the status quo from Trump presidency 2.0

Comparatively, if Donald Trump were to be reelected to a second term, there would be little chance of change at the federal level.

For instance, Trump has indirectly made his stance on marijuana crystal clear through the selection of his two attorneys general. Both former AG Jeff Sessions and current AG William Barr publicly oppose the expansion of the legal cannabis movement. In fact, Sessions tried to repeal certain cannabis protections that would have allowed him to use federal dollars to prosecute medical marijuana businesses in legalized states.

This past December, Trump also attached a signing statement to a federal funding bill that he signed into law. Presidents usually attach signing statements to legislation that they believe could limit their authority to uphold federal law in accordance with their constitutional responsibilities. In sum, Trump's signing statement could, in theory, allow him to completely ignore the protections put in place for medical pot businesses in legalized states.

If Trump wins a second term, large-scale MSOs with sufficient funding should shine. As an example, Green Thumb Industries (OTC:GTBIF) has opened 44 dispensaries in legalized states and has licenses to open as many as 96 retail locations in a dozen states. Green Thumb has been actively selling properties to Innovative Industrial Properties via sale-leaseback agreements to bolster its balance sheet, and it's getting ever so close to operating profitability. With no immediate funding concerns, a second term for Trump would likely help it continue to corner market share in key states.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday lashed out at the country's justice system, rejecting the charges against him as "ludicrous", as his long-awaited corruption trial got underway, making him the first sitting premier of the country to go on trial for corruption.

Netanyahu, the country's longest serving prime minister, appeared at the opening hearing at a Jerusalem court to face charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, days after he returned to power following months of political deadlock.

The 70-year-old Israeli leader is accused of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three different cases, dubbed Case 1000 (fraud and breach of trust), Case 2000 (fraud and breach of trust) and Case 4000 (bribery, fraud and breach of trust).

It is the first time in the country's history that a sitting prime minister is facing a criminal trial.

Speaking to the media before entering the Jerusalem District Court, Prime Minister Netanyahu told reporters the investigations against him were tainted from day one, and called the three indictments against him "ludicrous," the hareetz.com reported



Netanyahu told the panel of judges that he has read and understands the three indictments against him.

Netanyahu's lawyer Micha Fettman listed in the court the incomplete and late arrival of the evidence against the prime minister.

Fettman said it will take the defence team at least two or three months to make any preliminary requests to the court as I am blessed to be ignorant of the full extent of the charges, the portal reported.

The prime minister's legal team asked the court for a six-month delay to fully study the charges.

Netanyahu has denied all the charges, claiming that he is the victim of an "attempted coup by overaggressive police, biased prosecutors and a hostile media".

A three-judge panel on Wednesday rejected a request for exemption and directed him to appear in person during the reading of the chargesheet. The panel ruled that the reasoning behind Netanyahu's request for exemption from personal appearance "did not justify such a deviation from the norm", which requires the presence of the accused at the opening of his or her trial.

Netanyahu on Tuesday requested exemption on the ground that his and his bodyguards' presence would violate Health Ministry's coronavirus restrictions.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz said that Prime Minister Netanyahu is innocent until proven guilty, just like every citizen, adding that he is "sure that the justice system will hold a just trial for him".

"I reiterate that my colleagues and I have complete confidence in the justice system and law enforcement. At this time, perhaps more than ever, we must act as a state and society for unity and reconciliation, for the State of Israel and for all Israeli citizens," he said.

In Case 1000, Netanyahu is accused of fraud and breach of trust over gifts he allegedly received from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and billionaire James Packer.

According to the indictment, Netanyahu received cigars and champagne from the two over the course of several years. His family members, the indictment states, also demanded and received gifts from the businessmen, and that the prime minister was aware of this fact.

Milchan and Packer's gifts to the Netanyahus, including the Prime Minister's wife, Sara, are estimated to have amounted to over 1 million shekels (about USD 280,000), according to police investigations.

Netanyahu has not denied that such gifts were given but has argued that they were "tokens of friendship".

The Israeli leader's defence has been that it is allowed to receive gifts from friends. His lawyers have said that he was not aware of the requests made by his family members.

Case 2000 centers around Netanyahu's alleged desire to receive better coverage in one of the country's leading dailies, Yedioth Ahronoth.

According to the indictment, at a series of meetings between Netanyahu and the newspaper's publisher, Arnon Mozes, the two men allegedly discussed a deal calling for the prime minister to try to limit the circulation of rival newspaper, Israel Hayom, which is owned by Netanyahu's longtime political patron, Sheldon Adelson.

Mozes would have given Netanyahu favourable coverage in exchange.

Netanyahu was indicted for fraud and breach of trust in the case. Mozes has been charged with bribery in the matter and will also stand trial.

The Israeli prime minister was caught on tape telling Mozes that he would convince Israel Hayom to limit its circulation which would have benefitted Yediot Ahronoth financially.

Case 4000 alleges that Netanyahu made decisions benefiting media mogul Shaul Elovitch, the controlling shareholder of Bezeq, Israel's largest telecommunications company, in exchange for positive coverage on Walla News, a portal owned by Elovitch.

It is considered the most serious of the three cases.

As per the indictment in the case, Netanyahu and his wife Sara made consistent requests to alter the coverage on the Walla website in order to serve the PM's political interests, and target their opponents.

Netanyahu is not the first leader in the country to face trial but his predecessor, Ehud Olmert, and former president Moshe Katsav stepped down to fight the charges. Both of them were sentenced and served jail time.

Netanyahu's government was sworn in on May 17, bringing an end to the longest political deadlock in Israel's history.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Member of Parliament for Akatsi South constituency, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor has donated an undisclosed amount of cash to the Muslim communities in his constituency, during his tour of two major Mosques (Akatsi and Wute).

Presenting the Cash Mr. Ahiafor emphasized that, though the fasting period could still be successful without his donations or a donation from the great NDC, they are of a firm belief that there are some people who could not genuinely afford the food items needed for their celebration, so the need for the donation but unfortunately, Coronavirus has changed his ways of dealing with them and that called for the cash instead of food items.

He also seized the opportunity to admonish them to exhibit the true nature of Islam in order to live harmoniously with each other.Mr. Ahiafor again stressed that, adherence to the WHO and GHS rules and regulations to curb the COVID-19 must be key in the constituency. He was accompanied by the Constituency Treasurer, Mr. Solomon Adoteivi,

Deputy Secretary, Hon. John Amekuedi, The Constituency Organizer, Hon.Sulleyman Seidu and, Mr. Johnson Samlafo, an activist and others.

READ HIS FULL STATEMENT

HON. BERNARD AHIAFOR, MP FOR AKATSI SOUTH CELEBRATES WITH MUSLIMS

The Member of Parliament for Akatsi South with his team visited the two Muslim Communities Akatsi and Wute zones.

He stated in his speech that, it is the wish of the NDC, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, and himself to once again assist in the purchase of foodstuffs as it used to be.

However, lethal pandemic COVID-19 has changed our ways of doing things.

This season will go down to history. Base on this, He Hon. Bernard Ahiafor and the NDC have decided to aid the two Muslim communities ( Akatsi and Wute) with Ghc5000 and Ghc2000 respectively towards an edifice that will serve as a remembrance of this year's Eid-Ul-Fitr.

The Akatsi Muslim community and the Wute Community have decided to use this fund to acquire Muslim Cemetery and Arabic Schools respectively.

The Leadership of the Muslim community received this news as a surprise and they were more than grateful to the MP and his delegation.
Calling him a significant danger to the community with a criminal history dating back years, a federal prosecutor is fighting convicted former Worcester restaurateur and drug dealer Kevin Perry Jr.s second bid to be released from prison due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Recently Perry, 49, filed a second motion seeking compassionate release from the Federal Medical Center in Devens, Massachusetts citing existing health conditions and cases of COVID-19 at the federal facility as reasons he should be released early from his 14-year sentence.

A federal judge earlier this month denied Perrys first bid for early release citing Perry only served 25% of his sentence for money laundering and fentanyl distribution charges.

Perry wants to be released early and serve home confinement.

In a court filing Friday, federal prosecutor Greg Friedholm once again notes Perry has served only a portion of his sentence.

The prosecutor argues Perry has failed to show any extraordinary and compelling reasons to warrant his immediate release.

Friedholm contends a judge should deny Perrys second attempt at release as the convicted drug dealer remains an ongoing danger to the community.

In the recent filing, Perry said his cellmate tested positive for COVID-19. He also noted there are cases of coronavirus at FMC Devens. Federal prison records show that, as of Sunday, there are 24 inmates and two staff members who tested positive for the virus.

In his renewed motion, the defendant asserts that an increase in the number of positive tests for COVID-19 at FMC Devens warrants his immediate release, and returns to well-worn hyperbole that continued incarceration represents the equivalent of a death sentence, the prosecutor wrote. Once again, the picture that the defendant attempts to paint is unsupported by the facts presently before the court.

Friedholm said an increase of inmates testing positive at the federal facility is a concern but believes staff has worked to protect the health and safety of the nearly 1,000 inmates held there.

After May 8, the warden ordered the testing of every inmate and any inmate who tests positive is placed in isolation. Any inmate who came in contact with another inmate who tested positive is placed in quarantine.

Perry was tested on May 13 and his results were negative. He was placed into quarantine for 14 days. Perry is also screened daily for any symptoms of coronavirus, the prosecutor said.

The government notes, because of confidentiality concerns, it cannot confirm or deny Perrys cellmate tested positive.

Perry was sentenced to serve 14 years in federal prison in 2018 after he admitted to using drug money to buy two Worcester restaurants and other properties in Central Massachusetts.

Records show Perry asked the warden on March 26 for a compassionate release due to the pandemic. He was denied. Perry then petitioned the courts but was denied on May 8.

Perry and his lawyer argue that it has been impossible for inmates to social distance in the facility, citing another ongoing federal case involving FMC Devens.

In his previous motion and again in the current motion, Perry cites his leukopenia, a shortage of white blood cells in his body, as a reason for him being at an increased risk for serious illness or death if he contracts coronavirus in federal prison.

He also cited a history of hepatitis C and had a past positive test for tuberculosis.

His health is now in great peril, with his direct exposure to a known infected individual, and that individuals exposing himself to others in Mr. Perrys housing unit, the recent motion states.

Perry, according to the prosecutor, has not provided information to show his medical condition is not stable or cannot be managed at the facility. Friedholm notes Perry requested to be housed at FMC Devens to address self-described psychological issues.

Friedholm states Perrys criminal history dates back to age 13 and continued almost unabated for 16 years until Perry was convicted in 2005 for manufacturing ecstasy.

The prosecutor notes Perry than began making and selling drugs again while on supervised release after serving time for the 2005 conviction. Perry distributed nearly 2,000 fentanyl pills while on release.

Federal records show Perry is expected to be released from prison in February 2029.

In the motion, Perry and his lawyer argue he is not a risk of re-offending.

Perry used drug money he hid from the government after he was convicted in 2005 of selling and manufacturing ecstasy to help buy the Worcester restaurants and properties in Central Massachusetts.

Federal records show Perry spent more than $2 million to buy the properties which included The Usual and The Blackstone Tap. Those restaurants now have new owners.

The case against Perry led to others being charged in federal court. His estranged wife, Stacey Gala, has also pleaded guilty to a money laundering charge although her sentencing has been delayed due to the pandemic.

Gala used some of Perrys drug money to renovate one of Worcester restaurants, authorities said. The money was used by Gala and her former business partner, Joseph Herman, who has already pleaded guilty in the case. He is also awaiting sentencing on charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, false statements and attempted tampering with a witness.

Herman was Galas former manager at The Usual.

Federal investigators charged another man, Christopher Slavinskas, in the case. He and Herman retrieved the money from a storage locker where Perry hid money. Slavinskas hid some of the money in a Worcester church.

Slavinskas was sentenced to two years of probation in the case for lying to investigators.

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Europe considers new strategy to combat COVID-19

Norwegian prosecutors refuse release Anders Breivik, 2011 mass murderer

Erdogan urges Turks to sell foreign currency for liras

Azerbaijan not yet returned about 300 sheep of Armenia villager

Media: Israeli President thinks about visiting Turkey

Dollar quite stable in Armenia

Trade turnover between Ukraine and Armenia increases by 24%

Armenia legislature speaker meets with of International Republican Institute president, and director for Eurasia

Kremlin does not exclude new call between Putin and Biden

EU Special Representative for South Caucasus to soon visit Armenia, Azerbaijan

State Duma discusses work of biolaboratories near Russia's borders

US lawmakers to parliament speaker: Armenian POWs must be returned to their homeland immediately

Security Council chief: Armenia expects OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to visit region

Armenia government does not approve plan to considerably raise minimum wage

Turkish FM: Armenian representatives invited to diplomatic forum in Antalya

Twitter suspends Mexican billionaire's account over offensive behavior

Armenian PM says Omicron strain is slowly spreading

Azerbaijan says it supports launching border delimitation process with Armenia with no conditions

Zakharova speaks on Aliyev's visit to Kyiv

Zakharova does not comment on Azerbaijan president's threats against France presidential candidate for her Artsakh visit

Cavusoglu: Steps to increase mutual trust will be discussed at next meeting with Armenia

US gives go-ahead to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to send missiles and other American-made weapons to Ukraine

Zakharova: Russia, as OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair, supports continuation of work in this format

Cyber attack on Red Cross: data of over 515,000 people compromised

Pashinyan: UK has been strong partner of newly independent Armenia

Israel hopes UN will unanimously condemn Holocaust denial

Armenia, Ukraine depositories sign memorandum of cooperation

Azerbaijan advises Armenia to correctly assess the new geopolitical realities and draw conclusions

Australia, UK to fight back against cyberattacks from China, Russia and Iran

Protesting residents of Armenias Parakar community march to territorial administration ministry

Armenia government approves protocol on implementation of readmission agreement with Lithuania

Iran suspends gas supplies to Turkey

MFA: Armenia has no preconditions for border delimitation

621 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Paris to have place named after Hrant Dink

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France, Germany, Italy and Spain call on Israel to halt construction in East Jerusalem

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Iranian MFA: Relations between Iran and Russia have moved into a new diverse, intensified direction

Biden says invasion of Ukraine will be disaster for Russia

Newspaper: Armenia PM Pashinyan plans to hold Presidents office

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Taliban PM calls on Muslim countries to be first to formally recognize their government

Saudi Arabia records lowest temperature in 30 years

Erdogan's visit to Ukraine scheduled for February 3

Russian peacekeeping contingent establishes order of passage through Lachin corridor

French Senate votes to ban hijab at sporting events

Armenian FM: All necessary conditions to be created for Demarcation Commission work

Olaf Scholz: Borders in Europe cannot be changed by force

Lavrov presents Armenian Ambassador to Russia, with the Order of Friendship

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FM on mirror withdrawal of troops: Not a single Armenian village will be left without proper protection

Macron: EU countries must work together on agreement for stability and security

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Azerbaijan hopes Pope to mediate in relations with Armenia

Talks between presidents of Russia and Iran start in Kremlin

Armenian FM: This is not first time Baku makes nonconstructive statements

Armenian Investigative Committee: 3,809 people die in the 44-day war

Ombudsman: I urge not to give in to Azerbaijani manipulations, to visit Artsakh

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:       

Azerbaijani military participate in Turkish drills

Taliban say all conditions for recognizing legitimacy of government are met

Azerbaijan MFA statement distorts events of Armenian massacres in Baku 32 years ago

Karabakh ombudsmans office: Azerbaijans anti-Armenian, genocidal policy has clear chronology

US official, Barzani are photographed against backdrop of Greater Armenia and Kurdistan map

Armenia ex-defense minister, army General Staff chief, some others criminal case court hearing kicks off

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Hovhannes Khachatryan is elected Armenia Central Bank Deputy Governor

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The health ministry plans to raise subsidies for governments that bolster staff at child consultation centers to help them deal with the surge in child-support demand caused by the coronavirus, informed sources say.

The ministry hopes the move will help towns, cities and prefectures better deal with the increased risk of child abuse caused by their stay-at-home requests amid the pandemic and offer temporary shelters to children if their parents become infected, they said.

It plans to earmark about 4 billion in related spending in a second supplementary budget for fiscal 2020, the sources said.

The ministry plans to increase subsidies if governments increase the number of workers as well as doctors, nurses and lawyers. The workers include child welfare staffers who give support directly to children and parents.

Subsidies will also climb if governments establish new consultation centers, the sources said.

In addition, the ministry will give financial support to private groups that run children's cafeterias and deliver meals to children, to strengthen patrols in communities.
Charlottesville officials are preparing to begin discussions about removing the two Confederate statues that were at the heart of the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally.

In an April email, City Manager Tarron Richardson indicated that he wants to hold so-called 2-2-1 meetings with the City Council in June to discuss the removal of the statues.

The Daily Progress obtained the email through a request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Such 2-2-1 meetings are used by governments to meet with less than a quorum of elected officials so that an open meeting is not required.

City spokesman Brian Wheeler said last week that officials anticipate being able to engage the community in the process later this summer.

Richardsons email came four days after Gov. Ralph Northam signed bills that give localities the authority to remove, relocate or alter their Confederate monuments. The legislation goes into effect July 1. Virginia is home to more than 220 public memorials to the Confederacy.

In 2017, the city voted to remove its statue of Robert E. Lee and, later, one of fellow Confederate Gen. Thomas Stonewall Jackson. The vote spurred a deadly white supremacist rally that tried to unite various far-right factions on Aug. 12, 2017, as well as a lawsuit to protect the monuments, which the city lost.

Richardsons email specifically calls for discussions on the removal of the statues.

When asked if other options are under consideration, the city said it did not have any further information to share at this time.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the Richmond City Council was in active discussions about its monuments and the Norfolk City Council wanted to remove a statue. Since the pandemic started, no public discussions among other Virginia localities have been reported by media outlets.

The state, however, has funded new signage around a statue of Harry Byrd Sr. on Capitol Square in Richmond to mark his role in the Massive Resistance campaign against desegregation.

The new legislation allows, but does not require, localities to hold a nonbinding referendum on what to do with monuments. The new law requires localities to first publish a notice of intent in a newspaper, followed by a public hearing within 30 days.

However, unlike other local governments, Charlottesville has an extra roadblock. Because a judge issued a permanent injunction of the Lee and Jackson statues removal, the city would have to petition the court to remove the injunction before taking any action.

Richardson wants to hold meetings after the council approves its budget for fiscal 2021, which its expected to do on June 1.

Megan Rhyne, executive director of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government, said she isnt familiar with all of the new laws requirements for removing statues, but cautioned governments from waiting too long before informing the public.

If you go too much in this direction of having these 2-2-1 kinds of meetings, you risk not only getting pushback on one side or the other based on the policy decisions  youre also going to get pushback on the way it was handled, she said.

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Lillian Johnson, 77, pictured outside her East Meadow, New York, nursing home. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, her son was unable to visit her for two months. Lamont Johnson

Lamont Johnson lives just about two miles from his mother's nursing home in Long Island, New York. He has not been able to visit her for about two months. The reason: Covid-19 had spread to his mother's residence, in the hamlet of East Meadow, ultimately resulting in 39 deaths. Like other nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the country, the residence stopped allowing family members to visit elderly or ailing loved ones as the novel coronavirus spread across the nation. But the stress of the situation was amplified by a lack of communication, Johnson said. Oftentimes, no one would answer the phone when he called the nursing home. That meant Johnson did not know how his mother, Lillian, 77, who suffers from dementia, was doing day to day. More from Personal Finance:

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Like it or not, remote learning could be here to stay Meanwhile, Johnson said he noticed something else: a lack of broad access to data on exactly how many nursing home residents have been tested and how many have passed away. Johnson, a village trustee in Hempstead, New York, joined a group of other Nassau County officials to call for a federal investigation. "We have to do more to protect the people, to love the people that took care of us when we were young," Johnson said. Despite the risks, Johnson said he can't wait to see his mother. "I would go today if I could," he said. Many families with loved ones in nursing homes and other care facilities are desperate to be able to visit them again. But that so-called return to normalcy will take time, and will likely be a lot different than before. "Our society will be forever changed by the Covid-19 in terms of how we really think about our physical contact with our family members," said Dr. XinQi Dong, director of the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research at Rutgers University.

New adjustments

BrightStar Senior Living's assisted living community in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is among the company's residences that have recently overhauled their rules in response to Covid-19. BrightStar Senior Living

At BrightStar Senior Living, with multiple assisted living facilities in the Midwest, battling the coronavirus has been a challenge, said Brad Jacobsen, director of senior living project development. At one facility, two people who have died tested positive for Covid-19, while seven others tested positive and have recovered. "We put all our protocols in place, but people had been affected," Jacobsen said. "So 14 days later, we had the next outbreak of folks testing positive." It was a very stressful time, Jacobsen said, that prompted them to put extreme measures in place at all of the company's buildings.

Now, all residents are isolated and no family members can do in-person visits. Additionally, all employees have to wear full personal protective equipment at all times and they are tested before every shift. Staff must also fill out a questionnaire indicating any symptoms they are experiencing. Residents' lungs and temperatures are tested twice a day, Jacobsen said. Family visits now happen over platforms like Facebook or Zoom a couple of times a day. Window visits, where they can see each other while talking over the phone, also occur when possible. Now that residents are healthy, social distancing activities in activity rooms or hallways are starting again, he said. But how soon in-person family visits begin again depends largely on what new protocols need to be put in place, particularly when it comes to testing. "Everybody is just trying to do research at this point to find out what the new normal is going to be," Jacobsen said.

Testing, testing

Nurse practitioner Sharlene Gan with Los Angeles Christian Health Centers takes a swab sample from James Ollie at the Midnight Mission of Skid Row Los Angeles, testing for Covid-19 on April 30, 2020. Al Seib | Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

With tests still in development, virtual visits over Zoom and WebEx will likely be the norm for the foreseeable future, Dr. Dong said. Going forward, family members should be prepared to undergo tests in order to visit loved ones. But there are many questions that need to be answered before such protocols are put in place. Covid-19 tests vary widely in efficacy, and some can have high rates of false negatives. Meanwhile, results can either take hours or days.

My dream is that nursing homes become a thing of the past, in the way that we do them now. Carolyn McClanahan director of financial planning at Life Planning Partners

"We really don't understand well enough to know the sensitivity and specificity of those tests to know what is the best kind of test," Dr. Dong said. Antibody tests, which test for past infection, can also be inconclusive. "If we don't test at the right time, we miss the whole boat," Dr. Dong said. For nursing homes, more big questions loom, according to Dr. Dong. Who will pay for the tests? What happens when a worker tests positive and then has to be out for 14 days? Who will replace them? Nursing homes in New York State have already been forced to try to tackle these issues now that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has made it mandatory for nursing home workers to be tested twice per week.

Long-term shifts

Ridley Epstein, 9, and her grandmother, Donna Forsman, 78, say goodbye after chatting via cell phone during a through-the-door visit at Brookdale Arlington Senior Living in Arlington, Virginia. Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images

For families, questions around tests are just scratching the surface of the bigger issues they face as they try to find the best care for their loved ones. Spikes in coronavirus cases may prompt them to question whether they should relocate their family members to facilities with less exposure. Or, they may hesitate to put a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living situation at all, for fear of exposure to the virus and not being able to visit. Long term, that's not a solution, said Thomas West, partner at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors. "There aren't enough professional caregivers to take care of everybody in their home," he said. West said it should be expected at this point that a facility likely has Covid-19.

"I would be very worried if there was runaway Covid," West said. "If you happen to be one of the hot spots where 25% of your population, 30% of your population has it, that means that somebody didn't control something when it went in there." What you should expect is really good communication about what is being done to protect your loved one and minimize the spread, West said. If you choose to move a family member to a new facility, you need to be sure that it's the best fit for them. Some patients, particularly those with dementia, can be traumatized by those transitions, West said.

Slow transition

SolStock

Admittedly, finding a new normal for care will take time. "My dream is that nursing homes become a thing of the past, in the way that we do them now," said certified financial planner Carolyn McClanahan, a physician and director of financial planning at Life Planning Partners. One idea would be to have more inter-generational communities, which could help promote better health for older adults, she said. Another approach could be creating a community health workforce that could make visits to the elderly in their own homes. For now, the biggest hurdle for many is still just getting to see their relatives. One of McClanahan's clients sneaks in visits with her mother, who is in assisted living, by waiting around the corner during recreational breaks outside.

Our society will be forever changed by the Covid-19 in terms of how we really think about our physical contact with our family members. Dr. XinQi Dong director of the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research at Rutgers University
Chennai: The coronavirus pandemic is hurtling along in Tamil Nadu but lockdown restrictions are being whittled down one by one. The number of new positives topped 740 for four days in a row and the death toll broke through 100 yesterday, but the state government on Sunday allowed 17 industrial estates in Chennai, the reddest of the red cities, to resume work from tomorrow, Monday, but with conditions.

Chief among the conditions is that the work force would have to be limited to 25 per cent and safety measures would have to be implemented. Industrial estates situated in non-containment zones, including the Ambattur and Guindy clusters here can resume work from May 25, but employees residing in containment zones would not be allowed to go to work.

There will be thermal scanners at all factories and workshops to screen employees, an official release said. Social distancing would be followed between workers, and the work places would be disinfected twice a day.

Industries have been shut for two months.

On Sunday, beauty parlours and salons reopened across the state, except those in Greater Chennai police limits. They are under orders to ensure their workers and customers wear masks at all times. The premises would have to be disinfected at least five times a day. There can be no use of air-conditioners.
In many ways the Modi Sarkar 2.0 shouldnt have had the blood, sweat and tears of the most vulnerable people it is meant to serve.

Sachin Tendulkars second innings were often disappointing. Men In Black, Grease, Caddyshack, Basic Instinct, Taken, Exorcist, Transformers, Jaws and many blockbusters had forgettably underwhelming sequels.

But none can accuse the 366 days of Modi Sarkar 2.0 of being boring. It crashed into our collective consciousness like a fireball with the scrapping of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, streaked across the firmament with the banning of instant triple talaq, pirouetted with the passing of the Citizenship Amendment Act, and left a trail of ashes with the economy in peril, the Delhi riots, and now COVID-19 pandemic.

There was never a dull moment.

Here is a quick look at the highlights of the Narendra Modi governments second tenure after it was voted back to power on 23 May, 2019, with an even bigger majority than in 2014. Let us see what worked and what didnt.

1. Scrapping of Article 370

Not many Indians believed Indias first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehrus blunder in granting Kashmir special status  a move that strengthened and provided a legal bedrock for separatism and insurgency  would be reversed in their lifetime. This was the BJP governments finest moment. In one masterstroke, Kashmir was fully legally and administratively integrated with the rest of the country.

It was also the first time India struck back with force in the losing, 1,000-year demographic war which has continually disembodied and shrunk it.

2. Banning instant talaq

This was a much-needed corrective step which freed Muslim women from being thrown out of marriage at just a patriarchal whim. Decades-old perverted secularism stopped governments from banning the practice in the guise of Muslim personal law.

The step also paves the way for a Uniform Civil Code. The case against polygamy and multiple marriages are already in court.

3. Stronger anti-terror law

In August, Rajya Sabha passed amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, making it easier and speedier to act against terror. Most importantly, it now allows India to designate individuals as terrorists, as is the norm in most nations.

4. Economy in a tailspin

Economy remains the one overriding worry for Modi Sarkar 2.0. It started slipping from last year.

The government had two budgets, one interim and one full, to fix things. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman increased the surcharge on Income Tax for both domestic and foreign portfolio investors that sent the markets tumbling. A month later in August, she hurriedly rolled it back. But the damage to investor sentiment was done.

This year, the government again lost the moment to reset the economy. Instead of easing tax, the government introduced six slabs within an annual income of Rs 15 lakh.

There was little for the middle and the salaried class, who have endured the twin shocks of demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax and whose consumption and spending form the edifice of the India growth story.

Only last month crude prices were negative. But the government, instead of passing on the benefit to consumers, raised duties on diesel by Rs 13 a litre and on petrol by Rs 10 litre.

5. The disinvestment chimera

The government has promised to privatise Air India, which has accumulated losses of more than Rs 60,000 crore. There has also been much talk of disinvestment from the Life Insurance Corporation. But not much has moved.

The finance minister has recently announced a new public sector policy which will list out strategic sectors requiring presence of public sector enterprises (PSE) in public interest. In other sectors, PSEs will be privatized, and the number of enterprises in strategic sectors will ordinarily be only one to four.

Air India falls into the previous category, and being the only one of its kind, it may well mean that the Maharajas privatization plan, which has failed to take off last year, may be aborted for the time being.

6. Merger of PSU banks

One bold economic step of this NDA tenure was the merger of 10 public sector banks into four big banks. This facilitates consolidation, makes the banks stronger and more competitive. It also leads to rationalisation of manpower and resources and avoids overlap of branches across India, thus cutting down on running costs.

7. Blood and citizenship

The government took another civilisational step by fast-tracking the citizenship process for six persecuted minorities from Muslim-majority Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan under the Citizenship Amendment Act. Muslims from these countries can still apply for Indian citizenship, but not under this narrow-window legislation.

Nationwide protests and violence erupted from Murshidabad in Bengal to Jamia in Delhi. It ultimately led to the Delhi riots in which more than 50 Hindus and Muslims were killed.

8. At Rams doorstep at last

While the Supreme Court finally delivered its judgment which favoured building a temple in Lord Rams birth site in Ayodhya where the Babri Masjid once stood before it was demolished, it culminated the ruling BJPs decades-long activism.

The government has set up an independent trust to build the temple there. A battle fought through a mass movement, won in the court.

9. Containing corona catastrophe

It is now quite clear that purely in terms of containment, India has done a stellar job when dozens of developed nations have got knocked out. In spite of its 130 crore population and rudimentary healthcare, both the government and citizens responded quickly and spiritedly.

In this crisis, India has helped the world with hydroxychloroquine, and built its own medical capacities (created thousands of new beds for patients, and started producing masks, protective equipment and sanitisers at a mass scale).

States like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Telangana have aggressively started pitching for businesses and manufacturing which are exiting China.

10. Long road to COVID-19 relief

While the government has rolled out a set of worthwhile reform measures like amending the Essential Commodities Act and giving a strong push to Make in India, its relief package for migrant workers seem to be a jugglery of already announced schemes.

The distressed workers need immediate relief. Some of them are walking hundreds of kilometres home with their families. They need cash in hand. The direct benefit transfers done so far are falling short.

Having insufficient data on migrant workers cannot be an excuse. Each day the government is getting data from the Shramik Special trains it is running.

In many ways, the spectacular first year of Modi Sarkar 2.0 shouldnt have had the blood, sweat and tears of the most vulnerable people it is meant to serve. And if it showed economic imagination to match its clockwork political instincts.
FILE PHOTO: People wearing protective face masks walk past the closed Nike store on a nearly empty 5th Avenue, during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Manhattan, New York city, New York, U.S., May 11, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Segar

Closed luxury retail stores on 5th Avenue in Manhattan during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in New York

Reuters

A Shelby County Tennesee health official was denied entry to a Memphis Nike warehouse where a worker had died from COVID-19 days earlier, according to ProPublica.

When a Nike employee called the health official by phone the following day and said Nike had made changes to enforce social distancing, the health official concluded her investigation.

A Nike spokesperson told ProPublica that the security guard, who worked for a third-party company, should have let the official into the facility.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Related Video: What COVID-19 Recovery Looks Like, Day by Day

A Nike warehouse in Memphis, Tennessee, refused to allow a public health worker into the facility after a temporary worker at the facility died from COVID-19, ProPublica reported Saturday.

According to the report, an environmentalist from Shelby County Tennessee was denied entry by a third-party security guard at a Nike warehouse in Memphis on April 16, according to the report. The official was told she was not able to enter the facility without an appointment.

Five days prior to her April 16 visit, Nike learned that a temporary worker employed by Adecco at a facility on Shelby Drive had died from COVID-19. The environmentalist's visit to the facility was sparked by a complaint that Nike was not cleaning properly or allowing workers to practice social distancing, according to the report. The environmentalist was told she could not enter the facility without an appointment.

According to ProPublica, the environmentalist received a call the following day from a Nike employee who said the company had installed markers at the facility to enforce social distancing and that the facility was closed each Tuesday for cleaning.

No one from the Shelby County office visited the warehouse again to verify that the changes had been made, and the environmentalist who had been denied entry on April 16 "felt at that time there was nothing else that needed to be done," Kasia Alexander, environmental health administrator for the department, told ProPublica.

Story continues

Bruce Randolph, the Shelby County health director told the outlet that the agency has the authority to use local police to gain access to a facility, though it did not do so. From March 26 to May 12, the agency received 201 complaints among various businesses in the county. The Nike facility was the only facility that had turned a county inspector away, according to the report.

"We don't just automatically get law enforcement involved simply because the first time we show up, some security and management person refuses to allow us access," he said.

A Nike spokesperson told the outlet the company had expanded social distancing in doorways, breakrooms, on the warehouse floor, and other areas from 3 feet to 6 feet at the beginning of April. The company said it uses plexiglass to separate workstations and placed markings on tables to tell workers where to sit to maintain an appropriate distance. It is also checking the temperatures of workers and visitors, according to the report.

Willie Gregory, Nike's director of global community impact, told ProPublica that the health department should have been let into the facility.

"If you're doing the right thing, you should give admittance to those people," Gregory said.

According to ProPublica, at least 21 workers at Nike's five Memphis warehouse and distribution center locations have tested positive for COVID-19 as of May 18.

Neither Nike nor the Shelby County Health Department returned a Business Insider request for comment on Saturday.

Read the original article on Business Insider
<! Governor Yahaya Bello, APC candidate and Engineer Musa Wada, PDP flagbearer >

Engr. Musa Wada, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in last Kogi Governorship election, has vowed to appeal the victory of Governor Yahaya Bello at the electoral tribunal on Saturday.

The Kogi Governorship Election Tribunal had on Saturday dismissed the case filed Wada, against the election of Governor Yahaya Bello.

However, in an interview with Channels Television in Abuja on Saturday, Wada said he would appeal the judgment.

Musa had filed a petition challenging the election of Yahaya Bello as the Governor of Kogi State.

But in a judgment of two to one, delivered by the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Kashim Kaigama, the tribunal held that the petitioner had failed to prove the allegations of over-voting, massive thumb printing, voter intimidation, and other electoral malpractices.

The tribunal also awarded a cost of one million naira to be paid by the petitioners, PDP and Musa Wada to INEC, Yahaya Bello and APC who are the respondents.

Meanwhile, in a dissenting judgment, Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele nullified the election of Governor Yahaya Bello and ordered INEC to conduct fresh elections in seven local government areas where the petitioners proved their allegations of over-voting, thuggery, voter intimidation, massive thumb printing, and other electoral malpractices.

In reaction, Wada said the dissenting judgment by Justice Ovbragele is a clear indication that the election of Governor Bello was flawed.

He, therefore, insisted that the majority judgment of the Tribunal is not a true representation of the events of November 16, 2019, in Kogi State
Tripoli, Libya (PANA)  The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the European Union (EU) Delegation in Tripoli have congratulated the Libyan people on the occasion of the Eid El-Fitr celebrated on Sunday and called for a cessation of hostilities by respecting the spirit of the religious event
D etectives searching for a teenager who has been missing since VE Day have confirmed that her body has been found.

Hampshire Police said that a body found in woodland in Havant, Hampshire, on Thursday is that of 16-year-old Louise Smith.

The teenager, from the Leigh Park area, was reported missing on May 8.

In an update on Saturday evening, police said formal identification procedures had been completed with Louises family being informed and supported by specialist officers.

Friends of the teenager, whose death police previously said was being treated as suspicious, have spoken of their devastation at her death.

Mandy Ferdinando, who had known Louise since she was a young girl, laid flowers at the entrance to Havant Thicket, where the teenagers body was found.

She said: She was a lovely girl with a heart of gold.

The community is devastated, sad, shocked, I cant speak for everybody but when anyone hears of a young person, whoever it may be, its very sad.

Louise was last seen in Somborne Drive in the Leigh Park area at about midday on May 8.

Police forensic officers carried out searches of a flat in the street and blacked out the propertys windows.

A man and a woman, both aged 29, were arrested on May 15 on suspicion of kidnap and later released on bail.

Detective Chief Superintendent Scott MacKechnie previously said: Our officers will continue to be conducting enquires in the Leigh Park area and the extensive forensic work will continue for some days in the Havant Thicket.
Elon Musk's spacex crew on Saturday completed the final rehearsal for their historic mission - the first astronaut launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center since the last shuttle flight in 2011.

NASA astronauts Robert Behnken, 49, and Douglas Hurley, 53, both veteran space travelers, will crew the capsule Wednesday. Hurley piloted Atlantis on its last trip.

The two astronauts performed their 'dress rehearsal' Saturday, Hurley said. They arrived at the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida wearing their SpaceX-designed spacesuits and in a Tesla with the license plate ISSBND, ISS Bound.

They then climbed into their Crew Dragon spacecraft at Launch Complex 39A. SpaceX also successfully tested their Falcon 9 rocket Friday.

Behnken wrote on Twitter Friday: 'Exciting couple of days here at NASA Kennedy!

'Crew arrival in Florida was awesome, seeing our vehicle roll to 39A was epic, and watching our SpaceX Falcon 9 1st-stage fire one more time before our mission still has a smile on my face!'

NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley, left, and Robert Behnken, wearing SpaceX spacesuits, are seen as they depart the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Complex 39A during a dress rehearsal prior to the Demo-2 mission launch on Saturday

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft onboard is seen on Friday on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A during a brief static fire test ahead of NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 mission this week

The rocket is set for a Wednesday, May 27, launch that will send two astronauts to the International Space Station for the first crewed flight from the U.S. in nearly a decade

Astronauts Doug Hurley, left, and Robert Behnken pose in front of a Tesla Model X car during a SpaceX launch dress rehearsal at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral

The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. Elon Musk's SpaceX is the conductor and NASA the customer as businesses begin chauffeuring astronauts to the International Space Station. With American shuttles no longer in use, the US has had to rely on Russia for rides to the station

US President Donald Trump will be among the spectators at Kennedy Space Center in Florida Wednesday to witness the launch, which has been given the green light despite months of shutdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The general public, in a nod to virus restrictions, has been told to watch via a livestream as Crew Dragon is launched by a Falcon 9 rocket toward the International Space Station.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is the conductor and NASA the customer as businesses begin chauffeuring astronauts to the International Space Station. With American shuttles no longer in use, the United States has had to rely on Russia for rides to the station.

They're scheduled to blast off at 4.33pm EDT from launch pad 39A, the same one the Apollo astronauts used to get to the moon.

NASA's Commercial Crew program, aimed at developing private spacecraft to transport American astronauts to space, began under Barack Obama.

But his successor sees it as a symbol of his strategy to reassert American domination of space, both military - with his creation of the Space Force - and civilian.

He has ordered NASA to return to the moon in 2024, an unlikely timetable but one that has given the storied space agency a boost.

NASA astronauts Robert Behnken, 49, and Douglas Hurley, 53, both veteran space travelers, will crew the capsule Wednesday. Hurley piloted Atlantis on its last trip

NASA astronaut Robert Behnken rehearses putting on his SpaceX spacesuit in the Astronaut Crew Quarters inside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at the Kennedy Space Center ahead of NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station

NASA astronaut Douglas Hurley rehearses putting on his SpaceX spacesuit on Saturday

Douglas Hurley, left, and Robert Behnken, wearing SpaceX spacesuits, are seen as they depart for Launch Pad 39A on Saturday during a dress rehearsal prior to the mission launch, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida

The two astronauts performed their 'dress rehearsal' Saturday, Hurley said. They arrived in their SpaceX-designed spacesuits after arriving at the launch pad in a Tesla with the license plate ISSBND, ISS Bound

The Launch Pad 39A and the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon spacecraft on top of the rocket, Saturday

In the 22 years since the first components of the ISS were launched, only spacecraft developed by NASA and by the Russian space agency have carried crews there.

NASA used the illustrious shuttle program - huge, extremely complex, winged ships -to carried dozens of astronauts into space for three decades.

But their staggering cost - $200 billion for 135 flights - and two fatal accidents finally put an end to the program.

The shift to private companies allows NASA to zero in on deep space travel. The space agency is working to return astronauts to the moon by 2024 under orders from the White House, but that deadline appears increasingly unlikely even as three newly chosen commercial teams rush to develop lunar landers. Mars also beckons.

The White House portrayed the launch as an extension of Trump's promise to reassert American dominance in space. He recently oversaw creation of the Space Force as the sixth branch of the armed forces.

'Our destiny, beyond the Earth, is not only a matter of national identity, but a matter of national security,' Trump said in a statement.

Vice President Mike Pence, who is chairman of the National Space Council, also plans to attend Wednesday's launch.

NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley (L) and Robert Behnken pose while participating in a dress rehearsal for launch at the agency's Kennedy Space Center

NASA astronaut Bob Behnken in his spacesuit at SpaceX headquarters in California

In this August 2018 photo made available by SpaceX, NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken familiarize themselves with SpaceX's Crew Dragon, the spacecraft that will transport them to the International Space Station as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program

The Crew Dragon spacecraft and the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket are pictured at Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 21, 2020

This February 2020 photo shows the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule after its arrival to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral

The last shuttle, Atlantis, landed on July 21, 2011.

After, NASA astronauts learned Russian and traveled to the ISS in the Russian Soyuz rocket from Kazakhstan, in a partnership which survived political tensions between Washington and Moscow.

But it was only ever meant to be a temporary arrangement. NASA had entrusted two private companies - aviation giant Boeing and upstart SpaceX - with the task of designing and building capsules that would replace the shuttles.

Nine years later, SpaceX, founded by Musk, the outspoken South African entrepreneur who also built PayPal and Tesla, in 2002, is ready to launch.

At 4:33pm on Wednesday, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to take off from Launch Pad 39A with the Crew Dragon capsule at its top.

NASA astronauts Robert Behnken, left, and Douglas Hurley pose for pictures after arriving at the Launch and Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center ahead of SpaceX's Demo-2 mission, May 20, 2020, in Florida.

In this Thursday, March 19, 2020 photo astronauts Doug Hurley, foreground, and Bob Behnken work in SpaceX's flight simulator at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral

NASA has awarded SpaceX more than $3 billion in contracts since 2011 to build the spacecraft.

The first astronauts launched by SpaceX are breaking new ground for style with hip spacesuits, gull-wing Teslas and a sleek rocketship - all of it white with black trim.

The color coordinating is thanks to Musk, the driving force behind both SpaceX and Tesla, and a big fan of flash and science fiction.

NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken like the fresh new look. They'll catch a ride to the launch pad in a Tesla Model X electric car.

'It is really neat, and I think the biggest testament to that is my 10-year-old son telling me how cool I am now,' Hurley told The Associated Press.

'SpaceX has gone all out' on the capsule's appearance, he said. 'And they've worked equally as hard to make the innards and the displays and everything else in the vehicle work to perfection.'

SpaceX has confounded expectations with its space craft, built using more than $3 billion of NASA contracts

SpaceX tests its StarHopper, successfully hovering 500 feet above the launch site and safely landing at the company's facility in Brownsville, Texas in August 2019

Nineteen hours after takeoff the two men will dock at the ISS, where two Russians and an American are waiting for them.

The weather forecast remains unfavorable, with a 60 percent chance of bad conditions, according to Cape Canaveral forecasters.

The next launch window is Saturday, May 30.

The launch has taken five years longer than planned to come about, but even with the delays SpaceX has beaten Boeing to the punch.

Boeing's test flight of its Starliner failed due to serious software issues, and will have to be redone.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is the conductor and NASA the customer as businesses begin chauffeuring astronauts to the International Space Station. With American shuttles no longer in use, the United States has had to rely on Russia for rides to the station

SpaceX founder Elon Musk speaks during the 67th International Astronautical Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico in 2016

'It's been a real success story,' Scott Hubbard, former director of NASA's Ames Center in Silicon Valley who now teaches at Stanford, told AFP.

'There was huge skepticism,' Hubbard, who met Musk before the creation of SpaceX and also chairs a SpaceX safety advisory panel, recalled.

'Senior people at the legacy companies, Lockheed, Boeing, would tell me at a conference that these SpaceX guys don't know what they don't know,' he told AFP.

SpaceX finally came out on top with its cheaper Falcon 9 rocket, the first stage of which comes back to land vertically on a barge in the Atlantic.

The bulky, orange ascent and entry suits worn by shuttle astronauts had their own attraction, according to Behnken, who like Hurley wore them for his two previous missions. Movies like 'Armageddon' and 'Space Cowboys' stole the orange look whenever actors were 'trying to pretend to be astronauts.'

On launch day, Hurley and Behnken will get ready inside Kennedys remodeled crew quarters, which dates back to the two-man Gemini missions of the mid-1960s. SpaceX techs will help the astronauts into their one-piece, two-layer pressure suits.

Hurley and Behnken will emerge through the same double doors used on July 16, 1969, by Apollo 11s Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins - the Operations and Checkout Building now bears Armstrongs name.

But instead of the traditional Astrovan, the two will climb into the back seat of a Tesla Model X for the nine-mile ride to Launch Complex 39A, the same pad used by the moonmen and most shuttle crews. It's while they board the Tesla that they'll see their wives and young sons for the last time before flight.

Making a comeback after three decades is NASAs worm logo - wavy, futuristic-looking red letters spelling NASA, the 'A' resembling rocket nose cones. The worm adorns the Astro-Tesla, Falcon and even the astronauts' suits, along with NASAs original blue meatball-shaped logo.

The white-suited Hurley and Behnken will transfer from the white Tesla to the white Dragon atop the equally white Falcon 9.

'Its going to be quite a show,' Reed promised.

A Falcon 9 SpaceX heavy rocket lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in 2018

Since 2012, SpaceX has been resupplying the ISS for NASA, thanks to the cargo version of the Dragon capsule.

The manned mission, called Demo-2, is crucial for Washington in two ways.

The first is to break NASA's dependence on the Russians.

But the second is to catalyze a private 'low Earth orbit' market open to tourists and businesses.

'We envision a day in the future where we have a dozen space stations in low Earth orbit. All operated by commercial industry,' said NASA boss Jim Bridenstine.

Musk is aiming higher: he is building a huge rocket, Starship, to circumnavigate the Moon - or even to travel to Mars and ultimately make humanity a 'multi-planet species'.
We're angry at New York state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, and you should be, too, especially if you're a beneficiary of the New York State Common Retirement Fund or a legislator who has not backed divestment of the fund based on DiNapoli's assurances.

We're angry because DiNapoli has resisted divestment of the Common Retirement Fund from fossil fuels despite repeated warnings from financial and climate experts that this industry was poised to lose New Yorkers a lot of money. Now it has come to pass: The retirement fund has lost billions of dollars, roughly $25 billion by our best estimate. DiNapoli told us he knew what he was doing. It has cost us dearly.

Some may want to give him a pass because COVID-19 has run down the market. Much of this loss was before COVID-19. But, both before and after COVID-19, the fossil fuel industry has underperformed the rest of the market dramatically.

DiNapoli gives various justifications for his unyielding loyalty to fossil fuels:

DiNapoli has said political considerations should not affect investment decisions. Really? Then why did the Common Retirement Fund divest from private prisons? Was the celebrated divestment that targeted apartheid in South Africa inappropriate? Are the managers of the 1,200 institutions around the world that have committed to fossil fuel divestment, including Norway, Ireland and New York City, all somehow derelict? Are the 80-plus New York legislators, governor, the attorney general as well as the New York City mayor and comptroller wrong in their support of divestment?

DiNapoli has said the fund can have more impact on climate through shareholder advocacy. This is plain false. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has made it clear that, as a matter of law, shareholder advocacy cannot be used to change the business model of a company, and the business model of fossil fuel companies is to bring coal, gas and oil to market to be burned. Even small victories, like forcing ExxonMobil to produce a report on the impact of climate on future business, have been met with substandard compliance, as noted by the comptroller himself. At best, shareholder advocacy moves glacially slowly at a time when urgent action is needed. In this case, it has accomplished absolutely nothing over the course of a decade.

DiNapoli has said he has a fiduciary responsibility to maximize return for the beneficiaries of the fund. We agree with this principle, and it is clear that DiNapoli is violating it by not divesting. DiNapoli was told fossil fuels would lose money, especially in a world committed to transitioning to renewable energy (New York's own public policy in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act comes to mind). In this context, it was clear the value of fossil fuel companies was going to decline. He ignored this common-sense prediction. In doing so, and sustaining unconscionable losses, he has violated his fiduciary duty.

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The fossil fuel industry is the villain in the climate story. It has known for years that its product was causing warming yet it undertook a massive disinformation campaign that delayed efforts to fight climate change, which is now causing havoc around the world: fires, floods, climate refugees, and more. DiNapoli stands by coal, gas and oil, retaining billions of investment, which is losing money and is going to keep losing money.

DiNapoli has told pensioners and legislators that he knows best, but events have proved otherwise; the fossil fuel industry is in a rout. We're angry, and we hope you're angry. It's time to overrule DiNapoli and pass the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act before we lose several billion dollars more.
From 30 years in the neolithic period, the global average life expectancy has today reached a little more than 72 years. This means that for millions of years, humans have been reproducing when they were young and fit, and the process of natural selection did not really have the chance of weeding out the genes that cause problems later in life. Such a theory for explaining why humans degenerate with age was first put forward by Peter Medawar in 1952, and forms the basis for most modern theories on ageing. After humans reach peak fitness, and beyond the age of reproduction, the body begins to rapidly deteriorate. The quality of life for the elderly is not great. They may experience neurological deterioration, an increased susceptibility to heart disease, and are more likely to get cancer. There are a number of age-related diseases including osteoporosis, alzheimers and cataracts, with an exponential increase in incidence alongside ageing. Around the world, a lot of resources are spent in taking care of the elderly. What if each of these diseases are a symptom, while the actual condition that needs to be tackled is ageing? The basic idea is that if we figure out and treat the underlying mechanism that causes ageing, then maybe these resources to care for the elderly can be applied elsewhere. However, this may be a flawed line of thinking. If ageing is a disease, it is something that affects all human beings, as well as all multicellular organisms. Those who remain healthy and active in their old age are considered to be blessed with good genes, but they show signs of biological ageing as well, such as wrinkles. Now even an immortal organism (the hydra may just be one such), experiences ageing. Medewar elegantly explained the reason to coin a term to describe the deterioration associated with ageing, we obviously need a word for mere ageing, and I propose to use ageing itself for just that purpose. Ageing hereafter stands for mere ageing, and has no other innuendo. I shall use the word senescence to mean ageing accompanied by that decline of bodily faculties and sensibilities and energies which ageing colloquially entails. Gerontologists, or the scientists that specialise

in the study of senescence, are not interested in discovering the elixir of life. Instead, they are more interested in coming up with treatments that

can extend the average life span from 72 years to around 100 years, or at best 120 years at the present. Bear in mind that there is a major gap between research and practical applications that is suitable for humans. While many experiments have extended the life spans of lab animals by 50 percent, most successfully on mice, none of these treatments have yet translated to human beings. For example, Michael R Rose, a researcher from the University of California, Irvine, conducted a landmark experiment where he progressively increased the lifespan of fruit flies. In the first generation, he picked middle-aged fruit flies that gave birth. In the next generation, he picked fruit flies that gave birth when they were old. In successive generations, Rose kept picking fruit flies that lived longer, and reproduced later in life. While this was successful in fruit flies, such an approach may not be practical in humans.

We are as old as our arteries

One of the telltale signs of ageing is seen in the calcification of arteries, which are bone-like deposits of calcium phosphate crystals along the walls of the arteries. This causes the arteries to harden, and is also responsible for some of the problems associated with old age, such as dementia, high blood pressure, as well as an increased risk of heart diseases and strokes. Calcification also restricts blood flow to all the organs within the body. The smaller blood vessels simply wither and die. This results in low levels of oxygen throughout the body, as well as a buildup of toxins. It is this process that causes the muscles in the elderly to shrink and grow weaker, medically known as sarcopenia. Without say, a birth certificate, measuring the extent of calcification allows for an accurate measurement of a persons age. Even the age at which ancient Egyptian mummies died can be guessed by having a look at the extent of calcification of the arteries. Till recently, the exact process by which the calcification occurs, was not known. Researchers from Kings College of London and Cambridge University published a paper in Cell Reports in June 2019 which outlines the mechanism for calcification of the arteries. As a part of regular DNA repair, cells produce a molecule known as PAR (the full form is a matryoshka doll of acronyms, and is as such irrelevant for the purposes of this article). PAR is released when cells die, and the molecules bind strongly with calcium. As they acquire calcium within the circulatory system, they form into increasingly large droplets, eventually crystallising on the walls of the arteries, a process known as biomineralisation. Now, within bone tissue, this is an essential process to harden the skeleton. However, in the circulatory system, it just causes an increasing number of problems as the body grows older. The researchers then went on to investigate ways in which they could prevent the PAR molecules from crystallising within the arteries. The researchers found that minocycline, an antibiotic commonly used to treat acne, can inhibit the calcification of arteries. This is a promising drug, and the researchers are moving into clinical trials.

Reversing Sarcopenia

Another crucial aspect related to ageing that causes the muscles to atrophy and reduces blood flow, is that the body starts growing new blood vessels. After a series of experiments, researchers at Harvard discovered that blood flow within the body begins to reduce after cells stop producing a protein known as sirtuin1, shortened to SIRT1. The reduction in SIRT1 is in turn caused by a reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a molecule responsible for protein interactions and DNA repair. SIRT1 is known to delay ageing in organisms as different as yeast and mice. NAD+ is known to decline with age. Within muscles, SIRT1 is responsible for the growth of capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in the body. As both SIRT1 and NAD+ in the body reduce with age, the muscles also deteriorate. The researchers developed a treatment using nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a derivative of niacin, previously known for its involvement with DNA repair, which is a precursor to NAD+. Also included in the treatment regimen was sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a precursor to hydrogen sulfide, which also boosts SIRT1 production. The procedure allowed for 32 month old mice (the equivalent of 90 human years) to run for twice as long as untreated mice of the same age. The mice treated with only NMN ran for 1.6 times longer. The treatment in mice at least, proved effective at maintaining capillary growth into old age. However, the researchers warn of the dangers of using treatments that increase blood flow, as the same treatment can encourage tumours to grow faster, by providing them with more nutrition. However, the research is promising in the way that it opens up avenues for future therapies, that will allow the elderly to remain active in their old age.

Go on a diet

One of the oldest life extension treatments known to science, is that of calorie restriction. Essentially, it means eating 30 or even 50 percent less than a regular person, but without any compromises on nutrition. If someone does it throughout their lives, they would be ridiculously thin, will always feel cold, and will be perpetually hungry. Its a diet of extreme abstinence, and is also called a fasting diet. Such a diet was known to extend the life spans of mice by 50 percent in an experiment in 1934. A 2017 experiment on rhesus monkeys also showed an extension of the life span. The results have been replicated in worms, microbes, spiders and insects, but not with humans. However, scientists are still in the dark about the exact mechanism by which calorie restriction manages to increase the life spans in almost all the animals that it has been tested on. If this mechanism is understood, scientists may be able to devise a pill that mimics the effects of fasting.
On the solemnity of the Ascension, Pope Francis explains that on this day Jesus "invests [the disciples] with mission among all peoples". "This message of salvation implies first of all the duty of witness". On the feast of Our Lady of Sheshan, united spiritually to Chinese Catholics, pastors and faithful, "so that they may be strong in faith and firm in fraternal union, joyful witnesses and promoters of charity and hope". Today is also the World Social Communications Day.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The mystery of Jesus' Ascension into heaven - in which he "asks the disciples to act and announce, entrusting them with the mandate to continue his work" - and a message to the Chinese Catholics on the feast of Our Lady of Sheshan, characterized the moment of Regina Caeli, presided over by Pope Francis from the Library of the apostolic palace.

Explaining the solemnity of the Ascension, which is celebrated on the seventh Easter Sunday in Italy and in other countries - in the Vatican it is celebrated on the previous Thursday - the pontiff stressed that before going up to heaven, "the last meeting of the risen Lord takes place with his disciples", in which He "invests them the mission among all peoples".

The contents of the mission entrusted to the Apostles - he said - are these: to announce, baptize, teach to walk on the path traced by the Master, that is, the Gospel. This message of salvation implies first of all the duty of witness, to which we, disciples of today, are also called to account for our faith. Faced with such a demanding task, and thinking of our weaknesses, we feel inadequate, as the Apostles themselves certainly felt. But we must not be discouraged, remembering the words that Jesus addressed to them before ascending to Heaven: "I am with you every day until the end of the world" (v. 20). This promise ensures the constant and consoling presence of Jesus among us ... With the promise to stay with us until the end of time, Jesus inaugurates the style of his presence in the world as the Risen One: a presence that is revealed in the Word, in the Sacraments, in the constant and interior action of the Holy Spirit. The feast of Ascension tells us that Jesus, although he ascended to Heaven to dwell gloriously on the right hand of the Father, is still and always among us: from here we derive our strength, our perseverance and our joy ".

After the Marian prayer, Francis invited everyone to "unite ourselves spiritually to all of the Catholic faithful in China who today celebrate, with particular devotion, the Feast of Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, Patroness of China who is venerated in the Sheshan sanctuary in Shanghai. Let us entrust the pastors and faithful of the Catholic Church in that great nation to the guidance and protection of our Heavenly Mother, so they may be strong in the faith and firm in fraternal union, joyous witness and promoters of hope and charity."

Then addressing the Catholic faithful directly he said: "My dear Catholic brothers and sisters in China, I would like to assure you that the Universal Church, of which you are an integral part, shares in your hopes and supports you in your trials. She accompanies you in prayer for a new effusion of the Holy Spirit, you that the light and beauty of the Gospel, Gods power for the salvation of those who would believe, may shine in you. While once again expressing my profound and sincere affection for you all, I impart upon you a special Apostolic Blessing. And may Our Lady always keep you ".

The pontiff then recalled that today the World Day of Social Communications, dedicated this year to the theme of narration, is also celebrated: May this event encourage us to tell and share constructive stories, which help us understand that we are all part of a story bigger than ourselves and we can look to the future with hope, if we really take care of each other as brothers and sisters.

After a greeting to the Salesians, "sons of Don Bosco", for the feast of Mary Help of Christians, Francis thanked all those who celebrated the "Laudato si 'week", dedicated to his encyclical and inaugurated a whole year studying it and how to take care of the "common home" and the poor.

After a few minutes he went to his study window to greet the meagre crowd that had appeared on St. Peter's square. Because of the pandemic emergency, in fact, numerous "gatherings" are still not recommended.
A 53-year old woman



cancer patient died on Sunday, days after she tested positive for COVID-19 on her return from Dubai, taking the toll due to the deadly virus in the state to five, a top official said.

The condition of the woman had been critical since arrival on May 20 and she was on ventilator support and the end came this afternoon at the Government Medical College Hospital here, health department sources said.

"A covid test was conducted on her and she had tested positive. So though the cause of death is malignant cancer, we will consider this as COVID death," State Health Secretary Dr Rajan Khobragade told PTI.

The woman, hailing from Kalpetta in Wayanad district, along with her husband had reached Kerala from Dubai on May 20 for cancer treatment.

She was first admitted to a private hospital and later shifted to the medical college hospital after testing positivefor the coronavirus.

With her death, the COVID-19 fatalities in the state has risen to five.

A 73-Year-old woman, who had returned to the state from Mumbai, had died after testing positive for the infection in Thrissur on Thursday night.

Earlier, three people, including a four-month old baby girl, had died of COVID-19 in the state, which has been witnessing a spike in new cases in recent days.

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old boy who had returned to Kannur from Chennai and was under quarantine died at a hospital on Sunday.

He had been admitted to the hospital following fever and headache. His first test had returned negative, health department sources said.

As a precautionary measure one more sample had been sent for testing, they said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 13:31:35|Editor: huaxia

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TRIPOLI, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan National Center for Disease Control on Saturday reported three new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally to 75 in the country.

In a statement, the center said that of the 149 suspected samples, only three tested positive for the virus, adding that one patient has recovered.

So far, 39 people have recovered and three have died from the disease, according to the center.

The new cases have been linked to travel to Turkey earlier in May, the center said.

In early May, Libyan authorities began to allow the return of its nationals stranded abroad.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country, Libyan authorities have taken a series of measures, including closing borders, banning public gatherings, closing mosques and schools, and imposing curfews. Enditem
The total number of active cases



of COVID-19 in Union Territory of Puducherry rose to 29 on Sunday with five fresh cases reported while one patient got discharged from a hospital here.

The five cases, included a man and his mother who was already undergoing treatment for coronavirus, Health Minister Malladi Krishna Rao told reporters.

He said the rise in the number of cases was witnessed since the lockdown-related restrictions were relaxed on May 17.

The last five days have witnessed a surge in the number of patients causing concern to the health authorities, the Health Minister said.

He said it was not practically possible for the government to deny permission to those belonging to Puducherry and those returning from abroad and other states and districts in the country.

"We have decided to exercise utmost vigil at the border points and residents of Puducherry returning to the Union Territory will be kept under compulsory quarantine for 14 days either in the government designated centres or at their homes," he said.

Rao appealed to the people to ensure that the Union Te rritory did not become a comfortable place for the spread of the pandemic.

Director of Health and Family Welfare Service S Mohan Kumar said 12 patients have so far been discharged after recovery in the Union Territory and the total cases reported since the outbreak of the pandemic was 41.

Health Minister accompanied by the officials of his department later visited the medical college hospital to ascertain how many health staff, including nurses, had downloaded the Arogiya Sethu app in their mobiles.

Meanwhile, a press release from the health department said the Health Minister, who found out that lesser number of staff had patronised the mobile app, asked all the staff to download the apps without any further delay.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Linkedin Josa Lukman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, May 24, 2020 10:58 606 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd9dcec6 1 Art & Culture theater-performance,Bakti-Budaya-Djarum-Foundation,#culture,#play,#Jakarta,#streaming,#digital,#YouTube Free

Enjoying a bit of culture this weekend, when people celebrate Idul Fitri at home during the pandemic, does not require you to walk out your door.

Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundations #NontonTeaterDiRumahAja campaign has consistently showcased their repertoire of plays for viewers at home, from dance-theater Citraresmi to an adaptation of Pramoedya Ananta Toers Bunga Penutup Abad (The Flower that Ends a Century).

Its latest highlight, however, is a bit more lighthearted to keep spirits high.

This weekend, on May 23-24, the foundation streams on its website and on YouTube a recording of Indonesia Kitas Maling Kondang (Famous Thief), which was first performed in October 2012.

At its heart, Maling Kondang is based on the West Sumatra folktale Malin Kundang, a cautionary tale about an ungrateful son who is ashamed of his humble origins and refuses to recognize his mother, causing her to curse him and turning Malin Kundang and his ship into stone.

However, like many Indonesia Kita productions, the play was given the satirical treatment, injected with a sense of political playfulness that has become a trademark of the troupe.

Directed by Yusril Katil, Maling Kondang keeps Malin Kundang as the main character. In this play, Malin returns home a successful and rich man, intending to use his wealth to develop his village, run for office and build a monument of himself.

With Malins arrival, many in the community proud of his achievements try to get into his good graces in the hopes of getting some of Malins riches thrown their way. However, Malins pure-hearted mother continuously wonders about the source of her sons wealth, at the same time disapproving of his arrogance.

In Indonesia Kitas works, the traditional Malin Kundang storyline gets turned on its head and has a pointed, political tone slapped onto it.

In the play, Malin includes a lampshade of the folktale, arguably breaking the fourth wall by saying that he is not like the old Malin Kundang, as he is not ashamed of his mothers lack of wealth.

While this is probably a heartwarming moment, Malin continues by saying that poor people are, of course, very beneficial, especially during election campaigning.

The humor in the play is mostly political, referring to various events in the Indonesian social and political sphere in 2012, which, in a way, makes the play feel dated.

For instance, a joke utilizing two similarly unpleasant choices offer two different outcomes, with one option leaving the recipients face looking like Hambalang if he goes to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) office and looking like a simulator if he goes to the police precinct, referring to the Wisma Hambalang and the driving license simulator graft cases, respectively.

Another, raunchier one is when Malin starts posing emulating a statue, with the final pose having him lying on his side with a come-hither stare. Immediately, his companion started freaking out, saying the pose would make him become part of a pornographic student test sheet, parodying a scandal involving a picture of the adult film actress Maria Ozawa in such a worksheet.

However, the play does have a few laugh-worthy  or groan-inducing  moments, depending on your stance on cheesy jokes, like a line involving national cars that turn out to be models by various Japanese manufacturers like Baleno and Pajero, likely a potshot at the Timor national car project.

Raunchy jokes also get some airtime, such as the aforementioned Maria Ozawa line, as well as Malins mother guessing someones name by blurting out the name Udin Petot  the short version of a phrase indicating an inclination for sexual acts.

Its not all political humor though, as there are some non-skit highlights, such as a performance by Minang rapper Tommy Bolin and others featuring traditional Minang cultural performances like Tapuak Galembang, Ginyang Mak Taci and Badendang.

Admittedly, while watching a recording does have its benefits like the ability to rewind and pause, the process becomes an annoyance when your internet connection is spotty and you end up having to refresh the page every minute or so, as happened while watching the stream on indonesiakaya.com on Saturday.

Thankfully, the stream on YouTube was much more stable, though it did start a little later than the one on Indonesia Kayas website.

Agus Noor, one part of the Indonesia Kita trio, the other two being actor Butet Kartaredjasa and the late musician Djaduk Ferianto, said in a statement that in the middle of the explorations of humor and culture, Maling Kondang is a form of anxiety and criticism of social issues like corruption.

Some people no longer feel ashamed about being corrupt, even boasting about it in public. Some are blinded by social status and wealth without looking into how the person acquired them. Hopefully, the broadcasting of Maling Kondang in #NontonTeaterDiRumahAja can open new perspectives for art enthusiasts in seeing social issues, he said. (ste)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust is set to start in Jerusalem District Court on Sunday. He strongly denies all charges.

Why it matters: Netanyahu is Israel's first sitting prime minister to go on trial on corruption charges. He's the country's longest-serving leader and was sworn into office for a fourth consecutive term exactly a week ago.

Driving the news: Netanyahu was indicted last November on all three corruption cases against him, known as 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000.

In January, Netanyahu surrendered his immunity from prosecution moments before the Knesset was expected to form a committee to strip it from him.

The prime minister had requested not to attend the arraignment, but Reuters reports the court ruled last Wednesday, "It is incumbent upon the requester, as with all other defendants, to appear and have his say in court."

Three other defendants have been charged in the case, the Jerusalem Post notes.

Zoom in: Per Barak Ravid of Israel's Channel 13 news, writing for Axios 

Case 1,000, the first fraud and breach of trust charge, concerns allegations that Netanyahu took gifts "worth $200,000 from businessmen in return for promoting their interests."

Case 2000, the second fraud and breach of trust, is over an alleged bribe deal between Netanyahu and Arnon Mozes, the publisher of Israel's largest newspaper.

Case 4,000, the bribery, fraud and breach of trust charge, concerns the relationship of Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu with Israel's leading telecommunications tycoon.

"According to the police statement, Netanyahu, who at the time was also the telecom minister, allegedly gave Elovitz regulatory benefits worth hundreds of millions of dollars. In return, Netanyahu and his wife meddled in the content of Walla, one of Israel's major news websites owned by Elovitz, and demanded positive coverage," Ravid reported for Axios when Israeli police recommended he be indicted in 2018.

Of note: As part of a power-sharing deal with Benny Gantz, the leader of the centrist Blue and White party, Netanyahu will remain as PM for at least 18 months, even as his corruption trial gets underway. The position is then due to rotate to Gantz.

Go deeper: Israel's high court allows Netanyahu to form government despite indictments
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: Much before the battle of votes at the bulk 24 assembly by-elections, Madhya Pradesh is presently witnessing another battle of sorts  a war of 'Missing' posters.

Gwalior, the hometown of powerful erstwhile royal Scindia family saw Missing posters bearing the pictures of ex-union minister and BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia being put by supporters of a Congress leader Siddharth Singh Rajawat.

The posters were put all across the city, including the palace of the erstwhile royal family, the Scindia clan.

Despite Jyotiraditya Scindia no longer being either an MP or an MLA, the posters bore his picture and read Talash: Gumshuda Jan Sevak Ki, Congress mein rahkar jo janseva nahi kar paa rahe they, jo corona mahamari ke samay aprawasi mazdooron ki awaz na utha sake, jinhe road par utarne ka shauk thaa ve aaj gumshuda hain.

Talash kar laane waale ko 5100 nagad inaam (Search on for missing public servant, one who couldnt do public service in Congress, one who failed to raise the voice of migrant labourers during the corona pandemic and one who loved hitting the streets, but is presently missing. Whoever searches and brings him back will get Rs 5,100).

The state Congress leader Siddharth Singh Rajawat while owning responsibility for the posters said similar posters will be put across Gwalior-Chambal region, which Scindia believes is his political turf.

Just a few hours after the posters appeared in Gwalior city, the Scindia supporters and BJP workers tore the posters across the city.

A case was registered against the Congress leader Siddharth Singh Rajawat u/s 188, 505(1)(c) of IPC and he was arrested by the Gwalior police.

Similar Missing posters bearing pictures of Congress MLA from Bhitarwar seat and former MP minister Lakhan Singh Yadav were also put up in many parts of Gwalior district by people anti to Yadav.

Yadav is the only Scindia loyalist MLA who didnt quit Vidhan Sabha membership and Congress in March.

Just a few days back, similar posters bearing pictures of ex-Vidhan Sabha Speaker and Congress MLA from Gotegaon seat NP Prajapati had gone viral over social media in Narsinghpur district.

A few days prior to it, similar posters of ex-CM and Chhindwara MLA Kamal Nath and his Chhindwara MP son Nakul Nath were found in various parts of Chhindwara town.

With the poster war already being on between Congress and BJP supporters, the political atmosphere is charging up ahead of 24 bulk assembly polls slated in MP in the coming months.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is scrapping his 10-person limit on group gatherings and allowing churches to open at 25 per cent occupancy if certain safety guidelines are met.

Walz's decision comes after the state reported a record number of COVID-19 cases.

He says the issue has been a challenging one because large gatherings raise the risk of spreading the virus.

Walz says he understands the toll the pandemic has taken on the spiritual health of residents. His new executive order applies only to religious gatherings and not receptions.

While the leader of the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis welcomed the change, the governor said parishes should not open if they don't feel they can meet safety measures.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda said in a letter to parishioners that limiting gatherings to 10 people had burdened the Church's ability to fully meet the sacramental needs of our faithful.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Premier Li Keqiang joins the group discussion of NPC deputies from the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Keqiang reiterated on Saturday the importance of stabilizing China's economic fundamentals with stronger measures to create jobs, safeguard people's livelihoods and protect market players as the country faces unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking during a panel discussion with deputies to the 13th National People's Congress from the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, the premier pledged more steps to help small, micro and medium-sized businesses and self-employed individuals cope with the challenging period.

More support will be extended to those on flexible payrolls such as small traders, said Li, who is also a member of the NPC delegation from Guangxi.

In the face of unprecedented challenges to its development, China must coordinate epidemic containment and socioeconomic development and blaze a new path that allows for an effective response to shocks and sustains positive growth.

He explained that fiscal funding increased from last year, due to an expanded budget deficit and the issuance of special central government bonds worth 1 trillion yuan ($140 billion), and this will be transferred to governments at county and city levels to support job creation and safeguard people's livelihoods.

To ensure that the people's basic needs are met, the country can also shore up consumer spending, which is now a key driver of China's economic growth, he said.

More work must be done to guarantee the well-being of those experiencing difficulties and win the battle against extreme poverty, the premier said, adding that weak links in rural infrastructure, healthcare, ecology and the environment must be tackled as soon as possible.

He called for greater steps forward in reform and opening-up to overcome obstacles, promote fair competition and roll out more concrete steps to help businesses and create a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment.

Li called on officials from Guangxi to give play to the region's geographical advantages, expand opening-up and build the region into a platform for high-level opening-up.

While working to fulfill its main targets and tasks for this year, the regional authorities must rely on Guangxi's various ethnic groups in seeking further development and taking measures to ensure the people's well-being, he said.

Li also joined panel discussions with some members of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on Saturday afternoon.

Political advisers taking part in the discussion were from the China Association for Science and Technology and from the science and technology sector.

Li called for greater research and development of more convenient and efficient testing technologies and effective pharmaceuticals and vaccines, a key pillar of winning the battle against the pandemic.

The level of fundamental research must be further enhanced, and businesses must be encouraged to step up research and development, he said.

The premier highlighted the need to transfer outcomes in scientific and technological research to production more quickly, bolster the level of security for industry and supply chains and enhance the momentum of new growth engines.

Reforms to streamline administration and improve compliance oversight and services must be further deepened to reduce the burden on researchers so that they can focus more on their work, he added.

Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning and Zhao Leji, who are also members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also joined panel discussions with political advisers on Saturday.
Colombo [Sri Lanka], May 23 (ANI): Newly appointed Indian High Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay visited Gangaramaya Temple and St Anthony's Church in Colombo on Saturday morning to pray to Lord Buddha for health, peace and prosperity of the people of Sri Lanka and India and their friendship and cooperation.



This was his first movement from his official residence after observing stipulated health protocols since his arrival on 08 May 2020 on a special flight carrying a gift consignment of medicines and medical items from India to Sri Lanka.

At the Temple, the High Commissioner was welcomed by Venerable Dr Kirinde Assaji Thero, who warmly recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the temple during the International Vesak Day Celebrations in 2017. He also showed the High Commissioner photographs of the significant visit displayed at various prominent places in the Temple.

Thero fondly recalled the time he spent studying in India and pointed out the importance of such ties the two countries share. The High Commissioner stressed the commitment of India's leadership to strengthen multifaceted ties, especially the historical and deep civilisational, religious and cultural bonds, with Sri Lanka.

Thereafter, the High Commissioner visited St. Anthony's Church to pay homage to the victims of last year's Easter Sunday terrorist attack. Recalling Prime Minister Modi's gesture of solidarity in visiting Sri Lanka and the Church at the first possibility after the attacks, Baglay prayed for peace, safety and security of the two countries.

The administrator of the Church Rev. Father Jude Raj blessed the people of the two countries with health and happiness. He also blessed the High Commissioner in his task to foster ever closer friendship between the two neighbouring countries.

"Reiterating solidarity expressed by leadership! On his first morning outside India House, High Commissioner paid homage to victims of #EasterSunday terrorist attacks at St. Anthony's Church, visited by PM Modi last year in wake of the attacks," the Indian High Commission wrote on its official Twitter page.

"He recalled that PM Modi's visit to the Church last year sent a strong signal of solidarity and guided even closer cooperation for peace and security between #India and #SriLanka," the Twitter thread added.

The High Commissioner reiterated India's abiding commitment to developing even stronger all-round cooperation with Sri Lanka, including in the sphere of people-to-people relations. (ANI)


As the country combats the pandemic, millions are struggling with their employment status. There are currently more than a million people in Texas who are struggling with health care over the loss of the employment-based-insurance coverage. Many are awaiting the reopening to find jobs and regain their financial losses. Businesses are hopeful as they slowly open their doors to the public.

Some Texans have landed in the sporadic health care safety net of the state, where advocates are claiming they could be removed from mental and physical health services as they encounter the economic tension of a public health crisis.

Research studies have estimated that from "25 million to 45 million people in the US" are likely o lose their health insurance through the companies they are working for in the months ahead if the rate for unemployment increases to 20 percent.

To date, the study also showed that to date, the number has reached almost 15 percent, a record high, it indicated, "since the Great Depression."

A Terrible Situation in Texas

The situation, based on the study, is specifically terrible in Texas, where the officials have limited access to publicly financed health insurance projects for the less fortunate, and, as the research said, "Have led the charge to toss in court, the Affordable Care Act."

Texas, which, more than five million residents or about 18 percent of the populace, now consider a home this particular state is the minority of all the states that have dropped to extend the coverage of Medicaid to individuals earning near or lower than the poverty line.

As a result, out of the 1.6 million Texan people who have possibly lost their employer-based health insurance amid the pandemic, 30,000 would be qualified for Medicaid should there be an expansion of the program by the state, Kaiser Family Foundation's recent estimates said.

The approach of the state stands opposing to the 36 other states that offer the expanded Medicaid covering adults earning below 138 percent of the poverty line or roughly $36,000 annually for a household with four family members.

Affected Unemployed Texans

One of the affected Texans is 35-year-old Laci Crosson whose son no longer has pills for his attention deficit disorder. In March, her husband was laid off from his job as a mechanic for heavy equipment.

Crosson hurried to get two younger kids enrolled in Medicaid. However, for the adults which include her eldest son who has a behavioral condition and is currently taking Adderall, no support is available, she said in a report.

For quite some time now, the stay-at-home mom said her son has not been taking his medicines. She herself, she shared, recently experienced a medical emergency after she "had a bad bout of pneumonia" just a few weeks after her husband was laid off according to the local report.

For days, Crosson shared she was bedridden that her husband got so worried she had COVID-19. She then went to the hospital and immediately, she was asked if she had health insurance.

She was given strep test, a flu test, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, and a bill she said, she feared she wouldn't be able to afford.

Currently, the Crossons, already lost a storage unit since they can no longer afford the payments. The family is downsizing its hose to a smaller size, as well.

Texas enforces the strictest eligibility for Medicaid across the state and adults are possibly to be eligible for the public insurance program except if they have a disability that they are unable to work, or if they are pregnant.

The limiting criteria have reportedly left a huge health insurance hole for those who are not poor enough to be eligible for Medicaid but earn quite little to get supports in the "federal marketplace."

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Long the proponents of good cyber security hygiene, Australian government agencies have been on the defensive after a series of successful cyber attacks that have left them red-faced and scrambling to maintain critical services.

The epidemic of breaches across Australian government agencies

Service NSW, the statewide digital-services branch of the New South Wales government, was caught flat-footed in late April after a successful phishing attack allowed an external hacker to access the email accounts of 47 staff members.

[ How much does a data breach cost? Here's where the money goes. | Get the latest from CSO by signing up for our newsletters. ]

Compromised data was limited to email records and, the agency said in a statement that customers should be reassured that MyServiceNSW data had not been compromisedyet investigations were continuing with the help of police, state and federal cyber security agencies, and the state Information and Privacy Commission.

The breach comes days after the government was forced to suspend a COVID-19-related Australian Taxation Office (ATO) scheme providing early access to individuals superannuation funds, after revelations that the compromise of a third-party agent for the scheme had facilitated fraud.

As many as 150 victims were said to have been involved, authorities told a parliamentary inquiry into COVID-19, with Australian Federal Police freezing bank accounts containing around $120,000and the ATO suspending the service while investigations proceed into the approximately 250 third parties that have access to the ATO systems.

The scheme had been a catalyst for a rising tide of scams but its direct manipulation reflects the rapidly changing landscape of compromise that government bodies have faced as COVID-19 disruption continues.

The office of Western Australia premier Mark McGowan was also facing the consequences of the changing landscape, with Chinese hacking group Naikon said to have targeted his office by inserting Aria-body malware into a draft email intended to be sent to the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC).

The detection of the malware foiled that attempt, but the federal Department of Home Affairs wasnt so lucky after it was revealed that poor security in a system for tracking skilled migrants had allowed confidential personal details of more than 700,000 people to be made publicly available.

Even digital health providers were being targeted, with the Australian Digital Health Agency confirming that hackers had been detected while trying, albeit unsuccessfully, to breach the security perimeter around My Health Record (MyHR)the controversial system managing healthcare records for around 90 per cent of Australias population.

External hackers had tried to compromise the external perimeter for our system, national health CIO Ronan OConnor told a parliamentary inquiry last week, but he said that the intruders had failed to access any data in the MyHR system.

Australian agencies have improved data security, but not enough

Foiling the breach extended the winning streak for MyHR, whose security has long been a sensitive issueand which has not been hacked yet despite its concentrating an unprecedented amount of sensitive data in a single system.

Yet the sheer volume of breaches, and the variety of attack methods used, highlight the very real ongoing threat that Australian agencies face as the government works to navigate treacherous economic waters while maintaining service delivery, financial viability, policy continuity and, among other things, data security.

The high degree of scrutiny of the new COVIDSafe app, which is now tracking the close contacts of more than 5 million Australians, highlights the additional challenges that the pandemic has presented for a public service that has long been working hard to boost its security.

Some 427 cyber security incidents were reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) in 2019, according to the agencys recent report on the governments security posturewith 18 per cent related to malicious email and 14 per cent stemming from scanning, reconnaissance or brute-force attacks.

Federal agencies had progressed in their implementation of the mandated ASD Essential Eight guidelines, the report found, with 50 per cent more entities improving the maturity of their user application hardening, 35 per cent showing improvements around multi-factor authentication, and a third improving their management of potentially malicious Microsoft Office macros.

However, the report found that agencies still suffer from inadequate visibility of their information systems and data holdings; struggle with obsolete and unsupported systems and applications; had misunderstood, misinterpreted and inconsistently applied the Essential Eight guidance; had ineffective risk management practices; and were still struggling to implement the Top Four core technological protections.

Government bodies, according to Verizons newly released Data Breach investigations Report (DBIR) 2020, continue to face a barrage of attacks. Public administration organisations are regularly targeted for theft of personal informationinvolved in 51 per cent of breaches in the sectoras well as credentials (33 per cent) and other information (34 per cent), Verizon found in analysing 6,843 reported incidents that included 346 with confirmed data disclosure.

External actors were blamed in 59 per cent of data breaches, with financial motives identified in 75 per cent of casescompared with espionage, which was a motive in just 19 per cent of cases.

Web applications were the most frequently targeted, with misconfiguration of cloud services enabling some 30 per cent of data breaches. There are security researchers out there who spend their time looking for just this kind of opportunity, the reports authors noted. If you build it, they will come.
Today marks the auspicious occasion of Eid-al-Fitr. The festival is observed to honour the sacrifice of Prophet Mohammed, also recognised as the messenger of God, who was willing to sacrifice his son on God's instruction. Before he could sacrifice his son, God provided a lamb instead. It is believed that it's because of God's intervention that a goat is sacrificed each year on this occasion.

Usually, Eid is celebrated in style by the celebrities, who are mostly seen dazzling the Iftar parties. However, this year celebrities and fans will give it a miss as the festival that shares love, blessings, and good wishes with loved ones, will be all about social distancing amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Mollywood celebrities Prithviraj, Dulquer Salmaan, Nivin Pauly among others have taken to their social media handles to wish fans on Eid.

Check out the wishes here!

Prithviraj, who recently returned to India amid the COVID-19 lockdown, after being stranded in Jordan while shooting for his upcoming big project Aadujeevitham wished Eid Mubarak with a special picture.

South heartthrob Dulquer Salmaan unveiled a big surprise on the occasion as he dropped the second poster from his upcoming movie, Kurup. He wrote, "Here's a little surprise for Eid! Another poster from our most ambitious "Kurup"! In an ideal world today the film would have released in theatres all over. But guess we will have to make do with a poster release! @DqsWayfarerFilm #MstarCommunications."

Heres a little surprise for Eid ! Another poster from our most ambitious Kurup ! In an ideal world today the film would have released in theatres all over. But guess we will have to make do with a poster release ! @DQsWayfarerFilm #MStarCommunications pic.twitter.com/Yo1NB9M4Nx  dulquer salmaan (@dulQuer) May 24, 2020

Nivin Pauly wished fans a safe Eid. He wrote, "Have a safe Eid everyone." Talking about Nivin's project, his Thuramukham is scheduled for a release as soon as the lockdown ends. He is also a part of Padavettu directed by Liju Krishna.

Jayasurya, who made it to the headlines recently, with his movie Sufiyum Sujatayum, becoming the first Malayalam movie to get OTT release, wished his fans with a beautiful picture.

Fahadh Faasil shared an adorable picture with his wife and actress Nazriya Nazim to wish his fans on Eid.

Tovino Thomas shared an earlier released poster of his film Minal Murali with Eid wishes.

Aju Varghese took to his social media handle to wish fans with his picture.

On this special occasion, Filmibeat wishes you all a very happy and prosperous Eid.

Prithviraj Sukumaran To Get Back In To Shape: Sets Up A Mini Gym In His Quarantine Room!

Prithviraj's Mother Mallika Sukumaran Rescued Yet Again From Flash Flood
You may practice a religion, and feel that allowing another human being to take someones life is against your religions ethical code. Or you might feel that theres a danger that we are disrespecting the miracle of life if we allow VAD. In parliamentary debates, this kind of view is sometimes expressed by MPs. In one debate, an MP said: "it is my understanding that God has a no kill policy".

Not all of us share this view. In our democratic society, we have come to tolerate peoples right to hold and practice certain beliefs that are not shared by everyone  provided that the practice of such beliefs does not unduly harm others.

We might call such beliefs reasonable in a wide sense. Although we may personally dismiss such beliefs as false or misguided, they are views about which we can rationally have a debate and so, as we say, people are 'entitled' to their view.

By contrast, we could not rationally debate whether people from certain backgrounds should be excluded from medical treatment. Fully informed parties in ideal conversation conditions would quickly see that such a proposal could not be sustained.

It is because some issues are genuinely contestable  are issues about which there can reasonably be a range of different views  that our democratic society has recognised the right of each of us to make up our own minds about them, and act accordingly in our own lives. This is why we hear a lot about the importance of autonomy, of my right to decide for myself what beliefs I accept about, e.g. how I should die.
Last Monday, lockdown 4.0 with some relaxations was promulgated. But this did not end, as the Supreme Court noted, the deluge of migrants making their way home. The question being asked by many, including serving and retired military personnel, is why the armed forces, the most-trusted instrument of the State, has not been more actively involved in containing the biggest internal security crisis facing the country. A serving lieutenant colonel, a retired commodore and two former Navy chiefs  the first two on this page  and others on social media have urged the armed forces be requisitioned to aid the civil administration in assisting citizens in distress.

On day 48 of the lockdown, the government issued instructions to the states not to let migrants walk home. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, in an interview to this newspaper last month, said the coronavirus chain had to be broken by April 14 through the lockdown and social distancing, adding that the military is totally prepared to meet up to the demands made by government and people.

The question was prompted by two sad events: Endless columns of hungry and tired migrant workers with families trudging home and their inhuman treatment by the police; and a media briefing by the CDS and three service chiefs where it was expected he would announce some major humanitarian intervention by the military. Instead, he narrated events that the three services would conduct to commemorate coronavirus warriors. After their appearance, veterans expressed dismay and rebuke. Given the unprecedented cuts underway in the defence budget, the countrywide flights of transport and fighter aircraft and helicopters and lighting up warships was expenditure better invested in providing succour to migrants. The visibility of the Army would have been a balm for distressed migrants.

Following the nullification of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the surgical ground and airstrikes and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans warning of Indian false flag operations, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has chosen to keep its powder dry. Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said recently that he would not call in the Army as it is guarding the borders. But other than those deployed, sufficient forces are available for mitigating the humanitarian crisis. The Army has a strategic surplus of 8,000-10,000 personnel earmarked for United Nations Peacekeeping and deployable formations in peacetime.

Should the armed forces have been deployed? The answer is a resounding yes. The country is confronted with an unprecedented human security challenge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made saving lives and livelihoods, in that order, the national objective. In 2003, at an international security conference at Berlin, then deputy national security adviser, Satish Chandra, presented an elaborate paper on pandemics. Some contingency planning was done in the National Security Council and operational directorates of the armed forces. According to statistics with the defence archives, after Partition, India has faced 529 national disasters till 2017 with 200,000 deaths. The military played a key role in rescue and relief operations.

The spotlight, so far, has been on the director-general of the Armed Forces Medical Services who dedicated large portions of his medical resources and services to civilian administration across the country, including establishing quarantine camps and coronavirus disease (Covid-19)-only hospitals. Ordnance factories have belatedly been ordered to produce medical equipment, including ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and other material. Naval warships have evacuated diaspora from the neighbourhood and for the first time charged $40  certainly bad optics for civil-military relations. The Indian Air Force has flown medical teams and stores to many foreign countries.

The armed forces in the neighbourhood are involved in helping State authorities in dealing with the pandemic. In Sri Lanka, the National Operations Centre for Management of the Covid Outbreak is under the CDS. In south and southeast Asia, the military is assisting the State in handling the pandemic.

Has the military become a holy cow in India? Especially when, for the first time, the military response mechanism has been catalysed with the appointment of a CDS and a powerful department of military affairs. The armed forces have the capacity, staying power and discipline to assist the State in weathering this storm in several ways. In mobilising national and state capacities, the military will act as a force multiplier. People, including the CDS, were hoping the first lockdown would contain the virus but uncertainty prevails. The pandemic is expected to peak in June-July with the likelihood of a second and third spike. The Army should be immediately directed to establish a task force for Organisation and Management of Safe and Secure Movement of Migrants and remain on standby for emergency missions.

Every state is networked with Army formations in a location with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on aid to the civilian authority. While remaining sanitised, the military must be more optimally utilised in this national humanitarian crisis. That will be reason enough to ring bells and shower petals.

Ashok K Mehta is a retired major general and founder member, Defence Planning Staff

The views expressed are personal
Tata Motors owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is said to be in talks with the UK government for an estimated one-billion pounds support package to tide through the coronavirus pandemic, according to British media reports.

Britain's largest carmaker has submitted a large bespoke loan package request to ministers in recent weeks, 'Sky News' reports. The request is understood to be for temporary state funding, with the loan request lodged with the UK's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), which is headed by Indian-origin minister Alok Sharma.

Jaguar Land Rover [is] constantly in discussion with government on a whole range of matters relating to COVID-19 and we will not discuss details which are confidential and private, a JLR spokesperson said.

The Sunday Times' reported last week that the government was exploring plans to become a lender of last resort to key companies, including JLR, which could entail the state extending loans that could convert into shares.

The UK's Treasury department plans to set up a bad bank or asset resolution fund to hold stakes in companies that it may end up part-owning.

The West Midlands luxury car giant employs around 40,000 people, with the vast majority in the UK, and supports a large number of suppliers.

Its sales fell 31 per cent in the first three months of the year amid the lockdown and it was forced to halt production in the UK, putting staff on furlough, until restarting work amid social distance rules at its Solihull factory last week.

There are also concerns around the Tata Group's other major asset - the Port Talbot steelworks, owned by Tata Steel, with the company thought to be considering shutting one of its two blast furnaces.

The Indian steel major has sought a 500-million pounds loan from the government to support the south Wales site, which employs about 4,000. That request is also believed to be under consideration by the government.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Ghana Police Service in collaboration with Zoomlion Ghana Limited has launched the upper East Regional version of the disinfection exercise in Police facilities and premises.



The launch, which took place at the Police Headquarters formed part of the National Fumigation exercise to limit COVID-19 infections of public institutions.



The exercise, which will be carried out concurrently will fumigate barracks, offices, and all premises of the Police Service in the Region within five days.



The Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police ( DCOP) Osei Kwaku Ampofo Duku, commended Zoomlion Ghana for the prompt response and taking up the task to support the Police to minimize the spread of the virus.



He said the police officers had started cleaning up in preparation for the immediate take-off of the exercise.



We are full of joy because, in the police circles, we are the hardest hit, where seven of our police officers in the region were affected but thankfully, they have escaped danger and are doing well, he said.



He said to ensure that all the Police officers in the Region were safe, the Police medical team had tested all of them, to curtail the spread within the Command.



ACP Alexander Amenyo, the Deputy Regional Commander, said it had become necessary in the wake of the increasing spread of the Pandemic to take all the necessary measures to curb the spread of the virus and thanked the Police administration for the intervention.



He also thanked the Regional Zoomlion for the earlier fumigation of the police clinic and the Police training school at Pwalugu in the Talensi District and called for a continuous cordial working relationship between the two bodies.



Mr John Sackey, the Upper East General Manager of Zoomlion Ghana, said the exercise was in two phases and would engage 215 men and officers of zoomlion Ghana across the districts to disinfect and disinfest to get rid-off other pests.



He noted that COVID-19 was no respecter of persons considering the rate at which the pandemic afflicted people globally, nationally and regionally and stressed that as Zoomlion Ghana and other organizations have put in their best to fight the pandemic, the public had to adhere to the protocols of washing hands under running water with soap, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer and the wearing of face masks.



If we all contribute our quota we will overcome the pandemic, Mr Sackey said.

Source: GNA









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Featured Video
The Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri has thrust itself into the center of coronavirus fears as videos from the park went viral on Sunday afternoon.

With Missouri already reopened videos spread via social media of people partying poolside. The state peeled off its coronavirus restrictions on May 4 and recorded a spike in case counts that day, according to The Kansas City Star.

And while epidemiologists have noted that swimming or going to the beach can be manageably safe with social distancing practices, that is not what was recorded all over the internet.

Current US death toll: 97,414



Incubation period: 2-14 days



Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri - today #COVID19



pic.twitter.com/3Kn8U4g8Gv  Tom Folan, MD (@tomfolanmd) May 24, 2020

Missouris coronavirus case count already spiked as Gov. Mike Parson allowed businesses to open on May 4. Missouri has 11,752 confirmed cases of the coronavirus with 676 deaths.

What the hell is going on in the Lake of the Ozarks right now? Are people really this dumb? pic.twitter.com/66hlawnSYM  Bishop (@Bishop_SAF) May 24, 2020

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A fruit seller in north Delhi's Jagatpuri who was looted of mangoes worth Rs 30,000 by passers-by amid the COVID-19 lockdown said he feels 'overwhelmed' after receiving over Rs 8 lakh in donations

A fruit seller in north Delhi's Jagatpuri, who was looted of mangoes worth Rs 30,000 by passers-by amid the COVID-19 lockdown, said he feels 'overwhelmed' after receiving over Rs 8 lakh in donations from the public, NDTV reported.

"Overwhelmed," says Delhi mango seller, flooded by donations after loot Read more here: https://t.co/x7sF1nRbPF pic.twitter.com/zjmrVGFfca  NDTV (@ndtv) May 23, 2020

"Now I can celebrate Eid with my children," Phool Mia, 43, told ANI. "This shows humanity is still alive."

More than a hundred people sent in contributions ranging from a few hundred rupees to thousand of rupees after NDTV shared Phool Mia's bank account details on social media.

"I am thankful to you. You told my story. I am thankful to everyone who has helped me," Phool Mia told NDTV. "Those who had to steal, did so. But I am overwhelmed that so many people have helped me."

A clip of the incident, which went viral on social media, showed a mob filling their helmets and bags with mangoes, jostling with each other to steal from the unattended crates and even filling their hands with fruit and running away.

The behaviour of the Delhi mob amid the coronavirus lockdown, which has seen migrants in large numbers peacefully taking to the streets and highways to walk home hundreds of kilometres, often without food and water in the scorching May heat, provoked outrage on social media and led to an outpouring of sympathy for Phool Mia.

Four men have been arrested on the basis of video footage, police told ANI on Saturday.

Phool Mia filed a complaint on Friday. As per PTI, the incident occurred after a heated argument between the fruit-seller and some rickshaw-pullers on Thursday morning. Phool Mia said he was standing under a tree when a group of rickshaw pullers asked him to leave.

"My stock of mangoes worth Rs 30,000 was kept there. Some persons were fighting with each other fearing which I left the place to avoid any sort of altercation. When I returned, I saw that they were looting the mangoes kept there. There were 50 to 100 people who were involved in this act," Phool Mia told PTI.

With inputs from agencies
The central government on Saturday sent five columns of Indian Army to help restore infrastructure in Kolkata.

IMAGE: A worker attempts to repair an electric pole, in the aftermath of Cyclone Amphan, in Kolkata, on Saturday. Photograph: Swapan Mahapatra/PTI Photo

The Centre took this decision after receiving a request from the West Bengal government.

'Based on the request from the government of West Bengal, five columns were deployed today in the state to assist the civil administration in the aftermath of Cyclone Amphan. They will be providing assistance in road clearance work tomorrow as well,' the statement from Indian Army read.

The army officials were seen assisting the local administration in clearing out the roads.

A JCB machine was also used by the team to restore infrastructure in state capital Kolkata.

Severe storm Cyclone Amphan in the Bay of Bengal had made landfall around 20 kilometers east of Sagar Island in the Sunderbans on Wednesday afternoons snapping telecommunications, power lines and cutting off roads links.

Due to the cyclone, more than 80 people have lost their lives across West Bengal.
Jerusalem, May 24 : A trial on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will begin on Sunday, making him the first sitting Prime Minister to go on trial in the countrys history.

Netanyahu has been charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust - allegations which he strongly denies, branding them a "witch-hunt" by political opponents, while vowing to clear his name, the BBC reported.

Netanyahu, who was sworn back into office as head of a rare national unity government, is expected to attend the opening session of the trial, which is being held at Jerusalem District Court.

Leader of the right-wing Likud party, he is Israel's longest-serving Prime Minister, having been in power continuously since 2009.

He also served a term in office from 1996-1999.

According to Israeli law, a Prime Minister charged with a crime is not required to resign.

Even if he is convicted, Netanyahu will not be required to resign unless and until any appeals are exhausted, reports the BBC.

Under the unity government deal with former political rival Benny Gantz, a new role of "alternate prime minister" was created, which means when the two men switch positions in 18 months' time.

Netanyahu will still occupy a prime ministerial office and stay on as Gantz's deputy.

Meanwhile, a rally in support of Netanyahu was scheduled to take place Sunday outside the court, with Likud Ministers Amir Ohana and Miri Regev declaring they would accompany the premier to his trial, reports The Times of Israel.

A separate protest against the premier was also set to be held near the court on the city's Saladin Street, with the Haaretz daily reporting that police were to boost their presence in the area.
The robots are coming.

But that might be a good thing in the post-pandemic operating rooms and grocery stores of the future.

As the world adapts to a future in which cleanliness is king, people and companies may increasingly turn to robots to perform tasks previously reserved for humans, experts and technologists said.

Those who have seen robots only in movies may also become more open to their increasing integration into daily life, and equipment once seen as a costly luxury may become indispensable to avert the risk of becoming infected by a superbug.

One of those robots, called Tally, is made by San Franciscos Simbe Robotics and already roves the aisles of supermarkets the country over, counting items on shelves and reporting back to its human controllers.

Tally can more accurately analyze whats on the shelf and not, freeing up the store team to do tasks like customer service, restocking and sanitization, said Simbe CEO Brad Bogolea. The robot exemplifies a future in which, instead of robots wiping out swathes of the job market, they do the menial jobs that allow humans to focus on more complex tasks and stay out of harms way.

Everybody thats worried about losing jobs to automation, theres a whole diversity of jobs that will open in these tech areas because youre not going to go fully automated tomorrow, said Karen Panetta, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Tufts University in Massachusetts. You still need humans in the loop, she said.

A tool like Tally could also be used in the stores of tomorrow to enforce social distancing measures and allow fewer employees to be in aisles taking stock, reducing risk.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

Bogloea said most of the companys robots are deployed in stores across the Midwest, where people are less accustomed than those in the Bay Area to seeing autonomous cars taking to the road. That hasnt prevented stores from adopting the technology.

We started seeing strong acceptance pre-COVID, Bogolea said. This type of pandemic opens up a much greater opportunity for technologies like robotics and artificial intelligence to take hold, he said.

That increased acceptance may mean more time for complex tasks in the consumer realm, but the same may not be true when it comes to the industrial setting.

On average, each industrial robot replaced more than three workers nationally, according to a report from MIT News on a recent study by Daron Acemoglu, an economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Acemoglu found that adding one more robot per thousand workers in the industrial setting also reduces wages by nearly half a percent.

Beyond consumer and industrial applications, medicine may also be more accepting to robotics, Panetta said.

People have been resistant because they want the human doctor, Panetta said. But a robot swabbing someone for the coronavirus could allow frontline medical staff to perform more essential functions and keep them out of the path of the virus, she added.

Shai Policker, CEO of medical technology incubator Medx Xelerator, has been grappling with the acceptance of robotic technologies for years.

Just six months ago, talking to a physician ... theyd say, Well, Id like to be near my patient, Policker said. Suddenly those physicians are more readily adaptive to the idea of operating remotely because of the risk of infection, he added.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

Policker said two companies his accelerator has helped fund  a disposable robotic system that assists in navigating through complex blood vessels and an imaging technology that can detect problems during kidney dialysis  allow doctors and nurses to be further away from potentially infected patients during procedures.

While these machines can be expensive to buy and install, Policker said those walls may come down as preventing the transmission of the virus, particularly to already unwell people, becomes a core focus.

Medical settings present other unique challenges, particularly when it comes to cleanliness, in normal times but even more so during a pandemic. Researchers including Professor Kenji Shimada at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh are working on robotic solutions beyond what is currently available.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

Shimada is working on a mobile robotic arm able to disinfect high-risk areas like hospital rooms using chemicals or ultraviolet light. He envisions a technology able to map a room and track where the machine has cleaned.

Nothing is visible so you need a digital model to keep track of that, Shimada said of finding and killing the coronavirus and other microscopic threats. He said he plans to begin testing prototypes on campus, but it could be a year or two before an operational version of the machine is ready, underscoring the need to repurpose some technologies for the time being.

That includes drones.

Health authorities have said a return to normal will require robust testing along with an army of contact tracers to fight the virus. Because not everyone lives in a city where drive-through testing is available, some companies are looking at how to use drones to pick up and deliver samples.

Volansi, a Concord drone company, is working on the problem of how people can hand off their samples to a lab simply by placing them in one of the companys drones, which can take off and land vertically and access almost any location.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

CEO and co-founder Hannan Parvizian said the business so far has focused on moving items around countries with emerging economies and limited ground infrastructure, where regulations around drone activity are more lax.

Restrictions in the U.S. will need to be loosened, however, for companies like Parvizians to take to the skies loaded with virus samples.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires drone operators to be able to see the drone they are controlling, whereas technology like Parvizians relies on programmed flight paths ranging from 50 to 200 miles.

The FAA does make exceptions that can make drone operation easier for companies like Volansi. California drone operators, some of them first responders, received more than 400 waivers to go beyond current FAA regulations, the most of any state, according to the nonprofit, Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International.

In the aftermath of the coronavirus, what Ive seen is that the public is extremely aware of how relevant this technology is, Parvizian said. He added: What were hoping to change is the regulators, based on the pressure they see from the public, will work harder to put a framework in place to enable this technology.

Chase DiFeliciantonio is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChaseDiFelice
Schools in Mumbai to resume offline classes from pre-primary level to std 12 from Monday: municipal commissioner.
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Fear of starvation amid the coronavirus-forced lockdown ended Shyam Babu's dream of "big-city school" for his child as the family packed their bags to return to their remote Chewara village in Bihar.

For the last two months, he has been struggling to make ends meet.

As Babu reminisces about the last eight years, since he moved to Gurgaon in search of work, and ultimately got his son admitted to a school here, his 8-year-old son Neeraj is reluctant to leave and pleads his father that he will stay back and go to school when it reopens.

He fears that there may not be any coming back to Gurgaon and he will have to study in a village school from now.

"I have been in Gurgaon for eight years now. I have worked as a labourer at different construction sites. I always wanted my son to study in a big-city school since those in villages are not that good.

"Neeraj got admission in a government school here. His fees and meals were taken care of and we were happy that he will get a good and will not have to work as a labourer when he grows up," Shyam Babu told PTI.

With no work and wages pending, Babu's family had to vacate their rented room and were waiting for a chance to catch a train back home.

"Neeraj wanted to stay back so that he can resume school when it reopens. But how can we leave him here alone?" he said.

Unhappy about visiting his village suddenly with all their belongings, Neeraj said, "I like the school here. I wish I am able to come back and the situation turns normal soon. If they will let my father build houses, I will get to come here too."



Tirath Kumar, a rickshaw puller, says that in his village in Bihar's Sheikhpura district big-city school is a sought after thing.

"A rickshaw puller can work anywhere, but we chose to do it in a big city so that our kids get to study there. It is a very sought after thing there if your kids study in 'bade sheher ka school'. We have the same government schools there also but teaching is good in city schools.

"I like it when my daughter talks in English fluently. She is smarter in maths too than her village friends," Kumar said.

He was determined to return to Gurgaon after a few months.

"I will come back and see if we can again move here and will be able to survive. If yes, I will get my family here. Else my daughter will have to study in a village school only. Her here is not expensive to manage as the anganwadi centres help too, but what will we eat, where will we stay?" he posed.

Both Tirath Kumar and Shyam Babu's families left for their village on Shramik Special Train earlier this week, among hundreds of migrants labourers who were victims of reverse migration after being out of work due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

Diwan Raj, who worked with a catering firm here, said, "My son's school here is very good. They also sent sanitiser and masks for the whole family and the teacher explained to us on phone about the virus and precautions everyone needs to take. You don't get all this in village schools. Children then struggle when they grow up."



"I wish I could do something to keep things as they were. I also waited for two months hoping that situation will turn normal but we have exhausted our savings too now. Though the lockdown has been eased to some extent still there is no work, so we will now have to go back. There is no other option. We can live anywhere, we don't mind but my son's will not be the same, I am more worried about this," he added.

According to the Haryana Chief Minister's Office, so far over 2.60 lakh migrants have been sent home from the state.

The country has been under lockdown since March 25 to contain the spread of the virus. The curbs have now been extended till May 31. It has thrown economic activities out of gear, rendered many homeless and penniless, beginning an exodus of migrants to their home states.

While trains and buses are being arranged for them, lakhs of them continue to wait for their chance as they struggle to make ends meet.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With his 'you ain't black' warning to black people who don't want to vote for him, Joe Biden, the candidate the Democratic establishment picked because he was supposedly the guy who could bring in the black vote, once again revealed his racism, and the fallout is ugly. And it's telling that the press is trying to cover for him by keeping it out of the news.

Here's how bad it was:

"If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black."



Oh really, Joe.



pic.twitter.com/IsegjgjV14  Lawrence B. Jones III (@LawrenceBJones3) May 22, 2020

"If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or for Trump, then you ain't black," Biden said, in the same nasty aggressive tone he used to snarl at the Iowa farmer he challenged to a pushup contest and called fat.

The fallout on Twitter was explosive, and it's still going like rings on a mushroom cloud as I write this:

Here's are some retorts from black voters:

.@JoeBiden says that if I'm supporting @realDonaldTrump than I'm NOT black? Who the hell are you? You don't even know where I'm from. You didn't walk a day in my shoes. You didn't see my mom struggle. You didn't see me work hard to get where I'm atand you say #Iaintblack? pic.twitter.com/HbFs5EIH8I  Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) May 22, 2020

Why is this so disgusting in itself? First, it's presumptuous, demonstrating that Democrats clearly take black voters for granted, which is what Joe seemingly addresses. But it's also racist, because it attempts to nullify black people's right to think for themselves and make choices, something Biden doesn't tell whites. Third, as Kevin Williamson noted, the black accent was creepy, too, something seemingly reserved by white Democrats to throw at only black people: Imagine Biden going into the gay community and pitching them for votes in a stereotypical gay cadence, or going to, say, a Korean-American community event and trying to win their votes by imitating their immigrant accents.) Only blacks get this treatment from Democrats, which is yet another reason to view it as racist.

It's also exceptionally opaque of Joe, too. How long has this argument been going on? I first heard it during the Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill hearings, chaired by none other than Creepy Joe Biden on the television, back when I lived in San Francisco. The issue came up in the lefty circles I knew in the Mission District as well as in the plummy academic environs of U.C. Santa Cruz - did black people have a right to think for themselves or not? Most lefties I knew at the time were actually were willing to give it a 'yes but,' rather than a 'no.' They knew that to say 'no' was a really bad look. Joe of course, was oblivious.

Here's the view of a bigfoot in the Black community, BET billionaire Robert Johnson, a guy only a stupid person would cross:

BET Founder Robert Johnson: Joe Biden 'Should Spend the Rest of His Campaign Apologizing to Every Black Person He Meets' https://t.co/EVHz3CbY0j via @BreitbartNews  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 23, 2020

Think of how puny and disgusting Biden must look to self-made-against-all-odds success story Johnson, telling him he needs to vote a certain way, or else his entire story and all he did to make it is null, whitey having the last word once again. Johnson must view him as a pinworm.

Charlemagne Tha God looked flabbergasted, too, and for good reason. Talk like that is racist, the real kind. And most racists like to conceal it, but Joe is so out-of-it he doesn't, he doesn't even know it's racism. Charlemagne, though, is a kind of truth detector, toxic to phonies, so he knows for sure. He's the same guy who unwittingly exposed Kamala Harris as a fraud over her 'I'm Jamaican' (so I smoke pot) thang, prompting a disgusted response from her very proper Jamaican father who knew she knew better, and worse still for her, drew attention to her vicious record as a prosecutor, throwing low-level pot offenders into prison and not letting them out even when their terms ended, (the better to use their cheap labor to fight wildfires). All that, as she was tokin' up a good time herself. That pretty well finished her off when Tulsi Gabbard brought it up at one of the Democratic Party debates.

Now it's Joe Biden turn and the fallout is even more pluming. Biden was the guy put forth by Democrats -- against a huge field of contenders -- as the guy to support because he's the guy who could bring in the black vote. He was President Obama's vice president. Now that he's been exposed as a racist, why is he there at all - why not a guy like Pete Buttigieg, who may not be drawing in black voters but he sure as heck doesn't insult them. Biden's going to lose votes over this, raising questions as to why he's there at all. He might even get booted form the Democratic nomination slot come summer because a lot of people are being turned off.

Which signals that it's a strange thing that the network are doing all they can to keep this exploding political wildfire with smoke everyone can see, out of the news. Nothing to see here. The nets covered the Biden 'apology' and moved on, but Twitter keeps going and going. Twitter has since marked the matter as 'sensitive' which means it's looking to censor the issue, too.

A little nuance from this observer:

Fascinating to watch how the left-leaning cable networks have covered Bidens you aint black comment.



MSNBC has discussed it nearly every hour, including a lengthy tough interview between @ChuckTodd, @KatyTurNBC and Symone Sanders (clip below).



CNN hasnt mentioned it once. pic.twitter.com/InRhcMkTUD

 Steve Krakauer (@SteveKrak) May 22, 2020

MSNBC is the Bernie Sanders Network, and has a small audience, so they'll have at it. Not so, CNN, not so the mainstream networks ABC, CBS, NBC. Nobody's covering the fallout. There were brief mentions of Joe's supposed apology on the networks (he called his statement 'cavalier' which sounded pretty detached and weird, hardly a real apology, given the problematic nature of it.

Yet by and large, this is not an issue to the bigger networks, despite an explosion of Twitter traffic and voter interest, and despite the mainstream media's long-held fascination with finding racism under every rock to support a 'narrative.' That phony '1619' invented history from the New York Times hit all the right narrative notes, which is why it got a Pulitzer. And more important from a breaking news perspective, Biden's statement is going to cost him votes. That's not a story to them?

Yet they don't want to say anything.

Which tells you that for them, they're in the sack with Democrats. Politics supersedes their proclaimed primacy of race. Black people are only of interest to the press so long as they vote Democrat. And if an avalanche of black votes move away from the Democrats as a result of this gaffe, they're somehow not going to notice.

If this doesn't discredit them along with Joe himself, what does? They're exposed as shills from this coverup.
Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, in his Eid al-Fitr message on Sunday, announced that he would expedite the release of Taliban prisoners as taking another step forward towards a truce with the insurgent group by responsible government. This comes after the Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire starting on May 24 as Islams holy month of fasting comes to an end.

The release of prisoners of the group held by the Afghan government, which was also mentioned in the US-Taliban peace deal as confidence-building measure, has been at a standstill over a disagreement. The Taliban has demanded at least 5,000 prisoners to be freed at one go in exchange for 1,000 Afghan security officials detained by the extremist group.

However, the Afghan government had refused to oblige until now because according to Ghani, the winner of prevailing peace would be the citizens of the country who suffer the most.

As a responsible government we want to move one more step forward: I am announcing that the release of Taliban prisoners will be expedited and we call on the Taliban that they also expedite the release of the security and defense prisoners," Ghani was quoted by ANI.

"The winner of peace will be the Afghan people. War brings destruction and misery, especially for Afghan women who suffer the most," he added.

Read - India Welcomes 3-day Ceasefire In Afghanistan; Hopes It Will Be Extended Further

Read - Taliban, Afghan Govt Declare 3-day Ceasefire For Eid; US Peace Envoy Calls It 'momentous'

Three-day Eid ceasefire

The announcement of a three-day Eid ceasefire at the end of Ramzan came amid an escalation of armed conflicts between Taliban and Afghan government despite the momentous signing of US-Taliban peace deal was expected to pave the way for a dialogue between Taliban and the Afghan government. The insurgent groups spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had made the declaration on Twitter and called for a halt in offensive operations solely for Eid festivities.

Even though the troops on both sides were expected to cease war during the violence reduction period after the peace agreement involving the US, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has welcomed the Taliban announcement. He took to Twitter and said that as the Commander-in-Chief of the army he has instructed them to defend only if attacked. This comes after the Taliban rejected the Afghan governments call for a ceasefire for Ramzan and called it not rational.

Read - US Envoy Working To Resuscitate Flagging Afghan Peace Deal

Read - A 'healthy' Afghanistan Is Going To Need To Have A 'healthy Relationship' With India: Wells

(With ANI inputs)

Image Source: AP
Stop what youre doing and watch The Beach.

Warwick Thorntons solo series is an exquisite and mesmerising television experience. And you wont see anything else like it this year.

The 630 min series comes with little introduction as the Indigenous director (Samson & Delilah, Sweet Country, Mystery Road) arrives at a lone beachside shack in Jilirr, Dampier Peninsula, on the north-west coast of Western Australia.

From his old jeep he unpacks his supplies: 3 chickens, a guitar, cooking equipment, ready for his seclusion. Theres no dialogue, no narration as he opens up the dusty old hut just the tinkling of a piano and the unmistakable presence of the land.

Across this 6 part series Thornton gets back to basics, cut off from the world and modern media. Turning hunter / gatherer, he cooks up small feasts of fish and crabs, making the series an Indigenous River Cottage of self-sustenance. Trust me, the food is one the key attractions of this series.

But so is Thornton, peering out from his massive beard and wild hair, he veers from blunt indifference to tenderness and insight. Speaking only to his chicken ladies he is sparing in dialogue, preferring to strum his guitar, grind spices in a mortar & pestle, or keep an eye on a bird in a tree on the horizon. Stillness is a trademark of this unique work.

And so are the arresting visuals that son Dylan River (Robbie Hood) has captured on the screen. Whether as drone shots or extreme close-ups, this is a stunning postcard of the Australian landscape. River works with the light, shadows, underwater and sky as his father cuts a lone figure on the land.

It is punctuated by moments of humour, as he reminisces stories to his chickens (Im almost sorry it has any dialogue), or tells his seedlings Grow you little bastards -the phrase is cheekily turned into a lilting theme song sung by Megan Washington.

The Beach is quintessentially Australian, and reminds us of the First Australians connection to country. Its a quiet masterpiece from Thornton, who is star, creator and director and it washes over you like a cool breeze on a summers night.

One of the defining TV works of 2020.

The Beach will air in its entirety as a three-hour event across on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand at 7.30pm on Friday 29th May.
Luca Zaia, governor of the Italian region of Veneto, announced on Sunday that plans are still moving forward to hold the Venice Film Festival from Sept. 2-12. The confirmation comes days after the Venice Biennale, which organizes the film festival, moved the dates for its 17th International Architecture Exhibition to 2021, but maintained the dates for the film festival. Zaia, who is also a board member on the Biennale, said that while the festival will move forward, attendees should expect that fewer films will be featured. Cate Blanchett is set to preside over the festivals jury. Also Read: Cannes Admits Physical Festival Is Impossible, Turns to Other Plans If it is held, the Venice Film Festival would be the first major gathering for the global film industry since the pandemic forced studios, film productions and movie theaters to shut down worldwide, starting with China in January and spreading across the globe by March. The Cannes Film Festival, which would have held its closing ceremony on Sunday, was officially canceled two weeks ago. Italy will reopen its borders to international travelers on June 3, with plans to reopen gyms and public pools on Monday and movie theaters on June 15. The country...

Read original story Venice Film Festival Is Still on for September, Governor Confirms At TheWrap
SARANAC LAKE  The village has retracted a plan for downtown restaurants to set up outdoor dining areas on village sidewalks after county and state officials deemed the concept not compliant with current guidelines meant to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

Though we are disappointed, we will acquiesce to this determination in solidarity with our county and state leadership which has made an extraordinary effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in New York and relies upon the goodwill and cooperation of all its citizens and local governments to achieve success, village Mayor Clyde Rabideau wrote in a statement he emailed early Friday morning.

This so-called soft start for downtown restaurants and shops would have started Saturday, May 23. It was planned to be a weekly Saturday evening feature of the villages Main Street and Broadway business district, where participating businesses could set up tables on select sections of sidewalk and customers ordering takeout food from restaurants could sit and eat there.

Later, the plan was to include sidewalk sales by retail stores.

Franklin County Legislator and Tupper Lake village Mayor Paul Maroun said the county was receiving calls about this proposal.

Its absolutely not allowable, he said.

He and Essex County Board of Supervisors Chairman Shaun Gillilland, of Willsboro, both said the North Country Regional Control Room found that the proposal is not authorized under Phase 1 of the states reopening plan, which the North Country is currently in. The North Country Regional Control Room is a task force appointed by the state to manage the regions reopening. Saranac Lake is split between Franklin and Essex counties; the downtown area is in Franklin County.

Restaurants will be able to open for dine-in customers in Phase 3 of the reopening process, which could begin June 12 at the earliest in the North County, if the region continues to satisfy a series of state metrics on COVID-19 cases, testing and contact tracing.

Rabideau said the process of planning and then withdrawing the idea gave village officials a better understanding of the vast spectrum of feelings of our citizens, their fears, their hopes and their wants.

All the restaurateurs who talked to the Enterprise on Thursday said they were just learning of this announcement when asked about it, and they were hesitant to say they would participate because they had not been presented the plan before it was introduced.

The plan was drawn up by Rabideau, the four Village Board trustees, village Chief of Police James Joyce and village Manager John Sweeney via emails and phone calls, outside of Village Board meetings and without consulting village Public Health Officer Ray Scollin. Rabideau announced it Thursday.

Rabideau listed several different viewpoints he is hearing.

There is no denying many Saranac Lakers justly remain fearful of contracting COVID-19 and have anxiety about venturing outside, he wrote. They are also fearful of the virus spreading to others in the community through contact and thus elevating the potential danger. There is no denying that others have no fear and passionately hope our community quickly returns to normal.

There is no denying that businesses are suffering terribly, and our economy is in peril. Many business owners are unsure how to appropriately open in the phases ahead or even if their customers will return when they do.

We will not satisfy all while doing so, but as our governor has expressed many times since this crisis started, Its not about me, its about we, Rabideau wrote.

The state has not yet announced an official position on whether Saranac Lakes plan meets its guidelines. Rich Azzopardi, a senior advisor for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, said Thursday afternoon he had not seen the announcement and has not responded to Enterprise inquiries since then.

Rabideau did not return Enterprise phone calls Thursday or Friday to expand on his written statements.

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After the Verzuz bash on May 23 united Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, we are ready for the next one.

Bring on Beres Hammond. Bring on Wayne Wonder. Bring on Buju Banton. Capleton, Sizzla, Lady Saw, and Super Cat would be welcome too, because the Jamaican edition of the celebration was a party like no other.

The virtual house was packed with music fans from all over the world, and like other Verzuz events, attracted some big names in music. Rihanna, Diddy, Damian Marley, Konshens, Sean Paul, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, and Buju Banton were just a few of the celebs who tuned in for the show.

This was the first one that brought two artists together in the same room, and even though the audience was spread out in their own homes, the energy was magnetic.

Tears, smiles, and air horns ruled the night, and rightfully so. Beenie Man and Bounty Killer killed it and made history. Big up!

Bounty Killer | Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Getty Images; Beenie Man | Shareif Ziyadat/FilmMagic/Getty Images

How the Bounty Killer vs. Beenie Man show was different

Peeeeee-ople dead! From the beginning, selectas Richie D and Kurt Riley set the tone by playing classics from Garnett Silk, Shinehead, Sanchez, Barrington Levy, and a host of other favorites.

The sound quality was crisp, and vibes were reminiscent of what youd hear and feel back in the day at Sunsplash, Sting, or any sound clash at a venue in Brooklyn, Kingston, or Miami.

As an opener, the Jamaican national anthem played before things took off. Beenie Man and Bounty Killer shared the floor in a Verzuz first, but what made it so special was these two deejays have come a long way from their rivalry from the 90s. After a few stumbles and truces, they are officially brothers.

As tunes from each artist blared from the speakers for this session, there were moments when they grabbed the mic and chanted the lyrics live.

Keeping that same energy, they also freestyled over a few riddims and cracked jokes. It is hard to imagine that anyone listening at home was sitting still on a sofa.

It was worth it just to hear Bounty Killers distinct voice and to see Beenie Mans animated dancing and that of his daughter, Desha. She made sure to hit the floor with throwbacks like the Pepperseed.

Jamaican/Caribbean culture was in full force and honored the entire night. To cap it off, sound system veteran Rory of Stone Love played the afterparty.

RELATED: Shaggy Reveals Why He Turned Down a Spot On Rihannas Forthcoming Album

The songs will light up your playlists

Going in, viewers had some songs in mind that they wanted to hear, and one of them was Bounty Killers Look on the Bug Riddim. It wasnt the only hit that made everyone want to throw their lighters up.

Stucky (Bounty) and Old Dog (Beenie) took the crowd back, but when Hypocrite came on, it was another hot track that invited old memories of every song on the Showtime Riddim, including Bounty Killers Eagle and Di Hawk. Aye! Aye!

Of course, some hip hop collaborations were played, such as Deadly Zone (Bounty and Mobb Deep), Fresh From Yard (Beenie and Lil Kim), and Hip-Hopera (Fugees and Bounty). Other dancehall classics in the rotation were Worthless Bwoy, Romie, Girls Dem Sugar, and Benz and Bimma.

Fans reminded that hip-hop has roots in Jamaica

Swizz Beats and Timbaland partnered up to create Verzuz, and with this particular installment, made a point to remind folks that rap stems from Jamaicas music scene.

Black Thought rapped in Web that Kool Herc aint never get a royalty check as a nod to the Jamaican DJs pioneering role in creating hip-hop in New York.

Back in the 70s, Kool Herc brought the style of toasting from the island to the US.

In laymans terms, toasting is rhyming/chanting over a vocal-free beattypically a dubplateand including trash talk, jokes, or social commentary in what was typically a freestyle. It originated in Jamaica with greats such as U-Roy, I-Roy, and Dillinger.

Kool Herc parlayed the style and started producing break beats, which is the foundation of early hip-hop. And that is why Swizz Beatz is always emphasizing that Verzuz is educational.

The session with these two dancehall titansBeenie Man and Bounty Killerhelped connect some musical dots.

RELATED: DMX Wants Jay-Z to Face Off Against Him in Instagram Music Battle
Hong Kong: Safeguarding national security

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng

Hong Kong has experienced social unrest with frequent violence. There is even advocacy of independence. In view of the increasingly serious situation the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is facing in relation to national security and the difficulty of the executive and legislative authorities of the Hong Kong SAR to complete on their own legislation for safeguarding national security in the foreseeable future, the National Peoples Congress (NPC) has taken steps at the national level to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong SAR to safeguard national security. The Hong Kong SAR Government has clearly pledged its support to the NPCs decision. Here I wish to explain the rationale involved in relation to the Constitution and the Basic Law, and the legal instruments that are being used.

First, one must understand that the NPC is the highest organ of state power authority of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). Under the Constitution, Article 62 in particular, the NPC has the power to introduce laws and other legal instruments including making decisions. As an example, the Hong Kong SAR was established under the decision of the NPC on the Establishment of the Hong Kong SAR pursuant to Article 31 of the Constitution on 4 April 1990. As a matter of fact, the Basic Law was passed the same day as a national law by the NPC pursuant to Articles 31 and 62(14).

The draft decision to be deliberated by the NPC and the Explanatory Statement of the draft decision have been published. The decision is to be made in accordance with Articles 31, 62(2), (14) and (16) and the relevant provisions of the Basic Law. Article 31 of the Constitution provides that the state may establish special administrative regions when necessary and the systems instituted in special administrative regions shall, in light of specific circumstances, be prescribed by laws enacted by the National Peoples Congress. Article 62(2), (14) and (16) provide that the National Peoples Congress exercises the following functions and powers to supervise the enforcement of the Constitution, to decide on the establishment of special administrative regions and the systems to be instituted there and to exercise such other functions and powers that the highest organ of state power should exercise.

It is beyond doubt that the NPC has the power to make decisions relating to the Hong Kong SAR and in particular, as in the case here, to ensure that the Constitution is implemented. When making the decision, the NPC will also comply with the laws and as clearly stated in the Explanatory Statement and the draft decision the one country, two systems principle is to be upheld and implemented. Based on the Constitution, the NPC can also delegate to its Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress (NPCSC) to make laws and that is exactly what the draft decision paragraph six is referring to.

There are doubts as to whether the NPCSC can legislate national security laws for the Hong Kong SAR. Such doubt is totally unwarranted. National security is never part of Hong Kong SARs autonomy, and indeed never a matter that concerns only the Hong Kong SAR. National security affects 1.4 billion nationals and it is trite that it has to be and is a matter that is entirely within the purview of the Central authorities. When the threats to territorial integrity, secession and subversion of a nation persist coupled with a lack of laws that address these, it is natural and indeed proper for the Central authorities to take action and propose to the NPC to make a decision and to introduce a national law applicable to the Hong Kong SAR. Such a national law is within the ambit of defence and foreign affairs as well as other matters outside the limits of the autonomy of the Region set out in Article 18(3) of the Basic Law.

The four areas to be covered in this national law are secession, subversion, terrorist activities endangering national security and interference by foreign political forces. These are core national security matters of any state and that is why the NPC considers it necessary to make such a decision at a national level for a national law to be introduced into Annex III and to be promulgated by the Hong Kong SAR.

Paragraph three of the draft decision also explicitly points out that it is the Hong Kong SARs constitutional responsibility to safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; stresses that the Hong Kong SAR should as soon as possible complete the national security legislation stipulated in the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR.

Whilst the Hong Kong SAR is authorised to legislate national security laws, it does not preclude the Central authorities from legislating at a national level for national security. Further as a matter of fact, the Hong Kong SAR simply has not been able to legislate at all for all these years.

Upholding national sovereignty is the duty of each and every national. When there is no country, there is no home. These are basic principles that any right minded person will agree. To blindly vilify laws relating to national security is totally irrational. It is high time we grapple and address the need to legislate to protect national security and as the Hong Kong SAR cannot do it, it is not surprising that the NPC takes action at the national level.

I hope the above explanation has provided some understanding of the legal basis for the two steps to be taken: the draft decision to be passed by the NPC, and the enactment of a national law by the NPCSC to be introduced to Annex III of the Basic Law to be promulgated by the Hong Kong SAR.

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng wrote this article and posted it on her blog on May 24.

This story has been published on: 2020-05-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 05:11:46|Editor: huaxia

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BAGHDAD, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on Saturday received Chinese Ambassador to Iraq Zhang Tao and the two discussed means to boost bilateral ties.

Zhang congratulated al-Kadhimi for taking office after gaining the confidence of the Iraqi parliament.

The ambassador also confirmed China's willingness to develop relations with Iraq and asserted China's stance in respecting Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

For his part, al-Kadhimi said that Iraq appreciates China's support in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and he looks forward to strengthening economic cooperation in a way that addresses the current crisis caused by the decline in oil prices.

Al-Kadhimi also expressed Iraq's desire to attract investments from Chinese companies in the country in the fields of energy and agriculture.

On May 6, al-Kadhimi was sworn in as the new prime minister in Iraq, following the approval of the parliament on most of his cabinet members.

On April 26, a Chinese team of medical experts left Iraq after a 50-day stay to support Iraq in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. China has also donated batches of medical supplies to Iraq to help to combat the coronavirus. Enditem
The City of San Antonio has partnered with the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to collect 50,000 donated cloth face coverings and distribute them to vulnerable people.

The mask drive, called Covered with Compassion, has already collected almost 17,000 face cloth coverings from almost 40 organizations in the business and faith communities. The masks have been redistributed to various nonprofit organizations and congregations, which provide them directly to residents, according to city officials.

The drive is now reaching wider to include donations from anyone who can offer cloth masks, scarves, bandannas and handkerchiefs. The materials must be new and unused.

Donations can be dropped off Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at TriPoint, 3233 N. St. Marys Street.

The city strongly recommends face cloth coverings for people over the age of 10 to slow the transmission of the coronavirus. Some studies have shown masks are one of the most effective ways to avoid getting or spreading COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

The donated face cloths will be distributed later at five of the senior centers operated by the Department of Human Services, Senior Services Division: District 1 West End Park Senior Center; District 2 Senior Center; the South Side Lions Senior Center; District 5 Senior Center; and Normoyle Senior Center.

Anyone in need of face coverings can pick them up at one the centers via curbside delivery on a date that will be announced after the donation deadline, officials said.

For more information, call the COVID-19 hotline: 210-207-5779 or visit covid19.sanantonio.gov

On ExpressNews.com: A timeline of COVID-19 in San Antonio

Dr. Erika Gonzalez, chairwoman of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said we will not only encourage our members but our entire business community to help us reach our goal of collecting 50,000 cloth face coverings.

The City of San Antonio is also providing safety supply kits to small businesses and nonprofits to help them reopen safely.

On ExpressNews.com: Nonprofits struggle amid the pandemic

The kits include one noncontact thermometer, two gallons of hand sanitizer and face masks. They can be picked up Wednesday at the Alamodome during the Greater. SAfer. Together. Supply Pickup Day.

To be eligible for the kits, businesses and nonprofits must have a public-serving location within the city limits, must have been affected by state or local COVID-19 executive closure orders, must have been in operation prior to March 1 and must have no more than 25 full- or part-time employees or contract workers.

To register, visit https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/reopening or call 311 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. Registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis and quantities are limited.

Businesses in suburban cities and in unincorporated Bexar County can apply for supplies through the county's COVID-19 Essential Items Bag program. The application is available on the county's website.

Those wishing to assist in distributing the kits on Wednesday can sign up for a time slot through a link at https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/reopening.

Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje is a general assignment reporter covering breaking news, cultural trends and interesting people and goings-on around San Antonio and Bexar County, as well as all across South Texas. To read more from Melissa , become a subscriber. mstoeltje@express-news.net | Twitter: @mstoeltje
India reported another steep single-day surge in Covid-19 cases with 6,767 new infections. With this, Indias coronavirus tally jumped to 131,868 on Sunday. Indias coronavirus death toll stands at 3,867 fatalities while more than 54,000 patients have recovered from the disease across the country.

The big 4 Covid-19 states - Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Delhi - continue to struggle with a surge in Covid-19 cases. Together, these four states account for over 67% of the total number of cases in India.

Heres taking a look at Covid-19 state-wise tally

The big 4

Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra crossed the 47,000 on Sunday with 47,190 patients. The state has recorded 1,577 deaths so far, highest in the country, while over 13,000 patients (13,404) have recovered from Covid-19.

Tamil Nadu has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases in the country. The state has reported 15,512 coronavirus cases so far while 7,491 people have recovered and 103 patients have died.

The Covid-19 tally in Gujarat stands at 13,664 - third highest in the country. Gujarat has seen 6,169 people recover from coronavirus while 829 people have died.

In Delhi, the Covid-19 has jumped to 12,910. Two hundred and thirty-one people have died from the infection here while 6,267 have made a recovery.

Also read: India now has infrastructure to treat 10 lakh Covid-19 patients

States with over 5,000 cases

Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are the states where the coronavirus cases have breached the 5,000-mark and are rapidly inching towards 10,000.

Coronavirus cases in Rajasthan touched 6,742 on Sunday. The state has reported 160 fatalities while 3,786 patients have recovered from the infection in the state.

In Madhya Pradesh, as many as 6,371 people been infected from Covid-19 till date. Two hundred and eighty-one people have died from Covid-19 in the state while 3,267 have recovered.

The number of Covid-19 positive cases have jumped to 6,017 in Uttar Pradesh. While 3,406 people have recovered from coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh, 155 have died from the infection here.

Situation in other states

West Bengal is a state where coronavirus cases have breached the 3,000-mark and are rapidly rising. The number of infected cases in West Bengal reached 3,459 on Sunday. There have been 269 deaths and 1,281 recoveries in the state.

States like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Haryana and Bihar have reported over 1,000 but less than 3,000 Covid-19 cases till date.

States like Kerala, Jharkhand, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tripura have reported under 1,000 Covid-19 cases.

Goa, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Meghalaya, Manipur have less than 100 Covid-19 cases.

States and Union territories with just one positive Covid-19 case include Dadar Nagar Havel, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. All patients in Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram have recovered.

Note: Figures are from official data released by the Ministry of Health, and may differ from realtime numbers released by various state governments subject to confirmation from the Centre.
FERNDALE, MI - Jason Momoa just spent some time in Metro Detroit, and as you can imagine, word got out quickly all over social media that the Aquaman actor was in town. A sizable crowd gathered in front of the home Momoa was visiting as people hoped to get a glimpse of the star.

Jason Momoa was in Ferndale Michigan. Lets take a moment for those who live in the surrounding area. #JasonMomoa #Detroit #Michigan #BorrowedPhoto pic.twitter.com/O7KRHBDp0t  Justin LaMarr Stevenson (@Jaaay_Duuurty) May 22, 2020

So, why was he in town? According to WDIV-TV, Momonas representative told the TV station he was simply in the Metro Detroit suburb visiting a friend and wasnt filming anything. Reporter Jason Colthorp said the actor was worried about creating an inadvertent health emergency because the crowd got so big as people tried to spot him coming out of the house. WDIV-cameras did capture him leaving.

Momoa, who was born in Hawaii and raised in Iowa, has previous ties to Detroit. Back in 2014, MLive interviewed the actor who said he wanted to buy a building in the city to open a brewery. At that time, he said if he did that, it would be years down the road.

Momoa also spent his 35th birthday going pub crawling in Detroit, he said in an interview in 2019 with Mens Health Magazine. I was with a bunch of friends. We went climbing in the daytime - did some good old exercise. Then we went on a pub crawl around Detroit, had a nice dinner, a good cigar... and I dont recall too much after that. Someone put me safely in my bed.

Also, according to the Detroit Free Press, Momoa and his Pride of Gypsies production company have produced commercials for Detroit-based apparel company Carhartt. The Freep says the actor rented a house in Detroits Indian Village for a short time.

READ MORE:

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New Delhi, May 24 : Six days after the beginning of lockdown 4.0, the Centre on Sunday came with a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to bring Indians stranded abroad, giving priority to compelling cases in distress, short-term visa holders and persons with medical emergencies.

The compelling cases will include migrant workers or labourers who have been laid off, short term visa holders faced with expiry of visas, and students. Persons with medical emergencies comprises pregnant women, and elderly and those required to return to India due to the death of a family member.

However, the cost of travel as specified by the carrier, will be borne by such travellers, says the 10 point SOP issued by the Union Home Ministry.

All travellers will also be required to give an undertaking that they are making the journey at their own risk, it said.

Such persons will have to register themselves with the Indian missions in the country where they are stranded, along with necessary details as prescribed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). They will travel to India by non-scheduled commercial flights as allowed by Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), and ships as allowed by the Department of Military Affairs and Ministry of Shipping.

Based on the registration received, the MEA will prepare a flight or ship wise database of all such travellers, including details such as name, age, gender, mobile phone number, place of residence, place of final destination; and information or RT-PCR test taken and its result.

This database will be shared by MEA with the respective state/Union Territories (UTs) in advance. MEA will designate state or UT wise nodal officers, who will coordinate with the nodal officers designated for this purpose by the respective states and UTs.

The Ministry will display with at least two days' notice, the schedule (day, place and time of arrival) of the incoming flights, ships, on their online digital platform.

Passengers arriving through the land borders will have to undergo the same protocol and only those who are asymptomatic will be enabled to cross the border into India.

The guidelines for international arrivals, including for quarantine arrangements issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Sunday will be followed.

The government earlier this month facilitated the return of Indians on compelling grounds in a phased manner from May 7 and brought back over 35,000 people.

In order to contain the spread of novel coronavirus pandemic, international air travel was prohibited when national lockdown was imposed on March 24.

Many Indian nationals who had travelled to different countries before the lockdown for various purposes such as employment, studies, internships, tourism and business and were are stranded there, and the government decided to bring back such people facing distress and desirous of returning to India urgently, the Ministry said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Two bodies of drowning victims were recovered from Phu Ninh Lake in Nui Thanh District, Quang Nam Province, located in central Vietnam, on Saturday.

A group of six 12th-grade students from Cao Ba Quat High School in Nui Thanh went to Phu Ninh Lake for a swim, early reports said.

The body of water they swam in belongs to a larger lake system situated in Tam Xuan 1 Commune that borders Tam Xuan 2 Commune in the district.

While they were swimming, Truong Van Vuong and Luu Quoc Bao, both aged 18 and residing in Nui Thanh District, drowned.

Rescuers and local officials rushed to the scene immediately after being informed of the drownings, said Tran Thanh Xuan, chairman of the Tam Xuan 2 Peoples Committee.

Some divers were deployed to look for the victims. At 6:30 pm on the same day, they recovered the two drowning victims bodies.

The local government then handed over the bodies to their families for funeral rites, while relevant agencies are investigating the cause of the drownings.

Phu Ninh Lake, where two 12th-grade students drowned on May 23, 2020. Photo: L.T. / Tuoi Tre

In Vietnam, many such tragic accidents have happened, especially in summer. Young people are the age group most susceptible to drowning.

About 2,000 children drown in Vietnam each year, according to an article published on the website of the Vietnamese parliament last year.

This death rate is the highest in Southeast Asia and ten times that of developed countries.

Drowning is the leading cause of death, around 48.8 percent, in children, the Vietnamese Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs said in a report last year.

Many Vietnamese schools now offers training courses designed to teach swimming techniques for their students in recent years, hoping to prevent drowning.

Some Vietnamese lawmakers have suggested including a swimming course as a required subject in the curriculum.

This proposal sparked off a fierce debate in a legislative session two years ago.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Well, thats it. Camp is canceled, or weirdly constrained. (No capture the flag?) July Fourth is virtual. The beach  at least, the boardwalk  is too packed for comfort. Time to make sure those tablets, smartphones, and computers are up to date on their antivirus software. Were in for the stay-at-home long haul.

Before you dive into the latest, greatest, local livestreams and video posts for kids  Pops music, dance class, pop-up parties, Barnes art, the Giant Heart  do yourself a favor, and listen to Parent Trapped , a new podcast that has nothing to do with Lindsay Lohan or, for us older parents, Hayley Mills.

Hosted by Philadelphias own Ann Marie Baldonado, the Common Sense Media production is so timely, so helpful, its become a lifeline for those of us who are taking care of kids, with no end in sight. The family scream is catharsis itself. And now this weeks featured picks:

ZoomDance

4 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. Tuesday, 4 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. Thursday, register at zoomdance.com (ages 1 -9)

More than a decade before we were taking dance (and art, and math, and meetings) via Zoom, ZoomDance was leading little-kid classes at community centers, school gyms, the Beehive at Bok, etc. In March, the group began offering nightly storytimes  via Zoom, naturally. In April, they added a roster of playful dance classes. Popular pay-if-you-wish open sessions revolve around a theme: sneaky monsters, superheroes, a unicorn search, the sun, and, this week, the giants castle. Fifteen- to 20-minute ($5) boost sessions give toddler caregivers movement play ideas. Age-based ballet (from $10) keeps plies and chaines fresh.

Barnes Art Adventures

11noon Wednesdays at twitch.tv/barnesfoundation (ages 9 and up, or younger, with parents)

For two months, the Barnes Foundation has been crushing quarantine culture for adults with Barnes Takeout, a daily YouTube playlist of succinct, accessible videos, each focused on a single artwork in the museums collection. Two Wednesdays ago, the Barnes education department launched a highly interactive, more broadly themed  circus, murals, Henri Rousseau  version for kids on Twitch.tv. Hosts give their young viewers the same respect afforded to grown-ups. The result: A juxtaposition of fine painting and emote-filled chats, art animations and art history. The future of art is here. Its weird, but its beautiful. And this week theyre making puppets.

The Giant Heart: An Interactive Tour

11 a.m. Thursday sign up at www.fi.edu  type zoom in the search field to find the registration page.

How many school trips to the Franklin Institute got canceled this spring? Theyre not saying. Still, its safe to assume thousands of kids missed out on exploring (and possibly getting stuck inside) the most iconic exhibit  the Giant Heart  at the regions most-visited museum. A live, interactive, scientist-led Zoom tour isnt exactly the same as walking through the beating muscle. But lets face it: Its probably more educational. (Zoom tour full? Theres a self-guided Facebook version archived at fi.edu/franklin-at-home.)

 READ MORE: A rescue, canoodling, and that smell: Phillys tales from the Franklin Institutes Giant Heart, which just got a makeover

Mandy Gonzalez Reads Welcome to My Neighborhood: A Barrio ABC

9 a.m. Friday on the POPS In Schools@Home web page, at phillypops.org/pops-schoolshome (ages 5-11)

The Philly Pops have been keeping their young people  students in the Pops in Schools program, co-op participants, staffers  busy making YouTube videos. Some are performing from home. Others are leading joyful modern music history workshops. Adorably bow-tied education director Gilberto Vega is teaching DIY percussion instruments in English and Spanish. This weeks Friday morning Pops in Schools@HOME post will include most of above, plus story time with Broadways Mandy Gonzalez, a frequent Pops guest, reading Welcome to My Neighborhood: A Barrio ABC, by Kensington native and In the Heights script and screenwriter Quiara Alegria Hudes. Vega will read the book in Spanish.

 READ MORE: Philly Pops Christmas show stuffs a whole lot of joy into its Santa sack

Virtual Sundays with PopUpPlay

11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Sunday on the Cherry Street Pier website (ages 611)

This popular play party is led by Jen Brevoort of PopUp Play, the group that would be offering kids activities at Spruce Street Harbor Park, Summerfest, or Cherry Street Pier, if, well, you know  Instead, shes hosting 30 or so lucky kids a week  some from as far away as Washington state or Pakistan  in a Zoom meeting where they learn to use stuff they have at home to create slime (May 31), a kite (June 7), a Rube Goldberg machine (June 14), an obstacle course (June 21), and a song, along with accompanying musical instrument (June 28).
Panaji, May 24 : The Goa unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), here on Sunday, demanded disciplinary action against the person who prepared English language question paper for this year's SSC examination, conducted on Saturday.

The grammar-related question implies that it's difficult to get job in Goa without money or influence, which makes the Portuguese passport a viable option for youngsters.

Leader of Opposition in the Goa Assembly Digambar Kamat (Congress) said the question was a "reflection of the current situation in Goa" under the BJP-led coalition government. Nearly 11,000 students appeared in the examination, he added.

"This question in English paper of SSC examination is a reflection of current situation in Goa under @BJP4Goa. No job opportunities here & then step motherly treatment to those who go abroad for earning bread & butter & contribute to our economy. Hope @goacm takes note. @INCGoa," Kamat tweeted.

Goa BJP General Secretary Narendra Sawaikar said the question was objectionable and intended to influence the mind of youngsters through motivated agenda.

"It's apparent the question and it's presentation are intentional attempt by the paper-setter and the scrutiniser to influence the young minds with a motivated agenda," Sawaikar said.

"Such mindset should not be tolerated in the education system," Sawaikar said and urged the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education to take "disciplinary action" and also ban the paper-setter and the scrutiniser and others associated with it from setting papers in future.

The said question, which appears on page 10 of English language question paper, under part (D) is: "Report what was said by Rayson and Kedan by using appropriate reporting verbs:

"What are your future plans my friend," (Rayson to Kedan).

I have applied for a Portuguese passport as there are few job opportunities in Goa," (Kedan to Rayson).

"You have taken the right decision. Without influence and money, it's very difficult for Goans to get jobs in Goa" (Rayson to Kedan).

Goa gained independence from the Portuguese rule in 1961 after being a colony for over 450 years. The departing Portuguese, however, offered Goan natives option of the Portuguese citizenship. The privilege was later granted to Goans who had lived in Portuguese-ruled Goa, as well as their children up to three generations.

Thousands of Goans have used it to migrate to Portugal and subsequently to the UK, thanks to the easy access across countries under the aegis of the European Union.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 21:08:22|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese work team members pose for group photos with Chinese Ambassador to Tajikistan Liu Bin (8th R) and Tajik First Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection Umarzoda Saida (7th R) at Dushanbe International Airport, Tajikistan, May 24, 2020. A group of Chinese medical experts arrived in the capital of Tajikistan early Sunday to help the country fight its COVID-19 epidemic. Invited by the Tajik government, the team from China's northwestern Shaanxi Province comprises 14 experts and doctors specializing in respiratory diseases, intensive care, nursing, traditional Chinese medicine, and infectious diseases prevention and control. (Chinese Embassy in Tajikistan/Handout via Xinhua)

DUSHANBE, May 24 (Xinhua) -- A group of Chinese medical experts arrived in the capital of Tajikistan early Sunday to help the country fight its COVID-19 epidemic.

Invited by the Tajik government, the team from China's northwestern Shaanxi Province comprises 14 experts and doctors specializing in respiratory diseases, intensive care, nursing, traditional Chinese medicine, and infectious diseases prevention and control.

During the nine-day visit to the Central Asian country, the team will share with local health authorities China's experience fighting the disease and train local doctors on identification, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Upon the group's arrival at the Dushanbe airport, Chinese Ambassador to Tajikistan Liu Bin said the Chinese experts come as Tajikistan is grappling with the virus, a demonstration of the brotherhood and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two neighbors.

The plane also brought a third batch of medical aid, including testing kits, personal protective equipment and ventilators that totaled 9.3 tons.

Tajik First Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection Umarzoda Saida welcomed the Chinese team and expressed appreciation for their help.

Saida said that Tajikistan highly values China's experience and is ready to boost medical cooperation between the two countries.

Tajikistan has reported 2,551 confirmed cases and 44 deaths as of Saturday.

"We will share Chinese experience with our Tajik counterparts to improve prevention and control of COVID-19," said Dr. Yi Zhi, deputy head of the work team. Enditem
North Korea discussed new policies for increasing its nuclear war deterrence during a military meeting presided over by leader Kim Jong Un, state news agency KCNA reported Sunday.

The report did not specify what the nuclear deterrence entailed, but said that crucial measures were taken at the meeting for considerably increasing the firepower strike ability of the artillery pieces of the Korean Peoples Army.

Set forth at the meeting were new policies for further increasing the nuclear war deterrence of the country, KCNA said.

Discussions at the Central Military Commission meeting also centred on putting the strategic armed forces on a high alert operation in line with the building and development of the armed forces of the country.

If the meeting, the date of which was not given, occurred in the last several days, it marks Kims first public appearance in almost three weeks, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap.

In April, rumours swirled about Kims health after he was conspicuously absent from a mid-month celebration for the birthday of his grandfather, only to turn up weeks later at the opening of a fertiliser factory.

News of North Koreas nuclear discussions came after a report Friday in The Washington Post that US President Donald Trumps administration had discussed holding the first US nuclear test since 1992 as a potential warning to Russia and China.

Daryl Kimball, executive director of the US-based Arms Control Association, told the paper that such a decision would likely disrupt negotiations with Kim, who may no longer feel compelled to honour his moratorium on nuclear testing.
Union minister Smriti Irani on Sunday praised actor Sonu Sood for helping migrant workers go back home amid the ongoing Covid-19-induced lockdown. She tweeted about him on Sunday.

The actor has arranged several buses for the migrants after obtaining special permissions from different state governments. Tagging a tweet by Sood in which he asked a migrant to share his number so that he can arrange for his travel back home, Smriti said: Ive had the privilege of knowing you as a professional colleague for over 2 decades now @SonuSood and celebrated your rise as an actor ;but the kindness you have displayed in these challenging times makes me prouder still thank you for helping those in need.

Ive had the privilege of knowing you as a professional colleague for over 2 decades now @SonuSood & celebrated your rise as an actor ;but the kindness you have displayed in these challenging times makes me prouder still thank you for helping those in need https://t.co/JcpoZRIr8M  Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 24, 2020

In his tweet, Sonu had written in Hindi: Paedal kyun jaaoge dost, number bhejo (why will you walk back home? send your number). He was responding to a person who had tweeted to him, asking for help. He wanted to reach Uttar Pradesh and from there, he would walk back to his village, the person said.

Prior to Smriti, NCP leader and minister in the Government of Maharashtra Jayant Patil too had praised Sonu for arranging buses for migrant workers desirous of returning to their homes. Noting that Sood has played a villain in some of his films, the water resources minister termed the actor as an inspiring hero in reality.

Sonu Sood is arranging buses for migrants who want to go back to their homes. He is trying to help as many migrants as he can. The on screen villain is an inspiring hero in reality!

God bless him @SonuSood #SonuSood pic.twitter.com/cokoowzjhU  Jayant Patil (@Jayant_R_Patil) May 23, 2020

Also read: When Dharmendra broke down during Esha Deols vidaai, mother Hema Malini hugged her goodbye. Watch video

Sonu Sood is arranging buses for migrants who want to go back to their homes. He is trying to help as many migrants as he can. The on screen villain is an inspiring hero in reality! God bless him @SonuSood, tweeted Patil, who heads the state NCP unit. He also shared a picture of Sood standing near the buses reportedly arranged by him to ferry migrant workers.

(With HT inputs)

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that the U.S. should stop its "wishful thinking" of trying to change China, accusing the Trump administration of taking actions that are pushing the two nations toward a "new Cold War," Bloomberg reports.

Why it matters: U.S.-China relations have grown increasingly sour during the coronavirus pandemic. President Trump and many of his Republican allies directly blame the Communist Party's cover-up in the early days of the Wuhan outbreak for allowing the virus to spread throughout the world.

Tensions could further spiral if China moves forward with a sweeping national security law for Hong Kong that could dramatically constrain the city's autonomy.

White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday that the U.S. government will likely impose economic sanctions if Beijing follows through.

What they're saying: Wang said that "some U.S. political forces are taking hostage of China-U.S. relations" and that "this is dangerous and will endanger global peace."

"China has no intention to change the U.S., nor to replace the U.S. It is also wishful thinking for the U.S. to change China," Wang argued.

Wang also warned U.S. officials "not to challenge Chinas red line" on Taiwan, after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took the rare step of congratulating Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on her second-term inauguration.

China considers the island of Taiwan a province, and Beijing threatened action against the U.S. last week for Pompeo's alleged "interference" in domestic affairs.

"Reunification between the two sides of the Strait is an inevitable trend of history, no one and no force can stop it," Wang said.

The big picture: It's unlikely that the Trump administration will ease up on its hawkish rhetoric against China, whose authoritarian turn has caused Americans' views of the country to darken dramatically.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo opened a press conference last week by saying, "The medias focus on the current pandemic risks missing the bigger picture of the challenge thats presented by the Chinese Communist Party.

Go deeper: The "new Cold War" started in Beijing
A MAN who is accused of having a significant amount of drugs and cash at his home has been refused bail.

Warren Hehir, 29, of The Path, Garryowen, Limerick faces a number of charges arising from a search of his home on January 18, last.

Opposing bail, Garda Sinead Galvin of Henry Street garda station said it will be alleged that various quantities of cannabis, worth an estimated 3,000, were located during the pre-planned search.

It is the State case that paraphernalia, associated with drug dealing, was also recovered during the intelligence-led operation.

Mr Hehir is also charged under money laundering legislation in connection with 2,100 in cash which was seized at the house by gardai.

Solicitor John Herbert said his client  a father-of-two  had cooperated with gardai and was willing to abide by any bail conditions imposed by the court.

He said his client has a work history and he submitted the value of the drugs seized was small in the scale of things.

Judge Carol Anne Coolican refused bail and adjourned the matter to later this month to facilitate preparation of a book of evidence.
Vietnam supports the building of a safe, friendly, open and stable cyberspace, meeting legitimate needs and interests of countries and people, and contributing to maintaining international peace and security,

said Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnamese mission to the United Nations.

Speaking at an online meeting on cyber stability and responsible state behaviour in cyberspace on May 22, Quy stressed that international law, including basic principles applied in cyberspace, and cooperation among countries and between countries and the private sector are necessary, but it should be based on the needs and requirements of relevant countries.

Cyber security, cooperation in building capacity and coping with cyber incidents are among ASEAN's operational priorities, Quy said, adding that Vietnam as the ASEAN Chair 2020 successfully organised the two special ASEAN and ASEAN +3 summits on COVID-19.

Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, expressed her concern about the increase of attacks on IT platform-based systems and services, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She urged governments to coordinate closely, promote common understanding, share experiences, and properly coordinate resources in the work.

Meanwhile, David Koh, CEO of Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, said strengthening cyber security capacity is Singapore's priority in ASEAN cooperation as well as collaboration with other countries.

Participants emphasised the necessity to build a cyberspace of peace, safety, security and stability, in compliance with international law, including the UN Charter.

They called for strengthening measures to build capacity on cyberspace use and management, promoting international cooperation and sharing national experience in this field./.VNA
Chhindwara, May 24 : Head constable Krishna Dongre and constable Ashish were suspended on Sunday after a video of them brutally caning a man went viral yesterday.

The incident took place on May 10 in Piplanarayanwar village of Lodhikheda police station of Saunsar tehsil of Chhindwara District in the constituency of former Chief Minister Kamal Nath.

After the video went viral on social media, Additional Superintendent of Police Shashank Garg ordered an inquiry into the matter. Sub divisional officer of police S.P. Singh was asked to conduct the investigation.

According to preliminary information, the man was drunk and was creating nuisance near a bank branch and the staff had complained to the police. No case was registered against the man for violating lockdown. Even as bystanders tried to stop the constables, they went on beating the victim.

The man who was allegedly beaten up was taken to the district hospital for medical examination after which he was dropped at his residence. His condition is better, said police.

When asked about injuries caused to the man, Garg said, "No serious injury was found in medical examination. However, since the incident is old, he might have recovered partially." This is the second incident of police atrocity in the region. Last week, Deepak Bundele, a lawyer, was beaten up by police sub-inspector B.S. Patel in the neighbouring Betul district.

Bundele claimed that the police stopped him while he was going to the district hospital in Betul on March 23 shortly after movements were restricted to contain coronavirus. Bundele alleged that police thrashed him mercilessly before he informed them about his visit to the hospital for treatment.

Bundele filed complaints with several authorities, seeking registration of a first information report against the policemen who attacked him. Bundele also filed a Right to Information application to retrieve the CCTV footage of the incident. However, two months later, he was neither given the CCTV footage nor was an FIR filed.

Patel visited Bundele's house on May 17 to record his statement. "The cops mistook you as a member of the minority community due to your beard," Patel allegedly told Bundele. Bundele then shared an audio clip of the conversation with the local media.

Superintendent of Police D.S. Bhadoriya suspended Patel after the clip was shared widely on social media.

"He allegedly made a comment which should not have been part of the police investigation," Additional Superintendent of Police Shraddha Joshi said.
When the United States and the Taliban signed their peace deal, U.S. officials said it would reduce bloodshed. But violence has only intensified and civilian casualties have increased. The U.S. withdrawal from the country is continuing on schedule, according to the U.S. military command in Kabul, despite U.S. and Taliban officials trading accusations that the other side has violated the agreement.
The Australian government insists the $60 (US $39.2) billion reporting error in its Jobkeeper scheme is very good news, but is showing little sign of wanting to use the unspent money to extend or broaden the program.

The government admitted on May 22 its JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme to assist businesses and workers through the pandemic caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, the novel coronavirus, will now be $70 billion rather than $130 billion and will now only cover 3.5 million people rather than 6.5 million that had been forecast.

It means that businesses are in better shape than we might have anticipated when those original forecasts were put in place. It does mean that were in a better position as we work our way towards recovery, federal minister for energy Angus Taylor told Sky News on Sunday.

Labor has been calling for the JobKeeper payment to be broadened to casuals and other work groups that missed out, but the government has repeatedly rejected the idea, even with the program now much smaller.

Liberal backbencher Julian Leeser said the six-month JobKeeper program is due to be reviewed at the end of June and any changes to the program will be part of that discussion.

I think its important to remember here that this is all borrowed money, Leeser told ABC TV.

So instead of paying back $130 billion of borrowed money, were paying back $70 billion of borrowed money. Thats still a very large amount of money that taxpayers of the current generation and future generations will need to pay back.
President Higgins has sent his best wishes to Ireland's 60,000 strong Muslim community as it celebrates the festival of Eid this weekend.

It marks the conclusion of the annual period of prayer and fasting, Ramadan.

In a statement, the President thanked Muslims for transcending the difficulties of Covid-19 during Ramadan and for their contribution to society.

This year, celebrations have been scaled back due to coronavirus.

Dr Nooh al Kaddo of the Islamic Cultural Centre says it is a very strange time for Muslims.

He said: "All the families will gather, but in a very small group, which is very strange for us, very unusual for us.

"It is a very, very difficult and hard time. It's a time for a celebration, so you can just imagine it's a time to enjoy the company of the people, that you cannot do."

President Michael D Higgins' statement

At the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, and as Muslims in Ireland and around the world come together in celebration of Eid al-Fitr, may I send my best wishes to Islamic communities wherever they may be for health, happiness and peace in the coming year.

With the impact of Covid-19 all of our lives have been affected. I know that Islamic communities have thus faced additional challenges in observing the holy month of Ramadan.

I wish to congratulate you on how you have transcended these difficulties in this particular year, and may I thank you for the invaluable contribution you make to Irish and global society.

Eid Mubarak.
As India is set to resume its domestic passengers flights from Monday after a gap of two months, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to put people coming from red zones under institutional quarantine.

It is mandatory to quarantine people coming from red zones and those with influenza like illness symptoms, hence the same rule will apply on air passengers, Kangra Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Prajapati said.

Paid quarantine facilities are also available in Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) hotels in Kangra district, he added.

The deputy commissioner said air passengers will be tested for coronavirus.

A district official said only Himachal Pradesh residents having valid address proof should book flights coming to Dharamshala's Gaggal airport from Monday.

Tourists will not be allowed to enter the district, he said, adding that they will be immediately put in a quarantine facility and sent back on their own expenses.

People coming to the state on flights will have to obtain an entry pass from district magistrate concerned and show it after deboarding at Gaggal airport, the official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An iconic Italian restaurant in Sydney has shamed a 'disgraceful' group of six who failed to show up to their dinner booking amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Lockdown restrictions banning Australians from dining at cafes and restaurants were lifted on Friday in New South Wales and replaced with a ten-person limit.

While many places remained shut due to high overhead costs outweighing profits brought in by the limited number of patrons, Beppi's Italian Restaurant in Darlinghurst, Sydney, was one of the few to allow customers inside.

The restaurant, which has been running for almost 64 years and can seat more than 50 people at a time, had an overwhelming response by their loyal customer base who immediately started making bookings.

Beppi's Italian Restaurant in Sydney was only open for takeaway during the COVID-19 lockdown

But on Thursday night the owners were shocked when a group of six people did not show up to their booking - cutting their nightly profits by more than half.

'60 per cent of our revenue gone,' read a post on the restaurant's Facebook page.

'No call to cancel - phone just goes to message bank. Disgraceful behaviour.'

The managers were particularly disappointed because they had made the decision to trust customers who book in advance instead of taking credit card details.

'The overwhelming majority of our customers have been fantastic,' the post read.

'The selfish few spoil it for others and inflict further financial pain of an industry already decimated by the pandemic.'

The restaurant can seat more than 50 people at a time, but has been limited to ten amid the pandemic

The managers were so shocked by the group's lack of consideration they considered releasing the name and number of the customer who made the booking, but decided against it.

Instead, they thanked everyone who had supported them during the financially difficult time and condemned the group.

'We have had an overwhelming response from the lifting of restrictions on in house dining from zero to ten customers. It has been great to hear the sounds of diners back in our restaurant.'

Social media users blasted the group of six in the comments.

Beppi's is the oldest family-run restaurant in Sydney and was opened by a man named Beppi and his girlfriend in 1956 (pictured at the restaurant with their infant son in the early '60s)

'Hard to operate under those conditions. How thoughtless,' one person wrote on Twitter.

'Just when I thought rona would make people nice and respectable again instead their showing their true colours,' wrote another.

Beppi's is the oldest family-run restaurant in Sydney.

It has served Mick Jagger, Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel and Rihanna since it was opened by a young couple in 1956.

The state government will allow up to 50 people to enter restaurants, cafes and pubs after June 1.
At the start pf the pandemic, coronavirus testing involved driving to one of a handful of testing sites across the state, and having a doctor or nurse place a swab far up your nostril. Then, youd wait up to a week for results.

Now, you can do it yourself, at a familiar place, right in the parking lot of your favorite superstore.

Information is taken from a driver at the Burlington Walmart.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

As of Friday, Walmart has 180 active testing sites in 27 states, including seven in New Jersey.

Friday morning, the process went smoothly as the first cars began arriving at a sectioned-off area of the parking lot at the Burlington Walmart.

Participants had appointments and wore masks as they drove through checkpoints to verify their ID and eligibility, pressing their paperwork against closed car windows and reading instructions held by technicians on the other side.

A self-administered nasal swab COVID-19 test kit is passed to a driver in Burlington Walmart.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

At the next stop, they rolled down their windows enough to receive their test packet from someone standing at a safe distance using a pick-up grabber tool.

A Walmart pharmacist made sure the test was taken correctly.

A self-administered nasal swab COVID-19 test kit is passed to a driver.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Friday, May 22, 2020 - Cars line up in a sectioned off part of a parking lot. Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Then, they drove off to drop the sealed sample into a container on their way out of the drive-thru site.

In a press release, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed gratitude for the partnership with Walmart and Quest Diagnostics.

A strong testing program is one of the foundational principles for New Jerseys road back to restart and recovery, Murphy said in the release.

The sites are open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays weekly from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., weather permitting. The sites will be closed for Memorial Day, Monday, but will open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and resume its regular schedule on Wednesday.

In New Jersey, Walmart drive-thru testing sites will be open in the parking lots of Garfield, North Bergen, Kearny, Flemington, Burlington, Howell, and Mount Laurel Walmart stores located at:

- 174 Passaic Street, Garfield

- 2100 88th Street, North Bergen

- 150 Harrison Avenue, Kearny

- 152 NJ-31 North, Flemington

- 2106 Mt Holly Road, Burlington Township

- 4900 U.S. Highway #9, Howell Township

- 934 NJ-73, Mt Laurel Township

Walmart is donating parking lot space, site supplies and materials, and associates time.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Michael Mancuso may be reached at mmancuso@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @michaelmancuso. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala's Covid-19 graph continues to be up on the third consecutive day with 53 cases being recorded on Sunday.

Twelve of the new patients are in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, five each in Malappuram and Kasaragod, four each in Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Palakkad, three in Kollam, two in Pathanamthitta and one in Kozhikode. A Tamil Nadu native was also among those who tested positive.

ALSO READ: Kerala registers 5th coronavirus death as 53-year-old cancer patient succumbs in Kozhikode

Eighteen of the new patients are those who returned from foreign countries - eleven from UAE, three each from Saudi Arabia and Oman, and one from Kuwait. Twenty-nine persons were Malayalees who returned from other states - nineteen from Maharashtra, five from Gujarat, three from Tamil Nadu, one each from Delhi and Madhya Pradesh.

A woman health worker in Palakkad was infected by contact.

Five persons recovered from the pandemic on the day. A total of 322 persons are under treatment in various hospitals at present.

Eighteen new hotspots have been announced. The number of hotspots in the state stands at 55.
: COVID-19 cases in Karnataka



breached the 2,000 mark on Sunday with the detection of 97 cases, most of them returnees to the state from Maharashtra, the health department said.

It said the total number of positive cases was now 2,056, including 634 discharges, 1,378 active cases and 42 deaths



Of the total number of cases, 73 had returned from Maharashtra and 41 among them were women.

Giving the break up of cases, it said 26 patients were from Chikkaballapura, 18 from Udupi, 15 from Mandya, 14 from Hassan, six each from Kalaburagi and Yadagiri, four from Davangere, two each from Tumakuru and Uttara Kannada and one each from Kodagu, Vijayapura, Dakshina Kannada and Dharwad.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The first case of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Tihar prison complex was reported on Saturday. An assistant superintendent of Jail Number 7 tested positive for the virus on Saturday, prison officials said.

The official had got himself tested on Friday. The prisons director-general Sandeep Goel said, His test results arrived Saturday. He was asymptomatic but the test results showed he had the virus.

The official lives in the staff residential complex near the prison. Contact tracing at his workplace (Jail No.7) and residence is complete. It has revealed one member of the jail staff as a close contact and five others as casual contacts. The five casual contacts include two prison officials and three jail inmates, Goel said.

At least nine residents (all prison officials) of the residential complex where the officer lives have also been told to quarantine themselves at home.

Jail officials said that after the contact tracing process was over, the close contact was tested for Covid-19. His result is awaited. He is quarantined at home. The two casual contacts (members of the jail staff) are also quarantined at home. Meanwhile, the three inmates (casual contacts) have been kept in the isolation barrack.

The prison department has turned single cells inside the prison into isolation wards.

According to jail authorities, new prisoners are lodged in a separate sub-jail (number 2) for 14 days. They are shifted to other parts of the jail and allowed to lodge with other prisoners after completing the 14-day quarantine period.

Goel said that all the contacts are presently asymptomatic and their medical condition will be monitored.

This is the first case inside the Tihar prison complex, which is also the most crowded prison in the country. Until the nationwide lockdown, implemented on March 25, Tihar had around 13,000 prisoners. Currently, there are around 9,500 prisoners. As part of the measures to decongest the prison, the government released around 3,000 prisoners on interim bail and parole. The prison department has also cancelled the biweekly visit of inmates families to contain the spread of the virus. With the lower courts closed, the prisoners hearings are held via video conferencing from prison.

Rohini jail, which has around 1,200 prisoners, has reported 18 Covid-19 cases, while Mandoli jail, where around 3,000 prisoners are lodged, has one case so far.

In all the 20 Covid-19 cases found in the three jails, all the patients remain asymptomatic, according to jail authorities. All jail superintendents are on high alert after learning how the virus spread rapidly inside Mumbai Arthur Road jail, leading to at least 180 officials testing positive within a week, even though the jail houses less than 4,000 prisoners.
Taking a swipe at the Centre over the plight of migrant labourers amidst the coronavirus-induced lockdown, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday said the humanity shown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by washing the feet of conservatory workers seems to have vanished now.

In his weekly column published in the Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana', Raut said, "Prime Minister Modi had washed the feet of four conservatory workers in Varanasi and showed us the humanity. It seems this humanity has vanished in the last three months".

The PM had washed the feet of safai karamcharis (sanitation workers) during Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj last February as a mark of respect for their work.

Raut, who is the executive editor of the 'Saamana' and chief whip of the Sena in Parliament, also sought to draw parallels between "politicisation" of displacement of Kashmiri Pandits and the plight of migrant labourers, who are bearing the brunt of the lockdown.

"The issue of Kashmiri Pandits being forced to leave their homes and living as refugees in their own country has been politicised frequently. Today, some six crore migrant workers are forced to live the similar way," he said.

"Those who get angry with Adolf Hitler's cruelty and treatment to Jews should tell us what have they done for these migrant workers. If the ruling government is not moved by the sufferings of migrant workers in all states then this Coronavirus has ended the humanity," he said.

Raut also targeted BJP leaders from Maharashtra over their "frequent" meeting with state governor B S Koshyari instead of interacting with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who heads the Shiv Sena.

"The Opposition in Maharashtra is consistently claiming that the Thackeray-led government has failed. They should not forget that governments of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat are actually the biggest failures in containing COVID-19 cases.

"And since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah hail from Gujarat, they cannot escape this responsibility," he said.

Raut said that everybody is sailing in the same boat as far as the current COVID crisis and its adverse impact on the economy are concerned. "We have to work together to contain the outbreak," he added.

Raut also slammed former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP who had criticised NCP chief Sharad Pawar for questionning the "Atma Nirbhar" package in the latter's recent letter to the prime minister.

"Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis is getting agitated with letters of Sharad Pawar. Who has stopped him from writing letters to Prime Minister Modi?" he asked.

Raut said the only agenda of Fadnavis is to dissolve the Sena-led tripartite government with the help of the governor.

"If the Opposition keeps patients their lockdown will also end soon," Raut said cryptically.

He also said that Opposition party (read BJP) is ridiculed the most on social media "which is not a good sign".

Raut also asked Fadnavis to meet the CM and Sharad Pawar once.
Egypt gives legal status to 70 more churches, but threats to Christian houses of worship remain

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As a government committee headed by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly gave legal status to 70 churches this week, the number of Christian houses of worship that have been legalized in the country came to 1,638. However, the threat to churches in this Muslim-majority country remains.

Formed in January 2017, the Committee for the Legalization of Unlicensed Churches comprises the ministers of justice, parliamentary affairs, and local development and housing, as well as representatives of local authorities and Christian communities, according to Egypt Independent.

Since 2017, the committee has legalized 1,638 churches.

However, as recently as Wednesday, local authorities in the Koum Al-Farag area of Al-Behera governorate demolished a church building after sectarian protests, the U.K.-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide reported.

The church had been holding worship services in its one-story building for 15 years until local Muslims constructed a mosque next to it a few years ago. As per the countrys common law, churches cannot be formally recognized or allowed to display Christian symbols if a mosque is built next to them.

Since the church grew, it went on to add two more floors to the building, which led to sectarian tension in the area. As a result, local authorities demolished both the church building and the mosque next to it, CSW said, adding that 14 Christians, including the priest and four female members, were arrested for trying to stop the authorities from demolishing the building.

CSW welcomes the legalization of more churches in Egypt, and we encourage the administration to continue on the path of reforming legislation and addressing societal attitudes and practices that restrict the right to freedom of religion or belief, CSWs Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said. (But) we remain concerned by the destruction of both the church and mosque in Koum Al-Farag, which is not an effective way of addressing sectarian tensions. The government must work with local authorities to formulate civic interventions that address and transform the societal attitudes underpinning sectarian tensions.

Last year, the U.S.-based persecution watchdog group International Christian Concern reported the legalization of 127 congregations.

However, critics of the committee, including ICC, have argued that it's moving too slowly in its granting of approval for the church buildings still on the list awaiting legalization.

The 2016 law (based on which the committee was created) was supposed to make it easier for new churches to go through the legalization process, said ICC at the time. However, President [Abdel Fattah] Sisis government has a worse record than his predecessors when it comes to approving new church buildings.

According to the Christian persecution watchdog group Open Doors USA, Egypt holds the rank of the 16th worst persecutor of Christians in the world.

Many Egyptian Christians encounter substantial roadblocks to living out their faith, it notes. There are violent attacks that make news headlines around the world, but there are also quieter, more subtle forms of duress that burden Egyptian believers. Particularly in rural areas in northern Egypt, Christians have been chased from villages, and subject to mob violence and intense familial and community pressure. This is even more pronounced for Christians who are converts from Islam.
The United States space agency NASA has announced that two astronauts will take off next week on board a private SpaceX vessel, the first crewed space flight to leave from US soil in nine years.

Space X founder Elon Musk has been meeting with top officials at the US space agency since Thursday ahead of the 27 May mission which comes after years of preparation and planning.

The space vehicule known as Crew Dragon, will be launched by a Falcon 9 rocket carrying US astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International Space Station where an American and two Russians are already based.

US President Donald Trump will be among the spectators at Kennedy Space Center in Florida to witness the launch at 4:33 pm local time (2033 GMT) on Wednesday, while ordinary citizens can follow on livestream.

There is however a chance that weather conditions may delay the launch until the next opportunity on 30 May.

"All the systems have been checked and checked again," said Jim Bridenstine, head of Nasa at a virtual press conference on Friday.

Question of pride for the USA

It's the first time American astronauts have taken off from the United States since the national space shuttle service stopped in 2011.

Since then, Nasa has been paying Russia millions of dollars to launch its astronauts on the Soyuz space shuttle, from Kazakhstan.

In 2014, SpaceX and aerospace giant Boeing both won Nasa contracts for crew transport services worth billions of dollars.

Founded in 2002, SpaceX has been regularly providing cargo services on its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets since 2012, but this is the first time it will carry passengers.

Ripley the test dummy

In March 2019, SpaceX successfully tested the Crew Dragon, manned by a dummy called Ripley. A technical set back in June meant the manned craft flight had to be postponed several months.

The Crew Dragon is designed to carry a maximum of seven passengers, but Nasa flights will carry four, with the rest of the space taken up by supplies. It is equipped with touch screens instead of buttons and is designed to dock automatically when it reaches the ISS.

Story continues

Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley are both experienced pilots who have spent 29 days and 28 days respectively in space.

They will conduct a series of tests on the Crew Dragon vehicule during their time in space, and if successful, the Dragon will go on to complete a series of crew transport missions.

Colony on Mars?

SpaceX also prides itself on being the first private company to routinely return rocket stages to Earth under propulsive power so they could be re-used rather than being discarded.

Musk's space launches to date have drawn much hype and publicity, in particular, the launch of his red electric Tesla sportscar in 2018.

SpaceX is also developing a bigger spacecraft to carry humans - called Starship - which could begin the process of settling Mars.
Actress Shannen Doherty and Marc Ching at a March 2019 fundraising gala for the Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation, the nonprofit organization founded by Ching. (Broadimage/Shutterstock)

Four years after the Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation's launch in 2012, donations to the charity skyrocketed, fueled by the well-publicized efforts of founder Marc Ching to rescue dogs and cats from Asian meat markets.

Contributions to the Sherman Oaks-based foundation ballooned from about $110,000 in 2015 to nearly $4 million over the next two years. And as the money rolled in, much of it rolled out  in cash.

In early June 2016, $25,000 in cash was withdrawn from the foundation. Five days later, a $40,000 withdrawal was made. Then came one for $12,000 and another for $25,000. Altogether, from January 2016 to March 2018, cash withdrawals totaled more than $350,000, a Times investigation has found.

According to interviews and an examination of the organization's financial records, the cash outlays are among a number of spending practices and fundraising methods employed by the foundation that nonprofit watchdogs say are troubling for a charity.

Most of those practices and methods were the subject of an anonymous complaint that former foundation director Valarie Ianniello said she filed early last year with the California attorney general's office. Ianniello told The Times she was fired in 2018 after repeatedly complaining about the lack of financial controls at the charity.

The complaint, a copy of which was reviewed by The Times, raised concerns about the cash withdrawals and purchases the foundation made from Chings for-profit pet nutrition business, the Petstaurant. The charitys tax returns show it paid the Petstaurant at least $59,000 for food and other products.

In her complaint, Ianniello also alleged that Ching lost nearly $250,000 of the foundations money on an investment in a for-profit pet food company that soon went bankrupt and that he appealed to donors using deceptive solicitations.

Ianniello said she never received a response to the complaint, which included her name and phone number along with those of other current and former employees. In December, the attorney generals office declined to discuss Ianniellos allegations with The Times. Days later, the office notified the foundation that it would conduct an audit.

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In emails to The Times, and through statements by the foundations attorneys, the organization said Ching never misused funds and has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in goods, services and cash to the charity since 2014. The foundation also said Ching did not mislead donors and has never taken a salary.

While Mr. Ching admittedly could have done a better job early on keeping receipts and financial records to be in compliance with the statutes governing non-profits, the notion that he is  personally making money off the foundation is a fallacy, attorney Russell M. Selmont wrote.

The charitys bookkeeper, Meredith Freeman, said that Ching used the cash on his international trips and that some expenses are accounted for in receipts. The foundation would not provide additional details or documentation.

Speaking as chair of the foundation's board of directors, Dr. Barbara Gitlitz, a Los Angeles oncologist, said vendors at some of Chings destinations did not accept credit cards and did not always give receipts.

Valarie Ianniello said she was fired as executive director of the Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation in 2018 after repeatedly complaining about the lack of financial controls at the nonprofit. (Valarie Ianniello)

Ianniello, who was executive director when most of the cash withdrawals were made, said she never saw receipts for how that cash was spent.

In a subsequent statement to The Times, Selmont said the foundation conducted an "independent investigation" and concluded "no AHWF money was stolen, embezzled or otherwise improperly used for non-AHWF benefits or purposes."

In reference to the attorney general's office, Selmont said, "Our review of the DOJ audit is consistent with this belief and we are confident that there is no evidence of any financial wrongdoing.

"The money spent by Mr. Ching and the AHWF for trips to Asia has been documented and we have conferred with guides and resources in Asia who have corroborated Mr. Chings and the Foundations documentation of monies and use of funds spent on rescue, related projects, and other operations."

Selmont did not respond to The Times' request for a copy of the audit and for more information about the foundation's investigation, including who conducted it.

Ianniello joined the foundation as a volunteer in early 2016. She said that within a year, she was named executive director, paid a salary and given access to the charitys bank account, although Ching still controlled the outlays.

Ianniello showed The Times numerous text exchanges in which she challenged Ching over spending, including for thousands of dollars in food from his store. She also provided emails in which she urges the bookkeeper to review a range of expenses by Ching.

In a text, Ianniello said, Ching told her a $2,500 payment from the foundation to a Petstaurant worker had been for the mans help in finding Pepper, Chings lost puppy.

And really I am sure supporters would be fine with that, he wrote. :)

but shes your dog, Ianniello wrote back.

Elena Roberto, the foundations current executive director, said in an email that Ching gave the organization discounts on the products from the Petstaurant, which sits around the corner from the charitys office. Ianniello said it wasnt until she insisted that Ching began to give the discounts.

The foundation said Ianniello, not Ching, directed the charity to buy from the Petstaurant. The foundation's tax documents show the organization bought nearly $19,000 in products from Ching's business in 2015, the year before Ianniello joined the charity.

Daniel Borochoff, the founder of CharityWatch, a Chicago nonprofit organization that rates charities for sound financial practices, said that a foundation purchasing products from its chief executive is problematic and that it should seek competitive bids before doing so.

Ching's foundation did not respond directly to a Times query on whether it sought competitive bids. Ianniello said she knew of no such effort.

After learning that Ianniello was speaking to The Times, the foundation filed a lawsuit against her, alleging she took money and property from the organization and violated a separation agreement she signed when she was fired. The lawsuit contended that Ianniello kept the signed agreement as well, so the foundation had no copy.

Ianniello said she never signed the agreement.

Freeman, the foundations bookkeeper, told The Times she knew of no evidence that Ianniello stole from the organization or engaged in any other kind of dishonest behavior.

In her complaint to the attorney general, Ianniello alleged that, in an effort to draw more donations, the foundation exaggerated its efforts on social media and used videos that had been staged and/or falsely described.

State law prohibits charities from engaging in deceptive fundraising practices.

Ianniello told The Times that a foundation initiative to microchip 100,000 pet dogs in China as a way to protect them from the meat trade was soon abandoned after just a handful of dogs were microchipped. Even so, she said, Ching continued to promote the campaign in social media posts.

In a May 2017 text exchange, Ianniello told Ching she had a problem with him lying to his supporters about the existence of the microchip program.

It feels wrong, she wrote.

Ianniello said Ching staged a video on the foundation's Facebook page in which a foundation employee finds a microchip in a dog recently rescued from the meat trade in China.

She said Ching told her ahead of time that he was going to inject the chip in the dog before recording the video. Later, in a text exchange with Ianniello, Ching asked her, "does the micro chip part look fake.

In an email to The Times, Selmont, the foundations attorney, said, "Separate and apart from the money the Foundation sought to raise for that program, Mr. Ching himself directed a few dogs in China be implanted with microchips and made a subsequent social media post attempting to raise money for those rescued dogs' medical care." He added that "this was not done with the intent to deceive the public."

The Facebook video was paired with a donation tab and a caption claiming four rescued dogs had microchips. The post said the foundation would try to reunite them with their families.

A donation tracker accompanying the video said the post generated nearly $29,000 in contributions.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Mamta Yadav boarded a Shramik Special train on May 8 at Gujarat's Jamnagar.

She was travelling single.

But, by the time her destination station in Bihar arrived she had a companion in her arms.

Since Shramik Special trains started operating, they have witnessed births of 21 babies onboard, officials say.

Mamta had decided to board the train in very difficult times: everybody was battling a coronavirus outbreak, her husband had lost his job as a factory worker in Jamnagar due to the lockdown, she was in advance stage of pregnancy and the home was hundreds of kilometers away.

But she made the tough choice, and on May 8 decided to take the Jamnagar-Muzaffarpur Shramik Special train to be with her mother at her village in Chhapra district of Bihar for the birth of the baby.

Officials say the train left the Jamnagar stations at 8 pm.

Mamta, 35, began to experience the labour pain around the midnight.

Though the Railways had said that Shramik Special would be non-stop, this train was stopped at the Agra Fort station so that she could get the medical attention she needed.

Officials said that doctors were alerted by the onboard staff as the train approached Agra Fort station around 4.30 am.

Mamta's compartment was turned into a labour room of sorts with other passengers moving out.

A team of doctors along with railway staff supervised Mamta's condition as she delivered a healthy baby girl, the official said.

"We have a well-oiled system to deal with medical emergencies," said railway spokesperson RD Bajpai.

"Whenever a passenger needs help, our onboard staff alerts the station where medical aid is available next to and the doctors who live in railway colonies around the station are always there to deal with any emergency," he said.

"We are happy that we managed to provide help in time every time and in each case the baby and the mother have been healthy," Mamta and her little one were allowed to continue their journey, officials said.

On May 13, the 20-something Pinky Yadav gave birth to a baby boy on board the Ahmedabad-Faizabad Shramik Special train with the help of RPF personnel.

She got the medical attention at the Kanpur station.

But she had to be shifted to a district hospital for treatment.

The 23-year old Ishwari Devi gave birth to a baby boy onboard the Habibganj-Bilaspur migrant special train on May 17 with the help of onboard staff and other women passengers.

The Railways not only provided her the necessary medicines but also arranged for her admission to the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences when she needed further care.

"We try to provide as much help as we can," said Bajpai.

"At times these people are so keen to go home. We also advise them the dos and don'ts, give them medicines and allow them to continue their journeys."

"We also provide them ambulance to ferry them to the nearest district hospital. However, one thing must be told. The mother nature takes care of most of it. We are just glad our staffers were there to help,".

So far, the railways has run around 2,050 Shramik Special trains and these births, many officials said, provided a ray of hope to all in these difficult times.

The West Central Railway has seen most of these births, welcoming seven newborns, followed by three each in the South East Central Railway and the North Central Railway, they said.

The Central Railway has seen two such births, while the East Central Railway, the Northern Railway, the Northeast Frontier Railway, the South Central Railway, the North Eastern Railway and the Western Railway one each.

The co-passengers, onboard staff and fellow travellers clapped, cheered and whistled to welcome the newborn into the world, officials recall.
Seventeen members of a far-right group have been detained for attacking the headquarters of Ukraines largest pro-Russia political party in Kyiv.

Police said on May 23 that members of the far-right National Corps were arrested for hooliganism after they clashed with security guards and threw smoke bombs, fireworks, and paint cans at the headquarters of the Opposition Platform - For Life.

The party is led by Viktor Medvedchuk, a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is godfather to one of the Ukrainian politicians daughters.

The National Corps is the political wing of the far-right Azov movement that emerged during fighting with Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.

The National Corps have demanded authorities file charges of treason against Opposition Platform - For Life and its leaders.

On March 10, a delegation of Ukrainian lawmakers from the Opposition Platform - For Life met with deputies from the Russian State Duma in Moscow.

The party said the two sides were discussing the creation of a inter-parliamentary element of the Normandy Format, a diplomatic process involving Ukraine, Russia, Germany, and France to end fighting in eastern Ukraine. Medvedchuk reportedly discussed the initiative with Putin.




THE former Speaker of Parliament and MDC national chairperson, Lovemore Moyo, has warned brawling MDC officials that they risked losing their relevance unless they urgently heal their rift.





Speaking to the Daily News on Sunday yesterday, Moyo described the mindless bloodletting as a useless power struggle.





This comes as the two groups loyal to Nelson Chamisa and Thokozani Khupe are involved in what has variously also been described as a zero-sum game for control of the countrys largest opposition party.





Breaking his silence over the damaging infighting, the respected Moyo said pointedly that the feud had absolutely nothing to do with serving the long-suffering people of Zimbabwe.





The fight between the two formations is purely a power struggle. Its about fighting for control of the soul of the MDC and (the late) President Morgan Tsvangirais political legacy.

More importantly, its about who is who in the MDC leadership, the now leader of the United Movement for Devolution (UMD) said.





Unfortunately, there is no winner in the on-going political fight as the two parties will significantly lose the opposition vote, supporters and credibility.





Actually, Zanu PF will emerge the biggest winner as it stands from a divided and uncoordinated opposition come the 2023 general elections.





Remember, the 2005 MDC split set a wrong precedent that one can disregard the party constitution, regulations and rules and still remain in charge of the party, Moyo further told the Daily News On Sunday.





In this regard, weak party structures capitulated and supported Tsvangirai in defying the national council decision on the Senate participation.





However, it must be noted that Tsvangirai went on to build a strong and vibrant MDC that performed exceptionally well in elections, the soft spoken former Matobo legislator said.

My advice is very simple. Put the interests of the people of Zimbabwe first. Your personal egos and interests will always be accommodated if you deliver electoral victory in plebiscites.





What you are doing to yourselves, tearing each other apart, especially on social media, makes Zanu PF smile. Focus on the ball.





None of the two parties is holding the ball. Its Zanu PF that is currently holding and playing the ball, Moyo added.





Turning to his own party, he said he was happy with the pace of things. Turning to his own party, he said he was happy with the pace of things.

I am extremely happy to be part of a devolutionist movement. Our political ideology, mission and vision differ fundamentally from the ones pursued by the MDCs.





Also, our political approach is based on the concept of provincialism, guided by the principle of supremacy of the provinces.





Our political approach centres on empowerment of communities. Remember, the factors that led to my resignation from the MDC still exist  like tribalism, marginalisation, inequality, violence and constitutionalism, Moyo said.




Readers of Joan E. Berishs new memoir, Fire and Fauna  Tales of a Life Untamed, may readily conclude that the fire in the title refers to her early work as a wildland firefighter in New Mexico.

In the spring and summer of 1977 Berish was a seasonal helitack crew member based at the U.S. Forest Services Mount Taylor Ranger District in Grants. Helitack means helicopter-delivered resources used to initially fight forest fires. It gave her the physically demanding field experience she would need in wildlife biology.

(The job) was pivotal. Had I not done the firefighting, Im not sure I would have gotten into Auburn (for a graduate wildlife program), Berish said in a phone interview from her home in Sandia Park. Most of the schools were male bastions. I needed the field cred  particularly as a woman  to prove to whoever hired me that I could withstand the rigors of fieldwork.

That wasnt her only connection to fire-related activity in Berishs 33-plus-year career as a wildlife research biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

A second reference to the prescribed burns, or fires, which she said is the premier management tool to benefit the high, dry pineland habitats of the burrowing gopher tortoise.

The gopher tortoise was Berishs primary research subject for the commission. This tortoise, a threatened keynote species, is found in the southeastern United States.

She believes her memoir contains a third, though not so literal, association to the word fire.

Its about her career-long ardor to understand the gopher tortoise. If you want to understand a long-lived species, you need to study it over time. They live from 40 to 60 years. I absolutely loved the research, and I always, always had more questions, Berish said. To try to understand the animals, thats what fed my fire, the fire of working on these enigmatic reptiles.

Growing up in Fairland, Maryland, Berish developed a lifelong affinity for animals. She sometimes tagged along with her two older brothers and their friends to a nearby island where she caught frogs, toads and box turtles. At home were dogs, a cat and occasionally rabbits. In her preteen years, she sketched African wildlife, thinking she would be the next Jane Goodall.

The young Berish took riding lessons, and that led to her wanting her own horse. Her horse obsession resulted in 35 weeks of secretly saving school lunch money to help buy one.

After graduating with a B.S. in biology from Murray State University, in Kentucky, Berish moved to Albuquerque. In search of work with animals, she took a job cleaning cages and waiting on customers at a small pet store. Then she worked as a cocktail waitress, a gift shop clerk and a substitute teacher before moving on to a nuclear medicine research technician, a position that was part of a UNM School of Medicine project at the Veterans Affairs hospital. From there, she was a veterinary technician with varied tasks.

And then came the job as a helitack firefighter.

In graduate school, she intensively studied the distribution of the threatened eastern indigo snake in southern Georgia. It is one of the largest nonvenomous snakes in North America, Berish writes, and penetrates the deep gopher tortoise burrows and other underground refuges.

The memoir brims with humorous moments and colorful characters. In one misadventure, her truck broke down in a small town. She told the cops she could sleep in her truck but the snake needed warmth. She and the snake ended up in an abandoned jail.

The former jail was decrepit but it had a heater and would be warm. So I reclined on the bottom bunk in one of the cells, while the snake resided in his sack on the top bunk, Berish wrote.

Berish has been on a three-pronged lifelong quest  to work with animals in nature, to have mostly outdoor adventures, and to satisfy her curiosity for knowledge. She seems to have accomplished those goals.
Seven West Media is in negotiations to offload parts of the in-house production business that makes Home and Away and My Kitchen Rules to Beyond Productions.

The broadcaster was working with Morgan Stanley to sell Seven Studios before the COVID-19 pandemic began and was in discussions with productions companies including ITV Studios, Disney and Comcast's NBC Universal about a potential sale.

Home and Away is one of a number of programs that Seven Studios creates. Credit:Seven Network

Seven had been hoping to sell the division or secure a joint venture with an international partner to reduce a half a billion dollar debt pile, but the talks are on hold because of the crisis. Beyond, which produces MythBusters, Selling Houses Australia and Netflix's White Rabbit Project, is led by John Luscombe, the husband of long-time Seven Studios boss Therese Hegarty who stepped down from the business two weeks ago.

The company already runs a joint venture with Seven Studios, known as 7Beyond, in the US. Television sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity said Seven was trying to offload Seven Studios UK, Slim TV in London, GSTV in New Zealand and the 50 per cent stake in its US joint venture, to Beyond. But the local production house that produces Home and Away, Better Homes and Gardens and House Rules and sales distribution parts of the business will remain with Seven. It is unclear whether Beyond was hoping to acquire the local production division or whether the offer will be substantial enough for Seven to accept.
Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh has said his government has written to various countries which want to shift their business out of China and assured them of all possible support for setting up facilities in the state.

Singh said his government is moving aggressively to reach out to embassies of various nations and that they have set up four industrial parks for giving them land for their projects.

We have written to Japan, Korean and Taiwanese embassies in India and we are in talks with them and offering them all possible support, in terms of land, infrastructure and other facilities, Singh said during his Facebook Live programme #AskCaptain on Saturday.

This comes in the midst of reports that a number of global giants, including Japanese and American companies, are looking to shift their manufacturing facilities to other countries from China in the wake of the pandemic.

India is also looking to lure US businesses, including medical devices giant Abbott Laboratories, to relocate from China as President Donald Trumps administration stepped up efforts to blame Beijing for its role in the coronavirus pandemic.

India in April reached out to more than 1,000 companies in the US and through overseas missions to offer incentives for manufacturers seeking to move out of China, Bloomberg reported earlier in May, citing government officials.

India is prioritising medical equipment suppliers, food processing units, textiles, leather and auto part makers among more than 550 products covered in the discussions, according to officials who asked not to be identified, citing rules on speaking with the media.

India expects to win over US companies involved in healthcare products and devices, and is in talks with Medtronic Plc and Abbott Laboratories on relocating their units to the country, an official said.

India last month made prior clearance mandatory for foreign investments from countries that share a land border with India, in a move aimed at curbing opportunistic takeovers of Indian companies by Chinese firms following fall in their valuation due to the coronavirus-induced economic downturn.

China criticised India for the new policy and called it discriminatory and demanded its review.

Before Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have offered concessions for those planning to move. Maharashtra has ensured that supply chains for foreign manufacturers remained functional through Indias national virus lockdown.

(With agency inputs)
The Indian Army has said agressive local incidents on the Line of Actual Control are resolved through local meetings of

New Delhi: The stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh appeared to be turning serious with some reports suggesting that China is building bunkers at two places to prevent Indian troops from patrolling the disputed areas.

The two places are in the Galwan region and Pangong Tso, 110 km apart.

The Chinese army, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), is reported to have erected 100 tents in the Galwan Valley in the past two weeks and brought in heavy equipment to build bunkers.

According to reports, a large number of Chinese troops entered territory claimed by India at four locations including Patrol Point 14 (PP14) and Gogra post.

The Indian Army has rushed additional troops to the area.

This is not a usual confrontation between patrolling parties from two sides who usually disengage after short face-offs.

In Pangong Tso too, the Chinese army is reported to be building bunkers in a disputed area around finger 3 to stop Indian troops from patrolling the area. In Pangong, Indian troops patrol way ahead till the finger 8 area.

The Chinese army has also brought in additional boats to patrol the Pangong Tso river to build pressure on the Indian troops. Indian Army also is using boats to patrol the river.

Indias Army Chief Gen MM Naravane visited Leh on Friday to review the situation with the field commanders. However, he didn't visit forward areas.

The top military field commanders in Leh including the Northern Army commander Lt Gen YK Joshi, 14 Corps Chief Lt Gen Harinder Singh and other senior officers briefed the Army Chief on the LAC situation.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is monitoring the situation along with top military leadership.

Earlier this month in two separate incidents, Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in fist fights and stone-pelting in Sikkim and the northern bank of the Pangong Tso.

However, India downplayed these two faceoffs, saying that incidents of aggressive behaviour occur on the LAC and patrols normally disengage after local interaction and dialogue.

In fact you are coming to know only about areas where face-offs have occurred but on a daily basis we are meeting at 10 other places where there is absolutely business as normal. It is only at one or two places this has happened, Gen Naravane had said last week.

There were reports that last week Chinese troops detained and released Indian soldiers in Ladakh. However, the Indian Army denied that any patrol party was detained by the Chinese soldiers in Ladakh.
With all major pre-Eid shopping hubs staying shut here, the people on Sunday appeared to be readying themselves for a subdued and somber celebration of the festival, striving to connect hearts instead of embracing each other.

The people here are set to celebrate Eid on Monday amid prominent Muslim clerics' appeals to observe it at home and avoid embracing each other and shaking hands to rule out the chances of contracting coronavirus infection.

All major Eid-Ul-Fitr eve shopping destinations here in the city, including those at Aminabad, Nazirabad, Fatehganj, La Touche Road and Kaisarbagh wore deserted looks with shops staying shut on Lucknow district administration orders.

Whether it be dry fruit stores and hand-made papad shops at Aminabad Road or clothes showrooms at Nazirabad, they all had their shutters down. There were no different stories at markets at Fatehganj, La Touche Road and Kaisarbagh.

They all stayed closed due to their proximity to COVID cantonment zones. Despite the missing tell-tale signs of a boisterous festivity, people did not appear to be complaining and seem headed to celebrate the Eid in a new light and spirit.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

Speaking to PTI, Lucknow's prominent Muslim cleric Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali, while asking people to celebrate Eid while staying at home, appealed to them to spend half of their celebration budget with the poor and needy. Celebrate Eid at your homes. Only four-five persons, staying in mosques, will offer prayers there.

Greet people through social media. Do not shake hands or embrace or hug anyone. Apart from this, 50 per cent of Eid budget should be given to the poor," he said. Shia cleric Maulana Yasoob Abbas too echoed Maulana Mahali's sentiments.

Ibaadat (prayers) can be done at home too. We are telling everyone to celebrate Eid at homes. This will be in the greater interest of our family and the country, he said. Gale milne ki jagah is baar hamen dil milane par jor dena chahiya .

(We should strive to connect hearts this time instead of hugging each other), he said. These noble sentiments of Muslim spiritual gurus also appeared to have touched chords of common citizens. "The best Ramzan ever: Limited delicacies, no iftaar parties and no Eid shopping.

Wow...isn't this the right way to rejoice this holy month every year? We all should feel blessed that for the first time, we got the opportunity to actually celebrate Ramzan and not indulge in distractions to show off on Eid," said Uzma Talha, a Lucknow-based freelance writer in a post.

We should not feel that this pandemic has dampened the spirit of Eid, she said, adding we must thank this month of Ramzan for imparting us a spiritual experience in a difficult phase making us all to strive to become more humane, compassionate, kinder & selfless.

Gudhiya, a domestic worker at Lucknow's Thakuganj, said she would be celebrating Eid from home. I have asked all my relative to do the same and pray for each other while staying at home and exchange greeting on phone, she added.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel extended her Eid greetings to the people of the state. "Greetings to all the people of the state especially the Muslim brothers and sisters on Eid-ul-Fitr, she said. Eid gives us the message of love, unity and brotherhood.

Sharing happiness increases them. Extending help to the poor and needy will also usher happiness in their lives. In view of COVID-19 pandemic, exercise caution, and offer Namaaz from homes," she said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 20:57:19|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- It is sheer nonsense to claim that China is using COVID-19 to expand its presence in the South China Sea, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday.

Wang refuted the accusation at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual national legislative session.

"China has been focusing on anti-epidemic cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries recently," Wang said, noting that both sides have supported and helped each other with their mutual trust further enhanced.

With ships and planes carrying anti-virus supplies sailing across and flying over the South China Sea, the region is witnessing mutual assistance and cooperation between China and the ASEAN countries in epidemic fight, he said.

A few countries outside the region, in contrast, are flexing their muscles by sending military aircraft and vessels to the South China Sea, Wang noted. "Their ill-intentioned and despicable moves are meant to sow discords between China and the ASEAN countries and undermine the hard-won stability in the region." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 21:06:30|Editor: huaxia

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Hong Kong residents sign in a street campaign in support of the national security legislation for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, May 22, 2020. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu)

Residents from all walks of social life voice support for the national security legislation for Hong Kong. The number of participators quickly amounted to tens of thousands.



HONG KONG, May 24 (Xinhua) -- A petition activity was launched here on Sunday in support of national security legislation for Hong Kong, with the number of participators quickly amounting to tens of thousands.



More than 1,000 street stands were set up across Hong Kong to collect public signatures for the petition.

At a street stand in Sheung Wan area on Hong Kong Island, a total of 456 signatures were collected in only two hours on Sunday.

Piana He, a volunteer at the street stand, told Xinhua that the petition was welcomed and supported by many Hong Kong residents as they believed that national security legislation at the state level will provide crucial support for maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and safeguarding Hong Kong residents' well-being.

The petition activity was launched by a newly established organization jointly initiated by thousands of people and hundreds of groups representing various sectors in the Hong Kong community.

The petition, to be held for one week starting from Sunday, was also launched online. As of Sunday evening, more than 100,000 people had participated in the online petition.

After a draft decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security was submitted to the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) for deliberation, many Hong Kong residents have voiced support for the legislation.

Chung Pui-lan, a retired kindergarten teacher who participated in the petition, said she supports the legislation and hopes that it will help protect Hong Kong from scourge caused by external forces and restore its prosperity and stability.

The prolonged disturbance has dealt a serious blow to Hong Kong's economy and people's livelihood, and many innocent residents were brutally assaulted by rioters just for holding different views, a Hong Kong resident surnamed Lau said, adding that she hopes national security legislation will help protect Hong Kong residents' freedoms and safety from being threatened by violence.

Suen Ming-fung, a retired civil servant, agreed that it is necessary for the central authorities to take action since Hong Kong failed to enact laws for safeguarding national security on its own.

Suen said he believes the legislation will help Hong Kong restore prosperity. "Only when its security is ensured can Hong Kong attract more foreign investment and develop more vigorously."

Fung Kuen-kwok, a doctor living in Yau Ma Tei area in Kowloon, said since the social unrest started in June 2019, many of his neighbors and clients have been worried about their own safety due to rampant violence.

Many countries around the world have relatively complete legal systems to safeguard national security, Fung pointed out, adding that it is the duty of every citizen to safeguard national security, but Hong Kong as a special administrative region of China has been slow in completing national security legislation

"We have been looking forward to this (national security legislation) for a long time," he said. "I believe that after the completion of the legislation, it will have a deterrent effect on violent elements and help the residents to resume normal life and work."
Texas schools that reopen with in-person classes for the 2020-21 school year could start conducting daily temperature checks on students and staff, stagger pick-up and drop-off times and have students eat in classrooms to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

These are just some of the new recommendations released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week for school systems to consider implementing. The CDC states on its website these guidelines are not required but should be considered and tailored for what is feasible for each school.

TEA UPDATE: Here's what the 2020-21 school year calendar may look like

The CDC recommends staff and students wear cloth face coverings, excluding children younger than 2 years, those with breathing issues and those who are unable to remove a covering without assistance. Other notable guidelines include spacing desks at least 6 feet apart and facing students in one direction, installing physical barriers between bathroom sinks, spacing bus riders six feet apart and closing off playgrounds and cafeterias.

Field trips are not recommended at this time, and school-wide parent meetings, performances and student assemblies should be held virtually instead of in-person.

Schools should reevaluate sick leave and absenteeism policies and consider not having perfect attendance awards so employees and students are not penalized for staying home if they come into contact with the virus or have to care for someone who has it.

Teachers should discourage sharing items among students and keep children's belongings separated in labeled containers. High-touch surfaces, buses and playground equipment should be routinely cleaned and disinfected.

RELATED: Texas schools can re-open for summer classes under safe distancing practices

The CDC says broadcasting regular COVID-19 announcements on PA systems and posting signs that promote personal hygiene and frequent handwashing are important to keep students up to date on the virus, but also recommends encouraging students and staff to take breaks from the COVID-19 news cycle.

Texas schools may resume in-person summer classes starting June 1 as part of Gov. Greg Abbott's phased reopening plan. But many area school districts have yet to announce plans on when they may resume in-person classes and are in the process of considering calendar changes after the Texas Education Agency released a new year-round calendar. That calendar adjustment calls for longer breaks, earlier start and later end dates and would help plan for a possible spike in COVID-19 cases.

Find a complete and detailed list of the new school guidelines on the CDC's website.

Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Read her on our breaking news site, MySA.com, and on our subscriber site, expressnews.com. | rebecca.hennes@chron.com
India has joined countries such as the US, Germany and Iran in welcoming a three-day ceasefire in Afghanistan, saying it hopes the truce will be further extended in order to address the humanitarian situation in the war-torn country.

The Taliban announced the ceasefire for Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday evening. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani welcomed it and extended an offer of peace from his government. He instructed Afghan security forces to comply with the three-day ceasefire and to defend only if attacked.

The external affairs ministry said in a statement on Sunday: India welcomes the understanding reached for a ceasefire in Afghanistan for three days during the Eid. We hope that this ceasefire would extend further and become permanent to address the dire humanitarian situation resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and pave the way for durable peace and stability for the people of Afghanistan.

The statement added, India stands with the people of Afghanistan in their quest for enduring peace, security, sovereignty, and prosperity.

On Sunday, Ghani announced his government will release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a goodwill gesture in response to the ceasefire, and take further steps in the peace process.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo welcomed the announcement of the truce .

We worked hard to achieve this moment, and I hope that this respite from conflict gives Afghan people the space and security they deserve to celebrate Eid, while allowing the Taliban and the government the opportunity to take additional steps toward a peaceful future, he said.

The Taliban had last called for a ceasefire during Eid in June 2018.

However, violence has significantly increased in Afghanistan since the US and the Taliban signed a deal in February.

The world community has been calling for a reduction in violence so that the fraying peace process can be taken forward.
Police officer urges male victims of domestic abuse to speak out as helpline sees spike in calls

This article is old - Published: Sunday, May 24th, 2020

Calls to a helpline designed to help men who have fallen victim to domestic abuse have shot up by 35 per cent during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Mankind Initiative, which gives men a voice by working with police forces and other organisations, has also seen the amount of visitors to its website jump by 150 per cent

Of those that call, for 60 per cent it is the first time they have told anyone and 70 per cent only call because the helpline is anonymous. The website is also a repository for statistics and research into male victims.

A North Wales Police officer has stressed the importance for men to seek help if they feel they are being subjected to abuse.

Strategic Domestic Abuse Officer PC Mike Taggart said: I think its important that we dont forget that men too can be victims of domestic abuse and we need to ensure that platforms to support men are equally and readily available.

We urge any men who feel that they are being subjected to domestic abuse to call Mankind on the information below if they feel they want emotional support, but if they wish to report domestic abuse, to contact us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Chairman for Mankind Mark Brooks said: The main issues men face, is that they dont understand that what they are going through is domestic abuse.

This is why it is important that services dont disregard men in their awareness campaigns.

Men dont often know that there are specialist services for them and for many they fear they will not be believed when they do go. This is what we have to get across in these awareness campaigns. We advise men who are in this situation call us.

The helpline can be contacted on 01823 334244 and is available 10am-4pm Monday to Friday.

For information into the services they provide visit www.mankind.org.uk
Minn. allows all churches to reopen after Catholics, Lutherans threaten to defy orders

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Days after Minnesotas Catholic and Lutheran churches publicly declared they would defy Gov. Tim Walzs order restricting in-person services to not more than 10 people, the state has announced it's lifting that limitation to let larger groups gather for worship beginning Wednesday.

At a press briefing Saturday, Gov. Walz announced that churches will be able to hold services starting Wednesday if they follow social distancing guidelines and limit the gatherings to not more than 25% of a buildings capacity, MinnPost reported.

The governor has recognized that churches can reopen safely and carefully in the same way as malls and other business operations, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which along with Sidley Austin LLP had written to Waltz about his pervious order violating the First Amendment, said in a statement Saturday.

Last Wednesday, The Minnesota Catholic Conference and The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod had also sent separate letters to the governor saying they would defy the reopening order.

We were disappointed to find that instead, you allowed retail and other non-critical businesses to open, setting a plan in place for bars and restaurants to reopen while limiting churches to meetings of [10] people or fewer, the Lutheran body wrote in the letter. In the absence of a timeline or any other assurances that churches will soon be able to reopen, we find that we must move forward with our religious exercise in a safe manner.

After the governors change of mind following a meeting with church leaders, Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis expressed gratitude.

We are grateful that Governor Walz entered into respectful dialogue with us, recognized the spiritual needs of our faithful, and agreed that it is possible to resume worship services safely and responsibly, Hebda said. Hopefully, our experience of constructive dialogue can serve as a roadmap for churches across the country suffering from similar inequities, whether intended or unintended, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford, president of the Minnesota South District of The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod, said the ability to meet responsibly in person to worship God and support one another is invaluable to our community of faith.

He continued: We cherish the churchs stewardship of the gospel and sacraments that enables Christians to live out their daily vocations as citizens contributing to the public good and serving their neighbors in love. We are grateful that Minnesota decided to reopen churches, without needing to resort to legal action. We will remain prayerful and watchful, so that this agreement is just the beginning of a return to full, safe and responsible, in-person worship.

On Friday, President Trump spoke to the Center for Disease Control about releasing guidance for reopening houses of worship as essential operations.

At a press conference, Trump said, At my direction, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is issuing guidance for communities of faith. Im identifying houses of worship  churches, synagogues and mosques  as essential places that provide essential services.

Trump also said he plans to override governors who are not allowing churches to reopen. Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential, but have left out churches and other houses of worship  thats not right. So Im correcting this injustice and calling houses of worship essential.
Research reveals that over one in every 10 small business owners get sued by their employees or customers. A study from the U.S. Chamber Institute of Legal Reform also showed 43% of small businesses were either threatened with a lawsuit or battled with one.

Lawsuits can do tremendous financial and emotional damage, but there are smart ways to handle employee lawsuits to ensure that you protect your company and its finances, and are able to focus on business cash flow, sales and your other employees.

Why employees sue a company

Irrespective of the level of care, concern, great pay, and good working environment you provide your employees, there may still be unsatisfied workers who feel they've been treated unjustly. And if that's the case, these workers may take extra steps to show their displeasure, and that may be evident in litigation.

More so, employees who believe they are unfairly treated may sue for retribution. A lawsuit may also be filed just to make up for the finance that will be lost as a result of the job termination. Accordingly, there are different reasons for employee lawsuits and some of these are:

 Wrongful termination

 Wage and salary violations

 Injury due to negligence on the part of the employer

 Violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

 EEOC federal workplace discrimination laws violations

 Harassment at the work or uncomfortable working conditions

 Fired for bad performance even after being applauded for good performance

How to reduce the level of threat from an employee lawsuit

The best ways to reduce the level of threat to your small business:

1. Expect the lawsuit

Even before a business lawsuit is filed, you'll be sent a legal demand letter that is either written by the employee in question, their attorney, or another entity. This letter often requires that your company takes corrective steps. The letter may also threaten to sue your business if the demands are not met. Accordingly, send the demand letters to an attorney with the right level of expertise. They'll be able to examine the content of the letter and determine its credibility.

2. Seek legal help

The next move, if you do get sued, is to seek legal help or advice from a professional defense attorney or law firm. You may already have a lawyer that handles your company's legal cases, but it is better to resort to an attorney that specializes in handling a particular lawsuit.

For instance, whether your company is faced with a criminal case, civil case or an employee lawsuit, it's best you seek an attorney who understands the basic phases of criminal lawsuits, civil lawsuits or employee lawsuits respectively and on time. Strategically, this is to ensure that they can handle every complex nature of the case. More so, It will prevent you from attracting more legal issues to your company. Much more, you'll have more understanding of what you're dealing with and what could potentially come out of the lawsuit.

3. Do not contact the plaintiff directly

Do not contact the plaintiff directly, given that you may say or do things that may implicate you in the law court. Communication will be established with the employee by your attorney and that of the plaintiffs. And lest we forget, you need to respond to the lawsuit within the stipulated time frame you were given.

4. Safeguard your finance

At this point, you need to protect your finances be it those from the business or your personal income. If there's the slightest chance that there will be a trial, you need to protect your finances from being claimed legally. In this case, you can get good business insurance that will protect your finances. There is liability insurance which helps save your business from any potential claim that may be laid on it.

5. Contact your insurance provider

If you already have an insurance provider, you also need to reach out to them. There are business insurance policies that cover small businesses when lawsuits of this nature arise. However, do not automatically assume that your insurance will cover you. This is because the circumstances of the suit may make it non-coverable by the policy. Nonetheless, an employer's liability insurance will help to cover lawsuits from your employees.

6. Remain calm

While this may sound like a difficult thing to do especially if you're angry or feeling frustrated about the lawsuit, it is better to stay calm and be optimistic that things will work out. You also need to ensure that your business processes are running smoothly and not affected by the legal action.

7. Protect yourself from future lawsuits

Unarguably, the lawsuit you may be facing now may not be the last of its kind. Other employees may want to take the same path, which is why you need to create a solid HR foundation that will involve updating the employee handbook. Also, employees can be offered anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training and a well-detailed procedure on how complaints should be filed.

Be smart about protecting yourself

Getting sued by an employee does not mean you'll run into an insurmountable loss. For the latter not to happen, you need to smartly plan how to handle these threats. It'll ensure at the end of the day, you do not draw more legal problems while trying to handle the one at hand. Much more, it will not be at the expense of your small business.

Related:

What to Do If an Employee Sues You or Your Company

TikTok Accused of Putting Children at Risk (Again)

The Real Reason Behind ABBA's Crazy Outfits



Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
A total of 21 out of 73 people who arrived from the USA on May 19 have tested positive for Covid-19, according to officials.

All of them are not residents of Panchkula but belong to various districts. 2 reports were inconclusive and rest were negative, said Dr Jasjit Kaur, Chief Medical Officer, Panchkula.

According to the latest data available on the website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the number of coronavirus cases in Haryana has risen to 1067 with 706 cured/migrated/discharged and 16 deaths.

India has so far recorded 1,25,101 Covid-19 cases out of which 69,597 are active cases. 3,720 people have lost their lives to coronavirus.
If nothing else, sheltering in place these past two months has allowed us to get to know our neighborhoods very well  close encounters of the strolling kind, day after day after day.

Which means that I can now state emphatically, without reservation, that the black house craze has gone too far.

As happens with any fashion trend, from padded shoulders in the 1980s to man buns of more recent vintage, houses cloaked in dark gray or jet black have crossed the line from sexy and stylish to been there-done that. In and of themselves, some look great  they pop, to use a word favored by color consultants. En masse, youd think tar was being poured from airplanes onto random homes for no particular reason.

Its enough to make one long for sheepish beige.

Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle

The dark trend is nothing new: In 2014, I wrote that it was becoming as ubiquitous as food trucks in parts of San Francisco. Sergio De La Torre, a fine arts professor at the University of San Francisco, has researched gray houses in the Mission District as signals of gentrification. Phaidon published Black: Architecture in Monochrome in 2018, a monograph focused on you know what.

But until I began to walk and bicycle in ever-varying routes to get fresh air as a break from our small Berkeley home, I hadnt realized how pernicious the embrace of ebony has become. It spreads across all neighborhoods, blanketing whatever type of house is determined to be in need of a new look.

Spanish revival in funereal garb? It happened on Monterey Avenue. A perky Tudor befogged from bottom to top? Up the block on the left. Classic Berkeley wood shingle, perched behind redwoods and rugged natural boulders but now with an onyx hue? Around the corner on Sierra Street.

Modest stucco bungalows in varying shades of gray-or-is-it-black? Too numerous to mention.

Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle

The more you look the more you see, whether you want to or not (a black ranch house, protruding garage and all? Huh?). Dont be surprised if the street number is in mid-century sans serif, or if the front yard has new vegetation amid dark mulch.

The trend is often disparaged as gentrification gray or flipper gray by observers who equate such homes with economic displacement. No question that there can be a marketing angle  Visio Lending, a company that bills itself on its website as the Nations Leader in Rental Loans, last year placed Gray Paint at the top of its list of House Flipper Trends to Steal.

Gray is the new beige, Visio enthused.

Spoiler alert: Its not!

Beige is all about fading into the background, being contextual  often to a fault. Bad enough when the innocuous coat of beige  cream? peach?  is fresh. With a few years of weathering, politeness blurs into a tired blah.

Black has a different mission  to stand out. Turn heads. Its a quick way to class up a house, a real estate broker told The Chronicles Annie Vainshtein last year. Its almost like wearing a tuxedo or a nice evening dress.

Thats fine if the outfit complements the subject.

And make no mistake, some of my Goth neighbors carry off the look. Im even a fan of the Tudor, if only for the resolute incongruity. A now-black stucco bungalow around the corner, meanwhile, uses a discreet red stripe to accent the curve above the front window. Suave.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

The annoyance comes when you encounter one blunt bid for attention after the next. In demographically turbulent neighborhoods like the Mission or West Berkeley, the brash look can seem to say that the newcomers are determined to make the place their own. But when black paint slathers a posh old home near the Presidio in San Francisco, or in long-settled neighborhoods from Russian Hill to Noe Valley and beyond, the effect is just plain odd.

As much as I might complain about North Berkeleys monochromatic melancholia  and yes, in the context of a pandemic, my aesthetic exasperation is the very definition of a first world problem  theres something to be said for feeling vexed.

Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle

The past two months have been a dull churn of uncertainty and fear, no matter how fortunate you or I might be in terms of good health or financial stability. Our senses are dulled. Time drifts.

In this context, the repetitive routine of stepping out offers a sharpening. Were not on errands, were in the moment. Each stitch in the urban fabric has the potential to reward a closer look  the informal cluster of cottages amid single-family homes, or narrow mid-block public passages. The odd sprinkle of low brick fences that meet the sidewalk with a cartoonish Colonial air, a brief fad that until now came and went without a second glance.

So if black houses make me roll my eyes while ambling, they also add focus, if only to determine whether the newest offender is dark gray or saturated blue or a very deep forested green. More than once, my intent gaze has led to bemused conversations with other socially distanced passers-by.

In a sense, such walks prod us to get to know our community better. And these days, every extra connection helps.

John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron
New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat has decided to contribute Rs 6 lakh to the PM CARES fund for COVID-19 over a period of one year with a monthly contribution of Rs 50,000, officials said on Sunday.

Gen Rawat has already started making the contribution from April and will continue it till March next year, they said.

"The monthly contribution is 20 per cent of his total salary. In total, he will donate Rs 6 lakh to the PM-CARES fund," a military official said.

Gen Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff, had donated one day's salary to the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES) in March as part of a collective decision by the Defence Ministry and three services.

In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced setting up of the PM CARES fund to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Political leaders, corporates, defence personnel, employees of Railways and PSUs, and Bollywood personalities were among a cross-section of organisations and people making their contribution to the fund.

Earlier this month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a proposal providing for voluntary monthly contribution of one day's salary for next 11 months to the PM CARES fund for COVID-19 by nearly 1.5 million-strong armed forces and all other employees of the Defence Ministry.

The total estimated contribution would be around Rs 5,500 crore if a majority of the armed forces personnel and the employees of the ministry including from the defence public sector undertakings decide to go for it.

According to an official note, the contribution to the PM CARES fund will start from May and will continue till March 2021.

The defence minister as well as all senior officials of the ministry and three services are making their contributing to the fund.
MUMBAI: A day before domestic flights services are set to resume, Maharashtras Home Minister Anil Maharashtra has opposed reopening of airports in red zones in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a series of tweets, Deshmukh said, "It's extremely ill-advised to reopen airports in the red zone..."

Its extremely ill-advised to reopen airports in red zone. Mere thermal scanning of passengers inadequate w/o swabs. Impossible to have autos/cabs/buses ply in current circumstances. Adding positive passenger will add Covid stress to red zone.

Its extremely ill-advised to reopen airports in red zone. Mere thermal scanning of passengers inadequate w/o swabs. Impossible to have autos/cabs/buses ply in current circumstances. Adding positive passenger will add Covid stress to red zone.#MaharashtraGovtCares  ANIL DESHMUKH (@AnilDeshmukhNCP) May 23, 2020

In another tweet, he said, ''Getting passengers to come from a green zone to a red one putting them to risk of exposure doesn't make sense. Keeping a busy airport up & running with all COVID-19 safety measures will need huge staff presence and compound risk in the red zone.''

Getting passengers to come from a green zone to a red one putting them to risk of exposure doesn't make sense. Keeping a busy airport up & running with all Covid-safety measures will need huge staff presence and compound risk in the red zone.#PlanningOverAdHocism  ANIL DESHMUKH (@AnilDeshmukhNCP) May 23, 2020

Maharashtra, which is the worst coronavirus-hit state, has not yet amended its May 19 lockdown order which allowed only special flights. Under the present circumstances, the state does not look too keen on accepting an influx of people.

Tamil Nadu, with the second-highest number of cases, has also expressed similar concerns and urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to delay the plans till May 31.

Importantly, Deshmukhs comments came a day after Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri asserted that India will resume domestic flight services as part of the Centre's gradual reboot of air travel that was halted two months ago on account of a lockdown imposed to stop the spread of the COVID-19.

Puri said, ''There's no contradiction between domestic flights beginning from May 25 and lockdown in India being imposed till May 31.''

The Minister also said that the Centre is planning to bring back Indian citizens from Sri Lanka either by ship or flights. Discussions are at an advanced stage, the Aviation Minister said. He also recommended ''Aarogya Setu app for everyone'' saying, ''it's an excellent contact-tracing device."

Puri further asserted that India will try to start a good percentage of international flights before August, if not the entire civil aviation.

According to the announcement, the first domestic flight will take off from Terminal 3 of Delhi airport around 4.30 early morning. In the first phase, 28 domestic flights will take off from Delhi for various destinations across the country.

The air travellers have been advised to carry their boarding passes along with them. It has also been made mandatory for the air travellers to upload the Aarogya Setu App in the mobile phones failing which they will have to sign an undertaking that they are free from Coronavirus infection.
SPRINGFIELD  With the state now just five days away from the potential Phase 3 of reopening under Gov. J.B. Pritzkers Restore Illinois plan, the percentage of COVID-19 test results that are positive is important.

With a reported 25,674 tests reported during the past 24 hours, the rate of positive results was 9.77 percent, the second consecutive day below 10 percent. The statewide seven-day rolling positivity rate is now 12 percent, the IDPH reported.

One of the benchmarks for Illinois being able to enter a loosened Phase 3 of reopening on Friday is for the positivity rate to be below 20 percent for 14 consecutive days. That continues to be the case for all four regions in the Restore Illinois plan.

So, while the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 2,508 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease in the past 24 hours Sunday, that the percentage of tests recorded as positive was again below 10 percent is critical.

The IDPH also reported 67 additional deaths related to COVID-19 in the past day. That brings Illinois totals to 110,304 cases in 100 of the states 102 counties, with 4,856 deaths. There have been 747,921 tests reported in Illinois.
Bosses give underperforming female employees more positive but less honest feedback than men.

The gender divide was revealed by psychologists at Cornell University, New York, who asked almost 66 volunteers, including 39 women, to mark essays before revealing the name of the author.

Participants were then asked to re-mark the work, by either 'Sarah' or 'Andrew', based on quality, writing criteria and willingness to recommend as exemplary.

The results, published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, found 'Sarah' had her grades inflated by nearly a full letter and received more positive feedback than her colleague.

In a separate experiment 182 participants were handed feedback and asked to guess whether the recipient was male or female. They said women were more likely to receive 'white lies'

Gender divide was revealed in a study by psychologists at Cornell University, New York

'Accurate feedback should be made available to anyone needing improvement, regardless of his or her social group,' said authors Lily Jampol, PhD, and Vivian Zayas, associate professor of psychology at the university.

'Here we have exposed one factor that may, to a certain degree, impede access - being a woman.

'Developmental performance feedback is a ubiquitous and important process in most workplaces and of many people's working lives.'

In a separate experiment published in the same paper 185 participants, including 113 females, were handed two manager assessments of an employees poor performance and asked to guess the worker's gender.

The statements ranged from harsh but honest to kind but not very honest.

'Participants overwhelmingly guessed that an underperforming employee who had been told a white lie was a woman,' said Jampol.

'This finding suggests that participants believe that this is a likely occurrence in giving feedback.'

Pictured above is Cornell University's campus. The psychologists said women may be told more white lies in order to preserve relationships and avoid harming others

Jampol, who also works as a diversity, equity and inclusion strategist at California-based consulting firm ReadySet, suggested the truth was watered-down in order to preserve relationships, avoid harming the other person and to present oneself positively.

She said that although this usually reflects benign intentions, in some contexts it may be problematic.

Previous research has also demonstrated a gender divide, with women being described more warmly and with more positive words than men.

Studies have also suggested women receive less negative feedback than the opposite gender and are praised for their work while being allocated fewer resources.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 24)  Mall-goers may have to get used to the new shopping norm, as limited physical contact and other safety protocols in the establishments are not going away soon, the Department of Trade and Industry said Sunday.

"Malls are encouraged to continue these strict protocols. We cannot afford to be lax. Probably in the next year, in the next two years, ito pa rin dapat yung practice natin (this should still be our practice)," DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said during a Department of Health virtual forum.

"Kung ano yung protocols (Whatevever protocols) that they implement should be the same.....even in December, even in the next year, even probably the years after," Castelo added.

The forum tackled the "new normal" in malls amid the pandemic, including health protocols set to protect customers and workers once they resume operations under easier quarantine rules.

Under DTI Memorandum Circular 20-21, malls, shopping centers, and establishments under general community quarantine are required to strictly monitor foot traffic and enforce safe distancing among customers.

Under the guidelines, mall entrances and the number of people allowed inside establishments will be reduced to better manage foot traffic.

There will be an increase in police visibility, while elevators will only be accessible to senior citizens, pregnant women and persons with disability.

A centralized pick-up location for stores with delivery or pick-up services will also be designated.

To reduce crowds, free Wi-Fi will be turned off for customers and the conduct of sale events, marketing events, and other promotional activities requiring physical contact will remain suspended.

Meanwhile, mall operators said they will continue to monitor and communicate proper "safe malling" within their premises in compliance with the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. They also said they will invest in new technology to ensure safety among shoppers.

"We are in the process of acquiring disinfection chambers in our malls. We just have to continue dealing with the distancing. As long as there is no cure or vaccine, this will be the new normal in our operations," New City Commercial Corporation President Lafayette Lim said during the briefing.

"Regardless of category, there will be no close contact. For [sampling of] make-up products, for example, there will be digital sampling to simulate what the make-up will look like," SM Supermalls Vice President for Business Development Gino Borromeo said.

The DTI also announced that it is eyeing the possibility of allowing hair salons and barbershops to reopen, with adherence to basic infection control measures, social distancing, and temperature checks.

There have been talks regarding a proposal to downgrade Metro Manila's lockdown category by June 1.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Saturday that Metro Manila will likely be placed under general community quarantine, shifting from a "high-risk" to a "low-risk" area for COVID-19 infection.

The region was placed under a "modified" enhanced community quarantine MECQ since May 16, with certain sectors such as construction and food manufacturing already allowed to resume operations after two months of work stoppage.

The Philippines has recorded 13,777 COVID-19 cases to date, with 3,177 recoveries and 863 deaths.
Locals stage latest fight against Papua New Guinea mine dumping waste into sea

by IAN MORSE

May 24,2020 | Source: Mongabay

A coalition of more than 5,000 villagers and a provincial government in Papua New Guinea has built a legal challenge against the worlds most productive battery nickel plant.



The company, Ramu NiCo, has been dumping millions of tons of mine waste into the ocean since 2012, and evidence for environmental and health impacts is accumulating.



In February, the coalition sued Ramu NiCo, demanding not only that its Chinese owners pay restitution totaling 18 billion kina ($5.2 billion), but also that it stop dumping mine waste into the ocean and remediate the allegedly contaminated waters. Half a million people rely on the local fisheries in the Coral Triangle biodiversity hotspot, and the plaintiffs argue that their lives and food supply are at stake.



The lawsuit appears to seek the highest environmental damages in the countrys history, and it relies on some of the biggest studies on the ocean dumping of mine waste ever conducted.



If its successful, it will be a landmark case, especially because no one has shot for environmental damages on such a big scale, Ben Lomai, the lawyer representing plaintiffs in the case, told Mongabay in an interview. Getting the tailings out of the sea and cleaning up the ocean are the most important goals, he added: At the end of the day, thats all that matters.



Ramu NiCo, majority owned by the Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC), has been operating a mine and processing plant in Madang province since 2012. A pipeline channels ore from possibly the richest nickel site in the New Guinea highlands to a processing plant on the coast.



After the plant extracts nickel and cobalt from the ore, another pipeline pumps the waste, called tailings, into Basamuk Bay. Released just 450 meters (1,480 feet) from shore at a depth of 150 meters (490 feet), the tailings are expected to sink to depths of 1,500 meters (4,900 feet).



Ramu NiCo is one of dozens of mines in the world that have used the practice, called deep-sea tailings disposal (DSTD), but little is understood about its impacts on marine life.



The tipping point for the lawsuit was an August 2019 slurry spill that caught the eye of the international press as photos of crimson-red ocean waters circulated. Dead fish and a poisoned baby dolphin washed up on shore, and a man died from a cocktail of heavy metals, the lawsuit alleges. Madang Governor Peter Yama, who has opposed the Ramu project for years, reportedly called the spill the worst environmental disaster in Papua New Guinea history.



But the August spill released only 200,000 tons of waste from the coast. For years, Ramu NiCo has been pumping millions of tons of the same waste into the ocean, said Alex Mojon, a geologist and president of the Swiss Association for Quality and Environmental Management (SVQ), a consulting firm assessing the environmental impacts of Ramu NiCos DSTD at the Madang governments request.



The slurry spill was like pouring a cup of coffee into a sport hall filled with water, Mojon said in an interview. But the spill came from the tank before they pump it out to sea.



Locals sued Ramu NiCo before, in 2010, demanding a nationwide ban on ocean dumping. The Supreme Court eventually allowed the project to continue, ruling that there was not enough evidence that DSTD would damage ecosystems.



Thats the main difference with our case, Lomai said. We have evidence.

 2020 Copyright Conservation news

Theme(s): Others.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-25 01:18:57|Editor: huaxia

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TUNIS, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Kais Saied on Sunday said many difficulties could be overcome thanks to everyone's belief in the solidarity of the Tunisian people at home and abroad.

"The ultimate goal is to ensure decent living conditions for all citizens, while the wealth looted from the people must be returned to them," President Saied stressed in a televised address to the nation on the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

"Whoever prepares for anarchy and sets fire to the property of the Tunisian people here and there will certainly be the first to suffer the repercussions of the flames," Saied said. Enditem
Twenty high-achieving graduates from schools across the country have attended a special commencement ceremony held by the President and First Lady.

The prestigious event took place Friday at the White House, with the graduates ranging in age and education level. Some were attaining a high school diploma, while others were receiving undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Attendees sat spaced out from each other during the event and were required to take a coronavirus test before being admitted into the East Room, where the ceremony was held.

On Saturday, First Lady Melania Trump took to Twitter to share snaps from the day and to send out a message to all graduates from the class of 2020.

'Graduation is a pivotal moment for students of all education levels. @POTUS & I were proud to recognize & celebrate the class of 2020 with a few graduates at the @WhiteHouse yesterday. Keep chasing your dreams & striving to be your best self!' she wrote.

20 high-achieving graduates from schools across the country have attended a special commencement ceremony held by the President and First Lady. Melania Trump is pictured speaking to the students

Both the FLOTUS and POTUS addressed the attendees at the special ceremony held in The White House's East Room

The White House also shared video of the First Lady's address to the students, in which she urged them not to lose sight of their dreams amid the COVID-19 pandemic currently crippling the country.

'You, our next generation, already possess the strength and resilience of the American spirit,' she said, remarking on their ability to adapt to changing circumstances while completing their studies.

'My hope for each of you is that will you always focus on what you want in life. You will be overwhelmed sometimes and there will be bumps in the road ahead, but continue to strive for greatness,' she implored.

'Believe in yourself and don't ever give up.'

FLOTUS ended her address with a quote from 'one of her favorite authors - Dr. Seuss'.

'You're off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!' she read from the writer's book Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Students sat spaced out from other at the ceremony. Each of them was required to take a coronavirus test before

President Trump also spoke to the graduates, with whom he has a personal connection.

His daughter, Tiffany, is also a member of the class of 2020 having just attained her law degree from Georgetown University.

The Commander-in-chief congratulated his daughter on her achievements in a post on Twitter Wednesday, which read: 'Congratulations to my daughter, Tiffany, on graduating from Georgetown Law. Great student, great school. Just what I need is a lawyer in the family. Proud of you Tiff!'

Meanwhile, one graduate who attended Friday's ceremony gushed about the day during an interview with local media.

'Getting to see other members of the Class of 2020, whether it be college, graduate school, thats really interesting, University of Virginia graduate Anna Wasserman told KRQE.

First Lady Melania Trump is pictured watching on as her husband addresses the graduates
Five vessels carrying Iranian fuel heading to Venezuela amid rising tensions over a possible US move to halt delivery.

The first of five Iranian oil tankers heading to Venezuela to help ease fuel shortages entered the countrys waters, encountering no immediate signs of US interference amid a diplomatic standoff.

Amid heightened tensions over what Venezuelan authorities described as threats from the United States, the oil vessel Fortune officially entered Venezuelas Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at about 7:30pm local time (11:30 GMT) on Saturday, according to the shipping tracker TankerTracker.

The first Iranian tanker reached the Venezuelan coasts, the Iranian embassy in Venezuela said in a Twitter post. Grateful to the Bolivarian Armed Forces for escorting them.

https://twitter.com/Eiranencaracas/status/1264362134009511942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Venezuelan state television showed images of a navy ship and aircraft preparing to meet it. The government of President Nicolas Maduro had pledged the military would escort the tankers once they reached the EEZ.

Fortune was heading to the El Palito refinery in Puerto Cabello in northern Carabobo state, according to state television.

The rest of the Iranian ships  the Forest, Petunia, Faxon and Clavel  are expected to arrive in the coming days.





The shipments have caused a diplomatic standoff between the US, Iran and Venezuela, which are both under harsh US economic sanctions. Washington was reportedly considering measures in response.

This [the shipment] would be an example of how the Iranian regime taking the wealth of the Iranian people and wasting in Venezuela on Maduro, said Brian Hook, the US special representative for Iran.

The US recently beefed up its naval presence in the Caribbean for what it said was an expanded anti-drug operation. Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said on Thursday he was not aware of any operations related to the Iranian vessels.

Defiance to US hegemony

Mohammad Marandi, a professor at the University of Tehran, said the United States has no right to dictate how two nations conduct their business.

What is important is that these are trade ties between two sovereign countries, and the regime in Washington is in no position to dictate terms to the international community, Marandi told Al Jazeera.

Iran is not a weak country like countries within the EU that bow down to the United States when it makes it mad. Sending five ships is a big message  it wasnt just one or two  so the Iranians did that both to give support to the Venezuelan people to prevent them from suffering, and also in an act of defiance to US hegemony.

Venezuela has been locked in a political crisis for more than a year, with the US and more than 50 other countries recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as the countrys rightful leader and accusing Maduro of rigging elections in 2018. Maduro has accused the opposition of stirring up violence and of attempting a coup with the help of the US.

Chronic shortages

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had on Saturday warned the US against disrupting the shipments as the oil tankers passed through the Caribbean Sea on their way to Venezuela.





If the Americans cause problems for our oil tankers in the Caribbean Sea, we will also cause problems for them, Rouhani said in a telephone call with Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Rouhani stressed that Iran did not want a new conflict with the US, but his country would reserve the right to defend its interests.

We therefore hope that the Americans will not make a mistake in this regard, said the president, according to comments published on his offices web portal.

The tanker flotilla is reportedly carrying about 1.53 million barrels of gasoline and alkylate to Venezuela.

The fuel from Iran comes at a time when the shortage of gasoline in Venezuela, chronic for years in some parts of the country, has worsened during the coronavirus pandemic.

Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world, but its production is in freefall, a collapse that experts attribute to failed policies, lack of investment and corruption.

The two nations held a close relationship since late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez took power in 1999.
In time for the International Day for Biological Diversity 2020, the date (22 May) set by the United Nations to recognise biodiversity as "the pillars upon which we build civilizations," a new study, published in the peer-reviewed open-access journal ZooKeys, describes two new to science species and one subspecies of crocodile newts from northern Vietnam. However, this manifestation of the incredible diversity of life hosted on our planet comes as an essential reminder of how fragile Earth's biodiversity really is.

Until recently, the Black knobby newt (Tylototriton asperrimus) was known to be a common species inhabiting a large area stretching all the way from central and southern China to Vietnam. Much like most of the other members of the genus Tylototriton, colloquially referred to as crocodile newts or knobby newts, it has been increasingly popular amongst exotic pet owners and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. Meanwhile, authorities would not show much concern about the long-term survival of the Black knobby newt, exactly because it was found at so many diverse localities. In fact, it is still regarded as Near Threatened, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List.

However, over the past decade, the increasing amount of research conducted in the region revealed that there are, in fact, many previously unknown to science species, most of which would have been assumed to be yet another population of Black knobby newts. As a result, today, the crocodile newts represent the most species-rich genus within the whole family of salamanders and newts (Salamandridae).

Even though this might sound like great news for Earth's biodiversity, unfortunately, it also means that each of those newly discovered species has a much narrower distributional range, making them particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and overcollection. In fact, the actual Black knobby newt turns out to only exist within a small area in China. Coupled with the high demand of crocodile newts for the traditional Chinese medicine markets and the exotic pet trade, this knowledge spells a worrying threat of extinction for the charming 12 to 15-centimetre amphibians.

In order to help with the answer of the question of exactly how many Vietnamese species are still being mistakenly called Black knobby newt, the German-Vietnamese research team of the Cologne Zoo (Germany), the universities of Hanoi (Vietnam), Cologne and Bonn (Germany), and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology analysed a combination of molecular and detailed morphological characters from specimens collected from northern Vietnam. Then, they compared them with the Black knobby newt specimen from China used to originally describe the species back in 1930.

Thus, the scientists identified two species (Tylototriton pasmansi and Tylototriton sparreboomi) and one subspecies (Tylototriton pasmansi obsti) previously unknown to science, bringing the total of crocodile newt taxa known from Vietnam to seven. According to the team, their discovery also confirms northern Vietnam to be one of the regions with the highest diversity of crocodile newts.

"The taxonomic separation of a single widespread species into multiple small-ranged taxa (...) has important implications for the conservation status of the original species," comment the researchers.

The newly discovered crocodile newts were named in honour of the specialist on salamander chytrid fungi and co-discoverer Prof. Dr. Frank Pasmans and, sadly, the recently deceased salamander enthusiasts and experts Prof. Fritz-Jurgen Obst and Prof. Dr. Max Sparreboom.

In light of their findings, the authors conclude that the current and "outdated" Near Threatened status of the Black knobby newt needs to be reassessed to reflect the continuous emergence of new species in recent years, as well as the "severe threats from international trade and habitat loss, which have taken place over the last decade."

Meanwhile, thanks to the commitment to biodiversity conservation of Marta Bernardes, lead author of the study and a PhD Candidate at the University of Cologne under the supervision of senior author Prof Dr Thomas Ziegler, all crocodile newts were included in the list of internationally protected species by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) last year.

Today, some of the threatened crocodile newt species from Vietnam are already kept at the Cologne Zoo as part of conservation breeding projects. Such is the case for the Ziegler's crocodile newt (Tylototriton ziegleri), currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and the Vietnamese crocodile newt (Tylototriton vietnamensis), currently considered as Endangered. Fortunately, the latter has been successfully bred at Cologne Zoo and an offspring from Cologne was recently repatriated.
The Angolan Parliament unanimously approved on Friday, the Civil Protection Law that aims, among other measures, to prevent the occurrence of collective risks, resulting from serious accidents, disasters or public calamities.



With this step, according to the Minister of State and Head of the Civil House of the President of the Republic, Adao de Almeida, the country gains a system of civil protection with new tools, which facilitate the adoption of measures in situations of public calamity.



The government official, who was speaking to the press, on the sidelines of the final approval of the diploma, recalled that Angola lived a period of about two months, in which the main measure was the State of Emergency, with suspension of certain fundamental rights.



According to the Minister of State, the fact that the diploma was approved by consensus represents the union and the sense of prudence of all in relation to the life of the population in cases of occurrence of phenomena, such as those that are currently occurring and future events of calamity or disaster.



He said that the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic that the country is experiencing can be done through the State of Emergency, or other mechanisms, always maintaining the spirit of responsibility, prudence and safeguarding the lives of citizens.



He stressed that the declaration of a state of emergency, its extension or the declaration of a situation of public calamity or catastrophe depends on the Head of State, after assessing the situation, with a view to taking the best measures.

Source: allafrica.com









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The Civil Aviation Ministry on May 20 announced the resumption of domestic flight services in a calibrated manner from May 25. Following the announcement, several states, in a bid to prevent a surge in coronavirus cases, mandated quarantine.

Although the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Hardeep Singh Puri, has said that mandating quarantine for air passengers is not necessary, several states have said that flyers returning to the respective states will have to undergo mandatory institutional or home quarantine.

Here is a full list of states that have made quarantine compulsory:

Karnataka

The Karnataka government on May 22 said that flyers from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh will be kept in institutional quarantine for seven days. After the returnees test negative for the disease in pool testing, they will be sent for home quarantine for another seven days, it added.

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Moreover, the returnees from other states will be asked to follow 14 days of home quarantine.

Assam

The Assam government has made it mandatory for all air passengers to stay in quarantine for 14 days. However, the 14-day period may be equally distributed between government/institutional quarantine and home quarantine.

Goa

In addition to testing all incoming passengers, Goa has mandated home quarantine for domestic flyers and institutional quarantine for international flyers.

Kerala

Those travelling to Kerala will be home quarantined for 14 days. If any of them show symptoms of novel coronavirus then they will be immediately sent to a hospital.

Delhi

All returnees will have to undergo a mandatory 14-day paid quarantine facility even if one doesn't show symptoms of coronavirus. Although earlier the government had allowed home quarantine for asymptomatic passengers, they soon revised the guidelines to mitigate any undue risk.

Mizoram

Passengers flying to Mizoram will have to obtain prior permission from the state government for air travel. They also have to undergo a COVID-19 test and mandatory quarantine for 14 days.

Follow our LIVE blog for the latest updates of the novel coronavirus pandemic

Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir government will require incoming passengers by road, rail and air to undergo a COVID-19 test and put in administrative quarantine till the test result is negative, in which case, they will be released for home quarantine. If found positive, they will be sent to COVID-19 hospital for treatment.

Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on May 23 said all those coming to the state, whether on domestic flights or trains or buses, will have to compulsorily undergo home quarantine for 14 days. Those found symptomatic would be put in institutional quarantine, while others would have to undergo mandatory two-week home quarantine.

West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said people returning to the state will have to home quarantine for 14 days but urged them to cooperate with the government and follow the protocols.

Manipur

People returning to Manipur from various parts of the country and abroad will have to undergo mandatory quarantine, failing which they will be arrested and put xfmah jail, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said. He said returnees testing negative for the novel coronavirus will be allowed to be home quarantined.

Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on May 23 called for a mandatory 14-day institutional quarantine for air travellers upon arrival.

"14-day quarantine for passengers only at state-operated or paid

quarantine facilities will be made mandatory," the CM said.

Himachal Pradesh

The administration has said only persons with valid address proof of Himachal Pradesh should book air tickets and the flyer will have to obtain a district entry-pass.

"HP residents coming from red zone areas and those with ILI symptoms shall be put in institutional quarantine. Non-residents/Tourists shall not be allowed entry. They shall immediately be put in institutional quarantine before sending them back on their own expenses," DC Kangra Rakesh Prajapati said.

Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

Both state governments have prescribed a mandatory 14-day quarantine for people returning via any means of transport.

In a bid to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, the central government had suspended all passenger flights services since March 25.

(With PTI inputs)
Government homelessness investment is being fast-tracked to ensure more than 3,000 new homes for rough sleepers aided during the coronavirus pandemic.

The investment will be available in the next 12 months and will see 160million of a 433million four-year pot brought forward to be spent this year.

It aims to prevent those taken off the streets during the pandemic to return to homelessness once it is over.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick described the cash injection which was first announced in March's Budget as 'unprecedented'.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick (pictured) described the cash injection which was first announced in March's Budget as 'unprecedented'

Of the 6,000 planned 'housing units' due to be built using the money, 3,300 of those are due to become available in the next 12 months due to a fiscal advance, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The announcement comes after MPs on the housing, communities and local government committee warned this week that a golden opportunity to end rough sleeping would be lost if the Government did not commit at least 100million per year to the cause.

More than 5,400 homeless people were offered safe accommodation in April to protect them during the outbreak, according to Government figures.

This number is said to be around 90 per cent of those living on the streets.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, along with the party's metro mayors, including Greater Manchester leader Andy Burnham, also urged ministers to act this week.

The political figures spoke out after fears were raised that funding to support homeless people was about to be withdrawn.

More than 5,400 homeless people were offered safe accommodation in April to protect them during the outbreak, according to Government figures

A report from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), leaked to the Manchester Evening News, claimed the Government had 'drawn a line' under the Everyone In scheme and would no longer stump up the money to house rough sleepers.

But Mr Jenrick said his department would 'continue to fund' efforts started since the outbreak hit UK shores, with the new cash to be used to help move those currently in temporary accommodation into more sustainable, long-term housing.

He said: 'This Government wants to end rough sleeping for good, and we now have a real opportunity to deliver on this moral mission.

'I'm backing this effort with 160million to fast-track the longer-term and safe accommodation needed to ensure as few rough sleepers as possible return to the streets.

'This is an unprecedented commitment - the most ambitious of its kind and the single biggest injection of specialist accommodation since the rough sleepers initiative began.'

A MHCLG spokesman said the Government is also set to increase the revenue support of the total programme by 37 per cent to make sure rough sleepers 'have the support they need to stay off the streets for good'.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (pictured), along with the party's metro mayors, including Greater Manchester leader Andy Burnham, also urged ministers to act this week

It will see funding increase by an additional 50million to 433million.

Once in their new home, rough sleepers will be supported by specialist staff to access the help, such as support for mental health or substance abuse problems, they need to rebuild their lives, undergo training and take up work.

The plans are being put together by the rough sleeping Covid-19 response taskforce, led by Dame Louise Casey, which has brought together local government, charities, faith groups, public sector partners and businesses.

Dame Casey said: 'The goal is ambitious. Together, we want to do everything possible to ensure that vulnerable people who were sleeping rough and have come inside during this pandemic, some for the first time in a very long time, do not go back to the streets.'

Home England's chief executive Nick Walkley added: 'The steps taken to reduce homelessness have been one of the few silver linings in recent months.

'We look forward to working closely with MHCLG and our partners to support the taskforce.'

Ministers have also announced a further 6million for frontline homeless charities.

The Department for Education will be providing more than 700,000 for councils to support care leavers at risk of homelessness and rough sleeping.

Shelter's chief executive Polly Neate said: 'It's encouraging that the Government is taking homelessness seriously, and any accommodation to support rough sleepers is welcome.

'But this pandemic has highlighted the extent of our housing emergency, from people sleeping on the streets, to families living in grim temporary accommodation, to struggling renters facing mounting debt and rent arrears having lost their jobs due to coronavirus.

'If Government truly wants to keep people off the streets during this pandemic, it must give judges the power to ensure thousands of renters aren't made homeless when the eviction freeze ends in June.

'And ultimately, we won't solve homelessness without building the new generation of genuinely affordable social homes that this country desperately needs.'

In mid-April, more than 1,000 homeless people in London began self-isolating in hotels after being taken off the streets.

The Intercontinental Hotel Group, Travelodge, Best Western and Accor are all giving up rooms to make sure homeless Londoners were protected.

Rough sleepers are more likely to have underlying health conditions, particularly respiratory ones, than the rest of the population. They also have little access to handwashing or hygiene facilities.
Zara Phillips's husband said he was keen for their eldest to return to the classroom. (Getty Images)

Many parents have been struggling to give their restless children an education while juggling other responsibilities during the coronavirus lockdown.

This includes Mike Tindall, who has admitted that home-schooling his young daughter Mia has been frustrating.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, the former rugby star, 41, revealed that he and wife Zara Phillips  the Queens granddaughter  were keen for their eldest, aged six, to return to the classroom when schools are expected to reopen next month.

Acknowledging the controversy surrounding the governments guidelines, which will see teachers and pupils back together from 1 June, he suggested that while there is no "ideal situation" it is important for children to have "some independence".

Mike Tindall also shares daughter Lena with the Queen's granddaughter (Getty Images)

Read more: Princess Charlotte may stay home with brother George when schools reopen

Mike  who also shares one-year-old daughter Lena with the royal  said: Zara still has hopes that the horses will get back, they still need training and working on, so I get to be a teacher in the mornings which is sometimes really nice, sometimes really frustrating.

I don't think any child is a great home-schooler because they definitely listen to other people better than they listen to their parents."

He added: "Mia enjoyed it the first week because it was different being around mum and dad all the time.

But then ultimately it's the same people who are telling her off or telling her what to do and I think she gets bored of that."

Read more: Prince William admits 'hardest time is dinner time' with three children at home

When asked if they would be sending her back to school at the first opportunity, the ex-sportsman replied: The plan is, at the moment, that she would go back but obviously thats still up in the air.

Every day you read different things... well just have to wait.

There is no ideal situation. As long as theyre doing everything they can to make it as safe as possible.

It comes as it was revealed that Princess Charlotte may stay at home with Prince George when schools reopen.

Story continues

Read more: Zara Tindall complains about husband Mike's favourite new pastime in lockdown

She attends Thomass Battersea in south-west London, which is likely to follow official guidance in welcoming back first reception, year 1 and year 6 pupils.

Despite this, The Sunday Times has reported that Prince William and Kate Middleton are considering keeping the five-year-old  who is in reception  with her six-year-old brother, who is in year 2.

With their eldest child not among those intended to return to the classroom, the royal parents are keen to maintain the routine they have established during the pandemic.
As schools continue to remain shut due to the coronavirus situation, Himachal Pradesh state cabinet on Saturday allowed schools to charge only tuition fees from the students.

This comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that all educational institutions, including schools and colleges, will continue to remain closed, as the nationwide coronavirus lockdown was extended till May 31.

However, online and distance learning will continue to be permitted in the institutions.
New Delhi, May 24 : As all the L-12 and L-12F liquor licenses expired on March 31, the Delhi Excise Department has asked the departmental stores to submit by May 30 the details of the stock lying in their premises.

In an order, the Delhi Excise Department has warned of action for possession of liquor without authorisation after the deadline.

The L-12 licence is for the retail vend of beer and wine in the departmental stores and L-12F is for the retail vend of imported foreign wine and beer in the departmental stores to holders of L-12 licence in the national capital.

In the order, issued last week, the Excise Department said that all the L-12 and L-12F licence holders have to furnish their request for disposal of their existing stock in possession, failing which the licence holders can attract penal action under Section 33 and other relevant provisions of the Delhi Excise Act 2009 for possession of liquor without authorization.

The Section 33 of the Delhi Excise Act 2009 is penalty for unlawful import, export, transport, manufacture, possession, sale of the liquor which says that the offender will be punishable with imprisonment for a term between six months and three years and with fine between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh.

According to the order, a copy of which is with IANS, all L-12 and L-12F licenses renewed for the year 2019-20 have expired on March 31.

"The stock in possession lying with the ex-licensees holding L-12/L-12F licenses is subject to disposal under Rule 56 of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010 specifying guidelines with the procedure dealing with left over stock," the order said.

In the order, the Deputy Commissioner (Excise), directed all the ex-license holders of L-12 and L-12F to submit the stock details lying in the premises by May 30 and also to furnish their request for disposal of their existing stock in possession.

As per the order, the Delhi Cabinet had decided to withdraw all L-12 and L-12F Licenses with effect from December 20, 2019, following which the Excise Department had issued an order for the same.

At least 113 licensees filed a writ petition in the High Court which granted a stay on the operation of the impugned order in respect to the petitioners subject to the condition that the petitioners strictly comply with the terms and conditions of their license.

After the court order, "the Department de-sealed the liquor stock and allowed the Departmental Stores to operate as Excise Department's licensees".

With the sudden announcement of the lockdown in March, the sale of liquor was barred across the city and country till May 4.

After May 4, the Delhi government allowed standalone liquor shops in the city and also imposed a 'special corona fee' on the liquor sale from May 5.

Since May 18, the liquor sale was also allowed to the shops in the market, however, they can only operate on alternate days.
Actor Sonu Sood has received praise for his initiative to help migrant workers from Union Minister Smriti Irani. Sood, who has appeared in films like Dabbang, has been arranging transport for migrant workers who have been trying to go home in the lockdown.

"Ive had the privilege of knowing you as a professional colleague for over 2 decades now @SonuSood & celebrated your rise as an actor ;but the kindness you have displayed in these challenging times makes me prouder still. thank you for helping those in need," Irani wrote in a tweet.

Ive had the privilege of knowing you as a professional colleague for over 2 decades now @SonuSood & celebrated your rise as an actor ;but the kindness you have displayed in these challenging times makes me prouder still thank you for helping those in need https://t.co/JcpoZRIr8M Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 24, 2020

The actor is working actively to help migrant workers stranded in different Maharashtra to reach their homes in different parts of India.

We often see Sonu Sood replying on Twitter to those approaching him for help, with the words: "Pack your bags" or "get ready to hug your mom".

Netizens have praised him for his compassionate gesture in times crisis.

"Not all superheroes wear capes, one is known as #SonuSood. He is a fantastic samaritan who has touched millions of hearts with immediate act of care and charity, and has also provided a system of sustained care. #sonusood @SonuSood salute u brother," shared a user.

"Sonu Sood Sir is the Vaccine for Migrant Workers. He is not less than God for the workers & peoples who want to go home & meet their family. Love you 3000 sir, you're doing a remarkable job. Real Hero #SonuSood," tweeted a fan.

The actor also mentioned during the interview that he cannot sleep peacefully until every migrant worker reaches home. "I will leave no stone unturned day and night to be with them and make sure that every migrant reaches their destination. To the best of my abilities I will make sure it happens," he further said.

To honour the actor for his exemplary work, chef Vikas Khanna even prepared a special dish and named it "Moga" after the town in Punjab where actor Sonu Sood was born.
GARDAI are reviewing social media footage after residents of a Cork housing estate expressed horror as up to 70 teens ignored the Covid-19 lockdown and gathered for a mass fight on Saturday evening.

Shocked residents posted video clips as gangs of teens gathered in the Mt Oval area of Rochestown for what appears to have been a planned brawl.

It was the second such incident in the area over recent weeks though the largest such group ever to gather in the plush estate.

Groups of male teens were seen gathered in groups - and then dashed forward to clash with teens in other rival groups.

A large number of teenage girls were visible watching the proceedings from a distance, some of whom appeared to be recording the clashes on their mobile phones.

None of the youngsters are believed to be from Mt Oval which ranks as one of Cork's most upmarket estates.

Mt Oval residents expressed disgust at the mass brawl - and queried what the parents of the teens involved were doing in respect of social-distancing.

"It is absolutely shocking - how on earth can this be allowed in the middle of a national pandemic lockdown?" one local said.

Gardai are now investigating the incident and will be reviewing video footage of the matter harvested from social media.

It is suspected the Mt Oval incident may be linked to similar gatherings in other parts of Douglas and Rochestown last weekend.

Gardai attended the scene on Saturday evening following receipt of a number of complaints from concerned local residents including elderly people who are 'cocooning'.

However, the gathered teens immediately ran away when officers arrived.

Gardai confirmed that no arrests were made and no reports of any injuries were subsequently received.

It is suspected that the large teen gathering was organised via social media.

"Anyone who may have information in relation to these incidents is asked to contact Togher Garda Station on (021_ 494 7120 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111," a garda spokesperson said.

Gardai said they viewed the incident as "very serious" given the pandemic controls currently in place.
Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has said that Nepal has unique and close relations with India and he was confident that the Kalapani issue between the two neighbours will be resolved through talks.

"We have always said that the only way to resolve this issue is by negotiating in good faith. Without impulse or unnecessary excitement, and without prejudice, Nepal wants to resolve the border issues via dialogues, Gyawali told Republica, an English daily, during an interview.

"We are confident that this issue will be resolved via bilateral talks," he added. He, however, did not mention about Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh - the two areas Nepal claimed belonged to it.

The ties between the two countries came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a 80-KM-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8.

Nepal reacted sharply to the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through Nepalese territory. India rejected the claim asserting that the road lies completely within its territory.

The Nepal government on Wednesday released a revised political and administrative map showing Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani under its territory, angering India which bluntly asked Kathmandu not to resort to any "artificial enlargement" of its territorial claim and refrain from such "unjustified cartographic assertion".

"This unilateral act is not based on historical facts and evidence. It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

Srivastava also asked Nepal to respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, hoping that the Nepalese leadership will create a positive atmosphere for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the outstanding boundary issues.

In his interview to the Nepalese daily, Gyawali said this border dispute is not new. "This is history's unresolved, pending and outstanding issue that we inherited. This is a baggage, and the sooner we resolve this, the quicker we can set our sights to the future," he said.

"Nepal wants to have a relationship based on trust and free of ups and downs, predictable friendly relations. We know that we do not have an alternative to this. So, all our efforts have been to conclude the history's baggage. We are confident that the only way to resolve the issue is via diplomatic talks and negotiations," he added.

Responding to a question, he said, "We have been trying to hold talks in the matter. However, formal talks and conversations have not taken place yet."



"We are hopeful that our formal and informal channels of communication will yield something positive," he added.

Gyawali expressed the view that "the Indian side is also deeply concerned and feels the responsibility to address the issue."



To another question, he said, "when India and China decided to open that road in 2015, we objected to the decision. We had objected to that bilateral agreement to use the Nepali soil without our consent.""When India published its new political map on November 2, 2019 showing Nepali land on its map we protested the decision, we requested for talks multiple times. We even sent two sets of possible dates for talks to New Delhi, but there was no response," Gyawali said.

"We then sent a diplomatic note to both India and China in 2015 and to India in 2019, protesting their decisions to use Nepali soil without our consent," the minister said.

To a question, he said, "We have two neighbours, and we cannot and will not close doors to one to open to another. This has been our established position since the ages. For us, both the neighbours are of equal importance."



Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane has said that there were reasons to believe that Nepal objected to the road at the behest of "someone else", in an apparent reference to a possible role by China on the matter.

"I totally reject the idea of dragging other countries in border disputes between Nepal and India. We had disputes with China on Lipu Lekh, and the issue is still pending," Gyawali said.

"This is a bilateral issue, and Nepal and India should resolve this," he said. But at some point, the three countries will have to sit for talks, he added.

"After we settle the Nepal-India border issue, then we have to work on finalizing the tri-junction point. But that comes at a later date," he said.

"We have told them to accept, and respect the historical facts. The only treaty to determine Nepal-India border is the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli. And the three supplementary treaties of 1860 and 1875 and a small change in 1920 during the construction of Sharada Barrage where we swapped lands. But none of these treaties change the fact that Nepal's western border is the Kali river.

"First there was no dispute over the origin of the Kali river, which actually originates from Limpiyadhura. Any other interpretation of the origin of the river is the manipulation of facts, and it does not have any legal justification," Gyawali said.

"We are confident that India will accept the historical facts. I want to tell our Indian friends that this is a baggage left by history. And so I request them to be not so possessive about this," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The senior pastor of Living faith church also known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo has described as welcome developments the move by churches and mosques across the nation to re-open after many weeks under lockdown as a result of the novel coronavirus.

Speaking via a new statement on Saturday, the popular cleric further assured that very soon, the whole world would be free from the terrible disease.

21 states are open to worship, the other ones have no choice. They should just know that they have no choice. Trump had declared places of worship open across the US. That is how God has been humiliating this noisome pestilence, he said.

Read Also: Eid-el-Fitri: Kaduna Police To Enforce Lockdown, Deploy More Men

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Watch out, very shortly, every part of the world will be totally free. The fear of this noisome pestilence will go into oblivion. In one hour, all the bragging of Babylon was done. Judgment has come down on Coronavirus, its threat is over.

The fear of it is off the sons of men. Every victim of this noisome pestilence is declared liberated today, Nigeria is free from the fear and torment of Coronavirus, he said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 24) -- The Novaliches District Hospital will undergo disinfection for three days as hospital employees test positive for COVID-19, the Quezon City government said on Sunday.

On May 26 to 28, the Novaliches District Hospital (NDH) will undergo thorough disinfection due to the number of employees who have tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019, the local government said in an advisory.

It said critical areas like wards, the emergency room, and admitting areas will undergo wall-to-wall disinfection, curtailing hospital operations.

Meanwhile, employees who had close contact with COVID-19 positive patients will continue their self-quarantine period during the shutdown. The hospitals emergency room will also remain operational for patients who would need immediate attention.

The city government assured that the Quezon City General Hospital and the Rosario Maclang-Bautista General Hospital are ready to provide outpatient services and other medical needs during the three-day period.

As of May 24, Quezon City has recorded the most COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila with 1,920 cases, data from the Health Department showed. Of these, 159 have died, while 578 have recovered.

Nationwide, a total of 2,369 medical frontliners have been infected as of May 23. Recoveries reached 1,118, while deaths were at 31.
President Donald Trump on Sunday expanded sweeping travel restrictions on countries hit hard by the coronavirus, suspending entry to the United States for foreigners who have been in Brazil within 14 days before seeking admittance.

The move comes as Brazil reports more than 300,000 confirmed cases of the virus and becomes a raging hot spot still struggling to enact social distancing measures.

"The potential for undetected transmission of the virus by infected individuals seeking to enter the United States from the Federative Republic of Brazil threatens the security of our transportation system and infrastructure and the national security," the White House said in a statement. Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany called the new rules a "decisive action to protect our country."

The Trump administration had restricted travel from China, Iran and much of Europe, citing concerns that incoming travelers will bring the virus.

The Europe travel ban produced side effects, The Washington Post reported last week, with a policy intended to block the pathogen's entry into the United States instead delivering one more viral infusion. As exposed travelers rushed home to clogged airports and then fanned out into U.S. cities and suburbs, they became part of an influx from Europe.

Earlier Sunday, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien had said on CBS News's "Face the Nation" that the United States could soon restrict travel from Brazil.

"We hope that'll be temporary," he said.

Meanwhile, as health experts warned reopening could bring a resurgence of coronavirus cases across the country, the governor of Arkansas said over the weekend that his state was facing a "second peak" in infections after a cluster emerged at a pool party.

"A high school swim party that I'm sure everybody thought was harmless," Asa Hutchinson said during a briefing. "They're young, they're swimming, they're just having activity, and positive cases resulted from that."

Hutchinson, a Republican, didn't specify the number of cases linked to the party, and the state's health department didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from The Washington Post.

He also didn't say how residents in his state should ensure they don't spread the virus, but in a morning interview on Fox News Sunday, Hutchinson didn't stress staying home.

"We have to manage the risk," he said." "We take the virus very seriously, it's a risk, it causes death, but you can't cloister yourself at home, that is just contrary to the American spirit."

Hutchinson never issued a statewide stay-home directive, and at a White House meeting with Trump on Wednesday, the governor emphasized Arkansas is "at work" and businesses are open.

But on Saturday, he warned people celebrating the holiday weekend to "be safe."

"During this Memorial (Day) weekend, we want to be out and we want to enjoy ourselves, we want to remember this holiday and those that have served our country and given their lives in service of our country," he continued, "but let's be safe and let's be disciplined at the same time."

Earlier in the week, the state had logged its highest single-day count of new cases: 455. Then, on Saturday, Arkansas added 163 confirmed cases and two deaths. To date, 115 people in the state have died of covid-19, the illness caused by the virus.

"It's clear and evident to me that we had one peak and then we had a deep dip and then we're having a second peak right now," Hutchinson said Saturday.

Even as the death toll in the United States climbed toward 100,000, the warm weather and holiday festivities drew large crowds to some of the country's outdoor attractions. People flocked to beaches in Maryland and New Jersey, and video of vacationers flouting social distancing guidelines in Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks was shared widely on social media.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Sunday shared the New York Times front page memorializing people who died of covid-19, faulting the Trump administration for the rising U.S. death toll.

"Instead of taking fact-based action, Trump blames others for his chaotic failures and erratic response; undermines scientists; and ignores Americans' hardship," she wrote. "Our lives are at stake in this election. Vote."

The political foes have long traded barbs, with Pelosi saying Trump shouldn't take hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug he has championed as a game-changing treatment for the coronavirus, as protection against the virus because he's "morbidly obese."

The president has said Pelosi and other Democrats are exaggerating the scale of the pandemic to score political points.

The Times' front page on Sunday pays tribute to 1,000 people who died of the disease caused by the coronavirus, as the country's toll nears 100,000. Other Democratic politicians also shared the front page, including governors of hard-hit states such as California and New Jersey.

"While there are no words we can offer equal to the magnitude of this loss, let us come together to honor their lives by ensuring no one else needlessly dies from this virus," New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, tweeted.

While Pelosi named Trump explicitly, other Democrats were less direct, suggesting only that the deaths were a consequence of a lack of leadership.

"Elections have consequences," Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., tweeted.

The United States could move as soon as Sunday to restrict entry from Brazil, a country with a rapidly rising number of coronavirus cases and deaths, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said Sunday morning.

"I think that we'll have a 212(f) decision today with respect to Brazil and just like we did with the U.K. and - and Europe and China," O'Brien said on CBS News' "Face the Nation" with Margaret Brennan. "And we hope that'll be temporary. But because of the situation in Brazil, we're going to take every step necessary to protect the American people."

The designation 212(f) refers to a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that Trump used in March to temporarily suspend travel from some countries in Europe because of the coronavirus pandemic

Brazil has recorded 347,398 coronavirus cases and 22,013 deaths. The numbers put Brazil second in the world for coronavirus case numbers, trailing only the United States. Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro, has called the virus a "little cold."

Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett said the White House may support some aid for state and local governments in an additional coronavirus relief bill being considered in Congress. But he accused House Democrats of pushing for aid that far outstrips the money that state and local governments actually need.

"I don't think there's ever going to be an analysis that supports the massive figures coming out of the House," he said on CNN's "State of the Union."

Hassert also warned the United States might still be looking at double-digit unemployment in November. But, he said, "I think that all the signs of economic recovery are going to be raging everywhere. And the only thing we're going to really be debating, as economists, is, are we going to get back to where we were, or is it going to be kind of a long haul to get there?"

In the interview, Hassett also said he has consulted his doctor about taking hydroxychloroquine but was told the drug would interact badly with other medicines he takes. Trump has said he's taking the drug to protect against the coronavirus despite studies showing it may be unsafe.

"I think there's a lot of evidence in the lab this could work," Hassett said.

As California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, considers whether to ease restrictions on in-person religious gatherings, new clusters of coronavirus cases have emerged in northern California that appear connected to church services.

Health officials in Mendocino County confirmed over the weekend that the county's six newest infections were linked to the Redwood Valley Assembly of God, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The county reported last week that the church's pastor and two other people were infected after they participated in a live-streamed Mother's Day service that featured singing.

"When we have an outbreak of such a large magnitude, it's very concerning because we know that these individuals have had other contacts since contracting the disease," County Health Officer Noemi Doohan said in a video update Friday. "We now have to do the very time consuming and difficult work of the case investigation contact tracing."

In Butte County, at least two people have fallen ill with covid-19 after attending a Mother's Day service held by a local church in violation of the state's prohibitions on large gatherings, as the Chico Enterprise-Record reported last week. County health officials have told the more than 180 people who attended the service to self-quarantine.

"At this time, organizations that hold in-person services or gatherings are putting the health and safety of their congregations, the general public and our local ability to open up at great risk," County Health Director Danette York said in a statement.

Facing mounting pressure from religious groups to loosen restrictions on churches, Newsom said last week he would issue new guidance on in-person worship by Monday. Trump has called on the nation's governors to allow churches to open amid the pandemic, threatening to take unspecified action against them if they refuse.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., defended the president's call for churches and other houses of worship to open during the Memorial Day holiday, saying he believes people will attend safely.

"I trust the American public. I think they're going to make the right decision," he said Sunday morning on "State of the Union."

Scott declined to say whether Trump could or should override governors who keep churches closed, saying he believes the Bill of Rights guarantees people the right to attend services.

"Do I believe the government can tell us not to worship? I don't believe they can," he said.

But New Jersey's Gov. Murphy pushed back against the president's urging to open houses of worship during the Memorial Day weekend, saying it's not yet safe in his state for more than 25 people to gather indoors.

"We'll get there on houses of worship," he said.

Murphy also urged more federal aid for state and local governments. New Jersey may have to lay off state employees, including teachers, firefighters and health-care workers, if the state doesn't get significant aid, he said, the result of billions of dollars in lost income due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tenants nationwide are facing the possibility of getting kicked out of their homes as officials lift bans on evictions intended to protect renters amid the mounting economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

Even with tens of millions of people out of work and the United States recording job losses not seen since the Great Depression, major metropolitan areas are allowing eviction restrictions to expire, threatening tenants who have been unable to pay rent because of reduced income or job loss on account of the public health emergency.

In Houston, eviction hearings resumed last week after the Texas Supreme Court lifted the state's moratorium, as Houston Public Media reported. Renters could start getting forced out of their homes and businesses as early as May 26.

Evictions are also looming over renters in Kansas City, Missouri, where proceedings are set to resume at the beginning of June. Tenants are rallying to persuade officials to extend protections that were put in place along with the city's stay-at-home order.

"After this pandemic hit, both of my main jobs ended. And to be honest, I'm quite scared," Ashley Johnson of the organization KC Tenants told KMBC last week. "I'm scared for my children and I."

In Florida, the Tampa Bay Times reported hundreds of eviction cases are awaiting action in Florida courts, having piled up during Gov. Ron DeSantis' stay. It's unclear what will happen to the pending cases when the order expires June 2.

Further complicating the process for renters and homeowners is the patchwork of policies that differ from county to county and state to state and include the eviction moratorium granted under the Cares Act, which prevents evictions of tenants in federal rental housing or those with federally backed mortgages for missing payments.

- - -

The Washington Post's Candace Buckner, Chris Mooney and Joseph Marks contributed to this report.
Two members of the womens right collective Pinjra Tod were arrested by the Delhi Police on Saturday in connection with the protests against the amended Citizenship Act in Jafrabad held in February

Two members of the womens rights collective Pinjra Tod were arrested by the Delhi Police on Saturday evening in connection with the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Jafrabad held in February.

Natasha Narwal and Devangana Kalita, the Jawaharlal Nehru students who were arrested, founded Pinjra Tod, which seeks to make regulations for hostel and paying guest (PG) accommodation less restrictive for women students. An FIR regarding the Jafrabad sit-in protest had been registered earlier. The women have been arrested under Indian Penal Code Sections 186 [obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions] and 353 [assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty], a police official told Indian Express.

The report added that officers from the New Delhi Range of Special Cell were questioning Narwal when local police from Jafrabad station came and arrested her.

In a post on Facebook, Pinjra Tod said, The police did not give reasons to their family members for their arrest. Many students and activists have been arrested by the Delhi Police in the last couple of months. We strongly condemn this hounding of democratic activists and students being carried out by the state and appeal to the student community and all democratic minded citizens to remain vigilant and strong in our struggles in face of this repression.

The arrested members are scheduled to appear in court on Sunday, India Today reported. While Kalita is an MPhil student at the Centre for Womens Studies, Narwal is a PhD student at the Centre for Historical Studies.

Police had also arrested Jamia Millia Islamia student Safoora Zargar in connection with the Jafrabad sit-in. Zargar, who is pregnant, is currently in jail after being booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Earlier this week, Delhi Police arrested Jamia Millia Islamia University student Asif Iqbal Tanha in connection with the Delhi riots. Several others were also arrested in connection with the protests and violence after home minister Amit Shah told the Parliament in March that those responsible will not go scot-free.

Pinjra Tod has been accused of organising anti-CAA protests outside the Jafrabad metro station, in which around 500 people had participated. BJP leader Kapil Mishra had given a three-day ultimatum to the Delhi Police on 23 February to clear the protest. A day later, communal clashes erupted in north east Delhi, leaving 53 people dead and over 200 injured. The police made more than 800 arrests by 13 April in connection with the violence, according to Indian Express.

Meanwhile, Mishra, who had held a pro-CAA rally and had faced punitive action ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections owing to his communally insensitive statements, has not faced any action. His supporters too have not undergone the police scanner.

The widespread protests against the citizenship law were cleared as the coronavirus cases continued to increase. The Shaheen Bagh protest, considered the anti-CAA movements epicentre, were cleared after 101 days on 24 March.
It might be one of the poorest places in the UK, but this small town is taking coronavirus in its stride.

While towns and cities across the United Kingdom struggle with the effect of the new coronavirus, one of the poorest places is coping with the pandemic.

Jaywick made international headlines when the United Nations highlighted it as an example of how the British government has failed to deal with poverty.

Al Jazeeras Laurence Lee reports from Jaywick in the UK.
Two Pinjra Tod women activists, who were granted bail on Sunday in a case related to the northeast Delhi communal violence, were sent to two days of police custody moments later in a separate murder case linked to the riots.

When Metropolitan Magistrate Ajeet Narayan granted bail to Natasha Narwal and Devangana Kalita in a rioting case, a Delhi Police crime branch investigating officer moved an application for their interrogation and arrest in a separate case of alleged murder of a local during the riots.

The two members of Pinjra Tod, a collective of women students and alumni of colleges across Delhi, were arrested on Saturday in connection with a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Jaffrabad area in February.

The judge granted them relief in the rioting case on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 20,000.

"Facts of the case reveal that the accused were merely protesting against the NRC and CAA, and the accused did not indulge into any violence," the court said. "Also, the accused have strong roots in the society and they are well educated. Accused are ready to cooperate with the police regarding the investigation."



Considering the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the court was not inclined to give police remand of the accused and declined the application seeking custody.

It said both the accused shall cooperate and join the further investigation as and when required by the investigating officer.

"They shall not commit an offence similar to the offence which he has committed. The accused shall not make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquaintance with the facts of the case," it said.

During the hearing, the police had sought two days of custody of the accused, saying it was necessary for interrogation as they are "active in anti-national activities" and also for arrest of co-accused in the rioting case.

The counsel for the accused opposed the application, saying police had pressed charges with mala fide intent and are "not maintainable".

The lawyer had said the FIR was filed on February 24, subsequent to which Narwal and Kalita had cooperated with the investigative authorities and orally prayed for grant of bail.

The case, in which they were arrested on Saturday, was registered under sections 147 (rioting), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 188 (disobedience of order by public servant), 283 (danger or obstruction in public way), 109 (abetment), 341 (wrongful restraint), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) of the Indian Penal Code.

Moments after the court pronounced its order in the case, the investigating officer of the Crime Branch moved an application before it for their interrogation and formal arrest in the murder case.

The police told the court that both the accused have disclosed their involvement in the second case and are named in the disclosure statement of the co-accused.

After interrogating them for 15 minutes, the police moved an application seeking 14 days custody in the murder case, saying accused have to be thoroughly interrogated at length to know the conspiracy behind the incident and the identity of other accused has to be established, and police remand was necessary to arrest the co-accused.

The counsel for the accused opposed it, saying that Narwal and Kalita were implicated in the case with "mala fide" intent.

This time, the court granted two days custody of the accused to the police, saying the investigation was at its initial stage.

The case was registered under sections 147 (rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 283 (danger or obstruction in public way), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 332 (causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 307 (attempt to murder), 302 (murder), 427, 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 188 (disobedience of public servant's order) of the IPC.

The case was also registered under relevant sections of the Arms Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

Communal clashes had broken out in northeast Delhi on February 24 after violence between citizenship law supporters and protesters spiralled out of control, leaving at least 53 people dead and around 200 injured.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The White House announced that beginning at 11:59 pm ET on Thursday, President Trump would suspend entry of non-U.S. citizens who have been in Brazil in the past 14 days in an effort to stop the imported spread of the coronavirus.

Why it matters: Brazil has reported nearly 350,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus  the second-most in the world behind the U.S.  and has emerged as a Southern Hemisphere hotspot as other heavily affected countries in Asia and Europe have managed to get their outbreaks under control.

However, there continues to be significant community spread of the virus within the U.S., which will not be curbed by further outside travel restrictions.

The big picture: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has come under fire for dismissing the virus as a "little flu" and aggressively pushing to reopen the economy, which is heading for its worst recession ever.

On Sunday, a mask-less Bolsonaro attended a rally in Brasilia, shaking hands, embracing supporters and ignoring social distancing measures as coronavirus cases continued to surge.

What they're saying:

Today, the President has taken decisive action to protect our country by suspending the entry of aliens who have been in Brazil during the 14-day period before seeking admittance to the United States. As of May 23, 2020, Brazil had 310,087 confirmed cases of COVID-19, which is the third highest number of confirmed cases in the world. Todays action will help ensure foreign nationals who have been in Brazil do not become a source of additional infections in our country. These new restrictions do not apply to the flow of commerce between the United States and Brazil.

 White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany
Still, many Texans took advantage of being allowed to again frequent businesses they hadn't visited for several weeks as establishments closed to stop the spread of the virus. Photographers Jordan Vonderhaar and Sergio Flores carefully ventured out, masked and mindful of social distance, to get a sense of how that looked on Friday and Saturday. Here are some of their photos.
Five foreign nationals have been arrested for entering the country through an unapproved route at Hamile in the Lambussie District of the Upper West Region.



The Upper West Regional command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) told the GNA in that the migrants, who were all Burkina Faso nationals aged between 15 and 27 were arrested at the weekend on two motorbikes with registration numbers 32-UJ-6586 and 32-JW-5633 at Beat 2 unapproved route bordering Burkina Faso.



Mr Ibn Yussif Duranah Abdul-Mumin Seidu, the Upper West Regional Public Relations Officer for the Service said Preliminary investigations revealed that they were travelling to Kumasi and Techiman for farming purposes, he said.



Mr Seidu explained that the illegal migrants were screened by the Port Health Personnel and handed over to the Burkina Faso authorities on the other side of the border, while the motorbikes had been impounded.



As far as our operational functions are concerned, coupled with the President's directive on the closure of our borders as part of the measures to halt cross border infection of COVID-19, the Ghana Immigration Service is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that undocumented, prohibited and irregular migrants are not allowed entry into Ghana through unapproved routes, he explained.



Mr Seidu, therefore, entreated the general public, particularly, the border residents to collaborate with Ghana Immigration Service and to volunteer information on illegal migration to the GIS to help end the menace.



The service wishes to remind the Ghanaian citizens who are complicit in the exodus migration of other ECOWAS nationals into Ghana through unapproved routes to either desist from the illegal act or be prepared to face the wrath of the law he warned.

Source: GNA









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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has accepted ultimate responsibility for a $60 billion bungle in the government's JobKeeper program, while likening it to the cost of building a house coming in much cheaper than expected.

Mr Morrison said on Sunday that the "administrative error" that led to the $130 billion JobKeeper program going to half the number of expected workers was not a green light for the government to borrow more money and spend it on extra programs.

Scott Morrison said JobKeeper was created and estimates about its spread made at a time of "incredible uncertainty". Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Late on Friday, Treasury revealed a "significant error" in its estimates meant JobKeeper  a subsidy that pays $1500 a fortnight towards the wages of enrolled workers  would go to only 3.5 million people and cost $70 billion over a six-month period.

When it was announced in late March, the government said it would cost $130 billion and cover more than 6 million workers.
(Natural News) The U.K. plans to implement a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all international travelers, which has received backlash from businesses, including the aviation sector, who are fearful that this will devastate their industry. Some business groups have even branded the policy as isolationist.

The policy was introduced by British Home Secretary Priti Patel, who said that travelers who violate quarantine can face a fine of 1,000 pounds (approximately $1,200).

I fully expect the majority of people will do the right thing and abide by these measures, said Patel. But we will take enforcement action against the minority of people who endanger the safety of others.

Policy is isolationist and will further ruin British economy, said business groups

Critics from the U.K.s business sector have questioned why, among other things, the quarantine measures were introduced so late into the pandemic. At the beginning of the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus across the U.K., only travelers coming from China and northern Italy were told to isolate for 14 days.

Michael OLeary, CEO of Ryanair, an Irish low-cost carrier, said that the 14-day quarantine would be unenforceable and unpoliceable and that most international travelers will probably ignore it. (Related: UKs scientific adviser orders people to go back to work, says people will get the virus no matter what.)

Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, the trade body for all of the countrys registered airlines, said that introducing a quarantine this late into the pandemic makes no sense and will greatly affect the amount of international travel coming into Britain.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), a group that represents travel agents and tour operators in the U.K., an industry that has already been devastated by the pandemic, said that a mandatory 14-day quarantine may deter a lot of potential tourists from visiting the country. This, in turn, will have an extremely damaging effect on industries that are dependent on tourism, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of jobs employed by these businesses.

Instead of a mandatory quarantine, business groups are insisting that the government should seek international agreements with different nations. The government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson has not ruled this out.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps has championed the idea of creating air bridges, which would allow the U.K. to seek out bilateral agreements with countries that have a low incidence of COVID-19, so that any quarantine restrictions for travelers coming into Britain from those countries may be waived. This idea has been met positively by France.

Patel, for her part, has not ruled out this idea and said that the government will look at all options.

When asked about the backlash and the label of isolationist at a press conference Friday, Patel defended the measures by saying We are not closing our borders, and I think people should recognize that.

Listen to the Health Ranger Report with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, as he talks about how different reopening plans and experiments can tell the world what works.

How the U.K.s new mandatory quarantine works

The mandatory quarantine policy will begin on June 8. It will affect anybody coming into the U.K. by plane, ferry or train.

Upon a travelers arrival into the country, they will be asked to fill out a form where they have to put down their contact information and an address where they will be staying for the remainder of their two-week quarantine.

If the aforementioned traveler has nowhere to stay, accommodation will be provided by the government, which has self-isolation facilities prepared for this occasion.

Government health officials will be tasked with performing spot checks to make sure the traveler is complying with the directive. The new arrivals will also be encouraged to download a contact tracing app that Johnsons government is developing, once it becomes available.

Currently, exemptions to the quarantine are granted for freight drivers, agricultural workers who will be asked to self-isolate on the property they are working, health professionals and travelers from Ireland  the only other sovereign country that shares a land border with the U.K.  the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Prime Minister Johnsons government will also be reviewing the mandatory quarantines effects every three weeks.

Head over to Pandemic.news for the latest updates on lockdown measures in the U.K. and the rest of the world.

Sources include:

ABC.net.au

TheGuardian.com 1

News.Sky.com

TheGuardian.com 2
Maun  Lorato House Rescue Centre in Maun is grappling with inadequate resources and overstaying of children.

The centre catered for children aged 0 to 5 years, who were either abandoned or in need of protection. It also has a special wing for children living with disabilities.

The centre's coordinator, Ms Tshepiso Mebe, said government partly funded them and this assistance only covered the children's basic needs.

Ms Mebe also noted that overstaying of children in the centre was worrisome, explaining that expectation was that at the age of five, children should be reunited with their families.

Most of the children, she said, were brought through a court order, adding that the centre worked hand in hand with social workers.

She appealed for support in kind to ensure the centre continued impacting positively on the lives of the innocent children.

Ms Mebe stated that currently, the centre accommodated 24 children and since COVID-19 pandemic started, they ensured 24 care givers stayed with the children round the clock in an effort to prevent the spread of the corona-virus.

Since its inception, she said 50 children had graduated and reunited with their families of which two went for foster care and appreciated that they lived happily.

Love Botswana programmes and resource mobilisations manager, Mr Billy Kgosikwena, concurred that overstaying of children and inadequate funding were major challenges faced by the centre.

Despite the challenges, he appreciated that the centre kept on going and taking good care of the childre. He appealed to the public and business community to support the centre.

Lorato House is a project established by Love Botswana and the programme was designed specifically to secure resources for children who needed support.

Source : BOPA
The Maharashtra government has asked the forest department to carry out a study on the feasibility of shifting tigers from Chandrapur to other parts of the state to reduce cases of man-animal conflict, forest minister Sanjay Rathod said.

There are nearly 312 tigers in the state, of which 160 are in Chandrapur alone. Besides, 12 striped animals are in five-km radius around the district, located around 250 km from here, Rathod said on Saturday.

"To reduce man-animal conflict, I have asked forest officials to carry out a study to check the feasibility of shifting tigers from Chandrapur to other areas," he said.

The minister held a review meeting with forest officials in Nagpur on Friday.

The number of tigers has increased in Chandrapur and the number of human deaths due to attacks by the big cats has also gone up, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Nitin Kakodakar told PTI.

Therefore the forest department is thinking of "conservation translocation", he said.

"At present, there are nearly 200 tigers in Chandrapur. Another 60 cubs will be added to the population in the next year. We have to think in terms of managing their population, so there is a proposal in consideration to shift some of them," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived at a Jerusalem court for the start of his long-delayed corruption trial, rejecting the 'ludicrous' charges against him and declaring he was facing the hearing 'with my head held high.'

The veteran premier, who has just forged a unity government after over a year of political turmoil, now faces the next challenge - being the country's first premier to face criminal charges while in office.

Flanked by ministers and bodyguards, Netanyahu addressed reporters before entering the Jerusalem District Court on Sunday where he was to face charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a statement before entering the district court room where he is facing a trial for alleged corruption crimes on Sunday

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wearing a face mask, stands inside the court room on the first day of his trial for alleged corruption crimes in Salah El-Din, East Jerusalem, Israel on Sunday

A convoy transporting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to the district court of Jerusalem for a long-delayed corruption trial, on May 24

He condemned the 'fabricated and ludicrous' allegations and declared: 'I'm here with a straight back and my head held high.'

The longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history has long claimed to be the victim of a witch-hunt and again suggested the charges were trumped up to stop him continuing in office.

'When you need to take me down, a strong prime minister from the right, everything is possible,' he said.

Netanyahu delivers a statement before entering the district court room

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wearing a face mask in line with public health restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, right, stands inside the court room with his lawyer as his corruption trial opens at the Jerusalem District Court, Sunday, May 24

Israeli supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold flags and placards during a rally outside the district court of Jerusalem on May 24

Netanyahu also requested 'for everything to be broadcast live and uncensored so that the public will know'.

The 70-year-old was indicted in January for bribery, fraud and breach of trust in a series of cases.

Among the charges he faces is seeking to illegally trade favours in exchange for positive media coverage.

He is also accused of accepting cigars, champagne and jewellery worth 700,000 shekels (180,000 euros) from wealthy personalities in exchange for favours.

During Sunday's court session he was expected only to confirm his identity. His lawyers began the court session by arguing for a delay to the trial, which is expected to last months if not years.

A live TV broadcast shows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his attorneys entering the district court where he is facing a trial for alleged corruption crimes

Netanyahu has been charged with counts of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, becoming the first Israeli leader to be tried for alleged corruption while still in office

Small demonstrations of both supporters and opponents gathered in Jerusalem.

'I came to demonstrate against the accused prime minister who uses his power to destroy the foundations of democracy,' said Yoav Eitan, 39, at a rally of around 800 people outside Netanyahu's residence.

Elsewhere, Mali, an elderly woman in a pro-Netanyanu protest of more than 200 people, said 'Benjamin Netanyahu is pure and clean. We will fight to ensure a just trial.'

Israeli supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold flags and placards during a rally outside the district court of Jerusalem on May 24

Supporters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wave Israeli flags during a rally as Netanyahu's corruption trial opens

Israeli police secure the area surrounding the district court where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a trial for alleged corruption crimes in Salah El-Din, East Jerusalem

Among the most serious allegations against Netanyahu is the claim that he offered media mogul Shaul Elovitch regulatory changes worth millions of dollars to his telecom giant Bezeq in exchange for favourable reporting on the Walla! news website.

That charge is also the most complex, said Amir Fuchs, a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, who argued it differs from 'classic' bribery cases where money changes hands.

In this case, Fuchs said, the allegation is that Netanyahu 'is getting only media coverage,' rather than cash.

'It is unprecedented,' he told reporters.

But in the Bezeq case, Fuchs added, Netanyahu is accused of doing far more than to seek flattering write-ups.

'It was actually complete editorial control of this site even on the specifics of which posts to make, or which pictures'.

After months of suspense and repeated police questioning of Netanyahu, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in January filed charges against the premier.

Many commentators considered this the premier's political death warrant.

But Netanyahu retained the Likud party leadership and after three inconclusive general elections managed to hammer out a power-sharing deal with his chief election rival Benny Gantz.

Under the agreement, Netanyahu will continue to lead the government for 18 months before handing over the premiership to Gantz.

Netanyahu's trial had been due to open in mid-March, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to a postponement to May 24, and the proceedings will be marked by social distancing and other hygiene measures.

A supporter of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waves flags outside his residence in Jerusalem, Sunday, May 24

The premier's lawyers unsuccessfully requested that he be excused from appearing in person at the opening of the trial.

They argued that his attendance, to hear the formal reading of the charges against him and confirm that he has read and understood them, was merely technical.

Under Israeli law, a sitting prime minister does not have automatic immunity from prosecution but also is not obliged to resign when charged, only when convicted and after all avenues of appeal have been exhausted.

Yuval Shany, law professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, argued that there is 'a basic incompatibility' between Netanyahu's role as head of the government and his status as a criminal defendant.

In the latter role, Shany said, the premier will be 'fighting very aggressively and maybe effectively to weaken the government authorities that are prosecuting him'.

'There is a very serious conflict of interest situation,' he said.
A Texas mother killed her nine-year-old daughter then herself in a shocking murder-suicide during an intense nine-hour standoff with police.

On Monday, police responded to a domestic violence call at the 500 block of Highcrest Drive in Red Bird, Dallas around 12.30am where they found a man who said he had been in an argument with his wife.

The man said he escaped the home when his wife, 34-year-old Alexica Stevenson-Gates, started shooting and 'chased him out of the house', barricading herself inside with her nine-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, Dallas police say.

SWAT officers were able to negotiate for her to release the boy from the home.

Mother Alexica Stevenson-Gates, 34, (left in 2014 mugshot) killed her daughter Miloni Metoyer, nine, (right) in a tragic murder-suicide on Monday during a standoff with police in Dallas, Texas

Cops responded to a domestic violence call in Red Bird around 12.30am. Alexica's husband said she chased him out of the house with a gun and barricaded herself inside with her 12-year-old son and daughter, but the boy was able to escape. Scene of shooting above

The Red Bird home where the murder-suicide took place pictured above

Armed SWAT officers pictured at the scene where they engaged in a standoff with Stevenson-Gates from midnight to around 9am when she was found dead

Officers made several failed attempts to persuade Stevenson-Gates from exiting the home.

SWAT forced entry at 6.30am, prompting the mother to barricade in a closet with the girl. She opened fire and hit two SWAT officers, but officers did not shoot back.

Officers entered again around 9am and found the woman and girl  Miloni Metoyer  dead in the closet in an apparent murder-suicide, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Milonis father Noland Metoyer, who is not the same man as Stevenson-Gates husband, has been left heartbroken by the death of his daughter.

'I just cant believe it. I dont even want to think about the last thing Miloni was thinking,' he said to the paper.

He paid tribute to his young daughter in a touching Facebook post saying: 'R.I.P. to my beautiful daughter Miloni Metoyer...12/06/10 to 5/18/20.... Thank you for the best years of my life.'

Milonis father Noland Metoyer, who is not the same man as Stevenson-Gates husband, has been left heartbroken by the death of his daughter saying: 'I just cant believe it. I dont even want to think about the last thing Miloni was thinking'

He paid tribute to his young daughter in a touching Facebook post saying: 'R.I.P. to my beautiful daughter Miloni Metoyer...12/06/10 to 5/18/20.... Thank you for the best years of my life'

Child Protective Services said there had been no history of child abuse allegations involving the two children in the home. Miloni Metoyer pictured above

A family members shared this tribute to Miloni and Stevenson-Gates saying 'Tears won't stop'

Child Protective Services said there had been no history of child abuse allegations involving the two children in the home.

Now Child Protective Investigations is working to review the girls death, and the boy will be placed in the custody of a family member.

Noland Metoyer said that Stevenson-Gates had longstanding issues with family violence.

In 2005, she faced an assault charge and was required to attend anger management classes, according to court documents.

Then in 2014 she was charged with assault causing injury to a family member after a fight with her boyfriend of two years ended with bloody scratches on his face and neck, according to an affidavit.

Metoyer, who lives in Louisiana, says he and Stevenson-Gates separated shortly after Miloni was born in 2010 but he was in contact with her for his daughter's sake.

Cops descended upon the 500 block of Highcrest Drive in Red Bird following a domestic violence call by Stevenson-Gates' husband

He last saw Miloni about four months ago, before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and talked to her every two to three days via video chat.

'Miloni was always happy to see me, and she always smiled. Some days Id talk to her for a little while and shed be playing with her toys, and Id just let her play with her toys,' he said.

Metoyer credited Stevenson-Gates as a mother who raised her kids to be educated and well-mannered.

'That was one thing she did. She educated them,' he said.

'We are fighting a pandemic. We are trying to stay alive, but then we kill each other. Its absurdAnd I want the community to be more outraged about that,' Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall said on the case.
Vietjet flies Vietnamese citizens home from Myanmar

Passengers flown home from Myanmar by Vietjet

Vietjet coordinated with the Embassy of Vietnam in Myanmar and the two countries authorities to operate a special flight bringing 240 Vietnamese citizens from Myanmar back home safely on May 21 in line with the decisions of the two governments.

The flight is an exceptional repatriation effort to bring back Vietnamese stranded abroad home after the suspension of international flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Passengers on this special flight are Vietnamese citizens with difficulties and wishes to return home, including under-18-year old children, the elderly, sick people, pregnant women, monks and religious groups required to go home after the closure of meditation centers, stranded tourists, workers with expried visas or contracts and students who completed their studies.

The flight also brought some Myanmar citizens home on the departure leg from Vietnam. All passengers have received the maximum support in all aspects as well as medical care during the flights.

To ensure the safety of all impacted citizens and prevent the spread of the epidemic, Vietjet has intensively conducted several security and safety measures before, during and after the flights.

Following its safe landing at Da Nang International Airport, all passengers were medically examined and then escorted to mandatory quarantine centers in accordance with the governements policy. The aircraft has been disinfected following global standards.

All Vietjet flights are in alignment with all global supreme standards and guidelines from the local authorities, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). All of its passengers, flight crew, aircraft have been safe up to now.

Previously, Vietjet has carried out many flights, evacuating thousands of passengers out of the pandemic-impacted areas; transporting thousands of tonnes of essentials, medical supplies and equipment; offering free transportation for doctors and medical staff. A lot of non-commercial flights have been operated, many of those are one-way ferry flight bringing Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and other nationalities back home safely.

Vietjet has also operated repatriation flights to bring Vietnamese citizens home from India, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan in response to humanity mission and the social responsibility to the people and community.

The new-age carrier Vietjet has not only revolutionized the aviation industry in Vietnam but also been a pioneering airline across the region and around the world.

With a focus on cost management ability, effective operations and performance, Vietjet offers flying opportunities with cost-saving and flexible fares as well as diversified services to meet customers demands.

Vietjet is a fully-fledged member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. As Vietnams largest private carrier, the airline was awarded the highest ranking for safety with 7 stars in 2018 and 2019 by the worlds only safety and product rating website airlineratings.com and listed as one of the worlds 50 best airlines for healthy financing and operations by Airfinance Journal in 2018 and 2019.

The airline has also been named as Best Low-Cost Carrier by renowned organizations such as Skytrax, CAPA, Airline Ratings, and many others.

Vietnam reports one new imported COVID-19 case

A 34-year-old Vietnamese woman who flew home from Russia on May 13 is the latest person to test positive for the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

She is the 32nd person from one single flight who has contracted coronavirus, including two members of the cabin crew.

The woman who lives in Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, tested positive for COVID-19 in Russia but had made a full recovery before flying home.

After being quarantined immediately after landing at Van Don airport in Quang Ninh province, she tested negative.

But results from a second test carried out on May 22 came back positive and she is currently being treated Hai Duong citys Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

All passengers from the plane, which flew from Moscow to the Van Don airport were immediately quarantined on arrival, posing no risk to the community.

Since the first case was recorded in Vietnam on January 23, there have been a total of 325 people tested positive with 185 imported cases from other countries.

A total of 267, around 82 percent, have made a full recovery.

Right now there are 15,412 people are in quarantine across the country, including 58 at hospitals, 8,523 at concentrated quarantine establishments and 6,831 at home.

Vietnam records no new COVID-19 cases in community for 37 days

Vietnam reported no new COVID-19 cases on May 23 evening, marking it 37 straight days without new infections in the community.

Of the total 324 confirmed cases, 184 are imported ones who were quarantined upon their arrival in the country.

A total of 267 cases have recovered, accounting for 82 percent of the accumulative caseload, while the 57 active cases are being treated at different medical facilities across the country.

Six have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 once, while three others have tested negative for the virus at least twice.

More than 14,700 people are under quarantine at hospitals, medical stations and at home./.

Amcham donates automated DNA extraction system to Centre for Disease Control

Mary Tarnowka, executive director of AmCham Vietnam - HCMC, with the director of the HCM City Centre for Disease Control, Nguyen Chi Dung, while gifting an automated protein and nucleic acid purification system on Friday.  Photo courtesy of AmCham Vietnam - HCMC

The American Chamber of Commerce in Viet Nam  HCM City on Friday (May 22) donated an automated protein and nucleic acid purification system to the HCM City Centre for Disease Control to support its response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

KingFisher Flex from Thermo Fisher Scientific is a benchtop automated extraction instrument.

Mary Tarnowka, executive director of AmCham Vietnam- HCMC, said: I want to convey the deep appreciation of AmCham Vietnam - HCMC for the effectiveness of actions taken by Vietnamese Government leaders and the incredible dedication of Vietnamese officials, including representatives of the HCM City Department of Health and Centre for Disease Control, in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and keeping those of us who live in Viet Nam safe and healthy.

Viet Nams successful management of COVID-19 is now recognised globally. It paved the way for Viet Nam to reopen, and to be one of the first economies in the world to begin its economic recovery.

This automated DNA extraction system will not only support Viet Nams ongoing management of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also will increase the capability of Viet Nam in general and HCM City specifically in terms of surveillance, detection, and control of infectious diseases.

Vietnamese citizens repatriated from US test negative for COVID-19



A total of 80 Vietnamese citizens who had recently returned to the country from the United States have tested negative for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and successfully completed their isolation period in the northern province of Hoa Binh on May 23.

Each of the 80 citizens spent a total of 14 days in quarantine and twice tested negative for the virus.

The group had originally been admitted to the site on May 9 and have had their health checked each day.

After being permitted to leave the quarantine facility, each person will now be placed into isolation at home as they undergo a further mandatory 14-day observation period as a means of ensuring that there is no possibility of the virus occurring.

As of the afternoon of May 23, a total of 267 people out of 324 COVID-19 cases nationwide have gone on to make a full recovery from the virus, with no deaths being caused as a result of the COVID-19.

Health authority in HCMC issues warning on COVID-19 prevention in hospitals



The Department of Health in Ho Chi Minh City has just issued a warning on preventive measures against Coronavirus in hospitals.

In its warning, the Department proposed directors of public and non-public hospitals to continue maintaining and implementing preventive activities in the past in a bid to thwart COVID-19 outbreak in hospitals and cross-infection of other contagious diseases. Infirmaries must keep screening and checking all people in.

Isolation wards must be located in a separate place from screening ward and other wards. More people should be screened and tested as per the city Center of Disease Controls plan.

The Department also requested medical institutions to undertake SARS-CoV-2 tests on foreign patients or overseas Vietnamese patients who were transferred for treatment of other illnesses and isolate them according to the regulation.

Hospitals were encouraged to increase examination following prior appointment to stop gathering of people in the examination wards.

Furthermore, hospitals must train and re-train infection controlling and procedures to receive suspected people amongst staffs as well as monitor on medical workers who suffer cold and respiratory diseases.
When did you first hear about the new coronavirus? It probably crept into your consciousness, and then, in what seems like overnight, it changed your life.

I heard about it during the first week in January. Scientists in China reported on a new coronavirus that was causing an illness that looked like a respiratory disease we'd seen before called SARS. It belonged to the coronavirus family, which includes four members that cause the common cold, and two others that are more dangerous but rare - SARS and MERS. I didn't think much of it other than a vague sense of unease, because this was a new virus, related to SARS, which I knew had killed people back in 2003.

I then went to a meeting in Rotterdam of virologists and immunologists. This was part of an EU-funded programme training PhD students across Europe at the interface between immunology and virology. An area that now seems so important, but which at the time was just another scientific gathering.

There were SARS experts there, and one of them, Frank van Kuppeveld from Utrecht, said this new virus was definitely one to watch, because it was new, and we didn't know much about it at all.

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He reminded us it came from a family with two members that were real bad asses - SARS and MERS. We didn't talk about it for very long.

My mind increasingly turned back to when I first became interested in immunology. It was in the 1980s and all the talk was of a mystery illness called Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) that attacked the immune system. It took four years to find the virus that causes AIDS, named HIV. It took a matter of weeks to find the virus that causes Covid-19, named SARS-CoV2, which illustrates how far science has advanced since the 1980s. Let's hope it advances us all the way to the finish line against SARs-CoV2.

First impressions

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In February, many hoped it would be like its relative SARS. SARS was quickly contained, with around 8,000 cases and 774 deaths. But the number of cases of Covid-19 began to grow in China, and it began to rapidly spread outside China. But still, some said it looked somewhat like the flu, and so nothing to be especially frightened of.

Then in March, at another gathering of immunologists, this time in the US, a group of us were having a post-conference drink. A lot of our conversation was now about this new virus.

Another of my scientific collaborators, Eicke Latz from Bonn, said he'd been talking to a colleague of his - someone who had actually discovered SARS. He'd told him that 70pc of the world's population would become infected. We all stopped talking and I said: "Can you say that again?" The mortality rate from SARS was around 10pc. So if it was like that, 7pc of the world's population might die. This would be over 300,000 Irish people. I gulped. I hoped it was just exaggerated bar talk.

The reality

It began to spread around the world. It quickly became clear that this wasn't like the flu. It was more contagious, and probably dangerous because we had limited, if any, immunity to it. Another reason to die. We now know a lot about this virus. Eminent virologists are calling it "extraordinarily unusual" and "something I have never seen in my 20 years of studying viruses" and that's from a flu expert.

Probably the most important thing is people without symptoms can be infectious. Unlike in SARS, which mainly affects the lungs, SARS-CoV2 can infect the nose and throat as well. So, here was a difference. If SARS-CoV2 doesn't make it to your lungs it causes a mild disease, like the common cold or even show no symptoms at all. If it gets into your lungs, it causes a more severe disease and the symptoms become obvious. SARS-CoV2 is, therefore, a bit like a common cold coronavirus having a baby with the SARS virus. That baby can be like one if its parents and cause a cold, or can be like the other parent and cause lung disease, which might actually kill you. New to science. But a very important finding, because if you have the mild form, you can still spread it.

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How do you identify a murderer if there are no clues? How do you stop a disease spreading when many of those with it (as high as 50pc) can spread it without knowing it? This is one reason why it spread like wildfire. Because we had no immunity, we were like lambs to the slaughter.

The main way to contain it is to test, test, test. Everyone should wear masks in public. This is why the instructions on masks had to change. The previous advice was to wear a mask if you had a cough, because the cough droplets containing the virus would be trapped in the mask. But when we learnt that you can spread the virus without symptoms, and even by just speaking, it made sense for everyone to wear a mask, and it still does. The science worked: it changed our view on masks (although disturbingly many in Ireland still aren't wearing them).

Clusters of infection happen in confined spaces where people shout a lot. This is a reason why meat factories are especially problematic. They are noisy places and the workers all live together. Same for choirs and pubs - crowds together, singing or shouting.

More discoveries

Other features began to be noticed. Covid-19 makes you feel exhausted. Flu does, too, but Covid-19 might be worse. And viral fatigue syndrome, which means you have symptoms like fatigue for weeks after clearing the virus, is also a prominent feature of Covid-19. Even patients with mild disease can suffer with this.

Doctors also noticed another troubling symptom. Blood clotting. Again, other viruses will do this, but it might be more common in Covid-19. This can be lethal and cause organs to fail, leading to death. Doctors, therefore, watch for this closely. Clotting can also cause 'Covid Toe' which is where a clot occurs in the feet, cutting off blood supply to the toes which look like they have had frost bite. In very rare cases, children can suffer from a related problem that looks like something called Kawasaki syndrome, where blood vessels become badly damaged. Again, doctors are now on the lookout for that.

Finally, patients have something called 'Happy Hypoxia' where their blood isn't able to carry the right amount of oxygen, effectively suffocating them. Doctors are learning new things every day about Covid-19, and trying to treat their patients as best they can.

Mysteries remain

There are still things we don't know. Can you become reinfected? Possibly not, but we need more evidence. Will it be possible to vaccinate against Covid-19? Again, we don't know, but there are hopeful signs. Will there be an anti-viral drug? One called Remdesivir looks promising, but again we wait for the trials. Will we manage symptoms with powerful anti-inflammatory drugs? Again, several are being tested, including in my own lab.

In March, Frank van Kuppeveld contacted me and said we should collaborate, as he remembered my talk in Rotterdam about a new anti-inflammatory chemical our own bodies make which had also been shown to kill viruses. I said 'yes' immediately, and my lab is now back in action working on it. A long shot as our work is only beginning, but worth a try. Collaboration is everything when it comes to good science, since two heads are better than one.

It is now the month of May, a lifetime since the meeting I was at in Rotterdam. And we stand in awe of this virus. Like all viruses, it is very smart. This means there are, as American politician Donald Rumsfeld famously said, unknown unknowns. No one imagined happy hypoxia or Kawasaki Syndrome. Rumsfeld also said: "You go to war with the army you have, not the army you might wish to have." We have an army of scientists and healthcare workers fighting this virus with all their might. And if every one of us plays our part, together we will win. That's one thing I definitely know.

Luke O'Neill is professor of biochemistry in the School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College Dublin
Warning against "revenge pornography", setting limits to online friendships, valuing consent and reporting to elders if faced with a problem, are among lessons the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) wants teenagers to learn to ensure their safety in the virtual world.

While the digital exposure of students has increased due to teaching activities moving completely online during the coronavirus-induced lockdown, concerns about the potential threats have been brought to the forefront with the recent "Bois locker room" controversy.

The CBSE has shared a Cyber Safety handbook with schools for class 9 to 12 students. The handbook also details guidelines for students as well as parents, listing the do's and dont's and activities to understand the sensitivity of the issue.

"Students must learn to set limits to their online friendships as well as online communication with real life friends. There has to be a limit to what they share or exchange in terms of written words, photographs or videos. They must remember that, once online, they may not be able to control who will actually see it, prevent breach of trust and misuse and potential risk and harm to their person and reputation," a senior board official said.

"Teenagers need to understand gender relations. Boys must learn to interact with girls on equal terms and respect them and their desires as those of human beings, not simply as objects of respect or desires," the official said.

"Consent must be an important part of relationships. Pictures, videos and other material shared in confidence cannot be published on social media without the permission of the person just because the other person does not want to continue in a relationship. Youngsters must learn to cope with rejection as it is a part of life but not the end of the world," the official added.

The board has advised parents to empower children to decide for themselves how others collect and use their information by requiring their consent.

"As of now, there is no minimum age of digital consent in India. If there are people offline who you would be uncomfortable talking to about your physical or sexual experiences, chances are, you would be uncomfortable doing this with strangers online too. Cyber Groomers create fake accounts to befriend people, for the purpose of harming them whether physically, sexually or emotionally," the official said.

"Students must be cautious when their chat partner gives them many compliments regarding their appearance within a short span of their acquaintance. Do not talk to people who ask you to share your sexually explicit photographs or videos. Never accept a friend request from someone you have never met in person. If you share your sexually explicit photos or videos with someone, the person can share those photos with others or post them on social media. They can also blackmail you," the official added.

The handbook warns against falling into the trap of revenge pornography.

"Teenagers in the age-group of 14 to 18 years are the worst victims of revenge porn as well as the perpetrators themselves, which is a matter of concern. Some teenage students who have been in a relationship and end it find their explicit photographs circulated on social media platforms. When such images go viral, students are often harassed and bullied by their peers branded with insult and in the end, isolated," the handbook states.

"A teenager may be targeted by her jealous classmates, her ex-boyfriend or even an unknown friend on social media who may be victimising her because she stopped communicating with him when she realised the dangers of online relationships," says the handbook.

Earlier this month, a massive outrage erupted online after it emerged that an Instagram group named ''bois locker room'' was being used by some persons to share objectionable pictures of minor girls and discuss illegal acts including rape.

People posted purported screenshots of crude conversations among members of the group believed to be students of some top schools in Delhi and some allegedly as young as 13. It is alleged that they shared photos of teenage girls and made explicit comments about their looks.

However, during its investigation into the 'Bois Locker Room' case, the Delhi police has stumbled upon a conversation on Snapchat where a girl, posing as a male, suggested a "sexual assault plan" to a boy just to test his "values and character".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress MLA



from Jharkhand, Rajendra Prasad Singh died at a private hospital in New Delhi on Sunday following a brief illness, family sources said.

He was 75.

The former Jharkhand minister is survived by four daughters and two sons, they said.

Singh was suffering from a lung infection and died at 12.30 in the hospital in New Delhi, his personal assistant Mithilesh Kumar Tiwari said.

Condoling Singh's death, Chief Minister Hemant Soren tweeted: "I am saddened at the passing away of Rajendra Singh ji. Jharkhand has lost a hard-working and 'sachha sevak'."



Several political and trade union leaders expressed grief at Singh's death.

The four-time MLA from Bermo constituency began his political career in 1963 and went on to become INTUC's national general secretary, president of the Rastriya Colliery Mazdoor Sangh and an AICC member.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Fed up with staying at home on lockdown, some folks have evidently decided its time to get back out and resume what they used to know as their normal lives.

Not so fast, say the experts who have been tracking the spread of COVID-19 and following related developments in the medical field.

While some non-essential businesses are reopening and incautious individuals have opted to ignore distancing and masking recommendations, the rest of us are being far more careful, hoping to avoid infection by the novel coronavirus and help flatten the graphed curve that measures its spread within the population.

Among the businesses that remain closed are art museums and galleries  the venues whose exhibitions I normally review in this column. As long as this is the case, Ill continue devoting this space to other aspects of visual art, including art that can be seen online.
Iranians celebrated Eid al-Fitr in the capital Tehran and rest of the country on Sunday while only some designated mosques were permitted to host the Eid's communal prayers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Every year, the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would lead the Eid prayers at the end of fasting month of Ramadan attended by thousands of worshippers in Tehran's great Musalla prayer ground.

But this year in an attempt to curb the spread of contagion the big Eid event was cancelled.

A mosque in west of Tehran arranged for worshippers to attend the congregational prayers on a street adjacent to it as a precaution to ensure their safety.

Most of the praying men and women wore face masks and gloves during the prayers.

The highly contagious virus has infected more than 133,000 and killed than 7,300 people in the country, according to health officials.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

But for others, especially older adults and people with health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia and lead to death.
Since Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency on March 10 due to the coronavirus pandemic, she has issued more than 70 executive orders restricting business and social activity.

Michigan businesses have been hit hard by pandemic and by the orders intended to flatten the curve of transmission of the virus. Nearly a quarter of small businesses in the United States could close permanently because of coronavirus, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimated in early April.

Now, MLive Media Group is launching an initiative to help them recover, by doubling the value of their advertising and marketing dollars.

The organization, which handles advertising sales for MLive.com and its eight affiliated newspapers, will match advertising buys from $1,500 to $50,000  with a total of $10 million available for the program  to help kick-start business for local companies as Michigan slowly moves toward reopening. Some northern Michigan counties were allowed to reopen retail establishments last week.

MLive Media Groups program will help businesses reset and move forward, said company President Tim Gruber.

Its times like these that we all need to work together and build businesses back up to a new norm, Gruber said. MLive truly cares about this state and all that is going on. We wanted to find a way to give back and help businesses thrive again.

Businesses can apply for the matching program through Monday, June 15. It applies to advertising on MLive.com or in The Ann Arbor News, The Bay City Times, The Flint Journal, The Grand Rapids Press, Jackson Citizen Patriot, Kalamazoo Gazette, Muskegon Chronicle, and The Saginaw News.

We wanted to use our audience reach and help out as much as possible across the state, Gruber said. We wanted to partner with our neighboring businesses from around the state and provide them an opportunity to maximize their exposure as they re-enter back into opening their doors.

Applications will be processed through an online portal; to apply, click here. Once submitted, a member of the MLive Media Group team will reach out within 48 hours to offer guidance through the process.

Those who participate can run advertisements in June, July or August.
Officially, Connecticut has yet to recover fully from the Great Recession. The number of private-sector jobs in the state just in the past year surpassed prerecession totals, but the public sector, which includes jobs at the two casinos in the states southeastern corner, held back the overall totals.

Dont look for that official recovery to arrive anytime soon. Numbers released in recent days verify that the coronavirus pandemic has hit the state labor market like an explosion, with jobless figures unprecedented in decades. Though the official unemployment rate stands at 7.9 percent, the effective rate is closer to 17.5 percent, state Labor Commissioner Kurt Westby said. The jobless rate stood at just 3.7 percent in March.

These are levels of economic pain that many people alive today have never experienced. Connecticut lost 288,000 jobs in March and April, more than doubling the 120,000 positions shed in the Great Recession. Connecticut is hardly alone. Federal officials reported last week the nation had lost 20.5 million jobs in April as the U.S. unemployment rate climbed to 14.7 percent.

The economic impact is immense. Even with federal and state assistance programs, people who have lost jobs are already being stretched thin, and the effect is felt across the economy. When one person cant pay bills, it affects someone elses income on the other end. Already Washington is fighting about the size and scope of future relief packages, as though a temporary fix were sufficient and the rest would take care of itself. It isnt working out that way.

Beyond the bare numbers is the psychological impact. Peoples identities are often closely tied to their work, and a sudden loss of employment, even at a time when many others are out of the office due to social-distancing requirements, can be deeply felt. People need income, but they also need some empathy for being caught in a crisis that is beyond their control and losing every shred of normalcy along the way.

The good news is that Connecticut has started reopening businesses, though Phase 1 shows that even with governmental approval the reopening will be a painstaking process. Many people dont feel safe returning to their old habits, and understandably so. The coronavirus has not been beaten, despite encouraging signs on hospitalizations and new cases.

Phase 2 and beyond are likely to follow similar paths, which will be difficult on businesses that are counting on new and returning customers to keep them afloat and allow them to rehire employees let go when the pandemic hit.

Much as wed like to believe otherwise, the chances of a quick economic turnaround, the so-called V-shaped recovery, could be slim. It could be months or years before businesses can support previous levels of employment.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A man was shot and a residence was hit by gunfire Saturday night on Syracuses Near West Side.

Police were called to the 200 block of Niagara Street around 11:46 p.m. There officers discovered several spent shell casings and evidence that a residence had been struck by gunfire.

A short time later, a 32-year-old man arrived at Upstate University Hospital with a gunshot wound, said Sgt. Matt Malinowski, a department spokesman.

The man is expected to survive, Malinowski said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Syracuse Police Department at 315-442-5222.

Contact Jacob Pucci at jpucci@syracuse.com or find him on Twitter at @JacobPucci.
Kanye  Kanye Muslim Community (KMC) has donated food items worth P30 000 to Southern District Council (SDC).

When receiving the donation recently, SDC chairperson, Mr Thamiso Chabalala applauded the Muslim community for their love towards Kanye residents.

"We are proud to call you brothers, friends for the many things you have done for the people of Kanye. We understand that when you give it is not like you have so much that you want to give away, you give out of love," he said.

Mr Chabalala said the donation would complement government efforts to provide food relief to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted that some members of KMC had earlier on donated as individuals and now coming back as a collective. Mr Chabalala said he would engage with KMC further on issues of community development.

On behalf of KMC, Mr Ali Mwimbe said the donation was motivated by the fact that every little show of kindness could help. He shared a story of a boy who stumbled on fish that was washed out to the sea shore.

"The boy picked one fish and threw it back into the water thinking the act was as good as nothing given the number that also needed help but little did he know how much of a difference he had made in the life of the one fish," he said.

Likewise, he said the gesture might look small but could make a world of a difference in the lives of those it was intended for.

Meanwhile, Kanye Administrative Authority chairperson, Mr Simon Ramaphoi urged the Kanye business community to come to the party because there was need to help.

Source : BOPA
By AFP

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump's administration has discussed holding the first US nuclear test since 1992 as a potential warning to Russia and China, the Washington Post reported Friday.

Such a test would be a significant departure from US defense policy and dramatically up the ante for other nuclear-armed nations. One analyst told the newspaper that if it were to go ahead it would be seen as the "starting gun to an unprecedented nuclear arms race".

The report, citing one senior administration official and two former officials, all who spoke anonymously, said the discussion had taken place at a meeting on May 15.

It came after some US officials reportedly claimed that Russia and China were conducting their own low-yield tests. Moscow and Beijing have denied the claims, and the US has not offered evidence for them.

The senior administration official said that demonstrating Washington's ability to "rapid test" would be a useful negotiating tactic as the US seeks a trilateral agreement with Russia and China over nuclear weapons.

The meeting did not conclude with any agreement, and the sources were divided over whether discussions were still ongoing.

Nuclear non-proliferation activists were quick to condemn the idea.

"It would be the starting gun to an unprecedented nuclear arms race," Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, told the Post.

He added that it would also likely "disrupt" negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, "who may no longer feel compelled to honor his moratorium on nuclear testing."

Beatrice Fihn of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), the group that won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize, warned a Trump nuclear test could "plunge us back into a new Cold War".

"It would also blow up any chance of avoiding a dangerous new nuclear arms race. It would complete the erosion of the global arms control framework," she said in a statement.

The Trump administration has repeatedly shaken up US defense policy.

The Washington Post report came one day after Trump announced that he plans to withdraw from the Open Skies treaty with Russia, which was designed to improve military transparency and confidence between the superpowers.

It is the third arms control pact Trump has abrogated since coming to office.

Russia has insisted it will abide by the 18-year-old agreement, which seeks to lower the risk of war by permitting each signatory country's military to conduct a certain number of surveillance flights over another member country each year on short notice.

European nations have also urged Trump to reconsider.

Facing re-election in November, Trump has also significantly hardened his rhetoric against China in recent weeks, repeatedly criticizing Beijing's handling of the coronavirus pandemic which first emerged there.

He has made repeated but vague threats of retaliation against the chief US economic rival, which has denied all his accusations.

Earlier this month Trump called for involving China in new arms control talks with Russia, telling his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin they need to avoid a "costly arms race".

It is not the first time Trump's defense policy has raised concerns the administration is elevating the risk of nuclear war.

In February the Pentagon announced it had deployed a submarine carrying a new long-range missile with a relatively small nuclear warhead, saying it was in response to Russian tests of similar weapons.

Critics worry that small nukes would be more likely to be used because they cause less damage, thereby lowering the threshold for nuclear conflict.

But the Pentagon says it is crucial to deterring rivals like Moscow who might assume that, with only large, massively destructive nuclear weapons in its arsenal, the US would not respond to another country's first use of a small, "tactical" nuclear bomb.
A crowd of roughly 2,000 gathered Saturday for "Liberty Fest" outside the closed California Capitol in Sacramento. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

On Saturday afternoon, Pastor John DeBow watched with pride as his daughter defied social distancing edicts at the state Capitol by giving free haircuts to some of the people from across California who had gathered again to protest remaining restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus.

He was unaware that, a few yards away, a contingent of Proud Boys, an alt-right organization, had set up a tent attached to the stage. Some members were walking through the crowd in camouflage tactical vests and their trademark black-and-yellow Fred Perry polo shirts.

But the Napa religious leader, who has taken to online preaching and plans to continue to honor the state's ban on in-person church services, said he was unbothered by their presence, though they have been deemed an extremist group.

"You are always going to have some radical people in any group whatsoever," DeBow said. "But because you have a few crazies, you don't have to get rid of the whole barrel of apples."

Pastor John DeBow, left, watches with his wife, Ruth, as daughter Sheri gives free haircuts at an anti-lockdown rally in Sacramento. (Anita Chabria)

In California and across the country, lockdown protests have drawn a melting pot of participants, including peaceful activists such as the DeBows and militias such as the Boogaloo Boys, who have credos that call for civil war, said Brian Levin, professor of criminal justice and director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino.

It's unclear how large a role extremist groups are playing in protests. The demonstrations have drawn people with a wide array of concerns, including those who feel it's wrong for the stay-at-home orders to cover religious institutions and libertarians who fear the rules are destroying the economy. At many events, there have been numerous signs supporting President Trump. Some people who oppose vaccines have also taken up the cause.

It's uncertain to what extent extremist groups are trying to recruit at the events. Saturday's Sacramento gathering, estimated by city police to be the largest yet, with 2,000 in attendance, resembled a family carnival, with an organic-gelato vendor, and music performances sprinkled among political speeches.

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Still, Levin said he found the intermingling of hate groups with others to be concerning.

A person playing President Trump joins "Liberty Fest," hosted by the Freedom Angels outside California's closed state Capitol. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

"Different people are showing up with different goals, but when they collect together, they influence each other," he said, creating a "petri dish for conspiracy theories and bad information, as well as aggressiveness."

That mishmash, Levin said, could make make the events a "recruiting rabbit hole" for groups that struggle to find inroads with mainstream audiences.

Devin Burghart, a researcher with the nonprofit Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights, has been monitoring reopening groups online and says he sees extremism and conspiracy theories gaining traction in thousands of internet postings that have sprung up in recent weeks.

Sacramento police stand guard as people gather for Saturday's rally. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

"These groups, while initially established around reopening, are pivoting to a larger, far-right political project," Burghart said.

He said the number of people joining such groups and the speed with which they had grown was "unprecedented" in American social movements. In California, he has found more than 70 such Facebook groups with about 300,000 members, and more than 2 million participants nationwide.

Maria Tchijov of women's rights organization UltraViolet said her group believed social media presence was "an engine" for on-the-ground action, including a growing push to defy mask requirements  which has emerged as a cultural flashpoint of political affiliation.

UltraViolet staged a counterprotest last week at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, driving a billboard truck around the building with a sign that criticized Facebook for what the group said was a failure to regulate false information in group forums on reopening, including posts that discount the severity of the coronavirus.

Facebook, which did not immediately return a request for comment, has in recent weeks removed some postings.

Burghart said he had already seen a shift in talking points that he thought would move the focus of some groups from lockdowns to the upcoming election, and said many of those now online had both money and experience in organizing.

"You can see a continuing growth of that," he said, "even as the governor has decided to relax some restrictions around the state. Those numbers are continuing to go up."

Burghart said that, in the online forums, he had tracked a resurgence of closer-to-mainstream political activist groups such as the Tea Party movement, along with militias and conspiracy theorists such as QAnon and some anti-vaccine activists.

Conspiracy theories about the virus are rampant in reopen forums and at rallies. Those that have gained traction include the belief that a coronavirus vaccine will carry a microchip that allows the government to track citizens, or that the virus is a political hoax perpetrated by the Democratic Party to promote voter fraud with mail-in ballots.

On Saturday, a young boy waiting in line for a shaved ice at the rally explained to a fellow protester that the virus was less deadly than the flu, while a few feet away, a group of men tried to convince a female passerby that California's rural counties needed to secede to end the exploitation of workers. Nearby, a sign on a pole advertised an upcoming event with Judy Mikovits, the virologist featured in a widely debunked documentary on the novel coronavirus, and protesters waved signs warning of threats posed by Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates and gun control advocates.

The spread of such views, Levin said, has already led to some extreme reactions.

Levin pointed to armed protesters in Michigan and elsewhere, and the recent arrest of a Colorado protester for having a pipe bomb. In Fresno, shutdown protesters followed a City Council member home, leading to a scuffle that ended with misdemeanor charges against the politician.

Levin and Burghart said they believed there would be more such incidents. Hate crimes have increased since the pandemic began, Levin said.

"You see these different political strains gaining steam and also gaining new followers," Burghart said. "I worry about acts of violence."

Levin said that as the "initial grievance" of the stay-at-home order faded from view, he expected the groups to grow online and on the ground and to refocus on new shared concerns. Levin said many groups shared strong support of Trump, and the president's backing of the notion of personal freedom amid the pandemic has resonated with them.

"Shortly after the president talked about liberating various states," Levin said, "thats when we saw this really take off, and we went from seeing a few dozens to hundreds of these nationally."

Burghart said that although many of the rallies began as grassroots movements, they had quickly been overtaken by groups with funding and organizing savvy and were transitioning from the single issue of lockdowns to broader political causes.

Multiple candidates for state and national office spoke at the Sacramento event on Saturday, appealing to potential voters to curb what they see as too much government intervention.

Tim Thompson, a pastor who has been active in shutdown protests, said last week he remained unhappy with the current situation in California, even though Riverside County, where his church is located, had rescinded most rules. His church is holding in-person services.

Saturday's crowd outside the state Capitol building included peaceful protesters as well as extremist group members. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

"It amazes me how many people are so quick to let the government have so much authority over us," Thompson said. "I think we continue to see a massive government overreach, specifically with the church, but in general."

He believes the shutdown protestation "shouldnt be associated with the alt-right; it should be associated with freedom."

DeBow agrees. Though he noted that he was at risk for the coronavirus due to health conditions  he is currently on chemotherapy and describes himself as overweight  he thinks the shutdowns are unwarranted and create more harm than they prevent. He said his community had seen at least two suicides that he believed were related to restrictions.

"I can tell you these people have a lot of heart," he said, gesturing at the crowd. "It's our conviction that the cure is worse than the disease."
Government has been urged to give preference to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the disbursement of the GH1Billion stimulus package to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMSEs) in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.



Government should also roll-out more disability friendly policies that will ensure that PWDs had equal access to facilities, jobs and financial support to grow their businesses.



Of the total projected amount, GH600 million is coming from government coffers, while commercial banks in the country also put together GH 400 million.



Dr Eric Ekow Ghansah, a Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) made the call in an interview with the media at Assin-Fosu on the Governments stimulus package for businesses and its commitment to protect as many jobs as possible as the COVID-19 rages.



The President gave the assurance when he launched a GH1 billion Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP) Business Support Scheme to help MSMSEs impacted negatively by the coronavirus pandemic.



The GIMPA Lecturer however, praised government for the great intervention for businesses in to thrive in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic to enable them survive, grow and expand to create employment.



He said "the intervention is not only timely, but also appropriate in the sense that the issue is not only of health but also of serious adverse effect on every sphere of life; leaving the entire global community in an atmosphere of uncertainty.



He indicated that the stimulus package was the surest way to end the protracted issues of unemployment and its attending socio-economic and political ramfications.



On the banking sector, he expressed the hope that the move will strengthen banks to stand on their feet to avert any crisis and inspire confidence in the people and businesses.



To avoid the often abuse of such funds, he suggested that the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) the institution that will oversee the distribution of funds, publishes all beneficiaries and the qualification procedure to promote transparency, probity and accountability.



In addition to that, the distribution of the funds must be devoid of partisan political considerations that had permeated every facet of the Ghanaian society, where such funds were seen as party freebies for their contribution to party members.



That, he acknowledged would be detrimental to its intended purposes and may affect other policies to boost the MSMSEs sector.



He charged prospective beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds.

Source: GNA









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What just happened? Earlier this month, the Senate passed the USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act to reinstate the expired powers of the PATRIOT Act. Absent from the new bill is a crucial amendment that would require law enforcement to obtain a warrant before accessing private browsing data recorded by internet service providers. As it stands, the bill grants agencies like the FBI complete access to the internet history of all Americans.

The amendment was proposed by Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana. Neither party opposes the amendment at all. When the Senate voted, a number of the amendments supporters were absent, and it failed to reach a 60-vote threshold by only one vote. Quite frankly, the failure of the Senate to codify the amendment is an embarrassment.

Subsequently, several tech companies including Mozilla, Reddit, Twitter, and Patreon have co-signed a letter asking the House of Representatives to tidy up this mess. The House still needs to pass the bill for it to become law, and they can force the inclusion of the amendment. They vote this week.

Our users demand that we serve as responsible stewards of their private information, and our industry is predicated on that trust, says the letter. Americans deserve to have their online searches and browsing kept private, and only available to the government pursuant to a warrant.

The amendment has also received support from dozens of civil rights and liberties groups, including the NAACP, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Human Rights Watch. They co-signed a separate letter last week, which intriguingly points out that this reform is precisely designed to stave off the kind of scandals that led to a dramatic loss of trust in United States intelligence agencies over the past two decades. I think very few people trust the American governments internet privacy protections these days.

Image Credit: Etienne Girardet, Primakov
The Bachelor's Anna Heinrich and Tim Robards announced they're expecting their first child together in an Instagram post on May 2.

And on Sunday, the expectant parents treated themselves to brunch in Sydney.

A glowing Anna, 33, covered her burgeoning baby bump in a designer black ensemble, as she walked arm-in-arm with Tim, 37.

She's glowing! Pregnant Anna Heinrich, 33, stepped out for brunch with husband Tim Robards, 37, in Sydney on Sunday. Both pictured

Anna braved the chilly weather in a ribbed Camilla and Marc turtleneck sweater, teamed with cropped wet look jeans.

She kept light on her feet with pristine white sneakers, and added an extra layer of warmth in the form of a chic black overcoat.

The criminal lawyer accessorised with a chunky gold chain necklace by Manning Cartell, a crossover Oroton bag and dark sunglasses.

Bumping along nicely: The expectant mother covered her burgeoning baby bump in a black designer ensemble

Chic: Anna wore a Camilla and Marc turtleneck sweater, teamed with wet look jeans

Looking good: The criminal lawyer added an extra layer of warmth in the form of an overcoat

Details: Anna kept light on her feet with pristine white sneakers and added a touch of bling in the form of a chunky gold Manning Cartell necklace

Anna allowed her signature blonde locks to flow freely, and her complexion was bronzed and radiant, looking every inch the glowing mother-to-be.

The TV personality couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she headed back to the car with husband Tim.

Tim showed off his muscular physique in a form-fitting green polo shirt, teamed with faded jeans and white lace-up sneakers.

The couple, who wed in 2018, shared the news they're expecting their first child in an Instagram post on their respective accounts on May 2.

Beauty: Anna styled her signature blonde locks out, framing a radiant makeup palette

Content: Anna couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she walked arm-in-arm with Tim

Buff: Tim showed off his muscular frame in a form-fitting green polo top and faded jeans

All smiles: Tim also couldn't wipe the smile off his face on the outing

Anna excitedly told her friends and fans online: 'It's been so hard to keep this a secret, over the past few months, but I can now finally shout... I'M PREGNANT!!!

'With everything that's going on in the world we feel incredibly lucky and grateful to be starting a family together, and we're so looking forward to this next chapter in our lives.'

Tim echoed a similar sentiment on his own page, writing: 'We've been keeping busy in lockdown ... I can't wait to be a Dad!!!

Matching: Tim added pristine white sneakers to the look, coordinating with his ladylove

Happy news: The couple announced the happy news they're expecting their first child earlier this month

Creative: The couple accompanied the news with a sweet maternity photoshoot

Well wishes: Celebrity pals including former politician Julie Bishop and AFL WAG Rebecca Judd were quick to congratulate the couple

'The giddy feelings in my stomach show there must be a few nerves, but I know Anna's going to be an absolutely amazing mother and I couldn't be more excited to start a family with her!'

They accompanied the joyous announcement with a cute maternity shoot.

Tim and Anna fell in love on the inaugural season of The Bachelor Australia in 2013.

Despite stiff competition from 24 other women vying for Tim's heart, Anna bowled him over with her 'beautiful looks, humility and self-assurance'.

Memories: The couple shared this sweet photoshoot to their respective Instagram accounts

How adorable! Tim and Anna could not hide their delight as they shared an ultrasound image

The fitness fanatic presented Anna with the final rose in a moving ceremony filmed in Thailand, leaving runner-up Rochelle Emanuel-Smith broken hearted.

After almost four years of dating, they took to Instagram to announce their engagement in May 2017, with a picture of Anna showing off her massive diamond sparkler.

Tim captioned his post: 'On the weekend in a little dinghy floating on a secluded river I asked this amazing woman to marry me she said YES!!! Woohoo!!'

The couple wed in a lavish ceremony at the Masseria Potenti hotel in Puglia, southern Italy, in June 2018.
Less than one-third of Arizonas preschools and child care centers are open as the industry struggles to survive the coronavirus pandemic.

Thats terrifying to Michelle Saint Hilarie, whose job with the statewide Child & Family Resources agency now involves ongoing conversations about how to keep child care alive during the pandemic  and still operating afterward.

Although Gov. Doug Ducey has called for Arizona to gradually reopen after the March 17 shutdown, requests for child care remain low. Hilarie, the agencys senior program director, worries that as the weeks keep passing, more centers and schools will collapse.

There are approximately 2,500 licensed child care centers, preschools and in-home providers in Arizona, and roughly 800 are open. In Pima County, 352 are open, and 255 are still closed.

Those that are operating and following the Centers for Disease Control guidelines are limiting classroom groupings to no more than 10, including teachers, which means they are operating far below their previous capacity.

Thats not a business model that can last for long, since costs for many of Arizonas schools and centers are largely covered by tuition.

Long-term closure became Emily McCreas nightmare within weeks of the March shutdown, when Ducey ordered the closure of all-but-essential businesses and urged people to stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19.

McCreas Downtown Community School, which she opened in 2012, had 27 children and six employees at the time. Her plan for 2021 was to move her popular school to a larger space, or combine efforts with another school.
(Newser)  Well-spaced faithful have gathered in St. Peters Square for the first time in months for the traditional Sunday papal blessing, reports the AP. They cast their gaze at the window where the pope normally addresses the faithful. Pope Francis has been delivering the blessing from inside the Apostolic library during the pandemic. Francis recalled his scheduled visit on Sunday to the Naples area to draw attention to environmental damage caused by toxic-waste dumping by the mob. The visitcanceled during the pandemicwas timed to mark the fifth anniversary of his ecological manifesto, and the pope announced a year of reflection on his 2015 environmental encyclical, "Praised Be."

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Francis came to the window and waved to the people in the piazza at the end of the blessing. St. Peter's has been closed to the public since March, and Romans have been taking advantage since its reopening, per Rome Reports. "There was hardly anyone," says one person. "It was so weird. When we saw we could go inside the basilica, we went in. As a Roman, nothing like this has ever happened."

(Read more St. Peter's Square stories.)
Sure, it might be warm Wednesday, but what about the rest of the week?

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Domestic passenger flights resumed in India after a gap of two months and the country will see around 600 services on Monday, officials said.

The Delhi airport saw its first departure at 4.45 am to Pune while Mumbai airport's first departure was at 6.45 am to Patna, the officials said.

Meanwhile, India continued to witness a rise in its COVID-19 tally on Monday as it recorded the highest ever spike of 6977 cases and 154 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The total number of cases in the country now at 1,38,845 including 77103 active cases, 57720 cured/discharged and 4021 deaths, as per the latest Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data.
The World Bank has restored Pakistan's budgetary support after four years and approved a policy loan of $500 million to help the cash-strapped country mitigate adverse impact of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report.

The World Bank's board of executive directors on Friday approved a $500-million programme to help Pakistan improve access to quality healthcare and education, support economic opportunities for women and strengthen social safety nets as the country braces to limit the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Express Tribune reported, citing a statement by the local office of the Washington-based lending agency.

"Political risks are high because Covid-19 response adds uncertainty to the relations among the federating units," said the World Bank documents.

The lender warned that elite capture would continue to be challenging with more demand placed for concessions that could erode fiscal space.

However, it delayed the approval of another $500-million loan due to a lack of consensus on the conditions regarding restructuring of Pakistan's Debt Policy Coordination Office, reforms in state-owned enterprises and enforcement of a new national fiscal framework.

The World Bank country office did not send the second $500-million loan request for the Resilient Institutions for Sustainable Economy (RISE) programme for board approval.

The Securing Human Investments to Foster Transformation (SHIFT) programme worth USD 500 million is the first budget support since February 2016.

The World Bank had suspended Pakistan's budget support loans due to the deterioration in macroeconomic indicators in 2017.

Initially, the size of SHIFT was $250 million, which the World Bank decided to double after the Covid-19 outbreak.

Pakistan will repay the $500-million loan in 30 years and it is financed by the World Bank's concessionary arm, the International Development Association.

Historically, project loans have remained more effective than policy loans as successive governments have failed to fully implement reforms after the disbursement of policy loans, the daily said.

SHIFT would improve the targeted safety net programmes that would benefit 12 million people impacted by the Covid-19 crisis, both at the federal and provincial levels, said the World Bank.

"The global Covid-19 pandemic is impacting day-to-day life in Pakistan, not solely from economic disruptions but also additional stress on public services that jeopardise human capital accumulation," said World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu.

This programme underscored the criticality of universal healthcare and social protection services that were durable to exogenous shocks such as that Pakistan was facing now, he added.

The World Bank said the SHIFT programme would support three policy reforms aimed at building Pakistan's workforce and improving social safety net programmes.

"Pakistan's ability to mitigate the socio-economic impact of Covid-19 depends on how quickly and efficiently social safety net programmes can reach those most in need," said Cristina Panasco Santos, Task Team Leader for the SHIFT programme.

Owing to the disagreement over certain policy actions, the World Bank once again delayed the approval of RISE loan.

The $500-million RISE programme is expected to go to the World Bank board next month, subject to certain amendments to various laws in the budget.

The $500-million RISE loan will be aimed at enhancing the policy and institutional framework to improve fiscal management and improve the regulatory framework to foster growth and competitiveness.

As part of the conditions, the World Bank has asked Pakistan to restructure the existing Debt Policy Coordination Office into a single Debt Management Office. The proposed structure will not just be a coordinating entity like the Debt Policy Coordination Office that only advises the finance minister.

Pakistan's public debt-to-GDP ratio, which stood at 85 per cent at the end of last fiscal year, is now projected to deteriorate further to 90 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) due to poor performance of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and adverse implications of Covid-19.

The existing Debt Office had been set up under the Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation (FRDL) Act 2005, but its role was largely restricted to coordination and advising the government.

"Macroeconomic risk is high, as the impact of Covid-19 will weaken ongoing stabilisation efforts and medium-term structural reforms and add additional Covid-19-related shocks," said the SHIFT programme documents.

The World Bank documents underlined that the government had committed to staying the course and would be supported by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to ensure that.
The conflict has taken on a new dimension with the emergence of the novel coronavirus in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The Trump administration, reeling from more than 96,000 deaths in the United States, is trying to heap blame for the pandemic entirely on Chinas Communist Party.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Sunday that his country will give "a befitting response" to India in case of "any misadventure" against it.

"Pakistan wants peace and its policy of restraint should not be taken as weakness, Qureshi told the media in his native town of Multan after offering Eid prayers.

"A befitting response will be given to India if it goes for any misadventure against Pakistan," he was quoted as saying by the state-run Radio Pakistan.

Qureshi said he has contacted General Secretaries of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, drawing their attention towards the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir.

The minister said he has also informed the chiefs of the two world bodies that India may launch a false flag operation against Pakistan to divert world attention from its own internal situation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind in his address to the nation on the eve od Eid-ul-Fitr urged citizens to reaffirm their belief in sharing and caring for the most vulnerable sections of society as India battles the threat of novel coronavirus COVID-19.

"This festival is an expression of love, peace, brotherhood, and harmony. On this occasion, we reaffirm our belief in sharing with and caring for the most vulnerable sections of the society," Kovind said.

The president greeted citizens both in India and abroad, on Eid-ul-Fitr that comes in wake of prayers and fasting during the holy month of Ramzan, in a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday.

Kovind said, "May this Id-ul-Fitr usher in universal values of mercy, charity and hope in the world!"

In his message to fellow citizens, he also asked people to resolve to adhere to social distancing norms and all other precautions to stay safe and overcome the coronavirus challenge soon.

"Let us carry the spirit of giving (Zakaat) more vigorously at a time when we are faced with an unprecedented crisis created by COVID-19 virus. Let us also resolve to adhere to social distancing norms and all other precautions to stay safe and overcome this challenge soon," he said.

Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in the country on Monday (May 25) as the moon could not be sighted on Saturday except Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala who are celebrating it on Sunday.
By PTI

LUCKNOW: Questioning the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to prohibit coronavirus patients from using mobile phones inside isolation wards of COVID-19 hospitals, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said the ban was put in place to hide the "poor condition" of hospitals in the state.

In a tweet in hindi, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said: "If infection spreads through mobile phones, then they should be banned across the country. Mobile phones provide mental support and help cope with loneliness. In fact, the ban has been put in place, so that the truth about the poor condition of hospitals does reach the common public. The need is to sanitise mobile phones and not impose a ban on them," he said.

FOLLOW COVID-19 LIVE UPDATES HERE

Director General Medical Education K K Gupta has directed all the medical universities, institutes, private and government hospitals to ban the use of mobile phones by COVID-19 patients admitted in L-2 and L-3 COVID-19 hospitals.

He also directed in-charge of COVID-19 hospitals be provided two mobile phones, so that patients admitted there could speak to there family members and vice-versa.
A young couple with a sick toddler could be torn apart after both parents lost their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic, destroying their chances of being able to save enough for a partner visa.

Regia De Morais Silva may be deported from Perth to Brazil on July 8 when her student visa runs out, leaving her partner Adam Curtis and daughter Lara behind in Perth.

The couple have no family to turn to in either country and spent their life savings on food and housing while their daughter underwent open heart surgery for congenital heart block in 2018.

Lara was diagnosed with the rare and potentially fatal condition that interferes with the way the heart beats before she was born.

Regia De Morais Silva may be deported from Perth to Brazil on July 8 when her student visa runs out, leaving her partner Adam Curtis and daughter Lara behind in Perth

When she was a newborn, Lara had a pacemaker put in her chest to regulate her heartbeat at Perth Children's Hospital.

She was in the intensive care unit for four months, during which time her parents did not leave her side.

The couple had no financial help while their daughter had life-saving surgery, forcing Mr Curtis to sell his car during the ordeal so he could afford to put food on the table.

They managed to find work after Lara was discharged from hospital and made a plan to raise their daughter in Australia to ensure she would continue to receive the best health care.

When she was a newborn, Lara had a pacemaker put in her chest to regulate her heartbeat at Perth Children's Hospital

She was in the intensive care unit for four months, during which time her parents did not leave her side

The new parents were saving to pay $7,700 for a partner visa before they were both made redundant when the COVID-19 crisis hit.

The couple are now desperate to keep their family together and have pleaded with the public for help.

'We are both hardworking people and never thought it would come to this,' they wrote on Go Fund Me.

'But we are desperate to stop Lara's mother from being returned to Brazil during a pandemic with no health insurance and a child with heart disease.'

The couple are now desperate to keep their family together and have pleaded with the public for help

Mr Curtis and Ms De Morais Silva will need to pay for a new pacemaker battery every five years and get the electrical leads keeping Lara alive replaced in 12 years.

'The last thing Lara needs after all the trauma she's been through, is to be separated,' Mr Curtis told 7 News.

On Friday, South America was labelled the new epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There have been 21,048 fatalities in Brazil so far, with 1,188 people dying over a 24-hour period on Friday.
(Newser)  The Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start of summer in the US meant big crowds at beaches and warnings from authorities Sunday about people disregarding the coronavirus social-distancing rules and risking a resurgence of the scourge that has killed nearly 100,000 Americans, the AP reports. Sheriff's deputies and beach patrols tried to make sure people kept their distance from others as they soaked up the rays on the sand and at parks and other recreation sites around the country. Among the Memorial Day scenes and warnings:

In the Tampa area along Florida's Gulf Coast, the crowds were so big that authorities took the extraordinary step of closing parking lots because they were full. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said about 300 deputies were patrolling the beaches to ensure people didn't get too close.

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In Missouri, people packed bars and restaurants at the Lake of the Ozarks, a vacation hot spot popular with Chicagoans, over the weekend. One video showed a crammed pool where vacationers lounged close together without masks, St. Louis station KMOV-TV reported.

In West Virginia, ATV riders jammed the vast, 700-mile Hatfield-McCoy network of all-terrain vehicle trails on the first weekend it was allowed to reopen since the outbreak took hold. Campgrounds and cabins were opened as well.

At New York's Orchard Beach in the Bronx, kids played with toys and people sat in folding chairs. Some wore winter coats on a cool and breezy day in which temperatures struggled to reach 60 degrees. Many wore masks and sat apart from others.

Meanwhile, President Trump went golfing for the second day in a row at his private club in Virginia. Trump had not played for weeks before this weekend.

On the Sunday talk shows, Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force, said she was "very concerned" about scenes of people crowding together over the weekend. "We really want to be clear all the time that social distancing is absolutely critical," she said on ABC's This Week. "And if you can't social distance and you're outside, you must wear a mask."

Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio, who has been targeted by protesters opposed to masks and social distancing, insisted the precautions should not be a partisan issue. "This is not about politics," the Republican said on NBC's Meet the Press. "It's been very clear what the studies have shown, you wear the mask not to protect yourself so much as to protect others."

(Read more Memorial Day stories.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 20:35:45|Editor: huaxia

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JERUSALEM, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial opened on Sunday in Jerusalem, marking the first time a sitting prime minister in Israel stands a criminal trial.

As he arrived at the Jerusalem District Court, Netanyahu launched an all-out attack against the justice system, charging the trial is a conspiracy by media, police, prosecution, and leftists to oust him.

With his right-wing Likud party ministers standing around him, Netanyahu accused the justice system of carrying out "an attempt to eliminate the will of the people" and an "attempt to depose a strong right-wing leader."

Hundreds have rallied outside the court, protesting in support of Netanyahu and against him.

The first session of the unprecedented trial, in which Netanyahu is facing charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, opened a week after Israel's longest-serving leader was sworn in for a fifth term. Enditem
As tensions simmer between India and China in the Ladakh sector that has seen a worrying troop build-up and military reinforcements from both sides after a nasty border brawl in early May, the army on Sunday strongly denied reports in some sections of the media that an Indian patrol party was detained by Chinese forces last week and later released.

There has been no detention of Indian soldiers at the borders. We categorically deny this. It only hurts national interests when media outlets publish unsubstantiated news, army spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand said. Union minister Jitendra Singh shared the armys statement on his Twitter handle and described the reports as dangerously fake news.

The detention of a border patrol by an adversary is seen as a provocative act that can bring rival forces perilously close to conflict, experts said.

The standoff along the line of actual control (LAC) is not confined to a small area, has triggered an increase in troop numbers on both sides at multiple locations and seems to suggest a greater design rather than adventurism by local Chinese commanders, as reported by HT on Sunday.

Indian and Chinese soldiers are eyeball-to-eyeball at four different locations in the sensitive sector and the total number of soldiers on both sides at these flashpoints is estimated to be around 3,000.

Wherever the Chinese have sent more troops, we have matched their numbers by beefing up our deployment. Some structures have come up on both sides to support the troops on the ground, officials said.

Chinese soldiers are said to have constructed bunkers and other structures to support their deployments in some disputed areas. The Chinese side has also deployed troops, vehicles and heavy equipment, involved in a military exercise in the area, to the Ladakh sector --- satellite images showing the military build-up have been doing the rounds on social media.

Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane made a low-key visit to Ladakh on Friday for a security review as tensions grew between India and China near Pangong Tso and three pockets in the Galwan Valley region where Chinese troops have pitched close to 100 tents and erected temporary structures to establish a presence.

Chinas state-run media has described the latest tensions as the worst since the 2017 Doklam standoff, which lasted 73 days. Soldiers on both sides are showing restraint and local commanders are meeting almost daily to de-escalate. However, experts said ending the stalemate would require political direction and diplomatic intervention.

India on Thursday rejected Chinas allegation that Indian troops initiated tensions and crossed the LAC in the Ladakh and Sikkim sectors and accused the Chinese army of hindering patrols on the Indian side.

Chinas foreign ministry first accused Indian troops of trespassing across the LAC in a statement last week, saying Beijing had to take necessary countermeasures after the Indian Army allegedly obstructed normal patrols by Chinese troops.

HT was the first to report on May 10 about tensions flaring between India and China in north Sikkim where 150 soldiers were involved in a tense standoff a day earlier. Four Indian and seven Chinese soldiers were injured at Naku La during the confrontation.

Scores of soldiers from the two countries clashed near Pangong Tso on the night of May 5-6 and several of them were injured in the scuffle that involved around 250 men. While a flare-up was avoided as both armies stuck to protocols to resolve the situation, tension spread to other parts of eastern Ladakh, including the Galwan Valley area.

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By PTI

NEW DELHI: Amid concerns over changes in labour laws in various states, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar on Sunday said reforms do not mean complete abolition of labour laws and that the central government is committed to protecting the interests of workers.

In recent weeks, various state governments, including Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, have either made amendments or proposed changes to existing labour laws as part of larger efforts to help businesses that have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

"I have just noticed that the Union Ministry of Labour is firming up its stance to tell the states that they cannot abolish labour laws because India is a signatory to the International Labour Organization (ILO)," Kumar told PTI in an interview.

READ| Jobs lost due to lockdown, houses destroyed by cyclone: Migrant labourers stare at uncertainty

"Therefore, it is clear that the Union government does not believe that the reform of labour laws implies complete lack of labour laws. The government is committed to protecting the interest of workers," he said.

He was replying to a query on whether labour reforms by states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat can be done without creating some kind of social safety net for wokers.

Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government approved an ordinance to exempt various industries from certain labour laws for three years to revive the state's economic activities.

Madhya Pradesh has also tweaked some labour laws amid the nationwide lockdown to spur economic activities. Some other states are also likely to follow suit.

About the country's macroeconomic situation, Kumar said that just like the rest of the world, India is also suffering from the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has resulted in serious loss of economic activities in the first two months of the first quarter of fiscal 2020-21, he said.

Referring to RBI saying that the country's growth is likely to remain in the negative territory in the current fiscal, Kumar said, "the extent of that (negative growth) cannot be forecast at this point of time because there are too many unknowns, both in the domestic scene and in the global scene".

On Friday, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said the impact of COVID-19 is more severe than anticipated and the GDP growth during 2020-21 is likely to remain in the negative territory.

According to Kumar, the objective of the Rs 20 lakh crore-economic stimulus package announced by the government was to revive aggregate demand and not just consumer demand.

"Huge amount of liquidity has been infused by the RBI and the Finance Minister's encouragement to all the banks to improve their credit flows means that it will help revive aggregate demand in the economy.

"So, the key therefore is that the financial sector and especially banking sector now becomes less risk averse and improves the credit flow to the MSMEs as well other segments of economy.

If that happens, then the demand will revive and we will see the revival of economic activities in the country," Kumar emphasised.

On whether there should be monetisation of deficit by RBI, the Niti Aayog Vice Chairman said the government is looking at all possible options to finance the stimulus package.

When asked about the possibility of companies shifting their operations from China to India, Kumar said, "if we get our act together and we get the right policies to target companies which are making plans to move out of China, I think there is no reason to believe that they will not shift to India".

To curb spreading of coronavirus infections, India and many other countries have imposed lockdowns, which have also impacted economic activities.

Kumar said coronavirus induced-lockdowns have impacted different sectors of the economy as well as the entire global economic and trade situation.

The lockdown in India was imposed on March 25 and it has been extended thrice. The lockdown is to end on May 31.
Beijing:

Myanmars leader Aung San Suu Kyis visit to China ahead of India shows her wish to strike a balance among major powers, state-run Chinese media today said and called on the Communist nation to broad base ties with Myanmar, not relying on military alone.

Referring to Japanese media reports that Indias position in Myanmars diplomacy will outweigh China, an article in the state-run Global Times said Suu Kyis visit to China last week shows that China seems to be more significant than India in Myanmars diplomacy.

Yet in June, (State Counsellor and Foreign Minister) Suu Kyi expressed her wish to visit India during her meeting with V K Singh, India Minister of State for External Affairs, it said.

Suu Kyi has chosen China for her first overseas trip outside ASEAN probably not because she is emotionally close to Beijing, but out of Myanmars domestic politics and national interests. She will lead the country to seek a balance among major powers, the article co-inciding with the just-concluded visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Myanmar said.

While China laid the red carpet for her, making a strong push for Myanmar to revive the stalled USD 3.6 billion Myitsone dam, Suu Kyi during the five-day visit sought Chinas help for Myanmars peace process with a number of rebel groups, some of whom are ethnic Chinese outfits who received support from across the border.

The article, written by a state-run think tank said, like China, India is one of few countries that kept a close relationship with the Myanmese government during the military rule. Yet Suu Kyi was never a fan of New Delhis dual-track policy - supporting democratic forces and meanwhile having close ties with the military junta. She believes that India, the largest democratic country in the world, should not have kept a distance from Myanmars democratic forces during the latters democratisation.

The ties between Myanmar and India are full of peculiarity, complexity, and versatility due to historical connections, as they face problems including border disputes, cross-border ethnic minorities and Indians in Myanmar, their relations have been far from smooth, it said.

But for Myanmar, enhancing ties with India can help counterbalance Chinas influence in Myanmar and also develop its economy by using Indian investment, it said.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
(Natural News) One Canadian nurse who caught coronavirus a few months ago has now tested positive for the disease eight times in the past 50 days, raising questions about just how long the disease can linger in the human body  and how long a patient who appears to be recovered remains contagious.

When 49-year-old Tracy Schofield first experienced symptoms like shortness of breath, fever and chills on March 30, she was given a test for COVID-19, which came back positive. She then spent two weeks self-isolating. She had a fever that got as high as 104.1 degrees, and Tylenol wouldnt bring it down. She also said she lost her senses of taste and smell, reporting that she was unable to taste salt and vinegar potato chips or smell the strong scent of Vicks VapoRub.

After she started feeling better and two weeks had passed, a second test came back positive, and six others she has taken in the meantime have also come back with the same result, even though her symptoms have largely disappeared, apart from some breathing difficulty.

When her eighth test overall came back negative, she was quite excited, but it takes two negative results in a 24-hour period to be considered recovered. When she took her ninth test less than 24 hours later, it came back positive  much to her surprise and dismay.

She told CTV News: Whenever I get the test result, its like somebody punches me in the stomach.

Although her doctors dont think she is still contagious, they cannot explain why her tests keep coming back positive. The mother of three is now worried that shell have the disease forever. She said she did not have any pre-existing conditions, but the ongoing positive test results have her worried that shell suffer long-term complications from coronavirus.

In fact, shes been cleared to return to her job as a registered practical nurse but is afraid that she will infect other people. She works in long-term care and is concerned about putting patients at risk.

Lots of questions about coronavirus still unanswered

Speaking to CBS News, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security Senior Scholar Dr. Amesh A. Adalja said that persistent positive COVID-19 tests dont necessarily mean a person still has the active virus; it could be detecting genetic material from the virus. He said that patients might cough up and excrete viral debris for some time afterward, and it may not necessarily indicate they are contagious.

He added that this is why the CDC has two different ways to determine if a person who was infected with coronavirus previously can leave isolation. The first is two consecutive negative results within 24 hours, and the second is passing seven days without symptoms and three days without a fever or fever medication.

As for the ongoing breathing trouble shes experiencing, he said it could be due to the damage caused to her body by the virus when she had it rather than an ongoing infection.

According to the CDC, the virus might be detectable in the lower or upper respiratory tract for several weeks after becoming ill with the disease, and the actual duration of viral shedding and infectiousness period arent yet known.

Thats why it remains incredibly important to proceed with caution, treating everyone you encounter as potential carriers of the disease. Given that a large percentage of people with the virus wont display any symptoms at all, there really is no way of telling. Thats why wearing a mask in public and washing your hands frequently is absolutely vital now that places are opening up again and lives are starting to return to normal.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

CBSNews.com
CALHOUN COUNTY, MI  Acting on a tip from a member of the public, sheriffs deputies were able to successfully locate the driver responsible for a hit-and-run that hospitalized a 66-year-old motorcyclist Saturday afternoon.

The responsible party, a 24-year-old Battle Creek woman confessed to the incident Saturday night, according to a news release from the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office.

Charges are being sought against the woman for leaving the scene of a personal-injury accident.

Authorities were dispatched to the scene of the crash at 1:21 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and VanBuren Street in Springfield, according to an earlier news release from the sheriffs office.

The motorcyclist, a 66-year-old Albion man, was westbound on Michigan Avenue when he stopped at a stop sign and was rear-ended by a Nissan Sentra being driven by the Battle Creek woman, deputies said.

The driver of the Sentra stopped for about a minute and then fled the scene, according to deputies. The vehicle was also occupied by a male passenger and female passenger.

The motorcyclist was taken to Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo to be treated for multiple non-life-threatening injuries, deputies said.

Also on MLive:

Motorcyclist injured in hit-and-run in southwest Michigan

Michigan man arrested in Indiana for potential kidnapping of wife, child

Kalamazoo police seize 200 ecstasy pills and firearm during traffic stop

Uncle-nephew duo sentenced to prison for Kalamazoo bank robbery
The Morrison government is being urged to overhaul its JobKeeper program to focus on jobs in the tourism and recreation sectors when the wage subsidy scheme ends as questions grow over how Treasury overestimated its cost by $60 billion.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday likened the massive miscalculation of the cost of the policy centrepiece of the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic to a builder delivering a new house well under budget while saying responsibility for the problem ultimately rested with him.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has likened a $60 billion miscalculation in the cost of the JobKeeper program to a builder delivering a new home way under budget. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Late on Friday, Treasury revealed a "significant error" in its estimates meant JobKeeper  a subsidy that pays $1500 a fortnight towards the wages of enrolled workers  would go to only 3.5 million people and cost $70 billion over a six-month period.

When announced in late March, the government said it would cost $130 billion and cover more than 6 million workers.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Tihar Jail reported its first coronavirus case after a 45-year assistant superintendent tested positive for the infection on Sunday, jail officials said.

The assistant superintendent, posted at Central Jail No 7, is a resident of Staff Residential Complex of Tihar Jail, they said.

Director General (Prisons) Sandeep Goel said the assistant superintendent had taken leave on Friday as he wanted to go home and meet his family but he did not show any symptoms.

However, before leaving, he got himself tested for COVID-19 on May 22 in Amrapali Hospital and his results came positive on Sunday, he said.

According to the jail officials, as the official was tested positive his contact tracing was done by jail authorities and it was found that one jail staffer, who is said to have been in close contact with the infected jail staffer, has been tested for COVID-19 but his results are awaited and he was sent for home quarantine.

While five others, including two other jail staffers, who also came in contact, have been sent on home quarantine while three inmates have been kept in an isolation barrack, senior jail officials said.

As a precautionary measure, the infected official's nine neighbours, who also work at different Delhi jails, have been asked to quarantine themselves and not to attend duties even though none of them came in contact with him, they said.

All the men are presently asymptomatic and authorities will keep a check on their medical condition, they added.

Till date, 18 people from Rohini Jail have tested positive for COVID-19 while another case was also reported from Mandoli Jail after a deputy superintendent tested positive last week.
Kim Jong-Un made his first public appearance in three weeks by holding a meeting to discuss how North Korea can improve its nuclear capabilities.

The North Korea leader, 36, was last seen at the opening of a fertilizer plant on May 1 but had not appeared in the public eye since then.

The Seventh Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea also saw Kim reveal intentions to increase the strength of the standing army and place the country's strategic armed forces on high alert.

Kim Jong-Un (pictured) made his first public appearance in over three weeks in a military meeting to discuss the country's military strength

Kim mentioned the need to create a stronger nuclear deterrent in North Korea as well as fixing unreasonable machinery to protect the country against foreign forces

The Korean Central News Agency said: 'Set forth at the meeting were new policies for further increasing the nuclear war deterrence of the country and putting the strategic armed forces on a high alert operation.'

KCNA also revealed Kim mentioned the need to mend 'unreasonable machinery and compositional defects' of the military so it could be better prepared when the country needs to defend against 'foreign forces'.

Photos from the meeting also show Kim in front of a presentation board and using a long white stick to make a point.

The North Korea leader was photographed using a long white stick to make a point in front of a presentation board

His appearance at the fertilizer plant on May 1 was his first appearance in 20 days, leaving many concerned over the North Korea leader's health during the last week of April.

Unconfirmed reports then emerged that the North Korea leader had died following heart surgery.

Ji Seong-Ho, a North Korean defector, told South Korean media that he was '99 per cent sure' Kim had died after the cardiovascular procedure and that an announcement regarding his passing was imminent.

However, cold water was swiftly poured on those rumours, with a South Korean official stating that Kim was 'alive and well'.

Kim's last public appearance before the military meeting came on May 1 where he opened a new plant fertilizer. It was the first time he had been seen in 20 days - a period where rumours circulated about his ill-health

South Korean parliament member Kim Byung-Kee even said that there were no original health concerns surrounding the North Korea leader's health to begin with.

He told reporters on May 6: 'The National Intelligence Service (NIS) assesses that at least he did not get any heart-related procedure or surgery.

'He was normally performing his duties when he was out of the public eye. At least there's no heart-related health problem.'

The longest period Kim Jong-Un has spent away from public eye is 40 days, when he received treatment for a damaged ankle in 2014.

Meanwhile, North Korea have yet to confirm a single coronavirus case or death in the country.
Steve Alexander, a well-known broadcast reporter with FOX10 in Mobile, was arrested on 6:59 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, on charges of driving under the influence, the station confirmed.

A Facebook post about the arrest was released on the page, Busted in Mobile.

Its been shared over 1,000 times since it was posted Sunday morning.

In response, FOX10 released a statement saying, We are aware that Steven Alexander Ozenovich was arrested Sunday morning for DUI. We are currently reviewing the situation and have no further comment at this time.

Alexanders court date is set for Aug. 8.
Britain's Got Talent act The Noise Next Door reportedly already had history with the show before their audition aired on Saturday.

The group reportedly penned an opening song for spin-off series More Talent in 2014, though at the time they were made up of different members.

The Noise Next Door impressed the judges with their audition consisting of an improvised song based around show hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.

Scroll down for video

Past works: Britain's Got Talent act The Noise Next Door reportedly already had history with the show before their audition aired on Saturday

According to The Sun, the group originally worked on the song for More Talent six years earlier, before the spin-off show was axed last year.

They took to the stage determined to wow the judges with an improvised performance, explaining they were no stranger to the gigging circuit.

Speaking on the show they said: 'We've done Live at The Palladium on ITV. We've done the Edinburgh Festival several times and headline the Comedy Store regularly, but nothing is as big as Britain's Got Talent.

'We may have had some success in comedy clubs but nothing of this scale. Britain's Got Talent viewers aren't necessarily comedy club goers and this gives us a chance to bring what we do to a much bigger audience.

Showmen: The group reportedly penned an opening song for spin-off series More Talent in 2014, though at the time they were made up of different members

'Also, improv comedy over here isn't as big as in the States and we really want to champion that in the UK.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Britain's Got Talent for comment.

During their audition, The Noise Next Door took to the stage asking the audience and judges to help with suggestions for song ideas.

The group launched into an impromptu song about Ant and Dec forming a wellington boots business.

The audition went down a storm with the judges who awarded them four yeses and a spot in the next round, but some viewers weren't so convinced.

Energetic: The Noise Next Door impressed the judges with their audition consisting of an improvised song based around show hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly

We have questions: Some viewers weren't convinced, taking to Twitter to claim their audition must have been pre-planned

Some fans took to Twitter to claim their audition must have been pre-planned, knowing their performance would have been about one of the judges or hosts Ant and Dec.

One wrote: 'No way they'd just made that song up. Obvious the celebrity would have been one of the judges or presenters and the song would have been rehearsed with each one of them picked in case.'

Another wrote: 'Enjoyed the improv' but I am suspicious as to how they all know which word to sing at the same?'

A third also claimed: 'Remember seeing NOISE NEXT DOOR at Butlins. Same act, just changed the song slightly depending on audience choice. Not completely improvised as suggested.'

Amazing: However others were quick to praise the audition, with one even recalling seeing them in a past performance

However others were quick to praise the audition, with one writing: '@Noisenextdoor sooooo good!! Well done!!!'

Another wrote: '@NoiseNextDoor The best act on tonight's show. Well done guys.'

A third also revealed she'd seen the group perform live, writing: 'Wow what a throwback memory, @NoiseNextDoor had my sister on stage at a comedy club in 2011 on her hen do, so glad to see they are still going strong.'

Next week sees the final round of BGT auditions air before what was supposed to be the live shows, which ha been postponed until later this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Britain's Got Talent continues on Saturday at 7pm on ITV.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reappeared in public following his second consecutive three-week absence amid rumors about his health, Voice of America reports.

State media on Sunday said Kim presided over a meeting that discussed, among other things, expanding the countrys nuclear war deterrence.

Pictures showed Kim signing documents, making a speech and pointing to a television screen that had been blurred by censors.

The pictures, published in the official Korean Central News Agency, revealed no obvious signs of new health problems.

It was Kims first public appearance since May 1, when he showed up at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a fertilizer factory, following an earlier three-week absence from state media.

A wave of unconfirmed reports in April suggested Kim had experienced a serious health problem, such as a heart procedure. Some reports said he had died.

Since the beginning of the year, Kim has disappeared from public view for about three weeks on three separate occasions. North Korea has not explained the reason for Kims absences.
Agartala, May 24 : The Kuwait government would deport 136 Indians belonging to Assam and Tripura and they would reach Guwahati by June 4, a Tripura Minister said on Sunday night.

Tripura's Law and Education Minister Ratan Lal Nath said that all the 136 Indians now in Kuwait jail for violation of law of that country. He said that the External Affairs Ministry has informed this to the Tripura government.

Nath, spokesman of the Tripura government, said that 105 Indians, stranded in Bangladesh, would return to Tripura by bus on May 28.

"After arrival of the people from Kuwait and Bangladesh, their swab samples would be tested. If they tested positive for COVID-19, all the people would remain in the institutional quarantine center," the minister said.
Gov. Ralph Northam, slammed on social media over the weekend after he was photographed maskless and mingling with visitors in Virginia Beach, acknowledged Sunday that he should have been carrying a face mask in case he ended up in a crowd.

Northam has encouraged Virginians to wear masks in public and indicated on Friday that he planned to issue a mandate for masks on Tuesday, although it is not clear if that would apply to outdoor public spaces, such as parks or beaches.

Northam, a physician, has also urged "social distancing," specifically, to stay at least six feet apart from others in public.

In photos that appeared on Twitter and Facebook, Northam stands elbow-to-elbow with a group of three people as they pose for a picture at the shore. In another, he takes a selfie with a woman. In another he appears to be on the crowded beach boardwalk.

Northam's office initially noted that the governor was outside and was not expecting to get close to anyone, but people recognized him and wanted to take pictures.

A spokeswoman later sent an updated statement acknowledging that the governor could have been better prepared for the crowd.

"The Governor has repeatedly encouraged wearing face coverings inside or when social distancing is impossible," spokeswoman Alena Yarmosky said Sunday. "He was outside yesterday and not expecting to be within six feet of anyone. This is an important reminder to always have face coverings in case situations change - we are all learning how to operate in this new normal, and it's important to be prepared."

Republicans seized on the opportunity to criticize Northam, a Democrat, who has been under pressure from some to ease restrictions in the state.

"Physician, heal thyself," House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, tweeted.

Northam, who allowed rules on beaches to ease Friday in time for the Memorial Day holiday, had traveled to the beach "to make sure beach rules were being enforced," Yarmosky said.
New Delhi:

IITs have decided to increase the number of seats in various courses for admitting "non-resident students" with an aim to take their total intake to one lakh by 2020.



According to senior officials, in a meeting of the IIT Council headed by HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday, "in-principle" approval was given to the proposal for admitting non-resident students.



The authorities of different IITs will now undertake an exercise to fix the number of additional students they can accommodate.



"At present, the IITs have around 72,000 students in their undergraduate, postgraduate or doctorate courses which are residential. However, it is now planned that students, who will not stay in hostels, should be admitted to these institutes," an official said.



The plan is to increase the number by 10,000 per year so that the number of IITians touches 1 lakh by 2020, the official said, suggesting that ideally there would be an increase of 4,000 seats in undergraduate courses and 6,000 seats in postgraduate and Ph.D seats, an official said.



Speaking after the meeting, Javadekar announced that the IIT Council has also approved a proposal to introduce the Prime Minister's Research Fellowships.



The move aims at encouraging IITians passing out of B.Tech to enroll in Ph.D courses straightaway.



Another decision taken by the council is to introduce an induction course to help new students adjust as they join these institutes after a rigorous competitive examination.



The IIT Council has also given its nod to a "pilot" run of an aptitude test, the officials said, adding that the modalities will be worked out. They said that this test would not have a bearing on admissions.



Another scheme which was approved the Council is 'Vishwajeet' which will help IITs to secure top ranks globally.



On the new education policy, Javadekar said that the government has received inputs from various quarters a workshop would soon be organised in this regard. He said education is a subject beyond politics and the government is willing to listen to all views on the issue.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Elon Musk is about to face his biggest test after almost two decades as a space entrepreneur: launching human beings into orbit.

If the weather holds and there are no technical issues, a SpaceX Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket will blast off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 4:33 p.m. on May 27. Two NASA astronauts -- Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley -- will be on board, with a docking at the International Space Station scheduled for 19 hours later.

The history of spaceflight is made up of moments etched into humanitys collective memory, including Yuri Gagarins orbit of the Earth in 1961, Neil Armstrongs one small step onto the moon in 1969 and the loss of Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986. While SpaceXs upcoming launch may not end up ranking with those events, it will mark the first-ever ride to orbit on a privately owned vehicle -- and the first time astronauts have flown from U.S. soil since the shuttle program ended in 2011.

We havent had two humans shoot up into space on a commercial spacecraft ever. Thats an absolute first. Its an epic moment, said Luigi Peluso, an aerospace analyst with AlixPartners. Space is still a dangerous game, and when you launch with people on board its a whole different level of intensity. And its not just about getting them there safely -- its also about bringing them back.

Surpassing Boeing

Musk founded Space Exploration Technologies Corp. in 2002 with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has been a key partner and customer every step of the way for the Hawthorne, California-based company. A cargo-only version of SpaceXs Dragon capsule already makes regular runs to the space station.

In 2014, NASA awarded SpaceX and entrenched rival Boeing Co. a combined $6.8 billion in contracts to revive Americas ability to fly to the orbiting lab without buying seats on Russian Soyuz capsules. By crossing the finish line ahead of a company with Apollo-era roots, SpaceX will underscore its metamorphosis from upstart to power player.

Its definitely a bit of a black eye to Boeing, said George Ferguson, analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence. He said the hit is less to the aerospace titans pocketbook and more to its reputation for engineering prowess, which has already been badly sullied by two deadly crashes of its best-selling jet, the 737 Max.

For a nation scarred by the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus and slowly emerging from stay-home orders, the SpaceX launch will be a chance to look skyward. For NASA, the event will also be a distraction from intrigue surrounding the abrupt departure earlier this week of its human spaceflight chief, Douglas Loverro.

The shuffle placed more responsibility on officials such as Steve Jurczyk, NASAs associate administrator and highest-ranking civil servant, who stepped in for Loverro to make the final decision to proceed with the mission.

NASA is a very resilient organization. Theres nobody in the organization thats irreplaceable, said Wayne Hale, a former space shuttle program manager and an architect of NASAs commercial space foray. Its unfortunate that this happens and he had to leave, but people are already stepping up.

Real Breakthrough

While NASA has discouraged people from mobbing Cape Canaveral because of the coronavirus pandemic, the agency is planning hours of programming around the #LaunchAmerica event. Vice President Mike Pence said he plans to attend the launch. President Donald Trump also plans to travel to Florida to watch, Bloomberg News reported Friday.

But the weather forecast -- clouds, rainstorms and isolated thunderstorms -- could delay the big event. If the May 27 launch is scrubbed for weather, the back-up date and time is Saturday, May 30, at 3:22 p.m. Florida time.

Adding to the excitement is SpaceXs knack for milking big events, as it did when it sent a cherry-red Tesla Roadster to deep space with its largest rocket. The voyage will usher in a new era of commercial space flight.

This is a real breakthrough for space development, said Lori Garver, a former NASA deputy administrator and current CEO of the Earthrise Alliance. This plan has been in the works for a decade. Youve turned over the keys to the private sector for low-earth orbit, which frees up NASA to do other things. And it will open up space, ultimately, for paying tourists.

There were plenty of skeptics -- including Armstrong and other spaceflight pioneers -- who thought this day would never come. When then-President Barack Obama decided in 2010 to turn space-station treks over to private contractors, SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket hadnt yet flown and few could have predicted it would dominate commercial satellite launches within a matter of years.

Soyuz Seats

Still, the milestone crewed flight is years behind schedule, and NASA has paid $3.5 billion to purchase 52 rides to space from Russia since 2011, including a seat on a Soyuz rocket later this year. The agency is confident that U.S. commercial spacecraft will take over the missions this year and next.

Boeing is still working through dozens of corrective actions that NASA recommended after the companys Starliner capsule missed a rendezvous with the station in December. The company hasnt yet scheduled a do-over, or its first flight with humans.

Regaining crew launch capability and having two American crew launch providers is vital to achieving our countrys goals in space, said Chris Ferguson, a Starliner astronaut and former NASA astronaut who commanded the final space shuttle mission. Im excited to see my friends and former colleagues, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, take this important next step.

The extensive testing that contributed to the Boeing and SpaceX delays is a contrast to the space shuttle, which flew humans without any practice runs for its orbital vehicle or rockets, said Hale, the retired NASA official.

Next Stage

The May 27 launch, known as Demo-2, will serve as a final test of SpaceXs entire system for transporting people to orbit, the last step to winning NASAs approval for regular crewed flights to the space station. Behnken and Hurley are slated to dock with the station on Thursday and meet with the Expedition 63 crew members already in residence aboard the orbiting lab. A press conference from the space station is slated for May 29.

Its a culmination, Hurley told reporters after arriving at Cape Canaveral on May 20. Its that next stage of human space flight.

Former astronaut Garrett Reisman, a professor of astronautics at the University of Southern California and an adviser to SpaceX, knows Benkhen and Hurley personally. He was a graduate student at the California Institute of Technology with Behnken and was on the space station with astronaut Karen Nyberg, who is Hurleys wife.

Reisman is elated about what Wednesdays launch means: that American taxpayers will no longer have to pay for seats on a Russian Soyuz. It could be the dawn of a new golden age of space flight. Reisman is considering flying his own single-engine propeller plane from California to Florida so he can avoid flying commercially during the coronavirus pandemic.

It changes everything when you know the people, Reisman said of the nerve-wracking anxiety around the launch. But NASA put SpaceX through excruciating scrutiny, as they do with everyone. It makes me feel more comfortable and more confident.
Employees chat on the patio of a startup office in San Francisco in 2019.

Katie Canales/Business Insider

Some surveys suggest there may be an exodus of tech workers from the San Francisco Bay Area due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

City-dwellers may relocate to less dense and more affordable locales as work from home policies become the norm.

But a new study places San Jose, in the heart of the tech region, as one of the best-positioned cities in the US to benefit from the post-pandemic future.

San Jose is much less dense, with only 5,300 residents per square mile compared to the 17,000 residing in San Francisco.

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An "urban flight" could take off from the San Francisco Bay Area due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But some tech workers rooted in San Francisco may not be headed too far, according to one new study.

Data analytics firm Moody found that San Jose, about 50 miles to the south, is among the best-poised cities in the US to welcome an influx of residents fleeing crowded areas in a post-coronavirus future as The Mercury News reports. The firm analyzed the top 100 metro areas in the US that have well-educated and widely distributed populations. Joining San Jose on the list is Durham and Raleigh in North Carolina, Salt Lake City, and Boise, Idaho.

The pandemic has caused many to rethink their urban lifestyles in expensive cities as employers increasingly embrace work from home policies. Some are also skittish about remaining in dense environments that have proven to be the perfect breeding ground for the spread of an infectious disease such as COVID-19.

The researchers behind the Moody study suggest that less dense areas with established professional sectors could benefit from the expected exodus away from crowded cities, including San Francisco and Los Angeles, as The Mercury News points out.

It's worth noting that many of the same issues that have plagued San Francisco  such as a housing shortage and a subsequent rise in living costs  are also present in San Jose. But the South Bay city is much less dense than its cousin to the north.

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About 881,000 residents live in San Francisco's 49 square miles, compared to a little over 1 million in San Jose's 180 square miles. More than 17,000 residents live in each square mile of San Francisco compared to 5,300 in San Jose, as The Mercury News notes.

San Francisco is a city of walkers and cyclists. San Jose is more suburban-like and car-friendly.

"Silicon Valley is nobody's idea of an up-and-coming area," the study's author, Adam Kamins, told Forbes. "But there is a notable contrast between the San Jose metro area, with its sprawling tech campuses, and tightly packed San Francisco."

Many who work in the South Bay have opted for apartments in San Francisco to be closer to the city's desirable amenities like museums and a colorful restaurant scene. Tech companies have turned to private shuttles to ferry employees from their urban apartments to the sprawling corporate campuses in the heart of the Valley.

The Twitter building in San Francisco on March 16, 2020.

Katie Canales/Business Insider

Some firms have looked past the Valley and into San Francisco to set up shop to cater to a young workforce. Salesforce, with its 61-floor, gleaming glass skyscraper, is an example of that. Twitter and Uber did the same, leading the charge on big tech's foray into San Francisco by planting their headquarters in the city's mid-Market neighborhood around 2011.

San Jose, according to the study, may be a desirable city to relocate to, but other surveys suggest that tech workers want to leave the Bay Area altogether. As Business Insider's Rob Price reports, social networking site Blind conducted a survey of thousands of techies in the region, two-thirds of which said they would consider leaving the Bay Area if their employer allowed them to permanently work remotely.

Tech employees were already growing weary of life in the expensive region, and droves of workers had begun taking off for cheaper cities, including Austin, Texas.

Fast-growing cities with burgeoning tech hubs will also likely continue to grow moving forward, as Forbes reports.

Read the original article on Business Insider
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given his backing to his de facto chief-of-staff Dominic Cummings, despite growing calls from his backbenches to sack the aide following allegations he breached lockdown restrictions.

Mr Johnson, speaking at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing, said Mr Cummings had "acted responsibly, legally and with integrity".

Conservative MPs had been baying for Mr Johnson to dispense with Mr Cummings after it emerged he had travelled 260 miles to County Durham in March to self-isolate with his family while official guidelines warned against long-distance journeys.

Further reports also suggested he took a second trip to the North East in April, having already returned to London.

Expand Close Dominic Cummings outside his north London home on Sunday (Victoria Jones/PA) / Facebook

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Mr Cummings denied the fresh allegations, which were reported by the Observer and the Sunday Mirror, and Mr Johnson announced he would be standing by his most senior aide.

Leading the Government press conference for the third time since being discharged from hospital on April 12, Mr Johnson said he could "not mark down" Mr Cummings for the way he acted.

The PM said: "I have had extensive face-to-face conversations with Dominic Cummings and I have concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of childcare, at the moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus - and when he had no alternative - I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent.

"And I do not mark him down for that.

"Though there have been many other allegations about what happened when he was in self-isolation and thereafter, some of them palpably false, I believe that in every respect he has acted responsibly and legally and with integrity and with the overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives."

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, during an interview on the BBC's Andrew Marr programme on Sunday, had denied that Mr Cummings was going to resign.

Expand Close Ben holds a sign as he protests outside the house of Dominic Cummings in London, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London REUTERS/Simon Dawson / Facebook

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Whatsapp Ben holds a sign as he protests outside the house of Dominic Cummings in London, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London REUTERS/Simon Dawson

Clamour grew on Sunday for the PM to dispense with the adviser he credited with helping him to win a landslide at the general election last year.

A host of Tory MPs piled in to claim the 48-year-old's position had become "untenable" after it was confirmed he journeyed to stay in a family property in Durham when Government advice was to stay home.

Over the weekend, Number 10 admitted Mr Cummings had driven from his London home to the North East in March after his wife started displaying Covid-19 symptoms, becoming fearful there would be no-one to look after his four-year-old child if he also took ill.

But according to reports, the former Vote Leave campaign co-ordinator made a second trip to Durham and was seen there on April 19 - five days after being photographed on his return to Westminster.

A second witness told the papers they saw him a week earlier in Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday, a popular tourist location 30 miles from Durham, during the period he was believed to be self-isolating.

The reports convinced Tory MP and former minister Steve Baker to break ranks and call for Mr Cummings to be dismissed.

The prominent figure in the Brexit campaign told the Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: "I'm afraid I just think this is the end of the road."

Other senior Tories, including Peter Bone and ex-immigration minister Caroline Nokes, also spoke out against Mr Cummings.

Craig Whittaker, MP for Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, said Mr Cummings' position was "untenable".

"You cannot advise the nation one thing then do the opposite," he added.

Scotland's leader, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, had also encouraged Mr Johnson to dismiss Mr Cummings before the press conference, having had experience herself of having to fire a close aide for breaking lockdown rules.

Catherine Calderwood resigned as Scotland's chief medical officer after pictures emerged of her twice visiting her holiday home after restrictions had been put in place.

Ms Sturgeon tweeted: "I know it is tough to lose a trusted adviser at the height of crisis, but when it's a choice of that or integrity of vital public health advice, the latter must come first."

But Downing Street, despite the calls for Mr Cummings to be removed from his post, has continued to back the beleaguered aide.

Mr Johnson said he deemed his actions "sensible and defensible".

Mr Cummings, speaking outside his London home on Sunday before travelling to see the PM at No 10, denied allegations he journeyed a second time to Durham after his return to work on April 14.

After one journalist asked if he had travelled back to Durham in April, he replied: "No, I did not."

Mr Johnson also said at the briefing that the intention was for primary schools in England to open more widely on June 1, but acknowledged it "may not be possible" for all schools.
When she saw the thief walk into her restaurant on Tuesday afternoon, Thao Pham says she greeted him.

The owner of the renowned Vietnamese chain Turtle Tower had been preparing orders for takeout and delivery, and assumed he was there to pick up his lunch. Instead, she said, the man stole a fistful of cash from the tip jar, knocking over everything on the counter. He threatened Pham, stole the remainder of tips from her cash register drawer, and took off without a trace.

"It happened extremely fast. I was in shock," Pham told SFGATE, recounting the incident. "I was alone at the time, so I felt helpless."

Sobbing, she immediately called the police, but more than two hours had passed before they arrived at Turtle Tower's Tenderloin location on 545 Larkin St. When they did, officers told Pham she should have locked the doors she intentionally left open as a safety precaution for her customers  and herself  to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.

Things were already tough going for her family's restaurant, which runs two other locations in SoMa and the Outer Richmond. Business has gone down 50% since the beginning of the pandemic, and every day, Pham has been finding new ways to stay afloat. This particular incident "added insult to injury," she said, but it was fear for the state of her neighborhood that made her feel inclined to speak out.

In a statement shared to Instagram on Sunday morning, Pham described the robbery as "a terrifying experience at a time when we are just trying to survive as a small business," adding, "The police response to this situation has been equally disappointing. We need to do better for our small businesses and vulnerable populations in the Tenderloin if any of us are to survive."

Police told SFGATE they had been informed the incident was a petty theft, rather than a robbery, classifying the incident as a "B priority" call that warranted a non-emergency response. The Tenderloin Police Station will continue to investigate the crime.

Though the monetary damage was minimal  about $20 or $30 was stolen in total  Pham said she recognized the man who robbed her and thinks he lives in a neighboring encampment on Willow St. A member of the Tenderloin Merchants Association, she called the organization's director to warn other business owners of the theft.

"Once I shared the story with the other merchants, a lot of responses were, 'This happens to me every other week,'" she said. "I think weve been protecting this beautiful image of San Francisco and dont want to air out our dirty laundry, but I no longer feel safe in my own restaurant  my own neighborhood."

Now, Pham is urging city residents and proprietors alike to join in support of their efforts to improve the Tenderloin's commercial corridors. She's also encouraging people to speak up to ensure crimes are accurately reported in their own neighborhoods.

"This shouldnt be what we have to deal with to run a business in SF. Enough is enough," she said. "Thankfully no one was harmed, but we are saddened that our city has allow our neighborhood to slip into this."

Read the full statement here.

MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:

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Amanda Bartlett is an SFGATE associate digital reporter. Email: amanda.bartlett@sfgate.com | Twitter: @byabartlett
The UK government has announced three more charter flights to transport Britons from Nigeria.

The British government has already airlifted 1,700 Britons from Nigeria since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to an official statement from the British High Commission in Nigeria.

Nigeria has also airlifted hundreds of its citizens from the UK, U.S., Saudi Arabia and others due to the pandemic which has caused over 300,000 deaths globally.

The charter flights for Britons in Nigeria will be available from May 29 to June 6.

Read the official statement from the UK government below.

UK Government announces three more charter flights for British travellers

Hundreds more British travellers are set to return home from Nigeria on three flights chartered by the UK Government.

More than 1,700 British travellers have already returned to the UK on special charter flights in April and May  from Lagos and Abuja.

Details of the new flights are:

 Friday 29 May: Lagos  London

 Monday 1 June: Lagos  London

 Saturday 6 June: Abuja  London

A UK organised special internal charter flight will travel from Port Harcourt to Abuja on Saturday 6 June to enable British nationals based in, or near, Port Harcourt to join the 6 June flight from Abuja to London.

Minister of State for Africa, James Duddridge, said:

Brits in Nigeria will now have access to additional repatriation flights, meaning hundreds more will be able to fly home. Weve already arranged for around 1,700 people to return home to their friends and family and continue to support British nationals who remain in the country.

Catriona Laing, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said:

I am delighted to announce a third wave of flights to take more of our British travellers home from Nigeria  adding to the 1,700 people weve already helped since airports closed on 23 April. If you are eligible and wish to return to the UK, Id urge you to book seats on these flights as they are likely to be the last charter flights available.

For further information and to book a ticket, British travellers should visit the Nigeria Travel Advice pages: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nigeria/return-to-the-uk

The UK Government is working with the airline industry and host governments across the world to bring British travellers home as part of the plan announced by the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on 30 March  with up to 75 million available for special charter flights to priority countries, focused on helping the most vulnerable travellers.

So far, charter flights have returned British travellers from countries including India, the Philippines, Ecuador, Bolivia, Nepal, Ghana, Tunisia, Algeria and Peru.
Sunday, May 24, 2020 at 8:06AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the government is "working closely" with Apple and Google when it comes to the development of a COVID-19 contact-tracing app. The two companies have partnered to develop an interoperable Exposure Notification System and API to assist with contact-tracing efforts. Apple and Google have started rolling the system publicly through software updates on May 20. Trudeau claimed the system the companies are working on would serve as an essential base for effective contact tracing or exposure notification app. He said the government is working with different partners to develop the app, suggesting that they are collaborating with other organizations and companies.

"We're working closely with Apple and Google on the update that they will be bringing forward, and it is our expectation that when the time comes for that to be released, we will be able to recommend strongly to Canadians a particular app that will help us manage the spread of COVID-19," he said. The prime minister didn't give a timeline regarding when the app might be released, but we're hoping it will come out sooner.

Source: MobileSyrup
Astronauts Douglas Hurley, left, and Robert Behnken - AFP

It will be the greatest game of "capture the flag" ever played.

When Nasa astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken set foot on the International Space Station they will collect a small US flag that has acquired mythical status in space lore.

The 12 inch by 8 inch banner will be brought back to Earth and presented to SpaceX as the prize for being the first commercial company to launch humans into orbit, winning a decade-long race with rivals including Boeing.

Hurley, 53 and Behnken,49, are due to blast off from Florida's Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, watched by President Donald Trump.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule will lift off from launchpad 39A, the same one from which Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins departed to the moon on Apollo 11.

It will be the first time astronauts have been launched into orbit from US soil since the end of the space shuttle programme in 2011, and the first time by the private sector.

Launch Pad 39A is seen as NASA prepares for the launch of the SpaceX/Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon spacecraft - MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES

The flag they will bring back flew on the first orbital space shuttle mission in 1981.

In 2011 it was left behind on the space station in a ceremony. Hurley piloted that final space shuttle mission.

At the time President Barack Obama said the flag would "reside on the ISS until an American commercial space company launches astronauts to the station".

Mr Obama added: "I understand it will be kind of like a capture-the-flag moment for commercial spaceflight. So good luck to whoever grabs that flag."

No-one thought it would take a decade.

"I think we will probably grab it [the flag] from Chris [Cassidy, current commander of the ISS] and put it in a safe place while we do our work on the space station," said Hurley, a retired Marine colonel.

"Then we'll bring it back when we come back later this summer."

The historic flight will be a milestone in the effort to commercialise space, and a key step in ending US dependence on Russian rockets.

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Hurley and Behnken have been quarantining with their families in the lead up to the mission.

Behnken, who has done six spacewalks, said: Its probably a dream of every test pilot school student to have the opportunity to fly on a brand new spaceship, and Im lucky enough to get that opportunity with my good friend."

Hurley said he considers the SpaceX capsule a safe, "pretty tried and true" design. The veteran astronaut said he particularly liked the Crew Dragon capsule's "launch pad-to-orbit abort capability" to save a crew in an emergency.
THE Zonta Club of Cebu 2, led by its president Marilou Canizares, celebrated Women's Month last March with activities highlighting some of the clubs advocacies.

The organization is based in Cebu City and it is part of Zonta International, which was founded in Buffalo, New York in 1919. Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.

Role models

During its March general membership meeting, Zonta Club of Cebu 2 honored three Women of Inspiration awardeesRosie Abenasa, Maria Rosario Canet Chua and Joy Lamfor their acts of extraordinary courage, innovative work and commitment to community service.

Women empowerment

At the finale of the play Vagina Monologues, which was presented at Seda Hotel in Cebu City, Zonta Club of Cebu 2 joined the cast and crew in performing One Billion Rising Campaign's song Break the Chain, which was choreographed by Debbie Allen, as part of the One Billion Rising Campaign's aim to end violence against women. The "billion" refers to the United Nations statistic that one in three women will be raped or beaten in her lifetime, or about one billion, according to Wikipedia. Zonta Club of Cebu 2 is in solidarity with the global community in its campaign to end abuse of women.

In partnership with Fight Like a Girl PH, Zonta Club of Cebu 2 launched the "Raise The VibrationRise for Revolution" at Ayala Malls Central Bloc in Cebu City. The event aimed to raise awareness on abuses towards women through art. During the event, 180 victims of violence and human trafficking under the protection of the Bidlisiw Foundation were present and around 500 mall goers witnessed it.

Highlights of the event were the poetry reading conducted by members of The Womens Prayer and I Got Flowers Today, the interpretative dance performed by Zontian Mary Rose Villacastin and culminating event, the with One Billion Rising Campaign's Break the Chain performance with audience participation. Yellow roses then were distributed to the audience as a sign of Zontas commitment to end violence against women and girls.

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Gender equity

During the Mandaue City Hall's flag raising ceremony, Zonta Club of Cebu 2 members joined the workforce of the City Hall and its womens group that promotes equality among men and women in the community. The activity was attended by 3,000 City Hall workers and public servants, including Mayor Jonas Cortes, Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede and the councilors.

Teenage pregnancy

In partnership with the University of Southern Philippines Foundation and the school's Golden Z Club, Zonta Club of Cebu 2 invited Dr. Hans Matthew Lua of Cebu Velez General Hospital (CVGH)-Department of Family and Community Medicine to talk about the adverse effects of teenage pregnancy.

Lua presented an actual case of a 15-year-old pregnant girl that jump-started the discussion on the medical and psychosocial issues of teenage pregnancy in general. A learning point from the presentation was the intervention module created by the CVGH entitled Crescenza, which gave importance to values formation.

The program ended with a speech by Zontian Petite Garcia about the significance of the Billion Rising Campaign. Zontians performed on stage the Break the Chain, eliciting rousing applause from the students.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: One Malappuram native, who arrived Tiruvananthapuram International Airport in the Bahrain flight on Friday night, was shifted to hospital. The passenger showed Covid-related symptoms while screening at the airport and immediately shifted to the general hospital.

Among the 182 passengers, including five infants, 102 people are placed under home quarantine and 79 under institutional quarantine. The passengers include 175 people from Kerala, six from Tamil Nadu and one from Maharashtra. Elderly people, pregnant women and children under the age of 10 are placed under home quarantine while the rest under institutional quarantine.
Amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, the country's nearly 40,000 grocery stores have been classified by officials as "essential" businesses that must remain open, putting the stores at the front lines of the crisis. At least 100 grocery workers nationwide have died of covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, since late March, and at least 5,500 others have tested positive, according to a Washington Post review of data from the nation's largest grocery workers union, other workers' rights coalitions and media reports. Below are comments provided by supermarket chains about their operations during the pandemic.

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- Walmart

Our associates are playing a critical role in helping people have access to fresh food, medicine and critical supplies during this crisis, and their safety is our highest priority. In areas experiencing community-wide outbreaks like Quincy and Worcester, our associates also felt the impact as members of those communities. We work closely with public health and medical experts and follow their guidance in implementing safety and health measures for our associates and customers.

Since the start of this pandemic we've been following the evolving guidance of health and medical experts, working diligently to ensure our response is appropriate to scale in how we protect our customers and associates, while also taking into account the complexities that surround each location and the varying dynamics at play in working with state and local authorities. With stores, clubs and other facilities located within 10 miles of 90% of the U.S. population, the health of our associates tends to track with the health of the country as a whole. Given the significant differences in reporting criteria and standards in the different jurisdictions where we operate we are unable to confidently provide a specific number of cases at this time with a degree of certainty. However, we believe the number of associates that have contracted COVID-19 is better than the current U.S. trend.

It may be impossible to track the source of anyone's infection, especially in some of the communities that have felt the devastating impact of the virus. As part of our response we have a clear protocol in place for how we are cleaning and sanitizing stores, and have provided guidance for managers to work through each confirmed case. Part of this overall process also involves reiterating to our associates the leave options available to them specific to this crisis, and administered by Sedgwick. We've seen a high adoption of those benefits, which is a strong indicator that our associates are hearing that their health is the most important factor. Additionally, we've sourced PPE and made those resources available for all associates.

While we are looking into Mr. Quiros' claims we have not been provided with enough information to substantiate them. Ms. Quiros was separated for performance reasons unrelated to any request for time off due to the Pandemic. These claims are not consistent with the experiences of the more than 235,000 people recently employed by Walmart or the countless other associates that have been able to utilize our emergency leave policy to stay home and keep their jobs protected.

- Lorenzo Lopez, Walmart spokesman

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- Kroger (owner of Ralph's and QFC)

Our most urgent priority throughout this pandemic has been to provide a safe environment for our associates and customers while meeting our societal obligation to also provide open stores, ecommerce solutions and an efficiently operating supply chain so that our communities have access to fresh, affordable food and essentials.

Since mid-March, we have invested $700 million to reward our associates and safeguard associates, customers and our communities. On May 15 we announced a special Thank You Pay for hourly frontline associates - $400 for qualified full-time associates and $200 for qualified part-time associates, totaling an additional $130 million - to acknowledge their dedication to maintaining safe, clean and stocked stores. The new Thank You Pay bookends an Appreciation Pay first provided to frontline associates for their efforts at the start of the pandemic in March. It also follows multiple Hero Bonuses that were paid in April through mid-May, with associates receiving their final payment by May 23.

In addition to these investments, we have recently provided new career opportunities to more than 100,000 workers nationwide, including those from the hardest-hit sectors like restaurants, hotels and food service distributors, to support our retail, ecommerce, manufacturing and logistics operations. Kroger employs one of the largest unionized populations in the U.S. And prior to the crisis, our workforce topped 460,000 associates.

Ralph's outbreak: We decided early on to be transparent, ensuring our associates and customers feel valued and safe. This includes making sure our associates are informed. Once we're notified of associates who have a confirmed diagnosis, have symptoms, may have been exposed to the virus or have been asked to quarantine by a healthcare provider due to a health-related reason, a member of our HR team contacts the employee to offer support and gather additional information, such as when the symptoms began, when they were last at work and other relevant details. This process immediately ensures the manager is well informed and notifies all co-workers and encourages others to self-quarantine, if appropriate.

Our guidance is always to communicate with integrity - openly and transparently - while protecting the privacy of any affected associate.

We are thankful to report 12 of the associates at the Hollywood store that we treated as if testing positive for COVID-19 have already fully recovered and returned to work. A total of 10 associates out of the store's total 158 associates are still self-isolating due to exposure, per the company's paid COVID-19 Emergency Leave guidelines. We have identified this location as a hot spot and are offering free testing to those symptomatic and asymptomatic.

Customer counting software: During this national pandemic, we committed to adopting preventive measures to help protect the safety and health of our associates, customers and communities. As an illustration, the standard building capacity for a grocery store is 1 person per 60 square feet. Under Kroger's reduced capacity limits, the number is 1 person per 120 square feet. By leveraging QueVision, our preexisting technology system that uses sensors and predictive analytics, we can more efficiently support capacity limits. Our management team also verifies limits, creating a safer environment.

Thermometer errors: We are unaware of any mass calibration thermometer errors. We also encourage our associates to monitor their own health and check their temperature at home before every shift.

Store closings/cleaning: Our practice is to perform a thorough deep cleaning by a third party with a focus on common and high-touch areas once we're notified of a confirmed case. In many cases, a store will close earlier than its scheduled time for this step to happen overnight. Below are the measures we have implemented and continue to execute to protect the safety of our associates, customers and communities:

- Offering COVID-19 testing to associates based on symptoms and medical need.

- Providing COVID-19 Emergency Leave to associates most directly affected by the virus or experiencing related symptoms and providing paid time off.

- Supplying masks for all associates and encouraging them to stay home if they are sick.

- Encouraging customers to wear masks in stores, or alternatively, use ecommerce services.

- Providing comprehensive benefits packages, including healthcare coverage and retirement benefits.

- Offering $5 million through the organization's Helping Hands fund to provide financial support to certain associates experiencing hardships due to COVID-19, including childcare costs.

- Making mental health resources readily available.

- Continuing implementation of customer capacity limits and special shopping hour for senior shoppers and higher-risk customers.

- Continuing the use of plexiglass partitions and physical distancing floor decals.

- Expanding contact-free payment solutions like Scan, Bag, Go and Kroger Pay.

- Offering a no-contact delivery option, low-contact pickup service and ship-to-home orders.

Reporting to health departments: Our stores coordinate with local health departments when we learn of a positive COVID-19 case in our workforce and take immediate action to support and safeguard our associates and customers. We are acutely aware and responding to the safety needs of our associates across our family of companies. We continue to work closely with federal, state and local public health authorities as they coordinate our country's response to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19.

Number of employees who tested positive for covid-19/died from the virus: The cumulative effect of Kroger's safety efforts has contributed to our case rate being below that of the surrounding communities where we operate, and significantly below the national case rate. That doesn't mean there aren't hotspots; this is a pandemic and there are areas of the country where we have individual locations with higher rates of illness. In those areas, we're responding with additional safety measures, including associate testing.

- Kristal Howard, Kroger spokeswoman

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- Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market is providing an essential service in our communities and like all businesses operating in this climate, we continue to balance that responsibility with our responsibility as an employer to ensure the health, safety and privacy of our Team Members. Any notification of a diagnosis in our stores is met with swift and comprehensive action and communication, and stores continue to diligently follow all guidance from local health and food safety authorities. Along with enhanced daily cleaning protocols, social distancing and crowd control measures, we require temperature screenings and face masks for in-store workers, and in addition to providing face masks, we offer gloves and personal face shields for added protection. We are auditing all of these practices on a daily basis to help protect the health and safety of our Team Members and customers, which remains our highest priority.

We do notify health departments of confirmed cases in our stores and diligently follow the guidance of local health and foody safety authorities.

Like most grocery retailers, we have Team Members who have been affected by COVID-19, and are supporting any Team Member diagnosed or placed in quarantine so they can prioritize their health and stay home. Our priority is ensuring safety in our stores, which is why we address any confirmed diagnosis in our stores or facilities with a comprehensive action plan that includes enhanced cleaning and contact tracing, as well as communicating directly with our Team Members. If a customer has a question about a specific location, they are encouraged to reach out to our customer care team for information.

Because of the thorough nature of our daily enhanced cleaning procedures and our escalated safety protocols, our stores remain open to serve our communities under the guidance of health officials.

We made the decision to temporarily close our Lynnfield location out of an abundance of caution. The store has had multiple professional deep cleanings and disinfections throughout the facility, and we are following the guidance of health and food safety authorities.

- Rachel Malish, Whole Foods Market spokeswoman

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- BJ's Wholesale Club

The safety of our team members, members and communities is our top priority. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, we have taken aggressive actions and implemented extensive safety and sanitation measures across all our facilities; and we always encourage our team members to provide feedback and voice concerns. We're fully focused on supporting our team members and operating our clubs with the highest safety standards. Some of our safety measures include, but are not limited to:

- Significantly increased sanitation and deep cleaning protocols on top of our already high standards.

- Continuous communication reinforcing social distancing protocols and using signage, floor decals and overhead announcements to enforce.

- Limiting the number of members to no more than 20% of a club's capacity at any given time.

- Providing masks and gloves to all team members, and face shields for certain positions.

- Mandating that customers wear masks while in our clubs where required by state or local authorities and requesting it in all other locations.

- Additional training on safety and sanitation practices and procedures.

- Temperature checks of all team members and on-site vendors upon arrival.

- Mobile and fixed sneeze-guard barriers placed in checkout lanes, at the membership desk and at our exit for the receipt-checking process to maintain social distancing protocols.

- Waived absenteeism policy.

- Provide standard pay for up to 14 days for team members under mandated quarantine or who have tested positive for COVID-19.

- Notifying all team members, regardless of shift, when there is a confirmed diagnosis in their club.

- Immediately bring in a third-party industrial cleaning vendor to thoroughly sanitize and clean the club after any notification of a confirmed diagnosis.

- Covering the cost of testing and COVID-related treatment for those enrolled in our health plans.

- Donating more than $1 million to support relief funds, hunger relief programs and hospitals throughout our footprint.

- Ensuring team members have access to financial assistance through our employee relief fund.

- Requiring any vendor employee to wear a mask while in our clubs.

- Going above and beyond CDC guidelines and recommendations in our safety and sanitation protocols and communicate with local health officials.

- Kristy Houston, BJ's Wholesale Club spokeswoman

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- Best Market/Lidl

We are taking significant steps to protect the health and safety of our team members during this public health emergency. Across our entire store network, we are providing paid leave for all employees over the age of 65 or with documented health conditions that put them at higher risk of complications related to COVID-19. We also modified our attendance policy to allow all employees to stay home with full pay if they are sickened by the virus or placed under quarantine.

When any team member tests positive for COVID-19, we immediately place that person on paid leave for 14 days and put all associates who may have had close contact with that person on paid leave out of an abundance of caution. To date, more than 150 employees without any symptoms have been put on paid administrative under this policy.

At all our stores, we have enhanced our cleaning regimen to meet or exceed guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are limiting the number of customers in our stores to encourage social distancing, equipping our team members with masks and gloves, and installed protective barriers at checkout lanes.

We take our responsibility to protect our team members seriously.

Confirmed Case of Covid-19 at Franklin Square Store: We follow the latest guidelines established by the CDC at all our stores which stipulates the incubation period for COVID-19 is 14 days. When we learn of a confirmed employee case, we conduct a close contact trace and put any employee who may have had close contact with an infected employee on paid administrative leave for the period of time that extends to 14 days from exposure. Prior to returning to work, our HR team screens those employees to ensure that they have not developed symptoms. In the case you cited at Franklin Square, the employee who tested positive had not been at work for nine days when we learned of the diagnosis. At that point, we immediately contacted the employee you mention. We determined that she was last in contact with the infected employee nine days prior. Despite having no symptoms, we placed her on paid administrative leave for five days to fully cover the 14-day period since possible exposure. Prior to returning to work, per our policy, our HR team contacted her to ensure no symptoms had developed before returning to the store.

Passing of Gladys Cortes: We were saddened when we learned of her passing. Gladys was a valued member of our team for many years and brought enthusiasm and passion to work every day. Gladys last worked at the store in Islip on March 30th, and we have no reports indicating that she was sick while working. Our policy is clear that employees who are sick should stay home. We reiterate this policy to our team and our store management regularly. We first learned of Glady's positive diagnosis and of her passing on April 9th. As soon as we were informed, we immediately briefed employees at the store on the same day through in-person meetings. We also issued a letter the following morning to all team members at the store on their paycheck. In the letter to employees, we pointed out that we thoroughly clean all our stores every day throughout the day. When an employee with confirmed case of COVID-19 worked in the store within a five-day period, we will also have a third-party company specializing in sanitization conduct an additional deep cleaning of the store. According to CDC guidance, five days is the maximum time the virus can live on surfaces. In this case, Gladys was not in the store for nine days. We reported the case to the appropriate regulatory authorities, who investigated and closed the case.

- William Harwood, Lidl spokesman

- - -

- Target

At Target, our priority has always been the safety and well-being of our team, and that's the approach we've taken throughout the coronavirus. Since early March, we've introduced dozens of safety, social distancing and rigorous cleaning measures at our stores across the country. The number of confirmed cases we're seeing across our team is lower than the percent being reported for the U.S population. But even a single case gets our attention, which is why you see us working so hard to do everything we can to protect our team and our guests.

We're informing team members who work at a location where a case of the coronavirus is confirmed and we'll continue to be transparent in the process, along with the measures we put in place to address it. While being transparent, we're also careful to keep team member privacy from being compromised with the information we share. There are some details we do not provide, as it increases the likelihood of a team member's privacy being compromised.

We're following health expert guidance and we're providing information that any health department requests of us.

We want all team members to feel comfortable sharing their concerns. We provide opportunities for team members to share feedback, either through team leaders or through anonymous reporting.

While I can't provide company-by-company detail, what I can share is our high-level approach.

Partners who operate in our stores receive updated information regarding our policies and expectations as we monitor and address the evolving situation pertaining to the coronavirus.

Additionally, we routinely communicate CDC guidance in and around stores to reinforce these important measures.

- Danielle Schumann, Target spokeswoman

- - -

- Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's has long been known as an employer of choice because of our industry-leading compensation and benefits we provide our Crew Members, as well as our caring culture and the communication we maintain with our Crew Members. This has held true as we have addressed the COVID-19 coronavirus. Since the beginning, we've looked to the CDC and local and state health officials for guidance on best health and safety practices, meeting and exceeding all recommendations and guidelines on everything from the implementation of proper cleaning and safety measures to the proper handling, tracking and reporting of positive cases.

Upon notification of any possible exposure to COVID-19 in any of our stores, we follow practices that meet or exceed CDC and other health official requirements. Our actions vary by situation, and depending on the date range of potential exposure, can include notifying the public and Crew Members, and closing our stores for additional, thorough cleaning and sanitization. We take a hyper careful approach by closing stores in these instances, and we do not reopen a store until we are satisfied that further intense cleaning and sanitation has been completed.

Any time someone at one of our stores tests positive and they were recently in the store, we close the store for an additional, thorough cleaning and post the closure on our website, in addition to posting a notice on the door of the store. We stay in touch with local and state health officials and comply with all reporting requirements for COVID-19. In fact health officials consistently tell us that we go above and beyond.

The CDC recommends there be an additional cleaning if someone who is sick has been in a facility within the last 7 days, however that additional cleaning is something Trader Joe's does in our stores every day. This thorough cleaning is done in addition to the cleaning that takes place throughout the day, every day.

At Trader Joe's we pride ourselves on operating our business with integrity and adhering to the law at all times. We also listen to our Crew Members and customers, appreciate and often implement their ideas and input, and take all concerns seriously. From the beginning, we have made it clear that Mr. King's employment at Trader Joe's did not end because of desire to set up a social media page or because he expressed concerns. When asked further about that, I have been clear that due to for privacy reasons I am not at liberty to say more.

As this unprecedented situation continues to evolve, so has our approach to doing all we can to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our Crew Members and customers. Every day, we're listening to Crew Members and customers and re-evaluating what we're doing and what we can do better. Our Crew Members are the heart of the company, every day going above and beyond to take care of customers and their communities. We want to do everything we can to take care of them. Their safety and wellbeing have been at the center of every decision we've made, throughout this situation. Over the months, we have provided safety and sanitation guidelines and protocols for our stores and reinforced these new measures with regular reminders and updates. We were one of the first grocery stores to reduce store hours, regulate the number of customers in our stores, and implement social distancing protocol in all stores.

Examples of additional measures we've taken:

- Early on we instituted enhanced cleaning and sanitization efforts at all of our stores, especially in high-touch areas, as we know this is the best way to combat any potential virus.

- All of our stores are conducting Crew Member Wellness Checks with all Crew Members, prior to the start of each shift. The Wellness Checks screen for potential exposure to COVID-19, as well as symptoms consistent with a COVID-19 infection. They are an extra precaution we are taking to reduce the possibility of any Crew Members inadvertently exposing their fellow crew or our customers to illness.

- Any Crew Member who had health insurance before the pandemic will keep that insurance, no matter how many hours they work. This allows Crew Members the opportunity to take a couple of days or a couple of weeks off without repercussions to their jobs or the benefits they've come to enjoy.

- We implemented bonus pay as well as $2/hour increases of thank you pay on top of already industry-leading pay that is $15/hour starting pay. The average tends to be much higher because Crew Members have the potential to receive a 7%-10% annual increase.

- We have increased Crew Members' store discount to 20%.

- Even before the CDC changed it's guidance on masks, at the start of April, we had masks made for all of our Crew Members and we had plexiglass shields installed at registers at all of our stores, starting with stores located in areas that have higher COVID-19 cases.

- We've reduced store hours to support our Crew Members in taking care of one another and our customers.

- We were one of the first grocery stores to limit the amount of customers in our stores at one time, and implement social distancing measures in all stores, to help ensure all Crew Members and customers are able to maintain the recommended 6-foot distance when working or shopping.

- We've dedicated a special shopping hour for only our senior customers over the age of 60 and other vulnerable customers who may need extra assistance while shopping.

- Kenya Friend-Daniel, Trader Joe's spokeswoman
Muslims around the world began marking a sombre Eid al-Fitr Sunday, many under coronavirus lockdown, but lax restrictions offered respite to worshippers in some countries despite fears of skyrocketing infections. The three-day festival, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is traditionally celebrated with mosque prayers, family feasts and shopping for new clothes, gifts and sweet treats. But this year, the celebration is overshadowed by the fast-spreading coronavirus, with many countries tightening lockdown restrictions after a partial easing during Ramadan led to a sharp spike in infections. Further dampening the festive spirit, many countries -- from Saudi Arabia to Egypt, Turkey and Syria -- have banned mass prayer gatherings to limit the spread of the disease. Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest sites, began a five-day round-the-clock curfew from Saturday after infections more than quadrupled since the start of Ramadan to over 72,000 -- the highest in the Gulf. Mecca's Grand Mosque has been almost devoid of worshippers since March, with a stunning emptiness enveloping the sacred Kaaba -- the large cube-shaped structure towards which Muslims around the world pray. But on Sunday, an imam stood on a podium while Saudi security forces, some wearing masks, positioned themselves between rows of worshippers who gathered before the Kaaba for Eid prayers. - Scuffles in Jerusalem - At Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque, Islam's third-holiest site after Mecca and Medina, prayers were not permitted inside, although the site is expected to reopen after the Eid holiday. Small scuffles broke out between Israeli security forces and worshippers gathering around the mosque at dawn, although prayers eventually went ahead outside, an AFP photographer said. In Gaza, Hamas authorities allowed prayers in mosques despite the enclave's first coronavirus death on Saturday, but worshippers mostly wore masks and placed their prayer mats far apart. "Eid is not Eid with the atmosphere of coronavirus -- people feel a sense of fear," worshipper Akram Taher said. In Afghanistan, the Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire to mark Eid al-Fitr in a surprise move following months of bloody fighting with Afghan forces after the signing of a landmark agreement with the United States. The streets of Kabul were mostly empty as part of a strict lockdown, but some people did venture out and greet each other -- some from a distance and others hugging and shaking hands despite calls for social distancing. In Somalia, at least five people were killed and more than 20 wounded in a blast during Eid festivities, police said. The blast occurred as a crowd of people were dancing and singing, a witness said, but the cause of the explosion was unclear. In Indian-administered Kashmir, another troublespot, Eid celebrations were muted under the coronavirus restrictions and as authorities tightened the screws after a spate of clashes between government forces and rebels. - Fears of 'new peak' - Ahead of the holiday, Muslims across Asia -- from Indonesia to Pakistan, Malaysia and Afghanistan -- had thronged markets to shop, flouting coronavirus guidelines and sometimes even police attempts to disperse large crowds. "For over two months my children were homebound," said mother of four Ishrat Jahan at a bustling market in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi. "This feast is for the kids, and if they can't celebrate it with new garments, there is no point in us working so hard throughout the year." The holiday began on a sombre note after a Pakistan International Airline flight crashed Friday in the southern city of Karachi, killing 97 people including many who were travelling to see family for the holiday. The English daily Dawn said the crash, along with the pandemic, had robbed Pakistan of "whatever little joy had been left at the prospect of Eid festivities". In Indonesia -- the world's most populous Muslim nation -- people turned to smugglers and fake travel documents to get around bans on the annual end-of-Ramadan travel that could send infections soaring. In the conservative province of Aceh, large groups prayed together with few masks and little social distancing as Eid began, and the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in the provincial capital was packed. "I did feel worried but as a Muslim, I still had to perform mass Eid prayers as a form of gratitude to Allah," one worshipper, Arsi, said. COVID-19 death tolls across the Middle East and Asia have been lower than in Europe and the United States, but numbers are rising steadily, sparking fears the virus may overwhelm often underfunded healthcare systems. - Frugal celebrations - Iran, which has experienced the Middle East's deadliest outbreak, called on its citizens to avoid travel during Eid as it battles to control the virus. Health Minister Saeed Namaki said Iran was focusing hard on avoiding "new peaks of the disease" caused by people "not respecting health regulations". The United Arab Emirates has tightened its lockdown which had been relaxed during Ramadan, but that did not stop some families from planning getaways to luxury beachfront hotels. But in many countries, Muslims steeled themselves for frugal celebrations amid growing financial distress, including falling oil prices that plunged the Gulf region into its worst economic crisis in decades. In the Syrian capital Damascus, Eid shoppers rummaged through flea markets for clothes at bargain prices as the war-ravaged and sanctions-hit country grappled with a much more entrenched economic crisis. "The flea market is the only place I can buy something new to wear for the Eid holidays," 28-year-old Sham Alloush said. "Had it not been for this place, I wouldn't have been able to buy new clothes at all." burs-ac/sls/hkb/dwo Worshippers observe social distancing as they gather for Eid al-Fitr holiday prayers at the Grand Mosque in the holy Saudi city of Mecca Israeli security forces wearing masks look on as Palestinian worshippers perform Eid prayers outside Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, which has been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic A deserted beach in Egypt's northern Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria, empty due to the coronavirus pandemic, on the first day of Eid-al-Fitr on Sunday The Eid holiday in Pakistan began on a sombre note after a plane crash in Karachi on Friday killed 97 people A Tunisian imam wearing a protective facemask leads prayers while adhering to social distancing rules, at Malek Ibn Anas mosque in Carthage, east of Tunis, on Sunday Muslim women take part in collective Eid prayers in the Iranian capital Tehran, a city hit hard by coronavirus Syrian children play at a makeshift amusement park on Sunday as they celebrate the Eid al-Fitr feast, in Syria's northwestern city of Idlib
In todays tech realm it's no longer enough to just make phones - brands need to have an entire ecosystem where their devices integrate seamlessly and augment each others' functionality. Huawei's "accessory" devices are of even higher importance seeing how the Shenzhen-based company needs to give people more reasons to stick with its platform as it builds up viable alternatives to the Google suite and find alternative revenue streams to make up for its shrinking overseas smartphone sales.

We are now about to review the Huawei Watch GT 2e, initially unveiled back in late March alongside the Huawei P40 flagship family. It is a sportier and more affordable version of the Huawei Watch GT 2, and we spent enough time with the wearable to tell you all about it.

Huawei Watch GT 2e specs

Body : 46mm watchface, 53 x 46.8 x 10.8 mm, 43 g weight (without the strap), 5 ATM water resistance, Metal + Plastic materials

: 46mm watchface, 53 x 46.8 x 10.8 mm, 43 g weight (without the strap), 5 ATM water resistance, Metal + Plastic materials Display : 1.39" OLED, Resolution 454x454, 326 ppi

: 1.39" OLED, Resolution 454x454, 326 ppi OS: Huawei Lite OS

Huawei Lite OS Memory: 2GB RAM + 4GB storage (2.2GB user available)

2GB RAM + 4GB storage (2.2GB user available) Battery: 455mAh, 5W charging through designated magnetic base

455mAh, 5W charging through designated magnetic base Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 + BLE; GPS+GLONASS; NFC (China-only)

The Watch GT 2e is the same as the Watch GT 2 on the inside. The outside is where the changes are, but we'll also be examining how the software progressed since we reviewed the GT 2.

Design

The Huawei Watch GT 2e arrives in only one version - 46mm - and there is no smaller variant. It is quite big on small hands and wrists but is extremely comfortable - the metallic curvatures on the top and bottom, complementing the rubbery straps, add to the aesthetics and looks exactly in place, when on the hand. Instead of using buttons that mimic rotating crowns, Huawei decided to go with plain ones.

The top button opens the menu, while the bottom one is programmable - we set it up for trail running since there is one running junkie in our office that was willing to test that sporting mode the most. The 22mm standard rubber straps are easily replaceable, but the black ones we had perfectly complemented the black metallic body.

The smartwatch is also offered in White, Green, and Red that give it a bit more flashiness, but in the end, even if it's slightly boring you cant go wrong with the classic black look.

Battery Life

The Kirin A1 SoC was designed specifically for wearables - it is seen in the Watch GT 2 and in the Honor MagicWatch 2 (another smartwatch with identical internals). The chipsets job is to support all the features without wasting too much power, so the watch can go up to two weeks on a single charge.

In the multitude of different use cases we tested we managed to achieve the advertised battery life only once - when the Always-On display was turned off, the heart rate sensor was set to Smart, while notifications and alarms were disabled. If you decide to keep the Always-On display, all the heart rate tracking, the Huawei TruSleep feature, the Automatic Stress Test, and the daily alarm or two - then you can expect six to seven days between charges.

In even more active use, a 30-kilometer run with all the sensors turned on took about half the battery. That's actually impressive considering that the whole experiment lasted more than 6 hours. The GPS did its job and provided real-time data. Compared with smartphone GPS, there was practically no difference in the recorded tracks.

User Interface

Huawei's interface is everything you need from a sports-oriented smartwatch. Yes, it is a bit dull and stripped of features, and you can't export your data. However, it is designed to work in the Huawei ecosystem and it does a great job when we tested it with a Huawei smartphone.

There are heart rate sensors, activity trackers, and with an update arriving after you set up the watch, there is an SpO2 meter that calculates the oxygen in the blood - everything over 95% is healthy. The same sensors also measure the VO2Max where higher readings mean better capacity of the lungs, therefore better endurance.

Since the Watch GT 2e is made to be your assistant and not the primary device, it has no Wi-Fi or LTE connectivity. Bluetooth is the only way to go, although you can link earphones for music that can be stored in the watch.

Huawei hasn't fixed the issue with a lack of third-party app support. While Huawei says that this is done mostly to protect your data, we would have appreciated the option to use a different companion app.

Huawei Health

Since there is no support for external sports-related software, all you're left with is Huawei Health. The most important thing to know before purchasing this device is that Huawei does not allow you to simply download the app from Google Play or App Store. In order to run properly, you need to have Huawei's own AppGallery for updates and you have to install the HMS Core unless you're using a Huawei device, where these are all preinstalled.



Pre-installing Huawei AppGallery on a non-Huawei phone

If you don't want to download all this stuff, you're left with a smartwatch that can't be used to its full potential. Everything will be stored in the smartwatch's memory, but since you can't link it with Garmin or Strava, you can't export anything.



Huawei Health interface

And this isn't exclusive for the Watch GT 2e - if you want to use any Huawei or Honor wearable, you must go through the whole ordeal, or the app simply won't start.

Also, Huawei Health's step tracker cannot be turned off. You can hide it from the Android menu, but it will always count the steps on your phone. On the upside, when the Watch GT 2e (or any other Huawei wearable) is linked, the platform goes through an elaborate algorithm to provide a more accurate step count.

Verdict

The Watch GT 2e is definitely a great smartwatch to have if you are already using a Huawei smartphone or at least willing to give its ecosystem a chance. It is quick, good-looking, easy to navigate - it covers all the essential features.

Having another ecosystem on the phone might be troublesome for a certain group of users, but with so many modern phones arriving with 128GB (or more) internal storage, this is far less of an issue.

The initial setup is tricky on a non-Huawei phone, but once the process is over and you've spent a day or two with the watch, all the initial anxiety will be over and you'll be glad to have spent just 149 for this amazing-looking Huawei Watch GT 2e, even if it doesn't have a loudspeaker or a microphone.
The Commissioner for Health, Cross River State, Betta Edu, joined Muslim Faithful in the state to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Mrs Edu, a medical doctor, visited the Muslim community in Bogobiri, Calabar, on Sunday, to celebrate with the Muslims and also used the opportunity to do sensitisation on the novel coronavirus.

Mrs Edu called on the Muslims to remain steadfast to the inherent lessons and ideals of the month.

She appealed to the Muslims in Cross River State to continue to exhibit the virtues of godliness, philanthropy, good neighbourliness, contentment and righteousness, which the Ramadan stands for.

She charged them to pray for the elimination of the coronavirus in the country and to also pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria. It is our belief that, with our collective efforts, Cross River State and beyond will witness phenomenal growth and development, she said.

The commissioner, who is the head of COVID-19 Taskforce in Cross River State, advised the Muslim communities in the state to adhere to all the health directives given by the government, like frequent hand washing, use of nose mask, and the avoidance of public gathering.

They must avoid crowding in the mosque as places of worship open in the state, she said.

There is no confirmed case of the coronavirus in Cross River State.
Cookbooks by big name chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Nigella Lawson and Nigel Slater lost out in the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards.

The ceremony, which moved online for the first time this year, recognises the very best in food writing and broadcast.

The Vinegar Cupboard by Angela Clutton won Debut Cookery Book of the Year, which offered a guide on how to cook with vinegar, as well as gives a detailed account of the condiment's history.

Angela Clutton's The Vinegar Cupboard, left, won Best Debut Cookery Book, and The Food of Sichuan by Fuschia Dunlop, which was named Best Cookery Book of the Year (right)

Winners of the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards 2020 FOOD BOOK: The Way We Eat Now by Bee Wilson (4th Estate) DEBUT FOOD BOOK: A Half Baked Idea by Olivia Potts (Fig Tree) COOKERY BOOK: The Food of Sichuan by Fuchsia Dunlop (Bloomsbury Publishing) DEBUT COOKERY BOOK: The Vinegar Cupboard by Angela Clutton (Bloomsbury Absolute) DRINK BOOK: Infused: Adventures in Tea by Henrietta Lovell (Faber) DEBUT DRINK BOOK: Just the Tonic by Kim Walker & Mark Nesbitt (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) FOOD WRITER: Wendell Steavenson for work in The Economist 1843 Magazine and the Guardian COOKERY WRITER: Rachel Roddy for work in the Guardian Feast DRINK WRITER: Dave Broom for work on thewhiskymanual.uk RESTAURANT WRITER: Tom Parker Bowles for work in EVENT, The Mail on Sunday PROGRAMME: The Amber Light by 52 Films RADIO OR PODCAST: The Kitchen Cabinet by Somethin' Else, BBC R4 PHOTOGRAPHER: Elena Heatherwick PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Matt Tebbutt DIGITAL CREATOR OF THE YEAR: Miguel Barclay Advertisement

Fuschia Dunlop won Best Cookery Book of the Year with 'The Food of Sichuan,' an updated and revisited version of her best-seller, where she revisited the region at the centre of her culinary influences and shared 50 new recipes.

The 13 winners were determined by an independent panel of experts including in food, drinks, food writing and hospitality, which was chaired by Ewan Venters, CEO of Fortnum & Mason.

The public were also invited to vote for two of the 15 awards, Food Personality and Digital Creator of the Year, for the first time.

Tom Parker-Bowles, son of the Duchess of Cornwall, was named restaurant writer of the year for his work in EVENT and the Mail On Sunday.

Food writer Bee Wilson, won Food Book of the year for 'The Way We Eat Now,' which examines how the food industry and how we eat has transformed our lives.

Olivia Potts won the Debut Food Book of the Year award for 'A Half Baked Idea', left. Right: Henrietta Lovell won the Drink Book of the year for Infused: Adventures in Tea

Olivia Potts won the Debut Food Book of the Year award for 'A Half Baked Idea,' which tells the story of how she left her high-flying career as a lawyer to study cooking at the Le Cordon Bleu after the death of her mother in spite of having no cooking training.

British chef Matt Tebbutt was voted Food personality of the year while Miguel Barclay won digital creator of the year, a new category which was created this year.

Meanwhile when it comes to drinks, Infused: Adventures in Tea by Henrietta Lovell was awarded for it's look at the country's favourite hot drink.

Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman hosted this year's Fortnum and Mason Food and Drinks award from home, due to the coronavirus

And The Amber Light by 52 Films, which follows spirits writer Dave Broom as he explores the origins of whiskey, won the award for Food Programme of the year.

The event was co-hosted remotely by Mr Venters and Claudia Winkleman, who virtually presented the awards from their respective homes.

Mr Venters said: 'We take great pride in recognising the very best communicators in food and drink  not only the writers, programmers and photographers, but also the judges who give their time and experience to champion the best skills in the country.'
Parents have been told to stay away from school grounds, workers are being urged to drive or walk to work, and the city is on high alert with marshalls patrolling the public transport network as Sydneysiders prepare for life with COVID-19.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard on Sunday reported one new infection and an unconfirmed case involving a female high school student who had developed mild symptoms.

The confirmed infection was detected in a person who had recently returned from the UK. The case brought the state's total number of cases to 3087 as of 4pm Sunday. There were four new cases nationwide, taking the tally to 7109 with 102 deaths.

The 6809 people who tested for coronavirus in NSW on Saturday were fewer than Mr Hazzard "would have liked" and fewer than the 8995 tests done on Friday.
Villagers surrounding North Mara Gold Mine will soon be compensated to pave the way for the implementation of a planned project.

It is more than 10 years since Nyamongo villagers in Mara Region were asked to relocate after valuation in 2012, but finally village governments and the mine have settled the matter.

The update was given by the Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Minerals, Prof Simon Msanjila, during his tour of the area accompanied by a team of ministers.

He said that more than 1,600 villagers had been valued and would soon be paid 33bn/-.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Mary Makondo said the valuation process had been successful thanks to collaboration between the Ministry of Minerals and the government.

He said the valuation was repeated in March 2019 in villages surrounding North Mara Gold Mine and was completed in September the same year to avoid complaints from the villagers.

"The villagers will be compensated as stipulated in the law," he said.

National Environment Management Council (NEMC), Director General Samuel Gwamaka, commented that the mine had put more efforts into conservation of the environment.

"Barrick Gold Mine investors have put much efforts in environmental conservation; a proof of this is a tailings storage facility (TSF), pool that stores toxic mud from contaminating the environment together with all-around areas that reduce environmental contamination in Nyamongo."

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Mining By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

The Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Ms Angeline Mabula, said the Nyamongo community was probably to blame for the delays in compensation.

"Speaking the truth will simplify the valuation process. There are claims that some residents were not honest and so this delayed the valuation exercise."

"The government always listens, follows up and acts on any promises and this promise is being fulfilled today because the residents together with the regional government and the mine management have cooperated well," she said, as she commended President John Magufuli for his sterling leadership.

"I urge Tanzanians that whenever there is a provision of land for development projects, they should cooperate so that they may get their rights. We know land is wealth and capital Ms Mabula remarked."
24.05.2020 LISTEN

Former President John Mahama has prayed for Allah's protection over Ghanaians from the scourge of COVID-19 as Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr today, Sunday, 24 May.

We thank Allah for seeing us through Ramadan successfully. May Allah accept our fasting. We ask Allah to forgive us our sins and we pray to Allah to see us through to the next Ramadan, Mr Mahama said in a Facebook video to wish Muslims well.

He advised Muslims to adhere to health protocols to help stop the coronavirus from spreading.

He requested that: We ask Allah to grant us good health. May Allah accept our prayers.

Eid al-Fitr also called the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.

Traditionally, Eid al-Fitr begins at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon. If the moon is not observed immediately after the 29th day of the previous lunar month (either because clouds block its view or because the western sky is still too bright when the moon sets), then the holiday is celebrated the following day. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country.

---classfmonline
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The local Muslim community assembled at the Islamic Center of Staten Island in Charleston for a two-hour drive-thru celebration Sunday afternoon for the feast of Eid-ul Fitr.

The feast, which marks the end of the 30-day fast in observance of Ramadan fell this year between sundown Saturday to sundown Sunday as determined by the communitys global moon sighting.

More than 50 cars lined up on Veterans Road West joined in at the beginning of the celebration, many of which were adorned in balloons and signs commemorating the event. They were greeted with celebratory music, dancing mascots and were given snacks and coffee as they made their way through the centers parking lot.

Muslims worldwide celebrate the holiday annually, which can last from one to three days depending on the tradition. The term Eid Mubarak which is Arabic for Blessed Feast, is the greeting shared on Eid festivals.

Dozens of cars adorned in balloons and signs line up outside the Islamic Center of Staten Island in Charleston Sunday afternoon as they celebrated Eid Mubarak with a drive through parade. May 24, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

Dozens of cars line up outside the Islamic Center of Staten Island in Charleston Sunday afternoon as they celebrated Eid-ul Fitr with a drive through parade. May 24, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

Dozens of cars line up outside the Islamic Center of Staten Island in Charleston Sunday afternoon as they celebrated Eid-ul Fitr with a drive through parade. May 24, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

Dozens of cars line up outside the Islamic Center of Staten Island in Charleston Sunday afternoon as they celebrated Eid-ul Fitr with a drive through parade. May 24, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

Dozens of cars line up outside the Islamic Center of Staten Island in Charleston Sunday afternoon as they celebrated Eid-ul Fitr with a drive through parade. May 24, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

Dozens of cars line up outside the Islamic Center of Staten Island in Charleston Sunday afternoon as they celebrated Eid-ul Fitr with a drive through parade. May 24, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

Dozens of cars line up outside the Islamic Center of Staten Island in Charleston Sunday afternoon as they celebrated Eid-ul Fitr with a drive through parade. May 24, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)
The BJP Sunday hit out at the Congress over registration of an FIR in Chhattisgarh against BJP Delhi unit spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga for his remarks against Rajiv Gandhi, and said it will only "expose" the former prime minister.

"I have just got to know that the Congress has registered an FIR against Sardar Tajinder Bagga also. These 'Congressi' will drag the name of Rajiv Gandhi through court and expose him. Let's have one more case. Friends, do you believe or not that Gandhi had a hand in the 1984 riots," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra tweeted.

He also took a swipe at the Congress, saying the party is now lodging an FIR against Sikhs for speaking the "truth" on the anti-Sikh riots in 1984.

Patra's reaction came after the Youth Congress tweeted a copy of the FIR, claiming the "virus of hate" will not be tolerated.

Bagga also reacted furiously to the FIR and attacked Gandhi again.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
You wash your hands more than you wash your face maskand new research shows maybe that's not such a good thing. "A new report from an Italian health authority explains that SARS-CoV-2"that's the coronavirus"can survive on the interior of face masks for as long as 4 days, which is an important reminder that masks have to be handled with care, especially if you're handling them for a loved one who is infected," reports BGR.

Yes, you read that right: 4 days on the interior.

"The ISS says that SARS-CoV-2 particles have been detected on the interior side of the mask as long as 4 days after a mask was worn, and up to 7 days on the exterior," continues the website, quoting a report from HuffPost Italy. "A separate study a few weeks ago also explained that the novel coronavirus can survive up to 7 days on the surface of face masks."

Although the CDC recently said the transmission of COVID-19 on surfaces is unlikely, the agency added that there was still more research to do and urged you to clean surfaces you touchincluding your maskto protect yourself and others from catching the virus.

How to Clean Your Face Mask

The CDC offers comprehensive advice about how to keep your face mask germ free:

"Washing Machine

You can include your face covering with your regular laundry.

Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the face covering.

Washing by Hand

Prepare a bleach solution by mixing: 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) household bleach per gallon of room temperature water or 4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water



Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection. Some bleach products, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing, may not be suitable for disinfection. Ensure the bleach product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.

Soak the face covering in the bleach solution for 5 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water.

Story continues

Make sure to completely dry cloth face covering after washing.

How to Dry

Dryer

Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry

Air Dry

Lay flat and allow to completely dry. If possible, place the cloth face covering in direct sunlight."

And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these Things You Should Never Do During the Coronavirus Pandemic.
The New Patriotic Party's National Organiser, Sammy Awuku has refuted claims by the NDC that the Electoral Commission (EC) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) are in league to rig the elections in favour of the ruling government.



To him, it will be nay impossible, even a "miracle" for such an action to succeed.



"We have never relied on the Electoral Commission since 1992in todays Ghana, it will be a miracle and an accident in history for the chairperson of the EC and her commissioners to rig the elections for a political party; it will be difficult," he said while contributing to a panel discussion on Peace FM morning show 'Kokrokoo', Friday.



NDC's Allegations



The NDC, at two press conferences this week, said activities being undertaken by the NIA and the EC ahead of the 2020 polls were all geared towards rigging the elections.



The oppositon party had earlier posited that the use of the National Identification card and passport as evidence of identification during registration despite the limited number of Ghanaians who have these requirements, was unfortunate.



National Chairman of the NDC, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo and NDCs Director of Elections, Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, at two separate media briefings on Tuesday and Thursday respectively, said the EC Chairperson and Executive Director of National Identification Authority (NIA) intended to rig the elections by denying about 11 million Ghanaians - majority of them from the stronghold of the NDC - the Ghana Card which would enable them to take part in the ECs planned compilation of new voters register.



They contend that the decision by the EC to use the Ghana Card and passport as the only required documents to get registered as voters was a calculated plan as part of the rigging process as many people would be disenfranchised.



As we predicted, the Ghana card registration process by the NIA has been very slow such that till date, the process which commenced with a pilot in late 2017 and was supposed to be completed in one year, has been able to register only 11,062,055 out of about 19 million Ghanaians (15 years and above) who are eligible to be registered.



Even more bizarre is the fact that out of this 11 million Ghanaians who have been registered, only 7,074,048 have been issued with cards (per NIAs own website https:nia.gov.gh) as at 2nd May, 2020), Samuel Ofosu Ampofo explained.



Rebuttal



Sammy Awuku, however, disagrees.



He pointed out that under no circumstances would the ruling party even consider the idea.



"NDC shouldnt think the EC can rig the election . . . the NPP reject the NDCs accusation that we are in active connivance with the Electoral Commission and the NIA," he said.



NDC Did Not Collate Results



Sammy Awuku urged the opposition party to rather focus on how to be vigilant at the polling stations instead of making unfounded allegations.



This is because the NDC failed to be vigilant in 2016 and that led to their defeat.



"NDC, I can confidently tell you; they couldnt collate their results in 2016 they didnt even know where they lost and where they won," Mr Awuku said, adding "you cant blame the EC for your inability to open your eyes".



Listen to him in the video below





Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Frontline healthcare workers seeking asylum in Ireland have concerns they will be deported when the pandemic ends.

There have been calls for the Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan to expedite the asylum claims of workers living in Direct Provision similar to moves that have been made in the British NHS.

Around 160 people who are currently living in Direct Provision work in frontline health services, and some are concerned they could be deported post-Covid-19 after risking their lives.

These workers have been moved from often overcrowded centres into B&Bs or hotels for the duration of the emergency, but have not yet been told when they can return, or when their asylum claim will be processed.

A source inside the Department of Justice says it's likely considerations to speed up these claims would be examined when the current health emergency is over, and "a conversation to be had over the summer", as the minister has "broad discretion" in such matters, and has intervened in other cases of unfair deportations of young children or families.

The source added Minister Flanagan was likely to be agreeable to the idea, while Minister for Health Simon Harris publicly thanked the 160 workers in the Dail.

The families of NHS workers in England who have died during the Covid-19 pandemic have been given leave to remain by Boris Johnson's government, amid calls for a similar action to be implemented here for the workers themselves.

Current asylum and immigration claims have been on pause since the beginning of the pandemic, and are due to resume on July 20.

One asylum seeker from Zimbabwe who works in a care home where three people have died of Covid-19, told the Examiner she goes to work every day afraid that she will be deported when the pandemic ends.

"The first days of the pandemic were very scary, we were hearing people dying in other countries and I was travelling to work in the nursing home, and back home to the Direct Provision centre," she said.

"Residents in direct provision had complained to the manager that the nursing home staff were going to bring the infection back to the centre, and my manager at work was worried I would bring it from Direct Provision, and I was stuck in the middle."

The young woman came to Ireland alone four years ago seeking asylum, and has no indication of when her claim will be processed.

"They don't have a time scale and they reply when they want to, I've never received any response, everything is quiet," she said.

I'm afraid that maybe after the pandemic I'll end up receiving a deportation letter, after risking my life during the crisis.

"I'm always worried about it, and when the pandemic started, I thought about just staying at home and not going to work but I thought of the people in the nursing home, they are the family I have in Ireland, that's the reason I had to go back.

"I think I should be allowed to remain, I'm doing something to help. I've gone to college, I'm working in a nursing home, willing to give back to the community.

"I have my advanced certificate to work with people with disabilities, so I'm looking to go into that field, I would love to do mental health nursing."

Brian Killoran, from the Immigrant Council of Ireland says the state should use the pandemic as an opportunity to reexamine how it treats those seeking asylum.

"This pandemic has definitely highlighted not just those who are in the asylum process, but a lot of essential workers are from a migrant background in precarious visa situations, in stark contrast to the massive contribution they make to Irish society," he said.

"This precarious status doesn't given them an awful lot of rights, and at the very least we should redouble our efforts to reform the immigration system to get people from precarious fragile immigration status to more secure status and greater rights, which doesn't just benefit them, it benefits all of us and betters society.

"The pandemic really highlights the disparity between the sacrifices people make and the situation they're in, and that has to be addressed.

"When we get into the question of residency we feel consideration should be given to those kinds of actions, any improvement not only benefits them, it benefits employers, and society in general.

"The Irish immigraiton system is complex, we definitely feel there should be considerations given to these essential workers and if it were considered, more secure status.

"It's been proven since asylum seekers were given the right to work, there is enthusiasm to get out there and contribute and that's never been more acutely seen than the 160 people in the health sector during the pandemic.

"Ultimately with asylum applications, the duration of time is very problematic, the root cause of the issues with Direct Provision is because it takes so long, when you get back to immigation reform, the minister has enormous discretion to make decisions on individual cases, the administration processes are very drawn out and beautractraic, and they don't have to be."

A Department of Justice spokesman said that asylum claims are processed on a "case by case" basis, however considerations are given to the "common good" and "the character and conduct of the applicant both within and (where relevant and ascertainable) outside the State".
By PTI

NEW DELHI: There will be no delay in delivery of 36 Rafale jets to India as the timeline finalised for the supply of the fighter jets will be strictly respected, French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain has said.

India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore.

"The contractual delivery schedule of the Rafale jets has been perfectly respected till now, and, in fact, a new aircraft was handed over to the Indian Air Force in end-April in France, in keeping with the contract," Lenain told PTI.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh received the first Rafale jet at an airbase in France on October 8.

"We are helping the Indian Air Force in arranging for the ferry flight of their first four Rafales from France to India as soon as possible. So there's no reason today to speculate that the schedule will not be maintained," the envoy said.

France is reeling under swelling cases of coronavirus and has emerged as one of the worst-hit in Europe.

Over 1,45,000 people were infected by the virus while the death toll stood at 28,330. There were apprehensions that the delivery of Rafale jets could be delayed due to the pandemic.

However, Lenain asserted that the original timeline for delivery of the jets will be adhered to. The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons.

European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile and Scalp cruise missile will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets.

Meteor is the next generation of BVR air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat.

The weapon has been developed by MBDA to combat common threats facing the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Sweden.

Besides the missile systems, the Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems.

The IAF has already completed preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft.

The first squadron of the aircraft will be stationed at Ambala air force station, considered one of the most strategically located bases of the IAF. The Indo-Pak border is around 220 km from there.

The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal.

The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangars and maintenance facilities at the two bases. Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers.

The trainer jets will be twin-seater with almost all the features of the fighter jets.

The Congress raised questions about the deal, including on rates of the aircraft, and alleged corruption, but the government has rejected the charges.
Meiosis is essential to sexual reproduction. For almost 15 years, it has been commonly held that retinoic acid, a molecule derived from vitamin A, triggers meiosis in mammalian germ cells. Yet, in joint articles published in Science Advances ( 22 May 2020 ), french researchers from the Institut de Biologie Valrose (CNRS / INSERM / Universite Cote d'Azur) and the IGBMC (CNRS / INSERM / University of Strasbourg), with their colleagues, demonstrate that meiosis in mice begins and proceeds normally even in the absence of retinoic acid. These findings set the stage for new research in the field of reproductive biology.

Meiosis is an essential process that results in novel assortments of chromosomes for the transmission of unique sets of genes to offspring. Beginning with a diploid[1] germ cell (an oogonium in females or a spermatogonium in males), it yields haploid[2] gametes (oocytes in females or spermatozoa in males). The union of an oocyte and a spermatozoon combines both parental haploid genomes in a single diploid cell destined to give rise to an embryo, marking the start of the next generation.

In mammals, cells found in developing gonads (ovaries in females or testes in males) provide germ cells with structural support, nourishment, and protection. They also emit molecular signals that determine what will become of the germ cells. One of the signalling molecules is retinoic acid, widely thought to trigger germ cell meiosis. Despite the 2011 publication of findings casting doubt on this assumption, the idea that retinoic acid is a switch for meiosis has risen to the status of dogma.

Together with colleagues,[3] scientists from the Institut de Biologie Valrose in Nice and the IGBMC in Strasbourg conducted two complementary studies of the mouse fetal ovary to clarify the role of this molecule, by (i) inhibiting its synthesis and (ii) removing its receptors. Neither approach prevented normal initiation of meiosis in germ cells. Furthermore, viable infant mice were born after fertilization of oocytes lacking retinoic acid receptors, proving that these cells are functionally intact.

These twin studies therefore refute the dogma of a retinoic acid trigger for meiosis in germ cells, ending a debate that has lasted nearly a decade and a half. By dismissing a long-held tenet, these findings invite the scientific community to reconsider its working assumptions and investigate new leads in the search for the real signals controlling initiation of germ cell meiosis.

Notes
When President Donald Trump doesn't like the message, he shoots the messenger. So it was this past week when he took very personally a scientific study that should give pause to anyone thinking of following Trump's lead and ingesting a potentially risky drug for the coronavirus. He branded the study's researchers, financed in part by his own administration, his "enemy."

Heading into Memorial Day weekend, Trump then exaggerated some of his accomplishments for veterans' health care. A look at recent rhetoric and reality as the pandemic's death toll approached 100,000 in the U.S.:

VIRUS DRUG

TRUMP, on why he considers hydroxychloroquine safe for the treatment of Covid-19: "I've received a lot of positive letters and it seems to have an impact. And maybe it does; maybe it doesn't. But if it doesn't, you're not going to get sick or die. This is a pill that's been used for a long time  for 30, 40 years on the malaria and on lupus too, and even on arthritis, I guess, from what I understand."  remarks Monday.

TRUMP: "It doesn't hurt people."  remarks Tuesday after a GOP policy lunch.

THE FACTS: He's wrong to assert there is no risk of harm if people take the malaria drug to try to prevent a coronavirus infection. Trump's own health agencies have cautioned that taking hydroxychloroquine to stave off the virus could be dangerous due to side effects. If the president is to be believed, he's taking the drug himself.

Trump repeatedly has pushed hydroxychloroquine, with or without the antibiotic azithromycin. No large, rigorous studies have found them safe or effective for COVID-19, and they can cause heart rhythm problems and other serious side effects. The Food and Drug Administration has warned against the drug combination and said hydroxychloroquine should only be used for the coronavirus in hospitals and research settings.

Two large observational studies, each involving about 1,400 patients in New York, recently found no benefit from hydroxychloroquine. Two new ones in the journal BMJ, one by French researchers and the other from China, reached the same conclusion.

On Friday, a study published by the journal Lancet suggested that hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, with or without an antibiotic, did not help hospitalized patients and was tied to a greater risk of death or heart rhythm problems. Although it was observational rather than a rigorous test, it's by far the largest so far to examine these drugs in real-world settings  nearly 100,000 patients in 671 hospitals on six continents. Researchers estimated that the death rate attributable to use of the drugs, with or without an antibiotic such as azithromycin, is roughly 13% versus 9% for patients not taking them.

The drug has been available for decades to treat the mosquito-borne illness malaria; it is also prescribed for some lupus and arthritis patients.

Technically, doctors can already prescribe the drug to patients with Covid-19, a practice known as off-label prescribing. But that is not the same as the FDA approving the drug specifically for the pandemic, which would mean it had met the agency's standards for safety and effectiveness.

FDA regulators issued a warning alert last month in part based on increased reports of dangerous side effects called in to US poison control centers.

___

TRUMP: "The only negative I've heard was the study where they gave it  was it the VA? With, you know, people that aren't big Trump fans gave it ...they had a report come out."  remarks Monday.

TRUMP: "It was given by, obviously, not friends of the administration."  remarks Tuesday at Cabinet meeting.

TRUMP: "And if you look at the one survey, the only bad survey, they were giving it to people that were in very bad shape. They were very old, almost dead. It was a 'Trump enemy statement.'"  remarks Tuesday after GOP policy lunch.

THE FACTS: There's no evidence of a political plot at the Department of Veterans Affairs or elsewhere to produce a study pointing to poor outcomes for veterans who took hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 in a bid to make Trump look bad. That study was led by independent researchers  at the University of Virginia and University of South Carolina  and grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Virginia school paid for the work.

The study released last month found no benefit from hydroxychloroquine.

The analysis, conducted by the researchers with VA approval, was not a rigorous experiment, nor was it peer-reviewed. Still, with 368 patients, it was the largest look at hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 at the time. Researchers stressed a "great and immediate need" to conduct the analysis due to limited scientific evidence on the drug's safety and "increasingly widespread use" both as a way to prevent COVID-19 and to treat it.

Researchers analyzed medical records of male veterans hospitalized with confirmed coronavirus infection at VA medical centers who died or were discharged by April 11. About 28% of veterans who were given hydroxychloroquine plus usual care died, versus 11% of those getting routine care alone.

"These findings highlight the importance of awaiting the results of ongoing prospective, randomized, controlled studies before widespread adoption of these drugs," the researchers wrote.

It's also a point that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious diseases expert and a member of the White House coronavirus task force, has repeatedly made, urging caution on the drug.

"Although there is anecdotal evidence that hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin may benefit people with COVID-19, we need solid data," Fauci said.

No drug has been approved for treating the disease, although several have "emergency use" authorization. Most people who get COVID-19 recover.

___

TRUMP, on the study of VA hospital data: "If you look at that phony report that was put in, that report on the hydroxyl -- was given to people that were in extraordinarily bad condition -- extraordinarily bad, people that were dying."  remarks Monday.

TRUMP: "There was a false study done where they gave it to very sick people  extremely sick people, people that were ready to die. ... And the study came out. The people were ready to die. Everybody was old, had bad problems with hearts, diabetes, and everything else you can imagine."  remarks Tuesday at Cabinet meeting.

VA SECRETARY ROBERT WILKIE: "They did not even look at what the president just mentioned  the various comorbidities that the patients who were referenced in that study had."  Cabinet meeting Tuesday.

WILKIE: "The analysis did not adjust for patients' clinical status."  letter on April 29 to veterans' groups.

THE FACTS: Trump and his VA secretary are incorrect. Researchers did use standard statistical methods to adjust for differences in the groups being compared, including clinical status and the presence of other chronic health conditions. They did not cherry-pick only the oldest or sickest ones who took the drug.

Even though the VA hospital patients given the drug tended to be sicker than those in the comparison group, researchers still saw no benefit from the drug after taking that into account.

The study included all VA patients treated with the drug. One of the measurements was whether it helped prevent the need for breathing machines. It didn't.

Researchers did not track side effects, but noted there was hints hydroxychloroquine might have damaged other organs. The drug has long been known to have potentially serious side effects such as altering the heartbeat in a way that could lead to sudden death.

The study noted that the median age of the test group was over 65, meaning half the patients were below that and half above it. The NIH and others have more rigorous tests underway.

___

OBESITY

HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI, D-Calif., on Trump's statement that he's taking hydroxychloroquine: "He's our president and I would rather he not be taking something that has not been approved by the scientists, especially in his age group and in his, shall we say, weight group  morbidly obese, they say."  interview Tuesday on CNN.

THE FACTS: Trump is not "morbidly" obese.

Trump is 73. At his last full checkup in February 2019 he passed the official threshold for being considered obese, with a body mass index of 30.4. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an index of 40 or above is considered "severe" obesity, which some also call "morbid" obesity.

Pelosi's statement was not purely or even primarily an expression of concern about the president's health. She said later she was giving him "a dose of his own medicine" for his history of putting down women for their weight.

___

VETERANS

TRUMP: "We've done the greatest job maybe of anything in the VA, because I got VA Choice ... approved."  remarks Monday.

TRUMP: "You know we got the Veterans Choice."  remarks Friday at veterans' event.

THE FACTS: False. He didn't get Veterans Choice approved; President Barack Obama did in 2014. Trump expanded it, under a 2018 law known as the MISSION Act.

___

TRUMP: "Choice is when they wait for two months to see a doctor ... they go outside, they get themselves a good doctor, we pay the bill, and they get taken care of."  remarks Friday at veterans' event.

THE FACTS: His suggestion that veterans no longer have waits for care because of the Choice program is also false.

Since March, the VA actually has halted the program's key provisions that granted veterans the option to see private doctors if they endured long delays at VA, citing the pandemic. Internal VA emails obtained by The Associated Press reveal that some veterans are being turned away, even when private doctors are available to see them.

The program allows veterans to see a private doctor for primary or mental health care if their VA wait is 20 days (28 for specialty care) or their drive to a VA facility is 30 minutes or more.

But since the program's expansion in June 2018, the VA has not seen a major increase in veterans seeking private care. Two months ago, after the coronavirus outbreak, the VA also took the step of restricting veterans' access to private doctors, citing the added risks of infection and limited capacity at private hospitals.

Under the temporary guidelines, the VA is reviewing referrals for nonemergency care "on a case-by-case basis for immediate clinical need and with regard to the safety of the veteran when being seen in-person, regardless of wait time or drive time eligibility," according to VA spokeswoman Christina Noel. The department has boosted telehealth appointments and says VA referrals for private care will be made where it is "deemed safe" and private doctors are available.

Veterans' organizations and internal VA emails suggest the department is painting an overly rosy picture of health care access.

"We have community facilities open and able to see patients; however, our Veterans are being denied community care granted under criteria of the MISSION Act," one VA employee wrote in a May 14 email to Tammy Czarnecki, an assistant deputy undersecretary for health operations at VA.

The employee works in a rural region that covers Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and Oklahoma, where private doctors are often key to filling gaps in VA care. The person said veterans were being told by their local VAs they may need to wait "well past July, August or September" for private care, according to the email, which was provided to the AP on condition the sender not be identified.

Czarnecki's office replied by referring the employee to the VA guidance that set forth the restrictions due to a pandemic.

The VA on Thursday said referrals had increased in the employee's city during the pandemic. It did not provide figures.

The VA, which announced this past week it would start returning to more normal operations, hasn't said when it will remove its temporary restrictions on Choice.
Lower Southampton Township Police release this image of the man who they believed was the angry customer. Read more

A mask-less man who was asked by an employee to wear a face covering while inside an Acme supermarket in Feasterville, Bucks County, went on a rampage Saturday that included throwing a bottle of hot sauce at the store employee, police said.

Southampton Township police said the man went on a destructive spree that involved throwing items around, climaxing with the hot-sauce toss.

Police released an image of the man who they believed was the angered customer and asked that anyone with information about him call 215-357-1234.
Paris (AFP) - The new coronavirus could kill 150,000 people in Africa in a year unless urgent action is taken, according to a WHO modelling study that says nearly a quarter of a billion people will be infected.

Authors of the research, published Friday in the journal BMJ Global Health, predicted a lower infection rate than in other parts of the world like Europe and the US, with fewer severe cases and deaths.

But while they said many African nations had been swift to adopt containment measures, they warned that health systems could still quickly become overwhelmed.

"Our model points to the scale of the problem for health systems if containment measures fail," said the authors.

The study comes amid stark warnings that COVID-19 threatens a health emergency in developing nations where fragile health systems are already struggling with an array of other chronic diseases.

Experts at the World Health Organization's Africa office modelled likely rates of exposure to the virus and infection in the 47 countries under its regional remit, which excludes Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Somalia, Sudan and Tunisia.

Some 231 million people, or 22 percent (with a range of 16 to 26 percent) of the one billion people in the region were expected to be infected in the 12 month period -- most of them showing few or no symptoms.

But an estimated 4.6 million people would need to be admitted to hospital, while 140,000 would have severe COVID-19 infection and 89,000 would be critically ill.

That would lead to some 150,000 deaths (between 83,000 and 190,000) the study suggested.

The modelling estimates what would happen for each country over the period of a year from the beginning of widespread and sustained community transmission.

- Smaller countries threatened -

Researchers warned that surging hospital admissions for COVID-19 would divert already limited resources to tackle major health issues in the region, such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and malnutrition, worsening the impact of coronavirus.

Story continues

"The region will have fewer deaths, but occurring more in relatively younger age groups, amongst people previously considered healthy - due to undiagnosed non-communicable diseases," the report said, adding that these trends were already emerging.

The researchers said they expect the virus would likely circulate within the region for longer than other countries, possibly for several years.

Transmission was estimated to be greatest in small nations, with Mauritius found to have the highest risk of exposure. Of the region's large countries, South Africa, Cameroon and Algeria were also in the top ten for exposure risk.

The authors calculated this risk by looking at each country's "gathering factor" (including family size and population density), people's likely ease of movement, sanitation and hygiene practices.

They also included weather. It is not known if warmer temperatures slow down the spread of COVID-19, though some research has suggested it has that effect on other coronaviruses.

Researchers factored in each country's measures to control the spread of the virus, including physical distancing.

They also looked at health risk factors -- proportion of the population over 65, HIV prevalence (as a proxy for chronic communicable conditions) and diabetes (as a proxy for non-communicable chronic illness).

The report assumed that some 88 percent of people would not know they had the virus, with either mild symptoms or none at all, while four percent would suffer severe or life-threatening illness.

They called for countries to rapidly boost healthcare capacity, particularly in primary hospitals.

This month the United Nations said the number of deaths from AIDS-related illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa could double if the provision of healthcare to HIV sufferers is disrupted during the coronavirus crisis.
(Natural News) Where will the first vaccines for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) be unleashed? In Great Britain, assuming a scheme hatched by the British government to vaccinate half the population by September is a success.

Reports indicate that drug giant AstraZeneca has been contracted by the United Kingdom to turn an experimental Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine developed by scientists at the University of Oxford into 30 million commercial doses of the jab before the fall.

United Kingdom Business Secretary Alok Sharma recently announced that a global licensing deal worth 130 million ($160 million) has been signed between Oxford and AstraZeneca. And the aim is to vaccinated half of the entire U.K. population by the end of summer.

If this test vaccine can be proven to provide protection against the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), the plan is to have AstraZeneca produce another 70 million doses of it for a total of 100 million doses. And Sharma wants to see this happen as soon as possible.

To help move things along even more quickly, Sharma has allotted another 84 million ($103 million) in taxpayer monies to supply both Oxford and Imperial College London, which is also working on the project, with the funds they require to ramp up production on their groundbreaking potential vaccines.

65.5 million ($80 million) of this has been earmarked for Oxford, while Imperial will receive the remaining 18.5 million ($23 million). This is on top of 47 million ($58 million) that was handed out to other scientists who are all racing for a cure for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19).

Listen below to The Health Ranger Report as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about how mandatory vaccination is a form of medical rape, and that the penalty should be felony assault:

Great Britain wants to deliver coronavirus vaccines to the Third World at the lowest cost possible

Oxford is just about finished with the first phase of its human trials, while Imperial is on track to begin its trial in June, followed by a second one in October. Before long, there will eventually be a vaccine available for everyone, though it is unclear if all Brits will be forced to receive it.

Our scientists are at the forefront of vaccine development, Sharma is quoted as saying. This deal with AstraZeneca means that if the Oxford University vaccine works, people in the U.K. will get the first access to it, helping to protect thousands of lives.

He went on to state that 100 million doses of the Oxford Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine will be delivered in total, ensuring that in addition to supporting our own people, we are able to make the vaccines available to developing countries at the lowest cost possible.

This all directly coincides with President Trumps efforts here in the U.S. to develop a Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine as part of his Operation Warp Speed initiative.

Trump recently hired on Moncef Slaoui of Moderna, the company that has been tasked with developing a U.S. vaccine for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), to oversee the mass distribution of jabs here in America once they are ready for commercial release.

In other words, it is now a race to see which country can unveil an effective Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine the fastest, and Sharma believes that the U.K. will beat out the U.S. in reaching the finish line first.

The U.K. continues to lead the global response to find a vaccine, Sharma is quoted as saying, adding that the British government is backing our scientists to do this as quickly as possible.

To keep up with the latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), be sure to check out Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheSun.co.uk

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
How can churches navigate 'new cultural reality' post-COVID? Barna highlights key findings

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New data from Barna show the new cultural reality and spiritual landscape of the United States amid the multi-faceted disruption the global coronavirus pandemic has caused.

Barna Group President David Kinnaman noted in a webcast Wednesday that churches and ministries are grappling with a handful of crucial known and unknown factors.

"We know that God is for us, that God has not given us a spirit of fear but one of power, love and of a sound mind," he said, referencing 2 Timothy 1:7, praising pastors who have stepped up and served through these challenges.

Barna researchers asked in a survey how often in the past seven days people have felt lonely. Millennial respondents were far more likely to report they had experienced loneliness "all the time" or "for at least some of each day" than Generation X or Boomers.

The coronavirus crisis seems to be accelerating the mental health problems and relational well-being issues besetting many people, Kinnaman explained, concurrent with the loneliness and isolation many are experiencing.

Spiritually speaking, during the pandemic half of all self-identified Christians reported that they were praying more than usual, 17% said they were reading the Bible more, and 6% said they were experiencing spiritual doubt. Some 43% of respondents said none of those things.

An interesting data point in the survey was that millennials were more likely to say that they were reading the Bible more than usual than were Boomers, Kinnaman noted.

With churches pivoting toward digital meeting formats, among practicing Christians approximately half have been streaming their regular church online. Around one-third have streamed a different church, and the rest have done neither and appear to be taking the time off.

"Practicing Christians" were defined in the research as those who, before the COVID-19 outbreak, were attending church once a month or more.

"We find that one in four practicing Christians say that they watch multiple church services on any given weekend and three out of 10 say they watch but not on a Sunday," Kinnaman said.

Among non-Christians the data show that not many are doing overtly spiritual things such as joining a small group or reading the Bible, but prayer is being explored more, he explained.

"We're not going back to normal,'" Kinnaman said, regarding the future of church-based ministry.

He reiterated that the COVID-19 pandemic has merely accelerated the disruptions that were already occurring in culture, accentuating a sense of a deep cultural chaos and which is impacting many spheres of society.

While many Christians would like to return to church they are uncertain about how safe they're going to be, he added.

"I think we're going to see is a really interesting sort of 'new normal,' a lot of deep disruptions that are going to take place over many months and maybe even many years," he said.

"The COVID crisis is going to accelerate many needed changes for the church. How is it that we are going to show up in an anxious moment for an anxious generation, for an isolated generation, for people that are struggling with questions but maybe aren't all that hungry for spiritual answers?" he posited.
24.05.2020 LISTEN

It is important that every countrys electoral commission is seen as free fair and credible an organisation in order to be trusted well enough to be able to organise effective elections.

Ghanas electoral commission has been a mixed bag in the fourth republic for the past 28 years, depending on which side you belong and at what time. The opposition sees the commission as not trustworthy yet the same party in power will do anything to support the same commission. What could the secret behind this be?

1. Is the commission hiding something from a part of the population?

2. Do they go into bed with every incumbent government to achieve a purpose?

3. If they do, what purpose would that be?

4. In this time where the economy is in crisis, are we as a country saying it is ok to spend millions of Cedis to compile a new register simply because we are in the eight-year from the last list?

These questions are being asked because the current situation in Ghana with the ECs strong stand not to compromise on their decision on compiling a new register is a concern. Concerned because the timing seems off-limits. With elections, just 7month away, would it not be wise to rather clean the register with a limited registration exercise to add young people who have attained the voting age and also to remove deceased people from the list? How can a voter list which proved effective in the recent district level elections be suddenly not good enough? Remember this is the same voters list that brought the current government into power. Being part of the PPP party, I am aware that the EC provides copies to all parties prior to elections. If this same list was agreed upon as credible in 2016 and used for elections that managed to bring the NPP party from opposition into government then it can be said that it is credible enough. This is not the time to play party politics but rather a time to find an effective way of making the right calls to benefit society at large.

I am aware as per the 1992 constitution and the Electoral Commission Act 451 of 1993, the electoral commission must compile a new register every 8yrs to bring the list up to date with the current population growth and dynamics. The last full list compiled was in 2012 at a cost of GH169,730,146.00 which was then updated in 2014/15 at the cost of GH287,559,379. In 2016, there was another limited registration at the cost of GH487,998,714.

Four years down the line, we are ready to completely discard the last list and spend another GH390,265.186.44 to complete a new list within a very limited time frame. Does a new voters list really require us to completely discard the existing and recently updated one? Can it not be a case of confirmation of the existing details of persons on the register as correct, coupled with adding on new voters who have attained the right to vote?

If we follow the trend of updating the existing, we could save ourselves some costs as and make it credible at the same time. Unless the EC can confirm they have another agenda they are pushing, there is no reason why they must force their will on the nation at all cost bearing in mind the current COVID-19 situation at hand, financial state of the Ghanaian economy and the limited time left before the next general elections.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the electoral commission must make the voters list continuously open throughout the year within all civic centres across all 16 regions. These civic centres already work all year round, this service can be drafted in as an added responsibility just like the passport office did in the past. People can go to these centres throughout the year to add their names or verify themselves with an appropriate ID.

Before every election, the list can then be closed sometime before the elections in order for final verification and approval by parties to be made. If we work on a method as recommended or similar, we can create something good out of the mess of counter accusations that we currently have. The EC must devise a way to make a new register continually reliable at the cheapest cost to the state. Now is not the time to be spending such a huge amount of resources we scarcely have.

Conclusion

As a country, we need to realise that every service we provide must be for the benefit of all civil society. Every action must be tailored according to the interest of the general population. Some of the laws on the land need to be amended to fit the trends of the time. In an instance like this where a great disruption has occurred due to the COVID-19, we should have the provision to be able to postpone and adjust appropriately. We must choose a productive system for running the civil service rather than an entrenched position without change. The current stance the EC has taken could have been avoided if the system were flexible enough. In all things, lets put Ghana first.

David Aikins-Bekoe

Youth Organizer

Progressive Peoples Party UK

[email protected]
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 16:41:22|Editor: huaxia

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LANZHOU, May 24 (Xinhua) -- A system to predict the spread of COVID-19 globally will be launched online on Monday, Chinese researchers said.

The Global COVID-19 Prediction System is established by the collaborative innovation center of western ecological safety led by Lanzhou University in northwest China's Gansu Province.

The system will predict the daily numbers of infection cases for 30 consecutive days of over 180 countries around the world, taking into account the impact of climate and environmental conditions, population densities as well as government control measures, said Huang Jianping, director of the center.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers of the center have been working for three months to develop the system on the basis of the existing regional epidemic prediction model, said Huang.

According to their findings, the best temperature for the spread of the novel coronavirus is between 5 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius, with 60 percent of the COVID-19 cases around the world reported within the temperature scope.

They also refer to the content of nitrogen dioxide observed by satellites, which they have found can reflect the effect of government measures on the epidemic control.

"The nitrogen dioxide comes from the emissions of vehicle exhausts and factories. If its content in the air is drastically reduced, it indicates less traffic with fewer human interactions -- a proof for effective government prevention measures," Huang said.

Liu Xingrong, head of the School of Public Health of Lanzhou University, said a worldwide prediction on the COVID-19 pandemic is not only out of the demand for the treatment of the COVID-19 cases but also matters to the social governance.

"By creating the prediction model based on authoritative data, researchers will help provide countermeasures to explore the evolution mechanism of the epidemic and contribute to the establishment and improvement of the epidemiological model," he said.

According to Huang, the infection and death figures they have used to establish the system are from the Johns Hopkins University of the United States, while the weather data, including the temperatures and humidities, are from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the United States. Enditem
Tourism centres of NSW and Victoria may be opened to travellers from New Zealand before visitors from Queensland as the federal government steps up talks to create a "travel bubble" across the Tasman.

In a new warning to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, the Morrison government said it would not allow state border bans to create an "obstacle to allowing flights to and from New Zealand.

The Morrison government said it would not allow state border bans to create an "obstacle to allowing flights to and from New Zealand in a new warning to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen, AAP

The comments raise the possibility that Australians from southern states could ski in New Zealand before they surf in Queensland if Ms Palaszczuk keeps her state border controls in place as late as September, costing her state billions of dollars in lost tourism business.

Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said the government wanted the tourism industry to stand on its own two feet "as soon as its safe for tourists to travel again.
I grew up in a family of Democrats with parents whose hero was Franklin Delano Roosevelt. During the Great Depression, he reassured them that the only thing they had to fear was fear itself. When eligible to vote, I also enlisted in the ranks of Democrats, greatly inspired by John F. Kennedys call to service on behalf of my country. Although I have since become an Independent, I never dreamt that my choice would be validated to the extent that it has been by the recent comments of our Pennsylvania governor concerning the growing discontent of local officials with the rigidity of state-imposed restrictions.

How can any rational individual equate an attempt to foster commerce and free enterprise in the face of a pandemic as cowardly? What then is his definition of courage  cowering in place while doing nothing? The new leaders of my old political party seem to have transmuted FDRs message into be afraid; be very afraid.

The collective mind further boggles when our states chief executive advises jobless workers to remain unemployed when their old jobs are offered back to them. Doesnt this contradict the very purpose of the massive federal aid package that was intended to preserve the jobs of those who had been employed in the businesses distressed during the quarantine? The political heirs of JFK are now telling us to ask not what we can do for our country but rather seek all that your country can do for you.

As we debate the timing of our states reopening, it is crucial to be clear on what it actually means. We can start by understanding that it does not mean we are free to act irresponsibly. Rather, the precautions and procedures that remain in place will now occur within different parameters which hopefully will allow us to revitalize an economy that is currently unable to support even our most basic needs. Reopening does not mandate that anyone go shopping or dine out, or go bar hopping; it only restores the ability to decide such questions to individual choice, rather than a coercive central authority. We know the risks by now. Its time our leaders started to treat us like adults and restored our freedom to decide for ourselves and bear the responsibility for our own acts.

Ronald Andidora, Mechanicsburg
In a press release, the company states, his last attendance in the plant was on May 15, 2020, with normal health after which his residence area came into a containment zone and he did not join work thereafter.

New Delhi [India]: An employee of leading automobile manufacturer Maruti Suzuki India Limited's Manesar plant tested positive for COVID-19 on May 22, 2020.

The Company has informed the district administration. The employee has been admitted to a hospital and is stable. The Company is providing all medical help and assistance to him as per Government guidelines.

The company has undertaken a contact tracing exercise and out of abundant caution, all employees who possibly could have come in contact have been advised to stay in home isolation.

The company has in place a robust and carefully designed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for maximum safety against infection spread at the workplace and transit, which goes well beyond compliance requirement.

In addition, there is also a COVID-19 Task Force that closely monitors adherence to the SOP in the Company.

There is no impact on the business operations of the Company.

There may be a possibility of a second case of infection that has just been reported. More information is being sought. The Company will follow the same detailed procedure as above, Maruti Suzuki India Limited stated.
India has joined other countries such as the US, Germany and Iran in welcoming a three-day ceasefire in Afghanistan, saying it hopes the truce will be further extended in order to address the humanitarian situation in the war-torn country.

The Taliban announced the ceasefire for Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday evening. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani welcomed the ceasefire and extended an offer of peace from his government. He also instructed Afghan security forces to comply with the three-day ceasefire and to defend only if attacked.

The external affairs ministry said in a statement on Sunday: India welcomes the understanding reached for a ceasefire in Afghanistan for three days during the Eid. We hope that this ceasefire would extend further and become permanent to address the dire humanitarian situation resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and pave the way for durable peace and stability for the people of Afghanistan.

The statement added, India stands with the people of Afghanistan in their quest for enduring peace, security, sovereignty, and prosperity.

On Sunday, Ghani announced his government will release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a goodwill gesture in response to the ceasefire, and take further steps in the peace process.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo welcomed the announcement of the truce by the Taliban and the Afghan governments offer to reciprocate. We worked hard to achieve this moment, and I hope that this respite from conflict gives Afghan people the space and security they deserve to celebrate Eid, while allowing the Taliban and the government the opportunity to take additional steps toward a peaceful future for their country, he said in a statement.

Iran welcomed the truce and said it hoped the gesture will help build further confidence in the peace process.

The Taliban had last called for a ceasefire during Eid in June 2018. However, violence has significantly increased in Afghanistan since the US and the Taliban signed a deal in February and the world community has been calling for a reduction in violence so that the fraying peace process can be taken forward.
The Chinese military is fast increasing its troops in areas around Pangong Tso lake and Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, sending a clear signal that it was not ready to end its confrontation with the Indian Army anytime soon, people familiar with the situation in the disputed region said on Saturday.

The Chinese side has particularly bolstered its presence in the Galwan Valley, erecting around 100 tents in the last two weeks and bringing in heavy equipment for construction of bunkers, notwithstanding the stiff protest by Indian troops, they said.

There have been reports of multiple incidents of transgressions by Chinese troops in several areas in Eastern Ladakh in the last one week, and soldiers from the two sides were involved in scuffles on at least two occasions, authoritative sources said.

It is learnt that the Chinese army forcefully stopped movement of Indian troops on several occasions when they were carrying out patrolling in Pangong Tso lake area this week.

In the midst of the escalating tension, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane paid a quiet visit to the headquarters of 14 Corps in Leh on Friday and reviewed with the top commanders the overall security scenario in the region including in the disputed areas along the LAC, the de-facto border between India and China.

The sources said the Indian Army has been matching up to the Chinese build-up in both Pangong Tso lake and Galwan Valley and that it is in a much advantageous position in certain other sensitive areas in the region.

The Indian troops are also resorting to "aggressive patrolling" in several sensitive areas including Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldi, they said.

The situation in Eastern Ladakh deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on the evening of May 5 which spilled over to the next day before the two sides agreed to "disengage" following a meeting at the level of local commanders.

Over 100 Indian and Chinese soldiers were injured in the violence.

The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in North Sikkim on May 9.

In the last one week, local commanders of both the sides held at least five meetings during which the Indian side took strong note of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) erecting a large numbers of tents in areas in Galwan Valley which India felt belonged to its side of the LAC, the sources said.

India on Thursday said the Chinese military was hindering normal patrolling by its troops and asserted that India has always taken a very responsible approach towards border management.

At a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava also strongly refuted China's contention that the tension was triggered due to trespassing by Indian forces on the Chinese side.

India's response came two days after China accused the Indian Army of trespassing into its territory, claiming that it was an "attempt to unilaterally change the status" of the LAC in Sikkim and Ladakh.

On May 5, around 250 Indian and Chinese army personnel clashed with iron rods, sticks, and even resorted to stone-pelting in the Pangong Tso lake area in which soldiers on both sides sustained injuries.

In a separate incident, nearly 150 Indian and Chinese military personnel were engaged in a face-off near Naku La Pass in the Sikkim sector on May 9. At least 10 soldiers from both sides sustained injuries.

The troops of India and China were engaged in a 73-day stand-off in Doklam tri-junction in 2017 which even triggered fears of a war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long LAC. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet while India contests it.

Both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir, and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first informal summit in April 2018 in the Chinese city of Wuhan, months after the Doklam standoff.

In the summit, the two leaders decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications so that they can build trust and understanding.

Modi and Xi held their second informal summit in Mamallapuram near Chennai in October last year with a focus on further broadening bilateral ties.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 24)  President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to submit to Congress on Monday his ninth report on the special powers granted to him to address the COVID-19 crisis.

Among the key updates expected from the report concerns the distribution of the second tranche of financial assistance to poor families and workers in small businesses.

In his eighth report, Duterte said nearly 17 million indigent families had already received cash aid ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 from the government. Some 900,000 of the target beneficiaries, however, have yet to receive financial assistance.

Some 2.65 million small business employees, meanwhile, had received the first payout of their 5,000 to 8,000 subsidy, Duterte said in his previous report.

Malacanang had formally ordered the inclusion of five million more beneficiaries in the second tranche of cash aid for poor families, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 23 million households.

The government has walked back on its proposal to give cash aid only to families under enhanced community quarantine. It would instead consider giving financial assistance to families under the more relaxed general community quarantine.

Much of the country is under GCQ, while Cebu City and Mandaue City are under ECQ. Metro Manila and the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga and Zambales are under MECQ  considered as a transition phase toward the more relaxed GCQ.

Some small business employees qualified to avail of the small business wage subsidy but who have already received the one-time cash aid from the Labor Department may only get up to 3,000, or nothing more, during the second-tranche payout.

Duterte is also expected to give updates on his administrations spending on programs to address the ongoing crisis, which is partly funded by realignments from savings within the executive department.

Congress granted Duterte additional powers to address the COVID-19 crisis, requiring him to report back to the legislature every week with updates on how his administration is handling the pandemic.
New Delhi, May 24 : A survey by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has shown that around 71 per cent people in the country would prefer domestic travel in the coming months, while only 1.4 per cent people wanted to travel abroad.

However, the report showed that 27.6 per cent respondents in the survey would like to travel both in India and abroad.

Around 33.3 per cent respondents said that they would like to travel within one month of the lockdown restrictions being lifted. Another 30.5 per cent said that they would travel within 3 months.

As per the survey which was conducted in north India, around 29 per cent people would like to travel within six months of the curbs being eased and just 7.1 per cent would venture out more than 1 year after the lockdown.

Further, business travel and outing with family are the two biggest reasons for travel. The two reasons account for over two-thirds of responses.

Star-rated hotels are the most preferred place of stay for respondents, as 45.2 per cent preferring them. Around 21 per cent have shown preference for staying in resorts.

Use of protective gear comes across as the most important precaution that tourists would like to take during travel with Aarogya Setu app being the preferred choice of around one-fifth of respondents.

Stressing on the impact of the lockdown on the tourism sector and the need for government support, Nikhil Sawhney, Chairman, CII Northern Region, said: "Given the nature of the tourism sector, it is first to be impacted and last to recover. The sector generates mass employment, even in remote areas, and it is critical that the government looks at the package to cover the tourism and hospitality sector under various policies announced".

The survey was conducted across seven states and three union territories of north India, including Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit has announced it is delaying the historic first orbital test flight of its LauncherOne vehicle due to equipment problems.

The vehicle is supposed to be able to deliver small satellites into orbit and was set to take off from the Mojave Air and Space Port in California at 5.30pm BST.

But this afternoon the Virgin Orbit team tweeted that they had to delay the launch because a sensor was acting up.

They said: 'Everything has been proceeding smoothly: team, aircraft, & rocket are in excellent shape. However, we have one sensor that is acting up.

'Out of an abundance of caution, we are offloading fuel to address.'

This afternoon the Virgin Orbit team tweeted that they had to delay the launch because a sensor was acting up

The plan was for the company's modified Boeing 747 carrier aircraft to release LauncherOne (pictured) from under its wings in mid-air before igniting its own rocket

A second tweet said: 'This means we are scrubbed for today.

'Currently, it appears we've got a straightforward path to address this minor sensor issue and recycle quickly.'

'The crew are already hard at work putting that plan into action.

'We'll provide an update on the new launch target later today.'

Today would have been the vehicle's first test flight to see that everything works well before starting to operate properly.

The plan was for the company's modified Boeing 747 carrier aircraft to release LauncherOne from under its wings in mid-air before igniting its own rocket.

If LauncherOne had reached an altitude of 50 miles it would be the first time this system has successfully launched something into space.

If LauncherOne had reached an altitude of 50 miles it would be the first time this system has successfully launched something into space. Pictured: Virgin's Richard Branson in 2019

Virgin Orbit's vice-president of special projects Will Pomerantz said on Saturday that, although he was aware that 'about half' of an aerospace company's first full flights fail, he was confident in the work that the team behind the project had done to get to this moment.

Mr Pomerantz said: 'You essentially get to a point where you have looked under every rock and verify that there's nothing more for you to do to verify that the system is ready.'

'That's what we have done.

'We've gone through an enormous amount of tests, we've essentially done everything that we can think of that we should do, including fill the rocket up with cryogenics and fuel and pressure and fly it out to the drop.'
Representatives of the radical Taliban movement in Afghanistan announced a three-day truce during the celebration of the end of the holy month of Muslims Ramadan, as Reuters reported.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani welcomed the decision and announced a ceasefire. According to the publication, a representative of the Taliban Zabiullah Mujahid announced a ceasefire.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani welcomed the Talibans decision.

"As commander in chief, I instructed ANDSF (Afghan National Defense and Security Forces) to adhere to a three-day truce and defend itself only in case of attack," the president said.

The ceasefire is due to begin May 24.

February 29, 2020, the United States signed a peace agreement with the Taliban, which should put an end to the 18-year war in Afghanistan. It provides for the withdrawal of all American troops from Afghanistan.
Barely fifteen hours before domestic flight services resume in the country on a staggered basis from Monday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said that the state needed more time from the Civil Aviation Ministry for restarting operations at the Mumbai International Airport.

The chief minister also emphasised that the minimum possible domestic flights should be allowed from Maharashtra.

I spoke to Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today and told him that the Mumbai international airport needs more time to resume domestic flight operations, Uddhav Thackeray said in an online news briefing.

ALSO READ | Uddhav Thackeray slams BJP, says wont indulge in politics over Covid-19

Till the time MIAL (Mumbai International Airport Limited) plans and fine-tunes the airport operations, the aviation ministry should initiate minimum possible domestic flights from Maharashtra from May 25, which are purely emergent in nature like for international transfer of passengers, medical emergencies, students, and cases on compassionate grounds, the Maharashtra chief minister said.

The Shiv Sena chief also indicated that at least 13 more international flights would be landing at the Mumbai airport by June 7.

Earlier this month, the Civil Aviation ministry had announced resumption of domestic flight services from May 25 as part of the Centres efforts to gradually open air travel.

Domestic and international flights had been suspended nearly two months ago in March due to the nationwide lockdown imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus infection.

According to Maharashtra government officials, the state has not yet amended its May 19 lockdown order which allowed only certain kinds of flights to ply.

The Maharashtra government had only excluded domestic medical services, domestic air ambulance and flights for security purposes from the lockdown as permitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Maharashtra happens to be the worst-hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with Covid-19 positive cases touching 47,190 on Saturday. At least 1,577 people have succumbed to the deadly coronavirus infection so far in the state.

Mumbai alone has over 28,000 coronavirus positive patients with the death toll in the city at 949.
U.S. envoy for peace in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad speaks during a debate at Tolo TV channel in Kabul

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A new date for intra-Afghan peace talks is under discussion and the United States has heard positive reports about the formation of an inclusive Afghan government, U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters on a conference call, Khalilzad said it would be best if intra-Afghan talks began while there is still a significant U.S. military presence in Afghanistan and that he would soon travel to push for a de-escalation in violence and the release of prisoners.

The pace of prisoner releases and disagreements over the Afghan government's composition have helped delay intra-Afghan talks, which were to begin on March 10 under a Feb. 29 U.S.-Taliban agreement for the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Two attacks in Afghanistan on Tuesday have raised questions about whether the U.S. peace effort may collapse. One attack, on a Kabul hospital's maternity ward, killed 24 people, including two babies. Another, at a funeral in eastern Afghanistan, killed 32.

Khalilzad repeated the U.S. assessment that an affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group was responsible for both attacks. Afghan officials, however, have blamed the Taliban for the bloody hospital attack despite the militant group's denials.

"There are forces such as the ISIS that doesn't see peace in Afghanistan in its interest and are trying to increase violence to undermine the prospects for peace," Khalilzad told reporters. "We are urging both sides not to fall into that trap but indeed to cooperate against terrorists including ISIS. So, we want this to happen as soon as possible when now, we're still there in a significant way."

The key provisions of the Feb. 29 agreement - to which the Afghan government was not a party - involved a U.S. commitment to reduce its military footprint in Afghanistan to 8,600 by mid-July.

The Pentagon said on Friday that the United States is continuing its drawdown of troops from Afghanistan and is expected to meet a timeline that had been agreed upon with the Taliban.

"That is still going forward. We expect to meet that within the timeline laid out under the agreement with the Taliban," Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said during a press briefing.

(Reporting by Arshad Mohammed and Jonathan Landay; Additional reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by David Gregorio and Leslie Adler)
BJP Lok Sabha MP from Indore



Shankar Lalwani on Sunday said the previous Congress government in Madhya Pradesh was responsible for the region being the worst hit in the state by the coronavirus outbreak.

The COVID-19 count in Indore is 3,008, including 114 deaths.

Lalwani said the Kamal Nath government was preparing for two International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) events, one in Bhopal and the other in Indore, instead of taking steps to prevent an outbreak.

"When the Centre alerted the then MP government about the pandemic, the latter was busy preparing for an IIFA event in Indore scheduled in the end of March. The Indore BJP at the time had asked for adequate number of doctors to fight the virus outbreak," Lalwani told PTI.

"However, the Kamal Nath government was busy making hotel arrangements for Bollywood stars who were to attend the IIFA event," Lalwani alleged.

Nath stepped down as MP CM on March 20 following a revolt by 22 MLAs.

On March 23, a BJP government under Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was formed.

Indore reported its first set of COVID-19 cases on March 24, when four people tested positive for the infection.

Lockdown was imposed in Indore on March 25.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
On the Frontline Against China, the US Coast Guard Is Taking on Missions the US Navy Can't Do

Competition with China has drawn more Pentagon resources to the Pacific, but the most visible U.S. military presence there...
Phukets Sea Bees Diving steps up for COVID relief

PHUKET: The multi-award-winning Phuket dive company Sea Bees Diving headed by Holger Schwab has launched its own campaign to help people left without any income to buy food due to the COVID-19 situation.

COVID-19Coronaviruseconomics

By The Phuket News

Sunday 24 May 2020, 02:22PM

The campaign is targeting among the poorest on the island. Photo: Sea Bees Diving

The campaign is targeting among the poorest on the island. Photo: Sea Bees Diving

The campaign is targeting among the poorest on the island. Photo: Sea Bees Diving

The campaign is targeting among the poorest on the island. Photo: Sea Bees Diving

The campaign is targeting among the poorest on the island. Photo: Sea Bees Diving

The campaign is targeting among the poorest on the island. Photo: Sea Bees Diving

The campaign is targeting among the poorest on the island. Photo: Sea Bees Diving

The campaign is targeting among the poorest on the island. Photo: Sea Bees Diving

The campaign is targeting among the poorest on the island. Photo: Sea Bees Diving

The campaign is targeting among the poorest on the island. Photo: Sea Bees Diving

The campaign is targeting among the poorest on the island. Photo: Sea Bees Diving

The campaign is targeting among the poorest on the island. Photo: Sea Bees Diving

The campaign is targeting among the poorest on the island. Photo: Sea Bees Diving

The campaign was launched on Wednesday (May 20) and has already received about B65,000 in donations.

With this money we bought over one tonne of rice, more than 3.000 eggs, more than 200 litres cooking oil, more than 200 litres of fish sauce and many other helpful things so far, explained Holger.

Already on two days this week the team set up three stations where people in need could receive basic food supplies as well as basic necessities.

At the first station every family got a 5kg bag of rice, at the second 15 eggs and at the third station a paper bag with 1 litre of cooking oil, 1 litre of fish sauce, one pack of milk, two packs Mama noodles, two tins of fish, one tube of toothpaste, a bar of soap, a pack of washing powder and for the kids one small soft drink and some snacks, Holger noted.

Instead of setting up the stations and having people wait to collect the items, the team visits people living in impoverished areas and delivers the essential items to those who need it most, he added.

We ask our friends who are in need and drive around by ourselves to find camps with people without jobs. After that we contact them and let them know that we are coming, Holger said.

The campaign was inspired simply by the sheer number of people who still need assistance.

Some of our friends did this already and we thought that this is a good idea and we also should do something to help the people in need, Holger explained.

We try to help people who are in need at most in this difficult period, he added.

In a special facebook announcing the launch of the campaign, Sea Bees noted, Dear friends and diving family, it is now official that there will be no international flights until July. Everyone hoped that we could resume our activity sometimes during the summer, but right now the future is quite uncertain and not that bright, honestly.

For those of us who live in Phuket, the situation is unprecedented. As you know, the tourism-related activities support almost all the islands inhabitants.

Now that everything is shut down for months already, the people living and working here are struggling to find a source of income. There is none and unfortunately the situation doesnt look like it will change anytime soon.

We at Sea Bees Diving, do our best to support all of our local staff but there are dozens of thousands of people out there who cant afford to buy food anymore.

For Holger, it is vital to keep such campaigns going.

Every campaign has its momentum and as we have to rely on the donations of our customers and friends, we try to help now as much as we can and hope that soon no help will be needed when Phuket gets back on its feet, he said.

The campaign will continue as long as necessary. We will keep doing this campaign as long as we get donations, Holger assured.

Holger gave special praise for the team of volunteers who have stepped up to make the campaign happen.

We have a great team at Sea Bees Diving and everybody helps as much as they can with shopping, making packages and deliveries, he said.

There are many others out there who help and also deserve the highest appreciation. Klaus Orlik from Poseidon Diving and Bastian Prestele with his team are only two of many who are also helping at the moment, he added.

Holger explained that while donations of items are appreciated, monetary donations are preferred simply for logistics and so that donations can be directed at what is needed most at the time.

The best is to send money so we can buy food. Any donations in kind are not easy to handle and hard to transport, he added.

Please support us if you can. We opened a special bank account and all funds will go into buying food essentials. Well keep everyone updated on progress and each delivery on our social media, Sea Bees explained in their post earlier this week.

Every small amount counts enormously for the people living here in this period. Thank you a lot and please dont hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, Sea Bees urged.

Donations made locally can made to the following account:

Account name: Padee Wathasunthonpong

Account number: 766-001044-3

Bank: Bangkok Bank



Another account set up in euros in Germany is also available to receive donations:

Account holder: Sea Bees Diving

IBAN: DE86 7225 0160 1020 2807 47

BIC: BYLADEM1DON



Any persons wanting to contact Holger and the team can do so via:

Email: info@sea-bees.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seabeesdiving/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seabeesdiving/

Website: https://sea-bees.com/uncategorized/phuket-food-relief-support-for-the-vulnerable-families/

The Phuket News understands that there are many other similar campaigns underway across the island to help people left without any income due to the COVID-19 situation. We commend them all for their wholehearted goodwill and support for the community they live in.
Vice President Salous Chilima has assured Malawians that Malawi Congress Party (MCP) presidential hopeful Lazarous Chakwera and the Tonse Alliance will mount a vigorous fight against corruption and nepotism in the country and at Capital Hill once voted into power.

Speaking at a rally at Mtakataka in Dedza on Saturday, Chilima said rampant corruption and nepotism in recruitment of staff taking place in the civil service is hampering development.

"There is too much corruption and nepotism at Capital Hill, especially recruitmet and promotion of people as Principal Secretaries.

"People are being recruited and promoted not on merit but because they have agreed to aid corruption. We will put this to an end," charged Chilima.

He said billions of money is being wasted through corruption in government instead of going towards development progress.

" Fighting corruption and nepotism will help us save money to build new market here at Matakataka and factories in Salima and Nkhotakota, buy cotton and other produce at good prices," he said.

Chilima also assured people that once the Tonse Alliance has takes over government fertilizer will be sold at a cheap price of K4,495 per 50kg bag.

He said cheap fertilizer will help improve food security in the country, end corruption and hatred brought about by coupons.

Chilima said Chakwera presidency will promote servant leadership under the H5 brand and unite Malawians.

" Everyone deserves to live a happy life in this country. Malawi is not for two families only, or for one tribe or region. The Tonse alliance was formed to unite Malawians," he said.

He urged people of Mtakakata and the whole country to vote for Chakwera so that the alliance wins with a wide margin.

" This time there will be no need to go to the courts. The alliance was formed to attain the 50+1 threshold ordered by the courts. So Let us go and vote in large numbers and protect our votes. Voting for Chakwera is as good as voting for Chilima, Joyce Banda, Khumbo Kachale and all the alliance partners," he assured the people.

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He said the Tonse alliance will promote servant leadership and change mindset of towards development of the country.

" If Malawi is to develop we need to change our mindset. The country has stagnated in terms of development because people, including those in leadership development do not have a positive mindset to development" said the Veep

Since Thursday this week, Chilima addressed a total of 24 whistle stops in some parts of Nkhotakota and Salima where he has been campaigning for Chakwera and reminded people of the campaign promises that UTM and alliance partners will implement once in government.

Some of the notable places where Chilima stopped over are Dwanga, Luwelezi, Nkhotakota boma, Kaphamtenga, Mvera, Kamuzu road, Senga-bay and Chipoka.
A cabinet minister has said Boris Johnson was pretty ill when Dominic Cummings took a 250-mile trip during lockdown, as he dodged questions about what the prime minister knew and when.

Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, told the Sophy Ridge on Sunday morning that he did not think the journey would have been high on (his) agenda.

"You'll probably remember, the prime minister during exactly the same period was pretty ill and, in fact, eventually in hospital in ICU, so I don't think this would have been high on the prime minister's agenda," he said.

He categorically denied Mr Cummings went back to Durham after returning to London in mid-April.

But he failed to rule out that Mr Cummings may have made a sightseeing trip 30 miles from his familys home on Easter Sunday.

When pressed about whether or not the prime minister knew of Mr Cummings' journey, Mr Shapps responded: "You'll have to forgive me, Sophy, I don't actually know whether the prime minister tracks every single move of Dominic Cummings. I think he knew that Dominic Cummings was ill and was self-isolating, which was exactly what he was doing with his wife and his child.

"I don't have all the times and dates for you but I understand he will have travelled up there towards the end of March and stayed there, remained there for 14 days, didn't leave the property and isolation, as per the rules and guidance.

On the question of whether the family will have stopped en route to Durham, Shapps said he did not know but he was sure Cummings "took all the necessary precautions."

"You'll appreciate I wasn't with them so I can't tell you exactly what that journey was like, but what I do know is that Dominic Cummings  I saw a clip yesterday of him asking journalists to be spaced two metres apart, so I know he is a stickler for those rules about what to do to make sure you are following the two-metre rule and the like, so I'm sure that they took all the necessary precautions," he added.
Ms Eunice Araba Turkson, an education consultant in the United States, has called on Ghanaian authorities to begin looking into virtual teaching for effective education of children.



She said innovation and creativity were crucial as far as education, especially inclusive education, was concerned.



Students are more likely to synthesize the information taught, bring more joy, and make their educational experience more meaningful, she said.



Ms Turkson, who recently participated in a webinar, dubbed: Inclusive Education: Before, during and after COVID-19, told the Ghana News Agency on Saturday that children were missing out on a lot of things during this COVID-19 period.



Children all over the world are missing out on a lot of things including social and emotional interactions. This is because children are not going to school," she said.



She suggested that for inclusive education to be effective, classrooms could adopt a co-teaching approach where every classroom would have one general education teacher and a special educator, working collaboratively to achieve a common goal.



Co-teaching would enable the teachers to complement each other and serve as positive role models for their students, she said.



Children pick on the behaviours of adults around them and in co-teaching, teachers need to be intentional about modelling positive behaviours for children to emulate, she said.



This teaching model, as well as others, could be explored in an effort to achieve effective inclusive education in Ghanaian schools, Ms Turkson said.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Around 160 children in an elementary school in Florida would be attending classes. Superintendent in Collier County Public Schools Camela Patton said that social distancing would be at 44%.

"Where are we gonna put those other kids?" she said, expressing concern about the rest of the students. At the public school, the student population was at 48,000, and it had a yearly budget of over $1 billion.

Students to attend at reduced capacity

There was also the issue about who would be wearing masks in the classroom. Patton said that the faculty was still discussing it. The initial plan was that if teachers would wear masks, students would not have to, or it would be the other way around.

Patton marked up options for transportation. At the school bus she attempted to visualize the social distancing in the bus, which was supposed to fit 77 kids. She added that 12% of the bus was being used, which meant that only 9 kids at a time could get on the bus.

Meanwhile, in the classrooms, desks and chairs were right next to each other. She called these educational desks collaborative spaces. The problem was that these desks were designed for kids to share things like markers and crayons.

One possible solution to this would be to space out the desk, but the school was thinking classroom instruction would resume at reduced capacity, with the class size going from 22 to 12 students.

Mike Davis School teacher Natasha Walters said on the other hand that elementary students needed support and hugging.

"They wanna feel safe and loved when they walk up into the classroom," she said. "At such a young age it's going to be a hard time."

Similarly, cafeteria space would cater 122 students instead of over 400.

Check these out:

Parents want to keep their children home

A recent poll done by the National Parents Union showed that two-thirds of parents want schools to remain closed.

The week prior, President Donald Trump said he thought schools should open.

Similarly, Senator Rand Paul said in a hearing at about the same time that if kids were kept from school for another year, was that the "poor, underprivileged kids" would not be able to learn because their parents would not be able to teach them at home. He added, "It's a huge mistake if we don't open the schools in the fall."

School districts in other states were reopening for students with special needs. State officials and educators believed they would face trouble graduating should they neglect to continue their studies this year.

Parents have expressed their concern about this, and asked why vulnerable students should be the ones to get back to school after the world's biggest medical threat in recent history.

Founding president of the National Parents Union Keri Rodrigues said that authorities were using children of color and children with disabilities as "guinea pigs" for the experiment of reopening the economy. She said this was underserving equally valuable children of color.
At the time of writing this article, the number of emaSwati found to be COVID-19 positive, according to official figures, stood at 238 from which there were 119 recoveries and two deaths with the remainder, 117, in isolation and undergoing treatment, a position that apparently has buoyed governments posture of being on top of this pandemic, if Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosis pronouncements in Parliament last week are anything to go by.



Responding to questions previously posed by legislators in the House of Assembly, specifically concerning the state of the nation since the country went into partial lockdown, Minister Nkosi said 4 000 potential deaths and between 70 000 to 550 000 cumulative infections had been averted. If the numbers were meant for effect, I am almost certain the lawmakers were staggered even if some, if not a majority of them, may not understand the lingua franca of forecasting and modelling from which these impressive numbers were derived.



As I see it, the forecasted numbers came as reality to some legislators without necessarily understanding how they were derived and thus guarantee government unflinching support, which probably was the intention. Indeed 4 000 deaths, whether dressed as a model or forecast, are staggering even to the strong willed as are the massive 70 000 to 550 000 forecasted infections.

How these correlate to the plus 4 000 tests we have been told have been performed so far is a matter for conjecture. It would be unfortunate if government used these forecasted figures to not just convince the populace into blindly supporting everything without as much as cursory interrogation. After all governments are known to employ statistics, whether actual or projected, like a drunken man uses a lamppost: more for support than illumination, to borrow from Andrew Lang (Scottish poet, novelist and literary critic - 1844  1912).



It could well be that government is throwing these impressive but scary figures at lawmakers to camouflage its lack of innovation since the country woke up to the news of the COVID-19 causing novel coronavirus. After all, no government is fond of acknowledging, let alone admitting, its weaknesses and failures and often use every trick in the book, including statistics which are pliable where facts remain stubborn and obstinate, to pursue its mission.



Focused



At this stage of the crisis government should be focused on facts and a practical strategy that will be understood by people in order to deal with the COVID-19 crisis and not hide behind forecasts and models that, admittedly, are its working tools. People need to be assured that they will be alive tomorrow and want leadership, strong and decisive leadership at that, and certainly not wobbling as ably demonstrated on the question of increasing the number of parishioners during church services.



Why, at this juncture of this national health crisis frontline workers are still without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), a basic requirement, and continue to endanger their lives every day. This does not augur well or even come close to supporting the notion that government is on top of the situation. From the onset government should have repurposed the budget and prioritised its collective efforts in countering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic but where such decisiveness was required it remained tentative.

This makes one wonder where governments priorities lie if not with ensuring the health and lives of the people before everything else. Indeed the excurse of insufficient resources when it comes to this pandemic is criminal since it is imperiling the lives of emaSwati when this should be the centerpiece of governments priorities.



As if that was not enough, disturbing rumours are spreading fast that the national cancer  corruption - has sunk its tentacles on the procurement processes in relation to the COVID-19 response. It is also astounding that government appears to be playing ball in corruption by agreeing to conceal the identities of 15 facilities being used as quarantine sites. I would say that is tantamount to concealing corruption because it is against every tenet of good governance to which government should not have acquiesced whatever the circumstances.



Campaign



This has also exposed and indeed rubbished the efficacy of the educational campaign on the novel coronavirus mounted by government as mirrored by this apparent stigmatisation and apparent ignorance of COVID-19.



And talking about educating the populace on coronavirus, the subject cannot be tackled outside the peoples socio-economic challenges. The fact of the matter is that the majority of the people are slaves to poverty, meaning they can hardly afford one decent meal a day.

With the erratic and delayed distribution of food parcels, this means there are hungry stomachs out there for people to be receptive to what they are being taught and chances are they will be left none the wiser about the COVID-19 causing novel coronavirus and, therefore, what is expected of them.



Given the corruption overtones in the procurement arena Parliament must be vigorous in its oversight role. It is to be commended that the lawmakers have already called for a breakdown of how funds, equipment and services have been employed.

This should include funds, equipment and services donated either direct or through the National Resource Mobilisation Committee. Otherwise the countrys efforts to contain and turn the tide against the novel coronavirus will be lost in the same way institutional corruption has wrecked the economy.


OPINION: "This should be a no-brainer, so whats the problem? Some members of the RTA board are hesitant to change the scope of the First Avenue project. They appear to want Tucson to build a six-lane roadway because it was the project scope promised in the 2006 plan and the RTA must do what was promised no matter the need or the cost. Decisions by the RTA Board should be made based on facts and data, not out of fear of public perceptions and long ago promises," write Tucsonans Ruth Reiman and Jane Evans.
LANSING, MI -- A group of independently-owned gyms and fitness centers is suing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the states top health official in a bid to overturn the states stay-at-home order and allow them to reopen.

In a lawsuit filed Friday, May 22, in the U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids, attorneys representing more than 120 gyms in Michigan argued that Whitmers executive orders to prevent the spread of coronavirus violate their clients rights under the U.S. Constitution and are not allowed under state law.

The governors impingement of constitutional rights must be narrowly tailored, and continuing to keep gyms completely shuttered is the exact opposite of that, said attorney Scott M. Erskine, who is representing the League of Independent Fitness Facilities and Trainers and several other fitness facilities in the state, in a Sunday, May 24, press release.

The groups are also suing Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon.

Erskine, in the press release, went on to argue that the governors broad orders have cost and endangered lives, such as deaths of despair and those that have life-threatening medical problems but are too afraid to go to the hospital.

If saving lives is the goal, then all lives should be considered, he said. If reopening businesses safely is the goal, then all businesses -- including gyms -- should be afforded the same opportunity to do so.

Gyms and fitness centers in the state have been closed for about 10 weeks, since Whitmer on March 16 ordered they and other businesses deemed nonessential, such as casinos, theaters, bars and dine-in restaurants, close to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

As of Sunday, state health officials say there are 54,679 reported cases of COVID-19 in the state and 5,228 related deaths. Michigan has the fourth-highest death toll from COVID-19 in the United States.

Whitmer most recently extended the stay-at-home order from May 28 to June 12, with gyms remaining closed during that time.

Related: Whitmer extends stay-home order, closures of gyms, salons and other businesses to June 12

Even as Whitmer lessened restrictions on Friday, allowing restaurants, bars and non-essential stores in the Upper Peninsula and much of Northern Michigan to reopen in reduced capacity, gyms in those regions remained shuttered.

In the nine-count lawsuit against Whitmer, attorneys argue that Whitmer's stay-at-home orders violate the constitutional rights of the gym owners, are void for vagueness, are above and beyond what Whitmer is allowed to do under state emergency powers law and violate the separation of powers clause in the Michigan Constitution.

In light of the alleged violations, attorneys for the gyms want a federal judge to bar Whitmer and Gordon from enforcing the stay-at-home orders and prevent them from issuing any future orders or rules similar to the invalid ones described in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit claims that the constitutional rights of gym owners are being violated as they are being barred from interstate commerce, are denied due process and are not allowed to open even as other nearby states reopen their gyms.

Among the other arguments, attorneys claim that Whitmer is unlawfully exercising the Emergency Powers Act by implementing "unreasonable" measures akin to mass house arrest.

The (executive orders) are objectively unreasonable, the lawsuit alleges. There can be nothing more unreasonable than keeping 10 million people under house arrest because 0.38% of the population has contracted a disease that has killed less than 0.03% of the population.

Another argument put forward in the lawsuit is that laws defining criminal conduct, such as the misdemeanor violation of the stay-at-home order, must be clear enough that ordinary people can understand prohibited conduct, otherwise the law is void for vagueness.

The executive orders do not provide business owners with any criteria to determine whether their business falls within a sector of the economy allowed to operate, according to the suit.

The very fact that the Governor needs a webpage to answer frequently asked questions about the scope of the order shows that its vague, the lawsuit states. Michiganders are smart people. If ordinary people could understand the Lockdown Order, then there would be no need for 927 FAQs on these orders on the States coronavirus webpage.

COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Also on MLive:

Michigan to report coronavirus antibody test results separately

Sunday, May 24: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Michigan coronavirus recoveries now exceed 33,000

For vacation spots outside of Michigans reopened zone, Memorial Day weekend goes from boom to bust

Michigan marijuana industry changed, but thriving amid coronavirus pandemic

Merritt Speedway opens 2020 season: We did everything Covid-wise
The gradual relaxation of coronavirus restrictions is stoking hopes for an economic rebound, with the biotechnology industry riding a wave of expectations in the hunt for an effective COVID-19 treatment.

Vaccines are perceived as key to ending the restraints on work and life that have decimated the global economy, and returning to some sense of normalcy. Worldwide, there are nearly 5 million positive cases and over 300,000 have been killed by the virus.

With so much at stake, the global pipeline has become an intense space race for the new era. Nations are locked in an intense effort to demonstrate their biotech capabilities in the worldwide fight against COVID-19.

In collaboration with branches of the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) and National Institute of Health (NIH), small and large drug companies have been working on vaccines.

For now, the furthest along are Moderna (MRNA) and Pfizer (PFE), both of which are using messenger RNA technology a newer technology that doesnt exist in the current drug market. Both have entered human clinical trials. Abroad, all eyes are on Chinas CanSino, and a project underway at Oxford University in the U.K.

Currently, there are at least a hundred horses in the race, and we've got some leaders up front, Marc Poznansky, the director of the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, told Yahoo Finance recently.

He added that it was unprecedented to have that many platforms at play putting a product into testing to try to get to first in human trials.

This picture taken on May 23, 2020 shows a laboratory technician holding a dose of a COVID-19 novel coronavirus vaccine candidate ready for trial on monkeys at the National Primate Research Center of Thailand at Chulalongkorn University in Saraburi. - After conclusive results on mice, Thai scientists from the centre have begun testing a COVID-19 novel coronavirus vaccine candidate on monkeys, the phase before human trials. (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP) (Photo by MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP via Getty Images)

The World Health Organization is tracking the growing field, where less than a dozen of which have entered clinical trials. Some are being developed in coordination with governments, while others are through industry or academic collaboration.

The expectations have placed an unprecedented demand on a pandemic market that could eventually be valued anywhere between $10 to $30 billion, analysts at Morgan Stanley said last week. But an effective treatment is unlikely until the first half of 2021 at the earliest, with many health experts cautioning that aggressive development timelines are aspirational at best.

Story continues

Still, pharmaceutical companies are repurposing existing drugs and trying to find treatments for those currently sick with the virus, with investors trying to determine the winners and losers of this high stakes race.

A Warp Speed race

There are over 1.5 million coronavirus cases in the U.S. (Graphic: David Foster/Yahoo Finance)

The worlds two largest economies are engaged in fierce competition to find a vaccine. China is moving to bolster its nascent biotech industry and expand its reach globally, while the U.S. is fighting to balance urgency with safety and serving the needs at home first.

In order to winnow down the widening field of vaccine candidates, the U.S. has rolled out Operation Warp Speed, using $3 billion appropriated by Congress to fund vaccine development. Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working closely with drug companies to follow expedited timelines for clinical trials, as drug companies aim to produce billions of doses as soon as a candidate is viable.

Global collaborations through the WHO, and a concerted effort in the European Union are also at play. WHO officials also recently said they are working with both the public and private sector in India, which has a massive capacity for vaccine production, to produce the vaccines for the world.

Private institutions, like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI), are also pursuing candidates.

In the U.S., Moderna has received $483 million in funding from HHSs Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and is developing its treatment in collaboration with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the agency led by Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Recently, Moderna has tapped the capital market in an effort to produce a billion vaccine doses per year, which it is doing in partnership with Swiss manufacturer Lonza Group.

Separately, Pfizer has partnered with German biotech BioNTech to develop its own vaccine, pivoting from their work together on a flu treatment.

Sanofi (SNY) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) are engaged in a joint effort in the race; meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) are among the larger pharmaceutical contenders, and have also gotten BARDA backing.

Two smaller biotechs, Inovio (INO) and Novavax (NVAX), have received funding from CEPI and are also working on vaccines. Inovio, which had previously worked on another coronavirus vaccine, was the second company in the U.S. to enter into clinical trials with its candidate. While data on the clinical trials are pending, pre-clinical data showed positive results in animal studies.

China and the world

China has a young biotech industry, growing significantly in the last few years with government support, that is aggressively trying to prove itself to the world. That includes committing to supporting WHO and plans to share its vaccine with the world.

CanSino Biologics, along with partner Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, are leading the world with a vaccine to be approved by fall 2020 in China. The company recently hired a former Sanofi executive to run its international business operations.

Two other leading contenders are Sinopharm  which is working on clinical trials with both the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products and the Beijing Institute of Biological Products  and another from Sinovac.

Meanwhile, the U.K. has also invested in a vaccine candidate coming out of Oxford University, which also plans to supply its treatment globally. The university is partnering with the pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca and the Serum Institute in India to distribute its potential vaccine.

The U.K. government is also investing a new production plant to ensure mass-production by next summer.
Michael Flynn.

Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

FBI Director Christopher Wray has ordered an internal review of the bureau's investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn.

The review will examine whether any "current employees engaged in misconduct" while investigating Flynn and identify whether "improvements" need to be made to FBI protocol, the bureau said in a statement.

Wray's decision comes as President Donald Trump and his allies double down on a conspiracy theory, dubbed Obamagate, that accuses the Obama administration of masterminding a "deep state" plot to target Flynn and sabotage Trump's presidency.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

FBI Director Christopher Wray has ordered a review of the federal investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn, the bureau said in a statement Friday.

"FBI Director Christopher Wray today ordered the Bureau's Inspection Division to conduct an after-action review of the Michael Flynn investigation," the statement said. The review will examine whether any "current employees engaged in misconduct" while investigating Flynn and identify whether any "improvements" should be made to FBI protocol.

"Although the FBI does not have the prosecutorial authority to bring a criminal case, the Inspection Division can and will evaluate whether any current onboard employees engaged in actions that might warrant disciplinary measures," the statement said.

Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying to the FBI about his conversations with then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak regarding US sanctions against Russia.

Flynn initially cooperated with prosecutors but later shifted course and hired Sidney Powell, a defense attorney who took a more combative stance, urging the court to dismiss the Justice Department's case against Flynn and accusing the department of prosecutorial misconduct.

Story continues

Earlier this month, the Justice Department abruptly moved to drop its case against Flynn after Attorney General William Barr tapped an outside prosecutor to reexamine the case. A federal judge is reviewing the request.

Late last month, the Justice Department also turned over four pages of records to Flynn's legal team showing how the FBI debated handling his interview in early 2017.

"If we're seen as playing games, WH will be furious," one page of the notes said. "Protect our institution by not playing games."

There was also some deliberation within the bureau about how to phrase questions to Flynn during the interview.

"What is our goal? Truth/admission, or to get him to lie, so we can prosecute him or get him fired?" the notes said.

Intelligence veterans said the notes depicted the extraordinarily sensitive nature of an investigation into a newly inaugurated president's highest-profile national security aide. But President Donald Trump and Flynn's other defenders characterized the documents as a smoking gun showing that the FBI tried to trap the former national security adviser into pleading guilty.

The FBI's decision to review the Flynn investigation also comes as Trump and his allies double down on allegations that the Obama administration masterminded the Russia investigation as part of a "deep-state" plot to sabotage Trump's presidency.

The conspiracy theory, dubbed Obamagate, accuses former Vice President Joe Biden and other Obama administration officials of improperly requesting that Flynn's name be "unmasked" in intelligence reports monitoring Kislyak's communications.

The conspiracy theory picked up steam last week when Richard Grenell, the acting director of national intelligence, declassified a list of Obama administration officials who made unmasking requests that included Flynn's name between November 30, 2016, and January 12, 2017. Biden was among the names on the list.

Trump and his allies seized on the development and said it showed that Biden and others improperly and illegally unmasked the former national security adviser's identity.

But a Washington Post report on Wednesday debunked that allegation when it revealed that Flynn's name was never "masked" in the first place.

Moreover, the list documented unmasking requests made through the National Security Agency, while transcripts documenting Flynn's conversations with Kislyak were an FBI product, meaning the names on the declassified list Grenell released are unrelated to Flynn's conversations with Kislyak.

The US intelligence community also surveils hundreds of thousands of foreign targets per year, and "unmasking" is a routine and legal tool officials use to make more sense of the communications they're monitoring. The intelligence community gets thousands of unmasking requests a year.

The Obamagate theory also accuses Obama and Biden of having advance knowledge of the FBI's plans to interview Flynn about his communications with Kislyak during the 2017 presidential transition period.

That allegation centers on an Oval Office meeting that took place on January 5, 2017, and included Obama, Biden, then-national security adviser Susan Rice, then-FBI Director James Comey, and then-Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates.

Rice sent herself an email documenting the meeting afterward  known as a contemporaneous memo  and Trump and his Republican allies have seized on the email as evidence that Obama ordered the FBI to "spy" on the Trump campaign.

But the email, which was declassified in full this week (though much of it had already been declassified), appears to indicate otherwise.

During the meeting, according to Rice's email, Obama emphasized "his continued commitment to ensuring that every aspect of this issue is handled by the Intelligence and law enforcement communities 'by the book.'"

"The President stressed that he is not asking about, initiating or instructing anything from a law enforcement perspective," the email said. "He reiterated that our law enforcement team needs to proceed as it normally would by the book."

Obama said, however, that from "a national security perspective," the outgoing administration should be "mindful" when sharing information about Russia with the incoming Trump administration, according to Rice's memo.

Comey then affirmed that he was proceeding "by the book" but said he was concerned about Flynn's frequent conversations with Kislyak and that the communications "could be an issue as it relates to sharing sensitive information."

Obama asked Comey if he was saying the National Security Council should not share sensitive intelligence about Russia with Flynn, to which Comey replied: "Potentially."

He added, however, that he had no information indicating that Flynn had passed any classified information to Kislyak, though their "level of communication" was "unusual," the memo said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The chairs were placed at least 1m (3ft) apart - family sat on one side, church officials on the other. Everyone wore a mask.



Everyone knew of the strict instructions that the Kenyan government had laid down for funerals during the coronavirus pandemic.



Only 15 people could gather for the burial of my cousin, Chris, and everything had to be done by 09:00 local time.



By 07:00 the rest of us had gathered, in front of our phones and computers, watching the burial unfold as a friend live-streamed it on Facebook.



There were hundreds of us to pay our last respects to Chris. He was a people's person - the life and soul of family parties.



His deep laugh reached you even before he set foot in the house - in fact, you could hear it 200m away at the gate.



And Chris used to show up for people, be it at funerals or weddings. He was a great mobiliser, rallying people for all occasions.



So, on this day, we showed up for him too. But not being there meant it was not the same.



'We couldn't play his favourite songs'



Chris was my immediate cousin, but we were raised in the same house and he was more than a brother to me.



He died in Kisumu in western Kenya on Easter Sunday, after being unwell for a few weeks with liver cirrhosis.



The government gave us the guidelines for his burial. He had to be buried within three days.



But with many of his family and friends under lockdown in the capital, Nairobi, not everyone could attend the burial.



The sermon was short. The speeches were restricted. And there was very little singing.



Chris loved music - he played the drum kit in the Salvation Army church band. So it was painful that nobody could be there to play his favourite songs.

Source: BBC









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As tensions rise, India says change in status quo by China at LAC is not acceptable

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, May 24: The People's Liberation Army of China has deployed additional troops along the disputed boundary with India.

Even as the military officials of both countries have been in talks, they were unable to diffuse the standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In response to China's move, India too sent reinforcements. While there have been no skirmishes between the two nations, the tensions were visibly high.

Indian Army dismisses reports of detention of Indian soldiers by China

The build up started after the PLA personnel attacked the Indian Army soldiers with sticks and stones on May 5. India has maintained that its forces are well within its territory. The Chinese Army in fact had started building a bunker in order to restrict access to an area where Indian soldiers regularly patrol.

A top official confirmed to OneIndia that the action was trigged by the Chinese army after the Indian Army built a road a few months back. This road was built to link India's military base at Daulat Beg Oldie with a village close to Pangog Two lake along with a bride over a rivulet near by. This had the Chinese army presuming that the Indian Army was preparing for a military move, the source cited above also said.

Meanwhile India's Army Chief General M M Naravane visited the XIV headquarters in Leh and reviewed the situation. It may be recalled that the Ministry of External Affairs had hit back at Beijing over the developments at the LAC. The MEA said that it is the Chinese side that had recently undertaken activity hindering India's normal patrolling patterns. We are deeply committed to ensuring India's sovereignty and security, the Ministry had also said.

Sources said that the Chinese soldiers had crossed the LAC at the Hot Springs and in two locations 20 kilometres to the north-west, Patrolling Pint 14 and PP 15.

At each of these points, around 800 Chinese soldiers have crossed over to the Indian side of the LAC. Tents have also been pitched by the Chinese soldiers, the source further added. The Indian forces have also been monitoring Chinese helicopters close to the LAC.

While the two sides are not technically in a face off, India soldiers in equal numbers have been deployed on the area and are separated by 500 metres.

Pak army shells three sectors along LoC

India maintains that a distance is being maintained to avoid a situation which erupted on May 5.

While maintaining that the situation is unprecedented, India believes that there ought to be a solution soon. The change in the status quo by China is not acceptable, India also maintains. India has also pointed out that there has been a marked increase in the number of Chinese transgressions along the LAC.
The Telangana government does not acknowledge that the coronavirus has entered the community transmission stage. (PTI)

Hyderabad: Telangana may have been experiencing community transmission of the coronavirus for some time now. This is the phase when the disease spreads easily, with the virus having established itself in the population.

While there has never been official word about it, clues to incidence of community transmission can be found in what the daily Covid-19 bulletins released by the Health Department say  or, rather, do not say  and from information gleaned from other documents dealing with daily monitoring of Covid-19 patients.

With the Telangana state government severely cutting back on testing for Covid-19, it is difficult to provide concrete evidence that the disease has taken hold in the community, or at least pockets of it, where asymptomatic carriers or super spreaders could be spreading the disease to more vulnerable individuals.

The sero-sensitivity survey, recently taken up in three districts in the state by the National Institute of Nutrition on behalf of ICMR, is expected to throw some light on this issue when its results are made public.

It was on April 14 that the daily Covid-19 bulletin issued by the health department last said: Till date there is no evidence of community transmission in Telangana.

This phrase was introduced into the bulletins on April 4 following questions at Health Department press meets on whether the state was experiencing community transmission.

Since April 15, the phrase was dropped from the daily bulletins and the word others entered the official patient records as the source from which patients began contracting coronavirus.

In the days that followed, others as the source of the disease along with others contact as people responsible for spread of the disease began appearing with increasing frequency in patient records.

Worryingly, a few hundred of the confirmed Covid-19 cases are listed as having contracted the disease from others contact.

Till April 15, since the first case of Covid-19 was diagnosed in the state on March 2, the disease source was listed as foreign traveller, Markaz traveller, foreign traveller contact, or Markaz traveller contact.

The two developments, the withdrawal of the daily denial of community transmission in the bulletins that claimed for 11 days that till date there is no evidence of community transmission in Telangana, and the introduction of others as the source from which people were contracting the disease came close on the heels of one another, giving credence to the widespread belief among health professionals that the state long ago began experiencing community transmission.

An epidemic progresses in four stages:

Stage 1: Disease appears among people with travel history to places with the disease.

Stage 2: Infected person spreads the disease to family and friends and close contacts. It is still possible to trace all contacts.

Stage 3: Community transmission when disease spreads in public and source of the spread cannot be traced. This is phase is marked by geographically restricted hot zones or containment areas, members of community start developing the disease.

Stage 4: Disease containment fails and becomes an epidemic with growing number of infections and deaths.
A total of 25 flights will be operated in and out from the Mumbai international airport beginning May 25, when domestic flights resume partial operations in the country, state minorities affairs minister Nawab Malik said on Sunday.

IMAGE: Planes parked at Chhatrapati Shivaji Mahraj International Airport in Mumbai. Photograph: PTI Photo

Interestingly, this statement of Malik, a senior Nationalist Congress Party leader, came hours after chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said that he had sought more time from the civil aviation ministry to restart the operations at the Mumbai international airport.

Earlier in the day, state home minister Anil Deshmukh, also of the NCP, said that it was "extremely ill-advised" to reopen airports in red zone amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"The Mumbai International Airport will operate 25 flights in and out on daily basis starting Monday onwards. The number of flights will be increased steadily," Malik told news channels.

In an online briefing, Thackeray had said, "I spoke to civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri today and told him that the Mumbai international airport needs more time to resume its operations.

"Till the time MIAL (Mumbai International Airport Limited) plans and fine-tunes the airport operations, the aviation ministry should initiate minimum possible domestic flights from Maharashtra from May 25th, which are purely emergent in nature like for international transfer of passengers, medical emergencies, students, and cases on compassionate grounds".

Meanwhile, the Kolkata and Bagdogra airports in West Bengal will handle domestic services from May 28, senior government officials said.

A day before resumption of domestic commercial passenger flights across India, states expressed their reluctance to deal with so many incoming passengers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Therefore, the Hyderabad airport will deal with only 30 domestic flights per day from Monday, and there will be no domestic services at the Vijaywada and the Vizag airports on Monday, they said.

"Kolkata and Bagdogra will each handle only 20 flights per day from May 28 onwards," the officials said.

Puri had announced resumption of domestic flight services from May 25 as part of the Centre's efforts to gradually open the air travel that was suspended nearly two months ago due to a lockdown imposed to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
We are now more than two months into self-quarantining, and the struggles common across working families in this pandemic have become clear. Our debts are rising as monthly bills eclipse our (CERB) incomes, social isolation is proving harmful to mental health, and home-schooling while home-working is justifying why teachers deserve summers off.

But for one group of Canadians, the pitfalls of this uncertain time include a challenge many of us will never encounter: protecting oneself against being shoved to the ground, spat on or even suckerpunched by a right cross while waiting for the bus.

I am speaking, of course, of Canadians of Chinese descent. This community has increasingly become the target of hate crimes that have spiked significantly with the spread of the coronavirus. According to the Vancouver Police Department, as of May 1, there has been seven times as many anti-Asian hate crimes reported in the city in the first five months of this year as during the same period in 2019. Earlier this week, the targeting widened to include public monuments, as the lions at the foot of Vancouvers historic Millennial Gate to Chinatown were tagged with racist graffiti.

Just as social distancing works to flatten the COVID-19 curve, social proximity to people of different backgrounds tends to have the same deflating effect on the racism curve. Its fair to acknowledge that the very diverse and multicultural Canada of today is a more pluralistic and open country than its 20th century version of head taxes, discriminatory immigration policies, voting laws and residential schools.

But the fact remains  as evident in these recent hate crimes  this social virus has never completely been eradicated. It is in periods of crisis, such as this current coronavirus spell, that our progress as a society gets stress-tested. Are we really all in it together, banging pots and pans while shouldering the burden equally?

Well, clearly not.

For every mask-wearing Chinese woman being assaulted on a Vancouver city street or glared at on a bus, there is an opposing story of a Karen (an Internet term for a difficult middle-aged white woman) protesting the lockdown in cities such as Toronto or Vancouver or her right to shop mask-free at some local organic grocery.

Being an elderly Chinese senior can get you shoved to the ground and denied access to a Vancouver convenience store. But it seems as though being a senior Canadian rock star (such as Bryan Adams) can get you shut out of a series of gigs and inconvenienced enough to dog-whistle on Twitter about wet markets.

For every coronavirus bat meme or video shared across our Whatsapp and social networks for boredom relief, there is an opposite and equal reaction as indicated by a poll (by the Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice) revealing that one-in-five Canadians do not think its safe to sit next to an Asian or Chinese person on a bus if they dont have a mask.

Those one-in-five Canadians likely include people of all ethnic backgrounds. There is also no shortage of Punjabi, Hindi, (and I suspect other language) memes in the Whatsapp ecosystem sharing misinformation and personal opinion about the origins of the virus.

In most major Canadians cities, diversity is more an optical reality than a social one. As an immigration-based country, Canada is not a cohesive society but a patchwork of suburban and ethnic clusters that co-exist and co-habitate, but can remain distinctly separate. It is in these cracks that old stereotypes fester, new prejudices take root and misinformation spreads. And it occurs between all communities that jigsaw together to make up the Canadian mosaic.

COVID-19 has strained our incomes, routines and patience and in so doing has revealed the threadbare spots in our social fabric. These are too often papered over by drab and empty political phrases such as the default go-to diversity is our strength.

What COVID-19 has revealed is that our social fabric isnt a landscape as flat as the Prairies, populated by equals. It includes a vertical dimension, a hierarchy of privilege based on your ethnicity and class. And your degree of exposure to the virus  whether as one of the countless immigrant frontline workers delivering your food or tending to our elderly in care homes  depends on where you are situated in this order.

If you are rolling your eyes at the notion race and class privileges, consider if the coronavirus had originated in Italy rather than in China. Would anyone seriously expect Canadians of Italian descent to be concerned for the safety of their elders to the same degree Chinese Canadians currently need to be?

So while the most peril some of us will face during this unprecedented time is to run dangerously short of wine and Netflix serials to binge away the tedium, for other Canadians it will be avoiding being harassed or assaulted while walking down a city street, or having their storefront defaced.

Its a reminder that, in this tale of not one but two Canadas, we still have work to do in flattening not one, but two curves.

Jagdeesh Mann is a journalist based in Vancouver. Follow him on Twitter @JagdeeshMann.

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Critics say the new law would infringe on Hong Kongs autonomy and the civil liberties of its residents.

Chinas proposed national security legislation for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions and threaten the citys status as a financial hub, the White House has said.

Beijing, meanwhile, warned of a new Cold War with the United States, saying the country had been infected by a political virus compelling people there to continually attack China.

The two superpowers are in a deepening war of words amid disputes over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic and trade deals.

It looks like with this national security law theyre going to basically take over Hong Kong and if they do  Secretary [of State Mike] Pompeo will likely be unable to certify that Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy.

And if that happens there will be sanctions that will be imposed on Hong Kong and China, National security adviser Robert OBrien said in an interview with NBC.

The statement came as the US continues to scale up its condemnation of the proposed law, with Pompeo on Friday calling Beijings plan to bypass Hong Kongs legislative processes a death knell for the territorys autonomy.

The proposed bill, submitted on Friday on the opening day of Chinas largely rubber-stamp national legislative session, would forbid secessionist and subversive activity, as well as foreign interference and terrorism in Hong Kong, which rejoined mainland China from British rule in 1997 under a so-called one country, two systems agreement.





Under that agreement, which is set to expire in 2047, Hong Kong maintained some autonomy, including a separate legislature and judicial system, as well as some civil liberties for its residents.

The vice chairman of the National Peoples Congress has said Hong Kong pro-democracy protests, which began in June of last year and at times descended into violence, have undermined the agreement that gives Hong Kong its special status and the new legislation would help prevent any behaviour that posed potential security threats.

Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a response to growing international condemnation of the move, said Hong Kong affairs were an internal matter for China, and no external interference will be tolerated.

New Cold War

In November last year, amid weekly protests in Hong Kong, US President Donald Trump signed into law the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which requires the State Department to certify that the city retains enough autonomy to justify favourable US trading terms, which have helped it maintain its position as a world financial centre.

On Sunday, Wang accused some political forces in the US of taking China-US relations hostage and pushing our two countries to the brink of a new Cold War.

The escalation of tensions intertwines with US officials condemnation of Chinas handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which first appeared in the city of Wuhan in December of last year, Wang said.

US officials should focus on the outbreak in the US, which has become the hardest-hit country in the world, he added.





Regretfully, in addition to the raging coronavirus, a political virus is also spreading in the United States. This political virus is using every opportunity to attack and smear China, said Wang

I want to say here: Dont waste precious time any longer, and dont ignore lives.

Trump and members of his administration have said China covered up the emergence of the virus late last year and bungled its initial response.

Washingtons criticism has been widely seen in the US as an attempt by Trump to divert attention from the White Houses own COVID-19 failures.

While American officials have suggested it may have originated in a laboratory in China, most scientists believe coronavirus jumped from animals to humans, possibly from a market in Wuhan where exotic animals were sold for meat.

Pro-democracy advocates have accused Beijing of seizing on coronavirus restrictions in Hong Kong to diminish the inevitable unrest sparked by the new national security legislation.

On Sunday, however, thousands again took to the streets of Hong Kong in protest, where they were met with police-fired tear gas and water cannon.

China has always advocated that, as the worlds largest developing country and the largest developed country, both of us bear a major responsibility for world peace and development, said Wang. China and the United States stand to gain from cooperation, and lose from confrontation.
Kochi (Kerala) [India], May 23 (ANI): A repatriation flight from Muscat, Oman, under Vande Bharat Mission, landed at Cochin International Airport on Saturday with 177 passengers.



Indian Embassy in Oman said that the first leg of second phase of Vande Bharat Mission from Oman has been successfully completed.

"Phase 2 (first leg) of Vande Bharat Mission from Oman successfully completed. 11 Flight 1970 Passengers 18 States and UTs of India," Indian Embassy in Oman wrote on Twitter.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday said during a press conference that more than 20,000 Indian citizens have been brought back to the country under the Vande Bharat mission so far.

The second phase of Vande Bharat Mission started from May 16. (ANI)


(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Assistant Secretary General in charge of Human and Social Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Dr. Douglas Slater, told regional culture stakeholders from government and the artistic community that their input and ideas were crucial to post COVID-19 resilience.

He was speaking at the beginning of the First Regional Dialogue on Culture in a COVID-19 Environment which was held virtually on Wednesday.

The Region looks to you as an important stakeholder to provide it with your inputs and ideas. If there was ever a time that we need culture and creativity to address our challenges, it is now, Dr. Slater opined.

He said the meeting was timely and addressed an issue that was very relevant to the Region. According to him, COVID-19 had upended almost every aspect of CARICOMs economic and social development. He said Member States had a tremendous challenge ahead in addressing the upcoming hurricane season, given existing vulnerabilities.

He encouraged the representatives of the creative industries to prepare to demonstrate the importance of culture as an element in the life blood of society, noting that there was a critical role for creatives to play in the rebuilding of a resilient Caribbean Community.

In his remarks, Dr. Slater also gave an overview of the actions taken by the CARICOM Secretariat since the advent of COVID-19 in December 2019. He outlined that the CARICOM Secretariat had been monitoring the development of the virus almost daily. He also disclosed that the Secretariat had been working closely with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) along with other Regional stakeholders and partners from the onset. He noted that there had also been significant engagements with the air and cruise line industries.

He explained that other sectors were also engaged, through special meetings of the various regional Councils noting that COVID-19 impacted on every aspect of the Regions economic development. Some of the areas that received the attention of special meetings included agriculture, trade, education, security and health. According to Dr. Slater, the focus was on planning for worse case scenarios and the exploration of opportunities to emerge a more resilient Region.

It is reasonable to say that we had astute political and technical leadership in CARICOM to handle this. The figures demonstrate this, Dr. Slater stated.

He said the Region had been able to manage this first outbreak of COVID-19 well, relative to the international environment and more developed and endowed countries.

We recognised very early that we have limitations in our health care systems and that we must heed the advice of our scientists and medical personnel and I want to place on record our gratitude to health care workers as well as the regional universities, he said.

He also commended CARPHA and CDEMA for what he referred to as yeoman service to the Region.

He revealed that a Regional Public Health Protocol was now being developed to guide the reopening of the Region. According to him, all the components may not be ideal to all Member States and he expected that some may not use it in its entirety. But the idea was to have a baseline to be used.

We expect, depending on the situation in particular Member States to have some adaptation of that protocol, he said.

During the meeting, participants gave an overview of the situation in their countries as it relates to culture, particularly regarding cancelled events and festivals. Several countries and regional agencies, notably the Caribbean Development Bank and Caribbean Export, indicated that stimulus packages were available or in development to assist artists and cultural workers who are facing economic challenges during this period.

The meeting made a number of recommendations for follow-up action including addressing roadblocks to artists monetising online content; strengthening industry associations in all sectors across the Region; establishing content quotas to mandate the use of local music and film on national media platforms; data collection on the impact of the pandemic on the sector; analytics of on-line consumption and increased registration of artists to facilitate support.

The meeting acknowledged the increased use of online platforms for performance, festivals and events and recommended that CARIFESTA XV scheduled for 2021 in Antigua and Barbuda, serve as catalyst and game changer in a new approach to presenting festivals in a mixed on and off-line format and to jump start the festival economy. There was also a call by creative practitioners for a harmonised regional incentives regime and a moratorium on duties and charges on inputs to the sector for a specified period.

The meeting was attended by representatives from Ministries of Culture from 19 Member States and Associate Members, stakeholders who are industry leaders in a variety of areas, representatives of the Caribbean Development Bank, Caribbean Export and UNESCO Cluster Office for the Caribbean, along with staff of the CARICOM Secretariat.
China drew Western condemnation on Friday over plans for a national security law to quash Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement as it opened an annual congress that also laid bare the "immense" economic challenges caused by the coronavirus. The 3,000-member National People's Congress (NPC) began with a minute of silence for China's victims of the coronavirus before Premier Li Keqiang delivered his annual version of the US president's "state of the union" address. "At present, the epidemic has not yet come to an end, while the tasks we face in promoting development are immense," Li told mask-wearing delegates in Beijing's cavernous Great Hall of the People, while also touting China's success in suppressing the contagion. The pandemic forced Beijing to delay its annual parliament by two months and reduce its length to a week. Citing "great uncertainty" ahead, Li took the rare move of refraining from announcing a 2020 growth target for China's pandemic-battered economy, offering only a vague promise to address mounting joblessness and to improve living standards. - Hong Kong under siege - The most controversial move at the NPC opening was the introduction of a proposal to impose a security law in Hong Kong -- immediately denounced by Washington and pro-democracy figures in the financial hub who called it a death sentence for the territory's unique freedoms. China made clear it wanted the law passed after Hong Kong was rocked by seven months of massive and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests last year. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged China to reconsider the "disastrous proposal", saying it would "be a death knell for the high degree of autonomy Beijing promised for Hong Kong." The European Union called for "the preservation of Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy". The foreign ministers of Britain, Australia and Canada said in a joint statement they were "deeply concerned" over the proposal, saying passing such a law without the direct participation of Hong Kong's people or legislature would undermine the principle of "one country, two systems". The motion, which goes to a vote in China's rubber-stamp legislature on Thursday, would authorise Chinese lawmakers to directly enact long-delayed Hong Kong security legislation itself at a future date, rather than leaving it up to the territory's administration. The draft proposal will "guard against, stop and punish any separatism, subversion of the national regime, terrorist group activities and such behaviours that seriously harm national security". City leader Carrie Lam, who attended the session, vowed to "fully cooperate" with Beijing over the national security proposal and complete the legislation "as soon as possible". Lam said national security laws to be drafted later by the NPC seek "to punish 'Hong Kong independence' and violent political elements that seriously harm national security". An initial bid to enact such legislation in 2003 was shelved after half a million people took to the streets in protest. Wang Chen, deputy chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, told delegates Beijing must "take powerful measures to lawfully prevent, stop and punish" anti-China forces in Hong Kong. One of the proposal's articles opens the door for Beijing to increase its presence in the financial hub by allowing the central government to set up, "when needed", agencies in Hong Kong "to fulfill relevant duties to safeguard national security in accordance with the law." China's army already has a garrison in Hong Kong but soldiers have not intervened in the protests, though the city's mini-constitution authorises local officials to request military help to protect public order. "This is the end of Hong Kong, this is the end of 'One Country, Two Systems', make no mistake about it," Civic Party lawmaker Dennis Kwok told reporters, referring to China's description of the territory's status. The system gives Beijing ultimate political sway but allows liberties unseen elsewhere in China. Stocks tumbled in the city Friday on news of the security law move. President Donald Trump has promised to respond "very strongly" once details emerge, and US senators introduced legislation to impose sanctions on any entity involved in curbing Hong Kong's autonomy. Targets could include police who crack down on demonstrators, Chinese officials involved in Hong Kong policy, and banks that conduct transactions with anyone who infringes on its freedoms. - Economic uncertainty - Although infection numbers have dwindled, China is still recovering from the COVID-19 outbreak that first appeared in the central city of Wuhan late last year and spread globally. Beijing has faced accusations led by Trump it mishandled its initial response, leading to more than 330,000 deaths and economic carnage worldwide, as well as sending US-China tensions spiralling to new depths. China's economic growth shrank 6.8 percent in the first quarter because of the virus, its first contraction in decades. Li had originally been expected to announce a 2020 growth target of around six percent -- but the pandemic has scrambled expectations, leaving millions of Chinese jobless and imperilling countless businesses. Still, the government announced Friday it would increase its military budget by 6.6 percent. The budget will be set at 1.268 trillion yuan ($178 billion) for the year -- the second biggest in the world after the US but continuing a trend of slowing increases. burs-rox-lth/bfm The 3,000-member National People's Congress (NPC) began with a minute of silence for China's victims of the coronavirus Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and Premier Li Keqiang (R) arrive for the opening session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference A medical worker takes a swab sample from a woman to be tested for the COVID-19 coronavirus in Wuhan, China?s central Hubei province Delegates leave after the opening session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing China's economic growth shrank 6.8 percent in the first quarter because of the virus, its first contraction in decades
These are the times that try mens souls, Thomas Payne once said. These are also the times that can steal your sleep and stress you out.

If youve been laid off, had to close a business, lost a loved one, or are just trying to stay afloat financially or emotionally in a world that seems to be crashing through new normals that are hard to handleyou might be finding it difficult to sleep.

Yet these are the times you can sleep better than you ever have as you trust God wholeheartedly to provide.

Yes, God wants us to be productive and to have a good work ethic. He tells us in His Word that we are not to be people who are lazy and wont put in a good days work (Proverbs 6:9-11). But if you havent been able to work (or sleep) due to circumstances beyond your control (or anyones control), you have a God who comes through for you even as you sleep.

Gods Word says in the Psalms that we are wasting our time getting up before the crack of dawn and going to sleep past midnight, toiling and striving to make things happen because the God of the Universe gives to His beloved even in his sleep (Psalm 127:2, NASB).

The next time you cant sleep because you think you have to work through (or worry through) the night, remember that God has a way of working it out if you just rest in Him...literally.

God commands us to rest. And by trusting Him to provide, we are not only being obedient, but we can keep our bodies healthy and refreshed by getting a good nights sleep.

Photo Credit: Pexels/Ivan Oboleninov
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 15:51:20|Editor: Lu Hui

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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (2nd L) attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and foreign relations via video link on the sidelines of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The most important thing that can be learned from COVID-19 is that the life and health of people in different countries have never been so closely connected, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday.

Also, it has never been made so clear that all nations live in the same global village and that humanity is in fact a community with a shared future, Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual national legislative session.

The virus respects no borders or races, Wang said, adding it poses a challenge to all human beings without distinction.

"Political manipulation will give the virus loopholes to exploit; a beggar-thy-neighbor approach will leave each of us more vulnerable; rejection of science will allow the virus to wreak greater havoc," Wang said.

Having claimed so many precious lives, COVID-19 serves as a stark reminder that countries must rise above differences in geography, race, history, culture and social system, he noted.

Wang called countries worldwide to work together for a community with a shared future and jointly preserve planet Earth, the only home all people have. Enditem

Identifying virus source must be professional, impartial, constructive: FM

China pursues no geopolitical goals in aid to global anti-pandemic fight
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's top aide is facing increasing pressure to resign as further allegations emerged on Sunday of him breaching the coronavirus lockdown rules.

Dominic Cummings, who is Johnson's Chief Strategy Adviser at No. 10 Downing Street, on Saturday defended a 250-mile journey to his parents' home in Durham, north-east England, as reasonable and legal and the UK prime minister has so far stuck by him with Downing Street reiterating the same line.

However, Johnson now faces a revolt from within his own Conservative MPs over his decision not to sack Cummings as fresh allegations emerged of the aide making repeated trips in breach of the government's stay-at-home guidance to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

The Observer'and Sunday Mirror' reported that Cummings was seen in the north east of England on two more occasions, after recovering from his COVID-19 symptoms and returning to work in London. Downing Street has branded the reports as inaccurate .

But backbench Tory MP and former chairman of the European Research Group (ERG) Steve Baker called for Cummings to resign.

"The country can't afford this nonsense, this pantomime, Dominic should go and we should move on and deal with things that matter in people's lives," he told the BBC.

Fellow Conservative MP Simon Hoare has called for Cummings to "consider his position" and Tory MP Damian Collins has said the government "would be better without him".

Speaking to reporters outside his home in London on Saturday morning after the first allegation emerged related to a trip at the end of March, Cummings said he would not be resigning and had done the "right thing".

On Sunday, newspapers report that witnesses saw Cummings in Barnard Castle, more than 25 miles from Durham, on April 12.

Two days later, on April 14, he was seen in London. According to a witness, he was spotted again in Houghall Woods near Durham on April 19.

"Yesterday the Mirror and Guardian wrote inaccurate stories about Mr Cummings. Today they are writing more inaccurate stories including claims that Mr Cummings returned to Durham after returning to work in Downing Street on 14 April, a Downing Street statement said.

"We will not waste our time answering a stream of false allegations about Mr Cummings from campaigning newspapers," it said.

A YouGov poll on Saturday found that 68 per cent of voters think Cummings broke the lockdown, while just 18 per cent disagreed. By a margin of 52 per cent to 28 per cent they think he should resign.

Opposition parties Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party have written to Sir Mark Sedwill, the UK Cabinet Secretary, calling for an urgent inquiry into the allegations.

Cummings denies a breach of the coronavirus rules, saying he needed childcare help after his wife also developed COVID-19 symptoms and they drove to Durham to stay in a separate building at his parents' property.

UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps had to field questions on the issue at the daily Downing Street briefing on Saturday evening, when he insisted that Cummings had not broken the rules because of a loophole that allows people to safeguard young and old people at risk.

I can tell you the PM provides Cummings with his full support, he said.

The UK Cabinet has largely rallied around Cummings, with Indian-origin finance minister Rishi Sunak saying: Taking care of your wife and young child is justifiable and reasonable, trying to score political points over it isn't.

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who had also tested positive for coronavirus last month, said: I know how ill coronavirus makes you. It was entirely right for Dom Cummings to find childcare for his toddler, when both he and his wife were getting ill.

The government's strict social distancing guidance expects people not to travel and the advice for anyone with coronavirus symptoms remains to self-isolate at home and not leave even for essential supplies for seven days.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday came out in full support for his embattled top aide, Dominic Cummings, over an alleged breach of the country's strict coronavirus lockdown rules, as he confirmed moving the UK on to the next stage of opening up the economy, with schools set to open from June 1.

Addressing the daily Downing Street briefing, Johnson opened by addressing the escalating row around his Chief Strategy Adviser's 260-mile journey from London to his parents' home in Durham in north-east England at the end of March and stressed that his aide had acted responsibly, legally and with integrity, and with the overall aim of stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives.

I can tell you today I have had extensive face to face conversations with Dominic Cummings, I have concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of care at the moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus, and when he had no alternative, I think he followed the instincts of every father. I do not mark him down for that," said Johnson.

He had to field a barrage of questions from the media about the issue that has led to numerous calls from within the PM's own Conservative Party for Cummings to resign or be sacked.

As far as I can see, he stuck to the rules. His objective was to prevent the spread of the virus, stressed Johnson, standing by his closest adviser.

Johnson's central announcement was around the opening up of primary school classes from June 1, with secondary schools to provide some contact for students to help them prepare for exams from June 15.

"In line with the approach being taken in many other countries, we want to start getting our children back into the classroom," he said, adding that the government would remain in consultation with unions and headteachers over this planned easing up of the coronavirus lockdown.

While of course we realise social distancing may not be possible, especially when teaching young children, government guidance has been published that gives advice to teachers, he said.

What has been branded as stage two of the UK's move out of social distancing norms, will also involve some steps towards opening up non-essential retail and more social contacts and details for that will be unveiled in coming days.

We are making progress but that progress is conditional, provisional. The UK must keep the R rate [rate of infection] below one. We are beating this thing," Johnson said.

According to the latest data unveiled by him, the UK's death toll from COVID-19 across hospitals and all other settings in society has now hit 36,793 with a rise of 118 over the previous day. The rate of hospitalisations with the disease has maintained a downward trend, registering an 11 per cent decline from this time last week.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Kempegowda airport at Devanahalli in Bengaluru is ready for domestic flight operations from Monday with new normal to maintain social distancing. Image Source: IANS News

The Kempegowda airport at Devanahalli in Bengaluru is ready for domestic flight operations from Monday with new normal to maintain social distancing. Image Source: IANS News

The Kempegowda airport at Devanahalli in Bengaluru is ready for domestic flight operations from Monday with new normal to maintain social distancing. Image Source: IANS News

The Kempegowda airport at Devanahalli in Bengaluru is ready for domestic flight operations from Monday with new normal to maintain social distancing. Image Source: IANS News

The Kempegowda airport at Devanahalli in Bengaluru is ready for domestic flight operations from Monday with new normal to maintain social distancing. Image Source: IANS News

Bengaluru, May 24 : The Kempegowda airport at Devanahalli on the city's northern outskirts has been readied for resuming domestic flight operations from Monday, two months after all services were suspended on March 23 to contain the coronavirus spread, an official said on Sunday.

"The airport is spruced up and ready to resume domestic flight services by all the airlines from Monday in compliance with the new guidelines of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Union Health Ministry," the official of the operator told IANS here.

As the third busiest airport after Mumbai and New Delhi in normal times, the country's first greenfield airport under the public-private partnership has been functional even during the extended lockdown, with cargo services by domestic and international airlines and inbound/outbound evacuation flights since March-end.

"As per standard operating procedure, only asymptomatic passengers who have downloaded the Arogya Setu app and booked the air ticket online will be allowed into the airport on showing an e-boarding pass or its printed version at the entrance and after thermal screening and hand washing with sanitiser, asserted the official.

Wearing mask is compulsory for all through the journey.

For the first time, the movement of passengers for departure from parking to boarding will be contactless to maintain physical distancing and avoid risk of touching any surface in the airport.

"Even sanitiser-dispensers will be touch-free in the airport terminal. So also food and beverage service and retail sales in the departure lounge.

Though the airport is geared up for full-fledged operations, the airlines will operate only one-third or 30 per cent of their capacity, as directed by the civil aviation ministry and its regulator (DGCA) for gradual reopening of the domestic service.

"Passengers arriving from other cities will also be screened on landing and guided for 7-day mandatory institutional quarantine at a hotel of their choice or in designated hostels, as decided by the state government," asserted the official.

The fumigated airport has also disinfection tunnels for passengers to pass through.

"With emphasis on least touch and exposure between passengers and airport staff, physical contact will be minimal due to extensive use of technology," said Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) Chief Executive Hari Marar in a statement here.

The CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) will verify the boarding pass and a state-issued photo ID using an electronic device or through a magnified glass screen.

Door mats will be soaked with bleach at the terminal entrance to disinfect shoes or footwear.

On entering the departure terminal, every passenger will scan the boarding pass at a contactless self-service kiosk, collect baggage tag before proceeding to the airline counter to drop-off his/her luggage.

Passengers also have the option of using the assisted baggage drop counter to print and tag their baggage.

Initially, only one-hand baggage and one checked-in luggage will be allowed, as mandated by the DGCA.

At the airline bag drop counters, a transparent partition has been installed for the safety of passengers and the airline staff.

"Passengers have to observe safe distance markers on the floor.AThey will scan the boarding pass on a sensor and show his/her ID for the airline staff to accept their baggage.

Under the new contactless process, body scanning will be done using door frame metal detectors.

Stamping of the boarding pass has been suspended by the regulator (DGCA).

"At the boarding gate, the airline staff will hand over a kit containing a face mask, face shield, and sanitiser to the passenger, who must put on the new mask and sanitise hands before boarding.

The passenger will scan the boarding pass on the sensor. Airline staff will do temperature screening and then permit boarding.

Across the terminal bio-waste collection bins are placed so that passengers can dispose their used mask and other personal protective equipment.
Oh, joy! Contact tracing is ramping up.

Under the guise of concern for public health, contact tracing allows the left to continue their totalitarian advance, as the federal government leaves it up to states to develop these intrusive measures

Contact tracing + tech overlords = We are tracking your every move, we know where you are, and we will deliver tyranny to your front door.

Heres how it works.

Lets start with Michigan. Red State reports:

When a person tests positive for the Wuhan virus the state wants to begin gathering personal information  not from those infected, but those in their personal orbit. Then the government will start reaching out to those individuals, compelling them to take shelter and self-quarantine. [snip] Anyone who has tested positive will be asked by officials to provide a list of all the people they had been in close contact with two days prior to them experiencing any symptoms. The citizens will be contacted and urged to self-quarantine for 2 weeks. Following this a Contact Tracer will continue to check in during this quarantine period.

Whitmer noted that its critical that people answer their phone for this to work and so you can be informed that youve had contact with someone whos had contact with someone whos had contact with someones whos infected. But my guess is that if you dont answer your phone, given what weve seen these past couple of months, theyll come to your house.

In the state of Washington, Governor Inslee plans to hire 1500 contact tracers to enforce state control. Until theyre hired, hell use the National Guard, among others, to fill this role. The Hill reports:

In Washington, when someone tests positive for COVID-19an interviewer will reach out by phone. They will ask who that person has been in close contact with, then reach out to those other people to let them know they have been exposed. Those people would need to isolate or quarantine themselves, but there will be no enforcement. Inslee will also require restaurants, once they are allowed to reopen, to "create a daily log of customers and maintain that daily log for 30 days, including telephone/email contact information, and time in," to make it easier for contact tracers

When asked about logistics, such as if people placed under immediate quarantine dont have enough food in the house, Inslee stated:

We will have attached to the families a family support person who will check in with them to see what they need on a daily basis and help them. If they cant get a friend to do their grocery shopping, we will help get them groceries in some fashion. If they need pharmaceuticals to be picked up, we will make sure they get their pharmaceuticals Thats going to help encourage them to maintain their isolation too.

In other words, were the government and were here to help!

On the opposite coast, Massachusetts has contracted with a group to do contact tracing thats funded by Soros, Gates and that has Chelsea Clinton on the board.

Well if all of this doesnt make you feel all warm and fuzzy, I dont know what would.

Maybe this: Big tech is pulling out all the stops to help states implement and enforce contact tracing. Facial recognition tools. Check. Apple and Google teaming up to track your location. Check. Chinese style surveillance systems that monitor your every step and your health in order to assign a personal COVID risk score. Check. China spying on our movement. Check.

This entire affair should be deeply concerning for all Americans. Among other things, its rife with potential for abuse (and thats assuming one thinks this entire ordeal is acceptable even if its not abused). Since the state wont tell you how they came to you in the first place, it would be easy to target certain individuals who we can call, for the sake of argument, enemies of the state.

That aside, even if this wasnt abused (highly doubtful), its absurd. I have a radical idea to propose and Im not even an expert!

How about we protect the most vulnerable in nursing homes  something most blue state governors failed to do? How about we let those in vulnerable demographics take responsibility for their level of risk? And how about we let everyone else go about their daily lives?

Opening up the economy wont solve this deeper problem of fascists on the move infiltrating every aspect of our lives. Civil disobedience may be our only way out  a topic for another day.

Image credit: Free SVG
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Supported by the Tribeca Film Institute, winner of the IFF Panamas Primera Mirada pix-in-post showcase and selected for Cannes Film Market last year before world premiering at Januarys Rotterdam Film Festival, Ana Elena Tejeras Panquiaco opened this years IFF Panama festival on Wednesday.

That marks further recognition for a hybrid documentary-fiction film which talks about belonging and plumbs community life in an indigenous village in Panamas Guna Yala region, poetically tracking the journey of 67-year old Cebaldo, who lives in Portugal but returns to his village in Panama which he left as a young man.

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The film also explores the link between his character and indigenous tribesman Panquiaco, who showed Spanish conquistador Vasco Nunez de Balboa a way from the Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean.

Produced by Tejera, Maria Isabel Burnes (Too Much Productions) and Tomas Cortes-Rosselot (Cine Animal), Panquiaco will also open Frames of Representation at Londons Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA).

Tejera is pursuing an artistic residency at Le Fresnoy in France. In April she returned to Panama for the IFF Panama Festival and has remained there due to the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic also stymied an on-site edition of IFF Panama, which has been transformed into a five-day online festival, running May 22-26, including film screenings and round tables. Interviewed by Variety, Tejera talked about her inspirations for the film and her current project, a short film featuring her grandmother.

How has Panquiaco been received so far?

Obviously this is an exceptional year because of COVID-19. The reception at Rotterdam was wonderful, with full sessions and a good critical response. We have been invited to several other important festivals, including HotDocs, and we will be the opening film in Frames of Representation of the Institute of Contemporary Art in London. It is due to premiere in Portugal at the end of this year. It is great to be the opening film at IFF Panama.

Story continues

Panquiaco has a very distinctive aesthetic approach, how would you describe it?

Since the movies premiere we have received comments about the new narrative style from Central America. I am not interested in using labels such as fiction, documentary or essay. My own background is linked to psychology, working as an actress and in performance art. I aim to make films that are more like performances. Im interested in conflicts that are rooted in real-life contexts, but are then sensed through the body and lead to a transformative experience that is shared with the audience. I like what Marina Abramovich said about the difference between theatre and performance: In theatre, the knifes not real, the blood is not real. In performance its real.

What have you learned from making Panquiaco?

It transformed me in a powerful way . I feel very involved in performance art, where I can work with my own subject matter, with my own conflicts and thats how I feel that I work in cinema. Cinema helps me heal, remember and understand my relationship with myself and with my environment. Panquiaco, without being literal, speaks about my inner world, my conflict of belonging, that connects me with Cebaldo. We both have the same conflict, despite our differences in age and gender and Panquiaco was the way to do work through that in a performance. I learned from the indigenous peoples how to live in the present and have a relationship of respect with all living beings. This transformed me and made me think that belonging is more transcendental than an emotion of a single life or a single being. The community where we filmed has a powerful relationship with rocks, animals and plants. We filmed their rituals and tried to capture the feelings from the inside, not as ethnographic observers. I learned a lot from my cinematographer Mateo Guzman who is from Colombia and who worked on Cesar Acevedos [Cannes best first feature and Critics Week winner] Land and Shade. Im also inspired by Portugals Pedro Costa.

Tell us a bit about your new project.

At my artistic residency in Fresnoy, Im preparing a short film about my family, in particular my grandmother, who acts in the film. The entire film is conceived as a performance. I take the story of my grandmother, who grew up in the military dictatorship in Panama and effectively lived in a domestic dictatorship at home.

I was born in 1990, a few months after the end of the regime run by a military junta. In my country the dictatorship has been an unspoken and under-investigated subject, I only really began to understand the dictatorship through restoring film archives. At the same time I didnt know about the story of my own family and my grandfather who was a soldier. Through the film I confronted my familys past and how the influence of a countrys dictatorship could be dictatorship in a house. What I have learned from this new project is that we need more than one life to cure past suffering. It takes at least three generations to heal the scars of the dictatorship.

Has your view of Panama changed from making these projects?

My relationship with the country is changing all the time. Panama is a place that unites two waters, and at the same time separates them, the place that was divided by the U.S into a Canal Zone. Panamas history is full of divisions, miscegenation and contradictions. Contradiction is everything, light and darkness, thats why in my work I explore memory as something that is diffuse  living as a sensation that strengthens the soul and at the same time ceases to exist. This ephemeral and at the same time strong sensation, is a beautiful state of being, it is what makes us more vulnerable and I feel that it is Panama, pure vulnerability.

What was it like to have the online Panamanian premiere of your film at IFF Panama?

The online premiere in Panama, the country where Panquiaco was born, was an experience, it felt almost like Cebaldos conflict: a nostalgia for the past. In our case, we long for physical festivals where we can share with our community. Now things are different, we need to find new ways and forms to connect. However, within this contradiction I feel something beautiful. I have noticed that the quarantine has created a vulnerable environment for watching cinema. Now that we have slow lives, with time to reflect, I noticed that audiences are more open to this type of films. In our new reality, we can spend hours watching the water boil and give space and time to understand what happens in our internal world. Now life has been transformed into what is called slow cinema, auteur cinema and experimental cinema and this is very beautiful!

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New Delhi :

A Panama-based shipping company and its two Qatar-based sister concerns were today directed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to pay up Rs 100 crore as damages for causing an oil spill when a cargo vessel sank off Mumbai coast in 2011, damaging marine ecology.

While asking the three companies to pay Rs 100 crore as environmental compensation (EC) to the Ministry of Shipping, a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Swatanter Kumar also ordered Gujarat-based Adani Enterprises Ltd to pay Rs five crore as EC for dumping in the seabed 60054 MT coal, being carried by the ship M V RAK, and polluting the marine environment.

The tribunal asked Republic of Panama's Delta Shipping Marine Services SA, Qatar-based Delta Navigation WLL and Delta Group International to pay Rs 100 crore to the Ministry, observing that reports showed that the documents in favour of the ship were issued in a biased manner and the vessel was "not seaworthy", right from the inception of its voyage.

It also held the respondents to be defaulting entities which had adopted the "most careless and reckless attitude" in protecting the marine environment.

"We are of the considered view that determined damages of Rs 100 crore should be paid by and recovered from respondents number 5, 7 and 11, jointly and severally while respondent number 6 is held liable to pay Rs 5 crore as environmental compensation for dumping of the cargo in the sea and then failing to take any precautionary or preventive measures.

"The consignment of 60054 MT of coal has caused marine pollution and continues to be a cause and concern for environmental pollution. The respondents are defaulting entities which have not complied with law and have adopted a most careless and reckless attitude in relation to protecting the marine environment," the bench, also comprising Judicial Member U D Salvi, Expert Members A R Yousuf and Ranjan Chatterjee, said in its 223-page judgement.

The tribunal constituted a committee to look into various aspects, including to study and report to it within a month on whether removal of the ship wreck and cargo from its present location should be directed as per global conventions and in the interest of marine environment.

NGT passed the verdict on a petition filed by Samir Mehta, a Mumbai-based environmentalist, who had sought compensation for damages caused to the marine ecology due to the oil spill.

The ship, which was sailing from Indonesia to Dahej in Gujarat, sank 20 nautical miles off the South Mumbai coast in the Arabian Sea on August 4, 2011.

The vessel was owned by Delta Shipping Marine Services SA

while Delta Navigation WLL and Delta Group International were responsible for its voyage.

The ship was also carrying more than 60,000 metric tonnes of coal for Adani Enterprises Ltd thermal power plant in Gujarat besides containing 290 tonnes of fuel oil and 50 tonnes of diesel.

The bench said it was "a clear case where negligence is attributable to the four firms" and added that it was not a case of sinking of a ship by "accident simpliciter".

"But it is a case where element of mens rea can be traced from the unfolding of the events that finally led to the sinking of the ship on August 4, 2011. Non-rendering of requisite help by the ship owner and other persons interested and responsible, to the Master of the ship, despite the fact that they had complete knowledge about the status of the ship prior to the occurrence of the incident on August 4, 2011...

"The ship had developed mechanical and technical snags at Colombo and Singapore and the Master of the ship had asked for help there during its onward journey. There is nothing on record to show that ship owner and other respondents provided timely assistance to the Master of the ship," it said.

The bench said "on the true and purposive construction of the International Conventions and the statutory provisions afore-referred, no party from any country in the world has the right/privilege to sail an unseaworthy ship to the Contiguous and Exclusive Economic Zone of India and in any event to dump the same in such waters, causing marine pollution, damage or degradation thereof."

It said the ship and its cargo should be removed by the four companies or they shall get it removed within six months from the date of submission of report of the committee, consituted by it, before the tribunal.

"The liabilities to pay environmental compensation as aforedirected are on account of and subject to adjustments, after the submission of the final report by the Committee," it added.

A year before this oil spill off the Mumbai coast, another such accident had occured in the Gulf of Mexico when an oil rig 'Deepwater Horizon' had exploded, leading to sea- floor oil gushing out for 87 days till it was capped. Eleven people had gone missing in what is considered to be the largest accidental marine oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry.

In July 2015, after a long legal battle, BP, formerly known as British Petroleum which owned the rig, agreed to pay USD 18.7 billion in fines, the largest corporate settlement in US history so far.

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These are troubled times unlike our nation has ever experienced. To be honest, I never imagined waking up each morning to hear the number of deaths domestically and abroad. It is disheartening. It is horrible. It is frightening. The cause is the deadly novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

No public sector has been spared. I arrived at Claflin University last August to begin my tenure as the ninth president in the universitys illustrious history, following in the footsteps of an exceptional and transformative leader, Dr. Henry N. Tisdale. I knew full well that the gauntlet had been tossed to me and I accepted it without trepidation because there is a uniqueness about the Claflin family. I inherited a flourishing institution due in part to a unified effort to pursue and achieve academic excellence.

In the midst of COVID-19, our resolve is being tested here at Claflin as well as across the spectrum of higher education. Students are expecting us to win the battle against the coronavirus, and we cannot let them down. Thats why at Claflin we have been in the trenches to plan our future course of action.

I have appointed a task force to consider options for reopening Claflin in the fall. The task force will leave no stone unturned in its deliberations to recommend the best course forward for Claflin. This will include class size, course offerings and, most important, the financial impact to the university on whatever the decision will be. We aim to announce the decision later this month.

I am empathetic to the loss of loved ones due to the pandemic. Family life as we know it has been shattered and disrupted. The devastation of job losses is expected to have a cumulative impact on the universitys enrollment going forward. Nevertheless, our enrollment management team has been working extremely hard to get us where we need to in the fall. The numbers are promising but nothing can be taken for granted as health officials predict a second wave of COVID-19 cases in the fall.

We are also working to strengthen and enhance the universitys technology infrastructure in the event we must go fully online in a continuation of our response after the governor declared a statewide emergency. It was a challenging development but Claflin was prepared, having entered the online environment six years ago. That proved invaluable at a critical juncture in the academic year.

We have listened to our students and their strong desire to have the campus reopened in the fall. They should know that the university will do everything within its power to return to face-to-face instruction and campus living. The university, however, will follow guidelines from the CDC, DHEC and other health officials to ensure the campus is a safe environment for everyone.

I am cautiously optimistic about the future, but it is clear that our decision will be based on what is best for Claflin University and the students we serve.

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack is president of Claflin University.
From smart police helmets to research labs, the novel coronavirus has given Dubai an opportunity to test its technological and scientific clout as it shapes its approach to the pandemic. A key part of the glitzy Gulf emirate's fight is its COVID-19 Command and Control Centre, set up to coordinate the efforts of Dubai's doctors, epidemiologists and other professionals. It is hosted within the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) in Dubai's Healthcare City, also home to state-of-the-art hospitals, labs and research centres. "For several years, Dubai has endeavoured to put in place solid digital infrastructure, and this has contributed to the fight against the coronavirus", said Amer Sharif, who heads the multidisciplinary centre. It was established at the start of the health crisis by Dubai Crown Prince and social media star Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. In one room, young mask-wearing men and women sit at carefully separated desks crunching data on laptops and coordinating with workers on the ground. The initiative includes a scientific team whose role is "to stay abreast of the latest advances in research and scientific evidence, both in the country and elsewhere in the world", team head Alawi Alsheikh-Ali told AFP. - 'Data and science' - The United Arab Emirates has carried out more than 1.6 million coronavirus tests, and has officially declared over 28,700 infections, including 244 deaths. This high-tech approach, Sharif said, including "the complete digitisation of the health system", has prevented a greater spread of the virus and made the lockdown easier. Tom Loney, associate professor of public health and epidemiology at MBRU, said the coronavirus was an opportunity for Dubai to put its capabilities to the test. "It's the ability to react, to make quick decisions based on data and science" that sets Dubai apart, said Loney, who is also an adviser to authorities in the city-state. According to him decisions were made by order of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, whose portrait is featured on the MBRU building. Dubai is one of seven emirates in the UAE, a key Gulf state with big technological and scientific ambitions. The emirate lacks the oil wealth of its neighbours, but has the most diversified economy in the Gulf, building a reputation as a financial, commercial and tourism hub. The UAE sent an astronaut into space last year, and in July is set to launch the first Arab probe towards Mars, a project sponsored by the emir of Dubai. - 'Own model' - Many tech options were already at Dubai's fingertips when the pandemic struck, and the emirate was quick at putting its technology to a variety of uses during the virus crisis. Police wear smart helmets that take the temperature of passers-by while laboratories make protective masks using 3D printers. When a night-time curfew begins, Dubai residents -- 90 percent of whom are expats -- receive a reminder message on their mobile phone in Arabic, English or other languages. The UAE has regularly announced research advances into the COVID-19 illness, developing several apps to help manage the pandemic. One of them, Alhosn, which the government has encouraged residents to download, helps track people who are infected with the virus or who may have come in close contact with confirmed cases. But the use of technology to fight the pandemic has raised concern across the world over government surveillance and privacy risks. Tech experts and the media have highlighted this issue in the UAE, where some foreign websites and applications are already blocked. But Sharif pushed back against scepticism. "Dubai and the Emirates respect privacy, whether it is a question of patient records or smart applications", he said. The emirate was creating its "own model" of responding to the health crisis, Sharif added, though authorities were also looking at countries such as South Korea, seen as a positive policy response to the crisis. "We must follow the developments... but also add to them," he said.
24.05.2020 LISTEN

The Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu has been elected to serve on the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The 34-member Executive Board is composed of technically qualified members who were elected to serve a three-year term.

The Board is tasked with the functions of implementing the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly, advise and generally facilitate the work of the Assembly.

The Director-General of the WHO, Dr. Tredos Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Dr. Harsh Vardhan the new Chair of the Executive Board, his Vice Chairs persons, and the Executive Board members, and pledged to work with them.

The annual Board meeting is held in January when the members agree upon the agenda for the World Health Assembly and the resolutions to be considered by the Health Assembly.

A second shorter meeting takes place in May, as a follow-up to the Health Assembly.

---citinewsroom
Harvard Professor and cognitive scientist Steven Pinker, in his excellent book, The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, elaborates on the indescribable cruelty of the pre-modern world as compared to the blessedly safe world in which we live. One of his examples of pre-modern cruelty is the Bible. He misses that the Bible, although a product of its time, was crafting an ethos that led to our world of less violence. Last week, Pinker again put his ignorance about Christianity on display in a since-deleted post about Republicans who want to end the lockdown.

The genesis for Pinkers tweet was Gary Abernathys column in the Washington Post, Whats really behind Republicans wanting a swift reopening? Evangelicals. Abernathy does not believe that either the fear of economic collapse and the resulting despair or a genuine belief in constitutional liberty inspires Republicans to argue for the end of the lockdown. He argues that its the Christians God problem that makes them callous about death:

The National Association of Evangelicals has identified four statements that it says define evangelicals, the last of which is most pertinent for this discussion: Only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior receive Gods free gift of eternal salvation. This literal belief in eternal salvation  eternal life  helps explain the different reactions to life-threatening events like a coronavirus outbreak. [snip] The coronavirus? Christian fundamentalism is often fatalistic. As far as many evangelicals are concerned, life passes quickly, suffering is temporary and worrying solves nothing. Thats not a view that comports well with long stretches of earthly time spent waiting out business closures or stay-at-home orders. It should be no surprise that a persons deepest beliefs about the world influence how they measure the risks theyre willing to take.

Pinker thought Abernathy was right. But while Abernathy purports to take a scholarly approach, Pinker added a genuinely nasty note in a since-deleted tweet:

Belief in an afterlife is a malignant delusion, since it devalues actual lives and discourages action that would make them longer, safer, and happier. Exhibit A: Whats really behind Republicans wanting a swift reopening? Evangelicals. https://t.co/ppo2bwiVGn  Steven Pinker (@sapinker) May 21, 2020

Pinker misreads the Judeo-Christian doctrine, which is all about life. It is the atheism that Pinker prefers that is the death cult.

The Bible emerged from a world in which death was omnipresent. It wasnt just that accidents and diseases were unstoppable and unfixable. Instead, as Pinker noted in The Better Angels of Our Nature, human cruelty in the ancient world was staggering. Power was the only thing that gave value to a persons life.

The Bible was different. While the ancient Bible has stories of randomly inflicted human suffering (e.g., the story of Dinah), the message that breathes through it is that life is precious. To the extent that man is made in Gods image, each individual has value. In Deuteronomy 30:19, God explicitly charges the Jews to choose life. The Binding of Isaac ends human sacrifice amongst the Jews. Later, Christs willingness to die for the world ultimately ended all human sacrifice.

Because of these Biblical injunctions, Christians are life-affirming people (hence their opposition to abortion). While their faith leaves them more sanguine about death than the atheist is, they choose life. Thats why theres a difference between Evangelical survivalists, who prepare for the worlds end, and the Shia Muslims in Iran who believe they are obligated to bring about the worlds end.

Atheists, of course, are not sanguine about death  at least, about their own deaths  because death is a frightening nothingness. That makes them fearful in a way that Evangelical Christians are not.

Atheists also have no moral high ground when it comes to death, for they are a death cult. Even as they weep for convicted killers on death row, they demand the endless slaughter of babies. Their lack of reverence for human life stems in significant part from their Nature worship.

Nature is unfeeling. Nature does not care that the lion, rather than lying down with the sweet lamb, eats it. Nature does not care that a drought can starve countries or that an earthquake can level kingdoms. Nature simply is. Its a relentless, unfair force in which each living species prime directive is to cling to life in whatever way possible. Religion tempers that prime directive with morality. Marxism tempers that prime directive with raw power and selfishness.

Thats how you end up with a large segment of the American population arguing that its entirely moral to kill a human life for someone elses convenience  an argument that sounds remarkably like the Nazi justification for the gas chambers. After all, once you decide that certain lives in the abstract are valueless, its as easy to kill them as it is to stomp a termite.

So when Pinker talks about a malignant belief that leads to death, hes looking in the wrong direction.
The Peoples Republic of China has never faced as dire an image problem as it currently does. Covid-19 has suddenly woken up much of the world to the threat that the Chinese regime poses to humanity. And its high time, since it has been taking the world for a ride for far too long.

Three factors have led to the unmasking of China. One, supreme leader Xi Jinping began disregarding Deng Xiaopings wily advice to hide your capacities and bide your time; maintain a low profile; and never claim leadership", because he perhaps believed that the shi was upon himthat mystical alignment of the forces of history that Chinese leaders since ancient times have waited for to make momentous moves. Two, a blunt instrument called Donald Trump came to power in the US. And three, a virus jumped from bat to man.

Today, despite initial furious opposition from China, 116 countries have passed a motion for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus epidemic. The World Health Organizations (WHO) reputation has taken a beating. We have all seen the circumstantial evidence that suggests that the WHO, under Chinese pressure, soft-pedalled the crisis till it had no option but to sound the alarm. But consider this: Xis wife Peng Liyuan is one of the WHOs goodwill ambassadors". A singer-superstar entirely created by the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), she now holds the rank of major general in the PLA.

The way Chinas response to the worlds accusations has evolved over the last couple of months has been quite revelatory. First came its vociferous denials, and when that did not work, the country tried to present itself as a noble global health player. Unfortunately, many of the testing kits it supplied to Europe proved to be faulty. It also came to light that Chinese state-backed companies had started stockpiling medical suppliessurgical masks, thermometers, antibacterial wipes, gloves, hand sanitizersquietly from many countries soon after Wuhan was struck by the virus and the world was still in the dark about the seriousness of the threat.

When Trump started talking about the Chinese virus", China tried to spread a rumour that the pathogen had actually been planted in China by the US. This didnt stick, except perhaps with the worlds remaining communists and, to use MAD magazines immortal phrase, the usual bunch of idiots". It has now begun resorting to naked intimidation. For instance, since Australia has been one of the prime movers of the call for the investigation, Beijing banned beef imports from four Australian producers, imposed 80% tariffs on Australian barley, and is now threatening to take similar action on the countrys wine and dairy products. Chinese state mouthpiece Global Times plumbed new depths when, in an editorial, it quoted an unnamed Weibo (the Chinese equivalent of Twitter) user likening Australia to a giant kangaroo that serves as a dog of the US".

Scanning the headlines of Global Times editorials over the past month is both educative and entertaining. Heres an assortment in ascending chronological order: China rectifies death toll based on facts, unaffected by Western noise", (German newspaper) Bild editor sells soul attacking Chinas virus record", (US secretary of state Mike) Pompeo betrays Christianity with lies" (my personal favourite), To safeguard national security, it is time for China to build up nuclear deterrent", Its US that fears probe on virus origin".

On 19 May, it carried an editorial headlined Indias attempt to replace China (in the global industrial supply chain) is self-righteous", whatever that means. The piece goes on to say: Fundamentally speaking, Indias indulgence in its manufacturing prosperity illusion is partly derived from a rise in nationalism at home." Clearly, Chinas vast talent pool finds it easier to master artificial intelligence than the English language.

Meanwhile, Chinese troops have escalated tensions at the Sino-Indian border in Ladakh and north Sikkim. And Nepals communist Prime Minister K.P. Oli, on what seems like Beijings instigation, has redrawn the countrys map to claim some Indian territory. But the Narendra Modi government has never suffered from any illusions about the Chinese menace to Indias interests and ambitions. It refused to join the Belt and Road Initiative. During the Doklam stand-off of 2017, it stayed resolute on the ground and civil in its diplomacy, and gave no quarter.

Suddenly, we now see China flailing about, oscillating between whining, petulant posturing and outright bullying. The image it has tried so cleverly to build for decadesresponsible global player, reliable trade partnerhas been blown to pieces. Beijing has been revealed as a muscled-up Uriah Heep, a duplicitous and malevolent regime. Though I always found it incredible that any intelligent observer could have ever believed otherwise, one hopes that good sense will prevail now. If that happens, it could be a very significant positive effect of the covid epidemic. But not, sadly, for the Chinese people. Having lost face out in the world, Xi may turn even more repressive at home.

Sandipan Deb is former editor of Financial Express, and founder-editor of Open and Swarajya magazines

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson's senior aid Dominic Cummings

Coronavirus has changed everything. Make sense of it all with the Waugh Zone, our evening politics briefing. Sign up now.

Reports that Dominic Cummings made a second trip to Durham during the coronavirus lockdown are completely untrue, transport secretary Grant Shapps has said.

Defending Boris Johnsons top aide following a second day of allegations he broke the rules, the cabinet minister claimed reports in the Mirror claiming Cummings returned to the north east were inaccurate.

His interview comes amid intensifying pressure for the prime minister to sack Cummings, and after Durham Police issued a fresh statement last night contradicting Number 10 claims officers did not contact Cummings household.

Cummings was diagnosed with Covid-19, but travelled 260 miles to stay with family.

Downing Street claimed this was so the adviser could get help with childcare.

But new claims emerged on Saturday that Cummings returned to the region and visited the small town of Barnard Castle.

Pressed on the string of allegations piling up about Cummings flouting of lockdown rules while millions of families were told to stay at home, Shapps told Sky News Sophy Ridge: I think there are more stories today that Im seeing that he travelled backwards and forwards, accusations he then went back up to Durham again further times  I understand it is completely untrue.

When he came back to London, which was on April 14 I see, he has remained in London since and hasnt been back to Durham.

There are all kinds of things that are being said here that are completely untrue.

"I don't have the details of that journey" says @grantshapps@SophyRidgeSky "We put the questions out there on social media in the hope that you might be able to find out the answers to them and you're coming on the programme and saying you don't know them. Why not?"#Ridgepic.twitter.com/uyUm2bY7Bq  Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) May 24, 2020

Shapps admitted he did not know...

Continue reading on HuffPost
SEBEWAING  Going above and beyond is not unusual for Steve Repkie of Sebewaing. He works as a police officer, and has worked as an EMT, a firefighter and a board of education member.

That was until he met a foe that put him in the fight of his life  stage 4 throat cancer a few years ago.

With more than three dozen doses of radiation as well as chemotherapy, he battled his way back and returned to work.

While he was battling cancer, he drew strength from his favorite character, Captain America. He often used that superheros image to give him strength to keep going, and when he provided updates on his progress, they would often include a Captain America image.

He has been in remission for about two years.

It took awhile, but he was finally able to return to work full time until the coronavirus pandemic put him on the sidelines because of his compromised immune system.

I got benched," Repkie said. "They didnt want me out there with my health history.

He worked full-time as a law enforcement officer for the Caro Police Department, as well as part-time for the Sebewaing Police Department and the Unionville Police Department.

However, his forced time off didnt last long.

I had been benched, but I couldnt continue to watch from the sidelines," he said. "Im not wired for that. I requested to be put back on the street. I could not, in good conscience, watch my fellow officers and other essential workers go out there every day and face this. I know Im at risk because of the cancer. I also know that I worked my butt off to get back to being a police officer after stage 4 cancer.

I did it to prove to myself that I could still do the job, not sit on the bench and watch others do the job I love.

In returning to work, he once again drew on the motto, Strength and Honor, as well as a face mask to protect him made by fellow cancer survivor Katie Wood Skelton. The face mask has the Captain American logo on it.

Repkie pointed to his wife, Carolyn, who is also on the frontlines fighting the pandemic.

My wife is a registered nurse," he said. "She goes in to the hospital each day. Because that is what she does."

Although Repkie has been a police officer for 36 years, it was not his first career choice. He originally wanted to be an architect because he loved to draw. When he started taking classes, he realized being architect is much more than just drawing cool buildings.

It had a lot of math involved and I was never very good at math. The course curriculum had math classes with titles I could barely pronounce, Repkie said noting he had to do a career goal reset.

I checked the college courses and the one with the least amount of math was criminal justice/law enforcement, he said.

After graduation, he went west where he worked in a good sized municipal police department for a number of years and then to a small sheriff's department.

There, I was undersheriff for a couple of years," he said. "I worked traffic crash investigation, was in SWAT (special weapons and tactics), K-9 and field training officer as well as some other areas. The best was K-9. Out west I also trained as a EMT and worked with two county ambulance services.

He also spent 20 years on a school board in Tuscola County and served as a firefighter on two fire departments as well.

Repkie is also an active member in Skeltons Facebook page Virus Spirit 2020, which has about 1,800 members. He is a guest reading stories on the Facebook page to children to help keep them entertained during isolation.

Repkie has two children, four step children and a 6-year old grandson.
New Delhi, May 24 : Taking on the Uttar Pradesh government for filing scores of cases against its leaders, the Congress on Sunday alleged that it is being done to harass its leaders in various districts of the state.

The Congress said that cases have been filed against its state Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu and even an aide of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sandeep Singh.

Rejecting the charge of confrontational politics, Congress leader Rajeev Shukla, while addressing a press conference here, said, "There is no confrontation with the state government and our only intent was to help the migrants and the Congress is not doing any politics".

The Congress slammed the UP government for registering cases against lts leaders and said that even on Sunday, cases have been filed against its leaders in Prayagraj.

Congress legislature party leader Aradhana Misra slammed Mayawati for blaming the party for the migrant crisis. Misra said, "Congress is out of power from the state since 1989, and all the state PSU and industries have been sold by Mayawati during her four terms as chief minister".

Congress leaders in the press conference said they are not afraid of cases, "but these cases are being registered for helping the poor".

Pankaj Malik, against whom a case has been registered for bringing buses to Noida, said, "We are not afraid of any case, we will fight it out." The Congress asserted that it did not give wrong numbers of buses and will prove it in the court and alleged that state president Ajay Kumar Lallu is mentally harassed in jail.
NIGERIA: 19-year-old girl, Margaret Adiya Ikumu, who resides in Lagos, has recounted how she feigned her own death on social media just to escape financial pressure from her mother.



Spokesperson of the Lagos state police command, Bala Elkana, said the news of her death was subsequently posted on social media which led the family to petition the command.



In a statement released today May 24th, Bala said the command on May 15, received a petition signed by one Tony Iji on behalf of Margaret's family that their attention was drawn to a post on Facebook stating that Margaret died a few days ago and was secretly buried by two of her friends, Marvelous Mary and Nneka Buddy at Ajah area.



The family further stated that they were able to establish contact with the said friends who confirmed to them that their daughter had died.



In the course of the investigation, the police discovered that Magaret was actually alive, and simply fakedher death because of her mother's financial demands.



''They told the police that the friends informed them that they were instructed by Margaret not to allow members of her family to know anything about her death and that they were authorized by Margaret to secretly bury her. To make them believe that the girl is dead, they sent WhatsApp chats to a member of the girls family with picture of a casket showing that the girl is buried. The known phone number of the girl was permanently switched off. The family also got in touch with a man on phone who claimed to be her boyfriend. He corroborated the claim that she is dead.'' the statement read



Margaret who was working as a housemaid in an estate at Ajah, was reported to the police by her employer. According to the police, she is angry with her mother and uncles, over their inability to sponsor her education.

When her employer saw the report of her purported death, they quickly informed the Police and she was brought to Ajah Police Station. In her statement, she confessed to having created the Facebook account and posted her obituary with intent to keep her family away from her. She said her mother was putting financial pressure on her, constantly demanding that she send money to her. The girl is apparently bitter with her mother and uncles, over their inability to sponsor her education after the death of her father. Her sojourn to Lagos is to work, save some money and return to school.



She admitted using her employer's daughters photograph Dr Nimechi Ugorji (without her knowledge) in the fictitious Facebook account she created, as profile picture. After posting the obituary notice on the account, her Uncle downloaded the profile picture and reposted, calling on members of the public who know the person on the photograph to report to the nearest Police Station'' the statement read.



He added that Investigation is ongoing.

Source: LIB









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WASHINGTON>> President Donald Trump and his GOP allies are misrepresenting the facts behind the legal case of former national security adviser Michael Flynn as they seek to allege improper behavior during the Obama administration in the presidential campaign season.

Broadly dubbing his allegations Obamagate, Trump points to unspecified conspiracies against himself in 2016 and suggests the disclosure of Flynns name as part of legal U.S. surveillance of foreign targets was criminal and motivated by partisan politics. Theres no evidence of that.

In fact, the so-called unmasking of Americans names like Flynns is legal.

Over the weekend, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro also alleged without evidence corruption involving Democratic presidential candidate Joe Bidens son, Hunter, in China. And in an interview re-aired Sunday, Trump mischaracterized messages between FBI employees to suggest a post-2016 election plot to get him.

Meanwhile, Trump continued to spread falsehoods about the availability of tests needed to help stem the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S. and exaggerated the scope of his travel restrictions on China.

A look at the recent political rhetoric and reality:

FLYNN

TRUMP: OBAMAGATE!  tweet Saturday.

TRUMP: Biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA.  tweet Thursday.

THE FACTS: Hes making an unsupported claim that former President Barack Obama broke the law.

Trump and his supporters have made the unmasking of Flynn one of their major talking points, claiming that it proves the Obama administration unfairly and illegally targeted Flynn and other Trump associates.

But there is nothing illegal about unmasking. The declassified document also states that the unmasking requests were approved through the National Security Agencys standard process.

This past week, when Trump was asked by reporters to define Obamas criminal offense in the alleged Obamagate, Trump failed to articulate one. You know what the crime is, he said last Monday. The crime is very obvious to everybody. All you have to do is read the newspapers, except yours.

During routine surveillance of foreign targets, names of Americans occasionally come up in conversation, either because the foreigner is talking to or about them. For privacy reasons, those names are generally concealed, or masked, before the intelligence is distributed to administration officials. U.S. officials can ask the agency that collected the intelligence to unmask the name if they think it is vital to understanding the intelligence.

While Trump casts unmasking as sinister, the number of identities unmasked in response to such requests has actually increased during the first years of the Trump administration from the final year of the Obama administration.

___

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM, Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee: The unmasking of General Flynn by the Obama Administration regarding conversations during the presidential transition are deeply troubling and smell of politics, not national security.  statement Wednesday.

THE FACTS: There is nothing from newly released material that suggests the unmasking requests were rooted in politics rather than national security.

There were indeed multiple Obama administration officials, including then-Vice President Biden, who asked the NSA to disclose the name of an American whose identity was concealed in intelligence reports. That American was revealed to be Flynn.

But theres nothing inherently unusual about the requests, and the documents released by the Trump administration say the people who made the requests were authorized to receive the underlying intelligence reports.

___

SEN. RAND PAUL, R-KY: But it should be and is illegal to listen to an Americans conversation. And its even worse if youre listening to an American who just happens to be your political opponent from the opposite party.  interview Wednesday on Fox News Channel.

THE FACTS: It is not illegal to listen to an Americans conversations, and law enforcement officials do it routinely with a warrant or court order. But in any event, thats not what happened here.

No one was listening intentionally to an Americans conversation. Instead, U.S. officials learned of the conversations that involved or mentioned Flynn during surveillance of foreign targets.

___

TRUMP, addressing the criminal case against Flynn that Trumps Justice Department is now seeking to drop: This was all Obama, this was all Biden. These people were corrupt, the whole thing was corrupt, and we caught them.  interview Thursday on Fox Business Network.

THE FACTS: Hes suggesting partisan politics by the Obama administration were completely behind Flynns investigation. Thats incorrect.

It is true that the counterintelligence investigation into ties between Russia and the Trump campaign, and into Russia in particular, began during the Obama administration. But it continued well into Trumps own administration. The investigation into Flynn was taken over by a special counsel who was appointed by Rod Rosenstein, Trumps own deputy attorney general.

___

OBAMAGATE

NAVARRO: Joe Biden has got 40 years of sucking up to the Chinese, including the eight years as vice president. And we know about the billion dollars that his son took from the Chinese.  interview Sunday on ABCs This Week.

TRUMP: Worst of all, was the last eight years under President Obama and Biden, where his son gets a billion and a half dollars, and then theyre supposed to be tough on China.  And he walked out of China with $1.5 billion dollars to invest for them, of which he makes hundreds of thousands  and actually millions  of dollars.  Fox interview Thursday.

THE FACTS: Theres no evidence Hunter Biden pocketed $1.5 billion from China. More generally, accusations of criminal wrongdoing by father or son are unsubstantiated.

In 2014, an investment fund started by Hunter Biden and other investors joined with foreign and Chinese private equity firms in an effort to raise $1.5 billion to invest outside China. Thats far from giving Hunter Biden such a sum, as Trump describes it.

Hunter Bidens lawyer, George Mesires, wrote in an internet post last year that his client was an unpaid director of the fund at the time based on his interest in seeking ways to bring Chinese capital to international markets.

He has not received any return on his investment, Mesires said.

Hunter Biden stepped down from the Chinese board last October as part of a pledge not to work on behalf of any foreign-owned companies should his father win the presidency.

___

TRUMP: So even before I got elected, you remember the famous  the two lovers, right, Strzok and Page, the insurance policy, shes going to win, but just in case she doesnt we have an insurance policy. That means that if I won, theyre going to try and take me out.  Fox interview Thursday, which re-aired Sunday.

THE FACTS: There was no conspiracy afoot to take out Trump in the 2016 text message between two FBI employees.

Trump depicts the two as referring to a plot  or insurance policy  to oust him from office if he won the presidential election over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Its apparent from the text that it wasnt that.

Agent Peter Strzok and lawyer Lisa Page, both now gone from the bureau, said the text messages reflected a debate about how aggressively the FBI should investigate Trump and his campaign when expectations at the time were that he would lose anyway.

Strzok texted about something Page had said to the FBIs deputy director, to the effect that theres no way he gets elected. But Strzok argued that the FBI should not assume Clinton would win: Im afraid we cant take that risk. He likened the situation to an insurance policy in the unlikely event you die before youre 40. He has said he was not discussing a plot to drive Trump from office.

___

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

NAVARRO, praising Trumps pandemic response: This starting gun for the China pandemic started on Jan. 30 when President Trump had the courage to pull down the flights from China.  So dont tell me we lost February, because I was there. Im right here. And this president was directing us to move as quickly as possible.  interview Sunday on ABCs This Week.

TRUMP: In January I put  and I was criticized by everybody including Dr. Fauci  I put in a wall. We put in a very strong wall. Only a small number of people were allowed in, and they were all U.S. citizens. I cant tell a U.S. citizen, you cant come back into your country.  We actually acted very early.  Fox interview Thursday.

THE FACTS: The travel restrictions he imposed on China in late January had other loopholes besides the exceptions for U.S. citizens. It was not a solid wall or total ban, as Trump and his trade adviser suggest.

There were many gaps in containment and initial delays in testing in January and February, leading to the U.S. rising to No. 1 globally in the number of people infected by the coronavirus.

His order temporarily barred entry by foreign nationals who had traveled in China within the previous 14 days, with exceptions for U.S. citizens, but also their immediate family and permanent residents.

Dr. Anne Schuchat, the No. 2 official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told The Associated Press the federal government was also slow to understand how much coronavirus was spreading from Europe, which helped drive the acceleration of U.S. outbreaks in February. Trump announced restrictions for many European countries in mid-March.

I think the timing of our travel alerts should have been earlier, she said.

___

VIRUS TESTING

TRUMP: We just cracked 10 million tests  Ten million.  If you look down here, these are other countries that have not done anywhere near what were doing. Were double. If you add them up and double them, weve done more tests. But I cant get the press to print that, unfortunately.  remarks Wednesday with governors of Colorado and North Dakota.

TRUMP: What weve done on testing, weve now tested more than the entire world put together.  remarks Thursday to reporters.

THE FACTS: False. The U.S. has not tested more than all other countries combined, let alone double the number for the entire world. It also lags many countries in testing its population proportionally.

Together, just three countries  Russia, Germany and Italy  have reported more tests than the U.S.

This week, the U.S. had reported conducting more than 10 million tests since the pandemic began, after failing in the crucial early weeks of the outbreak. That compared with more than 23 million tests by the other countries in the top 10 of the testing count.

The U.S. was followed by Russia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Britain, India, United Arab Emirates, Turkey and France.

___

BRETT GIROIR, the federal health official overseeing U.S. testing: Everybody who needs a test can get a test.  If youre symptomatic with a respiratory illness, that is an indication for a test and you can get a test. If you need to be contact traced, you can get a test.  news briefing on May 11.

THE FACTS: Not according to public health experts, who say the U.S. is not near the testing level to safely reopen.

Researchers at the Harvard Global Health Institute, for instance, said the U.S. should now be doing 900,000 tests a day to help stop the spread of the virus. Trump this week said the U.S. was doing about 300,000.

Giroir stressed that an adequate number of diagnostic tests were available for those with symptoms of COVID-19, but studies have shown many who get infected never show symptoms. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious diseases expert, has urged enough testing to include at the least asymptomatic people in vulnerable populations, such as nursing homes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently broadened its guidelines for coronavirus testing to include certain asymptomatic people who may be at higher risk.

More than 40 states are failing to test widely enough to reach the level needed to safely loosen stay-at-home orders, according to an AP analysis of metrics developed by the Harvard Global Health Institute. The group includes four  Colorado, Florida, Georgia and Texas  that have already reopened.
The United States should stop wasting time in its fight against the coronavirus and work with China to combat it, rather than spreading lies and attacking the country, the Chinese governments top diplomat Wang Yi said on Sunday, CNBC reports.

Sino-U.S. ties have nosedived since the outbreak of the new coronavirus, with the administrations of President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping repeatedly trading barbs over issues related to the pandemic, especially U.S. accusations of cover-ups and lack of transparency.

The two top economies have also clashed over Hong Kong, human rights, trade and U.S. support for Chinese-claimed Taiwan.

State Councillor Wang, speaking at his annual news conference on the sidelines of Chinas parliament, expressed his deep sympathies to the United States for the pandemic, where the death toll is expected to surpass 100,000 in the coming days, the highest number of any country.

Regretfully, in addition to the raging coronavirus, a political virus is also spreading in the United States. This political virus is using every opportunity to attack and smear China, said Wang, who is also Chinas foreign minister.

Some politicians have ignored the most basic facts and concocted too many lies about China and plotted too many conspiracies, he added.

I want to say here: Dont waste precious time any longer, and dont ignore lives, Wang said. What China and the United States need to do the most is to first learn from each other and share their experience in fighting against the epidemic, and help each country fight it.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Ahmedabad rose by 279 on Sunday, taking the overall count to 10,280 while the number of fatalities mounted by 28 to 697, a Health official said.

A total of 187 patients were discharged from hospitals in Ahmedabad,taking the total number of the recovered patients in the district to 4,051, the official said, adding that the number of active cases stood at 5,532.

At 1,132, the highest number of active cases is reported from Central zone in Ahmedabad followed by south zone and north zone which have 1,054 and 830 cases, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Sunday decided to allow the diamond processing units located in the eastern and western parts of the city to operate, except in containment zones. The civic body also announced similar relaxation for industrial units in both the parts of the city.

The AMC further announced partial relaxations for cab/taxi aggregators for their service to and from airports in view of the Centre's decision to operate passenger flights from May 25.

While not many relaxations are allowed in eastern Ahmedabad shops and establishments in the western parts have been allowed to remain open during the daytime with riders.

The state government has also allowed shops to reopen in shopping complexes on an odd-even basis.

Meanwhile, the AMC also claimed to have achieved a rate of 9,494 tests per million, which is a rise of 77 per cent from5,344 per million tests reported on May 5.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A homicide suspect from Connecticut may be in eastern Pennsylvania, state police said Sunday.

Peter Manfredonia, 23, was seen leaving the scene of a homicide and serious assault on Mirtl Road, in Willington, Ct on Friday, Connecticut State Police posted this weekend.

The Hartford Courant reports that Manfredonia, a University of Connecticut senior, is a suspect in the killings of two men during a weekend rampage. Other men were assaulted during the chain of events that led him to Pennsylvania.

Manfredonia was seen wearing dark clothing and is concerned armed and dangerous, CSP said.

**WILLINGTON HOMICIDE SUSPECT**

May 22, 20, Peter Manfredonia was seen leaving the scene of a homicide & serious assault on Mirtl Rd., Willington. Wearing dark clothing, considered ARMED & DANGEROUS. If seen do not approach, call 911. Anyone w/info, contact EDMCS@ 860-896-3200 pic.twitter.com/O03ad6rr7F  CT State Police (@CT_STATE_POLICE) May 23, 2020

Connecticut authorities said Manfredonias vehicle was found in New Jersey at the Pennslyvania border.

Vehicle was located in New Jersey at the Pennsylvania border. https://t.co/x3EQTvJUlL  CT State Police (@CT_STATE_POLICE) May 24, 2020

Pennsylvania State Police then posted from the Troop N twitter account, alerting people that Manfredonia was last seen in East Stroudsburg, Monroe County.

Both departments warn that Manfredonia is armed and dangerous, and anyone that sees him should call 911 immediately not approach.

LAST KNOWN LOCATION WAS IN EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.



UPDATED PHOTOS OF ACTOR  https://t.co/R4zzoLGLrF pic.twitter.com/gQnix87NIZ  Trooper Petroski (@PSPTroopNPIO) May 24, 2020

Read more on PennLive:
The Gujarat high court lashed out at the state government, saying the conditions at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad is pathetic and it is as good as a dungeon, may be even worse.

The courts made the observation on Friday, it was made available on Saturday. The court had taken suo motu congnizance of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Covid-19 pandemic.

Ahmedabads Civil Hospital recorded 377 Covid-19 deaths till Friday.

The division bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and IJ Vora came down hard on the Vijay Rupani government on conditions prevailing at the hospital, and said it was distressing and painful.

It is very distressing and painful to note that the condition prevailing, as on date, in the Civil Hospital, is pathetic... We are very sorry to state that the Civil Hospital Ahmedabad, as on date, appears to be in an extremely bad shape, the court observed.

As we said earlier that the Civil Hospital is meant to treat the patients. However, it appears that as on date, it is as good as a dungeon. May be even worse than a dungeon. Unfortunately, the poor and helpless patients have no option, it said.

Gujarat reported 396 more Covid-19 positive cases on Saturday, taking the states tally to 13,669.

A state government official said the count includes 6,169 patients who have been cured and discharged and 829 deaths.

Nine districts in Gujarat reported fresh cases on Saturday, with Ahmedabad reporting 277 cases. The total number of Covid-19 cases in Ahmedabad district reached 10,001.

Death toll of Covid-19 patients in Ahmedabad has risen to 669, while in Surat it has risen to 60, the second highest in Gujarat.
23.05.2020 LISTEN

K1  Koo, wonders will never end!

K2  What now? Not another tall story?

Ha, have you ever caught me saying something I couldnt prove was true?

All right, all right. Narrate on!

I shall do better than that! I shall let you read that for yourself! (Hands over mobile phone).

(Reads):

QUOTE:Show visuals of dead victims on TV Bagbin

Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, believes [that] if bodies of victims who have died from COVID-19 are shown on TV, the public will no longer doubt the existence of the disease He said [that] based on what he has gathered from people he has interacted with, there is very little belief that there is such a disease in the country. Contributing to deliberations on the Floor of Parliament after an update to the House by the Health Minister, the Nadowli Kaleo MP called for the use of what he calls the shock therapy to increase awareness of the pandemic in the country.

The important thing is that the people we are leading, they want to see. In fact, I want to see on television, some evidence of death, because when you state that this number of people are dead but they are not seeing anything like that ..! I believe in shock therapy. We need shock therapy to wake them up from slumber and make them know COVID-19 is real. UNQUOTE.

But Koo, how can a whole Deputy Speaker of Parliament say a thing like that? I mean How can you prove that a dead body that youre seeing on TV is that of a Covid-19 victim, instead of that of a hypertension victim?

Or the victim of  of .bobbiting?

Hahahahahaha! Tu bra!

Better still, of what doctors call priapism?

Hahahahahahaha! Tu more bra!

I bet Mr. Bagbin will regret this statement for the rest of his life?

Well, he was telling the House what he had heard! Thats what MPs are supposed to do, isnt it? Represent the views of their constituents?!

Actually, Its not only in Nadowli-Kaleo that the people dont believe in the existence of Covid-19. The local authorities had to close Obuasi market the other day because the hawkers in the market refused to observe social distance. They said they hadnt seen any evidence of any sickness that should visit such economic hardships on them.

What evidence did they want?

Well, when you get malaria, your urine turns yellow, doesnt it?

And as they were mainly women, I suppose they expected Covid victims to get pains like what you get when dysmenorrhoea strikes at your pelvis?

Hey! Dont make fun of a horrible illness like that! Have you never had a girlfriend?

Ah, were you not the one who brought in bobbiting? And ppp.

Okay! Okay! I see you wont raise this discussion above the sexual level?

Goway you! You started it all.

No, you did!

You did!

You did!

All right, lets get serious. Do you know Mr. Bagbin is a lawyer?

So?

It was his lawyers mind that was working when he asked for the dead bodies of Covid victims to be displayed on TV. You see, there is a very popular order that is often requested of judges by lawyers.

Oh?

Yes, they ask the court to make an order for habeas corpus..

Ha  doesnt that apply to politicians who have been detained without trial?

It can be requested on behalf of ANYBODY whom the police have arrested and kept in custody without being charged before a court after a stated number of days.

Habeas corpus? It sounds like Greek to me.

It is a Latin phrase, in fact. Literally it means, Bring the body! (or lets have a body.) The lawyer goes to court. He says my client (name stated) was arrested so many (stated) hours ago and has not been seen since. I pray your Lordship to make an order for him to be produced before you so that we can ascertain, primarily, that hes alive and well

Ah? And the police will comply?

Yep! Or they will be in contempt of court.

Wow!

Yep  its a right thats inscribed in the constitutions of all democratic countries. It is for the police to go to court and ask the court not to grant him or her bail. They must state the reason for denying him bail..

Lawyers must love it! You just go and say, theyve caught my man. They havent brought him to court. And you get paid?

Hmmm! Its an important law, because flouting it is one of the easiest means of establishing a dictatorship in a country. For the police can then deny that the person is in their custody. The next thing you hear, his or her body is fished from a lake.! Then, its the body of the lawyer who was seeking an order of habeas corpus on behalf of the dead person.

That sort of thing used to happen in places like.?

Gambia under Yahya Jammeh. Uganda under Idi Amin. Even Kenya under Daniel arap Moi.

But never in Ghana, I hope?

In Ghana, under the Nkrumah Government, they used to deport people rather than kill them. Have you heard of Alhaji Ahmadu Baba?

Vaguely.

So you are suggesting that Mr. Bagbins sub-conscious mind is playing tricks with him?

Not me oh, I beg! Produce bodies! Covid or whatever! Not so?

Hahahahahahaha!
Why the U.S. continues to fail with high-speed rail

To the editor,

The Guest Editorial from the Dallas Morning News caught my attention in The Courier on May 19. The headline for the editorial reads, Bullet train is moving slowly, but at least its moving. The last paragraph in the editorial reads, But even if the bullet train is moving at a snails pace, were glad its moving in the direction it is. Wrong!

If you havent been keeping up with the Texas Central Railroad and Infrastructure project, it is a proposed high-speed railroad, connecting Houston with Dallas. The 13th Court of Appeals last week ruled that the company is a railroad, even if it doesnt operate a railroad yet. This gives the company the right to use eminent domain to obtain the land on which the tracks will be built. Eminent Domain is a term used to describe the taking of private land to be used for the public good. Nothing is good about the bullet train concept.

China has the most miles of high-speed trains; Japan is next and Europe is third. When has the United States of America resorted to copying China, Japan and Europe? The bullet train would be built in Japan, according to the Texas Central Railroads filing documents; so much for keeping the jobs in America. Google the California attempt at constructing a high-speed train connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco and see what abysmal failure looks like!

The time to de-rail the high-speed train project is now! Texans dont want it and we dont need it!

May Stephens

Conroe

Voice Your Opinion The Courier welcomes letters with a 300-word limit. All letters are subject to editing. Send letters to Letters to the Editor, The Courier, 100 Ave. A, Conroe, Texas 77301 or email, letters@hcnonline.com Letters must include name, address and phone number for verification. See More Collapse

A big thanks to Joe Haliti and Joes Italian Restaurant

To the editor,

The citizens of Montgomery County and the city of Conroe should rightly be thankful for the devoted first responders and front line workers for all they do for the community, we are truly blessed to have such dedicated persons in our county and our fair city. But there is also one person that deserves recognition for what him and his staff are doing to feed the first responders throughout this COVID-19 pandemic and that is none other than Joe Haliti and the entire staff of Joes Italian Restaurant in Conroe.

We have been reading the stories in The Courier of how Joe and his staff have been feeding the first responders in appreciation for their service to the community. Now that we can go back to dine in restaurants let us make a point to go eat there and thank them for what they do, they all very much deserve a pat on their back and our business eating the delicious food that they prepare there. Thanks Joe Haliti and the staff of Joes Italian Restaurant.

Jose M. Sentmanat

Conroe

If you wear a mask, at least wear it right

To the editor,

Let me interject something here. I do not care if you wear a mask or not, your safety is yours to risk (possibly also your families).

But what gets me are those ignorant people who use the mask to cover their mouth, but leave their nose uncovered. News flash - you breathe through your nose also, and if you leave that uncovered, you might as well go without a mask

As Ive said, I care not if you mask or not, but please dont look like a single digit IQ person by wearing it wrong. Please, I think you are better than this.

Blake Brown

Montgomery
Getty Images

Former Vice President Joe Biden walked back statements he made on The Breakfast Club on Friday morning in which he told radio host Charlamagne tha God that black voters wavering between him and President Donald Trump "ain't black."

Mr Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2020 election, called into a US Black Chamber call and explained his remarks, expressing regret over being a "wise guy."

"I shouldn't have been such a wise guy. I shouldn't have been so cavalier ... I have never, ever taken the African American community for granted," PBS White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor reported Friday.

Charlamagne asked Mr Biden to return to his show the next time he was in New York because "we still got more questions."

Mr Biden replied that anyone still questioning who they'd vote for between himself and Mr Trump "ain't black."

"You've got more questions?" Well I tell you what, if you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black," Mr Biden said.

Charlamagne said his questioning had nothing to do with Mr Trump, but had to do with concerns he had for his community. Mr Biden replied by pointing to his legislative record.

A clip of the interview went viral, prompting debates between Mr Biden's supporters and critics. The former vice president's senior adviser, Symone Sanders, said her boss's comments were made "in jest."

"The comments made at the end of the Breakfast Club interview were in jest, but let's be clear about what the VP was saying: he was making the distinction that he would put his record with the African American community up against Trump's any day. Period," she tweeted.

During Mr Biden's follow-up call to the US Black Caucus, he said it was "unfortunate" that he said black voters "ain't black" if they're considering voting for Mr Trump. He said no one should have to vote for any party based on their race or any other demographic information, and that earning the support of black voters was "critical" to him.

Story continues

"I am prepared to put my record against his. That was the bottom line. And it was really unfortunate," Mr Biden said. "I shouldn't have been so cavalier."

Read more

Biden says 'you ain't black' if you aren't supporting him over Trump
In his lyrical speech in defense of his governments performance during its first 100 days in power, Prime Minister Hassan Diab said this week that Lebanon was a fast-sinking boat when his team took the reins to save the country. He even boasted about fulfilling 97 percent of the commitments he made in the ministerial statement. But these assertions are far from being unanimous. While the government was credited, even by its opponents, for the good management of the coronavirus crisis, its achievements in other areas remains limited.

It is true that the government was formed at a time when the country was struggling with the most serious economic and financial crisis in its history and that several ministers are diligent and competent. But in terms of political decisions, public appointments, the fight against corruption or the restoration of the international communitys confidence, Diabs cabinet has not yet proven itself, according to many observers.

Many point out that the prime minister, having no political base, wanted to present himself as a determined, neutral and independent head of government. But they add that he remains dependent on the goodwill of the political forces that formed his government. He thus engaged on several occasions in battles from which he emerged as loser and had to retreat, such as his latest tussle with the central banks governor, Riad Salameh, who he tried to hold responsible for the financial crisis, fueling speculation about his possible replacement.

After starting disorganized negotiations last week with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with government delegates and central bank representatives presenting different positions, and even figures, according to a political source, Diab had to backtrack and received Salameh at the Grand Serail to find a modus vivendi.

As for public appointments, choosing a new governor for Beirut to replace Ziad Chbib, whose term in office expired, led to a clash between the prime minister and the generally conciliatory Eastern Orthodox community before Diab retracted and withdrew the candidacy of one of his advisers. The government proved to be powerless regarding the judicial nominations as well as the appointment of the four Bank of Lebanon (BOL) deputy governors and Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) members.

Moreover, the cabinet is weakened by divergent views within the same political alliance that formed it. This was illustrated by the refusal of former minister Sleiman Frangieh to allow that some of his supporters, who are accused of corruption in the case of adulterated fuel, be prosecuted.

Finally, in terms of international relations, Diabs government enjoys little support, with the United States in particular making strong statements about the cabinet, which it considers to be subservient to Hezbollah. While Diab hinted, when he was first appointed, that he was preparing for a tour of the Gulf states, Saudi Arabia is showing many signs that it will not endorse his government. The kingdoms ambassador in Beirut was notably absent from meetings of the "Friends of Lebanon" at the Grand Serail.

No Power

This government has no power, no independence, no freedom, Pierre Issa, secretary general of the National Bloc Party, told LOrient-Le Jour. They cannot make any decisions, he added, citing, for example, the capital controls draft law that the government leaked, before withdrawing it in the face of the outcry it raised.

For Issa, the most serious is that this government presents itself as a cabinet of independents, siding with the revolution, when they do exactly the opposite and cover the actions of the political class, the mafia and even the criminals who have been in power for 30 years.

He cites the governments multiple failures, including public appointments, the fight against corruption and the distribution of humanitarian aid to the poorest families. The latter, he said, was a huge mess, as the authorities tasked it to the municipalities and the mukhtars who are overwhelmingly dependent on confessional parties and are accused of promoting clientelism.

They say they want to control the borders, which have never been so porous. They have done nothing concerning the electricity crisis that has cost us billions of dollars and continue to give the Free Patriotic Movement a free hand on it, Issa said, noting that reforming this sector is one of the conditions for donors to help Lebanon.

While the government claims to want to reduce the budget deficit, it revived this nonsense Bisri dam project, despite strong opposition by the protest movement, he added.

Sybille Rizk, director of public policy at Kulluna Irada, a civil society organization, argued that the government has, to its credit, made the right diagnosis of the countrys financial situation, but its actions are far below what is needed to emerge from the crisis.

So far, apart from managing the coronavirus crisis, the government has taken very few measures, while the country is in shock at all economic and social levels, Rizk said.The government has not been able to pass a capital controls law to date, although this is the first essential step, like a tourniquet that a doctor would put on a patient before starting to treat him. Equally symptomatic is the governments inertia and even impotence on the issue of public appointments, which continues to be addressed from confessional perspectives, in violation of Article 95 of the Constitution.

Rizk believes that, in reality, this government does not have a free hand. It acts as the intermediary of the power system that has been in place since the end of the Lebanese war. The system has been shaken, but is still in control. She said "the development of an exit plan is certainly a first step, but the most important is the confidence in the ability to implement structural reforms without which nothing will be possible, starting with the restructuring of the financial sector to the overhaul of taxation and public and sectoral policies.

Even in terms of convincing international donors to grant credit to Lebanon, the battle is far from won. The management of the electricity sector, for example, shows how there is no real change in modus operandi, she added.

Both Issa and Rizk believe that, contrary to Diabs statement, the government has not regained people's trust. Issa said he believed that with the end of the coronavirus pandemic, the revolutionary movement will be back even stronger than before.





(This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour on the 22nd of May)


Shoppers have praised a 24.95 serum which they claim reduces spots and redness in just two weeks.

The Vitamin C and Hyalurolic acid serum from UK skincare label SKINKISSED has more than 3,000 five-star Amazon reviews from delighted shoppers around the world.

Before and after images shared on the site show how women have seen their redness, wrinkles and blemishes improve within weeks of first using the product.

The Vitamin C and Hyalurolic acid serum from UK skincare label SKINKISSED has more than 3,000 five-star Amazon reviews from delighted shoppers around the world. Pictured, a customer, who was not identified, before using the product

The woman shared a second photo just two weeks after she started using the 24.95 serum

Speaking to FEMAIL, founder Eli Cohen, 29, of Leeds, told how he founded SKINKISSED in 2017, shortly before his daughter was born, and is now on track to turnover 9.7million this year.

The business has seen a boost in popularity since the start of the coronavirus crisis as shoppers look for products online while stores are closed.

Mr Cohen, who is married to wife Esther, 25, estimates he has sold one product every 30 seconds and says sales figures are up by 250 per cent.

Before he created SKINKISSED, the entrepreneur was selling products from other brands through Amazon, including remote control helicopters.

However he longed to have his own products to invest in, realising that he ultimately stood to have greater longevity.

Eli Cohen, 29, from Leeds, went from selling remote control helicopter in his room to building skincare best-selling brand SKINKISSED, now turning over 9.7 million (pictured with his wife Esther, 25)

The businessman (pictured in business class on a plane) said his sales were up by 250 per cent since the start of the coronavirus pandemic

He said: 'I always visioned to build something that would be around in 100 years time and realised the only way I could do this is by building a brand - a community that brings people together who share the same passions interests and stories.'

The best-selling face serum, pictured

SKINKISSED's Vitamin C and Hyalurolic acid serum, priced at 24.95, is an Amazon best-seller. The brand also sells products including 19.95 Vitamin Gummies and a 19.95 Moisturising Cream.

Thousands have shoppers have taken to Amazon to share their reviews of the range, with one happy customer saying the serum helped her dermatillomania (characterised by repeated picking at one's own skin which results in skin lesions).

She wrote: 'My skin quickly became very infected. Once I managed to get my skin under control, I started using this serum to heal my skin.

'I've been using it daily for a week now and I can't get over the results. I still have a few spots/blemishes however my skin looks less aggressive. I've also used it as a primer and it makes my makeup stay on all night! Absolutely amazed.'

Another wrote: 'The formula is so soothing to the skin and I havent broken out once from it. So if you have sensitive skin like me then you dont need to fear this.'

One shopper, who was not identified, shared these photos before (left) and after using the product (right)

Thousands of shoppers have left five-star review for the serum on Amazon, pictured

A third added: 'Can not recommend this product enough! Its my new holy grail.'

Another said they were 'over the moon' with the results, the serum having 'soften the appearance' of their skin, and given them a 'glowing complexion.

'I finally feel confident to wear no make up out and about. Before using the sun kissed serum my skin was very uneven and had a lot of discolouration, with acne scaring from my younger years. Now my skin is silky soft and feels so healthy. Will defiantly get purchasing again.'
<! P >

Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has said the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, disrespected her because she is a woman.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and NIDCOM have been at war over office spaces at the NCC building in Abuja.

Dabiri-Erewa had on Saturday alleged that armed security operatives acting on the orders of Pantami chased NIDCOM staff out of an office allocated to it at the NCC building by the Federal Government.

The NCC disproved the allegations in a statement on Sunday.

Responding on Sunday to a report about the incident, Pantami said on Twitter that Dabiri-Erewa made up the story.

THIS IS A FAT LIE FROM HER: The owner of the building @NgComCommission has faulted her lies on their social media platforms. The minister has never given that directives to any gunman. We need to be very objective in reporting. I have never sent any gunmen there, & I have no one, he wrote.

The NIDCOM boss replied: An Islamic scholar should not lie Hon Minister. (Ph.D) You did that to me cos I am a woman. Your disrespect for women is legendary Left the ugly incident behind me since Feb. But pls release all our office equipment. Public office is transient. @DrIsaPantami.

An Islamic scholar should not lie Hon Minister .( Phd??)You did that to me cos I am a woman .Your disrespect for women is legendary Left the ugly incident behind me since Feb. But pls release all our office eguipment.Public office is transient .@DrIsaPantami https://t.co/sdcu2tBmtL  Abike Dabiri-Erewa (@abikedabiri) May 24, 2020

Meanwhile, NIDCOM in a statement on Sunday by its spokesman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, responded to the NCC which described the incident as allegations in a statement earlier in the day.

The NIDCOM statement read: Our attention has been drawn to a statement signed by Dr Henry Nkemadu, Director of Public Affairs of Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) on Sunday May 24, 2020 describing the forcing out of the staff of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) from the occupied fifth floor of NCC Annex Mbora as mere allegation.

The fact of the matter is that the said fifth floor was allocated to NIDCOM by NCC Management since June 2019 and handed over by Mrs Maryam Bayi, its Director Human Resources.

But due to lack of basic facilities in the complex, NIDCOM staff could not move in gradually until October 2019.

But while our Chairman/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa was on official assignment with Mr President in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, on the 9th of February, the staff were given one week by the Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Ali Pantami to pack out but within 48 hours of the said quit notice, they were forcefully evicted by security operatives attached to the complex on the orders of the Minister on February 11.

On the allegation that NIDCOM did not move into the offices when allocated, this is untrue, false accusation and contradictory to the statement of NCC to the effect that NIDCOM properties were warehoused and intact in the annex.

NIDCOM said its offices were broken into and all items including 140 work stations, personal computers, printers, sensitive documents and personal belongings of staff were carted away.

The statement continued: It is our humble opinion that an agency of government ought not to be shabbily treated in a dehumanising manner.

The Hon. Minister, should have acknowledged the fact that the aim of NIDCOM for using the office spaces was not for personal functions but rather for governmental functions with regards to Diaspora engagements.

The Hon. Minister should have seen the need to give the Chairman of the Commission audience so as to let the Commission staff evacuate their belongings by themselves rather than breaking into the offices without their consent.

The Commission still has no access to all equipment, furniture and other items carted away on the instructions of the Minister.

However, the commission has since moved on, and put the ugly incident behind it as it looks forward to settling into any available office space after the COVID-19 lockdown.
An aged care worker who looks after dementia patients is under investigation after sharing photos mocking elderly residents on social media.

The photos were taken at Awanui Rest Home in Auckland, New Zealand, over the weekend and showed an unnamed employee posing with residents.

They were posted to Facebook and Snapchat with captions such as, 'sugar mummy' and 'me and my sugar daddy today', the New Zealand Herald reported.

Another photo was posted of a elderly woman laying on a bed with the caption: 'I'm straight-up not having a good time.'

They were posted to Facebook and Snapchat with captions such as, 'sugar mummy' and 'me and my sugar daddy today' (pictured)

The man was not wearing a face mask in some photos and was pictured in others with his mouth open - running the risk of infecting people in his care with COVID-19.

A woman who did not know the employee personally but was friends with him on Snapchat shared the photos on Facebook to alert his managers, before she realised he had included the name of the facility in the original posts.

'I just wanted people to be aware of what was happening behind closed doors to those poor people in his hands,' she told the publication.

The woman wrote in her Facebook post that his attempts at humour were disrespectful.

'This is somebody's loved ones this is happening to, and I hope their families see this and can use this to get justice. Nobody deserves this kind of treatment,' she wrote.

Sharyn Gray, the manager of the facility, would not comment on the employee's behaviour but told the publication an investigation had been launched.
New Delhi, May 24 : Major brands like Cartier, Louis Vuitton and United Colors of Benetton have taken to social media to express rainbow as a symbol of hope in these trying times when the world is fighting a pandemic.

Laurent Feniou, Managing Director of Cartier, LVMH group and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Global Artistic Director of United Colors of Benetton initiated a 'Rainbow Challenge' as a creative ray of hope and positive pillar across the globe.

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac tells IANSlife: "In 1997, I have been committed by the Vatican to dress Pope John Paul II, 500 bishops, 5000 priests and 1 million of kids. I choose to dress them with the colors of the rainbow. At the end of this magic ceremony, the Pope told me "you have used colors as cement of faith". For brands all over the world, today, only colours can united people in peace and no other brand can do it better than United Colors of Benetton".

The Italian brand, which is known for its colourful outfits, is sending out the message of unity through its posts on Instagram featuring its rainbow-inspired collection.

The brand posted pictures of its stores in Italy and other places with a rainbow overhead to celebrate its re-opening after being closed for months due to the lockdown. "Our stores are open again, in Italy too. Enjoy shopping and let's all respect the rules we already know," read one of the captions.

Laurent Feniou, Managing Director of Cartier, posted a picture of the Cartier building with rainbow shade in solidarity of the National Health Service of the UK and the healthcare workers who are at the forefront of the global battle against the pandemic COVID-19. "Whether it be by painting, writing, singing, dancing, photography, objects or any multi-media platform of your choice, this colourful show of appreciation will uplift and unite friends of the Maison during this global fight," he captioned the picture.

Adding: "All Friends of the Maison and their family are invited. Do not hesitate to post your artwork on #CartierOverTheRainbow...This art challenge will accompany our local charitable initiative for NHS Charities Together." Louis Vuitton has also posted several pictures and videos that depict its interpretation of the seven colours. The French fashion house posted an animated video in which it has defined rainbow as "a stretch of the imagination".

"The rainbow, a stretch of the imagination. In 1925, Gaston-Louis Vuitton wrote "Let's turn the street into a cheerful space". Today, #LouisVuitton's tradition of creative shop windows ensures as a perpetual invitation for the spirit of travel. As select stores begin to re-open around the world, hand-drawn rainbows by children and employees serve as welcoming beacons of hope during this uncertain time. #LV," read the caption.

While another video posted by LV features pictures of rainbows painted by the children of Louis Vuitton's employees. The caption read: "A symbol of hope. Rainbows drawn by the children of #LouisVuitton employees have appeared across store windows worldwide as colourful beacons of joy during these challenging times." It also posted a picture of Maison Louis Vuitton, Milano, Italy with rainbows drawn of its entry to celebrate the opening of its store. "Embarking on a new adventure. As select stores begin to re-open around the world, hand-drawn rainbows by children and employees serve as welcoming beacons of hope during this uncertain time. In a collaborative effort, all participants were encouraged to awaken their inner child and draw their own version of a rainbow. #LV #LouisVuitton," the brand captioned the picture.

Picture Source: Instagram (Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in)
COLUMBIA  The Spanish Flu was ravaging South Carolina in mid-October 1918 when then-Gov. Richard Manning made a request to the Columbia chapter of the American Red Cross.

In response, the organization's chairman agreed to Manning's suggestion to distribute liquor to physicians in Richland County for the "treatment of pneumonia cases in the present epidemic." Some doctors at the time believed whiskey was an effective remedy.

Almost three years after South Carolina's statewide prohibition law had taken effect, the Red Cross' response letter said the liquor would be taken from the confiscated stocks held by the Richland sheriff and Columbia mayor and dispensed from the chapter's headquarters a couple blocks from the Statehouse.

"Respectfully," the letter was signed, "F.H. McMaster."

More than 100 years later, Fitz Hugh McMaster's great-nephew is leading South Carolina's response to another pandemic.

Gov. Henry McMaster has managed the shutting down and reopening of various sectors of the South Carolina economy, directed resources to hospitals across the state and created a task force to study the best ways to handle the impact of the novel coronavirus.

And though Henry McMaster had no medical need to procure forbidden whiskey more than 80 years after prohibition ended, he did classify liquor stores as essential businesses that would be allowed to remain open during the peak of the pandemic, like many other governors across the country.

The Spanish Flu would eventually claim the lives of more than 14,000 people in South Carolina, making it one of the worst epidemics in state history. But the American Red Cross received high praise for its work helping South Carolinians through those morbid times.

Fitz Hugh McMaster had previously served in state government himself at various levels, including as a lawmaker and as the state's first insurance commissioner, archival records show. He would go on to work for one of Henry McMaster's predecessors as a member of Gov. Robert Cooper's personal staff.

McMaster remarked on his relation to Fitz Hugh during a 2015 visit as lieutenant governor to the state Department of Archives and History, an agency that Fitz Hugh helped create during his tenure in the S.C House.

Fitz Hugh McMaster also worked as business manager for one of The Post and Courier's earlier incarnations, The Evening Post, and as city editor for The State newspaper of Columbia.

Described in his 1950 obituary as "a man of versatile ability," Fitz Hugh McMaster likely would have enjoyed a newspaper article about a South Carolina governor's family connection between two pandemics a century apart.

"He was well-versed in the history and traditions of South Carolina," the obituary read, "and an admirer of its glorious past."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-25 05:07:00|Editor: huaxia

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ISTANBUL, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani discussed cooperation possibilities in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic on the phone, local media reported on Sunday.

Both leaders reviewed the possible steps that would be taken in the post-pandemic era, the state-run Anadolu agency said.

Erdogan and Rouhani also discussed regional issues and bilateral relations, the agency added. Enditem
A Thai street artist has been paying tribute to the fight against the coronavirus with murals depicting a winged-character dressed as a health worker looming over a spiky image of the virus restrained by a padlocked red cross.

The 37-year-old street artist who goes by the name Mue Bon, which translates as restless hands, says his murals also serve as a reminder that efforts against the virus are not over and everyone has a role.

I want to play my part in reminding people about the situation and recording the history that we helped each other by staying home to stop the spread of the virus, he told Reuters.

Mue Bon hopes his artwork, which usually contains a social message, will reach people who otherwise might not have access to galleries or other places to see art.

Mue Bon, a Thai street artist paints a mural depicting characters attempting to keep a virus at bay, in Bangkok. (REUTERS)

There is a huge gap between art and the ordinary people, he said, taking a break from spray-painting a wall.

I put the artwork on the streets, at places where people sitting in cars will see it while driving past.

While not a household name in Thailand, Mue Bon has had international success and his work has been displayed in Japan, the United States, Germany, and, most recently, in the Palestinian Territories.

Thailand has recorded just over 3,000 cases of the novel coronavirus and 56 deaths though the rate of infection has been slowing.

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Bijnor : , May 24 (IANS) A man died after he was attacked by his cousins, allegedly for not getting tested for the Coronavirus after his return from Delhi.

The incident took place in Malakpur village in Bijnor district.

Manjeet Singh (23) died on Friday during treatment in Meerut.

A FIR has now been registered against Manjeet's cousins, Kapil and Manoj, their mother Puniya and Manoj's wife Dolly at the Nahtaur police station on a complaint filed by the father of the deceased Kalyan Singh on Sunday.

SHO, Nahtaur police station, Satya Prakash Singh said that no arrests have been made yet.

According to reports, Manjeet died due to head injuries.

His sample was not collected for a Coronavirus test by doctors during treatment.

Additional SP, Bijnor, Sanjay Kumar said, he underwent thermal screening when he reached Bijnor on May 19 from Delhi. The report was negative so his sample was not collected.

SHO Satya Prakash Singh said, "Since his return, Kapil and Manoj were regularly asking Manjeet to get his test done. On Thursday, the cousins again asked Manjeet to get his test done after which an argument ensued between them." "The accused brought sticks and started hitting Manjeet. He suffered injuries on the head and shoulder. When Manjeet fell unconscious, he was rushed to government hospital by his parents where he succumbed to injuries a day later," said Singh.

Chief Medical Officer, Bijnor, Dr Vijay Yadav said he has "no information" about the matter.
UK school apologizes for homework asking kids to define 'hardcore' porn, 'sexting'

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A religious school in the United Kingdom is apologizing after a homework assignment required students to define several kinds of pornography.

The headteacher of Archbishop Sentamu Academy in Hull said he is "sorry" if the homework led some students to research it online and access illicit content. The assignment, which asked students to define terms such as "sexting," "revenge porn," "hardcore porn" and "transgender pornography," was given to children ages 11 through 14 as part of the "Personal, Social and Health Education" curriculum, the BBC reported.

Students were also asked to define the topics of female genital mutilation and breast ironing in addition to questions about alcohol and drug use.

Local parents were outraged.

"I'm just thinking is there kids out there who have done this work? You would be scared at what you saw. At 11 I was playing with Barbies. If they have seen it they can't unsee it," one mother told The Daily Mail, who asked only to be quoted as Mrs. Taylor.

The 34-year-old mother continued: "'She was only in primary school last year living her best life, now she is being asked to search for hardcore pornography. She's 11, she should be doing stranger danger, and don't share your info online, but genital mutilation is another thing. It was asking about male circumcision, breast ironing ... I don't even know what that is myself."

"They have been told to use Google and she would have searched it. I did Google hardcore porn and some of the images that came up was quite disturbing."

The mother explained she was not opposed to all sex education but objected to content that would destroy their minds.

Another local man, Leon Dagon, a 25-year-old with a 13-year-old sister at the school took to social media to voice his disgust: "The majority of children nowadays will now go on the internet to help them with their homework and if you type that kind of thing on the internet, God knows what's going to pop up."

"Luckily I found the work otherwise she would have typed this stuff into Google and you know what would have come up and that makes me feel sick. I felt sick thinking she was going to go onto the computer to search it up," he said.

Chay Bell, principal of the school, said in response to the issue that he was "genuinely sorry if parents or students have unnecessarily researched any of these phrases and for any offense caused."

"I have asked that any future materials of this nature have a clear statement ensuring students and their parents are aware of any potentially sensitive content and will ensure all materials are fully age appropriate," he said.

He maintained that students were not instructed to research the topics on the internet because the answers to the questions that students posed were contained in the teacher-produced materials that had already been shared.

"The PSHE materials that we share with students are produced in line with government guidance, the PSHE Association Programs of Study and the Sex Education Forum's definition of Sex Education. They also cover the Equality Act of 2010."

In recent years, what is known as comprehensive sex education has generated significant controversy around the world, particularly with the rise of transgenderism where it is being suggested to young children that some people were "born in the wrong body."

Archbishop Sentamu Academy is a Church of England school that serves "children and families of all faiths and of none." Its mission statement says, "Through Christian principles, we aim to offer an education that transforms lives and communities."
Hong Kong police fired tear gas and a water cannon at protesters in a popular shopping district on Sunday, as thousands took to the streets to march against China's proposed tough national security legislation for the city.

Pro-democracy supporters in Hong Kong have sharply criticized the proposal last week to enact a national security law that would ban secessionist and subversive activity, as well as foreign interference, in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

Critics say it goes against the ``one country, two systems'' framework that promises the city freedoms not found in mainland China.

Crowds of demonstrators dressed in black gathered Sunday afternoon in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay district to protest the proposed legislation. Protesters chanted slogans including ``Stand with Hong Kong,`` ``Liberate Hong Kong'' and ``Revolution of our times.''

The protest was a continuation of a monthslong pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong that began last year and has at times descended into violence between police and protesters.

Police raised blue flags, warning protesters to disperse, before firing multiple rounds of tear gas. They later fired a water cannon at the demonstrators.

At least 120 people were arrested, mostly on charges of unlawful assembly, police said in a Facebook post.

They also said in a separate post that protesters threw bricks and splashed unidentified liquid at officers, injuring at least four members of the police's media liaison team. They warned that such behavior is against the law and that police would pursue the matter.

Earlier in the afternoon, prominent activist Tam Tak-chi was arrested during the protest for what police said was unauthorized assembly. Tam said he was giving a ``health talk'' and was exempt from social-distancing measures that prohibit gatherings of more than eight people.

The bill that triggered Sunday's rally was submitted at China's national legislative session on Friday and is expected to be passed on May 28. It would bypass Hong Kong's legislature and allow the city's government to set up mainland agencies in the city that would make it possible for Chinese agents to arbitrarily arrest people for activities deemed to be pro-democracy.

Speaking on the sidelines of the annual session of China's ceremonial parliament in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday that Hong Kong affairs were an internal matter for China, and that ``no external interference will be tolerated.''

``Excessive unlawful foreign meddling in Hong Kong affairs has placed China's national security in serious jeopardy,'' Wang said, adding that the proposed legislation ``does not affect the high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong.''

``It does not affect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents. And it does not affect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors in Hong Kong,'' he said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called the proposal ``a death knell for the high degree of autonomy'' that Beijing promised the former British colony when it was returned to China in 1997.

Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong prior to its handover to China, lamented what he called ``a new Chinese dictatorship.''

``I think the Hong Kong people have been betrayed by China, which has proved once again that you can't trust it further than you can throw it,'' Patten said in an interview with The Times of London.

Patten is leading a coalition of at least 204 international lawmakers and policymakers who are decrying the proposed legislation. In a statement, the coalition called it a ``flagrant breach`` of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a 1984 treaty that promised Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy even after the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997.

Bernard Chan, a top-level Hong Kong politician and delegate to the National People's Congress in Beijing, defended the national security legislation pushed by China, saying it was written into Hong Kong's Basic Law _ the city's mini-constitution _ but never enacted.

Chan expressed concern that Hong Kong would inevitably face economic hardship given trade frictions between the US and China.

``I think we are definitely the collateral damage being dragged into this thing. But then, I don't think there's any alternatives,`` he said.

``But with or without this law, honestly, the US and China are always going to be continuing this loggerhead for quite some time to come,'' Chan said. ``China will remain as a threat to the US in terms of the ... world economic dominance.''

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 16:52:56|Editor: huaxia

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JERUSALEM, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long-awaited criminal trial is set to begin in a Jerusalem courtroom on Sunday, marking the first time Israel will see an incumbent prime minster stand trial.

Netanyahu will face the opening hearing of his corruption trial at the Jerusalem District Court at 3 p.m. local time (1200 GMT), after a three-judge panel rejected last week his request to skip the opening hearing.

His charges on bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate cases will be read and he will be requested to announce his understanding of them, as part of the regular procedure in Israeli proceedings.

Even before its opening, the trial has become a clashing point between Netanyahu and his supporters and Israel's legal system.

Netanyahu and his allies frequently lash out at the legal system over the trial, with much of the fire focusing on Attorney General Avihai Mandelblit.

The 56-year-old official was a close ally of Netanyahu when the prime minister nominated him as the attorney general in 2016, but after he took the unprecedented move and pressed charges against a sitting leader, he became a frequent target of attacks by Netanyahu's supporters.

On Thursday, Minister for Cyber and National Digital Matters, David Amsalem, a close ally of Netanyahu, slammed Mandelblit, calling him an "alleged criminal."

In an interview for Israel's Army Radio, Amsalem called on to launch an investigation against Mandelblit, charging the attorney general was involved in illegalities around the appointment of the military's chief 10 years ago.

Yariv Levin, Likud's speaker of the parliament and Netanyahu close associate, said in a statement on Sunday that the opening of the trial "will be remembered as one of the low points of the Israeli legal system."

"Likud voters don't believe the premise created by prosecutors," Amir Ohana, public security minister and one of the ministers who plan to accompany Netanyahu, told Channel 12 TV news.

Channel 12 TV reported that "thousands" of Netanyahu's supporters plan to rally outside the court and in several locations in Jerusalem to protest against the opening of the trial.

According to the indictment, in a corruption affair dubbed "Case 4000," Netanyahu allegedly took bribes from Shaul Elovitch, a former control-holder of Bezeq, Israel's largest telecom company, by giving Bezeq financial and regulatory benefits.

During the alleged offenses, Netanyahu was the communication minister in addition to his capacity as prime minister.

In exchange, Elovitch, a close friend of Netanyahu, allegedly required Walla, a news site controlled by Elovitch, to provide favorable coverage of the Netanyahu and his wife Sara.

In "Case 1000," Netanyahu and his family allegedly received expensive cigars, champagne, and jewellery worth about 1 million new shekels (268,200 U.S. dollars) from the Israeli businessman and Hollywood tycoon, Arnon Milchan, between 2007 and 2016.

In "Case 2000," Netanyahu and Arnon Mozes, the publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth, one of Israel's largest newspapers, allegedly held talks over an exchange deal, in which Netanyahu would receive favorable coverage in Yedioth Ahronoth.

Netanyahu, the first prime minister in Israel's history to stand trial while in office, denies the allegations, charging they are part of "a witch hunt."

The trial, including the expected appeals, could take several years. Enditem
Tomorrow is the day. Memorial Day.

Whether youve been enjoying the beaches and boardwalks or youve decided to stay at home, were asking that you take a few minutes on Monday to honor our fallen veterans.

At 10 a.m. on Memorial Day, come out to sing or play the Star Spangled Banner from your driveways, your porches, your balconies.

The idea came from Gail Van Prooien, an NJ.com reader who felt a sense of loss when Gov. Phil Murphy canceled Memorial Day parades. She agreed the parades needed to be canceled because of the pandemic, but she wanted to find another way for people to come together to show respect and remember our fallen soldiers.

After she contacted us about her idea to ask New Jerseyans to all sing or play the national anthem at the same time, NJ.com created a Facebook Live event so we can do this together, but virtually.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage

Some mayors and veterans groups are on board.

Van Prooien reached out to Michael Boll, who served in the Marines during Desert Storm and is now president of New Jersey Veterans Network, an all-volunteer mobile outreach charity that works to provide veterans with a better quality of life through the donation of cars, housing, mental health services and job assistance.

I think this shows everyone who has been home during the pandemic that there are people who love this country and want to show their support in any way they can, he said. I think having the national anthem and sharing it with each other? Its a beautiful thing.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage

Marine Corps Cpl. Brett DAlessandro, who served in Afghanistan and now runs Backpacks for Life, a nonprofit organization that fills backpacks with necessities and distributes them to homeless veterans, said he supports the event. Backpacks for Life is trying to help fight coronavirus by making masks for frontline workers.

"Memorial Day is not only a time to honor our fallen heroes but also a time to give their families members a moment to remember their loved ones, he said. Especially during these challenging times, a unique event like this is just what we need to bring together the community to honor incredible women and men who sacrificed their lives while protecting our country."

Morris Plains, which cancelled its Memorial Day service and parade  the largest in Morris County, according to the boroughs mayor, is also joining in. Mayor Jason Karr asked for his citizens to "go outside, stand on a sidewalk, front yard, driveway or porch, and sing or play The Star Spangled Banner.

Deptford Mayor Paul Mednay is also spreading the word.

We will be joining with other towns encouraging residents to sing or play the national anthem on Monday at 10 a.m.," he said.

We hope you will join us to show your support, and then upload your photos and videos of how you commemorate our lost veterans.

You can cast your vote here to share where you plan to sing or play the national anthem.

Show your intent to join us by RSVPing here.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Karin Price Mueller may be reached at bamboozled@njadvancemedia.com.
Despite Denver reducing its jail population by nearly half over the last two months, the latest state health data revealed the coronavirus outbreak is hitting the city hardest within its downtown detention center.

At least 84 inmates and one employee at the Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center have tested positive for COVID-19, according to May 6 data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Meanwhile, the Denver District Attorneys Office has worked with the Sheriff Department and the courts since March to reduce the jail population by 48.2%, according to May 7 figures provided to city leaders in a daily email update from the mayor's office.

We believe that we have done all we can to reduce the jail population without compromising public safety, DA spokesperson Carolyn Tyler told Colorado Politics in an email. We are doing a good job of balancing community safety with the safety of inmates and staff at the jails.

The downtown detention center and the Denver County Jail together typically average about 2,000 inmates, the Denver Sheriff Department estimates. Currently, the jail population is down to 1,036 inmates, the mayors office reports.

As part of reduction efforts, the DAs office has worked with defense attorneys and the courts to release some inmates who are at high-risk of COVID-19, including pregnant women, people age 60 and older, and those who have little time left on their sentences. The office is also leveraging in-home detention in "appropriate" circumstances.

We have spent many, many hours reviewing cases of those held in both the city and county jails to facilitate early release, Tyler wrote. When someone is arrested and brought to court for a bond hearing, the deputy district attorneys are agreeing to personal recognizance bonds or low bonds on as many cases as possible, enabling the person to be released. We are working every day to assist in reducing the jail population.

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the extent to which jails and prisons have become COVID-19 hotspots. Of the 37 jurisdiction that chose to participate, 86% reported at least one positive case of the virus among inmates or staff members, spanning 420 facilities.

As of April 21, according to the CDC, 4,893 cases and 88 deaths have been reported among inmates. Another 2,778 cases and 15 deaths have been reported among staff members.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado sent a letter in March to Colorado sheriffs, calling for them to immediately and safely decrease the number of prisoners so that all inmates and correctional staff can practice social distancing, including during sleeping hours.

Without a substantial decrease in the states jails and prisons, COVID-19 will turn incarceration into a death sentence for some Colorado prisoners, ACLU of Colorado spokeswoman Rebecca Wallace said in a statement at the time.

This is a particularly cruel outcome given that most of the people incarcerated in our jails are pre-trial, have not been convicted of a crime, and remain behind bars only because they cannot afford the money bond to get out," Wallace said.
Arunachal Pradesh, which was declared COVID-19 free over a month ago, reported a fresh case on Sunday as a 30-year-old student who recently returned from Delhi tested positive, a senior health official said.

The student, who used to live in West Patel Nagar area of Delhi, returned to the state on a bus on May 18, Health Secretary P Parthiban said.

He was in Delhi to prepare for UPSC civil services examination.

He boarded the bus at Gole Market area and it travelled through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam.

There were 33 others in the bus with the student, the officer said.

On reaching Arunachal Pradesh, he was put in institutional quarantine, Parthiban said, adding that his swab sample was taken on May 22 and the report has come in as positive.

"The patient is totally asymptomatic and is being taken care of by our health team," he said.

The state and district-level contact-tracing team has started the process to track down all those people who came in the bus along with the student, and also those interacted with him, the official said.

Arunachal was declared COVID-19 free after the state's lone patient recovered and was discharged from hospital on April 17.

The 31-year-old man was from Medo area in Lohit district and had attended a religious congregation at Nizamuddin in Delhi in March. He reached Medo on March 18 and tested positive on April 2. He was kept in Tezu Zonal Hospital in an isolation ward.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
STAMFORD  Stamfords Veterans Park was made for days like Sunday, providing an ideal place for the citys ex-military men and women and citizens to congregate and honor those who lost their lives defending the United States of America.

But the nearly completed park was sparsely filled on Sunday during a brief Memorial Day service as residents continue to practice social distancing. Nearly everyone at the ceremony was wearing face masks and sitting six feet away from each other. A small crowd could be seen observing from a distance, but residents were encouraged not to attend.

The focus of the event, which was livestreamed on the citys Facebook page, was on Stamfords fallen military personnel, but the pandemic that has hit the city harder than any other in Connecticut was impossible to ignore.

By Saturday, Stamford had 3,068 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 181 reported deaths attributed to the virus, both state highs.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal spoke at the Memorial Day service and said the impact of the coronavirus would not prevent Americans from observing Memorial Day.

Americans will not be deterred by the wipes and the masks and the sparse crowds and the lack of a parade, he said. The fire of patriotism in this country is no less bright because of this pandemic.

He added, If anything, we have new heroes to honor, heroes who have been inspired by the courageous men and women who have fought for this country over so many years: our police, our firefighters, our first responders, our doctors, our nurses, our clinicians, heroes at the front line in this latest battle.

Blumenthal said no veteran should be left behind when it comes to education, jobs and healthcare.

That is a lasting tribute to the fallen, to the heroes who have not come back, and whose legacy we honor and remember today, he said.

Mayor David Martin also delivered a speech during the service and briefly referenced the ongoing pandemic.

We honor those today who lost everything they had in defense of this great country and in defense of our freedoms, he said. And for all of the challenges that we face in America right now, and there are many, there is no other country that I would rather be in than right here in the good ol U.S.A.

The ceremony included comments from Rick Redniss, president of the Stamford Veterans Park Partnership.

The public/private partnership was created to redesign Veterans Park, and Redniss said on Sunday that while work is still incomplete at the park, the name of every Stamford veteran who has died in conflict has been added to one of the pillars at the site.

ignacio.laguarda@stamfordadvocate.com
As Wyoming begins its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Wyoming community colleges have stepped up to maintain quality education, support our communities and help move our economy in a positive direction. Wyoming Community College Commissioners have a front-row seat as our seven community colleges support the state through this challenging time. Their rapid response enabled them to continue to provide quality education and services as everyone struggled with new ways to do business. It is important to note that they are keeping their students engaged and moving forward. Classes continue and students will complete the spring semester with many graduating and moving on to further education or filling important jobs in our state.

The colleges implemented immediate strategies to help students, ranging from offering free Wi-Fi in their parking lots to distributing computers to ensure students had the necessary tools to finish strong. Faculty members adopted innovative approaches to remote learning, and they are keeping their students focused on their goals and maintaining critical connections and support. Some colleges have stepped in to use their technology to manufacture personal protection equipment, such as masks, visors and shields to keep front-line workers protected. Many are working with local emergency response teams to dedicate their facilities and other support as needed.

Nurses, respiratory therapists and other graduates of Wyoming community colleges are working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The colleges are coping with resource challenges, developing a visionary future, offering most summer school programs online, working on contingency plans to ensure a successful fall semester and partnering with key decision-makers to help the states economic recovery.

Wyoming community colleges have always played a critical role in Wyoming by providing high quality transfer preparation, key job skills to power our economy and responsiveness to community needs for workforce training. The Wyoming Community College Commissions Strategic Plan clearly states that a significant priority is placed upon addressing the workforce needs of the state. Our priorities laid the groundwork for Wyomings community college education being consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally and being regularly recognized for its effectiveness in preparing Wyomingites for employment and innovation.

Wyoming community colleges serve almost 30,000 students a year with variety of goals which include preparation for transfer and bachelors degree completion, technical certificates and degrees, which prepare students to enter the Wyoming workforce and retraining for displaced workers and innovative skill-building. They also serve as civic and community builders with programs in wellness, arts and cultural enhancement and personal enrichment. It is these innovative, well-prepared community college graduates who will not only help our economy recover but return more quickly to the thriving environment we expect. Now, more than ever, it is critical for our students to stay focused on their goals, complete the semester successfully and continue their education next year. This period should not be considered a setback, but a challenge and a way to accomplish goals despite obstacles.

The Wyoming Code of Ethics, Code of the West, tells us to do what has to be done and our community colleges will continue to do just that, even during a time of economic hardship, by providing high quality accessible higher education, being at the table to participate in the dialog for change and doing our part to create an educated workforce that will support the states recovery. Like our state, Wyoming community colleges are adaptable, resilient and will support their students no matter what.

The Wyoming Community College Commission is proud to serve the colleges and the students of Wyoming and we take our role on behalf of statewide community college education and post-secondary educational attainment and its critical impact on economic vitality very seriously. Thank you, Casper College, Central Wyoming College, Eastern Wyoming College, Laramie County Community College, Northwest College, Northern Wyoming Community College District-Sheridan and Gillette College and Western Wyoming Community College. Keep up the great work and stay safe and healthy!

Dr. Jackie Freeze is the Wyoming Community College Commission Chair.

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The Times Network has launched



India For Bengal, a special initiative to create awareness and raise funds for the relief efforts for the state ravaged by the catastrophic cyclone Amphan, it said here on Sunday.

Encouraging the nation to stand with Bengal and contribute to rebuild it, the national broadcast network urged the people to participate in the effort to support the lives and livelihood of fellow citizens in the state.

With more than 1.36 crore people affected and 10.5 lakh houses damaged, the cyclone shattered and unhinged lives of many, resulting in extensive loss, the network said in a statement.

'India For Bengal' seeks to help those who have been affected by nature's fury by raising awareness about the plight of the people in the affected state, it said.

Citizens can donate funds to West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority -- ICICI Bank Account No 628001041066, IFSC Code ICIC0006280 and MICR Code 700229010, the statement said.

Speaking on the initiative, MK Anand, MD & CEO, Times Network, said, Bengal is a keystone of India's cultural heritage. The state and its people have been ravaged by one of the biggest natural disasters in recent times. India for Bengal is an act of urgency that requires support and solidarity of the entire nation to rebuild West Bengal."



"Through this initiative, we aim to offer our nationwide reach to appeal to all Indians to step forward and contribute to this task of relief and rehabilitation," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Benjamin Netanyahu professed his innocence at the start of his corruption trial on Sunday, saying he was being framed in the first criminal prosecution of a serving Israeli prime minister.

Flanked by a clutch of cabinet ministers from his right-wing Likud party, and speaking forcefully, Netanyahu appealed to public opinion, addressing television cameras in the courthouse hallway before taking his seat on the defendants bench.

These investigations were tainted and stitched-up from the first moment, Netanyahu said about charges of bribery, breach of trust and fraud at the centre of three graft cases against him.
While some Islanders have endured the grips of COVID-19 far from home, it hasn't managed to stifle their urge to lend a helping hand.

For Fallon Mawhinney, native to Ebeneezer, P.E.I., that meant becoming involved with De Familia a Familia, based in Colima, Mexico.

Translated from Spanish to English, it means From Family to Family, and is a new non-profit organization.

The group came together in the past several weeks to help the city's most vulnerable access food and essential supplies during the pandemic. The initiative is led by a group of youth in the area, primarily in their early to mid 20s.

"I was just so inspired to join. Just watching people who are my age take this on, no government funding, no parent organization and just seeing a need."

Submitted by Fallon Mawhinney

Mawhinney arrived in Mexico in January 2019 on an exchange program between Colima University and UPEI. Once she completed the program and polished off her degree, she said she felt the pull to go back last August.

Now she works as an English teacher in Colima, even as the job has shifted to an online format because of COVID-19.

Springing into action

The 25-year-old hasn't looked back since, but said remaining in Colima during the pandemic meant she needed to spring to action and volunteering to help.

De Familia a Familia distributes COVID-19-kits which include food like eggs, fruit and vegetables, bags of rice and pasta, in addition to things like soap and feminine hygiene products, to those who have a reduced income, or have lost their jobs entirely as a result of the pandemic.

"We aim to have enough food to keep a small family going for about a week," Mawhinney said.

For the past month, Mawhinney along with other members of the organization, have been assembling the COVID-19 kits each Saturday. On Sundays, before the afternoon heat becomes overwhelming, they distribute them to families in need.

So far, the group has managed to deliver kits to 140 families, but there are still some families waiting for relief.

Story continues

It was kind of an invitation to action. Luis Jiminez, co-founder

"Here in Mexico, our labour reality, our economic reality has forced people to get on the streets and try to get some money or some food," said Luis Jimenez, who is from Colima and is one of the co-founders of the organization.

As a nation, Mexico has had 56,594 cases and 6,090 deaths. Colima, a city of about 400,000 people, Jimenez said, hasn't been hit as hard as some parts of the country but is currently reeling from the economic toll of the health crisis.

'To help our people'

Jimenez, 24, said he was encouraged to start the initiative by his teachers, friends and members of the community who were advocating that there was a need.

"We were in this quarantine and we were thinking about what else we could do, I don't know, to help our people," he said.

"It was kind of an invitation to action. It took us two days to start the whole thing," he said.

Submitted by Fallon Mawhinney

Only weeks ago, the organization had just five members but that number has quickly swelled to 20. But Jimenez notes that as the number of volunteers has grown, so has the number of those registering for the service.

Mawhinney and Jiminez said the group, which relies solely on donations, will continue to deliver their kits for the foreseeable future, even as COVID-19 health restrictions are poised to be loosened in Colima, come June 1.

"We don't see this going back to normal overnight," Mawhinney said.

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At first glance, Denise Weaver Ross paintings resemble vintage postcards, splashed with some colorful updating.

A closer look reveals an edgy underpinning rooted in politics and controversy.

On view online at Albuquerques Ghostwolf Gallery, her Postcards to America is just getting started, with images referencing the violence in Ferguson, Missouri, shootings in Florida and the Walmart killings in El Paso.

Ross grew up in Wisconsin in a white, Protestant family that spent their vacations traveling to Disneyland and most of Americas national parks. She married a man from Jamaica and has biracial children.

I grew up with the postcard view, Ross said. On the other hand, I lived in Milwaukee during the riots of the 60s, so I was very aware of the racial divide. We have a beautiful country and on the other hand, there are things that are disturbing.

To begin a piece, Ross gathers vintage postcards from across the internet to use as templates. She creates a digital mock-up, adding layers, then prints it, cutting out images and transferring them to paper. She produces bright splashes of color using an oil wax crayon and colored pencil.

Ross feels particularly drawn to the dramatic lettering of the postcards she remembers from her childhood.

You have the space outside the letters and inside the letters to play with, she said.

The Ferguson piece reflects the 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown with a red heart swallowing a stand of armed men.

Missouri calls itself the heart of America, Ross said. So I used The Heartbreak of America because of Ferguson.

Her Florida postcard includes the group of young activists who appeared on the cover of Time magazine in the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. In 2018, a gunman opened fire, killing 17 people and injuring 17 more in Parkland, Florida. Ross added an image of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed 17-year-old African American, who was killed by a neighborhood watchman in 2012.

They had the stand your ground law in that state that got (Martins shooter) off, so I called it The Stand Your Ground State. 

Her Texas piece expresses the horror of the mass Walmart shooting in El Paso in 2019. Twenty-two people died.

Ross named it The Lone Gunman State.

My earliest memory of Texas was when Kennedy was shot, she said.

The iconic image of the young John F. Kennedy, Jr. saluting his late fathers casket appears next to a sketch of a tower. The image refers to the 1966 University of Texas tower shooting where 14 people died amid what was then the countrys deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman.

These tragedies epitomize the dark side of American rugged individualism, Ross said.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, inspired her next work-in-progress.

Im calling it Genuine American Segregation,  Ross said. Milwaukee is the most segregated city in the nation. People dont realize that.

Shes still mulling over a New Mexico postcard, guessing it will focus on the states fraught nuclear history. Shes also working on a postcard for New York.

Its called The Empire State,  she said. I call it The Epicenter State. 
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: With a steady rise in movement of migrants from different states, Covid-19 spread to 26 districts in Odisha after two more districts reported positive cases, all imported. As many as 80 new cases were detected in the last 24 hours from 13 districts, most of which received migrants from Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh recently. Among them 71 are from quarantine centres, two from home quarantine zone and seven local contacts.

With this, the total number of coronavirus cases rose to 1,269, including 1,113 men and 156 women. While 765 active cases have been admitted to Covid Hospitals in the respective districts, seven persons have succumbed to the disease so far. Nineteen people have tested positive in Ganjam, followed by 17 in Puri, 14 in Jajpur, five each in Sundargarh, Nayagarh and Malkangiri, four in Gajapati, three each in Balasore and Jharsuguda, two in Kandhamal and one each in Cuttack, Balangir and Nabarangpur.

Of the 19 cases in Ganjam, 15 had returned from Surat and one from Maharashtra. The rest three are local cases. Eight of the affected persons in Jajpur had returned from Bengal, five from AP and one from Gujarat. Similarly, 11 of the 17 cases in Puri are Gujarat returnees and four are WB returnees while the rest one each came back from AP and Tamil Nadu.

Official sources said the spurt in Covid positive cases in Puri district will have little impact on the forthcoming Rath Yatra as most of the cases are from quarantine centres and there is no local transmission. Jharsuguda reported one more minor positive case as a one-year-old girl has been diagnosed with the disease a day after her five-year-old brother tested positive. The siblings along with their parents had returned from Agra on May 16 and were in home quarantine.

Gajapati and Nabarangpur are the new additions in the Covid map of the State. Of the 30 districts, only four - Bargarh, Rayagada, Nuapada and Sonepur are left with no person afflicted with the virus as yet.

While highest 341 cases have been detected in Ganjam so far, Jajpur is the second worst-affected district with 239 cases. Balasore, Bhadrak, Khurda, Puri and Cuttack have registered 128, 98, 74, 65 and 57 cases respectively. On Saturday, 62 more patients, including 41 from Ganjam, 15 from Balasore, two from Rourkela and one each from Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur and Maharashtra have recovered. So far, 496 patients in the State have recovered, excluding Maharashtra natives.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a statement before entering a courtroom at the district court of Jerusalem on May 24, 2020, during the first day of his corruption trial. (Yonathan Sindel/AFP via Getty Images)

Israels Netanyahu, Saying Hes Standing Tall, Goes on Trial on Corruption Charges

JERUSALEMBenjamin Netanyahu professed his innocence at the start of his corruption trial on May 24, saying he was being framed but standing tall in the first criminal prosecution of a serving Israeli prime minister.

Flanked by a group of cabinet ministers from his right-wing Likud party, Netanyahu addressed television cameras in the courthouse hallway before appearing in front of a three-judge panel.

These investigations were tainted and stitched-up from the first moment, Netanyahu said about charges of bribery, breach of trust, and fraud at the center of three graft cases against him.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a statement before entering a courtroom at the district court of Jerusalem on May 24, 2020, during the first day of his corruption trial. (Yonathan Sindel/AFP via Getty Images)

He dubbed prosecutors and police the Just Not Bibi Gang, a reference, using his own nickname, to what he has called a witch-hunt, abetted by the left-wing media and political opponents to end his record tenure as prime minister.

I am appearing here today, as your prime minister, standing tall and with head high, Netanyahu told reporters, vowing to beat the charges and continue to lead Israel in his current fifth term.

Netanyahu, 70, was required to appear for the session in Jerusalem District Court, a week after his new unity government was sworn in. Its inauguration ended more than a year of political deadlock in the wake of three inconclusive elections.

He was indicted in November in cases involving gifts from millionaire friends and for allegedly seeking regulatory favors for media tycoons in return for favorable coverage.

By Maayan Lubell
'Intrepid Spirits was set up in 2013 and its Mad March Hare brand was named the 2019 winner for Best Irish Poitin at The Irish Whiskey Awards.' (stock image)

Intrepid Spirits, an Irish-based spirits company, has acquired a majority stake in Australian vermouth company Regal Rogue.

Intrepid - which has offices in Dublin, Shanghai, Chicago and San Francisco - has brands such as Egan's Irish Whiskey, Cocalero and Mad March Hare in its portfolio.

Following the investment, Mark Ward, Regal Rogue's founder, will continue to be heavily involved in the development of the brand, working closely with the marketing team at Intrepid to expand the distribution and presence of Regal Rogue internationally.

"Mark has created a world-class brand and we look forward to bringing the infrastructure and resources required to take Regal Rogue to the next level," said John Ralph, chief executive of Intrepid Spirits.

He said that it was an unusual time for the company to make its first major strategic brand investment.

"We were determined to take an optimistic approach to these tumultuous times.

"It's something that Mark and I have been discussing for months, long before the pandemic, and we felt the long-term strategic value for both parties was just the reason to continue to move forward."

Established in 2011, Regal Rogue is Australia's first native vermouth.

"We've seen tremendous success in Australia, the UK and USA," said Ward.

"And by joining the Intrepid portfolio, we'll be able to dramatically amplify our positioning in the vermouth category."

Regal Rogue has secured some premium accounts already in Ireland, featuring in signature drinks such as Bar 1661's 'Brother Hubbard' and on the Shelbourne Hotel's summer spritz menu.

Regal Rogue Vermouth is available at Waitrose and other select retailers in Ireland and the UK.

Intrepid Spirits was set up in 2013 and its Mad March Hare brand was named the 2019 winner for Best Irish Poitin at The Irish Whiskey Awards.
Coronavirus has changed everything. Make sense of it all with the Waugh Zone, our evening politics briefing. Sign up now.

Tory MPs have begun to round on Downing Street aide Dominic Cummings amid accusations he twice broke the coronavirus lockdown rules.

A string of Conservatives called for Boris Johnson to sack the senior adviser on Sunday after reports Cummings travelled to Durham a second time, while the public were still being told to stay at home.

It comes after the Mirror and Guardian reported on Friday that Cummings drove from London to a family property in the city, after he had contracted coronavirus in March.

Number 10 said the first trip was to guarantee childcare for Cummings four-year-old son but Cummings flatly denies he went to Durham a second time, despite witnesses saying they saw him in the town of Barnard Castle on April 19.

Asked by journalists about the issue as he left his north London home on Sunday whether he went to the north twice, Cummings said: No, I did not.

Later on Sunday two police officers were seen knocking on the door at Cummings London address, but walked away moments later after there was no answer.

Police have just turned up at Dominic Cummings house and knocked on the door. No one in. pic.twitter.com/s3jAq4IOWy  Tony Diver (@Tony_Diver) May 24, 2020

Number 10 appears has called the reports completely untrue - but Tory MPs have begun to break ranks and publicly call for Cummings resignation.

Craig Whittaker, Conservative MP for Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, said Cummings position is untenable.

I totally agree that Dominic Cummings position is untenable. I'm sure he took the decision in the best interests of his family but like every decision we take we also have to take responsibility for those decisions. You cannot advise the nation one thing then do the opposite.  Craig Whittaker MP (@CWhittaker_MP) May 24, 2020

Speaking on Nigel Farages show on LBC, Peter Bone, MP for...

Continue reading on HuffPost
KREAMER  Employees at a Snyder County custom wood cabinet manufacturer have gotten another surprise but they are not complaining like they did with the one a little more than a year ago.

The nearly 400 employees of the new Wood-Mode found a $500 bonus in their paychecks Thursday.

Owner Bill French said Sunday it was his way to show his appreciation because all of the workers who had been temporarily laid off when the plant was forced to close due to the states coronavirus regulations returned when those rules were eased.

We didnt have any slackers, he said. Everyone chose to return to work instead of staying home and take the extra $600 the federal government provided in unemployment benefits, he said.

We kept it a secret, said French about the bonus. We thought it could be more fun.

Employees received this notice signed by French and three others in management: We are happy and excited to see you return to work safely and healthy. We understand that there are some changes that may be difficult to follow and we are here to support you. Together we will navigate the complexities of our new normal. You will see in this weeks pay we have added a Welcome Back bonus for $500 to thank you for your hard work and continued dedication to Wood-Mode LLC. We look forward to our continued success as we grow our new company together.

Due to the size of the plant, social distancing is not an issue, said French, who bought the old Wood-Mode assets in August and began a phase-in reopening the following month.

Everyone is asked to wear a mask and wash their hands as normal, he said, adding, We sanitize a lot."

Response to the bonus has been positive, he said. That also was obvious by the posts on the Wood-Mode Friends Facebook page.

Last Friday, the 938 employees who lost their jobs abruptly May 13, 2019, learned the old Wood-Mode agreed to pay them collectively $10,339,585 owed in wages and benefits.

It is the money they would have received had the former owners given a 60-day notice of closing as required under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act (WARN).

The agreement, if approved by U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann, would settle a class action suit employees brought against the company.

The document makes no mention of CEO Robert L. Gronlund and R. Brooks Gronlund, president and chief operating officer, although they also are listed as defendants.

There is a question whether the employees of the old company will receive any of their money because the agreement states it is out of business and has no resources to defend the suit despite believing it has a complete defense.

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Other recent John Beauge stories on PennLive

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 24)  A woman from Makati City made the most out of her time during lockdown by finishing 20 online courses from top global universities.

28-year-old Paula Mendoza spent nearly a month completing all the online courses, with the goal to finish at least one course every day.

Straight aral from tanghali to madaling araw, kasi parang di ako nakakatulog maigi pag di ko natatapos yung course and gusto ko talaga, hanggat maaari natatapos ko na agad, Mendoza told CNN Philippines. Longest course Ive taken took me two days to finish. Mostly yung iba kaya ng one day lang pero dire-diretso ka dapat.

[Translation: I would study straight from noon to dawn, because I felt like I could not sleep well if I didnt finish the course, and I really want to finish right away if I can. The longest course I've ever taken took me two days to finish. Mostly it's just one day but you should go straight through.]

Mendoza, an online shopping platform manager, said she just wanted to be more productive by learning new skills that she could use for work once the quarantine is over.

She enrolled in leadership, sales, and marketing courses from the Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania, University of California, and 12 more universities.

"The most amazing course I was enrolled in was Achieving Personal and Professional Success from the Wharton School," Mendoza said. "It was actually my favorite! The course was designed to help you define what success means to you, and to develop a plan for achieving it."

She took the courses from online learning platform coursera.org. The site features over 1,000 subjects, many for free, across different categories.

Most courses have quizzes, final exams, case studies, peer assignments, and recorded video lectures by professors.

"It was quite exciting! You can feel youre in a real class," Mendoza said. "You just have to pass every exam and submit all the needed requirements for you to complete the course and gain a certificate afterwards."

Mendoza suggested that future participants check the course syllabus before enrolling to see what to expect in the program.

She also advised everyone to never stop learning, despite all the stress and anxiety that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing.

Kesa mabwisit ka sa mga nangyayari sa paligid, hanap ka na lang ng paraan at mga gawaing nakaka-uplift sa mind and spirit, Mendoza said.

[Translation: If you get caught up in what's happening around you, just look for uplifting activities for your mind and spirit.]
Aston Martin has confirmed today that boss Andy Palmer is leaving the business as part of a boardroom shake-up to restore its flagging fortunes.

The luxury car-maker has named Tobias Moers, who runs Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance arm, as his replacement.

Shares in Aston Martin, which have collapsed since it listed in 2018, shot up almost 40 per cent in early trading on Tuesday, to close 28 per cent higher at 45.36p.

As one door closes: Andy Palmer (pictured) became chief executive in 2014 and brought Aston Martin from the brink of bankruptcy to a successful stock market flotation in 2018

Dr Palmer became chief executive in 2014 and brought Aston from the brink of bankruptcy to a successful stock market flotation in 2018.

But in the past two years its performance has been dire, with shares falling more than 93 per cent to 35p.

The firm  whose cars were famously driven by James Bond  was hit by oversupply to dealerships and a slowdown in global demand, contributing to a 120million loss in the first quarter of this year.

The coronavirus pandemic also took its toll, closing factories and dealerships.

The company said it had sold 578 vehicles in the first quarter, down from 1,057 in the same period last year.

Dr Palmer's exit is likely to have been influenced by the arrival of Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, who became executive chairman in January after leading a 540million rescue deal.
Hyderabad, May 24 : There was no let-up in the fatalities due to Covid-19 in Telangana as four more succumbed to the deadly virus while six more foreign evacuees were among 41 tested positive on Sunday.

For the sixth day in a row, the state reported fatalities due to Covid-19, taking the toll to 53.

The Health Department officials have not shared any details of the deceased like their age, gender and the districts they hailed from.

Indicating the continuing surge in the spread, the state has reported 19 deaths in six days, the highest for any week since the first fatality was reported in the last week of March.

The spike in new cases also continued with as many as 41 people testing positive on Sunday. According to the director of public health, this has pushed the total number of cases to 1,854.

The state has been adding 40 to 50 cases every day to its tally for nearly two weeks. Continuing the trend, hotspot Greater Hyderabad accounted for the majority of the new cases (23).

Six foreign evacuees were also tested positive on Sunday. The officials have not revealed the name of the country or countries they had returned from.

On Saturday, four returnees from Kuwait had tested positive. This was the first case in Telangana of Indian citizens repatriated under evacuation mission Vande Bharat being found infected by Covid-19.

Foreign evacuees are the latest category in the daily media bulletin issued by the Health Department.

It was only 10 days ago that the migrants' category was added in the column of "new positive cases today". As many as 130 migrants who returned to Telangana from other parts of the country have so far tested positive. They include 11 cases reported on Sunday.

Worried over the continuing spike in the number of cases, the Health Department has issued special advisory in view of relaxation of lockdown since May 16. It observed that there is a lot of mobility and movement of people from all walks of life and of all age groups resulting in a surge of positive cases during the last few days.

People above 60 years of age and children below 10 years have been advised to avoid going outdoors. It has also asked people not to go out of the house without face mask and maintain physical distancing.

The officials also announced that 24 patients were allowed to go home from hospital on Sunday after they recovered from Covid-19. With this, the number of cured/discharged has gone up to 1,092.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
A leader with the group Portland Mountain Rescue raised concerns Sunday that the high number of climbers packing Mount Hood are endangering themselves and the rescue crews who respond when something goes wrong.

Search and rescue crews responded to two separate incidents of stranded climbers in less than 24 hours, starting Friday night.

Mark Morford, a volunteer rescue leader with the nonprofit organization Portland Mountain Rescue, worked on the effort to bring down a climber caught in whiteout conditions Friday night. The man spent the night on Mount Hood and had hypothermia.

Mount Hood is usually packed with climbers on Memorial Day weekend, Morford said, but this years even more crowded.

I think theres a tremendous amount of pent up demand, people wanting to get out, he said. "It looked like a conga line going up Hogsback  What a circus.

Government officials have warned that as Oregon parks and trails start to reopen, people need to be careful to maintain distance from others and wear masks to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Morford said the routes to summit and climb down from Mount Hood consist of narrow, technically demanding chutes, and they pose immediate physical dangers as well, especially when multiple climbers at a time push through rather than going single file.

People knock stuff down, including on each other, Morford said. Every year somebody gets hurt just because of that. The mountain just cant handle as many people as are up there.

Plus, he said, climbers who should be back down from the mountain by midmorning are instead getting a late start.

Morford estimated that the two rescue missions so far this weekend involved roughly 50 volunteers and workers who are taking on additional risks because of the pandemic.

Thats a lot of people that had to work together in close contact, Morford said. We have COVID protocols that we try to follow, but its extremely difficult to maintain those protocols through a long and complicated mission. So everyones bearing an additional risk, a risk in addition to the risk that rescuers normally have to deal with, because of the current pandemic.

In light of that risk, search and rescue teams are pleading for people to avoid climbs and other ambitious treks that could wind up requiring an emergency response.

This is not the time to try to do your first ski descent from Mount Hood, Morford said, noting that many people are also out of shape and out of practice. Its not the time to try a challenging route  Its a time to just enjoy the back country, be chill and enjoy conservative choices. Dont push it.

People who climb Mount Hood this weekend are also taking a chance because the avalanche danger is high due to warm weather and heavy recent snowfall that can more easily slide off the icy base underneath.

Thats what happened Saturday when a Colorado woman injured her ankle in a small avalanche on a challenging route. Morford said rescuers estimated the avalanche swept the woman and her climbing partner roughly 1,000 feet down the route and onto Reid Glacier.

The location made for a difficult rescue. Crews had to bring her farther up the mountain to reach a location from which they could ski down with her in a litter.

Normally, climbers can get detailed avalanche forecasts from the Northwest Avalanche Center through the second or third week of April. But the organization announced in late March it would stop producing the forecasts during the coronavirus pandemic to protect its employees and people who live near trailheads.

Although we firmly believe in the value of backcountry travel it is not an essential activity that outweighs the importance of slowing the spread of this virus, Forecast Director Dennis DAmico and Executive Director Scott Schell wrote.

Morford said Portland Mountain Rescue also stopped posting data about mountain conditions because we didnt want to give people data that would help them climb.

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that the Northwest Avalanche Center typically stops producing avalanche forecasts for Mt. Hood and other peaks by mid- to late April, but this year stopped doing so at the end of March in an effort to minimize the spread of coronavirus among its staff and others.

-- Hillary Borrud

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 16:54:58|Editor: huaxia

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CHANGSHA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Yu Jianqi was a registered construction engineer before he returned to his hometown four years ago to be a farmer, driven by his obsession with seeds.

Yu said his seed story began with two meals in 2006, one of which was a dish made of towel gourd by his mother when he came back home one day to Lutang Village, central China's Hunan Province, after working outside for many years.

"It was so delicious, the same taste as in my childhood," said Yu, adding that the second life-changing meal was a lunch at a rural restaurant during a business trip. "The vegetable was amazing and I couldn't stop eating."

The secret of the delectable meals was soon found by Yu -- they were all from old seeds of local varieties. "Commercial varieties which are better suited to modern agricultural intensification and large-scale production have gradually replaced the local ones," Yu said. "That's why we always feel like some food doesn't taste the same as in our memory."

The loss of taste means a decrease in seeds. Though as the world's second-largest country of crop germplasm resources, the quantity of local germplasm resources in China has been on the decline.

After several years of study and preparation, Yu quit his job in 2016 and returned to Lutang Village where he got 80 hectares of land through rural land transfer and established an ecological plantation to fully devote himself to collecting and breeding local varieties.

The first step was looking for seeds. "Whenever I heard of where there were old seeds, I would set off immediately." In four years, he has visited hundreds of counties and cities in Hunan and also the provinces and regions of Hubei, Yunnan and Xinjiang.

"Once in Libo County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, where I stayed for a month and visited more than 30 villages, I finally found in a remote village a batch of seeds of tomato, eggplant, pepper and other old vegetable varieties that have been planted for more than 200 years," Yu said, adding that on his way back home, however, he was caught in a landslide.

"I had no time to hesitate and only grabbed the bag of collected seeds before jumping out of the car," he said.

So far, Yu has collected seeds of nearly 800 varieties of rice, vegetables, flowers and other local plants, investing heavily to build a warehouse and exhibition hall for these treasures and starting the work of propagation.

Farmers in his cooperative use the most primitive methods to plant seeds collected from all over the country and turn each seed into 10 and then into hundreds and thousands. Experts from the Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Hunan Seed Association often come to Yu's cooperative to provide guidance.

Having pursued the business for many years, the old seeds mean more than just delicious dishes for Yu, they also represent the "genetic resources" of a country.

Hunan Province, one of the country's major grain producers, launched in May its first germplasm pool of crop resources, as an effort to strengthen the comprehensive protection and utilization of germplasm resources.

Some of the more than 30,000 pieces of germplasm resources of various crops now preserved in the pool were donated by Yu. For every collected seed of a new variety, he would give one to the germplasm pool free of charge.

The new farmer said he also planned to build a research base to help more kids get to know the old seeds.

With the increasing demand for high-quality food in China and the emergence of more family farms, Yu has met a large number of like-minded friends who helped his old seeds find a market. In 2019, the sales volume of Yu's various kinds of old seeds exceeded 3 million yuan (about 420,000 U.S. dollars).

"Only through planting these seeds on the farmland and by the farmers' own hands can we pass down the resources," Yu said. Enditem
Few days after the demise of Pastor Emmanuel Apraku, a video clip which captures a prophecy about his departure has emerged.



It is unclear who the prophet is, the time the prophecy was made and the church auditorium where the revelations were made.



During the church service, the prophet, clad in suit, invited Pastor Apraku to the sanctuary. As Apraku approached the prophet and stood to attention, the prophet told him he has had a revelation that he [Apraku] will be a drunkard.



Apraku My Daughter as he was affectionately known was in the footage told that God had given him a second chance unlike his colleagues who had passed on.



Youre here like a man but alcohol will destroy your life. Youll be a drunkard to the extent that it will affect your intestines, kidney and liver, the prophet said in the local dialect Twi.



God gave you the first chance; friends perpetrated your downfall. God is giving you another chance. Be careful of friends.



He further mentioned to Apraku that the spirit of death was hovering around him and stressed on the need for him to be vigilant to avoid a fall.



The spirit of death is standing very close to you. Do you know why all the pastors who were following you have died but youre still alive? God says I should tell you, he is giving you a second chance, he proclaimed.



Apraku My Daughter who had been flanked by some junior pastors corroborated the prophecy. According to him, two other pastors had told him about Gods decision to grant him a second chance.



He said: It is true. A friend of mine in America told me this three days ago during a phone conversation. Another one in Lagos has told me same.



































View this post on Instagram







Prophecy about Apraku's death before his demise





A post shared by whatstrendingh (@whats_trendingh) on May 24, 2020 at 6:15am PDT





Source: ghanaweb.com









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Lucknow: After facing flak from the Opposition over its controversial order banning mobile phones usage by coronavirus COVID-19 patients inside isolation ward of COVID-19 hospitals in the state, the Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath on Sunday (May 24) withdrew the ban.

In a circular issued on Sunday afternoon, the state government has now allowed patients to carry their phones in isolation wards after making the disclosure to the officials concerned. The mobile phone and the charger will be thoroughly disinfected before the patient enters the ward. The patient will not be allowed to share the mobile phone with any other patient. At the time of being discharged, the mobile phone and charger will again be disinfected by the health workers.

Earlier in the day, the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh banned COVID-19 patients from keeping mobile phones inside isolation wards of hospitals in the state. As per the regulation, patients admitted in dedicated L-2 and L-3 COVID hospitals were no longer allowed to take mobile phones along with them in the isolation wards in order to check the spread of the infection.

The order, issued by the state government late on Saturday night, said two mobile phones would be available with the ward in-charge of the COVID-19 care centres so that patients can speak to their family members and administration if required.

The order was issued by KK Gupta, Director General Medical Education, and all concerned officials and directors of dedicated COVID-19 hospitals have been informed about it.

"To facilitate the communication between COVID-19 patients admitted in clinics, with their family members, or anyone else, ensure that two dedicated mobile phones while adhering to infection prevention norms, are kept with ward in-charge of COVID care centre," the order said.

The move was slammed by former state Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party. Taking a dig at the ruling party, the Samajwadi Party said in a tweet that the move to ban mobile phones is an attempt by the state government to conceal its shortcomings and various loopholes in its arrangements for treating the COVI-19 patients.

Akhilesh Yadavs party then demanded the UP government to immediately cancel the order banning mobile phones inside COVID-19 hospitals in the state.

According to the latest data available on the website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Uttar Pradesh now has 5,735 cases of Corona positive patients and the numbers have been growing steadily for the past ten days.
As the state began celebrating from a distance over Memorial Day weekend, hospitalizations and deaths from coronavirus continued to decline in Connecticut on Sunday  even as health officials found more than 400 new cases.

Statewide, 18 new deaths were reported from COVID-19, according to data released by Gov. Ned Lamonts office Sunday afternoon.

The new deaths brought the coronavirus death toll in Connecticut to 3,693.

Health officials reported 446 new infections, bringing the total number of cases in the state up to 40,468. Around Connecticut, 701 people remained hospitalized with the disease, down by 23 cases from the day before.

With many Memorial Day parades and other events canceled, several communities announced alternative plans to commemorate those lost in war that reflected the new normal.

In Stamford, city officials held a socially distanced Memorial Day ceremony with attendees wearing masks and standing or sitting far apart. The event was also live streamed on Facebook.

In Norwalk, where organizers canceled the city Memorial Day parade, Mayor Harry Rilling asked residents to honor the fallen by leaving a light in a window or placing a candle on their porch.

Musicians organized by the American Legion have said they plan to play Taps on Monday along the Housatonic River from the coastline to the Massachusetts border in honor of the holiday.

Despite restrictions, Sundays bright blue skies and temperatures in the 70s brought crowding to state parks. As with many other nice weekends this spring, by mid-afternoon, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection had closed eight parks after parking lots filled to capacity. The daily closures included the popular Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden and C.P. Huntington State Park in Redding and Bethel.

A ninth park, Osbornedale State Park in Derby, was closed after a police manhunt for a man linked to a homicide in Willington and possibly another in Derby.

With offices, retail stores, and outdoor dining at restaurants reopened last Wednesday, Gov. Ned Lamont last week roughly outlined plans for the next phase of reopening on June 20. That reopening is to include gyms, nail salons, and tattoo parlors. Hair salons and barbershops, originally slated to reopen May 20, were delayed until June 1.

That plan comes as New York Sunday announced plans to reopen other regions around Connecticut in the coming week.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the mid-Hudson region is on track to reopen on Tuesday, with Long Island set to reopen the following day. On Long Island, the governor said workers would add cars to trains to help spread riders apart from one another, and crews would be working to clean and disinfect both trains and buses.

Cuomo also announced Sunday the state will allow professional sports teams to open training camps.

I believe that sports that can come back without having people in the stadium do it. Work out the economics if you can, Cuomo said.

The New York Governor Sunday also tapped former Google CEO Eric Schmidt to head a commission to envision the future of the state after the pandemic, an initiative Cuomo likened to rebuilding public infrastructure after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.

I want them to get to work, I want them to come up with ideas, Cuomo said.
The former chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda discusses the hunt for genocide suspects.

On May 16, an 84-year-old Rwandan by the name of Felicien Kabuga was arrested from a flat in Asnieres-sur-Seine, on the outskirts of Paris.

He had been on the run for 26 years.

The Hutu businessman was once one of Rwandas wealthiest people. He stands accused of funding militias that massacred at least 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus during the course of 100 days in 1994.

Kabuga was also a co-founder of Radio Television Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM), a radio station that many believe played a significant role in inciting the genocide. The station regularly referred to Tutsis as cockroaches and, once the genocide had begun, broadcast the names of people to be killed and information on where they could be found.

In 1997, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), an international court established by the United Nations Security Council to judge people responsible for the genocide, indicted Kabuga on seven criminal charges including genocide.

But the ICTR, which had been located in Arusha, Tanzania, was closed at the end of 2015. It had concluded 55 cases. After its closure, the ICTRs responsibilities were transferred to the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT).

Hassan Bubacar Jallow was the chief prosecutor of the ICTR from 2003 to 2015. From 2012 to 2016, he was also the prosecutor of the IRMCT. He is currently the chief justice of the Gambia.

Bubacar Jallow spoke to Al Jazeera about the significance of Kabugas arrest.

Al Jazeera: At what point did you first become aware of Felicien Kabuga?

Hassan Bubacar Jallow: He came to our attention very early on in my mandate for a number of reasons. He was a big fish because of his involvement in the establishment of the RTLM and his involvement in the purchase and distribution of arms. He was certainly one of our top fugitives.

Al Jazeera: How far were you able to get with your investigation into Kabuga?

Bubacar Jallow: By the time I left the ICTR, we had gone very far. The case had been very well investigated. The indictment had been confirmed. We had witnesses testifying before a single judge as part of the rules for preservation of evidence in case Kabuga was arrested at a time when the witnesses were no longer available, whether because they had died or for some other reason. By 2014, we had referred the case to the new mechanism, the IRMCT.

Al Jazeera: Did you know where Kabuga was?

Bubacar Jallow: We had clear evidence that he left Rwanda after the genocide and had gone to Kenya. We had immigration records to confirm that. His bank accounts in Kenya confirmed that. The evidence showed that he went to Nairobi and he was granted a visa.

We had been advised by the Kenyans that he had left the country at some point. We became aware of this quite late in 2012. But there was no information on where he went and in which direction he had gone.

So we continued to look for him in Kenya and other places such as Europe. We also looked for him in Central Africa.

After 2004, we changed the strategy of the tracking team and we spent a lot of time looking around in countries where we suspected the fugitives could be. Our tracking team went to Kenya many times.

Al Jazeera: Had Kabuga travelled to Kenya under his own name?

Bubacar Jallow: The visa to go to Kenya in 1994 was under his own name. In 1994, many of the Rwandan fugitives did not think it was necessary to change their names. A dozen or more of the accused went to Kenya. We carried out an investigation in Nairobi called Operation NAKI. Many of the fugitives were arrested and transferred to Arusha for trial. It was only Kabuga who escaped arrest at that time.

Al Jazeera: Who else was looking for him?

Bubacar Jallow: The ICTR worked hand in hand with Interpol in tracking the fugitives. It was mainly our tracking team that was working on the case. The tracking team really work very hard. They were on the ground. They develop sources and informers and so on. Its a dangerous, risky business. They remain anonymous of course.

Al Jazeera: Has the ICTR tracking team found other fugitives?

Bubacar Jallow: We indicted 93 accused. All of them had left Rwanda. The tracking team had located all but about six of them. Kabuga was one of two that were still outstanding. The former commander of the presidential guard at the time, Protais Mpiranya, was the other.

Al Jazeera: The United States had put a $5m reward on Kabugas head. How did that work?

Bubacar Jallow: It is part of their policy to help the cause of international criminal justice. They set up the Rewards for Justice programme. It was very helpful. It encouraged a lot of people to come forward with information which led to the arrest of many fugitives.

Al Jazeera: How do countries get word that a fugitive might be attempting to flee?

Bubacar Jallow: Once the ICTR indicted a person, it issued an arrest warrant directed at all member states. The warrants were directed at all countries to locate these persons and surrender them. Because the ICTR was established by the UN Security Council there was an obligation on all members of the UN to comply with these arrest warrants.

Al Jazeera: Is there an element of unfinished business until all those who have so far evaded capture are caught and brought to justice?

Bubacar Jallow: The ICTR indicted 93 fugitives. Most of them were arrested. The cases were transferred to Rwanda and Rwanda was tasked with tracking them, arresting them and bringing them to justice.

Many of the indicted were tried, including a former prime minister, government ministers, media people and clergy. It was a gallery of very high profile genocidaires that the tribunal tried.

Many of the victims I spoke to, as long as they were aware the perpetrator had been tried, this gave them a sense of satisfaction. So justice is very important in bringing closure to the great tragedies of genocide, although not justice alone of course.

Al Jazeera: Do such trials play a role in an individuals and a countrys healing process? And, if so, what role do you feel they play?

Bubacar Jallow: In addition to the process of justice, you need other elements such as healing in the community to bring closure.

In the course of my time as prosecutor at the ICTR I saw the worst in human beings and I saw the best. I have seen the best qualities in human beings.

Al Jazeera: Could you share any key moments from your time as a prosecutor?

Bubacar Jallow: I visited the technical college in Murambi in Gikongoro district. It was the site of one of the worst massacres of the genocide. More than 50,000 people who had sought refuge there were killed in the course of about a week.

When I visited  as I did all the major massacre sites in Rwanda  there were at least 30,000 people who had been buried on the grounds. But each of the classrooms were still filled with corpses  dried, shrivelled corpses, young and old, male and female. In some of them, you could still see the holes in their skulls from bullets, machetes and other weapons. It was a terrible moment.

I also visited the church at Nyamata and saw similar things. There was blood on the walls. There were no remains but there were clothes and articles belonging to people who had been massacred. There were many such bad moments.

There were also good moments when we saw evidence of many Hutus risking their lives in order to save Tutsis.

We also had evidence that the Muslim community stood up against the genocide. They actually stood outside the mosques and protected all Tutsi refugees who sought sanctuary inside, irrespective of their religion. That is why there were so few, if any at all, killings of Tutsis carried out in the mosques of Rwanda. Those were good moments.

I also saw good moments when Tutsi survivors, people who had lost families, were able to forgive perpetrators. This brought out the best in human beings.

This interview was edited for clarity and brevity.
Readers hoping to buy Anhui Expressway Company Limited (HKG:995) for its dividend will need to make their move shortly, as the stock is about to trade ex-dividend. Investors can purchase shares before the 28th of May in order to be eligible for this dividend, which will be paid on the 22nd of July.

Anhui Expressway's next dividend payment will be HK$0.23 per share, on the back of last year when the company paid a total of HK$0.23 to shareholders. Calculating the last year's worth of payments shows that Anhui Expressway has a trailing yield of 6.6% on the current share price of HK$3.81. Dividends are a major contributor to investment returns for long term holders, but only if the dividend continues to be paid. So we need to check whether the dividend payments are covered, and if earnings are growing.

Check out our latest analysis for Anhui Expressway

Dividends are usually paid out of company profits, so if a company pays out more than it earned then its dividend is usually at greater risk of being cut. That's why it's good to see Anhui Expressway paying out a modest 49% of its earnings. Yet cash flow is typically more important than profit for assessing dividend sustainability, so we should always check if the company generated enough cash to afford its dividend. Anhui Expressway paid out more free cash flow than it generated - 143%, to be precise - last year, which we think is concerningly high. It's hard to consistently pay out more cash than you generate without either borrowing or using company cash, so we'd wonder how the company justifies this payout level.

Anhui Expressway paid out less in dividends than it reported in profits, but unfortunately it didn't generate enough cash to cover the dividend. Were this to happen repeatedly, this would be a risk to Anhui Expressway's ability to maintain its dividend.

Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends.

Story continues

SEHK:995 Historical Dividend Yield May 24th 2020

Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?

Companies that aren't growing their earnings can still be valuable, but it is even more important to assess the sustainability of the dividend if it looks like the company will struggle to grow. Investors love dividends, so if earnings fall and the dividend is reduced, expect a stock to be sold off heavily at the same time. With that in mind, we're not enthused to see that Anhui Expressway's earnings per share have remained effectively flat over the past five years. It's better than seeing them drop, certainly, but over the long term, all of the best dividend stocks are able to meaningfully grow their earnings per share.

Another key way to measure a company's dividend prospects is by measuring its historical rate of dividend growth. Anhui Expressway has delivered an average of 1.4% per year annual increase in its dividend, based on the past ten years of dividend payments.

To Sum It Up

Should investors buy Anhui Expressway for the upcoming dividend? It's disappointing to see earnings per share have fallen slightly, even though Anhui Expressway is paying out less than half its income as dividends. It's also paying out an uncomfortably high percentage of its cash flow, which makes us wonder just how sustainable the dividend really is. Overall it doesn't look like the most suitable dividend stock for a long-term buy and hold investor.

Ever wonder what the future holds for Anhui Expressway? See what the three analysts we track are forecasting, with this visualisation of its historical and future estimated earnings and cash flow

If you're in the market for dividend stocks, we recommend checking our list of top dividend stocks with a greater than 2% yield and an upcoming dividend.

Love or hate this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.
HELENA  Jean Kathleen Stromnes, 73, passed away suddenly at home in Helena on Friday, May 8, 2020, where she had moved with her late husband Einar John Stromnes in 2018.

Jean was born Aug. 26, 1946 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to Robert Leonard and Joan Romayne Stang, descendants of Norwegian immigrants. Bob served in the Navy in World War II in the Pacific. Jean was born second of six and the only girl. She grew up helping her mom, loving the outdoors and riding horses. She credited her love of music and violin to her grandfather, Al Otnes.

Her family moved to Williston, North Dakota, where Bob was a contractor during the oil boom. Jean treasured memories of Babe, her quarter horse, barrel racing or bareback riding on a summer day. She made wonderful friends in Williston who lasted throughout her lifetime.

In 1964, the family moved to Missoula, where Jean attended the University of Montana, earning a BA in English with honors. She protested against war and for civil rights and became a feminist.

She met the vibrant Einar John Stromnes in a Spanish class at U of M. Later they coincidentally saw each other on the streets of Seattle. They fell in love and were inseparable for 50 years, eloping on Dec. 2, 1968, in Coeur DAlene.

They raised two daughters, Ingunn and Katja in Missoula. Jean and John worked hard and always together, creating a rich life full of experiences.They were health conscious, active, creative and loving parents. Jean and John relished the outdoors with dogs, horses and their children; vacations included hiking, camping, sailing, canoeing and visits to the ocean. Both were musical and surrounded themselves with many friends who shared their passions. Jean loved playing violin or guitar and singing with friends and ensembles. More recently, she was taking piano lessons and practiced daily.

In 1980, Jean completed a special education endorsement and worked as a child development specialist for CDC in Missoula and the Flathead Valley for 20 years. She educated families to support their children with special needs and develop their full potential. She did this with love, zest and compassion.

In 1997, with daughters raised, Jean and John moved to Jette Meadows in Polson, where they built an art and pottery studio and a barn for horses. There was not a day that went by without Jean working on an art project. She created gorgeous watercolors often of the outdoors, sewed fabric art using fabric she hand-dyed herself, created felted wool wall hangings and found object collages and sculptures, and sewed countless quilts. She was a constant source of hand-made gifts for family members. Her last gallery showing, at the Sandpiper Gallery in Polson, was this spring.

Jean adored her five grandchildren, imparting a love of nature, art, music and animals. Jean dearly loved her husband and partner through life, John, who died October 26, 2018, months after moving to Helena to be closer to family. To honor John, she hiked each day in Helena and maintained an inner strength and creativity.

She is survived by daughters: Katja Allyn Elias (Abe Elias) and Ingunn Margarete Stromnes (Jeff Bonner) and five grandchildren: Khalil, Freya, and Emma Elias (Montana); Sindri and Tiernan Bonner (Minnesota); brothers Roger, Peter, Otto, Dave and Eric Stang; and many good and dear friends in Helena, Polson and Missoula. A memorial service will be held at a later time. Memorial donations may be sent in honor of Jean to Opportunity Resources at 2821 S. Russell St, Missoula, MT, 59801.
Thousands take to streets amid coronavirus-related restrictions to protest against proposed new national security law.

Hong Kong police have fired volleys of tear gas at demonstrators as thousands of people protested against Beijings controversial plan to directly impose national security laws on the semi-autonomous financial hub.

Images posted on social media on Sunday showed protesters gathering in the busy Causeway Bay and Wan Chai districts.

The demonstrators set up makeshift barricades and chanted slogans such as Five demands, not one less in reference to their demands from the government, including investigation of alleged police brutality against anti-government protesters last year.

Water cannon trucks and armoured police vehicles were seen rolling into Causeway Bay, while in Wan Chai police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds after protesters tried to block a road. Local media reported that more than 100 people were detained.

This is the first large demonstration in Hong Kong since COVID-19 arrived here, Al Jazeeras Adrian Brown, reporting from a protest site, said. The protesters are not just defying social-distancing rules, theyre also defying an order by Hong Kongs police not to hold this unauthorised assembly  and, of course, they are once more defying Beijing.

Nuclear option

The planned legislation is expected to ban treason, subversion and sedition, and comes after Hong Kong was shaken in 2019 by months of massive, often-violent protests sparked by opposition to a now-shelved bill to extradite criminal suspects for trial in mainland China.

Beijings proposal on Thursday sent a chill through financial markets and drew a swift rebuke from foreign governments, international human rights groups and some business lobbies.

In drafting the tough new laws, which could also see the setting up of Chinese government intelligence agencies in the finance hub, Beijing would be circumventing Hong Kongs lawmaking body, the Legislative Council.

Tear gas was fired around 1:25pm as protesters sought to march to Wan Chai. pic.twitter.com/ZPRKJ5N5WM  Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (@hkfp) May 24, 2020

The move has sparked concerns over the fate of the one country, two systems formula that has governed Hong Kong since its return to Chinese rule in 1997 and which guarantees the city broad freedoms not seen on the mainland.

Some local commentators have described the proposal as a nuclear option that is part of Chinese President Xi Jinpings high-stakes power play.

A backlash intensified on Saturday as nearly 200 political figures from around the world said in a statement the proposed laws were a comprehensive assault on the citys autonomy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms.

If the international community cannot trust Beijing to keep its word when it comes to Hong Kong, people will be reluctant to take its word on other matters, they wrote.

The statement, which was also signed by Hong Kongs last British governor, Chris Patten, said the proposed law is a flagrant breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration that returned Hong Kong to China in 1997.

The proposed national security law has sparked concerns over the fate of the one country, two systems formula that has governed Hong Kong since its return to Chinese rule in 1997 [Tyrone Siu/Reuters]

China has dismissed other countries complaints as meddling and rejected concerns the proposed laws would harm foreign investors.

Briefing reporters on Sunday, the Chinese governments top diplomat Wang Yi said the new legislation would target a narrow category of acts and would have no impact on the citys freedoms or rights, or interests of foreign firms.

State Councillor Wang said people should be more confident of the stability of Hong Kong, instead of being more worried.





Sundays rally was initially organised against a controversial national anthem bill, which is due for a second reading at the Legislative Council on Wednesday, but the proposed national security laws sparked calls for more people to take to the streets.

Hong Kong has increasingly become a pawn in deteriorating relations between Washington and Beijing, and observers will be watching for any signs of acceptance among the broader local community or indications that activists are gearing up for a fresh challenge.

Anti-government protests that escalated in June last year plunged the city into its biggest political crisis in decades, battered the economy and posed the gravest popular challenge to Xi since he came to power in 2012.

The sometimes violent clashes that roiled the city saw a relative lull in recent months as the government imposed measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.

In an op-ed published on Sunday by the Nikkei Asian Review, former Hong Kong legislator, Nathan Law, who is also the founding chairperson of pro-democracy group Demosisto, wrote that if the new law is imposed on Hong Kong, residents truly fear for our safety.

Our freedom of speech, assembly and political beliefs are no longer safeguarded by the citys legal system. Torture and imprisonment inflicted on human rights defenders in China may occur in Hong Kong, with activists like Joshua Wong and myself likely targets of the authorities, he warned.
Brazilians got a shocking look Friday at an expletive-laced meeting between President Jair Bolsonaro and his cabinet when a Supreme Court judge released a video at the center of an investigation targeting the far-right leader. The April 22 cabinet meeting is under scrutiny by prosecutors probing allegations by former justice minister Sergio Moro that Bolsonaro tried to interfere in federal police investigations. But it could prove just as damaging to Bolsonaro's 18-month-old government for other sordid details it contains. They include the president using profanity to insult governors, the education minister calling to throw Supreme Court justices in jail and the environment minister urging the government to legalize mining and farming in the Amazon rainforest while the world is distracted by the coronavirus pandemic. The video came to light when Moro resigned two days after the meeting. In a damaging final press conference, the then-justice minister, a popular anti-corruption crusader, accused Bolsonaro of "political interference" in the federal police. Police are reportedly investigating multiple cases involving Bolsonaro and his inner circle, including allegations that his son Carlos, a Rio de Janeiro city councilor, oversaw a fake-news campaign to benefit his father. Moro's allegations led a Supreme Court justice to order an investigation into whether Bolsonaro obstructed justice or committed other crimes. The probe, which could see Bolsonaro tried or even impeached, comes as the president faces growing disapproval ratings and criticism over his downplaying of the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 21,000 lives in Brazil. - 'Another farce' - In the video, Bolsonaro rails against what he calls a lack of information from the federal police, or PF. "I can't be getting surprises in the news. Hell, the PF doesn't give me information," he says. "I can't work like that. That's why I'm going to interfere, period. It's not a threat... it's the truth." At another point, he says: "I've already tried to change our security people in Rio de Janeiro, officially, and I couldn't. That's finished now. I'm not going to wait for them to fuck my whole family, my friends, because I can't change someone in our security apparatus." Anticipating the release of the video, the president had already sought to do damage control, saying he was talking about ensuring his family's security, not protecting anyone from investigation. "Another farce just collapsed. There's not a second in the video where someone could suspect I interfered in the federal police," Bolsonaro said after its release. - Profanity and insults - Confined to their homes by the pandemic, Bolsonaro opponents held raucous protests after the video's release, banging pots and pans out their windows. Excerpts of the video played non-stop on Brazilian TV. In one, Bolsonaro slings swear words at the governors of two of Brazil's biggest states, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, for defying him by imposing stay-at-home orders to contain the coronavirus. "That piece of shit of a governor in Sao Paulo, that pile of manure in Rio de Janeiro," he says. "That's why I want... the population to be armed. That's what guarantees that some son of a bitch can't just show up and install a dictatorship here." In another, Education Minister Abraham Weintraub attacks the Supreme Court for giving states the final say in the matter. "If it were up to me, I'd throw all these criminals in jail, starting with the Supreme Court," he says. In yet another, Environment Minister Ricardo Salles says, "Now that the media's only talking about COVID, we need to use this moment of calm to change all the regulations" preventing mining and farming on protected land in the Amazon. Investigators removed material relating to foreign countries before the video's release. According to Brazilian media reports, that included insulting remarks about China, Brazil's top trading partner. In another potentially explosive twist to the probe, opposition parties in Congress have asked investigators to seize Bolsonaro's cell phone and that of his son Carlos. The Supreme Court judge overseeing the probe passed the request Friday to the attorney general, who must now decide on the request. National Security Minister Augusto Heleno warned such a move would place Brazil's "national stability" at risk.
HONG KONG, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong business community has said establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security is crucial to Hong Kong's long-term development as it helps stabilize its business environment and enhance investors' confidence.

The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association and some other business chambers have issued statements, voicing support for deliberation of the draft decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security in the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC).

Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commence of Hong Kong, said that as an inalienable part of China, Hong Kong must fulfill its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security, which concerns the vital interests of Hong Kong citizens.

It has been nearly 23 years since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, and there is an urgent need for Hong Kong to work with the country to press forward the establishment and improvement of the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security. National sovereignty and security cannot be threatened and there is no room for compromise on the issue, he said, adding that the national security legislation is targeted at serious crimes such as subversion of the state and it will in no way impact the normal business operation of Hong Kong investment or any foreign investment in Hong Kong as well as the human rights and freedom of expression of Hong Kong citizens.

Gao Yingxin, chairman of the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, said that in recent years, the HKSAR is facing an increasingly serious situation in safeguarding national security, especially since the social unrest following the proposed amendment bill last year. Forces opposing China and sowing troubles in Hong Kong have incited the "burn with us" mentality and committed shocking crimes of violence, which seriously challenged the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle and seriously undermined China's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

Therefore, it is timely and imperative to establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms at the national level for the HKSAR to safeguard national security, Gao said.

Ng Wang Pun, president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, said that the series of social unrest arising from the proposed amendment bill have dealt a heavy blow to Hong Kong's rule of law, public safety and economic development, reflecting the impact of national security loopholes on Hong Kong's economy.

Ng said establishment and improvement of the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security will play an important role in maintaining Hong Kong's social development, building a safer and more stable business environment and protecting the well-being of Hong Kong citizens and enterprises.

A stable and safe social environment will be conducive to business and crucial to Hong Kong's long-term development. The establishment and improvement of the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security will help stabilize the business environment in Hong Kong, enhance the confidence of local and foreign investors, and enable the society to continue to develop steadily so that people can live and work in peace and contentment and enjoy the fruits of the economic development, according to the Federation of Hong Kong Industries.
Devon villagers have reported a multimillionaire landowner over to police over claims he returned to his country home during lockdown.

Nicholas Johnston, 48, is accused by locals of breaching lockdown laws to return to his 728-acre estate in Bantham in early April.

The 48-year-old also owns a 4,000 estate 185 miles away in Oxfordshire, and villagers suspected he may have been travelling between the two, after keeping track of the cars parked in the driveway of the 13-bedroom property.

Devon villagers have reported multimillionaire landowner Nicholas Johnston (pictured) over to police over claims he returned to his country home during lockdown

Johnston's 728-acre estate in Bantham, south Devon. Totnes MP Anthony Mangnall said he had raised the matter with local police

Totnes MP Anthony Mangnall said he had raised the matter with local police.

'I have done what I have always done when people have reported these things and I passed on the details to the police.

'I took the decision to contact the police and say, "Could you look into this?"', he told The Times.

This is not the first time Johnston, an Old Etonian, has stirred up controversy among local villagers, after he snapped up the Bantham estate for a reported 11.5 million in 2014 and planned to develop it with 28 new homes and a beach club.

A statement issued on Johnston's behalf said that he and his family had been self-isolating in their Devon home in accordance with government rules.

Johnston's estate in Bantham pictured, above and below. This is not the first time Johnston, an Old Etonian, has stirred up controversy among local villagers

'He and his family were there for the March and April lockdown period,' it read.

'It has been recorded as his personal private residence since he bought the property in 2017.

'Of course he therefore had his children with him at their family home during this period as they were self-isolating as a single family unit, as advised by the government.

Nicholas Johnston, 48, is accused by locals of breaching lockdown laws to return to his 728-acre estate in Bantham in early April. Above, Johnston pictured with his wife Linda

'At no point was he asked to leave Devon by anyone as that would be contrary to government guidelines to stay at your family home.

'At his request, the police met with him several times through this period... to discuss surfers and others who were still going to the beach. Nicholas walked to the beach with the police.'

It comes after chief government adviser Dominic Cummings was accused of flouting lockdown rules three times.

The Number 10 chief was on Friday branded a hypocrite for ignoring the same lockdown instructions to stay at home which he himself helped to craft.
Far more Massachusetts residents may have contracted the novel coronavirus than state data suggests, according to a study by the Imperial College London.

In the study, researchers estimate that 13% of the Massachusetts population of almost 7 million has contracted coronavirus. Thats about 896,000 people across the state.

State officials confirmed another 1,013 cases of the virus on Sunday, meaning there are now at least 92,675 cases.

The study estimated about 96,000 residents were infectious as of May 17 and could spread the virus to others. The only other state with a higher number of infectious residents was Illinois, according to the researchers.

A small study conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital and the Boston Public Health Commission found 10 percent of Boston residents have the antibodies that indicate they had COVID-19 and fought it off.

Researchers at John Hopkins University estimate 70% of the population will need immunity to have herd protection from the virus.

Herd immunity is a form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a large percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, whether through previous infections or vaccination, thereby providing a measure of protection for individuals who are not immune.

New York, Connecticut and New Jersey are the only states in the U.S. that suffered a larger percentage of their population becoming infected with COVID-19 compared to Massachusetts.

The study does point out that there is no single source of consistent and reliable data for all 50 states and it acknowledges that data issues such as under-reporting and time lags can influence the results.

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An Oregon man who allegedly shot a chicken with a spear gun while visiting Hawaii was arrested on animal cruelty charges as well as for violating the state's mandatory traveler quarantine with a friend.

On Saturday, special agents arrested 20-year-old Artyon Zhiryada of Happy Valley, Oregon, and 19-year-old Dan Vlasenko of Vancouver, Washington.

The two men were caught while leaving a condominium on Lewers Street in the Waikiki neighborhood of Honolulu, according to Hawaii News Now.

Scroll down for video

Tourists Dan Vlasenko (left) and Artyon Zhiryada (right) were arrested by special agents in Honolulu, Hawaii, for violating quarantine rules

The pair arrived in Oahu on May 16 and reportedly stayed in a friend's condo while visiting.

They quickly flouted Gov. David Y. Ige's orders for travelers to undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine. The mandate applies to all arrivals at state airports as well as to inter-island travelers.

In the days before their arrest, Zhiryada and Vlasenko reportedly traveled to various spots around Honolulu.

During this time, Zhiryada allegedly shot a chicken with a spear gun in a video that was shared to social media.

Zhiryada (pictured) is accused of shooting a chicken with a spear gun after footage of the incident surfaced on social media

In the footage, a man thought to be Zhiryada points a speargun at two chickens found in a parking lot.

'Yo, you're mental,' says a witness, as the man walks closer to the chickens.

The man then shoots the distressed chicken with a speargun while his friends laugh in the background.

Authorities said it was social media posts like this that helped them track down Zhiryada and Vlasenko.

Zhiryada faces quarantine violation and animal cruelty charges. His bail was set at $4,500.

Vlasenko was charged only with quarantine violation charges and had his bail set to $4,000.

Zhiryada is now facing animal cruelty charges for this incident, in addition to quarantine violation charges

Vlasenko (pictured) was taken into custody and had bail set at $4,000 after he was arrested while leaving a condominium in Honolulu

On Instagram, Vlasenko appeared to apologize for his actions.

'I would like to apologize to anyone who got offended by the video I posted on my social media of my friend shooting a chicken w/ a speargun,' he wrote.

'It was insensitive and disrespectful.'

Screenshots of Instagram DM's reportedly involving Zhiryada show him bragging about how he 'broke quarantine.'

Vlasenko apologized for on Instagram for his behavior and said the video involving the chicken was 'disrespectful'

Instagram direct messages appear to show Zhiryada bragging about how he 'broke quarantine' because of his arrest

Zhiryada (pictured) is one of 15 people Hawaii has arrested over the last several weeks for violating the state's 14-day quarantine mandate

In a statement, Attorney General Clare Connors revealed that special agents have arrest 15 people for quarantine violations in recent weeks.

'Our special agents have arrested 15 quarantine violators in recent weeks and county police departments have arrested additional suspects,' she wrote.

'Once again, we must warn residents who return, and visitors who come to Hawaii, that they will face consequences for violating our COVID-19 emergency rules.'

Misty Lynn Beutler, 51, of Moorpark, California was another recent quarantine violator who was arrested in Hawaii.

According to a press release from Governor David Ige's office, Beutler touched down in Honolulu May 9 to stay with her son at his condominium complex.

A resident at the complex claims they saw Buetler and her son unloading her luggage on that day. However, just two days later, they spotted her returning to the residence with beach equipment in hand.

Misty Beutler (right) was detained by Hawaiian authorities Friday after witnesses reported her out and about in Honolulu just days after she arrived there. She was reportedly staying with her son (left) at his condominium complex

On May 12, a witness reported that Beutler was out walking her son's dog

Then, on May 12, the resident reported that Beutler was out again - this time walking her son's dog.

Investigators went to the complex to interview the witness on Friday, May 22 and saw Beutler and her son coming out of an elevator ready to head outside.

She was promptly arrested and taken into custody. Her bond is set at $2,000.

The 14-day self-quarantine mandate was first enforced in March, but was extended on April 1 to include inter-island travelers.
Thirty-two new coronavirus cases were reported in Assam on Sunday, taking the COVID-19 tally to 378 in the state, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Eight COVID-19 cases were reported from the Sarusajai Quarantine Facility in the evening, while two each from Tezpur Quarantine Centre and Jorhat were reported in the morning.

The other coronavirus cases were reported from Nalbari (six), Kamrup (five), Hojai (four), Kamrup Metro (2), Nagaon (2) and Morigaon (one).

"There has been a dramatic increase in the number of positive cases in the state during the last few days, but almost 90 per cent of the positive cases are from the quarantine centres, the minister said at a press conference here.

"If we had not followed the ruthless policy of quarantine, the infection would have spread to the community, he added.

Of the total 378 COVID-19 cases, 314 are active cases, 57 have recovered, four died and three have migrated.

Hojai district has the highest number of coronavirus cases followed by Kamrup (Metro), while Dhemaji is the only district in the state with no cases so far, he said.

Of the total cases, 271 people recently returned to Assam and 39 are related to the Tablighi Jamaat.

Among those from outside the state, the highest number of 108 positive cases are from Maharashtra followed by 34 from Delhi, 33 from West Bengal and 40 from Tamil Nadu.

"It has to be, however, noted that so far 60,384 people have entered the state by roads and trains, and they have been quarantined. Out of these, 271 persons have tested positive, the health minister said.

The Assam government's ongoing surveillance has covered 25,000 villages and found only 23,000 people which is "very less and 6,000 of them were found to be suffering from severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and influenza-like Illness (ILI)", he said.

"Samples of 4,000 people were taken and tested for coronavirus. Not a single one tested positive. With this, we can claim that so far we have been able to save the community due to our quarantine policy, Sarma said.

The minister said though the number of cases are increasing, "there is no need to panic as we are prepared with facilities to serve five thousand people".

"We have been planning meticulously for the last two months and the Assam government is adequately prepared to deal with five thousand patients, he said.

"During the last two months, we have been working with a strategy to create facilities. We have opened enough doors and have adopted the policy to open one door after the other as the situation arises," the minister said.

"We have also ramped up the testing facilities and we felt proud that yesterday with 59,553 tests completed so far we had surpassed Kerala, considered a model for health care," he said.

The seven laboratories in the state are so far conducting 2,500 tests daily, but the government expects to reach 5,000 in the next few days as automatic extraction machines are being acquired for the purpose, Sarma added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Netanyahu becomes first serving Israeli PM to face criminal charges as he goes on trial over corruption allegations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lambasted Israels justice system for bringing fabricated and ludicrous charges against him as he became the first serving Israeli prime minister to face criminal prosecution.

The embattled leader arrived at a court in occupied East Jerusalem on Sunday to face a series of corruption charges.

The objective is to topple a strong prime minister from the rightist camp and thus to remove the right-wing from leadership for many years, he said in a televised statement to reporters at Jerusalem District Court.

Netanyahu, flanked by aides and officials wearing face masks to prevent coronavirus infection, said he was standing tall with his head held high and would continue to lead the country.

Hundreds of people took part in rival protests in favour of Netanyahu and against him, shortly before his appearance at the court.

The hearing lasted an hour and Netanyahu spoke only to confirm his identity. The court excused Netanyahu from appearing in person at the next hearing, set for July 19. Israeli analysts say the trial could last months or even years.

The prime minister has been charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases. He is accused of accepting expensive gifts, such as cartons of champagne and cigars, from wealthy friends and offering favours to media moguls in exchange for favourable news coverage of him and his family.

In the most serious case, he is accused of promoting legislation that delivered hundreds of millions of dollars of profits to the owner of a major telecom company while wielding behind-the-scenes editorial influence over the firms popular news website.

Protesters demonstrate against Netanyahu just before his corruption trial opens [Amir Cohen/Reuters]

Netanyahu, who heads the right-wing Likud party, denies all charges. He has cast his prosecution as a left-wing witch-hunt meant to overthrow a popular right-wing leader.

When he arrived at the courthouse, Netanyahu revived his claims that he is the victim of a deep state-type conspiracy by media, police, prosecutors and judges out to oust him.

He said police and prosecutors had conspired to tailor a case against him, and said the evidence was contaminated and exaggerated. He called for the court proceedings to be broadcast live on TV to ensure full transparency.

While the media continues to deal with nonsense, with these false, trumped up cases, I will continue to lead the state of Israel and deal with issues that really matter to you, he said, including to resuscitate the economy, and continue to save the lives of thousands of Israelis ahead of the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus.

Critics have said Netanyahus arguments have undermined Israels court system and risk deeper damage its democratic institutions.

Revealing evidence

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As prime minister, Netanyahu is under no legal obligation to resign and he has said his court battle will not affect his ability to do his job.

Al Jazeeras Harry Fawcett, reporting from East Jerusalem, said the opening of the trial on Sunday was mostly procedural.

What we expect to hear today are the charges being recapitulated and read to Netanyahu, he said.

We may also hear arguments from the rival legal teams revealing what kind of evidence is available to the defence, Fawcett added.

A three-judge panel, which will hear the prime ministers case, on Wednesday turned down his request to stay away from the opening session.

In asking to be excused, Netanyahu called the event a formality and argued bringing his contingent of bodyguards would waste public funds and make it hard to comply with physical distancing rules.

Some critics said Netanyahu was trying to avoid the optics of a prime minister sitting in the defendants dock. Turning down his request, the court said it was important for justice to be done.

Netanyahu supporters gathered outside the Jerusalem court [Sebastian Scheiner/AP Photo]

Political deadlock resolved

After three bruising elections over the past year, Netanyahu was sworn into office this week for a fourth consecutive term.





All three elections were seen as referendums on his fitness for office, and all ended in deadlock. After the most recent vote in March, his rival, Benny Gantz, appeared to have mustered enough support in Parliament to pass legislation that would have disqualified Netanyahu from serving as prime minister while under indictment.

However, in a stunning turnaround, Gantz, citing fears of a fourth expensive election and the coronavirus pandemic, agreed to shelve the legislation and instead form a power-sharing government with Netanyahu.

The Supreme Court cleared the way for Netanyahu to remain in power. In a key ruling, it said an indicted politician may serve as prime minister  even though Israeli law requires all other office-holders to resign if charged with a crime.

Yuval Shany, professor of law at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said there is a basic incompatibility between Netanyahus role as head of the government and his status as a criminal defendant.

In the latter role, Shany said, the prime minister would be fighting very aggressively and maybe effectively to weaken the government authorities that are prosecuting him.

There is a very serious conflict of interest situation, he told AFP news agency.

Under their deal, Netanyahu was forced to yield some powers to Gantz, with each wielding a veto over most key decisions. Gantz will hold the title of alternate prime minister, and after 18 months, they will swap jobs.

Six years ago, former prime minister Ehud Olmert was found guilty of bribe-taking and served 16 months in jail. His trial took place after his 2006-2009 term in office.
New Delhi [India], May 23 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke to Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over the phone, regarding COVID-19 pandemic and its likely health and economic impact in the region.



Prime Minister Modi assured President Rajapaksa that India would continue to provide all possible support to Sri Lanka for mitigating the effect of the pandemic.

President Rajapaksa also briefed Modi on the steps being taken by his government to restart economic activity. In this context, both the leaders agreed on the need to accelerate Indian-assisted development projects in Sri Lanka. They also discussed the possibilities of promoting investments and value-addition in Sri Lanka by the Indian private sector.

"Sri Lanka is fighting COVID-19 effectively under his leadership. India will continue to support our close maritime neighbour in dealing with the pandemic and its economic impact. We agreed to accelerate Indian-assisted development projects in Sri Lanka, and also strengthen investment links," said Prime Minister Modi on Twitter.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed his best wishes for the health and wellbeing of the Sri Lankan people during this period of the ongoing crisis.

Modi also spoke to his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth and appreciated his government's efforts in effectively controlling the spread of the deadly virus in the country. Last week, India delivered half a million tablets of hydroxychloroquine to Mauritius as per their request.

Mauritius is one of the first countries to receive supplies of this medicine after a special exemption was granted for a few countries. The consignment of essential medicines will be followed by a second consignment in the coming weeks.

"Our people share warm and special ties based on shared culture and values. Indians will stand by their Mauritian brothers and sisters at this difficult time," Prime Minister Modi said further. (ANI)
Christian evangelist and apologist Ravi Zacharias died on May 19, at age 74 after a brief battle with cancer. Ravi Zacharias spent the past 48 years traveling the world to commend the Christian faith and address life's greatest existential questions of origin, meaning, morality and destiny with eloquence and grace for a variety of audiences.

Through his founding and leadership of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), Zacharias launched a global team of nearly 100 Christian scholars and authors who continue to speak, resource, train and address the questions of millions around the world.

One of Zacharias's strengths as a speaker and author is his ability to tell a story well. As a tribute to Zacharias, here are three of our favorite stories from the evangelist.

1. Orphan Grasps the Dignity of His New Name

I have two very special friends whose lives have been a blessing to countless children who have been deformed from birth. They have established an orphanage to give them a home and find medical help to correct what can be corrected. Then they look for families who will adopt them. One little boy had always been passed over for adoption because he has a particular brain malfunction that is very rare. He often doesn't connect thoughts. At about nine years of age, as I remember the story, he was becoming despondent as, one-by-one, he saw his housemates being selected by families and leaving. He began to ask those who were taking care of him why no one was adopting him. Why didn't anybody choose him?

Through an incredible series of events, a couple from Texas, who had already adopted one child from the same orphanage, called to ask if this boy was still there. Through the goodness of the parents' hearts, and the generosity of the couple who established the orphanage in agreeing to cover all the costs of his adoption, the day has been set for this little boy to be taken to his new home. The special part of the thrill for him is that he will be reunited with one of the little boys who was his housemate at one time.

His actual name is quite hard to pronounce, but it is quite a normal name in his native setting. His adoptive parents have sent him the name they want to give him-Anson Josiah, the initials of which are A.J. He now walks around that home, waiting for his new parents to come for him, telling everybody as he points to his chest, "You can call me A.J. My name is A.J." Is it not interesting that even with the debilitation of disconnected thoughts, he is able to pick up the redeeming thrill of relationship and [his profound worth as] evidenced in his new name?

Ravi Zacharias, Why Jesus? (FaithWords, 2012), pp. 166-167

2. Father and Son Work Together to Weave Beautiful Indian Saris

In his book Jesus Among Other Gods, Ravi Zacharias tells the story about how God, the Master Weaver, sovereignly works to weave beauty into our lives as we respond to his will. During a trip to India, Zacharias noticed a father and son who were weaving some of the most beautiful Indian wedding saris in the world. Zacharias explains the background and then describes the scene:

The sari, of course, is the garment worn by Indian women. It is usually six yards long. Wedding saris are a work of art; they are rich in gold and silver threads, resplendent with an array of colors.

The place I was visiting was known for making the best wedding saris in the world. I expected to see some elaborate system of machines and designs that would boggle the mind. Not so! Each sari was being made individually by a father-and-son team. The father sat above on a platform two- to three-feet higher than the son, surrounded by several spools of thread, some dark, some shining.

The son did just one thing. At a nod, from his father, he would move the shuttle from one side to the other and back again. The father would gather some threads in his fingers, nod once more, and the son would move the shuttle again. This would be repeated for hundreds of hours, till you would begin to see a magnificent pattern emerging.

The son had the easy task-just to move at the father's nod. All along, the father had the design in mind and brought the threads together.

The more I reflect on my own life and study the lives of others, I am fascinated to see the design God has for each one of us ... if we would only respond to him.

Ravi Zacharias, Jesus Among Other Gods (Zondervan, 2000), pp. 17-18

3. Ravi Zacharias Speaks to a Leader of Hamas

Do you know why the Middle East is in the cauldron of hate? Because it's living with the logic of unforgiveness. I was talking to one of the founders of Hamas, Sheikh Talal. I was part of a group of people who had gone to the Middle East to try and bring the people together to a peace table. Sheikh Talal gave us a great meal, told us of eighteen years he'd served in prison, and how some of his children had been lost in suicide bombings. When my turn came to ask a question, I said, "Sheik, forgive me if I'm asking you the wrong question. Please tell me, what do you think of suicide bombing and sending your children out like that?"

After he finished his answer, I said, "Sheik, you and I may never see each other again, so I want you to hear me. A little distance from here is a mountain upon which Abraham went 5,000 years ago to offer his son. And as the axe was about to fall, God said, 'Stop.'" I said, "Do you know what God said after that?" He shook his head. I said, "God said, 'I myself will provide.'" He nodded his head. I said, "Very close to where you and I are sitting, Sheik, is a hill. Two thousand years ago, God kept that promise and brought his own Son and the axe did not stop this time. He sacrificed his own Son."

He just stared at me. The room was full of smoke with all of his security people. I said, "I may never see you again, Sheikh, but I want to leave this with you: Until you and I receive the Son that God has provided, we will be offering our own sons and daughters on the battlefields of this world for land and power and pride."

I could just see the man's lips beginning to quiver; he was sitting right next to me. Nobody said anything after that .... As we were walking out ... Sheikh Talal went quickly and shook hands with everyone, and then he came over to me and grabbed me by the shoulders, kissed me on both sides of the face, patted my face, and he said, "You're a good man, I hope I see you again someday."

When you understand [Christ's grace], it is an unparalleled message. In Hinduism, you pay with karma. In Islam you never know if your good deeds will outweigh your bad deeds. But the grace of Christ comes to you and says, "If any man comes unto me I will in no wise cast him out."

Adapted from Ravi Zacharias, "Ravi Zacharias Speaks with the Founder of Hamas," Justin Taylor Between Two Worlds blog (12-3-12)

Tags : ravi zacharias ravi zacharias funeral ravi zacharias tribute ravi zacharias death ravi zacharias stories Three of the Best Stories from the Late Ravi Zacharias
The Liberal Party candidate for the swing seat of Eden-Monaro, Fiona Kotvojs, has rubbished claims she does not want action on climate change, in the opening stoush of the byelection campaign.

Dr Kotvojs backed the case for cutting carbon emissions after winning the ballot to represent the Liberals in the NSW seat, where climate policy and bushfire recovery will shape the competing campaigns.

Fiona Kotvojs in Murrumbateman on Sunday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The new candidate is also removing herself from work on federal government contracts worth more than $150,000 last financial year, amid heightened concerns over eligibility under section 44 of the constitution.

The Labor candidate for the seat, Bega mayor Kristy McBain, stepped up her campaign on Sunday with a call for faster government help for communities hit by the summer bushfires.
Zimbabwean authorities are fighting an image-damaging incident in which three female opposition activists were reportedly pulled from a police station and tortured.

The three women had staged a protest against food shortages that had worsened by a six-week lockdown to fight the coronavirus.

The beatings were so bad that mainstream opposition party, the MDC Alliance, appealed to the United Nations and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for protection, saying its members are under siege.

The three, Zimbabwe's youngest MP Joan Mamombe, and Cecilia Chimbiri as well as Netsai Marova, who are leaders of the opposition MDC Alliance's youth wing, were found two days later dumped by the road 80 kilometres north of Harare.

Western embassies on Wednesday called for a swift investigation into the alleged abduction while urging the political protagonists in Zimbabwe to deescalate the tensions.

"The perpetrators of heinous acts of this kind and other human rights violations need to be identified and prosecuted," the embassies said in a joint statement signed by envoys from the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Norway and Switzerland.

CRITICISM

In their strongest rebuke yet of President Emmerson Mnangagwa since he took over in 2017, church leaders said abductions of government critics had reached alarming levels.

"It is deeply disturbing that the country has seen so many cases of abductions in the last few months, most of which have not been conclusively investigated," the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) said.

At least 50 opposition and civic society activists have been abducted and tortured since President Mnangagwa won a controversial election two years ago.

Initially the government blamed the abductions on an alleged third force comprised of disgruntled security agents from the previous Mugabe regime, but of late the authorities dismiss them as stunts by the opposition to attract the attention of the international community.

The latest incident, however, has alarmed even some of President Mnangagwa's staunchest supporters, including some of his advisers.

"We must end these bizarre abductions and inconclusive investigations into these cases," said Busisa Moyo, a presidential adviser.

"The state is responsible for the welfare of citizens," Mr Moyo added.

Another presidential adviser, Shingi Munyeza, apologised to the opposition activists whom he said were victims of an evil system.

Mr Munyeza, who is part of a panel established to advise the president after his controversial election, has been using social media to denounce the government for human rights violations.

Nelson Chamisa, the MDC Alliance leader, appealed to the international community to intervene in Zimbabwe saying President Mnangagwa was using the Covid-19 induced lockdown to crush the opposition.

Last Saturday, the Zimbabwean leader said the country would be on a lockdown for an indefinite period as it was yet to deal effectively with the Covid-19 outbreak, but the opposition said it was an excuse to rule by decree.

The MDC Alliance has since written to the UN special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of punishment, Nils Melzer, asking for an investigation into the abduction of the activists.

"This particular abduction is not isolated as the MDC Alliance has recorded 49 abductions by state agents outside the latest case since August 2019," wrote Gladys Hlatshwayo, the party's secretary for external affairs.

SCOT-FREE

"In January 2019, 17 women were sexually assaulted by members of the military.

"These violations are happening with impunity as no investigations are carried out and perpetrators are not held to account."

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The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), a quasi-government body, called for investigations into the mounting cases of abductions.

Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty International's deputy director for east and southern Africa, said it was strange for Zimbabwean police to deny reports that they initially arrested the tortured activists.

"It is deeply alarming that the state claims that it never had the women in custody when they were arrested at a roadblock run by both the police and the military," Ms Mwananyanda said.

Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe said he had ordered the commissioner-general of police to launch an investigation to "establish what transpired, who did what, and the motive behind the actions."

In the past two years Zimbabwe's security forces have been accused of abducting and torturing government critics following protests over the deteriorating economic situation in the country.

Abductions and enforced disappearance of government critics were also common during Robert Mugabe's reign.
The meeting also saw the attendance of leaders from several ministries, sectors and provinces and cities which have attracted large sums of foreign direct investment (FDI), and economic experts.

According to experts, the investment flow is expected to be poured into four industries: information technology and high technology, electronic equipment, e-commerce and logistics, consumer goods and retail. Therefore, localities should recognise and seize this opportunity to draw investment.

PM Phuc said Vietnam has achieved initial successes in fighting COVID-19, but it is necessary to focus on developing the country to realise the dual target of preventing the pandemic and boosting socio-economic development.

The PM asked the participants to deliberate concrete measures to optimise the investment flow shifted to Vietnam, especially from major multinational groups and high-tech firms.

General view of the meeting. (Photo: VNA)

He suggested attracting selective projects, aiming at big multinational groups utilising new cutting-edge and environmentally friendly technologies.

The Government leader requested building a project to address bottlenecks for investors such as land clearance and human resources.

He agreed on the establishment of a working group in charge of this matter, which is headed by the Minister of Planning and Investment.

Emphasising the role of the communication work, PM Phuc suggested promoting Vietnam as an attractive investment for investors and tourists.

The Government, localities and sectors must create optimal conditions in terms of production premises, necessary and attractive incentives, administrative procedures, and human resources, he said.

Attracting foreign investment with high-tech and high added value projects is an essential trend, the PM said, adding that authorities should make it easier for all economic sectors, particularly the private one, to successfully do business in Vietnam.
Police on Sunday registered cross FIRs after two men were injured following a scuffle between two groups in northeast Delhi's Maujpur area, an official said.

The two groups lodged complaints against each other over assault, threat and restrictions on their further movement, he said.

The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday, police said.

In a video that surfaced online, a man alleged that he and his brother had gone to buy medicines for his child in the morning and on their way back, their bike ran out of petrol and a group of four-five men stopped them.

He claimed that the group members pulled him and his brother into a parking lot and passed communal slurs. However, the group claimed that they were thrashed by the two men.

Police said two people were injured in the scuffle.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast) Ved Prakash Surya declined any communal angle to the incident and said that it was a fight between both the parties over some petty issue and all of them were equally involved in it.

"We are verifying the claims made by both the parties. However, investigation has not revealed any communal angle but based on the complaints from both sides, we have registered cross FIRs in the matter," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sleep-wake disturbances can predict recurrent events in stroke survivors

(Vienna, Sunday, 24 May, 2020) Stroke survivors suffering from the burden of combined sleep-wake disturbances are more likely to have another stroke or serious cardio- or cerebrovascular event compared to those without sleep-wake disturbances, according to the results of a scientific study presented today at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Virtual Congress.

The study, conducted by Professor Claudio Basssetti and his research team in Switzerland, found that having multiple sleep-wake disturbances such as sleep-disordered breathing, extreme long or short sleep duration, insomnia and restless leg syndrome independently and significantly increased the risk of a new cardio-cerebrovascular event (e.g. stroke, transient ischaemic attack, myocardial infarction) in the 2 years following a stroke. This, say the researchers, suggests that assessing and improving sleep patterns in stroke survivors could improve their long-term outcomes.

"We know that people who have had a stroke often experience sleep disorders, and that these are associated with worse stroke recovery outcomes," said Dr Martijn Dekkers and Dr Simone Duss from the University of Bern in Switzerland, who presented the study today. "What we wanted to learn from this study was whether sleep-wake disturbances in particular are associated with worse outcomes after stroke."

The study includes 438 individuals aged 21 to 86 years (average age 65 years) who had been hospitalized after an acute ischemic stroke (a type of stroke caused by a blocked blood vessel to the brain) or a transient ischaemic attack (a 'mini-stroke' caused by a brief blockage of the blood supply to the brain with transient clinical symptoms up to 24 hours). The presence and severity of the sleep-wake disturbances, such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome and sleep duration, as well as daytime symptoms such as sleepiness, were recorded for each individual at 1, 3, 12, and 24 months after their stroke. Sleep-disordered breathing was assessed within the first days after the ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack using respirography. The occurrence of new cardio-cerebrovascular events was also recorded during the 2 years of follow-up.

The research team reports that a bit more than one third of the patients reported insomnia symptoms (i.e. ? 8 points on the Insomnia Severity Index questionnaire), about 8 % fulfil the clinical diagnosis of restless legs syndrome, 26% suffer from severe sleep-disordered breathing (Apnoea-Hypopnea-Index > 20 events per hour) and about 15% report extreme sleep durations, with a tendency toward longer sleep durations following the stroke.

"Using the sleep-related information we collected during the first 3 months after the stroke, we calculated a 'sleep burden index' for each individual, which reflected the presence and severity of sleep-wake disturbances," explained Dr Dekkers. "We then assessed whether the sleep burden index could be used to predict who would go on to have another cardio-cerebrovascular event during the 2 years we followed them after their stroke."

The results suggest that stroke survivors with at least one subsequent cardio/cerebrovascular event have a higher sleep burden index score than patients without a subsequent event 3 months to 2 years post-stroke (Wilcoxon rank-sum test p

Although interventional trials investigating the benefit of treating sleep-wake-disturbances after stroke are needed, Dr. Duss said that sleep-wake disorders, should be more systematically assessed and considered in comprehensive treatment approaches in stroke patients (as recommended also in a recent guideline produced by the EAN in collaboration with 3 other European Societies).

###

Notes to Editors:

Press Enquiries:

For further information or to speak to an expert, please contact Luke Paskins or Sean Deans at press@ean.org or call +44 (0) 1444 811099.

About the Experts:

Prof. Dr. med. Claudio Bassetti, Dr. med. Martijn Dekkers, MD PhD Markus Schmidt, MD PhD Corrado Bernasconi and Dr. Phil. Simone Duss work at the University Hospital of Bern (Inselspital) in Switzerland.

EAN - The Home of Neurology:

The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) is Europe's home of neurology. Founded in 2014, through the merger of two European neurological societies, EAN represents the interests of more than 45,000 individual members and 47 national institutional members from across the continent.

In the interest of the health, safety and well-being of all registered attendees, patients and families, as well as the general public, EAN decided to cancel all in-person attendance and face-to-face activities at the Annual Congress, of May 23-26, 2020 in Paris. The decision was taken due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic and in full support of public authorities in Europe and the World in their effort to slow the spread of the disease.

Accordingly, the EAN Board decided to organize the 6th EAN Congress as Virtual Congress for May 23-26, 2020 and offer to the neurology community the possibility for education, scientific news and best practice exchange without leaving home.

The EAN Virtual Congress will also cover all neurological diseases and disorders, including the big 7: epilepsy, stroke, headache, multiple sclerosis, dementia, movement disorders, neuromuscular disorders.

References:

1. Simone B. Duss, Corrado Bernasconi, Martijn P. J. Dekkers, Anita Steck, Filip Alexiev, Markus Schmidt, Claudio L. A. Bassetti, Sleep-wake disturbances after acute stroke predict a higher risk of subsequent cardio-cerebrovascular events, EAN Virtual Congress 2020.

2. Duss SB, Seiler A, Schmidt MH, et al. The role of sleep in recovery following ischemic stroke: A review of human and animal data. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2016;2:94-105.

3. Duss SB, Brill AK, Bargiotas P, et al. Sleep-wake disorders in stroke-increased stroke risk and deteriorated recovery? an evaluation on the necessity for prevention and treatment. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2018;18(10):72.

4. Bassetti CLA, Randerath W, Vignatelli L, et al. EAN/ERS/ESO/ESRS statement on the impact of sleep disorders on risk and outcome of stroke. Eur J Neurol 2020; Apr 20. doi: 10.1111/ene.14201. [Epub ahead of print]

This story has been published on: 2020-05-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
The Delhi government will issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for people coming to the national capital from other states in flights, in line with the Union Health Ministry's guidelines, a senior official said on Sunday.

Domestic air passenger services are resuming Monday after a two-month gap due to the coronavirus lockdown.

The Union Health Ministry Sunday issued guidelines for domestic travel, advising passengers to download the Aarogya Setu application on their mobile devices and asking states to ensure thermal screening at departure point of airports, railway stations and bus terminals.

According to a senior Delhi government official, the city health department will bring its own SOP for arriving passengers in line with the Union Health Ministry's guidelines.

The Union Health Ministry said that states can also develop their own protocol with regards to quarantine and isolation as per their assessment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Roughly 3 to 5% of children with an aunt or uncle with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can also be expected to have ASD, compared to about 1.5% of children in the general population, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. Researchers also found that a child whose mother has a sibling with ASD is not significantly more likely to be affected by ASD, compared to a child whose father has a sibling with ASD. The findings call into question the female protective effect, a theory that females have a lower rate of ASD than males because they have greater tolerance of ASD risk factors.

The results, derived from records of nearly 850,000 Swedish children and their families, appear in Biological Psychiatry. The study was conducted by John N. Constantino, M.D., at Washington University in St. Louis, and colleagues in the United States and Sweden.

"The results offer important new information for counseling people who have a sibling with ASD," said Alice Kau, Ph.D., of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Branch of NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), which funded the study. "The findings also suggest that the greater prevalence of ASD in males is likely not due to a female protective effect."

Additional NIH funding was provided by the National Institute of Mental Health.

ASD is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that begins early in life and affects how a person interacts with others, communicates, and learns. Previous studies have found that roughly 3 times more males than females have ASD. Reasons for the difference are unknown.

One possible explanation is that females have a built-in resistance to the genetic factors leading to autism. With such a female protective effect, the theory holds that many women could carry such risk factors and be unaffected, but could transmit them to their sons, who lack the protective effect and may develop ASD.

In the current study, researchers analyzed data from Swedish national registers of births and family relationships. The children were born from 2003 to 2012. Roughly 13,000 children were diagnosed with ASD, about 1.5% of the total. Offspring of mothers with one or more siblings with ASD were about three times more likely than children in the general population to have ASD. Children of fathers with one or more siblings with ASD were twice as likely as children in the general population to have ASD, a rate that did not differ significantly than that of children whose mothers have a sibling with ASD. According to the study authors, the results provide the first population-wide estimate of ASD risk to children of parents who have a sibling with ASD.

This finding challenges the existence of a female protective effect, Dr. Constantino explained, because if such an effect existed, the children of mothers with a sibling with ASD could be expected to have up to a 30% higher risk of ASD. Similarly, the researchers found no statistically significant increase in ASD risk for children whose uncles have ASD, compared to children whose aunts have the condition.
The Hong Kong business community has said establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security is crucial to Hong Kong's long-term development as it helps stabilize its business environment and enhance investors' confidence.

The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association and some other business chambers have issued statements, voicing support for deliberation of the draft decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security in the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC).

Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commence of Hong Kong, said that as an inalienable part of China, Hong Kong must fulfill its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security, which concerns the vital interests of Hong Kong citizens.

It has been nearly 23 years since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, and there is an urgent need for Hong Kong to work with the country to press forward the establishment and improvement of the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security. National sovereignty and security cannot be threatened and there is no room for compromise on the issue, he said, adding that the national security legislation is targeted at serious crimes such as subversion of the state and it will in no way impact the normal business operation of Hong Kong investment or any foreign investment in Hong Kong as well as the human rights and freedom of expression of Hong Kong citizens.

Gao Yingxin, chairman of the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, said that in recent years, the HKSAR is facing an increasingly serious situation in safeguarding national security, especially since the social unrest following the proposed amendment bill last year. Forces opposing China and sowing troubles in Hong Kong have incited the "burn with us" mentality and committed shocking crimes of violence, which seriously challenged the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle and seriously undermined China's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

Therefore, it is timely and imperative to establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms at the national level for the HKSAR to safeguard national security, Gao said.

Ng Wang Pun, president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, said that the series of social unrest arising from the proposed amendment bill have dealt a heavy blow to Hong Kong's rule of law, public safety and economic development, reflecting the impact of national security loopholes on Hong Kong's economy.

Ng said establishment and improvement of the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security will play an important role in maintaining Hong Kong's social development, building a safer and more stable business environment and protecting the well-being of Hong Kong citizens and enterprises.

A stable and safe social environment will be conducive to business and crucial to Hong Kong's long-term development. The establishment and improvement of the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security will help stabilize the business environment in Hong Kong, enhance the confidence of local and foreign investors, and enable the society to continue to develop steadily so that people can live and work in peace and contentment and enjoy the fruits of the economic development, according to the Federation of Hong Kong Industries.
Chinese students wear masks as they wait to take a train after Chinese New Year break in Beijing, China, on Jan. 31, 2020. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Colleges at Risk of Losing $3 Billion as International Enrollment Declines: Survey

An anticipated decline in international student enrollment for fall 2020 will result in colleges in the United States losing at least $3 billion, according to a survey on the financial impact of the global CCP virus pandemic on the international education industry.

Conducted by NAFSA: Association of International Educators in early April, the survey received responses of 346 institutions from across the country. More than 65 percent of respondents said they were anticipating losses due to likely declines in enrollments among foreign students. Of those responses, about 61 percent predicted losses of $500,000 or less, around 32 percent estimated the potential losses to be between $500,000 and $3 million, while the rest said they would expect to lose more than $3 million.

If the anticipated losses from international enrollment declines is similar for other institutions in the United States, total revenue losses would amount to at least $3 billion for fall 2020, the NAFSA (National Association of Foreign Student Advisers) researchers said.

With travel restrictions, visa delays, and economic instability worldwide, COVID-19 has been incredibly harmful to the field of international education, Esther D. Brimmer, executive director and CEO of NAFSA, said in a press release.

The survey also found that about 38 percent of respondents said they have been supporting international students who are not able to return home due to travel restrictions, spending nearly $42 million on food, rent, scholarship, and tuition and housing refunds. When extrapolated across the country, NAFSA estimated the total spending to be $418.5 million.

In other findings, colleges had potentially lost almost $1 billion due to shortened or cancelled study abroad programs this spring. About 25 percent of respondents said cancelling those programs and bringing students back to the United States have costed them $500,000 or more.

Earlier this week, a new Institute of International Education (IIE) survey suggested almost 90 percent of U.S. colleges anticipated that international student enrollment would decrease in the upcoming school year.

Most of the 599 institutions that responded to the survey said fewer foreign students would be interested in study abroad programs in the United States due to the pandemic. Students families may also have had their hours reduced or lost their jobs, making it harder for them to pay for studying abroad.

Some 31 percent of respondents indicated their international students wouldnt be able to return to the United States for the fall semester as a result of issues such as travel restrictions and visa delays. The vast majority of international students unable to return to U.S. campuses in spring 2020 were from Asia, including China (59 percent), India (15 percent), Japan (14 percent) and Taiwan (11 percent).
Memorial Day normally equates to BBQ, sales and pool openings, the beginning of summer. Many people travel to a beach, lake or mountain. Some traditions include visiting a memorial cemetery to honor the fallen.

This year, the number of Americans traveling is expected to be far below last years record-breaking 43 million, according to the American Automobile Association, even below the 31 million who traveled in 2009, during the Great Recession. Whether we travel or not, we should honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Its the day to remember those who gave their lives to keep our country safe, free, so we can work toward prosperity. Memorial Day began as Decoration Day after the Civil War.

The graves of the fallen soldiers were decorated to honor their sacrifice  their lives  to keep our country united. Credit for Memorial Day goes to John Logan, who had served as an Illinois congressman prior to the Civil War, volunteered as a Union soldier and was promoted during the war to general. After the war, in 1868, he issued an order to honor those who had died in the war.

The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country, the order said.

We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. Logan described their deaths as the cost of free and undivided republic.

More than 600,000 American soldiers died during the Civil War, which remains the most deadly war for Americans.

While not all of us are called to serve our country in the armed forces or the political arena, we can all make a difference through the way we live our lives.

With freedom comes responsibility  responsibility to ensure that our freedom is maintained.

Freedom is never free but comes at a cost of lives, vigilance, time and effort.

The Declaration of Independence provides the foundation for our country: We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

We have life and liberty and must guard them both, but we are provided only with the opportunity to pursue happiness, not a guarantee of happiness itself. Whether you achieve happiness is up to you and is not the responsibility of our government.

President Abraham Lincoln reminded us of our responsibility in November 1863, when he delivered his address at the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Civil War was still raging.

He was not the main speaker for the day but had been invited as an afterthought. His speech was so short (less than two minutes) that the photographer did not have time to get a picture of him delivering it.

Its 278 words dont include I or me, but they do take the audience from our start as a nation and the American Revolution to Lincolns wishes for the future of our nation: Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. ... It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us  that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion  that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain  that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

This Memorial Day, spend a minute in silence at 3 p.m., the National Moment of Remembrance, along with millions of others, remembering the military men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety and freedom.

After Memorial Day, take an interest and get involved in what it means to be an American. Help others understand the importance being an American and living out the American dream.

Educate your children about those Americans who have died so that others could remain free, and reach out to veterans who were able to return home.

Lets give thanks and increase our devotion to our country so that our military men and women will not have died in vain.

COPYRIGHT 2020 JACKIE CUSHMAN

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In a bid to promote domestic business, the Delhi government has asked all its departments to desist from issuing global tenders of contract value up to Rs 200 crore, an official said on Sunday.

The Delhi government's move comes days after the Centre announced the 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' or 'Self-reliant India Mission' under which global tenders up to Rs 200 crore were recently disallowed.

According to an official, the finance department of the Delhi government has asked all heads of departments, commissioners of municipal corporations and autonomous bodies to adopt the Centre's amended General Financial Rules (GFR).

The move will benefit micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

"The Delhi government has endorsed the amendment in GFR made by the Department of Expenditure under Union Ministry of Finance, and forwarded it to HODs for necessary action," the official said.

Earlier this month, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced an economic support package for MSMEs, which includes disallowing global tender for government procurement up to Rs 200 crore.

Also, the definition of MSMEs has been changed by the central government from a pure investment-based one to that which provides for higher investments and turnover for companies to remain as small businesses, and avail financial and other incentives.

Small and mid-sized businesses in India account for about a third of gross domestic product and employ more than 11 crore people.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
OFFALY County Council voted to lease a water tower in Offaly to a telecommunications company despite the opposition of two councillors who were concerned that it could be used for a 5G mast.

Cllr Ken Smollen led the objection to the lease of the disused tower at Raghra, Shannonbridge when the proposal came before a meeting of the council on Monday.

The council executive proposed to lease the tower to Cignal Infrastructure Ltd for a premium payment of 20,000 followed by 2,000 per year per operator for 30 years.

Cllr Smollen quoted from the Limerick-based Fianna Fail TD Willie O'Dea, pointing out the former Minister's concerns about the safety of 5G technology. The Irish Democratic Party councillor also said Deputy O'Dea had stated that Switzerland, one of the leader of the roll-out of 5G, had put an indefinite moratorium on the use of the technology.

He further pointed to the Fianna Fail TD's statement that planning permission is not required for a 5G mast and that there is no consultation with communities. Willie O'Dea said the process would be better suited to a tin-pot dictatorship, Cllr Smollen told the meeting.

Referring specifically to the proposal before Offaly councillors, Cllr Smollen asked: Can we be sure that this will not be used for the installation of equipment for 5G technology? I think if we cannot be sure it won't be used for that purpose I don't think this lease should go ahead.

A number of other councillors rejected Cllr Smollen's statement, including Cllr John Leahy, Independent, who said we're not scientists and he did not have a problem with the lease. If there was a problem in the future it could be brought back to the chamber.

Cllr John Clendennen, Fine Gael, said the real issue was phone and internet coverage for everyone, those working from home and small businesses.

It was something he'd been hearing about in the council chamber for years. We've identified blackspots, Shannonbridge being one of them in terms of phone coverage and internet, said Cllr Clendennen.

He said leasing the water tower was the council's chance to make some land available to a company providing communications infrastructure.

We really should provide the people of Shannonbridge and the surrounding areas with good phone coverage and good internet, said Cllr Clendennen.

He said 5G was not included in the current proposal and that issue could be reviewed if an independent study in the future finds there are complications around 5G and its roll-out.

Under no circumstances would I want anybody in this county to be putting their health and their life at risk, said Cllr Clendennen.

Cllr John Carroll said the jury is still out on 5G but he understood the Shannonbridge facility would be for ordinary antenna, similar to what was already up on properties controlled by the gardai, the OPW and the ESB.

We'd all have reservations about 5G until the story is finally approved but I don't think it's 5G that's going up on this immediately and I think there'll be a lot more discussion before it comes around the county, said the Independent councillor.

Cllr Frank Moran, the Fianna Fail representative from Clara, expressed his reservations about the proposal, saying that if the council agreed to the lease it would be a 30-year contract which we can't break.

Cllr Smollen also hit back at those supporting the proposal. I think it's a poor excuse putting people's lives and health at risk simply because we want broadband. I don't think that's good enough.

He said concerns had been voiced about 5G in many places, including Laois. I don't know whether it's dangerous or not but we don't know whether it's not dangerous and I think it's up to us, it's our responsibility to ensure it's not dangerous, he said.

Cllr Noel Cribbin, the Fine Gael member from Edenderry, said he did not think that if 5G was that bad it'd be going up at all.

I don't think Willie O'Dea would be an authority on 5G and what's life saving and what's life threatening, he added.

After Cllr Smollen formally proposed that the lease be stalled until there was proper information on 5G if that's what's going in there, a vote was called by the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Peter Ormond.

Before the vote took place the council's chief executive, Anna Marie Delaney, said the installation of a 5G mast would be subject to a further licence.

Monday's council meeting took place in the council chamber with 17 councillors present, each sitting at least two metres from the other.

Two councillors, Cllr Eamon Dooley, Fianna Fail and Cllr Liam Quinn, Fine Gael, were participating in the meeting using Zoom technology but could not take part in the vote because they were not physically present in the chamber.

When the vote was taken 15 councillors rejected Cllr Smollen's proposal, Cllr Carroll, Cllr Clare Claffey, Cllr Clendennen, Cllr Cribbin, Cllr Neil Feighery, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick, Cllr John Foley, Cllr Mark Hackett, Cllr Declan Harvey, Cllr John Leahy, Cllr Tony McCormack, Cllr Robert McDermott, Cllr Sean O'Brien and Cllr Ormond.

Cllr Moran was the only councillor to support Cllr Smollen.

Later in the meeting Cllr Dooley remarked: I knew Willie O'Dea was very popular down in Limerick. I never thought he'd get two votes in Offaly as well. So well done, Willie O'Dea.

Cllr Smollen told Cllr Dooley that it showed how disjointed Fianna Fail was that even when he quoted from one of your own, you only get one of ye to support it.

5G is a latest generation of mobile telecommunications technology and its proponents say it carries more data at faster speeds than its predecessors, enabling greater connectivity.

Its opponents have expressed concerns about radiation and exposure to electromagnetic fields, in addition to waves already generated by 2G, 3G, 4G and wifi.

The licensing of 5G in Ireland is overseen by ComReg, the Commission for Communications Regulation.
By Trend

The volume of the US investments in the Azerbaijani economy has reached $14 billion, of which $12.8 billion relates to the oil and gas industry, Trend reports referring to Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov.

Jabbarov made the remark at a video conference organized by the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) together with the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan).

Thus, the US is the second biggest investor in Azerbaijan.

Jabbarov stressed that Azerbaijan is interested in developing trade and economic ties with the US and is taking important steps to expand cooperation.

So, presently, 257 US companies operate in various sectors of the Azerbaijani economy, including industry, agriculture, construction, services and others, the minister added.

Jabbarov also emphasized that AmCham Azerbaijan is making a significant contribution to the process of preparing a new bill on investment activity.

The priorities for investment activity of the US companies in Azerbaijan are construction industry, mining sector, petrochemical industry, digital economy, transport sector, trade and logistics, telecommunications, agriculture, processing industry and the development of the tourism sector, the minister said.

Moreover, the factor of wider application of the mechanism of public-private partnership on a number of projects, including infrastructure projects, by the Azerbaijani government creates favorable opportunities for expanding the relations with investors, the minister said.

Moreover, Jabbarov stressed the importance of creating a regional center of the World Economic Forum on the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Baku and Azerbaijans readiness to cooperate with the US in building the digital economy.

US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lee Litzenberger stressed Azerbaijans successful economic policy, the importance of ongoing reforms in the field of further improving the business and investment environment, as well as attractive tourism resources.
An ambulance driver of a civic-run



hospital in Vashi in Navi Mumbai died of the novel coronavirus infection on Sunday, an official said.

A Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation release said Commissioner Annasaheb Misal has announced that a legal heir would get a job in the civic body.

It added that his kin would get Rs 50 lakh as compensation from the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package Insurance Scheme for Health Workers and Rs 25 lakh from the corpus of the NMMC's Kamgar Kalyan Nidhi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
There is a lot of conjecture about who will profit from this coronavirus after the virus and the panic has abated. May I suggest that one winner is presently being overlooked.

Some suggest that the U.S. will win the economic war, and that China will lose in the wake of coronavirus. They see Chinas behavior as scandalous, and that this coronavirus panic will draw away investments to cause the final abandonment of China as the worlds cheap manufacturing supply house.

The new coronavirus Covid-19 will end up being the final curtain on Chinas nearly 30 year role as the worlds leading manufacturer. Using China as a hub... that model died this week, I think, says Vladimir Signorelli, head of Bretton Woods Research, a macro investment research firm. -- FORBES

Some wonder if the USA and the West are too deeply intertwined with China for a clean break to occur, while others think China might prevail despite its behavior. The West has become too dependent on the Chinese for electronic, medical, and technical products.

Mainland China has reached this position by piggybacking on the technology of other nations to rise to become a great industrial power, but the key is that China is not that great an innovator on its own. It seeks investments to provide what it cannot provide itself.

If one looks at reviews on Amazon, Chinese products are not considered high quality. True, the same was said of Japanese products in the fifties and sixties, but Japan closed that gap. The Chinese have yet to close it. And much of what China makes that is good is often made by foreign companies who have set up in China.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands joined Spain, Turkey, Georgia and the Czech Republic in rejecting China-made medical gear, claiming the items were substandard and questioning their quality as the number of global coronavirus cases passes 826,000, according to Fox News. -- NY Post

May I suggest that Israel will be the one of those to prosper from this disaster after Chinas behavior has caused a move away from its products.

Unlike the Chinese, the Israelis are well known for inventing their own technologies. They are world class innovators. Contrariwise, given the total control that their government exerts, China will never be a start-up nation, as Israel has become. Freedom is necessary for true innovation, and China will never allow it. China survives only by producing at lower costs, but it needs other countries to innovate.

Ironically, Israeli innovation has already attracted the eyes of Chinese investors, to make up what the Chinese lack. Over U.S. objections, Chinese firms have stepped up their involvement in Israel:

Israeli government officials estimate that in Israel alone, Chinese corporations have invested in or accessed projects worth nearly $15 billion. -- JPost (2019)

Yet, some in the Israeli government were worried.

The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the National Security Council (NSC) and US administrations have time and again expressed their concerns regarding this growing trend. Yet government ministers are finding it difficult to reach a decision. -- JPost (2019)

Happily, the Israeli government has taken precautionary steps.

Israel Acts to Counter Chinese Corporate Influence -- Defense of Democracies

If Israel can avoid the mistakes that the West has made, and minimize Chinese influence, it may find itself in a position to become a first-rate supplier of some goods to the West that will replace China.

Given that Israel already produces a lot of high tech, and both Apple and Microsoft have invested heavily in Israel, there is absolutely no reason that Israel could not replace China as a major electronic supplier to the world.

Intel bought Habana Labs, an Israeli startup that develops chips for artificial intelligence applications, for about $2 billion, to bolster its efforts in the fast-growing market for AI silicon.

The purchase is the latest in a string of acquisitions aimed at making Intels offerings essential to some of the biggest buyers of silicon and fending off rising competitors. -- Industry Week

China has not grabbed control of the server chip market  of major import - and a good reason is Israels Annapurna Labs.

Amazon Cloud Services revealed a list of new products and services at the Re:Invent convention in Los Angeles on Tuesday, including products that were developed by Israeli company Annapurna Labs, which is owned by Amazon. The most notable product was Graviton2, Annapurnas new processor, which is designed for server farms and is an upgrade from Graviton, which was released a year ago. -- Haaretz

Israel already has a good chunk of the worlds pharmaceutical market, and yes, TEVA, the worlds largest manufacturer of generic drugs, has run into scandals -- but so have a lot of other pharmaceuticals.

Some have averred that Israel cannot compete with China because its reservoir of labor is too small. Israel proper has 8 million citizens to Chinas 1.4 billion, a ratio of 1 to 175. By that logic, Britain should never have conquered a quarter of the globe, yet it did. And Taiwan and Singapore are major producers with small populations.

Industrial output is moving away from large-scale labor-intensive operations to massive Artificial Intelligence (AI) based production.

Israel is well known for its strength in deep-tech, and is also home to a vibrant AI ecosystem that has been growing rapidly over the past few years. Israels unique tech ecosystem includes companies and startups that utilize AI technologies in healthcare, cybersecurity, autonomous driving, and many other fields.  Forbes

And here Israel has also the edge. Intel has been the recipient of massive capital investment for a long time.

Intel's $11 Billion Israeli Expansion Plan Is Back on Track  Ctech (2019)

Investment is already starting to move out of China as labor costs rise. What Israel offers is profitability that comes from intelligence, not cheap labor. Ones profits will not decline as the standard of living increases, since the profits depend on an educated work force, not a starving one.

The problem is that China still comes in with the allure of large-scale investment, as well. This has to be resisted. Otherwise, Israel will make the same mistakes the West has made. Israel should disconnect itself from China altogether and concentrate on penetrating Europe, India, and Latin America.

By distancing itself from China  though it might take an investment hit for a while  Israel has the potential to become the tech supplier to the world. Israel is unique in that it has the intellectual base and a lot part of the industrial plant already set up.

Some might say that Israel could not emulate Foxconns success in Taipei, due to its labor shortage. But there is no reason that Israel could not tap some pacified areas of Judea and Samaria for labor intensive operations. Trumps plan offers a four-year deadline for the PA to accept terms.

[T]he deal provides for a four-year window for them to engage in renewed settlement talks. - New York Times

The PA will never accept, and then Israel will have a free hand to act. Between its own Israeli Arabs, and the unemployed that will result from an eviscerated PA, Israel may have all the labor it needs to run a Foxconn operation. Artificial intelligence will fill in any gaps.

The Israeli government should consider branding Israel as the replacement for China, with better quality and ethics. Take a hint from 7 up, the soda which once branded itself as the unCola. Perhaps Israel should brand itself as the unChina.

Graphic credit: Torange
Six million Australians have downloaded a mobile phone app that helps health authorities trace coronavirus infections, officials said Sunday.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the COVIDSafe app is playing a strong role in Australia's response to the pandemic and several countries have expressed interest in learning from its positive impacts.

If a user is diagnosed, the app works to identify other users who have been in close proximity for 15 minutes or more in the previous three weeks.

The government has said at least 40 per cent of Australia's 26 million people need to use the app for it to be effective.

There are approximately 17 million mobile phones in Australia.

The government and states have been easing restrictions on travel and increased use of restaurants and bars in the past few weeks.

Australia has recorded more than 7,100 cases of COVID-19, with 102 deaths.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 'spacious' two-bedroom house is up-for-grabs in County Durham costing a bargain 175 a month to rent, but locals have warned 'you get what you pay for'.

The 1920s end-terrace home has been listed to let by Dowen Lettings in the former mining village of Horden on Fifth Street.

Experts believe it is the cheapest family home to rent in the UK for many years, according to the Mirror.

41 Fifth Street, an end-terraced house in Horden, is available to rent for a bargain 175 a month, but locals have warned 'you get what you pay for'

Other two-bedroom homes available on Fifth Street charge between 300 and 400 a month to rent, according to Zoopla

The property is just a short walk from the beach and is near two schools, seeming to be the ideal bargain for families.

It is also an convenient place for commuters who work in larger towns to live, located only 12 miles south of Sunderland.

The double-glazed house has two double bedrooms, a fitted bathroom and two reception rooms.

Fifth Street is also just 700 yards from Durham's famous Heritage Coast walking trail, which stretches from Sunderland to Hartlepool.

But some locals have warned 'you get what you pay for' with the bargain find, saying many homes in the area have gone to ruin.

Fifth Street is just 700 yards from Durham's famous Heritage Coast walking trail, which stretches from Sunderland to Hartlepool

Many homes in Horden were left empty and boarded up and according to 2019 figures, Horden had 185 long-term vacant homes, the fifth highest number in the county

Durham County Council introduced a multi-agency operation in 2018 to regenerate Horden, located 12 miles south of Sunderland. Pictured, a Horden road surrounding Fifth Street

Former primary school teacher Doug Langan, 68, said: 'Some of the houses are owned by retired miners who have been there 40 years but others have gone to rack and ruin.

'175 is cheap but you will get what you pay for.'

Other two-bedroom homes available on Fifth Street charge between 300 and 400 a month to rent, according to Zoopla.

Many homes in Horden were left empty and boarded up and according to 2019 figures, Horden had 185 long-term vacant homes, the fifth highest number in the county.

But Durham County Council introduced a multi-agency operation in 2018 to try and clean-up and regenerate the area.

The housing regeneration masterplan aims to tackle issues of absentee landlords, poor quality and low housing demand in the area.
Jeffrey Bates is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, but is not board certified in any area of specialty by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

This column is meant for general information and educational purposes only, and neither this column nor the transmittal of a legal question via email constitutes the creation of an attorney/client relationship between the reader and Jeffrey Bates and/or Southern Newspapers Inc. For specific advice regarding legal matters affecting you, consult an attorney.

To submit a question, send it via email to JeffreyPBates@aol.com , or via regular mail to Ask the Lawyer, 101 S. First St., Lufkin 75901, or call 639-2900.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 04:42:47|Editor: huaxia

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ZAGREB, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Croatia recorded no new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, the National Civil Protection Headquarters announced here on Saturday.

This is the first time since early March that no new cases are recorded daily in the country, which has an estimated population of 4.1 million.

The first COVID-19 case in Croatia was reported on Feb. 25, when a patient who had traveled to Italy tested positive.

As of Saturday, Croatia has 2,243 confirmed cases, according to koronavirus.hr, an official website dedicated to the outbreak. Meanwhile, 2,023 people have fully recovered, while 99 people have died.

In the past weeks, the Croatian government has gradually relaxed its restrictive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic announced on Friday that later this month Croatia will open its borders to citizens from Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Croatia has already opened its border with Slovenia.

Weddings, celebrations, receptions and cultural events such as concerts and festivals would be allowed starting from next week, according to National Civil Protection Headquarters. Enditem
A preliminary report on the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane crash, in which 97 people were killed, has raised serious questions about the pilot's handling of the aircraft and what prevented the crew in the cockpit from informing the air traffic controllers about the troubles.

Pakistani investigators are trying to find out if the crash of the national flag carrier's flight PK-8303 is attributable to a pilot error or a technical glitch, with new leads raising fresh questions over the circumstances of the incident, Geo News reported.

According to the report, prepared by the country's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Airbus A-320's engines had scraped the runway thrice on the pilot's first attempt to land, causing friction and sparks recorded by the experts.

After the third impact, the pilot took the aircraft off into the air again, which officials found very strange as the crew in the cockpit did not inform the Air Traffic Control (ATC) at the Jinnah International Airport of any problem with the landing gear, The News International quoted CAA sources as saying.

Since automated emergency systems within the aircraft go off in case of any emergency, and the loud alarms and warnings are impossible to ignore, there was no indication from the pilot to the ATC that something was amiss, it said.

When the aircraft scraped the ground on the first failed attempt at landing, the engine's oil tank and fuel pump may have been damaged and started to leak, preventing the pilot from achieving the required thrust and speed to raise the aircraft to safety, the report said.

The pilot made a decision "on his own" to undertake a "go-around" after he failed to land the first time. It was only during the go-around that the ATC was informed that landing gear was not deploying, it said.

"The pilot was directed by the air traffic controller to take the aircraft to 3,000 feet, but he managed only 1,800. When the cockpit was reminded to go for the 3,000 feet level, the first officer said 'we are trying'," the report said.

Experts said that the failure to achieve the directed height indicates that the engines were not responding. The aircraft, thereafter, tilted and crashed suddenly.

"The plane descended too fast, almost plunged," sources familiar with the report said.

The investigators were trying to establish why the pilots not once informed the ATC of any emergency, malfunction, engine failure or fire despite the visible problems the aircraft was facing, the report said, adding that it is rare to have so many technical problems at the same time.

The ATC's conduct is also being probed.

The report added that at this point, there are more questions than answers with the most serious being why and how the alarm systems inside the cockpit failed to warn the pilots of an impending emergency.

PIA chief executive officer Arshad Malik has said that the black box of the plane has been handed over to the investigation team.

The team, headed by Air Commodore Muhammad Usman Ghani, President of the Aircraft Accident and Investigation Board, is expected to submit a full report in about three months.

According to the PIA's engineering and maintenance department, the last check of the plane was done on March 21 this year and it had flown from Muscat to Lahore a day before the crash.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pakistan government had allowed the limited domestic flight operations from five major airports - Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta - from May 16.

After the plane tragedy, the PIA has called off its domestic operation.
S teve Baker has become the first Conservative MP to break ranks and demand that Boris Johnson sack Dominic Cummings over his alleged breach of lockdown rules.

The former Brexit minister said the Prime Minister's "dispensable" top aide "must go" after reports emerged that he had travelled 260 miles to the North East in March to self-isolate with his family.

Reports later surfaced that the 48-year-old made a second trip to County Durham, where his family lives, despite social restrictions.

In the hour since Mr Baker's scathing attack, three other Tory MPs have joined the growing calls for the PM's chief advisor to quit, with Damian Collins saying: "The Government would be better off without him."

Mr Baker, MP for Wycombe, told Sky's Sophy Ridge programme on Sunday morning that Mr Cummings "holds in contempt any effort to hold him accountable to others" and that "no one is indispensable".

Dominic Cummings is under increasing pressure to quit / AP

If he doesnt resign, well just keep burning through Boriss political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis, he added.

It is very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominics slogans to mean stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives."

He added: Im afraid I just think this is the end of the road. I objected to Dominic going into Number 10 on the day Boris became PM, my colleagues werent with me. I think its worked out badly, as it was bound to do.

Dominics tactics are out of place and he should go, and this moment has revealed that really he has ended up not abiding by the spirit at least of the slogans which he has enforced on the rest of the country.

Steve Baker is the first Tory MP to break ranks / Dominic Lipinski/PA

Writing in The Critic earlier on Sunday, Mr Baker said: Enough is enough. I and others saved him once before when he was driving Vote Leave to implosion.

Not today. Dominic Cummings must go before he does any more harm to the UK, the Government, the Prime Minister, our institutions or the Conservative Party.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insisted on Sunday morning that reports of the second trip to Durham are "completely untrue" and that Mr Cummings was "trying to do the best by the child".

Shortly after Mr Baker's scathing attack on Number 10, North Dorset MP Simon Hoare become the second Tory MP to demand he goes, saying he is "wounding" the Government.

He tweeted: "With the damage Mr Cummings is doing to the Governments reputation he must consider his position. Lockdown has had its challenges for everyone.

"Its his cavalier I dont care; Im cleverer than you tone that infuriates people. He is now wounding the PM/Govt & I dont like that."

The chain reaction prompted by Mr Baker's attack continued as North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale became the latest to demand the PM's top aide goes.

He tweeted: "While as a father and as a grandfather I fully appreciate Mr Cummings desire to protect his child.

"There cannot be one law for the Prime Ministers staff and another for everyone else. He has sent out completely the wrong message and his position is no longer tenable."

Boris Johnson is under pressure to fire his chief adviser / Getty Images

The interventions come as Boris Johnson faces mounting pressure to sack his most senior aide following the fresh claims of a second trip, despite official guidelines warning against long-distance journeys.

Labour and the SNP have both written to Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill demanding an "urgent inquiry" into the allegations.

The PM pledged his full support on Saturday as Mr Cummings insisted he behaved "reasonably and legally".

According to the Sunday Times, the PM has told allies he would not throw Mr Cummings to the dogs following reports he made the journey to ensure his four-year-old child could be looked after as he and his wife were ill.

But according to reports in the Observer and Sunday Mirror, former Vote Leave campaign chief Mr Cummings made a second trip to Durham and was seen there on April 19  five days after being photographed on his return to Westminster.

A second eyewitness told the two papers they saw him a week earlier in Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday, a popular tourist location 30 miles away from Durham, during the period he was believed to be self-isolating.

Downing Street has said it would not waste time replying to the fresh allegations from campaigning newspapers.
 Art by Shawn D'Souza for Firstpost To ensure smooth sailing through this lockdown period, I enrolled in online cooking classes, but  much to my mothers wrath  failed to put any of my newfound lessons into practice. Others, as evinced by their social media feeds at least, seemed to be having better luck. People developed an overnight obsession with baking bread, and making fancy coffee. Whether or not these culinary endeavours will last after the lockdown lifts remains to be seen, but for now at least, the harmonised response seems to be to get good at cooking. In that spirit, I decided to do a pairing: simple, hearty dishes that can be made with easily available ingredients  with food-centric films that serve as great backdrops for them (or binge-watch accompaniments alongside a meal). There are dozens of movie meals that make my mouth water  from the welcome feast at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone to the Scotch and lobsters the gangsters of Goodfellas enjoy in prison. While chow-focused classics like Big Night and Babette's Feast have been included in this pairing exercise, I have widened the pool to include films across genres: each of them is an aesthetic delight, with an assuredly high appetite-whetting quotient, be it vis their depictions of sumptuous feasts or more modest repasts. Let the screenings  and snacking  begin.

Big Night  Omelet Big Night is the rarest of all food movies  a tight, smart comedy with a big heart that captures so much of what we love about the experience of dining out. Two Italian immigrants  chef Primo (Tony Shalhoub), and his maitre d brother Secondo (Stanley Tucci)  run a struggling restaurant in 1950s New Jersey. Americans arent used to the authentic Italian recipes they serve, and Primo, the older brother, refuses to compromise on what he sees as his art. Their main competitor Pascal (Ian Holm) has found success by pandering to local preferences. He promises to help by calling in a favour from an old friend, the famous bandleader Louis Prima. If he visits the brothers failing restaurant, the accompanying publicity will revive their dream. That sets in motion Big Nights primary dramatic premise, with elaborate preparations of Italian delicacy timpano. The final scene  heartbreaking, uplifting, and played in complete silence  features Secondo preparing a simple omelet and serving it wordlessly, a gesture that speaks of brotherly devotion. Dish to pair it with: Big Night reminds us that less is more, of how life sometimes may not roll out the way we want, but one can always settle for simple and fulfilling pleasures like Secondos omelet. Stop fussing over that three-course menu and indulge in a universal staple, made well. Babettes Feast  French spinach souffle The film, which swept the 1987 Oscars, is based on a short story by Danish author Karen Blixen (whose other famous adapted work was Out of Africa). In 19th-century Denmark, the pious spinster sisters Filippa (Bodil Kjer) and Martine (Birgitte Federspiel) are honouring the memory of their late father by hosting prayer groups. They soon welcome Frenchwoman Babette (Stephane Audran), a Parisian chef and a refugee from the French civil war, into their home. Babette agrees to work as their cook and housekeeper; and, on coming into a huge amount of money, offers to cook a sumptuous French banquet for them and the other cantankerous old villagers. A leisurely prologue traces the sisters doomed girlhood romances, their lovers fates and the strange circumstances that brought the Frenchwoman into their service. When the feast is presented, it almost feels like a lost love affair, all rolled up in most sensual and intoxicating last dinner. Dish to pair it with: Theres no possibility of procuring a bowl of this films signature dish  turtle soup  but really, any elegant, slightly decadent dish will do. This light and surprisingly easy French spinach souffle is an indulgence youll be glad to sample. Once youve mastered the art of making it, this souffle is likely to emerge a delicious winner.

Eat Drink Man Woman  Chicken dumplings Take one widowed Taipei master chef, add three romantically-troubled daughters, stir in a flirtatious widow, mix vigorously, and you have a recipe for Ang Lee's 1994 Oscar-nominated film Eat Drink Man Woman. This effervescent romantic comedy centers on the Chu family dinner table, where Chef Chu serves up a five-star banquet for his three daughters every Sunday afternoon. It provides the perfect setting for family 'announcements', during which his daughters reluctantly yet boldly divulge the most recent developments in their personal lives. Mr Chus methods of preparation invoke intimacy, and the depiction of dishes is traditionally detailed, proving that food is indeed the connective tissue which binds this and many families together. Dish to pair it with: Ang Lees film is a reminder of lost conversations, banter and shared meals among families. The characters in Eat Drink Man Woman are all lost in their own heads, but what brings them together over and over is food, piled onto a dinner table. A warm bowl of chicken dumplings is a great conversation starter to share stories  wrapped in nostalgia, devoured wholeheartedly when shared with loved ones.

Marie Antoinette  Banana pancakes Sofia Coppolas sumptuous biography of the doomed French queen, Marie Antoinette isnt a food film as such, but contains some of the most tantalising culinary scenes. Banquet sequences feature carefully arranged asparagus, lush cakes and jellies placed alongside candied orange peels, mini bites of cream topped with berries and pistachios  all served on gilded and hand painted china. Sweet decadence! Dish to pair it with: Oh, to be in Paris amid a variety of confectioneries. But, one can dream with these gloriously fluffy banana pancakes and brighten up dull days. In a dreamy saccharine scene, we see the princesses partying with a stack of pastel macaroons and petits fours, while champagne flows freely across the room. Keep these pancakes close, as they will be a perfect substitute for the stacked macaroons while you plan a post-lockdown meet-up with your friends.

Aruna & Her Palate  Egg noodles Based on Laksmi Pamuntjaks book, this film is a gourmet tour of Indonesian cuisine and a voyage of romantic discovery  set against (sorry!) the backdrop of an avian flu outbreak. Aruna (Dian Sastrowardoyo) is an epidemiologist investigating a series of isolated outbreaks of a new virus strain of what appears to be bird flu in humans. She decides to combine work with a food-centric road trip, sampling the local delicacies in each place she visits. The HazMat suit by day, clam noodles by night juxtaposition is odd, but works smoothly enough as Aruna struggles to balance her foodie fun with the reality of a looming health crisis. And then her crush (Oka Antara) shows up! Dish to pair it with: Why all the eating establishments depicted in this movie are open during an epidemic remains a total mystery to me, however, this plot point does nudge me towards egg noddles! Especially when topped with chilli, honey and sugar snaps.

Gulabjaam  Shrikhand In Sachin Kundalkars 2019 feature Gulabjaam, Aditya (Siddharth Chandekar) leaves his high paying bank job to open a restaurant and recreate the food of his childhood. When he tracks down Radha (Sonali Kulkarni), who is famed for her culinary touch, he encounters a living example of the notorious Puneri brand of hospitality. She is eccentric and completely disinterested in mentoring at first, but soon her facade dissolves. She tests Aditya by making him knead dough, roll out 100 chapatis, dry pulses, grind flour, wash utensils, clean up, and cut vegetables. While it features in many arresting visuals, food is also used as a metaphor in Gulabjaam. Dish to pair it with: Shrikhand is an integral part of traditional Maharashtrian and Gujarati thali. The process by which a humble bowl of curd can turn into a mouthwatering dessert is amazing. Have it plain, or combined with fruit pulp, nuts, saffron and cardamom to enhance the shrikhands creamy richness. Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana  Butter chicken Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana is the story of a man in search of a forgotten recipe for the signature dish that made his familys dhaba popular in Punjab. Omi (Kunal Kapoor) runs away from home and migrates to the UK. He returns home after a decade, unemployed and debt-ridden, hoping his family can help him out. Except that his once-wealthy grandfather has not only lost his fortune but also the recipe of the dish that made his restaurants fortune: the Chicken Khurana. Directed by Sameer Sharma and sharply written by Sumit Batheja, the film has a close understanding of the flourishing genre of idiosyncratic slice-of-life narratives, and is a comedy about food, love and family ties. Dish to pair it with: The classic butter chicken delicacy is unknown to none. Juicy chicken bathed in a creamy gravy bursting with authentic flavours  what could better encapsulate the spirit of this Bollywood film?
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 09:33:16|Editor: huaxia

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CAPE TOWN, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The South African government on Saturday approved essential travel for its nationals who want to return to countries where they are based.

Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi made the announcement following consultations with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the National Coronavirus Command Council.

South Africans who wish to leave the country are permitted to depart only for one of the following reasons: work, study, family reunion, taking up permanent residency and receiving medical attention, Motsoaledi said.

South Africa imposed travel restrictions in mid-March as part of the measures put in place to fight COVID-19, only allowing travel between countries under special circumstances.

Under the new policy, South Africans wishing to return to countries where they reside are required to provide necessary documentation. Moreover, if returning by road or connecting via flights, they need to submit permission from each transiting country.

The announcement came amid a surge in confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country.

As of Saturday, South Africa has recorded a total of 21,343 cases, the highest number in Africa, according to Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

Over the past 24 hours, the country has reported 1,218 cases, the highest single-day surge since March 5.

The number of deaths from COVID-19 has risen to 407, up by 10 from Friday. Enditem
SPAULDING TWP, MI  Flooding in Saginaw County pushed people out of their homes and swallowed acres of crops, while some residents didnt flinch at the impact it left overnight.

A century-old farm is still standing in Saginaw Countys Spaulding Township, just south of Saginaw, but its nearly surrounded by water and its crops are drenched due to multiple dikes that were overwhelmed with water late Thursday, May 21.

As far as you can see was planted with corn and its probably all shot now, farmer Jim Secord with Kessler Farm said of the 800-acre business.

Houses and trees reflecting off the water that created a four-foot swimming pool at the end of Houlihan Road in Spaulding Township looked like an intentional, painted portrait.

Spaulding Township Fire Department and multiple other agencies such as the National Guard came to the rescue of some residents due to rising waters of the Cass River and a breach in the dike on Birch Run Creek.

We started out with some minor flooding, and then it progressed to high-stage flooding where we started to warn residents that it probably wasnt a bad idea to start to evaluate their house because of the high water, and the water is still rising, said Spaulding Township Fire Chief Thomas Fortier.

Some residents left their homes while others stayed put, Fortier said, adding that he expected calls on Friday from more people who want to evacuate.

Kessler Farm owner Jake Kessler and his family members, who also operate the farm, were some of the residents who stuck around.

Lance Klein, Kesslers nephew, was on his way out the door with his mother, Marsha Klein.

They were in good spirits despite the heavy flooding and seemed optimistic about the current conditions in comparison to the 1986 flood, which has been referred to as the worst in modern history.

This isnt our first rodeo, Lance Klein said with a chuckle as he left with his mother.

Secord agrees.

That one (The flood of 1986) was bad, said Secord.

But he remembers that the flood didnt affect the crops as much as the current flood. In the 1986 flood, one of the barns had 18 inches of water inside, according to Secord.

Hard to evacuate when theres a lot of things relying on you, Secord said as he nodded toward the 21 cattle currently safe from flooding. You know whos going to feed the cows? And if the water comes up real bad...whos going to move the cows?, he asked.

In addition to the crops, the farmers are concerned about the 50 acres of hay used to feed cattle.

Secord said he wont know if the corn crops are at all salvageable until the area dries up. If the crops are destroyed, they plan to plant beans to make up for the loss.

Sandbags have been used to try to stop water from flowing over at the farm dikes and at residential areas to help prevent flooding to homes. The fire department has about 500-600 sandbags on standby.

Farmer Rob Peaphon with the Kessler farm, trucked an emergency load of sand to the Spaulding Fire Department.

I am impressed with how the community came together at these trying times to help us and get through this. It was amazing, Fortier said.

An evacuation shelter at Center Courts was prepared to take in any residents who had to flee their homes on Thursday. However, it appeared most people had another place to go since there was only one person there.

A Vietnam veteran who asked to remain anonymous has been at the shelter for three days and had to leave his apartment on Center and West Michigan.

The veteran like many others throughout mid-Michigan evacuated their homes due to flooding from the failure of the Edenville and Sanford dams in Midland County, which sent a torrent of water down that flooded the Tittabawassee and Saginaw rivers.

Shelter Manager Jay McCalpin said theres less than 20 local people staying at the shelter each night. He noted that even during a difficult time where people from different households may have to share a space, they are still following social distancing guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Related news:

Residents urged to evacuate due to dike breach in Saginaw Countys Spaulding Township

Dairy farm started in 1893 is shutting down in Saginaw County

Flooding in Michigan: Everything we know about Midland County dam break
An investigation has tonight been launched after an 'unauthorised' message was posted on the civil service's Twitter account which appeared to take a swipe at the UK government.

The UK Civil Service Twitter account, which is verified and followed by more than 240,000 people, was used to tweet out the message: 'Arrogant and offensive. Can you imagine having to work with these truth twisters?'

The now-deleted message, which had been liked and retweeted thousands of times, was posted as Prime Minister Boris Johnson finished his daily coronavirus press conference - in which he vehemently defended under-fire aide Dominic Cummings.

Mr Cummings, said to be one of the key figures behind the government's 'Stay at Home' message, is accused of breaking the coronavirus lockdown by twice travelling 270 miles from London to Durham.

It is not yet clear if the account was hacked prior to the tweet being posted.

But the Cabinet Office says it has now launched an investigation.

Twitter users have today been left dumbfound after the official account for the UK's Civil Service was seemingly used to take a swipe at the government in a tweet which featured the phrase 'truth twisters'

The message was sent out as Prime Minister Boris Johnson finished his daily coronavirus press conference at Downing Street (pictured)

Mr Cummings (pictured), is said to be one of the key figures behind the government's 'Stay at Home' message, is accused of breaking the coronavirus lockdown by twice travelling 270 miles from London to Durham

The Cabinet Office has this evening promised to investigate the 'unauthorised tweet' from the UK Civil Service's Twitter account

The tweet on the UK Civil Service's Twitter account was quickly deleted and replaced with the message 'Sorry, that page doesn't exist'

In a tweet this evening the Cabinet Office said: 'An unauthorised tweet was posted on a government channel this evening. The post has been removed and we are investigating the matter.'

The original message prompted responses from a number of confused Twitter users, as well as those who celebrated it.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling offered to pay a 'year's salary' to the person who sent the tweet.

She said: 'When you find out who it was, let us know. I want to give them a year's salary.'

Another to comment was Guardian columnist and left-wing author Owen Jones, who responded by laughing at the Tweet.

Another user, Marcus Thomas, replied: 'Give whoever did this a medal.'

One Twitter user simply said: 'Brilliant!'

Others were more interested in the origins of the Tweet, with one suggesting the person behind the message was set to get their 'P45 in the morning'.

It is not yet clear if the account had been hacked prior to the message being posted.

This evening, Boris Johnson refused to bow to public and political pressure to sack Mr Cummings amid rising fury over multiple alleged lockdown breaches by the top Downing Street power-broker.

In a sign of the scope of the political crisis the Prime Minister faced television cameras for only the third time since his own brush with the killer pandemic to mount a broad-spectrum defence of his chief of staff at the end of a bruising weekend during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Johnson took the daily Downing Street news conference as a late replacement for Housing Minister Robert Jenrick, who himself has faced criticism for seeing out the lockdown at a home in Herefordshire, 170 miles from his Newark constituency.

But despite ten Tory backbenchers demanding the scalp of his closest adviser and the mastermind of the Brexit Vote Leave campaign, Mr Johnson backed the divisive Machiavellian figure of Mr Cummings over revelations he twice travelled 270 miles from London to Durham while the public were told to stay at home.

Mr Cummings was in Downing Street for more than five hours this afternoon, fuelling speculation he would quit, as the first cracks in Tory unity appeared.

Nine Conservative backbenchers demanded his head after allegations of the second trip north, in April, emerged in today's Sunday Mirror and Observer newspapers.

Timeline of Cummings' lockdown row March 23: As the coronavirus crisis escalates, the UK is placed into lockdown with strict limitations on travel. The Government guidelines state: 'You should not be visiting family members who do not live in your home.' Those in a household with symptoms must 'stay at home and not leave the house' for up to 14 days. March 27: Both Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock test positive for coronavirus, while chief medical officer Chris Whitty says he has symptoms of the disease and is self-isolating. March 30: Downing Street confirms Mr Cummings is suffering from coronavirus symptoms and is self-isolating. March 31: Durham police are 'made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city'. The force said officers 'made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house. 'In line with national policing guidance, officers explained to the family the arrangements around self-isolation guidelines and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel.' April 5: An unnamed neighbour tells the Mirror and the Guardian Mr Cummings was seen in his parents' garden. 'I got the shock of my life as I looked over to the gates and saw him,' they said. March 30 - April 6: The period Mr Cummings' wife Mary Wakefield describes the family's battle with coronavirus in the April 25 issue of the Spectator. She makes no mention of the trip to Durham and describes the challenges of caring for their son while suffering the symptoms of Covid-19. She says their small son nursed Mr Cummings with Ribena. April 12: Robert Lees, a retired chemistry teacher, claims to have seen Mr Cummings 30 miles away from his parents home in Barnard Castle. April 14: Mr Cummings returns to work for the first time since news he was suffering from Coronavirus emerged. Questions are raised about his adherence to social distancing advice as he is photographed walking down Downing Street with fellow aide Cleo Watson. April 19: A passer-by claims to have spotted Mr Cummings and his family admiring bluebells with his wife, back in Durham. May 22: News breaks in the Mirror and the Guardian of Mr Cummings' trip to Durham. May 23: Downing Street stands by the PM's chief aide, saying in a statement: 'Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for.' That evening, a joint Sunday Mirror and Observer investigation reveals the two new eyewitness claims. Advertisement

Mr Johnson said tonight he had 'extensive face-to-face' talks with Mr Cummings today, saying his close associate had 'acted responsibly, legally and with integrity'.

He added: 'I think he followed the instincts of any father and any parent, and I don't mark him down for that.'

He added that 'some' of the allegations about Dominic Cummings' behaviour during self-isolation were 'palpably false' but did not elaborate.

He also declined to answer whether his chief of staff, as reported, drove to the picturesque village of Barnard's castle when such outdoor excursions were banned for the public.

Mr Johnson insisted it was 'absolutely responsible' for Mr Cummings to to travel to Durham to self-isolate.

'The advice makes it absolutely clear that if you have particular childcare issues then that is a factor that has to be taken into account and when I look at what actually happened, Dominic Cummings and his family self-isolated for 14 days and that is what you've got to do,' he said.

'And there was a risk that if they both went under, in such a way to be unable to care for their child, then they might have needed the help of relatives living nearby who could come in a socially distanced way.

'As it happened that was not necessary for medical reasons I don't want to go into.

'But that was the risk, and I think it was a real risk and I think it was absolutely responsible of Dominic Cummings to see the risk to his family and to see the risk to his child and to take steps to avert it, and that's what he did.

'That in no way changes the guidance or the advice.'

Earlier Nicola Sturgeon had weighed in, calling for Mr Cummings to quit his post, drawing a comparison to the resignation of Catherine Calderwood as Scotland's chief medical officer after she visited her second home twice earlier in the crisis.

Ms Sturgeon, who initially declined to sack Ms Calderwood, tweeted: 'I know it is tough to lose a trusted adviser at the height of crisis, but when it's a choice of that or integrity of vital public health advice, the latter must come first. That's the judgment I and, to her credit, Catherine Calderwood reached. PM and Cummings should do likewise.'

Senior ministers have this weekend allied around the Machiavellian figure, insisting he was acted as a concerned parent and broke no rules when he went north in late March.

But last night the Downing Street adviser was rocked by fresh claims of flouting the strict national guidelines from two more witnesses, which whipped up a further frenzy for him to be sacked.

Steve Baker, a former Brexit minister and a senior hardline Brexiteer like Mr Cummings, broke cover to demand the Prime Minister 'take back control' of events squirming from his grasp.

Mr Baker told Sky News that Mr Cummings' career had always 'created an awful lot of collateral damage', including the Brexit campaign, adding: 'He is not always right and he certainly isn't indispensable'.

'If he doesn't resign, we'll just keep burning through Boris's political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis,' he said.

'It is very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominic's slogans to mean ''stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives''.

'And I think mums and dads who very much care about their children and who have been forgoing the childcare of their extended family will wonder why he has been allowed to do this.

'I really just don't see, as we approach the Prime Minister (appearing) at the liaison committee on Wednesday, how this is going to go away unless Dominic goes.'

Simon Hoare, the Tory North Dorset MP and Northern Ireland Select Committee chairman later added his voice to the call, tweeting: 'With the damage Mr Cummings is doing to the Government's reputation he must consider his position.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: 'This was a test of the Prime Minister and he has failed it.'

'Lockdown has had its challenges for everyone. It's his cavalier ''I don't care; I'm cleverer than you'' tone that infuriates people. He is now wounding the PM/Govt & I don't like that.'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: 'This was a test of the Prime Minister and he has failed it.

'It is an insult to sacrifices made by the British people that Boris Johnson has chosen to take no action against Dominic Cummings.

'The public will be forgiven for thinking there is one rule for the Prime Minister's closest adviser and another for the British people.

'The Prime Minister's actions have undermined confidence in his own public health message at this crucial time.

'Millions were watching for answers and they got nothing. That's why the Cabinet Secretary must now launch an urgent inquiry.'
CPS workers arrested, charged for removing kids from parents without court oversight

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Three current and former employees of a child services agency in North Carolina were arrested this week and indicted with over three dozen felony and misdemeanor charges related to its alleged practice of separating children from their families without proper judicial oversight.

Carolina Public Press reports that among the former and current workers arrested on Monday was Cindy Palmer, the former director of the Cherokee County Department of Social Services and wife of Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer.

The other two are former Child Protective Unit supervisor David Huges and former agency attorney Scott Lindsay.

The indictment follows two years of investigations and legal action from parents who said their children were unlawfully removed from their homes by the agencys use of coercion.

According to the independent news outlet, the practice of removing children from homes without judicial oversight is said to have occurred in the county for over a decade before the state intervened in 2017.

Palmer and Hughes were booked within minutes of each other at the Cherokee County Detention Center while Lindsay was booked on Tuesday. Palmer was released on an $8,000 bond, while Hughes was let go on a $12,500 bond and Lindsay was released on a $25,000 bond.

In total, grand jurors indicted the three accused on 41 charges that will be prosecuted by the state attorney generals office. However, investigations did not cover all allegations against the department and there could be more charges pressed down the road.

Palmer, who served as a business officer for the department after her 2018 resignation as director, faces two felony obstruction of justice charges for allowing social workers to use controversial forms called custody and visitation agreements during 2016 and 2017. The forms essentially let agents remove children without court participation in the process.

According to her indictment, the use of the agreements avoided judicial oversight into the activities of Cherokee County DSS and subverted the statutory process for determining abuse and neglect of children, and determining custody and parental rights.

This offense was done in secrecy and with malice; with deceit and intent to defraud; was infamous; and was done in violation of the common law, and against the peace and dignity of the state, the indictment contends.



Additionally, Palmer faces a charge of perjury that was allegedly committed during a 2018 court hearing in which she claimed to not recall anything about the custody and visitation agreements. However, Palmer is being held responsible for agreements dating back to 2016.

According to Carolina Public Press, Palmers attorneys came to her defense by saying that the agreements happened before she became the departments director and that she relied on the departments lawyer who she thought was following the law.

She adamantly denies ever acting with any sort of criminal intent, attorney Hart Miles wrote, according to Carolina Public Press. And she is confident that those in the community that know her understand that she is a dedicated public servant who has been wrongfully targeted in this investigation.

A Carolina Public Press investigation found evidence in 2019 that a massive number of documents at DSS were shredded around the same time Palmer assumed her new officer position after stepping down as director.

As the former attorney for the department, Lindsay faces 20 felony counts of obstruction of justice. Lindsay claimed when asked about the origin of the custody and visitation agreement that he received the form when he attended a class for attorneys in 2007 or 2010 and that the department started using the form in 2014.

According to the news outlet, Hughes had previously testified in 2018 that he was aware of around two dozen custody and visitation agreements that the department executed since he worked there.

A proposed class-action lawsuit brought by families against the county DSS is pending in federal court. The lawsuit contends that DSS employees coerced parents into signing the unlawful agreements and parent-child relationships were negatively impacted by the unlawful agreement.

The lead plaintiff in the case is a father who was granted custody of his daughter in 2016 but was later questioned by the DSS over concerns regarding his parental abilities.

After meeting with DSS officials in November 2016, officials allegedly threatened the father into signing the agreement to relinquish custody of his daughter to her paternal grandfather.

According to the lawsuit, the father was told that the agreement was in lieu of court action and that he would be subjected to adverse legal proceedings and other consequences if he did not sign the CVA.

Other false threatening and coercive statements that the lawsuit claims DSS officials made against the father as possible actions if he did not sign include: Your child will be adopted out and you will never see her again, and Your child will be placed in a location where you will have little or no contact with her.



Plaintiff Hogan was neither advised nor given an opportunity to contact independent legal counsel when confronted with and unlawfully pressured to sign the unlawful CVA, the lawsuit says. CCDSS never contacted Hogan's prior attorney regarding the meeting or the CVA.

The lawsuit argues that the county maintained a pattern of condoning improper, illegal, and unconstitutional techniques.

Defendants' actions caused Plaintiffs and Unnamed Class Members to be deprived of fundamental rights, particularly, a parental relationship with their biological children, in violation of substantive and procedural due process of the law and in violation of all Plaintiffs' equal protection rights, the lawsuit adds.

Across the United States, some courts have come down on other social services agencies that have unlawfully removed children from their parents or legal guardians.

In California last year, a mother was awarded $1.49 million in legal settlements against Orange County, Los Angeles County, and Childrens Hospital after the state removed her sons from her custody.

In Texas last December, a state judge ordered the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to drop its five-month-long case after a 4-year-old child was removed from his parents home over allegations of medical abuse.
China in Focus (May 23): Contradicting Virus Figures in Chinas Northeastern Province

Many Hongkongers fear Beijings newly proposed law could end the citys freedom once and for all. From planning a protest to online searches on immigration, see how theyre responding.

Photos show that a province in Chinas far-north has been hard-hit by a virus outbreak. Many fear the city could become the next Wuhan. Now, residents are being barred from entering Beijing.

An in-depth report published by Chinese media shows something isnt adding up in the CCPs official reporting of virus cases in Heilongjiang province.

The United States cracks down on Chinese companies over their military ties and abuse of human rights. Over 32 firms have been blacklisted.

And calls are growing to close down Confucius institutes in American Universities. Today we take a look at the university where the first Confucius Institute in the United States was established, and the communist regimes efforts for infiltrating the United States and and interfering in students academic freedom.

Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more first-hand news from China

For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter
When the presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden was vice-president to Barack Obama, a photograph of young Joe Biden went viral online. It showed the now-77 year-old as a 26-year-old in a red button-down shirt, smiling into the camera. He looked like the perfect American boyfriend, from a cosier time when women wore sweater-sets and men opened car doors for them.

Joe Biden and his accuser, Tara Reade. Credit:AP

Biden was a benign and popular figure with Americans. His role as right-hand man to the first black president is considered a strong reason why he has polled so well with African-American voters, and this played a large role in his trouncing of rival Bernie Sanders in the nominations process.

But Bidens early status as apple-pie sex symbol has morphed into a murkier reputation when it comes to women. There have been multiple claims from women that Biden made them uncomfortable in public settings, by invading their personal space, or hugging them just a beat too long.

The most serious allegation against Biden is from Tara Reade, a 56-year-old woman who worked for him when he was a senator for the US state of Delaware. Reade says Biden pinned her against the wall in an office corridor and digitally penetrated her. There were no witnesses to the alleged assault but three people say Reade told them about it at the time.
Much of the intellectual property the UK needs for long-term innovation and prosperity could disappear to Shanghai or Shenzhen, warns leading lawmaker. Photo: Getty

A leading lawmaker has called on the UK government to tighten restrictions on overseas company takeovers in the wake of a pending recession.

Tom Tugendhat, chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, warned of Chinese state-owned companies exploiting the financial crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak, in a striking piece in the Financial Times.

"Increasingly, Chinas state-owned enterprises have been able to draw on state banks to outbid rivals in Europe and America. In a downturn, the difference between state-backed credit and the buying power of normal commercial investors will become starker, further strengthening the hand of state-owned enterprises with a voracious appetite to buy rather than build," wrote the Conservative party lawmaker.

Tugendhat said that although Britain prided itself on being an open economy with few restrictions on foreign ownership the basis for that model has been changed by the "rise in state capitalism with deep pockets."

He pointed to China in particular, claiming it was trying to exploit the global crisis triggered by the pandemic by wresting control of companies such as Imagination Technologies.

READ MORE: Britain faces jobs hell and a return to the 1980s

Following the lead of other democratic market economies such as Australia, France and Sweden, the UK needed to defend its interests "subjecting potential sales of significant companies and assets to stricter scrutiny," said Tugendhat.

This includes lowering the 1m ($1.2m) threshold to trigger an inquiry and extending restrictions beyond areas of national security such as military, dual-use, computing hardware and quantum technology sectors already covered by a change in the law two years ago.

He welcomed the recent government announcement of changes to UK rules but said the country "cannot delay" in bringing laws on foreign ownership in line with other nations.

"An inferno of fire sales is risky: if we are not careful, much of the intellectual property the UK needs for long-term innovation and prosperity could disappear to Shanghai or Shenzhen," he warned.
The Nigerian Army is secretly trying a soldier, Mohammed Abdullahi, for making unguarded comments on social media about the tenures of the current service chiefs, a military source has revealed.

The staff sergeant, according to the source, was accused of critising the extension of the tenures of the service chiefs, saying it is slowing morale in the rank and file of the forces.

The source said Mr Abdullahi, with service number 97NA/44/315, is facing disciplinary action following the comments.

The service chiefs include the Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok Ibas, and the Chief of Air Staff, Sadiq Abubakar.

The Army Intelligence Corp (NAIC) has investigated the soldiers comments and its findings will form the basis of the trial, the official briefed on the case told PREMIUM TIMES.

The source informed PREMIUM TIMES that the investigation of the soldier was authorised by Mr Buratai in February this year.

The soldier is being accused of flouting the Nigerian militarys 2018 policy on the use of social media, which prohibits certain conducts by military personnel on social media, the source added.

Many soldiers have reportedly been punished under that policy in the past.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Mr Abdullahis social media comment irked the senior military officers, who moved to sanction him.

Nigerian Soldiers Lament Incessant Ambush from Boko Haram terrorists. Credit: @SaharaReporters pic.twitter.com/Ws2xVDjGzv  Deythere (@deythereonline) May 20, 2020

[Twitter credit: Deythere @deythereonline]

When contacted about the matter, spokesperson of the Nigeria Army, Sagir Musa, said he was not aware of the matter and could not comment on it until he saw the document PREMIUM TIMES referenced.

Im not aware of this! But if you have any document or evidence indicating there is such development kindly forward it to me to facilitate or assist in finding out so that I can brief you accordingly, he said.

PREMIUM TIMES has seen part of a document that referenced Mr Abdullahis social media comment on tenures of service chief and the NAIC investigation that was authorised by the COAS.

The referenced document sighted by PREMIUM TIMES is not being made public, because doing so could reveal the identity of the source.

Soldiers grouse

The soldiers post reportedly criticised the continued stay in office of the service chiefs.

The current service chiefs are the longest-serving set since the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999. This has angered many who believe such top officers should not spend more than two years, or at most four in office.

President Muhammadu Buhari appointed them on July 13, 2015, with the general expectations that their tenures would end in two years or thereabouts.

FILE: President Muhammadu Buhari meets service chiefs and the IGP of Police. [ PHOTO CREDIT: Presidency Twitter handle]

It was expected by many that by then, most of them who were then nearing the end of their military careers would have retired. But that turned out not to be the case.

The Armed Forces of Nigerias Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) is clear about the tenures of the service chiefs and the prerogatives of the President and Commander in Chief in extending their tenures.

Section 09:08 of the HTACOS, also known as official service order in the military states that, An officer appointed to the substantive appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff will hold the appointment for a continuous period of two years. The appointment could be extended for another two years from the date of expiration of the initial two-year period.

In 2017 when the current service chiefs two-years tenures expired, President Buhari exercised his powers as enshrined in the HTACOS, to extend their stay in office for another two years which was expected to finally expire by 2019.

Also, at the time President Buhari extended their tenures in 2017, some of the service chiefs had clocked their compulsory retirement age of 35 years in service.

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Their continued stay has no doubt created ripples within the armed forces and the public as the military continues to battle an unending insurgency in the North-east and calls intensify that the officials be replaced.

Mr Abdullahis post reportedly highlighted how military personnel were being shortchanged as per progression in ranks.

Long tenures

Immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Olonisakin

The current Chief of Defence Staff, Mr Olonisakin, an army general, enrolled into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 25th Regular Course, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1981. This means he was supposed to have clocked 35 years of service in 2016.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (Photo Credit: The Guardian)

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Mr Ete-Ibas, got inducted into NDA as a member of the 26th Regular Course in June 1979 and got commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983. He was to have retired from service in January 2018.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar

Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Mr Abubakar, an air marshall, enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force as a member of the Cadet Military Training Course (CMTC 5) in November 1979. He was supposed to have retired since 2014.

Immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official webpage of the Nigerian Army]

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Mr Buratai, a lieutenant general, was in NDA as a member of the 29th Regular Course in January 1981, and thereafter commissioned as a second lieutenant on December 17, 1983. By his years of service, he was meant to retire in December 2018.

Disenchanted personnel?

The source said many military personnel have continued to lament the continued stay in office of these top soldiers, claiming it affects the career growth of younger officers.

The source, who requested for non-attribution for fear of being sanctioned, said the NAIC had concluded the investigation on Mr Abdullahi who may be undergoing a military trial and subsequent disciplinary measures as recommended in the NAIC report.

The source said the NAIC also recommended that stiffer measures be put in place to curb such actions of misconduct from other officers in the future.

The source said all commanding officers across various army formations and divisions had, in early May, received a directive from the COAS as recommended by NAIC. PREMIUM TIMES is yet to authenticate this claim.

The directive reportedly reminded personnel of the need to imbibe the Nigeria Army core values as contained in traditions, customs and ethics of the Nigeria Army.
A special flight carrying 132 stranded Indians from Muscat landed at Gaya airport in Bihar on Sunday, officials said.

None of the passengers exhibited symptoms of coronavirus during screening and medical examination, they said.

Of the 132 returnees, 116 are from Bihar and 16 from Jharkhand, Gaya airport director Dilip Kumar said.

After completion of formalities like depositing returnees' passports at the immigration counters by the district administration, the residents of Bihar were sent to various hotels in Bodh Gaya for 14 days quarantine, the officials said.

Those from Jharkhand were sent to the state in a vehicle dispatched by the Jharkhand government, they added.

Magadh Divisional Commissioner Asangba Chuba Ao, Gaya District Magistrate Abhishek Singh, SSP Rajiv Mishra and the airport director welcomed the returnees on their arrival here with kits containing sanitiser and soaps.

On May 18, a chartered plane had landed at Gaya airport with 41 Indians stranded in London.

Around 300 people from Myanmar stranded in different parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh due to the coronavirus lockdown had left for their country in a chartered flight on April 22.

On April 24, 171 Buddhist monks and tourists returned to Thailand in a chartered flight from Gaya. They had come to India to visit the Buddhist circuit of Gaya-Rajgir-Kushinagar-Varanasi-Vaishali.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In the past few months  as the economic and public health impacts of the virus have become clearer  many of the regions nonprofits have had to adjust, rethink and revise how they serve people. And theyve had to do that while figuring out how to maintain their own footing because the only certainty in this uncertain time is that more people will need to lean on them.
No, the Ohio Supreme Court didnt deny Youngstown voters the right to elect a school board. But on May 13, a majority of the Republican-run court did uphold the General Assemblys 2015 decision to strip that school board of meaningful power over its schools  and in a way that limited rank-and-file voters input on the legislation.

Thats what happens when legislators, in Columbus, decide theyre better at running a communitys schools than its school board, and the voters that elected that board.

Maybe the Youngstown board shouldnt have as much power as any other Ohio school board. Or maybe it should.

The reason its hard to say is because GOP leaders of the state Senate and Ohio House, along with then-Gov. John Kasich, also a Republican, didnt really want to hear voters opinions. Instead, legislators bloated, over roughly 24 hours, what had been a 10-page bill on another subject (community learning centers) into a 77-page bill that gelded the Youngstown board, then rammed the bill to Kasich, who signed it.

The issue (with the legislatures antics) isnt whether the bill was or wasnt a good idea. Obviously, some Youngstowners think its a terrible idea. In counterpoint, some of the Youngstown-Warren areas Powers That Be think it was a great idea  and said so, in Senate committee testimony.

If youre a General Assembly Republican who isnt from Northeast Ohio, maybe never been to Mahoning County, perhaps what Kasich, and then-Senate President Keith Faber (whos now state auditor) and then-House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, both Republicans, wanted passed was something to more or less automatically support.

The state Senate passed the bill 18-14; the Ohio House of Representatives passed it 55-40. (Some General Assembly Republicans, both in the Senate and House, did vote no.)

Would the bill have passed anyway, even if it had taken the Statehouses slow, scenic, hot-air route? Likely, yes. But acting as they did, General Assembly leaders signaled that an individual Ohioans viewpoint on the bill (for that matter, the viewpoint of teachers unions) just didnt matter once insiders signed off. Legislators seemed to follow the maxim attributed to railroad mogul William H. Vanderbilt: The public be damned.

Contrast that round of Statehouse Beat-the-Clock with another facet of the legislatures approach to school policy: For 23 years, the General Assembly has failed (arguably, refused) to act on the Ohio Supreme Courts 1997 ruling that public school funding must be completely overhauled. Yet in a day or so in 2015, the General Assembly seemingly had enough data and gumption to assess and address the needs of pupils in Youngstown, just one of Ohios 600-plus school districts.

At Ohios Statehouse, the Age of Miracles is not over.

Ohio school funding takes a pandemic hit

This fall, Ohios schools must protect pupils and teachers and support staff from the coronavirus. That will boost school districts costs.

Meanwhile, the pandemic has blasted holes in Ohios operating budget. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered a $775 million state spending cut, including a $300 million reduction in state aid to local schools. Realistically, he had no choice; Ohio is constitutionally required to balance its budget. But also realistically, reductions in state aid to local schools will force school boards to ask school districts voters to boost property taxes.

Yet its hard to imagine that Ohio homeowners, many of them hurting financially, would be willing to boost the property taxes they pay on their homes. But if they dont, thatll squeeze local schools  a consequence of Ohios (unconstitutional) overdependence on property taxes. Whats more, it appears that big shopping malls, which for decades have helped bolster property tax collections in suburbia, are going the way of the dinosaurs.

Meanwhile, at least some Ohio General Assembly members seem more worried about financially protecting so-called school-choice plans (using public money to help parents pay for private schooling) than about financially protecting the public schools most young Ohioans attend.

School choice is admirable  when Ohio can afford it. But the Ohio Constitution, which every legislator swears to uphold, requires him or her to secure a thorough and efficient system of common schools throughout the state. That is, the General Assemblys sworn duty is to adequately fund Ohios public schools  first.

Thomas Suddes, a member of the editorial board, writes from Athens.

To reach Thomas Suddes: tsuddes@cleveland.com, 216-408-9474

Have something to say about this topic?

* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.

* Email comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com.
Bhopal/Agra/IBNS: After Iran and Pakistan, the locust swarm has now entered India, threatening the country's food security amid the existing economic and health crisis triggered by the outbreak of coronavirus.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, "Locust swarm from Pakistan has entered Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, threatening major damage to standing cotton crops and vegetables. Rajasthan is the most affected state. During the current year, the swarm of locusts has entered India earlier than their normal time of June and July. States are adopting various means for controlling the swarms.

Locust Control Room pic.twitter.com/RxeJNNUOfy  Locust Warning Organization, Jodhpur-India (@LocustIndia) May 6, 2020

A total of 11 districts of Rajasthan are hit by locust attack, said officials.

Officials have warned the attack of crop-eating pests is the worst in the last 27 years and may go till monsoon.

According to reports, the Locust Warning Organisation has said India has not seen upsurges since December 2011 with improvement in agricultural technology and advancements in pest control sector. The country has witnessed severe bouts locust attack between 1812 to 1997.

According to a report in The Hindu, a swarm of desert locust containing around 40 million locusts can consume (or destroy) food that would suffice the hunger need of 35,000 people, assuming that one person consumes around 2.3 kg of food every day.

After destroying crops, plant and vegetation in Rajasthan, the swarm of locusts have now entered Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Locusts were spotted in Rajasthan on April 11, said a TOI report.

"A similar locust attack was reported in 1993 and after around 27 years, locusts attacked Gujarat, Rajasthan, and some parts of Madhya Pradesh," Locust Warning Organisation (LWO) deputy director Dr KL Gurjar, the report added.

The pests entered Madhya Pradesh through Neemuch district in the state, and subsequently travelled to Malwa Nimar and are now close to Bhopal, said reports. Experts have warned if locusts are not stopped the standing Moong cereal crop worth around Rs 8,000 crore could be destroyed.

According to a Times of India report, a fresh swarm of locusts entered Dausa in Rajasthan two days ago and got scattered due to the change in direction of the wind and reached Madhya Pradesh.

Reports said the 17 UP districts that might suffer from the locust attack include Agra, Aligarh, Mathura, Bulandshahr, Hathras, Etah, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etawah, Farrukhabad, Auraiya, Jalaun, Kanpur, Jhansi, Mahoba, Hamirpur and Lalitpur.

Officials have warned the farmers that the locusts may stop for rest anytime between 7 pm to 9 pm and asked them to monitor their movement.

The administration of the affected districts of UP has deployed over 200 tractors mounted with chemical sprays. Four teams of the central government, apart from teams of state agricultural development, are fighting the pests by using chemical sprays with the help of tractors and fire-brigade vehicles in Madhya Pradesh, said an NDTV report.

The farmers, on their part, have been issued advisory to keep the pests at bay by making loud sounds like beating drums, utensils and shouting, the report added.
Kerala has reported another covid-19 death and 53 new cases on Sunday, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. With latest case, death toll has gone up to 6 in the state. Though the state maintained a healthy graph with lowest mortality and highest recovery rates cases shot up with the return of expatriates from the middle-eastern countries and people stranded in other parts of the country.

A 53- year-old woman, a resident of Wayanad, who returned from Dubai last week died in the medical college hospital in Kozhikkode. Doctors said she was suffering from cancer and diabetes and was on ventilator for last three days. Her husband and other relatives are in quarantine.

Among 53 new cases Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur (north Kerala) reported 12 cases each, said the CM adding 18 are foreign returnees, 30 came from other states and five contracted the disease from the infected. Active cases went up to 322 and people under observation also rose to 90,000 after a gap of a month. At least 90,000 people have returned to the state and more are expected in coming days.

With more trains and opening of domestic air travel, the state has made it clear that entry passes will be must for all domestic passengers like rail travellers. The government had opened a website for this two weeks back. Those who come without this pass will have to undergo institutional quarantine. Similarly it made home quarantine a must for those who stay in the state for a longer period. For business travellers and others who come here for brief stopover it is not necessary, the CM had said two days back adding it cant take chances.
The blockades are set to come down, an injunction order will be lifted and Manitoba Hydro crews will begin entering northern Manitoba in a phased-in approach after four Cree Nations reached an agreement with the provincial Crown corporation over the Keeyask construction site Sunday.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/5/2020 (605 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The blockades are set to come down, an injunction order will be lifted and Manitoba Hydro crews will begin entering northern Manitoba in a phased-in approach after four Cree Nations reached an agreement with the provincial Crown corporation over the Keeyask construction site Sunday.

According to a statement from Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, the reserves  Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Fox Lake Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation and York Factory Cree Nation  reached the agreement with Hydro after meeting with president and CEO Jay Grewal on Saturday.

"In the meeting that took place (Saturday), there was a hope and a belief that things would get better, and there was a mutual understanding between the two entities and consensus was achieved and the respect that the First Nations wanted," said MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee in an interview Sunday. "I think theres an opportunity for the relationship to be repaired, and also that they can move forward together in partnership and lead to the finishing of the project."

Manitoba Hydro has been in conflict with the four First Nations for weeks after the provincial Crown corporation planned to carry out a shift transition at the Keeyask Generating Station in northern Manitoba. The transition, originally slated to start May 19, would have involved 700 Keeyask employees leaving the site.

Twelve-hundred employees were to replace them at the site from various parts of Canada and the United States. Chiefs opposed such a huge shift change, arguing the novel coronavirus could be introduced to northern Manitoba.

"We have asked Manitoba Hydro to work with us in a better way to move forward with the project. First Nations, like other Manitobans, have made many sacrifices to restrict the transmission of COVID-19," said Tataskweyak Cree Nation Chief Doreen Spence in the statement.

"While we absolutely want our economies to open up and succeed, we are ultimately most concerned about the well-being and health of our citizens during this uncertain period. We want to keep everyone safe from this virus."

The Tataskweyak Cree Nation and Fox Lake Cree Nation began blocking access points to the Keeyask construction site on reserve land, with Tataskweyak Cree Nation responsible for two blockades on the north access points, and Fox Lake Cree Nation covering the southern access road. The longest running blockade, outside Tataskweyak, was set up for 10 days. Chief Spence was served with an injunction on Wednesday.

"This was an extremely frustrating and unnecessary situation. If Manitoba Hydro had fully engaged with its Cree partners from the beginning, this situation would not have happened," York Factory First Nations Chief Leroy Constant said in the statement. "We are living in a pandemic and we know what is best for our communities."

Settee said the First Nations were concerned for the safety of their communitieswhich have been heeding social distancing, self-isolation and quarantine regulations since the onset of the pandemicbut felt they were not being included in Manitoba Hydros decision making process.

"From the First Nations perspective, the safety of our people is paramount, because the people in the North are the most vulnerable, and we saw that as a risk when you bring in a large group of people in a short period of time...that could be disastrous," Settee said.

"That was the bottom line, those were the concerns that were raised from the beginning, but they were not being heeded."

The agreement reached Sunday between the four chiefs and Manitoba Hydro includes the removal of the blockades, lifting of the injunction against Tataskweyak Cree Nation and an in-person meeting between Manitoba Hydros CEO and the leadership of the four Cree Nations.

The agreement also ensures Manitoba Hydro will be able to gradually resume construction activities at the Keeyask site, and later a gradual implementation of the project plan. The corporation has agreed to move new employees onto the site in phases, adhering to self-isolation and quarantine regulations, Settee said.

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Fox Lake Cree Nation told the Free Press Sunday that the nation removed restrictions to the Keeyask southern access road that morning.

"Manitoba Hydros CEO has meaningfully engaged Keeyask Cree Nation leadership and has committed to work in partnership on pandemic planning as requested," Chief Billy Beardy said in a statement to the Free Press. "Fox Lake looks forward to continued work by all parties as we keep our communities safe during this unprecedented time."

Representatives from Manitoba Hydro did not respond to Free Press requests for comment by publication time. Hydro had said the blockade at cost the utility $1.7 million a day.

Last Monday, a Winnipeg judge issued an injunction, allowing the RCMP to remove the blockades.

julia-simone.rutgers@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @jsrutgers
A preliminary report on the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane crash, in which 97 people were killed, has raised serious questions about the pilot's handling of the aircraft and what prevented the crew in the cockpit from informing the air traffic controllers about the troubles.

Pakistani investigators are trying to find out if the crash of the national flag carrier's flight PK-8303 is attributable to a pilot error or a technical glitch, with new leads raising fresh questions over the circumstances of the incident, Geo reported.

According to the report, prepared by the country's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Airbus A-320's engines had scraped the runway thrice on the pilot's first attempt to land, causing friction and sparks recorded by the experts.

After the third impact, the pilot took the aircraft off into the air again, which officials found very strange as the crew in the cockpit did not inform the Air Traffic Control (ATC) at the Jinnah International Airport of any problem with the landing gear, The International quoted CAA sources as saying.

Since automated emergency systems within the aircraft go off in case of any emergency, and the loud alarms and warnings are impossible to ignore, there was no indication from the pilot to the ATC that something was amiss, it said.

When the aircraft scraped the ground on the first failed attempt at landing, the engine's oil tank and fuel pump may have been damaged and started to leak, preventing the pilot from achieving the required thrust and speed to raise the aircraft to safety, the report said.

The pilot made a decision "on his own" to undertake a "go-around" after he failed to land the first time. It was only during the go-around that the ATC was informed that landing gear was not deploying, it said.

The pilot was directed by the air traffic controller to take the aircraft to 3,000 feet, but he managed only 1,800. When the cockpit was reminded to go for the 3,000 feet level, the first officer said we are trying', the report said.

Experts said that the failure to achieve the directed height indicates that the engines were not responding. The aircraft, thereafter, tilted and crashed suddenly.

"The plane descended too fast, almost plunged," sources familiar with the report said.

The investigators were trying to establish why the pilots not once informed the ATC of any emergency, malfunction, engine failure or fire despite the visible problems the aircraft was facing, the report said, adding that it is rare to have so many technical problems at the same time.

The ATC's conduct is also being probed.

The report added that at this point, there are more questions than answers with the most serious being why and how the alarm systems inside the cockpit failed to warn the pilots of an impending emergency.

PIA chief executive officer Arshad Malik has said that the black box of the plane has been handed over to the investigation team.

The team, headed by Air Commodore Muhammad Usman Ghani, President of the Aircraft Accident and Investigation Board, is expected to submit a full report in about three months.

According to the PIA's engineering and maintenance department, the last check of the plane was done on March 21 this year and it had flown from Muscat to Lahore a day before the crash.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pakistan government had allowed the limited domestic flight operations from five major airports Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta from May 16.

After the plane tragedy, the PIA has called off its domestic operation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With the COVID-19 lockdown still in force, Eid-ul-fitr in Kolkata and its neighbourhood is likely to be low-key with people having been asked to offer namaaz at home and avoid gatherings at mosques.

Zeeshan Ali, a 25-year old techie, said it breaks his heart to think that he would have to spend the occasion without meeting friends, and exchanging gifts.

"I will miss the usual practice of waking up early and rushing to Red Road at 6 am to offer Namaz with my father. Also, I won't get to meet my friends. That's heart-breaking... Offering prayers within the confines of the four walls on Eid, however, will be an altogether different experience," Ali, a resident of the city's Bowbazar area, said.

The usual hustle bustle on Zakaria street, which comes to life with ubiquitous haleem and kebab stalls during iftar, was also missing this year, he rued.

"We found peace in observing Ramzan with family members. In a way, it brought us closer," he said.

Eid-ul-fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramzan.

Sheikh Munna, a meat-seller in Kamarhati, on the northern fringes of city, said the alleys in the minority-dominated area are wearing a deserted look.

"As several localities were marked containment zone till recently, police did not allow the garment and gift shops to open. Also, Cyclone Amphan has plunged many areas into darkness. This year, Eid will be observed minus the festivities," he said.

Prominent clerics in city have appealed to the community to avoid public gathering.

Chairman of Bengal Imams Association Mohammed Yahia said, "All clerics have asked to inform people in advance that no small or large gathering would be entertained at the mosques. We have to guard against any coronavirus contamination. We will observe 'khusir id' (eid of happiness) with family this time.

"We had urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee not to relax the lockdown norms, as we don't want to risk people's lives. We will ensure our community members abide by the lockdown norms."



Qari Faizur Rahman, the imam who conducts prayers on Red Road on the morning of Eid every year, said "there will be no such congregation this year".

"All mosques in the vicinity of the Red Road have been informed in advance that there will be no public prayers on the Eid," he stated.

The Imam of Nakhoda Masjid here, one of the prominent mosques in the state, Shafique Qasmi, said, "We are happy that everyone followed our advice and avoided gatherings during Ramzan. We will have to deviate from the age-old practice of offering prayers together this time.

"Human life is more precious than any ritual or custom. What matters is our prayers to Allah," he noted.

The chief minister had on Saturday urged members of Muslim community to celebrate Eid-ul-fitr at home and avoid any public gathering, amid the growing number of coronavirus cases. She had also requested them to be on guard against attempts to stoke communal tension in the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's senior aid Dominic Cummings leaves his north London home amid the furore. (PA)

A former Labour MP has slammed Dominic Cummings for his alleged breaches of the coronavirus lockdown after her father died five days after the prime ministers aide visited her town.

Helen Goodman, the former MP for Bishop Auckland between 2005 and 2019, tweeted on Sunday criticising Cummings - describing the incident as like a horror movie.

She revealed her father had died in a Durham care home and said she had not been allowed to see him in his final days because of social-distancing measures.

#dominicCummings walks outside my house while I keep the rules and don't go and see my dad in a care home in the town and he dies 5 days later, Goodman said, It's a horror movie.

Helen Goodman is a former Labour MP. (Getty)

#dominicCummings walks outside my house while I keep the rules and don't go and see my dad in a care home in the town and he dies 5 days later. It's a horror movie. https://t.co/0AB9LyGuiR  Helen Goodman (@HelenGoodmanBA) May 23, 2020

Goodman also replied to a tweet from cabinet minister Michael Gove in which he defended Cummings, saying: Caring for your wife and child is not a crime.

Michael, I cared for my dad, she replied, but I wasnt allowed to see him before he died in a Durham care home.

Cummings has drawn criticism from MPs across the political spectrum for allegedly travelling from London to visit his relatives in Durham.

Several Tory MPs called for the special adviser to be sacked on Sunday after prime minister Boris Johnson threw his weight behind Cummings.

According to the Sunday Times, the Conservative Party leader told allies he would not throw Cummings "to the dogs" following reports he made the journey to ensure his four-year-old child could be looked after as he and his wife were ill.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said Cummings had no plans to resign in a television appearance on Sunday.

Story continues

Put to him that allowing Cummings to remain in place would undermine the government's lockdown policy, Shapps added: "No, I don't agree with that.

"The guidance also states you should do the things which are practical to provide assistance, particularity where children are involved, and this was the practical solution for them.

"So no, I don't think it means - to answer your questions directly - that that's it now, let's not bother following the guidance.

"It is very important we do defeat this virus and I think people have been extraordinary in their sacrifices to do so.

"I know everyone is feeling the strain of doing it and we do need to carry on making sure we keep the R rate below one and keep reducing the numbers, that's enormously important."

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Weeks of lost wages are threatening some South Texas residents ability to pay rent, and theyre worried about aid programs running out.

Stimulus payments, unemployment checks and local resources are providing temporary cushions. But theres a cutoff date ahead for a portion of unemployment payments, and its unclear how long the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic will last.

The anxiety is definitely setting in, said Moureen Kaki, an organizer at the Tenants Union San Antonio. Theyre concerned about what theyre going to do next.

The last time Sherry Williams, 60, said she got a paycheck from her job as a home health nurse was in early May.

She was used to driving to the San Antonio area from Pearsall, about an hour away, but the group she was working for didnt want to pay for the mileage. It was also planning to adjust service by ZIP code, and there werent many patients near her.

Williams called her mother for help scraping together rent. She felt embarrassed, she said, but her landlord was asking and she was worried about late fees piling up.

Shes making payments weekly, and the funds from her mother were enough to cover one week.

Williams got a call Wednesday about a potential job, but it will probably take several weeks to go through the hiring process, she said. And those rent payments are looming.

Its very stressful. Its very depressing, she said. Its a never-ending cycle.

Commentary: Tenants need a grace period to catch up on rent

Living in Pearsall, its also difficult to find local assistance, she said. Rural areas dont have as many resources, and there arent as many nonprofits nearby that could assist her.

Theres nobody out here to help you, Williams said.

Andrea Osorio, who cleans houses in San Antonio, is struggling to pay bills for two houses: one she rents for her family and a second she rents to tenants.

Her elderly father lives with her, and she spent several weeks in quarantine, worried about the spread of the novel coronavirus. Shes gone back to work, but some customers are still quarantining themselves.

Our savings are gone, said Osorio, 46. It all went toward rent, bills and food. The bills didnt stop.

Her tenants are paying some of their rent, and Osorio is worried about property taxes.

I need to help them, too. Where would they go? she said. Everybody has to help everybody.

Some positive signs

Staff file photo

So far, rent collections in Texas in May seem to be improving compared with April, said Mark Hurley, president of the Texas Apartment Association. Most landlords are working with tenants on payment plans and other options, such as discounts.

Hurley also is president of Highland Commercial Properties, which owns and operates about 1,500 apartments and rental homes in San Antonio. The company gave tenants a 10 percent discount and laundry credits in April and May, and froze rent increases.

But with insurance costs and property taxes rising, property managers are concerned, and some are holding off on projects or cutting costs.

Were wary, Hurley said. The economy does not look like its going to be good for a long time.

Nearly 91 percent of residents at conventional apartments in the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area paid rent during the first two weeks of May, down from 94.1 percent during the same period last year, according to RealPage, a property management software company.

But the May figures may be cause for optimism compared with early April, when about 86.5 percent of residents in the area made payments, down from 91.3 percent during the same stretch in 2019.

Despite a wave of job losses, many tenants have been able to make rent on time so far, said Adam Couch, a market analyst at RealPage.

Stimulus checks, unemployment assistance and other aid are helping, in addition to landlords payment plans.

These numbers are encouraging, Couch said. We have seen some improvement over the last month or so.

There are caveats: Richardson-based RealPage used lease transaction data from market-rate apartments for its analysis, which does not include military or subsidized housing. Mom-and-pop landlords are also typically excluded since they tend not to use professional management companies.

The company found that rates of payment at older, more affordable complexes  home to more residents who may not have savings to fall back on  tend to lag behind luxury buildings.

Unclear going forward

Bob Owen /San Antonio Express-News

The outlook for the months ahead is murky.

A lot will depend on whether the number of COVID-19 cases keeps declining or spikes as economies reopen, and whether federal officials green-light further aid for laid-off workers. A provision giving unemployed workers an extra $600 per week ends after July.

There could be challenges in early August, Couch said.

Rates in San Antonio are slightly better than countrywide figures: Nationwide, about 87.7 percent of renters made full or partial payments by May 13, down 2.1 percentage points from last year, the National Multifamily Housing Council reported.

The organization compiled data from RealPage and other companies, and its analysis includes 11.4 million apartment units nationwide.

Despite the economic and health challenges facing so many, we have found that apartment residents who live in professionally managed properties are meeting their obligations, said Doug Bibby, the organizations president. But its important to understand that our metric does not capture rent payments for smaller landlords or for affordable and subsidized properties.

These excluded properties are the ones more likely to house residents experiencing financial stress, he added.

RealPages numbers jibe with what the San Antonio Apartment Association is hearing from landlords and property managers, said executive director Teri Bilby. But they are worried.

Will people be able to get back to work? And if not, how long will the funding for the assistance to renters last? Bilby said. What happens when that runs out, if renters havent been able to get back to work?

Tenants Union San Antonio has heard concerns from residents about evictions and landlords threatening not to renew leases, Kaki said. Theres also been confusion surrounding whos protected from eviction proceedings.

Everybodys trying to figure things out, she said.

Landlords with federally backed mortgages are prevented under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act from launching eviction proceedings through July 24. When forbearance ends, they must give tenants 30-day notice to vacate.

In San Antonio, that equates to about 130,000 households, or roughly half the citys rental properties.

State and local officials halted most eviction proceedings in March. The Texas Supreme Court ordered courts to temporarily pause evictions through May 18, and Bexar County put evictions and property tax foreclosures on hold.

While the state Supreme Court permitted proceedings to restart Tuesday, justice of the peace courts in Bexar County are not taking up cases until after June 1, unless a tenant poses a criminal threat or danger of physical harm.

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid has been getting complaints about lockouts, utility disconnections and notices to vacate, said staff attorney Lizbeth Parra.

The organization tells renters about moratoriums and protections, refers clients to rental assistance programs and directs them to an online map of properties believed to be covered by the CARES Act.

When the moratoriums lift, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid is expecting a huge surge in inquiries about evictions, Parra said. The group is working with the Center for Legal and Social Justice at St. Marys University School of Law to set up a hotline.

Assistance programs

Local leaders have stepped up efforts to help struggling residents. In April, the City Council raised the risk mitigation fund  a pot of money originally set up to help residents facing displacement with rent or mortgage payments  to $25 million and expanded it to cover groceries, utilities, gas and internet access.

They are also contemplating ways to use $270 million in federal stimulus funds. Ideas have included providing assistance to residents struggling to make mortgage or rent payments.

Last month, Bexar County officials set up rental assistance and small-business loan programs, and on Tuesday they earmarked $35 million in CARES Act funding to create a training program for 5,000 workers.

But other assistance proposals have failed. Council members on May 14 voted 6-5 against a initiative brought by District 1 Councilman Roberto Trevino that would have given tenants 60 days to come up with back rent. Also, landlords looking to evict their tenants would have had to give them at least two months notice.

Landlords said the measure would create financial hardship for them, and some council members worried about potential legal fights and whether it could be enforced.

The vote was deeply disappointing, said Michelle Tremillo, executive director of the Texas Organizing Project, which helped draft the proposal. More time felt very necessary and very reasonable. They chose to protect landlords over protecting renters.

Council members will soon take up a proposal to fine landlords who dont tell tenants of their rights if theyre evicted for not paying rent. It would continue beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rain on a leaky roof

Samantha Flores and her boyfriend have been scraping by during the pandemic, thanks in part to a retail job he landed just before it started. But she worries about his safety and her own, and how they will pay bills in the coming months.

Its a blessing to have employment, but its terrifying knowing hes on the front lines of this virus, said Flores, 25.

Flores suffered a severe accident while biking home in 2018, leaving her with a slew of health problems. She applied for disability benefits but was recently denied. Before the pandemic, her boyfriend was also working as a wedding DJ, but business has dried up.

Neither has received a stimulus check, Flores said. The couple have been able to pay rent so far, and his tax refund is helping them catch up on utilities. But there are groceries and other bills to pay, too.

COVID-19 didnt just create problems, she said. Its the rain on a roof that already had a lot of holes in it.

madison.iszler@express-news.net
Pennsylvania is nearing another grim milestone as it approaches 70,000 cases of COVID-19.

The state reported 730 new coronavirus cases in its daily health department briefing, bringing the current total to 67,713.

The death toll from the virus surpassed 5,000 Pennsylvanians on Saturday.

With 28 new deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the official state COVID-19 death toll stands at 5,124.

The Lehigh Valley now reports more than 6,500 cases of the virus and 400 deaths.

There are no media briefings scheduled over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

(Cant see this map? Click here.)

Coronavirus in Pa.

Though Pennsylvania is slowly reopening, the coronavirus is still here.

Currently, 49 counties are in the yellow phase of reopening while the remaining counties -- including Lehigh and Northampton counties -- will all move there by June 5, when the states stay-at-home order ends.

The 730 new cases reported Friday is just below the 7-day average of new cases, which has held steady over this week.

(Cant see this chart? Click here.)

The majority of the states fatalities have been people over 65, as are most of those hospitalized.

Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities account for about 22% of Pennsylvanias almost 68,000 coronavirus cases and about 66% of deaths from COVID-19.

Health care workers account for 5,099 of the states coronavirus cases.

Pennsylvania began reporting coronavirus recoveries for the first time on Friday. So far, 60% of the states patients have recovered, which means it is more than 30 days past the first positive test or onset of symptoms.

To date, at least 328,382 tests have come back negative.

In response to criticism of its data this week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has begun breaking down its cases by confirmed and two categories of probable cases.

Currently, 65,906 cases are confirmed and 1,808 are probable by definition and high-risk exposure. Another 531 of its cases are considered probable  the patients had a positive antibody test combined with either symptoms or high-risk exposure to the pandemic virus.

Coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley

According to the states daily report, there have been at least 6,562 coronavirus cases in the Lehigh Valley and 404 deaths, up 68 cases and 5 deaths from the previous report.

That breaks down to 3,651 cases and 206 deaths in Lehigh County, and 2,911 cases and 198 deaths in Northampton County.

(Cant see the map? Click here.)

The counties themselves have reported at least 424 combined deaths from COVID-19. Between both counties, the average age of the residents who died was about 78. Many died in long-term care facilities.

Pennsylvania also reports an increase in deaths in nearby counties:

Berks County had four more deaths, 296 total.

Bucks County had one more death, 461 total.

Chester County had three more deaths, 248 total.

Dauphin County has one more death, 63 total.

Delaware County had one more death, 514 total.

Schuylkill County had one more death, its 27th.

(Cant see the chart? Click here.)

Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com.
New Delhi, May 24 : Rejecting reports on the detention of a joint patrol party detained by Chinese forces in Ladakh, the Indian Army said on Sunday that these were "inaccurate".

It was claimed that an Indian patrol party comprising Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel was detained by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) last week after skirmishes in Ladakh.

Reports claimed that the Indian team was detained and their firearms snatched by the Chinese and they were only released after talks between both sides at the local level.

The Indian Army has maintained that the reports on detention are inaccurate, though there had been no official statement so far.

Chinese forces were alleged to have intruded the Indian territory and were also carrying out aggressive patrols with motor boats in the Pangong lake.

Amid tension at the Line of Actual Control, both the armies have increased deployment of men and assets at forward locations. Both are on high alert on forward locations where tensions and skirmishes took place.

The Indian military has clarified that they will not allow any kind of Chinese transgression in India territory and would patrol in those areas. The PLA has been clashing with Indian forces on patrol after entering the Indian side.

On Friday, Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane visited Leh, the headquarters of 14 Corps in Ladakh, and reviewed deployment of forces along the Line of Actual Control with China. He held a meeting with Northern Command chief Lieutenant General Y K Joshi and 14 Corps Commander Lieutenant General Harinder Singh and other officers to know the ground situation on forward locations along the Line of Actual Control. Late in the day, he returned to Delhi.
Roberts said that there is some sympathy for the rationale behind starting with the older students, to help those children with the transition to secondary school. But the plan to resume classes for younger children is causing bafflement and some anger, and a suspicion that decisions are being driven by the need to get people back to work.
A week-long institutional



quarantine will have to be undergone by paassengers arriving by domestic flights in Karnataka from seven particular states, including Maharashtra, Delhi and Tamil Nadu, where COVID-19 cases are high, the state government has said.

A day ahead of resumption of the services in the country amid the COVID-19 lockdown, the state government on Sunday issued an order deleting domestic air travel from the list of prohibited activities with effect from Monday and allowed unhindered movement of passengers, airport staff and the crew even during the curfew period.

The airport administration on its part said it would ensure taxis that would be used by passengers were sanitised and drivers screened before every trip to eliminate all chances of infection. Face mask will be mandatory for both passengers and drivers for taxi travel.

"Incoming domestic flight passengers from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Delhi & Madhya Pradesh will undergo 7 day institutional Quarantine followed by home quarantine," Karnataka Director General of Police Praveen Sood tweeted.

In view of the resumption of domestic flights, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates the Kempegowda International Airport here, on Sunday said it has put in place heightened sanitisation measures to ensure that taxi journey from the airport was healthy and safe.

"With passenger and driver safety being one of the major priorities, BIAL will ensure that the taxis are sanitised and the drivers are screened before every trip to eliminate all chances of infection," it said in a statement.

The company said the drivers have been instructed to maintain a safe distance.They will be encouraged to use hand sanitiser and face masks to make the car a safe space.

It appealed to the able-bodied passengers to load their luggage into the car without driver assistance.

However, for elderly citizens and passengers with reduced mobility, drivers will assist while following hygiene measures.

It has made it clear that the masks are mandatory for both drivers of taxis as well as passengers.

In addition to it, staff who manage taxi services at airport, including Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), Ola, Uber and other car rental operators, will be screened.

"Drivers will be screened before arriving at the airport pick-up zone to ensure passenger safety; they will be de- rostered if a fever is detected. Penalties will be levied for spitting in public," the BIAL said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sudan opens path toward religious freedom

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In what appears to be a promising positive change, Sudans transitional government and a rebel group that fought against the Muslim-majority countrys longtime authoritarian leader Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted last year, have agreed to form an independent national commission for religious freedom.

As part of the latest round of negotiations between Sudans transitional government and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement-North (Agar) under the Juba Peace Process, an agreement was reached to establish a commission for religious freedom to address all issues relating to religious freedom in order to affirm the principle of peaceful coexistence in the country, the Transitional Sovereign Council said on its Facebook page.

The SPLM-N armed group is based in Sudans predominantly Christian South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, which fought against al-Bashir.

Today we have agreed to establish the religious freedom commission because the Two Areas have a considerable number of Sudanese Christians, so this is an important issue that has been resolved, the armed groups Deputy Leader and chief negotiator Yasir Arman was quoted as saying by the U.K.-based group Christianity Solidarity Worldwide.

The two parties have also agreed to create a Ministry for Peace and Human Rights.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has acknowledged improvements in the countrys religious and political atmosphere.

After a visit to that country in February, the commissions chair, Tony Perkins, expressed optimism.

We are grateful to Prime Minister Hamdok and other members of the countrys bold transitional leadership who met with USCIRF to convey their explicit desire to bring a new era of openness and inclusivity to their country that suffered for 30 years under brutal and autocratic religious repression, he said, according to Crux.

At the same time, we understand that the countrys challenges are deeply-rooted, and we urge the leadership to move quickly to turn that optimism into tangible and meaningful reforms for all people across Sudan, such as acting to formally repeal Article 126 of the 1991 penal code, which outlaws apostasy, he added.

Since 2010 and the separation of South Sudan, the persecution of Christians had intensified with church land being confiscated by the state, church leaders facing trial for national security crimes and latterly misdemeanors, CSWs Kiri Kankhwende was quoted as saying. General harassment of the Christian community, human rights defenders working on FoRB by the intelligence service; harassment of women and interference with the administration of churches and confiscation of private land owned by Christian businessmen.

Nasreldin Mofreh, Sudans Minister of Religious Affairs, signed an order in March requiring the dissolution of church councils that international advocates said legitimized the former governments confiscation of church properties.

We are pleased by the ministers decree, given the role these illegitimate church councils played in the former regimes persecution of Christians and the obstacles they continued to present to churches ability to represent their own interests to the government, Perkins said in a statement.

Prime Minister Hamdok and other transitional government officials met with USCIRF in Washington, D.C., during a visit last December  the first time in three decades that Sudanese leaders had visited Washington, D.C.

The officials also shared at the time how they planned to expand religious freedom in a country that is ranked as the seventh-worst in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USAs World Watch List.

Last month, Sudan's new leaders also outlawed the practice of female genital mutilation, The New York Times reported. Nearly 90% of Sudanese women have been subjected to the practice, which involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia.
Planning a trip to Japan? Well, the Japanese government might pay for your touristic adventure to the country. The move is being seen as a bid to revive the tourism industry which suffered a severe blow in view of coronavirus lockdown and the subsequent clampdowns on travel.

Even as they governments are easing the curbs, people are apprehensive about taking the flights or travelling around, despite airlines spearheading new safety and sanitation measures. And as such measures seem not so enough, the onus lies on the destination countries to convince the people. Japan's initiative to cover half the cost for tourists seems to be a step in that direction.

Hiroshi Tabata of the Japan Tourism Agency said that the Japanese government plans to allocate $12.5 billion to a new reimbursement program, which may launch as soon as July if infection rates continue declining, The Japan Times reported. Japan like many other countries has banned the international travel in view of coronavirus.

Countries are taking initiatives to ease the curbs and open their borders for tourism to provide little hope to the staggering economies. The Italian government announced on May 16 that it will throw open its borders next month, effectively ending Europe's longest and strictest coronavirus lockdown just as the summer tourism season gets under way. Italy has been one of the worst-affected countries in the pandemic.
By Trend

The Iran and Turkey may soon open land and air borders in accordance with health protocols to resume trade between the two countries, Trend reports citing the website of Iranian presidents office.

The remarks were made in a telephone conversation between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the occasion of Ramadan Holiday.

During the telephone conversation, the Iranian and Turkish presidents expressed hope that in the near future, with the establishment of a joint commission on economic cooperation between the two countries and the end of the coronavirus crisis, economic relations between the two countries will revive.

The presidents of Iran and Turkey noted the positive cooperation between the two countries at different times and stressed the exchange of information and experience in the fight against coronavirus, the report said.

Iran continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 135,700 people have tested positive for COVID-19, 7,417 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 105,800 have reportedly recovered from the disease.

The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease.

The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.

The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019.

Iran's exports to Turkey amounted to $72 million in the first month of current Iranian year (March 20-April 19, 2020). Turkey's share in Iran's exports was 4.4 percent, or 48.6 percent less compared to the same month of last Iranian year. Iran imported $246 million worth of products from Turkey. Turkey's share in Iran's imports was 12.8 percent, or 27.2 percent less compared to the same month of last Iranian year.
The Taliban outfit has announced a three-day ceasefire with the Afghan government during Eid al-Fitr, the second annual religious festival holidays, starting from Sunday, a Taliban spokesman confirmed, Trend reports citing Xinhua.

"In order that our countrymen may celebrate their Eid festivities in ease and comfort, the leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (name of the ousted Taliban regime) orders all the Mujahideen to adopt special preparatory measures for the safety of our countrymen and not to attack the enemy in any place but if there is attack from enemy in any place then a befitting defensive response shall be given," Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement reaching Xinhua Sunday.

The spokesman also urged the fighters not to go to areas under the control of the government.

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has welcomed the announcement.

"I welcome the ceasefire announcement by the Taliban. The Afghan government extends the offer of peace. As commander in chief I have instructed ANDSF (Afghan National Defense and Security Forces)to comply with the three days truce and to defend only if attacked," Ghani tweeted.

The three-day Eid al-Fitr is to be observed on Sunday to mark the end of Muslims fasting month of Ramada
The list of most popular baby names for 2020 in Australia has been revealed - and two traditional favourites have now been on there for the past decade.

According to McCrindle Research more than 2,206 baby boys have been named Oliver this year and 1,609 girls called Charlotte, cementing their positions as number one.

Both names have been in the top ten list of baby names in Victoria alone for the past 10 years.

When it comes to choosing baby names, Charlotte and Oliver continue to be the top two favourites in Australia

Olivia, Amelia and Isla were also on the top ten list of girl names, while Noah, Jack and William were on the list of favourite boy names.

Over the past two years the name Isla has increased in popularity, lowering Ava to sixth place.

Noah has also jumped to second position, pushing names like Leo, Thomas and Henry further down the list.

The top ten baby girl names in Australia 1. Charlotte 2. Olivia 3. Amelia 4. Isla 5. Mia 6. Ava 7. Grace 8. Willow 9. Harper 10. Chloe Advertisement

The top ten baby boy names in Australia 1. Oliver 2. Noah 3. Jack 4. William 5. Leo 6. Lucas 7. Thomas 8. Henry 9. Charlie 10. James Advertisement









Olivia, Amelia and Isla were also in the top ten list of girl names, while Noah, Jack and William were on the list of favourite boy names

Other names such as Jessica aren't as popular among parents today compared to previous decades.

The experts at McCrindle said between the mid-1980s and early 2000s one in every 30 baby girls were named Jessica.

'Today's parents have more access to information than any other time in history,' McCrindle wrote on its website.

'Parents are inundated with options, research, and meaning, all impacting the names they choose for their children.'

As a result, parents have also started choosing more creative names for their newborn children.
Ryanair is on the hook for 1bn worth of passenger refunds, chief executive Eddie Wilson has told the Sunday Independent.

The Ryanair boss also insisted that the airline's plan to run 40pc of its schedule from July 1 was realistic and would be reflected in its Irish operation.

Wilson said he did not see the refund issue as a battle for the airline to hold on to cash. He insisted that 25 million passengers already entitled to a refund would receive either money or vouchers.

"It's not a battle. It's actually just volume related," he said, adding that it had been a mammoth logistical task.

"Ultimately, if people either opt for the refund and wait for cash or take a voucher, and don't use it after 12 months, they would get their money back anyway. We're on the hook for this money. It's just a matter of processes and getting it through. There are no battles. It's frustrating for our customers, but they will get their money."

Ryanair's plan to ramp up flights in July comes as the Irish Government said it may make its advice to travellers to quarantine for 14 days legally enforceable. That mirrors the tough stance in the UK. If the airline is forced to cancel the bulk of flights in July and August that would potentially add hundreds of millions of euro to its refund bill, said aviation sources. But if flights operate, passengers would not be eligible for a refund should they choose not to fly.

Ryanair's position contrasts sharply with DAA boss Dalton Philips's assertion, reported by the Sunday Independent, that Dublin Airport's capacity would need to be cut by 70pc because of physical-distancing requirements.

But Wilson said the fact Irish people were exempted from quarantine rules in the UK meant the rules "can't be based on medical evidence". He said guidance from the European Centre for Disease Control last week for airports would help restore passenger confidence.

"It's not just the holiday end of it. It's people trying to start to do business. How can they do business and quarantine themselves? Quarantines sound great if it's about putting your dog in a kennel or something like that when you're going on holidays. But not when there's potentially a couple of million people arriving a day.

"We have to come up with something that mitigates the risk and telling people that this quarantine is going to work sounds great in theory but it doesn't work," he said.

Aviation sources have told the Sunday Independent that the Ryanair plan to ramp up flights generated more questions than answers because the airline only had limited control over measures that could be undertaken at airports, such as temperature checks. There was no agreement as to who would carry out or pay for extra measures at airports, said the source.

"People are going to have to find a way whether it is airports, the Dundrum shopping centre or the cinema. But people can't stay at home forever," said Wilson.
Governors of the South-east have rejected the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakars methodology of community policing.

The governors have, therefore, asked the five state Houses of Assembly to commence enactment of state security laws that will give legal backing to the establishment of a regional security outfit in line with its joint security programme for the zone.

The governors expressed disappointment with the Inspector General of Police for reneging on an earlier agreement they had with the police on the practice and composition of community policing for the zone.

They stated this on Sunday in a communique they issued at the end of their meeting at the Enugu State Government House.

The Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, David Umahi, read the communique.

The recent communication from the Inspector General of Police to our Governors on community Policing composition is not in keeping with the agreement we reached with him during his last visit to the South East.

In the circumstance, we cannot begin implementation of it until the programme reflects our earlier agreement. The South East Governors and their leaders request the IGP to revert to our initial agreement reached on community policing at Enugu.

The forum agreed that all South East States Houses of Assembly should commence the process of enacting the state security laws in line with the South East joint security programme, they said.

States in the south-west had earlier enacted similar laws to set up Amotekun a state-based regional security outfit.

On the coronavirus pandemic, the governors said they will engage the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to scale up testing of coronavirus in Southeast states.

They further urged all Igbos living outside the south-east do obey all extant COVID-19 orders such as the presidential directive on interstate movement.

The meeting also agreed to set up committees in the five south-eastern states to work with the federal government, the World Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the NSIA in their various programmes to rejig the economy, especially in areas of agriculture, SME and solid minerals.

The meeting agreed to hold a virtual meeting with the Group MD of NNPC on the issue of linking our south-east capitals with gas pipeline alongside with the pipeline programme of the federal government which is running from Imo to Lagos State.

The meeting equally agreed that Ohanaeze do submit a working document in our next meeting on setting up of South East Stabilization fund, Mr Umahi said.

The governors assured Ndigbo that with the progress of work at Akanu Ibiam international airport, Enugu, the airport will re-open soonest, subject to the COVID-19 programme of the federal government.

It also commended the federal government, the federal ministry of works and the Governor of Anambra State for the progress of work at the Second Niger Bridge, adding that the next meeting of the south-east traditional institution shall be hosted by Ebonyi State.
Actor Hrithik Roshan on Sunday shared a fan-made video of the various memorable characters he has played over the years. It features his looks from films like Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai , Jodha Akbar and to the more recent, War.

The slide shows Hrithiks looks changing with every transparent slide being superimposed on a drawing of his face.

Sharing it, Hrithik wrote: Nicely done Mr. RK.aadil. Thank you for this. A number of his industry colleagues reacted to it. Preity Zinta said Wow ! Awesome while Nushrat Bharucha wrote So cool!

Hrithik, meanwhile, has been staying at home with his sons - Hrehaaan and Hridhaan and ex-wife Sussanne Khan through the lockdown. He has been posting interview videos and pictures of life through the lockdown.

On Friday, he wrote on Intagram. 23 hour fast.#HealthyLiving#Resilience#DisciplineEqualsFreedom. Along with it, Hrithik posted a seflie in which he is seen winking. Hrithik had shared some lockdown tips too with his fans. He suggested a daily dose of vitamin D to take care of mental health during quarantine.

Also read: When Dharmendra broke down during Esha Deols vidaai, mother Hema Malini hugged her goodbye. Watch video

Hrithik has been doing his bit to help the frontline workers in our fight against coronavirus. In early May, he had helped provide hand sanitisers for the Mumbai Police personnel. The police department had thanked the 46-year-old actor for the gesture and tweeted, Thank you @iHrithik for this thoughtful gesture of delivering hand sanitisers for Mumbai Police personnel on duty. We are grateful for your contribution towards safeguarding the health and safety of our frontline warriors. #MumbaiPoliceFoundation.

Expressing gratitude to the police forces, the actor wrote in response to the tweet , My gratitude to our police forces, who have taken our safety in their hands. Stay safe. My love & respect to all in the line of duty.

(With agencies inputs)

Follow @htshowbiz for more
The debate and controversy as to who constructed the new Tema Motorway interchange project in Ghana are rife on social media.

Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

Following the opening of the new Accra-Tema Motorway Interchange to traffic on Saturday, May 16, 2020, the two main political parties - NPP and NDC are claiming credit for the beautiful edifice.

While the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is claiming the project is a legacy of John Dramani Mahama, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) also says its an Akufo-Addo legacy.

President Akufo-Addo and NDC flagbearer, John Mahama

Source: Original

READ ALSO: COVID-19 update: Ghanas case count hits 6,683

But fact-check Ghana has looked into the project and presents the facts and roles played by the various parties prior to the completion of the project.

In 2013, the Government of Ghana under the John Dramani Mahama administration requested a grant from the Government of Japan to implement the project (The Tema Motorway Interchange).

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) then selected and dispatched a survey team which was headed by Mr Ryohei Watanabe of CTI Engineering International Co., LTD. from March 2015 to March 2017.

The initial survey and detailed designs were undertaken between March 2015 and December 2016 and the final report submitted to the Ministry of Roads and Highways for review and approval. This was also noted in the 2016 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Ghana.

Accra-Tema Motorway: Discussions on the project design concept and the draft agreement are on-going with the project proponents. The detailed feasibility studies and designs will commence in 2016, a part of the 2016 budget statement states.

READ ALSO: Being a Parliamentarian is the most stupid job aside Assemblyman - Ken Agyapong

Although then-president John Dramani Mahama had mentioned in his 2016 State of the Nation address that preparatory works for the redevelopment of the Accra-Tema motorway into a six-lane road with four interchanges at Adjei Kojo, Abattoir, Teshie Link, and Tema Roundabout will commence soon, the project did not start until February 2018.

In 2017, the Government of Ghana signed grant agreements with JICA to provide aid of up to a total of 6,459 million yen for two programmes in Ghana of which the Tema Motorway roundabout was included. The two specific projects were:

The Programme for Improvement of Ghanaian International Corridors (6,259 million yen).

The Programme for Poverty Reduction Strategy (Health Sector) (200 million yen).

The details of the first part of the programme state that the project will build an underpass at the Tema Motorway Roundabout in the core city of the Accra economic zone, and will also conduct detailed design improvements for the rehabilitation of National Trunk Road N8 in the Central Region.

These measures will ensure safe, efficient road transportation and contribute to the efficient flow of goods between international corridors (the Lagos-Abidjan Highway and the Eastern Corridor of Ghana).

In December 2017, the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Roads and Highways and Shimizu-Dai Nippon JV signed a contract for the execution of the project. In February 2018, the vice president of Ghana, H.E. Dr Mahamadu Bawumia cut the sod for the commencement of the project.

READ ALSO: Upper West Minister attacked; narrowly escapes death as armed gangs inflict wounds on him

However, in one of the arguments by the National Democratic Congress, they have cited an article that was published on November 3, 2016, barely a month to the 2016 general elections, with headlines that suggest that John Mahama had cut sod for the same project already. The article suggests that the project was going to be funded by the World Bank at a cost of $66m.

What is clear from the facts is that the Mahama government did the initial work and negotiated for the grant. The Akufo-Addo government signed the grant and executed the project.

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has alleged the Ghana Police Service has suddenly become the puppet of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) resulting in arrests of its officials.

The NDCs comment follows the arrest of Major (Rtd) Boakye-Djan after making some unsavoury comments on radio.

"Open the churches and schools; too many girls are getting pregnant" - Mother cries | #Yencomgh

Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Source: YEN.com.gh
Chinese Government Sends Team of Medical Experts to the Republic of the Congo

2020/05/24

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian announces:

To help with the Republic of the Congo's fight against COVID-19, the Chinese government dispatched a team of medical experts to the country. The team is organized by the National Health Commission and consisting of experts selected by the Hebei Provincial Health Commission.
After the coronavirus pandemic slowed the momentum of anti-government, pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong, the protest movement picked up steam again Sunday after Beijing signaled it would directly impose national security laws on the city. Now, many of the young protesters believe the only two outcomes are either independence or the loss of autonomy promised in China's 1997 territorial exchange with the United Kingdom.

If the latter takes place, U.S. National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien expects an economic fallout. Hong Kong, he said, has emerged as Asia's financial center because financial service firms and other businesses flocked to the city thanks to its democracy, free enterprise, and rule of law. If Hong Kong loses those defining characteristics, in O'Brien's view, because of a Beijing takeover, he can't envision how those companies can remain.

He also predicts that many Hong Kong citizens would seek a way out. "I think you're also going to have a terrible brain drain," he said. "I think Hong Kong citizens, many of whom can travel under certain circumstances to the United Kingdom or seek refuge in other places, they're not going to stay in Hong Kong to be dominated by the People's Republic of China and the Communist Party."

WATCH: What is the U.S. prepared to do if Beijing goes through with moving Hong Kong away from an open marketplace & democracy? #MTP @robertcobrien: "There will be sanctions. It's hard to see how Hong Kong will remain the Asian financial center ... if China takes over." pic.twitter.com/LcVEIy2VXI  Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) May 24, 2020

More stories from theweek.com

Facebook's internal research warned about polarization  but executives 'weakened or blocked' efforts to combat it

Trump shares disturbing meme of Biden's campaign in a coffin

Trump says it's safe to reopen schools. I don't believe him.


From the beginning of the Michael Flynn case, Judge Sullivan has been hostile to Flynn. By December 2018, based upon a misreading of the facts, Sullivan accused Flynn of conduct amounting to treason and said that he felt disdain and disgust for what he believed Flynn had done.

Sullivans behavior, however, went from hostile to bizarre when the Department of Justice, having uncovered massive wrongdoing the FBIs and DOJs handling of the Flynn matter, moved to dismiss the case. On Saturday, though, Judge Sullivan managed to escalate from bizarre to . . . well, maybe paranoid is the correct word.

A Motion to Dismiss a criminal case is a routine procedure when the government realizes, for whatever reason, that there is no further reason to prosecute a defendant. Because the Constitution gives the prosecutor sole discretion about whether to bring a case and then, having brought it, whether to miss it, the judge has a limited role  and that role is to protect the defendant.

Thus, it is the judges responsibility to make sure that the government isnt toying with the defendant by dismissing a losing case while intending to refile in the hopes of drawing a more amenable judge or jury. Absent that problem, the judges only job is to rubber-stamp the dismissal.

Judge Sullivan refused to use that rubber stamp. He also declined to act as Flynns last defense against an overreaching prosecution.

Instead, Sullivan did something strange. He asked a retired judge, one who had published in the Washington Post an article hostile to the motion to dismiss, to file a brief with the court opposing the motion. Then, although he had consistently (and properly) denied third parties the right to file advisory briefs with the court, Sullivan invited such submissions to help oppose the motion to dismiss.

Flynns attorney, the doughty Sidney Powell, therefore filed a petition for writ of mandate with the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeal, asking that it force Flynn to grant the motion to dismiss, negate the requests for helpful briefs, and remove Sullivan from the case.

This type of mandate petition is notorious for its failure rate. Appellate courts do not like to involve themselves in a case before its reached its conclusion. This time, however, the appellate court not only took up the writ petition, it ordered Judge Sullivan to explain himself. This doesnt mean Flynn will win on the writ  the appellate court may just be insulating itself from the fallout if it rules against Flynn  but one cant help but be hopeful.

Its worth noting here that, while Sullivan may be acting in a partisan and inappropriate way in the Flynn case, he is a very experienced judge with a solid resume. He has an undergraduate degree from Howard University and got his law degree from Harvard before it turned into a politically-correct swamp. Hes been a judge since 1984.

With his background, one has to presume that Sullivan knows the law, knows how to write and, of course, knows his mind. When asked to explain himself to an appellate court, he should be able to sit down for a quiet hour or two and write out a document that includes his views about the facts and the law in Flynns case.

But thats not what Sullivan did. Instead, Sullivan hired Beth Wilkinson, a very high-profile Washington D.C. attorney to represent him before the appellate court. From a legal standpoint, this is beyond strange.

You have to understand that, in the ordinary course of appellate rulings, all that happens is that the lower courts order is affirmed or reversed. Its not about the judge; its about the judges ruling. In this case, the appellate court is asking the judge to explain his ruling, meaning that its still not about Sullivan qua Sullivan. Instead, the court wants to understand Sullivans thought processes to see if theres anything there that could justify his decision-making.

When Sullivan armed himself with a lawyer, he effectively announced to the world that this isnt just about whether the court will reverse his decision-making or remove him from the case. Instead, Sullivan is worried that the appellate court will look at his conduct, rather than his legal reasoning.

No wonder, then, that a million theories suddenly emerged about his having been bribed to rule as he did, about his possible conflicts of interest, and about his possibly unsavory family connections. You name it, and people thought it  and rightly so because for a judge to hire a lawyer under these circumstances practically screams out that theres something wrong here.
After a stinging rebuke from



the Gujarat High court on the conditions prevailing in the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital as well as the testing policy amid the coronavirus outbreak, the state government on Sunday said it would file a detailed reply on how hard it had worked to control the situation.

The High Court had termed the state's coronavirus testing policy as an artificial method to control the number of cases.

It had also said the Civil Hospital was worse than a dungeon and that conditions prevailing there for patients was distressing, painful and pathetic.

"Gujarat High Court has asked some questions, given some guidelines, suggested some measures and given some opinion. The chief minister, law minister, I had a detailed meeting with with advocate general Kamal Trivedi and the state government will file its reply next week," deputy CM and health minister Nitin Patel told reporters.

On the HC's question on how many times the health minister had visited Civil Hospital, Patel said, "Though I would not like to comment on matters which are under the consideration of the high court, for the allegations which have been leveled against me personally, I will say that in the last two months I have visited the city civil hospital five times."



"Though my age is 64 and being a senior citizen, I am advised not to venture out of home, for the last 55 days, I have worked without taking a break," he said, adding he attended core committee meetings on the outbreak daily, and personally intervened in many health department issues.

He said the state government had arranged for beds in large numbers, medicine, medical equipment, PPE kits, and had also implemented the most severe lockdown to contain the outbreak.

Patel also took a swipe at the opposition Congress and said this was not the time to play politics, adding that everyone knew the condition in Maharashtra, which has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country, and where the party was a constituent of the ruling MVA government.

"The Gujarat government, from CM to ministers, officials to those working on the ground, its corona warriors, have done a tremendous job during the pandemic. At such a time, it is important to appreciate those who are fighting against this invisible virus so that their moral remains high," Patel said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Beijing: Days after US drugmaker Moderna announced Phase one trial of its COVID-19 vaccine has shown positive results, researchers on Friday reported that a vaccine developed in China appears to be safe and may protect people from the deadly virus.

According to a report in The New York Times, citing early-stage trial, published in online journal Lancet, those who received a single dose of the vaccine produced certain immune cells, called T cells, within two weeks while the antibodies needed for immunity peaked at 28 days after the inoculation.

The trial was conducted by researchers at several laboratories and included 108 participants aged 18-60. According to the latest data from Johns Hopkins University, the number of coronavirus cases worldwide has gone up to 5,209,266.

Dr Daniel Barouch, director of vaccine research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, who was not involved in the work, acknowledged that `this is a promising data` but added that it is "early data.

"Several teams across the world are in a race to develop a vaccine, considered to be the most effective solution for COVID-19 which has claimed more than 3 lakh lives worldwide. Apart from Moderna, which announced on Monday about its vaccine showing positive results, Dr Barouch and his colleagues too have published a study showing their prototype vaccine protected monkeys from coronavirus infection.

According to the NYT report, results of just one other human vaccine trial, which has now entered mid-stage human trials have been published in a scientific journal. The vaccine reported on Friday was made with a virus, called Ad5, modified to carry genetic instructions into a human cell. The cell begins making a coronavirus protein; the immune system learns to recognize the protein and attack it, in theory preventing the coronavirus from ever gaining a foothold

.In these people, "their immune systems will essentially rear up and blunt the effect of the vaccine," said Dr. Kirsten Lyke, a vaccinologist at the University of Maryland who is leading another coronavirus vaccine trial.

Researchers in China did find that people who had Ad5 antibodies were less likely to develop a strong immune response to the vaccine."That may limit the use of this vaccine," said Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine."If you`re comparing vaccines, the adenovirus ones so far seem to be on the lower end of the spectrum," he added.

However, the results of this vaccine are based on data from a short period, and it is unclear how long its protection might last.In addition, the researchers reported to have tested three doses and said that the highest dose seemed to be the most effective. But people who got the highest dose also experienced the most side effects, such as pain at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headaches, and muscle pain.
Mumbai: Tall claims by the Indian Railways and the Maharashtra government of helping guest workers reach their native places fell flat after two incidents came to light on Saturday.

The Vasai Road-Gorakhpur Sharmik Special to Uttar Pradesh, which left Mumbai on May 21, was diverted to a different route via Odisha due to "heavy traffic congestion".

In another incident, a group of guest workers were left stranded at Wadala TT police station since Saturday morning.

The workers were informed by the police three days ago that their journey back home had been finalised. However, at the last moment they were told that their train has been cancelled. As a result, these migrant workers had to wait at the police station for almost an entire day. They had sought police permission to return to their home states at the beginning of May.

A 30-year-old construction labourer Mubarak Hussain, resident of Bharati Kamala Nagar in Wadala, said he submitted an application to the Wadala TT police in the beginning of May along with 25 other guest workers. Out of the total 25 workers, 15 have commenced their journey either by boarding a truck, by riding a bicycle or walking. There are still 10 workers, hoping to get a seat in a Shramik Special train.

Hussain said, The police have been calling us since May 21 everyday to inform us that our names have been finalised for travel. On May 23, we received a call at around 2 am (on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday) for the same. We arrived with our luggage at 5 am in the morning and later around 9 am, we were told that the train has been cancelled.

Another labourer Istak Ahmad (39) said that he had also submitted the application in the start of May but did not get any response. Hence he decided to cycle back to his native. I cycled up to Bhusawal and later boarded a truck for Basti district in UP, he added.

Refuting allegations of the migrant labourers, Dr Saurabh Tripathi, deputy commissioner of police (DCP) of zone-4, said, These are base allegations. We have been only intimating them to prepare themselves to leave in short notice. That is how we alert them generally because arriving at the police station without confirmation is of no use. We request the public not to gather near police stations and risk their life as well as others.

In another incident, The Vasai Road-Gorakhpur Shramik Special train to Uttar Pradesh was diverted to a different route via Odisha due to heavy traffic congestion. The train that left Vasai Road station in Mumbai on May 21 was diverted via Bilaspur, Jharsuguda, Rourkela, Adra and Asansol stations, Western Railway PRO Ravindra Bhakar said.

Due to heavy traffic congestion on Itarsi-Jabalpur-Pt. Deen Dayal Dayal Nagar route, trains will now run on the diverted route through Bilaspur, Jharsuguda and Rourkela stations in Odisha, he said.

Meanwhile, the railways has ferried around 32 lakh migrant workers on board 2,570 Shramik Special trains since May 1, according to official data. It also said that over the next 10 days, it will operate 2,600 more trains ferrying 36 lakh guest workers home.

The railways is bearing 85 per cent of the total cost of running each of the trains while the rest is being borne by the states in the form of fares.
Hamirpur district continues to have the highest number of novel coronavirus cases in Himachal Pradesh with two more persons, both of whom recently returned to the state from outside, testing positive for the disease on Sunday, deputy commissioner Harikesh Meena said.

The number of infected people in Hamirpur district has risen to 62 out of total 204 in the state.

The district now has 56 active cases out of total 137 active cases in the state. One COVID-19 patient has died and five have recovered, according to state government data.

Meena said that a 20-year-old woman from Baragram in Badsar area and a 56-year-old man from Bagehra lower area of the Sujanpur sub-division tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.

The woman had returned from Delhi along with her relatives on May 18 and was quarantined at the government high school, Baragram, whereas the man came back from Noida in a taxi on May 20 and was institutionally-quarantined at Government Senior Secondary School at Bir Bagehra, he added.

The DC said about 10,000 people have returned in the last four weeks from red zones to Hamirpur district.

Over 16,000 people returned from other states to Hamirpur district between April 26 and May 23, he said adding that of them, nearly 10,000 returned from red zone areas.

Meena said the process of collecting samples of people coming from red zones was expedited.

So far, over 4,500 samples have been taken in the district and around 3,500 of them are from red zones, he added.

About 170 more people are soon returning to Hamirpur from red zones of Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Thane in Maharashtra in two trains, he added.

The DC maintained that over 13,000 people have completed their quarantine period in the district.

Meena paid surprise visits to various institutional quarantine centres on Sunday and directed staff posted there to take proper care of the people coming there.

Meanwhile, the officer declared ward numbers 5 and 6 of Dugha gram panchayat of Hamirpur subdivision as containment zones after detection of a COVID-19 case there recently.

Meena also declared three wards of gram panchayat Booni in Nadaun subdivision and Pahloo gram panchayat of Badsar subdivision as containment zones following detection of two coronavirus positive cases there recently.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Anas Aremeyaw Anas, the once so-called ace Ghanaian Investigative journalist with many international and national awards to his credit has once again nabbed programme host Kweku Annan of Hot FM and Net2TV. He has used his same decried improvised modus operandi only acceptable in Ghana to claim to have caught Kweku Annan take bribe as per the content of the weblink below.

Read More: Anas #12 Again: Ken Agyapong Boy Admits Pocketing Cash To 'Dirty' Anas

When will Anas learn his lesson? Is he trying to fault Kweku Annan for being harsh on him by assisting Kennedy Agyapong (Hon) to expose him (Anas) beyond repair? Anas has lost the plot and to those of us who are conversant with investigation procedures, I find Anas as too desperate to redeem his shattered image for being a blackmailer, extremely corrupt and a total criminal.

Once more, let me tell Anas that you cannot conduct investigation without a crime committed or suspicion of a crime about to be committed based on intelligence report.

When Anas sends his agent to Kweku Annan to negotiate a contract to assist him (the agent) or his(the agent's) uncle to exonerate himself from the grips of Anas as a result of his bogus and criminal entrapment methodology used to tag him as a corrupt person, and pays Kweku Annan a deposit for his job, how can that be used against him as taking a bribe?

Is Kweku Annan paid to do a charity job for the nation for which he is forbidden to take another legitimate payment? Are those people in the media prohibited from doing private jobs? Was the money given to him meant to set Anas up and if yes, did he set him up? Was it Kweku Annan who asked the imposter (agent of Anas) to give him money? Did he ask the imposter not tell anyone that he, the imposter, had paid him some money?

There are many questions to be asked but I rest my case here. With a level of investigative background, I find Anas' methods of conducting criminal investigations highly bogus and substandard. He will only always be upheld as an ace investigative journalist in Ghana and other African countries but will never be admitted in any of the civilized white man's country. He would long be in prison if he were to use his methods of investigations in the United Kingdom, France, America and Germany, just to mention a few countries.

Anas is a funny guy. He has lost the battle already. If Kweku Annan were say, a judge, presiding over a case, and had asked for a bribe to twist justice in favour of the otherwise guilty party, or had been offered a bribe on condition that he judges in favour of the person paying him the bribe, and he did same as had been agreed, then he could be accused of taking bribe. However, under the condition of doing a job for you of which he spends his private time or engages the services of his private investigation company, and is paid a fee, how can that be said to be taking a bribe?

Is it not true that Anas is a criminal duping people? Has he not been exposed beyond every reasonable doubt? Has Kweku Annan not been set up here even if we should assume that he has no any private investigation company? Does Anas think by tagging Kweku Annan as corrupt could save him from the grips of the law where he has been caught usurping other people's lands and extorting money from them? He must be joking!

I pray Ghana courts to speed up any court case before them in which Anas and all those that he had ever investigated are involved. Please stop the dilly-dallying for justice delayed is justice denied.

Rockson Adofo

Sunday, 24 May 2020
People enjoy the boardwalk during the Memorial Day holiday weekend amid the CCP virus pandemic in Ocean City, Md., on May 23, 2020. (Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images)

FDA Head Issues Memorial Day Warning: CCP Virus Is Not yet Contained

The head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to Americans celebrating Memorial Day to follow federal guidelines meant to curb the spread of the CCP virus.

With the country starting to open up this holiday weekend, I again remind everyone that the coronavirus is not yet contained. It is up to every individual to protect themselves and their community. Social distancing, hand washing and wearing masks protect us all, Dr. Stephen Hahn said in a Twitter post on Sunday.

His remark comes as most states start to allow more businesses to reopen and allow people to go to churches, beaches, cookouts, bars, and restaurants.

And some states such as Connecticut, Delaware, and New York have allowed beaches to open ahead of the holiday. But other health experts have warned that the United States isnt in the clear yet.

Even as states and some state officials rush to reopen its on us to make smart and safe decisions, Dr. Seema Yasmin, a former disease detective at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told CNN on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, White House pandemic task force member Dr. Anthony Fauci, the leading U.S. expert on infectious diseases, said that people should exercise caution.

Go out, wear a mask, stay 6 feet away from anyone so you can have the physical distancing, he said during a CNN virus town hall. Go for a run. Go for a walk. Go fishing. As long as youre not in a crowd and youre not in a situation where you can physically transmit the virus.

People utilize the Echo Park Lake recreation area in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 23, 2020. (Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo)

Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus task force coordinator, appeared on multiple news programs Sunday to urge people to keep wearing masks.

She also stressed on ABC News This Week that people can proceed with their day-to-day life activities, but she called on Americans to engage in social distancing and wear masks.

I think its our job as public health officials every day to be informing the public of what puts them at risk, Birx said. And weve made it clear that theres asymptomatic spread. So we really want to be clear all the time that social distancing is absolutely critical. And if you cant social distance and youre outside, you must wear a mask.

So far, more than 1.5 million people in the United States have contracted the CCP virus, and more than 97,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. Over the past two months, more than 35 million people have filed for unemployment as states ordered people to stay home.
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When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it revealed a troubling paradox in Vermonts healthscape. Monopoly-creating laws and regulations (like the Affordable Care Act and the Certificate of Need program) have artificially reduced the states health facilities and resources. Vermonters must contend with fewer hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers, and reduced access to medical imaging technology. On the one hand, insufficient health care capacity increased the risk of COVID-19 cases overwhelming the system and undermined the states ability to take care of all patients requiring hospitalization and respiratory support.

On the other hand, the pandemic worsened the financial challenges of many Vermont hospitals that were already teetering on bankruptcy. Vermont hospitals and physician practices have been financially struggling for years due to workforce shortages and a declining population. In FY 2019, half of the states hospitals experienced operating losses, and six of fourteen have seen operating losses for three or more consecutive years.

Hospitals have also been forced to cut services and staff because rationing of care has been taking place under the aegis of the Vermont All-Payer Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model. Created in 2016, the model is a state-federal experiment in health care payment and delivery, run by a for-profit organization called OneCare Vermont.

A number of primary care and specialty physicians, hospitals, and post-acute care facilities across the state participate in this experiment. Decreased utilization of primary care physicians, specialists, and diagnostic X-rays from 2016 to 2018, yearly worsening health care quality indicators, and growing evidence of long waiting lines to receive treatment prove that OneCare has been restricting access to hold down costs.

Further, in preparation for the projected surge of COVID-19 patients, Vermont hospitals canceled elective and non-urgent procedures. As a result, hospitals are now facing a fifty to seventy percent reduction in revenues  an aggregate loss of $115 million per month.

In truth, the pandemic has had a relatively mild impact in Vermont. As of May 1, eleven people in Vermont are hospitalized, and 20 are being monitored for symptoms. The infection rates are concentrated in the Burlington metropolitan area, while the rest of the state has seen far fewer cases. Michael Pieciak (commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation) noted that the number of new COVID-19 cases has declined, and Vermont has peaked regarding the demand for hospital resources.

Yet, hospitals outside Vermonts coronavirus epicenter have not resumed elective procedures. On the contrary, OneCare claims that the pandemic has inundated health care providers. In an April 8 presentation to the Green Mountain Care Board or GMCB (a five-member committee charged with oversight), the organization stated:

Providers and facilities are intensely focused on delivering essential life-saving emergency and urgent services to Vermonters and have no choice but to defer many of the preventive and comparatively less urgent follow-up services that are intended to achieve the quality and population health targets outlined in Vermonts agreement.

Members of the GMCB (who have a demonstrated record of playing advocate instead of referee) agreed with OneCare. They sent a letter to CMS asserting that the pandemics unprecedented scale and strength prevents providers in the all-payer ACO model from both responding to COVID-19 and meeting health care quality and population health targets that are required by the federal-state contract. The Board has asked CMS to make 2020 a reporting only year, wherein providers will not be held responsible for meeting these targets.

The GMCB is also asking the federal government to allow the models participating providers to keep all savings and pay no penalties for operating losses this year. In other words, OneCare wants to privatize profits and socialize losses. It wants to treat profits as the property of the organizations stakeholders, and losses as a burden to be borne by the general public.

Besides plummeting Vermont to the bottom in health care openness and access, the all-payer ACO model has constructed a billion-dollar bureaucracy in a largely rural healthscape grappling with monopoly-induced shortages and insolvency. The pandemic has unmasked this mangled health care system.

Meg Hansen is executive director, Vermonters for Health Care Freedom.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
The Armenian side regrets that the incorrectly interpreted statement by the health minister Arsen Torosyan upset the Georgian colleagues, Georgian FM David Zalkaliani said on the Imedi TV channel, News.am reports.

According to some Armenian media reports, Torosyan said that the anti-epidemiological system in Georgia is different from the Armenian one, and not for the better. Torosyan believes that the small number of infections and deaths among COVID-19 in Georgia can be explained by shortcomings in terms of the methodology and quality of tests carried out in a neighboring country.

These reports were followed by an acute reaction from the medical establishment of Georgia. Senior health officials assured that the country's COVID-19 statistics are completely transparent, News Georgia reported.

According to Zalkaliani, through diplomatic channels, the Georgian side demanded clarifications from the relevant government departments of Armenia.

Zalkaliani said that Armenian health ministry stated its position through the Georgian Embassy in Yerevan. The FM noted he has received a call from the embassy in Yerevan and was informed that Armenian health ministry called the embassy and expressed their regret that Torosyan's statement, which was incorrectly interpreted, upset Georgian colleagues.

The Armenian side noted that the health minister's statements were misinterpreted. The Georgian Foreign Minister believes that this information must be double-checked and specified.

The Georgian FM also recalled that Georgias efforts in the fight against COVID-19 are highly appreciated by international partners, including the World Health Organization.
More than a quarter of a million small businesses are not fully eligible for JobKeeper because the payment is restricted to one partner in a partnership.

The federal government structured it this way despite lobbying from the accounting industry to extend it to at least two partners to cover the vast majority of business partnerships.

Fiona Gohari and Bobby Aazami are wedding photographers in a family partnership but the business can only receive JobKeeper for one of them. Credit:James Brickwood

The decision affects partnerships such as Fiona Gohari and Bobby Aazami from Lane Cove, who are married and also work as wedding photographers in their business, Fiona + Bobby Photography.

"When we heard about JobKeeper, we thought it was just such an amazing thing but there was a part of us that felt like maybe it's too good to be true," Ms Gohari said. "When we found out that only one of us qualifies, it just didn't make sense and it was really disappointing."
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a massive increase in the use of video conferencing software.

Lockdown regulations and travel restrictions mean most businesses are unable to conduct their usual meetings and interactions  both internally and with clients.

There are various video conferencing software options available to businesses, the most popular of which for some time was Skype.

However, Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams are now the go-to options for many  and Microsoft has stated Teams will replace Skype for Business in 2021.

Zoom

Zoom has become a big player in the video conferencing market this year, and its platform has experienced exponential growth during the pandemic.

Zoom CEO Eric S Yuan said in December that the maximum number of daily meeting participants across both its free and paid services was about 10 million.

In March, this figure surpassed 200 million daily participants, and in April it surpassed 300 million.

A daily meeting participant refers to a session within a meeting; therefore 300 million daily meeting participants does not mean 300 million different users are accessing the platform each day.

Zoom does not provide its active user statistics.

Zooms biggest struggle during the pandemic has not been scaling its services, however, but rather negative press regarding its security.

Online trolls were entering web meetings and disrupting them with inappropriate content  simple actions that researchers were worried could lead to more harmful attacks in the future.

Zoom has also apologized for incorrectly suggesting that Zoom meetings were capable of end-to-end encryption.

Its case has not been helped by reports that the login details of over 500,000 Zoom users have been placed on sale on the dark web.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft recently announced it has 75 million daily active Teams users, which is up from 32 million daily active users on 11 March.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in an earnings call that Microsoft reached 200 million meeting participants in a single day during April.

The benefit of using Teams is that is offers integration with Microsoft 365, allowing users to access, share, and edit Word docs, PowerPoint, and Excel files in real time.

Security research company Abnormal Security has discovered two types of phishing attacks which attempt to take advantage of Teams, however, by directing victims to fake Teams login pages.

Users who fall victim to the phishing attacks will have their credentials compromised, allowing attackers to gain access to files and information stored on their accounts, which could include sensitive company information.

Microsoft Teams users are encouraged to check that the URL of the login page matches https://login.microsoftonline.com to ensure that they are using the correct portal.

Google Meet

Googles primary offering in the video conferencing market is its Meet platform.

Google claims it is adding about 3 million new Meet users every day, and recently reached over 100 million daily meeting participants.

It added that daily usage has increased 30-fold since January, and it now hosts about 3 billion minutes of video meetings each day.

Google also recently made the premium version of Meet free for anyone who has a Google account.

This means that until 30 September, users will be able to host and partake in meetings with unlimited duration.

After this date, the length of meetings on the free tier will be limited to 60 minutes  which is longer than Zooms offering of 40 minutes for free.

It also matches Zooms 100 participant support in video calls, and therefore offers a comparable alternative for large businesses.

WhatsApp

While it is not as feature-packed as Zoom, Teams, or Meet for large business calls, everyday users will still find tremendous value in WhatsApp video call functionality.

The platform makes it quick and simple to contact colleagues or clients, and WhatsApp recently increased its video call capacity to eight people  up from four people.

Other platforms that are suited for simple video calls include Google Duo and FaceTime on iOS.
Kanwal Sibal By

The WHO draft resolution sponsored by 61 nations, including India, is an eye-wash, as it lets China off the hook completely. There is no call in it for any independent investigation into Covid-19 origins. China or Wuhan is not mentioned directly or indirectly in the text. The words transparency and accountability are missing too. That would explain Russias support. India had no reason to opt-out of an anodyne draft. With China now supporting it, there is no reason for Beijing to be upset by Indias position.

The word as appropriate is mentioned in critical parts of the draft, which provides a lot of discretion in implementing the operative paragraphs. Even data is to be shared as appropriate, which implies that China has no obligation to share the data at its disposal as the source of the virus. WHO is to work, not with China, but with the World Organisation of Animal Health and the Food and Agriculture Organisation to identify the zoonotic sources of the virus and its transmission to the human population through scientific and collaborative field missions to reduce the risk of similar events and prevent the establishment of new zoonotic reservoirs etc .

This is looking to the future, not probing what occurred in Wuhan and Chinas handling. It would be misleading to interpret the call to initiate a step-wise process of impartial, independent, and comprehensive evaluation to review experience gained and lessons learned from the WHO-coordinated international health response to Covid-19 and the actions of the WHO and their timelines pertaining to the Covid-19 pandemic as China-directed. It is directed at the functioning of the WHO to improve global pandemic prevention, preparedness etc, with the future in view.

Australia had shown considerable political grit in pursuing its call for an independent investigation into the origin of the virus and seeking transparency, notwithstanding boorish diplomatic threats of trade sanctions by China and opposition from domestic business circles tied to the Chinese market. The EU, which has China-friendly member countries, has been ambivalent about putting China on the mat, which is why even in the G7 meeting, US pressure to identify Wuhan as the source of the virus was resisted to the point that no joint statement could be issued.

The EU-led proposed resolution reflects this disinclination to press for transparency and an independent international probe. Its foreign affairs spokesperson has opposed playing any blame game when the immediate need is to focus on combating the virus. The upshot of all this is that China, while imposing heavy tariffs on Australian barley exports, has mocked Australia on losing the battle for an independent probe. China has no doubt scored diplomatically in the tussle at the WHO, and may feel emboldened to continue its disruptive policies.

The world order is in a flux, and growing US-China rivalry will shape its contours. China as the source of the virus and the US as its biggest victim will get increasingly locked in confrontation, which has become broad-based with technology denial moves by the US. Trump has made a strategic error of alienating the Europeans, whose active cooperation is needed to curb Chinas ambitions. New world order is not for tomorrow; the present fluidity will continue, with the US and China as the principal protagonists.The impact of Chinas hegemonic ambitions on India will remain a serious problem, requiring, as before, engagement and hedging. While lines with China should remain open, the links with the US, Europe, Japan, Australia and others who have concerns about Chinas authoritarian rise should be strengthened.
Dividend paying stocks like China 21st Century Education Group Limited (HKG:1598) tend to be popular with investors, and for good reason - some research suggests a significant amount of all stock market returns come from reinvested dividends. On the other hand, investors have been known to buy a stock because of its yield, and then lose money if the company's dividend doesn't live up to expectations.

The company also bought back stock during the year, equivalent to approximately 1.2% of the company's market capitalisation at the time. Some simple analysis can offer a lot of insights when buying a company for its dividend, and we'll go through this below.

Click the interactive chart for our full dividend analysis

SEHK:1598 Historical Dividend Yield May 24th 2020

Payout ratios

Dividends are typically paid from company earnings. If a company pays more in dividends than it earned, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. So we need to form a view on if a company's dividend is sustainable, relative to its net profit after tax. Looking at the data, we can see that 29% of China 21st Century Education Group's profits were paid out as dividends in the last 12 months. A medium payout ratio strikes a good balance between paying dividends, and keeping enough back to invest in the business. One of the risks is that management reinvests the retained capital poorly instead of paying a higher dividend.

While the above analysis focuses on dividends relative to a company's earnings, we do note China 21st Century Education Group's strong net cash position, which will let it pay larger dividends for a time, should it choose.

We update our data on China 21st Century Education Group every 24 hours, so you can always get our latest analysis of its financial health, here.

Dividend Volatility

One of the major risks of relying on dividend income, is the potential for a company to struggle financially and cut its dividend. Not only is your income cut, but the value of your investment declines as well - nasty. This company has been paying a dividend for less than 2 years, which we think is too soon to consider it a reliable dividend stock.

Story continues

We like that the dividend hasn't been shrinking. However we're conscious that the company hasn't got an overly long track record of dividend payments yet, which makes us wary of relying on its dividend income.

Dividend Growth Potential

The other half of the dividend investing equation is evaluating whether earnings per share (EPS) are growing. Growing EPS can help maintain or increase the purchasing power of the dividend over the long run. China 21st Century Education Group's earnings per share are up 4.5% on last year. We're glad to see EPS up on last year, but we're conscious that growth rates typically slow as companies increase in size. A payout ratio below 50% leaves ample room to reinvest in the business, and provides finanical flexibility. However, earnings per share are unfortunately not growing much. Might this suggest that the company should pay a higher dividend instead? We do note though, one year is too short a time to be drawing strong conclusions about a company's future prospects.

Conclusion

To summarise, shareholders should always check that China 21st Century Education Group's dividends are affordable, that its dividend payments are relatively stable, and that it has decent prospects for growing its earnings and dividend. We're glad to see China 21st Century Education Group has a low payout ratio, as this suggests earnings are being reinvested in the business. Unfortunately, earnings growth has also been mediocre, and we think it has not been paying dividends long enough to demonstrate resilience across economic cycles. Overall we think China 21st Century Education Group is an interesting dividend stock, although it could be better.

Companies possessing a stable dividend policy will likely enjoy greater investor interest than those suffering from a more inconsistent approach. However, there are other things to consider for investors when analysing stock performance. As an example, we've identified 1 warning sign for China 21st Century Education Group that you should be aware of before investing.

If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of dividend stocks yielding above 3%.

Love or hate this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.
TORRANCE, Calif. - The California murder trial of real estate heir Robert Durst is likely to move to a new venue this summer, depending on how a judge rules on a defence motion for a mistrial.

The case against the 77-year-old scion of one of New Yorks wealthiest real estate dynasties is expected to move to the Inglewood courthouse from Los Angeles, The Daily Breeze reported Friday.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mark Windham will consider the defences mistrial motion in a hearing scheduled for June 23, court spokeswoman Mary Hearn said.

Dursts defence team filed the motion in April, arguing he cannot get a fair trial because of a long pause in the proceedings brought on by coronavirus court closures.

The attorneys say the stoppage, which is expected to end with a scheduled resumption of the trial July 27, makes it unrealistic the jury will be able to perform its functions.

The risk that jurors will not be accurately able to recall the evidence introduced prior to adjournment is heightened here, the motion says.

Durst is on trial in the killing of his best friend, Susan Berman, in her home in Beverly Hills in December 2000.

Prosecutors argued in opening statements that Durst shot Berman because she knew Durst had killed his wife, who disappeared in 1982. Durst has never been charged in his wifes killing and denied having any role in either death.

The jury had been hearing the case in a courtroom at the Airport courthouse near Los Angeles International Airport before the COVID-19 pandemic forced officials to close the countys courthouses to all but time-sensitive, essential matters in March.

Moving the trial from the courtroom where it was being heard to a larger venue at the Inglewood courthouse will better enable the court to implement social-distancing protocols, Hearn said.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.
New Delhi:

French defence contractor and shipbuilder DCNS has suffered a massive data leak, raising doubts about the security of one of the worlds biggest defence projects, including Indias new $3.5bn submarine fleet, The Australian newspaper reported on Wednesday.

The leak contains more than 22,000 pages outlining the secret combat capability of six submarines that DCNS has designed for the Indian Navy.

The leaked documents have the sensitive combat capabilities of Indias new submarine fleet and would be a threat to country's defence programme if obtained by Indias rival countires like Pakistan or China.

[ALSO READ: Defence Minister Parrikar asks Indian Navy chief to study what has been leaked]

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has sought report from the Navy on the issue.

"It appears that the source of leak is from overseas and not in India," Indian Navy said in a statement on Scorpene submarine project leak on Wednesday.

[ALSO READ: Indian Navy's ambitious Scorpene submarine project: All you need to know]

A Reuters report quoted a DCNS spokeswoman as saying, "As a serious matter pertaining to the Indian Scorpene program, French national authorities for defence security will formally investigate and determine the exact nature of the leaked documents."

Earlier this year, DCNS had won a $38.06 billion contract to build Australias next generation of submarines.

(With inputs from Agencies)

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Police arrested about 60 protesters on Saturday as part of city-wide demonstrations against restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, German newspaper Tagesspiegel reported. The protesters had violated official guidelines to keep the virus contained, and some had attacked police officials, the newspaper said, citing a police spokesman. Two police officers were slightly injured, the paper added

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Police arrested about 60 protesters on Saturday as part of city-wide demonstrations against restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, German newspaper Tagesspiegel reported.

The protesters had violated official guidelines to keep the virus contained, and some had attacked police officials, the newspaper said, citing a police spokesman.

Two police officers were slightly injured, the paper added.

Berlin police were not immediately available to comment.

Protests against the measures Chancellor Angela Merkel insists are needed to slow down the coronavirus outbreak have become more vocal and demonstrators have filled the streets of the German capital for the third weekend in a row.

The number of confirmed cases in Germany rose by 638 to 177,850, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday. The reported death toll rose by 42 to 8,216, the data showed.

Merkel, in a podcast published earlier, defended the measures, including social distancing rules, adding she was aware of the concerns some had about how they interfered with their human rights.

"Yes, I can understand these concerns," Merkel said. "This virus is an imposition for our democracy."

She still said that lockdown restrictions had been necessary to make sure Germany's health system does not get overstretched, adding this has been achieved so far.

(Reporting by Christoph Steitz; Editing by Ros Russell)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Indore, May 24 : A special evacuation commercial flight of Air India carrying 93 passengers from London via Mumbai landed at Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport here on Sunday.

The passengers have been brought home under 'Vande Bharat' mission.

The passengers were later taken for primary health check-up soon after landing.

Some passengers downloaded 'Aarogya setu App' at the airport only.

Airport director Arysma Sanyal said the passengers' Aarogya Setu App status was also examined. No symptoms of any illness were found, said the airport authorities.

All the passengers were later taken for 14 days' mandatory quarantine at Hotel Amar Vilas and Hotel Regenta.

Some passengers were to continue onward travel to other neighbouring states. They will be allowed to move to their respective states after 24 hours' quarantine.
Stratford District Council no longer has an entirely male senior management team, following the appointment of its new head of community and operational services this week.

Julie Lewis started her new role on Monday, joining Stratford from Daventry District Council, where she held the role of deputy executive director in the business team.

Cllr Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: I am delighted to welcome Julie to the SDC family. She joins us at a very unique and strange time, but will be a welcome and strong addition to the leadership team. There will be enough challenges for her to get her teeth in to.

Julie added: I am really excited to join such a forward thinking and dynamic council, albeit in very unusual and even more challenging than usual circumstances.

The appointment has been welcomed by Cllr Kate Rolfe, who has previously spoken about the need for the authority to do more to encourage women to apply for senior management roles.

Cllr Kate Rolfe, said: Im delighted that there is no longer an all-male senior management team. In an ideal world there would still be a more equal gender balance, but all appointments are made on the basis of finding the best person for the job, Im just glad that in this case the best person for the job was female.

Last year an independent report concluded that it was unfair to brand Stratford District Council as a sexist organisation, but the authority has made changes to make it easier for staff to report any issues they may have.

That report followed an investigation into allegations of sexist behaviour at the authority, sparked by comments made by outgoing former executive director Isabel Edgar Briancon, which resulted in two councillors apologising for their conduct.
Actor Nawazuddin Siddiquis wife, Aaliya, who is embroiled in a bitter divorce dispute with him, has spoken about his controversial autobiography, that was pulled from the shelves after numerous complaints in 2017.

Aaliya, who has accused Nawaz of being an absent father, of disrespecting her throughout their relationship, and of distancing himself from her in public, has said that she warned him against writing the book, in which he made startling personal revelations. Nawaz had spoken candidly about past relationships and flings, leading the women named in the book to protest.

Also read: Nawazuddin Siddiquis wife Aaliya says he humiliated her in front of Manoj Bajpayee, makes excuses to avoid meeting his kids

Aaliya told The Times of India in an interview, When a person tries to be smart toh woh ulta pad jata hai (being cunning often backfires). If you are truthful then maybe the world would accept you. She added, You wrote about your girlfriend and affairs, I told him not to write about someones personal life and we have also fought over it but he believes that at times such things make you mahan (great). They dont make you mahan but your character is revealed.

Expressing concern about the ethics of naming people in the industry, Aaliya continued, She is a girl working in the industry, how can you ruin someones image with whom youve been in a relationship? I have seen his world and have decided to stand for myself. Why should I save his respect when he doesnt respect anyone. How long will a person suffer? It has been 10 years. What you see is not always the truth, to know him you have to spend time with him, which I have done.

Also read: Nawazuddin Siddiquis wife Aaliya claims they have been living separately for past 4-5 years

Aaliya, who has been married to Nawaz for a decade and has two children with him, served him divorce papers via email and WhatsApp earlier this month. According to her lawyer, the actor, who is quarantining in his hometown of Budhana in Uttar Pradesh, is yet to respond.

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The worsening effects of the COVID-19 pandemic seem to have pushed political and popular expressions into a petitionary mode. In such a mode, unlike the legal petition driven by a procedure, a rhetorical performance is at play calling out for the ethical and moral capacity of both the state as well as the people in distress. In such a petitionary genre, the capacity of expression gets mediated by the force of moral appeal that entails the invigoration of the conscience, which, in turn, makes it necessary to put compassion before reason and apology before ideological arrogance. Thus, the state, on priority, needs to be compassionate in mobilising various resources, such as transport, food, and medicine, for the footslogging workers. An appeal as a moral force seeks to compel the state and political actors to shake off complacency and the sense of arrogance that is informed by both ideology and politics. Apology, thus, comes as a subtext of appeal.

There is a wider spectrum on which the word appeal seems to be operative. It has almost a paradigmatic range. Put differently, the word currently under reference finds its public expression at different levels with distinct meanings. For example, the appeal made by the spokesperson of the state to the people to observe social distancing or the appeal to migrant workers to stay wherever they are wherever they are addresses this issue at wider levels and is infused with the meaning. Such meaning suggests that the state is not fully equipped to control the situation and is unable to provide adequate help to the workers in distress. On the other side of the spectrum, the workers, farmers and television artists have been appealing to the government to provide the former with immediate help for fulfilling different but dire needs. For example, workers have been making repeated appeals for transportation. The belief and knowledge of these sections that the state has resources to provide immediate help to the former form the basis of their appeal. On yet another end of the spectrum, the industrialistsbig and smallhave been appealing to the central government for help. Apparently, such appeal may contain an altruistic meaning, which is to say that the interest of the workers are more important than private interests.
The confirmation that my freedom to do as I please had ended came as my hair fell in clumps onto the floor around the barber chair.

If Id had my druthers I would not have chosen a buzz cut. But it was the second day into my life in the military; the first was spent marching in the rain after arriving at boot camp. My life and those of my new buzz-cut companions had changed dramatically.

Freedom.

Weve heard a lot about freedom lately and the threat to our liberty to do as we please because of the rules associated with efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Fortunately the brave hearts of the state Supreme Court majority stepped in to stop the assault on freedoms  such freedoms as going without a face mask or assembling in large crowds without regard for medical advice that such practices were putting others at risk.

But I digress.

My freedom to do as I please did not include deciding whether to join the military; my number came up in 1964 and I became part of the 2.2 million drafted for the Vietnam War out of an eligible pool of 27 million.

That made us part of a much larger contingent of men who were notified by the Selective Service System that their time to serve had come  some 50 million in World War II alone of whom 10 million were inducted. In the Korean War, 1,529,539 were inducted.

Thats a lot of curtailed freedom. But those were tumultuous times and Id bet that, given a credible threat to our country and way of life, the government would turn again to conscription.

Before the start of World War II there was a recognition that the United States would be drawn into the fighting, so Congress on Sept. 16, 1940, passed the first peacetime conscription in U.S. history.

The draft for World War I was established when attempts to build the army with volunteers failed. The Civil War had a draft, but those drafted could pay a substitute. Not so for those drafted since then.

At the end of WWII, the draft law was allowed to expire, but it was re-enacted to boost readiness in the Cold War.

From 1948 until 1973, during both peacetime and periods of conflict, men were drafted to fill vacancies in the armed forces which could not be filled through voluntary means, according to the Selective Service System online history. Induction authority expired in 1973, but the draft remained in existence in standby to support the all-volunteer force in case of an emergency. Registration was suspended early in 1975.

In the summer of 1980, registration was resumed. Presently, men must register within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Failure to register violates the Military Selective Service Act and conviction for such a violation may result in imprisonment for up to five years and/or a fine of not more than $250,000.

Hows that for a threat to personal freedom?

On Memorial Day, we honor those, both conscripts and volunteers, who paid the ultimate price for their service to our country. Their sacrifice and the freedoms given up by the millions who have been called to serve the nation, greatly diminish by comparison the weight of the restrictions so vehemently protested in our present circumstances.

What has transpired with the Selective Service System, the draft, has come in the name of national security. We are in circumstances now that pose a threat, while not a war, although some would liken it to war, to our nations stability and standing in the world.

Yes, we must rebuild and reopen our economy, but not at the cost of disregard for dealing with the pandemic.

If we feel put upon to observe rules of safety and respect for others, we might remember the comparison with the personal liberties that have been curtailed in the past so that we might have the right to protest and feel deprived.

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Liz Hurley has fallen victim to luxury luggage-loving thieves who got into her car, she fears, by copying the code from her wireless key fob.

It happened when Liz, 54, parked at a motorway service station. She told a podcast: I have a keyless car.

When you come out of it and lock it, they can pick up the signal of your transmitter. I parked at one of those big service stations with a food court and went inside.

Liz Hurley attends the Future Dreams Ladies Lunch 2019 supported by Estee Lauder at The Savoy Hotel on October 7 last year in London, England

The actress pictured laden down with luggage while wrapping up warm in a camouflage coat during an outing in London in January this year (file photo)

I came back, drove home and noticed someone had stolen my hand luggage.

That is a horror. I felt I had been pillaged really badly.

Poor Liz, but the big question for me is, what on earth was the regal actress doing at a motorway service station?

And did she opt for KFC or Burger King?

If you spot Michael Palin in the street and quote Monty Python to him, dont be offended if he stares back blankly at you. The 77-year-old star has admitted he cant remember any of the lines from the famous films.

Im always a bit outwitted when people come up and say something from Monty Python. Im like, Oh, thats quite funny. Where did you get that from? They go, Its in your film. 

Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith knows the secret of a happy life  two happy marriages, two great children and two glasses of wine every night.

Prue Leith pictured at The Oldie Literary Lunch in 2019. The Great British Bake Off judge said she doesn't go a 'single evening without a glass of wine'

Im afraid Im a bit of a toper, admits 80-year-old Prue.

I dont go a single evening without a glass of wine, in fact a good two glasses of wine.

'If I havent got a drink in my hand by seven oclock, I start thinking, Its definitely time. 
Germans usually love their sun-soaked summer holidays abroad.

But fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections have prompted a new holiday destination of choice: their home country.

On a recent public holiday, it was only 17 degrees Celsius (62 degrees Fahrenheit) in the seaside resort of Binz on the island of Ruegen.

But in the bright sunshine, with families playing ball on a sandy beach and couples lounging around with ice creams, it already felt like the height of summer.

It was almost as though the virus and weeks of lockdown since mid-March had all been a bad dream.

Few of the tourists wandering along the promenade were observing social distancing rules, and apart from restaurant staff and ice cream sellers, no one was wearing a mask.

At the start of this week, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the northern German state least affected by the coronavirus pandemic, reopened its hotels, initially just for locals. From Monday, Germans from all over the country will be able to join the fun.

For local resident Regina, it's a relief to see people milling around again on the promenade on the Baltic Sea, with its pretty white houses.

"It is nice. We've been feeling very lonely in Binz lately," the 69-year-old said.

"It feels good, liberating, to be here again!" said Julia Holz, 34, who came to Binz with her husband and two children to visit family and enjoy the beach.

- 'Sense of security' -

While half of Germans like to spend their summer holidays elsewhere in Europe, with Spain the top destination, more than a third preferred a staycation even before the coronavirus, according to official statistics.

Apart from Ruegen and the Baltic Sea coast, Bavaria is also a popular choice, with its mountains and romantic castles.

But this year, according to Munich-based tour operator FTI Group, demand for holidays at home has gone through the roof.

"Bookings by German holidaymakers in their own country are well ahead," said director Ralph Schiller, noting a "clear upward trend" in stays of at least one week compared to last year.

Story continues

This is partly down to continued uncertainty around travel restrictions.

But even if borders are reopened, tourists will still have many unknowns to navigate, according to Norbert Kunz, president of the German Tourism Federation.

"What security measures are in place? What happens if a new wave of coronavirus breaks out in the destination country or at home, and if it leads to new travel restrictions?" he points out.

Compared to its neighbours France and Italy, Germany has so far managed to stay on top of the crisis and prevent its hospitals from being overwhelmed.

There is a "sense of security" in staying at home, according to Binz resident Regina, who won't be holidaying abroad this year.

- Rooms kept empty -

Germany is preparing to lift an official ban and allow travel to some European countries from mid-June, meaning trips to the Mediterranean will theoretically be back on the menu.

But politicians are taking pains to keep stressing the risks.

"Be under no illusions: There will be no quick return to 'business as usual'," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has warned.

Having brought home some 240,000 Germans stranded abroad in recent weeks, the government has warned there will not be another costly effort on this scale in the event of a second wave of the virus.

Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder has even proposed introducing bonuses such as tax breaks to promote holidays in Germany, especially for less wealthy families.

But there remains "the problem of accommodation capacity for holidaymakers", stresses Aage Duenhaupt, a spokesman for tour operator TUI -- plus the fact that virus regulations still differ from region to region.

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, hotels are permitted to use only 60 percent of their capacity, while in other regions there are no limits.

"We hope this restriction will be lifted soon, perhaps next week," said Oliver Gut, director of a boutique hotel chain in Binz.

"The situation remains very tense" financially, according to Kunz of the tourism federation.

He estimates that the sector lost around 35 billion euros ($38 billion) in revenues between March and May, and is calling for a state support plan with immediate aid and investment.

"It will be a long time before we get back to normal," he said.
Indian skies will open up for domestic passenger flights from Monday after a gap of two months but there was confusion following the imposition of own set of conditions and rules by several states which are at odds with each other.

Many states like Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu were opposed to opening up of their airports in view of rising cases of the coronavirus infection, making it difficult for the airlines as well as the civil aviation authorities to resume services.

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are home to some of the busiest airports in terms of passenger traffic.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Twitter on Sunday that it is "extremely ill-advised" to reopen airports in red zones.

Echoing similar sentiments, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she will urge the Centre to postpone the resumption of domestic flight services at Kolkata and Bagdogra airports by a few days.

On Sunday afternoon, AirAsia India said on Twitter that all passengers must read the health protocols of the destination states and it would "not be responsible for repatriating or bearing any quarantine or related costs of any guests".

In the midst of uncertainty and confusion, representatives of airlines and several states held multiple meetings with top officials of the Civil Aviation Ministry on Sunday covering a range of contentious issues like quarantine rules for flyers and standard operating procedures for leading airports, officials said.

The focus of the deliberations was to have uniform quarantine rules following the announcement of separate conditions by various state governments. However, it is not immediately clear whether uniform quarantine rules as envisaged could be finalised in the meetings.

Officials said the first flight on Monday is scheduled to depart from Mumbai for Patna at 4.20 AM. Similarly, the first flight from Delhi airport would depart for Kolkata at 4.30 AM. Both flights are from IndiGo airline.

At the same time, they did not rule out a change in the schedule if the West Bengal government unilaterally decides not to allow flight operations.

As airlines were making preparations to resume their operation, scores of pilots and first officers PTI spoke to seem to be concerned about the lack of clarity on quarantine requirements for them. Many of them raised concerns over issues like quarantine procedures, personal and family safety, and flying into regions badly hit by the pandemic.

"There is no clarity on whether I need to go into home quarantine for 14 days after returning to my base or show up for duty on Monday," a pilot said, requesting anonymity.

The government last week announced the resumption of domestic flight services from May under specific rules and guidelines like a cap on ticket pricing, wearing of face masks by passengers, no food served onboard planes and making available details of medical conditions by travellers through Aarogya Setu app or by filling up of a self-declaration form.

The government's decision came as the aviation sector was reeling under severe stress triggered by the coronavirus lockdown that began on March 25.

However, many states expressed serious reservations about the Centre's decision to start flight services. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Bihar, Punjab, Assam and Andhra Pradesh have announced their respective quarantine measures for passengers arriving at their airports.

Some states decided to put passengers on mandatory institutional quarantine while several others talked about putting them under home quarantine.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday questioned the need for quarantine if a passenger is shown green status in Aarogya Setu app. The green status signifies that a passenger is safe.

However, as the states remained adamant on the matter, the central government is trying to create coherence in quarantine rules for flyers, officials said.

They said bookings have been opened for around 1,050 domestic flights that will operate on Monday.

Several executives from a number of airlines said since Mumbai and Kolkata airports handle a significant share of domestic flights, the operators are expecting the Centre to clarify the "prevailing confusion" relating to quarantine.

"Clarity is required on matters regarding quarantine and flights to Mumbai and Kolkata as it is affecting our bookings. Passengers are reluctant to book in such an environment," said an executive of a low cost carrier.

The Jammu and Kashmir government said on Saturday that all incoming passengers will have to undergo "administrative quarantine" for a fortnight.

Similarly, the Kerala government said on Friday that all flyers will be put into 14 days' home quarantine and that it has made an exception for those coming for business purposes or for a short duration.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had said all incoming passengers will be put in home quarantine for 14 days while the Bihar government said that travellers will be put on "paid quarantine" for the same period.

Passengers coming to Andhra Pradesh would be put under home quarantine, said the state government, adding that once their test results for COVID-19 come negative, they will be relieved from quarantine.

The Assam government on Friday said it will be putting flyers on a 14-day quarantine. The passengers might be distributed equally in home quarantine and government quarantine, it clarified.

Karnataka government's health ministry made it clear said that anyone coming from states where there is "high prevalence" of COVID-19 will be kept in institutional quarantine for seven days and if tested COVID-negative, the passenger will have to spend the next seven days in home quarantine.

Karnataka has classified Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh as "high prevalence" states.

The passengers coming through remaining states in the country to Karnataka will have to undergo 14 days of home quarantine.

However, the Karnataka health department clarified that special cases where businessmen are coming for urgent work will not require to undergo any quarantine if they bring test results that are not more than two days old and show them COVID-negative.

Puri's announcement on Wednesday that airlines will resume domestic passenger flights from Monday came as a big breather for the aviation sector.

Saujanya Shrivastava, Chief Operating Officer - Flights, MakeMyTrip and Goibibo, said: "With domestic flights taking off after 61 days of lockdown, there is an understandable apprehension amongst flyers. That said, we expect the situation to smoothen out as flyers gradually get attuned to the new safety protocols."



Aloke Bajpai, Co-founder and CEO of Ixigo, a flight booking platform, said,"There is still no official directive from state governments or airlines regarding quarantine protocols for different cities. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update our users on any official mandate which might affect their travel plan."



In the meantime, the Health Ministry on Sunday issued guidelines for domestic travel, advising passengers to download the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile devices and asking states to ensure thermal screening at the departure point of airports, railway stations and bus terminals.

Asymptomatic passengers should be permitted to travel after being asked to self-monitor for 14 days, the ministry said.

Dos and Don'ts shall be provided along with tickets to travellers by the agencies concerned, said the ministry's guidelines for domestic travel (air/train/inter-state bus travel).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
McGee Group, a London-based, Irish-founded and owned demolition firm that has worked on many landmark and well-known buildings there, has become an employee-owned company.

The firm, which was founded in 1959 by Longford native Tom McGee, had revenues of 112m (100m) and a profit of 8.37m in its most recent accounts for 2018.

It has worked on some of the city's biggest construction projects, including the Lloyd's building, the British Library, Heathrow and Gatwick airports, Harrod's, Tate Britain, Wimbledon, several tube stations and Battersea Power Station.

For the five-star Claridge's Hotel - to whose owners developer Paddy McKillen is a consultant - the firm worked 24 hours a day on an award-winning so-called iceberg basement, creating 65,000 sq ft of additional space containing a spa, swimming pool, wine cellar and other facilities.

Extending five storeys underneath the existing grade-two listed building, it has been acclaimed around the world as a considerable feat of engineering, having been overseen by Donegal man Jim Mackey and his daughter Michelle.

McGee Group said there will be no change to how it operates day to day.

"This secures the future of the business, continuing the legacy that our father started in 1959, and rewards our employees who have made the business the success it is today," said chairman Brian McGee.

The McGee family will continue to support the business. Tom McGee - the third generation of the family - has joined the company board.

"At this time of crisis in the industry, our transition to employee ownership will serve as fuel for our business and will help enable us to emerge stronger," said managing director Seb Fossey.

Every employee of the business with at least a year's continuous employment has become a beneficiary of the new employee-owned trust.

A new bonus scheme, linked to the profit of a group holding company, will see employees eligible to receive a bonus of up to 3,600.
The Governor of Kano State, Umar Ganduje reportedly attended the Eid-il Fitr prayers held today, accompanied by his Deputy, Nasiru Gawuna.

The prayers are said to be the first attended by His Highness the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.

Viewers of the Twitter post by a user simply identified as Dawisu commented on the lack of social distancing, and the obvious gap between the elites present, and the masses crowded outside.

His Excellency, Governor Umar Ganduje and his Deputy His Excellency Dr. Nasiru Yisuf Gawuna attended the Eid-il Fitr Prayers today, which was also the first Eid prayer of His Highness the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero. The prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Kano, the post is captioned.

H.E @GovUmarGanduje and his Deputy H.E @DGawuna attended the Eid-il Fitr Prayers today, which was also the first Eid prayer of His Highness the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero. The prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Kano. pic.twitter.com/xBo0uOZe6F  Peacock (@dawisu) May 24, 2020

Social Distancing (inside Cubicle)

Zero Social Distancing (Outside Cubicle)

Hypocrite at its peak, one user replied beneath the post.

Social Distancing (inside Cubicle)

Zero Social Distancing (Outside Cubicle) Hypocrite at its peak.?  Madam O TO GE (@MissOzil10) May 24, 2020

The poor people outside the cubicle doesnt matter in the scheme of life, another user responded.

The poor people outside the cubicle doesnt matter in the scheme of life.  DEMAGOGUE PhD.?senior advocat? (@von_Bismack) May 24, 2020

Kano Elites in VIP section, observing the social distancing as recommended by WHO and observed by @HaramainInfo, d rest sai dai ta Allah. Ko face mask ma babu ballantana social distancing.Haba yakamata ace anyi advocating wa mutane akan hakan. Taya Allah kiwo, yafi Allah na nan  Farida Ujudud Shariff (@FaridaShariff) May 24, 2020
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Chennai police are yet to narrow down on the 45-year-old coronavirus positive patient who had fled from the Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital (RGGH) on Friday

An official source informed The New Indian Express that during the time of the admission, the patient gave a fake address without a phone number. "He just mentioned his area as Ayanavaram with a door number which was fake. He apparently told the hospital staff that neither he nor his family members use a cellphone."

"He volunteered himself for testing at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital as he was sick and was admitted because he was showing symptoms," police sources said.

However, it was not clear whether the patient absconded after his result came back positive or his result came after he absconded from the hospital.

This is the second such incident of a COVID-19 patient absconding from the RGGGH. Last month, a mentally disturbed patient who was under treatment for COVID-19 managed to escape and walk back to his house in Pullianthope. At that time, the Chennai Corporation officials and police personnel convinced him and brought him back to the hospital after a day of struggle.
Una : , May 24 (IANS) Optimum production of potatoes this season has brought cheers on the faces of growers of Una district in Himachal Pradesh as they were apprehensive about its harvesting and marketing owing to the nationwide lockdown amid coronavirus pandemic.

Officials with the state Agriculture Department said in the state's prominent food bowl Una district the potato production during the Rabi season was 13,830 tonnes, a bumper for the second consecutive time.

The potato sowing area was 922 hectares this time, slightly less than 947 hectares in the previous Kharif season. In the previous season, its yield was 14,205 tonnes.

The cash crop potatoes grown in the hill state, twice in a year, sell like hot cakes in the markets of the north Indian states of Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana and Delhi.

"Most of the farmers in the area were initially apprehensive about the marketing of the crop that was bumper this season," Satinder Bains, a prominent potato grower on the outskirts of Una town, told IANS.

He said there was also a shortage of labour as a majority of them migrated to their native places with the nationwide lockdown began on March 25.

"But the state government came to the rescue of farmers by providing timely lockdown passes so that they could sell their produce in the market," Bains added.

Another farmer Karamvir Gill of Amb tehsil said with the transport arrangements also helped marketing of produce in the neighbouring states where the crop commanded comparatively good price.

Agriculture Department Deputy Director Suresh Kapoor told IANS the government had provided Kufri Jyoti potato seed variety to the growers in the Una district and its yield was bumper this season.

He said the farmers are currently getting the price between Rs 1,800 and Rs 2,200 per quintal of potato and it is highly remunerative.

Kapoor said the farmers were in despair about the crop. They feared the crop would rot in the fields owing to the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown. The department made special arrangements for its harvesting and marketing.

Over 4,400 curfew passes were issued to the farmers and labourers by the department to harvest their crops and then market it.

He said the department had also made arrangements to provide the masks and hand sanitizers free of cost to the growers and also educated about the social distancing to contain the coronavirus.

Now the department has made preparations for sowing of Kharif crop in the district. For this, it has procured maize, jowar and millet seeds and they will be provided to farmers with 50 per cent subsidy, the official added.

Potato is one of the major cash crops grown in the lower and mid-hills of the state. Una district alone harvests potatoes nearly 900 hectares, besides cultivating wheat on 29,000 hectares.

The production of potatoes in the state was 1.87 lakh tonnes in 2018-19 as against 1.99 lakh tonnes in 2017-18, according to the state Economic Survey for 2019-20.

Besides Una district, the table potato is also cultivated in Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Kullu districts.

The Lahaul Valley in Lahaul-Spiti district is known for producing virus-free potatoes that mainly find a market for plantation.

Currently, potatoes are being retailed at Rs 25-30 per kg in the region.

Himachal Pradesh annually earns Rs 2,500 crore from the cultivation of vegetables, while horticulture generates more than Rs 3,200 crore annually.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
The COVID-19 stay-home order came at an especially hard time for the Kelso-Longview areas small Islamic community, as it overlapped with Ramadan, the month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.

But local Imam Brian Shaheed is staying positive for the Masjid Al-Rahman, the only mosque in Cowlitz County. Only about 15 to 20 regularly visit the mosque for Friday services, Shaheed said, though travelers on the freeway occasionally stop by.

For now, members of the mosque are praying at home and keeping in touch by email, Shaheed said. Theres no safe way to practice social-distancing prayer in the small West Kelso mosque, and Shaheed doesnt want to resume in-person prayer until its absolutely safe to do so under the governors order.

Outlined explicitly in our faith, were very anti-social distancing, Shaheed said with a laugh. In our prayer, you stand feet-to-feet, shoulder-to-shoulder.

Masjid Al-Rahman is just one of more than 150 local faith groups adjusting to a new world of worship. Theyve struggled with the loss of seeing each other in person and performing important rites. But for some, its been a chance to find new ways to reach their congregation. And for many, keeping the faith becomes more meaningful in times of hardship.

Praying together, in person, is essential to their service, Shaheed said. So theres no real way to hold services online.

And the pandemic coincides with the end of the month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al Fitr this weekend, when Muslims end their fast.

We have huge banquets where we get together. Family members see each other. We travel oftentimes. We share gifts.

So, unable to gather and celebrate, the congregation has been understanding but dismayed, Shaheed said: Its kind of like canceling Christmas.

Shaheed converted to Islam in 1996 at the age of 19. Hes lived in the area since 2002 and graduated from Lower Columbia College and Whitman College in Walla Walla, where he studied religion. Since then, hes worked as a Muslim chaplain for inmates at state penitentiaries. Hes also a stay-at-home dad for two disabled children and does web design and computer maintenance work on the side.

The community set up the mosque around 2011. There have been Muslims in the area since at least the seventies, Shaheed said, but they used to visit Vancouver or Portland for services.

We dont have a neon sign saying Muslims are here right outside our mosque, he said with a laugh. Weve just wanted to be like any other community member.

There was apprehension in starting a mosque in such a small, primarily Christian community, Shaheed acknowledged. Hes received death and bomb threats at an interfaith religious gathering in Vancouver and been told to Go back to your country.

Im from California, he said. I know it seems like another country.

But the community has been incredibly supportive locally, Shaheed said. Kelso PD reached out to them in the aftermath of the 2019 New Zealand Christchurch mosque shootings. Theyre part of an interfaith community with other local groups. And in the only troubling incident theyve had  a drunk man who shouted terrorists one evening  that man came back about a week and a half later to apologize and shake hands, Shaheed said.

The shutdown is a situation Shaheed has never experienced in his faith, but its not an unprecedented challenge in Islams history.

We view it as a very difficult trial from God," Shaheed said. Will we give up, turn our backs, fall into despair? Or will we become better from this and actually increase our faith? Thats the test for us.

Before the virus, Kelsos First Baptist Church had never held a video service, and the best recordings it had were on cassette tapes. But the last few months have warranted a technology upgrade, Pastor Bill Hale said.

Over the last three months, theyve gone from using an iPhone to installing new video equipment. Theyre now recording services to the church website, Facebook and Youtube, and are even looking at going live.

This is a big step for this church, Hale said.

Father Bryan Ochs, the pastor of St. Rose and several other Catholic churches in the area, said the church now holds English and Spanish Facebook live streams every Sunday. Around 120 to 160 households tune into the English Mass and roughly 40 to 70 tune into Spanish Mass, Ochs said.

But virtual services cant replace everything.

Obviously, you miss the people, Hale said. You miss being able to banter with them. One gentlemen comes in, has a couple of jokes  (or) the hugs from some of the little old ladies that grab hold and wont let go.

Parishioners cant fully receive Communion over a screen, Ochs said.

Thats the biggest setback to watching a live stream or Mass on video, Ochs said. Its huge. Its sort of the most important aspect of Catholic worship, and since they cant receive Communion, thats the big difference. We offer a prayer called the act of spiritual Communion, but ... it falls beneath the actual experience of receiving Communion. Theres really no substitute for that.

But social distance might produce spiritual hunger for the real deal, Ochs said.

When we are able to return to in-person Masses, I believe peoples desire for Communion will be stronger. I think their participation in the Mass will be, for many people, stronger than it was before the pandemic, he said.

Online turnout is only about a quarter of the Kelso First Baptist Churchs regular attendance, Hale said, partially because its an older congregation that isnt as technologically connected as younger generations. But curiously, theyre getting far more views, and from a wide range of ages, on Youtube.

Hale said that indicates there may be more people tuning in who wouldnt otherwise have stepped into church before.

Were a little congregation, he said. Its not a secret that the younger generation coming up now has ... kind of a general distrust of organized religion. They are tuning in from living rooms, or wherever theyre isolating or watching, but they would have never ever stepped foot into our church. ... Theres not that stigma of Gee, I dont fit in here. 

Both Ochs and Hale said they plan to continue live-streaming services even after the pandemic subsides. Theyre looking forward to in-person services but will be patient and wait until its safe and legal under the governors order to do so.

Were convinced that we would follow whatever the state rules mandate, Hale said. I would feel real bad if the church tried to jump the gun or ignored them, and you were the cause of an outbreak.

He anticipated they might open sometime in June, and may add a second service in order to keep the congregations from being too crowded.

And Ochs, Hale and Shaheed all said their finances have not withered under the strain of the disease and the governors order.

People have been really generous, Ochs said. Some people have let us know that theyre not able to give like they used to, but weve gotten some bigger than normal gifts too, so were holding steady in terms of our giving.

A member of the Masjid Al-Rahman congregation owns the mosque building, and they have only modest utility costs, Shaheed said.

Kelso First Baptist started the year with donations down slightly, but their giving doubled in the first month of COVID-19 restrictions, Hale said, and has remained high.

So we were greatly, greatly appreciative and feel blessed, He said. Giving waxes and wanes. ... We started the year off low, and when COVID hit, I thought, boy, we were going be in trouble.  (But) people stepped in.

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A students father has brought a class-action lawsuit against Rutgers University, seeking refunds for tuition, fees and room and board after the school moved classes online to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

The suit, filed May 20 in Middlesex County Superior Court, accuses the university of breach of contract, unjust enrichment and conversion for continuing to reap the financial benefit of millions of dollars from students."

Colleges first announced they would conduct classes remotely in March, with many making the call before Gov. Phil Murphy ordered all schools in the state to close. But as the coronavirus continued to spread, ultimately hitting New Jersey harder than any other state but New York, colleges canceled in-person instruction for the rest of the semester and postponed graduation ceremonies.

The suit follows a national trend, as institutions like Boston University, Vanderbilt University, Brown University and others face such accusations. Another student brought similar action against Montclair State University late last month.

While many say they understand the public health need to empty campuses, they say colleges cant justify high price tags for online education.

We understand that universities have been put under unforeseen circumstances and had to act quickly in the face of the pandemic, but we also believe that is no excuse to ignore the rights of students and others paying for access to campus amenities, in-person education and all the other benefits commonly afforded to them in a typical semester, Steve Berman, an attorney for the students, said in a statement.

The suit was filed by a man identified only as John Doe, the father of a student enrolled at Rutgers during the spring 2020 semester. It claims the student missed opportunities to view videos or listen to recorded lectures because professors sometimes sent links incompatible with her computer. Instead, she had to rely on lecture slides with bullet points as a substitute for the classroom experience.

As students left campus, they also lost use of university resources, like the library, health facility and certain technology, the claim states.

In March, Rutgers announced it would give students prorated refunds for room and board, beginning March 23. But according to the lawsuit, many students had to leave their dorms on March 12. The action demands the university give room and board refunds for those days, too.

Rutgers charges in-state students $15,407 a year for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $32,189, according to its admissions site.

As some students and their families face lost income following the economic shutdown of the state, a rising number have called for refunds. Earlier this month, a state senator introduced a bill that would require colleges and universities to issue 25% tuition refunds to students for the spring semester.

But colleges say they feel the crunch, too, as state and federal funding dries up and they must act quickly to make their campuses as safe as possible amid the outbreak. And even though the campus buildings sit empty, they remain costly to maintain.

Many colleges face multi-million dollar budget gaps that could result in layoffs as well as reductions in financial aid, course offerings and campus services. Montclair State has already had to close its School of Conservation.

As the schools look to the fall, many do not know if they can open their campuses entirely, and some students have hesitated to commit to the pricey institutions when the offerings remain unclear.

A Rutgers spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Amanda Hoover may be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj.
India on Sunday welcomed the announcement of a three-day ceasefire in Afghanistan by the Taliban and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the occasion of Eid, and hoped that it will be extended further to pave the way for durable peace and stability in the country.

The Taliban and Ghani on Saturday announced a three-day ceasefire ahead of Eid.

The Ministry of External Affairs said India stands with the people of Afghanistan in their quest for enduring peace, security, sovereignty and prosperity.

"India welcomes the understanding reached for a ceasefire in Afghanistan for three days during the Eid," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

"We hope that this ceasefire would extend further and become permanent to address the dire humanitarian situation resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and pave the way for durable peace and stability for the people of Afghanistan," it said in a statement.

India has been keenly watching the evolving political situation after the US inked a peace deal with the Taliban in February. The deal provided for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, effectively drawing curtains to Washington's 18-year war in the country.

The US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001.

India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

India has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled.

India has also been maintaining that care should be taken to ensure that any such process does not lead to any "ungoverned spaces" where terrorists and their proxies can relocate.

India has been calling upon all sections of the political spectrum in Afghanistan to work together to meet the aspirations of all people in that country including those from the minority community for a prosperous and safe future.

There have been global concerns over Pakistan's support to Taliban and other terror groups operating in Afghanistan.

Days before inking of the peace deal between the US and Taliban, India conveyed to the Trump administration that pressure on Pakistan to crack down on terror networks operating from its soil must be kept up.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hong Kong, a financial centre less known for its biotechnology industry and even less for its expertise in animal health technologies, is home to one company with global ambitions in the animal vaccine business.

Pacific GeneTech this month partnered with Rhode Island, US-based EpiVax to develop vaccines for African swine fever (ASF), said CEO Tim Collard, who started his pharmaceutical career in the 1970s at Connaught Laboratories, which supplied vaccines to Hong Kong.

"EpiVax has developed computational and genetic tools to develop vaccines for humans and animals, to facilitate selection of the best components from circulating viruses for making vaccines," he said in an interview.

"Many vaccines being pursued are unlikely to be effective because ASF is a very tricky virus with multiple strains, which has caused big problems in Asia, Russia and parts of Europe ... it is a matter of time before it spreads to the United States."

The EpiVax approach is based on a strategy to provide immunity through antibodies that neutralise the virus, and also induce immune cells to kill it, he noted. Antibodies can no longer reach the virus once it enters the cell.

Pacific GeneTech plans to conduct its "proof-of-concept" clinical trial on 120 pigs in high-security facilities in North America, which is expected to cost up to US$500,000. It also hopes to do trials in Vietnam, China, Europe and Russia.

ASF has resulted in hundreds of millions of pigs either dying or being culled globally. No effective vaccine has been commercialised.

China has seen ASF cases rising recently as the easing of coronavirus pandemic lockdowns has freed up the movement of livestock and people, noted Rabobank senior analyst Christine McCracken.

"Given continued ASF challenges in China, we maintain our view that pork production will decline by 15 to 20 per cent this year, which will support strong pork prices and imports," she wrote in a report. China's pork prices are more than double what they were a year ago.

Story continues

Globally, some 15 research institutes in eight nations are conducting ASF vaccine research using six different technologies with varying safety and efficacy profiles, according to a Dongxing Securities report.

Phibro Animal Health, based in New Jersey, US, said last year it has made "significant" progress in developing an ASF vaccine by identifying epitopes " key parts of antigens recognisable by pigs' immune systems " that showed "strong potential" to form the basis for a vaccine. Commercialisation is not expected until three to five years later, it added.

Researchers at Harbin Veterinary Research Institute " a unit of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences " said in February in a paper published in the China Life Sciences journal they have developed a safe and effective vaccine.

It is a live vaccine with weakened virulence, which can be removed entirely by the body within two weeks, they said.

Scaled production is "feasible and cost effective" since each piglet can produce at least 200,000 doses from bone marrow cells, they added, without saying when it may be field tested and whether it is effective on multiple virus strains. The institute did not respond to faxed queries.

The global ASF vaccine market could one day be worth US$1 billion to US$2 billion, according to an estimate by investment advisory firm Guggenheim Partners' analyst David Westenberg, cited by Animal Pharm.

In China, the world's biggest pigs breeder and consumer, the market potential of an ASF vaccine could exceed 5 billion yuan, estimated Dongxing's analyst Cheng Shiyue.

When it was founded, Pacific GeneTech licensed from a consortium of North American universities vaccine technologies that could potentially provide protection against multiple strains and species of pathogens.

It has developed an avian vaccine against Salmonella bacteria, which is pending US regulatory approval and was last month licensed to Iowa-based Kemin Industries for international development and commercialisation.

Pacific GeneTech has raised over US$10 million from investors, including San Francisco-based AVG Ventures, Taiwan's Yuanta Asia Investments and Indonesian poultry pharmaceutical and vaccine producer Medion.

Co-founded in 2009 by Louis Bowen " chairman of investment firm Asia Capital Management and a former Citigroup banker " it has 12 staff in Hong Kong, Kansas City in the US, and Oxford, UK.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2020 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2020. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], May 24 (ANI): As many as 93 nationals arrived in Madhya Pradesh's Indore from London on Sunday morning in a special Air India flight which has been spearheading the government's ambitious 'Vande Bharat' mission to bring stranded citizens back home owing to the covid lockdown.



All passengers were examined for the virus by the authorities of the state health department at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport in Indore.

Dr. Amit Malakar told ANI that after the checking procedures, arrangements were made for all passengers to send them to different cities, where they would remain in quarantine for 14 days. The passengers who belonged to Indore city itself have also been sent to quarantine centers.

The evacuations are being conducted under the second phase of 'Vande Bharat' mission which was initiated on May 16 and aims to bring stranded Indians from 40 different countries across the globe.

More countries have been added in the second phase of Vande Bharat Mission. Now, stranded and distressed Indians from Finland, South Korea, Belgium, New Zealand, Netherlands, Kenya, Mauritius, Spain, Myanmar, Maldives, Egypt and Sri Lanka will also be able to return on special flights, according to Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. (ANI)


Michael Jones and Lester Lofton, who often have lunch together at Colliers Ferry Park, kicked off Memorial Day weekend by sitting.

Im not planning on doing anything special, said Jones, as the two friends waited under one of the parks picnic pavilions, holding the space for a group having a get-together later in the afternoon.

Both men said they would normally spend the holiday weekend with a group, family or friends, but both knew things would be different this year due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lofton said people in public seem to be acting more responsibly, but he remains worried they arent respecting each others space sufficiently.

Hes not the only Southeast Texan playing it safe.

The staff at Forest Lawn Memorial Park is not inviting the public to its annual Memorial Day ceremony for the first time since the tradition began nearly 70 years ago.

The day in photos: SE Texas Scouts pay Memorial Day tribute

General manager Danny Blanchard said it will instead live-stream the event, including speakers and a small group of guests laying wreaths at the military monument there, on Forest Lawns Facebook page.

Its tough, but everything has been tough lately, Blanchard said. The funerals we do and the people we serve, were trying to do the best we can to comfort people. It saddens us not being able to do the full ceremony.

Scouts from five groups across the area met at Forest Lawn Saturday morning to place around 6,000 flags at veterans graves.

In Kountze, another business usually in high demand during the holiday also had to make some tough decisions.

Ronnie Stockholm, owner of Indian Springs Campground, said he turned some campers away so he could maintain a safe distance between guests.

It's one of those things where people want to get and go camping, but you are limited to where you can put them and still give them some kind of privacy, he said. We want the ones who are here to have some kind of peace of mind.

Doing so left the park filled at just 25% to 30% capacity.

Stockholm said he decided on spacing out campers after consulting with Hardin County Judge Wayne McDaniel. He said he especially hates to turn away the senior citizens looking for a place to spend the weekend where their grandchildren can play.

Luckily, the campground is close enough to the recently opened trails at the Big Thicket National Preserve so people can enjoy the outdoors without overlapping too much in the park.

Top hits: Get Beaumont Enterprise stories sent directly to your inbox

Another holiday tradition seems to be surviving this year. At Charlies Bar-B-Que on College Street in Beaumont, owner Charles Brewer said orders for links, ribs and brisket had been coming in since Tuesday and were still coming in on Saturday.

Demand for smoky Memorial Day food even seems a little higher than usual, Brewr said. His biggest challenge has been a shortage of meat, especially brisket, available from suppliers.

Ive had to put a limit on some of the amounts per order, he said. It was pretty bad. I had to go between Houston and Silsbee searching meat markets for enough meat. Its gotten a lot better now.

Charlies, which last year made the Texas Monthlys list of 25 Best New and Improved Barbecue Joints, is still drive-thru only right now. But Brewer said he is looking forward to the day he can invite guests back.

I know people would rather sit and eat their barbecue, he said. Its not something you want to drive four or five miles with and let it get cold. You want to eat it on the spot.

jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com

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A powerful New York Times cover features the names of 1,000 people who have died from the coronavirus - but they are just one per cent of the total death toll.

The striking front page of Sunday's paper was shared across social media platforms on Saturday evening and had the headline: 'U.S. deaths near 100,000, an incalculable loss.'

'They were not simply names on a list. They were us,' the page reads.

Attached to each person's name is their age and a few details about their lives.

A powerful New York Times cover for Sunday's edition features 1,000 names of people who have died from the coronavirus

Names continue to be listed inside, along with an essay from Times reporter Dan Barry.

The project was spearheaded by Simone Landon, assistant editor of the Graphics desk for the New York Times , who wanted to show the 'vastness and the variety of lives lost'

The project was spearheaded by Simone Landon, assistant editor of the Graphics desk for the New York Times, who wanted to show the 'vastness and the variety of lives lost.'

Landon and her colleagues also felt that 'both among ourselves and perhaps in the general reading public, there's a little bit of a fatigue with the data,' the New York Times reports.

'We knew we were approaching this milestone,' Landon added. 'We knew that there should be some way to try to reckon with that number.'

Landon thought of the idea of compiling obituaries and death notices of coronavirus victims, using clips from newspapers across the United States.

She was against using dots or stick figures to represent the deaths because it 'doesn't really tell you very much about who these people were, the lives that they lived, what it means for us as a country.'

Researcher Alain Delaqueriere assisted in compiling the names by combing through online obituaries and death notices that had coronavirus listed as the cause of death.

'NOT SIMPLY NAMES ON A LIST' Clair Dunlap, 89, Washington, pilot still teaching people to fly at 88.

Richard Passman, 94, Silver Spring, Md., rocket engineer in the early days of supersonic flight.

Fred Walter Gray, 75, Benton County, Wash., liked his bacon and hash browns crispy.

Alan Finder, 72, Ridgewood, N.J. unflappable New York Times journalist.

Romi Cohn, 91, New York City, saved 56 Jewish families from the Gestapo. Lorena Borjas, 59, New York City, transgender immigrant activist.

Albert Petrocelli, 73, New York City, fire chief who answered the call on 9/11.

Lila A. Fenwick, 87, New York City, first black woman to graduate from Harvard Law School.

Leo Sreebny, 98, Seattle, preferred bolo ties to neckties, suspenders to belts.

Timothy Branscomb, 32, Chicago, always busy looking out for others. Advertisement

A team of editors and three graduate student journalists then assisted in going through the 1,000 names he compiled, pulling information about each person.

Marc Lacey, National editor for The Times, informed chief executive officer Tom Bodkin that the milestone was approaching.

'I wanted something that people would look back on in 100 years to understand the toll of what we're living through,' Lacey said.

Bodkin had two ideas for the page: either a grid of hundreds of pictures for those who have died from the virus or an 'all type' concept.

He noted that he did not remember a front page without images during his 40 years at The Times.
Students in Years 2-10 head back to their classrooms on Monday, marking the final stage of the reopening of Queensland schools after more than a month of learning from home.

In further good news for Queensland children, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Sunday announced community sporting clubs could restart "small group training" from 11.59pm on June 12.

A school student wears a surgical mask as he returns to the classroom. Credit:Dan Peled - AAP

Queensland had one new COVID-19 case on Sunday, a patient from Cairns in the state's far north, which had been a hot spot of community transmission, along with Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

"Its only a late positive, so we are not too concerned about that but we will be getting some further updates tomorrow [Monday] from the Chief Health Officer about that," Ms Palaszczuk said.
San Antonio artist Lisa Nigros Phoenix Rising sculpture, a 12-foot-tall winged creation featuring a flamethrower to make it breathe fire, appeared at last years Burning Man counterculture celebration in Nevadas Black Rock Desert.

Its the last time she laid eyes on the steel bird.

Nigro, 57, accuses the movers she paid to ship the sculpture back to San Antonio of trying to get her to pay additional monies for its return. Shes suing the movers and the companies that were allegedly involved in arranging the move to get the sculpture and other belongings back.

If anything weirds gonna happen, it always happens to me, Nigro said with a laugh. This is pretty weird. Seriously, you dont want to give me my stuff? Youre trying to milk an artist? I dont understand where this guys coming from.

Related: Prep early to avoid moving scams and mishaps

Nigro built Phoenix Rising mostly with 55-gallon steel drums. Its more than 30 feet long and has a wingspan of about 25 feet. It was primarily funded by Burning Man, the annual event that attracts celebrities, wealthy tech execs and social media influencers.

Inspiration for the sculpture came from our need as humans to shed our skin, destroy what is old and regenerate through the mythos of the Phoenix Rising from its own ashes to re-emerge anew, according to a website about the sculpture.

The sculpture took about nine months to complete. Nigro estimates that its value is anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000.

The sculpture now is believed to be stored in a trailer somewhere in North Texas.

Last summer, when Nigro wanted to ship the sculpture to the Burning Man event, she said a friend referred her to Houston-based Lower 48 Transport Property Services LLC, an interstate property broker.

Lower 48 isnt authorized to broker interstate shipments, the website of the U.S. Transportation Departments Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shows. The companys operating authority was involuntarily revoked in 2017, apparently for failure to provide proof of insurance.

Nevertheless, Nigro had no issues with the carrier, which transported the sculpture to Nevada. She would liked to have had the same carrier for the return trip, but a broken truck axle nixed that plan.

Setting up the sculptures return trip oddly involved three additional parties. According to Nigros lawsuit, Lower 48 brokered a contract with Patton National Enterprises Inc., an interstate general freight carrier based in Lufkin, to ship the sculpture. The FMCSAs website shows that Patton currently does not have authority to operate. A Patton representative didnt respond to a request for comment.

Patton, through Lower 48, dispatched the job to Lubbock-based Brooks Transportation LLC. It assigned the job to Mesquite driver Fernando Perez, the suit says. The complaint describes him as an independent contractor with his own truck.

Albert Brooks, Brooks Transportations principal, said Perez used his companys name without permission for the job.

I didnt havent anything to do with it, Brooks said. He dragged me into it by using my name.

Records show Alejandrina Ramirez, identified in the suit as Perezs wife, incorporated Perez Transport LLC in 2015. But no Mesquite company by that name shows up in a search of the websites of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and FMCSA.

Perez arrived at the Burning Man event with Ramirez and four children to transport the sculpture.

After loading the sculpture and Nigros other property, including equipment, flame-effect components and camping gear, Perez told her she would need to pay him an additional $1,000 on top of the original $3,000 charge. He also required the payment upfront rather than after delivery, as the contract specified, the suit says.

He definitely tried to extort more out of her than what the contract was worth, said San Antonio attorney Jon Powell, who represents Nigro.

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Nigro wrote two checks to Ramirez. Later, after seeing in the contract that she was supposed to pay on delivery, Nigro placed a stop payment on the checks as a means to protect herself from fraud, the suit says. Payment was stopped on the $3,000 check, but not on the $1,000 check, she said.

Nigro said she was under a lot of pressure to get the sculpture out of Black Rock Desert, which is a national conservation area. She said she also couldnt call anyone because of limited cellphone service.

She told Perez what she had done. He then refused to return the sculpture and other items unless she sent payment using an app. A $2,500 payment was accepted, and Nigro received a receipt, the suit says.

Perez made a criminal complaint with Nevada law enforcement, alleging that Nigro had passed hot checks, the suit says. No charges were ever filed against Nigro, Powell said.

An email and phone call to Perez were not returned.

Lower 48 principal Nicholas Susco was upset with Nigro, saying she wasnt honest about the amount of belongings she wanted shipped and for writing two hot checks.

She wants to blame other people for her not paying her bills, Susco said.

Nigro is suing Lower 48, Patton, Brooks Transportation, Perez and Ramirez for fraud, breaches of contract, violations of the states Deceptive Trade Practices Act and defamation. The last claim relates to the allegation that she wrote hot checks. She seeks less than $200,000 in damages. The suit was filed this month in state District Court in San Antonio.

Before the pandemic, Nigro had plans to show the sculpture at other events, including in Telluride, Colo., and Miami.

If it had gotten shown in other places, that would have given me more opportunities to build other work, she said. That is the most hurtful part for me as an artist.

Patrick Danner is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering banking and civil courts. To read more from Patrick, become a subscriber. pdanner@express-news.net | Twitter: @AlamoPD
One man was pronounced dead and another faces homicide charges following a shooting Saturday afternoon in Allentown, authorities said.

Rolando Tubens, 25, of Allentown, was shot to death about 3:39 p.m. in front of a home in the first block of East Cumberland Street, Lehigh County Chief Deputy Coroner Raymond Anthony said in a news release.

Deputy Coroner Cassandra Schiffner pronounced Tubens dead at the scene at 4:26 p.m. The cause was a gunshot wound to the body, and the death was ruled a homicide.

Allentown police investigators identified the alleged gunman as 40-year-old Alex De Jesus. He will face a homicide charge, as well a count of illegally possessing a firearm, Capt. Michael Becker said in a news release.

De Jesus, who lives on the block where the shooting occurred, will be committed to the Lehigh County Jail without the possibility of bail on the homicide charge.

A preliminary hearing will be scheduled for De Jesus to see if there is sufficient evidence to send the case toward trial in Lehigh County Court.

Continuing to investigate the incident with police and the coroners office are the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office and Lehigh County Homicide Task Force.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
The government on Sunday, in its release on domestic travel, said that state governments will be able to develop their own quarantine and isolation protocols as per their assessment. This came amid concerns raised by various states as the government lifted curbs on air travel and is set to run 200 passenger trains from June 1 amid Covid-19 lockdown. States like Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Karnataka, among others, maintained that passengers arriving via domestic flights will need to be quarantined.

It is comprehensive list of guidelines for passengers, undertaking domestic travel via flights, trains or through inter-state bus services amid Covid-19 lockdown, the Ministry of Health stated that all domestic travellers are required to follow social distancing at all times and wear protective masks.

Aarogya Setu mobile app should be installed by all passengers. Asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to go home, observe their health for 14 days and report in case symptoms arise.

Passengers displaying mild symptoms will be given the option of home isolation or to isolate at Covid-19 Care Centres at various public and private facilities. The guidelines come in the wake of resumption of domestic air services from Monday and with 100 pair of trains resuming service on June 1.

Also read: Oxfords Covid-19 vaccine trial has 50% chance of success, says project leader

Heres taking a quick look at the guidelines:

1) Dos and Donts shall be provided along with tickets to the travellers by the agencies concerned.

2) All passengers shall be advised to download the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile devices.

3) Suitable announcement about Covid-19 including precautionary measures to be followed shall be made at airports/railway station/bus terminals and in flights/trains/bus.

4) The States/UTs shall ensure that all passengers undergo thermal screening at the point of departure and only asymptomatic passengers are allowed to board the flight/train/bus.

5) During boarding and travel, all passengers shall use face covers/mask. They will also follow hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and maintain environmental hygiene.

With domestic civil aviation starting on 25th May, here are the latest guidelines on domestic travel issued by @MoHFW_INDIA.



Travellers are requested to strictly follow these self-regulatory norms & help in India's fight against #COVID19 #WeShallOvercome#IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/3xwkazvvUc  MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) May 24, 2020

6) At airports/railway stations/ bus terminals required measures to ensure social distancing shall be taken.

7) Airports/railway stations/bus terminals should be regularly sanitized/disinfected and availability of soaps and sanitizers shall be ensured.

8) Thermal screening at exit point shall be arranged.

9) Asymptomatic passengers will be permitted to go with the advice that they shall self-monitor their health for 14 days. In case, they develop any symptoms, they shall inform the district surveillance officer or the state/national call centre (1075).

10) Those found symptomatic will be isolated and taken to the nearest health facility. They will be assessed for clinical severity at the health facility.

11) Those having moderate or severe symptoms will be admitted to dedicated Covid-19 health facilities and managed accordingly.

12) Those having mild symptoms will be given the option of home isolation or to isolate in the Covid Care Centre (both public & private facilities) as appropriate and tested as per ICMR protocol. If positive, they will continue at Covid Care Centre and will be managed as per clinical protocol.

If negative, the passenger may be allowed to go home, isolate himself/herself and self monitor his/her health for further 7 days. In case, any symptoms develop they shall inform the district surveillance officer or the state/national call center (1075).
A 52-year-old woman, who returned to Faridabad from London on May 16 and was lodged in a quarantine facility, tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) on Saturday.

According to the district administration, this is the first instance of foreign returnees found to be Covid-positive in the district. Officials said upon her return, she was placed under quarantine in a three-star hotel in Faridabad.

Thirteen new coronavirus cases were reported from the district on Sunday, taking the districts tally to 208.

Yashpal Yadav, deputy commissioner, Faridabad, said that during her 14 days quarantine period, her samples were taken again and she has tested positive. We have shifted her to a room in a hotel in Faridabad and have placed her in isolation, he said.

He said there are 221 foreign returnees in Faridabad who had landed in Delhi this month and were placed in quarantine in different hotels in the city.

Ten people were shifted to Sonipat, two were shifted to Nuh, four to Jind, and 61 to other districts. Ten people were released after they completed their 14-days quarantine period, said Yadav.

The health department said a total of 134 people are currently in quarantine ward in ESIC Medical College and Hospital, out of which 110 tests were conducted and one woman was found to be positive.

According to officials, the district has so far recorded 208 cases of coronavirus, of which 115 people have recovered. The administration last week had added 12 new areas to the revised list of containment zones, while two zones in the district were de-notified after no Covid-19 cases were reported from these areas in the last 28 days.

The deputy commissioner further said, We had sent the samples of 9,288 people, of which 208 tested positive and the results of 550 are awaited. At least 80 people are currently hospitalised.

The infected people have been admitted to the ESIC hospital, officials said, adding that at least 9,285 people are under home quarantine in the district and 7,449 people are on surveillance for influenza-like illnesses.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 20:06:42|Editor: huaxia

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Members of a Chinese medical team pose for a photo upon their arrival at the airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 16, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Shoubao)

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa expressed its keen interest to deepen partnership with China with particular emphasis on building Africa's socio-economic condition back to normal in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period.

ADDIS ABABA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on Saturday expressed its keen interest to deepen partnership with China with particular emphasis on building Africa's socio-economic condition back to normal in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period.

The remark was made by Antonio Pedro, Director of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Sub-regional Office for Central Africa, as he emphasized the need to strengthen global partnership and collaboration in building back Africa after COVID-19 pandemic.

"The day after COVID-19 should not be the same as before COVID-19," Pedro said in exclusively with Xinhua on Saturday, as he recalled a similar recent remark by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the need to build climate-friendly economies in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.

"We are looking for a world that's greener with green economies and green jobs where impacts of climate change will be addressed, where our energy intensity will be reduced, and where we will have what we call the deep de-carbonization," the ECA director said.

Members of a Chinese medical team pose for a group photo after donating medical supplies to Mvurwi Hospital in Mvurwi, Zimbabwe, May 19, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)

"Here, China is leading in many of these areas such as in electric cars, which will reduce carbon emissions," Pedro told Xinhua on Saturday, as he emphasized that "all of these efforts are part of the package on building back better in terms of energy transitions as well as electrification of the transport systems."

"We are looking for collaboration and partnership with China on that area as well. We will facilitate Africa's participation in global value chains that we add value to our product so that we can generate more employment; because one of the unfortunate faces of COVID-19 is that the race of unemployment in Africa is already increasing," said Pedro.

"It's important that in building back better, we create more jobs on the continent and this, among other things, requires industrialization," he said, adding that "we are looking forward to more of this collaboration and we appreciate the efforts that has been done so far."

Commending the Chinese engagement and support to African governments and Pan-African institutions, such as the African Union, in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the ECA director also called on countries across the globe to emulate China's positive engagement in strengthening the global solidarity against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Noting the need to strengthen the global solidarity in order to effectively contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in building back better after the coronavirus pandemic, Pedro also singled out China as a major player in propelling the much-needed global partnership and collaboration towards combating the virus.

"We see the Chinese engagement and the support that it is providing to African governments and to the African Union in terms of access to medical supplies, masks and other things as part of the global solidarity against the COVID-19 pandemic," Pedro told Xinhua on Saturday.

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Wang Shiting (C) donates food items to Ghana's local communities in Accra, capital of Ghana, on April 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Zheng)

According to Pedro, among the areas in which the UNEAC presently collaborating with China is the facilitation of access to business opportunities for Africa companies in China and beyond, which includes the ongoing partnership with the Chinese Alibaba Group's Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) initiative that envisaged the promotion of African products in the global market.

The ECA regional director's remarks in deepening partnership with China on building Africa's socio-economic condition back to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic came as the UNECA recently disclosed that a one-month full lockdown across Africa would cost the continent about 2.5 percent of its annual GDP, equivalent to about 65.7 billion U.S. dollars per month.

Earlier this month, a UNECA report entitled "COVID-19: Lockdown Exit Strategies for Africa," which indicated that at least 42 African countries applied partial or full lockdowns in their quest to curtail the pandemic, mainly proposed to African nations various COVID-19 exit strategies following the imposition of lockdowns that helped suppress the virus but with devastating economic consequences.

The report, among other things, proposed seven exit strategies that provide sustainable, albeit reduced, economic activity. The report also sets out some of the exit strategies being proposed and tried around the world and outlines the risks involved for African countries.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) disclosed that the number of confirmed COVID-19 positive cases across Africa surpassed 103,933 as of Saturday morning as the death toll surpassed 3,183. Some 41,473 people had also recovered from the infectious virus so far.
Mangaluru, May 24 : At the end of month-long Ramadan fasting, Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated in coastal districts of Karnataka on a subdued note at homes due to ban on mass gathering in mosques amid lockdown across the southern state to contain the coronavirus spread, an official said on Sunday.

"As decided by Markazi Ruet-e-Hilal committee member Maulana Maqsood Imran Rashidi sahib on Saturday after Maghrib, Eid is being celebrated in the state's coastal region today (Sunday) and on Monday in other parts of the state though the moon could not be sighted on Saturday night," said Maulana Sagheer Ahmed Rashadi in a statement here.

The port city of Mangaluru is about 360km southwest of Bengaluru.

The state's coastal region comprises Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Kodagu and Chikkamagalur districts off the Arabian Sea.

"All the devout Muslims offered Eid prayers (namaz) at their home and greeted each other from a distance to maintain physical distancing. Attired in new clothes, all of us part-took the festival dishes, including biryani and kheer," Urdu teacher Habibur Rahman told IANS on phone.

As the state government decided to enforce a strict lockdown on Sunday the people completed shopping for new dresses and groceries for the feast by Saturday evening.

"This is the first time in our life we are celebrating Eid at home as we are unable go to mosque for prayers or greet others due to the extended lockdown, which also made us observe fast during the month-long Ramadan at home," recalled Rahman.

The first day of Shawwal (1441 Azli Fazli) will be on Monday.

In a video message, Jamia masjid Imam Maulana Abdul Aleem of Bhatkal in the northern coastal district urged the people to maintain peace and harmony and bear the inconvenience due to the lockdown with fortitude.

"May this special day bring peace, blessings and happiness to all. Pray Allah to accept our prayers on the Eid," the Maulana said on the occasion.

Bhatkal is about 460km northwest of Bengaluru in the southern state.

The Imam also hoped (Inshallah), COVID menace would soon end so that all could get back to normal life and meet relatives and friends again.

Latest updates on Eid al-Fitr 2020

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Muslims around the world on Sunday began celebrating Eid al-Fitr, a normally festive holiday marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, with millions under strict stay-at-home orders and many fearing renewed coronavirus outbreaks.

The three-day holiday is usually a time of travel, family get-togethers and lavish daytime feasts after weeks of dawn-to-dusk fasting. But this year many can only celebrate at home with immediate family, with virus fears dampening the holiday spirit.

Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, has reported nearly 22,000 infections and 1,350 fatalities, the most in Southeast Asia.

Lockdown orders intended to contain the pandemic mean there will be no congregational prayers at mosques or even open fields, no family reunions, no relatives bearing gifts for children.

Some countries, including Turkey, Iraq and Jordan, have imposed round-the-clock holiday curfews. But even where many restrictions have been lifted, celebrations will be subdued because of lingering fears and concerns about the economic fallout from the pandemic.

The virus causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms in most patients, who recover within two to three weeks. But it is highly contagious and can cause severe illness or death, particularly in older patients or those with underlying health conditions.

In deeply conservative Aceh, Indonesia's only province enforcing Islamic law, public Eid prayers can still be performed at mosques and fields, but without shaking hands and with shortened sermons.

An annual parade was scrapped this year, even though the province experienced only a small outbreak and has reported no new cases in weeks.

In the rest of Indonesia, authorities have extended virus restrictions to June 4, suspending communal gatherings and banning private cars from leaving the capital, Jakarta.

In neighbouring Muslim-majority Malaysia, businesses have mostly reopened after weeks of lockdown. But mass gatherings are still banned and people are not allowed to travel back to their hometowns for the holiday.

Police have turned away more than 5,000 cars and have warned of strict penalties for those who try to sneak home.

The pandemic has also led to the cancellation of the open house tradition, where Muslims invite family and friends to their homes for a feast. The prime minister and government officials usually host open house events that attract thousands of people.

This year, the government allowed family members living nearby to visit each other on Sunday only, but the gatherings must not exceed 20 people in the same house. Mosques have reopened but are limited to small congregations of up to 30 people.

Rohaizam Zainuddin said he felt blessed he could celebrate Eid with his elderly parents living nearby, but his sister in another state could not return home.

We feel sad and, being human, we are frustrated that celebration this year is not the same," he said. "But there is no point getting angry. We just have to accept it, life goes on. He and his family members are still wearing new clothes and preparing traditional dishes. Plates of cookies are set out for any visitors, alongside a thermometer and hand sanitizer.

Malaysia has reported 7,185 infections and 115 deaths.

In Pakistan, Eid is being celebrated in the shadow of the coronavirus and in the wake of a passenger plane crash near Karachi on Friday that killed 97 people.

For the first time, Pakistan is celebrating Eid countrywide on the same day, ending an annual controversy between rival committees over the moon sighting that signals the start of the holiday.

Pakistan has taken measures to control the spread of the coronavirus since mid-March, but Prime Minister Imran Khan refused to close mosques during Ramadan, despite pleas from doctors and a rising number of infections. Pakistan has reported more than 52,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths.

More than 1,000 worshippers gathered and prayed shoulder-to-shoulder in a open field in Karachi on Sunday, with only a few of them wearing masks.

In neighbouring Afghanistan, the government and Taliban insurgents announced a three-day cease-fire in honour of the holiday.

Iran, which is battling the deadliest outbreak in the Middle East, allowed communal prayers at some mosques but cancelled the annual mass Eid prayers in Tehran led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has reported over 130,000 cases and more than 7,000 deaths.

Virus restrictions also remain in place in the mostly-Muslim Balkan countries of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.

Naim Ternava, the mufti of Kosovo's Islamic community, led prayers in a mosque in front of a small group of imams sitting 1.5 meters (yards) apart, with the sermon broadcast outside on loudspeakers.

In the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo, mosques reopened on May 6 after seven weeks of lockdown. Worshippers must wear masks and practice social distancing, and older individuals are urged to continue praying at home.

In Jerusalem, Israeli police said they broke up an illegal demonstration and arrested two people outside the Al-Aqsa mosque, which Muslim authorities have closed for prayers since mid-March and will not reopen until after the holiday.

Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in Islam and would ordinarily welcome tens of thousands of worshippers during the Eid. The hilltop compound is also the holiest site for Jews, who know it as the Temple Mount. The site has long been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 05:48:50|Editor: huaxia

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by Burak Akinci

ANKARA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Turkish producers hail China's decision to give the green-light for imports of Turkey's milk and dairy products as it will be a vital income for producers who have seriously felt the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision was announced on Thursday by Turkish Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan.

"The obstacles in exports of milk and dairy products have been lifted," she said in a series of tweets.

The minister said that 54 Turkish companies have been cleared to start exports to China, which is one of the world's largest dairy importers.

According to a separate statement by the trade ministry, Turkish dairy companies exported products worth of 364 million U.S. dollars around the world in 2019.

The ministry said that Turkey will continue its efforts to ensure market diversity and increase the market share of its agricultural products, especially dairy products, such as butter, milk and milk powder, in China.

Setbir, Turkey's milk, meat and food industrialists and manufacturers association, welcomed the start of exports to China as "very important for our producers who are suffering from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic."

"This is a very important development for our industry and we have to make the most of it by exporting quality products to China which is a major market," Setbir president Tarik Tezel said in an interview to A Para broadcaster.

Tezel indicated that the Turkish dairy sector had been impacted by the plummeting exports over the coronavirus pandemic.

"Exports of milk and dairy products dropped considerably during the last months, putting pressure on producers," he remarked.

"Our target should be to remain a sustainable supplier of the Chinese market so that our industry would benefit as a whole," the industrialist said.

Tezel added that exports would begin in late June.

"This is a great opportunity as there's a big potential in China which is the main player of the world's milk market," said Muhittin Ozder, president of the Turkish Milk Council (USK), an organization established to promote Turkish dairy products.

Chinese embassy in Ankara also praised the decision in a statement, noting that it would "open a new page in bilateral agricultural products' cooperation."

With the daily confirmed cases and death toll now falling, Turkey is easing lockdown restrictions in order to kickstart the vulnerable economy. In these volatile times, the news of the start of exporting milk and dairy products to a huge market such as China comes as a lifeline for producers.

"I am happy and we were depressed because of the current (virus) situation ... but now, we have something to be hopeful about although things will not be fully normal for a time," Suleyman Kocak, milk producer from capital Ankara's Kazan suburb told Xinhua by phone.

Kocak, head of a family firm, is one of the 54 dairy suppliers to China.

"This decision will have a favorable effect on our region's farming and livestock industry which is undergoing difficulties for some time. We are thankful to the authorities of both countries for this move," he said. Enditem
Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta on Sunday complained to Chief Minister M L Khattar that some government officials were not responding to the phone calls of MLAs.

Gupta said Khattar took cognizance of the matter and has instructed government officials to pay attention to their queries.

"I met the chief minister and gave feedback regarding the video-conferencing I had with the legislators over two days on various issues in view of the present COVID-19 situation. I apprised the CM that all MLAs cutting across party lines have extended their cooperation in the state's fight against coronavirus," the speaker said.

The legislators had complained that some officials, especially those in districts, do not respond to their phone calls. I brought this matter to the chief minister's notice, he said.

On Friday, Haryana's Home Minister Anil Vij had said that the officials have to listen and respond to queries of members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) and work with them, warning them not to ignore legislators.

If (officials) they have to work in Haryana, then they will have to listen to what MLAs have to say, Vij had warned.

Gupta had told reporters last week that the MLAs complained of officials' non-responsive attitude during a video conference that he held with 20 lawmakers of different parties to know the situation in their respective areas amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The speaker had said some MLAs complained that some officials do not respond to their phone calls and don't give answers to their queries.

The legislators pointed out that being public representatives, they were answerable to the people of their constituencies.

Gupta had also said if officials do not give response to public representatives, it amounts to breach of privileges of the elected members.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ruling party must show where it stands on former activist



With the controversy over lawmaker-elect Yoon Mi-hyang, former chief of a wartime sex slavery victims' advocacy group, showing no signs of abating, the conundrum deepens for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK).



Since survivor Lee Yong-soo on May 7 publicly raised question about inappropriate management of funds donated for the victims, answers from Yoon and the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issue of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan have not been satisfactory. As one allegation after another emerges, it is hard to suppress the question of "is there anything more we need to know?" about the high-profile civic activist who has now entered politics.



In a near dereliction of duty, the DPK has been flip-flopping on its stance before finally saying determining facts precedes action. Related government agencies and the prosecution are investigating the latter aggressively as the 21st National Assembly inaugurates on May 30. An incumbent lawmaker is given immunity from arrest, making it more difficult for prosecutors to summon Yoon if needed.



The ruling party in the pending timeframe should clarify where it stands with regards to Yoon. Yoon should proffer clear-cut explanations regarding the many controversies at the heart of which lies questions about her financial transparency as a civic group leader. It would be improper for her to expect to begin her legislative tenure without that due process.



Cautiously, a few in the liberal political bloc have floated the idea that Yoon resign. Veteran liberal leaders including minor Justice Party leader Sim Sang-jung have publicly expressed the sentiment that Yoon's explanations are no longer persuasive.



The ruling party's hesitation to act against Yoon may be in deference to the movement's legacy. The survivors, Yoon and the council together have achieved much for the surviving victims of wartime sex slavery in the past near three decades. The Wednesday rallies staged in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul have transformed into a larger peaceful civic women's rights movement. But the party's reluctance however may well be an admission of insufficient screening of proportional representation seat candidates  even if they were done by the former satellite party Civil Together  for the April 15 general election.



The DPK and Yoon should own up to any mistakes, and take the responsible step forward.



Lee is expected to hold a press conference Monday. She has asked Yoon to attend, and so have several ruling party lawmakers, reportedly. Yoon and the DPK should act to ensure that the legacy and legitimacy of the longtime advocacy group's work is not impacted over the controversy of funds mismanagement.






Gov. Kate Brown rescinded her statewide stay-at-home order May 15 and gave the green light for what now amounts to 34 of Oregons 36 counties to reopen dine-in restaurants and bars, gyms, hair and nail salons, barber shops and shopping malls.

Washington County has applied and hopes to get approval to open June 1. That would leave Multnomah County as the only one in the state that hasnt yet entered Phase 1 of the states reopening plans. The Oregonian/OregonLive asked experts about the safety of going out in Oregon today. Heres what they -- and the latest body of scientific studies -- say about dine-in restaurants and bars:

Part of the problem with dining out is that customers cant wear masks while eating.

That, coupled with indoor spaces gives many experts pause.

A study published in the CDCs Emerging Infectious Diseases journal documents how a diner who hadnt yet shown symptoms ended up infecting nine people, including some who were sitting at different tables more than 6 feet away, at a large restaurant in Guangzhou, China. The restaurants air conditioning system was credited with moving the virus about in the enclosed space.

The study has led many experts to call for restaurants to reconfigure their ventilation systems or open doors and windows to create cross ventilation. Even better: Serving patrons on decks, patios or sidewalks outside, where the risks drop dramatically.

The Oregon Health Authority is requiring restaurants and bars to space tables at least 6 feet apart. Employees also must wear face coverings. Tables, seats and menus must be disinfected between each group of customers.

Read the full guidelines here.

Professor Chunhuei Chi, the director of the Center for Global Health at Oregon State University, said its generally safer for Oregonians to dine out if they live in counties with a relatively low number of cases or no cases at all.

But even then, dining out could be risky because people -- and the virus along with them -- travel across county borders.

The general public should not have a false sense of security, Chi said.

Chi said for those who do choose to eat out, its a good idea to first call ahead and get a sense of how meticulous the restaurant is about sanitation and reducing occupancy so customers arent packed in.

He said restaurants in Taiwan, which he has studied as a success story in beating back COVID-19, check the temperature of guests and spray their hands with alcohol upon arrival.

Read The Oregonian/OregonLives full guide to what you need to know as Oregon reopens.
Some folks, well, some folks just like taking matters into their own hands.

And putting them on the steering wheel.

As the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the industry, the demand for travel is slowly - slowly - creeping back up again. But many remain wary of getting on a plane, a train or a cruise ship and being packed tightly in with strangers, never knowing if everybody is going to be wearing a mask, never knowing if somebody is unknowingly carrying the virus, never knowing if a flight is going to be empty enough for social distancing - or perhaps not.

Welcome to what could be the year of the recreational vehicle, more commonly known as the beloved RV.

With experts predicting that any return to travel will likely start with short, domestic trips, the RV could, literally, become the go-to vehicle for travel this summer. Though the outlook for RV sales entering the year was grim - 504,000 RVs were sold in 2017 and that number slipped to 364,000 last year - many dealers across the country are reporting an unexpected uptick in sales.

Shannon Nills, owner of Guaranty RV in Eugene, Ore., told KMTR-TV that he sold 52 units the first weekend in May and "that's almost double what we sell in a given weekend." Sutton RV in Eugene is also seeing this soar in customers. General manager Lisa Bottorff says traffic on their website has more than tripled.

"Interest has increased tremendously; some people are making appointments, some people are coming in physically," Bottorff said.

It's a trend that's playing out nationwide, says LCI Industries' CEO Jason Lippert. His company supplies highly engineered components for the leading original equipment manufacturers in the recreation and transportation product markets.

"RVs and boats provide attractive alternatives to vacation more safely as families are eager to get out of the house," Lippert told Fox Business. "At the same time, RVing and boating offer a great solution to social distancing for families that want to travel the country and experience the great outdoors. Air travel, cruise ships and hotels are likely going to be less popular, at least in the near term. As a result, the outdoor recreational products business is expected to accelerate."

In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo began a phased-in approach to reopening the state to business, and one of his first directives was to allow car and RV dealerships to conduct on-site visits from potential customers, albeit by appointment only and not walk-in. Still, it was welcome news.

"Getting the news that we can open by appointment only and start bringing in some essential people back to assist with that is the news that we are going in the right direction," said Jason Rattray, general manager of Alpin Haus RV Dealership Group in Amsterdam, N.Y.

Rattray says, when it comes to selling an RV, it is all about the in-person experience.

"It's hard to really get a feel for what the RV layout is from looking at pictures and videos. I think a lot of it is just the feeling when you get inside and start to take mental ownership of certain spaces," he said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that "Traveling by RV means you may have to stop less often for food or bathrooms, but RV travelers typically have to stop at RV parks overnight and other public places to get gas and supplies. These stops may put you and those with you in the RV in close contact with others who could be infected."

Nonetheless, it's far less of a risk than traveling by plane, train, cruise or automobile.

Craig Kirby, president of the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, told Forbes magazine that RVing offers a sense of independence not found elsewhere.

"Americans love the space and freedom of the outdoors and the enrichment that comes with living an active outdoor life. RVs not only enable this lifestyle; they also provide a self-contained existence that other forms of travel don't allow," Kirby said.

"After an indeterminate period of isolation, we believe families will be more enthusiastic than ever to get outside and see new places, even within their own states," Kirby said. "RV travel allows people to sleep in their own bed, cook gourmet meals, and control where they go. Once federal and state restrictions are lifted, they'll be able to experience the endless range of outdoor wonders throughout the country and the freedom of independent travel that RVs offer. This includes the option to forego a campground since RVs have everything a family needs to camp remotely."

Kirby called RVs the ultimate self-contained units. Some, in fact, are designed to be completely self-contained with generators, solar panels and laundry facilities, allowing RVers to live off-the-grid for weeks at a time.

"RVs provide travelers control: they allow people to travel where they want, when they want, and offer a unique travel experience that allows people to pursue their favorite activities and experience places in the country they may have only seen pictures of in a coffee-table book or on Instagram," Kirby said. "They can do this all with the ability to stay connected to family and friends. These are all positive features, but particularly attractive during this most unprecedented time. RVs provide a wonderful opportunity for people to continue to enjoy vacations with their families, while still adhering to social distancing, which will likely stay in place in some form for the foreseeable future."

___

(TravelPulse is a leading travel authority on the web, providing consumer travel news and insider tips and advice for an ever-changing travel world. Read more stories at travelpulse.com)

Visit Travelpulse at www.travelpulse.com
Jail inmates who are above 60 years of age will be granted emergency parole in view of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Delhi Prisons department

New Delhi: Jail inmates who are above 60 years of age will be granted emergency parole in view of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Delhi Prisons department.

A circular issued earlier this week stated that the convicts in this age group are more susceptible to COVID-19 and the emergency parole will be given to decongest the jails, officials said on Saturday.

If an inmate has been convicted for less than five years and has already completed three months in jail, he or she is eligible for the emergency parole, the circular stated.

For jail term of more than five and up to 10 years, only those convicts will be released who have completed a stay of six months and their appeal is not pending in the court.

For prisoners having more than 10 years sentence and life convicts, except those having specific direction not to be released before a specific period or not to consider them for remission, they should have completed six months or more as convict and overall period of custody undergone should be one year, it said.

The parole will be for eight weeks.

For the emergency parole, the convicts behaviour in the jail will also be considered. The convicts whose appeal against conviction is pending in High Court or Supreme Court will not be eligible for it, said Sandeep Goel, Director General (Prisons).
I am sick and tired of the unconstitutional (both federal and Oregon) acts which Gov. Brown has done. Making the cap and trade provisions made into an executive order, defy the Legislature. Her recent decisions to close churches deny First Amendment rights to freedom of religion and assembly. Heaven's help is the only aid we should be trying to get. Our economy is destroyed, our agricultural businesses are throwing away food because restaurants and schools can't buy it, which will ultimately result in raised prices on goods and services, and food shortages.

Recall is the only way to get rid of Kate Brown, as the Oregon Constitution is the only one in the United States that lacks impeachment power over elected and appointed state officials.

There have been bills in the last five legislative sessions to correct this defect. Some have made it through House committees, and have been passed on the floor. The bills not permitted by Peter Courtney to have hearings in the Senate, even though he promised hearings.

I am in full support for any attempt to recall Brown. I highly recommend resurrecting the impeachment power bills, and getting them to a vote in the next election. I am sure they would have plenty of citizen support.

By the way, to the gentleman who said that the sanctuary city policy was in the Oregon Constitution, you are wrong. It was enacted by the Legislature and signed by one of our Democrat governors. Do your homework.

Erin Bruce Thurber

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T P Reserve Wine Its a bit of Americana, a light-hearted acknowledgement of the times were living through, something fun and playful, says winemaker Grant Long Jr.

Winemaker Grant Long Jr. is introducing three Toilet Paper Reserve wines. These are wines of the moment. We wanted to present something whimsical and delicious in these complicated times, he said, in announcing the new wines. The wines are 2019 Chardonnay ($24.99), 2018 Red Wine Blend ($34.99) and 2018 Grenache ($24.99). The Chardonnay and Red Wine Blend are sourced in the Napa Valley; the Grenache comes from the El Dorado foothills.

Long, the owner and winemaker for Aonair, Reverie and Misc. Wines, among others, conceived the idea for a line of wines to put a smile on peoples faces. Its a bit of Americana, a light-hearted acknowledgement of the times were living through, something fun and playful, he explains. The label, designed by the winerys Creative Director, Clara Meinen, features a stylistic unspooling roll of toilet paper; the cork is custom-branded, with a top-down view of a toilet paper roll. Its an iconic image rendered in an anthem of white with a touch of elegance, Meinen says.

Long and his wife Megan Long are considered one of Napa Valley's younger first-generation winery owners and entrepreneurs. Because of my connections for sourcing my other wines in Napa Valley and the El Dorado foothills, I secured superb fruit and was able to pack a lot of value into these wines, he adds. We wanted to offer a flavorful and enjoyable wine at an affordable price, he explained.

Coming up with the T.P. Reserve wines was a way for my winery team and I to pivot and show our flexibility. We had to adapt and be creative and still be respectful of the climate, he said. Long is proud that he was able to keep all of his winery employees employed, rather than having to furlough or let anyone go, as many wineries have had to do recently. If these wines offer some levity in a stressful time, then we will have done our job, he continued.

Partial proceeds from the sale of the T.P. Reserve wines will be donated to Napa Valley Food Bank which is currently distributing boxed groceries by drive-through daily to families in need. Its parent organization, Community Action of Napa Valley, was founded in 1965 and its programs also include Head Start, Clinic Ole, Legal Aide, The Hispanic Network and others. Community Actions mission is to provide basic needs  food and shelter  along with other programs to support people become self-sufficient.

The 2018 Red Wine Blend combines fruit from vineyards in the Coombsville, Atlas Peak, Calistoga, and Oak Knoll sub-appellations of Napa Valley. The wine has a dark ruby appearance with rich aromas and flavors of plum and savory herbs and notes of blackberry cordial, black currants, cedar box, and sage. It is an elegant wine with velvety tannins and is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot.

The 2019 Chardonnay, sourced from multiple clones of Chardonnay grown in the Napa Valley, has a beautiful golden, sunflower-yellow appearance with aromas of pineapple, lychee, creme brulee, hazelnut and brioche. The palate offers bright, delicious notes of golden apple and pear, followed by citrus notes of lemon curd and Cara Cara orange that offer the perfect amount of acidity.

The 2018 Grenache, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, grown in the El Dorado foothills, has a brilliant ruby color with aromas of cranberries, rhubarb and violet. On the palate there are flavors of blueberry, Bing cherries and wild strawberry.

T. P. Reserve wines may be purchased online and shortly at retail outlets around the country.

In addition to the website, you can follow T.P. Reserve wines online on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
As President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the downgrade to Level 3 of the national Covid-19 lockdown, he thanked scientists for challenging and pushing the government's response to the global pandemic.

"We appreciate the diverse and sometimes challenging views of the scientists and health professionals in our country, which stimulate public debate and enrich our response," he said in his address on Sunday evening.

Ramaphosa announced that most of the economy, which came to a grinding halt under Level 5 restrictions on 27 March, would begin moving again as more of the population returned to work.

News24 reported that the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on Covid-19 came out in support of Professor Glenda Gray, who spoke out against some of the government's regulations during lockdown.

She accused the government of not consulting the country's top scientists on lockdown regulations.

Professor Francois Venter on Sunday told News24 it was unclear who was advising the government on the regulations.

Venter is one of 51 academics who publicly pledged their support to Gray on Saturday after the health department's acting director-general, Dr Anban Pillay, formally requested the South African Medical Research Council, of which Gray is CEO and president, to investigate her comments to News24.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize rebuked Gray's comments on Wednesday, calling it "destructive behaviour".

Ramaphosa praises Ministerial Advisory Committee

On Sunday, Ramaphosa was far more congenial than his Cabinet colleague, saying the government had consulted the MAC since the start of the crisis.

"We are extremely grateful for the work they have done and continue to do to ensure that our response is informed by the best available scientific evidence."

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He said the government was also guided by advice from the World Health Organisation and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

"As we are dealing with a pandemic that affects the lives and livelihoods of all South Africans, it was important that we consult as widely as possible. These consultations have been both necessary and worthwhile, in that we received several constructive suggestions."

He said the consultations had enriched the thinking in the government, "providing a direct view of the challenges that our people in different constituencies confront".

"The groups we consulted are as diverse and as varied as the South African people themselves, and all agree that we acted appropriately and decisively to slow the spread of the virus."

Source: News24
The ruling Shiv Sena on Friday said the Maharashtra BJP's agitation against the Uddhav Thackeray-led government during the COVID-19 pandemic will boomerang on the opposition party.

An editorial in the party mouthpiece 'Saamana' slammed state BJP president Chandrakant Patil for comparing the Maha Vikas Aghadi government's handling of the pandemic with Kerala's model.

"Looks like Patil hasn't studied the Kerala model. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan doesn't follow Centre's guidelines and feels participating in video-conference meetings with Prime Minister Modi was a waste of time," the editorial claimed.

Instead of protesting in Maharashtra, Patil and former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should instead stage their agitation in Kerala, the Marathi daily stated, taking a dig at the two senior BJP leaders.

There was a health emergency in the country and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was helming the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the publication said.

"If the opposition feels for the state and has any suggestions about fighting the pandemic, they should discuss it with the Chief Minister. Is the opposition party ashamed to do so or has it lost its self-confidence?" it questioned.

For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here

The editorial also highlighted the fact that although COVID-19 cases in the state were rising by the day, most of the patients were also recovering from the infection.

"If 10,000 patients have recovered, what does that indicate?" the editorial asked, citing the progress the state had made in fighting the virus.

The editorial went on to ridicule the BJP's 'Maharashtra Bachao' agitation, saying it was time to save the state from the opposition party.

Whatever issues the state BJP has raised was in the Central government's jurisdiction and the Chief Minister should send a delegation led by Fadnavis to the Centre with a list of demands from the state, the editorial suggested.

CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL COVERAGE ONLY ON DH

The BJP has been critical of the Shiv Sena-led government over its handling of the coronavirus crisis in the state, which has so far recorded 41,642 cases.

The BJP has asked its workers to hold black placards and wear masks of the same colour while registeringtheir protest on Friday without violating social distancing norms.

Indecisiveness and strategic errors of the Maharashtra government have aggravated the COVID-19 crisis in the state, Fadnavis said on Thursday and accused Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray of over dependence on bureaucracy as he is "scared" of taking initiatives.
Himachal Pradesh has recorded 10 more cases of COVID-19, taking the tally in the state to 196, officials said on Sunday.

Two coronavirus patients from Bilaspur district have recovered from the disease on Sunday, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) R D Dhiman said.

Four of the fresh cases were reported from Una and one each from Bilaspur, Chamba, Mandi, Kangra, Hamirpur and Solan districts, they said.

All the new cases had recently returned from other states including six from Mumbai, Maharashtra, three from Delhi and one from West Bengal, they added.

Una Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar told PTI that a woman, her brother-in-law and two sons, who had returned from Mumbai recently, have tested positive for coronavirus.

In Mandi, a 19-year-old asymptomatic woman from Dharampur in Sarkaghat tehsil tested positive for COVID-19 and is being shifted to a COVID-19 care centre at Dhangshidar, a district official said.

She too had recently returned from Mumbai with her parents and all of them were in an institutional quarantine centre in Dharampur, he said, adding that the woman's parents tested negative for the virus.

In Chamba, a 30-year-old youth tested positive. He was institutionally quarantined after recently returning from Mumbai and is being shifted to a COVID care centre at Balu, a district official said.

In Bilaspur, a man has tested positive days after returning from Delhi on May 21, deputy commissioner Rajeshwar Goel said.

A permanent resident of Mandi district, he was institutionally quarantined at Bilaspur's Swarghat on the Himachal Pradesh-Punjab border since his arrival from Delhi, he added.

In Kangra, a man from Palampur's Panchrukhi tested positive for the virus, Superintendent of Police Vimukt Ranjan said, adding that he had returned from Delhi a few days ago and was kept under quarantine at a facility at Baijnath.

Hamirpur Deputy Commissioner Harikesh Meena said that a 20-year-old woman has tested positive for COVID-19.

A resident of Baragram in Badsar area, the woman had returned from Delhi along with her relatives on May 18 and was quarantined at government high school, Baragram, he added.

The number of active COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh now stand at 129 and 63 people have recovered so far, according to the officials.

Hamirpur has the maximum number of active cases in the state at 55 followed by 36 in Kangra, 11 in Solan, nine in Mandi, seven in Una, four in Bilaspur, three in Chamba, two in Sirmaur and one each in Kullu and Shimla, they said.

Four people have died due to COVID-19 in the state so far.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
YSR Congress party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who would be completing a year in office on May 30, has called upon the people to review the welfare and developmental schemes taken up by his government in the last one year.

Starting Monday, the government will take up a series of brainstorming sessions in the name of Mana Paalana-Mee Soochana (Our government-your suggestions) till May 29, seeking to interact with a cross-section of people including experts, intellectuals and other stakeholders to review the schemes.

According to state planning secretary GSRKR Vijay Kumar, the chief minister will interact with all stakeholders and take feedback from them at all levels on whether the schemes impacted the lives of citizens like they were supposed to.

Also read: Passenger train services to begin from June 1 - All you need to know

The government intends to assess the ground realities and impact of its numerous initiatives and also to get feedback from different stakeholders like user groups/beneficiaries to further consolidate the efforts and devise a future action plan, Vijay Kumar said.

As per the agenda for the daily discussion, governance and welfare will be discussed on Monday, agriculture and allied activities on Tuesday, education on Wednesday, industries and infrastructure on Thursday and health on Friday.

On May 30, which marks the completion of the first year of YSR Congress government, the chief minister will inaugurate Rythu Bharosa Kendra, which would look after disbursement of direct cash transfer scheme for farmers.

Vijay Kumar said these sessions would be conducted both at the state and district level. While state-level sessions will be chaired by CM Jagan in the forenoon session, district in-charge minister will chair the district level sessions in the afternoon.

The chief minister and the ministers will take feedback directly from the beneficiaries and other stakeholders, he said.

In tune with the Covid-19 regulations, not more than 50 people including beneficiaries and experts would attend the sessions, the planning secretary said.
Earlier, in normal times, markets in the metropolis used to be flooded with people busy shopping for Eid.

Mumbai: The Eid-ul-Fitr festival has lost its sheen this year due to COVID-19 outbreak and many Muslim community members in Mumbai have decided to keep the celebration a low key affair on Monday by offering namaz at home and not wear any new clothes on the occasion.

During the entire month of Ramzan, mosques in the city remained closed and people offered prayers in their homes.

Earlier, in normal times, markets in the metropolis used to be flooded with people busy shopping for the festival, and streets in some community-dominated areas could be seen lined with stalls selling food items like 'sheer kurma', sewai', dry fruits, among others.

Thousands of people earlier used to assemble at prominent places like the Minara Masjid in south Mumbai, Haji Ali Dargah and the mosque outside the Bandra railway station, but this year these places wear a deserted look in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

"This Ramzan, we missed the non-vegetarian foods and the beauty of our markets. There were no Ramzan prayers in mosques, so how can we celebrate Eid this year?" Shadab Ansari, who runs a provisions store in Kalina, told PTI.

Some people said they are not even decorating their houses as they are unable to invite relatives and friends for the festival.

"With so many people dying of COVID-19, we are not happy this year and have decided not to celebrate Eid," said Parveen Qureishi, a resident of suburban Kurla.

Many are facing cash crunch and since markets are also closed, a number of people have decided not to buy or wear new clothes on the occasion.

Follow LIVE updates on coronavirus outbreak here

A woman from Santacruz, who did not wish to be named, said she was blessed with a son four months ago, but she has been unable to buy new clothes for him despite it being the child's first Eid.

"I had earlier thought I would enjoy the festival with my child, but everything has changed now," she said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Babygirl Lisa Hamme and Usman Umar have one of the more controversial 90 Day Fiance relationships. Theyve both been accused of cheating, for one. And, more recently, Lisa admitted to calling her husband the N-word and has been on the receiving end of a lot of backlash ever since.

Lisa Hamme and Usman Umar | Instagram @baby_girl_lisa_2020

In an interview Babygirl Lisa did with The Domenick Nati Show on May 22, she spoke about her marriage with Usman. She says she feels the 90 Day Fiance audience doesnt realize that Usman and I have been together three years. Well be married a year in August.

Babygirl Lisa Hamme says she and Usman Umar are very happy with [their] sex life

As for their sex life, Babygirl Lisa spoke about that, too. She wants the shows fans to know that she and Usman are good in that department, especially because Usman sort of hinted that it could be better.

Everybody wants to know because they didnt understand what Usman said on the show. That Im 70% good. To him, he thought he was being kind about it. He didnt realize it would be offensive to Americans. Im like, Usman, you just insulted all the women in America, she said, adding that Nigerian men prefer heavy set women. Truly they do.

RELATED: 90 Day Fiance: Geoffrey Opens up About His Friendship With Babygirl LisaI See Behind the Scenes

But the intimate part of the relationship: we blended two cultures together, two countries together, we came together, hows that? she continued. Usman and I are very happy with our sex life.

Babygirl Lisa talks Usman staying faithful to her and having kids

Babygirl Lisa also said that she feels, right now, Usman is being faithful to her, because they have a system.

Anytime he calls me or I call him we automatically answer no matter where were at, if were in the bathroom or shower, we stop what were doing and hit that video button so we can talk to one another. So at any given time he can ring my phone, like right now. Hes probably like, Oh, let me hit this button. Whos she talking to? she said.

RELATED: The 90 Day Fiance Star Who Doesnt Think Usmans Music Career Is Going Anywhere in the U.S.

Lisa also said that she and Usman are going to try and have children. If they cant, he may take a second wife. But, according to Lisa, Usman can only do that if he can fully financially provide for Lisas lifestyle.

As far as children, were definitely going to try. And if it does not happen, in Nigeria, he is entitled to take four wives. But people dont understand the complete law of that. I am the first wife. I carry the highest title. The second, third, fourth, are below. So he may take a second wife so long as he can take care of my house, my bills, and I live comfortably. I dont have to pay for anything, he has to pay for it all before he can take a second wife, she said.

Read more: 90 Day Fiance: Babygirl Lisa Hamme Says Very Famous People Have Been Giving Her Advice About Her Using the N-Word
Australia's education system is above the OECD average in a number of depressing ways, notably the gap between those most advantaged and those who are disadvantaged. Our schools serve as cushions for these effects, but it is beyond the scope of education to solve these issues.

It is not news to my teaching colleagues, those who prop up a flawed system with their overwork, that some students will be disadvantaged during this recent period of remote learning.

Our Prime Minister said: We know for some families and students  distance learning won't be possible and their education, what they learn, is at great risk of suffering this year.

Any drawbacks from remote learning can be quickly overcome; issues affecting education are more systemic. Credit:AP

This is true of a great many students learning remotely or not. This will persist unless desperate action is taken.
UK unemployment is on the rise (Getty)

Leading economists have warned that UK unemployment could return to the dark days of the 1980s, according to a report in The Sunday Times.

A rise to 10% in the unemployment rate this year would see nearly 3.5 million people out of work, similar rates to those experienced three decades ago.

The Resolution Foundation think tank believes high unemployment rates could last for the next five years unless the government follows up the furlough scheme with active labour market measures to get people into work.

Official figures last week provided the first glimpse of the jobless surge to come, with a record rise of more than 850,000 in universal credit claimants, taking the total to 2.1 million last month despite the governments furlough scheme, which is intended to cushion the impact of the crisis on unemployment.

The foundation said: Returning to the chronic 10% average structural unemployment rate seen throughout the 1980s could entail a cost to the public finances of about 175bn ($212.91) in lost taxes and higher benefit spending over the next five years.

To ease the burden on companies after furloughing ends, ministers are mulling reviving the redundancy loan scheme, a rarely used part of the insolvency process that allows firms to take interest-free loans to cover the cost of laying off staff.

READ MORE: Employers to pay up to 30% furloughed wages

The job retention scheme will continue until October, but the level of state support will be reduced from August, after which analysts expect a spike in redundancies.

The loan scheme lets companies borrow public funds to cover redundancy costs that might otherwise send them into administration.

From August employers will be expected to pay up to 30% of furloughed wages in new plans drawn up by the government.

The Treasury will be asking businesses to cover 20% to 30% of people's wages in the job retention scheme.

The initiative was extended by four months on 12 May in a bid to prop up the UK economy during the coronavirus pandemic.

Story continues

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to announce the changes next week.

He previously said the furlough scheme would be in place until at least October with companies asked to "share" the cost from the start of August.

Sunak said on Friday that Britain was facing a very serious economic crisis and jobs would be lost in the days, weeks and months to come.
On the other hand, the Public Administrations situation is very different: the timid correction experienced over the last few years breaks, with debt rising again to 132%. This is the highest level for five years and more than three times that in 2007.

The Spanish economys total debt (in volume) increased in 2019 by 2.8%, the highest rate in seven years, to 3.51 trillion euros; however, as nominal GDP grew more strongly (3.6%), the debt in relative terms fell by 2.2 percentage points to 282% of GDP, the lowest ratio since 2008.

The strong correction in private borrowing was partly offset by the increase in public spending, with the debt standing at 132% of GDP, almost three percentage points higher than in 2018 and a peak since 2014.

As for the non-financial private sector (families and companies), debt was reduced by 5.1 points to 150% of GDP: we would have to go back to 2003 to find a lower ratio; in consolidated terms, private debt stands at 129.7%. From its highs, private debt has accumulated a drop of more than 76 percentage points of GDP, while public debt has increased from its lows by just over 92 percentage points.

Corporate debt also falls to minimums of 16 years

For the first time in 10 years, consolidated corporate debt (loans and debt securities, excluding amounts owed to other companies) increased slightly in 2019, up 0.4% at 906.556 billion euros. That said, in GDP terms it was at a minimum level since 2003 (72.8% vs the previous 75.1%). The drop from highs amounts to 76.1 percentage points of GDP.

Net debt incurred by companies (also in consolidated terms) increased last year by 6.513 billion euros, almost double that of 2018. The increase in debt securities (13.725 billion euros), mainly in the hands of the rest of the world, more than offset the reduction in loans contracted (7.213 billion), especially with monetary financial institutions; if repayments are added to this amount, the balance of these loans falls by 10.428 billion euros to a total of just over 435.0 billion, the lowest volume since 2003.

With regard to companies financial assets, the total balance increased strongly, by 7.6%, to over 2.79 trillion euros: on the one hand, there was a notable revaluation of assets, amounting to 138.4 billion euros; on the other hand, the net acquisition of assets was also very high, almost 64 billion. However, this is the lowest figure since 2014 (113.6 billion euros in 2018).
Goa: Sanitisation process and other preparations underway at Goa Airport as domestic flights will resume operations from tomorrow in the country amid #COVID19 lockdown. pic.twitter.com/FayvQ6I0VA ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

5.38 PM: Resumption of domestic flights will generate a requirement for hotels in order to facilitate the stay for travellers. Hence hotels should reopen with some conditions. We have also planned to begin the tourism industry step by step, says Karnataka Tourism Minister CT Ravi.

5.25 PM: Bank of Maharashtra has sanctioned loans amounting to Rs 2,789 crores under Agriculture, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Retail, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with almost 1 lakh beneficiaries between March 2020 and May 2020, says Bank of Maharashtra.

Bank of Maharashtra has sanctioned loans amounting to Rs 2789 crores under Agriculture, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Retail, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with almost 1 lakh beneficiaries between March 2020 and May 2020: Bank of Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/geO1o4g3ja ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

5.17 PM: Prepared to deal with the most anomalous situation, says Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

5.10 PM: More cases reported in Kerala

Number of active COVID-19 cases rises to 322 in Kerala, with 53 more people testing positive today.

5.04 PM: Job searches for remote work jump 377%

In wake of the coronavirus crisis, job searches for remote work in India have soared over 377 per cent during February to May, reveals a recent report. Not only this, even job seekers are ready to take a salary cut to have access to remote working options. According to employment-related search engine Indeed, job seekers are showing greater interest in working remotely, with a rise in search for terms like 'remote', 'work from home' and related phrases. During February to May 2020, searches for remote work have jumped over 377 per cent as a share of all searches on Indeed India, it said.

5.00 PM: Coronavirus cases in Uttarakhand

Fifty-four more people test positive for COVID-19 in Uttarakhand, taking total number of cases to 298 in the state.

4.45 PM: Coronavirus cases in Chandigarh

The total number of positive cases in Chandigarh is now 238 including 186 discharged cases. The death toll stands at 3.

Three more cases of COVID-19 in Ladakh. Now Ladakh has 9 active cases with 1 in Leh and 8 in Kargil district.

Three more cases of COVID-19 in Ladakh. Now Ladakh has 9 active cases with 1 in Leh and 8 in Kargil district.https://t.co/E2crIioLvi pic.twitter.com/8wGYnbLiuc DIPR Leh Ladakh (@DIPR_Leh) May 24, 2020

4.39 PM: Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine trial has 50% chance of success: Adrian Hill

University of Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine trial has only a 50 percent chance of success as the coronavirus seems to be fading rapidly in Britain, the professor co-leading the development of the vaccine told the Telegraph newspaper. Adrian Hill, director of Oxford's Jenner Institute, which has teamed up with drugmaker AstraZeneca Plc to develop the vaccine, said that an upcoming trial, involving 10,000 volunteers, threatened to return "no result" due to low transmission of COVID-19 in the community. "It's a race against the virus disappearing, and against time", Hill told the British newspaper. "At the moment, there's a 50 percent chance that we get no result at all." - Reuters

4.35 PM: Around 23 lakh people have been brought back to the state of Uttar Pradesh from different states, amid the coronavirus lockdown, says UP Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi.

4.30 PM: Mayawati slams BJP, Congress for migrant crisis

BSP chief Mayawati has slammed both the Congress and the BJP for migrant crisis. She said after independence, Congress stayed in power for long and ruled in many states. Mass migration from villages to big cities occurred under their reign as weaker sections of society including dalits, farmers and tribals found it hard to procure means of livelihood, she said. "The Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress both share equal responsibility for the current situation of the migrant workers. It would have been better if before announcing the COVID-19 lockdown, migrant workers would have been given some time and facilitated to their native places," says BSP chief Mayawati.

After Independence, Congress stayed in power for long and ruled in many states. Mass migration from villages to big cities occurred under their reign as weaker sections of society including Dalits, farmers&tribals found it hard to procure means of livelihood: BSP chief Mayawati pic.twitter.com/zi9dOK4pxp ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

4.18 PM: Three employees at Hyundai's Chennai plant test positive for COVID-19.

4.10 PM: Low-cost carrier Air Asia India starts bookings for 21 destinations ahead of resumption of domestic flight operations from Monday.

4.03 PM: COVID-19 tally breaches 2K mark in Karnataka

COVID-19 cases in Karnataka breached the 2,000 mark on Sunday with the detection of 97 cases, most of them returnees to the state from Maharashtra, the health department said. It said the total number of positive cases was now 2,056, including 634 discharges, 1,378 active cases and 42 deaths. Of the total number of cases, 73 had returned from Maharashtra and 41 among them were women.

3.56 PM: After row, UP govt withdraws order on cellphone use

The UP govt has withdrawn the order that banned the use of mobile phones by patients in isolation wards of L-2 and L-3 dedicated COVID-19 hospitals. The state govt had issued an order on Saturday banning use of mobile phones by patients in isolation wards.

UP govt withdraws the order that banned the use of mobile phones by patients in isolation wards of L-2 & L-3 dedicated #COVID19 hospitals.



The state govt had issued an order y'day banning use of mobile phones by patients in isolation wards of L-2 & L-3 #COVID19 hospitals. pic.twitter.com/7EA7fxB1xh ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 24, 2020

3.50 PM: MP Issues Travel Advisory

All passengers coming by flights will be scanned for COVID-19 on their arrival at the airport in Madhya Pradesh. If anyone is found symptomatic, they will be sent to quarantine and their samples will be collected for testing, says the Madhya Pradesh government.

3.39 pm: Tamil Nadu lockdown latest updates

Markets witness relatively low footfall in Chennai ahead of EidUlFitr as COVID-19 induced lockdown continues. A shopkeeper in Triplicane area says, "The sheen of Ramzan & Eid is missing this year. Our business is badly hit as sales have gone down".

Tamil Nadu: Markets witness relatively low footfall in Chennai ahead of #EidUlFitr as COVID-19 induced lockdown continues. A shopkeeper in Triplicane area says, "The sheen of Ramzan & Eid is missing this year. Our business is badly hit as sales have gone down". pic.twitter.com/MfDXL3nB7X ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

3.24 pm: Kerala issues exhaustive guidelines for domestic flights to the state

Issuing detailed guidelines for domestic flights to the Kerala, the state said that passengers travelling to Kerala must obtain digital passes by registering themselves in the COVID-19 jagratha portal. It added that travellers can use their own vehicle or rented ones to commute home, 14 days home quarantine is compulsory for all passengers coming to Kerala, in case, the LSGI (Local Self-Government Institutions) does not confirm the availability of proper home quarantine facility, the person will be shifted to an institutional quarantine.

3.15 pm: Andhra Pradesh coronavirus cases

State reports 66 fresh COVID-19 cases on Sunday taking its total count to 2,780, Andhra Pradesh health department said.

3.00 PM: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on COVID-19

"World will not be same again and China will not stop moving forward. COVID-19 has been an all around test on Chinese social system and governance capacity. China stood the test, displayed its national strength and shown itself to be a responsible major country."

2.50 PM: "Labour reforms do not mean abolition of labour laws. Rs 20 lakh crore COVID-19 economic stimulus package to revive aggregate demand," says Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar.

2.42 PM: A total of 52 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Rajasthan today. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 6,794, says the Rajasthan Health Department. - ANI

#COVID19 drives home once again that no country, no matter how strong it is, can insulate itself from a global challenge. The disaster wrecks havoc watching from an apparently safe distance & sitting idle will eventually backfire: Chiese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pic.twitter.com/F0CyDP8awf ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

2.34 PM: Hardeep Singh Puri: "Prescribed clinical protocol will be followed in case any domestic or international traveller shows symptoms of COVID-19. States can also develop their own protocol for quarantine and isolation as per their own assessment."

52 new COVID19 positive cases reported today; the total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 6794: Rajasthan Health Department pic.twitter.com/zNGMOM3Ebo ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

2.33 PM: Hardeep Singh Puri: "Only for exceptional & compelling reasons such as cases of human distress, pregnancy, death in family, serious illness & parent(s) accompanied by children below 10 yrs, as assessed by the receiving states, home quarantine may be permitted for international travellers for 14 days."

2.32 PM: Hardeep Singh Puri: "In case of international travellers, they shall give an undertaking that they would undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days including 7 days paid institutional quarantine at their own cost, followed by 7 days isolation at home with self-monitoring of health."

2.31 PM: Civil Aviation ministry issues new guidelines for travellers

Those found negative at airports to be allowed to go home and quarantine themselves for 7 days at home. According to the guidelines, asymptomatic domestic passengers will be permitted to go with the advice that they shall self-monitor their health for 14 days. In case, they develop any symptoms, they shall inform the district surveillance officer or the state/national call center.

2.30 PM: Uddhav Thackeray on resuming flights, opening of schools

"I have spoken to Hardeep Puri. I have told him that let us take stock of the situation, we want to open up. But, how the travellers will board and how will staff of airport commute...all this needs to be checked. We have also formed a group on how we can start the schools, we are looking at how education can restart and exams be taken. We are preparing for this."

2.22 PM: Further easing lockdown curbs, Tamil Nadu government allows 17 industrial estates in Chennai to resume work from Monday with conditions, including confining the workforce to 25 per cent and implementing safety measures.

2.18 PM: A flight carrying 132 Indians stranded in Muscat lands at Gaya airport in Bihar.

2.10 PM: Akhilesh slams the BJP over migrant crisis

'Government for everyone', it should not be a slogan but a resolution: Akhilesh to the Modi government.

Latest guidelines on domestic & international travel have been issued by @MoHFW_INDIA.



I hope travellers strictly follow these self-regulatory norms & strengthen India's hands in this fight against COVID19. Remember, each one of us is a soldier against the pandemic.@MoCA_GoI pic.twitter.com/xVbTG1K44n Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) May 24, 2020

2.07 PM: Akhilesh on Yogi's decision to ban cellphones inside isolation wards

The Uttar Pradesh government's decision to prohibit coronavirus patients from using mobile phones inside isolation wards of hospitals has been put in place to hide "poor condition" of hospitals in the state, says Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Health infrastructure should be ramped up to ensure preparedness for the next two months in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, government conveys to 11 municipal areas that have accounted for 70 per cent of the country's coronavirus case load.

1.53 PM: Coronavirus cases in Germany

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 431 to 178,281, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Sunday. The reported death toll rose by 31 to 8,247, the tally showed. - Reuters

1.45 PM: Medical insurance worth Rs 25 lakh for 11 sewadars

Free medical insurance of Rs 25 lakh has been provided to 11 sewadars performing langer sewa at Gurudwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh in Ludhiana's Model Town Extension, with the efforts of Punjab Youth Development Board Chairman Sukhwinder Singh Bindra.

. . , . . Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 24, 2020

1.30 PM: Ready for fight against coronavirus: Thackeray

"The fight against COVID-19 is going to be tougher now but there is no need to panic as we are prepared with extra health facilities," says Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Punjab: Free medical insurance of Rs 25 lakh has been provided to 11 sewadars performing langer sewa at Gurudwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh in Ludhiana's Model Town Extension, with the efforts of Punjab Youth Development Board Chairman Sukhwinder Singh Bindra. pic.twitter.com/uburF8EWUz ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

1.05 PM: Russia reports 9,434 new coronavirus cases

Russia said on Saturday that 9,434 new cases of the novel coronavirus had been reported in the last 24 hours, pushing its nationwide tally to 335,882. The country's coronavirus crisis response centre reported 139 new fatalities after a record of 150 deaths the day before, bringing the death toll to 3,388. - Reuters

12.53 PM: 14-day quarantine must for returnees in Odisha

The 14-day quarantine will be compulsorily for the returnees in Odisha. In rural areas, seven-day institutional and seven-day home quarantine. In urban areas, 14-day compulsory home quarantine, says the Odisha government.

CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray addressing the State https://t.co/YA14xh2GWf CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) May 24, 2020

12.47 PM: Delhi resisters 508 new cases. As many as 6,267 people have recovered in Delhi, while 231 patients succumbed to the coronavirus disease

12.38 PM: Australia seeks exemption from UK quarantine

Australia, after bringing its coronavirus outbreak largely under control, said on Friday it is seeking an exemption from a requirement that travellers arriving in the UK quarantine for 14 days to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The British government is planning a 14-day quarantine for most people arriving in the country in the coming weeks to try to prevent a second peak of the pandemic, with details to be finalised next month. - Reuters

12.34 PM: Italy's daily coronavirus death toll dips

Italy recorded 119 new deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic on Saturday against 130 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases rose marginally to 669 from 652 on Friday. The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on Feb. 21 now stands at 32,735, the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain. - Reuters

12.30 PM: MLA distributes masks to newly-wed couples in Karnataka

BJP MLA MP Renukacharya distributes masks to three newly-wed couples in Honnali area of Davanagere. The state govt has allowed pre-scheduled wedding on Sundays (May 24 and May 31) when the state observes complete lockdown which has been induced by COVID-19 pandemic.

The 14-day quarantine will be compulsorily for the returnees in Odisha. In rural areas, 7-day institutional and 7-day home quarantine. In urban areas, 14-day compulsory home quarantine: Government of Odisha#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/bqSkVWWwzF ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

12.23 PM: US tally reaches 1,595,885 cases, 96,002 deaths

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Saturday reported 1,595,885 cases of the new coronavirus, an increase of 24,268 cases from its previous count, and said the number of deaths had risen by 1,852 to 96,002. The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by the new coronavirus, as of 4 p.m. ET on May 22, compared with its count a day earlier. - Reuters

12.20 PM: INDIA COVID-19 TRACKER

The number of COVID-19 cases in India has now surged to 1,31,868, including 73,560 active cases, 54,440 recoveries, 1 migrated, and 3,867 deaths.

12.14 PM: Coronavirus cases in Rajasthan

Rajasthan reported 52 fresh positive cases of coronavirus and one more death, the state government said today. The tally in the state stand at 6,742, including 3,786 cured and 160 deaths.

12.05 PM: Coronavirus cases in Himachal

Hamirpur district reports another positive coronavirus case, a Delhi returnee who tested positive on Sunday. The district continues to have the highest number of novel coronavirus cases. The total cases in the state are 185, including 61 cured and 3 deaths.

11.57 AM: 87 more cops test positive Maharashtra

A total of 87 police personnel of the state found COVID-19 positive in last 24 hours taking total number of affected cops to 1,758 out of which 18 have died due to the virus and 673 have recovered.

Karnataka: BJP MLA MP Renukacharya distributes masks to three newly-wed couples in Honnali area of Davanagere. The state govt has allowed pre-scheduled wedding on Sundays (May 24 & May 31) when the state observes complete lockdown which has been induced by #COVID19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/VFlvidcfDN ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

11.45 AM: 132 people reach Gaya under Vande Bharat Mission

A total of 132 people reach Gaya in a Oman-Delhi-Gaya repatriation flight under Vande Bharat Mission. Gaya DM Abhishek Singh says: "Sixteen returnees hail from Jharkhand and we will send them to Ranchi by a bus. Rest of them will be sent to 14-day quarantine in Bodh Gaya."

Maharashtra: 87 police personnel of the state found COVID-19 positive in last 24 hours taking total number of affected cops to 1,758 out of which 18 have died due to the virus and 673 have recovered. pic.twitter.com/gnA4bLRgt9 ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

11.35 AM: Yogi holds review meeting

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath holds a meeting with the senior govt officers over COVID-19 situation in the state. The coronavirus tally in the state has reached 6,017, included 3,406 cured and 155 deaths.

11.29 AM: Country will win over COVID-19: Naqvi

For the first time, we will offer prayer & celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr at home due to COVID-19 pandemic but that will not affect the festive spirit. We will pray that the country gets rid of COVID-19 at the earliest, says Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. -ANI

Bihar: 132 people reach Gaya in a Oman-Delhi-Gaya repatriation flight under #VandeBharatMission. Gaya DM Abhishek Singh says, "Sixteen returnees hail from Jharkhand & we will send them to Ranchi by a bus. Rest of them will be sent to 14-day quarantine in Bodh Gaya". pic.twitter.com/Y6UoUHjVl9 ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

11.25 AM: Sanitisation drives at Delhi airport

Domestic flights to resume in the country from Monday, May 25. Sanitisation and preparations to ensure social distancing underway at Delhi's Terminal-3 from where flights will operate. - ANI

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath holds a meeting with the senior govt officers over #COVID19 situation in the state. pic.twitter.com/91NVfrglZQ ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 24, 2020

11.18 AM: Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane: In view of upsurge of cases in the state via railways, roadways and others, I will be meeting the Goa CM to brief him on the present status in order to curb the rising cases. We will be requesting him to implement stringent measures for passengers entering the state of Goa with a mandatory COVID-19 negative certificate that will be valid for 48 hours from the time of issue. We are going to unitedly fight this menace of COVID-19.

11.10 AM: Coronavirus cases in Goa

State Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane: A total of 11 passengers who arrived from Mumbai yesterday via Rajdhani express have reported positive on the TrueNat device. This brings the total number of active cases in the state of Goa to 50.

For the first time, we will offer prayer & celebrate #EidUlFitr at home due to #COVID19 pandemic but that will not affect the festive spirit. We will pray that the country gets rid of COVID-19 at the earliest: Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi pic.twitter.com/dVdusITj72 ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

10.58 AM: Coronavirus cases in Odisha

The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Odisha now stands at 1,336, with 67 new positive cases reported yesterday.

10.53 AM: 93 Indians return to Indore from London. On Saturday, 2,441 more people returned on 15 flights from Jakarta, Toronto, Dubai, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney and Male.

10.44 AM: UP bans cellphone use in isolation wards

UP govt bans use of mobile phones by patients in isolation wards of L-2 & L-3 dedicated COVID-19 hospitals. The mobile phones of such patients needs to be submitted to the ward incharge of the COVID care centre so as to ensure mobile phone infection prevention norms.

Domestic flights to resume in the country from Monday, May 25; sanitisation and preparations to ensure social distancing underway at Delhi's Terminal-3 from where flights will operate. pic.twitter.com/06vAlBZa7W ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

10.40 AM: Senior doctor at AIIMS, Delhi, dies of COVID-19

A senior doctor at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) died of coronavirus on Saturday. The deceased, Dr Jitendra Nath Pande, was director and professor of the Pulmonology Department at AIIMS Delhi. Dr Pande and his wife tested positive for the infection on May 19, Tuesday with mild symptoms. AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria said that after the couple was detected with COVID-19 symptoms, they decided to remain under home isolation. However, on Saturday, Pande's wife was hospitalised after her health condition worsened.

Also read: Coronavirus: Senior doctor at AIIMS Delhi dies of COVID-19; wife hospitalised

10.35 AM: RML College dean tests positive

Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital medical college dean and the head of urology department has been tested positive for novel coronavirus.

10.25 AM:Highest single-day spike in U'khand

Uttarakhand sees its highest single-day spike of 92 COVID-19 cases, 55 of them from Nainital, state's tally reaches 244; death toll rises to two after woman succumbs to infection at AIIMS Rishikesh.

10.15 AM: PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry report on media

Media one of the most adversely affected sectors due to COVID-19 pandemic with significant decline in ad revenues, says a research report of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

10.12 AM: Jail inmates who are aged above 60 will be granted emergency parole in view of COVID-19 pandemic, says Delhi Prisons department.

10.06 AM: Chhattisgarh records biggest increase

Chhattisgarh records its biggest one-day increase in COVID-19 cases with 44 people testing positive, state's tally now 216, says health officials.

9.57 AM: Employee who tested positive stable: Maruti

An employee at the company's Manesar plant tested positive for COVID-19 on May 22. His last attendance at the plant was on May 15. The employee has been admitted to a hospital and his condition is stable, says Maruti Suzuki.

9.52 AM: People in Malapurram, Kerala, offer Eid-Ul-Fitr prayers at their homes as mosques remain closed for devotees, amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

Update:



11 passengers who arrived from mumbai yesterday via Rajdhani express have reported positive on the TrueNat device.



This brings the total number of active cases in the state of Goa to 50. VishwajitRane (@visrane) May 24, 2020

9.51 AM: A total of 52 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Rajasthan in the past 24 hours. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 6794.

9.40 AM: Rani Chennamma Circle in Hubli, Karnatak, wears a deserted look as state-wide total lockdown has been imposed today, to contain the spread of COVID-19.

UP govt bans use of mobile phones by patients in isolation wards of L-2 & L-3 dedicated #COVID19 hospitals. The mobile phones of such patients needs to be submitted to the ward incharge of the COVID care centre so as to ensure mobile phone infection prevention norms. pic.twitter.com/uMAZWDmsVK ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 23, 2020

9.37 am: Delhi coronavirus news

Dean of Ram Manohar Lohia Medical College Hospital and head of Urology department tests COVID-19 positive.

9.28 am: Coronavirus deaths in India

The country recorded 138 deaths in the last 24 hours taking India's toll to 3,867, according to Union Health Ministry's update on Sunday.

9.15 am: Biggest 1-day spike in COVID-19 cases in India

The country recorded 6,797 fresh coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking India's tally past 1.31 lakh, as per the Union Health Ministry.

9.09 am: India's total COVID-19 cases cross 1.31 lakh

The total count of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country jumped to 1,31,868, including 73,560 active cases, 54,440 recoveries, 1 migrated, and 3,867 deaths, according to the Union Health Ministry.

9.03 am: West Bengal coronavirus lockdown news

State CM urges Centre to defer flight resumption from May 25 in view of cyclone Amphan

8.54 am: COVID-19 vaccine latest updates

Meanwhile, as Indian firms are in race to develop a Covid-19 vaccine, experts are of the opinion that research in India is still at an early stage. PM CARES Fund Trust has taken the decision to earmark Rs 100 crore assistance to coronavirus vaccine development measures.

8.45 am: Coronavirus cases in India

India's total count of confirmed COVID-19 cases currently stand at 1,25,101, including 69,597 active cases, 51,783 recoveries, 1 migrated, and 3,729 deaths, according to Union Health Ministry.

8.30 am: Maharashtra coronavirus lockdown: State govt opposed to flights' resumption from Monday

Maharashtra is opposed the Centre's announcement to resume flight operations from May 25. In a late-night tweet, state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh cautioned against the same making it clear that arranging adequate transport under the present circumstances would be difficult and would only add to the stress on the red zones.
MIDLAND, MI  Volunteers are needed this weekend at Midlands Heritage Parkafter catastrophic flooding damaged historical artifacts at the site.

The historical campus, operated by the Midland Center for the Arts, is seeking people to help remove all artifacts, damaged and otherwise, from the site, according to a release issued by the Michigan Museums Association Saturday, May 23.

Heavy rains across the state early last week led to the collapse of the Edenville Dam Tuesday, May 19, displacing thousands of people and bringing national attention to Michigan as floodwaters filled the Midland area.

Our initial review of the historic campus reveals some hope after a gloomy few days for Midland County, said Midland Center for the Arts President and CEO Terri Trotter in a prepared statement. "The flood waters have caused damage to the facilities, with mud and debris scattered throughout the Midland County history museums.

"Our biggest concern is for the thousands of papers, artifacts and photographs that celebrate our rich history in Midland County, and most of those valued treasurers are safe.

The museum is seeking volunteers with collections or curatorial training to lead small teams of volunteers with the removal, and people with facilities and construction training to remove walls and make building modifications to protect structures at the site.

Museum officials ask anyone able to travel to Midland to contact Julie Johnson by emailing johnsonj@midlandcenter.org.

The historical site is also seeking help with locating freezer storage.

Damage is more significant than initially thought and many usual resources are not available due to COVID-19, the release said. If you have any connections with sources for freezer space in the area or that can be moved there, please ask if it can be utilized and then Julie know necessary contact information.

More on MLive:

Flooding in Michigan: Everything we know about Midland County dam break

Video shows Michigan dam break as it happened: Catastrophic is the only thing I can call it

Fisherman mourns loss of Wixom Lake in wake of dam break and flood

Our whole life is gone, says woman whose Sanford home was washed away in Midland floods

Failed dam owner fought with state over Wixom Lake levels before flood

Feds warned years ago Edenville Dam couldnt handle a historic flood
Filmmaker Farah Khan took to Instagram to share an adorable yet hilarious post on her husband Sirish Kunder's birthday on Sunday. The Tees Maar Khan director shared a throwback picture of the two from fifteen years ago.

In the picture, Farah was seen hugging the Joker director from behind. Even whn the world is upside down n things look like they r off track.. remember its all good.. coz i got ur back! Happy birthday @shirishkunder .. I repeat.. an ok husband but a great father. ( Melbourne throwback @mitulange 15 yrs ago) (sic), she wrote.

Check it out below:

Sirish and Farah tied the knot in 2014 after falling in love during the shoot of Main Hoon Na. They are parents to triplets Diva, Anya and Czar who were born in 2008.

On the work front, Sirish Kunder last directed the Netflix film Mrs Serial Killer with Jacqueline Fernandez, Manoj Bajpayee and Mohit Raina.

Farah Khan will be next collaborating with Rohit Shetty in an untitled big budget project, where she will be directing it and the Sooryavanshi director will be producing the film. It has been reported that the film will be a remake of Satte Pe Satta starring Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini.

Follow @News18Movies for more
A new study says hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug, puts COVID-19 patients at a higher risk of death.

The study, titled Chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19: Why might they be hazardous? published on Friday in the Lancet journal, highlighted that patients who took chloroquine, which hydroxychloroquine is derived from, were also more likely to develop irregular heart rhythms.

Chloroquine is a synthetic drug introduced in the 1940s. It is a member of an important series of chemically related agents known as quinoline derivatives. Hydroxychloroquine is a related compound that was introduced in 1955.

Both drugs are used in the treatment of tropical diseases such as malaria and amebiasis, a parasitic disease also known as amebic dysentery. They are also useful in the treatment of various skin conditions and diseases of the joints such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

U.S. President Donald Trump had at a press briefing in the White House said he had been using hydroxychloroquine to protect himself against COVID-19.

However, Nigerias Presidential Task Force (PTF) on coronavirus at a daily briefing warned Nigerians against using the drug. It said the drug has not been declared a cure for the disease and further warned of the possibility of chloroquine poisoning if one indulges in self-medication with the drug.

Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, who was the index case of COVID-19 in his state, had told journalists early this month that he was administered with Chloroquine, Zithromax, and Vitamin C during his successful treatment for the disease.

The governor said COVID-19 patients in the state would, henceforth, be treated with the drugs. He said he would rather ask medics managing the states COVID-19 patients to treat them with chloroquine and Zithromax than watch them die of the disease.

The National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in an apparent reaction to the governors statement, warned Nigerians not to use any drug for the treatment of COVID-19 that is not approved by the NCDC.

The agency is concerned about reports on social and other media of drugs or vaccines to cure COVID 19, NAFDACs Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, had said in a statement.

Chloroquine was widely used in Nigeria and other parts of the world where malaria is endemic until it was abolished after people started developing resistance to it, a senior resident neurologist with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Daniel Otokpa, told PREMIUM TIMES.

He said some chloroquine also affects the proper functioning of the eyes and the ears.

But that wasnt the reason it was abolished, he said, stressing that it was dropped because studies revealed that people were developing resistance to it.

Methodology

The new study on the drug and COVID-19 looked at more than 96,000 patients from 671 hospitals across six continents.

Researchers of the study at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Womens Hospital and other institutions looked at patients who were hospitalised with COVID-19 between December 20 and April 14.

Findings

It said 14,888 patients were treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, either alone or in combination with a macrolide. The remaining 81,144 patients were in the control group.

It said nearly 10,700 patients died in the hospital. The study found that after controlling for multiple factors, including age, race, sex and underlying health conditions, there was a 34 per cent increase in the risk of mortality for patients who took hydroxychloroquine and a 137 per cent increased risk of serious heart arrhythmia.

The study revealed that hydroxychloroquine is known to have serious side effects, including muscle weakness and heart arrhythmia.

According to CNBC news, a small study in Brazil was halted for safety reasons after coronavirus patients taking chloroquine developed arrhythmia, including some who died.

It said Hydroxychloroquine, which has been repeatedly touted by Mr Trump as a potential game changer in fighting the coronavirus, is also often used by doctors to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Numerous clinical trials are looking to see if it is effective in fighting the coronavirus, but it is not a proven treatment.
Cyclone Amphan may have brought trails of misery for many, but it also did pleasantly surprise some migrant returnees who were asked to vacate the shelter homes in Odisha and undergo home quarantine to make space for the storm-hit people.

Around 2,000 migrants in the coastal districts of the state were exempted from the mandatory institutional quarantine after they tested negative for COVID-19.

"The returnees in temporary health camps (THCs) were subjected to COVID-19 test. And those who tested negative were sent to their respective homes," Jagatsinghpur District Collector Sangram Mohapatra said. "They were directed to remain under self isolation for 28 days."



The move was aimed at vacating some of the temporary quarantine centres, which have now doubled up as cyclone shelters, too, he said.

"Altogether 815 people quarantined in 39 health camps were provided with the opportunity to return home and maintain self isolation," Mohapatra said. "They have submitted a written undertaking that they would not violate the isolation norms."



All health camps were thoroughly sanitised before converting them into cyclone shelters, he said.

Nearly 45 lakh people in Odisha have been adversely affected by the extremely severe cyclonic storm Amphan, which fiercely went past the state coast and made landfall in West Bengal's Sunderbans last Wednesday



At least two lakh people were evacuated from the vulnerable areas of the state ahead of the landfall. Several people have also been rendered homeless by the storm.

In Kendrapara, around 250 migrant workers were sent home after their COVID-19 tests confirmed that they have not contacted the infection.

"Eight health camps that had been housing quarantined people over the past two months are now serving as cyclone shelters. Over 250 have been asked to maintain self isolation at home," Kendrapara District Collector Samarth Verma said.

Those sent home were provided with their COVID-19 test reports amid apprehensions that locals might stop them from entering the villages.

"We have received no report of resistance shown to any of the migrants sent home," Verma said.

Similar measures were undertaken in parts of Balasore and Bhadrak districts, officials said.

A Gujarat-returned labourer, who was allowed to go home, said he cannot wait to meet his loved ones.

"I had undertaken a long and painful journey to return to Odisha. I so wanted to go home and rest," said the migrant worker in Balasore who did not wish to be named.

"Now that I have been granted permission, having tested negative for the disease, I can't wait to meet my family. That said, I will strictly adhere to the social distancing norms," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amateur radio today is as relevant as it was 95 years ago In a media statement about the SARL 95th anniversary, President Nico van Rensburg, ZS6QL said, "Amateur Radio has withstood the test of time because it is based on three major guiding principles: Communication between people, continuous technological development and self-education and training"



SARL News reports:



Amateur Radio's history dates back to the days of Marconi and other early radio experimenters. In the last years of the 19th century they stunned the world by showing that it was possible to communicate wirelessly.

In South Africa, the early radio experiments were carried out by a telephone technician, Alfred Jennings, in Port Elizabeth who demonstrated wireless communication as early as 1899. Radio amateurs in various parts of South Africa established wireless associations which were amalgamated in 1925 into one national body, the SARRL. The word 'Relay' was dropped in 1947.



It was the experimenters in the amateur radio fraternity who, in the early days of radio, proved that shortwaves propagate around the world. In modern days they showed the world the value of low earth orbiting satellites, today the backbone of GPS and soon the broadband satellite connectivity, once Elon Musk's Starlink constellation is complete.



Since the beginning of the amateur radio service at the dawn of the previous century, radio amateurs have made significant contributions to radio technology and the understanding of radio science. This work continues today, as the primary purpose of the amateur radio service is the "continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art.



Recent advances in the fields of computing, software defined radio and signal processing provide unprecedented opportunities to meet this mandate. These opportunities are already beginning to be realised with the advent of systems such as the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN), the Weak Signal Propagation Reporting Network (WSPRNet) and PSKReporter. In addition to enabling radio amateurs to make and contribute legitimate scientific observations, it will expose amateur radio to a wider community of people around the world interested in science.



On the science front of Amateur Radio, the SARL is collecting data about the radio frequency noise floor. RF noise monitoring is part of an international campaign to quantify the increases in the RF noise floor because of the widespread use of devices that generate noise as an unintended consequence. The rapid increase in the radio frequency noise floor is of great concern as the reliance on radio is increasing at an exponential rate. Just think of cell phones, wireless internet connection and the whole world of IoT.



The South African Radio League has developed a monitoring system powered by a Raspberry Pi and an RF dongle. There are currently too few monitoring points, hence the SARL is planning to reach out to universities and technical high schools to join the project and set up monitoring receivers on their campuses. Currently only a few radio amateurs are participating in the project but once the lockdown is something of the past, it is hoped that more radio amateurs, universities and high school science clubs will become involved.



Radio Amateurs pioneered low earth orbit satellite communication and recently gained access to the first amateur radio geostationary satellite providing 24 hour communication across Africa, Europe and the Near East. A South African group, AMSAT SA, is currently constructing a Software Defined Radio (SDR) powered CubeSat as part of its ongoing amateur radio satellite technology development.



Nico van Rensburg ZS6QL has said that one of the pillars of Amateur Radio is communication. It has withstood all the challenges of the internet and the mobile phone. Amateur Radio was in fact the world's first social network, decades before Twitter and Facebook. Talking to and making friends all over South Africa and the world is unchallenged and will always remain the reason why many remain involved and the younger generation is showing increasing interest. It is the magic of the ether waves that draws people together. As one of the astronauts speaking from the international space station said to a young person via an amateur radio link, the magic of radio surpasses everything, even here in space!"



Source SARL News

http://www.sarl.org.za/



What is Amateur Radio?

http://www.essexham.co.uk/what-is-amateur-radio



Free UK amateur radio online training courses

http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2020/april/online-training-for-amateur-radio.htm
https://www.aish.com/f/mom/A-Different-Shavuot-This-Year.html

With none of the communal activities that normally accompany this holiday, we have a new kind of opportunity to appreciate the Torah.

We are going away for Shavuot. Armed with our CDC-approved disinfectant, we have rented a house near the water along the California coast. In the past I would never have considered this. Leave the community for Shavuot? But this year there is no community interaction. Not going to shul on Shavuot? There is no shul. Even the gathering of women I like to host Shavuot morning can't take place. All the usual structures of the holiday have been removed  except of course, the cheesecake, and cheese babka, and cheese blintzes

Like all holidays, Shavuot is meant to be observed within a community. While the Passover Seder takes place in the home, Shavuot night usually sees synagogues filled with people learning all night  and even a little shul hopping for different classes and different teachers. The streets are abuzz even in the middle of the night as eager students throng to their preferred study location. This year the streets will be empty.

There will be no communal learning, no competition over which synagogue has the best midnight snacks, no difficult decisions over which class to attend, no friends to invite to share in the meal, no pre-Shavuot bake sales to raise money for worthy causes, no contest over creative cheesecake flavors.

It will be different. It will be difficult. Like everything during this time, it will be a challenge. And, like everything during this time, it will be an opportunity. We just have to determine what that is.

Ive identified a few that (I hope) will work for me. As opposed to community learning, this year Shavuot can be a chance for family learning  in all sorts of permutations. All of us together, with my daughter, with my son, with my husband, with my grandchildren that are in lockdown with us  there are a lot of possible permutations. This can lead to new ways to learn, new topics to learn (suited to my learning partner) and new ideas.

Even though we may feel like we get a lot of family time under our current circumstances, the time on Yom Tov is different. During the week were distracted. Were still trying to work. Were all exhausted by the extra effort required to teach, listen, interact in any way over zoom. Were trying to be creative and engaged and were giving it our all. Shavuot will give us more relaxed time with each other, more focused time with each other, time to learn, grow  and even play some games.

But, most of all (at least for me), Shavuot is always a time of introspection which I hope will be facilitated by the lack of community (not that I dont wish it were otherwise!) and our anticipated proximity to the ocean. Its a time for contemplation and appreciation. As I ponder the receiving of the Torah, I cant help but reflect back on my life and, years later, still marvel at where Ive ended up.

From small town, Canada, where I was the only Jew in my 2200-person high school (until my younger brother came) to big city, America where I've been a rebbetzin for 37 years (gulp). Such a journey would not be possible without the Almightys help. And I owe all the joy and meaning and blessing in my life to Him and His Torah.

When I sit down to learn Shavuot, I take pleasure in the richness, breadth and depth of Torah and I am so grateful to my teachers who opened my eyes to the Torahs wonders and to the Almighty who gave us this gift.

I dont usually express this gratitude. I may frequently take it for granted. Its just an instinctive part of my life. But Shavuot is the time to look at it anew. On Shavuot we receive the Torah anew. In fact, we should feel like that every day. But weak, distracted, and selfish as we are (I speak for myself), that is rarely the case.

Shavuot is that opportunity  to experience the Torah through fresh eyes, with excitement and appreciation.

Even though the expected external structure of the holiday will be missing this year, the essence of it will be present. And I pray that I will really be able to focus on it.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 20:29:38|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on May 24, 2020 shows a children's playground closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Tokyo, Japan. The Japanese government plans to fully lift the state of emergency in the Tokyo metropolitan area and Hokkaido on Monday, economic revitalization minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said Sunday. Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama and Hokkaido were the last remaining areas under the state of emergency among the country's 47 prefectures. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi)

TOKYO, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government plans to fully lift the state of emergency in the Tokyo metropolitan area and Hokkaido on Monday, economic revitalization minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said Sunday.

The decision came as the number of new COVID-19 cases is on a declining trend and the medical system also improved.

Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama and Hokkaido were the last remaining areas under the state of emergency among the country's 47 prefectures.

Nishimura, who is in charge of the emergency response, said an advisory panel of health experts will meet on Monday morning to discuss the lifting of the emergency.

"For the most part, there is no change in the trend of decline (in new infection cases)," Nishimura said at a press conference.

The confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country increased by 26 to reach 16,569, according to the latest figures from the health ministry and local authorities on Sunday.

The number excludes the 712 cases from the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was quarantined in Yokohama near Tokyo.

In Tokyo, 14 new infections were reported on Sunday, raising the total number in the prefecture to 5,152 so far, while nine deaths were confirmed on the same day. Enditem
PREZ TRUMP ORDERING CHURCH REOPEN TESTS OF THE FAITH OF HIS CRITICS!!!

True believers in MAGA and the Big JC still confront the same risks as everyone else.

Authorities continue to advise against large gatherings.

Many Democratic Party loyalists desperately want to return to church but rebuke any command from the President on the topic of faith & morals.

Meanwhile, traditional conservatives who advocate small government and a separation betwixt Church & State bristle at the faith-based edict from the Commander-In-Chief which sets a dangerous precedent of White House control over religious institutions.

Prez Trump Proclaims American Churches Are Essential

Trump declares churches 'essential,' calls on them to reopen WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump on Friday labeled churches and other houses of worship as "essential" and called on governors nationwide to let them reopen this weekend even though some areas remain under coronavirus lockdown. The president threatened to "override" governors who defy him, but it was unclear what authority he has to do so.

Priest Pushes Back Against Prez Trump Commandment

Priest: Mr. President, we don't need to open churches to practice our faith CNN religion commentator Father Edward Beck writes about President Donald Trump's order to reopen churches and places of worship. He's afraid reopening churches now might risk many lives rather than nourishing them.

Question Of Faith: White House Rules God's House???

Trump ordered states to open churches. Can he do that? President Donald Trump is making a show of siding with religious groups in their clashes with state and local authorities - but his own Justice Department's actions are exposing the challenges involved in trying to bring the federal government's power to bear on the issue.

Church Provides No Sanctuary From Coronavirus

Church-Related Coronavirus Outbreaks Reported As Trump Pushes For Reopening As President Donald Trump sides with churches that want to reopen faster than their state's safety guidelines will allow, new Covid-19 virus outbreaks associated with in-person religious services are being reported worldwide. Trump demanded Friday that states allow places of worship to reopen and even threatened to order them open himself if governors won't, though he doesn't have the authority under federal law.

Prez Trump Proudly Defends Church Reopen Rights

President Trump Sides With Churches Asserting A Right To Reopen Houses of worship around the country on Friday got a presidential green light to open immediately. "I call on governors to allow our churches and places of worship to open right now," President Trump said in remarks at the White House. "These are places that hold our society together and keep our people united," he said.

Catholic Compromise Balances Faith & Reason

After Trump call to reopen churches, Catholic doctor says it can be done safely by Michelle La Rosa Denver Newsroom, May 22, 2020 / 05:45 pm MT (CNA).- While President Donald Trump's May 22 call to reopen churches has become a source of national controversy, a group of Catholic doctors has offered a plan that could expedite that process. "I think that if we

Good Faith Judgement???

Trump Is Desperately Trying To Escalate The Culture Wars By Demanding Churches Open President Donald Trump, deeming houses of worship "essential places that provide essential services," called Friday for governors to allow them to reopen immediately-regardless of whether he actually has the authority to impose such an order.

Prez Trump Remains 'Chosen One' Amongst Religious Right

Inside the Influential Evangelical Group Mobilizing to Reelect Trump "The Covid virus has been a gift from God," began Ken Eldred. "The kingdom of God advances through a series of glorious victories, cleverly disguised as disasters." In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Eldred noted, millions of Americans are turning to Christ, Walmart is selling out of Bibles, and online church broadcasts have hit record numbers.

Local Troops Ordered To Stand Down For Memorial Day Mass

Lenexa cemetery cancels annual Memorial Day Mass for vets, large gatherings still deemed unsafe LENEXA, Kan. - Even during a pandemic, some Memorial Day customs carry on. Metro families crowd into cemeteries this weekend, paying their respects while protecting themselves from coronavirus as they visit the graves of lost loved ones. However, directors at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa were forced to cancel the annual Memorial Day Mass, which dates back at least 20 years.

Kansas City Practices Gentle Communion Toss Whilst Some Priests Still Prefer The Tongue

Churches reopen with an emphasis on safety by Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Months after all public Masses in the archdiocese were canceled on March 17, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann announced last week that parishes were opening up - slowly and carefully. In a video message posted on the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas website, Archbishop Naumann announced the resumption of public Masses beginning May 9.

Politics, science and a leap of faith confront Christians this Sunday in Kansas City and throughout the nation.The dilemma . . .Here are just a few moral dilemmas that this brilliant political posturing evokes . . .And so, to help unpack this Sunday soul searching, we share these national and local news links to contemplate . . .You decide . . .
Next Sunday is the Feast of Pentecost, when it is believed the early disciples realized that their experience of Jesus is best lived in community, or church. A line in the May 20 issue of Commonweal Magazine jumped up at me: The coronavirus did in a weekend what it has taken the Second Vatican Council almost 60 years to try to get Catholics to do, which is to get out of their church buildings and talk with people about Jesus.

Cut off from the experience of church, millions of Christians have been pushed into being church for themselves, their families, co-workers and neighbors.

When we return to church, there will be a myriad of questions how it -- worship, leadership, authority, for starters -- will unfold. And it may not be the same as before.

One question facing the Rev. Gary Grindeland, pastor of Grace Lutheran in Bayonne and Trinity and Redeemer Lutheran in Jersey City is, How do we embrace a nimble, creative and flexible expression of church without becoming trendy?

He found one outlet for doing that during the pandemic. Each morning  by now some 70 -- he situated himself vested in alb and cope in some place in Bayonne or Greenville and offered a two-minute reflection and prayer live streamed on Graces Facebook page, YouTube channel and website.

For example, on April 1, he stood on the shore of the Kill van Kull with a tanker ship in the Staten Island dry dock as background and he asked the viewers: Are we a ship of fools or fools for Christ?

After a brief Bible verse, he spoke and then ended by saying, Ive gotta go. Ive gotta a ship to take and Jesus is at the helm. Will you join me?

He boasted that hes getting more viewers than his normal Sunday church attendance.

Church buildings have been closed, not the reality and visibility of being Church, said the Rev. Anthony Randazzo, pastor of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Westfield who once ministered at Our Lady of Mercy in Jersey City. Hes noticed that pandemic times draw out more mission and ministry in Christ. Healing and compassion are central to COVID-19 times, the very core of Jesus ministry.

He, by the way, is an authority as a systematic theologian whose specialty is Christology, which he taught in the major seminary at Seton Hall.

Sister Arlene Flaherty, left, is seen at St. Peter's Church on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., with Sister Ann Scholz, center, and Sister Mary Ann Collinsas they prepared for civil disobedience in support of Dreamers back in 2018.

Blauvelt Dominican Sister Arlene Flaherty, who resided in Jersey City for years, asserted, It cant be worship-as-usual-again. The Mass in church, for example, progresses in a timed manner with little space for personal reflection or pause. If anything, she noted, the pandemic has allowed for more contemplative time and space.

A theme that resonated with all three is that the pandemic has expanded our awareness of our inter-relatedness and dependence on one another and our planet Earth, as Flaherty, who has worked in peace and justice ministry most of her religious life, put it. She is now the social justice director for the Notre Dame Sisters in Wilton, Connecticut.

There is no vaccine that is going to inoculate us from the diseases that will be forthcoming from an increasingly contaminated earth, she said.

"We must care for our suffering brothers and sisters and care for the planet," she said. "We have seen what the pandemic has done throughout the world.

"We must see that faith is made manifest in service to others and the stranger, Grindeland added.

And the sharing of our common home  Earth  is magnified a hundred times, Randazzo said.

Church is caring relationships with others in and outside baptismal ministry, he added.

Flaherty drew on Pope Francis image of the church as a field hospital asking, How are we present, ministering to the urgent needs of our day?

As a priest shaped by the teachings of Vatican II, I realized early on in this pandemic that the institutional church cannot let go of control. We kick and scream as we move from uniformity to unity even though Francis is prodding us to go.

Empowering the laity to be church is precisely what the pandemic did by cutting us off from all the trappings. Return will be slow in coming and will take months if not longer to recoup.

But in the end, we will draw on the Spirit present to the apostles in next Sundays Scriptures to give us what we need to shape a post pandemic church. It wont be easy, but it will be exciting and more engaging.

Crisis is the driver of transformation, Flaherty said.

We, as church, are transformed. Big time.

The Rev. Alexander Santora is the pastor of Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph, 400 Willow Ave., Hoboken, NJ 07030. Email: padrealex@yahoo.com; Twitter: @padrehoboken.
During a press conference on Friday, White House Press Secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, revealed that United States President Donald Trump is giving $100,000 from his own quarterly salary as a donation to the Department of Health and Human Services.

According to McEnany, Trump is donating in order to help DHHS in the development of drugs, therapies, and vaccines to combat and prevent coronavirus disease from further spreading in the US.

McEnany, showed a cheque amounting to $100,000 in the briefing and said that it directly came from a portion of Trump's salary which he does not claim, instead he gives to different causes, especially during this time of a pandemic. The White House press secretary showed what looked like a full-page check that has already been signed.

Trump's Banking Details Exposed

However, the intent to highlight the noble efforts of President Trump seemed to have backfired on them as during the show and tell of the cheque, McEnany accidentally displayed personal banking details of the leader of the nation where the world's largest economy is.

While people lauded the efforts of Trump, the check that was shown during the press conference contained complete details about Trump's banking account and it cameras from the press were quick to take photos of the cheque.

After the reveal, speculations about the legitimacy of the cheque arose since some of the details

contained in there were supposed to be confidential and that the White House staff are usually more careful than that.

Read also: US-China Tensions Rise: World Leaders Urge Cooperation to Fight the Coronavirus Pandemic

According to an administration official who talked to the New York Times, the check used during the said briefing were legitimate as they do not use mock cheques. They also added during the statement that the media should have focused on the nobility of the act rather than focus on whether the cheque is real or not. Moreover, they called out the media for making speculations instead of simply reporting facts.

The incident caused alarm since revealing the said bank account information can make the President's account vulnerable to hackers and money phishers. However, some media outlets did the initiative to crop out important information on the cheque before posting it on their websites.

According to a professor from the University of Notre Dame who teaches information technology, this incident revealed the real reason why during television game shows and programs, large promotional cheques. The reason being it does not only look good on stage but these large cheques also do not contain confidential banking information. Thus, he said that the White House could have been more careful not to reveal Trump's account details to the world.

Making good on a promise

While the reveal may have exposed the president to an accidental security risk, the donation showed how he made good on his promise to donate his entire salary to different government agencies instead of keeping. During his campaign in 2016, Trump said that his entire salary of $400,000 will not go to his pocket except for $ only to abide by the requirements of the constitution that he needs to be paid.

Every quarter, it is revealed which government agency will be receiving the portion of the president's salary.



Related article: Trump Does Not Want to Close US Borders Again if Second Coronavirus Wave Hits

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(Newser)  Israel's prime minister arrived in a Jerusalem court Sunday and denounced the corruption case against himalong with officials, journalists, and police he claims fabricated the evidence, the Times of Israel reports. "Elements in the police and State Attorneys Office banded together with left-wing journalists ... to fabricate baseless cases against me," said Benjamin Netanyahu, flanked by aides. "The goal is to oust a strong right-wing prime minister and to banish the right-wing camp from leadership of the country for many years." The embattled politician also slammed the nation's justice system for allowing a "fabricated and ludicrous" case to make it to trial, Al Jazeera reports.

story continues below

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside to support Netanyahu as he entered the hour-long hearing, where he spoke only to confirm his name. In three separate allegations, the 70-year-old is facing one count of bribery and three of fraud and breach of trust, per CNN, but government experts are divided over whether the trial is good for Israel. Some say the accusations will come down to conflicts of interest that pale in comparison to what Netanyahu might do to gain his freedom: "If, God forbid, we will have a war, is it going to be because there is a security threat, or because this is going to be a wag-the-dog kind of moment that you want to disrupt public opinion?" a legal scholar asks the New York Times. (Read more Israel stories.)
A 49-year-old man has been arrested in Delhi for alleged involvement in armed robbery and attempt to murder, police said on Sunday.

Acting on a tip off, the special cell of the Delhi Police nabbed Ajay Bidhuri after a gunfight near Mehrauli Badarpur Road on Saturday night, the police said.

Bidhuri, alias Israel, who is a resident of Ghaziabad, was absconding for the past 10 months after jumping parole, officials said.

The suspect, who was previously found involved in more than 20 cases, was a member of a biker gang, led was Om Prakash. The group had committed several sensational armed robberies in 2008, according to officials.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah said Bidhuri had jumped parole last July and was now planning to commit armed robbery in the National Capital Region during the coronavirus lockdown.

Around 7 pm on Saturday, Bidhuri was arriving on a motorcycle and he whipped out his pistol while seeing the police and threatened to fire.

When asked to surrender, he fired a shot towards police personnel, who retaliated, but no one was hurt. Later, Bidhuri was overpowered and disarmed, Kushwah said.

A single-shot pistol with three live cartridges was recovered from him at the time of his arrest, the DCP said.

Om Prakash and his associate Rajesh died in an exchange of fire with Delhi Police on August 25, 2008, but Bidhuri managed to escape but he was subsequently arrested.

He was convicted in four cases and remained in jail since then till June 2019, but was released on parole and has been absconding since then, police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A big dissention has recently erupted, renewing tensions between the Chairman of the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOMM) Abike Dabiri- Erewa , and Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy in Nigeria.

Mrs. Dabiri in an interview recently claimed that Dr. Pantami organized a forced evacuation of NIDCOMMs office in February. According to Dabiri, the office, which is located in the Nigeria Communications Commissions building was cleared out only two days after NIDCOMM moved in.

She claimed that NIDCOMM has been without an office ever since, stating in the viral interview that office equipment, including laptops and printers were further locked up.

In response, Dr. Pantami vehemently denied the accusations, placing special emphasis on denying the claim that NIDCOMM was manhandled by armed men.

THIS IS A FAT LIE FROM HER: The owner of the building NgComCommission has faulted her lies on their social media platforms. The minister has never given that directives to any gunman. We need to be very objective in reporting. I have never sent any gunmen there, & I have no one, Dr. Pantami stated.

THIS IS A FAT LIE FROM HER: The owner of the building @NgComCommission has faulted her lies on their social media platforms. The minister has never given that directives to any gunman. We need to be very objective in reporting. I have never sent any gunmen there, & I have no one https://t.co/SUi3n4Qs4E  Isa Ali Pantami, PhD (@DrIsaPantami) May 24, 2020

Furthermore, Mrs. Dabiris claims were rendered increasingly vague by NCCs response in a press release signed by Dr. Henry Nkemadu Director, Public Affairs  insisting that NIDCOMM was in no way hustled from the building, neither were they thrown out as earlier reported.

Part of the statement reads:

The attention of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been drawn to a video making the rounds on social media alleging that the Nigeria Diaspora Commission was ignominiously thrown out of the NCC building.

It is therefore important that the general public is acquiesced with what really transpired with regard to the incident leading to the evacuation of the Diaspora Commission from the NCC building.

At this time, only NCC Staff were accredited to have access within this premises as required by the security officials. All the properties belonging to the Diaspora Commission are safely warehoused in some of the Offices in the Complex.

This is contrary to the position of the Director General of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa that the removal of her Commission from the building was punitive.

This is not the correct position and we agree with her that there are always challenges in every human activity but the unforeseen challenges that arose in this case are not different but require understanding of all concerned, the statement read.

The Nigeria Communications Commission further denied the alleged armed men accusations, saying:

As is usual in ensuring security and accountability before, during and after presidential visits, the building had to be cleared to allow for only known and identifiable persons to have access within the Complex.

Therefore the Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami could not have sent armed men to drive the staff of the Diaspora Commission out of the Communications and Digital Economy Complex.

(Full Details Of NCCS Press Statement Below)

Furthermore, NCC revealed that Mrs. Dabiri had in fact not visited the office complex to take charge, neither had NIDCOMM began any official use of the offices.

Incidentally, after the offer of the office spaces to the Diaspora Commission, the Director General, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa had not visited the Complex to take possession of any of the offices and also the Commission had not started using any of these spaces as offices, the statement reads.

NIDCOMM swiftly responded to NCCs press statement by posting a video showing NIDCOMMs secretary Dr. Bassi addressing staff after said evacuation.

The posts headline states:

The Secretary of NiDCOM, Dr. Bassi addressing the staff of the Commission shortly after being locked out of their office on the order of the Minister @DrIsaPantami on the 11th of February, 2020.

Notice of evacuation was given via a text message on the 9th of February, 2020

VIDEO:

The Secretary of NiDCOM, Dr. Bassi addressing the staff of the Commission shortly after being locked out of their office on the order of the Minister @DrIsaPantami on the 11th of February, 2020.

Notice of evacuation was given via a text message on the 9th of February, 2020 pic.twitter.com/unpHx6EGaa  Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (@nidcom_gov) May 24, 2020

Additionally, Dabiri a few hours ago responded to Pantamis assertions on the falsehood of her story, saying that Dr. Pantami has had a reputation for disrespect of the female gender.

An Islamic scholar should not lie Hon Minister .( Phd??)You did that to me cos I am a woman .Your disrespect for women is legendary, she said.

(I) Left the ugly incident behind me since February. But please release all our office equipment.Public office is transient, she continued.

However, there were no armed officials as Dabiri claimed in a recent interview with Sahara Reporters.

PRESS STATEMENT AS ISSUED BY NCC

Diaspora Commission not sent packing from Digital Economy Complex, says NCC

The attention of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been drawn to a video making the rounds on social media alleging that the Nigeria Diaspora Commission was ignominiously thrown out of the NCC building.

It is therefore important that the general public is acquiesced with what really transpired with regard to the incident leading to the evacuation of the Diaspora Commission from the NCC building.

Following the completion of the NCC building at Mbora, Abuja designated as NCC Annex and the acute shortage of accommodation space for the staff of the Commission in the NCC Head Office at Maitama, Abuja, the Board of the Commission directed the decongestion of the Head Office Building.

Some of the Departments of the NCC had started moving to The new Office Complex of Five (5) Floors when discussions were held between the NCC and the Diaspora Commission to enable the Diaspora Commission also utilize any free Offices within the Complex.

The fifth floor allocated to them had to be used to accommodate other Departments from the NCC Headquarters to ease the congestion. NCCs offer to house the Nigeria Diaspora Commission was predicated on the long held position of the NCC that agencies of Government will achieve more through strategic collaboration, partnership, synergy and sharing to the extent allowed by relevant laws.

During this period, the NCC secured approval for the Commissioning of the Office Complex by the President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari and the launching of four important projects of the NCC and the renamed Ministry of Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMC&DE):

1. Launching and unveiling of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020  2025;

2. Commissioning of the Communications and Digital Economy Complex;

3. Launching of the Emergency Communications Centre and Toll-Free number 112; and

4. Flag off of the Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training

These important projects were a culmination of extensive collaboration between NCC and the other Parastatals of the FMC&DE and fittingly the Complex was renamed the COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL ECONOMY COMPLEX in tandem with the new drive of the Federal Government towards a digital economy.

The NCC has not withdrawn the offer but had hiccups arising from the preparation for the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate the Communications and Digital Economy Complex and launch other projects relating to the mandate of government.

The Board and Management of the NCC took a decision to ensure that every activity in the building was in line with the Federal Governments digital agenda.

Incidentally, after the offer of the office spaces to the Diaspora Commission, the Director General, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa had not visited the Complex to take possession of any of the offices and also the Commission had not started using any of these spaces as offices.

As is usual in ensuring security and accountability before, during and after presidential visits, the building had to be cleared to allow for only known and identifiable persons to have access within the Complex. Therefore the Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami could not have sent armed men to drive the staff of the Diaspora Commission out of the Communications and Digital Economy Complex.

At this time, only NCC Staff were accredited to have access within this premises as required by the security officials. All the properties belonging to the Diaspora Commission are safely warehoused in some of the Offices in the Complex. This is contrary to the position of the Director General of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa that the removal of her Commission from the building was punitive. This is not the correct position and we agree with her that there are always challenges in every human activity but the unforeseen challenges that arose in this case are not different but require understanding of all concerned.

SIGNED:

Dr. Henry Nkemadu

Director, Public Affairs

Nigerian Communications Commission

24 May 2020
Kerala government on Saturday assured parents that the children will be safe in schools as proper sanitization process is being conducted in schools ahead of SSLC, Plus Two exams.

The Education Department is making all arrangements to bring schools back to normalcy. Schools are being sanitized with the help of local bodies, peoples representatives and Parent Teachers Association. It will be completed in two days. Fire force will conduct disinfection in all schools, Kerala education minister Professor C Raveendranath told ANI.

Urging parents to not get tensed about the coronavirus situation, the Education Minister said, Facilities like sanitization of the schools, thermal scanning are being done as per the directions of Union Health Department. Students will be safe here like they are in their homes.

He further said that the schools can even use buses of neighbouring schools or rent out vehicles. The Education Department will bear the cost borne by schools for hiring buses on rent for transporting students, he said.

The SSLC, Plus one, Plus two and Vocational higher secondary exams will commence from May 26. They will be conducted in five days from May 26 to May 30, the Education Minister said while adding, Those who are unable to attend the upcoming exams can attend the exams along with Save A Year (SAY) exams which are usually for the students who could not pass earlier but they will be considered as regular students.
- Kim Chiu wrote a lengthy post on Instagram to discuss about online bullying

- She made this after learning that Hana Kimura, a professional Japanese wrestler and Netflix reality show star, has died at the age of 22

- There are reports that Hana had been sharing on social media posts indicating that she was bullied online

- Saddened by the news, Kim expressed how hurtful words can deeply affect someones being

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Kim Chiu took to social media to discuss about online bullying after learning that Hana Kimura, a professional Japanese wrestler, has died at the age of 22.

There are reports that Hana, who was part of the cast of the latest season of Netflix's reality show "Terrace House," had been sharing on social media posts indicating that she was bullied online.

Her last Instagram post, which showed her with her cat, read: "I love you, have a long, happy life. I'm sorry (written in Japanese)."

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Saddened by the news, Kim wrote a lengthy post on Instagram to express how hurtful words can deeply affect someones being.

Here is Kims post:

Last night as I was about to sleep, saw the sad news about #terracehousejapan #hanakimura. I don't know her personally shempre but nanood lang ako ng show on Netflix.

I was so hooked on her character then I searched her IG then I saw #RIPHanakimura she took her own life because of the hurtful words that people throw at her. Yes!!! Your Words can be powerful; it can also be a weapon on taking someone's life.

Di mo alam ang pinagdadaanan ng bawat tao sa mundo. Lalo na sa situation natin ngayon. So PLEASE CHOOSE TO BE KIND. If hindi kaya, then atras tayo. If you dont like that person, then feel free to unfollow sa lahat ng social media platforms na meron yung taong yun.

We are in a world of social media where we can talk to everyone as if we are just neighbors kahit na miles away tayong lahat. This technology intertwines us. Let us use this in a positive way, use this for us to be one, supporting one another, uplifting each other, being kind to people, KIND enough to accept someone's flaws, KIND enough to forgive. KIND enough to just be there enjoying this kind of technology that we have right now.

Wag natin abusuhin. I mean, I'm not here para pagalitan yung mga taong yun, but I just want to remind people that being KIND can go places. Always! Always! Always! Choose kindness. Subject: VALUES ED !!!! sending you virtual hugs ! Peace!!! Blessed sunday everyone.

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In a previous report by KAMI, Kim Chiu reached out to DJ Loonyo for "Bawal Lumabas" choreography.

Kim Chiu, born Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu on April 19, 1990, is one of the most well-known actresses in the Philippines. She broke through in showbiz by joining Pinoy Big Brother. The 30-year-old Kapamilya star is in a relationship with actor Xian Lim.

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In the weeks before his death, Mr Maharaj was eagerly preparing to celebrate his daughter's graduation from university. He was so excited and proud, his eldest daughter Charisma, 23, said. He was looking forward to me wearing the gown and holding my degree." Instead, his daughters held vigil at their fathers funeral, as COVID-19 restrictions prevented scores of relatives, friends and colleagues from mourning together. Three weeks after Mr Maharajs death, his daughters Charisma and Komal sat with their mother Sharmil on a couch in their Gregory Hills home in Sydneys south-west. A dozen photos of a beaming Mr Maharaj watch over them.

Praween and Sharmil Maharaj. I am going to miss him every day, Sharmil said through tears. Anyone who goes to work should return safely home to their family. The day he died, Mr Maharaj woke about 5.30am. His wife, for the first time in as long as she can remember, slept in. Her husband told her to enjoy her sleep-in on her day off. Every day, he would ring me, two or three times, Mrs Maharaj said.

Instead, she received a call from her sister-in-law telling her Mr Maharaj had been injured at work. She and her daughters raced to the mental health unit, where they were told to wait outside. I said, let me go in, I want to see him. Whats going on?, she said. They told me it was a crime scene ... Then three people came out and told me he was gone." Mrs Maharaj crumpled, Komal, 21, said. We didnt anticipate dad was no longer with us. We thought it was a serious injury, not that we wouldnt get him back, she said. More than one month later, Mrs Maharaj and her daughters were struggling to make sense of the confusion surrounding his death.

No one has come forward to tell us what happened, Charisma said. We want to know whether he suffered  and how we can be told one day that there was a patient involved in some way, and then it was a 'medical episode'." Sharmil Maharaj with a portrait of her late husband, Praween Maharaj. Credit:Janie Barrett The term is used by police to indicate a death appears to have been caused by a health condition, rather than violent or criminal behaviour. NSW Nurses and Midwives Association general secretary Brett Holmes said that on the day Mr Maharaj died, the union had been advised that there had been physical contact with a patient. Sources familiar with the case have described the circumstances surrounding the patient and Mr Maharaj on condition of anonymity.

The patient allegedly involved in the altercation was known to have violent outbursts. He had a nicotine addiction and had repeatedly tried to barge into the nurses station to get to his cigarettes, which were kept in a drawer within the enclosed room. Patients can usually seek permission to leave the unit to smoke, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the unit was effectively in lockdown. Mr Maharaj was inside the station when the patient banged on the closed door. It is not clear whether Mr Maharaj opened the door to try and calm him, or whether the patient forced his way inside, but there was a physical struggle and both men fell to the floor. Early reports indicated Mr Maharaj may have hit his head. The patient tried to reach his cigarettes, leaving Mr Maharaj on the floor.

Another nurse had heard the banging and rushed to help Mr Maharaj subdue the patient, but Mr Maharaj could not stay standing for long. He lowered himself to the floor looking severely unwell and started having a seizure. Paramedics performed CPR for more than 30 minutes but they were unable to revive him. Had Mr Maharaj been a police officer or a firefighter, his death in the service of others would have been a national tragedy, several distraught colleagues told The Sydney Morning Herald. What happened to Praween is just so painful for everyone who knew him, one healthcare worker said. We want to make sure its not swept under the rug. Several nurses and a psychiatrist had raised concerns that the patient should have been moved to a higher acuity unit with greater security.

Most people with mental illness are not violent and are more likely to be the victims of violence. But this man had previously been an inpatient at another hospital's forensic unit for many years after stabbing an individual. Sharmil and Praween Maharaj. Praween Maharaj was a nurse in the mental health unit at Liverpool Hospital. Mr Maharajs family has questioned why a man with such a record of violence had been an inpatient on the unit for more than eight years. Sources also suggest the units layout, the COVID-19 restrictions and low staffing levels may have created an environment that contributed to the death of Mr Maharaj, an accredited violence management trainer, and have raised concerns for nurses still working on the unit. The staffing ratio was three to 14 patients; there are usually two registered nurses and an assistant nurse on each shift.

Mr Kumar said: There is nothing we can do to bring Praween back but knowing how much he valued his work and colleagues we dont want this to happen to anyone else.'' In a statement, South Western Sydney Local Health District said we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the mental health nurse and we are providing them with every support during this distressing time. Praween Maharaj with his family. The district is conducting a root cause analysis investigation, which will include full disclosure to the family of its findings. The family also has the opportunity to be involved in the process of the investigation, the statement said. As our internal inquiry is progressing, SafeWork NSW and police continue their investigations and the matter has been referred to the coroner, we are unable to provide further comment."

Mr Holmes said the union was conducting its own investigation. "The association has had concerns raised by members at other mental health units in northern NSW about levels of agitation of patients restricted by changes to policies that were as a result of COVID-19," Mr Holmes said. "We will be interested to see any correlation to these events. A SafeWork NSW spokesman confirmed the department was investigating Mr Maharajs death and was also investigating a separate violent incident that occurred in Liverpool Hospitals Medical Assessment Unit in December 2018. NSW Coroner's Court is waiting for the final autopsy report and has asked police to prepare a brief of evidence by early August. A Coroner's Court spokesman said: "Once the autopsy report and brief have been received, the coroner will determine whether an inquest is necessary.''
Paatal Lok, a new web series that has received raving reviews from critics and audiences, has landed in trouble for allegedly using a racial slur. A complaint has been filed with the National Human Rights Commission against the series, which has been directed by Jaideep Ahlawat, and produced by Anushka Sharma's Clean Slate Films.

According to an NDTV report, the complaint was filed by All Arunachal Pradesh Gorkha Youth Association. Bharatiya Gorkha Yuva Parisangh president Nanda Kirati Dewan was quoted as saying about the sexist and racial slur, "Such stereotyping not only maligns the as a whole normalizes racism a standard practice for the people. It sets a distorted image among people regarding a certain community, the brunt of which, the people living there have to face."

A few days back, Viren Sri Gurung, a member of the Lawyers Guild sent a legal notice to Anushka Sharma for the usage of a casteist slur on the show. He said, "There is a clip wherein during an interrogation a lady police officer uses a casteist slur on a Nepali character. There wouldn't have been any problem had only 'Nepali' been used. But the word that follows it is unacceptable. Since Anushka Sharma is one of the producers of the show, we have served her a notice."

Paatal Lok is a crime thriller which features Abhishek Bannerjee, Swastika Mukherjee, Gul Panag and others. The series launched on Amazon Prime Video last week.

ALSO READ: 'Paatal Lok Is The Best Crime Thriller' Says Sacred Games Co-director Anurag Kashyap

ALSO READ: Paatal Lok: Everything You Need To Know About The Crime Thriller Characters


El presidente @MartinVizcarraC junto al ministro @victorzamora supervisan la central de pruebas rapidas ubicada en el Estadio Nacional y agradecen por su trabajo y compromiso a los profesionales de la salud que van a los domicilios. pic.twitter.com/iWmYvcsh4a
Gardai are investigating the deaths of two men following a house fire in Dublin.

Post mortems will be carried out today on the bodies of two men who died in a house fire in Drimnagh in Dublin yesterday.

Officers at Sundrive Road say they are investigating "all of the circumstances" surrounding the deaths.

At approximately 1.45pm gardai and the fire service were alerted to the blaze in Slievebloom Park.

The fire was brought under control by Dublin Fire Brigade and the bodies of two men, thought to be aged in their late sixties and early seventies, were discovered inside the house. They were both pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

Investigating gardai have preserved the scene as they work towards establishing the cause of the fire.

The bodies of both men have been removed to the Dublin City Mortuary, Whitehall, for post-mortem examinations by the State Pathologist today. Results of the post-mortems and a technical examination of the scene will determine the course of the investigation.

Drimnagh Sinn Fein Councillor Daithi Doolan says people are shocked by the loss of the men's lives in the fire.

Cllr Doolan said: "Yesterday's fire was greeted with sadness and great shock in the community here in Drimnagh

"The two men were unassuming but well-liked. Yesterday, when the names came through, people were caught by surprise that a fire would take place at this time of year, so our deepest sympathies goes to the men's friends and families."

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact the incident room at Sundrive Road Garda station. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sundrive Road station on 01-666 6600 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

State Sen. Pete Campos has never lost an election while running for Senate District 8, the immense 14,500-square-mile northern New Mexico district that includes seven counties  all of Colfax, Guadalupe, Harding and Mora counties, and parts of Quay, San Miguel and Taos counties.

Though hes been unopposed a few times  he sailed through the 2016 election unchallenged in both the Democratic primary and general election in 2016  hes defeated every opponent hes faced since he was first elected to the state Senate in 1990.

But the road to victory may not be so smooth for him this time around. Connie Jimenez Trujillo is challenging him in the June 2 Democratic primary and Republican Melissa Key Fryzel awaits the winner in Novembers general election.

Trujillo, a nurse, midwife and first-time politician from Las Vegas, New Mexico, decided to enter the race partly because the Alumbra Womens Health and Maternity Cares labor delivery unit at Alta Vista Regional Hospital was shuttered in 2017.

That started it. That kind of got me thinking, she said.

Trujillo said it took her weeks to get a meeting arranged with Campos, whom she thought, as a state Senator, could help save the unit. The next day, the hospital announced it would close the labor delivery unit after 20 years.

I was very disappointed in that. I felt he didnt really advocate to keep it open or try to find solutions to keep it open, she said.

Trujillo started her career as an engineer, but I really didnt find much fulfillment in that, she said. I didnt feel like I was doing much for my fellow man.

So she switched careers and became a midwife, a job in which she takes great satisfaction.

The mother of three grown children, Trujillo says access to health care remains the biggest issue for many people in District 8. She also says that diversifying the economy, agriculture and renewable energy are issues she wants to work on in the Legislature.

Trujillo noted that Campos has been senator in District 8 since she graduated Robertson High School and that its time for a change.

I feel he has become very complacent right now, very comfortable, she said.

Sen. Campos says he hasnt lost his fire to serve the people of District 8.

In everything I do, I put people first, he said. The whole key to it is that its something that I really enjoy and love.

Asked to respond to Trujillo saying that he hadnt done enough to keep the womens health and maternity care unit at the hospital in Las Vegas open, Campos said, At Alta Vista, as everyone knows, we had a great unit going. But we had doctors who decided to relocate, so we didnt have proper medical staff. However, the fight continued and the advocacy continued, and we were able to open a birthing unit.

Campos said he will continue his advocacy for improving access to health care there and elsewhere if reelected.

Campos continued by saying his years of professional experience and in the Legislature is to the benefit of his constituents. Hes a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and serves on interim committees for the Legislative Finance Committee, the Legislative Council, Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy, and Water and Natural Resources committees.

Outside the Legislature, Campos says hes been active on boards, including those of banks and medical centers.

Now retired, Campos spent more than 27 years in education, as a school superintendent, instructor and counselor for at-risk students and immigrant students.

He was also mayor of Santa Rosa prior to beginning his Senate seat winning steak.

Campos has a big lead in terms of fundraising, according to campaign finance reports filed through May 11. His campaign has raised more than $35,000, compared to $3,350 for Trujillo.

Campos has received contributions of $1,000 or more from such groups as the American Federation of Teachers  New Mexico, the Union Pacific Railroad, NGL Water Solutions of Denver, and Ultra Health and PurLife medical marijuana producers.

Asked how long he intends to serve as a state senator, Campos said, The good Lord knows. Ive still got the health, the energy, maturity, and I provide an opportunity for stability. As long as people will give me the opportunity to serve them, that will determine how long Im here.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has launched legal action against Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and the government of President Muhammadu Buhari at the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja over the brutal crackdown, repression, and grave violations and abuses of the human rights of the people of Rivers State.

SERAP said in suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/20/20 filed last Friday: Governor Wike is using COVID-19 as a pretext to step up repression and systematic abuses against the people of Rivers state, including by carrying out mass arbitrary detention, mistreatment, forced evictions, and imposing pervasive controls on daily life.

According to SERAP: Governor Wike is using executive orders 1 and 6, 2020 as instruments to violate and abuse the rights to liberty and freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention, to a fair trial, and to property, contrary to Nigerias international human rights obligations, including under the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

SERAP said: This suit is primarily against Governor Wike and the Rivers state government for failing to respect, protect and ensure the constitutionally and internationally guaranteed human rights of the people of his state. The governor has used executive orders 1 and 6 to run roughshod over the human rights of Nigerians.

Ultimately, the Federal Government, being the signatory to ECOWAS treaties and protocols, cannot escape its responsibility to ensure that the human rights guaranteed under human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party, are fully and effectively realized throughout Nigeria, including in Rivers state.

Suing the Federal Government alongside Governor Wike is entirely consistent with article 27 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which provides that a state may not invoke the provisions of its internal law as justification for its failure to perform a treaty.

SERAP is asking the court for an order of injunction to restrain and stop Governor Wike from further using, applying and enforcing executive orders 1 and 6 or any other executive orders to harass, arbitrarily arrest, detain and demolish property of the people of Rivers state.

SERAP is also seeking an order directing Governor Wike and the other defendants to pay adequate monetary compensation to the victims of human rights violations and abuses, and to provide other forms of reparation, which may take the form of restitution, satisfaction or guarantees of non-repetition, and other forms of reparation that the Honourable Court may deem fit to grant.

The suit filed on SERAPs behalf by its solicitors Kolawole Oluwadare, Atinuke Adejuyigbe and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in part: SERAP contends that several people were arbitrarily arrested and detained in various police stations and isolation centres in Rivers State and without any regard for due process of law.

Governor Wike and his agents used, applied and enforced executive orders 1 and 6 to suppress and repress the human rights of the people and business operators, including harassing, arbitrarily arresting, detaining, and torturing anyone found exercising their rights within Rivers State, all in the guise of enforcing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

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The wanton destruction of peoples property, harassment, arrest, and detention of persons exercising their rights to personal liberty and other human rights amount to an affront to the Nigerian constitution of 1999 (as amended) and the countrys international human rights obligations.

The executive orders, including executive order 6, by Governor Wike are invalid, illegal and unconstitutional, having not complied with the requirements of due process of law. The order by Governor Wike to demolish any hotel or guest house found operating in Rivers state is ultra vires the penalty stipulated in executive order number 6.

Demolition of hotels and guest houses is illegal and unconstitutional, as it runs afoul of the penalty stipulated in the Quarantine Act, which provides only a fine of N200 or imprisonment for a term of six months or both. The demolition is a blatant violation of article 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

Governor Wike, demolition workers and security agents without due process of law demolished Prudent Hotel, Alode in Eleme, and Etemeteh Hotel in Onne on Saturday, May 9, 2020, and flagrantly breached the rights of the owners, employees and occupiers. The demolitions were supervised by Governor Wike in the company of security agents of the Federal Government.

SERAP contends that Governor Wike with the complicity or support of the Federal Government of Nigeria carried out these demolitions without giving adequate notice, compensation, alternative hotel or affording the victims legal remedies. Many people have now been deprived of their means of livelihood, employment and shelter, and exposed to other serious human rights violations and abuses.

SERAP is therefore seeking the following reliefs:

A DECLARATION that the actions of the Defendants and their agents in enforcing executive orders 1 and 6 to harass, arbitrarily arrest, detain and demolish property of the people of Rivers state violate the human rights guaranteed under Articles 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 14 and 15 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right, and relevant provisions of other human rights to which Nigeria is a state party;

A DECLARATION that the provisions of executive orders 1 and 6 are inconsistent and incompatible with the rights to personal liberty, fair trials, freedom of assembly, freedom of movement, employment and to property, guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Right to which Nigeria is a state party;

AN ORDER of injunction stopping and restraining the Defendants and their agents from further implementing and using the provisions of the executive order 1 and 6 or any other executive orders whatsoever to violate and abuse the rights of the people of Rivers state guaranteed under international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party;

AN ORDER directing the Defendants to immediately repeal and/or amend the executive orders 1 and 6 and any other executive orders in line with Nigerias obligations under international human rights treaties to which the country is a state party;

AN ORDER directing the Defendants and their agents individually and/or collectively to respect, protect, promote, and ensure the human rights of the people of Rivers state during and after the COVID-19 pandemic;

AN ORDER directing the Defendants and/or their agents individually and/or collectively to pay adequate monetary compensation to the victims of human rights violations and abuses by the Defendants, and to provide other forms of reparation, which may take the form of restitution, satisfaction or guarantees of non-repetition, and other forms of reparation that the Honourable Court may deem fit to grant;

SUCH FURTHER orders the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

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Former German Vice Chancellor Philipp Rosler has been nominated an independent board member of a Vietnamese agricultural firm for the 2019-2024 term.

Agriculture manufacturing firm Loc Troi Corporation voted Saturday to include Rosler and Nguyen Thi Am as members of its board of directors. The latter is the corporation's head of communications and external affairs.

The vote followed the corporation's official dismissal of Mark Peacock and Nguyen Tien Tung from their positions as Loc Troi board members for the 2019-2024 term during an annual general meeting of shareholders.

Peacock, a British national, was former head of operations for multinational agrochemical firm Syngenta. Tung is a prominent corporate leader in the country, on the board of several firms. The reasons for their dismissal were not mentioned, but a top level shuffle was indicated.

"Loc Troi has put out a plan to standardize its staff in the entire company, using the first two years to complete the ranks of high-level managers with a deep training program and appropriate policies to change and promote the staff," said a document presented at the general meeting.

Rosler is currently the chair of the advisory board of venture capital platform VinaCapital Ventures under Vietnamese investment and asset management firm VinaCapital. He used to help manage Germany-based public-private venture capital investment firm High-tech Grunderfonds.

Rosler was born in 1973 in the southern province of Soc Trang, before being adopted and taken to Germany, where he was raised. He used to be a military doctor and joined politics after he left the army. In 2009, he became Germany's Federal Minister of Health. Two years later, he became the Vice Chancellor, until he left the political stage in 2014.

Loc Troi has set a net revenue target this year of VND7.35 trillion ($316 million) and after-tax profits of VND360 billion ($15.48 million).
MasterChef fans were left feeling queasy during Sunday night's episode.

As guest judge Josh Niland scaled, gutted and cut a large kingfish, select viewers branded it 'disturbing', with one likening it to an episode of horror series Hannibal.

'Ugh, I can't watch this fish butchery, it's turning my stomach,' one wrote on Twitter.

'It's turning my stomach!' MasterChef fans were left 'disturbed' during Sunday's episode, as guest judge Josh Niland (pictured) absolutely BUTCHERED a large kingfish

Another added: 'Him (Josh) cutting up a fish was kinda disturbing to watch,' as well as one viewer who said it was like an 'episode of Hannibal'.

However, it wasn't all negative, with some fans finding it to be thrilling viewing.

'This fish butchery is one of the best things they've ever done on MasterChef,' one shared to Twitter.

Mixed response: Some viewers found the fish butchery 'disturbing' and unpleasant to watch, while others branded it 'absolutely sensational' and 'mesmerising'

Others branded it 'absolutely sensational' and 'mesmerising'.

During Sunday night's episode, Josh, the chef and owner of fish restaurant Saint Peter in Sydney, was introduced as a legend when it comes to butchering a fish.

'Josh, he's famous for his fish butchery, using the head to the tail and everything in between,' judge Andy Allen announced to the contestants.

Praise: During Sunday night's episode, Josh, the chef and owner of fish restaurant Saint Peter in Sydney, was introduced as a legend when it comes to fish butchery

Japanese technique: Wasting no time, Josh got to work sharpening his knives, before scaling and gutting a large kingfish using a traditional Japanese technique

Audience: Contestants watched on as Josh got to work. A camera showed the rather gruesome inside of the fish

Wasting no time, Josh got to work sharpening his knives, before scaling and gutting a large kingfish using a traditional Japanese technique.

While gutting, Josh said to the group: 'We go in and we feel our way down like that. We turn the fish over. We go in. Now it's a matter of negotiating... the organ is out.

He proceeded to 'scissor away the collar from the gill' before cutting the fish into several pieces, including the shank, the darne with the 'beautiful flesh with the bone in the centre' and a butterflied belly.

While gutting, Josh said to the group: 'We go in and we feel our way down like that. We turn the fish over. We go in. Now it's a matter of negotiating... the organ is out'

Quite an art: Josh proceeded to 'scissor away the collar from the gill' before cutting the fish into several pieces, including the shank, the darne with the 'beautiful flesh with the bone in the centre' and a butterflied belly

Result: 'So, starting from this end, we have the shank of tail. Two beautiful darnes, also known as a cutlet,' Josh said as he presented the various cuts to the contestants

'So, starting from this end, we have the shank of tail. Two beautiful darnes, also known as a cutlet,' Josh said as he presented the various cuts.

'This is our butterflied belly, we've got a sashimi centre cut loin, without any bones at all. We've got a tail chop. We've got a four-point rack and you've got two double cutlets, or I like to call them a Barnsley chop. The collars, and the head,' he added.

Contestants were then required to cook a delicious dish using one part of the kingfish during round two of Sunday night's challenge.

MasterChef: Back To Win continues Monday at 7.30pm on Channel Ten
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Cloudy with morning snow ending, then windy and turning colder with falling temps and some afternoon clearing. A coating to 1-2" of snow expected in the morning. .

Tonight

Partly cloudy, windy, and very cold. Wind chills near or below zero later at night.
A dust storm blows across Carnarvon, western Australia, with tens of thousands left without power

Homes were destroyed and tens of thousands of people left without power as a once in a decade storm pummelled the western half of Western Australia on Sunday night, with worse expected overnight and on Monday morning.

The storm, which is expected to continue well into Monday, was described by Bureau of Meteorology state manager James Ashley as a dynamic and complex weather formation caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Mangga interacting with a cold front.

Winds of more than 100kmh destroyed power lines and tore roofs from homes and businesses late on Sunday and the storm was expected to worsen overnight as it moved south along the coast, with winds up 130kmh predicted.

Western Power spokesperson Paul Entwistle told WA Today that about 37,000 homes and businesses in Perth, the state capital, had lost power by Sunday evening, along with 13,000 properties are in Western Australias Mid West region, including the port city of Geraldton, where it was reported that rooftops torn from homes collided with power lines.

In Perth, a radio tower was believed to have fallen onto power lines in the citys eastern suburbs, contributing to the disruption of supply. Dozens of traffic lights across the city were knocked out.

The entire town of Margaret River, a popular tourist destination about 240km south of Perth and home to 8,000 people, lost power.

By late Sunday afternoon, the states emergency services had received more than 200 calls for help.

A deep low-pressure system was forecast to form off the south-west corner of the state. Mr Ashley told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Sunday that in a broad area, the south-west of the state will be hit really severely overnight, tonight and into tomorrow.

Really quite severe conditions will still be experienced in Perth tomorrow morning (And) in small pockets up in the north of the state they are still likely to experience those 130 kilometre per hour [winds], those really severe conditions.

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I should emphasise it's pretty much the whole western half of the state that's getting strong northerly winds at the moment, he said.

The Bureau of Meteorology also predicted ten-metre high waves would hit the south west coast of the state on Monday morning, following seven-metre waves along the Gascoyne to Geraldton coast further north.

In Geraldton, more than 400km north of Perth, winds of 113kmh were recorded as the city, along with surrounding areas, were shrouded with dust.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jessica Lingard told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the wind is picking up the dust through parts of the Gascoyne and the Central West, but the rain should increase in the coming hours so hopefully that will dampen that down We are expecting conditions to worsen down the west coast as we move into this afternoon.

The dust storm caused low visibility which complicated efforts to tackle an out-of-control bushfire in the southern part of Waggrakine, in the City of Greater Geraldton.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services warned on Sunday afternoon.
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and foreign relations via video link on the sidelines of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Li He)

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for mutual understanding and further cooperation between China and the US amid the COVID-19 pandemic at a press conference on the sidelines of the third session of the 13th National Peoples Congress on Sunday.

The minister condemned the political virus that is spreading in the US and jumping at any opportunity to attack and slander China. He further noted that both China and the US stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation, while though the two nations have many disagreements, but that doesnt preclude cooperation.

Wang also promised that China has no intention to change, still less replace the US. Some US political forces are pushing the two nations to the brink of a new Cold War. The two nations should and must find a way of co-existence and mutual beneficial cooperation, said Wang.

The minster also reiterated that China will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its legitimate right to development.
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Princess Margaret's 1978 divorce paved the way for future royal marriages to be dissolved, a new documentary on the Queen's sister claims.

A Channel 5 documentary airing this Saturday, Princess Margaret: A Rebel Without a Crown, examines the life and loves of Princess Margaret and claims divorcing her husband of 18 years, Lord Snowdon, in 1978, paved the way for other unhappy marriage to flee unhappy relationships.

Earlier this year, the newest royal divorce was Peter Philips, who split from wife Autumn after 17 years of marriage.

The royal family has become no stranger to divorce proceedings in recent decades, with Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and Princess Anne all separated or remarried.

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Princess Margaret: A Rebel Without a Crown, airing on Channel 5 on Saturday 30 May, claims Princess Margaret's divorce from Anthony Armstrong-Jones paved the way for other royals to escape their unhappy marriage (pictured together in 1965 in New York)

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond says Princess Margaret's 1978 marriage breakdown made it okay to be a divorcee in the royal family in the documentary

The programme examines Margaret's colourful love life, which made her a must-invite in London social circles, the Sunday Express reports.

From her love affair with married Peter Townsend to her marriage to the sulfurous Antony Armstrong-Jones, royal experts on the show say Margaret, who passed away in 2002, aged 71, stepped away from tradition in more ways than one.

'She did tarnish the family's reputation but she cleared the way for others to get out of unhappy marriages,' Ex-BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said, speaking of Margaret's highly publicised divorce from Lord Snowdon.

The pair met in 1958 at a dinner party organised by mutual friends, and wed at Westminster Abbey in May 1960, the first royal wedding to be televised.

Margaret was popular with the press, equaled in popularity only by legendary Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor (pictured: Margaret and Lord Snowdon in Beverly Hills, 1965)

Speaking in the Channel 5 programme, royal biographer Christopher Warwick claimed that Margaret's popularity with the show-business world made her as popular as famed actress Elizabeth Taylor, and a favourite with photographs.

'Everything she did made news. The press only wanted pictures of Margaret and Taylor,' he said.

'Margaret would go to parties and the sun would often be rising as she was driving home,' he added.

However, the union was reportedly not a good one, and the pair soon drifted apart, with both royals entering into extra-marital affairs.

Peter Phillips and Autumn Phillips were the latest royal couple to announce their split in early 2020 (pictured in 2014 in London)

Princess Anne divorced from Peter's father Captain Mark Phillips (right) in 1992 after 19 years of marriage (pictured during a tour of Canada in Toronto, in the 1960s)

Margaret famously invited Roddy Llewellyn, a lover who was 17 years her junior, to the island of Mustique in 1974, where they were photographed by paparazzis, precipitating the end of her marriage.

The pair made their divorce official in 1978, after 18 years of marriage. The romance between Anthony Armstrong-Jones and the royal has been romanticised more than once, most lately in the second and third season of Netflix royal drama the Crown.

In March 1992, Prince Andrew and the Duchess od York Sarah Ferguson announced their split, which led to their divorce in May 1996 (pictured with Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice in 1997)

Prince Charles and Lady Diana announced their split in 1992 after it was rumoured the Prince of Wales had engaged in an extra-marital affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles. The pair pictured in 1991 in Toronto

The separation fed newspaper columns at the time, and according to Jennie Bond, paved the way for royals such as Charles, Andrew and Peter to go through their own divorce 14 and 42 years later.

The Queen's first three children famously split from their spouse in 1992, a year which the monarch herself dubbed her 'annus horribilis.'

Prince Andrew was the first to separate from his wife, the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson on March 19.

Anne, now 70, followed suit by divorcing from her husband Captain Mark Phillips on April 23 after 19 years of marriage.

In December of the same year, Charles split from Lady Diana Spencer, the Princess of Wales after years of marital trouble, and the very public announcement of his extra-marital affair with Camilla, now Duchess of Cornwall. Both Andrew's and Charles' divorces were officialised in 1996.

Princess Margaret: A Rebel Without a Crown, airs on Saturday 30 May on Channel 5.
Americans with a bad case of wanderlust may have to wait to vacation abroad  and while some countries have reopened or announced target dates to reopen, the pickings may be slim for a while.

Parts of the Caribbean and Europe have reopened from coronavirus restrictions, but the European Union extended its travel ban on Americans.

The EU first started lifting international travel restrictions on July 1, welcoming visitors from 14 countries, including Canada, South Korea and Australia. The U.S. was left off that initial list, and Americans remain barred from visiting the bloc.

Though the U.S. State Department has lifted its advisory on avoiding international travel issued in March, the agency is returning to its system of country-specific advisories, noting that the customary level 1 through 4 advisories for specific countries on Travel.State.gov provide more detailed information about specific conditions in individual countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has a travel notice system and recommends against "nonessential travel" to much of the world.

While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here's an update on some of the countries that are most popular with American travelers:

Canada

Border status report: Americans and Canadians won't be able to cross the border in either direction for nonessential travel until Aug. 21, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

What can travelers expect once they're allowed in? There's a major loophole in the border-closure policy: The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa said the order does not apply to "air, rail, or sea travel at this time, but does apply to commuter rail and ferry travel."

According to the Canadian Border Services Agency, anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of that country must prove they are traveling for an essential purpose, are only transiting or are an immediate family member of a citizen or permanent resident. They must also have a plan to quarantine for 14 days, unless exempted.

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'It was the right thing': Trudeau announces extension of US-Canada border closure

Mexico

When will the border open? Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf announced that theland border with Mexico would remain closed until at least Aug. 20.

But like the U.S.-Canadian closure order, the Mexican version does not apply to air, rail or sea travel, except for commuter rail and ferry travel.

Costa Rica

Border status report: While the Central American country reopened to visitors from Europe and Canada on Aug. 1, it hasn't said when it will welcome back Americans.

What can tourists expect? Passengers entering Costa Rica from an approved flight must present negative COVID-19 test results taken within the last 48 hours and purchase insurance covering accommodations for quarantine and hospitalization, should they get sick. Passengers must also complete digital epidemiological forms, available in multiple languages.

Caribbean

Anguilla

Border status: Although it previously appeared that the British overseas territory north of St. Maarten would not open to foreign tourists until at least Halloween, its tourism board announced via Twitter Aug. 17 that it will begin accepting entry applications via its website, IVisitAnguilla.com, on Aug. 21.

What can tourists expect? According to details provided to Travel Weekly, once a visitor's application has been approved, he or she will be required to submit a negative PCR test for COVID-19 taken no earlier than five days before travel and proof of a health insurance policy that covers coronavirus treatment. If Anguilla grants an electronic certificate authorizing travel, the visitor must remain at their hotel until a second PCR test is administered on Day 10 of the visit. If that test comes back negative, the tourist may then move about the island freely.

Aruba

Border status report: The Aruba Tourism Authority says the island is open to tourists but with restrictions.

What can tourists expect? All visitors must complete a disembarkation card with contact-tracing details such as their date of birth, passport information and the duration of their stay as well as completing a health assessment interview. While all visitors 15 and older must present a negative PCR test result, visitors from hot-spot states must complete their test 72 hours before departure or take one test before leaving and a second upon arrival at the airport. Others may opt to be tested upon arrival. The testing fee is $75.

Bahamas

Border status report: After barring Americans from entry earlier this month as COVID-19 cases resurged, the Bahamas issued an update on July 31 saying travelers from the United States are once again welcome, so long as they follow strict protocol, including a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

What can tourists expect? Travelers can quarantine in a private residence or rented accommodation, such as an Airbnb, where it's possible to isolate in a bedroom with a connected bathroom; in a hotel room with a connected bathroom; or on a private boat. If travelers don't have access to an approved quarantine location, then they will have to spend two weeks in a government-mandated quarantine facility, at their own expense.

Travelers will also have to download an app on their phones to assist with contact tracing. Refusing to download the app is a deportable offense. They must also apply for a Bahamas health visa and have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited lab that was taken within 10 days.

After the 14-day quarantine, travelers will need to test negative on another COVID-19 test in order to leave quarantine.

Though the Bahamas remains open to international visitors, Prime Minster Hubert Minnis announced a national, two-week lock down starting Aug. 4 to combat a surge in COVID-19 cases. During this time, all businesses throughout the country, including curbside and takeaway dining and retail, must suspend operations. Residents may leave their homes only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to retrieve essential items including groceries, water, medication and gas. On Aug. 6, the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 4 travel advisory urging Americans not to travel to the Bahamas due to COVID-19 health concerns and warning of increased crime.

Barbados

Border status report: The island has reopened to U.S. tourists with with restrictions as of July 12.

Barbados' tourism site says that all visitors must complete an online customs entry form. And while an advance COVID-19 test is not required, one is recommended in order to have your application form fast-tracked; anyone who doesn't provide one will be tested upon arrival.

Cayman Islands

Border status report: According to an Aug. 7 press release, The Cayman Islands are postponing reopening by a month until at least Oct. 1, when it will reassess COVID-19 trends.

What can tourists expect? Prior to the postponement announcement, the British overseas territory had outlined the first phase of reopening. During this period, visitors and returning residents must register for permission to travel on a government-arranged repatriation flight or by private air. All passengers over the age of 10 must provide results of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of traveling.

The Cayman Islands are also collaborating with BioIntelliSense, a U.S.-based biotech company, on wearable tech for arriving travelers. They plan to use "BioButtons" to monitor their heart rates, respiratory rates and skin temperature for symptoms of COVID-19.

Eligible travelers can choose to wear a BioButton and self-isolate in their choice of residence for five days before taking a second PCR test. If negative, they must continue wearing a BioButton for nine more days, but they will not be required to self-isolate. Those who choose not to wear a BioButton must quarantine in a government-managed facility for 14 days.

Dominica

Border status report: According to a press release issued July 21, Dominica will reopen its borders to international travelers Aug. 7  so long as travelers comply with a lengthy list of health and safety protocols.

What can tourists expect? All passengers must submit a health questionnaire at least 24 hours prior to their arrival in Dominica and show notification of clearance to travel. They must also submit a negative PCR test result recorded within 24 to 72 hours before their arrival. Upon arriving, passengers must wear face masks at all times up to and including departure from the airport, follow physical-distancing guidelines, practice good respiratory and personal sanitization, and obey the instructions of health care staff and officials.

As part of the disembarkation process, arriving passengers must also sanitize their hands, undergo a health assessment that includes a temperature check, provide confirmation of their health questionnaires and negative PCR test results, and undergo test screening with a negative result.

Grenada

Border status report: Americans are allowed back in Grenada, but because the U.S. is considered a high-risk country, there are additional requirements.

What can tourists expect? According to the government's entry requirements document, visitors from high-risk countries must present a completed health form and a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel. They will also have to take a second CPR test at their own expense within 48 hours of arrival and quarantine in a government-approved facility until the results come back. They must also download Grenada's contact-tracing app by the time they arrive and keep it on their phones for the duration of their quarantine period, which may last up to 14 days. They will also be required to wear a geofencing watch for that period.

Jamaica

Border status report: The Caribbean island began welcoming back international tourists on July 15.

What can tourists expect? While all tourists must complete an online travel authorization form and undergo a health screening, Jamaica's official tourism site says anyone over 12 from the U.S., Mexico, the Dominican Republic or Brazil traveling there after Aug. 20 must submit a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test from an accredited lab taken within 10 days of travel.

In a press release, Jamaica's Tourist Board also warned that travelers from areas deemed not to be high-risk may still be subject to testing. In addition, it said, "Those with negative results  as well as those who do not require testing  must adhere to the Stay in Zone order, which requires persons to remain at their hotel or resort within the Resilient Corridor for the duration of their stay. Those who are screened and assessed and show symptoms upon arrival will be subject to swab testing and must quarantine in their hotel room until test results are available."

Puerto Rico

Border status report: Tourists are already being welcomed back in this U.S. territory.

What can tourists expect? Starting July 15, all passengers have to wear a mask and must take a molecular test 72 hours prior to their arrival. The test results must be submitted to officials at the airport. Travelers who test positive for the virus or refuse to hand over results or do not yet have results available will be forced into a two-week quarantine. During that time, they have to undergo a molecular test and share the results if they want to be released from quarantine, said Puerto Rico Health Secretary Lorenzo Gonzalez.

St. Barts

Border status report: According to its website, St. Barts is currently open to citizens of Schengen Treaty (European) countries. It has not said when it will welcome back Americans.

What can tourists expect: Visitors ages 11 and up must present a negative COVID-19 test taken with 72 hours of travel and give a sworn statement that they have not had exhibited symptoms or been in contact with someone who tested positive within the last 14 days. A second test within the seven days after arrival is also encouraged.

St. Kitts & Nevis

Border status report: The tourism website for the islands, quoted Prime Minister Timothy Harris as saying they will reopen in October but did not specify a date.

What tourists can expect: The tourism site also says that all inbound travelers are required to email a negative PCR COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of travel to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Law. They must quarantine for 14 days after arrival and then undergo a second test. Visitors will be released at that point if they test negative.

St. Lucia

Border status report: The island's tourism board says it is open.

What can tourists expect? All arriving passengers must have a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than seven days before arriving in St. Lucia, the island's tourism site advises. Once there, they must wear face masks and practice social distancing.

If you're headed for St. Lucia, pack your hiking boots because the UNESCO-listed Pitons are not to be missed.

St. Maarten

Border status report: St. Maarten reopened to U.S. tourists on Aug. 1, according to its tourism board.

What can tourists expect? All passengers must take a COVID-19 test with proof of a negative result no more than 72 hours before arrival. Children who are 10 or younger do not need to take a COVID-19 test. Travelers also must fill out a health declaration form (and should bring a printout with them).

Additionally, all travelers will be subject to a mandatory temperature check on arrival. Passengers showing symptoms will have to take a COVID-19 test, at additional cost to the traveler.

Turks & Caicos

Border status report: According to its official tourism site, the British territory is open to U.S. tourists.

What can tourists expect? Travelers need a negative COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited laboratory taken within five days of travel (the travel day does not count towards that period). The test result is a requirement to obtain a TCI Assured Travel Authorization to enter the country.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Border status report: The islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John are open to tourists but with restrictions.

What can tourists expect? According to the USVI tourism bureau, any visitor aged 15 or up must must complete a pre-screening form. Furthermore, anyone who resides in Puerto Rico or a state where the COVID-19 positivity rate is higher than 10% must provide a negative COVID-19 antigen (molecular/PCR/rapid) test result received within five days prior to travel or a positive COVID-19 antibody test result received within four months of travel. Travelers who have spent more than seven days in a hot spot must also submit a test. (Note that the five-day window is related to receiving test results, not taking the test itself.)

Europe

Although European Union countries reopened to some international travelers on July 1, the bloc has barred Americans from entering for the time being due to the United States' high COVID-19 infection rate. .

EU officials determined which countries' visitors will be allowed by looking at the trend in new infections, testing capacity, contact tracing and other steps countries have taken to contain the virus outbreak inside their borders, Kasper Zeuthen, a senior media adviser for the EUs delegation to the U.S., told USA TODAY.

European Union: Bloc bars Americans as bloc reopens to international visitors July 1

Adalbert Jahnz, a spokesman for the European Commission in Brussels, the EU's executive branch, told USA TODAY that lists would likely be reviewed every two weeks as new information about coronavirus trends in different countries becomes apparent.

Here are more details about specific countries' plans:

Austria

Border status report: Austria began accepting visitors from some European countries June 16.

According to the country's official tourism site, visitors entering Austria from other Schengen treaty countries must submit a medical certificate showing a negative COVID-19 test that was issued in the last four days. Tourists from outside the EU still may not fly into Austria for the time being.

Greece

Border status report: Greece started its tourism season on June 15 and expanded international flights to its regional airports on July 1.

Greek authorities say incoming travelers arriving at the countrys land border with Bulgaria will have to carry a negative COVID-19 test results issued within the previous 72 hours.

Iceland

Border status report: Tourism minister Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir announced earlier this month that Iceland, which is part of the European Economic Area but not an EU member country, will begin easing restrictions on foreign tourists no later than June 15.

One condition of admission is that visitors must either be tested for coronavirus or spend two weeks in quarantine. However, citizens of countries that provide government records documenting a clean bill of health can opt to submit those instead, Reuters reported.

Regardless of which option visitors choose, they will be asked to download a contact-tracing app.

Icelands strategy of large-scale testing, tracing and isolating have proven effective so far, Gylfadottir told Reuters, explaining the country's relatively low rate of infection and death as well as its quick rebound.

Spain

Border status report: Although it is open to residents of other European countries, Canada and some in Asia and Africa, "U.S citizens cannot enter Spain unless they meet very specific requirements or have already obtained special permission from the Government of Spain," according to the website for the American embassy in Madrid.

What can tourists expect? "All travelers arriving in Spain by air or sea will go through a health check," the country's official tourism site says. "This check may include having their temperature taken, checking their documents, and a visual examination of the passengers state of health. In all cases, you must show your health control form."

The U.S. Embassy also advises that masks are required for everyone ages six and up in public areas at all times.

""There are few exceptions to this rule such as medical waivers, eating or drinking, or while practicing sports," it notes. "Large gatherings of people in public spaces are also limited in many regions."

Italy

Border status report: While travel from America is not prohibited, anyone who has been the U.S. in the past 14 days is required to self-quarantine once in Italy, according to the website for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What can tourists expect? "All persons traveling to Italy from any foreign location are required to provide their airline or Italian law enforcement officials with a self-declaration form prior to travel," according to the U.S. Embassy in Milan.

France

Border status report: "Travel to France from outside the European zone remains restricted," the website for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautions. And as of Aug. 5, travelers coming from the U.S. must present results of a negative virology COVID-19 test (a PCR test for example), carried out less than 72 hours before the flight" in order to board. Travelers may also be required to quarantine for 14 days.

What can tourists expect? "Cloth face coverings are mandatory in indoor settings and on public transportation," the U.S. Embassy in Paris warns. Some cities have made face coverings mandatory in some outdoor areas, as well, and failure to comply could result in a fine.

Germany

Border status report: "Germany will only allow EU citizens, EU residents, and residents of certain specific countries to enter. The United States is not one of those countries," the website for the U.S. Embassy in Berlin says.

According to the German Foreign Office, foreign nationals from unapproved countries are not permitted to enter Germany unless they meet certain criteria, such as as transiting, reuniting with their German partner or family or they are a healthcare provider or other essential worker. However, it says, "The question of whether travel to Germany is permitted depends on where the person travelling has previously been staying, not on their nationality."

What can tourists expect? "Regardless of the criteria stated above, the decision on whether to permit entry is at the discretion of the Federal Police at the border," the Foreign Office warns, adding that travelers must obey the quarantine rule of the individual German states they plan to enter. The U.S. Embassy added that some states allow travelers from unapproved countries to bypass quarantine if they can provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test from an accredited lab conducted in the 48 hours prior to their entry and keep the results with them for 14 days.

Croatia

Border status report: Much of Europe may not be welcoming Americans, but Croatia began allowing American tourists back in as of July 1.

"All EU/EEA nationals and individuals holding permanent residence in the EU/EEA countries can enter Croatia freely, without restrictions," according to the U.S. Embassy in Croatia. "All other foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, may enter Croatia for business, tourism, or other pressing personal reasons, if they provide relevant proof."

Finland

Border status report: Until Sept. 8, the Scandinavian country has reopened only to residents of nations that have fewer than eight new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in the last 14 days, according to Finland's tourism site. The U.S. is not currently on the list of approved countries, though the list will be reviewed after two weeks.

What can tourists expect? "Finnish airports are now open for passenger traffic and strongly recommend using face masks," the site says, though it notes they are not required. Ports with border crossings are also open.

United Kingdom

Border status report: Foreign nationals are allowed to visit but those from countries other than those on the U.K.'s pre-approved list (which does not include the U.S.) must provide their travel and contact information no earlier than 48 hours before travel.

What can tourists expect? Foreign nationals from outside the list of approved countries are required to self-quarantine for 14 days. They must bring a a printed copy of the document attached to the confirmation email or provide an electronic copy on their smartphone. The government will use the contact information from the form to confirm they are obeying the quarantine rule. Visitors who refuse to provide their contact information or who violate their quarantine more than once face a fine equivalent to $130.

Asia and the South Pacific

Australia

Border status report: Australia's ban on foreign nationals is expected to continue for the rest of 2020, based on comments by the country's treasurer in late July. His agency's economic modeling is based on the assumption that travel will resume in January, though he said no decision has been made.

In terms of the borders, the assumptions are that it very gradually starts to come back that the quarantine is applied, that you start bringing in some international students  that is work that we have been undertaking," he said.

New Zealand

Border status report: "The New Zealand border is currently closed to almost all travellers to help stop the spread of COVID-19," according to the country's immigration service. The only exceptions are for essential and humanitarian workers, permanent residents, visa holders and the partner or dependents of citizens or visa holders.

Don't expect New Zealand to open to visitors from outside the South Pacific until at least next year, based on comments from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who told The New Zealand Herald earlier this week that she doesn't expect to formalize the country's first "travel bubble" with the Cook Islands until the end of 2020.

"

Bali

Border status report: Bali started putting together its reopening plan for tourism, including allowing foreign tourists beginning Sept. 11.

Cambodia

Foreign travelers arriving in Cambodia need to pay a $3,000 deposit after getting to the airport to cover COVID-19 testing in addition to potential treatment (with more specifics on the financial details here).

China

Border status report: China's current ban on international tourists remains in effect, and the U.S. Embassy in Beijing says it "cannot forecast when these policies will be lifted or amended."

Japan

Border status report: Americans and anyone who has been to the U.S. in the past 14 days are still banned from traveling to Japan except in cases of emergency, according to the country's official tourism site.

India

Border status report: As of Aug. 8, India's Bureau of Immigration is accepting travel applications from foreign nationals but is reviewing them on a case-by-case basis through its travel portal.

What can tourists expect? Visitors are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine, though they can apply for exemption by submitting a negative RT-PCR test taken within 96 hours of travel to the online portal. However, all travelers are required to complete a self-declaration form within 72 hours of travel or upon arrival in India as well as a form attesting that the information on their application is true. If Indian authorities discover any part is falsified, that traveler could face prosecution.

The Maldives

Border status report: The island, located off the southern tip of India, reopened on July 15. However, inter-island travel is prohibited and visitors must stay at the same resort for the duration of their visit.

What can tourists expect? According to the Maldives' official tourism site, visitors need:

A confirmed booking at a registered lodging establishment

Proof of sufficient funds

Confirmed return ticket

Completed Health Declaration Form to be filled out twice: 24 hours before your flight to the Maldives and once more before you depart from the Maldives.

On-arrival visas (free for 30 days)

The website also notes that all tourists will undergo a temperature check upon arrival and may be chosen for a random, voluntary and free COVID-19 PCR test. And while quarantine is not required for anyone who does not display COVID-19 symptoms, masks are mandatory at the airport, during domestic travel and in all enclosed public spaces.

Singapore

Border status report: Short-term visitors are not allowed entry into Singapore, the island's tourism website said in mid-July. The only exceptions are those from neighboring countries with "fast lane" agreements (such as China) or who have special prior approval. Approved visitors must be tested for COVID-19.

Thailand

Border status report: "Most foreign nationals remain barred from entering Thailand," according to the website for the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. "The Royal Thai Government has also extended its ban on inbound international passenger flights until further notice."

Africa

Kenya

Border status report: International travelers were welcomed back in the east African country as of Aug. 1, according to the website for the U.S. embassy in Nairobi.

What can tourists expect? Visitors' temperatures must not exceed 99.5F and they must not exhibit flu-like symptoms. Travelers (except those from California, Florida and Texas) will be exempted from quarantine if they present a negative PCR-based COVID-19 test conducted within 96 hours before travel. And while the country does not require a negative COVID-19 test result for entry, travelers should check to see whether their airline requires it as a condition for boarding. try as of Aug. 1, according to the website for the U.S. embassy in Nairobi.

Also be aware that Kenya has extended its nightly, 9 p.m.-to-4 a.m. curfew through August. After that time, you must present evidence of travel reservations for that night.

Morocco

Border status report: According to the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, Morocco has extended its state of emergency through Sept. 10. All regularly scheduled commercial flights to/from Morocco remain suspended, as do ferries to/from Spain.

Nigeria

Border status report: Aviation minister Sen. Hadi Sirika announced Monday during a televised presidential COVID-19 task force briefing that the country will resume international flights at Lagos and Abuja beginning Aug. 29, CNN and Al Jazeera reported. He said details such as entry requirements will be announced at a later date.

Rwanda

Border status report: Commercial flights to Rwanda resumed on Aug. 1.

Rwandas airports will reopen for all flights on 1/8/2020 with @RwandaHealth guidelines in place. All Passengers to show proof of COVID-19 PCR -ve test taken within 72 hrs of arrival.Passengers entering Rwanda to take a 2nd mandatory test with results in 24hrs pic.twitter.com/ly7fPwvVdW  Ministry of Infrastructure | Rwanda (@RwandaInfra) July 4, 2020

As of June 17, Rwanda has been open for tourism and international travel can resume for charter flights. However, passengers entering Rwanda must present two negative COVID-19 RT-PCR tests. According to the Rwanda Development Board, one test must be taken within 72 hours of departure, and they must take a second COVID-19 test before visiting tourist attractions. Those who can't test in their origin countries can get tested twice in Rwanda.

.

RDB is pleased to announce the re-opening of tourism activities as well as the resumption of international travel for charter flights, effective 17 June 2020.



More: https://t.co/qmMFS34Ddi#VisitRwanda #TemberaURwanda pic.twitter.com/nCsFP5Oces  Rwanda Development Board (@RDBrwanda) June 17, 2020

"Rwandas tourism industry is adapting to create a safe environment for travelers and operators, in order to thrive in these unprecedented times," Belise Kariza, the Chief Tourism Officer at Rwanda Development Board said in a statement. "We encourage all travel enthusiasts and nature explorers to take advantage of this unique opportunity to venture out and experience the beauty and adventure that our country has to offer."

Senegal

Border status report: The west African nation reopened to international travel on July 15. However, the country's land and sea borders will remain closed until future notice.

What can tourists expect? "Despite the end of the State of Emergency in Senegal, some leisure facilities will remain closed indefinitely due to social distancing measures, and markets will remain closed once per week for cleaning," the embassy website advised. "Use of facial coverings remains mandatory in public and private offices, public places and markets, and on public transportation."

Tanzania

Border status report: The eastern African nation reopened to international travel in June.

What can tourists expect? According to the U.S. State Department website, all visitors entering Tanzania must present a valid COVID-19 certificate from an approved laboratory in a departure country tested within 72 hours before travel. They are also required to complete a health surveillance form on their inbound flight and turn it in upon arrival.

Middle East

Israel

Border status report: "At the moment, and until further notice, entry to Israel will be refused to non-citizens or non-residents of Israel arriving from anywhere in the world," its official tourism site says. "In exceptional cases, one may apply for approval of the Foreign Ministry subject to proof of the ability to remain in self-isolation for 14 days."

Jordan

Border status report: According to the U.S. Embassy in Amman, the Jordanian government has postponed the reopening of its borders to international flights and visitors from approved countries until Aug. 18. The U.S. is not yet on the "green" list, but officials will review the epidemiological situation every two weeks.

What can tourists expect? Visitors must have a negative PCR test for COVID-19 taken within 72 hours of travel and then take a second test upon arrival at the airport, where they must wait for results. The fee, which must be paid in advance, is equivalent to $56. They must also complete health declaration and locator forms that are available online. Foreign nationals must also show they have health insurance that would cover treatment for the duration of their visit and download Aman, a mobile contact-tracing app for the duration of their stay in the country.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Border status report: Dubai opened its borders to international travelers on July 7.

What can tourists expect? In order to travel, tourists must take a COVID-19 test within 96 hours of their flight and show the airline a negative result, according to its official tourism site. Otherwise, they will be tested on arrival and required to isolate while awaiting the results, which travelers say typically takes a few hours.

Travelers must also have health insurance covering COVID-19 or sign a declaration agreeing to cover the costs of treatment and isolation. They are also required to register their travel details in an app.

Contributing: Jenna Ryu, Charles Trepany and David Oliver, USA TODAY; Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus travel: Reopening info for Bali, UK, Cayman Islands
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > Its a Hobsons Choice for Labour

by Chittarvu Raghu

Suspension of crucial labour laws for varying lengths of time by some of the states viz. Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan etc., reflects the paradigm shift in relation to labour policies consequent to Covid-2019.

Already the economy is struggling with the lockdown and the labour is starring at the uncertain future. It is claimed that the labour laws have been suspended to incentivize economic activity in the respective states irrespective of the party ruling the State. In the process, the legislations that have been made to protect the welfare and the interest of the labour have been jeopardised.

Article 246 contemplates the subject matter of laws to be made by the parliament and legislatures of the State. The VII Schedule of the constitution consists of three lists i.e., (1) Union list, (2) State list & (3) Concurrent list. Entry 22, 23 & 24 of the concurrent list relate to the labour laws.

Article 254(1) states that if any provision of law made by the legislature is repugnant to any provision of law made by the parliament in relation to the matters enumerated in concurrent list, the law made by the parliament shall prevail and the law made by the legislature to the extent of repugnancy shall be void. However Article 254(2) saves such repugnancy if the assent of the President is received.

Article 213 empowers the governor to promulgate such ordinances as the circumstances appear to him require. Proviso to Article 213 stipulates that the governor shall not without instructions from the President, promulgate any such ordinance if the Act of the legislature of the State containing the same provision would be invalid under the constitution unless the assent of the President is received.

A conjoint reading of Article 246, 213 & 254 shows that a governor cannot promulgate any ordinance without the assent of the President in relation to an ordinance suspending the labour laws. Even assuming that the instructions of the President have been received before promulgation of the ordinance, still the same is unconstitutional for the reason that it is in violation of Article 23 of the Constitution. The main statutes such as the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, The Employees Provident Fund Act, 1952, The Factories Act, 1948 and The Minimum Wages Act, 1948 are also included in the said ordinances. The concepts contained in Payment of Wages Act, 1936, The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Payment of Bonus Act, 1976 are incorporated in the Code of Wages 2019.

The main objective of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 is to secure industrial peace, harmony by providing machinery and procedure for the investigation and settlement of Industrial Dispute by negotiation. The objective is to provide support measures for securing and preserving good relations between employer and employees.

The Employees Provident Fund Act, 1952 contemplates compulsory contributory provident fund for employees in factories and other establishments. The said contribution has also been exempted from any court attachments, which shows that it is welfare legislation. Similarly the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 has been enacted to secure minimum wages for sustenance and The Factories Act, 1948 which mainly emphasises on the health, welfare, safety, working hours, annual leaves with wages and employment of women and children has been enacted to prevent exploitation of labour.

The very objective of these industrial laws is to put an end to unfair labour practices and provides for the rights privileges, obligations and responsibilities of the work force. The other main objective is to safeguard the workers against the exploitation.

All the above legislations have been bought into force for the purpose of preventing exploitation of labour. Article 23 of the Constitution specifically prohibits forced labour of any form. Suspension of the said legislation opens an avenue for forced labour.

Article 37 of the constitution mandates that the Directive principles of State policy laid down are fundamental in governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.

Article 43 directs that State shall endeavour to secure by suitable legislation to all workers, a living wage, and conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life. The aforesaid legislations have been passed in the background of the said constitutional obligations and cannot be trampled upon under any circumstances. The Honble Supreme Court in Peoples Union Vs. Union of India has held that there are certain fundamental rights conferred by the Constitution which are enforceable against the whole world and there are found inter-alia in Article 17, 23 & 24 of the constitution.

The Apex Court also held that Article 23 is clearly designed to protect the individual not only against the State but also against the other private citizens. The sweep of Article 23 is held to be wide and unlimited. The constitution makers, when they set out to frame the constitution, found that they had enormous task before them of changing the socio economic structure of the country and bringing about socio economic regeneration with a view to reaching social and economic justice to common man and it was necessary to carry forward social, economic revolution with a view to creating social economic conditions in which everyone would be able to enjoy the basic human rights and participate in the fruits of freedom and liberty in an egalitarian social and economic framework.

The Honble Apex court also analyzed as to why, the subject of forced labour was included in the Chapter on Fundamental rights. It is held that the prohibition of forced labour is intended to be a general prohibition, total in its effect and all pervasive in its range and also against any other person indulging in any such practice and Article 23 strikes at forced labour manifested in any form which is in violation of human dignity and human values and the word force must therefore be constructed to include not only physical or legal force but also force arising from the compulsion of economic circumstance which leaves no choice of alternatives to a person in want and compels him to provide labour or service even though the remuneration received is less than the minimum wage. In a country like India where there is so much poverty and unemployment and there is no equality of bargaining power, a contract of service may appear on its face voluntary but it may, in reality, be involuntary, because while entering into the contract, the employee by reason of his economically helpless condition, may have been faced with hobsons choice, either to starve or to submit to the exploitative terms dictated by the powerful employer.

Therefore the decision of the State government to suspend the Labour laws as an incentive to the employer would be unconstitutional. The State cannot take advantage of the present adverse circumstances and the lack of bargaining power by the labour. It cannot act detrimental to the interests of labour welfare. The State has to abide by the directives contained in the Directive Principles and act in a manner to promote the interest and welfare of the work force and prevent any scope of exploitation by the employer. The easing of the lockdown, at the threshold, if experiences such adverse decisions, it would drastically effect the industrial peace and harmony.

Chittarvu Raghu, Advocate, High Courts of A.P. & T.S., email: craghuadvocate[at]gmail.com.
Himachal Pradesh has recorded 18 more cases of COVID-19, taking the tally in the state to 204, officials said on Sunday.

Two coronavirus patients from Bilaspur district recovered from the disease on Sunday, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) R D Dhiman said.

Ten of the fresh cases were reported from Una, two each from Hamirpur and Kangra and one each from Bilaspur, Chamba, Mandi and Solan districts, they said.

Of the 18 new cases, 12 had recently returned from other parts of the country including seven from Mumbai, three from Delhi and one each from West Bengal and Noida, they added.

However, the travel history of six others, from Una, was not available immediately, they said.

However, regarding four other cases from the district, Una Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar told PTI that a woman, her brother-in-law and two sons, who had returned from Mumbai recently, have tested positive for coronavirus.

Hamirpur Deputy Commissioner Harikesh Meena said that a 20-year-old woman from Baragram in Badsar area and a 56-year-old man from Bagehra lower area of the Sujanpur sub-division have tested positive for COVID-19.

The woman had returned from Delhi along with her relatives on May 18 and was quarantined at the government high school, Baragram, whereas the man came back from Noida in a taxi on May 20 and was institutionally-quarantined at Government Senior Secondary School at Bir Bagehra, he added.

In Kangra, a man from Palampur's Panchrukhi tested positive for the virus, Superintendent of Police Vimukt Ranjan said, adding that he had returned from Delhi a few days ago and was kept under quarantine at a facility at Baijnath.

Besides, a 48-year-old taxi driver from Paisa village near Jawalaji also tested positive. He works as a taxi driver in Mumbai and returned from there with three others from Hamirpur district on May 14, he added.

He was home quarantined due to some medical conditions and is being shifted to zonal hospital in Dharamshala, he added.

In Mandi, a 19-year-old asymptomatic woman from Dharampur in Sarkaghat tehsil tested positive for COVID-19 and is being shifted to a COVID-19 care centre at Dhangshidar, a district official said.

She, too, had recently returned from Mumbai with her parents and all of them were in an institutional quarantine centre in Dharampur, he said, adding that the woman''s parents have tested negative for the virus.

In Chamba, a 30-year-old youth tested positive. He was institutionally quarantined after recently returning from Mumbai and is being shifted to a COVID care centre at Balu, a district official said.

In Bilaspur, a man has tested positive after returning from Delhi on May 21, deputy commissioner Rajeshwar Goel said.

A permanent resident of Mandi district, he was institutionally quarantined at Bilaspur's Swarghat on the Himachal Pradesh-Punjab border since his arrival from Delhi, he added.

The number of active COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh now stands at 137 and 63 people have recovered so far, according to the officials.

Hamirpur has the maximum number of active cases in the state at 56 followed by 37 in Kangra, 13 in Una, 11 in Solan, nine in Mandi, four in Bilaspur, three in Chamba, two in Sirmaur and one each in Kullu and Shimla, they said.

Four people have died due to COVID-19 in the state so far.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
H ong Kong police fired volleys of tear gas in a popular shopping districts as thousands took to the streets to march against Beijing's plan to impose national security laws on the city.

Pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong were triggered by China's introduction of the Fugitive Offender's Amendment bill in March 2019.

For more than a year pro-democracy supporters have marched against laws that would ban secessionist and subversive activity, as well as foreign interference and terrorism in the semi-autonomous territory.

Critics say it goes against the one country, two systems framework that promises the city freedoms not found on the mainland.

Crowds of protesters dressed in black gathered in the bustling shopping district, Causeway Bay on Sunday afternoon to protest against the proposed legislation.

Hong Kong riot police fire tear gas as hundreds of protesters march along a downtown street during a pro-democracy protest / AP

Protesters chanted slogans Stand with Hong Kong, Liberate Hong Kong and Revolution of our times.

Pro-democracy supporters were seen running through the streets as police fired tear gas into the crowds.

Prominent activitist Tam Tak-chi was arrested during the protests for what police said was an unauthorised assembly.

Mr Tam said he was giving a health talk and was exempt from social-distancing measures that prohibit gatherings of more than eight people.

Protesters gesture with five fingers, signifying the 'Five demands - not one less' as they march / REUTERS

The protests come two days after the proposed bill was submitted on Friday, the opening day of Chinas national legislative session.

Nearly 200 political figures from around the world have denounced Beijing's proposed national security laws for Hong Kong.

Sundays rallies are a continuation of the pro-democracy movement that has at times descended into violence between police and protesters.

The new law, expected to be passed on May 28, would bypass the citys legislature and allow the Hong Kong government to set up mainland agencies in the city, sparking fears that this would allow Chinese agents to arbitrarily arrest people for activities deemed to be pro-democracy.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called the move a death knell for the high degree of autonomy that Beijing had promised Hong Kong.

Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong prior to its handover to China in 1997, condemned what he called a new Chinese dictatorship.

Scuffles break out between Hong Kong legislators over security freedoms

I think the Hong Kong people have been betrayed by China, which has proved once again that you cant trust it further than you can throw it, he said in an interview with The Times.

Bernard Chan, a top-level Hong Kong politician and delegate to the National Peoples Congress in Beijing, defended national security legislation pushed by China, saying it was written into Hong Kongs Basic Law  the citys mini-constitution  but never enacted.

Mr Chan expressed concern that Hong Kong will inevitably face economic hardship given trade frictions between the US and China.

I think we are definitely the collateral damage being dragged into this thing. But then, I dont think theres any alternatives, Mr Chan said.

But with or without this law, honestly, the US and China will always going to be continuing this loggerhead for quite some time to come, he said.

China will remain as a threat to the US in terms of the  world economic dominance.
She's not afraid to call out haters when they troll her online.

And Alyssa Milano did just that when Twitter users called her out for her 'useless' face mask that was crocheted - and therefore had holes throughout.

But the 47-year-old wasn't having a bar of it, telling haters that she inserted a protective filter underneath.

'Mask has a filter in it for f**k's sake!' Alyssa Milano called out haters on Saturday after they slammed her for her unprotective face mask

It all started after Alyssa shared a family selfie of herself, husband, Dave Bugliari, 39, and their kids, Milo, eight, and Elizabella, five, wearing their masks ahead of an outing.

And while Dave and the kids all sported different styles that covered their faces, many weren't too impressed with the actress' choice, with her skin able to be seen through the crocheted design.

One hateful user Tweeted: 'So knitted face mask are going to protect you from Covid-19 Alyssa Milano you are a special kind of stupid #alyssamilano.'

Proving her case: Alyssa went as far as to show the filters she was using behind her mask for extra protection

Alyssa hit back, writing: 'Mask has a filter in it for f**k's sake. A carbon one. My mom makes them. #WearAMask,' she wrote adding the emoji of the face with rolling eyes.

The Charmed star went as far as to share a screenshot of the 100 pack of filters she had purchased to ensure full protection amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

She also Tweeted: 'Assholes, mask has a carbon filter in it. So, yes, it might be crochet but totally safe. #WearAMask.'

Not impressed: Many took to Twitter to call out Alyssa's crochet face mask

And while many accepted her response, others claimed to still see her skin through the mask so concluded there was no filter used in the photo.

'There is zero filter in that. We can see through it you dunce,' penned user @JHWalz32.

Filters have become increasingly effective after research has shown up to 50% of those with COVID-19 don't show any symptoms.

There have been over 1.65 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United States since the start of the pandemic.
New Delhi: Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated widely by Muslim communities across the globe with much fevour. However, celebrations this year have been marred by the crisis created by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing will come in the way of praying and gatherings. But this is the need of the hour and we have to follow it to contain the spread of the virus.

India celebrates Eid on May 25, and ahead of the festival, here are a few tips on how you can make it special during the lockdown.

- Wake up early in the morning. Take a shower and get dressed up in your best attire.

- Pray to Allah at your homes along with your family. Restrict yourself from going out and joining community prayers.

- Exchange gifts with family and greet each other with the grace of Allah by wishing 'Eid Mubarak'! If you want to gift someone away from you, send the items online and greet them through WhatsApp or text messages.

- Video call your family members and friends across the globe and extend your Eid greetings.

- Help your parents/partners in decorating the home or in the kitchen. Make the most of your time at home this Eid.

- After greeting and embracing each other, relish the delicacies made at home and the sewayian, the Eid specialty.

- Muslims believe in giving Zakat al-Fitr to the poor which means giving charity to the needy towards the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Hence, this time do charity online. Contribute to the various funds fighting again the virus or feed the needy ones.

Wishing everyone 'Eid Mubarak'!
driven by a compounded growth of 10. 4%. Molecular Diagnostics, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, displays the potential to grow at over 11. 8%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market.

New York, May 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Agricultural Biotechnology Industry" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p04838495/?utm_source=GNW

Poised to reach over US$25.2 Billion by the year 2025, Molecular Diagnostics will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth.



- Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 11.9% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an important element in the world economy, Germany will add over US$1.4 Billion to the regions size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years. Over US$1.5 Billion worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of Europe markets. In Japan, Molecular Diagnostics will reach a market size of US$2.2 Billion by the close of the analysis period. As the worlds second largest economy and the new game changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 9.9% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$5.4 Billion in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders. Presented in visually rich graphics are these and many more need-to-know quantitative data important in ensuring quality of strategy decisions, be it entry into new markets or allocation of resources within a portfolio. Several macroeconomic factors and internal market forces will shape growth and development of demand patterns in emerging countries in Asia-Pacific. All research viewpoints presented are based on validated engagements from influencers in the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies.





Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p04838495/?utm_source=GNW



AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY MCP-1

MARKET ANALYSIS, TRENDS, AND FORECASTS, MAY 2

CONTENTS



I. INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & REPORT SCOPE





II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



1. MARKET OVERVIEW

Prelude Recent Market Activity Widening Gap between Food Demand and Production Raises Significance of Agricultural Biotechnology Opportunity Indicators in a Nutshell Transgenic Seeds & Crops Spearhead Growth in the Agricultural Biotech Market Highlights Significant Benefits of GM Crops Augur Well for Market Growth Biotech Cropland Worldwide - An Overview Developed Regions Lead GM Crop Cultivation, Developing Regions Promise Future Growth Barriers to Expansion of Biotechnology in Agriculture Industry Bt. Cotton: Adoption All Set to Increase Further in the Coming Years Robust R&D Pipeline to Play a Pivotal Role in Adoption of Bt. Cotton Challenges Hindering Wider Adoption of GM Crops Biopesticides: Natural Attributes Spur Global Demand Developed Countries: Leading Consumers of Biopesticides Biopesticides - A Crucial Component for Implementing Integrated Pest Management Explosive Growth in Organic Farming Augurs Well for Biopesticides Market Lack of Familiarity & Negative Perceptions Hinder Uptake of Biopesticides among Farmers BIOPESTICIDE REGULATIONS IN THE US AND EUROPE Global Competitor Market Shares Agricultural Biotechnology Competitor Market Share Scenario Worldwide (in %): 2020 & 2029 Impact of Covid-19 and a Looming Global Recession

2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS

ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd. (Israel) BASF SE (Germany) Bayer CropScience AG (Germany) Certis USA LLC (USA) Dow AgroSciences, LLC (USA) Mycogen Seeds (USA) DuPont Pioneer (USA) Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (USA) Monsanto Company (USA) Performance Plants, Inc. (Canada) Syngenta AG (Switzerland) Valent BioSciences Corporation (USA)

3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Food Security - An Opportunity Generator Rising Demand for Biofuels: Positive Implications for GM Crops Market Introduction of Bt Cotton and Bt Brinjal Enhance Agricultural Production IRRI Working to Develop Stress-Tolerant Rice Variants Advent of Insect Resistant Crops Fuel Growth for Agriculture Industry Global Reservations Persist in Acknowledging Benefits of GM Crops Integration of Biotechnology and IT Revolutionizes Agriculture Sector Development of New Herbicide-Tolerant Traits Gathers Steam Advanced Farming Techniques for Increasing Agricultural Yields Misuse of Indigenous Resources of Developing Countries: A Cause of Concern Educating Consumers - Need of the Hour Synthetic Biology - A Brief Review Synthetic Biology: Prediction Becoming Reality Biostimulants: Growing Interest in Organic Food to Propel Growth Need for Sustainable Agriculture - Key Growth Driver Lack of Thorough Research Impedes Growth in Biostimulants Market Need for Paradigm Shift in Grower Mindset Regarding Biostimulants The Road Ahead Sales of Non-GMO products to Register Impressive Growth Public-Private Sector Partnerships Gain Importance Protection of Intellectual Property Demands High Attention Challenges Aplenty for Agricultural Biotechnology in Developing Nations Dearth of Competent Leadership Insufficient Financial Support for R&D Lack of Scientific and Technological Infrastructure Insufficient Expertise and Human Resources Safety Issues Ethical Issues Lack of Regulatory Framework

4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

Table 1: Agricultural Biotechnology Global Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2020-2027 Table 2: Agricultural Biotechnology Global Retrospective Market Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2012-2019 Table 3: Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Shift across Key Geographies Worldwide: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 4: Molecular Diagnostics (Type) World Market by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 5: Molecular Diagnostics (Type) Historic Market Analysis by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 6: Molecular Diagnostics (Type) Market Share Breakdown of Worldwide Sales by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 7: Tissue Culture (Type) Potential Growth Markets Worldwide in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 8: Tissue Culture (Type) Historic Market Perspective by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 9: Tissue Culture (Type) Market Sales Breakdown by Region/Country in Percentage: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 10: Vaccines (Type) Geographic Market Spread Worldwide in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 11: Vaccines (Type) Region Wise Breakdown of Global Historic Demand in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 12: Vaccines (Type) Market Share Distribution in Percentage by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 13: Genetic Engineering (Type) World Market Estimates and Forecasts by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 14: Genetic Engineering (Type) Market Historic Review by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 15: Genetic Engineering (Type) Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 16: Other Types (Type) World Market by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 17: Other Types (Type) Historic Market Analysis by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 18: Other Types (Type) Market Share Distribution in Percentage by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 19: Transgenic Crops (Application) Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Years 2

through 2027 Table 20: Transgenic Crops (Application) Analysis of Historic Sales in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Years 2012 to 2019 Table 21: Transgenic Crops (Application) Global Market Share Distribution by Region/Country for 2012, 2020, and 2027 Table 22: Synthetic Biology-enabled Products (Application) Global Opportunity Assessment in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2020-2027 Table 23: Synthetic Biology-enabled Products (Application) Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2012-2019 Table 24: Synthetic Biology-enabled Products (Application) Percentage Share Breakdown of Global Sales by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 25: Other Applications (Application) Worldwide Sales in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2020-2027 Table 26: Other Applications (Application) Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2012-2019 Table 27: Other Applications (Application) Market Share Shift across Key Geographies: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027

III. MARKET ANALYSIS

GEOGRAPHIC MARKET ANALYSIS UNITED STATES Market Facts & Figures US Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share (in %) by Company: 2020 & 2025 Market Analytics Table 28: United States Agricultural Biotechnology Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type: 2020 to 2027 Table 29: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in the United States by Type: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2012-2019 Table 30: United States Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Breakdown by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 31: United States Agricultural Biotechnology Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by Application: 2020 to 2027 Table 32: Agricultural Biotechnology Historic Demand Patterns in the United States by Application in US$ Million for 2012-2019 Table 33: Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Breakdown in the United States by Application: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 CANADA Table 34: Canadian Agricultural Biotechnology Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2020 to 2027 Table 35: Canadian Agricultural Biotechnology Historic Market Review by Type in US$ Million: 2012-2019 Table 36: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in Canada: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2012, 2020, and 2027 Table 37: Canadian Agricultural Biotechnology Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Application: 2020 to 2027 Table 38: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in Canada: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by Application for 2012-2019 Table 39: Canadian Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Analysis by Application: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 JAPAN Table 40: Japanese Market for Agricultural Biotechnology: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2020-2027 Table 41: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in Japan: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2012-2019 Table 42: Japanese Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Analysis by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 43: Japanese Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Agricultural Biotechnology in US$ Million by Application: 2

to 2027 Table 44: Japanese Agricultural Biotechnology Market in US$ Million by Application: 2012-2019 Table 45: Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Shift in Japan by Application: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 CHINA Table 46: Chinese Agricultural Biotechnology Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2020-2027 Table 47: Agricultural Biotechnology Historic Market Analysis in China in US$ Million by Type: 2012-2019 Table 48: Chinese Agricultural Biotechnology Market by Type: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2012, 2020, and 2027 Table 49: Chinese Demand for Agricultural Biotechnology in US$ Million by Application: 2020 to 2027 Table 50: Agricultural Biotechnology Market Review in China in US$ Million by Application: 2012-2019 Table 51: Chinese Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Breakdown by Application: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 EUROPE Market Facts & Figures European Agricultural Biotechnology Market: Competitor Market Share Scenario (in %) for 2020 & 2025 Market Analytics Table 52: European Agricultural Biotechnology Market Demand Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2020-2027 Table 53: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in Europe: A Historic Market Perspective in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Period 2012-2019 Table 54: European Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Shift by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 55: European Agricultural Biotechnology Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2020-2027 Table 56: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in Europe in US$ Million by Type: A Historic Review for the Period 2012-2019 Table 57: European Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Breakdown by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 58: European Agricultural Biotechnology Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by Application: 2020-2027 Table 59: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in Europe: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by Application for the Period 2012-2019 Table 60: European Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Analysis by Application: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 FRANCE Table 61: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in France by Type: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period 2020-2027 Table 62: French Agricultural Biotechnology Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Type: 2012-2019 Table 63: French Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Analysis by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 64: Agricultural Biotechnology Quantitative Demand Analysis in France in US$ Million by Application: 2020-2027 Table 65: French Agricultural Biotechnology Historic Market Review in US$ Million by Application: 2012-2019 Table 66: French Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by Application for 2012, 2020, and 2027 GERMANY Table 67: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in Germany: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2020-2027 Table 68: German Agricultural Biotechnology Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2012-2019 Table 69: German Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Breakdown by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 70: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in Germany: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Application for the Period 2020-2027 Table 71: German Agricultural Biotechnology Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by Application: 2012-2019 Table 72: Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Distribution in Germany by Application: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 ITALY Table 73: Italian Agricultural Biotechnology Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2020-2027 Table 74: Agricultural Biotechnology Historic Market Analysis in Italy in US$ Million by Type: 2012-2019 Table 75: Italian Agricultural Biotechnology Market by Type: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2012, 2020, and 2027 Table 76: Italian Demand for Agricultural Biotechnology in US$ Million by Application: 2020 to 2027 Table 77: Agricultural Biotechnology Market Review in Italy in US$ Million by Application: 2012-2019 Table 78: Italian Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Breakdown by Application: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 UNITED KINGDOM Table 79: United Kingdom Market for Agricultural Biotechnology: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2020-2027 Table 80: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in the United Kingdom: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2012-2019 Table 81: United Kingdom Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Analysis by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 82: United Kingdom Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Agricultural Biotechnology in US$ Million by Application: 2

to 2027 Table 83: United Kingdom Agricultural Biotechnology Market in US$ Million by Application: 2012-2019 Table 84: Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Shift in the United Kingdom by Application: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 REST OF EUROPE Table 85: Rest of Europe Agricultural Biotechnology Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2020-2027 Table 86: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in Rest of Europe in US$ Million by Type: A Historic Review for the Period 2012-2019 Table 87: Rest of Europe Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Breakdown by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 88: Rest of Europe Agricultural Biotechnology Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by Application: 2020-2027 Table 89: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in Rest of Europe: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by Application for the Period 2012-2019 Table 90: Rest of Europe Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Analysis by Application: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 ASIA-PACIFIC Table 91: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in Asia-Pacific by Type: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period 2020-2027 Table 92: Asia-Pacific Agricultural Biotechnology Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Type: 2012-2019 Table 93: Asia-Pacific Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Analysis by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 94: Agricultural Biotechnology Quantitative Demand Analysis in Asia-Pacific in US$ Million by Application: 2020-2027 Table 95: Asia-Pacific Agricultural Biotechnology Historic Market Review in US$ Million by Application: 2012-2019 Table 96: Asia-Pacific Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by Application for 2012, 2020, and 2027 REST OF WORLD Table 97: Rest of World Agricultural Biotechnology Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2020 to 2027 Table 98: Rest of World Agricultural Biotechnology Historic Market Review by Type in US$ Million: 2012-2019 Table 99: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in Rest of World: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2012, 2020, and 2027 Table 100: Rest of World Agricultural Biotechnology Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Application: 2020 to 2027 Table 101: Agricultural Biotechnology Market in Rest of World: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by Application for 2012-2019 Table 102: Rest of World Agricultural Biotechnology Market Share Analysis by Application: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027

IV. COMPETITION



Total Companies Profiled: 70

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The NIA on Saturday arrested an Indian man and his Bangladeshi wife from Hyderabad for their alleged involvement in trafficking of women from Bangladesh to India for sexual exploitation, an official said.

Justin alias Abdul Salam, 47, the key conspirator in the cross-border human trafficking racket case, was involved in running brothels at various places in Hyderabad and other parts of India, he said. The NIA also arrested his wife Shivuli Khatoon, 29, a Bangladeshi national, the official said. Khatoon, who entered India illegally from Bangladesh in 2012, has emerged as one of the key players in the case, he said.

The case, registered by the NIA last year under the relevant provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act, pertains to the trafficking of people from Bangladesh to various cities in India including Hyderabad for sexual exploitation, the official said. Justin along with his associates conspired to bring girls illegally from Bangladesh through a well-organised network of agents in Bangladesh and India for engaging them in prostitution, the NIA said.

In the case, three Bangladeshi nationals Mohd. Yousuf Khan, Bithi Begum and Sojib Shaik, and one Indian national, Ruhul Amin Dhalli, have already been arrested and a charge sheet against them was filed in March this year, the premier investigation agency said. Searches were conducted at Justin's ancestral and rented houses, and "incriminating" documents have been recovered, it said.

Two young women were also rescued from Justin's house during the searches. They had been illegally trafficked into India a few months ago from Bangladesh for sexual exploitation through his associates, it said. During search at Khatoon's house, one more woman has been rescued who was found hiding in an improvised hideout in the house. The three women, who have been rescued, were illegally trafficked into India from Bangladesh for sexual exploitation, through the associates of Justin and Khatoon. Further investigation in the case is going on, the NIA added.
The usually filled National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) park in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region on Sunday was deserted as Muslims observed the Eid-ul Fitr prayers at their respective residences.



At about 0900hours when the Ghana News Agency monitored activities within the Township, it was observed that major streets which hitherto had Muslims troop to the park from their homes during Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations were as quiet as a cemetery.



The GNA observed that even though most major shops in the Municipality on Sundays were often closed while residents went about their normal daily activities, the situation on this occasion looked exceptionally different as the main commercial street leading to the Regional Central mosque and the Chief Imams residence was virtually empty.



Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, a Muslim told the GNA in an interview that This COVID-19 pandemic has kept us indoors. We cannot move out to join colleagues at prayer centres or visit loved ones as we used to do.



He said the only difference in the celebration was that they avoided gatherings and visits, adding, My family and I prayed in the house. Eid-Ul-Fitr celebration usually attracts a crowd and because that aspect is absent, it appears the excitement is missing.



Mr Abdul-Rauf Kulbugri, another Muslim in the Municipality who expressed his view about this years celebration amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, said the virus had affected the celebrations in diverse ways.



He said the celebration was usually characterized by sharing of food after the main prayer session in the Region led by the Chief Imam, coupled with visits by friends and relatives. This morning I prayed with my family. We will cook and just share with few neighbours, and continue to stay home.



We are not in normal times, so we need to stay safe and healthy to celebrate subsequent Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations after COVID-19. We have fasted and prayed to the most merciful Allah to intercede in these difficult times, so we are hopeful that our prayers will be answered, Mr Kulbugri said.



Meanwhile, Alhaji Yussif Adams, the Upper East Regional Chief Imam who led a virtual prayer session, prayed for government and peace in the country, especially as Ghana prepared for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.



He prayed for the health professionals, Journalists, security service personnel and asked for Almighty Allahs blessings and protection for them in their line of duty which exposed them to the COVID-19 virus.



Alhaji Adams noted that the fasting and intercessory prayers offered by Muslims across the world would not be in vain, and was hopeful that Almighty Allah would stretch His merciful and healing hand over Ghana and all over the world and take the COVID-19 virus away.



He called on residents in the Region to continue to co-exist peacefully and observe the Ghana Health Service (GHS) protocols in the fight against the virus.



Madam Tangoba Abayage, the Upper East Regional Minister in an earlier goodwill message to Muslims, noted that the Muslim community in the Region cooperated with the GHS protocols in the prevention of the spread of the virus.



As we celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr somewhat on a low key this year, let us remain resolute; we are only constrained but not broken. There is light at the end of the tunnel and we should allow the virtues cultivated during Ramadan to spur us on to the end, she said.

Source: GNA









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With an active military service record that spans almost 50 years, the Battleship New Jersey has seen plenty of changes in technology.

The battleship, now a museum, is currently closed to visitors due to the coronavirus, but a small ceremony was held on board Saturday to mark the 77th anniversary of the ships commissioning and the event was broadcast via Facebook Live.

Attended by only a handful of people maintaining social distance, the speaking portion was moved inside due to rain earlier in the morning.

Attendees maintain social distance.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Capt. Walt Urban, USN (ret), who once served aboard the USS New Jersey delivers remarks while the event was broadcast live on Facebook.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Capt. Walt Urban, USN (ret) delivers remarks.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

In his remarks, Capt. Walt Urban, USN (ret), who once served aboard the USS New Jersey, began by acknowledging the Memorial Day weekend saying, "We honor our sacred war dead, those men and women who in our military, gave their lives for our freedoms.

This is a time for us, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic, to reflect on their sacrifice as we honor their memory."

Capt. Urban said the ship is unparalleled, becoming the most decorated battleship in the history of the United States Navy, in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East and the Cold War.

The Battleship New Jersey was the only warship in the U.S Navy to be commissioned once, and then recommissioned three times, such was her longevity, he added.

The ship was decommissioned for the last time in 1991.

Battleship Board of Trustees member Brian Joaquin, left, carries a memorial wreath.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Smoke lingers in the air from a shot fired from the Battleships 5-inch gun.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Michael Mancuso may be reached at mmancuso@njadvancemedia.com.
Tammy Hembrow has been rumoured to be linked to New York-based musician Erick Delgado for the past few weeks.

And on Sunday, Instagram sensation Tammy Hembrow seemingly confirmed her romance with the Soundcloud rapper on Instagram.

Sharing a video to his account, Billie Eilish's friend Erick, 25, uploaded footage of himself pouting to the camera.

Scroll down for video

Moving on! Instagram sensation Tammy Hembrow (pictured) has seemingly confirmed her romance with New York rapper Erick Delgado with flirty comment on Sunday

'F*** I bit my lip,' he captioned the flirty post, as he played with his bottom lip.

Tammy, 26, was quick to comment underneath the post, asking if she could offer any assistance.

'Can I [?]' she asked. To which Erick cheekily responded, writing: 'Ok, but not too hard I'm sensitive.'

Helping hand! Sharing a video to his account, Billie Eilish's friend Erick, 25, (pictured) uploaded footage of himself touching his lips after supposedly biting them too hard

Flirty! Tammy, 26, was quick to comment underneath the post, asking if she could offer any assistance. 'Can I [?]' she asked. To which Erick responded, writing: 'Ok, but not too hard I'm sensitive'

It comes after the Gold Coast-based mother-of-two hinted she was missing her new beau on various Instagram stories last week.

While she showed off her famous derriere in a raunchy bikini video, Tammy sang along to Kehlani's You Should Be Here in another.

Tammy smiled and lip-synced along to the chorus: 'You should be here right now.'

Something to tell us? Last week, the Gold Coast-based mother-of-two hinted she was missing her new beau on her Instagram stories with a flirty video

Gossip: Last month, it was rumoured Tammy had started seeing Erick Delgado (pictured) after her split from Canadian rapper Jahkoy Palmer earlier this year

Last month, it was rumoured Tammy had started seeing Erick Delgado after her split from Canadian rapper Jahkoy Palmer earlier this year.

Tammy hinted at her new relationship in an Instagram caption, writing: 'I wish u were here.' Tellingly, Erick replied in the comments: 'Soon.'

A week earlier, Erick had commented 'ur precious' on one of Tammy's Instagram posts, which she replied to with a flirty face emoji.

Tammy and Jahkoy were confirmed to have broken up in March, just one month after she had visited Erick's hometown, New York City.
'Stop those non-humans who are writing and provoking our people," says Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov in an Instagram video. The "non-humans" he objects to are journalists who criticise the Chechen authorities for mishandling their response to the Covid-19 epidemic.

Given Kadyrov has faced allegations of torturing and disappearing critics (which he denies), he leaves nobody in any doubt about how journalists' questions should be dealt with.

The cause of his rage was an article in the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta by investigative journalist Elena Milashina, who cited Kadyrov as saying that people who spread the coronavirus are "worse than terrorists" and "should be killed". As a result of these threats, Milashina wrote that people in Chechnya with Covid-19 were hiding their symptoms because they were too frightened to seek medical help.

Authoritarian and proto-fascist governments around the world are using Covid-19 to excuse or divert attention from the arrest, jailing and disappearance of critical journalists. Kadyrov, who acts as a quasi-independent Russian viceroy in Chechnya, is simply more blatant and violent than his counterparts, from Viktor Orban in Hungary to Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey and Narendra Modi in India. In few such countries is repression new, but it is deepening by the day under a new guise.

Expand Close Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. Photo: Turkish Presidential Press Office/Handout via REUTERS / Facebook

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Kadyrov's actions in Chechnya are a crude but telling example of this toxic campaign against the independent media. The Chechen leader's threats against Milashina was not the first time she has been targeted for her reporting in Chechnya: two years ago she broke the story of the "gay purge" in which gay men were being abducted, tortured and killed. This February she was assaulted in the lobby of a hotel in the Chechen capital, Grozny, where she was reporting on the trial of a blogger who had posted a film of luxury villas alleged to belong to people close to the Chechen leadership.

Governments worldwide claim that journalists are impeding their heroic struggle against coronavirus, but their real motive is more often to conceal the inadequacy of those efforts. Political elites everywhere fear that the pandemic will expose their incompetence and corruption, weakening their grip on political power and economic resources.

A report by Amnesty International, titled "Crackdown on journalists weakens efforts to tackle Covid-19", contains a long and detailed list of offenders: new laws against disseminating "fake news" - the definition of which is to be decided by the authorities themselves - has been passed in Azerbaijan, Hungary, Russia, Uzbekistan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tanzania and in several Gulf states. Hungarian leader Orban has amended the criminal code so journalists are threatened with five years in prison for "spreading false information" that would impede "successful protection" against the coronavirus.

Governments are highly sensitive to accusations that they are lying about the number of infections or fatalities: in Egypt a newspaper editor who challenged the official figures was disappeared for a month and a reporter who did the same in Venezuela was jailed for 12 days. In Bosnia, a doctor was charged with "misinformation" and creating "fear and panic" and faces a fine of 1,500 after posting on social media about the lack of ventilators and other equipment.

Leaders ignoring their own lockdown and physical distancing orders want to keep quiet about it: in Tanzania, the licence of the online newspaper Mawanachi was suspended after posting a photo of John Pombe Magufuli, the president, out shopping surrounded by a crowd of supporters.

The Turkish government has put extraordinary efforts into hunting down journalists and social media critics, 102 of whom are currently in jail, many accused of being "terrorists" or "spreading terrorist propaganda" - a charge often levelled in Turkey against any critic. No fewer than 64 social media users have been detained in recent weeks over posts about coronavirus.

Expand Close Narendra Modi of India. Photo: PIB / AFP / Facebook

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No sign of dissent or independent information is too small to escape the authorities' notice: when Ismet Cigit and Gungor Aslan wrote on a news website about two Covid-19 deaths in a local hospital, they were immediately detained and questioned. And even a short detention in Turkey could be a death sentence because overcrowded prisons are hotspots for the epidemic.

Most culpable are states such as India, whose security measures are preventing attempts to lessen the spread of the pandemic. In Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, the lockdown predates the rest of the world, starting last August when Modi's government revoked the special status of India's only Muslim-majority state.

An internet blackout was imposed for 175 days and when it was restored it was in the form of the slow 2G network. But even this, along with other communications, such as the telephone, is subject to sudden and prolonged blackouts - nominally aimed at separatists, but in practice hampering or stopping the campaign to prevent Covid-19.

The Indian government has tried with some success to suppress local and foreign media reporting from inside Kashmir, but a special report by the Thomson Reuters Foundation from Srinagar, the largest city in Kashmir, reveals a health system damaged by the constant blackouts. "We were shocked that we had to work without the internet even for a week during the pandemic," said one Srinagar-based hospital doctor, speaking anonymously, adding that the government had told health professionals not to talk to the press.

Tracking and tracing of Covid-19 victims is made impossible in Kashmir by interrupted communications. A health department official, again speaking anonymously, said there was no way of finding and testing victims during the blackouts, explaining "it was impossible to trace the contacts of Covid-positive cases during those three days in early May as there was no way of reaching out to people". Paradoxically, Modi told everybody including Kashmiris to download a contact-tracing app on their phones as a prime means of identifying, testing and isolating those infected by the virus.

Journalists in Kashmir who report about the extent to which draconian security measures have hobbled efforts to suppress the epidemic find themselves accused of glorifying "anti-nationalist activities" and causing "fear or alarm in the minds of the public".

Expand Close Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Photo: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP via Getty Images / Facebook

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Autocratic governments everywhere are becoming more autocratic and repressive regimes more repressive. They believe that they can get away with it: frightened peoples are looking to their governments to save them in this time of peril, and do not want to discover that they are ruled by incompetent people determined to serve their own interests and stay in power.

But not all the news is bad. The zeal with which governments from Budapest to Delhi and Grozny to Ankara are pursuing the humblest blogger or smallest newspaper shows that they feel fragile and are afraid. Great disasters shine a bright light on the incompetence and greed of the powers-that-be, exposing them for what they are. No wonder they see independent journalists as dangerous foes, "non-humans" to be silenced wherever possible.

Independent
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 10:50:58|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Lock-up shares worth about 21.4 billion yuan (about 3.02 billion U.S. dollars) will become eligible for trade on China's bourses in the coming week.

The volume was down 68.57 percent from the previous week, according to data from financial information provider Wind.

About 718 million shares from China Shipbuilding Industry Company Limited and 482 million shares from China Zheshang Bank will be freed up for trading.

Under China's stock market rules, major shareholders must wait for one to two years before they are permitted to sell their shares.

Chinese stocks closed lower on Friday, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index down 1.89 percent, at 2,813.77 points. The Shenzhen Component Index closed 2.22 percent lower at 10,604.97 points. Enditem
The number of COVID-19 cases in



Thane rose to 5,387 after 309 more people tested positive for the disease in the Maharashtra district on Saturday, officials said.

The new patients included at least 12 children, in the age group of 1 to 12 years, the district administration said in a release.

Among the new cases, 134 were reported from Thane city and 76 from Navi Mumbai township, it said.

Besides, six more people succumbed to the disease, taking the district's death toll to 163, the release said.

Out of the total cases, Thane municipal limits have so far reported 1,891 cases, Navi Mumbai-1,561, Kalyan- Dombivali-730, Mira Bhayander-489, Thane Rural-267, Ulhasnagar-156, Badlapur-153, Bhiwandi-82, and Ambernath-58.

There was an increase of about 24 cases in Thane Rural, mostly from Sahapur area.

The neighbouring Palghar district has till now recorded 530 COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths, a release from the district administration said.

Thane Municipal Commissioner Vijay Singhal told reporters that the bed capacity for COVID-19 patients in the city will be increased to nearly 10,000 in a phased manner in the coming days.

In Bhiwandi, the powerloom industry resumed from Saturday after over two months, following permission provided by the district administration.

Thane Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde expressed concern over the rise in number of cases in Sahapur.

During a review meeting on Saturday, he asked officials to keep their differences aside and have a single- point programme of how to contain the disease in Thane.

BJP's Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Council Pravin Darekar toured parts of Thane district on Saturday and inspected facilities at various hospitals for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

He later told reporters that BJP's protest during the COVID-19 crisis was "not politically motivated", but it was against the present system of governance which has failed to contain spread of the disease.

"We have written several letters to the state government and suggested various measures, but it has not taken note of them," he claimed.

The state government did not provide good quality treatment to patients during the pandemic, he claimed, alleging that there was corruption in the system and he would raise the issue during next session of the Legislature.

Darekar said the Maharashtra government was providing free transportation facilities to outsiders/migrant labourers, then why the same should not be extended to "sons of the soil" to travel from one district to another in the state.

Meanwhile, NCP corporator from Thane Pramila Keni asked the civic officials to facilitate availability of more number of ambulances in Thane to cater to the needs of coronavirus patients.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A total of 241 Indians



including 136 people who were jailed in Kuwait would return to the country soon, a senior minister said on Sunday.

The other 105 people were stranded in Bangladesh, Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath said.

"Altogether 136 people from Tripura and Assam, who are at present in jail in Kuwait for violating that country's laws, would be deported. They will reach Guwahati between May 27 and June 4 in a special flight," Nath told reporters.

He said the matter has been officially informed by the Kuwaiti government, but the reason for their imprisonment is not known.

"We had requested the Kuwaiti authorities to drop the Tripura residents here. However, they informed us that the flight would land in a single airport," the minister added.

Nath said 105 residents of Tripura, who are stranded in different places of Bangladesh will return to the state through the Agartala-Akhaura integrated check post on May 28.

"They would be taken to institutional quarantine and swabs of all the passengers would be collected for COVID-19 test," Nath said.

If the report of their samples tests negative, they would be allowed to leave the facility and remain under 14 days of home quarantine. And those who test positive would be hospitalized, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A large and passionate community of Australian mums and amateur interior decorators have together transformed Kmart's reputation from 'daggy' bargain bin to modish and 'on-trend'.

Through the use of perfectly styled Instagram photos, viral 'hacks', cooking tricks and fan pages of more than 300,000 people, the 'Kmart mums' have made the 'luxe for less' model more desirable than ever - and left Target's more 'upmarket' brand revamp less appealing in the eyes of many shoppers.

This was clear on Friday morning, when Target announced the closure of 75 of its stores and the conversion of 92 others into Kmarts after a $67 million sales slump.

Wesfarmers, who owns both retailers, unveiled its plans to restructure Target's 'unsustainable' cost base and allow focus on the more-profitable Kmart, which over the past five years has become the most successful low-end department store in Australia.

Interior stylist Amanda Bray, 33, (pictured) from Ballarat, Victoria, said she believes the power of social media has played a 'big part in Kmart's success' and regularly posts snaps of her Kmart styling on her successful Instagram account

Much of Kmart's success can be attributed to a large and dedicated community of online mums and amateur interior decorators who together have transformed the brand's reputation from 'daggy' bargain bin to 'modish' and on-trend

 Slide me  The kitchen: Amanda renovated her entire home using budget decor from Kmart, including the chopping board, mirror tray, glass canister and faux plant and pot

The popular groups making Kmart 'cool' FACEBOOK Kmart Mums Australia: 373,000 members Kmart Hacks & Decor: 366,000 members Kmart Inspired Homes: 233,000 members Kmart Air Fryer Recipes Australia: 252,000 members INSTAGRAM Kmart Bargains: 383,000 followers I Heart Kmart: 123,000 followers The Kmart Lover: 119,000 followers Kmart Hack Queen: 89,900 followers Kmart Queen: 85,000 followers Kmart by you: 74,000 followers Advertisement

With more than 373,000 members, the Facebook group Kmart Mums Australia was launched in November 2015, founded by mother Larnie Lawrence and was one of the very first with a specific focus on sharing budget buys from the retailer.

Ms Lawrence started talking about Kmart with her friends, and when she realised that others were as into the shop as she was, she started the group.

'The group was set up for women who wanted to share the new-in Kmart products they'd seen in different stores, as well as their styling tips and tricks,' Ms Lawrence told FEMAIL in early 2017.

'It's grown a lot... so much so that if someone posts a new-in item on the group, you've got to be super quick in getting down to the store.'

Since its success, more than 5,000 dedicated Kmart groups and pages have launched on Facebook and Instagram where shoppers share renovation and interior advice, fashion picks, recipe and kitchen tips and cleaning tricks.

They include Kmart Inspired Homes (233,000 members), Kmart Air Fryer Recipes Australia (252,000 members) and Kmart Hacks & Decor (366,000 members).

The retail giant has become the most successful low-end department store across Australia, with social media groups credited for its rise to dominance over Target

 Slide me  Amanda is known for sharing snaps of her incredible home, featuring luxury items for less

Amanda, a mother-of-three, styles her home using budget items from Kmart, including the rug, and a woven basket to store cushions

The founder of Kmart Hack Queen restyled her laundry room using Kmart's glass canisters, jars with lids and decor items such as the plant stand

Interior stylist Amanda Bray, 33, from Ballarat, Victoria, said she believes the power of social media has played a 'big part in Kmart's success' and has seen a huge following thanks to her Kmart styling advice on Instagram.

Target is too pricey and some basic items like a cushion is $30 compared to Kmart's $12 version. I don't shop at Target because of their style and most of all I have a budget - Samantha, Kmart Hack Queen

'The biggest thing people say to me is that they see an item but have no idea how to style it,' Ms Bray, a mother-of-three, told FEMAIL.

'Then they log onto Facebook and Instagram and see the products styled it makes the items more appealing.'

Mother-of-four Tina Devlin, from Perth, agrees, with her own styling page seeing a similar spike after she started sharing budget styling and decor advice.

'I think it's definitely helped Kmart become so popular,' Tina, 33, told FEMAIL.

'There's so many great ideas on how to style things and great hack ideas. It definitely makes people want what they see when it's styled so beautifully.'

Mother-of-four Tina Devlin (pictured) said there's now so many Instagram pages showing how everyone styles their items in their own home

In recent years, the retailer has gone from a 'daggy' discount store to such a 'cool' place to shop for all the on-trend everyday items

Mother of two Samantha (pictured), who runs Kmart Hack Queen, said she uses her platform to show how she styles the budget items to make them appear lush in her home

The Kmart Hack Queen said her followers are obsessed with her super organised pantry

Mother of two Samantha, who runs Kmart Hack Queen on Instagram with nearly 90,000 followers, said she uses her platform to show how she styles the budget items to make them appear lush in her home.

'I get messages every day of people loving my ideas. They said they now love Kmart because I inspire them by using their items. They didn't know Kmart was so stylish,' she told FEMAIL.

From personal experience as a mum of three, I do not want to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on homewares and furniture that has the possibility of being broken, so Kmart gives us an affordable range of homewares that look great - Amanda, Amanda Bray Interiors

Amanda explained how Kmart has really 'upped their game in the past few years' - and interest started to really peak in Australia when the retailer revamped its brand.

'The quality of their clothing and homewares for such an affordable price is amazing,' she said.

'I believe it really peaked when they revamped their homewares sector a few years ago. There are so many people especially ones with children who are after affordable homewares to decorate their home.

'I know from personal experience as a mum of three that I do not want to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on homewares and furniture that has the possibility of being broken, so Kmart gives us an affordable range of homewares that look great.'

Steph Pase, who blogs under Just Another Mummy Blog, said she believed Kmart changed when the retailer started selling stylish homewares at affordable prices.

'That really is when they began seeking out trends and creating budget friendly products that allowed people to decorate their homes without spending so a lot of money,' she told FEMAIL.

'I think Kmart has become more popular because it really started to lead the way of home styling on a budget.'

Steph Pase, who blogs under Just Another Mummy Blog, has earned a legion of fans for sharing stunning pictures of her home using budget items from retailers such as Kmart

Thousands of mothers have been transforming every space of their home using budget items

The founder of Kmart Hack Queen said the retailer has pulled out all stops to regularly bring out luxury-inspired items for less

 Slide me  The dining room was brought to life by Amanda's Kmart buys, including a faux plant and decor

Target announces closure of 167 outlets in massive restructure Target has made a shock announcement it will shut 75 of its stores, and convert 92 others into Kmart. Following a financial review, the company revealed plans to drastically restructure as the brand suffered a $67 million sales slump. Announcing to investors on Friday, owner Wesfarmers said the restructure would reduce Target's 'unsustainable' cost base and allow it focus on the more-profitable Kmart. Target staff will be offered jobs at Kmart or other Wesfarmers companies, including Bunnings and Officeworks. Advertisement

Samantha said the retailer has pulled out all stops to regularly bring out luxury-inspired items for less.

'I think Kmart is not classed as daggy anymore because they have really thought about how to improve their business,' she said.

'They really looked into the styles of homeware and apparel from all around the world and brought these ideas into their stores to make their styles stand out from the rest.

'Their styles in homewares became very modern in 2016. I remember all the contemporary colours coming out with greys and pinks. Not long after, the Scandinavian styles. They have done extremely well. It's my favourite place to shop.'

Tina said most people don't want to spend big money decorating their homes and Target was deemed more upmarket by many shoppers.

'Kmart being so affordable gives people the option to keep up with new trends,' she said.

'I think Kmart is more popular than Target because of how often they bring in new items and such great prices for people to style and decorate their homes on a budget.

'It gives you the option to change your look more often than you would usually and definitely has more exposure in the Instagram world. I started getting into the Kmart trend in 2015, since then they keep improving their products as it's become so popular.'

Australian fashion bloggers are always raving about Kmart's dresses that looks considerably more expensive than its affordable price tag (picture of affordable style influencer Paige Kennedy wearing a $28 Kmart versatile polkadot dress)

Affordable stylist Tina Abeysekara (pictured wearing an $18 Kmart skirt) have earned a legion of followers on Instagram for proving style doesn't always have to cost serious cash

Last year the Trash to Treasured founder also promoted a glamorous burnt orange polka dot Kmart dress priced at $25 (pictured above)

Samantha said she prefers Kmart over Target because there's always a 'great variety of products' on a budget released regularly.

'I love their homeware items because each drop they do you can still refresh your space, adding onto previous Kmart products you already own,' she said.

'There's many style incorporated like bohemian, modern, industrial and urban. I think Target has it a little wrong, they seem to do items that are same old, same old like mainly rustic, wicker, and more on the safe side.

'Target is too pricey and some basic items like a cushion is $30 compared to Kmart's $12 version. I don't shop at Target because of their style and most of all, I have a budget.'

Amanda agreed with the low prices, saying: 'It's the main reason I feel people are more drawn to Kmart rather than Target.'

In the fashion aisle, affordable stylists such as Trash to Treasured founder Tina Abeysekara and Paige Kennedy have earned a legion of followers on Instagram for proving style doesn't always have to cost serious cash.

The pair are known for sharing latest budget-friendly items from Kmart, including a $27 linen blazer, $28 versatile dress, and $18 leopard print skirt.
MIDLAND, MI - Rainstorms are a typical part of spring in Michigan. The rainstorm that hit mid-Michigan beginning on Sunday, May 17, though, proved one for the history books.

The flooding that resulted from up to 7 inches of rain in Midland, Saginaw and surrounding counties damaged homes and property, forced more than 10,000 people to evacuate and most spectacularly destroyed one power dam and severely damaged another.

Its being called a 500-year flood event, meaning it is only likely to occur once every 500 years.

How did it unfold?

The story starts with the storm itself. One key ingredient fueled the downpour. MLive meteorologist Mark Torregrossa said the heaviest rain was produced by tropical moisture, as Tropical Storm Arthur was churning off the Mid-Atlantic coast.

In what he called a conveyor belt effect, a mass of moisture traveled from the East Coast westward into Michigan, allowing the ongoing storm to tap into that tropical moisture and cause a substantial increase in rainfall totals.

Total storm rainfall for Michigan's Lower Peninsula, from 5/17 to 5/19. Image courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Mid-Michigan received a heavy amount of moisture from the storm, with Midland, Bay and Saginaw Counties floating around 3-4 inches of rain. The heaviest rainfall totals were found to the north, with Au Gres receiving 8.10 inches, East Tawas getting 7.97, and Sterling clocking in at 7.20 inches.

The rainfall itself caused headaches for various municipalities, with Bay Citys wastewater treatment plant requiring the use of an auxiliary pump to keep up with the sudden deluge of water the evening of Monday, May 18.

Numerous roads closed due to the heavy rain, especially in counties in northern mid-Michigan, with Arenac and Gladwin County beginning to see numerous road closures during the night on Monday.

Many roads have washed away. What may appear to be standing water may be much deeper than you believe. As it gets darker, you will not be able to see the flooded areas. Unnecessary travel ties up resources if you end up stranded. Please stay home if you do not absolutely need to be traveling, said an alert from the Arenac County Sheriffs Department that night.

The Arenac County Sheriffs Department stated that U.S. 23 was closed at the time between M-65 and Standish due to possible bridge damage and water over the road and at Omer. The Sheriffs Department evacuated the areas around Townline, Pinnacle, Franklin Trail, and Miller roads today due to flooding that same day.

As the floodwaters began to make their way through the watershed, areas downstream on the Tittabawassee River also were advised of potential severe flooding Monday night as all flood gates at the Sanford Dam were being opened due to high water. This action served as a forewarning as the next phase of the disaster started to take shape.

A catastrophic chain of events

Midland County Central Dispatch issued an alert at 12:22 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, stating residents in Edenville Township needed to leave their homes due to an imminent dam failure" at the Edenville Dam and that those who live along Sanford Lake and Wixom Lake were to vacate their homes and head to shelters immediately.

Residents were directed to emergency shelters that were setup at Meridian Junior High School in Sanford and Coleman Community High School in Coleman.

At 6:50 a.m. on Tuesday, Midland County Emergency Management determined that the structures such as the Edenville and Sanford dams were structurally sound but that the dams could not control or contain the water flowing through spill gates anymore.

Later that day, things took a turn for the worse. A section of the dike at the Edenville Dam collapsed just after 6 p.m. after it couldnt hold anymore of the swollen river.

The collapse prompted flash flood warnings from the National Weather Service that read, "Life threatening flash flooding of areas downstream from the Edenville Dam along the Tittabawassee River, the warning reads. The nearest downstream town is Sanford Dam...located about 7 miles from the Edenville Dam. Areas downstream from the Edenville Dam along the Tittabawassee River should be prepared for additional flooding.

Midland County Emergency Management confirmed later on Tuesday, May 19, that water was flowing over the earthen embankment of the Sanford Dam after the Edenville failure sent a torrent of water into Sanford Lake. After overwhelming the Sanford Dam, the water surged south along the Tittabawassee River toward downtown Midland.

The flooding from the event closed roadways such as eastbound and westbound US-10 between River Road and M-30 on Tuesday, per the Michigan Department of Transportation Bay Region Twitter page. The M-30 bridge was destroyed near Strykers Marina.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an emergency declaration late Tuesday and sent the National Guard to help after the dam failure while also urging residents in evacuation zones to get out immediately.

Please, get somewhere safe now, she said in a 10 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, press conference.

About 10,000 people were evacuated, in Midland along with the village of Sanford, Edenville and Dow Chemical. Officials also were trying at the time to evacuate areas of Tittabawassee Township, Thomas Township and Saginaw Township, said Whitmer.

The Tittabwasee River was reported to have crested at about 35 feet on Wednesday evening. The crest topped the rivers 1986 all-time record level, but falls short of the dire 38-foot mark that was predicted.

A look at the Sanford Dam on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. After the Edenville Dam failed and the Tittabawassee River flooded surrounding areas, many residents were urged to leave their homes and to brace themselves for the possibility of the Sanford Dam to collapsing. Water flowed over the top of it through the night, but the structure is still in place. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

While the Edenville Dam fell to the floodwaters, the Sanford managed to hold its ground but did not come out of the situation unscathed. A hole formed at the dams brim Thursday, May 21, causing water to flow freely from the lake.

Midland City Manager Brad Kaye on Thursday confirmed that as of 10 a.m. that the structure was still standing. He said that there is water over the top of the earthen berm portion with a substantial washout, but the concrete structure of the dam itself remains standing

More than just a structural failure

The resulting flood from the Edenville Dam collapse displaced about 10,000 people and prompted federal energy regulators to order Boyce Hydro to conduct a third-party investigation.

It was reported in 2018 that federal energy regulators yanked the Edenville Dam operators license out of concern the spillway couldnt pass enough water to avert a failure during a historic flood. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) records showed that capacity issues at the Edenville Dam spillway were cited as problematic dating back to the late 1990s.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers remarks on Midland-area flooding at a press conference in front of Midland High School on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 in Midland, Mich. Gov. Whitmer surveyed flood damage from a helicopter earlier in the morning.Riley Yuan | MLive.com

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vowed that the state will pursue every line of legal recourse and she suggested that such critical infrastructure should not be in private hands.

We can talk about the merits of whether or not private companies should own critical infrastructure or not - I dont think that they should - but thats what were dealing with here, she said.

The governor also took an aerial tour of the flood zone along the Tittabawassee River by helicopter on Wednesday and gave a press conference at Midland High School, which is being used as a shelter for residents displaced by flooding.

President Trump also weighed in with a tweet thanking first responders for helping to evacuate people in the danger zone below the dams.

Whats next?

By Friday, homeowners slowly started to return to their homes, as they have been able and as flooding conditions have allowed. Families have been returning home to find muddy and water damaged homes as they work to pickup the pieces together.

Wixom and Sanford Lakes were reported to be nothing more than mud puddles after their contents were swept downstream into the Tittabawassee.

A nearly barren Wixom Lake stands dry after severe flooding forced the failure of Edenville Dam on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 in Edenville Township north of Midland. (Jake May | MLive.com)The Flint Journal, MLive.com

President Trump approved an emergency declaration on Thursday, May 21 for areas affected by the water. Federal assistance will begin to supplement state and local responses starting Saturday, May 16.

The City of Midland will soon begin cleanup efforts, as well. The city will make announcements regarding landfill access and debris collections to help residents with cleanup efforts, said Selina Tisdale, a public information officer for the city. Residents are now able to report damage to their property online here.

The American Red Cross compiled a list of locations in Midland and Saginaw counties where displaced residents may seek shelter, food or other assistance and offers an online service to help friends and relatives to try and contact missing loved ones.

Subsequent downstream flooding occurred in Saginaw County, where the community of Shields was flooded and residents in part of Spaulding Township were told to evacuate after a dike was breached.

Memorial Day weekend in 2020 will be a busy time of cleanup, repair and reflection for those impacted by the flooding. Though remarkably there are no reports of any serious injuries or deaths attributed to the event, the damage to homes, businesses and properties will take time to repair.

One family living in Sanford was busy picking through the muddy debris of their destroyed home, hoping to salvage some family pictures.

Thirty-one years and our whole life is gone, Pat Perry said in the early evening of Thursday, May 21. The thing that bothers me most are things like pictures that you cant replace. Those are most important. The other stuff is just stuff.
Can Priests Accused of Child Molestation Be Prosecuted?

Dallas, TX , May 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For many years, the Catholic Church has come under fire for widespread occurrence of child molestation. While the majority of the media attention has fallen on U.S. priests, clergy members in many other countries have been identified as abusers.

Sexual Assault, commonly referred to as rape, is perhaps the most stressful allegation with which to be faced, particularly if the sexual assault iinvolves a child. Broden Mickelsen, Dallas Sex Crime Lawyers.

Its difficult to put a definitive number on how many priests have been accused, but the number stretches into the thousands. According to Bishop Accountability, which monitors allegations, at least 6,400 priests and other Catholic Church personnel have been accused of molesting children.

In some cases, the allegations go back several decades. In the majority of cases, the priests have not been prosecuted because the statute of limitations has long since expired.

However, many advocates have pushed states to change child sexual abuse laws. In many cases, they have asked state lawmakers to remove the statute of limitations altogether, which would open the door to prosecution of priests accused of sexual offenses against children.

How Statutes of Limitation Keep Abusive Priests Out of Jail

According to one recent media report, about 1,700 defrocked and disgraced priests are currently living freely and without any kind of supervision. In many cases, these priests have secured employment that brings them into close contact with children. In fact, some work in schools as teachers, where they interact with children on a daily basis.

This is understandably infuriating survivors of sexual abuse by clergy, who feel like there has been little accountability from the Catholic Church in these cases. To add insult to injury, the priests in question typically cant be charged with a crime since the statute of limitations in their case is expired.

Story continues

Child sexual abuse laws vary among the states, and each state has its own statute of limitations for how much time can pass before an accused cant be prosecuted for alleged child sexual abuse.

In some states, child sexual abuse doesnt have a statute of limitations. In these cases, the crime of sexual child abuse and related offenses are treated the same as murder, which generally doesnt have a time limit for prosecution. Additionally, several states have eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual assault in civil cases. This means that victims of sexual abuse can file a claim in civil court to receive monetary damages.

States Seek to Eliminate Statutes of Limitations in Child Sexual Assault Cases

Its important to note that civil cases are different than criminal cases. In a civil case, the wronged party has an opportunity to ask the court to order the injurious party to pay the wronged party money damages.

This is different than a criminal prosecution, which involves a case brought against the accused by the state or the federal government. If convicted, the accused could be sentenced to time in prison, be ordered to pay fines, or punished in some additional way.

When a statute of limitations runs out before charges can be filed, however, the accused essentially escapes punishment for their crimes. For victims, this can feel like theyre being victimized all over again.

As a result, many states have pushed to eliminate statutes of limitations for sexual crimes against children.

For example, in Kansas state lawmakers eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes, including the sexual assault of a minor. The same is true in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

In Pennsylvania, the passage of new laws in 2019 mean that victims of pending sexual assault cases have until they turn 55 years old to ask prosecutors to file charges against the accused. The state has eliminated the statute of limitations for future sex crimes cases. According to media reports, the changes came as a direct response to sexual abuse claims levied against the Catholic Church in the state.

Texas Statutes of Limitations for Sexual Crimes Against Children

"Under Texas law, there is no statute of limitations for the crime of sexual assault on a child." Mick Mickelsen, Dallas Criminal defense attorney

Likewise, there is no time limit on the prosecution of the following criminal offenses:

Aggravated sexual assault of a child

Indecency with a child

Continuous sexual abuse of a child

Sexual assault of an adult when DNA evidence is present.

However, other types of sex crimes have a time limit under Texas law.

For example, there is a 20-year statute of limitations for the crimes of sexual performance by a child, aggravated kidnapping if the intent is to sexually abuse a child, and burglary if the intent is to sexually abuse a child.

If the child is under the age of 17 at the time the crime was committed, the statute of limitations is 20 years from the date of the childs eighteenth birthday.

Dallas Criminal defense attorneys Mick Mickelsen and Clint Broden are are available 24/7. Individuals who are being accused, investigated, or charged with sexual crimes in the Dallas metroplex area. For a free legal consultation, please call us. (214) 720-9552 | Facebook: Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Broden & Mickelsen, 2600 State St Dallas, Texas 75204



Website: https://www.brodenmickelsen.com



Sources: https://www.brodenmickelsen.com/blog/sex-crime-tx-child-molestation

Via: Legal Newswire KISS PR


Coronavirus cases soared in Chile Tuesday as soldiers were deployed to back up riot police in Santiago following clashes with demonstrators angry about food shortages and job losses.

Soldiers in armoured vehicles and wielding automatic weapons were deployed to the working class neighbourhood of El Bosque, where on Monday residents armed with clubs and stones clashed with riot police.

Overnight Monday to Tuesday rioters looted a neighbourhood gas station, while downtown a mob set a bus ablaze. Residents in both poor and middle-class neighbourhoods banged pots and pans in protest.

The military deployment came as Chile recorded 3,520 new coronavirus cases, its biggest daily increase, for a total of almost 50,000 infections.

The South American country, with a population of some 18 million people, also reported its largest number of single-day deaths with 31, bringing the total to more than 500.

The pandemic is focused on Santiago, and with 90 per cent of the intensive care hospital beds taken in the capital authorities are shipping patients to other cities.

"We're in a complicated moment, very difficult, with a lot of worried citizens," said Health Minister Jaime Manalich.

"People don't have work, they don't have money and they don't have food," said Monica Sepulveda, a 46-year-old unemployed security guard from El Bosque.

Sepulveda complained that promised government help hadn't arrived.

Santiago began a total lockdown on Friday as Chile strives to contain its coronavirus outbreak.

Follow live updates on coronavirus

"We're seeing what we call a social pandemic," said Manalich.

"It produces job losses, a lack of resources and the worst, it produces hunger."

He said President Sebastian Pinera was taking measures to tackle the lack of food.

"The health and social crisis we're going through has no precedent in Chile," Manalich said.

Claudia Pizarro, the mayor of the Santiago suburb of La Pintana, criticized Pinera for making "spectacular announcements" but failing to deliver on aid.

Pinera announced on Sunday that bags with food staples would be given to the poorest people, but didn't explain when or how distribution would take place.

In April Pinera announced a family allowance worth $317 for 4.5 million of the most vulnerable Chileans, but that has yet to be put into action.
Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, warned Sunday that the coronavirus is not yet contained as the United States began to reopen over Memorial Day weekend.

It is up to every individual to protect themselves and their community, Hahn tweeted. Social distancing, hand washing and wearing masks protect us all.

With the country starting to open up this holiday weekend, I again remind everyone that the coronavirus is not yet contained. It is up to every individual to protect themselves and their community. Social distancing, hand washing and wearing masks protect us all.  Dr. Stephen M. Hahn (@SteveFDA) May 24, 2020

As of May 20, all 50 states have begun reopening in some form amid the ongoing pandemic. Photos showed crowds of people without masks gathering in various parts of the country over Memorial Day weekend as the death toll from the virus neared 100,000 in the U.S.

Photos of some beaches, boardwalks and bars showed people, many without masks, flouting the federal governments 6-foot social distancing guidelines. Viral videos showed people partying in pools and on yachts at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, garnering heated criticism from many Twitter users.

No covid concerns at the lake of the ozarks #lotopic.twitter.com/Yrb4UNM64u  Scott Pasmore (@scottpasmoretv) May 24, 2020

Dr. Deborah Birx, an infectious disease expert on the White Houses coronavirus task force, told Fox News Sunday that shes very concerned about people ignoring the social distancing guidelines.

We now have excellent scientific evidence of how far droplets go when we speak, Birx said. We know being outside does help. We know sun does help in killing the virus. But that doesnt change the fact that people need to be responsible and maintain that distance.

President Donald Trump has long pushed for states to reopen, even when they dont meet the criteria for doing so as laid out by his own...

Continue reading on HuffPost
If you were infected by the coronavirus after returning to work, could you sue your employer? What if you got sick after eating out or going to a store?

New Jersey businesses fear a rash of lawsuits could force them to close their doors for good. Others say the threat of legal action would ensure businesses take the proper steps to keep their employees and customers safe.

And you should care about this raging debate for another reason: Its threatening to derail efforts in Washington to give you another stimulus check.

A lot of businesses have two choices: Stay closed and risk bankruptcy, or open and face a possible multitude of debilitating lawsuits, said Tom Bracken, president and chief executive of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.

There are no limits on lawsuits in the House Democratic legislation that would provide another round of $1,200 stimulus checks and hundreds of billions of dollars in federal aid so state and local governments dont have to lay off police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians on the front lines of stemming the pandemic.

Senate Republicans say a stimulus bill wont get through their chamber unless businesses are protected so they can open their doors free from the threat of legal action and restart an economy that largely shut down to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

How else is the bookstore going to open or the restaurant going to open? said Eileen Kean, New Jersey director of the National Federation of Independent Business. Its another terrible impediment to opening up."

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

Opponents of such liability protections said such limits could have the opposite effect. Their argument: Employees and customers may stay away from businesses they feel arent taking the necessary steps to protect them since there will no longer be any consequences for failing to do so

If your goal is economic recovery, the last thing you want to do is create a situation where businesses are not accountable for safety, said Joanne Doroshow, executive director of the Center for Justice & Democracy at New York Law School. "We need public confidence to get people to come back into establishments."

Without the threat of a lawsuit, some companies will reopen without proper safeguards, endangering workers and customers, said Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-12th Dist., a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

For employers that employ the protective measures we think are minimally required to keep employees safe, that indemnity issue is not an issue we need to focus on," she said. What we need to focus on is that people who show up to work are protected.

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries of New York said Tuesday that the Democrats havent ruled out some kind of targeted legal protections for businesses, similar to those provided after 9/11. He said the House Judiciary Committee would consider the issue.

So far, Senate Republicans havent budged on their demand, and have not expressed any willingness to negotiate.

We need strong legal protection to ensure that our historic recovery efforts are not drained away from health care workers, schools and universities, or small businesses in order to line the pockets of trial lawyers, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said on the Senate floor Monday.

McConnell and President Donald Trump, among other Republicans, have questioned the need to provide more federal aid to state and local governments, saying they do not want to bail out them for fiscal problems predating the pandemic.

But the fight over limiting lawsuits, known as tort reform, has been going on for decades. And it pits the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a major supporter of Republicans, with the American Association for Justice, the trial lawyers group that largely backs Democrats.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerces Institute for Legal Reform first registered to lobby in 1999, Senate records show.

Since then, the chamber, the nations biggest business lobby and a major donor to Republicans, spent $1.6 billion to try to influence the federal government on that and other issues, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Thats more than the next three biggest spenders combined.

Businesses are constantly pressing to erode accountability, said Kevin Costello, a partner in the law firm of Costello & Mains in Mount Laurel and president of the New Jersey Association of Justice. We shouldnt be tying economic and other relief thats needed to immunity and lack of accountability for business.

Its opportunistic and cynical, he said.

Doroshow said the type of lawsuits businesses insist they need protection against just arent going to happen. She said lawyers wont waste their time suing a business for infecting a client when that person also has gone shopping, met friends, bought food and perhaps rode the subway.

No lawyer is going to take that case, she said.

Bracken said hes not talking about granting blanket protections against lawsuits, just the assurance that if businesses follow government-approved guidelines, they wont be liable if someone gets the coronavirus, he said.

If not, they can risk everything they have with the potential of that happening to a customer or employee, Bracken said. Once we get back to a new normal, these mitigations go away. Were not talking about protecting the bad actors."

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com.
Japanese professional wrestler Hana Kimura, who starred in the latest season of Netflix reality series "Terrace House", has died at the age of 22.

Stardom Wrestling, a promoter of women's wrestling in Japan, confirmed that the wrestler died on Saturday, reported Deadline.

"Please be respectful and allow some time for things to process, and keep your thoughts and prayers with her family and friends," Stardom said in a tweet.

No cause of death was given.

The last post on Kimura's Instagram account depicted her and a cat, with the caption "goodbye".

She also tweeted an alarming message earlier on Friday.

"I don't want to be a human anymore. It was a life I wanted to be loved. Thank you everyone, I love you. Bye."



Recently, she had been subject to online bullying following an episode of "Terrace House" in which she fought with a fellow cast member over her wrestling uniform.

In mid-April, Netflix suspended the production of the Japanese reality series "Terrace House" in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The show follows three men and three women from different walks of life as they temporarily live together in a modernist house somewhere in Japan.

Kimura won her first title at the Japan Pro-Wrestling (JWP) Junior plate in 2016 and joined Stardom in 2019.

She was a leader of the Tokyo Cyber Squad, a fan favourite in Japan. Her mother, Kyoko Kimura, was also a well-known wrestler.

Members of the wrestling community such as Ronda Rousey expressed grief over Kimura's death on social media.

"There are no messages that can heal this wound," Rousey tweeted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Over the last month, Delhi-based startup Mirrorsize has been signing small and mid-sized retail customers almost on a daily basis". Mirrorsize is a 3D body measurement solution that uses artificial intelligence (AI), advanced computer vision, deep learning models, and mesh processing to instantly provide precise body measurements. Unlike business as usual, Mirrorsize didnt make any cold calls to get business. The pandemic is driving physical retail companies to seek contactless solutions for their customers.

A recent study by Capgemini found that 37% of Indian consumers between 41 and 50 years prefer facial recognition for authentication for various purposes to avoid human interaction and touchscreens.

The next stage is data-driven retail," said Kamal Singhani, managing partner, global business services, IBM India and South Asia. Organisations are already sitting on data that isnt being used effectively, and the pandemic presents the right opportunity for them to use technologies such as AI and machine learning (ML) to make use of such data. The industry has been calling this Retail 4.0 and it has existed as a concept for a while. However, the pandemic has left them with no option but to look at that.

Today, kiranas will fiercely compete with online because the paradigms for online grocery trade have changed," Singhani said.

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Tall, bookish, with owl-like spectacles balanced beneath a bald dome and a pair of bicycle clips often attached to his trousers, his appearance was not that of the typical lothario.

Neither, for that matter, was his personality. Variously branded misanthropic, misogynistic, racist and porn-addled, Philip Larkin remains one of Britains best-loved poets, despite his reputation taking something of a beating in the years since his premature death from cancer, aged 63, in 1985.

And yet the poet, more frequently quoted than any other writer of his time, managed to juggle the devoted attentions of at least three women  for many years and all at the same time.

Monica Jones was the longest-standing of Larkins lovers, a bohemian, brilliant academic in her own right, who graduated with a first from Oxford and was his lover from 1950 until his death. The couple are pictured together above

Now, his long-standing relationship with one of those women, his muse, confidante and critic  and the one who remained at his side at the end  is to be revealed in previously undocumented detail, thanks to a remarkable collection of letters.

Around 2,400 letters, telegrams and postcards between Larkin and Monica Jones have been sitting in 54 boxes at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, with the strict instruction they were to remain closed until decades after her death.

Described as the last great exchange of letters in literary history, they give an emotive insight into the mind of the woman who would have married him, and whose lipstick-stained imprint still adorns some of the envelopes she penned.

Monica Jones was the longest-standing of Larkins lovers, a bohemian, brilliant academic in her own right, who graduated with a first from Oxford and was his lover from 1950 until his death.

Larkins intellectual equal, she was also the woman whom he dedicated his breakthrough collection, The Less Deceived (not quite as romantic gesture as it might seem when you consider he included in it poems about his other partnerships).

Monica Jones was rather cruelly caricatured in Lucky Jim  the work of Kingsley Amis, Larkins closest friend from Oxford  as neurotic harpy Margaret Peel. In reality she was a remarkable woman, as fascinating and fierce as the man she fell in love with

And when he died, it was to Llanelli-born Monica that Larkin bequeathed the bulk of his estate.

Yet, despite the affectionate use of Dearest Bun, short for bunny, deployed by Larkin in his letters to her, Monica often wrote of feeling terribly alone and so frightened throughout their relationship.

I dont want to be and I wont be an object of pity like a beggars sore, she wrote to him in one letter.

I know you just think of me as a situation, something to be fixed, she lamented in another.

Some of the letters were published in 2010 in the book Letters To Monica, a collection which revealed the reluctant Larkins worries about marriage, which he feared would plunge him into appalling veracities, such as children and family life, that would banish the solitude he needed for writing.

But now Professor John Sutherland, a leading academic, close friend and formerly student of Monica, has been given unrestricted access to unpublished parts the collection, which he says are an explosive representation of virtually everything she wrote to Larkin over 35 years.

Some of the letters were published in 2010 in the book Letters To Monica, a collection which revealed the reluctant Larkins worries about marriage, which he feared would plunge him into appalling veracities, such as children and family life, that would banish the solitude he needed for writing

John, professor emeritus of English literature at University College London, is now finishing a book, to be published next year, on the apparently endlessly forgiving Monica.

So just who was the woman who appears to have tolerated sharing the attentions of her lover for so long  and who were the other women?

Monica Jones was rather cruelly caricatured in Lucky Jim  the work of Kingsley Amis, Larkins closest friend from Oxford  as neurotic harpy Margaret Peel. In reality she was a remarkable woman, as fascinating and fierce as the man she fell in love with.

The only child of an engineer, she won a scholarship to read English at St Hughs College, Oxford, where she arrived in 1940 in the absence, largely, of male undergraduates because of World War II.

Larkin, who once rejected the much-sought-after role of poet laureate, was also at Oxford, though they did not meet until later. He couldnt sign up for the Forces because his poor eyesight.

Monica graduated with a first-class honours degree and, in 1946, landed an assistant lectureship at the University College, Leicester, which is where she met Larkin, working in the university library.

Students apparently lusted after their horn-rimmed spectacled lecturer with her mane of hair and unusual Oxford clothes that, as the decades progressed and hemlines shortened, occasionally revealed a glimpse of bright-red suspenders beneath her skirt.

When they first met, Larkin was still engaged (for the first and only time) to Ruth Bowman, the teenager with whom he had his first sexual encounter.

It wasnt until 1950 that Larkin and Monica became lovers, just before he went off to a post in Belfast; he would eventually come to take up at a post in the inauspicious outpost of the library of the University of Hull. Geographical separation was fuel for their extensive correspondence, though Larkin was an inveterate letter-writer.

Monica was dogged in her faithfulness to the poet. Larkin less so. He embarked on a parallel, 19-year relationship with devout Catholic Hull University library colleague Maeve Brennan, who was subject of his affections from 1960.

Both women knew of each others existence, but neither knew until much later that he had added a third, his secretary Betty Mackereth.

She once said of the night in 1975 when he seduced her after dinner: I was more than 50 at the time and I thought all my liaisons were over and done with. Then this suddenly appeared and it became a new excitement in my life.

There was no awkwardness between us next morning at work and he told me he had carefully planned it.

By the time Monica became seriously ill with shingles in 1981, and ended up moving in with Larkin in Hull, the other relationships had ended, which was doubtless a relief to Monica who never considered Betty a threat but feared her marriage-shy lover might actually marry her other rival.

They had another four years living  rather drunkenly  together (he asked her to stay because of writers block) before he died.

Even on his deathbed in hospital, Larkin, was an arch-manipulator  asking Maeve if she would drive Monica to see him.

Betty, who carried out Larkins final wishes and destroyed 30 volumes of his personal diaries, would later tell the makers of a BBC documentary: He said to me, not many hours before he died: Maeve came to see me, I didnt want to see Maeve, I wanted to see Monica to tell her that I loved her.

I felt like saying to him: You stupid man, why the hell didnt you marry her years ago? 

Monica was dogged in her faithfulness to the poet. Larkin (pictured above in 1973) less so. He embarked on a parallel, 19-year relationship with devout Catholic Hull University library colleague Maeve Brennan, who was subject of his affections from 1960

That Monica was at times a rather difficult woman has been documented in Larkins own letters, in which his emotions about her snappish social behaviour and didactic voice spill over.

But seen in its entirety the collection illustrates the relationship  she was lover, confidante and sounding board  in far greater complexity and detail.

Theres a whole range of emotions, Prof Sutherland says. Sometimes she is furious when he doesnt turn up for a meal shes cooked. Other times, shes just meditative. Her letters resemble a literary stream of consciousness  at times, more surging flood than stream.

They have odd disjunctions. After a pages-long savage diatribe against Maeve, Monica suddenly reminds Philip to water the flowers.

She was a strange woman. You had to know her, to know the good things about her. He treated her badly but always wrote fondly. It was an odd mixture . . . He did come near to trying to break up with her, but they needed each other. They were both very unhappy people.

Monica Jones lived on in the house she shared with Larkin for 15 years after his death.

Now, Prof Sutherland is hoping that in 54 boxes of extraordinary correspondence he can finally bring the very colourful Monica Jones out from the shadows to a place at the side of the man whose life she so memorably shared.
North Dakotas Republican governor issued a heartfelt plea to state residents not to turn wearing face masks to protect public health amid the COVID-19 crisis into a senseless dividing line.

Were all in this together, and theres only one battle were fighting, and thats the battle of the virus, Gov. Doug Burgum said at a press briefing Friday.

I would really love to see in North Dakota that we could just skip this thing that other parts of the nation are going through where theyre trading a divide, either its ideological or political or something around mask vs. no mask, he added. This is a ... senseless dividing line.

There is no state requirement to wear a face mask, but Burgum urged empathy for those who choose to wear the protective gear.

I would ask people to dial up your empathy and your understanding, said the governor. If someone is wearing a mask, theyre not doing it to represent what political party theyre in, or what candidates they support. They might be doing it because theyve got a 5-year-old child whos been going through cancer treatments [or] have vulnerable adults in their life, he added, his voice breaking.

Be North Dakota kind, North Dakota empathetic, he said.

Burgum said there should be no mask shaming. He urged North Dakotans to assume people wearing masks face extra health risks in their lives, or are trying to take care of people they love, adding: Lets just start there.

In a tearful speech, Gov. @DougBurgum (R-ND) asks residents to skip the ideological and political debate on face masks. pic.twitter.com/BkTEDWxuYg  The Recount (@therecount) May 22, 2020

Moved followers on Twitter hailed Burgums sense and empathy. He has an 80% approval rating in the state for how he has dealt with COVID-19.

But others called out the usually staunch supporter of face mask-averse President Donald Trump for failing to mention GOP party leaders who are...

Continue reading on HuffPost


Amid lockdown if theres one place everyone wants to be, it's home. SEveral Indians, in different states or abroad, want to be back home with their loved ones even as they continue to follow social-distancing.





Due to the recent loss of my younger sister, my mother who is 71yrs old got anxiety attack twice.

We have followed all the guidelines given by the State Government.

We are #HomeQuarantined at our hometown Budhana.

Please #StaySafe #StayHome  Nawazuddin Siddiqui (@Nawazuddin_S) May 18, 2020

Recently, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and his family travelled back from Mumbai to their hometown in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. Now, the family is practising quarantine strictly, being home-quarantined. Nawazuddin reached his home town on May 11. With a tweet on social media, he explained the reason why he went back there. Here's what he had to say.He will now have to practise home-quarantine until May 25. The actor travelled back with his mother, brother and sister-in-law. He sought special permissions from the authorities for his travel. Doctors took their blood samples and all members were tested negative for the coronavirus.

The actors next release Ghoomketu, directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra, will have a direct OTT release on May 22. The film has him playing a budding writer, who wants to make it big in the film industry. The Amitabh Bachchan-Ayushmann Khurrana starrer Gulaabo Sitabo and Vidya Balans Shakuntala Devi too will be ready to stream in June.
The glamorous yacht where Dodi Fayed and Princess Diana spent their final holiday together has been sold at auction.

Dodi and Diana were photographed enjoying each other's company on the boat, named 'Cujo', in July 1997, just weeks before their deaths in a Paris car crash on August 31st the same year.

Last week, the yacht was sold for 171,000, with some observers telling The Sunday Express that the bid was surprisingly low, sparking fears that the memory of Diana was 'fading'.

Scroll down for video

The Cujo (pictured) Dodi Fayed's former yacht, has been auctioned for 171,000. In the summer of 1997, before their untimely deaths, Dodi and Princess Diana enjoyed holidays on the vessel in St Tropez, France

Diana walking along the deck on the Cujo, Dodi's yacht in July 1997. The ageing vessel was sold during a recent auction for 171,000

Final days: A snap of Diana and Dodi Fayed enjoying each other's company on his father's yacht Jonikal (now called the Sokar) in St Tropez in the summer of 1997

Royal author Margaret Holder, who penned Diana: The Caring Princess, a look at the Princess of Wales' life published in 1999, said she felt it was: 'a shame that this historic boat didn't attract a higher bid as a remarkable souvenir of the last days of Diana's life.'

She added she felt it was surprising that royal fans did not pay more for the historical memorabilia.

'Not long ago one could have expected a bidding war between wealthy Diana fans,' she said.

'I hope this isn't a sign that memories of her unique allure are fading," she added.

Diana was famously photographed kissing Dodi on the vessel's deck and sunbathing on his father's yacht's diving board that same summer.

The boat was used by Dodi as the venue for lavish parties in the South of France, mainly in St Tropez.

In the summer of 1997, the millionaire son of former Harrods owner Mohammed Al-Fayed entertained the former Princess of Wales on the yacht.

The couple were photographed all summer long in 1997, a year after Diana's divorce from Prince Charles, which was finalised in August 1996 (pictured on a speedboat in St Tropez in July 1997)

The pair were photographed kissing and embracing on the deck almost a year after Diana and Prince Charles's divorce was agreed upon. Diana, then 36, was spotted strutting on the deck, making the most of the Mediterranean sun and her new romance.

The couple also spent most of their time of Dodi's father Mohammed's super yacht the Jonikal (now known as the Sokar) that same summer.

A snap of the former royal gazing into the distance from the yacht's diving board was one of the last pictures ever taken of Diana.

The couple died in a tragic car accident which shook the world on August 31 1997 in Paris, which killed their driver, Henri Paul as well.

The yacht was built in 1972 by Baglietto Shipyard for entrepreneur and playboy John Von Neumann,. It was intended to be one of the fastest yachts around at the time.

After a few years, John Von Neumann sold the vessel to Mohammed Kashoggi, who later sold it to his cousin: Dodi Fayed.

Following Dodi and Diana's death, the ship was decked for years before Moody Fayed, Dodi's cousin, bought it from the family and refurbished it for 800,000 in 2016.
If you look up the meaning of a nurse in the dictionary, you will find, a licensed health-care professional who practices independently or is supervised by a physician, surgeon, or dentist and who is skilled in promoting and maintaining health. Who would ever imagine that in 2020 it would mean combating a novel coronavirus, putting oneself at extremely-increased risk, and donning protective gear during a pandemic?

Stacker used 2019 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to rank which states are the highest-paying for registered nurses. The states are ranked by median annual salary and ties are broken by the average annual salary. According to the BLS, there are 2,982,280 nurses employed nationally, who make an average salary of $77,460 and a median of $73,300. COVID-19 statistics come from The COVID Tracking Project, which publishes up-to-date testing data (latest data and data release date: May 22, 2020). All of the information, updated daily by 5 p.m. ET, comes from state, district, and territory public health authorities, official press releases, trusted news reporting, and (infrequently) tweets or Facebook posts from state public health authorities or governors.
https://www.aish.com/jw/me/Iranian-Waiting-for-Political-Asylum-in-Israel.html

Neda Amin, an Iranian journalist who made it to Israel and claimed political asylum to save her life, speaks to Aish readers.

Neda Amin, an up-and-coming journalist, left Iran and moved to Turkey in 2014 when she was 29 years old and continued her writing career there. Writing a single piece for The Times of Israel and blogging extensively on the newspapers Farsi language site, raised the ire of Turkish police who dragged her in for questioning six times and broke into her apartment.

During one interrogation, Neda asked, Is it illegal to write for Israeli media? The Turkish police allowed that it wasnt against the law in Turkey. So why all the investigations? she asked. Because, they answered, we dont like working with Israel, and we dont like you working with Israel." Turkish authorities gave her a terrifying ultimatum: they were going to expel her from Turkey. If no other country would take her in, Neda would be deported back to Iran where her life would be in danger.

Germany and the USA were willing to give me asylum, Neda explains, but there was one country she wanted to move to more than anything: Israel. For her, Israel felt like home.

Im a daughter of a Jew who worked and supported Israel, and my life was in danger because of my support of Israel.

My father was Jewish, Neda recounts. Growing up in Tehran with a Jewish father, she always felt a strong pull of Jewish identity. In Iran, the father determines the religion of their children," and Neda never considered herself Muslim like so many of her friends and classmates. As she entered journalism, writing for an Israeli-based website seemed like a natural thing to do. Im a daughter of a Jew who worked and supported Israel, and my life was in danger because of my support of Israel.

Desperate, Neda called David Horovitz, editor of The Times of Israel. He didnt recognize her name, nor could she recall the pieces shed written for his paper. He also had no idea of her Jewish heritage. Mr. Horovitz, please save me she asked on the phone. For Mr. Horovitz, It was enough. He made a barrage of phone calls, explained Nedas plight, and was overwhelmed with positive responses as Israelis from all walks of life mobilized to help bring the Iranian journalist to Israel.

Eventually, Neda was cleared to board a flight to Israel where she could apply for political asylum. The moment she landed in the Jewish state was one shell never forget: I felt I was back home after many years, that was an amazing feeling.

One of Nedas first phone calls in Israel came from Natan Sharansky, the famed Soviet refusenik who spent nine years in a Russian gulag, moved to Israel in 1986, and later served as Chairman of the Jewish Agency in Israel. He called me and said 'Welcome to Israel Neda' I couldnt believe it when I spoke with him the first time. He was one of my heroes from the time I was fifteen years old, Neda explains. But I visited him here! It was amazing!

Sharansky arranged for Neda to take Hebrew classes and at first it seemed that her asylum application would be expedited smoothly. But as the months and years have dragged on, this has not been the case. Neda has been living in Israel for over two and a half years and still doesnt have official asylum status. With a Jewish father, she technically is able to claim Israeli citizenship under the countrys Right of Return, but she lacks the necessary family documents and cant go back to Iran to retrieve them. Without permanent leave to remain in the country, Neda hasnt been able to work. The Times of Israel pays her rent in Jerusalem as she waits and waits for notice that her asylum status has been approved.

Neda hopes to become a citizen of Israel, convert to Judaism, and resume her journalistic career in the Jewish state.

The situation is incredibly frustrating and heart-breaking for Neda. At times she feels close to despair. She hopes to become a citizen of Israel, convert to Judaism, and resume her journalistic career in the Jewish state.

Neda's case is unique, but shockingly, other Iranian citizens have been turning to the Jewish state in recent months, saying they would like to claim asylum there. Iran has no diplomatic relations with Israel and frequently and openly calls for its destruction. Yet, as Neda explains, although "the media in Iran has propaganda against Israel, the majority of people understand they are liars and don't trust them." Some Iranians view Israel as a desirable place and potential source for help.

I am often put in jail for political reasons, pleaded one Iranian in a recent letter to Israels Foreign Ministry. Two of his uncles had been put to death by the regime already. I would like to escape this slow death. Israel is my dream, he wrote on a social media account operated by Israels government. In recent months, many other Iranians contacted the Jewish state to ask how they could travel to Israel to claim asylum as well.

In recent months, thousands of Iranians have been contacting Israel, asking for help, guidance, news - even permission to immigrate to the Jewish state. Despite the demonization of Israel inside Iran, many ordinary Iranians are clamoring for contact with israel. Israel runs a Twitter channel in Farsi, the language of Iran; it has 220,000 followers. Israels Farsi language Instagram account has nearly half a million followers.

Theyre asking for all kinds of assistance: medical advice, information about immigration to Israel or other countries; they want to know how to make business or simply want to tell us that they hope that their country will one day establish diplomatic relations with us, explained Yiftah Curiel, head of the digital diplomacy at Israels Foreign Ministry, after his office announced this week that theres been a sharp increase in requests from Iranians. Some of the increased interest in the Jewish state seems to be a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed thousands of lives in Iran, but many inquiries predate the crisis.

When I told her that Iranians were expressing a desire to apply for political asylum in Israel, Neda seemed incredulous. Its impossible, she explained.

Despite the many frustrations Nedas gone through as her asylum application awaits its approval, she still has found many things to love about Jerusalem. Shes made many friends and found that ordinary Israelis have greeted her warmly. I love Israels police, she says, contrasting them with the terrifying police she encountered in Turkey and who threaten to imprison and possibly even execute her if she ever returns to Iran. Israeli police are so kind, conscientious, well-mannered, gentlemanly. In Israel, Neda can finally feel safe and free. Its a sentiment many of her compatriots wish they could experience as well.

Nedas favorite place in all of Israel is the Western Wall. I feel free when Im there. I feel all the Jewish prophets are there. I feel that they are all protecting me. Abraham, Isaac, Yaakov, Moshe, David, all. Despite the heartbreak of not being able to know for sure that she can gain formal asylum in Israel, Neda hopes against hope that shell be allowed to remain. I feel like Im in heaven.

As thousands of other Iranians turn to Israel in hope, Israels Foreign Ministry can only do so much. Our ministrys social media platform allows us to be in direct contact with millions from across the (Middle Eastern) region, among them many from Iran, observed Yuval Rotem, Israels Foreign Ministry Director General, after the sheer volume of would-be asylum seekers from Iran became public. The Iranian people are not our enemies. They are first and foremost immediate victims of the radical Ayatollah regime Instead of taking care of its own people, the Iranian regime is still putting unlimited efforts in obtaining illegal nuclear weapons, is supporting terror across the globe and is promoting subversive activities throughout the Middle East.

The emergence of thousands of ordinary Iranians seeking to contact or even move to the Jewish state gives hope that perhaps a new generation of Iranians will seek warmer relations with their Jewish neighbors. For Neda Amin, one of the few recent Iranian asylum seekers able to make it to Israel, the experience has been both frustrating and joyous. I hope that it ends soon with her final approval to live and contribute to the Jewish nation shes worked for and loves.

Neda describes Yom HaAtzmaut, Israels Independence Day, as her favorite day. God willing, by next Yom HaAatzmaut, Neda will finally have a permanent decision on her asylum application - and the many Iranians currently clamoring for closer ties to Israel will have helped bring about even warmer feelings for Jews and the Jewish state inside Iran.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has declared that coronavirus is a test from Allah.

He, however, advised governments at all levels to make the welfare of Nigeria top a priority.

The Wazirin Adamawa said this while urging adequate planning for the post COVID-19 era.

He gave the advice in a statement on Saturday to mark this years Eid celebration.

Atiku noted that the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic is a test from Allah, and having fasted as we are enjoined as Muslims, let us continue to remember that it is part of our faith to protect all lives and to abide by regulations from those in authority, especially during a time of great uncertainty like this.

He appealed to people in leadership positions worldwide to learn from countless examples of how Prophet Muhammed (SAW) and his immediate disciples who took care of the people.

Atiku said this time calls for sacrifice in leadership. This is no time for extravagance and living in luxury.

The former VP told Muslims to continue to remember that it was part of their faith to protect all lives and abide by regulations such as COVID-19 preventive measures.

He said they all fasted this year without spiritual acts of worship that accompany the Holy month of Ramadan like attending tafsir (evening sermons before breaking of fast), sharing of iftar with family, friends and the needy, and even the voluntary seclusion during the last ten days of the blessed Ramadan.

But all these strictures could not have made our fasting less valid because, as Muslims, we believe that everything that happens is with the command of Almighty Allah. We are taught in the scripture and the Sunnah of Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that God would test our faith individually and as an Ummah.

Atiku wished all Muslims a special celebration, filled with pleasant moments as they pray together and enjoy the day with their families.

I am sure there would be very few Muslims alive today  if any  who had witnessed a Ramadan fasting like the one we just had, and Eid celebration such as we would have this year without the mandatory congressional prayers.  Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) May 23, 2020

But all these strictures could not have made our fasting less valid because, as Muslims, we believe that everything that happens is with the command of Almighty Allah.  Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) May 23, 2020

The COVID19 pandemic is a test from Allah and, having fasted as we are enjoined as Muslims, let us continue to remember that it is part of our faith to protect all lives and to abide by regulations from those in authority, especially during a time of great uncertainty like this.  Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) May 23, 2020

As Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to do our best both in action and in prayers to ensure that the world is healed of this deadly virus in the earliest possible time.  Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) May 23, 2020

People in leadership positions all over the world should learn from countless examples of how Prophet Muhammed (SAW) and his immediate disciples took the welfare of the people as priority in administration of a state.  Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) May 23, 2020

This years Eid-il-fitr celebration is already a special one. But I wish all Nigerian Muslims and their counterparts across the world a more special celebration, filled with pleasant moments as we pray together and enjoy the day with our families.  Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) May 23, 2020
ALBANY  Gun violence continued to plague the Capital Region's cities over the weekend, as there were at least three shooting incidents - one that resulted in a homicide in Schenectady, and another that led to two teenagers being injured in Albany.

In Albany police are investigating a shooting on Thornton Street Saturday night that resulted in the two teenagers being injured.

Albany police responded to Thornton and Second streets around 9:45 p.m. and found a 17-year-old male shot in the leg. Police soon after learned an 18-year-old male who was shot in the arm during the same incident had gone to the emergency room at Albany Medical Center Hospital.

Both injuries are not life threatening.

Albany police recently updated city officials about how the pandemic and stay-at-home orders have not slowed down gun violence in the city.

Police Chief Eric Hawkins told the Common Councils public safety committee Wednesday that shootings have more than doubled compared to this point last year.

On Friday night, a 23-year-old Troy man was arrested after police said he shot a man after the two got into a car accident on Madison Avenue in Albany.



Jose Cepeda-Solis and another driver got into a car accident Friday night, city police said. After the accident the two were arguing, and then Cepeda-Solis started to run away from the scene, police said. The other driver began to chase him, when Cepeda-Solis turned around and allegedly shot him, hitting his shoulder.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

With Friday's and Saturday's shootings, there have now been 19 shootings in Albany with 22 people shot, compared to seven of each at this point in 2019, according to department statistics.

Police said Saturday night's shooting is under investigation and that anyone with information is asked to call the Albany Police Detective Division at 518-462-8039.

Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Capital Region Crime Stoppers online at www.capitalregioncrimestoppers.com
Chron.com is following the latest headlines on the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the Houston area.

1:45 p.m.

Houston's Mayor Turner has decided to enforce the 25 percent capacity rule at area establishments, starting Sunday night.

"A photo was sent to me and there are others on social media of crowds (in) clubs/bars ignoring the 25% occupancy requirement, no social distancing and no masks," Turner tweeted Sunday. "I want to move forward but this will set us back. Starting tonight the Fire Marshall can enforce."

The 25 percent capacity rule was issued by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as the state reopens businesses which had been shut down during the coronavirus pandemic.

"If you take their liquor permit, they will get the message really soon," Turner said

12:30 p.m.

Crowds of partygoers hit the dance floor Saturday night at Houston nightclub, Cle. DJ Riddler and several Cle guests posted pictures and videos of Memorial Day revelers packing the club and dancefloor. Social distancing guidelines were not evidently adhered to at this popular nightspot. Today's festivities for the club continue with a packed pool party.

8:12 a.m.

As the U.S. death toll climbs to 100,000 due to the novel coronavirus, The New York Times has designated its Sunday, May 24, 2020 front page to 1,000 victims of the virus.
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka on Sunday said a road map to hold Parliamentary Elections was being made in consultation with health authorities.

Sri Lanka in mid-April postponed the parliamentary elections by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak that has killed nine people and infected over 1,100 others in the island nation so far.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on March 2 dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule and called for snap elections on April 25.

"We had continuous meetings with health authorities in the last three months," Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya told reporters on Sunday.

Now, there is uncertainty on the revised date to elect the 225-member assembly for its five-year term. The Election Commission has reported to the Supreme Court its inability to hold the polls on June 20.

"Our discussions were on social distancing, washing of hands, sanitising and all health requirements during the election process," said Deshapriya.

The Election Commission's decision to hold the election on June 20 has been challenged in the apex court by Opposition parties and civil society activists.

The petitions stated that the health threats posed by COVID-19 would make it near-impossible to hold free and fair elections.

Some petitions have questioned President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's decision to dismiss the Parliament on March 2 and call for an election six months ahead of schedule.

"I am unable to tell you as to when the election could be held as it is now before the court", Deshapriya stressed.

The next hearing of the cases in the Supreme Court is on May 26.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rob Gronkowski, the former New England Patriots star tight end who joined Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, and model Camille Kostek delivered personal protective equipment to two fire departments in Massachusetts.

The deliveries were made as first responders continue to wear PPE while responding to emergencies during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Foxborough Fire Department shared a photo Friday after Gronk and Kostek arrived.

Foxborough Fire had 2 unexpected guests today, the post reads. Thank you to Rob Gronkowski -Gronk and Camille Kostek for their generous donation of 1600 protective masks!

The Walpole Firefighters IAFF Local 2464 also thanked the pair on social media.

Rob Gronkowski stopped by the Station today with some PPE for our guys. Thank you Rob & Camille, the post read.

Gronk, who was retired before he was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in April, documented the deliveries on Instagram.

The former Patriot stood on trucks and toured the stations during the visit.

Foxborough Fire had 2 unexpected guests today. Thank you to Rob Gronkowski -Gronk and Camille Kostek for their generous donation of 1600 protective masks! #gronk #foxboroughma #foxboroughfire Posted by Foxborough Fire Department on Friday, May 22, 2020
The Wuhan Institute of Virology has three live strains of bat coronavirus on its premises but none match that of Covid-19, the establishment's director has said.

The institute's director Wang Yanyi refuted claims made by the U.S President Donald Trump that the illness was leaked from the facility and said while they had three strains of the viruses, their highest similarity to Covid-19 only reached 79.8 per cent.

It comes after claims began to surface that China, which is where the virus first emerged, may have purposely manufactured the virus as a bio-weapon to destroy the west.

Scientists think Covid-19, which was first reported in Wuhan and has killed some 340,000 people worldwide, originated in bats and could have been transmitted to people via another mammal.

The Wuhan Institute of Virology director said while the facility has three strains of the viruses, their highest similarity Covid-19 only reached 79.8 per cent. Pictured: Scientists inside the institute earlier this year

The institute has been researching bat coronaviruses since 2004 and looking on the 'source tracing of SARS'. Pictured: Workers inside a lab at the institute

The institute has come under increasing pressure amid the pandemic after claims emerged that the virus may have been manufactured in China

In the interview filmed on May 13 but broadcast on Saturday night, Wang Yanyi told state broadcaster CGTN the centre had 'isolated and obtained some coronaviruses from bats.'

'Now we have three strains of live viruses... But their highest similarity to SARS-CoV-2 only reaches 79.8 percent,' she said, referring to the coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19.

One of their research teams, led by Professor Shi Zhengli, has been researching bat coronaviruses since 2004 and focused on the 'source tracing of SARS', the strain behind another virus outbreak nearly two decades ago.

Wang Yanyi continued: 'We know that the whole genome of SARS-CoV-2 is only 80 per cent similar to that of SARS. It's an obvious difference.

'So, in Professor Shi's past research, they didn't pay attention to such viruses which are less similar to the SARS virus.'

Conspiracy rumours that the biosafety lab was involved in the outbreak swirled online for months before Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo brought the theory into the mainstream by claiming that there was evidence the pathogen came from the institute.

Institute director Wang Yanyi (pictured) also refuted claims that the pathogen had come from the institute.

Members of staff inside the institute wear personal protective equipment as they work inside the laboratory in Wuha

However Wang Yanyi was quoted by state media saying the institute did not have 'any knowledge before that nor had we ever met, researched or kept the virus' and called the claims 'pure fabrication'.

She added: 'We didn't even know about the existence of the virus, so how could it be leaked from our lab when we didn't have it?'

The lab has said it received samples of the then-unknown virus on December 30, determined the viral genome sequence on January 2 and submitted information on the pathogen to the WHO on January 11.

Wang said in the interview that before it received samples in December, their team had never 'encountered, researched or kept the virus.'

'In fact, like everyone else, we didn't even know the virus existed,' she said. 'How could it have leaked from our lab when we never had it?'

Most scientists say the pathogen that has infected 5.3 million and killed more than 342,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University, was passed from bats to humans via an intermediary species likely sold at a wet market in Wuhan late last year.

The virus' toll continued to ebb in Asia and other parts of the world, with China on Sunday reporting three new confirmed cases and just 79 people remaining in treatment for Covid-19.
Thousands of Muslims in Cameroons capital, Yaounde, have defied Sundays ban of Eid-al Fitr public prayers, ordered as part of measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. There have been 4,400 confirmed cases and 197 deaths in the central African state in less than three months. The ban was announced after more than 500 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Cameroon within 24 hours.

Speaking via a messaging application from his residence, Mamadi Mahamat, the highest government official in Yaounde's second district, said he was surprised that many Muslims were ignoring government instructions that Eid-al Fitr prayers not be held this year in public spaces, with thousands of faithful coming out to pray as has been traditional in Cameroon.

He said he had asked police to make sure Muslims do not have access to the two main public prayer grounds in Yaounde's second district after he was told thousands had defied his instructions to pray at home and were insisting on saying their prayers at the public prayer grounds. He says all imams and Muslim leaders in Yaounde should also respect the commitment they took to only pray in three of the districts 42 mosques, maintaining social distancing.

Mahamat said the ban on prayers in public spaces traditionally used by Muslims on feast days was taken to stop the spread of the coronavirus after 514 people tested positive on Wednesday alone, bringing the number of COVID-19 cases to 4,400, with 197 deaths in Cameroon in less than three months.

Muslim Issa Karimou said that although he is aware of the dangers of COVID-19, he prayed in public with other Muslims as a sign of respect to the teachings of the Quran.

He said he would be disobeying the Prophet Muhammad and the teachings of the Quran if he failed to say Eid prayers in public together with other Muslims. He said that without the prayers, his 30 days of fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan would be in vain, and that the government should instead encourage Muslims to pray constantly for Allahs grace and protection as people are being infected and are dying of COVID-19.

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Njimgou Ibrahima, spokesperson for Muslims in Yaounde's second district, said it would be wise for Muslims to protect themselves from the coronavirus and be healthy to promote their religion and be useful in building their communities.

He said he is calling on all Muslims to leave public spaces and pray at home or in mosques, respecting government instructions that people should be at least 2 meters apart. He said no Muslims should organize a feast that brings together more than 10 people, and that social distancing norms should be followed, and people should wash their hands regularly.

Last month at the start of Ramadan, 13 mosques were sealed, and the police used force to disperse Muslims praying at mosques for violating government orders not to gather in groups of more than 50, about 2 meters apart, because of the coronavirus.
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (2nd L) attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and foreign relations via video link on the sidelines of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday praised Russia for standing shoulder-to-shoulder and working back-to-back with China amid the COVID-19 pandemic, added that the two countries' joint effort will make the world a safer and more stable place where justice and fairness are truly upheld.

The minister noted that both nations have supported and defended each other against slanders and attacks coming from certain countries. Together, China and Russia have forged an impregnable fortress against the political virus and demonstrated the strength of China-Russia strategic coordination, said Wang.

Wang also believed that under the leadership of the President Vladimir Putin, the indomitable Russian people will defeat the virus and the great Russian nation will emerge from the challenge with renewed vigour and vitality.
Councils that refuse to reopen primary schools next week risk causing lifelong damage to some of the countrys most deprived children, experts warned last night.

Primary pupils achieve below-average Statutory Assessment Test results in 13 out of the 23 councils that have bowed to pressure from militant teaching unions to boycott plans to bring back Reception, Year One and Year Six classes on June 1.

A Mail on Sunday investigation also found that 14 of the hardline local authorities  including Bradford, Bristol and Liverpool city councils  have a higher than average number of schools rated as inadequate or requiring improvement by Ofsted.

A survey of 151 local education authorities in England by this newspaper found that 23 authorities are strongly opposed to opening up classrooms on June 1, with some dismissing the target date as impossible and unworkable.

Councils that refuse to reopen primary schools next week risk causing lifelong damage to some of the countrys most deprived children, experts warned last night

They include some of the most deprived areas in the country, with primary pupils in Manchester, Hartlepool and Knowsley almost twice as likely to get free school meals, according to official figures.

Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, said: We desperately need to get our most disadvantaged and vulnerable children back with their teachers as soon as possible.

Every extra week away from school increases the prospects of lifelong educational damage.

Labour runs 17 of the refusenik councils, three are Tory-led and three have no overall control in their political make-ups.

Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, said: We desperately need to get our most disadvantaged and vulnerable children back with their teachers as soon as possible'. Pictured: Tables marked at Kempsey Primary School in Worcester showing where pupils can sit

There are currently plans to bring back primary school pupils in Reception, Year One and Year Six classes on June 1

Alarmingly for the Government, only 18 councils which responded to our survey said they were planning to reopen schools next week.

A further 77 councils have told headteachers they can decide what to do, while 28 authorities did not give an answer to our questions.

Teachers, led by the National Education Union, have strongly resisted a return to school on safety grounds. Ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have signalled that schools will remain closed until August at the earliest.

MP Robert Halfon, chairman of the Commons Education Select Committee, said: It is extraordinary to see that in these areas where there is significant under-performance, with disadvantaged children suffering the most from the lockdown, that so many Labour council leaders and Left-wing teachers are most unwilling to get these vulnerable children back into school.

They are potentially destroying these childrens life chances.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 14:50:24|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, May 24 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday said he welcomed the announcement by the Taliban and the Afghan government of a ceasefire to enable the Afghan people to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr holiday in peace.

In a statement, the secretary-general urged all parties concerned to seize this opportunity and embrace an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.

Only a peaceful settlement can bring an end to the suffering in Afghanistan, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, in the statement.

The UN has been committed to supporting the people and government of Afghanistan in this important endeavor, said the statement.

The Taliban have announced a three-day ceasefire during Eid al-Fitr, starting from Sunday. The Afghan government has reciprocated. Enditem
SINGAPORE, May 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore medtech company HistoIndex's AI-based stain-free digital pathology platform has long been established as a suitable tool for global clinical guidelines that outline the assessment, prevention and treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) infections. In the latest edition of China's Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B [1], the digital pathology platform was recommended for use in providing an automated and quantitative analysis of the liver's morphological characteristics in unstained liver biopsies with high repeatability and accuracy.

Challenges in Treating CHB Patients

Hepatitis B has been known as a complex disease to treat, due to the challenge in distinguishing patients with an active infection. These patients require intervention as opposed to patients with an inactive infection who require only standard monitoring without treatment. For patients with an active CHB infection, the treatment decision is usually based on the increased level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) indicating an inflammation of the liver, high HBV-DNA serum level and the presence of the Hepatitis B e-antigen. However, these levels do not determine the presence and level of fibrosis in the liver.

To prevent the progression of CHB to cirrhosis or Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), it is important to identify patients whose livers are affected by advanced fibrosis prior to therapy, as the post treatment prognosis depends on the stage of fibrosis. This can only be achieved with a fibrosis assessment by performing a liver biopsy, the current gold standard in evaluating the degree of inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis in all liver conditions.

Identifying Significant Morphological Features

Besides evaluating the severity of fibrosis and inflammation in biopsies via conventional observations, it is important to accurately assess dynamic changes in the extracellular matrix of the liver, especially the various degrees of fibrous enlargement in the liver. Having a very precise measurement of these features will help clinicians to understand the stage of fibrosis in a patient and carry out a suitable treatment management plan for their patients. Enabled by Second Harmonic Generation (SHG), HistoIndex's AI-based platform has been noted in multiple publications and studies for its ability to accurately and automatically quantify changes in liver fibrosis that are both observable and subtle, and critical for treatment evaluation and modification.

In a study in 2018, fibrosis changes were evaluated with the SHG platform CHB patients before and after 78 weeks' antiviral therapy, with results encouraging the use of this tool to assess the efficacy of new anti-fibrotic therapies in clinical trials [2]. An interesting observation from this study was the reduction in fibrous septa after treatment, which showed treatment efficacy and was analyzed with precision by the SHG platform (Figure 1). Therefore, this platform will be beneficial as an assistive tool for CHB-related diagnosis, as well as for monitoring the efficacy of antiviral therapies during CHB clinical trials. This is synonymous with the SHG platform's recommendation by China's guidelines for its value in providing an automated and quantitative analysis for the assessment of CHB.

Image Credits: Quantitative assessment of liver fibrosis (qFibrosis) reveals precise outcomes in Ishak "stable" patients on anti-HBV therapy, Scientific Reports [2]. This image is an excerpt of the original, which can be found in the cited publication. All images and third-party materials in this publication are included in its Creative Commons license, CC BY 4.0.

Says Professor You Hong*, Chief Physician and Professor at the Beijing Friendship Hospital (affiliated with the Capital Medical University) and a co-author of the 2018 study, "As a clinician, we need to make practical and reasonable decisions for our patients. Including intelligent and reliable clinical tools such as the SHG platform in the guidelines will greatly enhance our diagnostic capability and personalize our treatment options in managing patients with CHB. Having utilized this platform in our studies has helped us to observe significant changes in the vital fibrosis parameters that are crucial in determining the severity of CHB and deciding the appropriate treatment route." Professor You is a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in the Hepatology field, and her additional appointments include Deputy Director of the Chinese Society of Hepatology and Steering Committee Member of APASL.

Dr Dean Tai, Chief Scientific Officer of HistoIndex, adds, "We have substantial data from studies conducted with the involvement of KOLs that show the potential of our AI-based platform, in the area of CHB as well as Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). I am confident that our platform will contribute significantly if implemented in similar international clinical guidelines, as well as in consortiums and workgroups that have been set up globally for the management of CHB."

China: Bearing a Heavy Disease Burden

As one of the countries battling CHB infections, China has the highest burden in the world, with one third of the world's infected people living in China [3]. Most of them are unaware of their infection, making this disease a truly silent epidemic. With limited access to diagnosis and treatment, these people face a bleak future as their condition will eventually progress - without treatment - to cirrhosis and eventually, liver cancer. About 10 million people living with CHB will die by 2030 [4] [5], with most of these deaths being avoidable. As part of efforts to help the nation in this devastating disease, experts under the Chinese Medical Association's (CMA) Infectious Diseases and Liver Diseases Branch released the updated guidelines in 2019.

E DITOR'S NOTES

* Professor You Hong is also the Assistant Dean at the Capital Medical University, where she holds additional appointments as Director of the Office of Academic Research and Director of the Experimental Center.

A Major and Growing Global Health Concern

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CHB has resulted in an estimated 887,000 deaths in 2015, mostly from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (i.e. primary liver cancer), and 257 million people are living with CHB as of the same year. As of 2016, 27 million people were aware of their infection, while only 4.5 million of the people diagnosed were on treatment [6]. Following WHO's call to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health problem, and bring down new infections by 90% and reduce deaths by 65% by 2030, countries across the world have implemented clinical guidelines to standardize and aid in the prevention, diagnosis and antiviral therapy of CHB:

(a) According to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) practice guidance, a liver biopsy should be considered in patients with persistently borderline normal or slightly elevated ALT levels, particularly those who have been infected with HBV for a long period of time and are now older than 40 years of age [7].

(b) Similarly, in the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) 2017 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of Hepatitis B Virus Infections, patients without cirrhosis should be considered for treatment when their severity of liver disease assessed traditionally by liver biopsy shows at least moderate necroinflammation and/or at least moderate fibrosis [8].

(c) In the 2016 update of the Asian-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) Consensus Guidelines on Invasive and Non-invasive Assessment of Hepatic Fibrosis, the liver biopsy remains the gold standard for assessing liver fibrosis. Interestingly, the guidelines acknowledged a possible shift from routine light microscopy to digital image analysis, and the incorporation of numerical measurements in conjunction with the integrated analysis of other cellular information [9]. Since then, microscopy and analysis of liver fibrosis has indeed been transformed; pathologists today are assisted by smart digital pathology tools to make accurate and objective assessments of fibrosis and other relevant features in the liver.

References 1. Chinese Medical Association Infectious Diseases Branch, Chinese Medical Association Hepatology Branch. Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B (2019 Edition) [J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2019, 12 (6): 401-428.: 10.3760 / cma.j.issn.1674-2397.2019.06.001. Note: The Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases website is in Mandarin and is enabled with an automatic prompt that offers the option for an English translation. 2. Sun, Y., Zhou, J., Wu, X. et al. Quantitative assessment of liver fibrosis (qFibrosis) reveals precise outcomes in Ishak "stable" patients on anti-HBV therapy. Sci Rep 8, 2989 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-21179-2 3. Shanquan Chen, Jun Li, Dan Wang, Hong Fung, Lai-yi Wong, Lu Zhao. The Hepatitis B epidemic in China should receive more attention. The Lancet Volume 391, Issue 10130, P1572, April 21, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30499-9. 4. World Health Organization. Global Hepatitis Report 2017. Accessed 29 April 2020. 5. World Health Organization. Up to 10 million people in China could die from chronic hepatitis by 2030 - Urgent action needed to bring an end to the 'silent epidemic'. Accessed 29 April 2020. 6. World Health Organization, Hepatitis B Fact Sheet. Accessed 29 April 2020. 7. Terrault, N.A., Lok, A.S., McMahon, B.J., Chang, K.-M., Hwang, J.P., Jonas, M.M., Brown, R.S., Jr., Bzowej, N.H. and Wong, J.B. (2018), Update on Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B: AASLD 2018 Hepatitis B Guidance. Hepatology, 67: 1560-1599. doi:10.1002/hep.29800. 8. European Association for the Study of the Liver, EASL 2017 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatitis B virus infection. J Hepatol. Volume 67, Issue 2, P370-398, August 01, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2017.03.021 9. Sarin, S.K., Kumar, M., Lau, G.K. et al. Asian-Pacific Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Hepatitis B: A 2015 Update. Hepatol Int 10, 1-98 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12072-015-9675-4



Media Contacts: Ms Cynthia Anne Victor, Corporate Communications & PR, HistoIndex, cynthia.victor@histoindex.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1171910/Fibrous_Septa_Quantitative_assessment_of_liver_fibrosis_HistoIndex_Credits1.jpg
Comedian Jeff Ross has been roasting people on Instagram Live - including one fan fighting the coronavirus on a ventilator - to bring smiles amid the pandemic.

For the past several weeks, Ross has taken to Instagram Live to host 'Insta-Roast' sessions with fans across the world.

This included one fan who was said he was battling COVID-19 and was on a ventilator.

Ross, 54, teased the man during a late April Insta-roast that was for people with 'thick skin only.'

Comedian Jeff Ross (top) poked fun at a fan battling COVID-19 on a ventilator during an 'Insta-Roast' session on his Instagram Live

'I feel like you got coronavirus just for the free meals in the hospital,' Ross says as the fan laughs.

The moment resonated with others and many appreciated a dash of comedy amid changing lockdown orders and fears over public health.

'Jeff Ross roasting a guy with corona virus,' one man wrote on Twitter. 'There is beauty in tragedy. Told him he loved him before hanging up, so sweet.'

Others agreed, including one man who said: 'Jeff Ross is good people! It would be an honor to get roasted by the roast master.'

Ross responded and urged his followers to help him find the sick fan so he could come back for another Insta-Roast.

Ross (top): 'I feel like you got coronavirus just for the free meals in the hospital'

Hawkaholic12: 'Jeff Ross is good people! It would be an honor to get roasted by the roast master'

Fans praised Ross for starting some laughter amid the coronavirus pandemic

'Was hard to hear thru ventilator but I think his name is Doug or Dave,' wrote Ross.

'Help me find him so we can send more positive energy his way on the next.'

Jeff continued the Insta-Roasts on Saturday with a special commencement roast where he poked fun at his graduating fans.

Ross urged his fans to help find the man so he could be featured on another episode of Insta-Roast

'Wow,' he said to a couple on Saturday, 'this is the worst episode of 90-day fiance I've ever seen.'

According to Ross, the response from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive.

'Everyone was sending love in the comments . . . It was beautiful. 'This is a very painful time,' he told Page Six.

Ross added that he's partnered with MarijuanaDoctors.com, which has donated to the First Responders Childrens Foundations COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.

He admitted in an interview with TooFab that while several industries stumbled through the pandemic, comedy has flourished.

Fans who are featured during the Insta-Roast sessions spar with Ross and trade jokes

'Somehow, as sad as the pandemic is - it's great for comedy,' he said.

'It's the old cliche: laughter is the best medicine. And when the whole world is having a pandemic, they really look for laughs.'

The Insta-Roasts began after his friend, Vegas showman Jeff Beacher, 'nagged' him to start roasting people on Instagram.

The first session was just a 15-minute experiment, but that soon 'became a movement.'

The show is given another degree of excitement because of its live format produced by Beacher on-the-spot -- meaning who ever turns up online is usually unplanned, and no-one ever knows whats going to happen any given week.

Ross' Insta-Roast sessions have even attracted a host of celebrities, including The Rock, Sara Silverman and Paris Hilton, to the comment section to share some good-natured jabs.

It seems no one was off-limits - his formerly-440lb executive producer Beacher continues to get roasted over his weight, despite losing a further 40lbs in quarantine.

'We've all heard laughter is the best medicine; you would never want your medicine watered down,' said Ross.

'You want your medicine potent. And roasting goes to the gut. Roasting like a pat on the back and a kick in the ass.'

The Insta-Roast sessions began as an experiment, but quickly became a 'movement' among fans

Ross (top), pictured with a fan: 'That's why people are getting emotional. That's why thousands of people are requesting roasts, or roasting in the comments, or just watching - because it truly is healing'

'That's why people are getting emotional. That's why thousands of people are requesting roasts, or roasting in the comments, or just watching - because it truly is healing.'

For his part, Ross is content with doing his part to help others during all the uncertainty.

'I can really only speak for myself when I say that I am fighting the war against COVID-19 the same way our president fought the war against Vietnam - safely sheltered at home' he said.

The Insta-Roast, produced by Beacher and Talent Resources, can be seen every Saturday and Sunday starting at 5pm PST.

Beachers 4Forty4 Media group also signed a $5million deal to produce a new celeb podcast hosted by legendary broadcaster Larry King, set to launch in mid-July.
Independent Goa MLA Rohan Khaunte



on Sunday said passengers alighted a day earlier from a special train at Madgaon station despite Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stating there would be no halts here in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

Eleven people who alighted from the special Delhi- Thiruvananthapuram train on Saturday tested positive for novel coronavirus, taking the state's COVID-19 count to 66.

"The darkest day for #Goa as we realise that Centre has no respect for our @goacm. COVID Express still took halt on Saturday. Centre is making our CM a #Pappu! Goa scores half century in active cases," Khaunte tweeted.

"Has @DrPramodPSawant lost his control over his position? Why were Goans kept in dark over Rajdhani taking halt? Why did he lie? He is to be solely blamed for upsurge in COVID19 cases in the State," he said in another tweet.

Khaunte said state health minister Vishwajit Rane's proposal for mandatory COVID negative certificates for air passengers must be respected by the CM.

Of the 66 cases in Goa, 50 are active ones.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


Catoca diamond mine Image credit: Catoca



As it became known, last week Angola sold at least five modules (parcels) of goods supplied by its main diamond producer, Sociedade Mineira de Catoca. Five modules contain the entire monthly production of this company. According to market information, the rough diamonds could have been sold at $ 72-74 per carat.

Catoca already had some diamond sales this year, but it is the sale occurred last week that can be safely called the first Covid-period trading session in the current frozen market. What are the takeaways? They are, in my opinion, very controversial.

It immediately comes to ones mind that some market activity is still on and demand for diamonds has not vanished, so once the borders will be opened everything will be back on track, though with certain adjustments, of course. Catocas monthly production is not small, presumably over 600,000 carats. The fact that Indian companies bought the entire amount suggests that demand is there. Moreover, the GJEPC coquettishly proposed to transfer the ban on the export of rough to India from May 15 to June 1 while Angola is selling off everything it can. This is understandable  its every man for himself.

However, the question of possible consequences for the market remains open - this is what it is worth to explore. And to do this let us look back to the recent past.

One year before the pandemic, prices for Catoca diamonds exceeded $ 100 per carat. If in 2017, Catocas diamonds were sold at $ 82-86 per carat, then starting from January 2018 their price quickly flew over the bar of $ 100 heading higher, towards $ 110, 115... At the same time, the new leadership of the Angolan diamond industry made flashy statements about the ongoing fight against the corrupted legacy of the past regime, thus explaining the rapid increase in prices it offered for Catocas goods.

Simultaneously with the start of fighting against the damned past, there occurred a split in the new management of the Angolan diamond industry. The once integral structure of Endiama, to which the countrys state diamond trader Sodiam was subordinate, turned to be divided into two functional units: Sodiam was made an independent trader, and Endiama was made responsible primarily for the development of diamond mining in the country. Diamond producers, including Catoca, of which Endiama is a shareholder, were allowed to sell up to 60 percent of their goods on their own, while Sodiam preserved the right to purchase first. In addition, it should be borne in mind that above all this there is the countrys regulatory ministry. This split predictably led to a conflict of bureaucratic interests which brought about a sharp rise in the commission going up to more than 10 percent from 6.5 percent, which buyers were obliged to pay to the state if they bought their goods directly from the producer. Then this commission was again reduced by half. There is still no public system of access criteria for buying Catocas diamonds, there are no sightholders or long-term contract holders, and neither Sodiam nor Endiama hold regular tenders for these products. In general, since 2017, the Catoca sales system has certainly not only failed to add transparency, but rather the other way around. It is noteworthy that there were no additional investments in the mining industry of Angola during the two years of rising diamond prices.

While Philippe Mellier used to squeeze every penny out of De Beers sightholders exploiting the inertia of the past trusting relationship between the monopoly and its customers based on the principle of I sell for as much as I get paid, Angolas current diamond policy is based on an even more elusive foundation, which is the exploitation of hopes and expectation of future preferences.

If the price of the past week transaction was indeed $ 72-74 per carat, then in my opinion it is not quite correct to talk about a radical price reduction from the level of $ 100 per carat and above. It makes sense to compare this price with the one that was practiced in the market before the episode of anti-corruption fight, and at that time it was maintained at about $ 85 per carat. Consequently, the price of $ 72 per carat is not very comfortable for current buyers, as there are too many factors that make this purchase another "investment in the future", work for stock, rather than useful for the current business. The price of $ 85-88 per carat in 2017 was a good price for buyers leaving them a strong margin. The sales system, of course, was completely opaque, although very understandable. Everything depended on the decision of one person, no objective criteria existed, only loyalty. But the loyalty was worth it.

In 2018, Angola decided to change the sales system, it needed money to increase production. And this is a really important task. The cost of production in Angola allows it to compete effectively with other producers; Angola has the promising Luaxe diamond pipe and if it reaches the stage of a project at estimated capital costs this would allow the country to lay claim to a leading position in the world in terms of volume and profitability of its diamond business. Actually, a 20-percent increase in the price of Catoca diamond goods could have generated almost $ 200 million a year, which would have permitted the country to independently invest in Luaxe, exploration, and alluvial diamond fields. But that did not happen.

The new diamond marketing policy has sparked genuine interest among rough diamond buyers. Companies were mentally prepared to see higher prices hoping to get stability, transparency and guaranteed supplies in return. Actually, there are not so many companies willing to buy rough worth tens of millions of U.S. dollars from Angola on a monthly basis and paying for it 100 percent upfront. Even the largest shareholder of this company, Russias ALROSA, which is also one of the few market participants, if not the only one, which can pull the cart of the Luaxe project, started again to buy Catocas rough and pay for it a high price.

However, the rising value of goods did not induce higher investments in the extractive sector, and now there are no such opportunities. There is an opaque sales system, low prices and a lack of prospects for diamond mining.

It seems to me that the price of $ 72-74 per carat (excluding the state commission) is too high in the current environment, this is another sale in lieu of future merits. This is not particularly good news for the market as a whole.

A February batch of Catoca rough diamonds was recently also delivered from Angola at prices that were different from the prices of rough supplied last week. Consequently, there are already two conflicting stocks of Angolan rough in the market. I would not be surprised if Angola decides to continue sales lowering prices, which will confuse the already fortunate buyers, who bought it last week at $ 72-74 per carat. I dont think the elegant splashing fuel onto a burning house will be appreciated anywhere.

De Beers plans to hold its trading sight in the coming June. The sales system of De Beers, unlike that of Angola, is much more understandable and the steps taken by the company to give its customers the right to reject 100 percent of rough offered for sale are adequate to the situation. Of course, Angola's sale of 600,000 carats of diamonds two weeks before the planned sight will definitely not draw tears of tenderness from De Beers management and the corporations shareholders - the government of Botswana and Anglo American.

Angola could contact ALROSA and offer it to buy rough in stock to support the mining sector. In the end, the country does not have a more trusted partner. But ALROSA has naturally always been interested in strengthening its influence on the marketing policy of Catoca, where it is a shareholder, as well as in strengthening its control over the Luaxe project, where it is the main technical contractor and investor. For some reason, Im sure that the Angolan side is not happy about strengthening anyones influence on sales. Investments are welcome, and its better if they are made just on friendly terms, but its not the case with sales. However, there are no such "patient" partners around.

Summing up, it is possible to say the following. In the two years that Angola skimmed off additional margins from the market promising a transparent sales system based on public criteria, it could have been possible to attract sufficient funds to independently develop Luaxe, alluvial projects and lay claim for a leading position in the global diamond market. This did not happen. There is no system, no auctions, no investment in production. There are the same sales to a minimum set of customers defined by opaque decisions. If the past management was accused that part of the profit from the sale of Catoca diamonds settled in the pockets of a narrow group of people, then it is even less clear where the money generated by the high diamond prices in the past two years is gone. Perhaps the money went to Angolas budget, but certainly was not used to develop the diamond mining sector, which is the second source of livelihood after oil for the country. Angola could count on a reliable and trusted investor, which is ALROSA, but Angola does not do it.

What is happening will in the long run obviously push De Beers to strengthen the marketing program for the provenance of diamonds in jewelry consumption markets, especially in the United States, in order to minimize the unpredictability of hasty decisions of some market stakeholders. This is especially true for the market of engagement rings. Perhaps the two largest diamond mining companies, ALROSA and De Beers, will accept additional informal criteria for sightholders, which will take into account their actions during the crisis. Of course, synthetic diamonds will be there in the picture. They look attractive to the leaner middle-class wallet and are more predictable material for the jewelry business from all points of view.

The coronavirus pushed some market stakeholders to act as if its every man for himself. This is an understandable principle, although the fragile diamond business has always stuck to the more efficient "one good turn deserves another". But it doesnt matter what principle is at play - any of them should be bolstered by a real long-term strategy that is adequate to the life horizon of mining projects, not monthly sales. I dare to suggest that someone has such a strategy, but in our case, it is not Angola.

Sergey Goryainov, Rough & Polished




A day after Assam recorded the



highest of 87 COVID-19 cases on a single day, four fresh cases have been reported in the state on Sunday, a senior minister said.

With this there are total 350 COVID-19 positive cases in the state.

Of the 350, 286 are active cases, while 57 have recovered, four have died and three migrated out of the state.

"Four new #COVID19+ confirmed. Two from Chirang, at Tezpur quarantine centre; two from Jorhat with travel history to Chennai", Health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted.

The state has so far carried out 55,862 tests which the minister claimed was higher than that of Kerala.

"In a strong testimony to excellent team work and our steely resolve to do the best in a crisis like #COVID19, I am humbled to share that #Assam has carried out 55,862 tests so far. This is higher than Kerala's (52,771), a state known for its healthcare excellence", the minister said in another tweet.

Guwahati Medical College Hospital recorded the highest of 15,807, followed by 12,096 at Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College Hospital, Barpeta, 7,276 at Regional Medical Research Centre, Lahowal, 6,716 at Tezpur Medical College Hospital, 6,334 at Jorhat Medical College Hospital, 5,140 at Silchar Medical College Hospital and 2,502 at Assam Medical College Hospital, Dibrugarh, the minister said.

He also congratulated the "behind-the-curtain #COVIDHeroes - our lab technicians, scientists, microbiology faculty of medical colleges, and team RMRC who made extraordinary efforts to make this happen. And most certainly kudos to our dedicated teams from #HealthDeptt @nhm_assam".

The minister had said on Saturday that the situation in Assam has reached a challenging phase and the government will write to other states to ensure that buses and trucks carrying people without maintaining social distancing are not allowed movement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
He has been keeping fans entertained, motivated and encouraged throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns on social media.

And Matthew McConaughey and his wife, Camila Alves, went one step further on Friday, taking to the streets to deliver 110,000 masks to those in need.

The 50-year-old took to social media to open up about their charity initiate which saw them drive to rural Texas to deliver the PPE products to hospitals in need.

Doing good: Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves took to their pickup truck on Friday to deliver 110,000 face masks to rural hospitals in their hometown of Texas

'Thanks to @lincoln for donating 110 thousand masks  me and @camilamcconaughey hitting the road to get em to rural hospitals in need across Texas,' he captioned the post.

Matthew took control of the wheel and sported a tank top and a bandanna over his head for the ride to the rural areas.

Camila called shotgun and wore a long sleeved top with a sky blue beanie.

Helping out where possible: Camila and Matthew recently delivered 80,00 masks on a separate occasion to healthcare workers

Encouraging mask wearing: Matthew has continued to show his masks off on social media

Both Matthew and Camila were also taking protective measures by wearing a mask amid the easy spread of the deadly virus.

The Dallas Buyers Club star has continued to speak up regarding taking protective measures throughout lockdown around the country.

'Science is behind us right now and the mask is about letting science catch up' he told CNN earlier in the month.

'It's about helping the people on the frontline, don't let happen what happened in New York where there's two patients for every bed, we've got to buy time.'

He continued: 'A mask is a very good tool for that and I have not heard any science saying that it's not so I don't even know how there's any real argument about wearing a mask or not.'

Love: Matthew and Camila have been married since 2012 and share three children together (pictured January 2019)

Sharing his thoughts: The Dallas Buyers Club star has continued to speak up regarding taking protective measures throughout lockdown around the country

Matthew also has also hosted an online bingo night for seniors and spoke in the virtual 2020 graduation celebration over the past few weeks.

The actor also sent a message out to fans very early on during the pandemic, reminding people that we will get out of the mess.

'Hey everybody, McConaughey here, just want to say that in these crazy times that we're in with the coronavirus, let's take care of ourselves and each other,' he said in a video back in March.

'Let's not go to the lowest common denominator and get paranoid. Let's do our due diligence, take the precautions we need to take care of ourselves and those of us around us.'

He continued: 'So, in this time when people are going to move on, the economy is going to be in shambles for who knows how long, there is a green light on the other side of this red light that we're in right now.'

Encouraging words: 'Let's not go to the lowest common denominator and get paranoid. Let's do our due diligence, take the precautions we need to take care of ourselves and those of us around us,' he said on social media in March

'I believe that green light is going to be built upon the values that we can enact right now. Values of fairness, kindness, accountability, resilience, respect, courage.'

'If we practice those things right now, when we get out of this, this virus, this time might be the one time that brings us all together and unifies us like we have not been in a long time.'

The father-of-three ended his spiel with: 'So, yes, let's see if we can make some lemonade out of this lemon that we're living in the middle of. Turn a red light into a green light and just keep living.'

There have been over 1.66 million confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States alone. The country is now nearing 100,000 deaths.
Feminist writer Clementine Ford issued a rare apology for saying coronavirus 'isn't killing men fast enough' after she was told a council grant to help her write a new book was on the line.

The 39-year-old posted the outrageous statement on Twitter on Saturday in response to an article written about gender disparities in parenting children during the coronavirus crisis.

She shared the story of a woman forced to quit her lucrative job during the pandemic because her stay-at-home husband couldn't cope with full time parenting - and said the man in the story was a 'pathetic... globular dipsh*t'.

'This woman deserves better,' she said.

The initial tweet was followed up by a second comment, which read: 'Honestly, the coronavirus isn't killing men fast enough.'

Ford, who gave birth to a son in late-2016, shared her divisive opinion with her 133,000 Twitter followers on Saturday in response to an article written about gender disparities in parenting children

On Sunday Ford issued a long-winded apology after a grant worth thousands of dollars awarded by Melbourne City Council was put under review.

She was handed the grant to help her write a new book, but the council is now reviewing its selection process, Herald Sun reported.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Ford's post was 'deliberately divisive and incredibly unhelpful when we are trying to keep our community together during COVID-19'.

'I found these comments offensive and distasteful and I agree with the sentiment of outrage expressed by many members of our community,' she said.

Mayor Capp explained Ford was given the grant through an independent process as part of a program to support Melbourne's local arts and cultural sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

'I have asked the CEO to review the selection process for these grants,' she said.

Hours later, Ford apologised for her comments, saying she was 'a big enough person' to admit when she had 'misjudged something'.

'I still stand 100 per cent behind my fury at men exploiting women's unpaid labour (exacerbated by the global pandemic), but I've reconsidered my flippancy in discussing it,' she wrote.

Ford shared the story of a woman forced to quit her lucrative job during the pandemic because her stay-at-home husband couldn't cope with full time parenting

On Sunday Ford issued a long-winded apology about the controversial comment after a grant offered to her by Melbourne City Council was put under review (part of the apology pictured)

'Regardless of what people want to think about me, I have no wish to compound harm and grief for anyone, nor be dismissive of the very real impact and fear a crisis like this presents.

'A flippant (and yes, poorly judged) tweet doesn't change that reality and it shouldn't shift the focus away from it.

'If we benefit from privilege, we should also be robust enough to accept critique of the systems that privilege us and work to change them.'

But hundreds of people didn't buy the apology.

'Yeah, not so fast girl. It wasn't flippant it was thirsty and banal. And it's done some serious damage,' one user tweeted.

'This woman doesn't admit fault easily... clearly she got a tap on the shoulder,' another said.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Ford's post was 'deliberately divisive and incredibly unhelpful when we are trying to keep our community together during COVID-19'

Hundreds of people slammed the apology on Twitter

'It is amazing how hard you jumped off when you knew that 20k grant was in jeopardy. Pathetic,' one woman commented.

'Is this an attempt at some sort of apology? You can't even get that right!' another said.

Others came to the writer's defence and thanked her admitting she'd made a blunder.

'Many who need you love your courage. They feel power and comfort from seeing you talk to men the way men talk to us,' one woman wrote.

'That's an intentionally narrow tightrope to walk, and people who never applaud your daily performances will always be quick to yell at your corpse after a fall.'

'Thank you for your apology to those that it hurt. I just wish more people got angry about DV as much as they got angry at your tweet,' another said.

CLEMENTINE FORD'S FULL APOLOGY I'm a big enough person to admit when I've misjudged something. I still stand 100% behind my fury at men exploiting women's unpaid labour (exacerbated by the global pandemic), but I've reconsidered my flippancy in discussing it. I've always maintained that the difference between jokes that punch up and down is the reality of harm. Eg joking about firing men into the sun has no basis in reality and therefore no potential to further harm, while 'jokes' about domestic abuse are very much reflective of an extensive harm already in place. The corona tweet was contextually in response to the fact women are once again shouldering the burden of domestic labour at the expense of their own economic freedom, being let down by men who are in turn upheld by systems that have privileged them. It is acceptable to express fury at that, and its disappointing more men arent outraged by this reality. But based on my own metric outlined up thread, I have to accept fault for the corona tweet because it made a flippant joke about something that IS actually a harmful reality, and one that affects marginalised men disproportionately, not to mention robs people of their loved ones. Regardless of what people want to think about me, I have no wish to compound harm and grief for anyone, nor be dismissive of the very real impact and fear a crisis like this presents. But I also think its fair to be angry at the lack of interest in this crisis impact on women. To be astonished at how women are expected to perform the essential tasks that allow men to thrive, at the expense of womens stability, while being denied recognition for that work. A flippant (and yes, poorly judged) tweet doesnt change that reality and it shouldnt shift the focus away from it. If we benefit from privilege, we should also be robust enough to accept critique of the systems that privilege us and work to change them. Anyway, this acknowledgement isnt for the men who are looking for any reason to ignore patriarchal impact but for the people genuinely hurt by my words. Im sincerely sorry, and I wish I had framed my argument in better terms and in a way that didnt compound harm. Be well. Advertisement

Meanwhile, others came to the writer's defence and thanked her for the apology

Ford's initial tweet came on the back of several global studies that indicate men are dying of coronavirus at a faster rate than women.

Researchers from several esteemed hospitals in Beijing concluded men and women have the same potential to contract the disease, but men with COVID-19 are more at risk for worse outcomes and death, independent of age.

Of 206,128 patients, researchers at the University College London found men were twice as likely to require intensive care, and 60 per cent more likely to die.

It is not yet clear why men are more susceptible to fatal outcomes, but some health authorities have argued it is in part due to the increased likelihood of smoking and poorer hygiene habits.

Others suggested her outspoken views on men could be potentially damaging for her own son (pictured) in the future

Ford's initial post attracted an influx of criticism by people who accused her of 'weaponising feminism,' having 'daddy issues' and being 'toxic'.

Former Senator Derryn Hinch described her opinions as 'repulsive'.

'Sometimes your Twitter views are truly repulsive. If this is a serious comment I feel sorry for you. What a way to go through life full of hatred,' he responded.

Others suggested her post - which she claimed was in jest - paved the way for equally as damaging comments.

'Clementine, is this a similar joke to: ''Honestly, the corona virus isn't killing black people fast enough'' or ''Honestly, the corona virus isn't killing disabled people fast enough'' or ''Honestly, the corona virus isn't killing health care workers fast enough''?'

Ford initially argued the backlash proved 'exactly how fragile men are.'

'The same men who insist all the time that women laugh at jokes about violence against us because 'dark humour' and 'relieving tension'. Men are pathetic,' she wrote.

'Men love to screech about snowflakes and triggered feminists and women not being able to take a joke and they crumble at the first sign of a hyperbolic tweet that doesn't place them as gods at the centre of the universe. Ding dongs, all of them.'

The Melbourne-based author has previously spoken about being the target of graphic abuse, trolling and death threats from men on social media, and is known for her often polarising comments about men.

In 2017, she hand-signed a copy of her book 'Fight Like a Girl', with a message that read: 'Have you killed any men today? And if not, why not?'
ST. JACOB  Each year, teachers turn the lights off to their classroom and send off students before summer break. Some of those teachers who guide youth to success through education earn the privilege of being recognized across the state by the Golden Apple Foundation.

Its an absolute honor, sixth-grade teacher Jeanine Butler said. I work with some amazing teachers and to be recognized among them  it is definitely emotional.

As an educator at Triad Middle School in St. Jacob, Butler was nominated for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership, and was recently told she would become a fellow.

Butler has been an educator for 19 years, spending 15 years at Triad. She specializes in special education and has been working exclusively in Triads new response to intervention (RTI) program. Butler was an instrumental part in bringing a stronger RTI program to Triad, which was one of the main reasons she is now recognized as a Golden Apple Fellow, according to the Golden Apple Foundation president, Alan Mather.

With Jeanine, there were a couple [of reasons] that stood out, he said. She has to find ways to reach students in other ways that others havent. If she needs something, she isnt afraid to go get it and she did that at Triad. She works to implement what those students learn in school, in their community. It is her strong civic engagement that really shines.

What were doing as educators isnt working to just have it work in school, but outside, too, he said. We want to highlight that across the state, what great rural teachers look like.

Mather explained that, up until recently, the Golden Apple Award was only for teachers in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. However, after some rework, the foundation wanted to help show that those in more rural areas are just as hard-working.

Butler primarily works with sixth-graders but helps where she can with seventh- and eighth-graders to assist those who need a little bigger push than other students to understand the material better. She said that those students fall into a three-tier system called Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI). The tiers help educators understand how much more of a push and one-on-one guidance each student needs.

One hurdle that Butler has encountered is getting the students to participate in the extra time spent learning.

So, I came up with the learning cafe, she said. This is a time where we can spend more time with the students while they have food and drinks and they seem to really enjoy it.

Butler explained that she worked with the local chamber of commerce to help fund the food and drinks. The cafe started out for just her sixth-graders but it has worked so well that the seventh- and eighth-graders will get their own in the future. With this addition, Anderson Hospital agreed to match the chambers donation so that the educators do not have to worry about funding.

As she looks toward the future, Butler said she will be called upon by the Golden Apple Foundation to mentor as a fellow. She said the opportunity will be a bridge into the next chapter.

Fellows take time to mentor aspiring teachers who are a part of the Golden Apple. During their time in college, those in the teacher preparation and tuition assistance program will be mentored by the fellows so that they may hit the ground running, Mather said. The students continue to be mentored for one to two years in the workforce. Butler will work with about 10 budding educators at first, and may aid as many as 30 students in the future upon her retirement.

Until retirement, Butler wants to continue working with her roughly 15 Triad students.

While I think that while this is an amazing award, your work and dedication as an educator is shown in your students progress, Butler said.

Each year, the Golden Apple Foundation asks for nominations for specific grade levels, this years nominations were for educators for fourth- through eighth-grade. Butler was one of 30 selected out of 732 nominations. Nominations are currently being accepted for pre-K through third-grade for any educator, private or public, in Illinois. To nominate an educator visit: goldenapple.org/awards.

While nominations can stay anonymous, some come out to reveal their identity, and Butler said she would like nothing more.

No ones come forward to say they nominated me and I really wish they would so I can thank them, she added.
BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar called on his forces on Saturday to rally against Turkey, which has helped his Tripoli-based rivals turn the tide of a military conflict around the capital.

Recent advances by forces aligned with the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), including the seizure of a key air base, have thrown a year-long offensive on Tripoli by Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) into jeopardy.

They have also drawn a threat by the LNA, which is backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia, to carry out a massive air campaign in retaliation.

On Saturday the GNA forces pressed forward in some outlying districts of Tripoli, where they say they have had to pick their way through mines and other explosive devices laid by the LNA.

The LNA said it had withdrawn from some areas, but had also staged an ambush at Yarmouk military camp in Tripoli and killed or captured rival combatants.

Haftar, in an audio message addressed to his forces, urged them to battle the "colonial" intervention by Turkey until its defeat, in a reference to one-time Ottoman control of Libya.

"You are creating glory while fighting the odious coloniser greedy for our wealth," he said. "And you are waging war on all fronts, a war in which there is nothing but victory."

Haftar's comments were released as U.S. President Donald Trump appealed for a rapid de-escalation of the conflict in Libya in a call with Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said separately his country had "changed the balance" in Libya and averted a "full-blown civil war."

"The only solution in Libya is a political solution and Haftar needs to understand this," he said in a TV interview.

(Reporting by Ayman al-Warfalli, Hani Amara, and Jonathan Spicer; Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Richard Chang)
Continued protests in various



parts of West Bengal for restoration of water and power supplies that have been disrupted due to cyclone Amphan hindered telecom service providers to normalise the communication, officials said on Sunday.

Lack of coordination between local administrations and authorities of utilities such as power distribution companies also slowed the process of restoration, they alleged.

The Department of Telecommunications has closely been monitoring the progress of work for normalisation of telecom services in the cyclone-affected areas after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the state, the officials said.

"The primary objective of the telecom service providers is to end community isolation with restoration of at least voice service in the worst-hit areas while data services could be restored later," an official said.

At least 50 per cent of base transceiver stations (BTS) of some operators are still down in the city and the adjoining districts -- North and South 24 Parganas and Howrah -- where cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc.

BTS is key network equipment that enables mobile voice and data communication.

"Restoration work for telecom service has severely been impacted. Our workers have not been allowed to work in various parts of the state as angry residents continued to stage protests, demanding immediate restoration of power and water," a top BSNL official told PTI.

Lack of coordination between local administrations and agencies has been "slowing the restoration process", he said, adding that workers of local civic bodies and power distribution companies caused damage to optical fibres while clearing the fallen trees.

"Of 1,860 towers that house 3,200 BTS in the Kolkata circle of BSNL, around 800 tower sites are still down," he said.

Reliance Jio said it has regained 70 per cent of their coverage with temporary solutions like mobile BTS and other mechanisms.

"Of around 5,000 BTS, a total of 1,100 are not in operational but mostly due to lack of power connection. We hope to cover around 90 per cent by tomorrow. We have deployed 500 teams from network companies," a senior Jio official said.

Vodafone-Idea and Airtel did not respond to the queries about their network.

"It could take a month for the telecom services to be normalised," an telecom official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Spanish tourism chiefs say they want to give Brits 'priority' amid mounting fury from the travel industry and European leaders at the 'unworkable' plan to put holidaymakers in a 14-day isolation when they return from their trip.

Influential tourist group Exceltur has said that UK sunseekers are vital to Spain's chances of a strong summer season and will be given priority in a safe 'air corridor' to lure them back to the Costas this summer.

It comes just days after Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez to put the UK at the top of his list of target countries in talks aimed at reaching bilateral 'safe corridor' swaps.

But ministers were under mounting pressure last night to ditch tough new quarantine rules that will make it very difficult for Britons to take holidays overseas.

People enjoy a morning out at La Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona today as the country slowly loosens a strict coronavirus lockdown

Tourist hotspots including Italy, Spain and Greece plan to open their borders to visitors fully this summer.

But under plans announced by Home Secretary Priti Patel on Friday, anyone arriving into the UK after June 8  including returning holidaymakers  will have to self-isolate for 14 days or face fines of 1,000, making it impractical for most Britons to take a foreign break.

Last night the Government faced a chorus of protest from business leaders and former Tory and Labour Cabinet Ministers alike, urging a rethink because of the damage to the travel industry.

The Mail on Sunday understands that airlines have submitted papers to the Government warning that the quarantine will wreak painful economic damage on Britain and cause more job losses unless UK borders are opened to low-risk countries 'no later than mid-June'.

Mr Sanchez sent out his clearest message yet Spain was getting ready to welcome back as many of its 80 million visitors each year by telling foreign tourists on Saturday: 'We'll be waiting for you from July.'

People play beach volley at La Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona today. The country is getting ready to welcome tourists back

He told a live televised address yesterday: 'Spain receives each year more than 80 million visitors.

'That's why I'm announcing to you that from the month of July the entry of international tourism to Spain will restart in safety.

'Foreign tourists can now start planning their holidays here.'

He laid the ground for bilateral agreements with other countries like Spain who are easing out of lockdown after beginning to win the war on Covid-19 by stressing 'safety in origin and destination' and insisting: 'We will guarantee that tourists will be under no risk and also that they won't bring any risks.'

The next few days will see intense negotiations between ministers of leading EU nations about the 'safe corridor' plans and how they could be put in practice if the health situation in target countries continues to improve.

Pedro Sanchez Sanchez sent out his clearest message yet Spain was getting ready to welcome back as many of its 80 million visitors each year by telling foreign tourists on Saturday: 'We'll be waiting for you from July'

Exceltur's vice-president Jose Luis Zoreda called the Spanish PM's speech 'very positive.'

He said: 'This kickstarts British and German tour operators because they now know they can operate in July if all goes well.'

Telling Catalan daily El Periodico that Britain, which accounted for more than 18 million of Spain's foreign tourists last year, and Germany should be priority countries in the 'safe corridor' negotiations, he added:

'The speech Pedro Sanchez made was very positive because he committed to a date with enough time for potential tourists to book holidays here, and because of the message it sends that the Prime Minister of a country is welcoming back foreign visitors.

'The common denominator will not be nationality but the corridors.'

Saying he thought it was unlikely EU-wide agreements on re-opening borders could be reached by July, he added: 'We have to get going to establish these bilateral corridors and agreements.'

Many Spanish town halls have already indicated social distancing through limits on the number of tourists who can enjoy their beaches, will be top of their list of priorities.

The Costa del Sol resort of Fuengirola has said it will use artificial intelligence to control numbers.

Authorities in Lloret de Mar on the Costa Brava have said they intend to put different age groups in different areas of their beaches.

Travellers entering Spain are currently being forced to quarantine for 14 days but the order will be lifted when the country ends its current state of emergency at the end of June at the latest unless there is a dramatic change in the health situation.

Additional measures like temperature checks at airports for foreign tourists who jet to Spain in July are also being studied.

Juan Marin, vice-president of the Junta de Andalucia which is the regional government responsible for areas like the Brit-popular Costa del Sol, insisted today/yesterday (SUN) rapid Covid-19 tests on foreign tourists could be the way forward for the recovery of the International holiday market.

He told a Spanish radio station the country had to compete on a level playing field with competitor nations like Portugal and Italy, warning: 'If we miss out this summer, we'll be facing a frozen winter.'

Teresa Ribera, one of the Spanish government's vice-presidents, has said 'safe corridors' will 'probably' be applied along the same lines as peoples' movements between regions as part of a national tourism scheme.
The UAE has been elected as a member of the Council Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART), established by members of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) due to the outbreak of the Covid-19, said a report.

The Task Force is a step to revive the aviation sector and help governments to overcome the burdens caused by the current pandemic, in order to resume economic prosperity and put a limit to unemployment rates in the aviation sector, said a report in WAM.

The goal of CART is to propose policies and priorities for states on a strategic level to prepare the world for the post-crisis era. CART also aims to support states and industry to overcome the challenges associated with Covid-19 to bring back the aviation operations and movements around the world and reconnect airports once again keeping in mind health precautions and measures issued by international and local health authorities, to create more flexible aviation system for the future.

The task group consists of the Council members, representatives and heads of the global aviation sector and United Nations organisations such as the World Health Organisation and the World Tourism Organisation.

Saif Al Suwaidi- Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, GCAA, said: "The UAE welcomes the initiative taken by the ICAO Council. The UAE Government attaches the highest importance to international cooperation, as we believe that the international community must stand together to overcome the challenges presented by the Covid-19 outbreak and to recover from its effects."

"The air transport industry is one of the vital pillars of the global socio-economic growth and a vital one for economic development, creating job opportunities, supporting tourism and local businesses, and stimulating foreign investment and international trade and supporting it should priority of every government."

He added: "Locally, the UAE has always sought to support the economic sector and ensure the continuity of those affected by the spread of the Covid-19 around the world. The GCAA held several coordination meetings with the national carriers and the concerned authorities to discuss the impact of the consequences of the Covid-19 virus on the civil aviation sector in the country and the proposed solutions to reduce these repercussions."

"The GCAA and its strategic partners are also working and coordinating with government entities under the umbrella of The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority to develop a comprehensive strategy that seeks to limit the damages of this global pandemic," he said.
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As India is set to resume its domestic civil aviation operations from May 25, the Delhi airport will be handling around 380 flights on Monday, a senior official said.

As per the directions of the Civil Aviation Ministry, domestic flight operations will resume after remaining suspended for about two months following the nationwide lockdown imposed to constrain the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Delhi airport will be handling around 380 domestic flights on Monday. There will be 190 departures and around 190 arrivals," a senior government official said.

On Saturday, the Delhi airport's operator DIAL said it has taken several measures including installation of automatic hand sanitisers at various places, putting floor markers, allocation of entry gates and check-in islands for departing passengers.

These steps have been taken to enforce social distancing norms and minimize human contact at the airport, the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Situated in Robinsonville, Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall Tunica is an easy drive from Tunica and provides a sauna, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. It has a gym, as well as meeting rooms, a concierge and an express check-in and check-out feature.
For the man who heads up Saint John's largest food bank, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a wide range of experiences.

The Community Food Basket's executive director John Buchanan has seen a little hardship, some desperation, more innovation, a few surprises, a lot of generosity and even a silver lining.

"It's been unusual, to say the least." Buchanan said, as he and his small staff of volunteers were about to dig into some pizza to mark the end of another week of hard work.

This is a busy food bank that serves Saint John's central and south end neighbourhoods, and most of the work is being done by just six volunteers.

The food bank had to tell most of its other volunteers to stay home as the pandemic hit New Brunswick, because they were in the age group deemed most vulnerable to the illness.

"They didn't want to [stay home]," Buchanan said, "But we just had to tell them we can't take the risk."

Saint John Community Food Basket

COVID-19 has meant a lot of changes in how the food bank operates.

Normally, it uses a "client choice" model, where people are able to browse the shelves and select the items they need.

These days, that's not possible.

Instead, clients must wait outside the building, not always ideal depending on the weather. They're let in one at a time, must wear masks, and are given bags of groceries put together by the volunteers.

Buchanan said it all takes about three minutes per client.

CBC

When the pandemic first hit the province in March and schools closed, the food bank was expecting to see more families needing the service.

Instead, like most food banks within the city limits, its numbers are actually down.

Buchanan thinks there are a number of reasons for that.

First, there's no doubt some people are afraid they'll be infected and are staying home.

Buchanan said the city has also seen a number of pop-up groups who are now delivering food to people, which eliminates the need to visit a food bank.

Story continues

Federal programs help

And he also thinks there's more money in the community, and that federal relief programs like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit are the reason why.

"Absolutely, CERB and the increase in the Canada child benefit," Buchanan said.

"I think a lot more people are shopping at Giant Tiger for groceries because there's more money out there."

But he's quick to point out that food banks in the southwest part of the province, outside of Saint John, are seeing a big increase in people needing help, in some cases as much as 50 per cent.

It's not just corporate donations, it's people dropping in to hand over a $20 or a $50 out of their pockets. John Buchanan

And, Buchanan said, the people using the Community Food Basket now seem to have "a level of desperation" he hasn't seen before, under the combined weight of a pandemic and wondering how they'll continue to feed themselves and their families.

That's why he has such high praise for the generosity of the community.

Buchanan said corporate donations through the pandemic have been strong, including $1 million donations to food banks from both J.D. Irving and McCain Foods and a personal donation from Frank and Julie McKenna of $100,000.

"But it's not just corporate donations, it's people dropping in to hand over a $20 or a $50 out of their pockets."

Buchanan said it allows the food bank to be generous with its clients.

"They're just amazed by how much they get," he said, "Some say they can't eat it all, and we tell them to give it to someone who needs it."

The food bank has also been able to share food with other charities, such as the Romero House soup kitchen, which is just a few blocks away.

Stacey Janzer/CBC

Buchanan said there have already been lessons learned from this pandemic.

He said the various agencies in the city that deal with food security issues have been talking about ways to work better as a network for situations such as this, "so, if this happens again, we can just flip a switch and be back in business."

And it has led to his own food bank talking about the possibility of delivering food in the future to some clients.

"About 85 per cent of our clients have to walk to get here. Some have mobility issues, some have illnesses, so we're looking at ways we might deliver food."

He said the group would likely partner with an agency like the YMCA to get food to clients who can't get to the food bank.

But Buchanan said, for now, it is focused on the pandemic, something he believes will be an issue for some time yet.

"We're in this for the long haul."
GARRETTSVILLE, Ohio  A man was found dead in the water at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park Sunday afternoon, officials said.

The Portage County Water Rescue Team was called to the park in Garrettsville on a report of a missing swimmer, the Kent fire department wrote in a Facebook post. Kent fire crew members are a part of the rescue team.

Rescue team divers found the man dead in the water, the post says. No further information about the mans identity has been publicly released.

The Kent fire department used the incident to remind swimmers to never swim alone and to wear a life jacket.

As part of the Portage County Water Rescue Team, Kent Fire divers responded to Nelson Ledges Quarry Park for a missing... Posted by City of Kent Fire Department on Sunday, May 24, 2020

More Northeast Ohio news:

Kent State plans to resume in-person classes, dorm living in August

Mayfield Village takes a step to preserve its tree canopy

Taking local school control from Youngstown; pushing school choice over adequate funding
Zambia's Information Minister Dora Siliya has tested positive for coronavirus, state TV reported Saturday.

Chief government spokesperson was quoted as saying the minister, who was asymptomatic, confirmed her status on testing for the virus.

Ms Siliya has since gone into self-isolation.

Zambia's confirmed cases were approaching one thousand after the country widened its screening and testing. She was the first senior figure to make public her status.

The country had shut its border with Tanzania at Nakonde-Tunduma after recording more than seventy cases on a single day.

The landlocked state of 17 million never went into a lockdown but imposed restrictions which included closing bars, casinos and gyms and schools.

But two weeks ago, President Lungu allowed reopening of gyms and casinos but not bars, saying the country had to find a way of carrying on amidst the pandemic.

Universities remain closed but examination classes for secondary and primary schools will resume June 1.

He said the country's economy was "choking" due to inactivity.

Zambia is grappling with huge Chinese debt and a slowdown in economic activity necessitated by Covid-19.
An Air India flight carrying 93 Indians who were stranded in the United Kingdom arrived at the Indore airport in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday morning, an official said.

As part of the Centre's 'Vande Bharat' mission, the flight from London reached here via Mumbai at 8.04 am, Indore's Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport Director Aryama Sanyal said.

The special flight carried 93 Indians from the UK, she said.

A health checkup of the passengers was conducted and their belongings were sanitised, she said.

The passengers will be kept under the mandatory 14-day quarantine, the official said.

Indians stranded abroad due to travel restrictions following the coronavirus outbreak are being flown back home under the central government's 'Vande Bharat' mission.

Image credits: Twitter
UPDATE: Pennsylvania State Police release photo of suspect in 2 killings still on the loose

Pennsylvania State Police issued a notice Sunday urging the public to be on the lookout for a fugitive wanted for two homicides in Connecticut.

Peter Manfredonia fled a homicide at 9 a.m. Friday on Mirtl Road in Willington, Connecticut, police said. He was wearing dark clothes and is armed and dangerous, police said.

Connecticut State Police posted on Facebook on Sunday afternoon that a car linked to Manfredonia was found in New Jersey near the Pennsylvania border.

Vehicle was located in New Jersey at the Pennsylvania border. Posted by Connecticut State Police on Sunday, May 24, 2020

Pennsylvania state police trooper David L. Peters said Manfredonias last known location was in East Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania.

Connecticut State Police said in a news release that Manfredonia, 23, killed 62-year-old Theodore Demers with an edged weapon in Willington, Connecticut. He allegedly assaulted a second man at the Willington home. He was seen leaving the home Friday.

Peter Manfredonia.Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com

Connecticut State Police said Manfredonia committed a home invasion on Turnpike Road Willington on Sunday and made off with pistols and long guns. He stole a truck and took it to the home of Nicholas J. Eisele, an acquaintance of his, police said.

He allegedly killed Eisele, 23, on Roosevelt Road in Derby, Connecticut. Police said Eisele was found dead Sunday. An autopsy is pending.

He took a 2016 black Volkswagen Jetta from Derby and abandoned it in New Jersey near the Pennsylvania border. He took another form of transportation to get to East Stroudsburg, police said.

Peter Manfredonia.Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com

Published reports in the Hartford Courant and Connecticut Post say Manfredonia is a senior at the University of Connecticut.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. If theres anything about this story that needs attention, please email him. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
New Delhi :

India and the United States are looking at ways to cooperate at the consular level in events of crisis like natural disasters where the two countries can help each other in providing information about their citizens.

Michele Bond, US Assistant Secretary of state for Consular Affairs, also welcomed Indias efforts to bring in a legislation in line with the Hague Abduction Convention.

She is in India for an annual Consular Dialouge. The issue of H-1B visa also discussed between the two countries.

Our thought is our governments might look at how we can cooperate on planning for the kinds of regional events that we want to be prepared to respond in a well-coordinated and well planned way.

Because there are things that happen, say if we take the big tsunami some years ago where every country in the region is going to involved in responding, everyone is going to have citizens, ... We have citizens who are involved.

Any kind of crisis where multiple governments need to be informed about...We see lot of example of natural and other kind of disasters where people who are involved need good information and their family members are frantically trying to find out where are they...are they ok?, she said.

Regarding a legislation on H-1B and L Visa Reform Act of 2016 pending in the US Congress, Bond said over 70 per cent of the H1-B visas go to Indians.

Recently the visa fees for H-1B were also raised. The Indian IT sector had raised concerns about the legislation, which hurt its revenue model. She also said that there is no drop in visa applications.

We did talk about those visas and it is very important to recognise what success story the H-1B and L visas are. Indians citizens receive almost 70 per cent of the all H-1B visas worldwide. So it is over-whelming Indian applicants are one the ones successful in qualifying for these visas, Bond said.

She said increasing business to business ties, providing efficient and prompt assistance to business travellers on B-1 and H-I visas is a big priority for the US.

She added that as for the L visas, Indian citizens receive approximately 30 per cent of all L issued worldwide.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
To the Editor:

Re U.S. Deaths Near 100,000, an Incalculable Loss (front page, May 24):

Thank you so much for this heartbreaking, breathtaking memorial. As a minister, I tell my congregants that memorializing someone is about much more than remembering the outlines of a persons life. Its about making what seems unreal  death of our loved one  more real, more concrete. Its about building a container for our grief. Its about retelling the story of how the person who died has shaped us.

Youve done all of those things.

When many people die at once, a mass memorial plays an even more important societal role: to shape the story we will tell about what happened. This story will then shape our future. In humanizing our beloved dead, you have reminded us that each person is precious, not something to be sacrificed for a growth economy. May that reminder spur us to action: If future epidemics are met with a just society and competent leadership, more of us will survive.

(Rev.) Elizabeth Bukey

Roslindale, Mass.

To the Editor:

Thank you, New York Times, for acknowledging lives we have lost to Covid-19, and for making overwhelming numerical data so personal. Without a single photograph, you illustrated so powerfully the breadth and depth of the losses endured by so many Americans. May each of the grieving families know that they are not alone. We mourn with them.

Margaret OHara

West Orange, N.J.

To the Editor:

Your graphic depiction of the staggering loss of nearly 100,000 Americans to Covid-19 (so far) is moving beyond words. But I fear that the common, if unconscious, tendency to focus on the death toll only in our country (when more than 340,000 people have died worldwide) suggests that we think the loss of an American life is more of a tragedy than the loss of a life elsewhere. It has never been more important to rise above the constraints of nationalism and tribalism in order to affirm our common humanity.
Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Sunday that Kashmir was a "disputed territory" and any attempt to challenge its status would be responded with full military might.

Gen Bajwa made the remarks during his visit to the Puna Sector of the Line of Control where he spent Eid with troops.

Addressing his troops, Bajwa said that disturbing the strategic stability matrix in South Asia can lead to dire consequences.

"Kashmir is a disputed territory and any attempt to challenge the disputed status including any political-cum-military thought related to aggression will be responded with full national resolve and military might, Bajwa said.

Early this month, India told Pakistan that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas of Gilgit and Baltistan, are an integral part of India by virtue of its fully legal and irrevocable accession.

The General said that the Army was fully alive of the threat spectrum and will remain ever ready to perform its part in line with national aspirations.

He also lauded troops' professionalism and operational preparedness to give "a befitting response" to alleged Indian ceasefire violations as well as their morale in the face of evolving challenges.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As thousands protest in Hong Kong, Chinas top diplomat says bill is imperative to guarantee its national security.

Chinas top diplomat has said a controversial security law proposed by Beijing for Hong Kong should be imposed without the slightest delay.

The bill, which was submitted on Fridays opening day of Chinas national legislative session, would allow the government to directly impose national security laws on the semi-autonomous financial hub.

Critics say the planned changes  which target secessionist and subversive activity, as well as foreign interference  threaten Hong Kongs political and legal autonomy and go against the one country, two systems framework that promises the city freedoms not found in mainland China.

Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, State Councillor Wang Yi, who is also Chinas foreign minister, tried to ease concerns that the legislation would erode the freedoms and rights of the people in Hong Kong, as well as harm foreign investors.

Wang said, however, the law was imperative after anti-government protests in Hong Kong last year seriously endangered Chinas national security, describing the demonstrators as radical localists who do not express the opinions of the majority of the people in Hong Kong.

The city was rocked by months of massive, often-violent demonstrations in 2019 amid growing anger over a now-shelved bill to extradite criminal suspects for trial in mainland China.

Thousands of people returned to the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday to protest against the new proposed security law, marking the largest demonstration since the coronavirus was first detected in the city in January.

Local media reported that dozens of people were arrested as police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.

An international backlash intensified on Saturday as nearly 200 political figures from around the world said in a statement the proposed laws were a comprehensive assault on the citys autonomy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms.

Wang on Sunday reiterated that anything to do with Hong Kong was an internal matter and warned other countries against meddling in its affairs.

China-US tensions

In separate comments addressing the growing tensions between the United States and China, Wang said the worlds two largest economies stood to gain from cooperation and would lose from confrontation, adding both sides must find a way for peaceful coexistence.

Ties between Beijing and Washington have deteriorated since the outbreak of the new coronavirus, with the administrations of President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping repeatedly trading barbs over issues related to the pandemic.

They have also clashed over Hong Kong, human rights, trade and US support for Chinese-claimed Taiwan.





Wang said Washington and Beijing need to start coordinating macro policies for their respective economies as well as the world economy.

I want to say here: Dont waste precious time any longer, and dont ignore lives, said Wang.

What China and the United States need to do the most is to first learn from each other and share their experience in fighting against the epidemic, and help each country fight against the epidemic.

China remains prepared to work with the US in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, he told reporters, when asked if the two countries relations would further worsen.

China has always advocated that, as the worlds largest developing country and the largest developed country, both of us bear a major responsibility for world peace and development, he said.
WASHINGTON  As states begin to reopen from coronavirus-related shutdowns, a wave of unpaid utility bills coming due will not only saddle Americans still out of work with new debt, it could also drive up rates for everyone.

And the $900 million that Congress provided in the CARES Act to help low-income households pay their utility bills won't be nearly enough to ease the problem, advocates and experts say.

When states began issuing stay-at-home orders and millions of Americans lost their job due to COVID-19, governors in dozens of states temporarily barred utility companies from shutting off gas, water, electricity and even internet. In other states, utility companies voluntarily agreed not to shut off utilities.

But as states move to reopen, those moratoriums will end, and advocates are already warning that many households won't have enough money to resume paying their utility bills, much less repay their deferred bill.

"It will become a problem," said Mark Wolfe, executive director of National Energy Assistance Directors' Assn., which represents state directors participating in the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help struggling Americans pay their utility bills. "We know it's coming."

Nearly 39 million Americans have sought jobless aid since the coronavirus struck.

The association estimates that as many as 36% of households nationwide may now fall into the income bracket that qualifies them for help through the program. Before the pandemic about 28% qualified, though far fewer actually received help, largely due to a shortage of funds.

The federal program, created in 1981, provides $3.74 billion nationwide annually. How and where that money is spent largely depends on state rules. Consumers can qualify if they earn less than 150% of the federal poverty rate, or 60% of the state median income.

Californians must earn less than 60% of the state's median income of $88,343 to qualify. So a family of four with an income of $53,006 or less qualifies. The state also considers other factors including the age of people in the family and existing medical needs.

Wolfe said the program normally reaches about 20% of the 32 million eligible households across the U.S. The CARES Act provided another $900 million to the program, enough to subsidize another 2 million homes, Wolfe estimated.

In early May, California received its share  $49.5 million  from the supplemental money approved by Congress.

But it won't be nearly enough, state officials said. The $206 million that California typically receives each year through the program allows it to only serve about 6% of eligible Californians, said David Scribner, acting director of the California Department of Community Services & Development.

He said applications for utility assistance haven't begun to increase since the COVID-19 outbreak, likely because the newly unemployed may not be aware of the program.

Wolfe agreed that increased demand for the program's assistance is temporarily being masked in many states because many people don't learn that they can apply for help until they get a shut-off notice, and those notices have been suspended in many states.

"At the end of the moratorium we may see a dramatic increase in applications," Scribner said, predicting that the additional $49.5 million for California will not meet the demand.

Many customers in California won't need to worry about shut-offs any time soon. The state's moratorium prohibiting energy, water, sewer and communications companies under its jurisdiction from suspending or disconnecting service for ratepayers who cannot pay their bills ends April 16, 2021.

The moratorium only applies to investor-owned companies, like Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison, that are regulated by the state. Many public utilities in California, such as Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, have voluntarily suspended shut-offs and can resume them at any time despite the governors moratorium because they are not regulated by the state.

There are already signs of trouble. Southern California Edison, which provides electricity to 15 million people, has seen an increase of nearly 150,000 customers who have fallen behind on their bill payments in the span of one month.

The patchwork of different shut-off policies nationwide may lead to disparities in different states in how long people have to pay the bill and how soon utilities get turned off if they can't. In half of states there are no statewide orders, so individual utility companies decide. In some states, water can't be turned off but other utilities can. As in California, most statewide orders don't apply to utilities not regulated by the state, such as utility cooperatives and municipality governed utilities, which serve about 30% of the country.

Most states don't require utility companies to publicly disclose the number of shut-offs that occur or how many customers are behind on their bills, so the scope of what is coming as states reopen is difficult to track.

Low-income advocates are pushing Congress for a national moratorium on shut-offs for the length of the national emergency and a six-month grace period to allow people to pay the bills once it ends.

Rather than add money to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Jean Su, director of the Center for Biological Diversity's energy justice program, said Congress needs to provide monthly direct payouts to families.

"We asked for basically bill forgiveness for this entire period for low-wealth families," Su said. "The big threat is how crippling the debt will be at the end of this. If the federal government cannot bail people out, then states will have to take it on. And probably the utilities will go to their regulators and jack up rates."

Utilities are primarily regulated at the state level, and there has been pushback to the idea of a federally-mandated ban on utility shut-offs due to unpaid bills because of the pandemic. A national moratorium was removed from the CARES Act in final negotiations, Su said. Democrats are trying again in the new $3-trillion coronavirus spending package that passed the House this month.

Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., said a national moratorium and more money for LIHEAP are stopgap measures to keep consumers' utilities connected until the direct aid in the CARES Act arrives, including enhanced unemployment benefits and stimulus payouts.

"We hope these shock absorbers will be sufficient to avoid a situation where we help people for a few months and then things get turned off," Merkley said.

Some in the energy industry have been vocal about opposing a national moratorium on shut-offs or a ban on collecting utility debts during the crisis, saying state regulators and the industry are already working together to address the crisis.

"For Congress to engage now seems akin to coming to the table to address a problem after it has already been handled and resolved," wrote Brandon Presley, president of the National Assn. of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, in a letter to congressional leaders.

Adam Benshoff, executive director for regulatory affairs for the Edison Electric Institute, which represents investor-owned electric companies that provide electricity for more than 200 million Americans, said such moves would make it hard for companies to work with state regulators and customers to develop payment plans.

"A federal moratorium on service disconnections fails to recognize that different states will recover at different times from the pandemic and, instead, imposes a one-size-fits-all approach to recovery when the reality will be very different," Benshoff said in a statement.

Utilities, regulators and many in the industry are asking Congress for at least another $4.3 billion this year for LIHEAP to be included in the next package, which would more than double what the program received for fiscal 2020. They've also encouraged lawmakers to approve aid directly to utilities to cover those who don't qualify for the low-income assistance program.

States including California are starting to work with utility companies to ensure they won't immediately call the debts in when the moratoriums lift, but there is no guarantee that millions of low-income people won't suddenly find themselves owing thousands of dollars.

"If you imagine that somebody hasn't been drawing a paycheck for three to four months and wouldn't be able to afford their utility bills during that time  they're not going to be magically able to discover three months' worth of income," said David Pomerantz, executive director of the Energy and Policy Institute, a pro-renewable energy watchdog group.

Utility companies typically plan for defaults of about 10%, but companies aren't prepared to absorb the anticipated levels of loss, Wolfe said. California utility companies have not sought a rate increase, but a few companies in other parts of the country have already asked states to allow them to increase rates for all customers, specifically blaming the coronavirus crisis.

"They've never had this many customers out of a job," he said. "They're not set up to deal with numbers like this."



Sarah D. Wire and Anna M. Phillips of the Los Angeles Times wrote this story.

2020 Los Angeles Times

Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Government should also roll-out more disability friendly policies that will ensure that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) had equal access to facilities, jobs and financial support to grow their businesses.

Of the total projected amount, GH600 million is coming from government coffers, while commercial banks in the country also put together GH 400 million.

Dr Eric Ekow Ghansah, a Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) made the call in an interview with the media at Assin-Fosu on the Government's stimulus package for businesses and its commitment to protect as many jobs as possible as the COVID-19 rages.

The President gave the assurance when he launched a GH1 billion Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP) Business Support Scheme to help MSMSEs impacted negatively by the coronavirus pandemic.

The GIMPA Lecturer however, praised government for the great intervention for businesses in to thrive in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic to enable them survive, grow and expand to create employment.

He said "the intervention is not only timely, but also appropriate in the sense that the issue is not only of health but also of serious adverse effect on every sphere of life; leaving the entire global community in an atmosphere of uncertainty.

He indicated that the stimulus package was the surest way to end the protracted issues of unemployment and its attending socio-economic and political ramfications.

On the banking sector, he expressed the hope that the move will strengthen banks to stand on their feet to avert any crisis and inspire confidence in the people and businesses.

To avoid the often abuse of such funds, he suggested that the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) the institution that will oversee the distribution of funds, publishes all beneficiaries and the qualification procedure to promote transparency, probity and accountability.

In addition to that, the distribution of the funds must be devoid of partisan political considerations that had permeated every facet of the Ghanaian society, where such funds were seen as party freebies for their contribution to party members.

That, he acknowledged would be detrimental to its intended purposes and may affect other policies to boost the MSMSEs sector.

He charged prospective beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds.

GNA
While we can't get close to one another (just yet), the way we dress is more important than ever.

At a two-metre distance, your full outfit can be fully seen and observed.

So rather than trying to hide your shape away, or behind dull colours, it's time to be brave and add a touch of brightness to what you're wearing.

You can take one step at a time, or simply add colourful touches.

Susie Hasler, who runs Styled By Susie shares the best ways to introduce colour to your outfit and what each one evokes. Pictured, Kate Middleton in blue in Birkenhead last year

After two months in lockdown, we're itching to get back to normal - and that has an impact on our mood too.

The fastest and easiest way to give ourselves (and others) a boost is, yes, with colour. There are many clever ways that you can use colour to have an effect on other people.

Colour can be used in a powerful, flirtatious or even reassuring way, depending on the situation.

Here Susie Hasler, who runs Styled By Susie , which specialises in styling women on a budget whose body shapes have changed due to having children, the menopause or gaining/losing weight, shares the best ways to introduce colour to your outfit.

What to wear for: A romantic (socially distanced) first date

Red

Without a doubt, red is the most passionate colour of the rainbow - and one to wear if you're keen to make an impact.

This hue packs a punch - and it increases your heart rate and pulse - and your blood pressure. It demands and commands attention.

So if you're trying to grab somebody's attention (either in person or over Zoom), this is the best colour to wear. (Think Selena Gomez in her gorgeous low-cut gown.)

Although you don't have to drape yourself from head to toe in scarlett! Think about subtle additions to your outfit if you're not confident enough to wear a bright, block colour dress. Think a shade of lipstick, or a scarf or a pair of earrings.

Selena Gomez, pictured on the set of her single 'Boyfriend' in a YouTube video, wore red which Susie says is 'the most passionate colour of the rainbow'

Pink

Pink - worn in the right situation - is seen as very girlie, feminine and even flirtatious (think Amanda Holden in her beautiful blush dress) And it's a colour that evokes sensitivity and empathy.

If you're more girl next door than a sultry siren, this hue is perfect for an online or socially distanced date. If you're nervous about wearing too much, pink can be worn subtly, like red - think lippy or nail varnish.

However, be warned - don't wear too much red or pink in a work meeting. Red can apparently be seen as aggressive, hostile and intimidating, while pink isn't always taken seriously.

Amanda Holden was spotted walking through London wearing pink, which evokes sensitivity and empathy

What to wear for: Zoom work meetings

Blue

If you're looking to strike a reassuring, subtly powerful, stable and calm note, this is definitely the colour for you. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their family hit the right note by wearing variations of the shade to clap the NHS .

It is a great colour to wear for Zoom work calls, particularly if you're in a managerial role. Blue instils feelings of confidence and trust, and during these worrying times, your colleagues or employees may look to you for reassurance.

Wearing blue is calming, peaceful, yet cheerful. It is likely to look more impactful on camera than drab grey!

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their family hit the right note by wearing variations of the shade to clap the NHS

What NOT to wear: If you're having a bad day Grey. Just like yellow is an energising colour, grey has the opposite effect - it's an energy zapper! It conveys a feeling of gloom and depression. Imagine grey like the dementors in Harry Potter, sucking the joy from you! It's a beautiful colour when lifted with pink, blue or yellow, but as a standalone hute, it's likely to make you feel 'bleurgh' particularly if it's loungewear or an old hoodie. Advertisement

Black

The most powerful colour, black (surprisingly) is perfect for outfits for work calls. It's a sophisticated colour that asserts power in a strong way. There was a reason Adele chose the shade for her 'come back' photo on Instagram.

It's elegant - although I would advise to wear this colour in a well-lit room if you are on Zoom. If the home office or room you're calling from is dark, choose navy blue instead which is softer.

Adele was snapped showing off her weight loss wearing black, which asserts power in a strong way

What to wear for: Brightening your mood

Yellow

Many people feel scared to wear yellow as they think it's a colour that doesn't suit them. But, in fact, there is a shade of yellow for every person!

Experiment with mustard yellow, lemon yellow or sunflower yellow and see which one best suits your skintone in the mirror.

Yellow is the most cheerful, happy colour to wear and it has an energising effect on those around you. This was the reason Davina McCall chose a vibrant yellow gown to host The Big Night In during lockdown.

It's an instant injection of sunshine both to yourself and to others who see you. If you're Zoom calling family members who are feeling lonely at this time, or friends who need cheering up, you will literally brighten their day as soon as they see you in yellow.
Starting car cold weather winter storm

Experts say it's not a good idea to warm up your car in winter. Here's why.
Elizabeth Warren will host a high-dollar fundraiser with rich donors for Joe Biden, after vowing to avoid such events in her own presidential campaign and accusing her rivals of 'selling access to their time for money.'

Warren, who is on the short-list to be Biden's running mate, will host the fundraiser on June 15, The New York Times reported, citing three people with knowledge of the event.

Biden promised to pick a woman as his running mate. Warren is one of several he's considering, including Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Senator Kamala Harris, Georgia politician Stacy Abrams, and Florida Congresswoman Val Demmings.

Elizabeth Warren will host a high-dollar fundraiser with rich donors for Joe Biden

Warren is one of several contenders to be Joe Biden's running mate

Warren remains to the left of Biden in terms of policy positions but he has embraced some of her ideas, particularly on student debt.

The two are reported to speak weekly and Warren has said she would accept the vice presidential slot should Biden offer it to her.

But her attacks on big donors and corporate money worried Wall Street and other high-dollar industries during the Democratic primary process. Holding a fundraiser with them would a way to start to alleviate those concerns.

It could, however, subject her to criticism after she attacked her Democratic rivals for courting rich donors at posh events, most memorably during the December 2019 primary debate, when she criticized Pete Buttigieg for attending a fundraiser in a wine cave.

Shortly before that debate, Buttigieg had dinner in the wine cave of a billionaire couple in Napa Valley that featured a chandelier with 1,500 Swarovski crystals and bottles of cabernet sauvignon that sell for as much as $900.

'The mayor just recently had a fundraiser that was held in a wine cave, full of crystals and served $900-a-bottle wine. Think about who comes to that,' the Massachusetts senator said. 'He had promised that every fundraiser he would do would be open-door, but this one was closed-door.'

'We made the decision many years ago that rich people in smoke-filled rooms would not pick the next president of the United States,' Warren added of her campaign. 'Billionaires in wine caves should not pick the next president of the United States.'

Buttigieg, in return, pointed out Warren is a millionaire and warned her about issuing a 'purity test' she may not be able to pass.

'You know, according to Forbes magazine, I'm literally the only person on this stage who is not a millionaire or a billionaire,' Buttigieg said. 'This is the problem with issuing purity tests you cannot yourself pass. If I pledge  if I pledge never to be in the company of a progressive Democratic donor, I couldn't be up here. Senator, your net worth is 100 times mine.'

'I do not sell access to my time,' Warren replied. 'I don't meet behind closed doors with big-dollar donors.'

In February 2019, Warren emailed supporters, promising to avoid fundraising through the traditional methods: dinners, donor calls and cocktail parties.

During December's Democratic primary debate in Los Angeles, Pete Buttigieg (left) was criticized by rival Elizabeth Warren (right) for holding the fundraiser in the wine cave

Pete Buttigieg during that fundraiser in a wine cave in Napa Valley, California

The fundraiser took place in a wine cave with a crystal chandelier

She also vowed not to sell access to rich, big-name donors as is typical for candidates running for president.

'That means no fancy receptions or big money fund-raisers only with people who can write the big checks,' she wrote. 'It means that wealthy donors won't be able to purchase better seats or one-on-one time with me at our events. And it means I won't be doing 'call time,' which is when candidates take hours to call wealthy donors to ask for their support.'

Her strategy provided successful, consistently placing in the top three among candidates each quarter in terms of fundraising totals, as she established a loyal group of small-dollar donors.

In total, she raised $115.8 million during her presidential campaign. Although she, like others in the field, struggled to compete against those who could self-fund, such as Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg.
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: The total number of COVID-19 samples tested so far in the State crossed three lakh-mark on Sunday. So far, only Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu have crossed the three lakh-mark in sample testing and now AP too joined the league. The total tests conducted so far in the State now stand at 3,04,326. Tests per million in the State stand at 5,699.

In the past 24 hours (From 9 am Saturday to 9 am on Sunday), 11,357 samples were tested in the State.

Meanwhile, apart from cases linked to Koyambedu market, foreign returnees testing positive is also leading to a spike in COVID-19 cases in the State. According to the media bulletin released on Sunday, a total of 17 people, who returned from foreign countries, tested positive for the virus. Of the 17 people, 12 arrived in Kadapa district from Kuwait while three others came from Saudi Arabia and two from Qatar in the flights operated by the Centre under the Vande Bharat Mission.

Apart from these foreign returnees, 66 others tested positive in the last 24 hours, taking the State count to 2,780 including 153 people from other States. Eleven more persons, who have travel history to Koyambedu Market in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, also tested positive. They include eight from Chittoor and three in Nellore. In Guntur district, two fresh cases took the district tally to 438. One each person from AT Agraharam in Guntur city and Chandavaram village in Nadendla mandal tested positive.

Apart from the eight cases with Koyambedu link, five others tested positive in Nellore district. Of them, three are from Nellore city, one from Sullurpet mandal and another from Sangam mandal. The district, which recorded 222 cases, now has only 107 active cases as 115 patients discharged after recovery.

Meanwhile, 29 persons were discharged from hospitals across the State in the past 24 hours. With this, the active cases stand at 883. No death was reported in the State in the last 24 hours and the toll remained at 56.
When the pandemic reached Ghana, the nurse expected more hours on her feet and stress that trailed her home - a fate she accepted with a sense of duty and dread.

Then President Nana Akufo-Addo unveiled a surprise: All health-care workers in the West African nation would receive a 50 percent raise on top of income tax waivers as they toiled against the coronavirus.

"It has been such a great relief," said Rebecca Kumah, 35, who treats covid-19 patients on the night shift in the capital, Accra. "Our sacrifice is recognized."

Hazard pay has become a rallying cry and a source of controversy around the world as health-care workers risk their lives on the front lines - often without adequate supplies or protection. Ghana is offering some of the globe's most generous additional benefits while a number of nations move to expand their support for those laboring in highly infectious environments.

Canada announced salary hikes. France pledged bonuses for doctors and nurses as part of its $120 billion rescue package. Russia made a similar promise - though some emergency responders have not seen the cash. An Iraqi governor said public health employees would be rewarded with free land. The United Kingdom is paying families of medical workers who die of the coronavirus a lump sum of 60,000 euros, or about $65,000.

American officials have repeatedly referred to the country's doctors and nurses as "heroes," and President Donald Trump has described them as "running into death just like soldiers running into bullets." But the United States has approved no national hazard pay, and some health-care workers are facing reduced hours and pay as hospitals suffer losses.

Outrage erupted at treatment centers elsewhere as infections mounted. Nurses in Brazil and Lebanon have gone on strike, blasting a lack of safety gear in perilous conditions.

In Ghana, which had recorded 6,683 cases and 32 deaths as of Sunday, officials made a bet that happier employees would be more-effective virus fighters.

"When people are motivated, they do their work from their hearts," said Patrick Aboagye, who leads the Ghana Health Service, the country's public health system.

The coronavirus is deadly, he said, and the people who treat patients endure constant exposure. They are more likely to get sick, sometimes dramatically so: Health-care employees make up 16 percent of the coronavirus cases in the United States, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ghana's government funded the raises.

"They must feel supported," Aboagye said.

The hazard benefits started in April and will continue through June, with an option to extend them if infections keep climbing, officials say. Front-line workers also receive free transportation and life insurance policies, as well as medical-bill coverage if they catch the virus.

The bigger safety net soothes anxiety, said Emmanuel Amankra, a 31-year-old physician at Lekma Hospital in Accra.

Before the coronavirus, he mostly tended to patients with diabetes, asthma and HIV.

"Now everyone is on red alert for covid-19," Amankra said. He is staying in an apartment away from his family.

The extra income helps offset that expense. He is pouring the rest into savings for public-health graduate school in New York.

"Everyone is just like, 'This has never been done before,' " the doctor said. "It helps to know what you are doing is being seen."

And it fuels wisecracks at work.

"I'll say: 'Oh, I'm tired. I'm going to take a break.' And then someone says, 'Well, you're getting a tax cut,' and we keep working," Amankra said, laughing.

Kumah, the overnight nurse, didn't choose her profession for the money or glory.

The average monthly pay for workers like her in Ghana is about $400, and people are not always bursting with appreciation when she injects booster shots.

Then her hospital transformed into the nation's biggest coronavirus treatment center. The staffers trained as if they were back in school.

Psychologists led panic-management sessions before the first patient arrived in late March. Today the team of 60 nurses is caring for more than 100.

"Every day we live in fear," said Kumah, a generalist with 15 years of experience. "Our figures keep rising. It hasn't been easy at all."

One thing she is not worried about is money. The tax cuts alone cover a month's worth of groceries.

The nurse plans to devote much of her windfall to her 60-year-old mother, who has diabetes. The retired teacher needs a new blood glucose meter.

In the absence of regular visits and hugs, Kumah said, at least she can feel close to her that way.
India logs over 3.17 lakh new Covid cases in last 24 hours; daily positivity rate up at 16.41 per cent

COVID-19 fatalities may be much more than what is being reported

New AI-based test uses X-rays to detect Covid in a few minutes

4 COVID-19 vaccine candidates may enter clinical trial phase in 3-5 months: Vardhan

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, May 24: Four out of the 14 COVID-19 vaccine candidates from India may enter the clinical trial stage in the next three-five months, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday.

In an online interaction with BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao, Dr. Vardhan said the entire world was working on developing a vaccine to halt the novel coronavirus pandemic.

"India is also actively contributing to that effort. We have 14 vaccine candidates that are working on different levels," he said. "Industry, academic world are contributing to it and our Ministry of Science is helping the Department of Biotechnology in all such efforts."

People more worried about economic crisis than coronavirus: Study

Financial support and regulatory clearance will be provided to those who are working on this, Dr. Vardhan said.

"Out of these 14, four vaccine candidates, in the next three-five months, may enter the clinical trial stage. Right now, they are in the pre-clinical trial phase," the minister said.

"It's very difficult to predict when a vaccine will come, but as a doctor, I can say that the process it involves, one year would be a modest estimate," he said. "Till the vaccine is not developed, people should use social vaccines like the mask and social distancing."

Covid-19: Maha says no to passenger flights, may extend lockdown: Oneindia News

The Centre and private firms have stepped up efforts to develop a vaccine to halt the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PM CARES Fund Trust has decided to allocate 100 crore in efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine.

A PMO statement had said that a coronavirus vaccine was the most pressing need and Indian academia, start-ups and industry had come together in cutting-edge design and development.

The Department of Biotechnology has been made a central coordination agency to identify pathways for vaccine development.
UPDATE: Allentown police arrest alleged gunman in afternoon shooting death

Authorities investigated a shooting incident with likely at least one fatality Saturday in Allentown.

City police responded about 4:30 p.m. for a shooting victim in the area of South Front and East Cumberland streets, just north of Susquehanna Street, Capt. Michael Becker said.

All parties are accounted for and there is no threat to the community, he told lehighvalleylive.com.

Lehigh County Coroner Eric Minnich confirmed his office responded, indicating someone had died, and that additional information would be released later.

Police were not immediately providing any further information.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
There are some beautiful and moving expressions through art and writing in the show this year along with some truly inspiring stories of survival, said Mawyer.

The Raymond A. Wood Foundation (RAWF) launches the third year of Art of Surviving, a virtual art exhibition that celebrates the creativity of the brain tumor community during the month of May, which is Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Brain tumor patients and survivors, along with caregivers and family members from all over the world submitted over a hundred entries in all types of media, including photography, digital art, drawing, painting, printmaking, 3-D, multimedia, and creative writing.

Founded in 2017, the Raymond A. Wood Foundation helps improve quality of life for hypothalamic-pituitary brain tumor survivors by providing access to education, technology, and evolving treatments.

Many brain tumor survivors use art as a way to cope with the challenges that come with treatment, a means to calm and focus a healing brain, or an opportunity to express their experiences. Some survivors struggle with typical recreational activities due to the medical implications and long-term comorbidities that come with treatments of certain tumor types, leading them to art as an activity that they can do independently or with family members.

The idea of this yearly art show came when RAWFs executive director, Amy Wood, saw that her son, treated for a brain tumor at age 4, continually gravitated toward drawing and coloring above all other activities.

He had never really been interested in art prior to his tumor treatment, and then suddenly coloring and drawing were his go-to, said Wood. He really seemed to use it as an outlet in times where he clearly needed a break from outside stimulation.

Wood noticed artists emerging among brain tumor groups she participated in online, so she asked a colleague, Olive Mawyer, now the shows coordinator, to help her pull together an art exhibition for the month of May.

I thought providing a platform for sharing artwork would be a positive thing for the foundation to do during Brain Tumor Awareness Month, said Wood. I didnt know how it would go, but I figured we would build it and see if people would be interested in participating.

The first Art of Surviving was launched in May of 2018 with about 10 participants and has grown steadily. This year, there are 115 entries on display, with over 40 participants from all over the world.

The artwork is judged by a panel of professional artists and writers who review and score the work and winners receive cash prizes. There is also a Peoples Choice Award, where citizen judges can cast votes for their favorites.

There are some beautiful and moving expressions through art and writing in the show this year along with some truly inspiring stories of survival, said Mawyer. We hope people will take time to explore the gallery and learn more about the experiences of survivors and their caregivers and family members.

Artwork, creative writing, and even a music video is on display at http://www.artofsurviving.gallery. The public is invited to view the work and vote on their favorites. Voting ends on May 30, and winners will be announced on May 31.
With the state's primary election just over a week away, a Montana judge has temporarily suspended a state law that says absentee ballots must be received in a county election office by 8 p.m. on election day in order to be counted.

All absentee ballots postmarked on or before election day shall be counted, if otherwise valid, District Judge Donald Harris wrote Friday. The ballots must be received by the Monday after election day, which is the deadline for receipt of federal write-in ballots for military and overseas voters.

Montanas June 2 primary is being held by mail because of the coronavirus.

The disparity and inconsistency in how long it takes the U.S. Postal Service to deliver a mailed ballot is a significant burden to absentee voters, Harris said. Delivery times around the state can vary by as much as two weeks, and people who mail their ballot before this year's June 2 primary have no guarantee it will be delivered in time to be counted, he said.

Harris ruling came in a challenge filed by former state Sen. Robyn Driscoll of Billings, the Montana Democratic Party and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the law firm Perkins Coie LLP said.

Harris also granted a preliminary injunction against enforcement of a voter-approved referendum called the Ballot Interference Protection Act, which limits one person to turning in a maximum of six absentee ballots and asks that they fill out a form saying whose ballots they are returning.

District Judge Jessica Fehr on Wednesday had issued a temporary restraining order against enforcement of the same ballot collection law in a challenge filed on behalf of Native American tribes and two get-out-the-vote groups. She had set a hearing for May 29 to consider a preliminary injunction.

The Democratic groups challenged both the absentee ballot deadline and the Ballot Interference Protection Act. Harris found the laws would significantly suppress voter turnout by disproportionately burdening voters who are Native American, elderly, disabled, poor, parents working low-wage jobs, college students, first-time voters and those who have historically relied on ballot collection services.

The judge also noted the ballot collection and receipt deadline will only exacerbate voter suppression because of the COVID-19 pandemic because the collection law eliminates the use of secure ballot drop boxes and the receipt deadline could lead later voters to turn in ballots in person, possibly causing lines that would violate the social distancing recommendations meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The state argued the laws are needed to prevent voter fraud and ensure quick and accurate results.

However, Harris said, the state presented no evidence of any absentee ballot collection fraud in Montana and noted that even an election clerk characterized it as the Voter Suppression Act of 2018.

Montana election clerks count federal write-in ballots for military and overseas votes until the Monday after election day and can count absentee ballots postmarked by June 2, as long as they are received by June 8, and still "accurately and timely certify election results without disenfranchising the thousands of eligible voters whose ballots are now ignored under the receipt deadline, Harris wrote.

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Calif. megachurch initiative distributes $44K in groceries to families in need

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Many churches across the United States are partnering with local organizations to provide food to hundreds of people in need in their communities as the coronavirus pandemic has caused economic hardship and food insecurity for many families.

The five-campus Rock Church in Southern California partnered with local support groups and the city of El Cajon to distribute over $44,500 in groceries to hundreds in the San Diego suburb who are in need.

Last Saturday, Rock Churchs East County Campus hosted a drive-through style food-and-grocery distribution that ran from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The distribution event allowed partner organizations to pick up grocery items to be delivered to residents deemed most vulnerable and at-risk during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Rock Church distribution was funded by the city in partnership with local nonprofits Home of Guiding Hands and Step Into Success. The effort resulted in the distribution of 48,000 pounds of groceries to 445 households, according to an announcement from the church.

Saturday was a very special day! It was such an honor to partner with the Rock Church to distribute food to people in need in the Community of El Cajon, Mayor Bill Wells said in a statement. We are thankful for The Rock Church, Pastor Miles and Pastor Greg Hendricks and his team for collaborating with the city of El Cajon to help serve the needs of people in our community.

Rock Church partnered with an organization called 2-1-1 San Diego, which provides data and trend information for proactive community planning, to help the church gain a better understanding of the people most in need of food and grocery items in the area.

The social demographics highlighted as most vulnerable were transitional youth ages 16 to 21, people with medical needs and disabilities, pregnant women, as well as families in crisis.

According to the church, these social groups were not being served by other humanitarian agencies.

Other partners in the Rock Church distribution effort include San Diego Youth Services, Pregnancy Care Clinic, Crisis East House County, Beckys House, ARC East County, Miracle 139 and Catalyst.

El Cajon Deputy Mayor Phil Ortiz called the grocery distribution a story of the community coming together.

I reached out to our City Manager, Graham Mitchell, and said, We need to get food out here! We reached out to the Rock and they were on top of it right away, Ortiz said in a statement. The Rock Church with their manpower and their volunteers just rearing to go really stepped up in a big way as they always do and have been for many years in the community.

According to the San Diego Food Bank, over 450,000 (177,000 children) residents of San Diego County face food insecurity every day.

Mitchell said in a statement that the city found a way to carve out funds from our own coffers to help Rock Church serve the city. Mitchell said El Cajon is blessed to have Rock Church and the other organizations with a passion to serve.

[G]iving the Rock Church these funds was important because we knew 100% was going to go towards the people, Mitchell added.

The multicampus Abundant Life Church in Portland, Oregon, has also partnered with other organizations to provide food to communities in need during the pandemic.

According to a press release, staff and volunteers from Abundant Life Church have for the past three weeks delivered two truckloads of food donated by organic growers to Catholic Charities.

From Catholic Charities, the food is distributed to households in need. One target recipient for the food is refugee families, many of whom rely on free meals provided by schools.

Were delivering boxes of food this week to homes where people have not been able to get groceries since initial school closures, Stephanie Coleman from Catholic Charities said in a statement. [S]o this is saving peoples lives in many ways.

On Easter Sunday, Abundant Life Church collected over 5,000 pounds of food supplies. Before the pandemic struck, the church had planned to take an Easter offering to benefit Portland Rescue Mission. But since the church couldnt gather for Easter, a food drive was held instead. During the drive, cars pulled up to deliver items to the church.

Since then, Abundant Life Church has opened one of its campuses to be a collection site for foster families.

Abundant Life Church volunteers are also making phone calls to over 30,000 vulnerable people across the region to see how the church can serve their needs.

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Alposento Alto Church is working with Councilwoman Tara Wicker and the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Community Policing Division to host drive-through grocery distribution events every Wednesday to help out the citys Hispanic community.

There are so many of our fellow citizens who find it difficult and even impossible to qualify for or access much-needed resources, Wicker told BRProud.com. These families are especially vulnerable, often forgotten, but represent some of the hardest working and most essential members of our community and local economy.

In Southwest Missouri, New Life Fellowship Church in Neosho will for the next several weeks turn its parking lot into a free grocery store. Hundreds of area residents will be able to get fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products at the grocery store, KSN reports.
Less than a quarter of funds allocated by the Berejiklian government to support wildlife carers during the height of the state's bushfire season have been spent on the intended target six months after their announcement.

Answers to estimates questions given to Labor show the government had only spent $220,000 of the $1 million earmarked for carers last November.

Wildlife caregiver Rosemary Austen adjusts a sedated fire-burnt kangaroo after a visit to the veterinarian in February in NSW. Credit:John Moore/Getty Images

Of the remaining sum, about $62,000 was spent on koala mapping, with $438,000 going to fund two new positions with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to oversee wildlife rehabilitators.

Kate Washington, Labor's environment spokeswoman, said it was "outrageous" only 22 per cent of funds promised "in the heat of the bushfires" for carers by Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean had reached their target.
- Quezon City now has 2,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to an update by the Quezon City Government

- Of the 2,000 confirmed cases, 841 are active cases, 624 have recovered, and 169 have died

- A two-week special concern lockdown is being implemented in some areas of Quezon city since May 13 due to the increasing number of confirmed cases

- These include areas in barangays Bahay Toro, Culiat, Sauyo, Batasan Hills and Tatalon

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Quezon City now has 2,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to an update by the Quezon City Government.

841 of the 2,000 confirmed cases are active cases, 624 have recovered, and 169 have died.

A two-week special concern lockdown is being implemented in certain areas of Quezon city since May 13 due to the increasing number of confirmed cases, including areas in barangays Bahay Toro, Culiat, Sauyo, Batasan Hills and Tatalon.

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In a previous report by KAMI, a US firm announced encouraging results for the first clinical trial of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

As for the entire country, the Philippines has a total of 13,777 confirmed COVID-19 cases. 3,177 have recovered and 863 have died from the virus.

Please like and share our amazing Facebook posts to support the KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinions about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts and views on different matters!

Source: KAMI.com.gh
Mainly Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province & Ringing Trips to Bahrain
New Delhi :

After Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was mocked on social media for his viral picture in which he was being carried by people in his security profile during a visit to flood-hit Panna, he finally breaks his silence. Clearing the air on his photo, Chouhan said that he was caught unawares by the cops.

In Panna, at one place, a group of villagers were sitting on the other side of a small bridge and I started walking towards them and before I could realise and react, the police constables picked me up and took me there, the Chief Minister clarified.

Earlier PTI had quoted Principal Secretary SK Mishra as saying that considering CM Chouhans safety and to avoid any venomous bites from animal in the flood water it had to be done.

The 57-year-old chief minister could be seen walking barefoot through mud, an aide carrying his shoes which went viral on social media and were heavily criticised. The pictures gave rise to heated debate over ubiquitous VIP culture.

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13 Reasons Why: Final Season

The Liberty High senior class must face secrets from their past before they can make it to graduation. Clay Jensen (portrayed by Dylan Minnette) and his group of friends must reckon with the events of the past four years after they are confronted by an ominous message spray-painted across the wall of lockers at school. The clip blurs real life with the nightmares that haunt Clays sleep. In one scene he is told, I look at you, Clay, and I see a kid whos paying a very high price  and I dont even know what for. (June 5)

More from Rolling Stone

Da 5 Bloods

Spike Lees latest film takes us back to Vietnam, past and present. Set to The Chamber Brothers 1967 single Time Has Come Today, the clip pairs archival footage of the Vietnam War with the story of a group of aging veterans determined to see to some unfinished business. The four African-American veterans return to Vietnam in search of their fallen squad leaders remains, but thats not the only thing that waits for them. Somewhere in the jungle lies buried treasure that the men discovered  and hid  while serving in the war. 50 years later, they wont leave it behind this time. (June 12)

Helter Skelter: An American Myth

A new six-part docuseries revisits the Manson Family murders for a definitive portrait of the infamous cult. Its trailer promises plenty of archival footage, plus haunting re-creations and interviews with the Family that have never been revealed until now. He was a puppet master pulling everyones strings, says a Family member in a voiceover. Another adds, I was definitely under Charlies spell. (June 14)

Story continues

I Want Everything

The new documentary explores Larry Ratso Slomans journey as a recording artist  which began for him at age 70. After a decades-long career as a rock writer (Sloman co-wrote memories with Anthony Kiedis, Howard Stern and Mike Tyson), he released his Stubborn Heart LP in 2019. Nick Cave praises the record in the teaser, saying, This is very much a Ratso thing to do; to put out a strong album like this, I think its an incredibly audacious move on Ratsos behalf and Im proud to be a part of it. (May 29)

Legendary

Eight houses. Nine balls. One $100,000 prize. The new HBO Max show brings some of the most celebrated underground ballroom houses together for one fierce competition. The new clip features show-stopping fashion, elaborate choreography, and testimonials to ballroom culture itself. Youre taking what people hate about you and putting it in their faces  its empowering, says one contestant. Elsewhere, we are introduced to the shows judges: Stylist Law Roach, dancer Leiomy Maldonado, Megan Thee Stallion, and Jameela Jamil.

The Old Guard

Andy (portrayed by Charlize Theron) leads a group of immortal soldiers and has found her newest recruit, Nile (portrayed by Kiki Layne). She tells Nile, I lead a group of soldiers, fighters, like you, with an extremely rare skill set. Lets just say were very hard to kill. Nile begins to understand the extent of their power while witnessing her own wounds rapidly healing while training with Andy. However, its not long before their skills are revealed to the wrong people. When outsiders discover the groups supernatural resilience, they want to monetize and take control of the soldiers, forcing Andy and Nile into a new mission: protecting their group. (July 10)

Space Force

In the latest trailer for the upcoming Netflix series starring Steve Carrel, Carrell portrays a four-star general tasked with the mission of militarizing outer space. (A nod to President Donald Trumps own aspirations.) Carrell quickly finds himself slipping into chaos as he tries to bring order to the absurd task, flanked by media managers and scientists ready to help him. So the mental chess has begun, he tells a scientist portrayed by John Malkovich. Its Hungry Hungry Hippos at best, Malkovich responds. (May 29)

Tenet

All I have for you is a word, a man tells John David Washington. Tenet. Itll open the right doors some of the wrong ones, too. Use it carefully. After the warning, Washingtons character is brought into discussions with Russian nationals, experiences time inversions, and takes part in car chases all in the name of preventing World War III. Though his efforts could be in vain. This reversing the flow of time, Washington says, doesnt us being here now mean it never happened? The film is Nolans first since 2017s Dunkirk  featuring Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Michael Caine, Kenneth Branagh, Aaron Taylor-Johnson  and it appears to still be on track to open in a physical theater this summer. (July 17)

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a remarkable decision to renounce their positions as senior working members of the British royal family. The Queen supported this and they came to an arrangement to fulfill their wanting to be financially independent after Megxit.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have followed the command not to use "His/Her Royal Highness" anymore and will repay the state the costs of renovating Frogmore Cottage, their UK base. The former royal couple now has the freedom to pursue their own business ventures abroad.

In January, Prince Charles, the father of Prince Harry, is allegedly warning to pull out the millions of annual funds he provides them. Replacing the fund support was a subject of frenzied intrigue about which the Sussexes remained quiet on the matter.

Although the Sussexes gained financial independence, they still sought to represent Prince Harry's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, on the global stage.

As Prince Harry and Markle pivot to a private life in Los Angeles, the weary load they left were carried by Prince William and Kate Middleton as the last full-time working royals of their generation.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are working overtime by putting in more hours and jam-packing their regular schedule with extra significance to communicate to the public.

The Cambridges may also be forced to provide financial assistance to Prince Harry and Markle's new celebrity lifestyle when they assume new titles due to a royal criterion.

Also Read: Meghan Markle Allegedly a Flirt as She 'Toyed' With Men's Feelings

Prince William and Middleton are anticipated to assume the titles of Duke and Duchess of Cornwall after Prince Charles becomes king. This will grant the Cambridges the use of the fund the Duke of Cornwall produces annually.

Prince Harry and Markle seem to be working towards financial independence already as the pair reportedly sacked their staff of 15 persons in the UK and are shutting down their royal office in Buckingham Palace. According to a palace representative, the Sussexes made a public appearance at a JPMorgan event in Miami in February. It was not made clear whether the couple was paid.

The Sussexes have clarified that they will not be reliant on public funds anymore in their bombshell declaration on January 8. They will not hinge on the Sovereign Grant funding and have obliged to uphold Queen Elizabeth II's values.

As they relinquish the title HRH on their official website and products, the couple will reportedly exert efforts to leverage their popularity and royal connections in the United States to develop a personal brand.

With or without taking on royal titles, Prince Harry and Markle are on the borderline of becoming a media power couple across the globe.

How exactly they will earn an income remains to be made known.

A report noted, "Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be stepping down from their royal duties but they are still part of the family. They are giving up a significant source of income and it's expected that Prince Charles will privately subsidize their lifestyles."

Related Article: Meghan Markle in Danger? Prince Harry's Wife Secretly Learning Self-Defense

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-25 00:33:50|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- China on Sunday strongly urged the U.S. to immediately stop arms sales to Taiwan and cease military contacts with the island, to avoid further damages to the relations between the two countries and the two militaries.

Wu Qian, a spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in an address on the U.S. State Department's approval of a plan to sell weapons worth 180 million U.S. dollars to Taiwan.

This move by the U.S. side seriously violated the one-China principle and the three joint communiques between China and the United States and rudely interfered in the domestic affairs of China, to which China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, Wu said.

It also sent a seriously wrong signal to Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authority and "Taiwan independence" separatists, seriously undermined China's sovereignty and security, and seriously jeopardized the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, according to Wu.

"National rejuvenation and reunification are the aspirations of the people and an irresistible trend of the times, and no one and no force can stop it," he said.

The People's Liberation Army will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to resolutely safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Wu said. Enditem
She's enjoying some time away from her busy schedule as she isolates with her boyfriend Eddie Boxshall and their respective children amid the coronavirus pandemic.

And Denise Van Outen marked a highlight during Britain's ongoing lockdown as she and her beau threw his daughter Leah an incredible 21st birthday over the weekend.

The presenter, 45, pulled out all the stops for her stepdaughter's big day, complete with extravagant balloons, a Chanel cake a kitchen disco.

Milestone: Denise Van Outen marked a highlight during Britain's ongoing lockdown as she and her beau Eddie Boxshall threw his daughter Leah an incredible 21st birthday over the weekend

The TOWIE narrator appeared in great spirits as she posed for snaps alongside the commodities trader, 45, and the birthday girl, who all treated themselves to champagne.

Their home was decorated with vibrant balloon garlands, one of which was formed in the shape of Leah's new age.

Taking things up a notch, a designer cake took inspiration from a monochrome Chanel bag and the fashion house's make-up collection.

Happy birthday: The presenter, 45, pulled out all the stops for her stepdaughter's big day, complete with pink balloons, a Chanel cake a kitchen disco

All about Leah: The TOWIE narrator appeared in great spirits as she posed for snaps alongside the commodities trader, 45, and the birthday girl, who all treated themselves to champagne

Extravagant: Actress Denise unveiled the ornaments on her Instagram account while also showing off her outdoor hot tub

Fancy: Taking things up a notch, a designer cake took inspiration from a monochrome Chanel bag and the fashion house's make-up collection

Having fun: The trio later let loose as they boogied in their kitchen, with cool father Eddie taking to the DJ decks

The trio later let loose as they boogied in their kitchen, with cool father Eddie taking to the DJ decks.

The delighted parent captioned her image: '@leah.boxshall 21st birthday celebration in lockdown, just the 3 of us. Kitchen disco.

'Thanks so much @bonnevents for the amazing balloon decorations. All dropped off outside our house with clear instructions how to DIY the decs . Social distancing. We love you Leah. Happy birthday beautiful #21stbirthday.' [sic]

Wow-factor! Their home was decorated with vibrant balloon garlands, one of which was formed in the shape of Leah's new age

Recently, Denise made an appearance on Good Morning Britain where she spoke about the challenges of homeschooling her offspring amid the pandemic.

Speaking from her home in Chelmsford, Essex, the TV star said of homeschooling her 10-year-old daughter, who she shares with ex-husband Lee Mead: 'Its not too bad. Betsys school is lovely and her teacher has been doing an online session everyday. I try to listen in.

'Its all new to the kids and its a little overwhelming at first. Its nice because as a parent you get to see how your child learns and also, Im learning too.

'Ive also realised I have zero patience, Im always trying to jump to the next thing and shes like, "I havent finished yet!"'

Struggles: Recently, Denise made an appearance on Good Morning Britain where she spoke about the challenges of homeschooling her child Betsy, 10, amid the pandemic

The blonde also gushed about Eddie's efforts in helping her brighten her locks, telling her interviewers: 'He did my roots! My lockdown roots. Im quite lucky. I was going quite grey in the front but at the back you could see Im not a natural blonde.

Elsewhere in the interview, Denise also spoke about volunteering to make scrubs for NHS staffers, who have been caring for patients amid a shortage.

She explained: 'A week and a half ago, one of my really good friends got me into a design company. Teresa [Manton] has made the curtains in my house. With time on her hands she thought, what can I do. She has a family member in the NHS.

To dye for: The Loose Women panellist took the opportunity to heap praise on Eddie, her beau of almost six years, commending him for doing a 'brilliant job' of dying her hair

'So she started to make some scrubs and made a fundraising page. She wanted to make 1,000, but the donations have been flooding in.

'When I got the link for their donation page, I donated and then thought, Ive got time on my hands, Id love to help. So Im one of their voluntary cutters.

'Weve got scrubs out to South End Hospital, Haven Hospice and also GP surgeries. Its expanding. It started with 10 volunteers, now we have 40. We have a mix of men and women.

'Teresa messaged me saying she had a call from South End Hospital and they desperately need 50 gowns. There is a real need for them.'
Some investors rely on dividends for growing their wealth, and if you're one of those dividend sleuths, you might be intrigued to know that Geely Automobile Holdings Limited (HKG:175) is about to go ex-dividend in just 3 days. You can purchase shares before the 28th of May in order to receive the dividend, which the company will pay on the 1st of January.

The upcoming dividend for Geely Automobile Holdings is HK$0.25 per share, increased from last year's total dividends per share of HK$0.23. We love seeing companies pay a dividend, but it's also important to be sure that laying the golden eggs isn't going to kill our golden goose! As a result, readers should always check whether Geely Automobile Holdings has been able to grow its dividends, or if the dividend might be cut.

View our latest analysis for Geely Automobile Holdings

Dividends are typically paid out of company income, so if a company pays out more than it earned, its dividend is usually at a higher risk of being cut. Geely Automobile Holdings has a low and conservative payout ratio of just 25% of its income after tax. That said, even highly profitable companies sometimes might not generate enough cash to pay the dividend, which is why we should always check if the dividend is covered by cash flow. It paid out more than half (55%) of its free cash flow in the past year, which is within an average range for most companies.

It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously.

Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends.

SEHK:175 Historical Dividend Yield May 24th 2020

Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?

Businesses with strong growth prospects usually make the best dividend payers, because it's easier to grow dividends when earnings per share are improving. If earnings fall far enough, the company could be forced to cut its dividend. That's why it's comforting to see Geely Automobile Holdings's earnings have been skyrocketing, up 41% per annum for the past five years.

Story continues

Another key way to measure a company's dividend prospects is by measuring its historical rate of dividend growth. Since the start of our data, ten years ago, Geely Automobile Holdings has lifted its dividend by approximately 27% a year on average. It's exciting to see that both earnings and dividends per share have grown rapidly over the past few years.

To Sum It Up

Has Geely Automobile Holdings got what it takes to maintain its dividend payments? From a dividend perspective, we're encouraged to see that earnings per share have been growing, the company is paying out less than half of its earnings, and a bit over half its free cash flow. There's a lot to like about Geely Automobile Holdings, and we would prioritise taking a closer look at it.

While it's tempting to invest in Geely Automobile Holdings for the dividends alone, you should always be mindful of the risks involved. To help with this, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Geely Automobile Holdings that you should be aware of before investing in their shares.

We wouldn't recommend just buying the first dividend stock you see, though. Here's a list of interesting dividend stocks with a greater than 2% yield and an upcoming dividend.

Love or hate this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.
Hong Kong braced on Sunday for its first protests since Beijing's controversial plan to directly impose national security laws on the city, in what could provide a litmus test of public opposition to China's tightening grip over the financial hub.

Beijing on Thursday proposed tough security legislation for Hong Kong, a move that sent a chill through financial markets and drew a swift rebuke from foreign governments, international human rights groups and some business lobbies.

In drafting the new laws, which could see the setting up of Chinese government intelligence agencies in the global financial center, Beijing plans to circumvent Hong Kong's lawmaking body, the Legislative Council.

The move has sparked concerns over the fate of the "one country, two systems" formula that has governed Hong Kong since its return to Chinese rule in 1997 and which guarantees the city broad freedoms not seen on the mainland.

Some local commentators have described the proposal as "a nuclear option" that is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's high-stakes power play.
DOYLESTOWN >> A man convicted of attempted homicide for shooting a man during an assault in February 2019 at a Falls Township trailer park was sentenced on Jan. 19 to 18 to 40 years in state prison. Thomas Zorrer, 39, was convicted on all counts against him by a Bucks County jury in December. Besides attempted homicide, he was also...
Security forces on Sunday arrested four associates of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)militants in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, an official said.

"Police in Budgam along with security forces have arrested four terrorist associates including top terror associate of proscribed terror outfit LeT and recovered arms and ammunition from their possession," a police spokesperson said.

The arrested persons have been identified as Waseem Ganie, Farooq Ahmad Dar, Mohammad Yasin and Azharudin Mir, he said.

The spokesperson said incriminating material including arms and ammunition was recovered from their possession.

As per the police records, the arrested persons were involved in providing logistical support and shelter to active terrorists of LeT operating in the area, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Old-fashioned department stores are deserted due to the coronavirus epidemic, which has sent their revenues into freefall.

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Lotte Department Store's first-quarter operating profit declined 82.1 percent on-year to W28.5 billion, while Hyundai Department Store's plummeted 65.3 percent and Shinsegae Department Store's 57.7 percent (US$1=W1,234).

"A rapid increase in online purchases due to the epidemic has been the downfall of many department stores, which are the most vulnerable offline retail channel", said Suh Yong-gu at Sookmyung Women's University. "If they fail to offer innovative and differentiated services, their decline will accelerate even further".

Several global department stores have already bitten the dust. Low-end U.S. chain J.C. Penney, which dates back to 1902, filed for bankruptcy protection last week. Until the early 2000s, J.C. Penney, along with peers Macy's and Sears, symbolized the booming American consumer culture.

But Sears, established in 1893, already went bust in October 2018, while Macy's, which opened in 1858, is reeling under massive debts. About a week before J.C. Penney, Neiman Marcus also filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. state of Texas.

Established in 1907 in the Austin area, Neiman Marcus grew by selling high-end products to customers flush with oil money. But it had been reeling under US$5.1 billion of debt when coronavirus forced it to shut down all 43 of its stores in the U.S.

Germany's biggest department store operator Galeria Kaufhof also filed for bankruptcy on April 1, and the U.K'.s Debenhams followed suit on April 6.

The downfall of traditional department stores was triggered by the radical shift in the retail industry's landscape and only accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic. Analysts project that more than 3,000 department stores worldwide will close down this year.
A handout picture released by the Israeli Knesset (parliament) spokesperson's office on May 17, 2020, shows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attending a parliamentary session in Jerusalem ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new government. (Via AFP)

Jerusalem: A new page in Israeli history opens Sunday as prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu becomes the first sitting premier to face criminal charges, accused of a string of corruption allegations he denies.

After more than 500 days of electoral deadlock in which he fought for his political survival Netanyahu is to take his seat in the Jerusalem District Court for a new battle -- to stay out of prison and avoid a stain on his legacy.

The 70-year-old is used to setting precedents: he is the first Israeli prime minister born after the foundation of the state in 1948 and the longest-serving in its history.

But the impending trial is a deeply unwanted first.

In 2009, prime minister Ehud Olmert stepped down after police recommended he be indicted for graft.

He was later tried and convicted of taking bribes and sentenced to 27 months in prison, but was paroled after less than a year and a half.

Like Netanyahu, Olmert came from the right-wing Likud party, although he subsequently defected to the centrist Kadima.

Netanyahu is fighting tooth and nail to avoid Olmert's fate.

Among the charges he faces is that he sought to illegally trade favours in exchange for positive coverage for himself in Yediot Aharonot, Israel's top-selling newspaper.

He is also accused of accepting cigars, champagne and jewellery worth 700,000 shekels (180,000 euros) from wealthy personalities in exchange for favours.

Perhaps most serious of all is the claim that Netanyahu offered media mogul Shaul Elovitch regulatory changes worth millions of dollars to his telecom giant Bezeq in exchange for favourable reporting on the Walla! news website.

That charge is also the most complex, said Amir Fuchs, a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, who says it differs from "classic" bribery cases where money changes hands.

Political death warrant

In this case, Fuchs argued, the allegation is that Netanyahu "is getting only media coverage," rather than cash.

"It is unprecedented," he told reporters.

But in the Bezeq case, Fuchs adds, Netanyahu is accused of doing far more than seek flattering write-ups.

"It was actually complete editorial control of this site even on the specifics of which posts to make, or which pictures to make."

Netanyahu denies all the accusations and claims he is the victim of a witch hunt by the media and legal officials.

After months of suspense and repeated police questioning of Netanyahu, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in January filed charges against the premier.

Many commentators considered this the premier's political death warrant.

But Netanyahu retained the Likud leadership and after three inconclusive general elections managed to hammer out a power-sharing deal with his chief rival Benny Gantz.

Under the agreement, Netanyahu will continue to lead the government for 18 months before handing over the premiership to Gantz.

Conflict of interest

Netanyahu's trial had been due to open in mid-March, but the COVID-19 pandemic lead to a postponement to May 24, and the proceedings will be marked by social-distancing and other hygiene measures.

Netanyahu's lawyers requested that he be excused from appearing in person on Sunday afternoon (1200 GMT) at the opening of a trial that will stretch over months or even years with possible appeals.

They argued that his attendance, to hear the formal reading of the charges against him and confirm that he has read and understands them, was merely technical.

But the court rejected the request, citing a clause in Israeli criminal law stating that "a person may not be tried on criminal charges except in his presence."

Under Israeli law, a sitting prime minister does not have automatic immunity from prosecution but also is not obliged to resign when charged, only when convicted and after all avenues of appeal have been exhausted.

Yuval Shany, professor of law at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, argues that there is "a basic incompatibility" between Netanyahu's role as head of the government and his status as a criminal defendant.

In the latter role, Shany says, the premier will be "fighting very aggressively and maybe effectively to weaken the government authorities that are prosecuting him".

"There is a very serious conflict of interest situation," he said.

Once the trial is under way the three judges selected by the Supreme Court will be able to demand Netanyahu's presence in court when they consider it necessary.

At any time before the verdict Israeli law allows Netanyahu to change his plea in exchange for lesser or fewer charges.

Such plea bargains are common in Israeli courts.
The IMF calls it the Great Lockdown. Morgan Stanley says it's the Great COVID-19 Recession, or GCR for short. Ed Yardeni, who coined the term "bond vigilantes" back in the 1980s, has named this the Great Virus Crisis.

There's even a suggestion to call it a Pandession.

As economists around the world search for the right terminology to describe the biggest economic crisis since the Great Depression, it could take years to settle on a name, if history is any guide.

Naming an economic crisis is more difficult than it seems. Credit:AP

While many in the US now refer to the 2007-2009 slump as the Great Recession, that term is far from universal. In Anglo financial centres like Sydney and London, the term GFC - short for Global Financial Crisis - is more common. Others call it the North Atlantic Financial Crisis, since that's where it hit hardest.
New deaths in New York from Covid-19 dropped below 100 for the first time since just after the state went under lockdown, Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Saturday, calling it a sign that we are making real progress." The state had 84 new fatalities.What were doing is working," Cuomo said, almost three months after the states first coronavirus case was diagnosed on March 1.

At the start of Memorial Day weekend, the governor spoke largely of progress. Friday night he issued an unexpected order allowing groups of up to 10 people to gather anywhere in the state, as long as they maintained social distancing guidelines.

Cuomo said that Long Island, hard hit by the virus, could begin reopening as early as next week, as could the seven-county mid-Hudson region. He gave no projection for New York City, which is the final area of the state without an indicated opening date. The city remains under official lockdown until at least May 28.

The states daily death toll had been stuck in the 100s for 12 days, and the drop below 100 was first time since March 24. Cuomo announced New York would go on pause" on March 20, effectively shutting down the entire state.

Overall Good News

Eighty-four is still a tragedy, no doubt, but the fact that its down as low as it is really is overall good news," Cuomo told reporters in Albany.

The peak of the crisis hit at 799 deaths in one day in mid-April. The official death count was 23,195 on Friday.

New York reported 1,772 new virus cases on Saturday, for a state total of 359,926. Cuomo said that total and new hospitalizations continued to drop, as did admissions to intensive care.

Cuomo didnt explain in detail his decision to allow gatherings of up to 10 people anywhere in the state, New York City included. He said he wasnt aware of a lawsuit filed Friday by the American Civil Liberties Union objecting to the governors earlier order that allowed gatherings up to that size only for religious services and Memorial Day commemorations.

It depends on how people act," Cuomo said. You can have a safe gathering of 10 people. You can also have a wholly unsafe gathering of 10 people."

After two months of lockdowns, regional leaders face a major test this Memorial Day weekend, as crowds flock to beaches and parks and gather for holiday celebrations. New York Citys beaches remained closed.

Rain probably deterred many from traveling to Long Island or New Jersey on Saturday, an influx that local officials have feared. Sundays weather forecast looks less wet, and temperatures will warm somewhat by Monday.

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France's top court strikes down Macron's ban on religious gatherings

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Frances supreme court for administrative justice has ruled that the governments absolute ban on religious gatherings in hopes of stopping the spread of COVID-19 is unlawful and ordered the government to relax restrictions on religious worship.

In a ruling Monday, the French Council of State reasoned that the general and absolute prohibition [on religious gatherings] is disproportionate when the government has allowed gatherings of fewer than 10 people for secular instances.

According to France 24, the ruling gives the Macron government eight days to lift the outright ban on worship gatherings.

Frances current policy bans all gatherings in places of worship except for funerals, which are limited to just 20 people. The government had previously indicated that religious services would be banned until June 2.

The Council of State ruled the governments policy constitutes a serious and manifest violation of the freedom of worship.

It is unclear what kind of policy will be enacted as a response to the ruling. But BBC reports that a judge ordered that all private gatherings of up to 10 people to be allowed.

The councils ruling followed complaints from several organizations and individuals.

The decision of the Council of State to order the lifting of the ban on assembly in places of worship is good news for freedom of worship which is a fundamental right, tweeted Sen. Bruno Retailleau, leader of the right-wing Republicans.

According to Johns Hopkins University & Medicine, France has had over 181,000 confirmed coronavirus cases with over 28,000 virus-related deaths.

An outbreak of coronavirus occurred in February and an international evangelical church conference was blamed for sparking what was the countrys largest cluster of COVID-19 cases.

The annual prayer meeting at the Christian Open Door Church in the border city of Mulhouse near the German border in mid-February has been linked to thousands of COVID-19 cases.

France is in the process of relaxing its coronavirus lockdown policies. Likewise, all U.S. states that ordered a lockdown are also in the process of lifting their COVID-19 restrictions.

While some churches in the U.S. are considering whether to reopen their in-person services, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control warned this week that faith organizations looking to resume activities should be aware of the potential for high rates of transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

These organizations should work with local health officials to determine how to implement the U.S. Governments guidelines for modifying activities during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent transmission of the virus to their members and their communities," the CDC advised in a recent report.

Some churches that have already reopened their in-person services have made the decision to again halt in-person services after members and leaders tested positive for the coronavirus after reopening.

One such church is the Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle in Ringgold, Georgia, a state that began to reopen some businesses starting on April 24.

The Washington Post notes that the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Houston, Texas, made a similar decision to halt in-person services after some members were infected following the churchs reopening on May 2.
The majority of the Senegalese population will on Sunday be celebrating the feast of the end of Ramadan, or feast of Aid El Fitr. However, because of the coronavirus pandemic, opinions on the festivities are divided.

Some are concerned about a turnover which is likely to fall sharply, this is the case of Lamine Diop, a young poultry farmer based in the suburbs of Dakar where he has worked for five years.

"There's a big difference between this year and last year. The context created by the coronavirus has had a big impact in our field, for example on the 28th day of Ramadan, we still have unsold products," he said.

Ifra Djiby Sow is the president of an association of breeders in the Dakar region and is anxious about the virus spreading.

In the Senegalese tradition, on the feast of Aid El Fitr, families buy an ox which they share equally; but maintaining this tradition goes against the advice of health experts.

"We are very afraid. If it were in our power, people would not share the meat here, because the disease is getting worse and people are forced to come together if they are sharing", Sow said.

The majority of group prayers due to be held on Sunday have been cancelled and people have been asked to pray with their families at home instead.
New Delhi/Mumbai, May 24 : With Muslims planning to celebrate Eid and the question of offering prayers at mosques looming amid coronavirus scare, Maharashtra Minority Affairs Minister Nawab Malik said that community members themselves restrained themselves from offering congregational prayers.

Malik told IANS: "People have restrained themselves in Shab-e-Barat and Shab-e-Qadr and now similar thing has been decided on Eid -- only a limited number of people will offer prayers at mosques and eidgahs and the rest can pray at home." "The people have themselves decided and there is no pressure from the government as such. The religious leaders have told the community members how to offer prayers at home. So, 4 to 5 people can offer prayers at mosque or eidgah and then people can pray at home." Maharashtra has largest coronavirus cases in the country and any congregation could be counterproductive so the government has already taken consent and confidence of the community leaders in the state.

Maulana Ashraf Imam of Malwani in Mumbai, who leads the Shia sect, said that since the prohibitory orders remain in force, notice on the prohibition of congregational prayers has been put outside the mosque since March when even the lockdown wasn't announced. "We are suspending congregational prayers; there is a SOP from the government which we are following." Eid is slated to be celebrated on Monday across the country since the moon was not sighted on Saturday.
The federal government on Saturday said it has concluded payment of April stipends to beneficiaries under the N-Power programme.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Farouq, in a statement, also explained the reason for the delay in payment.

She said her ministry encountered problems with the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS). The release was not specific on the type of problem the ministry encountered.

The GIFMIS, launched in 2003, is an IT-based system being implemented by the federal government to enhance accountability and transparency in public finance management.

The ministers comments came against the backdrop of enrollees clamouring for their April payment since the announcement of the lockdown in some states due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We encountered some delays on the GIFMIS platform but I can now announce that all N-Power beneficiaries from Batch A and B have been paid their April stipends, the minister explained.

Streamlining scheme

Ms Farouq also disclosed plans by the ministry to streamline the entire programme for better efficiency as soon as it pays May stipend.

She added the action would also provide opportunities for other beneficiaries to enroll into the programme.

About 200,000 young beneficiaries selected in 2016, under Batch A, were to have been dropped out of the scheme after two years of internship.

There had been controversies between Ms Farouq and President Muhammadu Buharis Special Adviser on Social Investment, Maryam Uwais, about the exit package for the Batch A volunteers as each traded blame on who was responsible for the delay in disengaging the beneficiaries.

The minister had blamed the National Social Investment Office (NSIO), under Mrs Uwais for having no viable plan for the exit of the beneficiaries.

In reaction, Mrs Uwais said her administrators had made exit plans which had not been implemented before the office was moved under the leadership of Ms Farouq. She also said she had briefed Mrs Farouq on those plans.

President Buhari in his Independence Day speech had announced the transfer of the NSIPs from the office of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to the newly-created Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development .

We are working hard to streamline the programme for greater efficiency and to provide opportunities for more Nigerian youths. Details will be provided as soon as May stipend has been paid.

The beneficiaries were supposed to spend 24 months on the programme but Batch A beneficiaries have spent over 40 months thereby denying other Nigerians an opportunity to access the programme and gain skills for entrepreneurship and employment, Mrs Farouq said.

N-Power

The N-Power Programme was inaugurated by President Buhari in 2016 to reduce poverty, unemployment and social insecurity among Nigerians.

It involves the deployment of thousands of unemployed graduates to schools and other institutions to work there while the government pays them a stipend of N30,000 monthly.
France is recording a decline in its coronavirus cases as the number of patients currently admitted in the hospital fell by 205 to 17,178 on May 23, according to data by the French health ministry. As per reports, the coronavirus infection rates also continue to slow down in France with just 250 new cases over 24 hours, which is an increase of 0.2%, below the average of 0.3% increase in the past week. As per data by Johns Hopkins University, France has registered 1,82,036 COVID-19 cases so far, of which over 28,000 people have lost their lives.

Read: France To Hold Second Round Of Postponed Elections On June 28

France remains one of the worst affected countries in the world alongside its peers from Europe such as Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Both Spain and Italy have recorded an increase of 0.3% in terms of the number of cases going up in the past seven days. The peak in France has reportedly passed as the country recorded 250 new cases on May 23 compared to more than 17,000 on April 3. The new deaths in the country have also significantly decreased, recording just over 40 new deaths compared to 1,438 on April 15.

Read: France PM Philippe Hints At Resuming Religious Services Earlier Than Planned

Reopening France

France started to reopen the country earlier this month with Prime Minister Edouard Philippe issuing new guidelines outlining how the country will move ahead in the coming months. Philippe issued guidance on the testing and isolation of the sick, wearing masks, and public gatherings. Philippe said it will be mandatory for people to wear masks in public places or travelling in public transport or taxis. Philippe also said businesses will be allowed to reopen but restaurants, cafes, and beaches will remain closed until at least June.

Read: COVID-19: France To Announce Countrys Strategy For Relaxing Restrictions

Read: France Allows Religious Services To Resume With Various Safety Measures

(Image Credit: AP)
Some Alabama parents are worried about what school might look like in the fall and it has some thinking they might as well just homeschool.

Might not be a bad idea.

Social media lit up last week as parents reacted to newly released CDC suggestions for what schools should do to safely re-open.

Crucial: Many of the circulated infographics were not created by the CDC and caused alarm because they appeared to list face coverings for children older than two-years-old, 6-foot spacing, closed playgrounds and staggered schedules, among other efforts, as mandatory requirements.

The actual report issued by the CDC stated that the long list of ideas to consider are just that -- considerations not requirements.

Schools can determine, in collaboration with state and local health officials to the extent possible, whether and how to implement these considerations while adjusting to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local community, according to the report.

Implementation should be guided by what is feasible, practical, acceptable, and tailored to the needs of each community.

For some Alabama parents, the suggestions hardly sound feasible, and depending upon what the state decides to require, they may choose other options.

My autistic son will not wear a mask at all, wrote one parent in a public comment on an Alabama Family Connections Magazine Facebook post about potential guidelines. Im scrambling to find an alternative to traditional school

What child is going to leave [a] mask on all day [and] stay 6 ft apart, wrote another. Looks like homeschool for us if this sticks.

For other parents, homeschool may look appealing not because the state might require too much, but because they may require too little.

I would love to send my son to first grade at our local elementary next year, but I dont feel confident that our state government will set realistically cautious requirements or that our local schools will follow them, wrote Sarah Fischer of Fairhope in the Reckon Women Facebook group. So Id be lying if I said I wasnt considering [homeschool].

The Alabama Department of Education last week issued guidance to assist preschool through 12th grade schools in opening for summer activities.

Superintendent Eric Mackey emphasized that the summer recommendations, which include face coverings, increased cleaning efforts, and social distancing strategies were not laws but rather guidance and that a plan for the coming academic year may be ready by mid-June, reported AL.coms Trisha Powell Crain.

"Some of the [CDC guidelines] are just not reasonable for practical application," Mackey said, saying one way or the other, school will open in August, according to Crain.

But for some, it wont matter what schools do or dont do in the fall. The decision not to return has already been made.

Tim Turner of Tuscumbia told me he and his wife have discussed homeschooling their rising sixth grader on and off over the years, but previously decided against it because they felt the benefits gained from the traditional school experience cannot be replicated at home.

Now, with mounting health issues that Turner said leave him immunocompromised, he is enrolling his son in Alabama Connections Academy -- one of the states free online public schools -- to err on the side of caution.

School-at-home takes many forms in Alabama. There are a handful of virtual public schools, such as the one Turner will use, that Alabama students may enroll in regardless of their school district.

Athens Citys Renaissance School and Baldwin County Virtual School offer a hybrid experience, in which students spend some time in the classroom, some time at home.

There is homeschool in the traditional sense, in which parents or tutors select their own curriculum and deliver it themselves in compliance with state laws.

And then theres school-at-home brought on by the pandemic crisis -- a far cry from choosing to homeschool and a situation many say is unsustainable, particularly for working parents.

Megan Preston of Montgomery said in the Reckon Women Facebook group that she does not consider the distance learning theyve been doing this spring to be homeschooling.

Trying to continue a traditional school model but just moving it to the home did not work for our family, Preston said. If school resumes as usual in the fall, we will absolutely send our daughter back so that I can get back to work and because that's ideally what she needs. But if her school returns to distance learning, we will pull her out and homeschool so that we can fit school into our life on our own terms.

A previous version of this article linked to an HSLDA description of Alabama homeschool laws. The link has been replaced with a more up-to-date and accurate link to the Alabama Dept. of Educations FAQ section about non-public school requirements.

Rachel Blackmon Bryars is a Huntsville-based columnist for Al.com, co-host of Belle Curve Podcast and managing partner of Bryars Communications, LLC. Keep up with her work on her Facebook page.

More columns about the pandemic by Rachel Blackmon Bryars:
Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced mutiny in his party and fury across Britain on Monday for refusing to sack his closest aide Dominic Cummings who is accused of flouting the coronavirus lockdown by driving 400 kilometres from London.

Defending one of Britain's most powerful men, Johnson said at the weekend Cummings acted "responsibly and legally and with integrity" by heading from London to northern England with his son and his wife, who was ill with COVID-19 symptoms.

Many believe that was hypocritical given the government's mantra at the time to avoid such movements.

"What planet are they on?" asked the Daily Mail, an influential right-wing paper usually supportive of Johnson and his adviser, who helped the prime minister to power and to secure Britain's exit from the European Union.

Some 20 ruling Conservative Party lawmakers, 14 Church of England bishops and some scientists also expressed anger.

"Johnson has now gone the full Trump," said Pete Broadbent, bishop of Willesden, comparing Britain's leader to his ever-controversial U.S. ally President Donald Trump.

With a death toll around 43,000, Britain is the worst-hit country in Europe and the government was already under pressure over its handling of the pandemic.

Conservative lawmakers reported being contacted by outraged constituents who had made sacrifices during the lockdown, including staying away from dying relatives.

"I got swamped with even more emails from people who don't have a political axe to grind and who say... 'it looks as though it's one rule for them and one for us, why should we now abide by government guidance?'," said lawmaker Tim Loughton.

Behavioural scientist Stephen Reicher, a member of a panel which advises the government, said the furore would wreck public confidence. "In a few short minutes tonight, Boris Johnson has trashed all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control COVID-19."

Johnson's Downing Street office said Cummings made the journey to his parents' property in County Durham to ensure his four-year-old son could be properly cared for by relatives if he fell ill along with his wife.

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At the time, the government's instruction to anyone showing symptoms was not to leave the house for 14 days.

The architect of the successful Brexit campaign in 2016, Cummings, 48, is a polarising figure, accused by many who wanted to stay in the EU of using inflammatory tactics and playing fast and loose with the facts.

Ominously for him and for Johnson, many of the lawmakers and newspaper columnists calling for him to be sacked were Brexit supporters, not his usual critics.

Coming home late on Sunday, Cummings was harangued by neighbours, including a woman who broke down in tears as she leaned out of her window and described the hardship she and her family had endured during the lockdown.

In contrast to Cummings, Scotland's chief medical officer and a senior epidemiologist who advised the government both resigned after admitting they had broken lockdown rules.

Reuters
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, May 24, 2020 19:11 606 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd9e67a9 1 National COVID-19,military,Intan-Jaya,police,Papua,West-Papua,OPM,TNI,Polri Free

The Free Papua Movement (OPM) has denied that it was involved in the shooting of two members of the Intan Jaya regency COVID-19 task force, claiming that the two men were shot by security forces.

We want to emphasize that the people who shot the two medical workers were TNI [Indonesian Military] and National Police personnel. They are the culprits, OPM spokesperson Sebby Sanbom said in a statement on Saturday, as quoted by tempo.co. Indonesia must take responsibility.

The two medical workers  identified as Amalek Bagau, 30, and Eniko Somou, 39  were reportedly shot while delivering medical supplies to a remote area in Intan Jaya regency at about 4:30 p.m. local time on Friday.

Security forces said they evacuated the two men and transferred them to the Nabire General Hospital on Saturday morning. Amalek remains in critical condition, and Eniko has died from his wounds.

Military and police personnel belonging to the Nemangkawi task force have said they are on a manhunt for an as-yet unnamed armed group that they say is responsible for the shooting. (kmt)
(Newser)  The White House on Sunday broadened its travel ban against countries hard-hit by the coronavirus by denying admission to foreigners who have been in Brazil during the two-week period before they hoped to enter the US, the AP reports. President Trump had already banned travel from the United Kingdom, Europe, and China. He said last week that he was considering similar restrictions for Brazil. The US leads the world in the number of confirmed cases, followed by Brazil, now Latin America's hardest-hit country. Third on the list is Russia. Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany cast Trump's latest move as one designed to "protect our country."

story continues below

The ban on travel from Brazil takes effect late Thursday. As with the other bans, it does not apply to legal permanent residents. A spouse, parent or child of a US citizen or legal permanent resident also would be allowed to enter the country. Brazil has reported more than 347,000 COVID-19 cases, according to a Johns Hopkins University count. It also has recorded more than 22,000 deaths, fifth-most in the world. The US has the highest number of infections, at more than 1.6 million, and has seen more than 97,000 deaths.

(Read more Trump travel ban stories.)
The Tripura schools would be restarted from June 01, a day after nationwide lockdown 4.0 is going to be concluded.

The academic activities would begin in the schools from June 15, said Education Minister Ratan Lal Nath.There are 4,398 government and its aided schools and 335 private schools in the state.

All the educational institutions were closed since March 17 , a week before announcement of first nationwide lockdown.

The state government also asked the concerned authorities to ensure proper sanitization of the schools, providing drinking water facilities before the students attend their classes.

The state has estimated to spend Rs. 1.35 crores for the sanitization task. The schools having enrollment of maximum 50 students would be given Rs. 1,500 followed by Rs. 2,500 to schools having 51-150 students, Rs. 3,500 to schools having 151-250 students and Rs. 5,000 to schools having more than 250 students to procure soaps, sanitizers, etc. Total 11,011 Mid Day Meal cooks and their helpers would be provided face masks, gloves, hand sanitizers etc.

 The concerned authorities were asked to make the arrangements by June 06, the minister told the media at Civil Secretariat on Saturday late evening.

The pending papers of Class 10 and 12 board exams would be started from June 05.
Kazik Staszewski is a rock legend in Poland, and his song, Your Pain Is Better than Mine, hit a chord last week  or perhaps too many chords when it hit number 1 on a popular show. Within minutes of the show ending, the results disappeared from the website of the shows state-run broadcaster. Mr. Staszewskis anthem had vanished, along with the rest of the chart. One of the radio stations many now-resigned hosts says, even the Communist regime had more respect for the freedom of speech at Trojka than the current government has.  The New York Times
Disadvantaged students in NSW lost around two weeks' worth of learning in maths and more than a week in reading while schools were delivering lessons remotely, a report has found as children head back to classrooms on Monday.

The Centre for Independent Studies paper argued schools should quickly triage their pupils' learning progress to stop those disadvantaged students slipping further behind.

But other experts say wellbeing should be prioritised over learning assessment as students will have had vastly different experiences during the home-learning period.

Glenn Fahey, research fellow in education policy at the centre, analysed Australian NAPLAN data alongside the results of a study from the United States in which some students learned remotely and others in class.
Twelve people, including four of a family tested positive for Covid-19 in Himachal Pradesh late on Saturday and Sunday, taking the states tally to 197.

Four cases were reported in Una two each in Kangra and Hamirpur and one each in Solan, Bilaspur, Chamba and Mandi. With this, active cases in the state have gone up to 131, said special secretary (health) Nipun Jindal.

Back from Mumbai

The three family members testing positive on Saturday include a 47-year-old woman and her two sons aged 23 and 26. A 44-year-old brother-in-law of the woman has also tested positive. All from Bangana subdivision, they had returned from Mumbai on May 17 and were under institutional quarantine at Una.

One case was also reported from Ramshehar of Nalagarh subdivision in Solan district on Saturday night. The 43-year-old man was under institutional quarantine after coming in from West Bengal on May 19.

Kangra hits 50

Meanwhile, two cases were reported from Kangra early on Sunday, taking its tally to 51. A 42-year-old man had travelled from Delhi and was under institutional quarantine at Baijnath. Another, patient a 48-year-old taxi driver came from Mumbai on May 14 along with three others from Hamirpur. He hails from Jawalamukhi area and was under home quarantine due to some medical condition.

Thirty-seven cases are active with 13 recoveries and one death.

A 20-year-old woman from the Barsar area of Hamirpur who came back with her family from Delhi on May 18 has also tested positive. She was under institutional quarantine. Another person tested positive late evening.

Three more people tested positive in Chamba, Mandi and Bilaspur in the afternoon.

The Bilaspur patient, a 48-year-old man, who originally hails from Jogindernagar of Mandi, returned from Delhi along with three others and was quarantined at Swarghat. Covid-19 report of his co-travellers is awaited.

A 30-year-old man, who travelled from Mumbai, has also tested positive in Chamba. The patient from Mandi is a 19-year-old woman who returned from Mumbai with her parents and was under institutional quarantine. All the patients have been shifted to Covid-care centre.

Himachal has had a spurt in Covid-19 cases after May 4 with 157 people testing positive and 87 cases in last four days.

The biggest single-day spike was reported on Thursday with 42 cases.

Hamirpur is the worst-hit district with 62 cases followed by Kangra with 51 cases.

Twenty-four cases have been reported in Una, 20 in Solan, 14 in Chamba, 11 in Mandi, eight in Bilaspur, four in Sirmaur, two in Shimla and one in Kullu.

A total of 59 people have recovered.
A man who plunged a 30cm hunting knife into a police officer's back at a busy Sydney train station has claimed he has 'nothing against police' and no recollection of the shocking attack.

CCTV footage captured the moment Senior Constable Hayden Edwards was stabbed by Mark Thompson, 54, on April 19 last year at the city's Central station.

Thompson has been behind bars since the attack - which left Constable Edwards with a six-centimetre long wound.

Details about the horrific incident can now be revealed after Thompson pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

After being tasered by officers the attacker said 'I've got nothing against police, I'll tell you that much', court documents state.

Senior Constable Hayden Edwards (pictured in hospital after the attack) was stabbed in the back by Mark Thompson, 54, on April 19 of last year

'It's all just a bit of a blur,' Thompson said according to The Daily Telegraph.

'It's obviously me [in the footage] - it's a bit upsetting... I seen some police and all of a sudden I remember really just losin' it, just lost the plot.

'Everythin' seemed to be goin' dark  I just remembered being tasered  I don't even remember putting a knife in anyone or anything.'

Police agreed facts said Thompson, from Townsville in central Queensland, bought the knife at Paddy's Market in Haymarket in the Sydney CBD on the morning of the attack.

Court documents said he refused to answer when asked where the weapon had come from.

Surveillance vision of the attack showed Thompson sneak up behind Edwards and suddenly stab him in the back as he walked past.

Thompson (pictured left in stand-off with police after the stabbing) said the incident was 'all just a bit of a blur' and has no recollection of stabbing the police officer

Pictured: The 30cm blade used in the attack. Thompson has pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm

Pictured: The scene of the stabbing at Sydney's Central Station on April 19 of last year

The 54-year-old then took a few more steps before turning to face the officer in a combat stance as if expecting retaliation.

Police said Edwards had been lucky to escape with only minor injuries after being rushed to hospital for surgery.

At the time of the attack, the officer had just finished a stint at Moree in remote north-west NSW before being transferred to Sydney.

Thompson will be sentenced in July.
- Agriculture CS Peter Munya said he had made several attempts to the party to save Kithure Kindiki from impeachment

- He said, when he was presented with the charges against Kindiki he was unable to defend him as they were too heavy

- Munya said Kindiki's impeachment was necessitated for opposing President Uhuru Kenyatta's takeover of Nairobi county leadership

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya has said he tried on several occasions to plead with the Jubilee Party leadership to save Senate deputy speaker Kithure Kindiki from impeachment but was unsuccessful.

He said when he was presented with the charges against Kindiki and the others who have been ousted from their positions, he realised they were too heavy rendering them irredeemable from what befell them.

READ ALSO: Kithure Kindiki: Dethroned deputy speaker hosts Tanga Tanga colleagues a day after his ouster

Agriculture CS Peter Munya said charges against Kithure Kindiki were too heavy for him to save Kindiki from impeachment. Photo: Daily Nation

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Drifting Rift: Ruto's governor Jackson Mandago meets Mudavadi as Isaac Ruto warms up to Kalonzo

Speaking during a meeting with leaders of coffee societies in Meru on Sartuday, May 23, Munya said the legislators were opposed to the takeover of Nairobi county leadership by the national government, hence directly fighting President Uhuru Kenyatta.

I had tried to plead for some of those who have been removed from positions but when I was confronted with the charges, I could not defend them. The president was keen on restoring Nairobi, being the countrys capital and the governor had handed over the functions

Why do you go ahead to oppose the move in parliament yet you are in the presidents party? If you disobey your political party, you cannot argue that the Constitution has been ignored when you are punished, Munya said.

Ousted Senate deputy speaker Kithure Kindiki is also Tharaka Nithi senator. Photo: Citizen

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Hatuwezi kuendelea na kafyu, lockdown, Rais Uhuru asema

The CS faulted Deputy President William Ruto for rallying his supporters to oppose President Uhuru Kenyatta which he said would not be tolerated even in advanced democracies like the United States of America (USA).

At the same time, Munya took issue with some leaders from the Meru community who he said were using Kindiki's impeachment for political fame.

I have seen some people saying that Mt Kenya East region is now being side-lined. The ongoing changes should not degenerate into clan politics. The government wants to get the obstacles out of the way, said Munya.

Some of the vocal leaders from the region who have faulted the head of state over Kindiki's impeachment include Meru senator Mithika Linturi.

At least 10 MPs from the region also raised their voices over the matter accusing Uhuru of sidelining the region despite having voted for him overwhelmingly.

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Parts of North India, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat will continue to reel under the effect of a heatwave with no respite likely in days to comes, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its bulletin on Sunday afternoon.

According to the IMD, heatwave conditions were observed over parts of Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Gujarat on Sunday.

Here are the top developments:

1. Maharashtras Sonegaon in Nagpur recorded the maximum temperature in India on Sunday at 46.2C. Nagpur was the hottest location in the state and the second-hottest in India on Saturday.

2. Highest maximum temperature of 46.7C was reported in Pilani (East Rajasthan) on Saturday.

3. The IMD has issued a red warning for Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Rajasthan for the next two days.

4. An orange warning for heatwave has been issued for east Uttar Pradesh, said Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of IMDs Regional Meteorological Centre.

5. As per the IMD, the national capital witnessed the maximum temperature of 46C on Sunday. The heatwave conditions are likely to continue in Delhi for the following two days.

Also read: Top hottest cities in India amid heatwave warning till next week

6. The temperature may take a slight dip later next week with a possibility of rain and thunderstorm around Friday (May 29) in the national capital, the weather department predicts.

7. The maximum temperature in Delhi is likely to hover around 46C until May 26. Some respite may be expected over the weekend.

8. Till May 27, there will be no respite. The maximum temperature can go up to 46- 47 degree Celsius in the Capital because of dry, hot winds blowing. From May 28 night, a western disturbance will affect us which may cause dust storm or thunderstorms. Low level easterly winds may also bring some relief after May 28, said Kuldeep Shrivastava, head, regional weather forecasting centre, Delhi.

9. According to the weather department, heatwave conditions are likely in parts of northwest, central and peninsular India in next four to five days.

10. The weather departments colour-coded warnings  green, yellow, orange and red - are based on the intensity of the weather system.

According to the IMD, heat wave is considered if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40C or more for plains, 37C or more for coastal stations and at least 30C or more for hilly regions.

Heatwave is declared based on:

Departure from normal temperature

 Heatwave: Departure from normal is 4.5C to 6.4C

 Severe heatwave: Departure from normal is >6.4C

Based on actual maximum temperature (for plains only)

 Heatwave: When actual maximum temperature  45C

 Severe heatwave: When actual maximum temperature 47C

To declare heatwave, the above criteria should be met at least in 2 stations in a meteorological sub-division for at least two consecutive days, the IMD states.
The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML) is getting ready to complete the admission process for the batch of 2020-22. The premier B-school announced the list of selected candidates on late Saturday evening who appeared in virtual interview this year.

IIML director, Professor Archana Shukla said, Now gradually all IIMs are declaring the list of selected candidates whose results are ready. In the same process we also announced list of selected candidates. As soon as we completed online interviews, we declared our results.

We had to do interviews online. We have declared the first list. The second and third list will follow thereafter. Thats the normal admission process. We have batch size of approximately 450 students, she said.

When asked about when will the new session start, Prof Shukla said, We cant start the session early. We are ready full swing to further new session. I dont think anybody will start the session by June end.

She said, We are planning to start with the online remedial session for first year. We have to avoid influx of students on campus initially so that social distancing could be followed. We will start classes when it opens completely as per the government advisory. We cant give the exact dates when the session starts.

According to IIML director, the normal classes may begin from July end or first week of August We will also have to hold the examination for the first year students also which was scheduled from March 24 and was postponed because of pandemic COVID-19, she said.

This year IIML revised its admission policy for its postgraduate programmes for academic year 2020-22, IIM-L officials said. IIM Lucknow excluded the writing ability test (WAT) that was of 10 marks from the evaluation components for admission to PGP-ABM/ PGP-SM owing to restrictions imposed by the government to contain Covid-19, said Prof Vikas Srivastava, IIM-L spokesman.

This change in the evaluation components is applicable only for the batch of 2020-22, he said.

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It has taken Jenny Thomsen a long time to feel comfortable in her own skin.

More than 50 years after she was taken from her family as a baby, the Stolen Generations survivor still carries the weight of her trauma: Its thick. You could cut it with a knife.

Stolen Generations survivor Jenny Thomsen met her mother for the first time at age 31. Credit:Rhett Wyman

On the eve of Sorry Day, when Australia pauses to recognise members of the Stolen Generations on May 26, there are fears that the cycle of trauma continues for Aboriginal children, who make up almost 40 per cent of all children in out-of-home care in NSW.

Despite this vast over-representation, the peak body for Aboriginal child protection in NSW, AbSec, is poised to lose around half of its $5.7 million annual funding next financial year, the Herald can reveal.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD is celebrating its 175th anniversary of protecting residents of New York City and its streets.

NYPD News posted to its Twitter feed a video that highlights the anniversary with a video saying, We have been proud to serve this city and look forward to the next 175 years.

In another post, theres a photo depicting the original New York City Police Headquarters, which was built from 1905 to 1909, where it housed the NYPD from 1909 to 1973.

Since then, the NYPD has moved to its current location at 1 Police Plaza.
Whether its the mall, restaurants, concerts, or even parks, people are making it clear: they wont be ready to go out to their favourite destinations until they feel confident about being able to go  to the bathroom, that is.

The idea of a return to life in public is unnerving enough for many people. But it turns out that one of the biggest obstacles to dining in a restaurant, renewing a doctors appointment or going back to the office is the prospect of having to use a public toilet  a tight, intimate, and potentially germ-infested space.

Its a hurdle vexing many business owners as they prepare to reopen in a time of social distancing, reduced capacity, and heightened anxiety about the very air we breathe.

A Texas barbecue restaurant reopened only after hiring for a new job category: a bathroom monitor, who assures that people waiting their turn are spaced well apart. In Florida, malls are installing touch-free sinks and hand dryers in restrooms before opening their doors. McDonalds is requiring franchises to clean bathrooms every 30 minutes. Across the country, businesses are replacing blow dryers with paper towels, decommissioning urinals that now seem too close together, and removing restroom doors to create airport-style, no-touch entrances.

Recommended Ryanair passengers must ask cabin crew for permission to visit toilet

In San Luis Obispo, California, the Sunset Drive-In is holding back from reopening  even though the health department gave it the green light  because the owner hasnt figured out how to address customers concerns about catching Covid-19 in the bathroom.

Before we open, we want to have the restroom problem solved for your safety, the owner, Larry Rodkey, wrote on Facebook. Sitting through approximately five hours of movies is a necessity for the enjoyment of the Drive-In.

The theatre is considering installing more toilets, adding port-a-potties and hiring staff to disinfect bathrooms after each use.

The Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In theatre in North Ridgeville, Ohio, reopened this week with 10 portable toilets added to the eight existing stalls, even though movie attendance was limited to 25 per cent of the usual capacity. On its marquee facing the highway, the theatre touted the advantages of outdoor, in-car movie watching: Social Distancing Since 1965.

Portable toilets outside the Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In theater in Ohio (The Washington Post) (The Washington Post/Jeff Swensen)

Owner Deb Sherman has instituted new policies, leaving plenty of space between cars, requiring masks, and enforcing six-foot distancing in the restrooms.

Anyone not following established safe policies set forth may be asked to leave the theatre without a refund, the policy says.

She doubled her staff from 10 to 20 to keep queues to a minimum and let customers see that someone was constantly disinfecting the restrooms and concessions stand.

If we can give them some confidence about safety, people are ready to get out of the house and try and have a little more normal life, she says. The restroom situation didnt bother me personally, but it was the number one concern people had on our Facebook page, so I had to take action to make them comfortable.

Americans have always had a fear of contamination from public restrooms, what were seeing now is part just heightened anxiety, but its also part reality-based

Such comfort might be hard-won. Laura Maxwell is eager to find an entertainment option that would let her take her children, ages 11 and 13, out of the house safely. Maxwell, who lives in San Luis Obispo, would happily return to the Sunset Drive-In, but the prospect of restroom queues is bothersome.

Bathrooms are a problem, she says. Theyre huge contact places, and if youre shedding the virus, itll be all over. Maybe they could just open up without bathrooms and people would know in advance and make the decision not to go, or to wear Depends [adult nappies].

Solutions to peoples anxieties might not be quite so simple, says Steven Soifer, president of the American Restroom Association, which advocates for safer and more-private public bathrooms.

Americans have always had a fear of contamination from public restrooms, says Soifer, who also is a professor of social work at the University of Mississippi. What were seeing now is part just heightened anxiety, but its also part reality-based. Public restrooms in this country generally have open toilet seats  no lids  and high-pressure flushes create a plume of droplets that extends at least six feet.

The coronavirus has been found in human waste up to a month after a victim has recovered. And a study published last week concluded that droplets created when we talk can hang in the air for at least eight minutes.

Bathroom queues are a dilemma that has not been solved (The Washington Post) (The Washington Post/Jeff Swensen)

Soifers group seeks a retooling of public facilities that would place toilets inside fully enclosed unisex stalls, as is more common in Europe and parts of Asia. There would be larger dividers separating urinals.

In our country, people arent comfortable talking about bathroom issues in general, Soifer says. The old frontier mentality and the emphasis on personal liberty has led to an attitude where theres no standard for public restrooms other than the building code. Now we need to extend social distancing to restrooms, and its going to be very hard. Even if you limit the number of stalls, you then create a line of people outside.

Makers of bathroom fixtures have seen a surge of restaurant owners and workplace managers ordering thorough renovations of their bathrooms  a level of attention unusual in a country where many public restrooms havent moved much higher up the design ladder than the stereotypically awful petrol station bathroom.

People are converting to fixtures with touchless features, says Jon Dommisse, director of strategy for Bradley Corp, a Wisconsin-based maker of workplace bathroom equipment. Theyre swapping out faucets, dryers, anything with buttons, levers, knobs. Theyre reducing the number of people allowed in at a time, taking doors off and adding wash stations outside the bathroom to relieve crowding. Most of all, were seeing a commitment to almost relentless levels of cleaning.

To further ease consumer anxiety around restrooms, our customers are also more interested in providing proof of service. Weve even had some customers film our technicians performing a deep clean

Bradley regularly conducts national surveys about bathrooms, and even in good times, 76 per cent of Americans say theyve had memorably bad experiences in public restrooms. The latest survey, conducted last month, found that 91 per cent of consumers want touchless fixtures in bathrooms, Dommisse says  a number weve never seen before.

Going away: push-button soap dispensers, and those high-velocity hand dryers that can blow germs across an entire room. Coming to a restroom near you: more copper fixtures  copper has antimicrobial properties  and dryers integrated into the sink so no one walks across the room dripping water.

Maybe the multi-stall restroom is obsolete, says Michelle Kempen, an interior designer at Kahler Slater, an architecture firm in Milwaukee. With Covid, were moving towards a more European model, where the WC is a single room and then you go out into a shared sink area, along with touchless design and maybe a return to restroom attendants.

Having an employee present at all times, she says, makes cleaning ongoing and evident.

Sinks are covered to prevent people standing too close to each other (AP)

But employees cost money, and the bill for retooling a restroom can be $25,000 (23,000) or more  McDonalds is leaving it to franchise owners to foot the bill for $718 (579) touchless sinks and $310 (250) sensor-activated towel dispensers. Quick fixes are likely to be cheaper, such as a return to paper towels, additional signage and one-way foot traffic.

Some businesses now want cleaning done by day rather than when theyre closed, so customers and employees can see the company taking cleaning seriously, says Michelle Goret, a spokeswoman for Cintas, an Ohio-based supplier of restroom services.

To further ease consumer anxiety around restrooms, our customers are also more interested in providing proof of service, Goret says. Weve even had some customers film our technicians performing a deep clean to share with their customers and employees.

Figuring out what might restore consumer confidence is more art than science. In a Washington Post/University of Maryland poll this month, 78 per cent of those surveyed said they would be uncomfortable eating at a sit-down restaurant. The results were similar whether people lived in a state that is opening up businesses or one still operating under tight restrictions.

In South Florida, where many stores are reopening, the Bal Harbour Shops mall hired 14 extra people to clean. Restaurants will move their seating outdoors, but customers still need to go inside to use the restrooms, which are being renovated to include automatic doors, touchless sinks and dryers.

In Milwaukee, at Good City Brewings two locations, owner David Dupee plans to control the number of people and mark off space where people should stand while theyre waiting for the restroom  whatever we can to make people feel comfortable that guests around them will be appropriately distant. But we dont expect any return to normalcy until theres a vaccine. Weve all been trained in recent weeks to walk across the street when we see other people on the sidewalk. Thats just in our psyche now.

Toilet closures are a real problem for certain vulnerable groups, such as the homeless (Getty)

Outdoor venues might seem to be the easiest to reopen, but whether they are sports stadiums, concert facilities or parks, visitors still eventually need to go  a packed event and beer and soda sales inevitably lead to crowded bathrooms and long lines  so managers of such spaces are focusing on how to provide relief.

Some cities have put portable toilets on streets to serve homeless people who previously depended on restrooms in public libraries, community centres and fast-food restaurants

The American Hiking Society has recommended that people limit their walks to places in their neighbourhoods, in part to avoid having to stop to answer natures call. Bathrooms at many parks and beaches are shuttered, and those that are open struggle with staffing and with maintaining a supply of toilet paper, which remains difficult to find in many places.

Some mayors have even talked about hiring guards to assure that toilet paper doesnt walk off the premises.

All beach restrooms remain closed in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, but the Outer Banks town is taking bids from private services to clean bathrooms every 90 minutes and disinfect them every night once they reopen, probably in late May.

Town manager Matt Zapp says the added measures will cost $250 (202) per cleaning for each of the three public restrooms, as well as the towns fire, police and EMS stations.

Although beach crowds so far have been substantially less than normal, Zapp says public demand to return to life as we knew it is increasing weekly.

The shuttering of many public facilities already has posed a considerable hardship to essential workers such as delivery drivers and police, and to homeless people, who say the closings of toilets in stores, restaurants and even fire stations have made it difficult to get through the day.

Truckers and food delivery drivers have filled social media with accounts of their fruitless search for open restrooms at their usual stops. Some restaurants now limiting their business to takeout service are barring delivery drivers from their bathrooms, erecting walls of tables and chairs to keep people out.

One by one: urinal layouts will have to have a rethink (Getty)

Some cities have put portable toilets on streets to serve homeless people who previously depended on restrooms in public libraries, community centres and fast-food restaurants.

Seattle opened six hand-washing stations and 14 portable toilets near homeless encampments, and San Francisco is staffing public bathrooms at 49 locations where homeless people congregate.

Even police officers are having trouble finding a place to go during their shifts. Coffee shops are closed and fire stations formerly hospitable to other first responders are taking a newly cautious approach.

In Manchester, Maine, the fire station restroom was closed to the state and county cops who usually pop in. No law enforcement, says the sign on the door.

We have a small, volunteer fire department and it would be devastated if we lost a couple of guys who had to quarantine, says Robert Gasper, who is chairman of the town board of selectmen and a captain in the fire department. Volunteerism is down across the country, so we cant afford to take a chance.

Such uncertainty is likely to remain as people decide when to resume going out, and part of the calculus will be whether they can make it comfortably through a day.

The new normal is going to be travelling with your own toiletries, says Sonia Massey, who, with her husband Bill, developed the Restroom Kit, a packet the size of a deck of cards that includes a toilet seat cover, three feet of toilet paper, and sanitary wipes. They also sell hand sanitiser in misters and gel bottles.

The Masseys, who live in Clinton, Maryland, have seen sales surge for their five-year-old product  a sign, they say, that people who feel theyve lost control are eager to take charge of at least lifes most intimate aspects.

Any restroom outside your house is a public restroom, Sonia says. Unless you cleaned it yourself, you just dont know.

 The Washington Post
After the state government lifted the curfew in Punjab on May 18, the department of posts, Ludhiana, has witnessed a surge in parcel bookings, with people frequenting post office branches to place orders for medicines, registered posts and other articles.

Against 150 to 200 parcel bookings a day during the curfew period, the number has now significantly gone up to 1,800-2,000 articles a day within a week of lifting of the restrictions.

Amanpreet Singh, senior superintendent of post office, Ludhiana, said that as business operations are gradually coming back on track, the bookings for various parts of the country have increased.

Normally, we book 3,000 to 4,000 articles a day. We are expecting a further increase after May 31, when lockdown 4.0 is likely to end, said Amanpreet Singh.

Ludhiana senior superintendent of post office said the department staff have been taking all necessary measures concerning Covid-19.

We are following standard operating procedure (SOP) at every level to ensure that our staff remains safe while executing delivery of posts and articles reach people safely in a time-bound manner. There are foot operated hand sanitiser stands at the entrance of our offices for visitors and all parcels are sanitised before being dispatched, he added.

Officials said that they were also sanitising mail motor service (MMS) vehicles, mail boxes and its offices on a regular basis.

Giving priority to medicines and medical aids, the department of posts, Punjab circle, has booked and delivered 18,723 articles since the lockdown.
Midland Public Schools Superintendent Michael Sharrow said that the emergency shelter at Midland High School has been discontinued after providing shelter, food and care for four days and four nights to a total of 150 people displaced by the flooding of the Tittabawassee River.

By Saturday evening, longer-term accommodations had been found for all the residents who were still staying at MHS and couldn't return to their homes, Sharrow said.

"We placed every citizen out into longer-term care, and some went back to their apartments," he told the Daily News, noting that the residents from Riverside Place won't be able to return there for an indefinite period.

"The hotels in town have stepped up. The Convention Bureau is paying some of the bills," Sharrow said.

He explained that the number of people at the shelter decreased each night until it was no longer needed.

"(Saturday) by 6 or 7 p.m., we had it all cleared out. We moved all the donations to distribution centers," Sharrow said. "We're going to do some staging in the (MHS) parking lot for distribution early (this coming) week, is what I'm told."

The superintendent said that at least eight MPS administrators and school board members were at the shelter for almost the whole time it was open.

"We had 400 to 500 volunteers at one time or another," Sharrow said. "We had nurses from all over Michigan helping with the elderly residents. They were working 24-hour shifts."

He said one Dow High graduate organized a network of nurses from as far away as metro Detroit to help, some of whom had been laid off from their jobs.

A caterer from Bay City, among many others, drove over to provide food. And one individual even set up an outdoor movie screen one night for the shelter residents to watch a movie.

"It was amazing to see the goodness come out from so many people. I used to say, 'There but for the grace of God go I,' and I think a lot of people thought that and said, 'Hey, we're supposed to be doing something more.'"

Sharrow also reported in a mass email communique Sunday morning (https://bit.ly/3bUjLBX) that H.H. Dow High School had standing water from the flooding and its newly-renovated library/media center "took a direct hit from the floodwaters."

"We have had ServPro working their magic to remediate the mud and debris so we can restore this beautiful learning center for our Dow High Chargers for the upcoming school year," he wrote in the email.

"The carpeting (in the media center) was just put in last summer. The carpeting has been stripped now," Sharrow told the Daily News. "We'll do work in there. There's tile that has to be removed as well."

Overall, he is grateful that no other MPS school building had flood damage, even Woodcrest Elementary, which is in the west part of the city that was hit significantly by flooding.

In terms of what remains of the school year, which is scheduled to end for students on Friday, June 5, Sharrow acknowledged that some teachers and students are just not in any position to continue the remote learning because their homes are either damaged or destroyed by the flooding.

"Our administrators are going to survey how many teachers are able to continue teaching," he said. "We're just going to leave it wide open. If you can connect (and continue instruction) this last week (and a half), so be it. It you can't, you can't.

"We'll have to do (extra instruction) next fall. It's been a bad year (due to the coronavirus and flooding), and we'll regroup," Sharrow added.

Sharrow also said that the flooding has damaged hundreds of MPS-issued Chromebooks, which students have been using at home since school buildings closed on March 16.

"We scrambled to put in orders in for more Chromebooks, since the waiting time for getting those devices right now is definitely backlogged," he said. "Hopefully we'll have them before (school resumes in) August, but we'll see."

MPS is continuing to provide free lunches and breakfasts to all children up to age 18 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (except Memorial Day).

"Please know that the Grab & Go Food Service is continuing," Sharrow wrote in the email. "It is also important to know that this is not just for MPS families. This is for any child ages 0-18. The meals are being disbursed from MHS, all MPS elementary schools and from various sites via MPS school buses."

In the communique, Sharrow also congratulated the Midland High and Dow High senior classes of 2020, whose last day of school was on Friday.

"These hardworking, goal-oriented graduates have completed their K-12 journey," he wrote. "We wish them all the best as they embark on the next leg of their life's journey ... whether it be post-secondary education, the world of work, the military, etc. ... please know the best wishes of your MPS family go with you. We can't wait to see the places you'll go and the accomplishments you'll realize."

Graduation ceremonies for both high schools are still tentatively scheduled for Friday, July 24 at Dow Diamond.
Amid the lockdown, Paige, a10-year old girl from California created a plastic curtain with arm slots so that she could hug her grandparents while quarantined! The girl, whose mom Lindsay Orkay works as a nurse, had self isolated herself from her daughter. Paige spent hours to complete the so-called hug curtain created using shower curtains, a hot glue gun and disposable plates. She said she got her inspiration after watching a video of someone making a blanket to hug their family members.She came up with the idea, she laid it out in the family room and spent multiple hours working on it, Paiges mother, Lindsay Okray, told a news website, KABC.

In times like these when we need our family most, many providing essential services are away. Paiges hug curtain went viral on social media, and netizens praised her for a coming up with such a lovely idea to make her grandparents feel loved.

Closer home, essential workers say it was a bittersweet feeling to be away from loved ones, and they craved for their touch. I was happy to serve the nation and sad to be away from family physically. I had been working in the hospital for a week continuously. When I came home, my daughter ran towards me and I had to move away. Tears welled up in my eyes but to keep her safe, I had to be away, says Priya Suresh, a nurse employed with a Noida hospital.

Similarly, when a police officer comes back home after his/her duty, they have to quarantine themselves from their family. Recently, a moving image of a police officer sitting outside his home and eating went viral. In the picture, his daughter stood at the door gazing at him as he ate.

Until a week ago, Monika Bhardwaj, DCP North Delhi, had to hide herself from her little daughters to avoid all physical contact. I have twin daughters who are just 3-years-old, they couldnt understand why they couldnt meet me. Mumma ke sath keeda ata hai (an insect comes along with mom) is what we used to tell them but they still wanted to be with me. So I hid from them. Initially, erratic work hours and new challenges made life very stressful. Playing with my kids is always a stress buster but I couldnt even do that, shares Monika Bhardwaj, DCP North Delhi.

The police officer says that many of her colleagues didnt even go home and stayed away from family as they were involved in ground work amid the coronavirus outbreak. Thats how it is for us, but then our commitment to duty comes first, she says.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Prerna Gauba Prerna Gauba writes on fashion and food, for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City. ...view detail
HONG KONG, May 24 (Reuters) - Hong Kong braced on Sunday for its first protests since Beijings controversial plan to directly impose national security laws on the city, in what could provide a litmus test of public opposition to China's tightening grip over the financial hub.

Beijing on Thursday proposed tough security legislation for Hong Kong, a move that sent a chill through financial markets and drew a swift rebuke from foreign governments, international human rights groups and some business lobbies.

In drafting the new laws, which could see the setting up of Chinese government intelligence agencies in the global financial centre, Beijing plans to circumvent Hong Kong's lawmaking body, the Legislative Council.

The move has sparked concerns over the fate of the "one country, two systems" formula that has governed Hong Kong since its return to Chinese rule in 1997 and which guarantees the city broad freedoms not seen on the mainland.

Some local commentators have described the proposal as "a nuclear option" that is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's high-stakes power play.

A backlash intensified on Saturday as nearly 200 political figures from around the world said in a statement the proposed laws said the proposed laws are a "comprehensive assault on the city's autonomy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms".

China has dismissed other countries' complaints as "meddling" and rejected concerns the proposed laws would harm foreign investors.

On Saturday, local Hong Kong media reported police were seen entering Beijing's main representative bureau in the city, the Liaison Office, ahead of protests expected to start later in the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay.

The rally was initially organised against a controversial national anthem bill, which is due for a second reading at the Legislative Council on Wednesday. The proposed national security laws sparked calls for more people to take to the streets.

Story continues

Hong Kong has increasingly become a pawn in deteriorating relations between Washington and Beijing, and observers will be watching for any signs of resignation to defeat among the broader local community or indications that activists are gearing up for a fresh challenge.

Anti-government protests that escalated in June last year plunged the city into its biggest political crisis in decades, battered the economy and posed the gravest popular challenge to President Xi since he came to power in 2012.

The sometimes violent clashes that roiled the city saw a relative lull in recent months as the government imposed measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. (Reporting by Anne Marie Roantree; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
T he devastated father of a law student who was shot on her way to a supermarket in Blackburn has said he came to the UK to "find safety" for his family.

Innocent passer-by Aya Hachem, 19, was gunned down as she walked to shops near her home in Lancashire last Sunday.

The first of two shots fired from a passing vehicle hit a building but the second hit the teenager in the chest.

Ismail Hachem told the Sun on Sunday he would "never recover" from the death of his daughter, who had her funeral in Lebanon on Friday.

Relatives of Aya Hachem carry her coffin during the funeral at a cemetery in her family's hometown of Qlaileh / REUTERS

Aya meant everything to me," he said. She was worth sacrificing my life and leaving my family and my home country behind to make a better life.

It was all worth it because Aya was successful, but she died in the most horrific way. All her dreams were crushed by a single bullet."

He added: She never got a chance to graduate, she never got a chance to enjoy her life, she never got to experience any of it.

"All of this because someone decided it was okay to mercilessly shoot our daughter. She out of all people did not deserve such an ending like this.

I will never recover from this.

Aya had just completed her second year of university when she was gunned down in Blackburn / PA

Mr Hachem and his wife and children flew out on Friday with Aya's coffin.

The Lebanese Embassy had arranged for Ayas body to be repatriated and buried in Qlaileh, southern Lebanon.

Mr Hachem told the Sun how Aya had been singled out by teachers for her intelligence at an early age.

Her father had served in the army for ten years but he was working at a pizza shop when he was caught in crossfire and shot in the back. It was at this point he decided to move the family to Britain for their safety.

The mother (centre) of Aya as she mourns during her daughters funeral in the southern Lebanese town of Qlaile / AFP via Getty Images

We came to England to find safety, for a better life," said Mr Hachem. "How are we supposed to feel safe now?

Aya was so excited about what the future held for her, like what car she was going to get once she passed her driving test. All for her to walk down a street and get shot.

How can someone think its okay to take someones life away like that? How can such a vile human being think its okay to crush all her goals and dreams like that?

Aya and her mother used to discuss what graduation dress she was going to wear next year, but instead her mother dressed her in her funeral dress.

Mourners throw rose petals on the casket of Aya Hachem / AFP via Getty Images

Her Uncle Ali, 40, said when Aya arrived in Britain, aged nine, she was only able to say hello but picked up English so quickly that within two months you wouldnt say she was from another country".

Aya became one of the youngest trustees in the history of the Children's Society aged 16 and went on to study law at the University of Salford.

She had just passed her second year and was looking for a work placement when she was gunned down getting groceries from Lidl for her family during Ramadan.

Blackburn residents Feroz Suleman, 39, Kashif Manzoor, 24, Uthman Satia, 28, and Abubakir Satia, 31, and Judy Chapman, 26, of Great Harwood, appeared in court on Saturday facing charges of murder.

The five were also charged with the attempted murder of their intended target, Pashar Khan, and appeared in court yesterday in a series of short hearings.

We want justice for our daughter," said Mr Hachem. Im not sure how we will recover from such a tragedy, but all we can do is make sure we get justice for Aya once and for all.
France is relaxing its border restrictions as the virus gradually recedes, allowing migrant workers and family visitors from other European countries but is requiring quarantine for people arriving from Britain and Spain.

Starting Monday, France is abandoning border checks installed in March and switching to spot checks in various places, according to a government statement.

It is also broadening the categories of people allowed from other countries in Europe's border-free travel zone to include migrant workers and people coming for family reasons.

However, since Britain and Spain are requiring quarantine for those arriving from elsewhere in Europe, France is doing the same. It will be a voluntary 14-day quarantine, based on reciprocity for measures taken by Britain and Spain in an uncoordinated manner, the French government said.

Travellers from outside Europe are still banned until at least June 15, except for French citizens. Any traveller arriving in France must fill out a permission form justifying the trip and a signed paper declaring that they don't have symptoms. The government said France is working with other European countries on standard Europe-wide travel rules.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A coalition of local and international anti-corruption groups has asked the Nigerian media to protect public interest and the integrity of the judiciary by ensuring professional ethics in the report of the scam associated with OPL 245.

OPL 245 is the oil block for which Shell and Eni paid $1.1 billion in 2011 in a deal mediated by the Jonathan administration.

The money did not go to the Nigerian government but ended up, largely, in the hands of private individuals including a former petroleum minister, Dan Etete.

The matter is being investigated in at least five countries with some of the accused prosecuted in Nigeria, Italy and the UK.

The groups that released the Sunday statement said it was sub-judicial for a section of the media to attempt a verdict while the judicial process is yet to run its full cause.

Read the full statement by the groups below.

OPL 245: Nigerians alerted on plans to subvert justice

PRESS STATEMENT

A coalition of local and international anti-corruption movements have alerted Nigerians on what appears an orchestrated plot to thwart corruption charges against oil giants associated with OPL 245 scam in which the country was swindled through a cobweb of criminal gangs.

In a statement on Sunday, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Re-Common, Cornerhouse and Global Witness asked the Nigerian media to protect public interest and the integrity of the judiciary by ensuring professional ethics in the report of the scam associated with OPL 245.

The statement was signed by Antonio Tricario, (Re-Common), Nicholas Hidyard (Cornerhouse) Simon Taylor (Global Witness) and HEDA Chairman, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju.

The groups said it was sub-judicial for a section of the media to attempt a verdict while the judicial process is yet to run its full cause.

The groups said a section of the media had chosen to comment on proceedings that are partisan, inaccurate and misleading commentary aimed at influencing the outcome of a trial before it has run its full course. It says such media interference constitutes a serious threat to justice.

The OPL 245 is one of Africas richests oil fields handed over to an obscured company, Malabu oil that had only few days earlier registered in 1998 under the military regime of late Gen Sani Abacha.

It later witnessed a string of dirty deals spanning 20 years. Italys Eni and Royal Dutch Shell currently face corruption charges in Italy in their various activities linked to the bid for the rich oil field.

The coalition said recent media reports were veiled attempts to prorect oil giants and former public officers associated with the scam by attacking the credibility of the prosecutors in charge of the case in Milan.

The groups said having attended the trial, they could attest to the professionalism of the prosecutor, whose probity has never been questioned by the Tribunal or the defendants legal teams, which include some of Italys top lawyers.

They noted that the trial has stretched over two years and has generated hours of testimony.

The groups said Thisdays article misleadingly focusses on a few minutes in one hearing nearly 18 months ago to allege that the Prosecutor hid key facts relating to Mr Adokes mortgage. In fact, the Prosecutor has been entirely candid. Evidence relating to mortgage repayments was included in the Prosecutors file submitted to the Court when the trial opened and additional evidence has been filed during the trial.

They observed that most recently, on 29 October 2019, the Prosecutor submitted extensive documentation received through a Mutual Legal Assistance request to Nigeria.

It is our understanding that this included (inter alia) full details of money flows into and out of Mr Adokes account at Unity Bank, the internal Unity Bank documentation relating to the mortgage and property records relating to Plot no 3271 Cadastral Zone 06, Maitama, Abuja.

They jointly criticised attempts to rubbish the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), which launched investigation into the crime.

The coalition said the Thisday article was published on the same day that a report by British academics found that Nigeria was making good progress in the enforcement of anti-corruption laws adding that the report had praised the EFCC as a robust and effective agency.

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The anti-corruption leaders said it would be a great pity if the EFCCs hard-earned reputation was undermined by ill-informed opinions adding that pulling down the EFCC to satisfy the interests of a corrupt few will undermine sustainable growth and development in Nigeria.
The first of five Iranian tankers filled with gasoline made it to Venezuelan waters late on Saturday.

The oil tanker Fortune was welcomed by Venezuelan officials who celebrated the growing relationship with Iran spurred by Trump administration sanctions to both countries.

'Iran and Venezuela have always supported each other in times of difficulty,' Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza tweeted. 'Today, the first ship with gasoline arrives for our people.'

Russ Dallen, head of Caracas Capital Markets, confirmed the ship's location using tracing technology. The Clavel, the last of the five ships, is roughly 3.5 days away, he explained to ABC News.

The oil tanker Fortune was welcomed by Venezuelan officials who celebrated the growing relationship with Iran as it made its way on Saturday night

Russ Dallen, head of Caracas Capital Markets, confirmed the ship's location using tracing technology. The Clavel, the last of the five ships, is roughly 3.5 days away

It is estimated that the Iranian tankers have enough gasoline to supply the South American company for two to three weeks.

The U.S. government has accused Iran and other nations of supporting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who won his 2018 election by illegitimately banned other opponents.

Iran has also flown shipments of key chemicals needed to help jump start a Venezuelan oil refinery and produce gasoline.

On Saturday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned the U.S. not to interfere with the shipment.

He said that the United States created 'unacceptable conditions' for other parts of the world but stressed that Iran would 'by no means' initiate conflict.

'If our tankers in the Caribbean or anywhere in the world face any problems caused by the Americans, they will face problems as well,' he added. 'We hope the Americans will not make a mistake.'

The Trump administration has recently deployed ships, including Navy destroyers and other combat ships, to patrol the area in what they are calling a drug interdiction mission.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (right) and Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif pictured in 2016

'Iran and Venezuela have always supported each other in times of difficulty,' Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza tweeted. 'Today, the first ship with gasoline arrives for our people'

Maduro and his government believe the move is a direct threat. The Trump administration also recently offered a $15million bounty for his arrest.

With assistance from the military, along with powers like China and Russia, Maduro has managed to stay in power. The U.S. has accused them of 'malign activities and meddling' around the world.

'We will not abide by their support of the illegitimate and tyrannical regime of Nicolas Maduro,' the Trump administration said in a statement. 'Will continue until Maduro's hold on Venezuela is over.'

Maduro appeared on state TV ahead of the ships' arrivals and vowed to respond to any aggression made by the U.S. against the tankers.

'They want to enslave us,' Maduro said Thursday. 'If you want peace, you must be prepared to defend it.'

According to Vladimir Padrino Lopez, Maduro's defense minister, armed forces are prepared to welcome and escort each ship.

Eric Farnsworth, vice president of the Council of the Americas and Americas Society research center, declared that any U.S. action would 'too easily escalate' tension.

'(That) would needlessly undermine the narrative that Venezuela, with the world's largest proven oil supply, has to import gasoline from Iran of all places because they have become such an international pariah,' Farnsworth said. 'If they don't, Caracas claims a great victory for the fatherland and tries to portray the U.S. as impotent.'
In December 2017, broadcaster Sarah McInerney was facing an uncertain future.

In August of that year she was unceremoniously ousted from her Newstalk drivetime slot with Chris O'Donoghue to make way for the station's new addition Ivan Yates.

She stayed on for a few months on a weekend show before walking away. It was, in her own words, her steepest learning curve and probably helped her get to where she is now - fronting RTE's flagship mid-morning show in Sean O'Rourke's former slot.

"I was definitely burned by it because I wasn't used to the broadcasting industry which is very different from print," she told the Sunday Independent. "It really taught me a lesson about the impermanence of broadcasting jobs.

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"It is not like you own a show; it can be taken from you at any time and it doesn't matter who you are. At the time, it felt awful and I never expected it."

In many respects McInerney, a Galway native and DCU Journalism alumni, meandered into a radio career. She quickly moved on from being a Sunday Tribune diarist with a column 'Sarah in the City' to a general news reporter and moved again to the role of political correspondent, but not before she caught the eye of icon Vincent Browne.

"When I was in college in DCU, I wanted to be a fiction writer and I thought journalism was the best place to start.

"When I did the course, I enjoyed the feature writing and the straight reporting. But I hated the radio and TV modules.

"I started getting into it when I was in the Sunday Tribune and I had done a piece on Princess Diana and the conspiracy theories around her death. Vincent invited me on the show to talk about it. And, thank God, because I was so young and green that he just left me there to talk about it. He didn't go through me for a shortcut; he was kind on that occasion."

Browne wasn't always kind and she learned quickly not to enter his lair unprepared. His 'hairdryer treatment' on live television remains with her to this day. "I remember distinctly on one occasion when I forgot myself and gave some opinion that was just my all-encompassing general view about the world.

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"He went through me. It was one of the best lessons I have ever learned; never go on any show without having any facts to back up what you are planning to say."

When Newstalk came along it was straight into the deep end and she learned on the job in traditional fashion. "I hadn't presented any radio at all when Newstalk came calling," she says.

She spent a year with the station before deciding to move on and this gave her invaluable experience at fronting her own radio show. It also helped her develop the tough skin needed to front such an agenda-setting slot as The Today Show, given the amount of online abuse she received.

"I find it fascinating at how misogynistic some people can be," she said. "I am not surprised at the trolling. In Newstalk, they used to send in the texts. I saw an awful lot about what people were saying about me and it wasn't nice, it was abuse.

"They don't do that in RTE, thank God, they edit them first or just pick out the ones that they want you to read out."

She has stewardship of The Today Show until September and insists she has no idea what will happen then. She concedes that she probably wasn't prepared for the "level of expectation" that came with such a revered show.

"I was just delighted to get it. And then, I don't know why, I didn't think about the level of hype there would be when Sean retired. I get it, though; they are big shoes to fill. Sean was fantastic and I loved listening to him but my approach is to just put as much of it out of my head as is possible and to try and enjoy it and see what happens."

It is clear from a quick trawl of social media that the only real criticism of McInerny's appointment was down to gender. "I see it as a job and I don't see myself as a woman broadcasting, I see myself as a broadcaster," she said.

"When I started, I got a whole load of messages from mostly women and loads of lovely cards as well sent into RTE. That makes me aware that they find it very inspiring or that they love hearing a female voice in this role. So that makes me aware that it is important to women.

"I would like to think that the best person for the job gets it on merit. I would like to think that is what happens. Tokenism is an awful thing and you would hate to be the token woman. There is enough talent across both genders for both to succeed."

Sarah admits that her parents back home are "thrilled" with her new gig. "My mam has five radios on in the house because she thinks that it might make a difference to the listenership.

"I haven't seen them since early January which is awful and really hard on the kids."

Today With Sarah McInerney is broadcast Monday to Friday 10-12pm on RTE Radio One
California held more than 10,000 juveniles in state custody in 1996, a time of rising crime rates and fearful descriptions of young criminals as super-predators. Now, violent crime rates have been falling for years, coronavirus stay-at-home edicts have reduced them further, state funding has dried up, and the juvenile custody population is down to 750.

Under Gov. Gavin Newsoms recently proposed budget, that population will be zero in about three years, after the remaining three prisons and one prison camp stop admitting youths in January and close their doors once current inmates complete their sentences. At that point, any juvenile lawbreakers who are sentenced to custody will be placed in a county juvenile hall or alternative local setting.

That would appear to be good news for youth advocates whose scathing assessment of the current system was included in Vanishing Violence, a Chronicle investigative series last year on the troubled state of juvenile justice in California. But it depends on whom you ask.

This is long overdue. Like a lot of parents with incarcerated children, we often felt hopeless, like we were doing time with our children, said Lourdes Duarte, a parent organizer with the Books Not Bars campaign of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, which pressed the state successfully to close five of its eight youth prisons more than a decade ago.

The state system was doing nothing to rehabilitate kids who spend three years in a violent, gang-filled environment behind bars, said Dan Macallair, executive director of the nonprofit Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice. State facilities are putting kids in danger and were not getting any benefit. ... Theres a greater potential for success if we deliver services at the neighborhood and family level.

Besides, Macallair said, with California facing a $54 billion budget deficit because of impacts from the coronavirus pandemic, theres no reason to maintain the (state) Division of Juvenile Justice at nearly $300 million when youve got empty juvenile halls. State officials say county juvenile facilities, with a capacity of more than 11,000, now hold 2,340 youths.

Attorney Frankie Guzman of the National Center for Youth Law in Oakland has a different perspective. Guzman grew up in poverty, spent six years in state custody for an armed robbery committed at age 15, then turned his life around, earned a law degree at UCLA and lobbied successfully for a 2018 state law that prohibited prosecution of 14- and 15-year-olds as adults. He now directs the law centers California Youth Justice Initiative.

The Division of Juvenile Justice is expensive and far from trouble-free, Guzman said, but it still has better programming than, I would say, 95% of the (county) probation departments across the state. Were tossing it in favor of 58 different ways of handling juvenile justice.

More Information Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. See More Collapse

While some counties have camps and social service programs for young offenders, Guzman said, other counties rely on their juvenile hall to simply lock them up. Kids are essentially warehoused, no place for recreation, services, essentially cell block living. Thats the kind of treatment kids will get when DJJ is gone.

Attorney Meredith Desautels of another legal advocacy group, the Youth Law Center in San Francisco, has criticized county juvenile halls for holding youths for weeks or months for offenses such as drug or alcohol use, or sometimes simply because the treatment program where they were supposed to be placed was not yet available. She refrained from critiquing Newsoms proposed phaseout of state custody but said the alternative, county custody, has virtually no public oversight or control.

Theres no accountability on (county) probation for how much theyre using custody as a response to missing curfews, not going to school rather than serious crime, Desautels said. Theres no state-level accountability for youths in county facilities, and little or no information available locally, she said, on how many youths are taken into custody, the reasons, how long they are held, or what services they receive  a particular question mark during the pandemic.

From a law enforcement perspective, Eric Nunez, the police chief in Los Alamitos (Orange County) and president of the California Police Chiefs Association, said the organization was assessing Newsoms proposal in terms of how it might negatively impact juvenile offenders rehabilitation efforts and the potential to overburden local probation departments.

Juvenile courts hear cases of defendants up to age 18 and can sentence them to state custody until they turn 25  sentences that could transfer some current juvenile inmates to adult prisons after the state facilities close.

The statewide freeze on jury trials ordered by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye during the pandemic does not apply to juveniles, who are tried by a judge rather than a jury. But the difficulties in bringing participants and court personnel to court, or taking testimony from multiple locations, have prompted many juvenile court judges to put their trials on hold, as well.

San Francisco courts have postponed previously scheduled juvenile trials, all for youths who are out of custody, but have held pretrial hearings in some cases, taking testimony in person or by phone, said Patti Lee, a deputy public defender and longtime director of the offices juvenile justice program.

San Bernardino County Public Defender Christopher Gardner said juvenile court judges in his county have also postponed trials, held hearings by video and allowed youths to be released while awaiting trial. The countys Juvenile Hall now holds fewer than 200 youths in custody, about one-fourth its population seven or eight years ago, Gardner said.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

San Franciscos Juvenile Hall is not used for punishment, but only to hold local youths awaiting hearings or transfers to custody or treatment programs elsewhere. The hall, with a capacity of 150, now holds just 10 youths, and is scheduled to be closed at the end of 2021  the first such closure by a major U.S. city  after a Board of Supervisors vote last year.

These kids are languishing in custody for weeks if not months ... and they cant be placed, Lee said. She said city police appeared to be showing restraint in seeking to jail youths for minor offenses during the pandemic, but with school and counseling programs cut back, youngsters are often being held in virtual isolation.

Despite shortcomings in local treatment, Lee said, her office applauds Newsoms proposed shutdown of the states youth prisons. San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin called the governors plan a significant step in the right direction, saying, Research shows that involvement in the juvenile justice system causes youth to have worse outcomes.

Gardner had a similar assessment of the system. The best place for kids to be, if possible, is with their families, the public defender said.

He said the decline in youth incarceration, both state and local, was due both to a drop in crime and to societys recognition that youngsters brains are not fully developed until their mid-20s. It took a U.S. Supreme Court ruling to accept that science, Gardner said, referring to the 5-4 decision in 2012 that struck down state laws requiring life-without-parole sentences for the most serious crimes by juveniles.

Zach Norris, executive director of the Ella Baker Center in Oakland, recalled working in 2005 with the nearby city of Richmond, which then had one of the nations highest murder rates. Instead of more punishment, he said, they established the Office of Neighborhood Safety, which provided fellowships for young people who police believed were likely to commit crimes, paying them a monthly stipend, connecting them with mentors and enabling educational travel.

There was lots of pushback initially, Norris said. People said the crime rate will increase, but it declined.

The same is true with the closure of youth prisons. When you respect human rights, a young persons capacity to change and grow, positive things happen.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
The coronavirus pandemic has hit the world hard. Many businesses have been ruined, to the extent that chances of recovery look bleak.

And added to that is the tension between the worlds two largest economies - United States and China.

China on Friday reiterated its commitment to implementing the phase-one trade deal signed with the US at the National Peoples Congress. The agreement, signed in January, compels it to buy goods in goals that seemed lofty even before the Covid-19 pandemic hit demand and battered supply chains.

Within hours, White House economic aide Kevin Hassett told CNN that the US is closely studying economic penalties for China related to the nations plan to enact sweeping national security legislation in Hong Kong.

Recently, the incoming chief economist of the World Bank said the era of globalisation is probably dead.

Without being melodramatic, Covid-19 is like the last nail in the coffin of globalisation, Carmen Reinhart, a professor of international finance at the Harvard Kennedy School, told Bloomberg.

The 2008-2009 crisis gave globalisation a big hit, as did Brexit, as did the US-China trade war, but Covid-19 is taking it to a new level.

Reinhart, a financial crisis expert, currently serves on advisory boards of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the New York Federal Reserve.

World Bank President David Malpass said in a statement Reinharts experience and insights would prove invaluable as the coronavirus pandemic heaps economic pain on developing countries. She starts at the bank on June 15.

Reinhart published a book entitled This Time is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly, together with economist Kenneth Rogoff of Harvard University in 2009.

The book called for stricter regulations and an early-warning system to sound the alarm about financial bubbles, arguing that central bankers, policy makers and investors tended to ignore the telltale signs of a bubble.

In an article she wrote on the pandemic in March, Reinhart said: Clearly, this is a whatever-it-takes moment for large-scale, outside-the-box fiscal and monetary policies.

Reinharts expertise include international capital flows, and sovereign debt crises, the World Bank said.

She replaces Pinelopi Goldberg, who left on March 1 after only 15 months on the job.
To All Noble Muslims Especially, The Youth in Ghana, COVID-19 Eid Mubarak

Assalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu

On behalf of the office of JOY2012 and my own behalf, we wish you social distancing Eid-Mubarak for peaceful and sober reflective celebrations in the year 2020.

This year 2020, has been greeted with COVID-19 pandemic that has challenged, tried, and tested all systems created by man on earth as well as all religions everywhere in the world.

The Prophet Muhammed, peace be upon him, concerning infectious diseases, cleanliness, and hygiene was well ahead of his time over 1400 years and so social distancing by COVID-19 is not a bother to Muslims.

The sanctity of celebrations of Eid as I started witnessing from childhood at Zongo Yalewa, in Kumasi, since the 1970s is being compromised gradually. So this year, COVID-19 is a wake-up call from Allah for sober reflections of the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, which no one in Ghana can deny that they are exemplified by the life of His Eminence, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, even in very good age of 101 years.

The year 2020 is so special and its events should bring us closer to Allah. We are therefore to act as Muslim youth to bring the redemptive action of Allah upon our nation, Ghana.

We can do this by ensuring that Politicians who recruit noble but needy youthful souls out of Zongos and turn them into hoodlums/ vigilantes against the poor shall not happen in 2020. The weapons of mayhem shall not be used on the poor but rather on the perpetrators and politicians who will give to them.

The nation is plunged into ignorance of what a New Voters Register is and its impeccable role without which the 2020 elections cannot be held. NPP and NDC taking their usual opposing stances without an in-depth understanding have confused Ghanaians. The biometric data is just the technology to create New Voters Registers for each election and previous Voters Registers can never be credible for subsequent ones.

Each Voters Register is different and new due to New Voters, dead Voters, Voters movements, new constituencies, districts, and regions that crop up for a particular election. The call for civil war is not worth the attention of any Muslim.

Also since 1992, weve all voted for Parties for a few people to create wealth for themselves and their families and friends. In 2020, we need to vote for a credible alternative political entity so that more Ghanaians will create wealth for themselves, and the few weve voted for since 1992 will also take the back seat in governance. Ghana needs good governance from 2021.

As we educate ourselves, we will not succumb to the fear of COVID-19, knowing that it is curable. How can people recover from incurable diseases? But as the Prophet Mohammed, peace becomes upon him, teaches, we need to observe social distancing in order to stop spreading the contagious COVID-19. But if there is anything we need to learn from COVID-19, it is about sharing and supporting the vulnerable in our society. It is about the development of our health facilities and a new perspective way of doing things.

It is, therefore, our Allah given duty to ensure that we keep safe in COVID-19 and stay out of vigilantism acts in all Zongo communities. Above all the year 2020, Ghanaians will search for a credible alternative political entity to vote for in order to create wealth for all Ghanaians. This must be our leverage for the 2020 elections even as we celebrate the Eid this year.

Allah Ta'aalaa will never change His blessings and the fortunes of a people unless the people take the initiative to change themselves. "For surely Allah will never change the grace which He hath bestowed on a people until they change what is in their (own) souls, and verily Allaah is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things)." (Qur'aan: Al-Anfaal, 8:53 )

Happy Eid Mubarak to all Muslims in COVID-19.

Jacob Osei Yeboah (JOY2012)

2012 & 2016 Independent Presidential Candidate
Around 3,300 residents of Jammu and Kashmir including 1,200 students who were stranded in different parts of Maharashtra have returned to their homes in the union territory in four Shramik Special trains in the past 10 days, an official spokesperson said.

This is the highest number of Shramik Special trains deployed by a single state for the evacuation of J&K residents stranded there, he said.

"Around 600 stranded people from J&K including 200 students left for Udhampur railway station (J&K) from Bandra terminus, Mumbai Saturday evening in the fourth and last Shramik Special train (for JK residents there). The train carried the J&K residents who were mostly stranded in two key districts of Mumbai city and Mumbai suburban, the spokesperson said on Saturday.

He said these stranded people included patients, traders, handicraft vendors, labourers and employees of banks, the government sector and private entities.

There are also residents from the UT of Ladakh on this train who were stranded in Mumbai and its adjoining areas, he said.

The spokesperson said around 30 people from J&K undergoing treatment and their attendants were stranded in Mumbai since the countrywide lockdown was announced by the government in March. Almost all of them have been evacuated except a couple of patients who are staying back for treatment, he said.

The official said around 700 J&K residents, including 100 students, left for Udhampur from Thane railway station in Navi Mumbai in a Shramik Special train on May 22.

The train carried J&K residents who were stranded in Navi Mumbai, Raigad and other adjoining districts of Maharashtra.

Earlier, around 1,000 J&K residents, including 500 students were evacuated from Pune in a Shramik Special train on May 19 while another 1,000 residents including 400 students were evacuated in such a train from Nagpur on May 14.

The total number of J&K residents evacuated till date from Maharashtra has touched 3,300, including 1,200 students, the spokesperson said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Holly Madison has been using social media as an outlet for her varying thoughts and feelings regarding COVID-19 lockdown.

But the 40-year-old former Playboy Bunny braved the open air on Saturday afternoon sans face mask to run errands with her dog in Los Angeles.

Holly veered away from her signature sultry style by donning a bright yellow Walt Disney World hoodie and pair of standard black leggings.

Deep breath: Holly Madison braved the open air on Saturday afternoon sans face mask to run errands with her dog in Los Angeles

Her bright blonde hair flowed down past her chest in loose tendrils, while a pair of black heart-shaped sunnies concealed her hazel eyes.

Holly opted for a minimal makeup look that included mattifying complexion products, a hint of peach blusher, and a generous swipe of nude lip gloss.

The ex girlfriend of Hugh Hefner rounded out her ensemble by slipping her feet into a pair of all black Nike brand sneakers.

Madison carried her belongings in a black backpack as well as a leather Louis Vuitton purse that sat in the crook of her arm.

Comfy: Holly veered away from her signature sultry style by donning a bright yellow Walt Disney World hoodie and pair of standard black leggings

With an iced coffee in hand, Holly attempted to open the gate to her home, while her pup waited patiently on the sidewalk.

On Friday night, Holly took to Instagram to share a selfie promoting her latest makeup oriented YouTube video.

'Come to my YouTube channel and talk about makeup with me,' urged the Girls Next Door star.

In the self portrait - seen by her 1million followers - showed off her stellar makeup application and darling pigtails as she posed in the grass.

Creative: On Friday night, Holly took to her Instagram to share a selfie promoting her latest makeup oriented YouTube video

Anxious: She spoke candidly about her own struggles with anxiety in April and she attempts to 'offset it' by 'reminding [herself] of things [she is] grateful for'; Holly pictured on Instagram in April

Holly has been using her Instagram to express her quarantine-induced creativity, as well as to empathize with the collective uneasiness that comes with longterm lockdown.

She spoke candidly about her own struggles with anxiety in April and she attempts to 'offset it' by 'reminding [herself] of things [she is] grateful for.'

Never thought walking my dog around the block would feel like such a big event,' she began.

'Formerly mundane things feel so special now. For example, I cant WAIT to get my car detailed again that sounds like the best thing ever right now haha.

Quarantine life: Holly has been using her Instagram to express her quarantine-induced creativity, as well as to empathize with the collective uneasiness that comes with longterm lockdown; Holly pictured on Instagram in April

Hardcore: Madison is a self-affirmed geek and superfan, often posing in selfies on social media in Star Wars, Disney, or Harry Potter garb; Holly pictured on Instagram in April

'I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe, I know its rough out there,' concluded Madison.

Holly shares two children with her ex-husband Pasquale Rotella  a seven-year-old daughter named Rainbow Aurora, and a son named Forest Leonardo Antonio, three.

Madison and Rotella were married from 2013 until last year.

Before that, Holly was in a much-publicized polyamorous relationship from 2001 to 2008 with Playboy maestro Hefner, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 91.

The course of the relationship was covered on E! reality hit The Girls Next Door, which ran from 2005 until 2010.

His girl: Holly was in a much-publicized polyamorous relationship from 2001 to 2008 with Playboy maestro Hefner, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 91; Hugh and Holly pictured in 2007

The series documented the lives of Hefner's girlfriends who all lived with him at the Playboy Mansion: Madison, Kendra Wilkinson, Bridget Marquardt, Crystal Harris and Kristina Shannon.

Holly scored a spin-off series after Girls Next Door, which ran from 2009 until 2011: Holly's World, which followed the starlet to Las Vegas where she starred as the lead dancer in Peepshow at Planet Hollywood.

Madison is a self-affirmed geek and superfan, often posing in selfies on social media in Star Wars, Disney, or Harry Potter garb.
With Eid excitement running low



due to COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing lockdown, Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi appealed to the people not to come out for gatherings but offer namaz from their homes.

Wishing people on this auspicious occasion, Mukhi said that the festival of Eid-Ul-Fitr is for happiness and merrymaking, which is marked by the spirit of universal brotherhood.

He, however, appealed to all to celebrate the festival by staying in their homes and not making any religious gatherings.

Requesting the public to pray from their homes, Mukhi asked all to follow the safety guidelines issued by the government in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal urged the people from Muslim community to follow social distancing norms and appealed to them to pray for mankind in this critical time.

Assam State Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President and Lok Sabha member Badruddin Ajmal requested all to follow the government norms to contain the spread of COVID-19 and asked all to offer namaz from their homes.

He also urged people to pray for world peace and a corona free society.

The markets across the state remained dry with very few people visiting in the last few days on the backdrop of a huge spike in COVID-19 positive cases in recent times.

"We didn't go for shopping and distributed that amount to the poor people, who are suffering most in this lockdown period. Except the gathering, we are following other rituals of Eid," entrepreneur Atiqur Rahman Barbhuiya told PTI.

He said that every Muslim is bound by the directives of the government, adding that Islam permits to offer Eid namaz with four persons also, which means it can be done at home.

"Religion never obstructs in following government norms. We have instructed many people not to assemble at Masjids or one particular house for namaz," said Barbhuiya, who is also a political commentator.

He termed this year's Eid amidst lockdown as "blessing in disguise" as women, who usually don't perform namaz at Masjids, will be able to offer the special prayers with other male family members at home.

"I will offer my Eid namaz tomorrow with my daughter and son at home. Obviously it will be a subdued Eid, but we have followed 'Roja' and 'Fitra', which is giving donations to poor people," Barbhuiya said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi, May 24 : The reverse migration happening across the country from the metro cities is likely to increase housing demand in tier-II and tier-III cities, initially in the rental housing segment, according to an Anarock report.

Currently, the top seven cities account for almost 70 per cent of India's residential market, with the remaining 30 per cent accounted for in tier-II and III cities. This ratio may well change in times to come, it said.

"Indian real estate is bracing itself for a very new post-COVID-19 world. One significant trend may be reverse migration spurring housing demand in tier-II and III cities," said the report titled 'India Real Estate: A Different World Post COVID-19'.

Cities including Lucknow, Indore, Chandigarh, Kochi, Coimbatore, Jaipur and Ahmedabad would be the main beneficiaries of the reverse migration of professionals who have lost their jobs in the metros, or are likely to, it said, adding that these returnees will benefit from the cost of living and superior infrastructure that many tier-II and tier-III cities provide.

Anuj Puri, Chairman of Anarock Property Consultants said, "Reverse migration is already very visible among migrant labourers, and this trend can further percolate to skilled professionals who have been or may beoff-rostered. Smaller towns and cities would consequently see a spurt in housing demand." He said that primary demand may be towards rental housing and purchase demand would initially come from local investors keen to meet the rental demand.

"Many NRIs will also return to India amidst dwindling job prospects, particularly in the US and European nations which account for nearly 70 per cent global cases. For them, the top seven cities would be the best options but many will consider smaller cities where they can be close to their families. Finding suitable employment for reverse-migrating Indians in smaller cities may prove to be challenging," Puri said.

Anarock's recent consumer survey taken during the lockdown period indicates that among the respondents who preferred to invest in tier-II and III cities in 2020, 61 per cent are end-users and almost 55 per cent are aged under 35 years.

At least 47 per cent of respondents are focused on affordable properties priced within Rs 45 lakh, followed by 34 per cent who are looking for mid-segment homes priced between Rs 45-90 lakh.

The residential segment will see a manifold increase in demand for townships projects which offer a controlled environment, as per the report. In terms of supply, township projects have less than 5 per cent overall share in the top seven cities as on date.

Further market consolidation is expected with the increased preference for branded developers. Financially strong organized players are likely to occupy 75-80 per cent market share in the coming years, it said.
OTTAWA, May 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the last month, the Taliban and Afghani-U.S. government have stepped up their military operations in Afghanistan that left mostly civilians killed and injured contrary to the peace conditions that were agreed.



Taleam Systems, which provides computer services to hospitals and medical clinics in Canada, has been working on new technology but lack of enduring peace in Afghanistan is a problem for the business.

The longest war in Afghanistan will continue amid todays Eid celebrations and there are no plans for a long period of ceasefire, signals Meladul Haq Ahmadzai, CEO of Taleam Systems. No ceasefire plan has been called in Afghanistan so far to last longer than three days, says Ahmadzai.

The US war in Afghanistan which started in 2001 has not stopped to this day.

U.S. diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad visited Doha, Kabul and US for talks but no progress made so far regarding peace efforts in the war-torn country.

Ahmadzai questions the peace agreement whether that document mentions plans for a long period of ceasefire or not. He says, Peace is the utmost desire of all Afghans  ordinary people dont want war.

Mike Pompeo also visited Afghanistan this year to stabilize relations between President Ashraf Ghani and Dr Abdullah which ultimately progressed towards the creation of a coalition government. Ahmadzai says, It is this kind of pressure that would change the Afghan officials attitudes and make more progress towards peace in Afghanistan.

Taleam Systems hopes to make its technology available to the wide market including Afghanistan sometime in June.

According to past media reports, the U.S. government withheld $1 billion from the Afghan government which pressured the coalition government to come together.

Ahmadzai says, If there is no permanent ceasefire to achieve real and stable peace in Afghanistan, the Afghan people have the right to know that information.

Some other countries are stepping up for example, China, India, Pakistan and Russia. China which is a business country wants to export products to Afghanistan, signals Ahmadzai.

Russia is also seen stepping up to the plate. Ahmadzai says, Russia has fought in the war in Afghanistan and now wants peace.

This is the worlds longest war in Afghanistan which has been ongoing for the last 42 years.

The thousands of widows, orphans and children of war affected have no support. The many schools that were built were recently also destroyed in the war.

Ahmadzai concludes, Afghanistan everlasting ceasefire plan is important, but the different political groups and countries are not in favour of peace  they benefit from the US war.

Meladul Haq Ahmadzai is the CEO of Taleam Systems which is a computer business based in Canada. Visit www.taleamsystems.com to learn more about the business.

Media contact:

Meladul Haq Ahmadzai
At a time when coronavirus pandemic has disrupted economic activities, industry body CII on Sunday said companies must tread with caution when looking for business collaborations to ensure that their activities do not violate competition norms.

Competition Commission of India (CCI), which keeps a tab on unfair business practices across sectors, has already issued an advisory mentioning that there are in-built safeguards under the Competition Act to protect businesses from sanctions for certain coordinated conduct subject to the condition that such activities result in increasing efficiencies.

The fair trade watchdog has also mentioned that only such conduct of businesses which is necessary and proportionate to address concerns arising from COVID-19 would be considered. It has cautioned that businesses not to take advantage of COVID-19 to contravene any of the provisions of the Act.

Coming out with a compliance manual on the Competition Act amid the pandemic, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said the impact of COVID-19 on the functioning of the economy may prompt companies to collaborate with their competitors to tackle the uncertainty and hardship faced.

"Companies must note that antitrust laws continue to apply and all business decisions undertaken by companies must not fall foul of the provisions of Competition Act, 2002," it said, adding that CCI would keep a close watch for any potential competition law infringements during this period.

The manual noted that companies must carefully evaluate their business operations during the COVID-19 period, especially if their operations might require close collaboration with its competitors.

"The concrete antitrust risks surrounding any such collaboration remain difficult to assess. Given the absence of any guidance from CCI, companies should tread with caution and consult their antitrust lawyers as and when required or while exploring any collaboration," it said.

Further, the grouping said companies should reach out to their external counsel to assess these risks and must avoid information exchanges through trade associations or any other platforms.

Dominant enterprises must refrain from limiting production, services or technical development, excessive pricing and bundling non-essential products/ services with essential services. Companies having market power in the manufacture and sale of essential commodities must avoid entering into any exclusive distribution agreements, it added.

CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said there would be challenges for industry given the shutdown and the work from home scenario as well as other factors, including collaborations to cope with supply management, sharing of distribution network and infrastructure.

Referring to the guidelines in the manual, he also said they have been prepared for corporates to keep in mind while collaborating to ensure continued compliance with the competition law.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


For centuries, people have kept large amounts of cash at home during difficult times. But in the coronavirus crisis, things are different. These metal coins and paper bills can be a source of worry rather than hope.

The fear is that these objects, possibly touched by thousands of people, could be a way for the coronavirus to spread. Public officials and health experts have said that the risk is small. Still, some businesses refuse to accept them, and some countries have suggested that their citizens should stop using them altogether.

Zachary Cohle is an economics professor at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. In many areas, cash was already beginning to disappear due to the increased risk of robbery, the ease of internet ordering, and the ubiquity of cell phones, he said. The term ubiquity refers to something being seen everywhere.

Sweden, Finland, Norway, Canada and others have slowly reduced cash use to the point where using it in large amounts seems unusual. Britain and Australia are expected to become cashless countries. And in China, cash use has dropped as electronic payment services increased in popularity over the past ten years.

Cash ist Fesch is a common saying in Austria and southern Germany. The words mean cash is beautiful. Since the virus outbreak, shops that have remained open, like grocery stores, have encouraged people to pay with cards. And Germanys central bank said 43 percent of Germans recently paid for goods and services with a card.

The Bank of Japan estimates that cash makes up for 53 percent of household assets. But the threat of the coronavirus could move the country toward going cashless, said Hiroki Maruyama, head of the nonprofit Fintech Association of Japan. He added, The culture is slowly changing.

In Iran, there are no international bank cards, like Visa or Mastercard, because of U.S. sanctions. Yet new signs appeared at some gas stations in Tehran: Service is only for those who will pay by debit cards. A debit card is a small plastic card that is used in place of cash to buy things.

Will cash disappear?

However, cash use is still common in places like West and Central Africa where many cannot pay for the cost of banking services.

Dorothy Harpool teaches at Wichita State Universitys W. Frank Barton School of Business. Harpool thought some people would rethink their use of cash during the crisis. But she said the world would not be cashless until everyone and every country has reliable access to the internet.

In Lebanon, as the economy worsened late last year, the central bank said people withdrew an estimated $3 billion and saved it at home.

Corona is the last thing on peoples minds right now, Ihsan, a money changer in Beirut said. All theyre thinking about is how to handle this crisis and get money to live.

He said there are some things you just cannot do without cash. Like how else can you bribe a government employee to get your business done? With a credit card?

Im John Russell.

Zeina Karam reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

cash -- n. money in the form of coins and bills

source -- n. the cause of something (such as a problem)  usually + of

asset -- n. something that is owned by a person, company, etc.  usually plural

reliable -- adj. able to be trusted to do or provide what is needed : able to be relied on

handle  v. to touch, feel, hold, or move (something) with your hand

bribe -- v. to try to get someone to do something by giving or promising something valuable (such as money) : to give or offer a bribe to (someone)

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.
A Florida craftsman has come up with a novel way of tackling both the coronavirus pandemic and the problem of invasive pythons and iguanas that damage the states fragile ecosystem.

Brian Wood, the 63-year-old owner of All American Gator Products, has turned his hand to designing face masks made out of reptile skin.

I took something thats very serious and turned it into a fashion statement, he said at his workshop in Dania Beach, 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Miami.

Woods got his inspiration from a curious source  a meme he saw of a horse wearing a womans bra as a face mask. He asked his wife if he could borrow one of hers to test if the concept would work.

He now sells python skin face masks on his Facebook page for $90.

Snake hunter Amy Siewe arrived at Woods home with a giant python for skinning.

Theyre wreaking havoc on the Everglades, she said, referring to the vast wetlands that occupy much of southern Florida.

They get to be between 18 and 20 feet (5.5 to 6 meters) long and they eat everything from rats to deer.

The pythons were probably introduced to Florida as exotic pets toward the end of the last century and released into the Everglades, where they have no predators.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission pays hunters a bounty to capture the snakes.

Iguanas likely also came to Florida as pets before being released into the wild, where they thrive in the balmy climate.
Memorial Day weekend crowds at Lake of the Ozarks appear to not be observing social distancing 5 On Your Side was sent pictures of people at the lake congregating in large groups, despite guidelines to avoid coming within 6 feet of others

So many Kansas City denizens visit the lake this weekend along with other parks and smaller outdoor venues . . . The punchline is thatwhilst authorities, some politicos and amateur virologists throughout the Internets warn us that the impact will start hitting more vulnerable Americans very hard and very soon.Check one story out of many:
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > Lockdown locks the rural economy: Some Preliminary signals from a surveyed (...)

by Dr. Atanu Sengupta and Dr. Asish Kumar Pal

Abstract:

India is rural based economy. Several workers of several sectors live in rural India. These different workers are basically in unorganized sectors. They are neglected and backward in the society. During the lockdown period announced by both central as well as state government to combat the spread of COVOD- 19 throughout the country, such type of workers are jobless. They are hopeless not to earn any income by which they can maintain their families properly at this situation. They are in misery condition despite of assistance by the government. From wage earners to marginal farmers, small shoppers, construction workers, fishermen, Weavers, and middlemen of milk all are in poor economic condition at this moment. These different economic agents are worried about minimum daily food which are required to their family members. They are afraid by thinking that they will be forced to lose their last shelters and necessary utensils very soon. So the rural workers are directly affected by lockdown by locking the total rural sector not only in West Bengal but in whole of india. In this way the rural economy is all set to way into a great depression unless proper steps taken by the government.

Introduction:

The Indian government on March 24 announced a 21 - day nationwide lockdown and added more upto 3rd May to prevent the spread of the disease novel coronavirus.. Due to this coronavirus -induced lockdown, most economic activities have come to a standstill. RBI report confirms prolonged pain for rural economy. According to RBI the COVID -19 outbreak and the prolonged lockdown may have a devastating impact on the rural economy (Source: Moneycontrol.com, April 09, 2020). A recent study was done by Harjinder Singh, of Patiala in Punjab, about the impact of the Lockdown in Punjab, expressed about the impelling the food security of several households (April, 2020),

It is acknowledged that rural sector of the economy is so significant for the country that almost all the operations of the countrys people bear its stamp. India is predominantly a rural community with two third of population and 70% workforce residing in rural areas. Rural economy constitutes 46% of national income ( census: 2011). Most of the rural households depend on agriculture. Agriculture is an important sector of Indian economy as it contributes about 17% to the total GDP ( Nity Ayog report, 2017). Not only agriculture bit also some others sectors are in rural areas. Laager population depends on them. The rural people are now jobless due to lockdown from 24 the March to still today. In India with a share of almost 90% of people working in the Informal economy, about 400 million workers in the Informal economy are at a risk of falling deeper into poverty during the crisis ( ILO report, April, 2020). So rural sector is not out of this situation.

According to United Nation , WFP the people who are daily wage earners will suffer from covod- 19 situation (April,22, webdesk, ABP Amanda). A very recent survey was conducted by (NCAER) National Council of Applied Economic Research included 1,750 participants covering both rural and urban areas of Delhi on April 3-6, 2020, released the data showed that casual labourers were disproportionately affected with nearly 75% stating their wages were severely affected which is less than half,at 46% for salaried employees ( April 13, 2020).

A report is published that India covid  19 lockdown means no food or work for rural poor by Purohit ( April, 2020). Most of the recent studies are covered by impact of Indian economy for lockdown. We have tried to understand the impact of lockdown on rural economy.

Rural Condition:

Gourhati village in Hooghly district in the state of West Bengal has a population of nearly 15000 (according to Panchayat records) and near about 13,084 (census report 2011). Many of the village residents both male and female depend on unorganised sector. According to our 90% population works in unorganized sector. Out of them are engaged in agriculture sector and non agricultural occupation. The persons who are in non agricultural sectors, daily wage earners. They work basically agro- based industry units ( like cold storage, vegetable transporters, vegetable sellers), grocery stores, medical stores, stock holders, small street holders, Fishermen, milk middlemen, and Weavers etc. In addition to agricultural workers and land owning farmers. Some individuals also work as plumbers, electricians and massons, while some female wage workers work as domestic workers in the house of rich people of selected village or vegetable cultivation sites outside the territory of the village. The lockdown system for protect of covid -19 has had a several impact on these workers. Many of respondents reported that during the lockdown they are unable to move to work. So they have entirely lost their daily earnings.

Here we have selected some workers among the various sectors in our study area. We have classified various labourers of several sectors as economic agents who are basically Included in the poorer section of the study area i. e , agricultural labourers, construction workers, small Street shoppers, construction workers, fishermen, Weavers and middlemen of milk etc. Among all these who are adversely impacted by lockdown, we have established the set of these labourers who are directly exposed to jobless situation. We study their difficulties associated with this lockdown for preventing against the spread of covid -19 positive. Government provides them with some meager assistance distributing food and cash. However, even these are not adequate utilised by them.

So, all in all, we have concentrated on basic problems that are associated with lockdown situation and their possible economic outcomes. We hope that our Study will help to focus on these socio  economic effects of lockdown particularly in the rural based underdeveloped economy like India.

Empirical findings :

First consider the sector wise distribution of the sampled workers who have been unemployed during this period for covid -19 in our selected area.

Table 1: stratified sample of workers among the several sectors

Types of workers No of workers Farmers 20 Small shoppers (street stock holders, street vendors) 20 Construction workers (masons, carpenters, electricians) 20 Weavers 20 Middlemen of milk chain 20 Fishermen 20 Total 120

(Source: Telephonic survey)

We put some questions regarding the bank loan, BPL card and RKSY card holding among the several workers of several sectors and also different difficulties faced by the people to understand the misery condition of them in our rural area.

Table 2:. Distribution of Financial loan, other source of income and BPL & RKSY  1card holders among the farmers

Types of holding facilities. No of farmers Loan facility. 70% BPL holder. 60% RKSY -1 holder. 60%

(Source: Telephonic survey by authors)

First of all agriculture sector, the farmers in the village primarily grow  boro in rabi season which is concerned the harvesting period at this time, which usually begins in last week of April and first week of may. They also grow vegetables which are mostly for household consumption. 90% farmers of the respondents reported incurring huge losses through the lockdown period as they have been unable to transport for selling at the mandi and nearest market. They are also thinking for boro paddy harvesting in this season despite both the central and state government has permitted to work in agriculture and agricultural related activities. They expressed afraid about harvesting their paddy in properly. 70% farmers were worried about the repayment of loan properly. 60% of the farmers do not have BPL and RKSY card. So they are not enjoying the facilities like free food and essential commodores in this situation. However 96% of them have no source of other income. So, they are in low standard of living.

Table:3 Distribution of Loan facility, BPL & RKSY-1 card holding of small shoppers

Types of facility No of. Small shoppers Bank loan 85% BPL 15% RKSY -1 30%

(Authors telephonic survey)

Next we come to the small shoppers and street holders who are directly exposed to lockdown system. Their shops have remained closed from the first day of lockdown and so on. 95% of them have no other source of income. They expend the amount which is earned by themselves per day. They are also in misery condition. Most of them are not BPL card holders and some one are RKSY -1card holders. From the above table it is clear that they are not getting any help from the government so their conditions are very pathetic. 84% of small shoppers have started their business taking the bank loan or any other source. They are also worried how they will borrow in future.

Table:4 Figure of enjoying Loan, BPL & RKSY-1 of construction workers

Classification of facility. No of construction workers Loan financing. 20% BPL holders. 40% RKSY -1. 55%

(Authors telephonic survey)

Similarly we observe the construction workers who works in the nearest town or nearest other villages are quietly job less because they are not working for closing of hardware shops and moving to the workplace due to stop of vehicles communication. Although after 20 the May the government has excluded construction sector out of lockdown yet they are getting forced to work place by the nearest villagers or people of town as their area is lockdown for protecting against spread of coronavirus. Although a very small of them have taken loan yet maximum of them are not enjoying such facilities like food and other necessary commodities through Public Distribution System for not holding of such type of cards.

Table: 5. Distribution of Loan from mohajon , BPL & RKSY -1 holders of Weavers

Varieties of facility. No of Weavers Loan. 95% BPL. 55% RKSY -1. 65%

(Authors telephonic survey)

Next come to the Weavers who sell their making cloths to mohajon or big cloth agents. They cannot sell this because whole sale market is totally locked that leads to unsold. Although they produce the cloths to first weak of the lockdown period, wholesalers refuge to take. So they have stopped their production and stand still now. In this job less condition they are fighting to combat the spread of coronavirus in the rural area. 65% of the respondent Weavers belong to poor section of the society so they have no income at this moment. More or less 95% of Weavers are suffering from pay to because they take advance money from mohajon and stock holders or wholesalers. Only 55% of them are BPL card holders who are enjoying full free ration and rest are not. So their economic condition is not very good.

Table : 6. Distribution of Bank loan, BPL & RKSY-1 card holders among middlemen of milk

Types of facility. No of milk middlemen Bank loan. 10% BPL holders 30% RKSY -1 holders. 50%

(Authors survey by Telephonic method)

An other essential commodity that the villager produces milk is bought by middlemem twice a day who then sell it at milk booths in urban areas. The remaining milk is either sold to other households within the village who do not own their livestock or is used by milk producing households themselves. According to 85% of the respondents, the middlemen refused to buy milk on the first two days of the lockdown due to the closure of urban milk booths. Although the government has permitted to continue to collect and open milk booths after some days of this period, the workers relating to milk supply are not present for transport crisis. So, the middle men are also jobless. In our study area they have not required to make of Bank loan or any other loan. Only 30% of middle men of milk belong to BPL family. So, 70% of them are not getting help of government.

Table: 7 Distribution of Loan from fish merchant and BPL&. RKSY -1 card holders of fishermen

Varieties of facility. No of fishermen Loan from wholesalers of fish. 70% BPL. 60% RKSY -1. 60%

(Authors survey by telecalling)

Now we come to our last economic agents who are engaged with fish catching and selling. The fishermen of this area move to catch fish in the nearest villages and sell in the local market. They face a demand drop because most of their customers (i.e., villagers) are either jobless or have paucity of cash at hand. A 75% respondent fisherman faces the problem of being fish unsold. From the above table we see though maximum of them are BPL and RKSY card holders the rest 40% are absolutely in misery condition. They are also worried about the debt which is taken from wholesaler fish merchants.

From above discussion we understand that most economical activities have come to standstill. We have also surveyed the Gram Panchayat pradhan. He told us that most of the households are registered under MGNREGA scheme. However the workers have not be given work for even a single day during this period. Although both the central as well as state government provides some opportunities through public distribution system and transfer of cash into bank account of the poorer sections of the society, they are unable to maintain their family properly by a little assistance. So in this situation they are upset and hopeless. They have been able to save only meagre amount for rainy days. Hence they have little to fall back upon by which they can buy essential and daily food. During this period they can not take care of health and nutrition to their family members.

The economists of United Nation, World Food Program recently reported with when free from the covi-19 pandemic current situation, the world will be in crisis of food. They are afraid that 26.5 crore people will spend the days in terrific food crisis ( April, 2020). We observe that there is absence of labour market despite of huge labour supply. Most of the people of the workers of the society are job less in this area so they have no purchasing power. They can not create demand in the rural market. Most of them have reported their miserable condition. When asked to rank them on a Likert scale with the level varying from miserable to good, most of them concentrated on the lowest point

(Table 8).

Table 8: Distribution of misery condition despite of government assistance

Types of workers % of sectoral workers Farmers. 80% Small shoppers. 90% Construction workers. 75% Weavers. 85% Middlemen of milk. 65% Fishermen . 70%

(Source: Telephonic survey by author)

Concluding Remarks:

Coming to the conclusion point, villagers of Gourhati have faced various difficulties during the spread of covid -19. All types of economic agents in this area have faced huge financial losses. The farmers are anxious about harvesting the boro production, the small shoppers are in depression, the construction workers are in jobless, the middlemen of milk are unemployed, Weavers are in recession and fishermen are in unsold condition. If the farmers face difficulties to collect their paddy properly, the food crisis will be appeared in the world in future. Starting from the daily wage earners to marginal workers, Small street holders and sellers are more poor even they will be forced to sell their last capital like shelters and essential amenities. So, the rural economy is not excluded from the impact of lockdown for covid  19 pandemic . It is clear that unless proper steps taken, the rural economy is all set to enter into a great depression.

Reference:

Anganwadi report of local Panchayat (updated) [7]

A report of RBI on rural economy, ( April, 2020), moneycontrol. [1]

Census report, 2011 [3]

ILO report, (April, 2020)

NCAER report , (April, 2020), A survey report on effects of unorganized labourers due to covid-19. Economictes.indiatimes. [6].

Nitiayog report, 2017 [4]

Purohit, kunal , (April, 2020), A news report on rural economy due to lockdown. Aljazira.com news [6].

Singh, HarjindermcC, ( April, 2020), A study on impact of lockdown on the rural economy. Networkidea. [2].

Webdesk report, (April, 22, 2020) [5]

United Nation, World Food Program report, ( April, 2020) [8].

Dr. Atanu Sengupta, Professor, Economics Department, Burdwan University, Burdwan,

West Bengal, India

email:sengupta_atanu[at]yahoo.com

Dr. Asish Kumar Pal, Assistant Professor, Economics Department, Tarakeswar Degree College, Hooghly, West Bengal, India

email:asish.kr.pal[at]gmail.com
Inside Hook

Earlier this month brought news of a thrilling rescue on a Pacific island several decades ago. To many observers, the parallels with the novel Lord of the Flies were clear. Both the real and fictional incidents involved a group of teenage boys stranded on an island and left to fend for themselves. But while William Goldings novel offers a deeply bleak view of humanity, its real-life counterpart offered more grounds for hope. Rather than reverting to a constant state of conflict, the young men stranded on an island near Tonga worked together to keep each other safe and happy.

Writer Rutger Bregman spoke to several of the participants, including one of the men stranded on the island and the boat captain who found them stranded there. Its not hard to see why this story has captivated so many people  and now its set to potentially captivate many more.
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This week, three political parties will attempt to move forward the serious business of working out a programme for government.

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael had already agreed a framework document. Now the Green Party has voted to enter talks.

Its almost 100 days since the country went to the polls. In normal times, a new government would be assessed on its achievements in that time. Not so in the situation we have at the moment.

If nothing else comes from Covid-19, we should approach significant policy decisions in a mature and measured way. The latest stark warning from the UN World Food Programme is that the pandemic will push an additional 130 million people to the brink of starvation.

Undoubtedly, the Green Party will seek to extract concessions in return for participating in the next Government. The task for the two main parties is to avoid travelling down a cul-de-sac in the pursuit of ideology.

The economic landscape is vastly different from what existed when we voted in early February. Re-building the public finances and supporting businesses post-Covid-19 will require a Programme for Government that nurtures the economy back to full health.

And we have to safeguard the backbone of our rural economy, which is agriculture. It has been very disappointing to see the debate narrowing to a head count of the national herd.

For some in political and media circles, there would appear to be an obsession about reducing the national cow herd.

The genesis of climate action, the Paris Agreement states that emission reductions should not threaten food production. Some commentators simply refuse to accept that important premise.

Its also now clear the way methane from bovines is being accounted for in the climate figures is inappropriate.

Climate research continues to evolve. For example, research from Oxford proposes a more accurate method of evaluating the climate impact of short-lived greenhouse gases such as methane, known as GWP.

This is important for Irish agriculture and should result in immediate changes on how methane is accounted for. To achieve this, the EPA, when compiling Irelands national GHG inventories, should use the GWP calculation. Ireland should insist that the GWP methodology is adopted at EU and UN levels.

Neither are farmers getting credit for the carbon they are sequestering. We need to talk about net emissions from agriculture rather than gross emissions.

Irish farmers have created and are managing a huge carbon sink through our pasture land, hedgerows and forestry, but farmers are not getting the credit for this. The government must ensure that the full carbon sink provided by the sector is credited to agriculture.

The danger is that we pursue a lazy narrative of cutting the national herd while ignoring the science and international climate policy.

If we are to look at this in a global context, there is increasing demand for the beef and dairy proteins that Irish farmers produce with nature, predominately from grass.

Ireland is also one of the most carbon efficient countries in the world to produce food. If its not produced here, it will be produced elsewhere with higher emissions.

Farmers are fully engaged in climate action. Future action for the sector, as set out by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action is based on the implementation of Teagascs 2030 climate roadmap. To deliver this, IFA is proposing that:

Teagasc fully cost the implementation of the measures proposed.

A budget from non-CAP resources is created by government and ring-fenced for farmers to deliver the actions of the Teagasc climate roadmap.

An implementation group, which includes IFA, relevant government departments and state agencies is established to drive the delivery of the measures proposed.

Irish farmers have huge potential to provide renewable energy. However, the government is focused on designing support schemes which are encouraging large scale projects. We need an immediate and coherent plan to put farm-scale and community-based renewables at the centre of government policy.

The government response in this area has been next to non-existent. If we are to make headway, lets look at a fundamental re-draw of how the bio-economy can work, not the threat of a land-use policy.

The emphasis should be on carbon efficiency, environmental and economic sustainability, not on reducing cattle numbers.

IFA will monitor the ongoing discussions and we will expect our key issues to be reflected in the programme for government.
It's lunchtime and Barry McNerney's voice echoes around his empty restaurant.

A blackboard from another time hangs on the wall behind him touting a now unattainable tomato and pesto dish that sounds perfect for a normal sunny May afternoon lunch in Dublin 4.

McNerney's words come through a stuttering Zoom connection that makes two-way conversation a challenge. But it is not a big issue. When it comes to talking about the food business he has built, he needs little prompting.

Before Covid-19, Juniors Deli & Cafe in Beggars Bush would have been packed with a crowd from nearby Silicon Docks. As would Paulie's Pizza and Lotts & Co, his other nearby businesses.

But now the room is filled with nothing other than McNerney's determined positivity.

McNerney, a former equity trader, has helped place this corner of Dublin firmly on the foodie map since 2008 - creating 120 jobs in the process. Apart from Junior's, he and brother Paul opened Paulie's Pizza, as well as chic grocery store Lotts & Co, and were part of the original team behind popular gourmet pub The Old Spot, later selling out.

"When coronavirus first kicked in, we were like 'F**k, this is it, we're dead as a dodo," he says. "But something you think is going to be the death of you can actually be the making of you. That's happened other times throughout my career."

Indeed, the recession in 2008 was the perfect backdrop for his first venture, Juniors.

"We started Juniors with just 20 grand. It would have been nearly impossible to start in the restaurant business in Dublin for less than a quarter of a million quid the last couple of years. So hopefully this will bring a new breed of young entrepreneurs and people into the business and into the economy to start their own businesses."

But McNerney's real focus right now is his online wholesale food ordering platform, Unify Ordering. He believes it can be a lifeline for some of Ireland's best-known independent food producers and suppliers ,who are struggling to cope with the closure of so many restaurants, pubs and cafes.

Two months ago Unify was on the brink of raising funds and international expansion with a revenue target of 22m by 2024. In 2017 McNerney had been approached by Louis Williams, manager of Rathmines coffee shop 250 Square. Williams had been working on simplifying his own Byzantine ordering process. It was a problem common to many kitchens with orders often just scribbled on scraps of paper

So Williams had commissioned app developer Paul Lawless - coincidentally a former schoolmate of McNerney's - to produce a simple solution that would become the basis of the Unify Ordering platform. They approached McNerney to see if he would use it in his growing food businesses.

"Usually these apps want to provide solutions to problems I don't have or else they're looking for a huge commission to sell my product." McNerney asked Lawless to add a function for credit notes: "Do that and I'm interested in investing."

The partners began a period of development, sitting in kitchens, observing chefs in action.

"Chefs don't like change or any extra work. They're in a very time-poor environment. So we made the platform absolutely super simple to use on their phones. I knew that if this thing wasn't as easy as picking up an old-fashioned telephone to ring in an order to a supplier then they would just continue to pick up the telephone."

The other key decision was to make the app free to use, with commission only paid when an order was made. It was also supplier agnostic, so chefs could use the app to send an email order to suppliers who didn't have the platform.

"The chefs loved it. And then the suppliers started to contact the chefs themselves saying 'What is this system that you're using?' The problem for receiving orders on the supplier side is even worse, it's a complete nightmare."

They set about digitising product lists for a range of independent producers and wholesalers.

"It put their product lists into their customers' hands 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We integrated it into their invoicing system so it reduced the labour costs on inbound orders by 85pc. The by-product of fixing the ordering is that we have created a network of buyers and suppliers and a completely new way that restaurants and wholesale suppliers can meet each other and create new business through the platform."

Since 2017 the focus had been on development. But by the beginning of March, Unify Ordering was ready to take the next step.

"It was flying. We were on track to do 20,000 orders from nearly 1,500 restaurants with an order value of about 5m. It was growing at 20pc month on month, so we figured by the end of the year we could have been processing about 10m to 15m a month through the platform. We were in talks with investors about raising about 500,000 for 10pc of the company and also partnering with Enterprise Ireland. And we were looking to move to the UK within the next six months. Everything was going great. And then the coronavirus kicked in."

McNerney says his first thought when the lockdown shut the restaurants was "We're screwed".

"But what actually happened was a lot of the suppliers on our platform came to us and asked was there a way we could change it so that the public could use it to buy directly from them. We also noticed we had about 50 people a day downloading the app obviously because people at home were searching for food-ordering systems."

The team spent two weeks frantically repurposing the platform for home users.

"We are adding suppliers and even restaurants who are putting together meal kits all the time. We have about 40 suppliers and we think we can have 80 by the end of next week. We have small producers like Donabate Dexter - a guy in north Dublin who's raising his own Dexter beef. We've Doyles Seafoods, FX Buckleys, Gleneely Foods, which is a supplier to top-end restaurants."

Many of the early adopters in the app were suppliers into McNerney's food and retail businesses. Lotts & Co, for example, was conceived of as a neighbourhood store that would partner with a range of independent suppliers inspired by McNerney's memories of growing up in Dun Laoghaire. Instead of shopping in the big supermarkets, his parents would frequent local fruit and veg shop McGoverns or Cavistons in Glasthule.

"My Dad was the local TV repairman, so we didn't really have much - but he was also a huge foodie. We used to have these amazing dinners. I remember as a four year old having fondue, dipping steak in boiling hot oil. And every other week there'd be a pheasant hanging up in the kitchen. That kind of rubbed off on us. I love to cook and my brother went on to become a chef."

But he was also the family swot and had his eyes on a different life: "I saw Wall Street and liked the slicked-back hair and the lifestyle and decided I wanted to get into trading."

After a commerce degree in UCD and a Master's in finance at the Smurfit School he began working as an equity trader in Davy Stockbrokers.

"I finally got the job I always thought I wanted. And as soon as I had it I just hated it."

He left Davy to go travelling in South America but joined Dolmen on his return, hooked on the adrenaline of a trading desk. One 100m deal that came his way delivered a 12,000 commission. "My hands were shaking so badly I struggled to fill out the docket. Another time I bought the wrong stock for a client and spent the following day hoping the price would fall. It rose. A mistake in trading is the worst thing ever. It cost thousands. A mistake in a restaurant is only a piece of burnt toast."

The end was hastened when he failed an exam needed to operate one of the trading systems.

"I was completely humiliated and felt like a loser. But in hindsight, if I hadn't failed that exam, I never would have opened up my own business."

Even before he quit, McNerney had put his Plan B into action with evening shifts as a waiter in Gruel, a much-loved casual restaurant on Dame Street that was ahead of its time, but which fell to the scourge of high rents in a crashing economy.

But, for McNerney, a seed had been sown. After a few months of waiting tables and absorbing ideas the opportunity arrived. His brother Paul, a chef with experience in Michelin star restaurants, spotted a newly vacant premises on Bath Avenue.

"I remember thinking 'OK, let's do this' even though the two of us didn't have a pot to piss in. 20,000 was all we had to start that business. But we got all our friends who were electricians and plumbers to muck in. The idea was to do really good food in a humble kind of setting."

It was the right idea in the right part of town with Google's expansion kicking off up the road.

"We got lucky and hit the crest of a wave. Myself and my brother worked extremely hard for the first six months doing breakfast and lunch. Every other day one of us would go upstairs and sleep while the other would be downstairs doing the prep."

When the Leinster rugby team started to come in business really took off. "People often say we did so well to open in a recession. But the recession was the only reason we were able to do it. Property was cheap and staff were plentiful."

McNerney believes those circumstances now pertain once again: "This could be a great time to start a business. Rents will fall and there'll be more available units." But, he says, for the many small businesses in the sector it is a struggle to stay afloat. The Government and the banks urgently need to provide supports, he says.

For most in the sector the next year will be about nothing but survival. "But if you can just keep the lights on, in whatever which way you can do it, when a vaccine comes or something else changes, then we can all get back to business."

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name

Barry McNerney

Age

39

Position

CEO of Unify Ordering and co-founder with brother Paul of Juniors Deli & Cafe, Paulie's Pizza and Lotts & Co.

Education

Secondary school in CBC Monkstown, followed by a Bachelor of Commerce degree in UCD and a Masters degree in finance at the Smurfit School.

Previous experience

Equity trader at Davy Stockbrokers and Dolmen Stockbrokers

Family

"Very much in love" with partner Grainne. Their home has recently had a new addition, Jack Russell pup Bella

Favourite book

Nick Leeson's Rogue Trader was one of the reasons he decided to get into stockbroking and a standout read was The Grapes of Wrath. He is also a fan of George Orwell

Favourite movie

Goodfellas. "I have a bit of an obsession with the American Mafia and that has influenced the names of some of the places we have set up."

Favourite restaurant

777 on South Great Georges St

BUSINESS LESSONS

What is your advice to someone setting up in business for the first time?

Only do something new in business if you think its going to be better than anything else that is out there. If you try hard enough and you think hard enough about it, you will be able to do something thats unique and better. But dont ever do a business just to make up the numbers because youre doomed to failure if you do.

What are your tips for surviving in business through a recession?

Its about having passion and having resilience and just never ever giving up, never stopping. It can be detrimental to relationships and all that kind of stuff but you need to have drive and you need to just never ever quit. Thats why its easier when youre a little bit younger to start because you dont have as much to lose.

You have gone from finance to food to technology. How important has a grasp of technology been to your career?

Im not techie at all or into gadgets. I can barely work the remote control. Were not tech people trying to sell software. Were restaurant people who happen to have a tech solution.
Mario Dispupidiwa recalls a way of life that is only a distant memory now.

"I watched my mother give birth in the forest and cradle the baby by the fire to keep it warm," he recalled. "We moved constantly from place to place."

MORE: Displaced by fire, Amazon's migrants fight to rebuild their home

But then the loggers and oil workers arrived, bringing with them terrifying diseases without cure, ending that life forever.

Dispupidiwa is a member of the Nahua tribespeople, who crossed a threshold into the modern world after their forced contact with the outside world in Peru's southeast Amazon nearly 40 years ago. In the years that followed, more than half of the Nahua died of influenza and whooping cough, for which they had no immunity, according to research by Peruvian anthropologist Beatriz Huertas.

Indigenous tribes have suffered from contagious diseases dating back to 16th century European incursions into the Amazon basin. Today, as COVID-19 reaches some of the most remote corners of the globe, highly vulnerable tribal peoples like the Nahua, with limited contact with the outside world, are sealing off their isolated villages and bracing for the arrival of a deadly new pathogen.

PHOTO: A Nahua elder displays a scar from an arrow wound. The Nahua live in a protected territorial reserve home to several bands of isolated tribes. (Neil Giardino)

Although the Nahua have had sustained contact with society since the 1980s, they are still defined by Peru's government as a tribe in "initial contact" with the outside world. Numbering roughly 400, they live within a federally protected area called the Kugapakori Nahua Nanti Territorial Reserve.

But extreme poverty, inadequate access to modern medical care, and a way of life incompatible with social distancing could devastate communities like the Nahua, experts warn.

"The people who have survived [earlier epidemics] may have the genetic capacity to resist  but it's not enough. They're still vulnerable. They have to avoid contact with potential bearers of outside diseases," said Thomas Moore, an anthropologist who has studied tribal peoples in Peru's Amazon for decades.

Story continues

Avoiding contact has proven difficult. Despite a staggering expanse of lowland jungle here, the outside world is rapidly encroaching. Nearby the Nahua village of Santa Rosa of Serjali, narcotraffickers are suspected of illegally entering the reserve, moving cocaine paste from the Andean slopes into Brazil. Christian missionaries, illegal loggers and frontiersmen also trespass, posing increased risk of disease outbreak within Nahua territory.

MORE: How dying and mourning have changed around the world amid coronavirus pandemic

"We're trying to guarantee their land and health is protected. If they choose to maintain relations with those outside their territory, we want to ensure they're not affected by contagious illnesses," said Nancy Portugal, director of Peoples in Isolation and Initial Contact within Peru's Ministry of Culture, the state agency which advocates for tribes in Peru.

Despite the Ministry of Culture's attempts to prevent illegal entry into protected areas, powerful timber, oil and gas companies often operate with impunity within protected native territory.

The Nahua, who live in one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth, not only share their reserve with several bands of isolated tribes, but also with Peru's most lucrative energy project, the Camisea Gas fields. The multinational gas concession, managed by PlusPetrol, has operated here since 2004. Most Nahua men work as seasonal laborers for the company, which pays the tribe a monthly stipend in order to operate within the reserve.

PHOTO: The Camisea gas concession, Peru's largest hydrocarbon project, overlaps Nahua territory in the Kugapakori, Nahua, Nanti Territorial Reserve. Nahua men work as seasonal laborers for the gas company. (Neil Giardino)

While most Nahua welcome the ability to earn a wage, contact with national society has exposed them to a host of illnesses like diabetes, gastritis, and malnutrition. The Nahua also suffer from severe mercury poisoning from an unconfirmed source.

"We demand to know the source of what keeps contaminating our Nahua brothers," said Edwin Humanga, president of regional indigenous organization CORPIAA. "In the meantime our brothers will continue to die, little by little."

For the Nahua, who mere decades ago lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers, the urge to travel is deep-rooted. Most Nahua make frequent trips to the logging town of Sepahua, a day's journey by boat, where they maintain relations with the Dominican Church.

PHOTO: Sepahua is a remote logging town in Peru's Amazon. The Nahua make regular trips to town from their remote village of Santa Rosa of Serjali. (Neil Giardino)

Father Ignacio Iraizoz, who leads the Dominican mission in this remote hamlet -- and advocates for the contact of isolated tribes into national society -- minimized biological threats to isolated and initial contact tribes like the Nahua.

PHOTO: Father Ignacio Iraizoz, of Spain, is a priest in the jungle outpost of Sepahua, Peru. His Dominican mission has encouraged contact of isolated tribes in the region. An unintended consequence has been tribes' exposure to Western diseases. (Neil Giardino)

"Today contact must be made  they're seeking contact. They want it, and we have the means to keep them safe," Iraizoz told ABC News.

While the Dominican Mission has promoted education and health services for the Nahua, they are also criticized for aggressively assimilating them into national society and stripping them of their indigenous cosmovision.

"[I]t's a nefarious influence. It's ethnocidal. It's hostile to their culture," said Moore. "A lot of Nahua died because they were brought into the Dominican Mission with inadequate health attention."

PHOTO: Although the Nahua live within a protected reserve, illegal entry by loggers, narco-traffickers, and frontiersman could bring outside disease to this highly vulnerable tribe. (Neil Giardino)

COVID-19 has claimed over 3,000 lives in Peru, with hospitals in the country's vast Amazon reaching a breaking point.

In late April, Perus largest indigenous federation, the Interethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Amazon estimated at least 1,400 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 11 Amazon regions of the country. But, due to a lack of testing in native communities, that number is likely much higher, a spokesman for AIDESEP told ABC News.

MORE: Deforestation of Amazon rainforest accelerates amid COVID-19 pandemic

Native leaders representing 1,800 communities throughout Peru's Amazon recently signed a formal complaint to the United Nations and Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

The letter, published by AIDESEP, demands the government address the "constant and growing" threat of COVID-19 in indigenous communities and warns of "high risk of ethnocide" without state action.

PHOTO: The Nahua people were forcibly contacted by loggers and oil workers in the 1980s. Since contact, the tribe has maintained a relationship with the Dominican church. (Neil Giardino)

In response to the pandemic, the Ministry of Culture -- along with Perus national park service -- suspended all non-essential entry into the Kugapakori Nahua Nanti Territorial Reserve, granting access only to the states health sector, in the event of a medical emergency within. The ministry has also coordinated with regional authorities to bring food and medical supplies to the Nahua.

In a written response to ABC News, the Ministry of Culture indicated that while there are 11 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the greater province of Atalaya, there are no known cases in Nahua territory or in the town of Sepahua, which they frequent.

PHOTO: Nahua elder Mario Dispupidiwa was born into a nomadic hunter-gatherer family until his tribe's contact in the 1980s. As COVID-19 spreads through the Amazon, experts warn tribes like the Nahua could be decimated by the virus. (Neil Giardino)

Mario Dispupidiwa, who has survived at least one earlier epidemic, said he still dreams of the life he once lived before his people were drawn out of isolation.

I loved being free to travel the forest from one place to the next. I wonder what it would be like to return to that life, when we didnt need money or medicine, said Dispupidiwa.

Remote Amazon tribe decimated by epidemic braces for COVID-19 originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Nepal has initiated a system of developing periodic policies and plans to develop and modernise the predominately agricultural economy six decades ago. Despite the strenuous efforts, the pace of development has not been satisfactory. Years of political instability hindered the development of the country. As of 1883, Nepal used to export agricultural products to India and other third countries, but now, the country depends on them. Apparently, there are many challenges and opportunities for the government to uplift the economy.

The quest for a stable government got fulfilled through federal, provincial, and local level elections. While the government was struggling hard to take a direction towards economic growth, it has now severely been hit hard by the global Covid-19 crisis. Moreover, this pandemic situation is certain to hit the countrys journey towards the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), the promises that the world together made to achieve by 2030 under the leadership of the United Nations.

The United Nations has set 17 sustainable development goals and 169 targets for the future of the world. Nepal has also reviewed its sector-specific plans and strategies so as to align them with the SDGs. However, now, it is a big challenge to bring these plans into action.

The current crisis will have a direct impact on the Nepali economy given that the economic system here is not shock-responsive. An economic assessment of historical information on floods and landslides between 1983 and 2010 revealed the direct economic cost of water-induced disasters was equivalent to approximately 1.5% of annual gross domestic product (GDP), averaging $270 million per year. This year, maintaining the resilience of economically vulnerable populations throughout the monsoon is more challenging due to the secondary impacts of the pandemic. The impact of the Covid-19 on economic activities will also affect other aspects of human life.

After the pandemic, one of the directly impacted sectors will be employment/livelihood. The latest ILO data on the labour market impact of the Covid-19 pandemic reveals that 1.6 billion workers in the informal economy  that is nearly half of the global workforce  stand in the immediate danger of having their livelihoods destroyed. The IMF has anticipated that the economy of Qatar, Saudi Arab, UAE, and Kuwait will be impacted negatively. The economy of Malaysia is also at risk. These are the countries where nearly two-thirds of Nepali migrant workers work in or aspire to work in.

On top of that, Nepals internal employment has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. Depending on the size and depth of impact on the international labour market, remittance goes down, which will increase poverty and obstruct the government from achieving the target of reducing the unemployment rate from 11.4% to 6% as set in the 15th development plan. As a result, the achievement of the SDGs, overall, will be hindered.

The countrys journey towards the SDGs was already filled with challenges galore. Though the National Planning Commission had prepared a road map for achieving the SDGs, the government lacked a clear plan to implement it, as well as the budget. In the present context, catalysing economic development at the provincial and local levels was a key opportunity for economic transformation, but the practice of centralised development had forced the country to rely totally on the central government. The government was also unable to maintain proper coordination with donors, international aid organisation (INGOs), and other developmental partners. According to the Social Welfare Council, more than 200 INGOs and 46,000 NGOs are working on social and economic development issues, but the government has failed to mobilise them in meeting its targets.

The development model of our country is more donor-oriented than need-based. The government prepares its budget plans relying on donor agencies such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and Asian Development Bank. Consequently, the programmes are designed to meet their interests. When the projects prioritise other issues than the needs of the people, they are more likely to fail.

To cope with such challenges, the government should give priority to agriculture, tourism, energy, trade infrastructure sectors. In the meantime, sufficient attention has to be paid on the empowerment of all communities such as people with disabilities, women, and sexual minority groups, other marginalised communities. The private sector and non-government actors should be taken into confidence. Their participation is a must to achieve the SDGs.

The author is the central president of the National Federation of Youth NGOs Nepal.
Judicial Watch has uncovered a document that on its face purports to be the origin of the Crossfire Hurricane investigation. It was authored by Peter Strzok, is heavily redacted and requires some knowledge of FBI protocols to understand fully. Nevertheless, the general import seems clear:

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Electronic Communication Title: Crossfire Hurricane Date: 07/31/2016 Cc: [Redacted]

Strzok Peter P II From: COUNTERINTELLIGENCE

[Redacted]

Contact: Strzok Peter P II, [Redacted] Approved by: Strzok Peter P II Drafed by: Strzok Peter P II Case ID #: [Redacted] CROSSFIRE HURRICANE;

FOREIGN AGENTS REGISTRATION ACT 

RUSSIA;

SENSITIVE INVESTIGATIVE MATTER This document contains information that is restricted to case participants Synopsis: (S/ / ) Opens and assigns investigation Reason 1.4 (b)

Derived from: FBI

NSISC-20090615

Declassify On: 20411231 [Redacted] (S/) An investigation is being opened based on information received by Legat [Redacted] on 07/29/2016. The text of that email follows: SECRET/[Redacted] Title: (S/ / CC/NF) CROSSFIRE HURRICANE

Re: [Redacted] 07/31/2016 BEGIN EMAIL (U/ /) Legat [Redacted] information from [Redacted] Deputy Chief of Mission Synopsis:

(U/ /) Legat [Redacted] received information from the [Redacted] Deputy Chief of Mission related to the hacking of the Democratic National Committees website/server. Details:

(S/ /[Redacted] On Wednesday, July 27, 2016, Legal Attache (Legat) [Redacted] was summoned to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) for the [Redacted] who will be leaving [Redacted] post Saturday July 30, 2016 and set to soon thereafter retire from government service, advised [Redacted] was called by [Redacted] about an urgent matter requiring an in person meeting with the U.S. Ambassador. [Note: [Redacted]. The [Redacted] was scheduled to be away from post until mid-August, therefore [Redacted] attended the meeting. (S/ [Redacted]) [Redacted] advised that [Redacted] government had been seeking prominent members of the Donald Trump campaign in which to engage to prepare for potential post-election relations should Trump be elected U.S. President. One of the people identified was George Papadopolous (although public media sources provide a spelling of Papadopoulos), who was believed to be one of Donald Trumps foreign policy advisers. Mr. Papdopoulos was located in [Redacted] so the [Redacted] met with him on several occasions, with [Redacted] attending at least one of the meetings. (S/ [Redacted]) [Redacted] recalled [Redacted] of the meetings between Mr. Papdopolous and [Redacted] concerning statements Mr. Papadopolous made about suggestions from the Russians that they (the Russians) could assist the Trump campaign with the anonymous release of information during the campaign that would be damaging to Hillary Clinton. [Redacted] provided a copy of the reporting that was provided to [Redacted] from [Redacted] to Legal [Redacted]. The text is exactly as follows: (Begin Text) (S/ [Redacted]) 5. Mr. Papadopolous [Redacted] also suggested the Trump team had received some kind of suggestion from Russia that it could assist this process with the anonymous release of information during the campaign that would be damaging to Mrs. Clinton (and President Obama). It was unclear whether he or the Russians were referring to material acquired publicly of through other means. It was also unclear how Mr. Trumps team reacted to the offer. We note the Trump teams reaction could, in the end, have little bearing of what Russia decides to do, with or without Mr. Trumps cooperation.

(End Text) (s/ [Redacted]

[Redacted]

(s/ [Redacted] Legat requests that further action on this information should consider the sensitivity that this information was provided through informal diplomatic channels from [Redacted] to the U.S. Embassys DCM. It was clear from the conversation Legal [Redacted] had with DCM that [Redacted] knew follow-up by the U.S. government would be necessary, but extraordinary efforts should be made to protect the source of this information until such a time that a request from our organization can be made to [Redacted] to obtain this information through formal channels. END EMAIL (S/ / ) Based on the information provided by Legat [Redacted] this investigation is being opened to determine whether individual(s) associated with the Trump campaign are witting of and/or coordinating activities with the Government of Russia.

If this really is the origin of the Russia hoax, the pretext is the familiar conversation involving George Papadopolous, the then-28 year old foreign policy adviser to the Donald Trump campaign. But the email contains nothing that could possibly justify the investigation that ensued. It merely repeats the rumor that the Trump team had received some kind of suggestion from Russia that it could assist this process with the anonymous release of information during the campaign that would be damaging to Mrs. Clinton (and President Obama). The reference to President Obama is interesting, and may help to account for the great interest he took in Crossfire Hurricane. More on this below.

Further: It was unclear whether he or the Russians were referring to material acquired publicly of through other means. So there is no tie to the intrusion into DNC emails, however that may have been carried out.

And: It was also unclear how Mr. Trumps team reacted to the offer. We note the Trump teams reaction could, in the end, have little bearing of what Russia decides to do, with or without Mr. Trumps cooperation. In fact, the intelligence recited in the email contains no suggestion that the Trump campaign had reacted to the purported offer at all. And, as Strzok acknowledged, the Trump campaigns reaction was likely irrelevant.

If this really is how the Russia investigation began, several points are obvious. First, it all had to do with Peter Strzok, who apparently both proposed and approved the alleged investigation, and kept it secret from most of his colleagues at the FBI.

Second, the investigation is specifically tied to the Foreign Agents Registration Act. This is odd, to say the least, since 1) nothing in the Papadopoulos story could possibly invoke that statute in any way, and 2) the FARA was, as of 2016, a rather obscure and rarely enforced statute, not the stuff of secret FBI investigations.

Third, the Papadopoulos rumor is an absurd pretext for what turned into a comprehensive investigation into the Trump campaign, and ultimately an effort to destroy the Trump administration. Taking the Papadopoulos rumor at face value, there was no suggestion that anyone associated with the Trump campaign had done anything wrong. Three and a half years and a million newspaper headlines later, it was confirmed that no one associated with the Trump campaign did anything wrong. Why was there an investigation in the first place? The answer obviously lies in the realm of politics, not law enforcement or national security.

Fourth, it is interesting that the Papadopoulos rumor included a suggestion that the Russians had dirt on Barack Obama. Perhaps this has been reported before, but if so, I dont remember it. Might this be the reason why Obamas FBI was so interested in the Papadopoulos rumor and determined to act on it, even though, as Strzok readily acknowledged, what the Russians might do neednt have anything to do with the Trump campaigns response to the supposed Papadopoulos overture?

Has anyone checked the White House visitor logs to see whether Strzok met frequently with Barack Obama? And might this explain why the Strzok-Page texts include the statement that potus wants to know everything were doing? Also, how did Lisa Page know what the president wanted?

No doubt Obama preferred Hillary Clinton to Donald Trump as a successor, but there was no love lost between the two. Maybe Obamas concern, at least initially, was more about his own legacy than the 2016 election. Maybe he was terrified that the Russians might release information that reflected badly on him, relating, possibly, to his assurance to President Medvedev that he would have more flexibility to give away the store in Europe after he was re-elected. And who knows what other communications might have passed between President Obama and Vladimir Putins regime, which, according to Obama, was no threat at all? (The 1980s called. They want their foreign policy back.) Especially since Obama was weirdly determined to forge an alliance with Iran, Russias proxy in the Middle East. (Remember that Obama appointed Michael Flynn Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, but then fell out with him because Flynn opposed the Iran nuclear deal.)

The deeper we dive into the worst scandal in American history, the more Barack Obama seems to be a central actor.

John Solomon at Just The News consulted Kevin Brock, former chief of intelligence for the FBI, on the Strzok memo:

[Brock] said the electronic communication did not meet the bureaus rigorous standards for predicating the opening of a criminal or counterintelligence case. There is nothing in the EC that meets the traditional thresholds for opening up a FARA or CI investigation, Brock told Just the News. It appears hastily constructed. The memo also contains evidence of other red flags, Brock explained, including that Strzok both drafted and approved the opening of his own investigation and originally segregated the memo so it could only be seen by case participants and not other FBI officials. Asked whether as an FBI assistant director he would have approved opening Crossfire Hurricane based on what was in the memo, Brock said: Not in a million years. I wouldnt have approved it as a squad supervisor either. This would have set off alarm bells in any FBI field for not meeting our standards for a predicate.

What could have caused a veteran FBI bureaucrat like Strzok to depart so wildly from established FBI norms? The most obvious possibility is that he believedor knewthat he was doing the bidding of his ultimate boss, the President of the United States, Barack Obama. The guy who wants to know everything were doing.

It may be that we will never get to the bottom of the biggest scandal in American history. If that happens, it will be because many people do not want to know where the trail of evidence ultimately leads.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has assured Nigerians that lockdown measures put in place to curb the spread of coronavirus would not remain longer than necessary.

He said this in a statement containing his message to Muslims on the occasion of this years Eid-el-Fitr.

The statement issued on Saturday was signed by the Presidents Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu.

Buhari was quoted as saying that COVID-19, which caught the world off guard, and has put a damper on what would otherwise have been a time of celebration for the Muslim faithful to mark the end of the Ramadan fasting period.

The Nigerian leader commended the sacrifices of both Muslims and Christians for their cooperation in the enforcement of the social distancing guidelines.

He assured Nigerians that the lockdown measures would not go on longer than necessary because they would be reviewed from time to time to ease the increasing hardships on the people.

I am well aware of the inconveniences these tough measures have brought on the lives of Nigerians, including limiting religious activities and gatherings in large numbers.

No government would intentionally impose these tough and demanding measures on its citizens if it had a choice.

The retired general also appealed to Nigerians whose businesses and means of livelihoods were badly affected by the prolonged lockdown measures for their understanding and cooperation.

He said, For the first time in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the peoples spiritual, social, and economic lives.

This years fasting period was particularly challenging for Muslims because they had to forgo many important aspects of their daily worship, including the routine congregations for prayer and the recitation and interpretation of the Holy Quran as well as traveling for the lesser pilgrimage to Makkah.

It is not easy to give up many of these important duties and activities, but it became imperative to do so in order to control or limit the spread of this deadly disease.

He also urged people with means to continue helping their neighbours and the less well-to-do so that we can all come out of this pandemic stronger and more united.

The President told the Muslim faithful that this years Eid event is an occasion for sober reflection rather than celebration because of the long shadows of gloom that the coronavirus has cast on peoples lives.
A BROTHER and sister have produced a CD to brighten up the lives of their neighbours and friends during the coronavirus lockdown.

Alex and Isabella Miles-

Kingston, of Harpsden Way, Henley, are both music scholars and decided to put their talents to good use.

Together with their parents, Charlotte and Edward, they recorded 16 songs over 10 days and then made 30 copies which they distributed among neighbours and members of the congregation at Holy Trinity Church.

Alex, 13, who is a boarder at Wellington College in Crowthorne, has grade 8 in singing, grade 7 in oboe and grade 6 in piano.

Isabella, 11, is in her final year at Rupert House School in Henley and was recently awarded a music scholarship by St Helen & St Katharine School in Abingdon, where she is due to start in September. She is grade 6 in violin and is working towards grade 5 in singing and piano.

Mrs Miles-Kingston said: We were very aware that there are people on their own and we thought it would be nice to share the kids doing their music practice with them.

We had seen a few reports in the Henley Standard of people doing performances and thought it would be nice to stand on the street and share the music, so we started planning a little concert.

Then we thought it wouldnt be responsible because of social distancing so we decided to do a CD instead.

It is a mixture of serious music and a few songs that are more relaxed and light-hearted. There are a couple in there that the kids have been playing for a long time and others that they have only just learned.

I got a thank you note from someone who said it brightened up their day, which is really nice and we are very proud of both of the children.

They both get such pleasure from playing and from the social side of it as well.

The CD, which was recorded using an iPhone, is called Miles-Kingston Music and the case features pictures of the children from previous performances. Inside there is a leaflet which explains why the family decided to make the CD and the songs they chose.

It reads: This CD was created during the incredibly challenging time of covid-19. We wanted to provide some music for family and friends and since we are unable to perform in a concert, we thought a CD with some personal music would cheer people up, especially those who are on their own.

We would like to thank the incredible people who are working so hard to keep everyone safe and well at this very difficult time.

Isabella performed seven songs, including Holiday in Paris by William Gillock, Fly Me to the Moon by Bart Howard and

Millionaires Hoedown by Herman Clebanoff.

She also learned the Last Post on the violin and performed it in the street on VE Day outside the Acacia Lodge care home in Quebec Road for the residents, who include her great grandmother Kit.

Isabella said: We wanted to do a concert and it was nice to be able to help the old and the vulnerable.

I like my piano and I am planning to continue with my lessons when I am allowed. I felt very happy and joyful to get accepted for the scholarship. It feels like I am just at the start of a very exciting pathway.

Alex contributed six pieces, including Gabriels Oboe by Ennio Morricone, Romanez by Robert Schumann and Silent Noon by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

He said: I enjoy the feeling I get from recording the pieces because I know it will bring happiness to people who are on their own. I also like the fact that we got to do it together as a family.

I have a lot of opportunities to get involved with music at school. I have found being at home weird but I am used to it now.

Both of them have been home-schooled during lockdown and their mother, who is an accountant, and father, an IT consultant, have been able to continue working.

Mr Miles-Kingston played the Pink Panther theme tune on the saxophone for the CD and his wife performed Yesterday by the Beatles on the piano.

The final song is called Duetto con Labradosa and is a musical nod to the familys one-year-old Labrador Horace, which often howls while they are performing.

Mrs Miles-Kingston said: Now that we have the music on the computer, it would be very easy for us to do more copies.

It was only supposed to be for local families to cheer people up and lift their spirits.

We miss family and friends and I feel desperately sorry for the shops and small businesses which are suffering at the moment, so I try to stay positive.

If you would like to receive a copy of the CD, send a request by email to Mrs Miles-Kingston at

charlottemileskingston@sky.com
As the Depression deepened in the 1930s, President Franklin Roosevelt had an idea: put an army of eager job seekers to work improving federal lands, forests and parks. His brainchild, the Civilian Conservation Corps, revived the nations outdoors and created desperately needed employment.

Its time to resurrect the concept with a fresh spin. In Californias case, the threat of wildfire is a near permanent worry in a state where 45% of the land is in federal hands. In addition, the soaring jobless rate brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting hardest those under 30, the prime age category to tap for the physical task of forestry work. Putting people to work on a needed assignment works both here and across the country.

Any plan to spend big on a federal project will run into political trouble, as Democrats are finding with a $3 trillion stimulus bill to aid cities and state finances. But this rebuilding proposal comes under the partisan-free heading of infrastructure. Its public spending that can benefit everyone and should draw support from across the voting spectrum. The nation could use more of that spirit in a dire time.

The plan, dubbed the Restoration and Resilience Jobs measure, is collecting congressional names for now. The $125 billion spending package is divided among a half dozen topics including wildlife habitat, land conservation and reclamation work. Abandoned coal mines, wetlands used by migrating birds and fish-rearing streams would get attention. The projects range from the Everglades in Florida to the Southern California desert. A total of 76 members of Congress have signed on, including 16 from California.

The possibilities are easy to see. In San Francisco, Aquatic Park needs an updating from improved beachfront seating areas to improvements to a row of seven historical ships that need maintaining. As stay-home rules give way to a more open city, visitors are flocking to this stretch of beach and pier fronts managed by the Park Service. An overhaul would be welcomed by the public.

But most of the federal land is in rural areas, where fires are fed by overgrown vegetation. The proposal takes note of both this problem and its potential solution. One fireproofing tool calls for prescribed or controlled burns to rid the landscape of undergrowth that can turn a blaze into an inferno as California well knows.

But that tactic needs plenty of prep work and careful oversight once the flames get going. Its hard, even dangerous, work that young crews of firefighters could be trained to carry out. With a crushing state budget shortfall, its too much to expect Sacramento to take on the task as it has in the past. A bill to train and deploy crews working on federal land would be a more complete answer.

Along with controlled burns, additional workers could lower fire risks by thinning forests and widening fire-stopping breaks. It wont be just young people swinging axes and shovels. There will be a need for heavy equipment operators and seasoned construction workers as well.

Its not all backcountry basics. Federal entities such as the National Park System, Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management have shelves of postponed maintenance and improvements.

In the northwest corner of the state, a coalition of outdoors groups, tribes and local leaders in Del Norte County have developed plans for riverside work, improved camp sites, and tree trimming. In the eastern Sierra, there are other spending needs: dealing with wild burros that chew up the landscape, an updated visitors center in Mono County and improvements to the Manzanar National Historic Site that memorializes the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II.

Nationally, theres plenty more to do. Droughts, hurricanes and floods have devastated millions of federal acres, robbing the environment of a chance to bounce back. It will take hard work to revive these estuaries, rivers and forests that span both red and blue states.

There are plenty of worthy causes and interest groups lining up for federal funds as the pandemic continues. The challenge requires a multitude of answers to the shattering damage. Renewing federal lands to keep them safe and accessible in a way that eases a jobless crisis should go on the priority list. FDR would likely agree.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
"These people fought for everything that we have," she said.

Kathy Quinn said she thought it was good for the girls to get outside and learn about patriotism. She said she wasn't concerned about being exposed to the coronavirus while at the cemetery, but she did bring masks along to protect herself and her granddaughters. Above all, she said she was happy to be able to celebrate the holiday with her granddaughters on a warm Saturday afternoon.

Not everyone came to the cemeteries to pay their respects, however. Local birdwatchers Kathy Wolfe and Kent Skaggs were drawn to Wyuka to enjoy the weekend pursuing their hobby.

Skaggs said Wyuka is a destination for Lincoln birdwatchers, as many mature trees and the quiet atmosphere attract a wide array of birds.

Wolfe wore a mask, but she said she wasn't very concerned about the spread of the virus when outdoors.

"I just like to keep my distance," she said.

Skaggs said the history of Wyuka also appeals to him, and the names and dates on the headstones give an interesting perspective on modern life.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended his chief adviser Dominic Cummings, amid a clamour of calls for Cummings to resign after it emerged he travelled to Durham from London while the country was on lockdown and everyone had been told to stay at home.

Johnson told a news conference on Sunday that he believed Cummings had acted responsibly and legally.

I think that what they did was totally understandable, he added. I think any father, any parent would frankly understand what he did and I certainly do.

Cummings drove 250 miles (400 kilometres) from London to his parents home in Durham, in northeast England, with his wife and son as he was coming down with COVID-19 symptoms at the end of March.

Britains lockdown, which began on March 23, stipulated that people should remain at their primary residence, leaving only for essential local errands and exercise. Anyone with coronavirus symptoms was told to completely isolate themselves.

The Sun newspaper reported late on Sunday that Johnson was facing a cabinet revolt over his support for Cummings, a divisive figure most known for his role in the campaign to take the UK out of the European Union.

He (Cummings) cannot stay, the paper quoted an unnamed minister as saying. There has to be some contrition from Boris too or he will spend the next ten weeks having to answer questions about it all. This is not a bubble story. Real people are furious because they have been doing the right thing and isolating.

The Sun report came after some Conservative MPs joined opposition calls for Cummings to resign.

Dominic Cummings has a track record of believing that the rules dont apply to him and treating the scrutiny that should come to anyone in a position of authority with contempt, tweeted Conservative politician Damian Collins. The government would be better without him.

Tory politician Steve Baker on Sunday said Cummings must go before he does any more harm to the UK, the government, the prime minister, our institutions or the Conservative Party, in remarks featured on the UK website The Critic.

The government has defended Cummings, saying he travelled to be near extended family because his wife was showing COVID-19 symptoms, he correctly thought he was also infected and he wanted to ensure that his four-year-old son was looked after.

Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said Cummings actions were justifiable and reasonable.

Taking care of your wife and young child is justifiable and reasonable, trying to score political points over it isnt. https://t.co/QVkFmKgOsW  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) May 23, 2020

The coronavirus cut a swath through the top ranks of Britains government in March and April, infecting people including Cummings, Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Johnson himself, who was admitted intensive care in a London hospital before recovering.

Critics of the government expressed outrage that Cummings had broken strict rules that for two months have prevented Britons from visiting elderly relatives, comforting dying friends or even attending the funerals of loved ones. The opposition Labour Party has called for an official investigation.

Cummings is a key but contentious figure in Johnsons government. A self-styled political disruptor who disdains the media and civil service, he orchestrated the Conservatives decisive election victory in December.

The Prime Minister has treated the British people with contempt. One rule for Dominic Cummings, another for everybody else. pic.twitter.com/XIFCztZnbu  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 24, 2020

Reporting from London, Al Jazeeras Neave Barker said Johnson would want to ensure that lingering questions over his chief advisers whereabouts in March and April dissipate as quickly as possible.



Undoubtedly this is an unwanted distraction from what the government hopes would be its main message that it is under control, that it is easing restrictions, is in charge when it comes to making sure normality returns to this country, he said.

Gradual easing of lockdown







Johnsons government is already facing criticism for its response to a pandemic that has hit Britain harder than any other European country.

Britains official coronavirus death toll stands at 36,757, the second-highest confirmed total in the world after the United States.

Statistics that include suspected as well as confirmed virus cases put the toll well over 40,000.

The UK is gradually easing its lockdown, allowing more outdoor recreation and letting some shops and businesses reopen.

The government hopes primary schools can start reopening in June, although many parents and teachers worry that it is not yet safe to do so.

Cummings is one of several senior UK officials to be accused of flouting the lockdown rules.

Epidemiologist Neil Ferguson stepped down as government scientific adviser earlier this month after a newspaper disclosed that his girlfriend had crossed London to stay with him during the lockdown. At the time Hancock, the health minister, said he was speechless at the revelations.

In April, Catherine Calderwood resigned as Scotlands chief medical officer after twice travelling from Edinburgh to her second home.
A man is behind bars after police say he shot two men, killing one, during a dispute outside a Roswell home Friday night.

Todd Wildermuth, a Roswell police spokesman, said 22-year-old Tyler Kelley is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery and tampering with evidence in the death of Marcelleno Briseno, 19.

Kelley has been booked into the Chaves County Detention Center.

Wildermuth said officers responded around 10:30 p.m. to reports of gunfire at a house in the 300 block of Jefferson.

Shortly after officers arrived at the scene, two men with gunshot wounds arrived at a local hospital, driven there by another man, he said.

Wildermuth said Briseno had been shot twice and was dead upon arrival. The other man was shot in the arm and released after being treated.

He said police spoke with multiple people at the house and detained Kelley at the police station as they investigated. Witnesses told officers the shooting started as a fight over a woman.

Wildermuth said when the two men went to the home to confront Kelley, he allegedly shot them both.
Since this is Memorial Day weekend, our dedicated moderators have asked for those days off. Therefore, comment approval will be slow through Tuesday. Please be patient, and give us 24 hours! Thank you. lambert

Herd Of Fuzzy Green Glacier Mice Baffles Scientists NPR (dk). Original. Like science fiction, except on Earth!

Remote sensing reveals Antarctic green snow algae as important terrestrial carbon sink Nature. Despite the greenery, this is a different story!

Banker Bots Rake In Nordic Wealth Business and Reshape Finance Bloomberg

Tax collection, a labour of love: the Tax Justice Network podcast, May 2020 (podcast) Tax Justice Network

#COVID19

Interviews:

READ: The Hills interview with Anthony Fauci (interview) The Hill

The house was on fire. Top Chinese virologist on how China and U.S. have met the pandemic (interview) Science

* * *

The science:

Findings from investigation and analysis of re-positive cases (press release) KCDC. Comment:

The bottom line analysis from the Korean CDC demonstrating that those testing positive for SARSCoV2 after recovering from covid WERE NOT infected or contagious. The positive hit on the subsequent PCR test was dead virus and could not replicate in viral cell culture. https://t.co/0pVP10QVpW  Scott Gottlieb, MD (@ScottGottliebMD) May 23, 2020

Covid-19 Patients Not Infectious After 11 Days: Singapore Study Bloomberg (original). n=72. [V]iral RNA detection by PCR does not equate to infectiousness or viable virus.

There May Be a Unique Coronavirus Immune Response Derek Lowe, The Pipeline, Science

* * *

Spread:

High COVID-19 Attack Rate Among Attendees at Events at a Church  Arkansas, March 2020 CDC

Mississippi church burned down, vandalized after challenging citys stay-at-home order WREG and Investigators look at possible arson at Holly Springs church Daily Journal

How L.A. County became coronavirus epicenter: Slower shutdown, density, poverty among theories Los Angeles Times

Nursing Home Care in Crisis in the Wake of COVID-19 JAMA

One final viral infusion: Trumps move to block travel from Europe triggered chaos and a surge of passengers from the outbreaks center WaPo

Next, airports:

Wow: via @garyleff, with Hawaii tourism shut down, they tent fumigated the entire Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (iconic Big Island resort designed by SOM and built by the Rockefellers in 1965) https://t.co/KJmuAhFNWt pic.twitter.com/Sba6s1VuZW  Josh Barro (@jbarro) May 23, 2020

* * *

Vaccine:

The Danger of Vaccine Nationalism Harvard Business Review

Europes Covid predicament  how do you solve a problem like the anti-vaxxers? Guardian

* * *

Treatment:

Remdesivir Data from NIAID Trial Published MedPage Today

Remdesivir for the Treatment of Covid-19  Preliminary Report NEJM

Convalescent plasma treatment of severe COVID-19: A matched control study (preprint) medRxiv

* * *

Testing:

Dogs are now being trained to sniff out people who have the coronavirus even before they show symptoms. Heres how this could work Business Insider. Lots of new detail on the tests.

Aussie sewers a frontline in bid to flush out coronavirus Agence France Presse

* * *

Masks:

A full-body mask:

JUST IN: California Design Firm Working on Protective Suit for Concerts and Clubbing.

The suit is designed for partying and safety. It includes a N95 filter as well as snap-in canisters for drinking and vaping. https://t.co/MC2uU9xZEr pic.twitter.com/vGFhN1hOiL  Shomari Stone (@shomaristone) May 23, 2020

Making massssks from Florida python skin Agence France Presse

Your face mask selfies could be training the next facial recognition tool CNET

Former White House aide won $3M contract to supply masks amid pandemic The Hilll. Youll never guess what happened next!

* * *

Business response:

A reckoning for small business Axios

REVEALED: Two executives at drug firm Moderna quietly sold nearly $30 million of stock when they unveiled coronavirus vaccine and value rose  before share price went down again Daily Mail (Re Silc).

Higher Education Will Be Transformed By the Coronavirus Pandemic Teen Vogue

The Nonprofit Grifters Who Want a Cut of the Coronavirus Bailout The New Republic (KW).

* * *

Political response:

Immune to Evidence: How Dangerous Coronavirus Conspiracies Spread Pro Publica. I think shibboleths like herd immunity are partly to blame; words are used to signal group-membership and identity, rather than to communicate information (or knowledge (or wisdom)). Same deal with kompromat.

Americans Have Always Politicized Public Health The American Conservative

Which Post-Pandemic Government? Project Syndicate

* * *

Reopening:

States Are Reopening: See How Coronavirus Cases Rise or Fall Pro Publica. Handy chart:

Thing is, the hot spots happen at the city/county level, which the aggregated data conceals.

Report 23: State-level tracking of COVID-19 in the United States (PDF) Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team. Handy chart of R 0 , Montana best, Texas worst:

Politicised nature of lockdown debate delays Imperial report FT

How We Reopen Safely Covid Exit Strategy. The problem I have here is that one of the major sponsors of this effort is @USofCare, a front group that the health insurance industry established to prevent Medicare for All (NC here and here), and so theyre fine with losing 68,000 lives a year, year after year, and are covid-washing that policy position. Sadly, many of the American health care pundists posting on #COVID19 are in the same equivocal position. First, do no harm, and all that, but also there is to be no exit strategy from health care for profit, never ever.
Australian skincare brand Lanolips has caught the attention of both celebrities and everyday customers around the world with their hydrating balm  and it retails for only $18.95.

The Original 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm is made from 100 per cent natural ingredients to offer extreme hydration when applied to the lips or skin.

The award-winning product sells globally every minute and can be used on lips, cuticles, hands, knees or anywhere that appears to be dry.

Australian skincare brand Lanolips has caught the attention of both celebrities and everyday customers around the world with their hydrating balm  and it retails for only $18.95

The Original 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm is made from 100 per cent natural ingredients to offer extreme hydration when applied to the lips or skin

Celebrity fans who have used the product include the likes of Drew Barrymore, Sienna Miller and Miranda Kerr.

The product uses naturally derived lanolin and lanolin oil, a type of wax that's secreted from sheep's wool and mimics human skin oils.

It has the powerful ability to hold 400 times its own weight in water, meaning it can deliver moisture back into your skin at the same time.

The balm itself isn't greasy or sticky and it's recommended to warm the ointment between the fingers before applying.

It's also safe to use during or post-pregnancy for nursing mothers and newborn babies.

The product uses naturally derived lanolin and lanolin oil, which is a type of wax that's secreted from sheep's wool and mimics human skin oils

The multipurpose product is said to be sold globally every minute and can be used on lips, cuticles, hands, knees or anywhere that appears to be dry

On the brand's website the balm has received mostly five star reviews from happy customers.

'My first Lano product and it's amazing! I'm taking accutane at the moment and my lips and eczema need all the hydration they can get and this is non-irritating as well as very soothing,' one shopper wrote online.

'It's an awesome product for cuticles, eyes, dry spots like scabs, elbows and knees,' another said.

Celebrity fans who have used the product include the likes of Drew Barrymore (pictured right), Sienna Miller and Miranda Kerr

Australians can purchase the product through the Lanolips website or at MECCA, Priceline, Sephora and David Jones

A third added: 'This balm is really nice and thick but applies nicely when you warm it with your fingers. Would definitely recommend if you have dry skin you want to try and hydrate a little.'

Other popular products include the 101 Ointment Multi-Bam Minty Edition, the Tinted Lanolin Lip Balm which comes in a variety of colours and the Rose + Lanolin Hand Cream for an intense hydration.

Australians can purchase the product on the Lanolips website or at MECCA, Priceline, Sephora and David Jones.
The dominos that led to Pennsylvanias worst-ever jobless rate began falling March 13, when it was announced schools would be closed starting the following week.

March 19, in response to the rapidly worsening coronavirus crisis, Gov. Tom Wolf announced all businesses not deemed life-sustaining must close statewide. March 25, the Lehigh Valley was included in a stay-at-home order that eventually expanded across the state.

The unemployment figures released Friday by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry put the statewide jobless rate at 15.1% for April, up 9.3 percentage points from March.

Thats the worst on record since the current methodology was adopted in 1976. The previous record was 12.7% in January and February of 1983. The national unemployment rate for April was 14.7%, up 10.3 percentage points from March.

The Lehigh Valleys unemployment rate has not been updated for April by either the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry or U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For March, 5.8% of the civilian labor force of 444,200 was out of work in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area. That was up 1.1 percentage points from February, showing the early effects of COVID-19 and mitigation efforts to contain it, Labor and Industry said.

In the Lehigh Valley, from the week ending March 21 through May 16, Lehigh County saw 45,431 initial claims for unemployment compensation and Northampton County saw 33,749, for 79,180 total. Statewide during that time, 1.49 million people filed for assistance.

Weekly initial claims have peaked April 4 at 12,498 for Lehigh County and 9,163 for Northampton County.

(Cant see the above chart? Click here.)

As of Friday, 49 of Pennsylvanias 67 counties have transitioned to the initial, yellow phase of Wolfs three-tiered plan to restart the states economy. The rest of the state, including Lehigh and Northampton counties, is scheduled to follow suit June 5, the day after the stay-at-home order expires.

Provided newly confirmed cases of the COVID-19 continue to fall, yellow-phase counties are expected to transfer to green with more normal operations after two weeks.

Pennsylvanians will still be required to maintain 6 feet of distance from others outside their household and to wear masks for commerce and when social distancing is impossible. Other restrictions on business capacity will also continue, and those who can work from home will be encouraged to keep doing so.

State labor officials say they can't predict the future of the unemployment situation, but point to improvements since May 1 when construction became the first industry permitted to resume operating.

"This is the first steps we need to do," state Labor and Industry Secretary W. Gerard "Jerry" Oleksiak said during a conference call with reporters Friday. "We want to make sure everyone is safe. We want to be able to reopen the counties based on the phased-in program that the governor has in place."

In the meantime, signs of frustration with the shuttered economy have begun to show -- even amid newly announced freedoms, such as allowing auto dealers to reopen virtually, the real estate business to resume in-person activities and struggling bars to sell cocktails to go.

In Lehigh County, small-business owner Michael McCreary last week announced a run for the state House over his frustration with having to remain shuttered. Martin Guitar outside Nazareth is the focus of a bipartisan plea to allow manufacturing to resume there. Gym owner Ed Frack announced plans to reopen Sunday despite the shutdown, saying its do or die time for his business. And on Friday, Beckys Drive-in in northern Northampton County opened, only close back up again Saturday or risk penalties.

Oleksiak said he shares concerns about the long-term impacts on businesses forced to close down for so long.

"We are already beginning to look forward, what will work look like, what will the economy look like, how will we respond to that as a commonwealth, as government agencies," he said. "This is a situation none of us have ever seen before."

Pennsylvania as of Saturday has confirmed 66,983 cases of COVID-19, and 5,096 people have died.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
KYODO NEWS - May 24, 2020 - 14:31 | World, All

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hosted a military meeting of the ruling Workers' Party to discuss new policies aimed at boosting the country's nuclear deterrence, state-run media reported Sunday.

As denuclearization talks with the United States remain locked in a standstill over sanctions relief, North Korea may step up its development of intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, foreign affairs experts say.

Late last year, Kim pledged to unveil a "new strategic weapon" to be possessed by North Korea "in the near future."

Related coverage:

North Korea further eases virus restrictions, Kim's movements unknown

Xi urges cooperation against virus in message to Kim: Xinhua

North Korea's Kim makes 1st public appearance in 20 days: KCNA

The military meeting, which appears to have taken place on Saturday, was the first gathering of its kind since December.

The Sunday edition of the Rodong Sinmun, the newspaper of the ruling party, ran on its front page photos showing Kim in attendance at the event.

The Korean Central News Agency said the meeting "discussed important military steps and organizational and political measures to further bolster up the overall armed forces" of North Korea.

It marks his first appearance in state-run media since May 2, when the news agency reported his attendance at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a newly opened fertilizer factory in Sunchon, near Pyongyang, the previous day.

Speculation subsequently mounted that he was staying in the nation's eastern port city of Wonsan as part of preventive steps against the new coronavirus.

The photos released Sunday by North Korea's most influential newspaper notably showed no attendees at the military gathering wearing face masks, signaling the country's confidence that it has brought the pandemic under control.

Since earlier this year, North Korea has cut off traffic to and from China and Russia. Pyongyang claims to have zero cases of coronavirus within its borders.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly cloudy skies during the morning giving way to a few showers late. High around 70F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Rain likely. Low 39F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Former US Rep Allen West of Florida has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Texas on Saturday.

The 59-year-old former congressman, who is currently running to lead the Republican Party of Texas, was in stable condition after being airlifted to a hospital following the crash on Interstate 35 outside of Waco.

A post on his Facebook page said that West was riding his motorcycle when a car cut him off and caused him to collide with another motorcyclist.

President Donald Trump expressed his support for West in a tweet on Sunday morning, writing: 'Allen, get well soon!'

Former US Rep Allen West of Florida was injured in a motorcycle crash in Texas on Saturday

President Donald Trump expressed his support for West in a tweet on Sunday morning

The accident occurred as West was returning home from a Saturday morning rally at the Texas Capitol in Austin, former state Sen Don Huffines told the Dallas Morning News.

The 'Free Texas Rally' was focused on reopening the state amid the coronavirus pandemic.

West's team said both he and the other motorcyclist were transported to Baylor Scott and White hospital in Waco with non-life threatening injuries.

The politician suffered a concussion, several fractured bones and multiple lacerations.

The Facebook post quoted him as saying: 'I am alive by the grace of God.'

West's team said he plans 'to continue to be a proponent for freedom and the state of Texas, and will resume his normal calendar of activities as given clearance by his medical team'.

'LTC West thanks the public for their well-wishes and outpouring of support, and continued prayers on his behalf are appreciated,' the post said.

Trump and West are pictured together with Fox News host Greg Gutfeld at a fundraising event in Palm Beach, Florida, in 2014

The accident occurred as West was returning home from the 'Free Texas Rally' at the state Capitol on Saturday morning (pictured)

West is currently running for chair of the Republican Party of Texas

The politician promoted his appearance at the 'Free Texas Rally' on Facebook

West, a native of Atlanta, served in the US Army and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

He went on to serve one term in the US House of Representatives from January 2011 to January 2013 before moving from Florida to Texas.

In 2014 he called for his former congressional colleagues to impeach then-President Barack Obama over his move to swap five Taliban prisoners of war held by the US at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba for Sgt Bowe Bergdahl, an American prisoner of war.

West considered a run against US Rep Colin Allred (D - Dallas) last summer, but ultimately changed gears and launched a bid to unseat current Texas GOP Chairman James Dickey.

Dickey was among many on social media requesting prayers for West's recovery.

'I have just learned that Allen West has been in a motorcycle accident outside of Waco and is in the emergency room,' Dickey wrote in a statement on Facebook.

'I ask you to join me and my family in praying for him and his family.'

Texas Land Commissioner George P Bush also extended his condolences on Twitter, writing: 'Just heard news that @AllenWest was involved in a motorcycle accident near Waco this afternoon. Please join me in sending prayers for a quick recovery.'

Texas GOP Chairman James Dickey, whom West hopes to unseat in the next election, asked his followers to pray for the congressman in a Facebook post on Saturday evening
Box from Empathy Wines Empathy Wines

Consumers have spent the past couple decades shifting their spending habits to the internet. Now, with local stores closed and millions of people social distancing, the web has become  by default  the place we shop. In a tweet last week that went viral, industry newsletter 2PM posted the words, "10 years vs. 8 weeks," followed by a chart showing that e-commerce penetration climbed to 27% from 16% in just eight weeks of quarantine. That was the same amount of market share growth it achieved over the prior decade. Amazon, unsurprisingly, has been the biggest single beneficiary, focusing on essential household and medical items. Beyond the e-retailing giant, consumers have flocked to the websites of Walmart, Target and Best Buy, which all saw surging online sales in the first quarter at the expense of physical retail. But there's a wide swath of smaller sites and niche brands that were built for the internet shopper and are now seeing spikes in their business that they never could have anticipated. One of the leading categories is wine and spirits, which saw a 74% increase in online sales from March 11 through April 21, according to a report earlier this month from Adobe. Empathy Wines, a web-based vintner that ships three, six or 12 bottles at a time and sells subscriptions that include three shipments a year, is reaching daily sales levels now that it normally sees only on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The company, co-founded two years ago by media entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, has been able to dial up its digital marketing efforts to reach people who are no longer going to liquor stores. In addition to reasonable prices  bottles sell for $20  Empathy's wines can only be purchased online, so for many wine drinkers it's an entirely new brand. The company's small marketing team is largely based in New York, but the product is made by a winemaker in California, where all the grapes are sourced. "If there was a silver lining to an otherwise terrible situation, it's that people are, in some cases for the first time ever, shopping for categories in a new way," said Jonathan Troutman, co-founder and CEO of Empathy. "We built this business with the idea that consumers were increasingly building toward that behavior."

Venture capitalist Kirsten Green is seeing that dynamic play out across her portfolio. Her firm, Forerunner Ventures, is an early investor in eyeglass company Warby Parker, skincare brand Glossier, telehealth company Hims and pet food company The Farmer's Dog. Green said these internet-based brands were created to take advantage of the efficiencies of selling online and the preference among a large segment of consumers to avoid malls and high-traffic shopping areas. Additionally, they're attracting new customers now because people aren't spending on travel, concerts and plays or expensive meals, nor are they hiring babysitters so they can hit the town. With consumers stuck at home, "it's not that surprising that they would be spending on personal care, wellness for yourself, fitness and your home," said Green. "There's less competition for your dollars because you're not going on vacation this summer." That's not to say that all e-retail is benefiting. Luggage company Away (which is also part of Green's portfolio) saw sales plunge 90% in the first few weeks after initial stay-in-place orders and furloughed or laid off over half its staff. The company's founders said in a blog post at the time that, "it is nearly impossible to continue our mission of transforming travel when travel has come to a halt." Clothing and shoes sales are also way down. Apparel prices suffered their biggest April price drop in over five years, according to Adobe. "It's not a rising tide lifts all boats" market, said Scott Galit, CEO of money transfer company Payoneer. "We're seeing more winners and losers at this point," and the environment "has tended to favor larger more sophisticated sellers," he added. Payoneer's data points to growth in categories like electronics, toys, home essentials and home decor, and declines in apparel and cosmetics, other than skin care.

What's here to stay?

Galit said some of these trends are more permanent than others. While the convenience of buying groceries and hygiene-related products online will long outlast the pandemic, categories like toys "will likely flatten out over time, both as consumers have stocked up on what they feel they need, and as the rise in unemployment and falling markets begin to limit discretionary spending," he said. Even for some digital-first brands, there have been some challenges. Warby Parker, Glossier and hair care provider Madison Reed have all had to close physical stores. But they've been able to make up for those losses through their online operations. From February to April, traffic to Madison Reed's website quadrupled and the number of people buying something every day climbed 13-fold, the company said. CEO Amy Errett told CNBC that even though women have been home, they're still working and spending a lot of time on video calls so they want to look good. She also called it "an emotional experience." "Throughout the period of shelter in place, we consistently saw women skipping their makeup routines, but holding on to hair color," Errett said, in an email. "It became their one thing. For us, there was a realization that, in an incredibly difficult time, we were able to spread a little joy with a hair color kit." The company still has plans to open eight new stores between July 1 and July 15.

LensDirect LensDirect
UPDATE: Woman confesses to hit-and-run that injured motorcyclist near Battle Creek, deputies say

CALHOUN COUNTY, MI  Police are seeking help to find the driver of a vehicle that left the scene of a hit-and-run incident involving a motorcyclist Saturday.

Authorities were dispatched to the scene of the crash at 1:21 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and VanBuren Street in Springfield, according to a news release issued by Calhoun County Sheriffs Department.

The motorcyclist, a 66-year-old Albion man, was westbound on Michigan Avenue when he stopped at a stop sign and was rear-ended by a small sedan, police said. The black, two-door vehicle may be either a Nissan or Saturn, according to the release.

The driver of the vehicle stopped for about a minute and then fled the scene, according to police. The vehicle was occupied by a male passenger and female passenger.

The motorcyclist was taken to Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo to be treated for multiple non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Police ask anyone with information related to the hit-and-run incident to contact the Silent Observer line at 269-964-3888.

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In his original ruling last year, Kennelly called it undisputed that some members of Madigans political organization worked to put the two additional candidates on the ballot and wrote that the evidence supports a reasonable inference that Madigan authorized or at least was aware of the recruitment effort.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 24

Trend:

On 24 May, 2020 Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov had a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mevlut Cavusoglu, Trend reports citing MFA press service.

Minister Elmar Mammadyarov accepted the sincere congratulations of his colleague Mevlut Cavusoglu on the occasion of May 28  Republic Day of Azerbaijan. The sides also exchanged congratulations and best wishes on the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Ministers also exchanged their views on the successful development of friendship and brotherly relations between the two states.
Trinity Bellwoods Park was a lot quieter Sunday a day after thousands of people converged on the downtown green space, ignoring social-distancing guidelines and triggering a wave of criticism and warnings by alarmed officials.

To ensure Saturdays droves werent repeated, an enhanced complement of Toronto police and bylaw officers spread the word in the west-end park that no alcohol was to be consumed and that COVID-19 protocols must be followed.

Even Mayor John Tory, who visited the park throng on Saturday, was among those who fell short, as he conceded in a statement released Sunday.

I want to apologize for my personal behaviour, Tory said via Twitter. I visited Trinity Bellwoods Park to try to determine why things were the way they were. I fully intended to properly physically distance but it was very difficult to do. I wore a mask into the park but I failed to use it properly, another thing Im disappointed about.

These were mistakes that I made and as a leader in this city, I know that I must set a better example going forward.

Don Peat, the mayors spokesman, said Tory had made significant efforts to maintain physical distance, moving when people came too close or asking them to step back.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he had been absolutely shocked to see photos of the crowds that showed up at Trinity Bellwoods, saying at first he thought it was a rock concert.

We just cant have that right now. Its just too many people, too close, he said Sunday at Queens Park. There is still a deadly virus amongst us and if we allow it, it will spread  it will spread like wildfire.

City workers were dispatched to the park Sunday to pick up leftover garbage. Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders came to the area to talk to neighbours, some of them irate that their properties were used as toilets by park visitors.

Saunders defended the deployment of his officers Saturday and their handling of what was not a planned event. It was impractical for police to issue tickets to all the people violating social-distancing rules  or who were boozing in a public place while park washrooms remained closed due to the pandemic.

While the majority of the citys nearly three million residents have complied with restrictions since the lockdown began in mid-March, Saunders said he also understands that the threat of COVID-19 is invisible to many. If it was scorpions, there would be nobody here around the park, he said.

City of Toronto spokesman Brad Ross also turned up at Trinity Bellwoods, which borders Queen Street West on the south and Dundas Street on the north. He told reporters that Saturdays massive turnout there was the exception and that the vast majority of people visiting Torontos 1,500 parks did so in a safe manner.

Any two or more people who are not members of the same household, and who fail to keep at least two metres of distance between them in a park or public square, can receive a $1,000 fine.

Officials want to continue to emphasize education, but enforcement will take place if necessary, Ross warned: We dont want any repeats of (Saturday) so going forward well make sure that theres an appropriate presence of police and bylaw enforcement officers, not just in this park and other parks.

On Saturday, officers issued 14 tickets in parks  four of them in Trinity Bellwoods, according to a city press release.

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The Indian Air Force is all set to raise its second squadron of the locally made light combat aircraft Tejas at Sulur in Tamil Nadu on May 27, people familiar with the development said on Sunday. The IAFs first Tejas squadron was raised at the Sulur air base in 2016 with two aircraft and more planes joined the fleet progressively.

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria is expected to travel to Sulur on Wednesday for the event. The second squadron is being raised with the first aircraft in the final operational clearance (FOC) configuration and more will be added later, officials said.

The IAF has so far ordered 40 LCAs, split in the initial operational clearance (IOC) version and the more advanced and FOC configuration. The first squadron consists of IOC aircraft.

The raising of the squadron, though delayed, is welcome news. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has to speed up production of the Tejas to meet the trust placed on it by the IAF; eight Tejas per year is just not acceptable, said Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (retd), additional director general, Centre for Air Power Studies.

In March, the defence ministry gave the green light to the purchase of 83 LCA Mk-1A advanced Tejas jets from HAL. The contract is expected to be inked in the coming months.

The deal, expected to be worth Rs 38,000 crore, is critical for HAL to prevent a complete halt of production at its facilities. HT reported on January 11 that HALs order books are empty beyond 2021-22 and new orders from the armed forces --- especially for the 83 jets --- are critical for continuity in production.

The LCA Mk-1A will come with additional improvements over the FOC aircraft, making it the most advanced Tejas variant so far.

The Mk-1A variant is expected to come with digital radar warning receivers, external self-protection jammer pods, active electronically scanned array radar, advanced beyond-visual-range missiles and significantly improved maintainability. HAL is expected to deliver the first Mk-1A jet to the IAF three years after the deal is signed.

The IAF is struggling with a shortage of warplanes. Compared to an optimum strength of 42-plus units required to fight a two-front war, the count of the IAFs fighter squadrons has shrunk to 31. The first four of the 36 Rafales ordered from France are expected to arrive in India by July-end.
New Delhi, May 24 : A Delhi court has allowed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to question Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, for two days in Tihar jail.

Special Judge Pulastya Pramachala of Rouse Avenue Court allowed the agency to interrogate him on May 25 and 26 after Special Public Prosecutor N.K. Matta told the court that Michel was required to be confronted with certain documents.

Michel was extradited from Dubai last year and is currently lodged in Tihar Central Jail here in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal.

While the CBI is probing his role in the deal as a "middleman", the Enforcement Directorate is investigating money laundering charges against him.

He is among the three alleged middlemen being probed by both the agencies. Others include Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

The CBI had alleged that there was an estimated loss of euro 398.21 million to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth euro 556.262 million.

The ED had alleged that Michel received euro 30 million from AgustaWestland, in its charge sheet filed in June 2016.
Our weekly roundup of books that should be on your radar.

We love stories, and even in the age of Netflix-and-chill, there's nothing like a good book that promises a couple of hours of absorption  whether curled up in bed, in your favourite coffeehouse, or that long (and tiresome) commute to work. Every Sunday, we'll have a succinct pick of books, across diverse genres, that have been newly made available for your reading pleasure. Get them wherever you get your books  the friendly neighbourhood bookseller, e-retail website, chain store  and in whatever form you prefer. Happy reading!

For more of our weekly book recommendations, click here.

***

 FICTION

Girl Made of Gold

By Gitanjali Kolanad

Juggernaut | Available for free because of COVID-19 | 256 pages

Bharatanatyam practitioner Gitanjali Kolanads debut novel is a mystery set in 1920s Thanjavur. Kanaka, a young devadasi, disappears one night and a gold statue of a woman appears in the temple where she was to be dedicated. Some villagers assume she has turned into the statue, while others search for her.

Read more about the book here.

Boons & Curses: Legends of the Mythological Mother

By Yugal Joshi

Rupa Publications | Rs 295 | 264 pages

Author Yugal Joshis book is a retelling of Kuntis story  which says that she fulfilled her desires through her sons, the Pandavas, resulting in the destruction at Kurukshetra  placing her at the centre of the narrative. Also running parallel are stories of other mythological women, from Yashoda to Soorpanakha, and from Gandhari to Anusuya, Devaki, Kaikeyee, and Kaikasi.

Read more about the book here.

A Conspiracy of Bones

By Kathy Reichs

Simon&Schuster India | Rs 550 | 352 pages

Bestselling author Kathy Reichs novel, set in Charlotte, North Carolina, follows Temperance Brennan, who is recovering from neurosurgery following an aneurysm. Shes dealing with nightmares, migraines, and possible hallucinations, when she receives a series of texts that have photos of a corpse with missing hands and faces. To find answers, and the corpses identity, she must go rogue.

Read more about the book here.

 MEMOIRS and BIOGRAPHIES

Vijyant at Kargil: The Biography of a War Hero

By VN Thapar and Neha Dwivedi

Penguin Random House India | Rs 299 | 288 pages

Doctor Neha Dwivedi and Colonel VN Thapar, father of Captain Vijyant Thapar, present the biography of Captain Vijyant, a fourth-generation army officer, martyred at 22 in the Kargil War. With anecdotes from his family and friends, the book traces his life since he was a young boy dreaming of serving his country, his journey to joining the Indian Military Academy, and the experiences that shaped him.

Read more about the book here.

Relentless Pursuit: My Fight for the Victims of Jeffrey Epstein

By Bradley J Edwards

Simon&Schuster India | Rs 699 | 400 pages

Lawyer Bradley J Edwards represented Jeffrey Epsteins victims for over a decade, and now details the story of the case against Epstein and the corrupt system that supported him. He recounts how it all started in 2008 when Courtney Wild walked into his office, how he tracked down and represented over 20 victims, brought attention to Epsteins contacts including Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and Prince Andrew, and how he came close to losing everything in the process.

Read more about the book here.

 NON-FICTION

Watershed 1967: India's Forgotten Victory Over China

By Probal DasGupta

Juggernaut | Available for free because of COVID-19 | 309 pages

Indian army veteran and business consultant Probal DasGupta recounts the war of 1967, between India and China, where India emerged victorious, after first being defeated in the 1962 war. As a result, China shied away from allying with Pakistan and the US during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Based on research and interviews with army officers and soldiers who participated in these wars, the book reminds of an important Indian victory thats often forgotten.

Read more about the book here.

How to Save Your Planet One Object at a Time

By Tara Shine

Simon&Schuster India | Rs 599 | 256 pages

Climate change and climate justice expert Tara Shine shows how living sustainably can be fun and convenient. Through making smart choices with everyday objects and habits, she guides readers from one room to the next and one occasion to the other, offering environmentally friendly solutions, like swapping bottled soap to bars and replacing cling film with a plate. Backed by science, these environmentally conscious choices reduce ones footprint and help save money.

Read more about the book here.

The Meltdown: India Incs Biggest Implosions

By Dev Chatterjee, Sudha Pai Chatterjee

Rupa Publications | Rs 295 | 216 pages

Journalist Dev Chatterjee and corporate executive Sudha Pai Chatterjee examine the collapse of some of the biggest names in India Inc, revealing reasons for non-payment of loans over Rs 9 lakh crore. They analyse how funds were illegally diverted, how some banks loaned large sums to companies based only on project reports by investment bankers hired by the company, and how some banks kept giving loans to defaulters. They discuss what all went wrong, its aftermath, and lessons to be learnt from India Incs biggest implosions.

Read more about the book here.
The White House on Sunday broadened its travel ban against countries hard-hit by the coronavirus by denying admission to travelers from Brazil.

President Donald Trump had already banned travel from Europe and China.

He said last week that he was considering similar restrictions for Brazil.

The US leads the world in the number of confirmed cases, followed by Brazil, now Latin America's hardest-hit country.

The White House announced a travel ban forbidding entry into the United States of anyone who visited Brazil in the last two weeks. President Trump is seen right alongside Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in Palm Beach, Florida, on March 7

Brazil's Health Ministry has reported more than 347,000 confirmed cases, which is the second-most in the world behind the US. Health care workers and patients are seen above at Gilberto Novaes Hospital in Manaus, Brazil, on Wednesday

Third on the list is Russia.

Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany cast Trump's latest move as one designed to 'protect our country.'

The ban on travel from Brazil takes effect late Thursday. As with the other bans, it does not apply to legal permanent residents of the United States.

A spouse, parent or child of a US citizen or legal permanent resident also would be allowed to enter the country.

Brazil has reported more than 347,000 COVID-19 cases, according to a Johns Hopkins University count.

It also has recorded more than 22,000 deaths, fifth-most in the world.

The US has the highest number of infections, at more than 1.6 million, and has seen more than 97,000 deaths.

Earlier on Sunday, National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien told CBS' 'Face the Nation' that a decision to suspend entry for travelers arriving from Brazil was likely.

'We hope that'll be temporary, but because of the situation in Brazil, we're going to take every step necessary to protect the American people,' O'Brien said.

National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien, pictured, told CBS' Face the Nation there will likely be a decision to suspend entry for travelers arriving from Brazil

Mass graves at the Vila Formosa cemetery, where workers in protective clothing bury a person who died of COVID-19 in Sao Paulo, Brazil last Wednesday

Trump said on Tuesday he was considering imposing a ban on travel from Brazil.

'I don't want people coming over here and infecting our people. I don't want people over there sick either. Were helping Brazil with ventilators. Brazil is having some trouble, no question about it,' Trump told reporters at the White House.

O'Brien said the United States will look at restrictions for other countries in the Southern Hemisphere on a country-by-country basis.

Trump suspended entry of most travelers from China, where the outbreak began, in January. In early March, he imposed travel restrictions on people coming from Europe.

A U.S. government official said on Friday a proposal to add Brazil to a list of countries that face a bar on nearly all non-U.S. citizens from entering the United States had gone through interagency review and could be acted on in the coming days by Trump.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has pushed back against state governors who tried to impose limits on people's movements and commerce.

Opposition lawmakers and other detractors have called for Bolsonaro's impeachment and have alleged criminal mishandling of the response to the virus.

Trump suspended entry of most travelers from China, where the outbreak began, in January. In early March, he imposed travel restrictions on people coming from Europe. The president is pictured playing golf on Sunday

Trump, pictured right Saturday, said he was considering imposing a ban on travel from Brazil

It comes as one of the architects of Brazil's battle against the coronavirus pandemic resigned.

The departure of epidemiologist Wanderson de Oliveira adds to turmoil in a Health Ministry whose recommendations for restrictions to limit the disease have often clashed with President Jair Bolsonaro's calls to open the economy.

De Oliveira said he would leave his post on Monday. He had initially offered his resignation last month, but stayed on at the request of then-Minister Luiz Mandetta, who shortly afterward was fired by Bolsonaro.

Mandetta's replacement, Nelson Teich, resigned on May 15 after less than a month on the job and on Saturday declined a request to serve as adviser to the new minister, Army Gen. Eduardo Pazuello.

De Oliveira had been one of the public faces of the campaign against the pandemic, presenting statistics and recommendations at daily news conferences.

On Saturday shocking images emerged of mass graves for coronavirus victims in Brazil.

People wearing protective masks at the graves of their loved ones during a mass burial of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic victims at the Parque Taruma cemetery on May 19

Aerial view of an area at the Nossa Senhora Aparecida cemetery where new graves have been dug in Manaus, Brazil, on May 22

The true number of cases and deaths in Brazil is likely higher than the figures suggest, as Latin America's top economy has been slow to ramp up testing.

Since the outbreak began, Bolsonaro has lost two health ministers, after pressuring them to promote the early use of anti-malarial drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine.

Several high-profile public health experts have also left. Many have been replaced by soldiers.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, pictured, has been widely criticized for his handling of the outbreak and is at the center of a deepening political crisis

The World Health Organization Emergencies Director Mike Ryan told a virtual news conference that South America is a new 'epicenter' for the disease

Brazil became the world No. 2 hot spot for coronavirus cases on Friday, second only to the United States, and now has over 347,000 people infected by the virus, the Health Ministry said

The World Health Organization Emergencies Director Mike Ryan told a virtual news conference that South America is a new 'epicenter' for the disease.

Ryan said: 'We have seen many South American countries with increasing numbers of cases.

'Clearly there is a concern across many of those countries, but clearly the most affected is Brazil at this point.'

Bolsonaro has been widely criticized for his handling of the outbreak and is at the center of a deepening political crisis.
The United States plans a massive testing effort involving more than 100,000 volunteers and a half dozen or so of the most promising vaccine candidates in an effort to deliver a safe and effective one by the end of 2020, scientists leading the program said.

The project will compress what is typically 10 years of vaccine development and testing into a matter of months, testimony to the urgency to halt a pandemic that has infected more than 5 million people, killed over 335,000 and battered economies worldwide.

To get there, leading vaccine makers have agreed to share data and lend the use of their clinical trial networks to competitors should their own candidate fail, the scientists said.

Candidates that demonstrate safety in small early studies will be tested in huge trials of 20,000 to 30,000 subjects for each vaccine, slated to start in July.

Between 100,000 and 150,000 people may be enrolled in the studies, said Dr. Larry Corey, a vaccine expert at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, who is helping design the trials.

"If you don't see a safety problem, you just keep going," Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), said. The vaccine effort is part of a public-private partnership called Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) announced last month.

The effort fits into the research and development arm of "Operation Warp Speed," the White House program announced last week to accelerate coronavirus vaccine development.

Vaccines, which are intended for use in healthy people, are typically tested in successive steps, starting with trials in animals.

Human testing begins with a small safety trial in healthy volunteers, followed by a larger study to find the right dose and get an early read on efficacy. The final stage consists of large-scale testing in thousands of people. Only then would a vaccine developer commit to manufacturing millions of doses.

In the era of coronavirus, many of those steps will overlap, particularly the mid-stage and late-stage trials, Collins and Corey said.

The approach has its risks, as certain safety issues may only appear in large-scale trials. Americans are concerned about the speed of the vaccine effort, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed.

A highly effective vaccine could be tested in as little as six months if there is a big difference in benefit between the vaccine and placebo groups, Corey said. For a modestly effective vaccine, trials could take nine to 12 months.

The US government has committed billions of dollars to help manufacturers produce doses of vaccines that may never prove successful.

THE SHORTLIST

To get the quickest answer, vaccines will be tested in healthcare workers and communities where the virus is still spreading to show whether they reduced new cases of COVID-19.

Washington, DC, which has not reached the peak of its outbreak, is one likely test site. Trials may be conducted abroad, including in Africa, where the virus has just started to spread, Collins said.

The government plans to tap its own trial networks, including the Department of Veterans Affairs' 100 healthcare facilities, for potential study volunteers, while drugmakers will recruit from their clinical research networks.

A Moderna Inc vaccine, developed in partnership with the NIH, will be the first to the enter large-scale testing in July, and may be joined by a vaccine from Britain's Oxford University and AstraZeneca Plc, Collins said.

The US government said on Thursday it would spend $1.2 billion to secure 300 million doses of the Oxford vaccine.

"What we might try to do is run those two side by side, but with a control arm" that would also include 10,000 healthy individuals who got a dummy vaccine, Collins said.

Moderna's candidate is already proceeding to mid-stage human trials. Vaccines by Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi and Merck & Co are a month or two behind the frontrunners and "may get added over the course of the summer" following early-stage human trials, Collins said.

Merck has not made any specific announcements on its vaccine program and declined to comment.

Collins would not name other candidates on the U.S. shortlist of 14, but said they will need to finish early safety testing by this summer to make it into the bigger trials.

Trials will need to assess if the vaccines cause disease enhancement - a potentially dangerous side effect in which the vaccine makes the disease worse in some individuals instead of preventing it. Disease enhancement has been seen in animal studies of vaccines developed to fight a close cousin of the virus that causes COVID-19.

"If there is enhancement, that's a big stop sign for everything," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at NIH.

"If all the cards fall into the right place and all the stars are aligned, you definitely could get a vaccine by December or January," Fauci said.
Presidents Trump's last ditch attempt to halt travel from Europe in March ended up causing chaos and confusion and ultimately led to a surge in coronavirus-exposed and possibly virus-carrying passengers rushing back to the U.S. before the travel ban even began.

The impending ban saw Americans abroad rushing back to the homeland, likely unaware they they were bringing the highly contagious virus back with them to cities and suburbs across the country.

'To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days,' Trump said in an Oval Office address on March 11.

President Trump announced a ban on European flights to the U.S. on March 11. In the days following, 15,000 more Americans than usual rushed to get home

The returning of citizens from overseas almost certainly resulted in a higher viral spike than might have otherwise have been the case according to a report in The Washington Post.

Epidemiologists have already managed to establish that the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. was driven mainly by viral strains from Europe rather than China.

As Europe became the center of the pandemic, more than 1.8 million travelers flooded back into the country in February alone.

Infections were already on the rise in cities such as New York long before the White House finally took action, according to studies that have mapped the spread of the disease.

Direct travel to the U.S. from Europe spiked after Trump announced the travel ban in March

After President Trump's announcement, the crush of travelers coming back into the country all at once only served to add to amount of people likely carrying the virus.

'We closed the front door with the China travel ban, which was right, even in retrospect it was right, but we left the back door wide open because the virus had left China by the time we did the China travel ban,' New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo said during an April press conference.

Between the beginning of January to when the U.S. closed its borders to Europe in March, approximately 13,000 flights from Europe landed in New York and New Jersey airports carrying more than 2.2 million people, Cuomo said.

Trump, meanwhile, had long touted his decision in January to restrict travel from China as evidence that he acted decisively to contain the coronavirus.

He has claimed that doing so saved more than a million lives, however it appears that the administration's response to the threat posed from Europe was far more consequential to more than 97,000 people who have died and the 1.6 million now infected in the United States, the Post stated.

Arriving passengers from Europe on March 13 faced lines lasting up to six hours as travelers were forced to enter through 13 designated 'funnel' airports. This was the scene arriving at Chicago O'Hare airport

The report notes the travel ban was triggered by many of the same problems, such as missing or ignoring early warnings, chaotic coordination and undermining the administration's covid-related plans.

A former senior advisor to the president tweeted her disdain on Saturday evening as to the report's findings.

'So basically Trump made it worse by screwing up what should have been a simple announcement, creating a panic and causing thousands of people to immediately fly here who otherwise wouldn't have. Oh, from virus-ravaged Europe. Awesome!' AJ Delgado tweeted.

Greg Miller, National Security Correspondent for The Washington Post, who wrote the report declared Trump's announcement of a travel ban to be 'botched'.

The decision to implement the travel ban came while the country was still attempting to resist other measures aimed at containing the outbreak that would later prove critical.

A former senior advisor to the president tweeted her disdain on Saturday evening as the report's findings

Greg Miller, National Security Correspondent for The Washington Post, declared Trump's announcement of a travel ban to be 'botched'

Schools continued to remain open, no states had issued stay-at-home orders and many health officials were simply promoting the use of hand-washing as an adequate means to prevent infection.

The Post believes the lack of urgency was caused by a failure to understand the true nature of the threat posted by the virus.

There were just 3,714 confirmed cases in the United States on March 13, on the day the travel restrictions were implemented with 176 deaths recorded.

However, it is now known that such numbers were hugely inaccurate and suppressed by the scarcity of tests.

Passengers were pictured waiting in line for up to six hours at Chicago O'Hare. At the time, they were not being tested for coronavirus or even having their temperatures taken

Days later, Trump said that he grasped the full magnitude of the virus soon after it spread from Wuhan, China.

On March 17 he said, 'I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic.'

But throughout much of February, Trump continued to downplay its severity predicting the virus would recede and eventually disappear.

'It will go away,' he proclaimed on March 10, just one day before his address from the Oval Office. 'Just stay calm. It will go away.'

Once the European travel ban had been announced, the numbers of passengers coming across the Atlantic from countries affected by the restriction skyrocketed 46 percent in a single day.

Customs and Border Protection say around 31,000 people arrived on the day Trump made his address. The following day, some 45,500 travelers came flooding back.

In March, Trump was quick to tweeted that his 'strong' border policy helped stave off the crisis

The action by the Trump administration appears to have been too little, too late.

By mid-February, European strains of the virus were already established in New York and quickly multiplying in the crowded streets and subways of the city before they spread out to the rest of the country, according to findings released by Trevor Bedford, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Washington.

The virus was then allowed to continue crossing the Atlantic back and forth for several more weeks until the travel ban was implemented.

In February, 1.8 million air travelers from Europe came into the United States without so much as a temperature check.
While COVID-19 has disrupted our lives in unprecedented ways, San Antonios response has represented the very best of what we know and love about our community, coming together to get things done.

Cross-sector groups of leaders are stepping up to help tackle both short- and long-term challenges presented by the pandemic, which we know has and will continue to exacerbate inequities that will impact public health, and economic and education outcomes. As we look toward a long and uncertain road ahead, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that all members of our community can recover, and national service programs  a proven, cost-effective strategy  can help accelerate our efforts.

National service has long been a vehicle through which our country has recovered from the most dire of circumstances. In the 1930s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Public Works Administration to stimulate economic recovery and growth following the Great Depression. President George H.W. Bush signed legislation that funded national service pilot programs that served as the inspiration for AmeriCorps, and President Bill Clinton launched the first class of 20,000 AmeriCorps members in 1994. Since then, more than 1 million Americans have served their country through the program, supporting disaster relief, education, veterans and military families, and more.

As longtime supporters of City Year San Antonio, an AmeriCorps program that has served our students and community for the past 25 years, we see two specific ways that national service can help accelerate COVID-19 recovery in our region and across the state.

Supporting students when they return to school: COVID-19-related school closures have caused enormous disruptions in student learning. When schools reopen, many students will need additional supports to help them recover from learning loss and trauma brought about by the pandemic. City Year AmeriCorps members, who work full time alongside teachers to provide students with the social, emotional and academic support they need to thrive, will have an even more critical role to play when students return to school, helping our children recover and thrive in our new reality.

Promoting workforce development: AmeriCorps programs provide the opportunity for adults to develop and refine skills that employers are seeking. Through their one or two years of service, AmeriCorps members develop critical professional and leadership skills that prepare them for success in a wide range of professions. Many AmeriCorps alumni choose to stay in our community after their service and build their careers, which strengthens the talent pipeline of our community.

Our students and schools across San Antonio and Texas already benefit from the service of AmeriCorps programs such as Communities in Schools, Teach for America, Relay and the National College Advising Corps. Our state service commission OneStar was instrumental in recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey, as it deployed AmeriCorps members from Texas and across the country to support everything from volunteer coordination to donations management, from shelter operations to home repairs. Imagine how our COVID-19 recovery could be accelerated if we built on the existing strength of our communities and expanded national service across Texas.

The recently introduced Pandemic Response and Opportunity Through National Service Act offers an opportunity to do just that. If passed, the bipartisan, bicameral legislation would multiply the number of Americans who can serve each year through AmeriCorps and increase compensation to make it possible for all to serve. We thank U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-San Antonio, for co-sponsoring the bill and urge other members of the Texas congressional delegation to do the same, so that we can unlock the multi-faceted benefits for recovery for our region and the entire country.

Rick Cavender is the dealer principal at Audi Dominion and a board member of City Year San Antonio. Maria Hernandez Ferrier was the inaugural president of Texas A&M University-San Antonio and a board member of OneStar Foundation.
IRFU chief executive Philip Browne admits that some players could be tempted abroad by clubs after the pandemic.

Irish rugby's governing body said its cash reserves will run out in a matter of months and they face up to 30m in lost revenue if next year's Six Nations is cancelled.

Browne said clubs in England and France are also feeling the financial pinch but he thinks players could look to leave Ireland.

The IRFU CEO said: "It's a possibility, At the end of the day, we all have to live within our means.

"If that actually means that there are better offers elsewhere that players are likely to take up, well then so be it but I actually think that, outside of one or two markets, you are going to see a pretty significant readjustment of the market."

Meanwhile, Browne has told the Mail on Sunday the IRFU will meet with Sport Ireland to review the James Cronin case.

The Munster prop was given a one-month ban for an "unintentional doping violation".

Sport Ireland opted not to appeal the length of the ban but Browne admits there are "lessons to be learned" from the case.
Vineet Upadhyay By

Express News Service

DEHRADUN: Out of approximately 1.5 lakh migrants who returned to Uttarakhand till date, over 30% have not been sent to any quarantine including institutional or home.

However, officials said that suitable arrangements are being put in place to quarantine the returning migrants soon.

Amit Negi, secretary, state health department said, "We have made suitable arrangements for institutional quarantine of retrunees. Instructions have been also issued to monitor those who are being sent for home quarantine."

This risks spreading of COVID-19 in the remotest corners of the hill state. Meanwhile, total 145 positive cases emerged in the state in last 24 hours taking the count of coronavirus patients from 153 to 245.

Majority of the positive patients are among those who were brought from Maharastra via train.

Uttarakhand high court, last week directed the state government to send people returning to Uttarakhand from red zone areas of the other parts of the country into a week long 'institutional quarantine' before letting them enter the state.

Later, a day after, Uttarakhand high court directed the state government to quarantine returning migrants from red zone areas of the country at border ardaas of the state, the government said it was not possible.
WASHINGTON>> President Donald Trump and his GOP allies are misrepresenting the facts behind the legal case of former national security adviser Michael Flynn as they seek to allege improper behavior during the Obama administration in the presidential campaign season.

Broadly dubbing his allegations Obamagate, Trump points to unspecified conspiracies against himself in 2016 and suggests the disclosure of Flynns name as part of legal U.S. surveillance of foreign targets was criminal and motivated by partisan politics. Theres no evidence of that.

In fact, the so-called unmasking of Americans names like Flynns is legal.

Over the weekend, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro also alleged without evidence corruption involving Democratic presidential candidate Joe Bidens son, Hunter, in China. And in an interview re-aired Sunday, Trump mischaracterized messages between FBI employees to suggest a post-2016 election plot to get him.

Meanwhile, Trump continued to spread falsehoods about the availability of tests needed to help stem the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S. and exaggerated the scope of his travel restrictions on China.

A look at the recent political rhetoric and reality:

FLYNN

TRUMP: OBAMAGATE!  tweet Saturday.

TRUMP: Biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA.  tweet Thursday.

THE FACTS: Hes making an unsupported claim that former President Barack Obama broke the law.

Trump and his supporters have made the unmasking of Flynn one of their major talking points, claiming that it proves the Obama administration unfairly and illegally targeted Flynn and other Trump associates.

But there is nothing illegal about unmasking. The declassified document also states that the unmasking requests were approved through the National Security Agencys standard process.

This past week, when Trump was asked by reporters to define Obamas criminal offense in the alleged Obamagate, Trump failed to articulate one. You know what the crime is, he said last Monday. The crime is very obvious to everybody. All you have to do is read the newspapers, except yours.

During routine surveillance of foreign targets, names of Americans occasionally come up in conversation, either because the foreigner is talking to or about them. For privacy reasons, those names are generally concealed, or masked, before the intelligence is distributed to administration officials. U.S. officials can ask the agency that collected the intelligence to unmask the name if they think it is vital to understanding the intelligence.

While Trump casts unmasking as sinister, the number of identities unmasked in response to such requests has actually increased during the first years of the Trump administration from the final year of the Obama administration.

___

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM, Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee: The unmasking of General Flynn by the Obama Administration regarding conversations during the presidential transition are deeply troubling and smell of politics, not national security.  statement Wednesday.

THE FACTS: There is nothing from newly released material that suggests the unmasking requests were rooted in politics rather than national security.

There were indeed multiple Obama administration officials, including then-Vice President Biden, who asked the NSA to disclose the name of an American whose identity was concealed in intelligence reports. That American was revealed to be Flynn.

But theres nothing inherently unusual about the requests, and the documents released by the Trump administration say the people who made the requests were authorized to receive the underlying intelligence reports.

___

SEN. RAND PAUL, R-KY: But it should be and is illegal to listen to an Americans conversation. And its even worse if youre listening to an American who just happens to be your political opponent from the opposite party.  interview Wednesday on Fox News Channel.

THE FACTS: It is not illegal to listen to an Americans conversations, and law enforcement officials do it routinely with a warrant or court order. But in any event, thats not what happened here.

No one was listening intentionally to an Americans conversation. Instead, U.S. officials learned of the conversations that involved or mentioned Flynn during surveillance of foreign targets.

___

TRUMP, addressing the criminal case against Flynn that Trumps Justice Department is now seeking to drop: This was all Obama, this was all Biden. These people were corrupt, the whole thing was corrupt, and we caught them.  interview Thursday on Fox Business Network.

THE FACTS: Hes suggesting partisan politics by the Obama administration were completely behind Flynns investigation. Thats incorrect.

It is true that the counterintelligence investigation into ties between Russia and the Trump campaign, and into Russia in particular, began during the Obama administration. But it continued well into Trumps own administration. The investigation into Flynn was taken over by a special counsel who was appointed by Rod Rosenstein, Trumps own deputy attorney general.

___

OBAMAGATE

NAVARRO: Joe Biden has got 40 years of sucking up to the Chinese, including the eight years as vice president. And we know about the billion dollars that his son took from the Chinese.  interview Sunday on ABCs This Week.

TRUMP: Worst of all, was the last eight years under President Obama and Biden, where his son gets a billion and a half dollars, and then theyre supposed to be tough on China.  And he walked out of China with $1.5 billion dollars to invest for them, of which he makes hundreds of thousands  and actually millions  of dollars.  Fox interview Thursday.

THE FACTS: Theres no evidence Hunter Biden pocketed $1.5 billion from China. More generally, accusations of criminal wrongdoing by father or son are unsubstantiated.

In 2014, an investment fund started by Hunter Biden and other investors joined with foreign and Chinese private equity firms in an effort to raise $1.5 billion to invest outside China. Thats far from giving Hunter Biden such a sum, as Trump describes it.

Hunter Bidens lawyer, George Mesires, wrote in an internet post last year that his client was an unpaid director of the fund at the time based on his interest in seeking ways to bring Chinese capital to international markets.

He has not received any return on his investment, Mesires said.

Hunter Biden stepped down from the Chinese board last October as part of a pledge not to work on behalf of any foreign-owned companies should his father win the presidency.

___

TRUMP: So even before I got elected, you remember the famous  the two lovers, right, Strzok and Page, the insurance policy, shes going to win, but just in case she doesnt we have an insurance policy. That means that if I won, theyre going to try and take me out.  Fox interview Thursday, which re-aired Sunday.

THE FACTS: There was no conspiracy afoot to take out Trump in the 2016 text message between two FBI employees.

Trump depicts the two as referring to a plot  or insurance policy  to oust him from office if he won the presidential election over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Its apparent from the text that it wasnt that.

Agent Peter Strzok and lawyer Lisa Page, both now gone from the bureau, said the text messages reflected a debate about how aggressively the FBI should investigate Trump and his campaign when expectations at the time were that he would lose anyway.

Strzok texted about something Page had said to the FBIs deputy director, to the effect that theres no way he gets elected. But Strzok argued that the FBI should not assume Clinton would win: Im afraid we cant take that risk. He likened the situation to an insurance policy in the unlikely event you die before youre 40. He has said he was not discussing a plot to drive Trump from office.

___

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

NAVARRO, praising Trumps pandemic response: This starting gun for the China pandemic started on Jan. 30 when President Trump had the courage to pull down the flights from China.  So dont tell me we lost February, because I was there. Im right here. And this president was directing us to move as quickly as possible.  interview Sunday on ABCs This Week.

TRUMP: In January I put  and I was criticized by everybody including Dr. Fauci  I put in a wall. We put in a very strong wall. Only a small number of people were allowed in, and they were all U.S. citizens. I cant tell a U.S. citizen, you cant come back into your country.  We actually acted very early.  Fox interview Thursday.

THE FACTS: The travel restrictions he imposed on China in late January had other loopholes besides the exceptions for U.S. citizens. It was not a solid wall or total ban, as Trump and his trade adviser suggest.

There were many gaps in containment and initial delays in testing in January and February, leading to the U.S. rising to No. 1 globally in the number of people infected by the coronavirus.

His order temporarily barred entry by foreign nationals who had traveled in China within the previous 14 days, with exceptions for U.S. citizens, but also their immediate family and permanent residents.

Dr. Anne Schuchat, the No. 2 official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told The Associated Press the federal government was also slow to understand how much coronavirus was spreading from Europe, which helped drive the acceleration of U.S. outbreaks in February. Trump announced restrictions for many European countries in mid-March.

I think the timing of our travel alerts should have been earlier, she said.

___

VIRUS TESTING

TRUMP: We just cracked 10 million tests  Ten million.  If you look down here, these are other countries that have not done anywhere near what were doing. Were double. If you add them up and double them, weve done more tests. But I cant get the press to print that, unfortunately.  remarks Wednesday with governors of Colorado and North Dakota.

TRUMP: What weve done on testing, weve now tested more than the entire world put together.  remarks Thursday to reporters.

THE FACTS: False. The U.S. has not tested more than all other countries combined, let alone double the number for the entire world. It also lags many countries in testing its population proportionally.

Together, just three countries  Russia, Germany and Italy  have reported more tests than the U.S.

This week, the U.S. had reported conducting more than 10 million tests since the pandemic began, after failing in the crucial early weeks of the outbreak. That compared with more than 23 million tests by the other countries in the top 10 of the testing count.

The U.S. was followed by Russia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Britain, India, United Arab Emirates, Turkey and France.

___

BRETT GIROIR, the federal health official overseeing U.S. testing: Everybody who needs a test can get a test.  If youre symptomatic with a respiratory illness, that is an indication for a test and you can get a test. If you need to be contact traced, you can get a test.  news briefing on May 11.

THE FACTS: Not according to public health experts, who say the U.S. is not near the testing level to safely reopen.

Researchers at the Harvard Global Health Institute, for instance, said the U.S. should now be doing 900,000 tests a day to help stop the spread of the virus. Trump this week said the U.S. was doing about 300,000.

Giroir stressed that an adequate number of diagnostic tests were available for those with symptoms of COVID-19, but studies have shown many who get infected never show symptoms. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious diseases expert, has urged enough testing to include at the least asymptomatic people in vulnerable populations, such as nursing homes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently broadened its guidelines for coronavirus testing to include certain asymptomatic people who may be at higher risk.

More than 40 states are failing to test widely enough to reach the level needed to safely loosen stay-at-home orders, according to an AP analysis of metrics developed by the Harvard Global Health Institute. The group includes four  Colorado, Florida, Georgia and Texas  that have already reopened.

Fact check: Trump trashing virus science he doesnt like

Fact check: Trump, GOP distortion on Flynn; virus fiction

Fact check: Trump is not credible on virus death tolls

Fact check: Trumps perfect China ban, death toll myths
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREAAfter another weeks-long absence from public view, North Koreas leader, Kim Jong Un, has convened the countrys top military-governing body, outlining new policies for further increasing its nuclear capabilities and promoting top weapons officials, the Norths state-run media said Sunday.

Kims attendance at the meeting was his first public activity reported by North Korean media in three weeks. A weeks-long absence from public view last month prompted rumours that he might have health issues or other trouble, and the repeat this month sparked similar rumours.

During the meeting of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers Party of Korea, Kim was said to have promoted Ri Pyong Chol to vice-chairman of the commission. Ri has been in charge of building nuclear weapons and their delivery missiles.

Kim also promoted nearly 70 general officers, elevating Pak Jong Chon, a career military commander specializing in artillery and missile forces, to vice marshal, only a year after he was made a four-star general and chief of the North Korean armys general staff. 

Both Ri and Pak were among North Korean officials whose roles appeared to expand under Kims government as he refocused on expanding his countrys nuclear and missile capabilities following the collapse of his diplomacy with United States President Donald Trump.

Set forth at the meeting were new policies for further increasing the nuclear war deterrence of the country and putting the strategic armed forces on a high-alert operation, the Norths official Korean Central News Agency reported Sunday. Taken at the meeting were crucial measures for considerably increasing the firepower strike ability of the artillery pieces of the Korean Peoples Army.

The news agency did not say when the meeting took place  although it usually reports Kims public activities a day after they happen  nor did it clarify what Kims new policies on his nuclear weapons might be.

Since taking over his country in 2011, Kim has accelerated his countrys nuclear weapons and missile programs. Kim then switched to diplomacy, meeting Trump twice, but their meetings failed to reach an agreement on how to eliminate North Koreas nuclear weapons programs or when to ease United Nations sanctions against the North. In May last year, North Korea broke an 18-month hiatus in weapons tests, conducting 18 tests of mostly short-range ballistic missiles and rockets since.

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India will try to restart a good percentage of international passenger flights before August, civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday said, three days after announcing resumption of domestic flights from May 25.

Amid the pandemic, a few states have questioned the move to restart domestic services, he admitted, adding that some hesitation was expected even as the Centre has been trying to meet their concerns.

The minister, while addressing a FacebookLive session, clarified again that Aarogya Setu app is not mandatory for air passengers and they can instead give a self-declaration form.

Puri said during the session, I cant put a date on it (restarting international flights). But if somebody says can it be done by August or September? My response is why not earlier depending on what is the situation.

When asked about the ministers comment on resuming international services, Vistara said it will await instructions from the Civil Aviation Ministry. Other airlines did not respond.

I am fully hopeful that before August or September, we will try to start a good percentage of international civil aviation operations, if not complete international operations, he said. We must have a more ambitious goal. Why not start them by mid-June or June-end or in July.

All scheduled commercial passenger flights have been suspended in India since March 25 when the Modi government imposed a lockdown to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

The minister said that the Vande Bharat Mission, which began on May 7, would be able to bring a total 50,000 Indians, who have been stranded abroad, home by the end of this month.

Between May 7 and May 21, around 23,000 Indians have been repatriated through flights operated by Air India and its subsidiary under this mission. Passengers have to pay to book a seat on any repatriation flight being operated under the mission.

If you do not have Aarogya Setu app, you can give a self-declaration form, Puri said.

The passenger can get tested for the virus two or three days before departure, get that medical certificate, and just fill in the form, Puri noted.If you have the app, and if you have got yourself tested for Covid-19 and found negative, and if you do not show symptoms, then I think there is no need for quarantine, he said.

While most states are ready, Puri said few states have talked to his senior colleagues (ministers) and questioned the necessity of restarting domestic flights so soon.

They said the Centre should delay it further by 2-3 days. So, they (ministers) asked the states to send the concerns in writing. But the states did not. This will keep going on. When we are dealing with a situation like this, we should expect that there would be some hesitation. But it is our (Centres) responsibility and we should make efforts to make those concerns, he said
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation advises people to draw a 12-foot circle in the sand and to stay within it while enjoying the sunshine over Memorial Day weekend.

Beach visitors are required to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet or more at all times and visitors should maintain at least 12 feet minimum distance between a beach towel or blanket, according to the DPH.

Some beaches have been looking at different ways to limit the number of visitors. On at least two beaches, a ticket system is being implemented.

When visiting a @MassDCR coastal beach reservation this weekend, try to maintain good #socialdistancing & please respect the personal space of others. Try drawing a 12-foot circle in the sand & staying within it while enjoying the sunshine.  MassDCR (@MassDCR) May 24, 2020

At Singing Beach, Manchester-by-the-Sea residents must purchase passes on the beach for $20 as well as show proof of residency.

It is our hope to welcome the general public back to this beautiful beach in the near future, said Cheryl Marshall, Manchester-by-the-Sea parks and recreation director. But at this time we are taking the essential safety precautions necessary to keep the beach and staff from being overwhelmed and that means reducing beach capacity to residents only.

The Buzzards Bay recreational area had cones blocking parking spots to reduce the number of cars in the lot.

Crane Beach, Ipswich will adopt an advance ticket system for beachgoers starting on in June. It has been open since May 12 for visitors but has been limiting people on the beach to half its capacity.

"We will be asking new things of people. We are going to be asking people to change their behavior a little bit," said trustee Alicia Leuba. "This really does require a change of behavior, a ticket in hand, and a smile to make sure everyone has a good time."

The DCR encourages admission transactions where possible and says that it should be carried out through a no-contact process such as online reservations, timed-ticketing, permit issuance, or an on-site electronic transaction method that allows for social distancing.

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs published a three-page list of guidelines for beach managers to follow highlighting that no groups larger than 10 are allowed to gather.

A sign placed by the Bourne recreational department.

Rental equipment must be cleaned and disinfected between use. If they cannot be properly disinfected, then the items should not be used. Masks and snorkels should not be rented, according to the guidelines.

When opening public restrooms, the managers should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines when cleaning and disinfecting interior spaces.

Picnic areas should be closed if social distancing cannot be maintained and sanitization cannot be performed between use.

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Sunday announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of those who died due to COVID-19, as the state reported two fresh coronavirus fatalities, taking the total number to 13.

With state reporting 117 fresh positive cases, the total number of COVID-19 cases increased to 2,511 of which Patna alone constitutes 200 cases.

Expressing grief over the death of 13 people due to coronavirus in the state, Kumar announced that money has been released from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for payment of Rs 4 lakh ex gratia to each of the families, an official release said.

Of the 13 deceased, the ex-gratia amount has already been given to the next of the kin of a deceased while directions have been given to make payment to the next of the kin of 12 deceased immediately, it said.

Earlier in the day, a 60-year-old man from Siwan died at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), Patna, from coronavirus while another 48-year-old COVID positive patient from Saran died on Saturday, but the health department informed about the death on Sunday.

"A 60-year-old man from Siwan district died today at NMCH. He was a diabetic with kidney and respiratory problems," NMCH Superintendent Dr N K Sinha told PTI.

The deceased, who belonged to Siwan district, was admitted to NMCH on May 22, Dr Sinha said, adding that he died during the course of treatment at the hospital this morning.

The 48-year old man from Saran, who died on Saturday, was admitted to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on May 22 with fever and cough, PMCH Superintendent Dr Bimal Kumar Karak said.

Though, the deceased's sample was collected on May 22, his test report confirming he being a COVID positive came on Saturday after his death, Karak said.

Of the 13 deaths till date, two each are from Patna, Vaishali and Khagaria while one death each has been reported from Rohtas, Munger, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Begusarai, Saran and Siwan.

Of the 117 fresh cases reported so far on Sunday, Katihar recorded the highest positive cases of 38, while 11 people each from Banka and Rohtas were tested positive, nine from Begusarai and seven from Purnea were among those who tested positive.

Of the total 2,511 COVID-19 cases, 1,796 are active cases while 702 have recovered and 13 have died.

While giving information during a meeting chaired by Kumar to review the steps being taken by the state government to contain the spread of COVID-19, Health Department Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh said that 1,599 migrant labourers who returned from outside have tested COVID-19 positive in the state since May 3.

Of the 1,599 positive migrant labourers, Delhi constitutes the highest number of positive cases of 392, followed by Maharashtra 362, Gujarat 266, Haryana 128, Singh said.

Till Saturday, 11.72 lakh migrant labourers have returned to Bihar from other states since the beginning of the month by 805 special trains, as per statistics provided by the state government's Information and Public Relations Department Secretary Anupam Kumar.

They are staying at quarantine centres at districts, blocks and panchayat levels for two weeks and those showing symptoms during thermal screening have their samples sent for testing and moved to isolation wards if they test positive.

Around 10.56 lakh people are presently staying at nearly 15,036 block quarantine centres across the state, he said, adding that the number of samples tested till date is 63,741.

With 200 cases, Patna topped the list of positive cases, while Rohtas is second with 165 cases. The other badly affected districts include Munger (146), Begusarai (141), Madhubani (136), Katihar (121), Khagaria (118), Buxar (110), Jehanabad (109).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A top political advisor has claimed that China's economic resilience will become stronger as new infrastructure continues to improve.

Liu Wei, chairman & CEO of PCITECH and also a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), spoke to reporters on Thursday afternoon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing before the opening of the third plenary session of the country's top political advisory body.

"Twenty years ago, even the controller for a subway screen door needed to be imported. Today, the world's first smart subway station was officially built in Guangzhou and 90% of it is domestically-made," he said, "We worked hard for 20 years to catch up with Western countries that have been developing their technical capabilities for 100 years," he said.

Liu shared another story about how artificial intelligence (AI) technology was applied to the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

In Guangzhou, local authorities installed a smart-platform to assist a small team of seven managers looking after a community of 70,000 people. The smart-platform utilized smart cameras, remote temperature sensing devices and facial recognition software to help manage prevention and control work.

At the same time, the platform used AI big data to intelligently manage the entire community, thereby forming precise governance and reducing the manpower of the entire community. "We were proud that such a very large community didn't have a single confirmed case from the outbreak. Therefore, artificial intelligence made the community's epidemic prevention and control work more precise and smarter."

Since 2008, the entrepreneur has served as the president and CEO of PCITECH, a professional provider of artificial intelligence technology and products in China. The company provides facial recognition services, video structured analysis, knowledge graph and intelligent big data services.

Liu said new infrastructure is not only useful in assisting epidemic prevention and control work, but also improves all aspects of people's lives. "Take the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as an example, which is where I live. The authorities have established a 'one-hour living circle" which has been realized through intelligent rail transit. You can drink morning tea in Zhuhai in the early morning, inspect the goods at the Foshan factory in the morning, and enjoy Cantonese food in Guangzhou at noon with guests, and then you can return to the Shenzhen office for work in the afternoon, and entertain international guests at Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong by night. "

In one of his proposals he brought to the CPPCC, he called for the establishment of a national public transport real-name registry system. The construction of such a system would solve several problems including different local policies, different data standards and privacy information safety. He also called for more data sharing to better guarantee urban emergency management and streamline the data tracing process.

He pointed out that in the past, China had facilitated the rapid growth by building key infrastructure such as roads and bridges. "Now in the information age, the 'new infrastructure' capabilities, which are represented by AI, rail transit and 5G, will also greatly promote the development of China's economy. I also believe that with the continuous improvement of our new infrastructure and technologies, the resilience and vitality of China's economy will be further enhanced."




A major fire broke out at a spinning mill in an industrial area near here on Sunday.

There was, however, no loss of life in the incident, police said, adding the cause behind the fire was yet to be ascertained.

Over 80 fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flames, a Ludhiana Fire Brigade official said.

"Nobody was present in the factory at around 12.30 pm when the fire broke out," owner Tara Chand Singla of the ill-fated factory said/



Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has asked Ludhiana deputy commissioner to inquire into the incident.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
ROME (Reuters) - Italy recorded 119 new deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic on Saturday against 130 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases rose marginally to 669 from 652 on Friday. The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on Feb. 21 now stands at 32,735, the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain.

ROME (Reuters) - Italy recorded 119 new deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic on Saturday against 130 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases rose marginally to 669 from 652 on Friday.

The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on Feb. 21 now stands at 32,735, the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain.

The Civil Protection Agency said the total number of confirmed cases in Italy since the start of its outbreak now amounts to 229,327, the sixth highest global tally behind those of the United States, Russia, Spain, Britain and Brazil.

People registered as currently carrying the illness dipped to 57,752 on Saturday from 59,322 the day before.

There were 572 people in intensive care on Saturday, down from 595 on Friday, maintaining a long-running decline. Of those originally infected, 138,840 were declared recovered against 136,720 a day earlier.

The agency said 2.164 million people had been tested for the virus as of Saturday, against 2.122 million on Friday, out of a population of around 60 million.

(Reporting by Giselda Vagnoni)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
The Supreme Judicial Council in Iraq has asked the speaker of parliament to lift the immunity of a number of legislators in order for them to be investigated on charges of corruption. While this request was previously made on an individual level, this time around, the immunity lifting request was for a group.

On May 11, the judiciary requested that the immunity of 18 members of parliament belonging to various political blocs be lifted on charges of corruption and defamation. The parliament, which has yet to convene, has not been able to respond to the Judicial Councils request.

A source in the office of parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi told Al-Monitor, We have received these requests but have yet to respond thereto. We will do so during the coming period. The speaker of the parliament is to include such requests in parliaments agenda and put them to the vote in a bid to lift the immunity of MPs included in the requests.

According to Article 20 of the internal regulations of the Iraqi parliament, a member of parliament cannot be arrested during their legislative term unless caught in the act of committing a crime or accused of a crime, and only then once a majority approves of lifting the concerned legislators immunity.

The same article also says that a member shall only be arrested beyond their legislative term if caught in the act of committing a crime or if accused of a crime and only if the speaker approves of lifting their immunity.

Among the members of parliament who were included in the Judicial Council's request is the Faik Sheikh Ali, a controversial lawmaker whose immunity was previously lifted at the request of a number of legislators. This time around, however, the request was made by the judiciary.

Member of parliament Alia Nassif, who is well known in the Iraqi media for fighting corruption, was also among the legislators whom the judiciary is asking to have their immunity lifted. She indicated that she thought there was no real case against her as the charges are related to three cases previously filed against her, two of which were dismissed.

Nassif said in a press statement that the first dropped case against her relates to her saying that Mosul residents who approved of Islamic State crimes are partners thereof. She said the second lawsuit was closed after the former defense minister was questioned in the previous parliamentary session. She said the third case concerns the Publishing Court and that will she "will appear in court in response to all the cases filed against me.

Salah al-Arabawi, the former director of the office of the leader of the al-Hikma political coalition and a legal specialist, told Al-Monitor, I think that the immunity issue will be politicized just like other issues that included the replacement of MPs. The speaker of the parliament should be firm in enforcing the law.

Arabawi said he believes that the measures taken by the government headed by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi can help boost accountability as far as legislative and governmental officials are concerned, and this is an important message to the Iraqi citizens whereby lawmakers are accountable.

During the protests witnessed in the country, the Iraqi parliament voted Oct. 29 to lift the immunity of lawmakers accused of corruption once their file is received from the judiciary. While this decision can facilitate the implementation of the judicial request, it is expected to face political obstacles.

Activists in Iraqi civil society consider the lifting of the immunity of a number of parliamentarrians as necessary and believe it is an essential step toward the Iraqi judiciary exercising its role in holding to account legislators who enjoy and exploit their immunity in illegal ways.

Musa al-Aaraji, a civil society activist who took part in the protests, told Al-Monitor, We support such necessary measures. Most MPs took advantage of their immunity to indulge in blackmail practices and pass illegal contracts and deals.

The Iraqi parliament does not seem serious about lifting the immunity of lawmakers and allowing the judiciary to interrogate them. There are many cases where legislators have been implicated in corruption files. About five years ago, former member of parliament Mishaan al-Jubouri admitted on Aletejah TV that he received a bribe during his work as a member of parliament, and no action has been taken in this regard.

A professor of political science at Baghdad University, Adel Bedewi, told Al-Monitor, The judiciarys request to lift the immunity of some MPs is a positive step, but I believe that parliament will deal with this request from a political rather than technical perspective, and favoritism may get in the way.

Legal expert Tariq Harb told Al-Monitor that in order to lift the immunity of the legislators whose names were mentioned in the request of the Supreme Judicial Council, parliament needs a simple majority during its session, meaning half plus one.

In the event that the parliament does not lift the immunity of the MPs included in the request of the Supreme Judicial Council, the council will have to wait until the end of the parliamentary session to be able to interrogate them. If the immunity is not lifted, it will have no other option, Harb added.

The first decision to lift such immunity in Iraq was in 2008 when the parliament voted to lift the immunity of former member of parliament Mithal al-Alusi following his visit to Israel.

In August 2019, the immunity of six members of parliament was lifted, but no action has been taken against them, as their blocs interfered, be it directly or indirectly, to mislead public opinion and accuse the speaker of the parliament of taking a non-technical decision based on political calculations.

After years of facing accusations of favoring politicians and serving their interests, the Iraqi judiciary is seemingly trying to stand up for itself, but it still may be unable to interrogate lawmakers who belong to large political blocs or are linked to armed factions. In the best case scenario, it will be starting with the most vulnerable members of parliament.
There will be no delay in delivery of 36 Rafale jets to India as the timeline finalised for the supply of the fighter jets will be strictly respected, French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain has said.

France is reeling under swelling cases of coronavirus infection and there were apprehensions that the delivery of Rafale jets could be delayed due to the pandemic. Over 1,45,000 people were infected by the virus there, while the death toll stood at 28,330.

However, Lenain asserted that the original timeline for the delivery of the jets will be adhered to. "The contractual delivery schedule of the Rafale jets has been perfectly respected till now, and, in fact, a new aircraft was handed over to the Indian Air Force in end-April in France, in keeping with the contract," said Lenain.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh received the first Rafale jet at an airbase in France on October 8.

"We are helping the Indian Air Force in arranging for the ferry flight of their first four Rafales from France to India as soon as possible. So there's no reason today to speculate that the schedule will not be maintained," the envoy said.

India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore. The IAF has been maintaining that the Rafale jets would significantly enhance its combat capability.

The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile and Scalp cruise missile will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets.

Meteor is the next generation of BVR air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat. The weapon has been developed by MBDA to combat common threats facing the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Sweden.

Guided by an advanced active radar seeker, Meteor provides all weather capability to engage a wide variety of targets from fast jets to small unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.

Besides the missile systems, the Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems.

The IAF has already completed preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft.

The first squadron of the aircraft will be stationed at Ambala air force station, considered one of the most strategically located bases of the IAF. The India-Pakistan border is around 220 km from there.

The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal. The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangars and maintenance facilities at the two bases.

Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers. The trainer jets will be twin-seater with almost all the features of the fighter jets.

The Congress raised questions about the deal, including on rates of the aircraft, and alleged corruption, but the government has rejected the charges.
The Gujarat High Court has



directed the railway authorities to waive one-way train ticket charges of migrant workers, or the state government should bear the cost as an alternative arrangement.

It said the government's response to a PIL seeking the court's direction for free transportation of migrant workers stranded due to the lockdown reflects that travel charges levied by the railway authorities are borne by a few host states, NGOs, employers, voluntary associations, and "this is not done".

"We direct the railway authorities to waive one-way charges of these migrant labourers or in the alternative, for the state government to bear such charges," a division bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and I J Vora said on Friday.

The court's order came after the Vijay Rupani government said in a written reply that out of 22.5 lakh migrant workers in Gujarat, only 7,512 were registered under the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act and they were thus, eligible for travel allowance.

"The state government shall ensure that migrant workers do not have to face further difficulties for the purpose of travelling to their native places. The work in this regard shall continue in the right direction," the court said in an order.

The state government told the court that nearly 22.5 lakh inter-state migrant workers lived in Gujarat, as per the state labour department's data. But, provisions of the Inter- State Migrant Workmen Act were applicable to only 7,512 workers who were registered under it.

"Most of the 22.5 lakh migrant workers have come on their own and provisions for payment of travel and displacement allowances, as required under Sections 14 and 15 of the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, were not applicable to them," it said..

Under sections 14 and 15 of the Act, contractors are required to pay travel and displacement allowances to workers.

The state government told the court that the Railways had been collecting transportation charges from workers even though travel arrangements were being made at the district- level by NGOs and civil society organisations.

States, including Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, have said they would reimburse travel expenses to the Railways directly, it said.

"No migrant worker has been denied travel to his hometown on account of non-payment of travel charges," the Gujarat government claimed.

Following the coronavirus-enforced lockdown, over 11 lakh migrant workers have so far left from Gujarat for their native places by Shramik Special trains.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A recent statement by the Taliban on non-interference in internal matters of other countries (with reference to Kashmir) is being seen as a tactical one ahead of intra-Afghan dialogue.

In my personal view, they are playing good cop, bad cop. Taliban want to cut the support base of the Ghani government ahead of the intra-Afghanistan dialogue and want to demoralise Ghani government by opening some sort of dialogue with India which has kept a distance from any talks with Taliban, Tilak Deveshwar, a member of National Security Advisory Board, told news agency ANI.

No surprise, if the Taliban want to engage with India. This kind of overture is logical. They would like to assuage Indias concern over Kashmir, which in turn brings Pakistan into the picture, said Uday Bhaskar, Director, Society of Policy Studies.

It appears that one group within Taliban, more moderate, malleable is seeking to create a kind of tentative political space to encourage Delhi to engage with a group that I am afraid is synonymous with terrorism, added Bhaskar.

So far, India has stayed away from dialogue with the Taliban. US Special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad also recently urged India to open direct talks with the Taliban.

Moot point is the way the Taliban played a double game with the international community, its playing same with India. They are trying to manufacture a narrative that they are a reasonable face which is Afghan-based and will not interfere in the internal affair of any country. However, to believe that the Taliban have severed all ties with Al Qaeda and ISIS will be delusional, said Sushant Sareen, Senior Fellow at think tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

Last week, the Taliban had denied claims on social media that it could join Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir, underlining that the Taliban was clear that it does not interfere in internal affairs of other countries.

The statement published in the media about Taaliban joining Jihad in Kashmir is wrong. The policy of the Islamic Emirate is clear that it does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. Suhail Shaheen, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, as the political wing of Taliban calls itself, tweeted last Monday.

The strong clarification came a day after officials monitoring social media noted a spike in posts around claims that a Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had said it was impossible to be friends with India unless the Kashmir issue is resolved. The spokesperson was also claimed to have said that the Taliban would, after capturing power in Kabul, capture Kashmir from infidels also.
As states across the country have gradually pushed forward with reopening in recent weeks, protesters representing a small but apparently growing movement - especially within the Republican Party - have continued to push for it to go faster. And one very visible thing has somehow turned into a perceived political statement: wearing a mask.

A reporter at a Minnesota news station - one who happens to be an old college friend of mine - was even harassed this week for wearing a mask while covering these protests.

Across the border in North Dakota, though, GOP Gov. Doug Burgum on Friday offered a plea to stop the madness.

Burgum suggested the debate over masks was being needlessly politicized and that those who are bucking federal health officials' guidance should rethink their posture.

"I would really love to see in North Dakota that we could just skip this thing that other parts of the nation are going through where they're trading a divide - either it's ideological or political or something - around masks versus no mask," Burgum said. "This is a, I would say, senseless dividing line, and I would ask people to try to dial up your empathy and your understanding."

The subtext of the remarks was pretty clear: This is a needless culture war.

Burgum then want on, getting emotional.

"If someone is wearing a mask, they're not doing it to represent what political party they're in or what candidates they support," Burgum said, before his voice began breaking. "They might be doing it because they've got a 5-year-old child who's been going through cancer treatments. They might have vulnerable adults in their life who currently have covid, and they're fighting."

Burgum concluded his thought: "I would just love to see our state, as part of being North Dakota Smart, also be North Dakota Kind, North Dakota Empathetic."

To be clear, the number of people protesting the wearing of masks is small. Scenes like the one in Minnesota are the exception, rather than the rule. But there are myriad images of people reemerging in society and, in doing so, declining to wear masks, even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend them.

President Donald Trump has conspicuously declined to wear a mask during his travels in recent weeks, even as those he was meeting with did so. He eventually donned one, but only for part of the time and away from his interactions with reporters. Trump has also stressed that the wearing of masks is voluntary, which it is. But critics have alleged he's sending the wrong message about a very simple precaution - or even subtly promoting a culture war over masks.

A GOP governor on Friday seemed to sense that emerging culture war - one in which declining to wear masks is seen as some kind of statement, even as it could make it more difficult to enact the reopening that protesters are calling for. So Burgum offered a very personal and powerful plea to argue about other things.

And it's important to note something else about that governor: He's got one of the highest approval ratings in the country for his handling of the coronavirus outbreak, 80 percent.
BOISE, ID, UNITED STATES 05.15.2020 - Two 124th Fighter Wing A-10 Thunderbolt IIs linked up with two F-15E Strike Eagles from Mountain Home Air Force Base on May 15, 2020 for a fly over throughout cities of Idaho to honor essential workers and show appreciation to the sacrifice, commitment and bravery of all Idaho's essential workers and citizens keeping Idaho running during this challenging time with the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Brad Little, Idaho's commander-in-chief, met with pilots, learned about the 190th Fighter Squadron's mission, and helped launch the A-10 Warthogs that honored essential workers in a statewide fly over. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur)

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Linn Goldberg and Louis Speizer

Goldberg, M.D., is a professor emeritus at Oregon Health and Science University and research scientist who has received national and international awards for his work in health promotion and disease prevention. He lives in Lake Oswego. Speizer received his doctorate of physiology at the University of Virginia. He has been working in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry for over 30 years and lives in Flemington, New Jersey.

Even without a treatment or vaccine for the coronavirus, Oregon has already hit on a successful strategy for keeping the spread of COVID-19 at bay. Thanks in large part to the stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Kate Brown at the end of March, Oregon has the fifth-lowest number of cases per capita in the country and the sixth-lowest mortality rate, according to national data.

Along with testing, contact tracing, isolating those who are infected and closing nonessential businesses and schools, the state has managed to keep a lid on how quickly the coronavirus spreads, showing the effectiveness of the states prevention efforts.

Now, however, Oregon is relaxing restrictions meant to prevent transmission in 34 of 36 counties, including Marion County, which has the states highest infection rate. There may be critical problems with this approach. In giving the go-ahead, Gov. Brown said, there is no assured path to both ensuring public health and allowing the economy to recover in the foreseeable future. Then why not institute a more measured, scientific approach; lifting one restriction at a time in several of the least infected counties and evaluating each strategy before taking such broad action?

Opening most counties and vacation spots is equivalent to opening the entire state. While Oregons more populous, infected counties  Multnomah and Washington counties  are not open, they are adjacent to many less restricted counties. COVID-19 does not respect county boundaries and neither do Oregonians. Both can travel from higher disease prevalent counties to less restricted counties, visiting bars, restaurants, salons and barbershops. When families from other counties or states crowd Oregons vacation spots, coronavirus surely will spread.

Oregons blanket approach will also make it more difficult to figure out the reasons for a spike in infections.

When multiple restrictions are altered, there is no way to determine the reason for the outcome if the strategy fails. To understand the path forward, Oregon could first relax stay-at-home orders, allowing people to visit friends and family and frequent outdoor areas  all while keeping physical distance. If successful, other restrictions, such as closure of restaurants, bars and gyms, can be eased, while determining success by testing and tracking how quickly the virus is spreading.

Coronavirus mainly spreads by respiratory droplets and its infectivity rate depends in part on exposure time. Newer evidence reveals talking in enclosed areas results in coronavirus remaining in the air for up to 14 minutes. Six-feet separations at indoor bars and restaurants are insufficient during longer exposure times, which include waiting for a table, ordering, waiting for meals and dining. Business employees should be routinely tested for COVID-19, helping ensure patron safety.

Extensive testing is critical. Oregon is 46th among states in per-capita testing, although its capacity has recently grown. Testing identifies asymptomatic and presymptomatic carriers who transmit disease. South Koreas widespread testing and tracing strategies protected their economy and resulted in just 13% the infection rate and 15% the death rate of the U.S. Despite the early success that Germany, South Korea and China showed in reducing disease, all are rethinking restriction reduction policies. We should learn from their experience and rethink Oregons strategy as well.

There are political and economic pressures to relax some public health restrictions. By examining a few rural, low-coronavirus counties first, state officials could more safely evaluate reopening. If the rate of spread remains controlled, more counties could be added in a step-wise fashion to relax other restrictions. We must remember what is at stake: A model developed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania predicts that relaxing lockdowns, even with social distancing, will cause one death for every 98 jobs created.

Gov. Brown likened moves to loosen restrictions equivalent to walking on thin ice. Using scientific methods ensures Oregons reopening safely proceeds, like measuring ice thickness before walking on it. Oregon has done well under the governors leadership. As we reopen, lets ensure Oregonians will not die for jobs, haircuts, dining out or going to the gym.
India will have an important role to play in the mass production of medicines and vaccines for coronavirus infection once the treatment for the deadly disease is found, French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain has said.

Dozens of researchers across the globe are racing against time to come out with a vaccine for coronavirus that has infected nearly five million people and killed over 3,30,000 globally.

"It is very important for states to coordinate if we want the COVID-19 vaccine and/or medicines to be produced and distributed equitably worldwide. India will have an important role to play as a producer of medicines and vaccines," French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain told PTI in an interview.

India is a leading manufacturer of vaccines and generic drugs globally. Several research institutes in India are also working on separate programmes to find a vaccine for the coronavirus.

The French Ambassador's comments also came in the backdrop of efforts by a large number of countries as well as the 27-nation European Union to ensure equitable access to any vaccine or medicine for treatment of coronavirus infection through their mass production under voluntary patenting.

The issue figured prominently at the recent two-day conference of the World Health Organisation where many countries pressed for making the vaccine available to all countries and not only to those who have deep pockets.

"France and India have supported the European resolution (at the WHO) for universal, timely and equitable access to all necessary products for countering the pandemic, and underscored the role of extensive immunisation against COVID-19 as a global public good," he said.

Since the coronavirus crisis broke out, India has been pitching for a coordinated global approach in containing the pandemic. India has already supplied 446 million Hydroxychloroquine tablets and 1.54 billion Paracetamol tablets to 133 countries, drawing praise from a number of global leaders.

Last week, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said the coronavirus pandemic has reaffirmed India's role as a "pharmacy of the world.

In the interview, Lenain also said that the coronavirus crisis has shown that France and India's push for multilateralism is the right option for the current century.

"None of the major issues that structure the future of the world like healthcare and environment can be dealt with in an isolated manner," he said.

"I am delighted that the reform of the WHO, which France encourages, has found favour in India. India and France have coordinated well and continue to do so. However, we can do much more together," he said.

The COVID-19 crisis has shown the importance of international cooperation on humanitarian issues and the two strategic partners have been working together under the G20 as well as in the WHO on finding ways to check the spread of the coronavirus, the ambassador said.

He also said that France is "very grateful" to India for allowing the export of certain critical drugs for treating patients in intensive care.

Asked whether there was a need for global investigation to find the origin of the coronavirus, Lenain said, "Post-crisis, there will, of course, be a time for analysing the alert mechanism to see how it can be improved.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pubs throughout will now be able to operate during the Covid-19 lockdown, subject to certain restrictions, it has emerged.

This is due to a lack of clarity in the liquor licensing laws.

According to a report in todays edition of The Irish Times, Garda Headquarters has sought legal advice on pubs delivering drinks and selling takeaway beverages from their premises and has been told that both practices do not contravene liquor licensing laws.

The report stated that as long as drinks, including poured pints, are paid for on a licensed premises they can be delivered to customers.

And it added that takeaway sales are also permitted once those buying drinks in that manner consume them more than 100 metres away from a pub and not in a public place.

In effect, it means that pubs can operate delivery and off-sales as an essential service during the lockdown, like supermarkets, pharmacies, hardware stores and some other businesses.

Last week, the a case of OFlahertys Pub (below) in Buncrana made headlines as it was running the Guinness Express.

It was forced to half deliveries after gardai called to the premises.

Pints of Guinness had been wrapped in cling film for delivery purposes.

At the time a spokesman for the pub complained gardai were unable to tell him what laws staff had broken.

Now, it has emerged that after the legal advice received in recent days, such deliveries will be possible once the drinks are paid for in advance to a person on a pubs premises.

For the full article SEE HERE
Four out of the 14 COVID-19 vaccine candidates from India may enter the clinical trial stage in the next three-five months, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday.

In an online interaction with BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao, Vardhan said the entire world was working on developing a vaccine to halt the novel coronavirus pandemic.

"There are more than 100 candidates for developing a vaccine that are working at different levels. The WHO is coordinating the efforts," the health minister said.

"India is also actively contributing to that effort. We have 14 vaccine candidates that are working on different levels," he said. "Industry, academic world are contributing to it and our Ministry of Science is helping the Department of Biotechnology in all such efforts."



Financial support and regulatory clearance will be provided to those who are working on this, Vardhan said.

"Out of these 14, four vaccine candidates, in the next three-five months, may enter the clinical trial stage. Right now, they are in the pre-clinical trial phase," the minister said.

"It's very difficult to predict when a vaccine will come, but as a doctor, I can say that the process it involves, one year would be a modest estimate," he said. "Till the vaccine is not developed, people should use social vaccines like the mask and social distancing."



The Centre and private firms have stepped up efforts to develop a vaccine to halt the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PM CARES Fund Trust has decided to allocate Rs 100 crore in efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine.

A PMO statement had said that a coronavirus vaccine was the most pressing need and Indian academia, start-ups and industry had come together in cutting-edge design and development.

The Department of Biotechnology has been made a central coordination agency to identify pathways for vaccine development.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
It was a bright Wednesday morning in Ifiekporo, a community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Josephine Oyibo, a 28-year-old nursing mother, stood in front of her house with a worried look engraved on her face.

Clad in a blue-striped wrapper that barely covered her chest, the nursing mother had her gaze fixed on the ground and one hand on her collarbone.

Ms Oyibo was lost in thought when this reporter approached her to inquire about the water project awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in her community.

She looked up with a jolt, sighed and began to complain bitterly.

Our borehole stopped working early last year (2018), she said in a mix of English and Pidgin. Since then, water has been a big challenge.

Ms Oyibos major concern that morning was where to get water to bath her five-month old baby.

For her water needs, the nursing mother had relied on a neighbour who owned a borehole.

I usually beg her for water to bath my child, and she gives me, Ms Oyibo said, gloomily. But she travelled and I dont have water.

As her baby began to cry, Ms Oyibo became even more confused.

Where do I get water now? She asked helplessly as she dashed inside her house.

Ms Oyibo is not the only one disturbed about the water situation in the community. A woman in the community who identified herself as Rukewve is also troubled.

We are suffering terribly here. To get common water is a big problem for us, Ms Rukewve said. We have complained to our community leader so many times, but they have done nothing.

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Another woman who was too angered to give her name, chipped in: We are even planning to go to DBS (Delta Broadcasting Service) to air our grievance.

Ifiekporo is one of the communities that benefited from the water projects awarded by the NDDC. But, findings show that the project was not executed. If it was, Ms Oyibos dilemma and that of other residents in the community could have been averted.

NDDC was established in 2000 with the mandate to facilitate social engineering that will elevate and improve the quality of life of residents in the Niger Delta region.

But, 19 years after the commission was set up and billions of naira invested, its impacts are barely visible.

President Muhammadu Buhari has since ordered an audit of the NDDCs finances and projects from inception.

Millions down the drain

According to a report by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) on revenues, deductions, disbursements, and application of funds by the NDDC, N59.8 billion was awarded for contracts in Delta State between 2007 and 2011.

Out of this sum, N1.37 billion was supposedly spent on water projects within this period.

NDDCs 2016 appropriation act also shows that N28 billion was approved for projects in 2015 while N25 billion was approved in 2016.

This reporter visited 20 water projects commissioned by the NDDC, for verification of their respective status.

The outcome  seven projects listed as completed were not executed, five were abandoned, five were completed and still in use, while three were completed but are no longer functional.

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Out of the 20 water projects tracked by this reporter, only five were up and running.

An NDDC spokesperson told PREMIUM TIMES all the abandoned projects would be completed.

On-site fact-finding

To monitor the projects, this reporter embarked on the verification of the sites of some water projects commissioned by the NDDC in Delta State.

Arriving Delta State on Wednesday, October 9, 2019; the first port of call was Ms Oyinbos Ifiekporo Community in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.

On December 10, 2004, Bienci Resources Nigeria secured the contract from NDDC to reactivate the water supply scheme at Ifiekporo Community.

According to an NDDC document submitted to NEITI and obtained by the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), the project was abandoned.

Abandoned? Where? Peter Ede, secretary of Ifiekporo community, quizzed. Nobody has ever come here on behalf of NDDC to repair or do any water project.

Up until early 2018, Mr Ede said, the 24-year-old borehole constructed by Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), was their only source of water supply.

We kept repairing the borehole until we got tired, the secretary said, looking sadly at the borehole which was overgrown with weeds. It finally stopped working last year (2018) February.

We defecate and drink from same river

A stone throw from Ms Oyibos residence is a large expanse of polluted river with canoes resting on it.

The river, this reporter learnt, doubles as a toilet because the community has none.

Sometimes, I fetch water from here to cook, Ms Oyibo said. The water makes me stool all day, and Im still nursing a baby, but I dont have any choice.

The reporter found this hard to believe but the secretary corroborated Ms Oyibos story.

There is no toilet here so the people defecate inside this river. When the dirt settles, some fetch from here to drink or cook, Mr Ede said.

A bag of sachet water in Ifiekporo costs N150. But, not everyone can afford to buy water on a regular basis.

I cannot buy bags of pure water just to bath my baby. Who am I? Buharis wife? Ms Oyibo asked.

To reach out to the contractor of the project, a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) search was conducted, to ascertain the location of the company.

The search result revealed that Bienci Resources Nigeria, the company that secured the contract, is located at No 314 Aba Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The phone number listed for the firm was non-operational.

When this reporter visited the above address, she met BRISCOE, a motor repairs and servicing company, instead.

The officials there said they are not aware of any company called Bienci.

This reporter made further attempts to reach the contractor by asking for Ernest Egeonu and Robert Ojukwu, the two directors of Bienci Resources Nigeria. But, those asked around the vicinity said they never heard of such names.

Still in Warri Local Government Area, this reporter journeyed thirty minutes on water to arrive at Ugbodede Community.

Ugbodede is another community where the residents are forced to defecate and draw water from the same source because someone refused to do their job.

When our borehole broke down in 2010, we started drinking water from the sea, said Mejebi Williams, a septuagenarian at Ugbodede community. The sad thing is, we excrete inside the sea because theres no toilet in our community.

The water project in Ugbodede was awarded to Marigray Services Ltd on February 1, 2002, and listed as a completed project, according to details provided by the NDDC.

Maybe they want to build the borehole for us but we havent seen any yet, Mr Williams said.

When the reporter told him that the project was awarded 17 years ago, Mr Williams looked visibly shocked.

Is that what they told you? he queried.

Accompanied by two other residents, Mr Williams took this reporter on a tour of the community.

There are two boreholes in the community. One is functional while the other is not. But, none of the two was provided by the NDDC.

According to Mr Williams, the faulty borehole was constructed by Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), many years ago.

When this borehole stopped working, the sea was all we had, Sampson Uwatse, one of the residents who accompanied Mr Williams, chipped in.

We bath, drink and pass faeces inside the water, he said.

Near the functional borehole is a signpost indicating that the borehole was built by Shell Petroleum Development Commission (SPDC), in September 2012.

The borehole stopped working last year (2018). Our local government council just renovated it. But, the solar is no longer working, Mr Williams said.

The council bought generator for us so we can pump water because we havent had electricity supply in 15 years, Mr Williams added.

To buy fuel, they have to make the thirty minutes journey on water to Ugbwangue Town.

With the solar borehole, life was easier. We spend so much on fuel and boat rides, Mr Uwatse said.

Even with the borehole, the community still falls back to the sea from time to time.

The borehole does not work perfectly. When we cannot pump water, we draw water from the sea, said Mr Uwatse.

To find out why the NDDC project was not executed, the reporter paid the contractor a visit.

Arriving at Gray Awani compound at Ajamogha, Warri North Local Government Area in Delta State, the reporter learnt that the owner of the firm that got the contract, Michael Awani, died in 2004.

The reporter spoke with Rosemary Ete Awani, one of the directors of Marigray Services Limited the company that secured the contract at Ugbodede community.

The project was done by my late Dad, Michael Awani and it was commissioned before the Ijaw and Itsekiri war, she insisted During the war, the project was vandalised.

When asked for project documents, Ms Awani said she does not have any.

I dont know anything about documents. The company was owned by my late father and when he passed on, that was the end of the company, she said.

Two other directors of the company  Matilda Awani and Juliet Jolomi Adigida  are late, while a third, Victor Awani, resides in the United Kingdom and could not be reached.

More Nonexistent Projects

The time was 10.19 a.m. when this reporter arrived at Oghenerurie Iyede, a community in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

In this community, the contract for the construction of a water project was awarded to Lesoda Oil & Gas CO LTD, on May 30, 2014.

The NDDCs official documentation states that this project has been completed.

However, a visit by this reporter showed otherwise.

NDDC has never done any water project in this community, said Peter Agbroko, chairman of the community.

There are two boreholes in this community but none is functional.

According to Mr Agbroko, the boreholes were constructed by the local government council.

This one was solar-powered, said Mr Agbroko, during a tour around the community. But, when it became faulty, the council converted it to generator-powered borehole.

Continuing, he said: We have not pumped water since June (2018), because our transformer is bad. This second borehole stopped working last month (September).

For now, the community relies on a well for its water needs.

When there is no water in the well, we dig the well again to get water, the chairman said.

The residents said dry seasons are usually the toughest period.

The well is always dry. We have to enter inside the well and dig until water comes out, said Efe Akonawe, a resident of the community.

Aghogho Ogagaoghene, a pregnant woman in the community said: We suffer a lot. We will be looking for well that has water because most of the wells have collapsed.

Attempts to reach the contractor to ascertain why the project was not executed despite funds released were unsuccessful, as the Registration Certificate (RC) number could not be found at the CAC.

The story is similar in Enhwe, a community in Isoko South Local Government.

On March 23, 2011, Water Petroleum Ltd secured the contract to construct a solar-powered water project at Enhwe community, according to details provided by the NDDC.

Just like in Ugbodede and Oghenerurie communities, the commissions documentation shows that the project has been completed.

Again, this was far from true.

Which project? Okeh Ogene, Vice President General of Enhwe community queried, when asked the location of the water project commissioned by the NDDC.

Theres no NDDC borehole here. They only fight for their selfish interest and not for commoners.

In 2015, NDDC approved N6.6 million for the construction of the solar-powered borehole in Enhwe community, and N21 million in 2016 to complete the project.

According to Mr Ogene, all the community has is a hand pump provided by the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM), a project funded by the European Union.

But, Mr Ogene said the water is barely enough.

Its difficult to get water here especially during the dry season, he said. We have only the stream to go to. But, the stream is polluted because of gas flaring.

To reach the contractor of this project, a CAC search was conducted to ascertain the location of the company.

The search result reveals that the company, Water Petroleum Limited, is located at N0 1 Marine Base Estate Road in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

When the reporter arrived at the location, she met a Cornerstone international school, instead.

She inquired about the directors of the water company Simon Okito, Ukpong Umor, Misan Dediare and Dediare Nelson. But, no one seemed to know any of them.

Nobody had also heard of the company.

In Otor-Owhe community, Isoko North Local Government, the story was not different.

The rehabilitation of the Otor-Owhe waterworks was awarded to Crete Industries Nigeria Limited by the NDDC on March 23, 2011.

A total of N2 million was approved for the project in 2015 and N50 million approved in the commissions 2016 budget, to complete the project.

NDDC only brought street lights here, said Ukpemo Augustine, chairman of Otor-Owhe community. The water project was not done.

However, when PTCIJ visited Crete Industries Limited in Abuja, Priceless Ndah, the wife of the contractor, claimed the project was executed.

When asked for documents to authenticate her story, she said the documents were not available.

We are vacating this building. So, the documents are not available here, she said.

In a phone interview, Bright Ndah, the head of the firm, insisted that the project was executed.

We sunk two new boreholes and rehabilitated two boreholes, Mr Ndah said. The solar panel was the only thing we didnt fix because NDDC insisted we use their supplier.

According to Mr Ndah, a mobilisation fee of N9 million was redeemed out of N18 million.

The job was executed and N23 million quotation was given to the NDDC, which has not been paid till date, he said.

(EDITORS NOTE: This is the first part in a series on the NDDC water projects in Delta State).
Adding an adult child to your house deed, or giving them the home outright, might seem like a smart thing to do. It usually isnt.

Transferring your house to your kids while youre alive may avoid probate, the court process that otherwise follows death. But gifting a home also can result in a big, unnecessary tax bill and put your house at risk if your kids get sued or file for bankruptcy. You also could be making a big mistake if you hope it will help keep the house from being consumed by nursing home bills.

There are better ways to transfer a house to your kids, as well as a little-known potential fix that may help even if the giver has since died.

Why you shouldnt gift a house

If you bequeath a house to your kids  which means they get it after your death  they also get whats known as a step-up in tax basis. All the appreciation that happened while you owned the house is never taxed.

Certified financial planner Kenneth Robinson of Rocky River, Ohio, says last year he advised a client not to let his mom give him her house. The mother paid $16,000 for her home in 1976, while the current market value is close to $200,000. None of that gain would be taxable if the son inherited the house, Robinson told his client.

The mother signed a quitclaim to give her son the house anyway and died shortly afterward. That potentially meant a tax bill of about $32,000 for Robinsons client.

Families who realize the mistake in time can undo the damage by gifting the house back to the parent, says Jennifer Sawday, a partner at TLD Law in Long Beach, California.

We do last-minute deeds to get that house back in place when we know someone is dying, Sawday says.

Other reasons not to gift a house

Sometimes people transfer a home to try to qualify for Medicaid, the government program that pays health care and nursing home bills for the indigent. But gifts or transfers made within five years of applying for Medicaid can lead to a penalty period when seniors are disqualified from receiving benefits.

Transferring your home to someone else also can expose you to their financial problems. Their creditors could file liens on your home and, depending on state law, get some or most of its value. In a divorce, the house could become an asset that must be divided.

A potential Hail Mary fix

Robinson consulted a certified public accountant and an estate planning attorney. Both said what Robinson feared was true: The client was stuck paying taxes on the $184,000 gain in value since his mother bought the property.

They were as discouraged as I was, Robinson says.

But then Robinson hired a tax research firm and learned of a workaround. Section 2036 of the Internal Revenue Code says that if the mother retained a life interest in the property, which includes the right to continue living there, the home would remain in her estate rather than be considered a completed gift.

Many people do not know about this and are therefore losing out on the step-up and the lower taxes they would be entitled to, says Michael Eisenberg, CPA financial planner with the American Institute of CPAs Financial Literacy Commission.

There are specific rules for what constitutes a life interest, including the power to determine what happens to the property and liability for its bills. To ensure that outcome, the son, as executor of his mothers estate, filed a gift tax return on her behalf to show that he was given a remainder interest, or the right to inherit when his mothers life interest expired at her death, Robinson says.

There are better ways to transfer a house

There are other ways around probate. Many states and the District of Columbia allow transfer on death deeds that allow people to leave their beneficiaries their houses without having to go through probate. Another option is a living trust, which typically costs $1,500 to $3,000 to set up but can ensure all a persons assets avoid probate.

And probate in many states is nothing to fear. Most states have simplified probate procedures for smaller estates. Only in a few, such as California and Florida, is probate so expensive and time-consuming that most people should try to avoid it.

We see avoidance of probate as a big issue in peoples minds, sometimes bigger than it has to be, Robinson says.

More From NerdWallet

Liz Weston is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: lweston@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @lizweston.

The article Dont Give Your Adult Kids Your House originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Senators demand Planned Parenthood return $80M in Paycheck Protection loans

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Republican Senators are demanding that the nation's largest abortion business return $80 million in coronavirus relief loans that its affiliates applied for and received despite their ineligibility.

Thirty-seven Planned Parenthood affiliates received Paycheck Protection Program loans even though the organization has over $2 billion in net assets and doesn't meet the qualifications for the program which was intended for small businesses.

Planned Parenthood, the nations largest abortion business, tried to defraud taxpayers during the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., said Wednesday. The Paycheck Protection Program is supposed to be a lifeline for small businesses, not a slush fund for Big Abortion. The administration needs to reclaim that money and fire the bureaucrats who signed off on this scam.

The reason why Planned Parenthood was ineligible to receive the loans is because affiliates of larger organizations with over 500 employees were not allowed to accept PPP funds, according to the Small Business Administration. The SBA wrote a letter to Planned Parenthood explaining that, in addition to mandatory repayment, "severe penalties" were possible, even criminal or civil sanctions, if the agency determined the group made knowingly false statements in its application.

There is no ambiguity in the legislation that passed or public record around its passage that organizations such as Planned Parenthood, whose parent organization has close to half a billion dollars in assets, is not eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said in a statement.

Those funds must be returned immediately. Furthermore, the SBA should open an investigation into how these loans were made in clear violation of the applicable affiliation rules and if Planned Parenthood, the banks, or staff at the SBA knowingly violated the law, all appropriate legal options should be pursued, he added.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., tweeted in response to the development that the funds must be recovered "and if anybody knowingly falsified applications, they need to be prosecuted."

Similarly, the Susan B. Anthony List, a pro-life political action committee that works to elect pro-life female politicians, said in a statement to The Christian Post on Wednesday that around the country the abortion giant has "refused to cease its abortion operation in the wake of the pandemic, hoarding personal protective equipment and putting its staff and women at risk.

"It is rich that they, in turn, feel entitled to taxpayer dollars meant to help businesses in need. After decades of feeding at the taxpayers trough while running the nations largest abortion operation, they have nearly $2 billion dollars in net assets. They should return this funding immediately. We thank President Trump for his strong commitment to stop taxpayer funding of abortion and abortionists like Planned Parenthood," the SBA-List said.

In August 2019, Planned Parenthood announced it was leaving the Title X federal family planning program over the Trump administrations Protect Life Rule that prevents clinics that receive Title X funds from referring patients for abortion.

An attempt to defund the organization entirely  a longtime goal of pro-life advocates  failed by one vote as part of an unsuccessful healthcare reform package in 2017, when the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., cast the deciding vote against the measure.

Amid state lockdown orders that forced businesses to close and scheduled surgeries to be canceled, Planned Parenthood argued that its abortion facilities provided "essential" services and should remain open during the coronavirus pandemic. In some conservative states, such as Texas, the clinics were temporarily closed, whereas in more liberal states, such as Illinois, the abortion clinics were allowed to remain open.
Whilst it may not be a huge deal, we thought it was good to see that the Silverlake Axis Ltd (SGX:5CP) Head of Strategic Digital Value Program, Yong Sin Kwong, recently bought S$57k worth of stock, for S$0.23 per share. However, it only increased their shares held by 1.2%, and it wasn't a huge purchase by absolute value, either.

Check out our latest analysis for Silverlake Axis

Silverlake Axis Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In fact, the recent purchase by Head of Strategic Digital Value Program Yong Sin Kwong was not their only acquisition of Silverlake Axis shares this year. Earlier in the year, they paid S$0.29 per share in a S$89k purchase. That means that even when the share price was higher than S$0.21 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company's future. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares is very important. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price.

In the last twelve months insiders purchased 1.25m shares for S$413k. On the other hand they divested 250000 shares, for S$84k. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by Silverlake Axis insiders. The average buy price was around S$0.33. These transactions suggest that insiders have considered the current price attractive. You can see the insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

SGX:5CP Recent Insider Trading May 24th 2020

Silverlake Axis is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Insider Ownership

Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. Insiders own 3.6% of Silverlake Axis shares, worth about S$20m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.

Story continues

So What Do The Silverlake Axis Insider Transactions Indicate?

It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchases. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. When combined with notable insider ownership, these factors suggest Silverlake Axis insiders are well aligned, and that they may think the share price is too low. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. In terms of investment risks, we've identified 2 warning signs with Silverlake Axis and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

Love or hate this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.
Nursing Homes Ireland has said the setting up of an expert panel on Covid-19 nursing home care is an appropriate step.

The panel will look at how well the measures brought in to protect residents in nursing homes have worked.

It comes as the latest figures show there have been 13 more Covid-19 deaths in the Republic and 76 new cases.

Minister for Health Simon Harris announced the establishment of a Covid-19 Nursing Home Expert Panel yesterday.

The decision comes following a recent National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) recommendation.

The panel will examine national and international measures in response to Covid-19, as well as emerging best practice to ensure all Covid-19 response measures are prepared for.

The Department of Health said this was in light of the expected ongoing Covid-19 risk and impact to nursing homes over the next six to 18 months.

The panel will report to the minister by the end of June 2020.

Nursing Homes Ireland Chief Executive, Tadhg Daly, is concerned over the high level of deaths in residential care settings:

Mr Daly said: "Well the 867, as I understand it, are in all care facilities - disability services, mental health services and indeed nursing homes - clearly that is very concerning.

"The nursing home sector is at the very front line. As a society, we were preparing for a surge at the acute hospitals, that didn't happen, and it happened ultimately in nursing homes sector."

There has been widespread concern over the number of deaths associated with residential care facilities, with more than 60% of all Covid-19 deaths in Ireland related to care homes.

Mr Harris said: Throughout the response to the pandemic there has been particular focus on the challenges in the nursing home sector and it has been and remains an absolute priority for me in the overall response to Covid-19.

We must continue to plan appropriately to meet the ongoing challenges of Covid-19 into the foreseeable future.

I believe that the establishment of a Covid-19 Nursing Home Expert Panel to examine and advise on these matters is a crucial aspect of good planning to support Irelands navigation through the Covid-19 landscape and ensure the best possible safeguards are in place to protect the many people who call nursing homes their home.

The expert panel will be chaired by Professor Cecily Kelleher, principal of the College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, UCD. Professor Kelleher will be joined by Professor Cillian Twomey (a retired geriatrician), Petrina Donnelly, group director of nursing, RCSI Hospital Group, and Bridget Doherty, representing the public interest.

Mr Harris added: I want to sincerely thank the experts for their willingness to undertake this important task and I look forward to working closely with them in the weeks ahead.

It is expected that the expert panel will commence its scoping work early next week.
Hyderabad, May 25 : Telangana police on Sunday reportedly cracked the mystery behind nine bodies recovered from a well in Warangal district with the arrest of four accused.

Main accused Sanjay Kumar Jha from Bihar and three others have confessed to killing the nine, all migrants from West Bengal, Bihar and Tripura.

They allegedly gave soft drinks laced with sedatives to the victims and threw them in the well.

Police sources said the accused were likely to be produced before media on Monday.

Bodies of Mohammed Maqsood Alam and four members of family were recovered from the well at Gorrekunta village near Warangal town on Thursday. The next day bodies of two more family members of Maqsood and two men from Bihar and one from Tripura were also found in the same well.

The dead were identified as Maqsood (55), a native of West Bengal working in gunny bag manufacturing unit in Warangal for last 20 years, his wife Nisha (48), daughter Bushra Khatoon (22), sons Shabaaz Alam (20), Sohail Alam (18) and Bushra's three-year-old son.

The bodies of Sriram Kumar Shah (26), Shyam Kumar Shah (21), both natives of Bihar and Mohammed Shakeel (40) of Tripura were also recovered from the well. They were all workers in the same gunny bag manufacturing unit.

Sanjay Kumar, also a worker in a gunny bag unit, allegedly was in relationship with Bushra, who had left her husband and was staying with her parents.

The main accused bore grudge against Maqsood's family as the relationship was stopped recently. Since two Bihari youth and another man from Tripura had moved closely to Maqsood's family, he planned to eliminate all with the help of two friends from Bihar and a local youth, who also had some grudge against the family.

They hatched a plan and executed it when Maqsood hosted a party at his house on the occasion of his son's birthday. They served soft drinks laced with sedatives to the victims and then dumped the bodies in a nearby open well.

Multiples teams formed by Warangal police made hectic efforts to gather evidence in the sensational case, which was proving to be a challenge for the investigators.

Bodies of all nine preserved after autopsy at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital (MGH) at Warangal.

The district officials said if nobody comes forward to claim the bodies, they will arrange the last rites.
By William Schwartz | Published on 2020/05/23

For all the way prison is romanticized in movies as being a cruel place where mean people brutalize each other in the name of power, and only the strongest survive, real-life prison is quite a bit duller than that. Fights are less about who gets to control the illicit internal drug trade and more over failing to properly apologize hard enough after bumping into somebody by accident. Pathetic luxuries like snack food which we on the outside take for granted are prized like precious metals.

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While structured like a typical prison movie, writer/director Kang Tae-ho focuses "King of Prison" around these generally pitiful stakes. What follows is a surprisingly subtle character study. The titular "King of Prison" played by Lee Sol-gu might be a veteran gangster but in the immediate sense he just wants to be left alone. He's predisposed to use force only when prisoners from other cell blocks try to bully his roommates.

Lee Sol-gu is outstanding in the lead role. Despite being a short fifty year old man with a thin moustache Lee Sol-gu exudes physical intimidation and charisma that could only ever possibly come from genuinely exhausted experience. The rest of the cast is similarly excellent. with small, tortured roles as men who are more than anything else just horribly bored. Their masculinity is sometimes cruel, yet also shines with moments of genuine camaraderie.

"King of Prison" is also impressively frank when it comes to sex. The shared prison cell where most of the action takes place is littered with random sexy pictures of women from a wide variety of sources. Sad sexual release is one way of relieving the tension. One particularly striking scene has a prisoner briefly meet his wife. We then quickly see how having such fleeting contact with the opposite sex over a long period of time has really warped the prisoners' minds.

Thus "King of Prison" frames prison life quite well for those on the outside, even as the main perspective character isn't really particularly important. This is appropriate, since the main thing he does is listen to the rules of prison. Respect others as much as yourself, in an environment where it's hard to even respect yourself. It's not that complicated, amusingly enough. The main villain is bad less because he's violent and more because he's just trying to stir up conflict for no reason instead of just quietly doing his time and avoiding unnecessary drama.

But in the unnecessary drama department, I was also impressed with the down and dirty fight choreography. It helps make Lee Sol-gu look like a legitimate action star, even as he deals with relatively realistic constraints and can't just quickly shrug off any punch. There's also plenty of nice comedic touches. The final throwdown is inconclusive due to the way it's awkwardly and repeatedly interrupted. There's whiffed punches, failed schemes, and when all else fails, tattling to the guards. Such goofily plausible elements have prominence in "King of Prison" that they do not have in other prison genre films.

Review by William Schwartz

___________

"King of Prison" is directed by Kang Tae-ho, and features Lee Sol-gu, Kang In-sung, Yoo Sang-jae, Lee Hyun-woong, Na Yoon-chan, Cho Myeong-yeon. Release date in Korea: 2020/05/14.
Turkey has entered the Eid al-Fitr celebrations on the second day of a four-day nationwide curfew on May 24, beginning May 22 midnight to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Hurriyet daily reports.

Although Turkey usually declares curfew at the weekends in the major cities, this one is covering all of the country for four days to include the Eid holiday which is marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Markets, grocery stores, greengrocers, and butchers were open on May 23, but they will be closed on May 24-26.

Also, bakeries will remain open during the rest of the curfew.

The first curfew was declared on April 11-12 and followed by others in the past weeks.
Corona India news and COVID-19 tracker: With airlines all set to resume flights from tomorrow, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued new guidelines on domestic and international travel. "I hope travellers strictly follow these self-regulatory norms and strengthen India's hands in this fight against COVID-19. Remember, each one of us is a soldier against the pandemic," Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said. According to the guidelines, asymptomatic domestic passengers will be permitted to go with the advice that they shall self-monitor their health for 14 days. In case, they develop any symptoms, they shall inform the district surveillance officer or the state/national call centre. Prescribed clinical protocol will be followed in case any domestic or international traveller shows symptoms of COVID-19. States can, however, develop their own protocol for quarantine and isolation as per their own assessment.

India reported its highest one-day jump in COVID-19 cases on Sunday with 6,797 more people getting the infection in the last 24 hours. 138 deaths were also recorded in the past 24 hours. The country's total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country jumped to 1,31,868, including 73,560 active cases, 54,440 recoveries, 1 migrated, and 3,867 deaths, according to the Union Health Ministry.

Also Read:Coronavirus: COVID-19 cases breach 1.30 lakh-mark; check state-wise tally, deaths

Also Read: No flights to and from Mumbai? Maharashtra govt opposes air operations starting May 25

Follow BusinessToday.In's live blog for the latest updates on the coronavirus crisis in India:-

9:00 PM: Coronavirus in Gujarat: 394 new cases reported in last 24 hours

As many as 394 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Gujarat, taking the total number of cases to 14,063 including 6412 cured/discharged and 858 deaths: Gujarat Health Department.

8:25 PM: West Bengal records 208 new cases, 3 deaths today

West Bengal reports 208 new COVID-19 confirmed cases and 3 deaths today. The total number of positive cases in the state rise to 3,667, including 2,203 active cases and 203 deaths: Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal.

8:00 PM: No domestic flight operations to begin in Kolkata from Monday

The West Bengal government has said that no domestic flight operations will begin in Kolkata from Monday, clarifying that flights will be allowed only from May 28 onwards, as per PTI report.

6: 55 PM: COVID-19 cluster of Italian tourists poses higher attack rate

COVID-19 cluster of 23 Italian tourists posed a higher attack rate of 65.4% than 2 other ships, says ICMR.

6:30 PM: Civil Aviation ministry calls meeting of airlines, airport operators ahead of domestic flight resumption

Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has called meeting of airlines and airport operators today on domestic flight resumption from 25 May, to discuss SOPs for States/UTs. The discussion is also for states which have requested not to resume operation.

6:00 PM: Visuals showing sanitisation process and other preparations underway at Goa Airport as domestic flights will resume operations from tomorrow in the country amid COVID-19 lockdown.

Goa: Sanitisation process and other preparations underway at Goa Airport as domestic flights will resume operations from tomorrow in the country amid #COVID19 lockdown. pic.twitter.com/FayvQ6I0VA  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

5.38 PM: Resumption of domestic flights will generate a requirement for hotels in order to facilitate the stay for travellers. Hence hotels should reopen with some conditions. We have also planned to begin the tourism industry step by step, says Karnataka Tourism Minister CT Ravi.

5.25 PM: Bank of Maharashtra has sanctioned loans amounting to Rs 2,789 crores under Agriculture, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Retail, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with almost 1 lakh beneficiaries between March 2020 and May 2020, says Bank of Maharashtra.

Bank of Maharashtra has sanctioned loans amounting to Rs 2789 crores under Agriculture, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Retail, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with almost 1 lakh beneficiaries between March 2020 and May 2020: Bank of Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/geO1o4g3ja  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

5.17 PM: Prepared to deal with the most anomalous situation, says Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

5.10 PM: More cases reported in Kerala

Number of active COVID-19 cases rises to 322 in Kerala, with 53 more people testing positive today.

5.04 PM: Job searches for remote work jump 377%

In wake of the coronavirus crisis, job searches for remote work in India have soared over 377 per cent during February to May, reveals a recent report. Not only this, even job seekers are ready to take a salary cut to have access to remote working options. According to employment-related search engine Indeed, job seekers are showing greater interest in working remotely, with a rise in search for terms like 'remote', 'work from home' and related phrases. During February to May 2020, searches for remote work have jumped over 377 per cent as a share of all searches on Indeed India, it said.

5.00 PM: Coronavirus cases in Uttarakhand

Fifty-four more people test positive for COVID-19 in Uttarakhand, taking total number of cases to 298 in the state.

4.45 PM: Coronavirus cases in Chandigarh

The total number of positive cases in Chandigarh is now 238 including 186 discharged cases. The death toll stands at 3.

Three more cases of COVID-19 in Ladakh. Now Ladakh has 9 active cases with 1 in Leh and 8 in Kargil district.

Three more cases of COVID-19 in Ladakh. Now Ladakh has 9 active cases with 1 in Leh and 8 in Kargil district.https://t.co/E2crIioLvipic.twitter.com/8wGYnbLiuc  DIPR Leh Ladakh (@DIPR_Leh) May 24, 2020

4.39 PM: Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine trial has 50% chance of success: Adrian Hill

University of Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine trial has only a 50 percent chance of success as the coronavirus seems to be fading rapidly in Britain, the professor co-leading the development of the vaccine told the Telegraph newspaper. Adrian Hill, director of Oxford's Jenner Institute, which has teamed up with drugmaker AstraZeneca Plc to develop the vaccine, said that an upcoming trial, involving 10,000 volunteers, threatened to return "no result" due to low transmission of COVID-19 in the community. "It's a race against the virus disappearing, and against time", Hill told the British newspaper. "At the moment, there's a 50 percent chance that we get no result at all." - Reuters

4.35 PM: Around 23 lakh people have been brought back to the state of Uttar Pradesh from different states, amid the coronavirus lockdown, says UP Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi.

4.30 PM: Mayawati slams BJP, Congress for migrant crisis

BSP chief Mayawati has slammed both the Congress and the BJP for migrant crisis. She said after independence, Congress stayed in power for long and ruled in many states. Mass migration from villages to big cities occurred under their reign as weaker sections of society including dalits, farmers and tribals found it hard to procure means of livelihood, she said. "The Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress both share equal responsibility for the current situation of the migrant workers. It would have been better if before announcing the COVID-19 lockdown, migrant workers would have been given some time and facilitated to their native places," says BSP chief Mayawati.

After Independence, Congress stayed in power for long and ruled in many states. Mass migration from villages to big cities occurred under their reign as weaker sections of society including Dalits, farmers&tribals found it hard to procure means of livelihood: BSP chief Mayawati pic.twitter.com/zi9dOK4pxp  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

4.18 PM: Three employees at Hyundai's Chennai plant test positive for COVID-19.

4.10 PM: Low-cost carrier Air Asia India starts bookings for 21 destinations ahead of resumption of domestic flight operations from Monday.

4.03 PM: COVID-19 tally breaches 2K mark in Karnataka

COVID-19 cases in Karnataka breached the 2,000 mark on Sunday with the detection of 97 cases, most of them returnees to the state from Maharashtra, the health department said. It said the total number of positive cases was now 2,056, including 634 discharges, 1,378 active cases and 42 deaths. Of the total number of cases, 73 had returned from Maharashtra and 41 among them were women.

3.56 PM: After row, UP govt withdraws order on cellphone use

The UP govt has withdrawn the order that banned the use of mobile phones by patients in isolation wards of L-2 and L-3 dedicated COVID-19 hospitals. The state govt had issued an order on Saturday banning use of mobile phones by patients in isolation wards.

UP govt withdraws the order that banned the use of mobile phones by patients in isolation wards of L-2 & L-3 dedicated #COVID19 hospitals.



The state govt had issued an order y'day banning use of mobile phones by patients in isolation wards of L-2 & L-3 #COVID19 hospitals. pic.twitter.com/7EA7fxB1xh  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 24, 2020

3.50 PM: MP Issues Travel Advisory

All passengers coming by flights will be scanned for COVID-19 on their arrival at the airport in Madhya Pradesh. If anyone is found symptomatic, they will be sent to quarantine and their samples will be collected for testing, says the Madhya Pradesh government.

3.39 pm: Tamil Nadu lockdown latest updates

Markets witness relatively low footfall in Chennai ahead of EidUlFitr as COVID-19 induced lockdown continues. A shopkeeper in Triplicane area says, "The sheen of Ramzan & Eid is missing this year. Our business is badly hit as sales have gone down".

Tamil Nadu: Markets witness relatively low footfall in Chennai ahead of #EidUlFitr as COVID-19 induced lockdown continues. A shopkeeper in Triplicane area says, "The sheen of Ramzan & Eid is missing this year. Our business is badly hit as sales have gone down". pic.twitter.com/MfDXL3nB7X  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

3.24 pm: Kerala issues exhaustive guidelines for domestic flights to the state

Issuing detailed guidelines for domestic flights to the Kerala, the state said that passengers travelling to Kerala must obtain digital passes by registering themselves in the COVID-19 jagratha portal. It added that travellers can use their own vehicle or rented ones to commute home, 14 days home quarantine is compulsory for all passengers coming to Kerala, in case, the LSGI (Local Self-Government Institutions) does not confirm the availability of proper home quarantine facility, the person will be shifted to an institutional quarantine.

3.15 pm: Andhra Pradesh coronavirus cases

State reports 66 fresh COVID-19 cases on Sunday taking its total count to 2,780, Andhra Pradesh health department said.

3.00 PM: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on COVID-19

"World will not be same again and China will not stop moving forward. COVID-19 has been an all around test on Chinese social system and governance capacity. China stood the test, displayed its national strength and shown itself to be a responsible major country."

2.50 PM: "Labour reforms do not mean abolition of labour laws. Rs 20 lakh crore COVID-19 economic stimulus package to revive aggregate demand," says Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar.

2.42 PM: A total of 52 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Rajasthan today. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 6,794, says the Rajasthan Health Department. - ANI

#COVID19 drives home once again that no country, no matter how strong it is, can insulate itself from a global challenge. The disaster wrecks havoc watching from an apparently safe distance & sitting idle will eventually backfire: Chiese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pic.twitter.com/F0CyDP8awf  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

2.34 PM: Hardeep Singh Puri: "Prescribed clinical protocol will be followed in case any domestic or international traveller shows symptoms of COVID-19. States can also develop their own protocol for quarantine and isolation as per their own assessment."

52 new COVID19 positive cases reported today; the total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 6794: Rajasthan Health Department pic.twitter.com/zNGMOM3Ebo  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

2.33 PM: Hardeep Singh Puri: "Only for exceptional & compelling reasons such as cases of human distress, pregnancy, death in family, serious illness & parent(s) accompanied by children below 10 yrs, as assessed by the receiving states, home quarantine may be permitted for international travellers for 14 days."

2.32 PM: Hardeep Singh Puri: "In case of international travellers, they shall give an undertaking that they would undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days including 7 days paid institutional quarantine at their own cost, followed by 7 days isolation at home with self-monitoring of health."

2.31 PM: Civil Aviation ministry issues new guidelines for travellers

Those found negative at airports to be allowed to go home and quarantine themselves for 7 days at home. According to the guidelines, asymptomatic domestic passengers will be permitted to go with the advice that they shall self-monitor their health for 14 days. In case, they develop any symptoms, they shall inform the district surveillance officer or the state/national call center.

2.30 PM: Uddhav Thackeray on resuming flights, opening of schools

"I have spoken to Hardeep Puri. I have told him that let us take stock of the situation, we want to open up. But, how the travellers will board and how will staff of airport commute...all this needs to be checked. We have also formed a group on how we can start the schools, we are looking at how education can restart and exams be taken. We are preparing for this."

2.22 PM: Further easing lockdown curbs, Tamil Nadu government allows 17 industrial estates in Chennai to resume work from Monday with conditions, including confining the workforce to 25 per cent and implementing safety measures.

2.18 PM: A flight carrying 132 Indians stranded in Muscat lands at Gaya airport in Bihar.

2.10 PM: Akhilesh slams the BJP over migrant crisis

'Government for everyone', it should not be a slogan but a resolution: Akhilesh to the Modi government.

Latest guidelines on domestic & international travel have been issued by @MoHFW_INDIA.



I hope travellers strictly follow these self-regulatory norms & strengthen India's hands in this fight against COVID19. Remember, each one of us is a soldier against the pandemic.@MoCA_GoIpic.twitter.com/xVbTG1K44n  Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) May 24, 2020

2.07 PM: Akhilesh on Yogi's decision to ban cellphones inside isolation wards

The Uttar Pradesh government's decision to prohibit coronavirus patients from using mobile phones inside isolation wards of hospitals has been put in place to hide "poor condition" of hospitals in the state, says Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

   -                       .              .



   ,        . #UnfitBJPpic.twitter.com/TSWnHaFjjl  Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 24, 2020

Health infrastructure should be ramped up to ensure preparedness for the next two months in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, government conveys to 11 municipal areas that have accounted for 70 per cent of the country's coronavirus case load.

1.53 PM: Coronavirus cases in Germany

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 431 to 178,281, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Sunday. The reported death toll rose by 31 to 8,247, the tally showed. - Reuters

1.45 PM: Medical insurance worth Rs 25 lakh for 11 sewadars

Free medical insurance of Rs 25 lakh has been provided to 11 sewadars performing langer sewa at Gurudwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh in Ludhiana's Model Town Extension, with the efforts of Punjab Youth Development Board Chairman Sukhwinder Singh Bindra.

                  .        .            ,    .           .  Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 24, 2020

1.30 PM: Ready for fight against coronavirus: Thackeray

"The fight against COVID-19 is going to be tougher now but there is no need to panic as we are prepared with extra health facilities," says Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Punjab: Free medical insurance of Rs 25 lakh has been provided to 11 sewadars performing langer sewa at Gurudwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh in Ludhiana's Model Town Extension, with the efforts of Punjab Youth Development Board Chairman Sukhwinder Singh Bindra. pic.twitter.com/uburF8EWUz  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

1.05 PM: Russia reports 9,434 new coronavirus cases

Russia said on Saturday that 9,434 new cases of the novel coronavirus had been reported in the last 24 hours, pushing its nationwide tally to 335,882. The country's coronavirus crisis response centre reported 139 new fatalities after a record of 150 deaths the day before, bringing the death toll to 3,388. - Reuters

12.53 PM: 14-day quarantine must for returnees in Odisha

The 14-day quarantine will be compulsorily for the returnees in Odisha. In rural areas, seven-day institutional and seven-day home quarantine. In urban areas, 14-day compulsory home quarantine, says the Odisha government.

CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray addressing the State https://t.co/YA14xh2GWf  CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) May 24, 2020

12.47 PM: Delhi resisters 508 new cases. As many as 6,267 people have recovered in Delhi, while 231 patients succumbed to the coronavirus disease

12.38 PM: Australia seeks exemption from UK quarantine

Australia, after bringing its coronavirus outbreak largely under control, said on Friday it is seeking an exemption from a requirement that travellers arriving in the UK quarantine for 14 days to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The British government is planning a 14-day quarantine for most people arriving in the country in the coming weeks to try to prevent a second peak of the pandemic, with details to be finalised next month. - Reuters

12.34 PM: Italy's daily coronavirus death toll dips

Italy recorded 119 new deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic on Saturday against 130 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases rose marginally to 669 from 652 on Friday. The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on Feb. 21 now stands at 32,735, the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain. - Reuters

12.30 PM: MLA distributes masks to newly-wed couples in Karnataka

BJP MLA MP Renukacharya distributes masks to three newly-wed couples in Honnali area of Davanagere. The state govt has allowed pre-scheduled wedding on Sundays (May 24 and May 31) when the state observes complete lockdown which has been induced by COVID-19 pandemic.

The 14-day quarantine will be compulsorily for the returnees in Odisha. In rural areas, 7-day institutional and 7-day home quarantine. In urban areas, 14-day compulsory home quarantine: Government of Odisha#COVID19pic.twitter.com/bqSkVWWwzF  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

12.23 PM: US tally reaches 1,595,885 cases, 96,002 deaths

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Saturday reported 1,595,885 cases of the new coronavirus, an increase of 24,268 cases from its previous count, and said the number of deaths had risen by 1,852 to 96,002. The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by the new coronavirus, as of 4 p.m. ET on May 22, compared with its count a day earlier. - Reuters

12.20 PM: INDIA COVID-19 TRACKER

The number of COVID-19 cases in India has now surged to 1,31,868, including 73,560 active cases, 54,440 recoveries, 1 migrated, and 3,867 deaths.

12.14 PM: Coronavirus cases in Rajasthan

Rajasthan reported 52 fresh positive cases of coronavirus and one more death, the state government said today. The tally in the state stand at 6,742, including 3,786 cured and 160 deaths.

12.05 PM: Coronavirus cases in Himachal

Hamirpur district reports another positive coronavirus case, a Delhi returnee who tested positive on Sunday. The district continues to have the highest number of novel coronavirus cases. The total cases in the state are 185, including 61 cured and 3 deaths.

11.57 AM: 87 more cops test positive Maharashtra

A total of 87 police personnel of the state found COVID-19 positive in last 24 hours taking total number of affected cops to 1,758 out of which 18 have died due to the virus and 673 have recovered.

Karnataka: BJP MLA MP Renukacharya distributes masks to three newly-wed couples in Honnali area of Davanagere. The state govt has allowed pre-scheduled wedding on Sundays (May 24 & May 31) when the state observes complete lockdown which has been induced by #COVID19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/VFlvidcfDN  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

11.45 AM: 132 people reach Gaya under Vande Bharat Mission

A total of 132 people reach Gaya in a Oman-Delhi-Gaya repatriation flight under Vande Bharat Mission. Gaya DM Abhishek Singh says: "Sixteen returnees hail from Jharkhand and we will send them to Ranchi by a bus. Rest of them will be sent to 14-day quarantine in Bodh Gaya."

Maharashtra: 87 police personnel of the state found COVID-19 positive in last 24 hours taking total number of affected cops to 1,758 out of which 18 have died due to the virus and 673 have recovered. pic.twitter.com/gnA4bLRgt9  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

11.35 AM: Yogi holds review meeting

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath holds a meeting with the senior govt officers over COVID-19 situation in the state. The coronavirus tally in the state has reached 6,017, included 3,406 cured and 155 deaths.

11.29 AM: Country will win over COVID-19: Naqvi

For the first time, we will offer prayer & celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr at home due to COVID-19 pandemic but that will not affect the festive spirit. We will pray that the country gets rid of COVID-19 at the earliest, says Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. -ANI

Bihar: 132 people reach Gaya in a Oman-Delhi-Gaya repatriation flight under #VandeBharatMission. Gaya DM Abhishek Singh says, "Sixteen returnees hail from Jharkhand & we will send them to Ranchi by a bus. Rest of them will be sent to 14-day quarantine in Bodh Gaya". pic.twitter.com/Y6UoUHjVl9  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

11.25 AM: Sanitisation drives at Delhi airport

Domestic flights to resume in the country from Monday, May 25. Sanitisation and preparations to ensure social distancing underway at Delhi's Terminal-3 from where flights will operate. - ANI

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath holds a meeting with the senior govt officers over #COVID19 situation in the state. pic.twitter.com/91NVfrglZQ  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 24, 2020

11.18 AM: Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane: In view of upsurge of cases in the state via railways, roadways and others, I will be meeting the Goa CM to brief him on the present status in order to curb the rising cases. We will be requesting him to implement stringent measures for passengers entering the state of Goa with a mandatory COVID-19 negative certificate that will be valid for 48 hours from the time of issue. We are going to unitedly fight this menace of COVID-19.

11.10 AM: Coronavirus cases in Goa

State Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane: A total of 11 passengers who arrived from Mumbai yesterday via Rajdhani express have reported positive on the TrueNat device. This brings the total number of active cases in the state of Goa to 50.

For the first time, we will offer prayer & celebrate #EidUlFitr at home due to #COVID19 pandemic but that will not affect the festive spirit. We will pray that the country gets rid of COVID-19 at the earliest: Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi pic.twitter.com/dVdusITj72  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

10.58 AM: Coronavirus cases in Odisha

The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Odisha now stands at 1,336, with 67 new positive cases reported yesterday.

10.53 AM: 93 Indians return to Indore from London. On Saturday, 2,441 more people returned on 15 flights from Jakarta, Toronto, Dubai, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney and Male.

10.44 AM: UP bans cellphone use in isolation wards

UP govt bans use of mobile phones by patients in isolation wards of L-2 & L-3 dedicated COVID-19 hospitals. The mobile phones of such patients needs to be submitted to the ward incharge of the COVID care centre so as to ensure mobile phone infection prevention norms.

Domestic flights to resume in the country from Monday, May 25; sanitisation and preparations to ensure social distancing underway at Delhi's Terminal-3 from where flights will operate. pic.twitter.com/06vAlBZa7W  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

10.40 AM: Senior doctor at AIIMS, Delhi, dies of COVID-19

A senior doctor at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) died of coronavirus on Saturday. The deceased, Dr Jitendra Nath Pande, was director and professor of the Pulmonology Department at AIIMS Delhi. Dr Pande and his wife tested positive for the infection on May 19, Tuesday with mild symptoms. AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria said that after the couple was detected with COVID-19 symptoms, they decided to remain under home isolation. However, on Saturday, Pande's wife was hospitalised after her health condition worsened.

Also read: Coronavirus: Senior doctor at AIIMS Delhi dies of COVID-19; wife hospitalised

10.35 AM: RML College dean tests positive

Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital medical college dean and the head of urology department has been tested positive for novel coronavirus.

10.25 AM:Highest single-day spike in U'khand

Uttarakhand sees its highest single-day spike of 92 COVID-19 cases, 55 of them from Nainital, state's tally reaches 244; death toll rises to two after woman succumbs to infection at AIIMS Rishikesh.

10.15 AM: PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry report on media

Media one of the most adversely affected sectors due to COVID-19 pandemic with significant decline in ad revenues, says a research report of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

10.12 AM: Jail inmates who are aged above 60 will be granted emergency parole in view of COVID-19 pandemic, says Delhi Prisons department.

10.06 AM: Chhattisgarh records biggest increase

Chhattisgarh records its biggest one-day increase in COVID-19 cases with 44 people testing positive, state's tally now 216, says health officials.

9.57 AM: Employee who tested positive stable: Maruti

An employee at the company's Manesar plant tested positive for COVID-19 on May 22. His last attendance at the plant was on May 15. The employee has been admitted to a hospital and his condition is stable, says Maruti Suzuki.

9.52 AM: People in Malapurram, Kerala, offer Eid-Ul-Fitr prayers at their homes as mosques remain closed for devotees, amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

Update:



11 passengers who arrived from mumbai yesterday via Rajdhani express have reported positive on the TrueNat device.



This brings the total number of active cases in the state of Goa to 50.  VishwajitRane (@visrane) May 24, 2020

9.51 AM: A total of 52 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Rajasthan in the past 24 hours. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 6794.

9.40 AM: Rani Chennamma Circle in Hubli, Karnatak, wears a deserted look as state-wide total lockdown has been imposed today, to contain the spread of COVID-19.

UP govt bans use of mobile phones by patients in isolation wards of L-2 & L-3 dedicated #COVID19 hospitals. The mobile phones of such patients needs to be submitted to the ward incharge of the COVID care centre so as to ensure mobile phone infection prevention norms. pic.twitter.com/uMAZWDmsVK  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 23, 2020

9.37 am: Delhi coronavirus news

Dean of Ram Manohar Lohia Medical College Hospital and head of Urology department tests COVID-19 positive.

9.28 am: Coronavirus deaths in India

The country recorded 138 deaths in the last 24 hours taking India's toll to 3,867, according to Union Health Ministry's update on Sunday.

9.15 am: Biggest 1-day spike in COVID-19 cases in India

The country recorded 6,797 fresh coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking India's tally past 1.31 lakh, as per the Union Health Ministry.

9.09 am: India's total COVID-19 cases cross 1.31 lakh

The total count of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country jumped to 1,31,868, including 73,560 active cases, 54,440 recoveries, 1 migrated, and 3,867 deaths, according to the Union Health Ministry.

9.03 am: West Bengal coronavirus lockdown news

State CM urges Centre to defer flight resumption from May 25 in view of cyclone Amphan

8.54 am: COVID-19 vaccine latest updates

Meanwhile, as Indian firms are in race to develop a Covid-19 vaccine, experts are of the opinion that research in India is still at an early stage. PM CARES Fund Trust has taken the decision to earmark Rs 100 crore assistance to coronavirus vaccine development measures.

8.45 am: Coronavirus cases in India

India's total count of confirmed COVID-19 cases currently stand at 1,25,101, including 69,597 active cases, 51,783 recoveries, 1 migrated, and 3,729 deaths, according to Union Health Ministry.

8.30 am: Maharashtra coronavirus lockdown: State govt opposed to flights' resumption from Monday

Maharashtra is opposed the Centre's announcement to resume flight operations from May 25. In a late-night tweet, state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh cautioned against the same making it clear that arranging adequate transport under the present circumstances would be difficult and would only add to the stress on the red zones.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-23 22:35:19|Editor: huaxia

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SHANGHAI, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Stefan Bott was pleased with and astonished at China's efficient governance during its fight against the COVID-19 epidemic and the quick business resumption in the country as the epidemic wanes.

The program director with Ventilation China under Vaillant Group, a global leader of high-efficiency heating, cooling and hot-water products and solutions, returned from China to Germany during the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday and worked in the German headquarters.

At the time he was concerned about his ongoing projects in China, while now he has witnessed on site the group's step forward in the evolving Chinese market.

Vaillant Group opened a new exhibition hall in east China's Anhui Province Tuesday and plans open another in southwest China's Sichuan Province by the end of this year, in a bid to get closer to its consumers.

"I came back to Shanghai as soon as the epidemic was well controlled in China," said Bott, adding that he hopes international business travel will resume soon so that he can reunite with his family.

The group's sales in China have returned to 80 percent of last year's sales in May, indicating the Chinese market's resilience amid the COVID-19 epidemic, according to Li Lintao, a sales director of Vaillant China's heating department.

Li said Vaillant remained confident in its development in the Chinese market despite the epidemic, adding that as China entered the phase of regular epidemic prevention and control, the company's investment plan in China will remain unchanged this year and it will increase the number of its sales staff by 15 percent to expand its business in China's third-tier and fourth-tier cities.

Shanghai, where Vaillant's China headquarters is located, saw rising foreign capital inflows totaling about 4.67 billion U.S. dollars during the first quarter of this year, up 4.5 percent year on year.

As part of China's continuing opening-up steps, the third China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be held in November as planned in Shanghai, offering further opportunities for foreign companies to get closer to the world's largest consumer market.

Europe-based Louis Dreyfus Company, one of the exhibitors who will attend the CIIE for the third time, has seen its facilities in China gradually resume full operations in line with the Chinese government's anti-virus measures.

"We highly appreciated China's efforts and achievements in fighting the epidemic, which allowed us to resume business in China rapidly and continue to fulfill our key role to keep customers and consumers supplied with essential food and feed products," said Nam-Ham Chai, head of industry for Asia at Louis Dreyfus Company.

"We hope China's experiences will help the world at large to get through this very challenging time," he said, noting that the company was confident about China's continued economic growth, and committed to investment and development in China.

The company is continuing to expand its presence in the country, most recently with investments in Shandong and Guangdong, to increase its oilseeds processing capacity and meet the country's growing demand for soybean products.
We recall that on the night of January 7-8, Boeing 737 passenger plane, which belonged to UIA, crashed near the Iranian capital. 176 people were on board, nine of whom were crew members. 11 Ukrainians were among the dead are. Iranians and Canadians are the most numerous victims.On Saturday morning, January 11, the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces announced that a missile launched by the military center of the Guards of the Islamic Revolution hit the Ukrainian Boeing 737 aircraft.
Soap opera fans will have to kiss goodbye to lip-locking sessions in their favourite shows as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

EastEnders and Emmerdale have employed a 'no snogs' policy and characters will be banned from kissing because of social distancing guidelines in place.

Although soaps have now stopped filming because of the crisis, they are due to start filming again next month but will be stopped from including kisses scenes.

Lip-lockdown: Soap fans will have to kiss goodbye to lip-locking sessions in their favourite shows as a result of the coronavirus crisis and lockdown (pictured is a steamy scene from Coronation Street)

According to The Mirror, steamy scenes won't be on the cards until a coronavirus vaccine is found or the virus is dealt with.

Emmerdale star Katherine Dow Blyton, who plays the vicar Harriet Finch, told the publication: 'We were supposed to have a big snog but we had to keep a distance and leave everything to the audiences imagination.

'I think this will be the norm when we go back.'

No snogging! Soaps have employed a 'no snogs' policy and characters will be banned from kissing because of social distancing guidelines. Pictured is a kiss from Channel 4's Brookside

Katherine, 55, engaged in a sexy scene with Mark Womack (who plays DI Mark Malone) but the racy scenes were left out of recording.

She added: 'This even spells the end of holdings hands.'

The first soap opera aired on British TV to resume filming was Neighbours, which started recording again last month.

Missing out: Katherine, 55, engaged in a sexy scene with Mark Womack, who plays DI Mark Malone, (pictured in a recent scene together) but the racy scenes were left out of recording
As protests continue to erupt in the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and across the world in outrage against the horrific shooting of Jacob Bla Read more
In the beginning, everyone was skeptical. But Elon Musk's SpaceX defied expectations -- and on Wednesday hopes to make history by ferrying two NASA astronauts into space, the first crewed flight from US soil in nine long years. US President Donald Trump will be among the spectators at Kennedy Space Center in Florida to witness the launch, which has been given the green light despite months of shutdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic. The general public, in a nod to virus restrictions, has been told to watch via a livestream as Crew Dragon is launched by a Falcon 9 rocket toward the International Space Station. NASA's Commercial Crew program, aimed at developing private spacecraft to transport American astronauts in to space, began under Barack Obama. But his successor sees it as a symbol of his strategy to reassert American domination of space, both military -- with his creation of the Space Force -- and civilian. He has ordered NASA to return to the moon in 2024, an unlikely timetable but one that has given the storied space agency a boost. In the 22 years since the first components of the ISS were launched, only spacecraft developed by NASA and by the Russian space agency have carried crews there. NASA used the illustrious shuttle program -- huge, extremely complex, winged ships that carried dozens of astronauts into space for three decades. But their staggering cost -- $200 billion for 135 flights -- and two fatal accidents finally put an end to the program. The last shuttle, Atlantis, landed on July 21, 2011. After, NASA astronauts learned Russian and travelled to the ISS in the Russian Soyuz rocket from Kazakhstan, in a partnership which survived political tensions between Washington and Moscow. But it was only ever meant to be a temporary arrangement. NASA had entrusted two private companies -- aviation giant Boeing and upstart SpaceX -- with the task of designing and building capsules that would replace the shuttles. Nine years later, SpaceX -- founded by Musk, the outspoken South African entrepreneur who also built PayPal and Tesla, in 2002 -- is ready to launch. - 'Success story' - At 4:33 pm (2033 GMT) on Wednesday, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to take off from Launch Pad 39A with the Crew Dragon capsule at its top. NASA has awarded SpaceX more than $3 billion in contracts since 2011 to build the spacecraft. The capsule will be crewed by Robert Behnken, 49, and Douglas Hurley, 53, both veteran space travelers -- Hurley piloted Atlantis on its last trip. Nineteen hours later they will dock at the ISS, where two Russians and an American are waiting for them. The weather forecast remains unfavorable, with a 60 percent chance of bad conditions, according to Cape Canaveral forecasters. The next launch window is Saturday, May 30. The launch has taken five years longer than planned to come about, but even with the delays SpaceX has beaten Boeing to the punch. Boeing's test flight of its Starliner failed due to serious software issues, and will have to be redone. "It's been a real success story," Scott Hubbard, former director of NASA's Ames Center in Silicon Valley who now teaches at Stanford, told AFP. "There was huge skepticism," Hubbard, who met Musk before the creation of SpaceX and also chairs a SpaceX safety advisory panel, recalled. "Senior people at the legacy companies, Lockheed, Boeing, would tell me at a conference that these SpaceX guys don't know what they don't know," he told AFP. SpaceX finally came out on top with its cheaper Falcon 9 rocket, the first stage of which comes back to land vertically on a barge in the Atlantic. Since 2012, SpaceX has been resupplying the ISS for NASA, thanks to the cargo version of the Dragon capsule. The manned mission, called Demo-2, is crucial for Washington in two ways. The first is to break NASA's dependence on the Russians. But the second is to catalyze a private "low Earth orbit" market open to tourists and businesses. "We envision a day in the future where we have a dozen space stations in low Earth orbit. All operated by commercial industry," said NASA boss Jim Bridenstine. Musk is aiming higher: he is building a huge rocket, Starship, to circumnavigate the Moon -- or even to travel to Mars and ultimately make humanity a "multi-planet species". The Crew Dragon spacecraft and the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket are pictured at Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 21, 2020 Douglas Hurley, left, and Robert Behnken, wearing SpaceX spacesuits, are seen as they depart for Launch Pad 39A on May 23, 2020 during a dress rehearsal prior to the mission launch, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft onboard at Launch Pad 39A during a brief static fire test on May 22, 2020, ahead of Wednesday's mission -- the first crewed flight from US soil into space since 2011 SpaceX has confounded expectations with its space craft, built using more than $3 billion of NASA contracts Elon Musk, fondateur de SpaceX, le 10 octobre 2019 au sige de sa socit  Hawthorne (Californie) SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule dimensions and features
By Thomas Brostrom, Mark Goodwin, Logan Landry, John Zahurancik

Brostrom is the president of Orsted North America, based in Boston, Massachusetts. Goodwin is the president and chief executive officer of Apex Clean Energy, based in Charlottesville. Landry is the chief executive officer of Sigora Solar, based in Richmond and Charlottesville. Zahurancik is the chief operating officer of Fluence, an energy storage company based in Arlington.

Nearly 17 million Americans are now unemployed because of the economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic. No state is immune from the devastation created by this virus, including Virginia. Just like it is taking all of us to unite to defeat the virus, we will all have to come together to rebuild the Commonwealths economy.

During the recent legislative session, the General Assembly passed the Virginia Clean Economy Act, a vision for growing our states economy, creating jobs, and fighting climate change all rolled into one. Little did they know that vision could soon become a lifeline for Virginians in need of work  one that is estimated to create 13,000 jobs a year.

As executives in companies that create well-paying jobs, we know that putting Virginias wind, solar, and energy storage resources to work was a smart move by the General Assembly and governor. That investment will play a key part in rebuilding the commonwealths economy, and we are eager to be a part of that.

Clean energy has for years been one of the fastest-growing sectors in Virginias economy. As of the start of 2020, more than 101,000 people were employed in advanced energy across the commonwealth. This represents twenty times more than those employed coal and more than twice as many jobs as in real estate,  tens of thousands of jobs at risk unless policymakers move quickly to shore up this sector.

In light of these important economic contributions, we are thrilled that Gov. Northam signed the VCEA and rejected calls by entrenched interests to delay its implementation.

Gov. Northam rightly rejected their discredited claims that clean air, affordable energy, and economic progress cannot coincide. The truth is, not only can we rebuild Virginias economy while benefiting the environment; such clean energy investments are one of Virginias best opportunities for long-term job growth and investment.

The legislators and Gov. Northam didnt know this terrible pandemic before they started working for Virginias clean energy economy, but they were smart enough to know that the economic and health benefits to our communities were too big, too important, to ignore.

They also were aware that  unlike the extremely volatile price swings of fossil fuels  solar, energy storage, energy efficiency and wind energy are price-stable and cost-effective. Thats why governments and Fortune 500 companies alike are seeking clean energy sources for their needs. Low-cost, clean energy also makes great economic sense for Virginias families, who are using more electricity than before as they spend more time at home.

As with any economic slowdown, theres a temporary dip in energy use across commercial and industrial sectors. Demand has fallen in all markets as stay-at-home orders have closed businesses and likely caused a global recession. Loads have declined 5% to 15% with significant regional variation according to the Rocky Mountain Institute. When the economy recovers, and energy demand rises, Virginia needs to be ready to supply the demand with efficient, affordable, clean energy.

Our state legislators were right to support clean energy in the last session of Virginias General Assembly, and they should continue to do so. But largely, the baton has been passed to us, the businesses that will help implement the VCEA in a cost-effective manner that will bring multiple benefits to the commonwealth and will put Virginia on the leading edge of an economic recovery.

The bottom line is that the Virginia Clean Economy Act and renewable energy make sense for our commonwealth. Its the clean, low-cost and efficient path to economic recovery and healthy communities. It made sense before the coronavirus, and it makes even more sense today.
The Reverend Kennedy Okosun, Executive Chairman of Krif Ghana Limited, says COVID-19 has created grounds for many organisations to be the target of hostile measures and have to brace for the possibility of takeovers.



There might be critical unanswered questions rummaging through the minds of many, especially corporate leaders as we move into a period of a new normal under COVID-19. Our culture, corporate behaviour and organisational output are going to be affected, whether we like it or not.



Organisations will never go back to doing business as usual, or doing business the way they know best. All must embrace change; that change may be negative or positive depending on how we adapt to the prevailing exigencies of COVID-19.



Rev. Okosun said this at the maiden edition of Webinars organised by Integrity Magazine, a subsidiary of Krif Ghana Limited, on the theme: Effects of COVID-19 on Good Corporate Governance in Ghana.



He said the webinar served as a platform to inform and educate businesses on the next strategic steps to take as business leaders in order to sail through the Coronavirus crisis with minimal losses.



Speaking on the effects of the pandemic on companies, Rev. Okosun explained that; Given the unexpected, and extremely rapid, onset of the COVID-19 crisis, most companies did not foresee the dramatic slowdown of the global economy.



There are questions to ask and very far reaching decisions to make during this pandemic, with respect to the liquidity and capital considerations of companies.



Rev. Okosun, also the Publisher of the Integrity Magazine, said understanding the impact of the crisis on the companies cash flow was a very difficult decision on upcoming maturities of outstanding account payables that needed to be settled and the likelihood that financial covenants would be maintained.



On the effect of the COVID-19 on corporate governance, he said corporate governance might not be the obvious focus during this crisis for some entities albeit it is during these moments that leadership and management structures are tested and exposed for their strengths and or weaknesses.



Mr Michael Osikoya, the Chief Executive Officer of Mikensy Consulting Limited, who examined the effects of COVID-19 on various stakeholders, said; Just as we are recording human fatality, we may not be able to account for the number of businesses that suffer similar fatality from the hands of the pandemic.



He identified tourism and leisure, aviation and maritime, automotive, construction, real estate, manufacturing, and academia as sectors, which had been affected badly by the pandemic.



He, however, said the medical supply and services chain, food processing and retail, personal and healthcare, ICT, e-commerce and agriculture sectors had actually gained during this season.



Mr Osikoya said the Government had been affected adversely by this virus because it had had to provide various stimulus packages and dole out free cash to support various stakeholders, interest groups, businesses and the vulnerable.



He stated that government had lost income from taxes and had to borrow to re-inflate the economy, noting that some hard decisions had to be taken that was not palatable for the economy such as the closure of airports and other entry points.



Mr Osikoya suggested that business leaders and stakeholders should enter into a restart mode to get out of the challenges imposed by the virus.



The webinar brought together leaders from various organisations in the corporate environment in Ghana. The next webinar is slated for Tuesday, June 2, 2020, which would focus on the banking sector.



The series will run for the next six weeks.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Congress on Saturday released a video of an interaction between former party chief Rahul Gandhi and a group of migrant workers who were walking back to their village in Uttar Pradesh from Haryana during the lockdown.

The interaction took place on May 16 near the Sukhdev Vihar flyover in New Delhi. The workers were on their way from Ambala to Jhansi, a distance of about 600 km. Gandhi met them when they stopped to rest, after walking over 100 km.

In the 17-minute video, Gandhi is seen sitting on a footpath with the migrants.

For almost an hour, he listened to their story, their hardships and the reasons for deciding to flee their workplace and why they were forced to walk home, and also their fears, and aspirations, the Congress said.

At the request of the group, Gandhi and Congress volunteers organised transport and the necessary permits to get them back to their village,the party added.

In the video, Mahesh Kumar, a migrant worker, tells :We are helpless. What can we do? We have to walk.

Another construction worker and his family members tell Gandhi that they would have left for their homes had there been prior information about the lockdown

The workers remained non-committal about returning to their work places.

Gandhi concluded the video with a message :My brother and sisters, you are the strength of this country, you carry the burden of this country on your shoulders. The entire country wants justice (nyay) for you.

The BJP reacted sharply to the documentary.

Rahul Gandhi has been indulging in camera politics by visiting and speaking to migrants in non-Congress ruled states. He has not given them any relief but indulges in misery politics, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said.From Ambala in Haryana, Rajasthan (ruled bythe Congress) is only a few km away. He would have heard woes of migrants in Rajasthan had he ventured there. Alas, Rahul is only interested in politics and not helping migrants.
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has announced that more students will be allowed to return to university campuses and residences under alert level 3.

Nzimande said his department has been working hard during this month of May towards saving the academic year whilst saving lives.

He said all public universities have developed strategies for remote multi-modal teaching and learning during the period of the current lockdown to be implemented from 1 June.

Each institution has committed to ensuring that all students are given a fair opportunity to complete the academic year 2020, he said.

To address the cost of connectivity, which remains a huge barrier for students who want to use the digital learning, a deal with mobile operators has been struck.

NSFAS students will receive 10GB daytime and 20GB night-time data for three months, starting from 1 June till end of August, which is subsidised by the government.

In weeks to come, we will give detailed information on how to access these offers, said Nzimande.

He acknowledged that students who fall within the so-called missing middle category, as well as students in private institutions, also need support in accessing data for their online learning.

The government is, however, not in a position to subsidize them.

We appeal to MNOs to work with institutions to also offer affordable packages to such students, he said.

Level 4 versus Level 3

Under level 4 of the lockdown, the controlled return of final year students in programmes requiring clinical training were allowed.

This started with medicine (MBChB) and will be followed in a phased approach of other programmes, such as nursing, dental, and veterinary sciences.

Medical students have been returning to clinical training platforms from 11 May, and final year students in other programmes requiring clinical training will start returning from 1 June 2020.

All other students are supported through remote multimodal teaching, learning and assessment until they can return to campus.

Under level 3 more students will be able to return to university campuses, but under very strict conditions.

A maximum of 33% of the student population will be allowed to return to campuses, delivery sites and residences on condition that they can be safely accommodated and supported. This will include the following cohorts:

All groups that have already returned during alert level 4.

Students in the final year of their programmes, who are on a path to graduating in 2020 may return.

Final year students who require access to laboratories, technical equipment, data, connectivity and access to residence and private accommodation should return.

Students in all years of study that require clinical training in their programmes.

Post Graduate students who require laboratory equipment and other technical equipment to undertake their studies.

In addition to the above, institutions may also consider selected return of other categories of students to residences who may face extreme difficulties in their home learning environments.

When a district moves to Level 3 of the strategy, then the reintegration of the next group of students to return to campuses located in that district will take place, said Nzimande.

Students will be given two to three weeks to return to campus. For example, if level 3 begins on 1 June 2020, then institutions will recall students to start their contact tuition two to three weeks after the announcement.

Under level 2, a maximum of 66% of the student population will return to campus for teaching, learning and assessment in line with the following criteria:

All groups that have already returned.

Students in all years of study who require laboratory and technical equipment to complete the academic year.

Students in all years of study who require practical placements/ experiential learning/ work place-based learning to complete the academic year.

First year students in all undergraduate programmes.

Under level 1, it is expected that 100% of the student population should return to campus.

Under level 2 and level 1 students must again be given two to three weeks to return to campus to start their tuition.

Now read: Metros could stay at level 4 while rest of South Africa moves to level 3 lockdown
North Korean leader DailyNK

The DPRK leadership seeks to increase the nuclear power of its army and, at an expanded meeting, considered new policy directions to further increase nuclear deterrence, as well as to bring strategic forces to high alert. Deutsche Welle reports it with reference to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The meeting participants also discussed measures to significantly increase the firepower of artillery of the Korean Peoples Army.

According to the KCNA, DPRK leader Kim Jong-un was personally present at the event. The agency published his pictures taken, allegedly during the meeting. There is no confirmation of this information from other independent sources.

As we reported before, on May 3, a shootout occurred on the border between North and South Korea.

At 7:41 a.m. local time, several shots were fired from the direction of North Korea in the direction of the South Korean guard post, which borders the DPRK. South Korea responded with two shots in the direction of North Korea. No one was injured in the incident. Tensions between the two countries intensified the day after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made himself felt after an almost three-week absence from the public eye.
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) London, United Kingdom  Sun, May 24, 2020 07:09 606 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd9d47d1 2 Environment Britain,United-Kingdom,swan,animals,royals,coronavirus,COVID-19,census Free

An annual swan census on the River Thames in southeast England, a royal tradition dating back to the 12th century, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus, press reports said Sunday.

The so-called Swan Upping, which involves measuring, weighing and checking swans on a stretch of the waterway between Surrey and Oxfordshire, is usually conducted over five days in July.

The spectacle, which involves so-called Royal Swan Uppers in scarlet uniforms on traditional rowing skiffs, draws crowds along the riverbank with many schools typically invited to meet the Swan Uppers during their journey.

It is a regal affair because Queen Elizabeth II owns all Britain's unmarked swans, in a custom dating back to 1186 which spawned the annual count.

However several Sunday newspapers said it had been decided that it cannot take place safely this year while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Buckingham Palace, which is expected to make an announcement in the coming week, declined to confirm the reports.

"Swan Upping was due to take place on (the) 13th - 17th July, between Sunbury-on-Thames and Abingdon in Oxfordshire," a palace spokesman told AFP.

Read also: Britain's Queen Elizabeth invokes wartime spirit to 'never despair'

"It is led by The Queen's Swan Marker, David Barber.

"The Queen's Swan Marker is working on a daily basis with the Thames Swan Rescue Organisation to continue overseeing swan welfare as usual."

The event was last cancelled in 2012 due to flooding, the Daily Telegraph noted.

Swans were an important source of food when the census first started, but it has been continued today for wildlife conservation and education purposes.

"Swan Upping plays an important role in the conservation of the mute swan," said the website royalswan.co.uk, which is dedicated to the census.

"Cygnets are extremely vulnerable at this early stage in their development and Swan Upping affords an opportunity to help both adults and cygnets that might otherwise go untreated."
It would appear that there is no respite yet for Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State after the Kogi State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal siting in Abuja, on Saturday, upheld the election of Bello in its judgement. It was a narrow escape for Governor Bello as his election was upheld by two of the three judges of the tribunal; while a dissenting judgment annulled Bellos election.

Governor Bello, however, may be facing more troubles as Musa Wada, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 16, 2019, governorship election in Kogi State, vowed to appeal the judgment of the election tribunal on Saturday. The rejection of the tribunals judgment by Musa Wada created fresh uncertainty over the victory of Governor Bello in the controversial election in which the PDP Women Leader was murdered in cold blood on the election day in Kogi.

Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Kashim Kaigama, reading the judgment upheld by two judges with one dissenting judgment, said the tribunal held that the petitioner had failed to prove the allegations of over-voting, massive thumb printing, voter intimidation, and other electoral malpractices.

The tribunal also awarded a cost of N1 million against the petitioners, PDP and Musa Wada, to be paid to the INEC, Yahaya Bello and APC, the respondents.

However, in a dissenting judgment, Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele annulled the election of Governor Yahaya Bello and ordered INEC to conduct fresh elections in seven local government areas where the petitioners proved their allegations of over-voting, thuggery, voter intimidation, massive thumb printing, and other electoral malpractices.

The dissenting judgment was upheld by many stakeholders in Kogi State as clear representation of the fraud and flaws of the November 16, 2019, governorship election, including the senatorial election in Kogi State. The two judgement will be tested at the Court of Appeal. Governor Bello may be facing the second phase of uncertainty when the case proceeds to the Court of Appeal.
Kerala Chief Minister



Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday turned 75, but it was a quiet birthday for him as he continued with official work and COVID-19 related matters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, actor turned politician Kamal Haasan and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal greeted the Chief Minister.

In a tweet, Modi extended his birthday greetings to the Chief Minister, wishing him good health.

"Birthday wishes to Kerala CM Shri @vijayanpinarayi Ji on his birthday. May he be blessed with good health and a long life," the Prime Minister tweeted.

Gadkari also took to twitter to greet Vijayan.

"Birthday greetings to Chief Minister of Kerala Shri @vijayanpinarayiJi," he said.

Mohanlal did likewise, tweeting "Birthday wishes to our Honourable Chief Minister, Shri @vijayanpinarayisir".

Kamal Haasan took to Twitter and mentioned the CPI(M) leader's speech at the Kerala Assembly in 1977, holding up his bloodstained shirt.

Vijayan, along with other party leaders, was arrested and taken into custody on September 28, 1975 during the Emergency and reportedly beaten up.

Upon his release two years later, Vijayan rushed to the state legislative assembly with his bloodied shirt from that day and spoke against the state's "excesses."



"Then, he created a storm by talking with a bloodstained shirt. Now he has made his state the object of adulation in the country.

The CM of Kerala emphasised our bond, calling us brothers, keeping the borders open. Our Heartfelt birthday wishes to our comrade @vijayanpinarayi," Kamal Haasan tweeted.

Meanwhile, a senior official at the Chief Minister's Office said Vijayan continued with official work and evaluating the COVID-19 situation



"Comrade has never held any celebrations on his birthday.

Today is no different.

He evaluated the COVID-19 situation and was checking office files at his residence, the Cliff House, here," the official told PTI.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Fear of contracting the dreaded coronavirus has led to two deaths in two separate incidents in Karnataka, officials said.

In the first instance a father-son duo N Anthony (70) and Francis Rego (42) of Ramanbail village of Sirsi taluk in Uttara Kannada district who were both suffering from cough and breathing issues decided to take a native herbal medicine as they were apprehensive that a conventional medical doctor might ask them to get checked for Covid-19. After consuming the herbal concoction Francis Rego died and his father who was rushed to Sirsi government hospital is battling for his life.

Sirsi police who have registered a case said that they are investigating and getting details of what the two men had drunk and on whose advice.

In a separate incident a 53-year old native of Koppa in Chikmagalur who was sent to a quarantine centre on May 20, after he displayed fever and cough hung himself in the toilet of the building in the early hours of Sunday fearing he had Covid-19. The results of his throat swab test which came a few hours later in the morning indicated that he did not have the virus. His body has been shifted to the district government hospital for post-mortem and authorities said that they are investigating the matter.

Meanwhile, Karnataka continued to record a high number of Covid-19 cases with 130 more being registered on Sunday, even as the state observed curfew-like conditions with very little movement of traffic. The government has said that till the end of May all businesses and non-essential services will be shut on Sundays to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission.

The state has recorded 2,089 Covid-19 cases so far which include 42 deaths and 654 recoveries. A large number of cases have been attributed to migrants returning to the state primarily from Maharashtra.

Interestingly Mandya district in Southern Karnataka with 226 active cases has overtaken the capital city Bangalore which has 127 active cases. The state, therefore, has made it mandatory for all inter-state travellers to compulsorily undergo a 14-day quarantine.

There were subdued Eid celebrations in coastal Karnataka which observed the festival on Sunday while other parts of the state will observe it on Monday.

Prayers were offered at homes with no congregations at any of the major mosques across the coastal belt.
A woman sits near a pot of flowers with lush red blooms. A wide swath of sunlight streams into the room, bathing the plant in brightness. We cant read the womans expression as she gazes toward a window, but the artwork is called Renewal, so wed like to think shes feeling optimistic.

Stamford artist Bruce Horan included just a few elements in his oil painting, yet this picture speaks volumes  especially when considering the state of the world. Renewal is among the thought-provoking works in The Maritime Garage Gallerys new virtual exhibit, Strength Through Unity.

Curator Robert Abriola says this is the gallerys first virtual show, a change forced by coronavirus concerns. Artists are encouraged to enter pieces depicting the unity and strength of humanity, given the pandemic.

Ive always been a fan of Bruces work but this piece in particular is very powerful, Abriola said, of Horans painting. The theme and composition show an individual who is sitting in solitude next to a beacon of light shining on beautiful flowers. The flowers represent strength, renewal and the spirit of hope.

Creative, inspiring images featured in Strength Through Unity will remain online through June 30, and the exhibit continues to grow; submissions will be considered through June 15. You can view this evolving show on The Maritime Garage Gallerys social media sites @maritimegaragegallery See Facebook and Instagram.

Virtual online shows are not new in the arts industry, but have become much more prevalent given the current situation with the global pandemic, says Abriola, a Norwalk-based artist. We wanted to continue our efforts by providing inspiring art to the community...

The gallerys last show, Seeds of Peace, featured works embracing harmony, tranquility and generosity. Abriola says he hopes this new exhibit expresses the idea that we will come through this... together. He shared more via email.

Q: The guidelines ask artists to explore the unity and strength of humanity in this unprecedented time. What led you to this theme?

A: I created the concept ... based on how the spirit and willpower of humanity can rise together to overcome this challenge. Art is a very powerful medium and is part of our culture. Culture is everywhere and art inspires us all because it can provide mankind with imaginative links to parts of ourselves...

Q: But did something specific inspire it?

A: There wasnt any one thing in particular that inspired the art shows theme. The pandemic has impacted the entire world and will inevitably change the way we live forever. The willpower of the human spirit is stronger than any other force... I believe we all have a responsibility to the world and making it a better place.

As an artist, I feel an even greater responsibility to this, as our artwork often represents a visual journal of life. Artwork is powerful and can influence hearts and minds to ultimately drive behavior and change. The brush is mightier than the sword.

Q: Can you share more about the Maritime Garage Gallery?

A: On average, we run three shows a year ... and feature artists from the surrounding area. But since our call for entries is national, its not uncommon for us to receive submissions from artists outside of Connecticut as well. We currently have a call for entries running for our spring show, titled DeFACEment, which is themed for portraiture work. The DeFACEment show is being moved to a later date this year due to the pandemic, and weve replaced it with our online gallery show, Strength Through Unity.

The Maritime Garage Gallery is across from the Maritime Aquarium and features juried art shows and community exhibits. This collaboration of the Norwalk Parking Authority and the Norwalk Arts Commission is part of a broad effort to support the arts, making Norwalk a more vibrant destination.

Q: Whats your background?

A: My background and passion has always been in the visual arts. I hold a bachelors degree in studio art and worked in the creative industry for 37 years as an art director. I'm best known for my work in the music industry where I was creative director at EMI Universal Music.

I create my artwork in my studio at the Oakwood Estate mansion as a member of the St. Philip Artists Guild (SPAG) in Norwalk. I strive to be active in the local art community and serve as a voting member on the Norwalk Arts Commission.

(Aside from being The Maritime Garage Gallerys curator, Abriola is also a steering committee member at the St. Philip Artists Guild, and a visiting professor at Norwalk Community College and The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC.)

Positive images are sought for Strength Through Unity  artworks suggesting kindness, support and togetherness. All mediums are accepted and theres no fee to submit a piece for consideration. The email is maritimegallery@norwalkpark.org)

lkoonz@newstimes.com; Twitter: @LindaTKoonz
The police here have registered a case of abetment to suicide against unidentified people after the SHO of Churu district's Rajgarh Police Station ended his life by hanging himself, an official said on Sunday.

The body of inspector Vishnu Dutt Vishnoi was handed over to family members after post-mortem on Sunday. The family has taken the mortal remains to Sriganganagar for the last rites.

On the basis of a suicide note and allegations of family members that Vishnoi was under pressure, a case under section 306 of IPC (abetment to suicide) was registered late on Saturday night at the Rajgarh Police Station.

Vishnoi's relatives were promised a judicial inquiry into the matter and a government job to a family member on compassionate grounds.

The staff of Rajgarh Police Station gave a written application to Inspector General of Bikaner range Jose Mohan requesting him to transfer them elsewhere due to the pressure created by local Congress MLA Krishna Poonia, who keeps lodging unnecessary complaints against them to senior police officials.

BJP leaders including deputy leader of opposition Rajendra Rathore and others have accused Poonia of pressuring Vishnoi.

The Congress legislator could not be reached for comments over the issue.

Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police, Churu Tejaswini Gautam said that she was talking to the staff of Rajgarh Police Station to ascertain the facts.

I am talking individually to all staffers to ascertain the facts. Some have said that it was an emotional decision to sign the application, she said. The SP said that the SHO's family has been assured that the collector will refer the matter for a judicial inquiry to the state government and a family member will be given government job on compassionate grounds despite the cause of death being suicide. The family members were pacified. The body was handed over to the family members after post-mortem today, she said. The SHO was found hanging from the ceiling in his quarter on Saturday morning.

He left two suicide notes, one addressed to his parents and the other addressed to SP, Churu.

In the suicide note addressed to SP, Churu, he said he was not able to bear the pressure which was created around him.

He said that he tried to give his best to Rajasthan Police and that he was not a coward but could not bear the stress anymore.

He, however, did not hold anyone responsible for taking the extreme step.

As soon as the of his suicide spread on Saturday, a large number of locals assembled outside the police station while BJP leaders, who too reached the spot, blamed the local Congress MLA.

A screenshot of a purported WhatsApp chat between Vishnoi and his activist friend went viral on Saturday wherein the SHO revealed that he was trapped in dirty politics.

Vishnoi was one of the top inspectors of Rajasthan Police and was popular in his department and among general public for his work and honesty.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
More than 1,000 demonstrators joined together in the Belarusian capital on May 24 to oppose another term for longtime President Alyaksandr Lukshenka in one of the biggest protests of the year in that country.

The challenge against a sixth term for Lukashenka comes less than three months before an election and with outside groups warning of a roundup and other measures to clamp down on dissent in the post-Soviet country of around 9 million.

The demonstration was reportedly organized jointly by Mikalay Statkevich -- a former presidential challenger whose candidacy for the August 9 presidential election was rejected last week -- and opposition blogger Syarhey Tsikhanouski, who was recently jailed over an "unsanctioned mass gathering" and whose candidacy was also nixed by authorities.

Some of the attendees signed up to back the candidacy of Tsikhanouski's wife, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

Many of those who turned up near the Kamarouski market in downtown Minsk on May 24 wore masks and physically distanced in an apparent riposte to Lukashenka's public rejection of the COVID-19 pandemic as a "psychosis," despite climbing infection and death tolls in Belarus.

GALLERY: Belarusians Protest Against Lukashenka's Run For Sixth Term As President (CLICK TO VIEW)

Police, accustomed to shutting down gatherings of government critics on the slightest pretext, did not intervene.

Belarus, which has reported more than 36,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including an improbably low 199 deaths, hasn't ordered a lockdown.

It bucked other countries' cancellation of major sporting competitions and even of gatherings earlier this month to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, instead holding a military-style parade attended by thousands of spectators.

None of the elections since Lukashenka took power in 1994 has been deemed free or fair by Western standards.

Belarus abolished presidential term limits in a referendum in 2004.

Statkevich ran against Lukashenka in a 2010 presidential election that was widely decried as rigged and was followed by a brutal crackdown.

Statkevich was arrested after attending a large demonstration protesting the 2010 results and spent 5 years in prison after being convicted of organizing riots at a trial criticized by human rights groups and Western governments as unfair.

The Belarusian Central Election Commission on May 19 rejected documents filed by an initiative group for a Statkevich candidacy, citing his "criminal record."

Tsikhanouski controls a popular YouTube channel, called The Country For Life, which frequently challenges Belarusian officialdom.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned this week that authorities in Belarus have intensified their crackdown on independent activists and journalists with a new wave of arbitrary arrests ahead of the election.

The rights watchdog noted that more than 120 peaceful protesters, opposition bloggers, journalists, and other government critics had been arrested in 17 Belarusian cities between May 6 and 13.

Critics of Lukashenka, who has been in power in Belarus for more than 25 years, say his government has shown little tolerance for dissent and independent media.

The country has been the target of U.S. and EU sanctions over its poor rights record and lack of fair elections, but Belarus and the West have recently sought to mend ties in an apparent bid to reduce Russias influence in the country.

With reporting by AP
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are accused of wasting British taxpayers' money. The Queen must feel ashamed.

Harry and Meghan reportedly bilked British taxpayers of tens of millions before they officially left the UK. This accusation was made by a former member of Parliament and even a current member of the Privy Council himself.

According to Norman Baker, an ex-Liberal Democrat for East Sussex as well as the writer "And What Do You Do?", between the time Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married up to the time they officially stepped down from their senior roles, they essentially used up a huge chunk of taxpayers' money.

In fact, based on his computations, British taxpayers shelled out around $53 million or 44 million to support their lifestyle.

Baker, clearly outraged that the two decided to just leave the country and even accuse the British of various things, the bills are ongoing even if the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are now in the United States. He added that even if it is possible to describe Harry and Meghan as rich, they are not rich enough for the lifestyle they prefer.

Harry and Meghan net worth is estimated to be over $25 million, a far cry from how much they need in order to live the so-called good life they want. As such, Baker accuses them of living the good life at the expense of the ordinary British taxpayers.

Baker even broke down the massive expenses that the two incurred in the years they were in their royal positions. The largest one can be attributed to their wedding. This was just natural since it was an event that the world tuned in to, but Baker said the wedding reached a whopping $40.8 million.

The royals only shouldered $2.4 million personally.

The costs are further highlighted to be humungous when compared to the costs incurred during Prince William and Kate Middleton's 2011 wedding. It only reached $24.3 million.

The wedding costs of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reached this high because of the security costs. As high as $35 million went to security costs alone.

Still, the politician said the remaining money went to other extravagances as well, including the 20 new trumpets that amounted to $109,000. Crowd control barriers reached a total of $1.2 million.

After the wedding, the couple did not leave cheaply while in Kensington Palace. Before they even settled in, they incurred $1.7 million renovation to the 21-room apartment. Moreover, once renovated, they still decided to live elsewhere! The Queen gave them Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor Castle estate. Instead of moving in as is, they had another round of renovations at $2.9 million. Here they stayed less than six months before deciding they wanted to leave the UK, promising they would pay for the costs incurred on this second renovations.

Now that the two are starting to pay a bit of what they owe, Baker said that it is apparently not enough. In fact, it will literally take them forever to pay up.

"The couple have said they will repay the renovation costs for Frogmore Cottage. They have offered ($22,000) a month, which is also meant to cover rent," he wrote. "Assuming a rent of ($12,000) a month, it will take them 25 years to repay the renovation costs, and that is without interest or any ongoing maintenance," he added.

Aside from the wedding and the house, they racked up hundreds of thousands too for their staff and travel expenses. British taxpayers actually shouldered $721,000 for over two years. Their jet setting activities cost the taxpayers $1.2 million, in the estimate.

Reports had it that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are now out of their heads thinking about how to pay their security in the United States. Understandably, since their security costs while in the UK already reached an overwhelming $8.5 million before Megxit.

At present, with them essentially jobless in the US, people are wondering what their next steps would be. According to reports, Prince Charles has alloted for them 2.5 million in allowance a year.

Baker finds this extra contentious. "Controversially, Charles is allowed to classify this allowance to Harry as a business expense, which he can set against tax. This means that the public purse continued to support Harry for as long as Charles continued with this approach to funding the Duke."

READ MORE: Prince Harry Insulted: Meghan Markle Not 'Megxit' Mastermind
With 14 hospitals, more than 350 clinics and several millions of patient interactions every year, OSF HealthCare leaders wanted the ability to easily track novel coronavirus activity as the disease made its way to Illinois. That included everything from the number of individuals with COVID-19 to how many patients were on ventilators. But that information wasnt initially easy to come by.

We were probably looking at six or seven different patient volume models from various sources when we first started this work in February, said Dr. Mike Cruz, chief operating officer of OSF HealthCare, chief executive officer of the Central Region and lead of the Emergency Operations Center. We not only needed much more information, we also needed it to be specific to our organization.

Working with Healthcare Analytics, a COVID Surveillance Dashboard was created in March that shows a variety of activities related to the virus in every area OSF HealthCare serves. That allows leaders to keep track of virus trends across the Ministry and ensure resources are matched with demand.

COVID Surveillance Dashboard

Updated daily, the COVID Surveillance Dashboard is broken into four sections. The first tracks information on confirmed and suspected cases of the virus, including patient volumes, hospitalizations, deaths, recoveries and lab tests.

It also collects data on digital health activity, said Bryan Kaiser, director of Analytics and Reporting. This includes the number of people who are screened through the OSF Digital Health Call Center and how many clients are taking advantage of our Pandemic Health Worker and Acute COVID@ Home programs.

The second section visualizes the OSF Pandemic Impact Model, which predicts the spread of COVID-19 across Illinois over the next several weeks, including where patients live, if they will require general hospital care or ICU care and the percentage of COVID patients who will seek care at OSF HealthCare facilities. The third shows how many people are making or canceling appointments with the organization. And the fourth includes how many COVID tests have been completed statewide as well as cases and deaths separated by county.

Winter is coming

While shelter-at-home orders, social distancing measures and requests to wear masks in public are helping reduce the spread of COVID-19, the virus isnt going anywhere any time soon. In fact, its very conceivable health care systems will likely have to deal with both the novel coronavirus and regular flu season this winter.

We think it would be shortsighted to think we will only be managing cases of the flu later this year. That means its possible we will have the same demands on supplies, places and people we are experiencing with this pandemic, said Dr. Cruz. The various models we are using now to track the virus and its activity across the organization ensures we will have a handle on any future outbreaks.

Denise Molina-Weiger is a Writing Coordinator for OSF HealthCare, where she has worked since March 2015.
Health chiefs eye human trials of vaccine this year

BANGKOK: The government is hoping to start testing its locally manufactured COVID-19 vaccine on humans before the end of the year, according to Suvit Maesincee, Minister of Higher Education Science Research and Innovation.

COVID-19Coronavirushealth

By Bangkok Post

Sunday 24 May 2020, 11:37AM

Researchers of Chulalongkorn University on Saturday show the samples of Covid-19 vaccines to be tested on monkeys at the National Primate Research Centre in Kaeng Koi district of Saraburi province. Photo: Nutthawat Wicheanbut / Bangkok Post

If our vaccine trial on monkeys proves successful, we will start the human trial phase after August, Mr Suvit told the media on Saturday (May 23).

Thailand is testing several vaccines. This one involves the government, Chulalongkorn Universitys Centre of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, the National Vaccine Institute and the Department of Medical Sciences and the private sector.

He said a research team tested their mRNA vaccine on guinea pigs before moving on to monkeys, identified as long-tailed macaques, which share a similar genetic structure to humans.

The vaccine will continue to be trialled on monkeys for three months in the next phase of the process.

If all three tests are successful, the team will start the human trial phase, Mr Suvit said, noting the government could make the vaccine available next year.

We are using mRNA technology, the newest method for developing vaccines, because the vaccine can be developed rapidly and small amounts can be used to run tests, he said.

Meanwhile, the government on Saturday reported three new Covid-19 cases.

It identified the carriers as an Italian living in Phuket and two Thais who had returned from abroad and were in state quarantine.

The three raised the national figure to 3,040 with no new deaths.

Panprapa Yongtrakul, assistant spokeswoman for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration, yesterday said the Italian was male, 49, and tested positive on Friday.

She said the other two were a 24-year-old student who studied in Egypt and a 43-year-old Thai national who worked at a spa in India.
Lucknow 'Sewaiyan', an essential delicacy on Eid, is in short supply in Lucknow due to the lockdown.

While the thick variety of vermicelli is available, the finer varieties that are used in preparing 'sewaiyan' are not easily available.

Rizwan Khan, a wholesaler in Yahiyaganj area, said, "We start making the different varieties of sewaiyan almost a month before Ramzan begins. Different varieties are used for different kinds of dishes. This year, the lockdown began even before we could start production and now there is no time left because making the vermicelli strands is a time-consuming craft."

Incidentally, the packed vermicelli brands that are sold in the markets throughout the year, have already flown off the shelves.

"When we ran out of Maggi stocks, people started buying vermicelli packets and used them as noodles," said Harish Seth, a grocery shop owner in Mahanagar area.

Muslim families are looking at other options to sewaiyan.

"I will make a very small quantity of sewaiyan with the stock that I have and also make kheer," said Aisha, a student who lives with her grandparents.

With the ban on the sale of meat, Muslim families are also looking for an alternative to 'biryani' and jackfruit seems a perfect one.

"Kathal (jackfruit) biryani is actually no biryani - at best, it can be a pulao but then we have to find alternatives because the situation is not normal. Eid, too, will be different this year but we will try to make it feel good," said Shaheen Ahmad, a homemaker.

Some families are holding 'trial runs' of variations of vegetable biryani and these range from 'paneer' biryani, soya biryani and a mixed vegetable biryani.

"I am trying out the variations every day and will settle for the one that tastes best for Eid," said Asma, another homemaker.

Despite the ban on the sale of meat, some online grocery portals have started the sale of frozen meat and chicken and also frozen non-vegetarian dishes.

However, Muslim families are not too keen on buying delicacies online.

"If meat is not available in the corona crisis, we should all learn to make some sacrifices and opt for a vegetarian fare. Heavens will not fall if we do not have non-vegetarian delicacies on Eid," said Asma.

The majority of the Muslim families have not made new clothes for themselves and are using the money to help the poor in celebrating the festival.
Popular television actor and Bigg Boss 13 finalist Rashami Desai got candid during an Ask Me Anything session with her fans recently. When she was asked if she was in love, she admitted that she was, but with herself.

When an Instagram user asked Rashami about her relationship status, she replied with a gif saying party of one, implying that she was single. Another asked her if she was in love, to which she shared a quote which said, Love yourself fully, deeply, honestly, faithfully, gloriously. She also wrote, In love with myself all over again and again.

Rashami Desai on her Instagram stories

Rashami was in a relationship with television actor Arhaan Khan but the couple broke up after their stint on Bigg Boss 13. It was during the reality show that she found out that he had been previously married and even has a child.

There were also allegations that Arhaan misused Rashamis funds and stayed in her apartment with his family in her absence, without her knowledge.

Also read: Nawazuddin Siddiquis wife Aaliya told him not to write controversial autobiography, says he thought he was being mahan

In an earlier interview, Rashami said that she was shaken up when she found out about his divorce and child on Bigg Boss 13. I didnt expect him to hide such a big aspect of his life from me. It came as a shock; at one point, I contemplated leaving the show, as I wasnt able to handle it, she said.

Rashami also claimed that one of the main reasons that she took up Bigg Boss 13 was to give Arhaans career a boost. On being asked if he used her and her popularity for fame, she said, I believe that he used me emotionally. I dont want to comment on other things at this moment.

Earlier, Rashami was married to her Uttaran co-star Nandish Sandhu. After more than three years of being married, they got divorced in 2016.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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D ominic Cummings has been reported to police after allegedly breaching lockdown rules by travelling more than 250 miles to Durham, according to reports.

Conservative MPs had been baying for Mr Johnson to dispense with Mr Cummings after it emerged he had travelled to Durham in March to self-isolate with his family while official guidelines warned against long-distance journeys.

Further reports also suggested he took a second trip to the North East in April, having already returned to London.

Downing Street has defended Mr Cummings' actions, insisting he "acted in line with guidelines" and that his journey was "essential" because it related to the welfare of his child.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended Dominic Cummings / Getty Images

Amid a weekend of mounting pressure on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to sack his chief adviser, new reports from the Guardian and Mirror on Sunday evening suggest Mr Cummings is facing a possible police investigation under health laws.

Retired chemistry teacher Robin Lees has reported Mr Cummings for a suspected breach of lockdown after claiming to have seen Mr Cummings and his family on April 12 walking in the town of Barnard Castle - 30 miles from his family home.

In his report to Durham Police, seen by the Mirror, Mr Lees describes the possible sighting of Mr Cummings, his wife and child approaching a grey Range Rover parked on the Sills between Ullathorne Rise and Gill Lane. He has also given the number plate of the vehicle.

The police report was quoted as saying: In the light of recent information I feel that as well as an important breach of the lockdown there may also have been concerns over Health Protection Regulations.

"I assume you are able to view CCTV to ascertain whether this vehicle travelled locally or from further away."

The Standard has approached Durham Police for comment. 

Reports suggest Mr Cummings made two trips to Durham during lockdown / AFP via Getty Images

The new claims come as ex-chief constable Mike Barton criticised Mr Cummings for trying to evade his responsibilities.

Speaking to BBC News on Sunday, Mr Barton said: Millions of people over the last two months have made great sacrifices, sacrifices looking after their family in really frustrating circumstances, businesses have gone bust, people who run businesses havent been able to do certain things.

And thats why I was really quite surprised to learn that somebody who has made the rules that are very clear that if youre suffering from coronavirus, you have to stay at home, youre in lockdown, you do not leave your home under any circumstances.

Not only did they do that and travel 260 miles, but also have then tried to justify it and evade their responsibility through the use of weasel words. I find it quite shocking really.

Mr Barton went on to say he was angry and worried that Durham Constabulary had been embroiled in a dispute with Downing Street and praised the force for its handling of the situation.

Police visited Mr Cummings' address in London on Sunday / Getty Images

On Saturday, Durham Constabulary said police officers did speak to Mr Cummings father despite Downing Street denials there was any contact with his family over his alleged lockdown breaches.

But Downing Street had said on Saturday morning: At no stage was he [Mr Cummings] or his family spoken to about this matter, as is being reported.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps also reiterated the Government statement was black and white at the daily Downing Street briefing later in the day.

Mr Barton said: Lets not beat about the bush, he broke the rules, its very clear. Now what theyre trying to do is use this sophisticated sophistry to suggest that if youve got a child then the rules dont quite apply  thats rubbish.

The area that theyre going to, which mentions children, does not allow you to do what they did.

The deputy chief medical officer, whos been a beacon of wisdom for me in all of this, made it really clear, its got to be a life-threatening issue that allows you to break the coronavirus lockdown.

This was not life-threatening, so lets not beat about the bush, Im making it really clear, 40 years of policing, understanding the law, interpreting the law, the reasonable excuse is not to do what they did.

But Mr Johnson has defended his chief adviser, saying he has had "extensive face-to-face conversations" with him after the reports emerged.

Speaking at the Downing Street press briefing on Sunday, he said: "I have concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of childcare, at the moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus  and when he had no alternative  I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent. And I do not mark him down for that.

Mr Shapps also told Sky's Sophy Ridge that Mr Cummings was "trying to do the best by the child".

He said: "What they've done is gone to make sure there's a support network around them, both parents were concerned about being ill, so they've gone somewhere which was adjacent to his parents.

"It meant that if they were both ill that the child would be getting support."
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) and international academic publisher World Scientific announced today the launch of Rebel City: Hong Kong's Year of Water and Fire --a new book that chronicles the political confrontation that has gripped the city since June 2019.

The anthology is a nuanced and in-depth account of the unprecedented turmoil and complex manoeuvrings that defined a summer of discontent, distilled from more than 5,000 news reports, analysis and commentaries from Hong Kong's paper of record.

Rebel City is more than a collection of stories--it aims to profile the Hong Kong protests without fear or favour, underpinned by journalistic instincts that know every tale has multiple sides. It comprehensively outlines the city's worst political crisis through a plurality of perspectives that goes beyond the perceived dichotomy of the people of Hong Kong versus its government.

This book is for anyone seeking to understand not just what Hong Kong has gone through but also the global phenomenon of increasingly leaderless protest movements. Edited by SCMP's Deputy Executive Editor Zuraidah Ibrahim and Political Correspondent Jeffie Lam, the book draws on the work of more than 35 of the Post's newsroom across Hong Kong, Beijing, Washington and Singapore--a team with unmatched access to all sides of the conflict.

Hong Kong was in retrospect ripe to be the laboratory for a new-age protest movement, fueled by profound angst about the place of millennial youth in society, widening income inequality, and the speed of digital communications. The anti-extradition bill protests that morphed rapidly into a wider anti-government movement in 2019 left no aspect of the city untouched, from its social compact to its body politic to its open economy. Against the backdrop of the "one country, two systems" model and its growing ambiguities, SCMP's reporting team took a contemplative look back at Hong Kong in Rebel City on its most wrenching political crisis since its return to Chinese rule in 1997.

"The book is a non-partisan account of the events of 2019 and a fact-based attempt to explain all the contradictions, nuances and complexities of the anti-government protest movement triggered by the ill-fated extradition bill. Rebel City encapsulates the blood, sweat and tears of a world city at a crossroads that, and is still impacted by those events today. I'm proud of what this book represents and our team's contribution in covering one of the biggest social and political upheavals of our times," said Tammy Tam, Editor in Chief, South China Morning Post.

"We are grateful to our newsmakers and sources on all sides of this complex story. The events of 2019 produced many conflicting narratives and shades of grey, and it was important to hear the voices of all who were impacted. No one has emerged from it unscathed. This book would not have been possible if they were not willing to share their perspectives so generously," said Zuraidah.

"This insightful book provides a holistic array of differing perspectives during one of Hong Kong's most turbulent times in recent history as the world witnessed the series of events unfold before its eyes. World Scientific is privileged to be a part of this book project that brings about first-hand accounts of different encounters from within the city," said Max Phua, Managing Director, World Scientific.

Rebel City retails for US$28 / 22 / S$28 / HKD$198 in paperback and US$68 / 60 / S$68 in hardback (before taxes, where applicable) at major bookstores, distributors and online. SCMP readers may order a copy on https://www.scmp.com/rebel-city/order. More details about the book can be found at https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/11777.

Individuals may also purchase electronic editions through Kindle, Kobo, Google Play and ebooks.com.

Advance Praise for "Rebel City"

"This excellent book is an inspiring reminder of the vital importance of a free press in any society that is struggling with difficult social and political problems. Throughout 2019, international observers relied on the South China Morning Post to reveal the full complexity of the Hong Kong situation. This book provides a chance for readers to reflect on what happened, and draw lessons for the future."

Kurt Tong, former United States Consul General to Hong Kong and Partner of The Asia Group

"As mentioned in this book, the protests in Hong Kong against the extradition bill of 2019 were 'among the world's most visible political events in history'. Like the 2003 protest against the national security bill and the 'Umbrella movement' of 2014, the 2019 movement was a watershed moment that raised fundamental questions about the future of 'one country, two systems'. This book, written by South China Morning Post journalists who eyewitnessed the turmoil is an indispensable guide for anyone who wants to know what happened and to understand why."

Albert H.Y. Chen, Cheng Chan Lan Yue Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Hong Kong, and member of the Basic Law Committee

"2019 was a turbulent and tumultuous year for Hong Kong. Events followed fast upon each other. This collection of stories, interviews and analysis by seasoned reporters from the South China Morning Post performs the crucial service of recording what happened, asking why it happened, and, most important of all, not rushing to any quick conclusions. A powerful, and at times moving, account of a city under siege, but trying to find its way."

Kerry Brown, Director, Lau China Institute, King's College London

"One of the British Prime Ministers once complained of bias in the media and he was asked in which direction, and he said it's biased in every direction." - Chris Patten. The events in 2019 shocked and polarized Hong Kong. A fearless and vibrant press is indispensable in such times. It is the price to pay for a free and pluralistic society that the press provokes disagreement, irritates, or even occasionally gets it wrong. The pieces in this volume will not - and are not designed to - please everybody. This is in the best traditions of the Post - long may it continue. I congratulate the Post for a job well done."

Paul Shieh SC, former Chairman, Hong Kong Bar Association

About the South China Morning Post

The South China Morning Post is a leading global news media company that has reported on China and Asia for more than a century. Founded in 1903, SCMP is headquartered in Hong Kong and is the city's newspaper of record. To serve its global readership, its network of correspondents spans across Asia and the U.S. reporting on issues relevant to its mission, which is to lead the global conversation about China. Its digital reach makes it one of the region's biggest publications, providing readers with accurate, credible and compelling content. SCMP became the first news organization in Asia to join the Trust Project in 2020, a consortium of top news companies developing global transparency standards for credible journalism.

For more information, contact Andrea Leung at andrea.leung@scmp.com

About World Scientific Publishing Co.

World Scientific Publishing is a leading international independent publisher of books and journals for the scholarly, research and professional communities. World Scientific has published for luminaries that include both former Prime Ministers of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong, former ministers and senior civil servants of the likes of George Yeo, Ho Peng Kee, Lim Siong Guan, Tommy Koh, Peter Ho, and Bilahari Kausikan, and prominent public figures like Ho Kwon Ping, Claire Chiang, Albert Hong, Liu Thai Ker, and Wang Gungwu, amongst others.

World Scientific also collaborates extensively with research institutes, universities, governmental organisations and companies locally as well as globally to publish professional, scientific, technical, medical and popular content. The company publishes about 600 books annually and 150 journals in various fields, and has also established a global presence with 13 offices around the world. To find out more about World Scientific, visit http://www.worldscientific.com.

For more information, contact Amanda Yun at heyun@wspc.com

About the Editors

Zuraidah Ibrahim is Deputy Executive Editor of the South China Morning Post, overseeing local Hong Kong coverage and Asia and International news. Previously the deputy editor of The Straits Times in Singapore, she was a key author of the bestselling memoir Lee Kuan Yew, Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going (2011). Her most recent publication is The Opposition in Singapore (2017).

Jeffie Lam is a correspondent and leads the Hong Kong politics team at the South China Morning Post. An award-winning political journalist, she started her career as a reporter in 2009 and joined the Post in 2013, covering the city's legislative affairs, social movements and party politics. Jeffie reported on the Occupy movement in 2014 and the protests of 2019.

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Eighteen soldiers assigned to the US Army's 101st Airborne Division have returned to Fort Campbell after spending more than a month in New Jersey helping with COVID-19 response operations.

Fort Campbell officials say the soldiers deployed April 14 to help provide logistical support for the response to the new coronavirus outbreak throughout the Northeast.

The troops helped receive, process and move supplies, equipment and personnel in critical areas affected by the virus outbreak.

The soldiers will undergo a precautionary quarantine under medical supervision. An official welcome-home event is being planned, officials said.

The Fort Campbell Army post is located along the Kentucky-Tennessee border.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After having the ski season cut short in March by the coronavirus pandemic, Colorado's Arapahoe Basin is planning on a limited reopening Wednesday.

We have been given an extraordinary opportunity. We need to take this very seriously and we need to respect the guidance given by our Summit County and State of Colorado health officials. Please follow link for more information on re-opening. https://t.co/x9o3uZFqjX pic.twitter.com/xWpg2kDmiG  Arapahoe Basin (@Arapahoe_Basin) May 24, 2020

Lift tickets will only be sold to existing pass holders, including A-Basin, Ikon, Mountain Collective and Any Day passes.

Although it's known as the ski area with "The Beach," which is an area of several parking spaces where skiers typically tailgate, Arapahoe Basin will have a different vibe when it opens Wednesday.

In an online post Sunday, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area's chief operating officer, Al Henceroth, said, "This is going to be very different."

The reopening rules are as follows:

1. Reservations are required.

2. Physical distancing will be enforced and guests must wear face coverings in designated areas.

3. Tailgating and other gatherings will not be allowed.

"We have been given an extraordinary opportunity. We need to take this very seriously and we need to respect the guidance given by our Summit County and State of Colorado health officials," Henceroth wrote. "We have to open in a responsible way. We need everyone to help."

Several Colorado counties had their health order variance requests approved to begin reopening dine-in services this week, but Arapahoe Basin's announcement is the first Colorado ski area to reopen.

Gov. Jared Polis ordered Colorado ski resorts to close on March 14 amid an outbreak of the disease in Aspen and other ski resorts traced to vacationers from Australia and other countries.

Read all the details at arapahoebasin.com/may27-reopening
Widely known as the largest mangrove forest in the world, the Sundarbans form the very last point of contact between the Ganges river and the mainland of both Bangladesh and India.

Striking many parts of the Bay of Bengal with impunity, cyclone Amphan left a wake of death and destruction - and the Sundarbans were no exception to this. Along with the cyclones approximated $13 billion damages was an unprecedented amount of harm to the Sundarbans ecosystems - some of which have featured in recorded history for nearly two thousand years.

Here are 5 aspects of the legendary forest that need to be preserved through such debilitating natural disasters:

1. Featured Across Ancient History

 wikimedia

While the name Sundarbans translates from Bengali to beautiful forest, the forests have featured in the writings and recordings of historians from various cultures. The earliest known reference brings up a rich and powerful Assamese merchant, Chand Sagar, who colonised the area back in AD 200-300. Several centuries later, the land would come under the control of the Mughals - when Akbars historians would write of dacoits hiding amidst the forests mangroves.



2. UNESCO World Heritage Site

 NASA

The forests 10,000 sq. km were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, joining the ranks of Indias 38 listed areas, such as the city of Jaipur, the Taj Mahal and colonial art-deco buildings of South Mumbai.



3. The Local Population

 Reuters

Fertile and home to millions of agriculturists, the Sundarbans happen to be one of the most populated forested regions in the world, with 4.5 million inhabitants. This is true especially on the Bangladeshi side, where their activities contribute the lions share of forest produce for the whole country. Some of these villagers also have unique and interesting ways of making a living in such tough conditions - such as using otters to help them guide fish into nets, and harvesting honey from the hives of giant Asian honey bees.



4. The Mangroves

 Wikimedia

The characteristic tree of the forest is the sundari, after which the forest is named - also known as the looking-glass mangrove in English. These trees are a landmark feature of the entire region, and aside from giving the forest its own unique beauty, also help protect the quality of soil in the region, while providing the forest a defence against seasonal floods that strike every monsoon.



5. An Incredible Display of Wildlife

 Reuters

The Sundarbans provides a unique ecosystem and a rich wildlife habitat. According to 2015 estimates, the forests were home to around 150 royal bengal tigers, which are infamous for their attacks on local villages, resulting in around 50 human deaths each year. It isnt just all tigers though - the forests are also home to their prey the chital deer and wild pigs, as well as their distant cousin, the fishing cat.



All of these stunning examples of natural beauty and culture have been hit hard by the Amphan cyclone - you can look towards a comprehensive list of donations here.
"Most readers appear to have already arrived at a view similar to mine, although quite a few were pessimistic about how Australia will respond." Some readers saw a re-evaluation of our strategic relationships as a silver lining to the pandemic. For others, while acknowledging change was necessary, the challenges ahead seem insurmountable. That pessimism ranged from despair about the trajectory the US is on and growing concerns over what damage China could inflict on Australia, to doubts Australia has what it takes to go it alone. Kennari wrote: "Great piece. My American relatives are just baffling. Whenever we talk about politics they start telling me how universal health care is just socialism and that Americans are free. They just seem to accept that their government has no obligation to them at all. How is this freedom? Watching the US now is so incredibly sad."

Anwa58: "Yes, thanks Shaun. Seeing the United States mentioned in black and white as a 'failed state' is sobering but unfortunately not surprising. It conjures up images of Nero fiddling while Rome burns. As America declines and China's influence is in the ascent the future is likely to be tough on a number of fronts for Australia which will challenge our Nation's fortitude and capabilities." TopMac: "Excellent article Shaun - it is well past time that Australia moved from obedient adolescent to a self assured Adult member of the Global family. Sadly, I am not sure that we have the leaders to take such bold steps as they are embedded in failed democratic and economic philosophies that serve a different master than the populace." Yola: "Without allies, we are nothing. Who could we rely on if it came to a fight? New Zealand?" Others readers chose to pick up where Carney left off, stepping forward with their thoughts on how Australia could forge ahead.

Most believe we need to diversify our alliances and trading links. Several suggested we follow Switzerland's lead and adopt a foreign policy of neutrality. Loading The Rookie: "Trump's America breathes life into the CANZUK proposal: a loose political and military alliance of the senior members of the Commonwealth: C (Canada) A (Australia) NZ, and the UK. Cousins we can trust, cousins who think like us, cousins who govern themselves like us, cousins who fought with us and cousins with whom we're very close in very many ways." Balance: "Bring on the 'Coalition of the Competent'. Australia should strengthen its relationship with countries like Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, etc. as well as diversifying our sources of trade and investment, including immigration." Pallas: "I can't see why we can't aim to be more like Switzerland and as unaligned as best we can manage. Morrison rushing to grandstand on the world stage and please the US at such a time re: an independent enquiry in China when the world is still in the midst of a pandemic and without the support of other allies was asking for problems and now threatens our barley industry."

Lefty: "Much greater alliance with Europe!" Loading Carney says, while grateful, he thought this contribution from the DukeofWoyWoy- NSW Central Coast "probably went just a touch overboard": Never in the field of human journalism has one journo written what the majority of Australian (sic) think and feel concerning both the United States and China and Shaun Carney has become the first without fear or favour. Nevertheless other readers agreed with DukeofWoyWoy, his comment earning the respect of at least 22 other readers. "While the media focus is on Trump, the fact that his presidency is a joint project with the American public tends to get lost in a lot of the coverage," Carney said.
The Big Island of Hawaii will allow places of worship, restaurants, hair salons, barber shops and a variety of personal-service businesses to reopen starting June 1, county Mayor Harry Kim announced Saturday night.

Kim said in his order that the establishments have to follow guidelines on sanitation and social distancing as outlined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Hawaii Health Department.

Restaurants can resume in-dining services as long as they follow the CDCs Interim Guidance for Restaurants and Bars and National Restaurant Association Guidelines, Kim said.

The other personal services that are allowed to reopen are tutoring, music lessons, massages, yoga and personal training.

Kim excluded dedicated bars and nightclubs from the reopening order.

Hawaii County has 81 cases of coronavirus and no deaths. The state of Hawaii has 633 cases and 17 deaths.
Sixteen people who recently returned from Maharashtra have tested positive for COVID-19 in Tripura, taking the total number of cases to 191 in the state, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said.

Deb urged travellers returning to the state to follow coronavirus-related guidelines and sought their cooperation.

The chief minister said 996 samples were tested for COVID-19 in Tripura on Saturday.

"Among them, 16 persons found COVID19 positive. All of them have returned from Maharashtra. They have been admitted to hospital," Deb tweeted on Saturday.

"Requesting all travellers to follow the quarantine instructions & co-operate with Govt," he added.

Officials said 23,418 people have been placed under surveillance in Tripura so far. Of them, 15,736 have been discharged after completing 14 days' observation.

Altogether, 359 people are in institutional quarantine in different places at present, while 7,327 are in home quarantine.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 20:43:34|Editor: huaxia

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A resident signs in a street campaign in support of national security legislation for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Hong Kong, south China, May 23, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

HONG KONG, May 24 (Xinhua) -- A petition activity was launched here on Sunday in support of national security legislation for Hong Kong, with the number of participators quickly amounting to tens of thousands.

More than 1,000 street stands were set up across Hong Kong to collect public signatures for the petition.

At a street stand in Sheung Wan area on Hong Kong Island, a total of 456 signatures were collected in only two hours on Sunday.

Piana He, a volunteer at the street stand, told Xinhua that the petition was welcomed and supported by many Hong Kong residents as they believed that national security legislation at the state level will provide crucial support for maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and safeguarding Hong Kong residents' well-being.

The petition activity was launched by a newly established organization jointly initiated by thousands of people and hundreds of groups representing various sectors in the Hong Kong community.

The petition, to be held for one week starting from Sunday, was also launched online. As of Sunday evening, more than 100,000 people had participated in the online petition.

After a draft decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security was submitted to the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) for deliberation, many Hong Kong residents have voiced support for the legislation.

Chung Pui-lan, a retired kindergarten teacher who participated in the petition, said she supports the legislation and hopes that it will help protect Hong Kong from scourge caused by external forces and restore its prosperity and stability.

The prolonged disturbance has dealt a serious blow to Hong Kong's economy and people's livelihood, and many innocent residents were brutally assaulted by rioters just for holding different views, a Hong Kong resident surnamed Lau said, adding that she hopes national security legislation will help protect Hong Kong residents' freedoms and safety from being threatened by violence.

Suen Ming-fung, a retired civil servant, agreed that it is necessary for the central authorities to take action since Hong Kong failed to enact laws for safeguarding national security on its own.

Suen said he believes the legislation will help Hong Kong restore prosperity. "Only when its security is ensured can Hong Kong attract more foreign investment and develop more vigorously."

Fung Kuen-kwok, a doctor living in Yau Ma Tei area in Kowloon, said since the social unrest started in June 2019, many of his neighbors and clients have been worried about their own safety due to rampant violence.

Many countries around the world have relatively complete legal systems to safeguard national security, Fung pointed out, adding that it is the duty of every citizen to safeguard national security, but Hong Kong as a special administrative region of China has been slow in completing national security legislation

"We have been looking forward to this (national security legislation) for a long time," he said. "I believe that after the completion of the legislation, it will have a deterrent effect on violent elements and help the residents to resume normal life and work."
A bakery owner in Chennai's T Nagar has been placed under arrest after an advertisement of his store said products were only made by Jains and not by "Muslim staff".

Reuters

The owner of the bakery "Jains Bakeries and Confectionaries" was taken into custody after the advertisement went viral.



There was a lot of outrage over the ad.

Reuters

Police arrested him based on a complaint that he had mentioned "misinformation about Muslims" and tried to create communal tension.

Reuters

In a country where communal riots can start due to sensitive reasons, such posts only add more fuel to the fire. No wonder it set the internet on fire and kudos to the police for taking action.


Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has requested India to provide a special $ 1.1 billion currency swap facility to boost the country's draining foreign exchange reserves in view of the economic slowdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Rajapaksa's office said that the new request is in addition to the $ 400 million amount Sri Lanka has sought from the Indian government under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) framework.

The Sri Lankan President made the request during his telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, it said.

Modi discussed the situation arising out of the COVID-19 crisis with Rajapaksa and said that India will continue to support "our close maritime neighbour" in dealing with the pandemic and its economic impact.

Also read: Coronavirus Live Tracker: Centre issues new guidelines; those found negative at airports to be allowed to go home

The two leaders agreed to accelerate Indian-assisted development projects in the country and also strengthen investment links.

Rajapaksa's office said: "If the government of India could provide USD 1.1 billion special SWAP facility to top up USD 400 million under the SAARC facility, it would enormously help Sri Lanka in dealing with our foreign exchange issues".

Sri Lanka had previously asked India for a 400 million dollar foreign exchange swap under the SAARC arrangements.

Rajapaksa also asked the prime minister to expedite investments in Colombo port's east terminal.

According to the Sri Lankan president's office, Rajapaksa asked Modi to "direct those responsible from India's side to expedite construction of the east terminal of the Colombo port as soon as possible".

Facing issues in its foreign exchange during the coronavirus pandemic, Sri Lanka has taken drastic measures to keep its foreign reserves and currency stability.

Import restrictions announced are meant to stop the flow of foreign reserves.

The Opposition has accused the government of printing money to create liquidity in markets.

The deadly coronavirus has claimed nine lives and infected 1,068 people in the country.

India has sent four consignments of essential life-saving medicines and medical supplies weighing over 25 tonnes to Sri Lanka in the last few weeks as a goodwill gesture.

Also read: Troubled hospitality sector seeks MSME tag for more firms, loan recast to tide over COVID-19 crisis

Also read: Coronavirus: Senior doctor at AIIMS Delhi dies of COVID-19; wife hospitalised
The Delhi government has directed private hospitals and nursing homes with a capacity of 50 beds or more to reserve 20 percent of their total bed strength for coronavirus patients, Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Sunday.

Ten private hospitals have been declared as COVID-19 dedicated hospitals for admitting confirmed/ suspected cases of coronavirus on payment basis.

"It has been found that in the recent past the majority of beds earmarked for COVID-19 patients in the dedicated private hospitals are occupied at any given time. Therefore, there is a need to increase the number of beds dedicated for COVID-19 patients in the private hospitals in the city," an order issued by the government said on Sunday.

To increase the bed capacity for COVID-19 patients, all 117 nursing homes/private hospitals having bed strength of 50 beds or more are directed to reserve/ earmark at least 20 per cent of their total bed strength for COVID-19 patients, it added.

"The Delhi govt felt an imperative need to increase the no. of beds, dedicated to COVID19 patients. Hence, all 117 pvt hospitals/nursing homes with a capacity of 50 beds or more, have been directed to reserve 20% of their total bed strength for COVID19 patients," Jain tweeted.

These 117 private hospitals shall bill the COVID-19 patients as per their respective schedule of charges, the order said.

"However, the billing for non-COVID patients admitted on extra beds shall not be more than 50 per cent of the lowest economy category of the hospital concerned as per earlier practise during upsurge of cases of vector borne diseases," it added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
OTTAWA, May 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the last month, the Taliban and Afghani-U.S. government have stepped up their military operations in Afghanistan that left mostly civilians killed and injured contrary to the peace conditions that were agreed.



Handout Photo: Meladul Haq Ahmadzai:Photo of Meladul Haq Ahmadzai, CEO of Taleam Systems.

Taleam Systems, which provides computer services to hospitals and medical clinics in Canada, has been working on new technology but lack of enduring peace in Afghanistan is a problem for the business.

The longest war in Afghanistan will continue amid todays Eid celebrations and there are no plans for a long period of ceasefire, signals Meladul Haq Ahmadzai, CEO of Taleam Systems. No ceasefire plan has been called in Afghanistan so far to last longer than three days, says Ahmadzai.

The US war in Afghanistan which started in 2001 has not stopped to this day.

U.S. diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad visited Doha, Kabul and US for talks but no progress made so far regarding peace efforts in the war-torn country.

Ahmadzai questions the peace agreement whether that document mentions plans for a long period of ceasefire or not. He says, Peace is the utmost desire of all Afghans  ordinary people dont want war.

Mike Pompeo also visited Afghanistan this year to stabilize relations between President Ashraf Ghani and Dr Abdullah which ultimately progressed towards the creation of a coalition government. Ahmadzai says, It is this kind of pressure that would change the Afghan officials attitudes and make more progress towards peace in Afghanistan.

Taleam Systems hopes to make its technology available to the wide market including Afghanistan sometime in June.

According to past media reports, the U.S. government withheld $1 billion from the Afghan government which pressured the coalition government to come together.

Ahmadzai says, If there is no permanent ceasefire to achieve real and stable peace in Afghanistan, the Afghan people have the right to know that information.

Some other countries are stepping up for example, China, India, Pakistan and Russia. China which is a business country wants to export products to Afghanistan, signals Ahmadzai.

Story continues

Russia is also seen stepping up to the plate. Ahmadzai says, Russia has fought in the war in Afghanistan and now wants peace.

This is the worlds longest war in Afghanistan which has been ongoing for the last 42 years.

The thousands of widows, orphans and children of war affected have no support. The many schools that were built were recently also destroyed in the war.

Ahmadzai concludes, Afghanistan everlasting ceasefire plan is important, but the different political groups and countries are not in favour of peace  they benefit from the US war.

Meladul Haq Ahmadzai is the CEO of Taleam Systems which is a computer business based in Canada. Visit www.taleamsystems.com to learn more about the business.

Media contact:

Meladul Haq Ahmadzai
The chief investment officer of one of the country's largest super funds has said it is unlikely the fund would invest in a new gas pipeline, after the chair of the federal governments coronavirus commission promoted major public spending on new gas infrastructure.

It comes as Independent MP Zali Steggall told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald the federal government's COVID-19 advisory body is racked by conflicts of interest and has a major bias towards gas. She is calling for the commission to host public hearings that involve the private sector, including super funds and insurers.

"We dont want another situation where its like a sports rort where youre unravelling it after the fact, she said. "My concern with the COVID commission is that it's all happening behind closed doors  Its a mates environment, which is so wrong on so many levels.

Zali Steggall says super can play a major role in Australia's transition to renewable energy. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Former Fortescue Metals chief Neville Power chairs the commission and has been promoting cheap gas as the way to reboot the economy, including a gas pipeline from Western Australia. Mr Power is a non-executive director of oil and gas explorer Strike Energy and holds $2.5 million in the company's shares that will be worth an additional $2.1 million if the share value rises to 35 from 20, ASX disclosures show.
Punes Lohegaon international airport will resume domestic flight operations from Monday, May 25. Which destinations domestic flights will operate to, and from Pune, is a list that still has to be finalised by the higher authorities, a top Pune airport official said.

A meeting is going on in this regards and the destinations and schedule will be finalised, Pune airport director Kuldeep Singh said, adding, We are all set to run operations from the Pune airport once we get the finalised list of destinations.
Editor's note: In conjunction with Monday's holiday, The Citizen is publishing the full text of this year's presidential proclamation for Memorial Day:

Since the first shots fired in the Revolutionary War, Americans have answered the call to duty and given their lives in service to our Nation and its sacred founding ideals. As we pay tribute to the lives and legacies of these patriots on Memorial Day, we also remember that they sacrificed to create a better, more peaceful future for our Nation and the world. We recommit to realizing that vision, honoring the service of so many who have placed love of country above all else.

As Americans, we will always defend our freedom and our liberty. When those principles are threatened, we will respond with uncompromising force and unparalleled vigor. Generation after generation, our countrys finest have defended our Republic with honor and distinction. Memorials, monuments, and rows of white crosses and stars in places close to home like Arlington, Virginia and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as well as far-flung battlefields in places like Flanders Field in Belgium and Busan in Korea, will forever memorialize their heroic actions, standing as solemn testaments to the price of freedom. We will never take for granted the blood shed by these gallant men and women, as we are forever indebted to them and their families.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Allied victories over Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan in World War II. As we commemorate these seminal events, we also remember the tremendous cost at which these victories came. More than 400,000 souls of the Greatest Generation perished during this titanic struggle to liberate the world from tyranny. In his address to the Nation on Japans surrender, President Trumans words remind us all of our enduring obligation to these patriots for their sacrifice: It is our responsibility  ours the living  to see to it that this victory shall be a monument worthy of the dead who died to win it. As we pause to recall the lives lost from the ranks of our Armed Forces, we remain eternally grateful for the path they paved toward a world made freer from oppression.

Our fallen warriors gave their last breath for our country and our freedom. Today, let us pause in quiet reverence to reflect on the incredible dedication of these valiant men and women and their families, invoking divine Providence as we continue pursuing our noble goal of lasting peace for the world.

In honor and recognition of all of our fallen heroes, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has requested the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 25, 2020, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time when people might unite in prayer.

I further ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.

I also request the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that, on Memorial Day, the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

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Winnie N. Chibesakunda, Zambian Ambassador to China (Photo provided by Zambian Embassy in China)

Learning from Chinas successes in poverty alleviation cannot be overemphasized, said Zambian Ambassador to China Winnie N. Chibesakunda. In a recent written interview with Peoples Daily Online, Chibesakunda expressed high hopes of hearing about Chinas experiences in its fight against coronavirus as well as poverty alleviation, and said she was looking forward to enhanced bilateral cooperation in the future.

Noting that this years Two Sessions are special in that the meetings are being held in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the ambassador expressed her interest in the Chinese governments efforts regarding public health mitigating strategies on the pandemic, which the rest of the world could emulate in their efforts to protect peoples lives and safety, such as how China implemented its lockdown, social distancing and efforts directed at preventing a second wave of the virus.

Since 2020 is an important year in Chinas journey to achieve its Two Centenary Goals, the ambassador also expected to hear policies which would guide Chinas future development in realizing socialist modernization.

Other issues of interest would concern Chinas opening up strategy, implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, poverty alleviation, diplomacy, as well as party governance, she said.

This is a decisive year for China to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all aspects and to end extreme poverty. Chibesakunda reviewed Chinas unprecedented economic and social development over the past four decades, citing Chinas redoubling of its efforts in poverty alleviation to win the critical battle of poverty reduction by 2020.

More than 700 million people have been lifted out of poverty, which is a miracle in the history of poverty reduction, she said.

Africa, and Zambia in particular, would be looking forward to the Two Sessions to discuss, review and propose ways forward on rural affairs and poverty alleviation, said the ambassador.

Noting that Zambia plans to take its people out of poverty and into an upper middle income status by 2030, Chibesakunda said Zambia stands ready to cooperate with China in all aspects of socio-economic management.

In this regard, she noted, Zambia envisages mutual benefits with China in areas such as helping connect local farmers with consumers using e-commerce and modern logistics services, tax breaks, funding support and other favorable policies to attract young entrepreneurs back to the countryside and engage in commercial farming.

While striving to end poverty domestically, China has been actively engaged in South-South Cooperation for common development. According to Chibesakunda, the FOCAC Beijing Summit successfully held in September, 2018 was a milestone in the history of China-Africa relations.

Outcomes of the summit, she added, have continued to produce a number of satisfying early results that have brought tangible benefits to the Chinese and African people, such as the China-Africa Economic and Trade Export Expo, the second China International Import Expo and the inaugural Forum on China-Africa Cooperation on Agriculture.

China has also sought to promote infrastructure connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative since 2013, Chibesakunda noted. Chinas commitment to the African continent and integration of Africa into the Belt and Road Initiative will contribute significantly to strengthening sustainable trade and investment relations between Africa and China.

The ambassador firmly believes that China will continue to play a significant role in helping Africa to exploit its development potential by bridging the infrastructure gap.

Chibesakunda said China has demonstrated a strong resolve to assist countries in fighting the spread of COVID-19, supplying various medical supplies to other nations, including Zambia, despite its own challenges at home.

The current support Africa has received from China in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic gives us hope that China will remain committed to its global commitments, she added, voicing confidence in the prospects of stronger bilateral cooperation.

In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, guided by the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, China and Africa will seize new opportunities to enhance communication, deepen unity, and strive for concrete progress in the implementation of the follow-up actions of the Beijing Summit, thus promoting the wellbeing of the 2.6 billion Chinese and African people, she said.

According to the diplomat, Zambia anticipates concluding a number of trade protocols which will open Zambian agriculture, dairy and meat products, among others, to access the Chinese market in the future, presenting immense investment opportunities in such sectors as agriculture, renewable energy, mining and mineral beneficiation, tourism, manufacturing, construction and ICTs.

The ocean is vast because it rejects no rivers, Chibesakunda said. As such, China and Africa will continue to work together to achieve a shared goal of building a closer China-Africa community with a shared future which will eventually turn into a pacesetter for building a shared global community for mankind.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has allowed the Enforcement Directorate to interrogate alleged middleman Christian Michel at the Tihar central jail here, where he is lodged in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam case.

Special Judge Pulastya Pramachala on Saturday allowed the ED to interrogate Michel on May 25 and 26 in the jail premises.

The court allowed the ED's plea moved by the agency's special public prosecutor N K Matta after he submitted during a hearing held through video conferencing that the accused was required to be confronted with certain documents during its ongoing probe in the case.

Michel, extradited from Dubai, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on December 22, 2018.

On January 5, 2019 Michel was sent to judicial custody in the ED case. He is also lodged in judicial custody in the CBI case related to the scam.

He was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4, 2018.

The next day, he was produced before the court which allowed his custodial interrogation by the CBI. Later, he was arrested by the ED.

Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

The CBI has alleged that there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million.

The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.
Two Alabamians are dead after vehicle crashes this weekend. Neither of the victims were wearing their seat belts, according to state troopers.

A Phenix City woman died in a two-vehicle crash on Friday, May 22 at 9:33 p.m. after the vehicle crossed the centerline and collided with another vehicle.

Melissa Nicole Moss, 39, was not wearing her seat belt in the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt in which she was the passenger. The vehicle collided with a 2013 Volkswagen GTI on Alabama 169 at the 16-mile marker just south of Opelika, according to the Alabama highway patrol.

On Saturday, May 24, a Prattville man, William McDonald Sanders, 60, was killed when his 2015 Dodge Ram 3500 went off the roadway and struck a power pole, according to troopers. The single-vehicle crash occurred at 10:18 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, on Bridge Creek Road near Lakeview Drive, seven miles south of Prattville.

There is nothing more available on either of these fatalities as the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency continues to investigate.
Laura Jackson, 35, co-founded gourmet popcorn brand Popcorn Shed with her cousin Sam Feller, also 35, in 2016. They both live in North-West London.

Ive always been a foodie. Growing up, my large, tight-knit family would cook together, and wed take turns hosting dinners. You had to make a new cuisine each time.

I was particularly close to my cousin, Sam. We grew up more like siblings. After graduating from university  I studied psychology at Birmingham, and he trained in real estate at Reading  we both moved to London.

Laura Jackson, 35, (pictured) who lives in North-West London, revealed the inspiration behind her gourmet popcorn brand Popcorn Shed

I got a job as a management consultant at Accenture, but it wasnt my passion. I never really felt like I fitted in. Sam was a property manager.

We both had entrepreneurial streaks. I was running a singles supper club in my spare time and Sam organised club nights.

We would always discuss our side projects and say how much fun it would be to start a food-themed business together.

Then, in 2014, we visited Chicago, where we discovered the world of gourmet popcorn.

In the U.S. you could get all these wacky flavours, such as seaweed, or cheese and caramel. There would be queues around the block at a shop which sold it fresh. I hadnt seen anything like it. Back home, the most exciting flavour you could buy was sweet and salty.

Delicious: Ten-shed variety pack, 33.50, popcornshed.com

After our holiday, I remember sitting in Sams flat, talking about how much we missed the popcorn. This was our light bulb moment. Wed spotted a gap in the market for a luxury popcorn brand.

We bought rows of hot air poppers to make popcorn, and tried out recipes on evenings and weekends. It became an obsession. We made so much mess in my mums kitchen that she made us store all our equipment and popcorn in the shed  hence our name.

In September 2016, we finally launched our business at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair. We had three flavours: salted caramel, pecan pie and rich chocolate. We had only made our website that very morning.

Luckily, we won Harrods as a customer, and things snowballed from there. Now, were stocked at John Lewis, Ocado, Harvey Nichols, the Co-op and Amazon, too.

I feel so fortunate to be working with Sam, and Im proud of what we have achieved.

Popcorn Shed is all about sharing those moments that really matter, and bringing joy to peoples lives through food  just as we were taught growing up.

Popcorn Shed uses small business platform Xero to help manage its cash flow and finances
https://www.aish.com/jw/me/Islamic-Terrorism-From-Libel-to-Bloodshed.html

What role does radical Islamist ideology and lies about Israeli schemes for the Temple Mount play in Palestinian terrorism?

On Jan. 1, 2015, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi gave a speech at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, and what he said stunned the religious leaders who were in attendance. It was the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, and the leadership of the most important educational institution in Sunni Islam was eager to hear what el-Sissi had to say.

"It is unacceptable that the ideology we have sanctified become a source of worry, of danger, of killing and destruction among other peoples," the Egyptian president said.

"It is unacceptable that 1.6 billion Muslims should have to kill the rest of the populations of the world, which number some 7 billion, in order to live"

The problem, el-Sissi said, "lies in ideology. Not with faith."

In his unusual speech, which was forgotten after a few months, the Egyptian president was making a direct appeal to religious officials in his country. He called on them to "reexamine Islamic philosophy from a more enlightened point of view," with the goal being to "shape the right religious discourse."

El-Sissi was speaking after waves of major Islamist terrorist attacks all over the world. Israel was engulfed by "lone wolf" terrorism, as it was called at the time. Technically, the attacks were being perpetrated by individuals without known ties to terrorist organizations. But an overwhelming percentage of them were inspired by common beliefs and ideas  in 93% of the attacks carried out in Jerusalem from August 2014 to May 2016, the story of the Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa played a part, either as a sole motivation or one of the motivations that prompted the terrorists to take action. All the "lone wolf attackers" were Muslim, although not all were devout.

They took to the streets to murder Jews because they had been incited to believe that "Al-Aqsa was in danger;" that Israel was about to demolish the mosques on the Temple Mount; or even change the status quo on the Mount. They believed that murdering Jews would help them "liberate Al-Aqsa" and free it from the "Jews who defile its Muslimhood." They planned major attacks on Jewish visitors to the Mount, as well, to keep them away. The fiction "Al-Aqsa is in danger" ceased to be false propaganda and became a catalyst for terrorism. Many members of the Palestinian national and religious leadership made frequent use of the libel, and put a public face on it.

A twisted interpretation of Islam

El-Sissi, however, gave voice to a much more enlightened and moderate version of Islam. He spoke on behalf of others among the Palestinians and in the Arab and Muslim world who condemned Palestinian terrorism in general and "Al-Aqsa terrorism" in particular. There weren't too many of them, and they stood out. But they represented hope.

Some of them were convinced that Islamic zealots are perverting their religion and giving it a twisted interpretation. Others thought that Islam was inherently perverse and from its inception had invited violence, terrorism, and bloodshed and that the religion itself needed reform. Some found legitimacy for the Jewish presence in Jerusalem and on the Temple Mount in the Quran and were even able to appreciate the religious autonomy Israel gives Muslims there. Others espoused the Palestinian national issue but rejected terrorism entirely. These rare voices were shunned, and frequently condemned and persecuted in their communities. But they represented an expectation of change and goodness, and should be recognized.

Salman Masalha, a poet, translator, and columnist who is a member of the editorial board of the journal Masharef  which has won the President's Prize for Literature  was one of these voices. Masalha isn't an observant Muslim, he is Druze (who defines himself as Arab), but still it took plenty of courage for him to say in January 2015 that "the roots of terror lie in Islam."

Masalha published his statements in Haaretz. He said that when Islamic terrorism had appeared in the world these past few decades, Muslims were alarmed and said it tainted Islam. "These terrorists have hijacked Islam," they said. But according to Masalha, the question is who hijacked what? And wouldn't it be more probable that Islamic texts had hijacked the terrorists?

After analyzing original texts by radical fundamentalist figures and organizations "who draw their power and inspiration from the same basic texts of Islam itself," Masalha reached the conclusion that "Islam needs a serious ideological shake-up a revolution that will adapt it to the modern world."

Egyptian-German intellectual Hamad Abdel-Samad, the son of an Egyptian imam exiled to Germany, has been saying similar things for years. Samad became one of the most notable critics of Islam in Germany and in 2015 published his bestselling book Muhammad  A Final Reckoning. Samad holds the prophet to account and notes that Muhammad had two problems with the Jews: his failure to get them to acknowledge that he was a divine prophet, and the prohibition against murder to which the Jews clung.

"The fact that in the Quran it is written that Jews are monkeys and pigs," Samad wrote, shows "total dehumanization of the rival; such that makes it allowable to annihilate them." He writes that Mohammed himself "beheaded hundreds of members of a Jewish tribe that surrendered to him, the day they surrendered  the people today who cut off the heads of their prisoners take Mohammad as an example, so it is important to hold him to account and it needs to be said that he must not be a symbol of politics or principles."

Samad thinks that it is vital to "confront our forefathers and their religious texts. We have to open the complex problems once and for all  (But) every time we try to free ourselves and move our thinking forward, we are pulled back to where we started by our fears, the taboo, the bans, and the fear of being punished  there can be no enlightenment where there is fear!"

Only a few have managed to break through the barrier of fear. One was Sandra Solomon, a Christian who was born Muslim, the daughter of a family of terrorists in Ramallah. She was educated to hate Israel and admire terrorists. Her uncle, Sahar Habash, one of the founders of the Fatah movement, was close to former PLO leader Yasser Arafat and considered the author of the organization's ideology. Solomon was once a supporter of terrorism.

"We learned to hate Jews and glorify Hitler and the Holocaust. We were happy every time we heard about a successful terrorist attack, because then they would hand out candy  From the age of five I recited the Quran constantly. Even today I know the verses by heart. These were the poems of my childhood. They taught us that the Jews are the descendants of monkeys and pigs. They said they were the dirtiest people in the world of infidels, that they needed to die  what was most important to us was to free Al-Aqsa Mosque, liberate Jerusalem, and destroy Israel," she said.

Solomon's eyes were opened only after she researched the Quran and the rules of Islam by herself, and even read the Bible. She was forced into marriage, and when her husband found work in Canada, she used the opportunity to divorce him there. Today she is demanding that the Palestinians condemn terrorism, take down pictures of "martyrs" and also stop calling to "redeem Jerusalem through spirit and blood."

"The story about Muhammad's journey on a winged horse named Buraq to a place called Al-Aqsa was added to Islam much later," she claims. "And in any case, it has nothing to do with Al-Aqsa Mosque, which stands in Jerusalem today, because it didn't exist at the time."

Even if we take into account that faith doesn't necessarily have anything to do with facts, and that millions of Muslims around the world take the story of Muhammad and Buraq as the truth, Solomon's comments are important because they show first-hand that hatred of Israel doesn't stem purely from a territorial dispute.

"It comes from the Quran, and the hadiths, that tell about the time when the Muslims will kill all the Jews, and the stone and the tree will week and reveal that 'A Jew is hiding behind the tree, come kill him,'" she says.

"I lived that hatred and I am willing to debate any religious official and prove to him that the Muslims hate the Jews because they are Jews, and not because of the state of Israel."

Walid Shueiba, who was once active in the PLO's military wing and even recruited to a Muslim Brotherhood cell in the US, had a similar journey to Suleiman's. Eventually, after he delved into the Bible, he converted to Christianity. His grandfather, who was the mufti of the town of Beit Sahour, was a friend of Hajj Amin and Abdel al-Husseini, the leaders of the struggle against Zionism and Judaism prior to 1948. Shueiba says that as a child, he had been brainwashed.

"They taught us songs about killing Jews," he says. "From the age of five, you're recruited and learn to hate the Jews. As the years go by, you also learn racist ideology and Holocaust denial. My Muslim father and environment expected me to kill Jews and become a shahid [martyr] so I could go to paradise."

Opinions like those of Solomon, Shueiba, or Noor Dahri  who joined a terrorist organization in Pakistan after having been taught that "Jews are worse than animals," but eventually had his eyes opened  are unusual. Sometimes they are voiced by researchers of Islam who are themselves Muslim, so the words carry extra weight.

Two Turkish religious officials, Dr. Hayat Gundogan and Oktar Babuna, visited Israel in January 2016, a time when Jews were being stabbed and run over in the streets to "defend Al-Aqsa." Gundogan made it clear that he had come to sound the alarm that "In Islam, there is no hatred of Jews" and that "Islam opposes terrorism." Muslims, he says, "Cannot object to Jews praying on the Temple Mount, because Solomon declared it a place of prayer, and Islam honors him."

His colleague notes that "the main victims of Muslim terrorism are the Muslims  since the state of Israel was founded, it has killed 35,000 Muslims, but in the same time period Muslims have killed 11 million Muslims."

Another such voice is Saudi thinker Abdel Hamid al-Hakim, who until 2018 served as the director of the Middle East Center for Strategic and Legal Studies in Jeddah. After the US Embassy relocated to Jerusalem, Al-Hakim did not hesitate to note that "Israeli society respects its holy capital and the culture of freedom of religion there."

"I thanked God that Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem are under the rule of regimes that respect the holiness of these cities and made them some of the most beautiful in the world. Be reasonable, Jerusalem is a holy city to the Jews and they have a historic right to it, just like Mecca and Medina are holy to Islam. It is best that Jerusalem be under the management of Israel, which will allow Muslims to visit Al-Aqsa, than under Arab management, which will turn it into a third world city" Al-Hakim said.

Discussing the phenomenon of terrorist attacks and the Palestinians' glorification of terrorists, Al-Hakim said that the Palestinian Authority need to decide which side it was on  the side of peace, or terrorism: "The lives of Palestinians are more precious than territory or the stones of a mosque," he said.

Religion and politics create terrorism

Different voices sometimes emerge from the Arab Israeli sector, too. They are notable for their moderation, especially in light of the radicalism of the Islamic Movement in Israel and its ties to Hamas, or the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement's involvement in terrorist attacks. Take, for example, Nail Zoabi, the principal of a school in the Galilee village Tamra, who says, "Our public is fed lies. The leaders sell them [the story] that Al-Aqsa is in danger and the Jews want to harm it. But I don't accept these things"

Dr. Ramadan Dabash, chairman of the community council of Zur Baher in east Jerusalem, and an Israeli citizen, also warns that "the combination of religion and politics is a combination that creates terrorism." He and Zoabi choose to describe the Quran as a "book of peace." They suggest "taking the things that connect us."

After two members of the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement carried out a terrorist shooting on the Temple Mount in July 2017, more people spoke out in the Arab media. Saudi writer Mujahad al-Muthaalit argued that "Solidarity with the refugee camps  takes priority over solidarity with Al-Aqsa, because people are more important than stones."

Hamid al-Sharifi, the founder of Liberal Muslims group, which works on liberal and moderate interpretations of Quran verses to adapt them to current times, spoke out even more forcefully. Al-Sharifi, a former Iraqi diplomat who currently works in London, survived three attempts to assassinate him because of his opinions. In 2015, when the wave of terrorist stabbings by "Al-Aqsa" fanatics was at its heights, he defined himself as "a blind man whose eyes had been opened."

In an interview to Maya Pollak from Israel's Makor Rishon, he said, "I understand a 13-year-old Muslim boy who grabs a knife and goes out to stab Jews. If I'd had a chance to do that when I was young, I'm not certain I'd let it go by. When you're young, religious officials come and read a few verses from the Quran and that's it, you're a walking time bomb.

"They'll say, for example, 'Who is the enemy of God? The Jews. Don't think. Kill as many of them as possible and paradise is yours.' They promise you you'll go to a beautiful place. They taught us not to use our minds when we see a text from the Quran, just read it and implement it, and it doesn't matter how many years have gone by since it was written. Slowly, as my mind developed, I realized it was all deceit, that it was all a mistake  I understood that everything they had taught us was nonsense," he says.

Al-Sharifi explains that the Quran is like a double-edged sword: "I can read you content to make you a fanatic, and I can read you content to make you calm and serene Those who oppose me will say that the Quran is for every ear, all the time The Quran says to honor your parents and not to eat pork, and that's still in effect today, but the Quran also says to buy and sell slaves and beat women. Am I supposed to beat my wife?"

Al-Sharifi stopped attending Friday prayers at mosques, which he says is the main source of incitement to killing. He does not want to be a part of it. "Friday prayers have been taken over by the radical Islamic countries  From prayer and worship of God, they have turned into cheap propaganda designed to spread hatred. The Jumah, as these prayers are called, are an opportunity for the imam to reach people through his speeches and it is customary for him to be holding a weapon."

Kasim Hafeez, a young Muslim from Birmingham in the UK, also thought for himself. Hafeez, the son of an immigrant from Pakistan (his father admired Hitler), was exposed to heavy incitement from Hamas and Hezbollah.

According to Hafeez, "The conflict is a political one, over a piece of land, but Sheikh Muhammad Amin al-Husseini, the mufti of Jerusalem during the British Mandate, brought religion into it. He was a Nazi who cultivated hatred for years, who met with Adolf Hitler. He was the one who created the volatile mix of religion and politics. His radicalization won, unfortunately. Today the situation is that not all Muslims are terrorists, but a lot of them espouse zealous and violent hatred"

From Al-Aqsa Terrorism: From Libel to Blood, by Nadav Shragai.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu wears a face mask as he stands inside the court room (Ronen Zvulun/Pool Photo via AP)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a tirade against the nations justice system as he arrived at court for the start of his corruption trial, accusing police and prosecutors of conspiring to depose him.

Netanyahus comments opened what is sure to be a tumultuous period for Israel as he becomes the countrys first sitting prime minister ever to go on trial.

Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in a series of corruption cases stemming from ties to wealthy friends.

He is accused of accepting lavish gifts and offering to grant favours to powerful media moguls in exchange for favourable coverage of him and his family.

He denies the charges.

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Netanyahu entered the Jerusalem courtroom wearing a blue surgical mask, in line with public health restriction due to the coronavirus pandemic. He stood and talked to his lawyer and lawyers for other defendants, refusing to sit until TV cameras left the room.

As the proceedings began, the lawyers and judges also wore masks, with the three-judge panel sitting behind a glass divider.

His lawyers said they would need two to three months to respond to the arraignment, and said they needed additional funds to add to their defences legal team.

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Netanyahu sat silently and did not speak during the one-hour session, rising just once, briefly, to confirm that he understood the charges.

He will not be required to attend future hearings during a case that legal analysts expect to stretch over several years.

Throughout the proceedings, the loud chants of his supporters could be heard in the courtroom.

When he arrived at the courthouse, Netanyahu revived his claims that he is the victim of a deep state-type conspiracy by media, police, prosecutors and judges out to oust him.

The objective is to depose a strong, right-wing prime minister, and thus remove the nationalist camp from the leadership of the country for many years, he said.

He said police and prosecutors had conspired to tailor a case against him, and said the evidence was contaminated and exaggerated. He called for the court proceedings to be broadcast live on TV to ensure full transparency.

While the media continues to deal with nonsense, with these false, trumped-up cases, I will continue to lead the state of Israel and deal with issues that really matter to you, he said, including to resuscitate the economy and continue to save the lives of thousands of Israelis ahead of the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus.

Critics have said that Netanyahus deep state arguments have undermined Israels court system and risk deeper damage to the countrys democratic institutions.

Avi Nissenkorn, the countrys new justice minister, defended the legal system just before Netanyahu arrived in court.

Israel is blessed with a quality justice system without bias, Mr Nissenkorn wrote on Twitter. I have no doubt that the judicial process will be managed in a matter-of-fact and fair fashion.

Netanyahu was forced to attend Sundays hearing at the Jerusalem district court, after his request to have his lawyers represent him instead was rejected.

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The dramatic scene came just days after the long-serving leader swore in his new government, breaking more than a year of political stalemate following three inconclusive elections.

Netanyahu held his first Cabinet meeting with the new government just hours before heading to court.

Neither he nor any of his ministers addressed the looming trial but the countrys outgoing religious affairs minister wished Netanyahu that God will bring the truth out at his trial.

Netanyahu and his allies have spent months lashing out the countrys law enforcement system, and the charges against him have deeply divided the nation.

Ahead of the trial, two sets of protests and counter-protests gathered outside the courthouse and the prime ministers official residence in Jerusalem.

Several of Netanyahus Likud Cabinet ministers, including the newly appointed internal security minister who oversees the police, came to the court to back him.

Netanyahus court appearance on Sunday caps a three-year investigation.

It also comes after more than a year of political turmoil, with three inconclusive elections finally ending last month when the Israeli leader and his main rival, former army chief Benny Gantz, came to a power-sharing deal.

As part of their power-sharing deal, Netanyahu will remain prime minister for the next 18 months, and alternative prime minister for the 18 months after, and will not be legally required to step down during what is expected to be a lengthy trial.

In a tweet, Mr Gantz said he was sure Netanyahu will receive a fair trial.

I repeat and emphasise that my colleagues and I have full faith in the justice system and law enforcement, he said.


Two American space agency astronauts are making final preparations for the first crewed space flight to launch from American soil since 2011.

Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley - both former NASA shuttle pilots  arrived at Floridas Kennedy Space Center last week. They had been training at their home base in Houston, Texas.

The astronauts are set to launch from Kennedy on a test mission to the International Space Station, or ISS, on Wednesday, May 27.

They will fly on a Crew Dragon spacecraft, carried by a Falcon 9 rocket. The American company SpaceX designed and built each. The flight will be the first by a private company to send astronauts into orbit.

The trip will also mark the first U.S.-based space launch since NASA ended its space shuttle program nine years ago. Since then, American astronauts have been flying to the ISS on Russian rockets launched from Kazakhstan.

Hurley was one of the four astronauts who took part in the final NASA shuttle flight in July 2011. Speaking to reporters in Florida, he said it has been a long road back. But he added that it was humbling to be here to start out the next launch from the United States.

Behnken called it an awesome time to be an astronaut, with a new spacecraft.

Kennedy Space Centers director, former shuttle commander Robert Cabana, and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, welcomed the astronauts on their arrival. The NASA chief told the two he saw them as a bright light for all of America right now.

The crowd in attendance was greatly reduced because of the coronavirus crisis. The astronauts did not wear nose and mouth covers but stayed socially distant. Cabana and Bridenstine wore face coverings.

Bridenstine spoke to the group. During these difficult times, he said, this is a moment when we can all look and be inspired as to what the future holds.

The two astronauts do not know how long they will remain at the ISS, but the stay is expected to last at least a month. NASA has said the length of stay will be decided after their arrival and will be based on the readiness of the next crew launch.

Only one American is currently on the ISS, astronaut Chris Cassidy. NASA says the three U.S. astronauts will team up to test the Crew Dragons systems and carry out research and maintenance operations.

Some of the tests will aim to confirm that the spacecraft will be able to carry out future missions while connected to the station for up to 210 days, NASA said.

The mission is part of NASAs Commercial Crew Program, which partners with private American companies to develop U.S. spaceflight systems.

NASA selected SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to transport crews from the United States to the ISS. The space agency is paying the two companies a combined $6.8 billion to build competing rocket and capsule systems.

Boeing is also preparing to launch astronauts aboard its Starliner spacecraft to the ISS. But the company suffered a setback in December during an unmanned test flight to reach the space station.

After lifting off for the test flight, the Starliner experienced software issues that sent the spacecraft to the wrong orbit, causing officials to cancel its trip to the ISS. Boeing says it has been working on the software issues and plans to carry out another unpiloted test flight later this year.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English based on reports from The Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse and NASA. Caty Weaver was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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Words in This Story

mission  n. an important task, usually involving travel somewhere

humbling  adj. not proud or arrogant

inspire  v. to make someone feel that they want to do something and can do it

maintenance  n. work that is done to keep something in good condition

setback  n. a problem that makes something happen later or more slowly than it should
analysis

After a threat of legal action, the government has eased coronavirus travel restrictions slightly to enable 'locked in' South Africans to get on with their studies and livelihoods.

The threat of legal action appears to have persuaded the government to relax its coronavirus travel restrictions to allow thousands of South Africans living and working abroad, but trapped in South Africa, to leave the country.

On Saturday, a day after the organisation LISA- Locked in South Africa -applied for an urgent court order, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced he had approved essential travel for South Africans who wanted to return to countries where they are based.

"South Africans who wish to leave the Republic are permitted to depart only for the following reasons:

Work

Study

Family reunion

Take up permanent residency

Receive medical attention.

Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi.

The family reunion concession is believed to apply only to family members who have been separated form each other, not a general concession.

On Friday at a virtual press conference LISA coordinator Bev Schafer, had announced that after failing to get any response for weeks from the departments of home affairs and international relations and cooperation, the...
Tanaiste Simon Coveney has been in contact with Verona Murphy and a number of other independent TDs as Fine Gael seeks to attract further support for a coalition government with Fianna Fail and the Greens.

Coveney reached out to members of the Regional Independent Group in a series of phone calls on Friday evening. Members of the group, which includes controversial TDs Michael Lowry and Noel Grealish, expect to take part in talks about joining the government within the next two weeks.

Murphy, a TD for Wexford who fell out with Fine Gael over comments about migrants when she ran for the party in a by-election last year, said she had a "very good relationship" with Simon Coveney.

She spoke to him on Friday about the progress being made in the government formation talks and did not rule out being involved. "If they come up with a programme for government with the Greens, then we need to see that," she said.

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Murphy said a key issue for her would be moving Dublin Port to Rosslare, which is in her constituency, to help reduce high nitrogen oxide emissions in the capital. "If the Greens are really serious, they'll be looking at this," she added.

Coveney's calls to Independents sparked alarm among some in the Green Party who harbour concerns over the potential involvement of controversial figures such as Lowry, who has been found guilty of tax offences, and Grealish, who was widely criticised last year for claiming African migrants "sponge off the system". Neither returned calls yesterday.

A Green Party source said the involvement of some TDs would be a "hard pill to swallow".

A spokesman for Simon Coveney said: "The Tanaiste told many of the Oireachtas colleagues he'd met since the election that he'd keep in contact with them and he's done that. The government formation talks are going well."

Waterford TD Matt Shanahan and outgoing junior minister Sean Canney said they were both interested in participating in talks.

The group's co-ordinator, Denis Naughten, did not return calls. Other members are Independent TDs Peter Fitzpatrick and Cathal Berry and Aontu's Peadar Toibin who has ruled out joining the government.

Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens discussed healthcare yesterday. The parties are now aiming to have a government in place by the third week of June, after allowing two weeks to ballot members. It is hoped the programme for government can be agreed before June 7, the date when nominations for the Green Party leadership close.

The talks were disrupted last week when it emerged that Green Party members wanted deputy leader Catherine Martin to replace Eamon Ryan as leader. She said was giving "serious consideration" to challenging Ryan.

A Fine Gael source said Ryan was "quite diminished" by the move.
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > Criticism Cannot Be Sedition

IMPRESSIONS

Two things worry me. Deeply. Feeling patriotic, I sat glued to the television set for the Prime Ministers "address to the nation." After two minutes I felt hungry and moved to the dining table. Like me the majority of people in the south must have lost interest in the Hindi prabhashan. I dont feel good about my lack of interest in Hindi. But I dont feel guilty either.

The second thing that sent me off to the dining table was the nothing-new feeling created by the prime ministerial message. Economic package. Rebuilding. Demand-Supply chakra. Self-reliance. Rs. 20 lakh crore for self-reliant India. Of course, if even a few of the promises are fulfilled, it will be progress. But the fact remains that we have lived for 70 years on slogans, the last six of them on well-phrased slogans well delivered. They didnt click because urgent issues, like massive movement of migrant labour, were ignored.

But one thing is new, and disturbing. Sedition law is being used to suppress the common democratic right of criticism. Patel, a local journalist in Gujarat, was booked for sedition when he uploaded a report about Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. It was a routine report saying that there were problems between the chief minister and the BJP High Command, the kind of report that appears about many state leaderships in many forums. If the report was incorrect, both the Chief Minister and the BJP High Command could have publicly said so and the media would have been obliged to publish the denial.

But that is not what the Rupani Government did. It ensured that the Ahmedabad Police crime branch filed an FIR against Patel under the sedition act. The police chief perhaps saw the farcical nature of the action and said: "As a precautionary measure in view of the corona virus pandemic, Patel has been detained, not arrested, and sent to SVP Hospital for Covid treatment." Thus the police turned the sedition story into a corona story.

Sedition means inciting people to rebel against the state. In Indian democratic system, governments have always been criticised by political opponents and by media. This was never interpreted as rebellion against the state. Therefore, using the sedition act to prevent legitimate give-and-take in a democracy is a cheap trick. It wont work. BJP and Congress, CPM and Trinamool, all must face democracys challenges; none can get refuge behind sedition laws.

Strangely, many of our elected leaders seem to belive that, once elected, they are above the checks and balances of democracy. Such leaders resort to sedition laws at the slightest provocation. Parliamentary criticism of a government or a minister is the essence of democracy. To say that such criticism is sedition amounting to rebellion against the state is nonsense.

That the Rupani Government in Gujarat resorted to nonsensical procedures to silence critics is ironical. Gujarat has the worst morbidity rate in the country. The first covid cases were confirmed in Gujarat. It remains the worst affected state after Maharashtra. Gujarat became known for announcing precipitate policies without giving people sufficient notice. People were banned from leaving their homes; shops were closed for a week.

Ahmedabad is notorious for localities crammed with people Dharavi-style. In fact it is worse because, unlike in Dharavi, religion plays a role in separating one over-crammed sector from another. Large numbers of men and women sharing one bathroom is scary enough. Imagine the complications if the scarce bathrooms are segregated religionwise as well. Many years of rule by BJP stalwarts have not succeeded in improving the situation in Gujarat and in its capital in particular.

British bureaucratic legalese is the hallmark of the sedition law that India still follows. It says that "whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite, disaffection towards the Government, shall be punished..." A century and a half have passed since the original enactment. But the language  and the mentality  remain unchanged.

The Prime Minister deflects all criticism by giving his oratory full play. Abraham Lincoln was no orator. He delivered the Gettysburg Address in a most unimpressive style. But it changed the course of history. Infosys founder Narayana Murthy recently made a relevant comment. "India cannot continue in this situation for long. At some point deaths due to hunger will outweigh deaths due to corona. We must facilitate return to work by the able-bodied while protecting the vulnerable."

Wisdom, not oratory.
Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain on Sunday said that 508 new Covid-19 infections were reported in the national capital till May 23 midnight. The coronavirus tally in Delhi now stands at 13,418, while 261 people have died due to coronavirus in Delhi, the minister added.

Jain also talked to reporters about the Covid-19 containment zones in the national capital, stating that the number of containment zones now stands at 83.

House numbers 600-800 in Hari Nagar, Rani Bagh and two houses at street number 8, Shastri Park have been declared as new containment zones. Till now, 41 zones have been de-contained, Jain said.

Also read: 67% of Indias Covid-19 cases come from 4 states

With 508 new cases, the total number of COVID19 positive cases in Delhi is now 13,418 (till midnight of 23rd May), total death toll 261: Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain pic.twitter.com/3dZDjOJ6lL  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

Earlier this week, the South Delhi district administration added two more areas to the list of Covid-19 containment zones in Delhi.

South Delhis Zamrudpur in Greater Kailash and Dakshinpuri were added as Covid-19 containment zones.

This comes when the Delhi government has partially lifted restrictions on movement across the national capital amid lockdown 4.0 in a bid to restart economic activity.

Delhi: The number of containment zones in Delhi now stands at 87 with the addition of house numbers 600-800 Hari Nagar, Rani Bagh, and two houses at street number 8, Shastri Park. Till now, 41 zones have been de-contained.  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

Public transport, barring Delhi Metro, has resumed operation in Delhi on conditions. Standalone shops have also lifted shutters. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged citizens to show discipline amid the coronavirus crisis ensure that the virus does not spread further. He said that no relaxations will be provided in Covid-19 containment zones.

Large gatherings, places of worship, malls, educational institutes, theatres, dine-in restaurants, barbershops and salons are still shut in Delhi amid the fourth phase of the lockdown. Vulnerable people such as the elderly, pregnant women, children are urged to avoid stepping out of their homes.
A man in his 30s has been arrested by police in London on suspicion of attempted murder after a child was stabbed.

The London Ambulance Service called police at 1pm on May 22 to Larch Road, Brent.

Officers arrived to find a young child with stab injuries who was later taken to hospital.

Police are not yet releasing the age or gender of the child who continues to be treated in hospital.

Police were called to an address on Larch Road, Brent, (pictured) by the London Ambulance Service at 1pm on May 22 after a young child was stabbed

The child's condition is not believed to be life-threatening.

In a statement the MET police said: 'Officers attended and found a young child suffering from stab injuries. The child was taken to a London hospital; their condition is not believed to be life-threatening.

'An injured man, aged in his 30s, was also taken to hospital where he remains. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening.'

Superintendent Tim Alexander, of the North West Command Unit, said: 'This is clearly an incredibly shocking incident that has left a young child seriously injured and we are working urgently to understand the full circumstances.

Police arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of attempted murder and have stayed with him at hospital while he is treated for non-life-threatening injuries (stock image)

'We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and we are satisfied that there is no risk to the wider public.'

The man in his 30s was also taken to hospital to be treated for injuries but a police presence has remained with the man.

It is believed the man and child are known to each other.

The man in his 30s had previous contact with police so the MET's Directorate of Professional Standards have also been informed.

Police ask anyone with information to contact them by calling 101 or tweeting @MetCC and quoting the reference 4266/22May.
A total of 23% of Americans are food insecure. That is a shocking and shameful number in the self-proclaimed richest country in the world.

Food insecurity is not knowing where your next meal is coming from. Maybe youve got enough to cobble together something for your kids today but how are they going to eat tomorrow? Imagine the stress that must put on a family, having to make a conscious decision to pay rent or eat. During normal times, when our dynamic economy is, in the words of Jared Kushner, rockin, 11% of your fellow Americans are food insecure. That was the case a few months back when the Trump administration took an ax to the SNAP program, which had been a valuable source of food for our most vulnerable citizens.

The federal government has fully abdicated any and all responsibility to care for people who have the audacity to not be rich, leaving community food banks to fill the void. As you can imagine, the pandemic has taken a toll on the already taxed capabilities of these organizations to feed those in need. They could sure use our help.

The Community Food Bank of New Jersey is a good place to start. They stock more than 1,000 pantries, food banks and shelters across the state and they need just about everything from food to cleaning supplies, but most of all they need cash. They have a good deal of purchasing power and know how to stretch a buck. The legislature is stepping in to offer some food assistance, but demand will still outpace supply. Click the link on their page and help out if you can.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

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Pastor Charles Clark III conducts service at the Solid Rock Baptist Church in Berlin, N.J., in defiance of Gov. Phil Murphy's closure orders to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Read more

A South Jersey church held services on Sunday in defiance of government closure orders and amid concerns that large gatherings involving loud speech and song could put participants in danger of coronavirus infection.

Parishioners of the Solid Rock Baptist Church in Berlin, Camden County, gathered for what its clergy told Gov. Phil Murphy prior to the service would meet or exceed safety recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Were not looking for trouble; were not lawbreakers, Pastor Charles Clark Jr. could be seen in a live internet broadcast exclaiming from the pulpit toward a crowded front pew. Were exercising our constitutional rights.

Clark was one of about a dozen people who stood before the congregation, all without masks, to speak and sing over the course of the roughly hour-long service.

By next week, theres going to be churches opening all over the state, with permission or without permission," he said.

Murphy has begun relaxing the states stay-at-home order, allowing the resumption of some recreational and business activities that had been banned. But the order has mostly been kept intact, including for religious gatherings.

Spokespeople for Murphy, the state Attorney Generals Office, and Camden County prosecutors had no immediate comment. Berlin police did not respond to an email.

Later on Sunday, SS. Philip & James Parish, a Catholic church in Exton, Chester County, held services, following a Mass held Saturday evening, according to its website.

Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson Perez had said daily and Sunday Masses werent expected to resume until June 5, based on Gov. Tom Wolfs plan for relaxing Pennsylvanias stay-at-home restrictions.

The archdiocese is preparing guidelines for its churches to help them safely resume services at that date, after which initially there will be no religious obligation to attend, diocesan spokesman Kenneth Gavin said Sunday.

The archdiocese was aware that the Mass had taken place in Exton, but that would have been a decision made by the pastor at the local level, Gavin said. It is our position that something of this nature should not have happened this early.

A message for the church was not immediately returned.

 READ MORE: A reminder that were not alone: In Chestnut Hill, a church turned to bagpipes to reach those forced inside by the coronavirus

Large church gatherings have been linked to major outbreaks of the coronavirus in Germany, France, and South Korea. German officials said at least 107 people tested positive for COVID-19 after some attended services at Evangelical Christian Baptist Congregation in Frankfurt on May 10.

A study published by the National Academy of Scienceson May 13 found that one minute of loud speech could produce thousands of tiny droplets that can remain airborne for about 12 minutes. If they come from an infected person, others in the area could contract the virus.

President Trump, however, pressed governors on Friday to allow churches to reopen immediately, declaring them essential places that provide essential services" and threatening to override the governors, without clarifying how he would do so.

The CDC last week published guidelines for faith-based gatherings that call on leaders to encourage staff and congregants to wash their hands frequently, wear cloth face coverings, and promote social distancing.

Solid Rock Baptist Church said in an online statement that parishioners would be protected by provisions including the projection of hymn lyrics on a screen so church songbooks need not be passed around and mandatory masks for those in the pews.

The passing of collection plates was also being skipped, but Charles Clark III, Clark Jr.'s co-pastor, said during the service that due to the health crisis the church had been receiving more in donations than usual.

Clark III began the service by addressing what he suggested was a thinner-than-usual crowd. Only 250 parishioners were being permitted into the church that was designed for a capacity of more than 1,000, church leaders had said earlier.

Families were separated by PVC piping across the churchs pews to enforce social distancing. Others were watching remotely from a gymnasium, Clark III said from the pulpit.

Weve just got a remnant here today, but at least were here, he said. I am glad to be back in church.

Inquirer photographer Yong Kim contributed to this article.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said he has missed the opportunity of touring the country during Ramadan periods to pray and have iftar with his fellow Muslims in various communities due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Due to the coronavirus restrictions, Muslims for the first time cannot gather at the mosques to mark Eid al-Fitr today, Sunday, 24 May 2020.

They have been advised to pray at home.

In a video message to his fellow Muslims as they mark an end to Ramadan, Dr Bawumia prayed for Allah to bless Ghana.

I missed the opportunity that I usually have on my Ramadan tour to pray and have iftar with various communities across the country. Nonetheless, this has been a very spiritually fulfilling experience and we pray to the Almighty Allah to accept our sacrifices during this month of Ramadan and to bless the nation, he stated.

For her part, Mrs Samira Bawumia noted that As we continue to observe the coronavirus restrictions and guidelines by celebrating Eid at home this year, let us continue to pray for our friends, families, loved ones and our nation.

---classfmonline
The United States is pushing relations with China to 'the brink of a new Cold War', China's foreign minister said Sunday, rejecting Washington's 'lies' over the coronavirus while saying Beijing was open to an international effort to find its source.

Keeping up the worsening war of words with Washington over the pandemic and a Beijing move to tighten control over Hong Kong, Wang Yi said the United States had been infected by a 'political virus' compelling figures there to continually attack China.

'It has come to our attention that some political forces in the US are taking China-US relations hostage and pushing our two countries to the brink of a new Cold War,' Wang told reporters during a press conference at China's week-long annual parliamentary session.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the United States had been infected by a 'political virus' compelling figures there to continually attack China

Longstanding friction between the two powers over trade, human rights and a range of other issues have been pushed to new heights since the virus outbreak.

Wang did not identify what 'forces' he was referring to, but US President Donald Trump has led world criticism of China's initial response to the pandemic, which has caused more than 340,000 deaths and economic carnage worldwide.

Trump and members of his administration have said China covered up the emergence of the virus late last year and bungled its initial response.

Washington's criticism has been widely seen in the United States as an attempt by Trump to divert attention from the White House's own COVID-19 failures.

Wang took an apparent swipe at the US struggles to contain the virus, which has now infected more people in the United States than anywhere else.

'I call on the US to stop wasting time and stop wasting precious lives,' Wang said.

He said China was 'open' to international scientific cooperation to identify the source of the novel coronavirus, but stressed that any investigation must be 'free of political interference', based on science and led by the World Health Organization.

The WHO has called on Beijing to invite the UN body in to investigate the source, but Wang did not indicate if foreign scientists would be invited to come to China.

President Donald Trump has led world criticism of China's initial response to the pandemic. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are pictured at the G20 leaders summit in July 2019

Wang Yi accuses US officials of 'stigmatizing' China

'Some political figures in the US rush to label the virus and politicize its origins, stigmatizing China,' Wang said, adding that an investigation must 'oppose any presumption of guilt'.

Most scientists believe the virus jumped from animals to humans after emerging in China, possibly from a market in the central city of Wuhan where exotic animals were sold for meat.

Governments including the US and Australia have called in recent weeks for an investigation into the exact origins of the virus.

China has proposed instead that the 'global response' to COVID-19 should only be assessed when the pandemic is over.

WHO members on Tuesday adopted a resolution, tabled by the European Union, at the UN body's first virtual assembly to review the international handling of the pandemic, but it does not single out China.

'Aside from the devastation caused by the novel coronavirus, there is also a political virus spreading through the US,' he said.

'This political virus is the use of every opportunity to attack and smear China. Some politicians completely disregard basic facts and have fabricated too many lies targeting China, and plotted too many conspiracies.'

The introduction at China's legislature on Friday of a proposal to impose a security law in Hong Kong to suppress the semi-autonomous city's pro-democracy movement also has drawn US and world condemnation.

But Wang defended the plan, saying it must be implemented 'without the slightest delay', adding that months of often-violent Hong Kong protests last year against China's growing influence in the financial hub had 'seriously endangered China's national security'.
Vacationers flocked to the Lake of the Ozarks over the holiday weekend, flouting social distancing guidelines as they packed into yacht clubs, outdoor bars and resort pools in the Missouri tourist hot spot.

Images of the revelry rippled across social media, showing people eating, drinking and swimming in close quarters. In one picture shared by the news station KSDK, dozens of people could be seen crammed on an outdoor patio underneath a sign reading, "Please practice social distancing."

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: Mayor Turner moves to enforce 25 percent capacity limit for Houston businesses

The scenes underscored how some have interpreted the loosening of the coronavirus restrictions ahead of the Memorial Day holiday as an invitation to return to a pre-pandemic version of normal. Amid varied and sometimes conflicting orders from state and local officials, people across the country have been left to decide on their own how strictly to follow the rules.

The images elicited a barrage of criticism from people angered by the open disregard for the guidelines that public health experts have spent months promoting.

"I don't even know what to say anymore," Meghan McCain, co-host of ABC's "The View," tweeted.

Like most of the country, Missouri has allowed some businesses to reopen and rolled back pandemic-related bans on nonessential activities, even as researchers warn the virus is still spreading at epidemic rates in Missouri and 23 other states.

After Missouri's stay-at-home order expired May 3, Gov. Mike Parson. a Republican, said a range of businesses, including large venues, could resume service as long as seating was spaced out to enforce social distancing. State guidelines mirror those issued by the federal government, instructing people to stay six feet apart when they are outside their homes.

Many businesses around the Lake of the Ozarks closed in the spring when the pandemic hit. But as the state moved to reopen, they allowed guests to rebook reservations. Several hotels and resorts told local media last week that they were fully booked through the weekend.

In videos shared widely on social media, people could be seen lined up outside Backwater Jack's, waiting to enter the already packed bar and grill.

"Corona-free," one man in line shouted in as the camera panned to him.

The waterfront establishment hosted a pool party Saturday called "Zero Ducks Given" that featured DJs and live bands. A Facebook page described the event as a summer kickoff party and showed nearly 400 people had attended.

PACKED WATERPARKS: Crowds descend upon Texas waterpark on Memorial Day weekend

A representative from Backwater Jack's did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday. The event organizer said in a May 7 Facebook post the venue had "worked with and taken the advice of government officials and management teams and will be following social distancing guidelines," adding, "extra precautions and safety measures will be taken."

Missouri has reported more than 11,700 cases of the coronavirus and 676 deaths. A study by researchers at Imperial College London said it was one of 24 U.S. states that had yet to rein in the coronavirus and risked a second wave of infections.

Thick crowds also were seen at beaches and other attractions on the East Coast, including the Ocean City boardwalk and a beach on the reopened Jersey Shore.

- - -

The Washington Post's Meryl Kornfield contributed to this report.
Ms. Rothenbergs divorce in the late 1970s was reflected in her art, which became darker and more threatening, shot through with hints of depression and anger. She switched from acrylic paint to oils, giving her work more texture and depth. In the 1980s, she began to draw a male figure  I was just moving my hand on the paper. It was like a Ouija board  and decided it was Dutch abstract painter Piet Mondrian, who died in 1944.
When Dan Levitis, his wife, Iris, and their three young children trooped into a Madison, Wisconsin, urgent care clinic around 8 a.m. on New Year's Day 2018, the staff didn't seem surprised to see them. The family had sought treatment several times in the previous two months for recurrent strep throat infections.

They had taken multiple rounds of drugs, professionally deep cleaned their home and replaced contaminated toothbrushes, but none of it worked for long. Inevitably, the infection came roaring back.

"It seemed like the whole family was on antibiotics, had just stopped taking antibiotics or was coming down with strep again," recalled Levitis, an evolutionary biologist who at the time was an associate scientist at the University of Wisconsin.

That New Year's Day, rapid tests showed that Iris and all three children had strep; Levitis did not. Three weeks earlier Iris and two of the children were found to be infected. And two weeks following the New Year's visit, after everyone had taken a full course of antibiotics, two of the children tested positive.

Over the next three months, which included several more bouts of strep, Levitis began to suspect that the cause of the repeated infection was in their home. But finding medical professionals who took his controversial hypothesis seriously proved to be a challenge.

After a search, Levitis managed to find a receptive audience. And once the possible source of recurrent strep was treated, the round robin infection stopped.

The first case occurred in late October 2017. Levitis was in Massachusetts on a research trip when his wife called to tell him that she and all three of their kids - Tigerlily, then 6, Kestrel, who was 3, and 14-month-old Peregrine - had tested positive for strep and were taking antibiotics.

Levitis, who had been battling a sore throat since leaving Madison several days earlier, called his doctor and was given a prescription for an antibiotic. Because the rest of his family was infected, he, too, was presumed to have strep.

After a round of antibiotics, everyone seemed to recover.

But five weeks later, his daughters complained of sore throats. This time the entire family was tested. Throat cultures revealed that all five had strep.

Within a few days the infection seemed to have cleared. But success was short-lived; the New Year's Day visit occurred three weeks later. This time the doctor prescribed a different antibiotic.

Levitis said that he and his wife were reminded of the need to finish the full course of antibiotics and of sanitation measures they had been following, including replacing the toothbrushes they had been using.

But two weeks later, on Jan. 16, Kestrel and Tigerlily had strep again. And at the end of January, all three kids tested positive.

"We were so done with this and painfully aware that something was wrong," Levitis recalled. Nobody at school or day care was getting strep, he said, so he suspected that something in their house was the source.

Levitis called his mother, a retired pediatrician who had practiced in suburban Maryland, for advice. She told him about a family she had seen who kept getting strep until they got rid of their pet cat.

Four months before the first outbreak, the family had adopted Umberto, a 3-year-old gray cat, from a nearby family.

"I started looking at the scientific literature, and everything said that cats can't transmit strep," Levitis recalled.

Levitis said his wife asked their doctors about the possibility that cats could be vectors of strep, while he queried his cousin, a veterinarian.

"They all pretty much said the same thing: 'There's no evidence that cats can transmit strep to humans, but if you want to be safe, get rid of the cat,' " Levitis recalled.

That seemed unthinkable; they all adored Umberto. "He's so loving and patient with our kids and such a wonderful pet," Levitis said. "And we didn't know for sure that he was the culprit."

Although there are diseases that cats can transmit to people - including toxoplasmosis, cat scratch disease and ringworm - Streptococcus A, the bacteria that causes strep throat, is not believed to be among them.

A 2002 report from the American Veterinary Medical Association noted that while doctors sometimes blame pet cats and dogs for recurrent strep throat in children "evidence doesn't support this."

"There is more evidence that pets carry group A Strep[tococcus] temporarily and only when in contact with an infected person," a former association president concluded. "So, tell your kids with Strep[tococcus] not to kiss the kitty."

Cats and dogs can infect humans with a strain called strep canis, which is present in animal saliva and is usually transmitted through a bite.

Iris Levitis asked their vet whether she could test Umberto for strep in case he was a conduit. The vet refused: Umberto seemed healthy and there was no reason to swab the throat of a healthy cat, which would require hooking him up to oxygen and administering general anesthesia.

As a scientist, Levitis said he was frustrated that no one seemed willing to consider the possibility that in rare cases a cat might harbor strep that could be transmitted to humans. A few published reports had suggested such a scenario.

Among them is a 2007 letter in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings by a Pennsylvania internist who described an experience similar to the Levitis family. His three young children developed recurrent strep, which was eradicated after they - and their cat - were treated simultaneously with antibiotics.

The Levitises called a few veterinary practices to see if they'd test Umberto; all said no.

"We thought about dosing him ourselves," Levitis recalled, but "decided it was a bad idea."

In early March, 3-year-old Kestrel got strep throat along with respiratory syncytial virus, which led to pneumonia, resulting in a two-day hospitalization. After she got home, the couple was discussing the plethora of medical resources available in Madison, which includes a large and respected college of veterinary medicine.

"Iris had the brilliant idea" of calling the university animal hospital and trying to talk to an expert there, Levitis recalled. Maybe, the couple thought, an academic center would be more receptive to the cat hypothesis than community vets had been.

She wound up talking to Caitlin Barry-Heffernan, a fourth-year veterinary internal medicine resident. Then she handed the phone to her husband for his pitch.

"I talked about it as a research case," Levitis said, "not a guy who got strep throat from his cat."

"We were all kind of skeptical," recalled Barry-Heffernan, who now practices in Southfield, Michigan, outside Detroit. It is uncommon, she said, for cats to carry strep A, because the bacteria "doesn't like to live on animals."

But she was intrigued by the possibility and persuaded by Levitis. He was scientifically knowledgeable and "it was a pretty believable circumstance."

Barry-Heffernan said she walked down the hall to consult with a veteran microbiologist. "She was very skeptical," Barry-Heffernan recalled, but agreed that "we should be able to culture it if it's there."

So Barry-Heffernan told Levitis to bring his cat in for a throat culture.

On April 4, while the entire family was taking antibiotics for the seventh bout of strep in as many months, Umberto was seen by Barry-Heffernan and a vet student. They whisked Umberto, who Barry-Heffernan said seemed "perfectly healthy," into a nearby room and quickly swabbed his throat. Neither anesthesia nor oxygen was required.

"Umberto was a really nice cat," she recalled, so the procedure wasn't difficult.

To the surprise of the vet school faculty, group A strep was found in the cat's throat; it appeared to match the strain of strep collected during Levitis' most recent throat culture.

"Almost certainly Umberto was contributing to the family's infections," Barry-Heffernan said. She prescribed antibiotics for the cat and a disinfectant spray for his fur. And the Levitis family was given another round of antibiotics.

Soon afterward they left on a previously scheduled two-week trip to Costa Rica. In their absence Umberto was given his medication, and the house was professionally cleaned for a second time.

Since then, Levitis said, no one has had strep.

"Once we identified Umberto as a carrier, it was really easy to address," Barry-Heffernan said. It seems likely that the infection was being passed among the asymptomatic cat and various members of the family; it probably originated in a human. (Similarly, the small number of cats and dogs known to have tested positive for the novel coronavirus are believed to have been infected by people; there is no evidence animals can transmit the virus to humans.)

Barry-Heffernan said she hopes that the Levitises' unusual case doesn't cause people to get rid of their pets. "It was very easily treated," she noted.

Levitis, who now lives in Northern California with his family - and Umberto - said he is convinced that treating the cat eradicated the infection that had bedeviled his family.

"We got lucky," he said, "because Caitlin had an open mind."
The Congress on Sunday said the Gujarat government's "inefficiency" in handling the coronavirus crisis has rendered it "undermining, underconfident and underachieving", as the number of COVID-19 cases in the state rose rapidly.

"In Gujarat, today we don't have a health care system, we have a sick system," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said.

He quoted a Gujarat High Court judgement to target the BJP-ruled Gujarat which is also the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, and said such words have never been used by the judiciary against the state authorities.

At a press conference through video conferencing, Singhvi also sought to know why the prime minister or the home minister did not intervene, chastise or punish the Gujarat government.

"We would respectfully ask the prime minister, home minister, the Government of India, chief minister of Gujarat and the government of Gujarat - Are they even aware of what is happening in their own home state?



"If so, have they ever intervened, chastised or punished the Gujarat government or does the latter have Covid immunity vaccine because they belong to the BJP?" he posed.

Singhvi also asked why the Gujarat Governor did not use similar standards like those adopted by the West Bengal governor against the state government and whether similar inspection teams were sent to Gujarat by the Centre, as has been done for West Bengal.

"Why has the Gujarat Governor not adopted the same intrusive standards for the Gujarat Government as his West Bengal counterpart did?" he asked.

Singhvi said if powerful people, including leaders and "controllers of the central government", themselves are "unable to provide medical justice" to the poor and the needy of their home area, "what Covid justice can the rest of India's teeming millions expect from them".

"Sadly, we and the nation seek answers about which we are confident and pessimistically sure we will never get," he said.

The Congress leader alleged that the High Court of Gujarat has used "some of the severest, most scathing and harshest strictures" against the state government, alleging that references have been made to "sinking of the Titanic", the "extremely bad shape" of the hospital and the state government's "bizarre intent to artificially control the data of the number of cases".

"The inefficiency of the Gujarat government in handling the COVID-19 crisis depicts that it is undermining, underconfident, and underachieving," Singhvi said.

"Is it not true that by such methods of suppressed testing, transparency the true nature of the problem is critically compromised, distorted and misrepresented for purposes of personal image?" he asked.

Singhvi also alleged that the Gujarat government was making profits out of N-95 masks.

"Why is the Government of Gujarat, close on the heels of the 'non-existent ventilator scam', selling N-95 masks admittedly at Rs 65 per mask as against the admitted procurement cost to it of Rs 49.61 per mask i.e. at a straight profit arbitrage of 31 per cent?"



The Congress spokesperson also sought to know why the Gujarat government "is on one hand profiteering from an essential item like N-95 mask, and is levying steep penalty on those who do not wear masks in public".

"Why it is making public hospital spaces like City Hospitals a death trap?" he asked.

The Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad contributed to 62 per cent of the total deaths in Ahmedabad which has over 85 per cent deaths of all COVID-19 fatalities in Gujarat, He said quoting the High Court judgment.

It also said that the death rate at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, is almost double than that of two other government/municipality-run hospitals in the city itself.

The number of coronavirus cases in Gujarat rose to 13,669 after 396 new cases were reported on Saturday, while death toll rose to 829 with 27 new fatalities. In Ahmedabad district alone, the number of cases crossed the 10,000-mark after 277 new instances of the infection was reported on Saturday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
MBABANE  The Eswatini National Treasury and the Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) should be working with commercial banks in the Kingdom to provide government-guaranteed loans to SMMEs.



The call to support the small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) that may not be able to meet their financial obligations during the lockdown and when the economy reopens has been made by the Federation of Eswatini Business Community (FESBC).



FESBC Vice President Hezekiel Mabuza said loan guarantee arrangement should make E1billion in new loans available, of which E200 million should be made available in the first phase.

SMMEs and businesses with an annual turnover of less than E100 million, which are in good standing with their commercial banks, should be eligible for bank loans.



borrowed



Funds borrowed by SMME can be used for operational expenses including salaries, rent and lease agreements, and supplier contracts. Loans should cover up to three months of operational costs and will be drawn down monthly, said Mabuza. Mabuza said banks should not be obliged to extend COVID-19 loans, and those that do should use their normal risk-evaluation and credit-application processes. SMME business owners may be required to sign surety for the loan. Each SMME and business may accept only one COVID-19 loan.



Loans should be offered at a single agreed lending rate, which tracks the repo rate, by all participating banks.

FESBC further recommended a six-month repayment holiday commencing from the first draw down.

Interest and capital repayments should start after six months, and businesses should have a maximum of 60 months to repay the loans, he said.



stressed



Mabuza stressed that as local and state governments issued shelter-in-place orders, asking residents to remain home for all but essential errands, businesses  especially micro and small local businesses  across the Kingdom were facing difficult decisions. These institutions are crucial to our nations economy, employing about 47.5 per cent of the total private sector workforce in our Kingdom.



CEOs, and owners of SMMEs across the kingdom are facing these measures. Bigger SMMEs usually support other smaller businesses and organisations by providing capital, loans, supplies, labour, technology, and raw materials for manufacturing, production and services.

Suddenly  but understandably  demand for these services has dropped. However, SMMEs and businesses are not alone as the public sector is also feeling the pinch, he said. At FESBC Mabuza stressed that they were advocating and supporting many SMMEs and private businesses across the Kingdom.



In the past weeks weve watched our SMMEs and small businesses that make up the franchise industry struggle with dwindling sales due to this unforeseen economic crisis, he highlighted. Meanwhile, South Africa came up with a R200 billion loan guarantee scheme last month that will operate from May 12, 2020.



The loan guarantee scheme is an initiative to provide loans, guaranteed by government, to businesses with an annual turnover of less than R300 million to meet some of their operational expenses.



agreements



Funds borrowed through this scheme can be used for operational expenses such as salaries, rent and lease agreements, contracts with suppliers, and so on.

The initial set of participating banks (Absa, First National Bank, Investec, Mercantile Bank, Nedbank and Standard Bank) is ready to accept loan applications from distressed businesses which bank with them.



South Africas government and commercial banks are sharing the risks of these loans. Initially, that countrys National Treasury has provided a guarantee of R100 billion to this scheme, with the option to increase the guarantee to R200 billion if necessary and if the scheme is deemed successful.












nv.ua

Seven Ukrainian sailors, who were crew members of the Portuguese ship MSC TALIA F captured by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea this March, were released from captivity. Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba wrote about this on his Twitter page.



On March 22, pirates captured seven Ukrainian citizens, crew members of MSC TALIA F in the Gulf of Guinea. The Ukrainian consul, the Ukrainian embassy in Nigeria, the shipowning company worked together to release them. I am happy to finally inform: our sailors are already free, safe, and will be heading home soon, he said.



We recall, on March 22, off the coast of Africa in the Gulf of Guinea, pirates attacked the MCS TALIA F, sailing under the flag of Portugal. It became known that seven crew members - citizens of Ukraine - were abducted from the ship. In total, there were 17 people on board.

Related: Ukraine to pass evidence of Russia's capture of ships in Black Sea to UN International Tribunal

Earlier, pirates attacked the ship Rio Mitong off the coast of Equatorial Guinea and reportedly abducted a Ukrainian sailor. The director of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Serhiy Pohoreltsev said this in a comment to Ukrinform.

According to the diplomat, a pirate attack occurred on May 10 near the port of Malabo (Equatorial Guinea); Rio Mitong sailed under the flag of Comoros, and the shipowner was Belgian company Smart S & P SA.

"According to preliminary information, as a result of the attack, one citizen of Ukraine, a crew member of the vessel, was captured and taken to an unknown destination," Pohoreltsev noted.

He said that the Embassy of Ukraine in Belgium is establishing contact with the shipowner and the operator of the vessel regarding verification of this information and clarification of the circumstances of the case. In addition, the Ukrainian Embassy in Senegal, which is responsible for Equatorial Guinea, and the Ukrainian Embassy in Nigeria, which is the closest diplomatic institution to the scene, applied to the local competent authorities to confirm the capture of a Ukrainian citizen
New Delhi: Avoid going out for prayers and gatherings, 46-year- old Saira* from Farukhabad has been telling her relatives ever since the lockdown was imposed across the country in view of coronavirus spread. Over the last few weeks, she has been requesting her family and friends to avoid going out for Eid shopping. Keep the celebrations as simple as possible, she tells them. It's not just Coronavirus that Saira fears. It's fake news and a lived reality.

The outbreak of Covid-19 in India has presented yet another opportunity to launch a fresh attack on the Muslim community with the news that people who had attended a large gathering of Tablighi Jamaat, a Muslim missionary movement, in New Delhi had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The Sunni Islamic missionary movement group came into limelight in April after over 3,000 members, including foreign nationals, had gathered at Markaz Hazrat Nizamuddin for a congregation in March. Hundreds of the Tablighi Jamaat members later tested positive for coronavirus. This incident triggered a wave of disdain against the Muslims who were dubbed as super-spreaders of the virus. Fake news saying the Tablighi Jamaat members were misbehaving with the staff at quarantine facilities or that they were spitting on fruits to spread the virus further fuelled the fire. There was a sudden surge in Islamophobic hashtags and social media posts. This triggered incidents of discrimination and even violence against Muslims across the country.

The subsequent media coverage of Markaz Hazrat Nizamuddin among other incidents has compelled Muslims to take cautious steps in their daily life as they fear that even the slightest deviation may be used against the entire community. The festival of Eid (celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramzan) is a day away and for the past couple of weeks, the conversations have been mostly about how not to be noticed.

A year ago, Saira wasnt very politically aware. The recent news has made her more conscious of her identity and the stereotypes against Muslims.

WhatsApp and Twitter are being used to drive home the message of keeping the celebrations low-key and avoiding social gatherings.

Its our duty to take precautionary steps to avoid any social outrage against Muslims and also remind the entire nation that Muslims are as vigilant and responsible as any other corona warriors in India in order to safeguard our society. Eid is some days away and its very obvious that Muslim pockets pan India may witness social gatherings in the last week of Ramadan. Media houses and other agencies may use such clips to further malign the image of Muslims and portray us in a bad light in the ongoing global corona pandemic, reads one of the Whatsapp forwards asking people to join Twitter trend encouraging people to stay at home on Eid.

Screenshot of the WhatsApp message

Soon after coronavirus cases were detected from Markaz, media reports called it corona jihad-- the incident was shown as a deliberate attempt to spread the contagious virus across the country.

The apprehension among many is that the images of Muslims going out for Eid shopping may also be used to deviate attention from major issues like the migrant crisis. The testing rate is low for now and the number of cases seems artificially low. If there is a spike in the cases later, Muslims can again become the easy targets to pass the buck, says Akram*, a Delhi-based consultant.

The month of Ramzan began on April 25 and keeping in mind the lockdown norms, none of the mosques held congregational prayers. Delhis iconic Jama Masjid and the adjoining area of Old Delhi, which brims with celebration and food during the Ramzan, wore a deserted look for the entire month in view of lockdown.

Meanwhile, Muslims religious bodies and scholars in India have also asked people to avoid mass gatherings in view of the virus. Deputy Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Delhi asked everyone to offer Eid namaz from their homes only and follow government guidelines to avoid the risk of virus transmission.

The deputy Imam in a statement said, We cannot allow any congregations in courtyards and parks as it will expose people to an increased risk of contracting the virus. Hence, we urge you to offer holy prayers of Jamat-ul-Vida, Namaz-e-Eid from your homes. I would also like to request all citizens, especially the Muslim community, to abide by the lockdown mandates and help the poor and destitute persons during this period, and pray to the almighty to help keep everyone safe and evade this pandemic.

Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband issued a fatwa asking Muslims to offer their Eid prayers this time at home, instead of congregating at mosques. Similar directives have come from religious organisations across the world. The Muslim Council of Britain has asked people to celebrate Eid from home, and virtually with friends and family. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey have ordered curfews to avoid gathering on Eid.
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an anti-inflammatory drug used for malaria and autoimmune diseases now for many years, has turned out to be a hare and not the tortoise (we hoped for) in the COVID-19 race. It has brought more chaos than clarity, thanks to the interplay of political, scientific, public and educational factors.The starting point was the publication of a controversial French study which showed reduction in viral load (dose of the virus detected) in nasopharyngeal swabs in Covid patients. This study underwent heavy criticism from the scientific community for its methodological flaws. Despite this, it created a wave of enthusiasm leading to an Emergency Use Authorization issued by the FDA.

Closer to home, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), recommended the use of HCQ (400 mg twice on day 1, then 400 mg once a week thereafter (for a period of time) as chemoprophylaxis for asymptomatic Health-Care Workers (HCWs) treating patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, and for asymptomatic household contacts of confirmed cases in an advisory released on 22 March 2020. This advisory came as a surprise especially given the lack of robust scientific evidence for the use of HCQ even as treatment, let alone chemoprophylaxis. The ICMR statement stated its use in prophylaxis is derived from available evidence of benefit as treatment and supported by preclinical data and did not provide any further detailed evidence base or review of evidence in its use for such purposes. Although some in-vitro evidence existed for the antiviral activity of HCQ, peer-reviewed evidence studies evaluating the drug for exposure prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was definitely lacking at that time, and continues to be so now.

Foregoing the issue of proven efficacy, the issuance also proved problematic since it elicited a panic reaction from the lay public. Despite the explicit focus on HCWs and contacts of those tested positive, it led to a public perception that the drug is effective for prevention purposes.

This was demonstrated as there was a drug shortage within a few days. Furthermore, this made it difficult to test the hypothesis in carefully conducted clinical trials which may have provided justifiable evidence of this indication as it made the use of HCQ for prophylactic purposes a de facto standard of care in certain high risk populations Back in the US, President Trumps address was another turning point, when he touted the drug to be an effective coronavirus treatment despite the lack of scientific evidence and experts calling the evidence anecdotal. This highly publicized discussion saw a huge spike (1389%) in the internet searches for purchasing of the drug. His comment mentioning that he himself regularly consumes the drug might push this hype even further.

Over the past month as more evidence has emerged against the efficacy of HCQ (especially in combination with azithromycin), most US hospitals are refraining it for treatment purposes. In fact, the FDA has issued a warning against the use of HCQ outside of hospital settings. However, ICMR did not scale back its recommendation for chemo prophylactic use of HCQ despite the lack of evidence. This has led to its continued use, with concerns over indiscriminate use by health authorities. In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation rolled out a seven-week course for slum dwellers, which is beyond even the purported scope laid out in the ICMRs March advisory.

Although well intentioned, this erodes the public trust especially as evidence for a mass prophylaxis without rigorous monitoring is lacking and may be deleterious given that the drug can cause severe cardiac side effects and even death. It also could give a false sense of protection to these high risk populations and divert attention and resources from the need to focus on, or strengthen strategies, which could help reduce further spread of infection.

Furthermore, the issue is complicated by ethical and legal deficiencies given the lack of clarity on need for informed consent, screening for eligibility, lack of effective widespread pharmacovigilance, and monitoring of side effects, in those consuming the drug based on the advisory. Hence, one would think the ICMR will address these issues, ensure adequate oversight for those who are taking the drug and immediately withdraw its advisory as new data of a skewed risk-benefit equation has become available. However, the ICMR released a revised advisory on May 22, which revised the eligibility criteria for HCQ prophylaxis and broadened it to include asymptomatic frontline workers, such as surveillance workers deployed in containment zones and paramilitary/police personnel.

This puzzling revision is reportedly supported by data quoted in the advisory from in-vitro, safety and observational studies in India, none of which seem to be peer-reviewed or publicly available for independent review. This revision came on the same day when the results of a multinational registry analysis (from 671 hospitals in six continents) were published which did not demonstrate any benefit in in-hospital outcomes for COVID patients.

Given existing and emerging data, it should be clear that if the ICMR wants to explore the HCQs potential chemo-prophylactic use, it should only be done through properly designed and conducted randomized controlled trials. Apart from exposing some of the administrative, legislative and pharmaceutical deficiencies, this case study has unearthed another issue of the Indian healthcare system  failure of medical education to train doctors for modern practice.

Traditionally, much of the medical education has focused on learning well established diagnostics methods and treatment protocols. However, there is a dearth of training in understanding, evaluation and appraisal of scientific medical literature, and using this learning to drive clinical decision-making. With the ever-changing landscape of medicine, well demonstrated by the COVID-19 response, critical appraisal of medical literature is of paramount importance for a physician. With increasing trend of guideline driven medical care, it is important that physicians are able to make critical judgements on these recommendations by scientific bodies based on their evaluation of the existing scientific evidence. This is in their best interest, as well as for patients. Professional physician associations should take a lead in reinforcing the need for following evidence to drive health policy decisions, even at times of pandemics.

Thus, the HCQ fiasco excavated many of our familiar foes: inadequacy and short-sightedness of the governing scientific bodies, lack of accountability to the public, and inability to stay current and critically evaluate the growing body of scientific evidence. Despite the pandemics intensity, we must not abandon sound scientific reasoning in these desperate times, exemplified by the blanket recommendation on chemoprophylaxis in the absence of any credible evidence. As a nation, we must strive to learn a lesson from this crisis and view it as an opportunity to improve our healthcare infrastructure, and the way we practice medicine and public health.

Dr. Aakash Desai is an internal medicine resident in Dept of Medicine at the University of Connecticut Health Center, US. Dr. Anant Bhan is a researcher in global health, bioethics

and health policy. Follow them on Twitter @ADesaiMD @ AnantBhan
This was one rail trip Vijay Kumar says he will never forget.

Nor will the 1,398 other passengers on the Shramik Special from Maharashtra's Vasai Road that rolled into platform number 9 here, taking two and half days for the journey that was supposed to be just 25 hours.

Our train was moving in all the wrong directions and went to Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha. All the stations were new and I thought I was part of some adventure movie, Vijay Kumar told PTI.

Another passenger, Suraj Gupta from of Sahjanwa in Gorakhpur, described it as a horror journey.

At one time, Vijay Kumar thought he will never make it to his village in Siddharthnagar, where the family was returning due to the lockdown against coronavirus. I won't forget the journey in my life, the student said.

The train left Vasai Road station outside Mumbai on Thursday, was diverted to Rourkela in Odisha and finally reached Gorakhpur on Sunday.

The Railways has dismissed suggestions that the train was a victim of a goof-up. They said it was a planned diversion because of the congestion on the usual route, clogged with trains bringing stranded people home.

But nobody appears to have told the passengers, mainly migrant workers, who ended up spending about 60 hours on the journey.

We got food twice and also water. But more than hunger or thirst we were only thinking of reaching home," said Vijay Kumar, a student.

Akhilesh, an electrican in Maharashtra, travelled home to Gagha in Gorakhpur with his father.

"I had sent my family earlier and finally we decided to return, he said.

At last, we boarded the train on May 21 but instead of taking the right route, the driver lost his way and we reached Odisha. I appeal to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath that please never let this happen again," he said.

When he asked the guard about the wrong route, he said he was only following signals, according to Akhilesh.

He said the railway staff gave passengers food at Nagpur and Mughalsarai stations.

But it was just placed in the compartment for them to pick up, and those with more muscle power grabbed more, he said.

Suraj Gupta from Sahjanwa said, "The best food was served in Gorakhpur. After the horror journey it seems that I have reached paradise. There were about 20 other people in his group.

Joint Magistrate Gaurav Singh Sohgarwal told reporters that 1,399 passengers reached Gorakhpur. Most of them are from Gorakhpur division, he said.

Passengers were baffled when they reached Rourkela instead of Gorakhpur. Some went on Twitter saying they feared that loco driver had taken the wrong route, a suggestion dismissed by railway officials.

"There is no question of the train losing its way or its driver forgetting the route. We were very much aware that it is going to pass through Rourkela station, Abhay Mishra, the station manager there, earlier said.

During its halt, the train received water and other necessary things before proceeding towards its destination," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
JERSEYVILLE  A second lieutenant outranks a virus, at least as far as Jerseyville is concerned.

Jerseyville native Gabriel Parish received his first salute as a United States military officer Saturday on the Jersey County Courthouse lawn.

The commissioning ceremony for Parish was to have been held Saturday following graduation with his fellow classmates at the West Point Military Academy. But the pandemic meant that West Point graduates had to officially become U.S. military officers during small, hometown ceremonies.

We have this saying that West Point is a 47-month experience and at the end of it youll be prepared to be a leader of character in the Army, said 2nd Lt. Parish.

The commissioning ceremony for the 23-year-old Parish marked his official transition from cadet to active duty as a United States Army officer. West Point has been closed since March 6 due to the pandemic; cadets have been learning remotely since then like other students across the country. Academy officials encouraged graduating cadets families to host the commissioning ceremonies locally to recognize this important milestone in these young soldiers lives.

Parish received his first salute from Brooke Tuttle of Jerseyville, a Cadet Third Class at West Point.

I hope that my commissioning will be a reminder of all of the students in all of the graduating classes in Jersey County who have worked so hard to complete their studies during the pandemic, said Parish, who chose to serve in the infantry and will be posted to the Third Cavalry Regiment in Fort Hood, Texas.

Parishs father, Todd, was also a West Point graduate, and his son is proud to carry on that family tradition.

My dad never told me I had to go, but he didnt dissuade me either, Parish said. But growing up I saw the close relationships he had with the people he served with in the Army, and those kind of relationships are important to me.

Parishs family and friends witnessed Saturdays ceremony, attempting to follow social distance guidelines that were difficult during their moments of excitement and pride.

It makes me feel blessed and honored that the Lord gave him an opportunity to go to West Point and he was able to graduate, we are very thankful today, said Todd Parish. Its an opportunity to serve the country, serve the Lord, and live an honorable life.

Gabriels mother, Cindy Parish, said the Saturday ceremony in Jerseyville was every bit as special as it would have been were it held at West Point.

As a family we had built up excitement about going to West Point for the graduation, and (the virus) of poured water over that, Cindy Parish said. So this is something we feel that we can do thats celebratory in nature and signifies that hes completed something he has been working toward for a long time.

Gabriel has a gregarious personality and normally he doesnt want to draw a lot of attention to himself, Cindy Parish said. But for this he said, we should even invite the press!

On June 13, Gabriel Parish will join his fellow seniors at West Point for a rescheduled graduation ceremony featuring a keynote address by President Donald Trump.

Im very proud of him. Of course Im a mom and there are times that his decision gives me pause, Cindy Parish said. I cant say Im not concerned about how he may be in harms way. But Im confident that the Lord will protect him and that he will persevere and be a valiant leader for our country.

That valiant leader has three younger siblings  two sisters and a brother  and we are always really good at encouraging each other to do better, but we do it in some pretty funny ways, Gabriel Parish said. A lot of it has to do with who can cook the best meal for the family, who did the best on the ACT test, who is better at Tae Kwon Do, because we all do fighting sports.

Its just about who can fulfill their purpose the best, he said.

Saturdays commissioning ceremony is something that Parish could never have imagined when he entered West Point four years ago, but he will always treasure the memory of those special moments in his home town.

It feels kind of surreal that its all coming to an end in this manner, he said. But Im really excited by what is to come in the next phase of my life.
Amid coronavirus pandemic, many stars seem to find out unique ways to fight boredom while sitting at home. The lockdown in various parts of the world has made it hard for people to venture out and indulge in their favourite activities. It seems like Bollywood's newbie Sara Ali Khan is also missing her normal life as she spends quarantine with her mother Amrita Singh and brother Ibrahim Ali Khan in Mumbai. The actress recently shared a hilarious picture on social media and explained what her state of mind seems like after not being able to step out due to the strict lockdown in India.

Sara Ali Khan shares a funny post on social media

The Simmba actress took to her Instagram story and shared a humorous picture as a meme while describing her condition amid the lockdown. In the first picture, the Love Aaj Kal 2 actress can be seen striking the 'Namaste' pose with the caption of Day 1. Alongside that, another picture of the actress striking a crazy pose making a funny, whacked-out face for the camera with the caption 'Day 61' and Lockdown Effect written in bold. The picture of the actress is sure to leave her fans in splits after watching it. The actress even used a GIF for more drama which read, "Things gotta change around her," and "Who Is She."

Read: Sara Ali Khan's Chemistry Was Better With Kartik Aaryan Or Sushant Singh Rajput?

Read: Unseen Pic Of The Day: Kartik Aaryan Feeding Sara Ali Khan In This Pic Is Unmissable

Apart from this, sometime back, the actress even shared some heartwarming pictures from her graduation ceremony where she can be seen donning her cap and the gown. In the post, she put up her graduation pictures as she said that she remembers every detail of the day.

In the pictures posted on her official social media handle, she can be seen celebrating the event. In the first picture posted, she can be seen wearing a blue coloured graduation gown and cap as she poses amid other students of the university. She can be seen looking towards her left as everybody in the line that she is in looks forward. She also wears an adorable and humble smile in the picture posted. In the second picture, she can be seen posing at the entrance of Colombia University. She can be seen wearing a white formal dress with a pair of white heels. She can also be seen wearing the blue robe in the picture along with the graduation cap that rests on her head. On the work front, Sara was last seen in Love Aaj Kal 2 opposite Kartik Aaryan in the lead role. The actress has two films in her kitty including, one with Varun Dhawan, the remake of Coolie No. 1 and another with Dhanush and Akshay Kumar, Atrangi Re.

Read: Kiara Advani Or Sara Ali Khan: Whose Summer Style Are You Rooting For?

Read: Varun Dhawan Drops Hilarious Comment On Sara Ali Khan's Graduation Post

Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment.
This comes to roughly one death every 25 minutes, and a staggering average 127 new cases recorded every hour in the state.

Mumbai: Maharashtra saw its Covid-19 tally crossing the 50K mark with the highest single-day infections of 3,041 patients catapulting the number of cases to 50,231, besides 58 deaths, health officials said here on Sunday.

The state has been recording over 50 fatalities and over 2,000 new patients for the past one week now, with the previous highest figure standing at 2,940 cases on May 22.

With 58 fatalities -- down by 18 from highest 76 notched on May 19 -- the state death toll has touched 1,635.

The Health Department said with the new cases, 33,988 were 'active cases'.

Of the total 58 fatalities, 39 were recorded in Mumbai alone, taking the city deaths up from 949 to 988 now, while the number of Covid-19 positive patients here shot up by 1,725 cases to touch 30,542.

Mumbai's congested Dharavi slum continued to be a major hotspot with 27 new cases on Sunday, taking the total number of infectees to 1,541 and 59 deaths till date. In a new initiative, the civic authorities are experimenting with group 'laughter therapy' for the people of Dharavi in a bid to ease stress and anxiety levels in the crowded slum district, now largely in containment.

Besides Mumbai's 39 deaths, there were six each in Pune and Solapur, four in Aurangabad, two in Thane (Thane City and Mira-Bhayander) and one in Latur.

They comprised 34 men and 24 women, and nearly 67 per cent of them suffered from other serious ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems and asthma.

On the positive side, 1,196 fully cured patients returned home on Sunday, taking the number of those discharged to 14,600.

Addressing the state on Sunday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has warned of cases spiking in the next few days besides hinting at an extension of the lockdown 4.0 and flight restrictions.

Meanwhile, top leaders including Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Thackeray, Congress state President Balasaheb Thorat, Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson Nawab Malik and others greeted the Muslim community on Eid on Monday and urged them to celebrate the festival at home amid coronavirus safeguards.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (Thane Division, comprises Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad districts) continued to cause grave concerns with 1,110 Covid-19 deaths and positive cases shooting to 38,585.

Though trailing a distant second after Mumbai, Pune Division (Pune, Solapur, Satara) fatalities touched 309, besides 6,562 patients.

The next major area of concern is Nashik Division (Nashik, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nandurbar) with 103 deaths and 1,570 positive cases, followed by Aurangabad Division (Aurangabad, Jalna, Hingoli, Parbhani) with 47 fatalities and 1,446 cases, and finally Akola Division (Akola, Amravati, Yavatmal, Buldhana, Washim) with 34 deaths and 733 cases.

There's Latur Division (Latur, Osmanabad, Beed, Nanded) with 8 deaths and 226 cases, Kolhapur Division (Kolhapur, Sangli, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri) with 5 deaths and 504 patients, and finally Nagpur Division (Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli) with 8 deaths and 556 cases.

Meanwhile, the number of people sent to home-quarantine increased from 485,623 to 499,387 -- a jump of 13,764 -- and those in institutional quarantine went up from 33,545 to 35,107, a spurt of 1,562.

The state's containment zones came down from 2,345 to 2,283 on Sunday and 16,913 health teams have carried out a survey of a population of around 66.6 lakhs in the state.
People wait for their haircuts outside of a Great Clips location in Round Rock, Texas on May 8, 2020. The reported symptomatic stylist worked at a Great Clips salon in Missouri.

SERGIO FLORES/AFP via Getty Images

A hairstylist at a Missouri Great Clips salon exposed at least 91 people to the novel coronavirus after showing up to work while symptomatic.

Springfield health officials said they had identified an eight-day period in which the stylist worked and visited several local stores.

Officials are offering testing for those who might have been "directly exposed," though the stylist, clients, and coworkers all wore masks during the appointments.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

A hairstylist in Springfield, Missouri exposed at least 91 people to the novel coronavirus over an eight-day period, health officials said Friday.

Springfield-Greene County Health Department director Clay Goddard said at a press conference that a Great Clips stylist worked on eight days between May 12 and May 20, during which the stylist came into contact with 84 clients and seven coworkers while showing symptoms.

Officials are offering testing for those who were "directly exposed" to the hairstylist, though the stylist, clients, and coworkers all wore masks during the appointments. The stylist also stopped at stores like Dairy Queen, Walmart, and a fitness center, but Goddard said those who were at those locations are still at a "low risk" for infection.

"We are hopeful that their strictly-enforced policy of masking will prevent any future spread from this case," Goddard said Friday. "They also kept detailed records that have made contact tracing a speedy process."

Great Clips franchise owners told Missouri's KY3 in a statement that the salon where the stylist worked has since been closed while it undergoes "additional sanitizing and deep cleaning" in accordance with recommendations from the local health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The well-being of Great Clips customers and stylists in the salon is our top priority and proper sanitization has always been an important cosmetology industry practice for Great Clips salons," the statement said, according to the outlet.

Story continues

Goddard said in the press conference that though the incident will likely not affect the community's reopening plans as a whole, he urged individual responsibility as businesses open throughout the month.

"We can't have many more of these," Goddard said. "We can't make this a regular habit or our capability as a community will be strained and we will have to re-evaluate what things look like going forward. Each of us owns just how this will go forward in our community."

Missouri is one of more than half of US states where hair salons are among the businesses allowed to open in the early phases of reopening after coronavirus lockdowns. Salons and barbershops were first allowed to reopen in Missouri on businesses to reopen on May 4.

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A sign asking Navajo residents to stay safe and warning of a curfew near the Navajo Nation town of Casamero Lake in New Mexico on May 20, 2020.

MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images

Tyrone Whitehorse, of the Navajo Nation, writes that the coronavirus is wreaking havoc on his community.

Navajo Nation currently has the highest per capita COVID-19 infection rate in the United States.

The reservation, which has a population of 173,000 people, has had 4,434 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 147 deaths, making an infection rate of 2.5%.

Whitehorse writes that it's hard to follow public health guidelines when the reservation is facing "systemic disparities," like limited access to healthcare, minimal running water, and a lack of protective supplies.

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My name is Tyrone Whitehorse, and I am a member of the Dine Nation, or Navajo Nation from Lechee, Arizona. As is tradition among my people, I would like to introduce myself to you in our customary way so you get a small idea what makes up my identity as a Navajo person: Ya'at'eeh shi k'e doo shi Dine'e (Hello my relations and fellow Dine people), I am T'iziani (Manygoats), born for Asdzaa Naadaa'gai Dine'e (White Corn Woman People). My maternal grandfather is Honaaghahnii (One Who Walks Around), and my paternal grandfather is Todich'ii'nii (Bitterwater). This introduction is a cultural presentation that familiarizes you to my clans and informs those who are also of the same or similar clans that they are my family, and lets them know I am theirs and they are my family. Because of this cultural way of introduction, I can immediately identify my relationship to others. Who others would consider a relative; they are my brother or sister, uncle or aunt, grandmother or grandfather. Our familial ties align through our matriarchs and we turn to them for wisdom and gathering.

The Dine are one of 573 recognized Native American tribes in the United States. Our homeland is found among our four sacred mountains in the southwestern parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. According to our history, we were placed here as protection from outside threats to our people. These windswept mesas and mountains have been a fortress and cradled us to survive almost anything. We survived a forced march to a prison camp in New Mexico from 1860-1864. We survived livestock reduction in the 1930s, assimilation in the 1940s and '50s, and lean times resulting from corporate land grabs of natural resources. In fact, we have thrived and are among one of the largest tribes in the United States. Although we have been resilient in the past it has left us in a generally precarious situation.

Story continues

Tyrone Whitehorse with one of his grandmothers.

Tyrone Whitehorse

Today, an unseen threat has reared its ugly head in an especially ominous manner over my people. The novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, has hit my people especially hard. The infection rate is one of the highest in the United States, along with New York City and New Jersey. As a public health educator myself I have been actively engaged in following the spread of COVID-19 since its discovery in China in late 2019.

Understanding the threat that novel viruses can have on the human population, I began to warn my family and loved ones of the possibility of an outbreak among our people. I urged them to be prepared for a rush on groceries and commodities and to inform them of ways to prevent the spread of a viral outbreak.

When the virus made its appearance among the Navajo people in March, I called Shimasani (my maternal grandmother), and Shinali Asdzaa (my paternal grandmother) to hear their thoughts on the matter. Their expressions of fear and anxiety piqued my concern and increased my desire to help my people.

Talking to his family's matriarchs inspired him to do more to help

Shimasani recalled that her grandmother died during the flu pandemic of 1918, leaving her mother an orphan to raise her siblings and recover from the emotional and physical trauma from losing her mother at such a young age.

Shinali Asdzaa reminded me of what disease has done among our people. Diseases that ran through the land at first European contact left the Dine ravaged and afraid of what can happen when there is no immunity in a population against foreign infections. My grandmother both expressed anxiety and fear as another microbial pest threatened our people once again.

Families are putting signs on their doors telling people not to come in because they need to keep their families safe.

Tyrone Whitehorse

These conversations with the matriarchs of my family filled me with a resolve to do more to help my people. It was then I posted a call to action on social media for any and all who wanted to participate to sew CDC-compliant facemasks to send to the Navajo Nation. Within a week I had over 1,000 facemasks to send from individuals who had made masks from Hawaii, California, Utah, New York, and Florida; within a few weeks thousands of masks had been sent.

When the coronavirus crisis hit across the country, there was a rush on grocery stores for needed supplies such as food and toilet paper. The same urgency hit home, as well. On the Navajo reservation, many people have to drive an hour or more, mostly on dirt roads, to the nearest grocery store. When they got there, much of the supplies they needed were gone already.

Having few grocery stores results in food scarcity across the reservation

There are only 13 grocery stores on the Navajo reservation to serve an area the size of West Virginia with a population of 173,667 people, resulting in food scarcity. As I began to hear that elders were in need of food, and to decrease their chances of contact with anyone with the virus, a food drive was organized and several truck loads of food were sent to elders on the Navajo Nation.

My efforts to help my Navajo elders caught the attention of other like-minded individuals who all had a desire to help preserve the lives of our Native nation's storytellers. Soon, there were many people wanting to help and Protect Native Elders (a Native community-focused charitable organization) was born.

Supplies from Protect Native Elders.

Tyrone Whitehorse

Protect Native Elders aims at serving the most vulnerable people among the many marginalized Native American tribes in the United States  the elderly. Since our inception in April, we have delivered thousands of needed personal protective equipment (PPE) to clinics and hospitals that serve the Navajo nation as well as others around Indian country, as well as food, personal hygiene supplies, water, and hand sanitizer.

During this time, I have had the opportunity to coordinate the delivery of needed supplies and act as an advocate for my Native people across the country. I am reminded of an individual who reached out to me to help secure some supplies for her family member who had contracted COVID-19. This individual was alone in his hoghan, the traditional home dwelling. His mother and sister were both hospitalized, but he was sent home and told to monitor his symptoms because there was not room for him at the local clinic.

After securing the needed supplies to be delivered, I called the individual to ensure that the supplies would be arriving soon. In our conversation, I could hear the desperation in his voice and his shortness of breath left me feeling saddened, angry, and helpless. In spite of his dire circumstances, he was optimistic and spoke with the dignity of one who has already faced many hardships in life and saw COVID-19 as just one more to overcome. He is still recovering from the effects of the virus.

Nearly 1/3 of families on the reservation don't have access to running water or electricity

On the Navajo Nation, there is a weekend curfew from Friday evening to Monday morning. These curfews have disrupted the way of life for families and individuals whose income and livelihoods revolve around their livestock and their ability to care for them. Up to 30% of families on the reservation do not have access to running water or electricity. Many individuals live an hour or more away from a clinic or a hospital.

Members of Navajo Nation receiving supplies from Protect Native Elders.

Tyrone Whitehead

I have lost friends who were sent home after testing positive for COVID-19 to self-monitor their symptoms. When they realized they needed to get to a hospital they were unable to get there in a timely manner as they lived an hour away from any healthcare facility.

Culturally, we are a tight-knit, family oriented society. It is not uncommon to find multi-generational homes where up to three, even four generations live under one roof. When public health experts inform us that the way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is through thorough hand washing and social distancing, we find it difficult to do so. Many cannot even wash their hands under a faucet with running water, or cannot socially distance from their loved ones living in the same home.

We can help each other through this

Signs that read "Please stay away, we are trying to keep grandma safe" are found on homes throughout the reservation. Like much of the country, we are trying to survive this pandemic the best way we can, but we lack many of the resources that the rest of the country has.

A road sign outside Bloomfield warns Navajos to stay home during their nation's 8pm to 5am curfew to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID 19), New Mexico, in April 2020.JPG

REUTERS/Andrew Hay

It's challenging to follow public health guidelines against such systemic disparities. Access to healthcare, a lack of critical infrastructure like running water, electricity, and paved roads, and cultural norms are all part of the complex causes of the spread of COVID-19 among my people.

The blame seems to be passed from one party to another, but that's not what matters at this point.

What matters is what we can do now to help one another. We seek only to preserve the lives of those who are the most vulnerable among our people  our storytellers, our wisdom keepers, our elders. Our future for us lies in the wisdom found in our elders. I invite you to help us preserve their lives by making a contribution to protectnativeelders.org. Thank you.

Current needs on the reservation include PPE such as gowns, N95 face masks, hand sanitizer, bottled water, and water containers. Donations can be made at protectnativeelders.org.

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Hong Kong: Gearing up for a new career

Joe Wong, 46, has been working as a hotel room attendant ever since he graduated from secondary school. He has been in the hotel industry for more than two decades.

But Mr Wong has always had a passion for cooking and has been interested in pursuing a career in catering.

Lacking the work experience to switch careers, he joined the Employees Retraining Boards Foundation Certificate in Local Cafe Kitchen Assistant Training programme to kick-start a new career.

I thought I was only going to learn how to make milk tea, coffee and snacks when I first joined the course.

But it has offered so much more than I imagined because it teaches us how to make famous Chinese dishes.

Mr Wong has gained a new sense of confidence from the programme, and has high hopes he will find a new job soon.

Hands-on training

St James Settlement is one of the trainers for the Employees Retraining Board programme. Students there learn a variety of skills ranging from the intricacies of operating a restaurant to the art of brewing the perfect cuppa.

Soft Yuen, who has worked in the catering industry for three decades, is one of the courses instructors.

He said working in a local cafe is not an easy task, especially when it comes to making stocking milk tea.

The key feature of Hong Kong-style milk tea is the use of a sackcloth strainer to filter tea leaves. I teach my students to add milk after they make the tea. This way the tea will have the optimal texture in both colour and taste.

The course takes about 180 hours to complete and enhances the students technical skills as well as stimulates their creativity through hands-on learning, Mr Yuen added.

Making a contribution

The course is also helping the unemployed join the workforce. Fifty-year-old housewife Bicky So wanted to return to work now that her kids have grown up.

With no prior experience, she decided to join the training course last year. She is now working as a part-time kitchen assistant in a canteen.

She said: My duties include cleaning and food preparation in the kitchen. I believe people of different ages can join this industry.

Older people have lots of experience. After we receive the training, we can return to the workplace and contribute to society again.

St James Settlement runs about three courses a year. More than 80% of its students are aged between 40 and 69, and the employment rate of its graduates was about 80% in the past three years.

The Employees Retraining Board also offers about 700 training courses covering nearly 30 industries, including performing arts, finance, tourism, Chinese healthcare and many others.

This story has been published on: 2020-05-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
It's never unfashionable to beat up the Irish data protection commissioner.

"Why hasn't Ireland fined the big tech firms yet?"

"What's the point of GDPR with no big fines?"

"What would you expect from Ireland? They're only interested in keeping the tech giants as big employers."

And so on.

It's been a running theme in chunks of the European data privacy industry, especially in German-speaking areas.

There was more last week, where the topic was tackled by the European desk at Politico. The underlying theme was familiar: the Irish DPC is perceived as being either too tardy, unmotivated or insufficiently resourced to take timely action against the tech giants for privacy breaches. Justice delayed is justice denied. And it is now "make or break" for the Irish regulatory body.

I've heard a different view in recent times from some privacy and industry professionals I respect.

Most of it boils down to a common thread - if the DPC is pulled along at the pace its critics crave, its decisions will have holes, lack certainty and will be far more likely to be appealed. While the body blow to Facebook or Google or Twitter would be satisfying from an optics perspective, it would be a hollow victory.

Those very companies may end up avoiding actual enforcement for years longer, while other industry players would look at proceedings and decide there was less merit in simply accepting the initial decision.

This is a criticism sometimes levelled against the British counterpart of the Irish data protection office, which has been accused of moving too quickly on some headline fines.

It's very hard to prove or disprove this theory, as we haven't yet had a major decision against a big tech player in Ireland, yet. Helen Dixon's office has indicated the decisions are on the way fairly imminently. Even then, further consultation periods with the entities involved are still likely, even if only for a few weeks.

But for what it's worth, the most senior privacy officials in the top tech companies privately say that the more methodical and comprehensive the paperwork, the less likely they are to appeal, even if the fine is a big one.

Cynics on this point are unlikely to accept such a theory. To them, corporate privacy chiefs are algorithmically-fuelled vampire capitalists who only seek to wring every last drop of blood from a process. Then again, these are the same commentators who have been arguing for almost 15 years that tech multinationals will leave Ireland any day now. And that they have no interest whatsoever in 'the talent', that it is purely an offshore tax play, a giant con.

In terms of what happens next, it does look very likely that the Irish DPC will issue at least one major fine this year. But maybe not because the mob is baying for it, but because the cases merit it.

Facebook works it out

Facebook's 'remote working' new deal is a fascinating one. You'll get paid according to where you live.

Mark Zuckerberg says that up to around half of the company will be working from home permanently within five to 10 years.

But if you base yourself miles away from a pricey rental area, you'll be paid less.

Seems fair, right?

Zuckerberg is dead serious about this, even though company executives here pointed out to me late last week that the move to start this won't initially apply to Ireland's near-5,000 Facebook workers. (So that huge office expansion in Dublin 4, with room for up to 10,000 people, is still on.)

But if it proves effective in the US, it can only be a matter of time before it's introduced here.

Is it logical that two people working for the same company should be paid differently depending on where they rent or buy?

Remember, this pay differentiation will only apply to 'remote' workers, not 'flexible' workers (office some days, home other days) or workers who turn up normally to the central office.

Still, in Ireland it would effectively mean a company subsidy for living in Dublin 4 or 6.

Such things aren't that unusual in some industries. The concept is established in London, for instance, where a whole swathe of white-collar workers get bumped up pay to allow for London rents.

But as a structural pay grade in a tech company, it's a very interesting debut.

This is especially so because other companies will surely follow in Facebook's footsteps.

Where firms like Zuckerberg's and Sundar Pichai's (Google) go, hundreds more traditional corporations follow.

Personally, I'm ambivalent about working from home: I like the physical distinction that a workplace brings. I also find that there's energy in physical presence that is very hard to replicate remotely, no matter how high a resolution your Zoom call is.

And the cultural element of presence is underrated, too. Seasoned, experienced workers may be comfortable getting on with things, because they know what they need to do and how they need to interact with colleagues. But for younger ones, workflow culture can be essential. We all scoff at the peccadilloes and absurdities of some parts of office life, but it's still mostly a productive environment.

And yet it is now clear that a very sizeable number of people are not only willing, but eager to work from home.

"I never want to see the office again," is how a media colleague put it to me last week when I asked how he was getting on with work at home.

Maybe he'll fancy a job in Facebook in a few years' time.
President of the Union of Communities of Armenia Emin Yeritsyan has issued the following statement:

The events unfolding in Kajaran and Kapan are very troubling.

What sparks concern is the alleged relationship of legal procedures with the political processes and the interpretation according to which the legal procedures are politically motivated.

There are not only statements on social networks and by demonstrators, but also a special statement by the head of Kajaran town Manvel Paramazyan, who viewed the events as political persecution.

Such a statement by an elected official is itself a fact that needs to be investigated. These are extraordinary evaluations for local democracy and local self-government bodies in Armenia and the Union of Communities of Armenia, and what is also extraordinary is how the head of the town and the local demonstrators make statements about political persecution.

As a supporter of local democracy in Armenia and the high reputation of the Republic of Armenia, I expect the political and law-enforcement authorities of Armenia to make the investigation as transparent as possible and rule out any overt or concealed act of political repression on the head of the town. I also call on the demonstrators of Kajaran to show restraint.

As reported earlier, the situation in Kapan is tense. Several residents of Kajaran town have gathered in front of the police building with the demand to release their fellow citizens who were apprehended and later detained and not to transport them to Yerevan. According to the information of the relatives gathered in front of the building, the apprehended were beaten at the police station, but the police refute news about use of violence. There are three detainees, and another person by the name of Nver Khachatryan was apprehended by mistake and released. There are bruises on his body. The gathered demand that the arrestees arent transported to Yerevan and that the investigation is conducted in Syunik Province since they fear that the arrestees will be beaten more brutally in Yerevan. They threaten to close down roads. Head of Kajaran town Manvel Paramazyan has declared that this is political repression against him, adding that a few days ago police officers conducted searches in his apartment and his close ones apartments, after which residents of Kajaran were detained for no reason and through the use of violence.
Low-cost carrier AirAsia India has started bookings for 21 destinations ahead of resumption of domestic flights from Monday.

In a release, the airline said it would strictly follow the SOPs (standard operating procedures) and guidelines laid out by the regulatory bodies to enable safe travel.

AirAsia flights are open for booking for travel to all its 21 destinations where it flies to in the country, the release issued on Saturday said.

"We are appreciative of the government working collaboratively with all stakeholders to define the new protocols to help open up domestic flying in a calibrated manner keeping the health and safety of passengers and the airline crew in focus.

"The new SOPs and guidelines will pave the way for ensuring and instilling a sense of confidence amongst passengers," Sunil Bhaskaran, AirAsia India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, said.

Among other measures, the airline would facilitate regular disinfection procedures to control or kill infectious agents using cleaning, sanitising and disinfecting products approved by the public health authority and aircraft manufacturer.

According to the release, passengers would have to mandatorily web check-in, complete their self-declaration form and download the Aarogya Setu app before they arrive at the airport. They have also been advised to report two to four hours prior to the departure time to allow enhanced health and safety processes to take place.

Reverse zone boarding process starting from the rear of the aircraft would be followed, it added.

Commercial flight services remain suspended since March 25 when the nationwide lockdown to prevent spreading of coronavirus infections was imposed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
One of the most searched-for recipes on the BBC Food website during lockdown is pizza. At home, weve been making our own in the oven every Friday night and more often than not, a cold crisp beer is my go-to choice with these edible Italian discs of delight.

But the last few weeks of lockdown, Ive been on a mission to find wine and pizza pairings so good to make your smile wide enough for an extra slice.

First of all, decide what type of pizza you fancy. If its seafood or just a plain pizza bianco (minus tomato), white wine is your one-way ticket to the pinnacle of Mount Glory.

PIZZA IN OUR TIME 5 This Is Rich & Smooth Spanish Red (12%) M&S, SLICE OF LIFE 6* The Best Nerello Mascalese 2018 (13.5%) Morrisons (*on offer price until July 5) and TOPPING TREAT 10 Alinos Vermentino di Gallura 2019 (13.5%) Tesco

Meaty rich toppings are all about the red vino. While rose is a safe all-rounder (and Id be going for a Provencal bottle to soak up those sunny Mediterranean flavours), I think zooming in with the precision of Goldfingers laser beam is worthwhile for that little bit of extra enjoyment.

Lets say youre going for dough balls too  chilled Prosecco contrasts splendidly with their soft plump texture and oozing golden melting garlic butter.

UPPER CRUST 14.95 MIP Rose 2019 (12.5%) Lea & Sandeman and WINE OF THE WEEK 8.99* Nero Oro Appassimento 2018 (14%) Majestic (*Mix Six)

Or how about a plain old Margherita with molten cheese and vibrant tomato? A decent Chianti with the natural acidity that unfurls from the Sangiovese grapes is always good, or reach for a Valpolicella Ripasso for a red with bit more welly.

But for value, head to Sicily and nab a bottle of reliable Nero DAvola  as smooth and mellow as black cherry on a lilo.
DISSIDENT murder victim Kieran Wylie was gunned down after being accused of betraying an Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH) weapons hide to police and setting its members up for arrest.

He was also suspected of providing cops with details of a paramilitary meeting that led to the jailing of a senior figure in the gang.

Ex-Provisional IRA member Wylie strongly denied the informant claims, and in the weeks before his death used intermediaries to contact ONH leaders on his behalf to make this known.

In a final act of desperation, he painted graffiti on walls branding his main accuser a "tout" - a reckless move that cost him his life.

Read More

Last Sunday night, the 57-year-old grandfather was murdered by two masked gunmen at his home in the Lenadoon area of west Belfast.

The killing, which occurred in front of the victim's two horrified daughters, was professional in its execution. He was shot in the torso before being finished off with a bullet to the head as he lay helpless on the floor.

Wylie had been a prominent member of ONH and was regularly seen in the company of its leaders, but he was sidelined by the terror gang after police discovered an arms dump on the outskirts of west Belfast in 2016.

A Skorpion machine gun, two semi-automatic pistols, two magazines and a quantity of ammunition were found in a shed at the rear of a house on Foxes Glen in Twinbrook.

The tenant, Edward Corr - a 40-year-old with no links to dissident republicans - was jailed for nine months for possessing the stash.

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The father-of-three told detectives he was threatened at gunpoint by a man who ordered him to store the weapons, which were to be collected within six weeks.

A short time later, heavily armed police officers acting on intelligence recovered the firearms and bullets and said they had belonged to ONH.

Sunday Life understands that this is when the organisation first began to doubt Wylie, but what sealed his fate was a court case earlier this year that led to a senior figure being jailed.

Robert O'Neill (42) was caged for 12 months after he was secretly recorded by MI5 interrogating an alleged drug dealer who the gang had abducted and were holding in a dissident safe house.

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He pleaded guilty to collecting information likely to be of use to terrorists and assault, with a charge of ONH membership left on the books.

A further three prominent dissidents were arrested as part of the same MI5 bugging operation, one of whom cannot be named because he is facing fresh criminal charges.

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The other two, Kevin O'Neill (62) and Mark Heaney (52), were found not guilty of ONH membership when the prosecution offered no further evidence against them.

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O'Neill had been previously named in court as having a "leadership role" in ONH, while Heaney was described as a "middle-ranking member". Both deny these allegations.

After the court case concluded in January, the dissident group is understood to have held a second internal inquiry into Wylie and identified him as an informant.

For the past four months he had been the target of a whispering campaign branding him a "tout".

The pub doorman was also accused of setting up Conor Hughes, who was arrested by police while transporting an ONH blast bomb through west Belfast in 2014. The 28-year-old was subsequently caged for 11 years for possessing explosives.

Wylie was further suspected of tipping off police about a planned kneecapping attack that led to the jailing of ONH Belfast boss Sean O'Reilly (44), Stephen McAllister (50) and 57-year-old Anthony Rooney.

He furiously denied the informant claims and made it known to the terror gang that he was innocent of the allegations, but Wylie's pleas were in vain and he was murdered last weekend in the most horrific of circumstances.

Shortly after 10pm last Sunday, two gunmen forced their way into his home and shot him multiple times in front of his two daughters before escaping on foot.

Detective Chief Inspector Darren McCartney, who is leading the murder probe, said: "Those involved in this appalling murder have absolutely nothing to offer Northern Ireland. Nothing justifies killing another person, and the recovery of the gun that was used in last night's murder is a key line of inquiry."

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After Wylie was killed, rumours began circulating that he had been gunned down by drug dealers in revenge for an extortion attempt. However, this has been rubbished by dissident sources.

One said: "He was shot because ONH accused him of being a tout- it's as simple as that.

"There were all sorts of rumours flying about on social media that drug dealers murdered him, but that's nonsense.

"Wylie was blamed for telling cops about the arms dump in Twinbrook and setting up ONH members for arrest.

"He should have left his home when he was first threatened. Instead, he stupidly painted graffiti on walls around Lenadoon accusing a senior ONH member of being a tout.

"It was this and staying in west Belfast which cost him his life."

Wylie's role within ONH was to act as muscle and drive its members to safe houses where alleged drug dealers were interrogated.

He is understood to have suffered a mental breakdown some years ago.

Republican insiders believe his killers are also linked to the gangland murder of millionaire cocaine baron Jim Donegan in December 2018. Police have accused the ONH and INLA of jointly being involved in the fatal shooting at the gates of a west Belfast school.

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The violent republican group emerged out of a split in the Real IRA a decade ago. It called a ceasefire in January 2018, but was careful to say this applied only to the "British state".

Since then ONH, which has since divided into two rival factions, has carried out several attacks in nationalist areas of Belfast.

The organisation achieved notoriety in 2010 when it maimed Irish-speaking PSNI constable Peadar Heffron in a booby-trap car bomb attack.

cbarnes@sundaylife.co.uk
By Trend

Iran has participated at a virtual meeting of the health ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) pursuing to bring nations together against the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), Trend reports citing IRNA.

Baku of Azerbaijan hosted the summit and Director General of the International Cooperation Department of the Iranian Health Ministry Mohsen Asadi Lari took part at the event.

The Iranian representative called for the key role of the World Health Organization in combating the virus.

In the wake of the virus outbreak, Iran has launched a variety of healthcare measures, such as the National Mobilization of COVID-19, he noted.

Over 78 million Iranians were screened and the number of patients admitted to the hospitals were remarkably reduced, he undelined.

In the second round of screening, Iran targeted 22 million high-risk individuals; he said, adding, the laboratory capacities, outpatient clinics, tracking emergencies, segregation as well as home treatment were expanded.

He voiced Irans support for the UN Secretary-General's plans to fight the pandemic, condemning unilateral coercive measures against member states that breach the UN Charter and international law.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A man driving in Syracuse on Saturday was stabbed in the neck by a pedestrian he confronted over how the other man was crossing the street.

Syracuse police said the driver, a 33-year-old man, was driving in the 3000 block of James Street in the citys Eastwood neighborhood around 4:34 p.m. when he got into an argument with a pedestrian over how the man was crossing the street.

During the argument, the pedestrian, identified by police as 26-year-old Anthony Snyder, stabbed the driver in the neck, said Sgt. Matt Malinowski, a department spokesman.

The driver was taken to Upstate University Hospital with injuries police described as non-life-threatening.

Snyder was charged with second-degree assault, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree harassment.

Snyder is currently being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center.
Any state which wants migrant workers of Uttar Pradesh back, has to seek permission from the state government and need to ensure their socio-legal-monetary rights, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday.

Upset that migrant labourers were "not properly taken care of" by various states in wake of the coronavirus-triggered lockdown, Adityanath said, "These workers are our biggest resource and will give them employment in Uttar Pradesh as state government is going to set up a commission for their employment."



"They are our people... and if some states want them back, they have to seek permission from the state government," Adityanath said in an interaction with the RSS- affiliated publications 'Panchjanya' and 'Organiser'.

As per feedback received from migrant workers who reached Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath said safeguarding their rights should get utmost attention and importance.

"All migrant workers are being registered and their skills mapped. Any state or entity interested in inviting migrant workers will need to assure and provide for their socio-legal-monetary rights," he said.

About the commission, Adityanath said it has been proposed to look into various factors associated with migrant workers' rights and to prevent exploitation while providing an official framework to ensure socio-economic-legal support for them.

"Insurance, social security, re-employment assistance, provision for unemployment allowance etc are some of the factors which will be looked into by the commission," he said.

So far, over 23 lakh of migrant workers have returned to Uttar Pradesh by the efforts of the state government, Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, adding, "75 per cent of those who came from Mumbai and 50 per cent from Delhi were tested positive for coronavirus.

He said that by next week, all migrant labourers who want to come back to Uttar Pradesh, will reach the state and every necessary arrangement for their screening and onward journey to their final destinations have been made.

Adityanath praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "effectively handling the coronavirus crisis", and said that India is in secured position due to the timely decisions taken by the government at the Centre.

Credit should be given to PM Modi, he kept on guiding the chief ministers, he said.

About generating new employment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath said a German company is shifting its production facility from China to India and may start manufacturing more than 30 lakh shoes in Agra.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A fund run by Christopher Mills has quietly built up a stake in AIM-listed Urban Exposure, which provides finance to property developers.

The Oryx International Growth Fund has snapped up 3.8 per cent of Urban Exposure, which is trying to offload its loan book after a deal was called off because of the pandemic.

It has set tongues wagging in the City as to whether the respected activist investor is plotting a campaign to shake the company up or even make a bid for the whole group.

The Oryx International Growth Fund has snapped up 3.8 per cent of Urban Exposure

Urban Exposure recently came under fire after it emerged that it made a secret 1.2milion loan to a charity run by the company's chief executive Randeesh Sandhu and his wife, Daljit, to finance the refurbishment of a nursery school.

The Oryx fund sits within Mills' Harwood Capital, which bought tenpin bowling firm Essenden in 2015.

An investment vehicle controlled by Graham Wellesley, the 8th Earl of Cowley, also has a substantial stake in Urban Exposure while property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz owns 13 per cent. Both of them submitted separate 'proposals' to Urban Exposure, which have been rejected.

It's shaping up to be an interesting three-way tussle between Mills, Tchenguiz and the Earl.

SIG

Fears of the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on SIG have hammered the insulation and roofing giant's shares  largely because investors are fretting over an equity fundraising that could dilute existing shareholdings.

On Thursday, SIG may address that fear with an update on liquidity as it reports final results. Number-crunchers at Peel Hunt are looking for SIG to update investors on talks with lenders too.

It won't have helped that the planned 37.5million sale of its building solutions business has now fallen through, which would have relieved pressure on the balance sheet.

Is that fundraising now looking more likely?

Britvic

Are fizzy drinks being guzzled in great quantities in the lockdown? Scribblers at Swiss bank UBS think so, though it might not be children drinking more Pepsi but adults buying mixers for cocktails to cool down in the sun.

Are fizzy drinks being guzzled in great quantities in the lockdown? Swiss bank UBS thinks so

The analysts reckon Britvic, which reports its half-year results on Wednesday, has seen a 6.5 per cent jump in sales of carbonated drinks in the six months to the end of March. Britvic sells mixers and Tango, and makes and sells Pepsi's drinks in the UK, including 7Up.

The big issue for Britvic in 2018 was the introduction of the sugar tax, but it looks to have weathered that particular storm.

British Land

Investors in British Land will keep a close eye on the London office and retail landlord's rent collection numbers when it releases its annual results on Wednesday.

Tenants are struggling to pay and the FTSE 100 company has already cut its dividend to save cash.

While British Land might feel the worst of the coronavirus crisis this year, last year's financial results to the end of March will also take a hit.

Analysts reckon adjusted profits will tumble about 6 per cent based on a 4 per cent fall in gross rental revenues to 552million, which is largely down to a few crippling weeks during the pandemic.
Army and NDRF teams on Sunday helped forest department and civic agencies to get cyclone-ravaged West Bengal back on its feet.

The teams reached areas likes Salt Lake, Behala and Golpark in the morning to clear the arterial and other link roads blocked by uprooted trees.

Army personnel equipped with road and tree clearance equipment started working at Roy Bahadur Road and Parnashree in Behala, Ballygunge in south Kolkata and Salt Lake area, a Defence official said.

The Army was deployed in Kolkata and neighbouring districts on Saturday, hours after the West Bengal government sought its help and other support for immediate restoration of essential infrastructure and services in the state ravaged by Cyclone Amphan.

Five columns of the Army were deployed in different parts of the city and North and South 24 Parganas districts, a Defence official said.

These three parts of the state reported the maximum damage due to the cyclone which claimed 86 lives, flattened homes and damaged crops.

The Forest department and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation have also engaged their staffers in the road clearance work.

Electricity and water supply remained affected in many parts of the city.

Agitated residents blocked roads in several areas in south Kolkata on Saturday, demanding restoration of electricity and water supply which are not available since Wednesday afternoon.

In places like Mudiali in south Kolkata, locals stepped in with saws to clear roads blocked by uprooted trees.

Mobile and internet services were restored in some areas of the city even as many places in South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas and East Midnapore remained cut off.

On Friday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the situation as "more than a national calamity" and put the estimated loss at more than Rs 1 lakh crore. She had stated that more than six crore people have been affected by the cyclone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Banerjee had conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas in South and North 24 Parganas districts on Friday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
San Francisco, May 24 : US President Donald Trump wants to form a panel that would examine complaints of anticonservative bias and censorship on social media platforms, said a media report.

Trump has on many occasions alleged that the platforms like Facebook and Twitter do not give equal weightage to conservative views.

"The Radical Left is in total command & control of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Google," he tweeted last week.

The US President added that the administration is "working to remedy this illegal situation." According to a report in The Wall Street Journal on Saturday, it now seems that the US President actually has an action plan to address his concerns.

The scope and authority of the panel is still under the clouds, but sources of the outlet said that the plans may include a "White House-created commission" that would work in tandem with other agencies like the Federal Elections Commission and Federal Communications Commission.

In a White House meeting last year, Trump, who is a prolific Twitter user, complained to the company's CEO Jack Dorsey that he was losing followers.

On one occasion, Trump even accused Twitter of playing "political games." Social media platforms have said that its rules are impartial.

A Twitter spokesperson told The Verge on Saturday that the platform enforces "the Twitter Rules impartially for all users, regardless of their background or political affiliation." Twitter is also in regular touch with elected officials in efforts to improve the platform, the spokesperson added.
Indian and Chinese troops appeared heading for a long haul as their tense standoff in the disputed areas of Pangong Tso and Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh showed no signs of abating even as efforts to de-escalate the tension through talks continued.

In the midst of the flare-ups, the Indian Army on Sunday categorically rejected reports that Indian patrol teams were detained by Chinese troops in Eastern Ladakh in the last few days, but did not provide any details of the current situation in the region.

"There has been no detention of Indian soldiers at the borders. We categorically deny this. It only hurts national interests when media outlets publish unsubstantiated news," the Army said in a statement.

People familiar with the situation in the region said the two sides were engaged in trying to resolve the dispute, but there was no indication of a positive outcome yet as both the armies continued to bolster their positions in disputed areas of Pangong Tso and Galwan Valley and Demchok.

The Chinese side has particularly strengthened its presence in the Galwan Valley, erecting around 100 tents in the last two weeks and bringing in heavy equipment for construction of bunkers.

The Indian side has conveyed its strong objection to China pitching tents and bringing in heavy equipment during the meetings between local commanders of the two armies last week.

There have been reports of multiple incidents of transgressions by Chinese troops in several areas in Eastern Ladakh and soldiers from the two sides were involved in scuffles on at least two occasions, sources said.

The sources said the Indian Army has also been increasing its strength in both Pangong Tso lake, Galwan Valley and Demchok. The Indian troops are also resorting to "aggressive patrolling" in several sensitive areas including Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldi, they said.

The situation in Eastern Ladakh deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on the evening of May 5 which spilled over to the next day before the two sides agreed to "disengage" following a meeting at the level of local commanders.

Over 100 Indian and Chinese soldiers were injured in the violence.

The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in North Sikkim on May 9.

India on Thursday said the Chinese military was hindering normal patrolling by its troops and asserted that India has always taken a very responsible approach towards border management.

At a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava also strongly refuted China's contention that the tension was triggered due to trespassing by Indian forces on the Chinese side.

India's response came two days after China accused the Indian Army of trespassing into its territory, claiming that it was an "attempt to unilaterally change the status" of the LAC in Sikkim and Ladakh.

On May 5, the Indian and Chinese army personnel clashed with iron rods, sticks, and even resorted to stone-pelting in the Pangong Tso lake area in which soldiers on both sides sustained injuries.

In a separate incident, nearly 150 Indian and Chinese military personnel were engaged in a face-off near Naku La Pass in the Sikkim sector on May 9. At least 10 soldiers from both sides sustained injuries.

The troops of India and China were engaged in a 73-day stand-off in Doklam tri-junction in 2017 which even triggered fears of a war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long LAC. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet while India contests it.

Both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir, and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first informal summit in April 2018 in the Chinese city of Wuhan, months after the Doklam standoff.

In the summit, the two leaders decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications so that they can build trust and understanding.

Modi and Xi held their second informal summit in Mamallapuram near Chennai in October last year with a focus on further broadening bilateral ties.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
MAYFIELD, Ohio -- The 2019 Cuyahoga County Urban Tree Canopy Assessment showed that tree coverage throughout the county fell by 6,600 acres, or 6.1 percent, when comparing 2011 coverage to that of 2017.

Of all of the countys 59 communities, Lakewood saw the biggest loss at 18.5 percent, ranking it 46th in the county with just over 20 percent tree coverage. On the other hand, Bentleyville, with 74 percent, led all communities in tree coverage.

As for Mayfield, it placed ninth on the list, with coverage of about 52 percent.

Fortunately, Mayfield Village remains one of the communities retaining a higher percentage of tree cover, thanks to having the North Chagrin Reservation of the Metroparks within its borders, Director of Administration Diane Wolgamuth stated in a Feb. 28 memo to Mayor Brenda Bodnar and Village Council.

The causes for the loss of county trees include diseases, the age of trees and more frequent violent storms.

Although its percentage of coverage is strong, Mayfield Village Council took a step toward protecting the trees now standing in Mayfield by unanimously approving an ordinance Monday (May 18) that limits the number of trees that can be removed from a property per year without a permit.

That limit has been reduced from 10 trees to three.

It was the first time the village has updated its tree ordinance since 1985.

Under the old form of the ordinance, no more than 10 trees with a trunk diameter of 9 inches or more at a height of 14 inches above ground level could be removed from a property without a permit in a given year.

The amended ordinance states that up to three trees, having a diameter of at least 8 inches at breast height, can be removed in a calendar year without a permit.

The amendment exempts work the village may do necessitating the removal of trees and any developments that have had a plan approved or that have already had a permit issued.

In addition, the amended ordinance simplifies the permit process. Formerly, those who wanted to remove more than 10 trees had to appear before the villages Board of Appeals. Believing this to be too time consuming and burdensome for the applicant and not necessarily in the scope of the board, those now seeking to remove more than three trees will need to get the approval of the villages building commissioner.

The new ordinance also allows more than three trees to be removed without a permit if, in the opinion of the building commissioner, city engineer and arborist, trees are likely to be damaged during construction or would would interfere with the location of a driveway that cannot be located elsewhere on a property.

There were no changes made to the permit fee cost of $10 or the $500 fine for each violation of the ordinance.

In developing the amendment, village officials worked with the Chagrin River Watershed Partners and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Increased spending authority

Also at the May 18 meeting, council agreed to increase Bodnars spending authority. The mayor can now -- without needing approval from council -- spend up to $10,000. Before, the limit was $5,000.

The ordinance also increased from $25,000 to $50,000 the amount of an expenditure that will require the village to seek bids.

The mayors spending authority had not been increased since 2008, Wolgamuth said of the changes, and the $50,000 bidding threshold is in conformance with requirements of the Ohio Revised Code. The ordinance also provides that for expenditures between $10,000 and $50,000, two written quotes have to be obtained and submitted to council.

On March 25, Bodnar declared the village to be in a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, her spending authority maximum was increased from $5,000 to $50,000 during the period of emergency for matters concerning health, safety and public welfare. The period of emergency has not yet been concluded.

Read more from the Sun Messenger.
If you or a family member test positive for the coronavirus in Camden County, the official calling to ask about your symptoms and advise you to quarantine might be a health inspector, a school nurse or even a police detective.

Like health departments all over the state, the county has rushed to train other government workers to do contact tracing, scaling its workforce from six to 52.

Camden Countys growth is a nearly nine-fold increase. But the county averages around 100 new cases a day and tracking down all their close contacts is a time-consuming job that involves investigation and good interview skills.

Thats why county Health Officer Dr. Paschal Nwako was so glad to hear Gov. Phil Murphys announcement this month that the state would train and hire 1,000 new contact tracers to help out local health departments.

Well take all the help we can get from anywhere, Nwako said.

Experts say that until there is a vaccine, the key to limiting the spread of the disease is widespread testing and contact tracing, and Murphy announced plans to scale up both.

Contact tracing is a long-standing public health tool where tracers interview positive people about their close contacts who may have been exposed, and then advise those contacts to quarantine, get tested or monitor for symptoms, depending on the virus.

In the absence of a statewide plan to enlist new contact tracers, the states patchwork of 94 municipal and county health departments have found their own help from volunteers and repurposed public workers, essentially tripling the number of workers doing disease investigation in New Jersey to about 900, according to the Department of Health.

Murphys plan comes nearly a month after some states launched their own massive contact tracing plans, though many state efforts are still in the early stages like New Jersey.

The governor said the state will partner with Rutgers School of Public Health to train at least 1,000 members of a Community Contact Tracing Corps. Members will deploy as needed to help local health departments, ideally in their own neck of the woods.

In places that have been able to keep up on contact tracing like Camden County, the new workers can help ease the workload and replace the government workers who will need to go back their regular jobs as things reopen.

But in some of the hardest hit areas of the state  where health departments were so overwhelmed with cases that they had no choice but to tell positive patients to inform their close contacts themselves  an influx of contact tracers could be a game changer.

Camden County Environmental Health Specialist Onyi Udgh, left, and Disease Control Senior Field Representative Mary Ann Rahman do contact tracing work last week.Phil McAuliffe | For NJ Advance Media

The problem is contact tracing doesnt scale easily.

It was already time-consuming work before the pandemic, Nwako said. His investigators would be notified that someone had tested positive for HIV, hepatitis A or another virus, and they would reach out to that person to do an in-depth interview about who else they might have exposed.

Then each of those close contacts would have to be called and advised to quarantine, monitor for symptoms or get tested, depending on the virus. For coronavirus, close contacts are those who have been within six feet of the person for 10 minutes or more.

Now, tracers are trying to do the same detail-oriented work but for thousands more patients in a very short amount of time. And while there is some technology that can make it more efficient, contact tracing a lot of infections simply requires a lot of workers.

Nwako said having far more contact tracers earlier in the pandemic would have been better, but no one was prepared because the public health workforce has been decimated over the years.

You should be scaling in peace times, not in war times, he said. Would it have been better to get more contact tracers in March? Yes."

Murphy said implementing the expanded testing and contact tracing plans will cost hundreds of millions  and then clarified that might be the bill every six months.

Based on the hourly wage of $25 Murphy suggested and the maximum 35-hour workweek, it could cost as much $875,000 each week for 1,000 tracers.

We are hoping for a big support from the federal government. We've got to do it anyway, we have no choice, but we were very much hoping for a big slug of federal money, Murphy said when asked how the state would pay for the plan.

Murphys Chief Counsel Matt Platkin said the $484 billion COVID 3.5 bill passed in April has funds earmarked for states to use on testing and contact tracing, but the money hasnt come through yet.

How is New Jersey going to train and deploy all these tracers?

While training 1,000 new contact tracers may not be an easy job, finding people willing to do the work does not seem to be a problem. In the first week, over 32,000 signed up to be considered as prospective tracers, the state said.

The states plan starts with Rutgers School of Public Health, which is collaborating on comprehensive training for new tracers that can be used statewide. Perry Halkitis, the schools dean, estimated the first new hires could be trained and ready within a few weeks.

According to the Department of Health, the first round of hires will likely be public health graduate students and alumni followed by students in nursing, social work and psychology and then members of the general public.

Halkitis said dozens of his graduate students are already volunteering as contact tracers around the state.

It doesnt feel like all of a sudden were turning the ship in a different direction. It actually feels like were making the ship go even faster, he said of the states plan. Its an opportunity for the school to work with the state to train both students and a workforce around a practical skill set that then serves the public health of the population."

Megan Baker, a Camden County environmental health specialist, is on the phone in her office doing contact tracing last week.Phil McAuliffe For The Times Of Trenton

Halkitis said that while the School of Public Health is training and helping to deploy these tracers, it will be creating a kind of prototype for how to do it, so it can be scaled up and eventually managed by a third party, like a staffing company or nonprofit.

Youve got a brain trust at Rutgers School of Public Health. We know how to do this. An employment agency hiring tracers doesnt necessarily know how to do this, he said. So were going to manualize it and help them, and when the state needs more people  if it needs more people  we can say here are all our materials.

Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said the state is soliciting proposals from vendors, organizations, and institutions to aid with recruitment, assessment, hiring, training and management of contact tracers.

The state is hoping to hire a diverse and multilingual workforce who can work in the area in which they live. Halkitis said the training will be intensive and ongoing, covering everything from ethics and privacy issues to how to be sensitive during interviews and refer contacts to social services if necessary.

Murphy said his new plan will also increase consistency statewide by requiring local health departments to collaborate for a more regional, county-based approach and implement a new technological platform built specifically for managing coronavirus cases.

New Jersey is the first state to announce plans to roll out the CommCare platform created by Dimagi, but it is already up and running in San Francisco and Santa Clara counties in California and in a handful of cities, said Jonathan Jackson, the companys co-founder and CEO.

Jackson said CommCare makes it easier to input and manage case information even for those who are new to contact tracing. Currently health departments are using the states communicable disease database system.

A lot of the current systems that were built in states were just not enough to handle this kind of volume, Jackson said.

Will this contact tracing plan be enough to stop the virus?

Persichilli said at a press briefing this month that the total number of tracers hired is not set in stone. It will be re-evaluated as the state works with Rutgers School of Public Health to stand up the new workforce.

It is estimated that between 1,000 to as much as 5,000 may be needed, she said.

Adriane Casalotti, chief of government and public affairs for the National Association for County and City Health Departments, said it is hard to compare states tracing plans because many are still being developed.

Public health experts, including NACCHO, have advised that at least 30 contact tracers per 100,000 population will be needed in this next phase of the response, Casalotti said.

New Jerseys plan would bring the ratio here to just over 20 contact tracers per 100,000 residents. To get to that 30:100,000 ratio, New Jersey would need a total of 2,665 contact tracers.

A recent NPR survey found only eight states would meet or exceed the 30 tracers per 100,000 residents threshold: New York, Washington, D.C, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Alaska and California.

California, like New Jersey, is relying on universities with public health know-how to train 10,000 new contact tracers. University of California San Francisco epidemiologist Dr. George Rutherford is leading the effort, which uses a virtual academy to retrain current public employees as contact tracers.

He said he believes case numbers, more than the state population, should determine the number of contact tracers needed, and that 1,000 hires sounds like a great place for New Jersey to start.

That sounds like kind of the right number to me, he said.

Rutherford said New Jerseys plan to hire new workers not only helps more people earn a living but is also more long-sighted than relying on retrained public workers who will have to go back to their regular jobs.

Public health departments have been stripped of staff for years and this is the price were paying, having to jury-rig something like this together, he said.

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Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
The grieving families of four children killed by a drunk driver have slammed calls for the removal of an 'ugly' safety barrier installed at the site.

Danny and Leila Abdallah's three children Antony, 13, Angelina, 12 and Sienna, 8, were mowed down on the footpath by alleged drunk driver Samuel William Davidson in Oatlands in western Sydney on February 1.

Their cousin Veronique Sakr, 11 was also killed in the horror crash.

Parramatta Council installed a 98 metre long guard rail along Bettington Road following 'community feedback' to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again.

But NSW Liberal Party state executive member and local resident Matthew Camenzuli is opposed to the safety guard rail outside his house and wants it removed, claiming the community wasn't consulted.

A guard rail was installed at the site within weeks of the crash that killed four young lives in Bettington Road, Oatlands. Pictured are Danny and Leila Abdallah, who lost three children in the crash

In an email to the council in March, Mr Camenzuli described the guard rail as 'entirely unnecessary', unsightly and jarring and believes it will set a dangerous precedent.

Mr Camenzuli stands by his comments, telling The Sunday Telegraph the rail should be removed after a recently approved roundabout is installed later this year.

The council regarded the guard rail as the most appropriate safety measure.

'Other systems including wire rope safety barriers and RMS urban pedestrian fencing designs were considered as alternatives, however the safest and most suitable barrier system for this location has been specified by councils traffic and transport experts,' a March council report states.

Antony Abdallah, 13, and his sisters Angelina, 12, and Sienna, 8, along with their cousin Veronique Sakr (right) were mowed down by an alleged drunk driver

The Abdallah and Sakr families expressed their strong disapproval in the removal of the guard rail.

'We never want anyone to have to endure our suffering, losing children in the way we did,' the families told the publication in a joint statement.

'There should be no debate about installing any safety measures that ensure all children remain safe.

'We will always support any road safety initiative that further protects our community and in particular innocent children.'

Parramatta Councillor Pierre Esber told Daily Mail Australia there are no plans to remove the guard rail, which has twice been endorsed by the council at its February 9 meeting and again on March 9.

Danny and Leila Abdallah (pictured at an Easter mass on April 12) believe the guard rail installed at the site after their children died should remain

'Mr Camenzuli is entitled to his opinion but nothing is going to change- the guard rail will stay,' Cr Esber said.

'Aesthetically, it's not the best looking barrier but it's practical and does the job.

'We don't want another tragedy like this to ever happen again.'

Cr Esber hopes to fast-track plans for the approved roundabout to increase safety in the area.

A memorial to commemorate the four young lives lost has been proposed.

Samuel William Davidson, 29, faces a total of 34 charges, including four counts of manslaughter and also driving under the influence of cocaine, MDMA and alcohol.

He is currently remanded in custody to appear in court June 11.
A group of high-fee Victorian private schools is pushing to establish a student quarantine hub to fast-track the return of international students.

With international students not expected to return to Australia en masse until next year, English-language boarding school Avalon College has approached the Victorian education department to run quarantine accommodation at its property in Lara.

Avalon College's head of school, Mark Dooley, said the 22-year-old school would have to consider shutting its doors if international students weren't allowed in Australia soon.

This would be the first collapse of a boarding school in decades, said Richard Stokes, chief executive of the Australian Boarding Schools Association.

"We're basically dependent on the international student market so at the minute we're really struggling," Mr Dooley said.
Gangtok, May 24 (IANS) The Himalayan state of Sikkim reported its first coronavirus case when a 25-year-old student who returned from Delhi tested positive, a senior official said on Sunday.

Sikkim Health Secretary Pempa T. Bhutia said that the swab sample of the student was sent to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri (in West Bengal) for testing. The positive report came on Saturday.

The student from Rabangla in South Sikkim district is admitted at Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital in Gangtok. Hospital sources said his health condition was stable.

The student was living in Delhi to prepare for UPSC examinations but returned to the state by bus along with a few others last week.

Till Saturday night, 1,707 people were tested in Sikkim.

The first corona case was reported a day after the Sikkim government announced that teaching for students from Class 9 to university levels would resume from June 15.

The tiny Himalayan state was one of the first states to close inter-state and international borders and ban entry of both domestic and foreign tourists, besides migrant labourers.

--IANS

sc/tsb
Telcos, which ignored earlier advice on sharing infrastructure, have now changed their mind.

Sharing the same telecommunication infrastructure system is a feasible solution as it cuts investment and maintenance costs, and helps protect the environment and urban landscapes.





However, telcos decided to build infrastructure systems of their own.



To date, about 400,000 base transceiver stations (BTS) have been installed throughout the country with each network operator running its own system. The investment rate for every BTS is VND1 billion on average.



The director of one telco said all telcos understood the benefits of sharing infrastructure items, but they believed that owning separate infrastructure systems would help increase their competitiveness.



The telcos which have good infrastructure and utilize modern technology will be able to provide high-quality service at competitive prices.

Reports showed that the number of businesses registering to suspend business for definite time was stable, about 20 percent, in the first quarters of 2015-2019, but the figure soared by 26 percent in Q1 2020 compared with the same period last year.

In order to have good infrastructure, telcos need to have powerful financial capability, long-term vision and investment strategy.

If sharing the same infrastructure items or leasing them, a small-scale telco, or a newcomer in the market would have the same infrastructure advantages like a long lasting telco.



As a result, telcos refused to share infrastructure despite the encouragement by the government over the last 10 years.



However, the Covid-19 crisis which has caused big damage to the economy has forced them to rethink their strategies.



Reports showed that the number of businesses registering to suspend business for definite time was stable, about 20 percent, in the first quarters of 2015-2019, but the figure soared by 26 percent in Q1 2020 compared with the same period last year.



Analysts found that the number of these businesses increased sharply in 15 of 17 business fields, including information technology and communication.



Telcos have been asked to expand the capacity of Internet connection bandwidth and improve the quality of services.



The new circumstances have forced telcos to change their view on sharing telecom infrastructure. Tao Duc Thang, deputy CEO of Viettel, said 15 years ago, infrastructure was considered the weapon for telcos to compete with each other, because good infrastructure would determine the quality of service.

However, now is the right time to think of sharing infrastructure to ensure economical and effective operation.



Hanoi is pioneering the movement. In 2016, the municipal authorities, VNPT, Viettel, MobiFone and Hanoi Power Company signed an MoU on investment cooperation on telecom and underground power line in 2016-2020, which says sharing the same technical infrastructure is mandatory.



In early May, VNPT and MobiFone, two of the three largest mobile network operators, signed an agreement on sharing infrastructure items of 700 new BTS.

Tu Linh

Vietnams second largest telco gets green light for 5G tech tests Vietnams second largest telco is ready in terms of technology, technology and network structure for deploying commercial 5G network.
Representative image

Premier export finance institution Exim Bank said on Sunday that the present scenario arising out of the COVID-19 outbreak is not suitable to raise resources from overseas markets.

Under such circumstances, the lender had requested the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a credit line of USD two billion, an official of the Export-Import Bank of India said.

"The mandate for Exim Bank is to raise resources from overseas markets primarily for disbursement under concessional finance programme on behalf of the government," he said.

Due to COVID-19 outbreak, the market now is not suitable for raising funds abroad, the official said.

"We requested for USD two billion credit line from RBI, equivalent to around Rs 15,000 crore, which the apex bank has agreed to," he told PTI.

The Reserve Bank on Friday announced a Rs 15,000-crore line of credit to the lender.

"How and in what form this money will come is not yet clear. Raising resources from overseas markets is now a challenge. There is a regular need for disbursements in foreign currency," he said.

Exim Bank raises funds in multiple currencies like USD, Japanese Yen, South African Rand, Euro and Singapore dollar, he said.

All the currencies are then swapped into USD, according to him.

"Nearly 70 percent of our business is in USD. We have a huge requirement of dollars," he said.

Speaking about outlook for export in the current fiscal, he said that it is definitely going to fall.

"We don't want to speculate the extent of the fall. Due to the lockdown, demand has shrunk across sectors and there will be a decline in exports as well," the official said.

The market sentiment is down at the moment, and there has been no specific request for line of credit from any quarter.

"We are now trying to deal with companies which have already made inroads in Africa, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka," he added.
By George F. Will

WASHINGTON  Georgi Markov felt a sting on the back of his thigh as he waited for a bus at Waterloo Bridge, about half a mile from the Houses of Parliament, on Sept. 7, 1978. He turned to see a man bending to retrieve an umbrella.

When Markov, Bulgarias leading man of letters before he defected in 1968, died four days later, a pinhead-sized pellet was removed from his thigh. Made of a platinum-iridium alloy, the pellet had two openings for the release of the poison ricin. In a speech shortly thereafter, a senior Bulgarian security official expressed the deepest gratitude to our Soviet comrades-in-arms of the KGB for their constant help and comradely assistance.

That was 42 years ago. This was last week:

Zdenek Hrib, the mayor of Prague, confirmed that he was given police protection after a Czech magazine reported that three weeks ago a Russian arrived in the Czech Republic carrying ricin and was driven to the Russian embassy in a diplomatic vehicle. Czech law enforcement has not confirmed a plot. The BBC reports that Hrib filed a report to the authorities after noticing he was being followed close to his home, and had seen the same person multiple times, but he added that he could not confirm if the protection was related to this report.

As this column noted in January, last year China canceled its invitation to four Czech musical ensembles because Tibets flag flies over Pragues city hall to express opposition to Chinas attempts to extinguish Tibets national identity. Hrib, a doctor, has condemned the forced extraction of organs from members of the Muslim Uighur minority and other prisoners of the [Chinese] regime. Beijing canceled a sister-cities agreement when Prague balked at a clause renouncing independence for Tibet and Taiwan. So Hrib instituted a sister-cities agreement with Taipei, Taiwans capital, where Hrib has been made an honorary citizen. When, at a reception for diplomats in Prague, Chinas ambassador repeatedly demanded that Taiwans representative be expelled from the reception, Hrib responded that he does not expel invited guests.

If Russia is threatening Hrib, this might be comradely assistance for China. Russia, however, has its own resentments.

Another Czech mayor, Ondrej Kolar, has been given police protection. He advocated the April removal of the statue, erected in Prague in 1980, of Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev, who was active in the suppressions of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and the 1968 Prague Spring. Prague has named the square on which Russias embassy is located in honor of the Russian Boris Nemtsov, a fierce opponent of President Vladimir Putin. In 2015, Nemtsov was shot dead near the Kremlin. (In Washington, D.C., a portion of Wisconsin Avenue opposite the Russian embassy is designated Boris Nemtsov Plaza.) Prague is renaming a park promenade for Anna Politkovskaya, a Russian journalist and outspoken critic of Putins war in Chechnya. She was murdered in 2006 in her Moscow apartment buildings elevator. People were convicted in connection with the Nemtsov and Politkovskaya killings, but realists suspect that the murders were ordered by others.

In 2006, Alexander Litvinenko, 43, a former Russian spy, was living in London when he was killed by polonium-210 evidently administered in a cup of tea. A British inquiry concluded that Putin probably approved of this assassination. In 2018, in Salisbury, England, Sergei Skripal, a former Russian spy, and his daughter survived poisoning that police consider an attempted murder. Chinas arrogance in Europe is less lethal, so far.

For example, three Swedish political parties have endorsed expelling Chinas ambassador. Yaroslav Trofimov, the Wall Street Journals chief foreign affairs correspondent, says the discord concerns Gui Minhai, a Chinese-born Swedish citizen who as a publisher based in Hong Kong infuriated Beijing by writing about, among other sensitive subjects, the corrupt practices of Chinese President Xi Jinpings family. In 2015, Gui disappeared from his vacation home in Thailand. Sweden says he was kidnapped. China says he voluntarily surrendered to stand trial in China for an alleged 2003 drunk-driving fatality, for which he was sentenced last month to 10 years imprisonment. Last November, when Swedens PEN Center awarded Gui a prestigious literary prize, Chinas ambassador threatened: Some people in Sweden shouldnt feel at ease after hurting the feelings of the Chinese people.

Todays Russian regime, a lawless kleptocracy, is a residue of the Soviet Union, and a successor to the Soviet Unions Leninist party-state. Chinas regime is such a state and is determined not to have a successor. Todays world contains crude political menaces more durable and potentially more dangerous than a virus.

Will is a columnist for The Washington Post Writers Group.
When the Nigerian government in late March ordered a lockdown of two states and the Federal Capital Territory in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, Martins Obono, the Executive Director of Tap Initiative, said he envisaged a humanitarian crisis.

President Muhammadu Buhari had shut down Abuja, Lagos and Ogun for five weeks from March 30 but responded to the pressure to reopen the economy, amid widespread hunger and uneven disbursement of palliatives, by ordering a phased and gradual easing of the lockdown from May 4 to 17.

The gradual lifting of the restrictions which includes an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew was also extended for another two weeks last Sunday.

But the country is still getting daily alerts of infections. The total confirmed cases of the virus have exceeded 7,000 and over 200 deaths from less than a thousand cases when total restrictions were lifted on May 4.

Meanwhile, the restrictions brought hardship on Nigerians as the government could not implement a viable palliative package for a lot of people hardest-hit by the lockdown  especially those in the informal sector who depend on daily earnings.

However, where the government lagged, well-meaning individuals and NGOs such as Tap Initiative are stepping up.

We knew there will be a humanitarian crisis. People will not be able to feed if there is no work, Mr Obono, the convener of Tap said in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES.

We thought there is a need for us to come in to change the narrative. We then called on well-meaning Nigerians to donate food items, cash or whatever they can even before the lockdown started.

Tap Initiative distributes food materials.

We leveraged on the social media in making this call. We also asked volunteers to come in. The level of cooperation was encouraging. People donated as high as N50,000 and from N3, 000, he said.

The food drive initiative by Tap was launched only in Abuja, the Nigerian capital in the wake of the first phase of the total lockdown. Initially, the plan was to use the donations to feed at least 300 vulnerable families in lower-income neighborhoods.

Each family received a Ghana Must Go bag containing food items such as rice, beans, spaghetti, garri, tomato paste, groundnut oil, pepper among others, Mr Obono said.

What we have done so far is to limit our focus to Abuja alone. In all the satellite towns within the FCT, there is no community where we dont have a representative of people that have benefitted from this initiative, he said.

Internally Displaced Persons camps and barracks also benefitted, he said.

But things changed after the lockdown was extended by two weeks on April 12.

With many households struggling without income during the lockdown, the need for food and cash relief became critical.

Tap Initiative distributes food materials.

We realised that there are people doing well before the lockdown but are either sacked or their salaries were slashed and could no longer go to work so we thought they are the real casualties of COVID-19. We then announced that anybody under this category should reach out to us, Mr Obono said.

This prompted the initiative to increase the target to meet people impoverished by COVID-19. It, however, affected our distributions in IDP camps and informal communities.

Governments uncoordinated response

The restriction is still making it difficult for many families to survive, even after it was slightly lifted especially as the governments palliative package distribution remains largely uncoordinated.

The Nigerian government only provided N20,000 to about 2.6 million families and 11 million people identified as poor and vulnerable. This is, however, a fraction of the over 90 million Nigerians estimated to be living in extreme poverty.

The modalities for distribution of the 77,000 metric tonnes of food the government directed to be shared to vulnerable households affected by the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun, and Abuja have remained vague.

Many have also queried how the government continued with the school feeding programme when the pupils benefitting from it have been out of school since March 19.

A report by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) revealed how the sharing of relief materials in Lagos was marred by misinformation about intended beneficiaries, political favouritism and random distribution.

Tap Initiative distributes food materials.

In Kaduna, the distribution of palliatives was also influenced by party membership and affiliation.

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I think the government has failed (in coordinating relief response) if you asked me, Mr Obono said. The kind of palliative they give out are being rejected by many Nigerians saying they are expired food.

Mr Obono said the government is not targeting the actual people that need economic assistance. If you are not targeting people who have been victimised by COVID-19 you are not targeting the general public.

The humanitarian ministry is continuing with the school feeding programme when the pupils benefitting are at home. Its a misplaced priority and unorganised way of reaching people.

The Tap Initiative director also blamed the government for not providing accurate data of vulnerable Nigerians and people susceptible to the diverse impact of COVID-19.

Governments response package failed because there is no real data that projects the real people that need safety nets, Mr Obono said.

Filling in the gap

The food drive initiative by TAP is just one of several citizen-powered welfare initiatives that have sprung up in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Peoples Food Bank launched by Seun Adebajos family is feeding almost 3,000 people daily in Lagos. Pop musician Banky W also runs a similar food bank in the Lekki area while Food Clique, another non-profit NGO focused on distributing food to the poorest households, has rapidly scaled up its operations in the face of increased demand during the pandemic.
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that the current lockdown put in place to contain the spread of the novel Coronavirus, will not go longer than necessary as it will be reviewed from time to time to ease the increasing hardships on the people.

President Buhari gave the assurance in his Eid-el-Fitri message to Muslims.

A statement released by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity today May 23, quotes the President as saying that COVID-19, which caught the world off guard, and has put a damper on what would otherwise have been a time of celebration for the Muslim faithful to mark the end of the Ramadan fasting period. He said he is aware of the inconveniences the lockdown and other measures put in place to curb the spread of Coronavirus has caused Nigerians.

I am well aware of the inconveniences these tough measures have brought on the lives of Nigerians, including limiting religious activities and gatherings in large numbers. No government would intentionally impose these tough and demanding measures on its citizens if it had a choice.

Speaking further, the President said

It is not easy to give up many of these important duties and activities but it became imperative to do so in order to control or limit the spread of this deadly disease. Let me use this opportunity to commend the sacrifices of both Muslims and Christians for their cooperation in the enforcement of the social distancing guidelines.

President Buhari appealed to other Nigerians whose businesses and means of livelihoods were badly affected by the prolonged lockdown measures for their understanding and cooperation.

He also exhorted people with means to continue helping their neighbors and the less well-to-do so that we can all come out of this pandemic stronger and more united.

The President told the Muslim faithful that this years Eid event is an occasion for sober reflection rather than celebration because of the long shadows of gloom that the coronavirus has cast on peoples lives.

He prayed to Allah to ease the hardship among the people as they struggle hard to flatten the curve, while wishing all Nigerians Eid Mubarak.
Journalists hate mistakes. Editors hate mistakes most of all.

Our credibility as conveyors of facts and truth is everything to us. The faith that we will provide the unvarnished truth, without fear or favor, is what leads readers to trust in our work.

However, we are human and imperfect. Mistakes happen. We believe owning up to them adds to our credibility. Thats why we routinely publish corrections on the second page of The Oregonian. We note on OregonLive articles if we have made a correction to the original piece, in order to be transparent with readers.

And when we make an error on the front page, as we did Wednesday, its embarrassing. Readers deserve an explanation, which I will give you here. I am not making excuses, though. Such an error is inexcusable.

So how did it happen? Before every election day, our politics editor Betsy Hammond, who took graduate-level statistics courses at Brown University and has called election races for us since 2006, draws on her deep experience in covering elections in Oregon. She analyzes past turnout by county, taking into account whether it is a primary or general and whether its an off year.

She monitors trends, such as people voting later and later, rather than in the early days of vote by mail where people returned ballots soon after they arrived in mailboxes. She looks at the voter registration by party and accounts for races that cross county lines. She draws on her experience with how fast  or not -- various counties count ballots and report to the secretary of states office.

She knows from experience that more liberal, more anti-establishment voters often wait until the last day to turn in ballots. And she looks at historical trends, such as the fact that a certain countys returns have never varied by more than 3 percentage points after the first release of results at 8 p.m.

All of this results in a sophisticated, math-based model that allows The Oregonian/OregonLive to call results with a high degree of certainty.

On Election Night, Hammond and a team of reporters and editors go to work for readers. They input partial returns into our system that displays results for readers and call races after careful but speedy consideration. When they do so, the news automatically goes out on Twitter.

As you can imagine, it is a head-spinning two hours after the 8 p.m. deadline for ballots to be dropped off. This year was more complicated by the fact the reporters and editors were working from their homes, connected by a long-running conference call.

Id like to blame that complication for the mistake, but, honestly, we were able to communicate pretty well. What I did not have was the ability to walk from desk to desk to look over anyones shoulder at the latest results.

At 8 p.m., we began calling races based on partial returns. Every few seconds reporters chimed in to discuss and deliberate over what they were seeing for, say, House District 46, the Beaverton council, Centennial School District, Clackamas County Board races and more. Its a fast-moving, complicated process.

We waited for the first big update from Multnomah County, but that was later than usual  likely because 100 fewer election workers were counting ballots to allow for physical distancing.

Still, some calls were easy: Joe Biden, in the Democratic presidential primary. Kim Thatcher for the GOP nomination for secretary of state. Carmen Rubio for Portland City Council.

But Tuesday night we held back on the Democratic race for secretary of state because Sen. Mark Hass, while leading in Tuesday night tallies, was not ahead by the margin required by Hammonds formula.

Finally, shortly after 10 p.m., Hass margin had widened. We discussed the new data, and I said I was comfortable calling Hass the winner. As we told readers in Wednesdays newspaper, I apologize unreservedly for the error.

Why not wait until the results are official? In Oregon, this years results are not truly official until June 8, long after readers want to know outcomes. Why not wait longer on election night? Because the print edition lands seven or eight hours later, we can look foolish if we say a race is too close to call and by morning it is clear by a wide margin, a margin that our modeling allows us to predict.

Of course, there are other ways we can look foolish as well.

In the past, our models have proven correct, even when we have projected a candidate would win even if still behind in the vote totals on official sites.

On Tuesday, however, our model failed to accurately project turnout given variance from historical patterns amid the coronavirus outbreak. It turns out, Lane and Clackamas counties, in particular, had many more votes than normal left uncounted until Wednesday and they broke hard for Sen. Shemia Fagan.

That made the difference and reversed the results. As of Friday, it appeared Fagans margin of victory would be about 3,000 of 565,000 votes cast. Thats one-seventh of the margin we have typically called tight, and the tightest statewide primary since at least 2004.

After every election, we have a debriefing. This year, my advice for the general election will add an extra note of caution  especially with the unknowns about the speed of vote counting come November.

Therese Bottomly is editor and vice president of content for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach her at tbottomly@oregonian.com or 503-221-8434.
Leh: After a clash in Ladakh between China and Indian soldiers, India has also increased security in this sensitive area with vigilance. Indian Army Chief Manoj Mukund Narwane visited the 14 Corps headquarters in Leh on Friday. Earlier, Army Chief has also visited Jammu and Kashmir from Ladakh.

Corona: Recovery rate increases in country, 54 thousand people recovered so far

According to online media reports, it is being told that the visit of the army chief is also important because with this dispute of China, Pakistan is also not deterred by its misdeeds. The Army wants to be cautious about the fact that in the disorientation of China, Pakistan is not in a position to execute any conspiracy in the POK. The Indian Army has made it clear that they will not allow any kind of Chinese infiltration in their area and will further strengthen the patrolling in those areas.

Corona wreaks havoc across the country, number of cases crosses 1 lakh

A total of five meetings have been held between the local military commanders of India and China so far, but the situation has not been resolved on the front of about 80 km. Most officials agree that the situation at LAC is "unprecedented", with tensions high enough. He suggested that a solution to this crisis would have to be found soon as "a change of status quo by China cannot be accepted in any way."

Couple tied knot in Karnataka amid lockdown
Mumbai: Maharashtra ruling party Shiv Sena on Sunday (May 24) continued its attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over migrant workers' crisis and

In an editorial in party's mouthpiece Saamana, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut lashed out at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over migrants issue and compared him to German dictator Adolf Hitler. He also compared the migration of labourers to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Jammu and Kashmir in the 1990s.

Raut's statement comes at a time when Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena had asserted that no one should engage in politics in the time of the coronavirus pandemic.

In his weekly column in Saamana, Raut said that atrocities committed against the Jews are similar to the atrocities committed against the migrants in Uttar Pradesh by the Chief Minister. The article read, "Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave their homes and were discriminated in their own country. Politics on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits is still being practised in the country. Today, at least 5-6 crore migrants are forced to live in the same manner."

Recently the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister had issued strict instruction to authorities to prevent any unauthorised movement of people and their families coming on foot, cycles or trucks in the state. He also directed officials to arrange for food and shelter for people and buses to ferry them to their villages.

Meanwhile, the Centre said on Saturday that there are around four crore migrants engaged in various works in different parts of the country and so far 75 lakh of them have returned home in trains and buses since the nationwide lockdown was imposed to stop the spread of coronavirus infection.

According to official data, the Railways has ferried around 36 lakh migrant workers on board 2,600 'Shramik Special' trains since May 1. The Railways has drawn up a schedule to operate 2,600 more trains over the next 10 days to ferry 36 lakh more migrant workers home, said chairman Railway Board VK Yadav. The Railways is bearing 85 per cent of the total cost of running each of the trains while the rest is being borne by the states in the form of fares.
The Commercial Court has summoned three United Kingdom- based law firms who were the masterminds of the deal in which Tullow Oil plc avoided paying taxes worth $1.1 billion (about Shs4.1 trillion) to the Ugandan national treasury following an agreement with the central government and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

In the May 18 summon, court has also asked Three Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Three Crown Services, together with Tullow Uganda operations PTY Limited, and its affiliate Tullow Uganda, URA and the Attorney General, to file their responses to a suit recently lodged by Jackson Wabyona, a private citizen, within 15 days.

Before the main case in which he essentially challenges the settlement deed saying it is illegal and has corruption written all over it is heard, Wabyona has asked the court to first determine a separate application he filed on May 15.

In the application, Wabyona demands that before the main case is heard, Tullow Uganda Limited and Tullow Uganda operations PTY first furnish the court with security worthy $ 1.1 billion and property comprised in 33.3 per cent stake in each of the Lake Albert development project licenses EAl, EAIA, EA2 and EA3A and the proposed East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) System valued at $1 billion.

Demands

Though Tullow in theory sold off its interests in Lake Albert to French oil giant Total E&P in a deal worth $575m (Shs2.1 trillion), in the application, Wabyona asks the court to preserve or detain Tullow's interests in the lake.

Wabyona says court should appoint a receiver for Tullow's stake in Lake Albert and the proposed EACOP system before the main case is heard.

"An order committing the first [Tullow Uganda Operations PTY], second [Tullow Uganda ] respondents' 33.3334 per cent stake in each of the Lake Albert development project licenses EAl, EAI A, EA2 and EA3A, and the proposed East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) System to the possession, custody and management of the receiver appointed herein with such powers as the court thinks fit," Wabyona's application reads in part.

Having sold off its remaining interests in Uganda, Wabyona says Tullow's farm-down deal worth $525m (Shs2 trillion) is in bad faith and prejudicial to Uganda in as far as it is meant to enable the Anglo-Irish oil company quick exit from Uganda and quit jurisdiction without paying the taxes due under $2.9b farm downs or determining the legality and validity of tax waivers under the settlement deed it was agreed upon in 2015.

According to Wabyona, both Tullow Uganda and Tullow Uganda Operations PTY are on the verge of bankruptcy as their stock is so low while their debts are accumulating and unserviced.

"The first [Tullow Uganda Operations PTY] and second [Tullow Uganda] defendants sold their interests valued at $992.2m (about Shs3.7 trillion) at an undervalue of $575m in order to mitigate material uncertainties facing the first and second defendants at the Group level," Wabyona says, referring to the deal Tullow signed with Total E&P in April, which now awaits Cabinet approval.

Tullow, Wabyona says, is scheming to quickly close the $575m farm down transactions during this time of lockdown in Uganda and worldwide.

"The courts that would subject the settlement deed to a legality and validity test are currently not operational and functional save for criminal matters and urgent civil matters," Wabyona says in an application drawn by Nyanzi, Mbabazi, Kiboneka advocates.

"The first and second defendants want to take advantage of the lockdown and close the farm downs and thereafter quit Uganda without determining their liability to pay the waived and forfeited taxes under the settlement deed."

If Tullow quits Uganda before the final determination or disposal of the case, Wabyona says it would be akin to giving the company a blank cheque to cheat taxes due and payable.

"The plaintiff [ Wabyona] shall aver and contend that present suit raises issues of great national importance that are likely to affect the economy of Uganda, it is urgent that it should be considered and heard expeditiously and urgently during this lockdown period," the court filings read.

UK lawyers

In respect to the UK lawyers, Waybona contends that by the mere fact that they were witnesses of the settlement deed and legal advisors of the signatories to the deed, they are liable for professional negligence or legal malpractice.

First, Wabyona attacks Curtis, Mallet- Prevost, Colt & Mosle, the law firm that was outsourced by Uganda during the drafting of the settlement deed saying it didn't know or didn't bother to do research and understand the applicable laws of Uganda in respect to such settlements.

"The fifth defendant [Curtis, Mallet- Prevost, clot &Mosle] had no competency, capacity nor the ability to advise the government of Uganda on issues arising from the execution and implementation of the settlement deed, that required knowledge of the tax laws generally jurisprudence of Uganda," Wabyona says, adding that Curtis, Mallet- Prevost, clot & Mosle colluded with both Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Three crowns services to mislead and misadvise the Ugandan government and URA to enter into the questioned settlement to cheat taxes due to be paid in the Ugandan Consolidated Fund.

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It is Wabyona's case that David Robert Hesse, who represented Uganda's Attorney General, Hellen Buchanan (Tullow Uganda Operations PTY), Constantine Partasides QC (Tullow Uganda) are partners of Curtis, Mallet- Prevost, Clot &Mosle, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Three crowns services respectively, acted in the course of their employment as counsel for their respective clients.

Accordingly, he says the three law firms are liable vicarious for the professional legal malpractice of their partners while executing the instructions of their clients.

Signatories

Wabyona insists that the signatories of the settlement deed, who included Ms Doris Akol, the then Commissioner General of URA or URA as an institution, the Attorney General or Solicitor General of the government of Uganda lack the legal capacity to waive taxes or otherwise forfeit taxes that have been assessed and are due and payable to the Consolidated Fund. Such an act, he says, of waiver or forfeiture does not bind the government and is to all intents and purposes void and a nullity.
Ive had the privilege of serving in the military and experiencing life as a startup entrepreneur. As a leader in both worlds, Ive learned that sound organizational decision-making is key to survival. Ive also learned over time through my formal business education and work experience in corporate America that group decision-making skills are not stressed as much in the business world as they are in the military. Todays coronavirus crisis is commonly referred to as a war. It may be valuable, then, to visit how military units make decisions in a real war.

Related: Why Veterans Take the Initiative to Explore Entrepreneurship

One hour to prepare

I was serving as a Company Executive Officer (XO, second in command) in the worlds only air-droppable tank battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait on Thursday, August 2, 1990. The 82nd Airborne maintains a one-hour recall alert status that allows it to deploy anywhere in the world on 18 hours' notice. It is Americas 911 military unit. Most of us had no idea where Kuwait was as we came into work that early morning. The 82nd would never deploy to a desert environment, so we thought. Desert warfare calls for fast-moving vehicles armed with weapons systems that can shoot at targets very far away. We were too lightly armed. If you cant jump with it strapped to your body or drop it separately from an airplane, paratroopers dont take it to the battlefield.

On Monday night, August 6, my pager went off at 10 p.m. (this is before cell phones) while I was out at my favorite bar. I rushed home, changed into my uniform, and was in my unit headquarters within the hour. It was my responsibility as XO to manage the arming and aircraft loading of my companys 100 paratroopers and 17 air-droppable tanks. We regularly rehearsed this sequence. This time it was for real.

Aircraft containing the lead elements of our Division Ready Brigade took off starting on the next day  18 hours after notification. We were heading to Saudi Arabia to defend it from an imminent attack by Iraq. We were told that it was highly likely that the attack would likely begin while we were in the air. I found myself in a leadership position heading to an unknown, dangerous place half a world away. The world around me had changed overnight, full of uncertainty, stress, and not knowing what laid ahead. Not only was I personally concerned, but I had a responsibility to lead my organization through the situation. I was 26 years old.

Related: 3 Tips for Hiring Veterans and How They'll Help Your Business Thrive

The start of the startup

Fast-forward to February 2003. After leaving the military and then working a decade for a few large companies, I co-founded a startup business that I still lead. I started it with another friend, mentor and highly decorated Vietnam Special Forces veteran. He would serve on our Board but not be directly involved in the day-to-day management of the business. Our third co-founder had no military experience but seemed smarter than the two of us at the time.

As with most startups, everything that could go wrong did go wrong. Together with my management team and the periodic input of my military co-founder, we tackled a series of crises not uncommon among startups, things like the painful separation from the non-veteran partner, which soured the relationship with our early investors. Constant cash flow challenges. Two separate episodes of banks calling back their loans, dealing with the calamity of 2008 and many other challenges in the first 10 years. Each time, it seemed as if we had no options and the end was near; uncertainty and unfamiliarity surrounded us each time.

For instance, in 2006, we had a $500,000 line of credit with a regional bank Ill call Regional Bank A. To his credit, my non-military partner had an excellent personal relationship with the loan officer when we initiated the line of credit. Keep in mind this was pre-2008, so obtaining a line of credit based on a personal relationship was possible and common back then. One day, National Bank B bought Regional Bank A. Our loan officer immediately lost his job. We quickly learned that the new bank didnt have a small businessfriendly profile. Within weeks, National Bank A informed us they were calling our note based on being out of compliance with one of our loan covenants relating to a profitability ratio. I never heard of the word covenant  it was in the fine print. I thought it was a place where nuns lived.

By then, my non-veteran co-founder was no longer part of the company. I had to take the lead on this issue. My mind immediately kicked into decision-making mode. After a couple of months of extreme pressure to figure a way out of what seemed like a lights-out situation, my team and I figured out a way to refinance the debt while under extreme duress using the process described here. Somehow we made it through this and the other challenges that came our way.

While going to war and starting and managing a small business seem like polar opposite experiences, they are similar in a compelling way. In times of crisis, the pressure of having to survive through seemingly impossible odds is something that goes with the territory. Unforeseen emergencies and the uncertainty that comes with them cause fear and anxiety in ourselves as leaders and our team. We call this the fog of war in the military. Similarly, the fog of business is alive and well today as we deal with COVID-19.

Decision-making is more science than it is art. The military needs a defined decision-making process to accomplish missions. It even has a manual for it. Soldiers at all levels of rank learn it and apply it in training consistently. Its part of the culture. Its quite simple. It has to be usable and scalable within the military in units at all levels, across all branches of service. Part of its value is its simplicity.

Related: 5 Ways This Veteran Used His Military Experience to Grow a $3.5-Million Beard Grooming Business

Modeled on the military

Theres a bit more to it than this (download the Army manual for more), but here is a summary of the model:

Step 1: Define the situation as best you can by defining and separating facts from assumptions. Facts are facts. Assumptions are critical components that any plan needs to succeed, but that we cannot confirm are factual. For example, a company may assume that their new account sales will be reduced by 40 percent in a crisis like COVID-19. Its not a fact. Its an assumption were going to base our plan on. We want to document our assumptions and monitor them as the world around us changes. If an assumption turns out to be false, we modify our plan accordingly. If it turns out to be true, it moves over to the fact list.

Step 2: Make two lists of tasks. Specified tasks are those tasks we know we have to do in a crisis. Implied tasks are tasks that well have to do to accomplish the specified tasks. From these two lists, we identify a handful of essential tasks. These are our critical path, must-get-done tasks that are key to success. For example, monitoring cash flow may be a specified task in a crisis. The implied task is to put a reporting system in place so that everyone knows what the cash flow situation is like every day. This may be such an important task that its deemed an essential task. Once tasks are identified, they can be grouped, delegated and assigned to team members who can be held accountable for them.

Step 3: Establish an end-state goal and a clear leaders intent. This step is critical. It becomes the North Star that everyone looks to when in doubt. Decisions can be and should be made throughout the organization as long as that decision supports the intent and the vision of the end state of the leader. Too many organizations become paralyzed in a crisis simply because no one feels empowered to make decisions. In a crisis, decisions at all levels must be made at lightning speed. To enable this without creating a train wreck, leaders need to clearly articulate their intent and what winning looks like in order for everyone can make decisions with that in mind  even when the leader is not around.

Step 4: Use the time available to develop two to three courses of action. Take what was learned from the situation analysis, the leaders intent and associated end-state goal, and develop two to three courses of action on how to achieve the end state given the situation. This is not the domain of just the leader or the management team. This step should involve everyone in the organization as much as possible. Delegate parts of the development of different courses of action to junior members of the team. Theyll amaze you with their ideas. After comparing the courses of action, pick one as the basis of your plan. A common trap here is to rush to make decisions because making them feels like were doing something. Theres a saying in the military that you dont want to run to your death. It means that even in war, we should take the time to think through courses of action before acting. Its good advice.

These basic four steps go a long way to getting everyone involved in the solution to a crisis. They build a sense of ownership in the plan throughout the team, providing leaders with ideas from multiple perspectives. Ultimately, it contributes to providing some order to the chaos and uncertainty around us. Use it as a framework for action that drives a plan for survival through the current crisis, and for the ones that follow. If it works for the military in a real war, it will work for us small business owners in the COVID-19 war.

Related:

Fight for Your Franchise Challenge, Week 8: No-Nonsense Techniques to Improve Your Cashflow

5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Prepare for the Post-Coronavirus Business World

How New York's Legendary Grimaldi's Pizzeria Adapted to the Crisis



Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Staunch femininist Clemintine Ford has been criticised for saying coronavirus 'isn't killing men fast enough'.

The 39-year-old writer shared her divisive opinion with her 133,000 Twitter followers on Saturday in response to an article written about gender disparities in parenting children.

She shared the story of a woman forced to quit her lucrative job during the COVID-19 pandemic because her stay-at-home husband couldn't cope with full time parenting - and said the man in the story was a 'pathetic... globular dipsh*t'.

'This woman deserves better,' she said.

The initial tweet was followed up by a second comment, which read: 'Honestly, the coronavirus isn't killing men fast enough.'

Ford, who gave birth to a son in late-2016, shared her divisive opinion with her 133,000 Twitter followers on Saturday in response to an article written about gender disparities in parenting children

Ford's post attracted an influx of criticism by people who accused her of 'weaponising feminism,' having 'daddy issues' and being 'toxic'

Several studies that have been undertaken globally since the deadly respiratory infection took hold have proven men are dying at a faster rate than women.

Researchers from several esteemed hospitals in Beijing concluded men and women have the same potential to contract the disease, but men with COVID-19 are more at risk for worse outcomes and death, independent of age.

Of 206,128 patients, researchers at the University College London found men were twice as likely to require intensive care, and 60 per cent more likely to die.

It is not yet clear why men are more susceptible to fatal outcomes, but some health authorities have argued it is in part due to the increased likelihood of smoking and poorer hygiene habits.

Others suggested her outspoken views on men could be potentially damaging for her own son (pictured) in the future

Ford's post attracted an influx of criticism by people who accused her of 'weaponising feminism,' having 'daddy issues' and being 'toxic'.

Former Senator Derryn Hinch described her opinions as 'repulsive'.

'Sometimes your Twitter views are truly repulsive. If this is a serious comment I feel sorry for you. What a way to go through life full of hatred,' he responded.

Others suggested her post - which she claimed was in jest - paved the way for equally as damaging comments.

'Clementine, is this a similar joke to: ''Honestly, the corona virus isn't killing black people fast enough'' or ''Honestly, the corona virus isn't killing disabled people fast enough'' or ''Honestly, the corona virus isn't killing health care workers fast enough''?'

Ford argued the backlash proved 'exactly how fragile men are.'

Ford argued the backlash proved 'exactly how fragile men are' and stood by the comments

'The same men who insist all the time that women laugh at jokes about violence against us because 'dark humour' and 'relieving tension'. Men are pathetic,' she wrote.

'Men love to screech about snowflakes and triggered feminists and women not being able to take a joke and they crumble at the first sign of a hyperbolic tweet that doesn't place them as gods at the centre of the universe. Ding dongs, all of them.'

The Melbourne-based author has previously spoken about being the target of graphic abuse, trolling and death threats from men on social media, and is known for her often polarising comments about men.

in 2017, she hand-signed a copy of her book 'Fight Like a Girl', with a message that read: 'Have you killed any men today? And if not, why not?'
Debjani Dutta By

Express News Service

PUDUCHERRY: After two months of shutdown, liquor shops in Puducherry and Karaikal will reopen from Monday with hiked prices equal to that of Tamil Nadu's rates, to keep tipplers in nearby districts away from the Union Territory.

The government has levied a Special Excise Duty of 25 percent on the MRP of IMFL (India Made Foreign Liquor) brands which are exclusively sold in Puducherry and Karaikal, numbering 766 and some duty on the remaining 154 brands sold in the UT.

The Special Excise duty is variable for these brands and is set for a period of three months from the start of sale.

For arrack, 20 per cent Special Excise duty has been levied on ex-distillery price.

The shops will function from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and only take away would be allowed, said PWD minister A Namassivayam holding the Excise portfolio.

Each buyer can get a maximum of 4.5 litres of IMFL and 7.5 litres of beer. The shops will display the price of the liquor of all brands according to the quantity.

Bars have not permitted to sell liquor.

In view of Covid-19 pandemic, the Special Excise duty has been levied to ensure that people from adjoining districts of neighbouring states do not come to Puducherry to purchase liquor, said Namassivayam.

Additional police force has been deployed on the borders and there would be strict vigil on the border shops by a team of Excise and police personnel, he said.

For restarting liquor sale in Yanam region, a proposal by levying special excise duty to match the rates in Andhra Pradesh is being processed, while for Mahe region, reopening liquor shops will depend on starting liquor sale in Kerala, said Namassivayam.
Job

Title: National Expert for Land Tenure

and on Responsible Governance of Investments on Land

Organization: GIZ



Project Name:

GIZ-RELAPU

Funding Source: European Union (EU)

Duty Station: Soroti,

Uganda

Ref. No: GIZ

 RELAPU/NE/052028

Reports to: Team

leader of Responsible Land Policy Uganda (RELAPU)

About US:

GIZ-RELAPU is a

bilateral project of the Republic of Uganda and the Federal Republic of Germany

funded by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

RELAPU aims to improve access to land as a key precondition for poverty and

hunger reduction in rural areas for certain population groups, especially for

women and marginalized groups, in Central and Eastern Uganda. GIZ-RELAPU

received co-funding by the European Union for the implementation of a project

component on Improvement of Land Governance in Uganda on private Mailo (ILGU)

in the districts of Mubende, Kassanda and Mityana in Central Uganda and a

second co-funding by the European Union for Promoting Responsible Governance of

Investments in Land (RGIL)

Key Responsibilities: The National Expert for Land Tenure and on Responsible Governance of

Investments on Land is responsible for:



Identification

of capacity building needs of relevant partners and stakeholders.



Provision

of technical trainings on land management in line with national laws and

international guidelines.



Liaison

with government and non-government partners involved in the RGIL processes.



Advise

to political and project partners on technical matters relevant to the project.



Coordination

of the national cooperation with the private sector.



Ensuring

coordination within the country, especially of local, regional and national

activities.



Cooperation

with civil society, local government, private sector investors at national,

regional and local levels.



Assuring

compliance of procedures and procedures in line with the National Land Policy

2013, The Land Act 1998 and its regulations, especially in terms of land rights

documentation.



Provision

of technical and policy advice on customary land rights and conflict resolution

processes.



Identification

of available and experienced partners and stakeholders.



Supervision

of the production and handing out of land inventory protocols.



Support

of the monitoring and evaluation system of the RELAPU project.

Key Tasks: The

National Expert for Land Tenure and on Responsible Governance of Investments on

Land performs the following tasks:

Provision of

Capacity Development to key stakeholders



Conduct

of capacity building needs assessment of relevant partners and stakeholders.



Support

to the design and implementation of training courses.



Organisation,

provision of and trainer for technical trainings on land governance.



Technical

advice to partner organisations from civil society organizations, traditional

authorities, private investors and representatives on land management and land

rights issues.



Coordination

of government and non-government partners and investors.



Supervision

of land surveying, inventory and land registration processes to ensure quality

of the results on customary land tenure.



Enhance

collaboration with other partners and projects working on lands issues.



Ensure

particular focus is given to rights of women and marginalized groups.



Initiate

and oversee the implementation of financial agreements with partner

organisations supporting the Expert of monitoring and evaluation on

results-based monitoring and the identification of knowledge products.



Ensuring

regular reporting on project progress, innovations and results.



Mainstreaming

gender sensitive approaches.

Implementation of

responsible land policy



Organization

of multi-stakeholder dialogues between civil society organizations, traditional

authorities, private investors and representatives of the state on good land

governance following the Voluntary Guidelines on the Governance of Tenure

(VGGT).



Support

to the development and implementation of dispute resolution and grievance

mechanisms.

Other

duties/additional tasks



Ensure

close coordination and cooperation within the RELAPU team, sister GIZ projects

and programs and other actors in the land sector.



Represent

RELAPU-RGIL at meetings, workshops and conferences.



Other

duties and tasks at the request of project team leader

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:



The applicant

must hold a Degree in land management and land tenure, spatial planning or

relevant field.



Minimum

of 3 years professional experience in land management and land rights in

Uganda.



Experience

in the context of securing land rights on customary land in Uganda.



Minimum

3 years professional experience in land governance and management.



Experience

in conflict mediation and establishing of systematic conflict resolution

structures and grievance systems.



Experience

in working with private land investors and their improvement of compliance with

national laws and international guidelines.



Experienced

training provider and training curriculum developer.



Work

experience in Teso and Lango or adjacent regions would be an asset.



Very

good knowledge of English and Ateso or Luo/Langi.

Other knowledge,

additional competences



Good

working knowledge of ITC technologies and computer applications (Word, Excel,

Power Point, Publisher).



Strong

understanding of cultural, socio-ethnical context in northern Uganda region of

Teso and Lango.



Experience

on gender mainstreaming and results-based monitoring.



Active,

flexible and dynamic team player and excellent networker.



Good

writing skills.



Excellent

communication and coordination skills.



Experience

in workshop organisation or events management.

How to Apply:

All interested and

qualified persons are strongly encouraged to apply online, Click

Here

or by email:

tracy@futureoptions.org. Application and CV should be in one document and a

maximum of 4 pages only. Please include name and contact of three references in

the CVs. No other attachments are required at this stage. Please quote the

position

We encourage women,

people with disabilities and minority groups to apply for this position. GIZ is

committed to equal opportunities and diversity of perspective at the working

place.

Disclaimer:

GIZ DOES NOT charge any kind of FEE(s) at whichever stage of the recruitment

process. This recruitment is ONLY through Future Options Consulting Ltd.

Deadline: 31st May 2020 by 5:00pm

For more of the

latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or

find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
A fierce row over the actions of Prime Minister's top aide continues on Sunday as reports surfaced that Dominic Cummings broke lockdown rules with a second trip to County Durham.

Boris Johnson is under renewed pressure to sack the 48-year-old adviser after fresh allegations emerged that Mr Cummings travelled to visit his family a second time, despite official guidelines warning against long-distance journeys.

Mr Cummings is accused of breaking coronavirus lockdown rules by making a 250-mile journey to his family, when his wife had Covid-19 symptoms.

Downing Street has defended Mr Cummings' actions, insisting he "acted in line with guidelines" and that his journey was "essential" because it related to the welfare of his child.

The PM pledged his full support on Saturday as Mr Cummings insisted he behaved "reasonably and legally".

According to the Sunday Times, the Conservative Party leader told allies he would not throw Mr Cummings to the dogs following reports he made the journey to ensure his four-year-old child could be looked after as he and his wife were ill.

But according to reports in the Observer and Sunday Mirror, the former Vote Leave campaign co-ordinator made a second trip to Durham and was seen there on April 19  five days after being photographed on his return to Westminster.

Dominic Cummings told reporters he was justified for travelling to his parents home during the lockdown / PA

A second eyewitness told the two papers they saw him a week earlier in Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday, a popular tourist location 30 miles away from Durham, during the period he was believed to be self-isolating.

Downing Street has said it would not waste time replying to the fresh allegations from campaigning newspapers.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who was sent out to defend Mr Cummings at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing on Saturday, will face further questions over the latest developments when he represents the Government during the Sunday morning political television programmes.

As well as Mr Shapps, a host of senior Cabinet ministers  including Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Attorney General Suella Braverman  issued statements of support for Mr Cummings on social media.

Grant Shapps on Dominic Cummings breaking lockdown rules

In a statement on Saturday morning, Number 10 said Mr Cummings had travelled to be close to family to seek help looking after his four-year-old child after his wife became ill with coronavirus symptoms  a virus which has seen more than 45,000 people in the UK die after contracting it, according to the latest available data.

Speaking at the press conference, Mr Shapps added that Mr Cummings had stayed put for 14 days while residing at a family property, having pre-empted his own illness once his wife showed Covid-19 symptoms.

But the trip to Barnard Castle on April 12, if correct, would call that testimony into question.

According to the papers, 70-year-old retired teacher Robin Lees, of Barnard Castle, said he saw Mr Cummings and his family walking by the River Tees near the town.

He told the Mirror and Observer: I was a bit gobsmacked to see him, because I know what he looks like.

It just beggars belief to think you could actually drive when the advice was stay home, save lives. It couldnt have been clearer.

The papers also reported that a second unnamed source recalled seeing Mr Cummings in woodland near his familys Durham property on April 19, recognising him due to him wearing his trademark beanie hat.

He reportedly was heard commenting on how lovely the bluebells were during an early-morning Sunday stroll with his journalist wife Mary Wakefield.

Sir Ed Davey says Dominic Cummings should resign or be fired

The claims prompted fury among MPs, and Ian Blackford, SNP Westminster leader, renewed his calls for the PM to axe Mr Cummings from his team.

He wrote on Twitter: It is clear that Boris Johnson must sack Dominic Cummings.

When the PMs top adviser ignores the Governments instruction to the public not to engage in non-essential travel he has to leave office. Immediately.

A Labour source questioned why senior ministers had defended Mr Cummings in light of the fresh allegations.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden tweeted shortly after the daily press conference had finished, saying: Dom Cummings followed the guidelines and looked after his family. End of story.

Labour has, along with the SNP and the Liberal Democrats, written to Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill demanding an inquiry into what happened.

A Labour source said: If these latest revelations are true, why on earth were Cabinet ministers sent out this afternoon to defend Dominic Cummings?

Acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said the PMs judgment would be called into question if he did not give Mr Cummings the chop.

Surely Boris Johnson must now recognise the actions of his top adviser are an insult to the millions who have made huge personal sacrifices to stop the spread of coronavirus, said the former energy secretary.

Responding to the allegations, a No 10 spokeswoman said: Yesterday the Mirror and Guardian wrote inaccurate stories about Mr Cummings.

Today they are writing more inaccurate stories including claims that Mr Cummings returned to Durham after returning to work in Downing Street on 14 April.

We will not waste our time answering a stream of false allegations about Mr Cummings from campaigning newspapers.
Local media outlet discloses name of U.S.-registered buyer of Odesa stadium

21:40, 24.05.20 5815

The firm has up to 10 employees.
Lucknow, May 24 : The Yogi Adityanath government has "modified" its decision to ban mobile phones in Covid hospitals.

In a circular issued on Sunday afternoon, the state government has now allowed patients to carry their phones in isolation wards after making the disclosure to the officials concerned.

The mobile phone and the charger will be thoroughly disinfected before the patient enters the ward.

The patient will not be allowed to share the mobile phone with any other patient.

At the time of being discharged, the mobile phone and charger will again be disinfected by the health workers.

The 'modified' order comes hours after Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav tweeted that if the ban on mobile phones could check coronavirus, then the phones should be banned across the country.

He had alleged that the mobile phones had been banned inside Covid hospitals so that patients are not able to inform their relatives and friends about the lack of facilities inside.
- Adebanjo, Nwodo, Mimiko

...Buhari is not sincere in keeping the country together says Adebanjo

President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Nwodo, Elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and former Governor of Ondo state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko have disclosed that Nigeria is operating an illegal Constitution forced on the people by the military.

They spoke at video conference organized by Governance Index tagged, "Coronavirus Pandemic: is it time to reevaluate the political structure of the country.

Opening the session, Nwodo said the constitution was given to Nigerians by the Military government which was not elected adding that in 1999, politicians went into the election without knowing the parameter that will guide the democratic process.

He said the Military wrote the constitution for us and abandoned the agreement that our forefathers had with British before the Independence which was to operate a regional government.

At the video conference which was the fifth in a series of the weekly conference series: 'Covid-19: Turning a crisis into opportunities', being sponsored by the Governance Index, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo said that Nigeria's political parties operate like companies owned by shareholders where there is no freedom to choose the candidates of your choice.

He said the Nigeria electoral system is the most corrupt, the judiciary is compromised, while Nigerians have no confidence in the electoral process.

Nwodo said, "We have never made constitution for Nigeria, it was given to us by the Armed Forces Ruling Council of the Military government, which was not elected, the composition of its legislative body was not chosen by any parameter known to anyone.

"They wrote the constitution and abandoned the agreement our forefathers had with British when we got independence, for a regional based government in which every region has its security, its own economic development, with each exercising sovereignty over its resources and paid taxes to federal government to run common services for the federation, but today it is no longer the case.

"Boko-Haram has completely paralysed our military and rendered them incapable of fulfilling their constitutional obligation to defend our Sovereignty, there is mutual distrust between the South and North, I mean far North, excluding middle belt. Working through your farms in any part of Southern Nigeria or the Middle belt has become a very frightening phenomenon.

Nwodo lamented that our children who take up self-determination exercises without carrying arms are called terrorist organization, but herdsmen who are on rampage, who loot, kill, and rape are treated with kid gloves while their leaders threaten us in the Social media

He added that 98 percent of heads of security personnel in the South East are non-indigenes, and as a consequence, there is poor security in the region.

"Some of us that were trained in Europe and America, we know that in global parlance, local policing is the basis for any territory security. You have to know your territory, you have to speak the language, but if you post people to our area who do not know the terrain of the place, cannot speak the language, the situation is threatening the very fabric of our nation, that is why I am very happy to be part of Southern and Middle belt forum, which is saying we don't have a very valid constitution in Nigeria.

We have got to restructure this federation and return to a constitution that is top notch, a Constitution made by the people, validated by a plebiscite, and voted for by the people. We must have a proper census of Nigerians, and not of Nigerien who crossed our borders and got to National Identity Management and claimed nationhood and that have no parentage in this country."

Also, speaking at the session, Chief Adebanjo, the Afenifere leader agreed "totally" with the position of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and added that if we are serious about keeping this country together, it is time to restructure back to true federalism.

He said, The present constitution is an imposed constitution by the Muslim Military in the North. Nobody contributed to it. Even General Abdulsalam said he did not know what is in the constitution before he swore-in (fomer president) Obasanjo.

"I will say without any hesitation we are all deceiving ourselves, (President) Buhari is not interested in keeping this country together that is why we are having this problem, that is why we are putting square pegs in a round hole, and that is why we tell him to keep to the constitution by the appointments he is making, but he said; no, I can only work with people I have confidence in, which is against the Federal Character Principle that the whole country is talking about. Buhari simply turn deaf ears to the agitation for restructuring that has been on for over five years.

"All these arrangement we talking about now, he (Buhari) has never find an occasion to address it, even his military colleagues have now agreed that we should restructure, all his predecessors have agreed, all political parties have agreed, even his political party has agreed and yet Mr. President who says he is sincere has not said anything, he (Buhari) has private programme, he has a programme of his zone."

"Buhari ignored the recommendations of the 2014 constitutional conference, he ignored the manifesto of his own party, and even ignored the recommendations of his own party, that is why I say we are not practicing democracy in this country."

There is no sincerity on the part of Far North in putting this country together when people like me talk about the Unity of the country, I have gone through it.

He said there is nothing in Nigeria Constitution that created 774 local governments in the country, that is the beginning of the fraud in which majority of the local governments are in the North while the Minority are in the South.

He explained that what was in the independent constitution is for each federating Unit to be autonomous adding that through the independence constitution, Chief Awolowo was able to do a lot for us in the western region like free education, free medical services.

Adebanjo accused elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai of hypocrisy for saying that proponents of restructuring have not explained to Nigerians what restructuring entails.

Recall that during last weeks 4thedition of the video conference also organised by Governance Index, Yakasai had said the agitators of restructuring should come up with modalities for their proposal for proper scrutiny.

But Adebanjo said that they attended the 2014 constitutional conference with Yakassai where the case for restructuring was carefully marshaled out, adding that what they are asking for is a country where everybody is satisfied and where there is no injustice adding that where there is injustice there can be no peace.

According to Adebanjo, once there is injustice there can be no peace and when there is no peace, no equity, there will be no development. All things we are doing now is to play up to an individual.

He wondered how could we have a democracy in a country where the party that is ruling is not democratic citing the issue of Ondo and Edo governorship elections where the expression of interest form cost N22 million.

In his contribution, former governor of Ondo State, Dr Mimiko concurred with the position of Adebanjo and Nwodo on the restructuring agenda, adding that if we want to keep this country together there is need for us to restructure.

He said, "I associate myself with the positions of former speakers, and whether we like it or not in this country, restructuring is an idea whose time has come."

Other speakers at the video conference included Afenifere spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, Ms Ankio Briggs, and Mr Chido Onumah among others.

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CROWNPOINT  Growing up without running water or electricity in rural New Mexico on the Eastern Agency of the Navajo Nation in the 1950s, Daniel Tso contracted tuberculosis at the age of 5 and had to spend the next five years of his childhood in a TB sanatorium in Albuquerque.

Tso, who is serving a third term as Navajo Nation Council delegate and is the chairman of the Councils Health, Education and Human Services Committee, remembered that on the first day at the Torreon Day School, the students lined up for the tuberculosis vaccination.

At the time, officials would conduct a TB skin test.

The next day, when I went to school, my right arm, where the skin test was made, was red and swollen, which meant I had TB, he said. I remember that I had to go home and put some clothes in a little suitcase, and I remember being in a government vehicle from Torreon to Crownpoint, where I spent one night at the hospital. I remember being out in a plane. I remember sitting by the pilot and looking down at some of the hogans along the way that turned into little dots. But I dont remember landing in Albuquerque, probably because I had fallen asleep. And then, in a vehicle to Albuquerque Indian Health Hospital, and remember being taken to a room on the fourth floor. Within a certain time, then, I was taken to a regular tuberculosis sanatorium where there were more Navajo children.

Tso spent five years at that sanatorium.

A U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs report of the late 1940s concludes that housing conditions of the Navajos were incredible to most Americans who have not seen them. The Navajo family lives in a hogan which is one room built of logs and mud without a floor or window. There are no sanitary facilities or modern conveniences. The report includes that most of the Navajo children are being housed in shacks, often two in a cast-off bed, or sleeping on dirt floors. With no toilets, conditions are shockingly unsanitary, and epidemics are frequent. The same report concludes that tuberculosis and pneumonia were the main causes of death among Navajos in the largest Navajo hospitals. Two main tuberculosis sanatoriums serving Navajos, one in Phoenix and the other in Albuquerque, provided six beds per 1,000 population in 1948, and they were considered inadequate.

While there has been improvement on the Navajo Nation, a high percentage of the population still lives in similar conditions without running water, adequate housing or access to sanitation.

Navajo authorities estimate 15,000 homes on the Navajo Nation lack running water and/or electricity.

These inadequacies have been recently linked to the current crisis on the Navajo Nation, where Navajos are facing a devastating coronavirus outbreak. The Nation has the third-highest per capita infection rate, after New York and New Jersey.

Tso, who earlier this year asked the governor of New Mexico to activate the Naataanii Development Corp. to gain access to Medicaid dollars to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation, said the Nation has been making slow progress in developing a reliable water system to supply its communities, and efforts are finally paying off.

Construction of a major water pipeline to move water from the San Juan River to various communities of the Navajo Nation continues, and part of the project on the Eastern Agency of the Navajo Nation is near completion.

Patrick Page, deputy construction engineer for the Bureau of Reclamation said Tuesday that construction of the pipeline system on the Eastern Agency will be completed this summer and engineers expect to begin introducing this new water source into the existing distribution system by fall.

Well be providing communities in that area with a more firm, reliable source of drinking water, Page said. Our plan, reclamation intent, is to transfer operation maintenance to Navajo Tribal Utility Authority. The eastern pipeline system is known as Cutter Lateral.

Navajo Tribal Utility Authority Deputy Manager Rex Kontz said Tuesday that Cutter Lateral will serve about 1,579 homes.

This project brings bulk water through the treatment plant out of Cutter Dam, he said. This replaces and increases water over the existing ground water supply. The project connects up all the smaller individual systems between Cutter Dam and all the way to Jicarilla. While Cutter Lateral will not immediately serve new homes, the project has potential for community growth and economic development across the chapters of the Eastern Agency along the path of the pipe, including Tsos hometown, Torreon.

The western pipeline, which runs parallel to N.M. 491, is still under construction, with completion planned for no later than Dec. 31, 2024.

While these systems might not be ready in time to help Navajos during the ongoing crisis, the tribe is moving in the right direction, Page said.

It may not help to get us through this particular crisis, but will be there for future needs, he said.

The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project is a major infrastructure undertaking that will convey a reliable municipal and industrial water supply from the San Juan River to the eastern section of the Navajo Nation, southwestern portion of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and Gallup through about 280 miles of pipeline, several pumping plants, and two water treatment plants, according to the project website.

The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project is designed to provide a long-term sustainable water supply to meet the future population needs of approximately 250,000 people in these communities by the year 2040 through the annual delivery of 37,764 acre-feet of water from the San Juan Basin.

The projects eastern branch will divert about 4,645 acre-feet of water annually, with no return flow to the San Juan River. The projects western branch will divert 33,119 acre-feet of water, with an anticipated average annual return flow of 1,871 acre-feet.
Executive vice dean of academics Dr. Susan Cox initiated the live commencement ceremony for the students' graduation, which was streamed on the school's official YouTube channel.

"We are celebrating our greatest hope at a time of unprecedented need," University of Austin president Gregory L. Fenves said, congratulating the 49 graduates of Dell medical school.

Anticlimactic end to medical school

The graduates then recited their Hippocratic oath, as 600 watchers composed of friends and family members sent their regards on the comment section.

Leonard Edwards, 34, said that he and the rest of the emergency medicine physicians and forebears merely watched the pandemic unfold before their eyes in the emergency room without the license to help. He added that now, as a graduate from medical school in the middle of a pandemic, it felt a bit "anticlimactic".

Nonetheless, in a month's time he would be heading to Detroit to complete his residency at Henry Ford Hospital. Like the rest of the graduates, he will be in the front lines of the pandemic as soon as he stepped out of his school's halls.

Edwards cancelled his wedding last month with his significant other. As much as they had to let it go, he said he was more motivated to start working. At this time, he wanted to help purge the world of the coronavirus as much as he could, and he would not appreciate giving the job to someone else.

He and his partner, who was also a fellow physician, were already mapping out logistics to prevent that from happening. He said that they wanted to take every precaution because the crisis was "real". In the midst of leaders and locals downplaying the pandemic, he firmly stood for the truth, which he believed was that everything was real.

On behalf of the medical field, Edwards continued saying that health workers all over the country were disappointed by the amount of misinformation being spread, and how many people were believing it. He added that it was their duty to regain the trust of the public, who were wary of the medical industry.

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Remote instruction for Texas colleges

Graduating medical students in the United States would open their match letters to find out where they would be completing their residencies within the following three to seven years. This year, Match Day was set last March 20.

Because of extended measures against the transmission of COVID-19, medical students from Dell, like many other universities, did not receive their match letters. Instead, they opened their emails together over video calls.

At the same time, clinical rotations for Dell students were cancelled two months ago in March. The alternative assignments they were made to do were to finish requirements from home. This included compilation and sharing of resources on how to communicate to COVID-19 patients and their loved ones.

Texas schools opted for remote instruction while social distancing was being encouraged. Other institutions would be sending off their own graduates virtually, promising a public outdoor ceremony in the future.
Retired wing commander GB Athri has donated 1 lakh to adopt a giraffe, named Yadhunandan, in Bengalurus Bengaluru Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBBP).

Athri said that he was thinking of adopting an animal for long and zeroed in on the giraffe as the species is vulnerable and needs to be taken care of.

Both Athri and his wife are yet to see their baby, at the zoo where authorities encourage people to adopt animals.

For the last two years I have been thinking of adopting an animal as I grew up with animals in my native village of Malenadu. There were three choices for me- lion, tiger, and giraffe, so I consulted my family members and while most of them wanted a lion or a tiger, my grandson suggested that I adopt a giraffe, said Athri.

Giraffes are one of the most vulnerable species today. Around five-six years ago, there were 1,50,000 giraffes in the world, and today they have reduced to 97,000. They have been declared as vulnerable species and Yadhunandan (giraffe) is hardly 18 months old, he lost his mother and so he was relocated to BBBP, so I thought this is an opportunity to give back to nature, added Athri.

Bengaluru: Retd. Wing Commander GB Athri adopts a giraffe,named Yadhunandan,at Bannerghatta Biological Park by donating Rs1 lakh.

"Being from Malenadu, I grew up with animals around. The giraffe is now part of my family,"says Athri. His wife says they are yet to visit the animal. pic.twitter.com/1V4JnCDHIQ  ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

He further said that the giraffe is a part of the family and they would take care of him in the years to come.

As a family, we welcomed the idea and its a happy moment for us, there is one more addition in the family. We are yet to meet him, as soon as the zoo authorities give us permission, well go and have a look. People should come forward and adopt animals as its a noble act. Adopting a wild animal is very different and important as well, they are part of this planet and they should be looked after, said Suma Athri, his wife.

According to zoo authorities Athri has become the first person to adopt a giraffe in Karnataka.

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What type of vaccine is it?

The vaccine is called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus (adenovirus) from chimpanzees that has been genetically changed so it is impossible for it to grow in humans.

The intellectual rights to its vaccine are owned by the University of Oxford and a spin-out company called Vaccitech.

Clinical teams at the Oxford University's Jenner Institute and Oxford Vaccine Group began developing the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine in January.

It's a type of immunisation known as a recombinant viral vector vaccine. Researchers place genetic material from the coronavirus into another virus thats been modified. They will then inject the virus into a human, hoping to produce an immune response against SARS-CoV-2.

This virus, weakened by genetic engineering, is a type of virus called an adenovirus, the same as those which cause common colds, that has been taken from chimpanzees.

If the vaccines can successfully mimic the spikes inside a person's bloodstream, and stimulate the immune system to create special antibodies to attack it, this could train the body to destroy the real coronavirus if they get infected with it in future.

It was developed so rapidly by Sarah Gilbert, a professor of vaccinology, and her team because they already had a base vaccine for similar coronaviruses.

The team have gone through stages of vaccine development that usually take five years in just four months.

However, Professor Gilbert said that none of the normal safety steps had been missed out.

What stage of testing is it at?

The Oxford vaccine trial started testing its ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine on humans on April 23.

The Phase I clinical trial will study safety and efficacy in healthy volunteers aged 18 to 55 years, across five trial centres in Southern England.

It has recruited 1,100 people, half of whom will receive the vaccine and the other half (the control group) receiving a widely available meningitis vaccine.

This is technically known as phase two of a vaccine trial, where the scientists test the vaccine against a placebo and work out the correct dosage.

The first phase, which is a safety run where a small number of people are given the dose to see how the body reacts, is being run at the same time.

If this work is successful, it will move forward into studies to see if the vaccine works against the real virus spreading in the community.

Normally phase three - the final stage of testing - involves hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people across multiple sites for a long period of time.

Who has had it?

A family who are taking part in the trial have revealed what it was like to get the vaccine.

Mother-of-four Katie, 46, took part in the groundbreaking trial with her husband Tony, 53, and daughter Rhiannon Viney, 19.

All three have not reported any reactions since having the jab. None of them know whether they have received the coronavirus vaccine or the placebo meningitis one.

But time will tell if it will protect them from catching the virus from someone.

A family from Oxford who are taking part in the first coronavirus vaccine trial have said it was their duty to take part

Katie told The Express: 'I don't think any of us feels like we have done anything remarkable - we just wanted to do something to help, anything. I just thought of all the children at my school who are missing their friends and are desperate to return to some sort of normality.'

She added: 'We didn't hesitate to participate. We have done our bit for Britain and we are proud.'

Tony said: 'When you think that at any one time there are four billion people in lockdown around the world it is trials like this that could help.'

Katie said she was not worried about any health risks from taking part in the trial because she believes the team have done everything they could to make it safe.

She added: 'Lots of people are being very negative about it, but it is going to be safe, they are not going to take the risk with people's lives.'

Will it be successful?

Professor Gilbert has been vocal about her confidence in the vaccine.

She acknowledged nobody can be 'completely certain' that it is possible to find a vaccine for Covid-19, but the prospects are 'very good'.

In an interview with The Times before trials began, Professor Gilbert told the paper she is '80 per cent' confident of its success, 'based on other things that we have done with this type of vaccine'.

University of Oxford scientists are confident they can get the jab for the incurable virus rolled out for millions to use by autumn.

But Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific advisor to the Government, has said expectations for a vaccine need to be tempered.

Writing in The Guardian ahead of the Oxford trials, Sir Patrick wrote: 'All new vaccines that come into development are long shots; only some end up being successful, and the whole process requires experimentation. This will take time, and we should be clear it is not a certainty.'

What obstacles will the team face?

Some obstacles are expected to emerge while searching for a vaccine. For example, if transmission levels of COVID-19 levels drop in the community, it could hamper the Oxford study.

Professor Gilbert has said they may have to continue their trials in other countries where more of the virus is circulating in the community.

In this case, it could be at least six months before researchers know if the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine works. If transmission remains high in the UK, the team could get data within a couple of months.

Andrew Pollard, who is part of the Oxford team, said there may be hurdles when testing the vaccine on older people.

'For most vaccines the immune system in older adults, particularly those over 70, doesn't make such good responses,' he said.

'If we did see weaker responses in older adults we also have in our plan that we would look at giving additional doses in that age group to try and improve the immune response.'

Professor Gilbert had previously said her team needed help manufacturing the jabs, warning the UK did not have the facilities to do it alone, before a deal was struck with AstraZeneca.

How does it compare to other vaccines?

According to the World Health Organisation, 118 COVID-19 vaccines are in development worldwide as of May 15.. But the UK now joins only the United States and China in beginning human trials. Eight vaccine candidates are now in preclinical trials.

The other British vaccine contender was designed by Imperial College London. Volunteers for clinical trials will be recruited to start the study in June. Robin Shattock, a professor of mucosal infection, said the early volunteers would be given low doses of the vaccine to test its safety.

Imperial's vaccine uses a different approach to that of Oxford. It will try to deliver genetic material (RNA) from the coronavirus which programs cells inside the patient's body to recreate the spike proteins. It will transport the RNA inside liquid droplets injected into the bloodstream.
Poverty and lack of work during the lockdown enforced to prevent the spread of Covid-19 drove a migrant couple in Hyderabad to try and sell their two-month old son for Rs 22,000 through a mediator on Sunday.

Jeedimetla police arrested the couple, Madan Kumar Singh, 32, and Saritha, 30, of Uttar Pradesh, who came to Hyderabad a few years ago to work as construction labourers.Another woman, identified as Seshu, who was brokering the deal, was also taken into custody. The child was the couples second son; the first is seven years old.

We have rescued the child and shifted him to Sishu Vihar being run by the women and child welfare department authorities, P V Padmaja Reddy, deputy commissioner of police of Balanagar, said .

She said enquiries revealed that the couple was in acute poverty. We are investigating as to whether there were any other reasons for the sale of the child, the DCP said.

Jeedimetla police said the couple had apparently thought they would not be able to raise the second child. The childs mother told the police that her husband was also used to consuming alcohol and was pestering her for money to buy liquor.

The couple managed to find a broker Seshu, known to the couple, who reportedly found a childless couple who agreed to buy the child for Rs 22,000. On receiving a tipoff, we caught Seshu, who was taking the child for a medical examination, a police officer said.

Andhra Pradesh Balala Hakkula Sangham (child rights association) president P Achyuta Rao said it was the responsibility of the state government to come to the rescue of daily-wage workers who were in extreme poverty because of the lockdown.

The department of women and child welfare should launch an awareness campaign about the cradle scheme among the poor people who were resorting to selling of new-born babies, he said.

Cradle (Ooyala in Telugu) scheme is meant for taking care of abandoned children or children who were sold by their parents, by Women and Child Welfare Department.

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In a litany of charges against Beijing, 'The United States Strategic Approach To The People's Republic of China' report released by the White House, has said that the OBOR projects frequently operate well outside of international standards and "are characterized by poor quality, corruption, environmental degradation, a lack of public oversight or community involvement, opaque loans, and contracts generating or exacerbating governance and fiscal problems in host nations".

Incidentally, last week, an inquiry committee constituted by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to examine the losses in the Power sector, discovered corruption worth 100 billion Pakistani rupees by the Chinese private power producers. This has led to the bloating of Pakistan's debt, the inquiry committee report said.

The committee attributed the losses incurred by the Pakistani government due to "violation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that include the cost of the installation of Independent Power Producers (IPPs), government agreements, alleged embezzlement in fuel consumption, power tariff, guaranteed profit in dollars, and certain conditions of power purchase".

Though the White House vision document did not mention Pakistan but it said that given China's "increasing use of economic leverage to extract political concessions from or exact retribution against other countries, the United States judges that Beijing will attempt to convert OBOR projects into undue political influence and military access".

Many of the OBOR projects, the US outlook paper said, appear designed to reshape international norms, standards, and networks to advance Beijing's global interests and vision, while also serving China's domestic economic requirements.

Through OBOR and other initiatives, China is expanding the use of Chinese industrial standards in key technology sectors, part of an effort to strengthen its own companies' position in the global marketplace at the expense of non-Chinese firms, the report said.

The OBOR projects which include transportation, information and communications technology and energy infrastructure; industrial parks; media collaboration; science and technology exchanges; programs on culture and religion; and even military and security cooperation, frequently operate well outside international standards, the White House said.

President Xi Jinping's ambitious projects, the US government said, "are characterized by poor quality, corruption, environmental degradation, a lack of public oversight or community involvement, opaque loans, and contracts generating or exacerbating governance and fiscal problems in host nations".

Beijing, the White House said, uses a combination of threat and inducement to pressure governments, elites, corporations, think tanks, and others - often in an opaque manner - to toe the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) line and censor free expression.

Accusing the CCP of repression, the US said, Beijing has restricted trade and tourism with Australia, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Norway, the Philippines, and others, and has detained Canadian citizens, in an effort to interfere in their countries' internal political and judicial processes.

After the Dalai Lama visited Mongolia in 2016, the PRC government imposed new tariffs on land-locked Mongolia's mineral exports passing through China, temporarily paralyzing Mongolia's economy, the report pointed out.

--IANS

aat/in




Eid-ul-Fitr will be a low-key



affair in Goa in view of the coronavirus pandemic and the national lockdown, which has has restricted public gatherings.

Muslim religious leaders have appealed to members of the community to offer namaz at their homes and to mark the festival by helping the people in need.

Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramzan, will be celebrated across the country on Monday.

The coastal state, which comprises two districts, has so far reported 66 coronavirus positive cases.

In an advisory, Shaikh Bashir Ahmad, who heads the Association of the All Goa Muslims Jamats, also asked Muslims to follow social distancing norms and not crowd markets for shopping.

"Eid-Ul-Fitr namaz shall not be held at any masjid or Idgah across the state of Goa. We request our brothers to offer 'chasht namaz', 'Nafl' from their respective homes along with their family members," he said.

Even offering namaz in an open area in a locality is not allowed, Shaikh said.

"Kindly follow the guidelines issued by the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) regarding prohibitions to be followed during the lockdown," Shaikh stated.

He pointed out that the government of Goa had already imposed section 144 of the CrPc preventing assembly of more than four persons in public.

"Do not crowd markets for Eid-Ul-Fitr shopping, follow social distancing norms and use of face masks at all times," it said.

Shaikh also appealed to Muslims to take care of their neighbours and help people in need to mark the festival.

"Helping the people in need will be the real celebration of Eid-Ul-Fitr this year. Kindly pray for the safety of our frontline warriors like doctors, para-medical staff, police personnel etc. and also for the eradication of coronavirus in Goa, India and the whole world," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Historian David Olusoga OBE, 50, presents A House Through Time on BBC2. He lives with his partner and their daughter in Bristol.

I was brought up on a council estate in Gateshead. Through university, I worked in bars and in a power station. I stopped having a two-day weekend aged 16.

I realised becoming an academic felt like never leaving school, and instead I wanted to work for the BBC and make history documentaries. I didnt necessarily think I could do it. But its important to try something before you complain you werent given the chance.

When I did work experience in London, I slept on my sister Yinkas sofa. That gave me just four months to get a paid media job. When I was on the brink of having to admit defeat, I got a job as a temporary researcher at BBC Radio 4, then later I became a radio producer.

David Olusoga, 50, (pictured) who lives in Bristol, revealed his career has been shaped by insecurity and the feeling that he can't take his foot off the pedal

I think its impossible for anyone of my background to not feel they have a lot to prove. I still dont feel I can take my foot off the pedal. In some ways my entire career has been shaped by insecurity, that feeling that Im not part of that inner club with the old school ties.

When I write about the Empire or slavery or racism in Britain, I sometimes get criticised for being unpatriotic. I love this country, but a mature nation can be honest about its inglorious chapters.

For the new series of A House Through Time, we look at an 18th-century sea captains house in Bristol and uncover stories of piracy, slavery and doomed romance. We also talk about World War II, which makes you think about the demands made on people in wartime.

Lockdown has been oppressive, but were not being asked to work in a munitions factory or endure rationing.

In the 20th and 21st century, weve been able to imagine our futures with a fair degree of confidence that were going to be able to build the lives we want. Most generations have not had that level of security. They lived with the risk of war, pestilence, harvests failing.

Its a huge shift to go from the idea that the future awaits us, to the future isnt certain. But weve been able to keep in touch. My mother loves the IT revolution. If I have a problem with my computer, I phone my mum. The world as it was is not coming back. But as a historian Im struck by how people are able to adapt.

A House Through Time starts on BBC2 on Tuesday.
No Communion cup. No kids ministry. No social hour. No handshakes, and certainly no hugs.

Church looks different in Billings now from how it did before the time of COVID-19. But as congregations begin meeting again in person, members are pleased to be together.

We had significantly less people that first weekend, but the ones that were there were so grateful, said the Rev. Steve Zabrocki, parish priest at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Billings. They were happy to be back at Mass and they certainly expressed it.

Numbers have continued to grow since St. Thomas reopened April 26. Other parishioners have continued to watch services online.

Some stay home because of their concerns and fears, and thats OK too, Zabrocki said.

An informal survey by The Gazette of nearly three dozen churches in Billings revealed they are split almost evenly between those that have reopened and those that remain closed.

About half the shuttered churches in the telephone survey have set a date to reopen. The rest are in discussions about when to make that happen.

Most churches stopped holding services on or around March 26, when Gov. Steve Bullock implemented the stay-at-home directive. Many turned to online services to continue ministering to members, either live-streaming or taping messages for later airing.

A month later, on April 26, Bullock, in his Phase One reopening directive, gave churches the green light to reopen. It came with the caveat that places of worship were to operate at a reduced capacity; employ strict physical distancing protocols; and avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 if space limitations hindered social distancing.

Challenges for small churches

The Rev. Wendy Ochs, pastor of Evangelical United Methodist Church, said her church of about 80 people is still closed. it will be up to the leadership of the church, using UMC protocols and state guidelines, to decide when to reopen.

We all recognized even though we had permission to go back to worship, to do it safely we needed time to plan and prepare, Ochs said.

Deciding how many people can come inside the sanctuary to allow for social distancing, creating sanitizing stations and recruiting volunteers to help clean between services are all a challenge for a small church. Requiring masks, and especially prohibiting singing, will be tough, she said.

Ochs said at the start of the shutdown, the Methodist churches in town began to work together to keep an online presence. Different pastors recorded various parts of the service, which were then edited together and put on the church websites.

DVDs and CDs were mailed to members who couldnt watch the service live. And a phone tree allowed staff and volunteers to check in with others.

It gave people a chance to develop relationships, Ochs said.

A lot of people have consistently tuned in to the services, she said. People shes never met or hasnt seen for a long time have taken advantage of church online.

I cant speak for all pastors, but were seeing these new opportunities to reach out to people, Ochs said. Were going to have to continue some of this when we get back together because its working.

The last Sunday in May, all of the Methodist congregations plan to gather together at Shiloh United Methodist Church for parking lot worship as a fun way to get back together, she said. After that, pastors at each church will decide when to reopen.

The new normal

Elevation, a nondenominational church that sits just west of MetraPark, reopened on May 3. Before then, a lot of time went into sanitizing the buildings interior, said the Rev. Roger Dayton. They've also set up sanitizing stations for the returning members.

To create the proper social spacing, the staff removed chairs from the auditorium and rearranged the rest into pods six feet apart from the others. But that was only the start of the changes that members saw when they returned.

We dont do snacks or coffee, Dayton said. Theres no nursery or childrens church. We took that off the table until Phase Two.

Instead of passing the donation plate, theres a collection container in the back of the church. Theres no hanging out in the lobby after services to talk and chat and hug friends.

Dayton calls that the hardest aspect of the new normal because we want to foster an environment of relationships.

For us to say sorry guys, you cant hang out here,' thats a difficult thing.

Injecting some humor into the situation helps, he said. In the past, the service included a meet-and-greet time, where participants turned to each other to say hi and shake hands.

Now, they are instructed to meet and wave at each other, usually to an upbeat tune like U Cant Touch This, by MC Hammer, to make it fun, Dayton said.

Typically, the church, which counts a lot of young families among its members, sees an average of 520 people on a weekend. When Elevation reopened after the COVID-19 closure, the first week had 120 people in attendance, which increased to 174 the second and 184 the third.

One reason for the lower numbers is likely tied to the lack of child care.

Its tough to have a kid in a service, so parents have said theyll probably just stay home and watch online until the kids ministry opens up, Dayton said.

That will happen in Phase Two, which Bullock just announced will begin June 1.

The Catholic response

The 100-plus Catholic parishes in the Great Falls-Billings Diocese received a three-page memo from Bishop Michael Warfel outlining safety protocols needed to restart public worship after Bullocks announcement.

Darren Eultgen, chancellor for the diocese, said the parishes scrambled in a good way to figure out how to implement social distancing and develop cleaning procedures, while continuing to air Mass online.

It was up to individual priests to determine an opening date, Eultgen said.

For a number of churches in eastern and central Montana, particularly small parishes, it took time to figure out how they were going to implement the changes, he said.

For older, medically vulnerable priests, the thought of going out in public caused some trepidation. The diocese gave them alternatives on how to serve their parishes and stay safe.

They want to serve people, but they had their own concerns about how to open up their church, Eultgen said. Now, a few weeks in, I believe all of our places are open for at least some masses on the weekend.

In Billings, Zabrocki said St. Thomas worked hard to navigate both the temporary closure and the churchs reopening. To begin with, the parish that had never offered online services had to do just that.

We started practicing with daily Mass, so we could tweak it, Zabrocki said. We filmed the Mass Saturday afternoon for the weekend.

Then came Holy Week: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, all masses that typically produce a church packed with the faithful.

There I was to celebrate those liturgies with no one there except the reader and the person running the video camera, he said. It turned out well. People were so very appreciative.

Mulling over how to stay in touch with members, to make sure they were OK and to offer them assistance, Zabrocki sent an email to parishioners. Then he and others made phone calls to elderly members, particularly ones who didnt live with family.

To ready the church building for reopening, the staff roped off pews to help maintain social distancing. The interior was sanitized, something that is repeated between the two Sunday morning gatherings.

Following diocesan directions, during Mass the parish eliminated the Sign of Peace, when congregants turn and speak to each other. Hand-holding, and the use of the cup during Communion, were omitted, hymnals and holy water removed.

People are not required to take Communion, but those who do form a single line and maintain six feet from each other. They receive the bread in their hand, not on their tongue.

Hand sanitizer is available when people walk into the church. Participants are encouraged, though not required, to wear masks. And people are asked to leave right after so the building can be cleaned before the next Mass.

Zabrocki didnt know how many people hed see for that first Sunday Mass. About 160 came when normally 350 to 400 show up. For the second Mass, one-fourth of the normal 400 turned out.

The Mass is still taped and put online, for parishioners who prefer to watch from home. But numbers keep going up. At a recent Mass, for the first time, people were turned away because of the reduced capacity required for social distancing.

Were in the process of figuring out whats the best way for us to hopefully livestream the Mass from the church to the church community center for the overflow, Zabrocki said. People are getting more comfortable with getting out.
The coronavirus shouldnt make you hold it.

Public restrooms, along with 13 other activities and destinations, were evaluated for their likelihood of spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19) in a series of NPR interviews with epidemiologists.

There are all sorts of things that you can catch from other peoples poop, and you almost never do, because theyre set up with all hard surfaces that can be cleaned," Landon told NPR.

Small restrooms, or those on the outside of highwayside gas stations do pose higher riskers, Landon told NPR. And overall, the use of public restrooms is assessed as low to medium risk" in the article. But other, otherwise common late spring and summer activities carry higher risks.

Below, weve pulled out some of the key points on going to a pool or beach, dining our, attending a religious service or getting a haircut, along with some tips about how to make each more manageable.

All outings carry risk, and the more people in less space, the more dangerous.

Dining out

People talk inside restaurants, and linger, and so does any coronavirus they might spread. Its one of the worst activities one could participate in. Its hard to eat with a mask on. Strict BYO backyard gatherings with a single other household, however, are considered low risk."

The beach, or a popular pool

If the same social distancing rules  six feet  applied on land are maintained in the water, then its comparatively low risk." A crowded beach or a pool makes that harder, however, and kids shouldnt be playing with other kids, then seeing their grandmother afterward, Landon said. Because grandma could get sick and die from the coronavirus that was otherwise being carried asymptomatically.

Getting a haircut

Also a bad idea, it requires someone to stand very close to and breathe on you for extended periods of time, noted Dr. Abraar Kanan, a physician and public heath researcher at Harvard Medical School. If customers and workers wear masks and wash their hands constantly, it gets a little better, but just one customer or worker being an asymptomatic carrier can make a salon or barbershop a local epicenter of infection.

Attending a religious service

One of the worst possible ideas on this list. Singing, talking, breathing and generally being in close proximity to people from other households for an extended period of time are among the basic elements of spreading the coronavirus. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill epidemiologist Kimberly Powers noted a church service in rural Arkansas from which 35 of 92 people in attendance went on to develop COVID-19, the disease people who fall ill from the coronavirus contract.

Limiting attendance, wearing masks and spreading out attendees helps somewhat.

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EDWARDSVILEE  State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, has pledged to donate the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) lawmakers will receive for the next fiscal year to the Cougar Cupboard food pantry and I Support the Girls  Edwardsville to show support for community organizations that help residents in need.

It is unconscionable that politicians could consider accepting a pay raise while so many Illinoisans are struggling to make ends meet due to the COVID-19 crisis, said Stuart. I have continually fought against gold-plated perks for politicians and fought for legislation to block lawmaker pay if a balanced state budget was not passed.

During the last General Assembly, with overwhelming bipartisan support, Stuart passed legislation to freeze lawmaker reimbursement rates and block an automatic cost of living adjustment from going into effect in the upcoming fiscal year. In 2017, Stuart passed similar legislation, which was signed into law.

While a cost of living adjustment was included in the budget plan recently passed by lawmakers, I am continuing my commitment to promote fiscal responsibility and stand up for our families, Stuart said. So I will be donating these funds to two great organizations here in the Metro East that support residents in need  the Cougar Cupboard and I Support the Girls.

Stuart recently co-hosted a virtual food drive for the Cougar Cupboard, which is fully supported by donations and has continually prepared emergency boxes for students, staff and faculty facing hardship during the COVID-19 health crisis. Stuart will be donating a portion of her COLA to the Cougar Cupboard to help alleviate the burden theyve felt due to a spike in demand.

Many students of SIUe are experiencing food insecurity because of uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to this we have been faced with an increase in need that heavily overloaded our pantry supply, said Carolyn Compton, Assistant Director for Community Engagement, who oversees the Cougar Cupboard, SIUEs on-campus food pantry. The Cougar Cupboard thanks Rep. Stuart for her continued support of our campus and food pantry, and her work for families in the Metro East, many of whom are tied to SIUe.

Stuart has also been an outspoken advocate for organizations like I Support the Girls  Edwardsville, which works to increase access to period products for women in need. Stuart recently introduced House Bill 3991, which would require public universities and community colleges throughout the state to provide free feminine hygiene products in the bathrooms of their public buildings, and passed bipartisan legislation to require homeless shelters to provide period products free of charge.

Our organization would like to thank Rep. Stuart for her continued advocacy and support of I Support the Girls, and her work to pass commonsense legislation to address period poverty in Illinois, said Dr. Alicia Alexander, Affiliate Director of I Support the Girls  Edwardsville. Her donation is just one more way that she is showing her dedication to our efforts and support for women and girls in need throughout our region.
With the 2018 truce between President Uhuru Kenyatta and rival Mr Raila Odinga providing a strong political foundation, talks to create a broader unity pact with various parties and leaders continue.

This comes in the background of a fallout in the ruling Jubilee Party between President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.

And while the Handshake and the consequent Building Bridges Initiative are said to be for national unity and cohesion, at a personal level, Mr Kenyatta and Mr Odinga have obvious political interests to advance and safeguard.

The interests mainly revolve around Mr Kenyatta's succession and a more immediate reorganisation of government at various levels -- hence the need to rope in other "like-minded" players.

But what do these leaders bring to the table and is joining any "unity" deal good idea for their political careers?

Raila Odinga

The former prime minister presents the biggest political relief as well as dilemma to President Kenyatta and his henchmen.

This is because he has greatly helped the President navigate through a very difficult leg of his administration, and Kenyatta's backers are in a quandary over how best to appreciate Mr Odinga's efforts in the run-up to the 2022 presidential poll.

With 77 MPs in the National Assembly and 20 senators, seven of who are nominated, the ODM party leader has played a central role in driving the President's agenda in Parliament, including the ongoing purge in the Senate leadership whose latest casualty is Kindiki Kithure, who was ousted last Friday as the deputy speaker.

Lawyer Ahmednassir Abdullahi, in a tweet, said that the eventual break-up of Jubilee implies that "ODM and Baba are now the de-facto rulers of Kenya. H.E Uhuru will be beholden to them and ODM will be calling the shots until the elections in 2022".

While these facts are obviously exaggerated, the import of the lawyer's sentiment is that Mr Odinga and ODM have been bequeathed a huge role of protecting and shouldering the burden of the Kenyatta presidency.

Ideally, Mr Odinga is the engine behind the execution of the plot to politically neutralise DP Ruto. The former PM is also the face of the BBI, having spearheaded countrywide rallies to popularise the initiative.

While Mr Odinga's role in aiding the smooth running of the Kenyatta administration as well as keeping in check the DP, who has fallen out with the President, is clear, the biggest headache to Mr Kenyatta's handlers lies in managing the post 2022 expectations of the 74-year old politician.

According to former Cabinet minister, Prof Amukowa Anangwe, this is not the kind of impression a competitive political party would wish to have in the eyes of the electorate.

Prof Anangwe, who is a political sociologist, observes that Mr Odinga should tread carefully as the dalliance could negatively affect him ahead of the 2022 elections.

Alert to this reality, ODM Chairman John Mbadi says the truce deal was designed to enable the government offer service delivery better "and not thrust ODM or Raila to power".

In fact, Mr Mbadi sees an opportunity for ODM to reclaim its position as the "people's watchman".

"It has come to the realisation of Kenyans that the so-called Tangatanga group (Jubilee faction allied to Ruto) that has been posturing as Opposition is obsessed more with Ruto's presidential bid than the common man's interest."

Musalia Mudavadi

The Amani National Congress leader is playing hard to get, giving everyone on the political scene hopes of teaming up with him yet not making concrete commitments with any of the probable suitors.

Mudavadi, who became Cabinet minister in 1989 aged 28 and who has similarly served as vice-president and deputy prime minister, has been politically active longer than most of his rivals and understandably enjoys cordial relations across the board.

Except for 2013 when he bolted out of ODM to vie for presidency, for instance, Mudavadi has worked closely with Mr Odinga in opposition since 2007.

He has been even closer to Mr Kenyatta, whose presidential bid he supported in 2002 alongside Dr Ruto.

And last December, Mr Kenyatta gave the ANC leader a ride on the presidential chopper to Garissa County, a day after lengthy discussions between the two on the evening of Jamhuri Day, thereby heightening speculation the two were plotting a political pact.

But now the President's handlers are enraged at Mudavadi, who is instead busy pinpointing at the Kenyatta administration's failures in his now frequent press releases.

The actions of Mudavadi are indeed addling. Is the former Sabatia MP an unreliable ally or is he disinterested in teaming up with the President?

Alternatively, is he just indecisive or convinced that going it alone is the best avenue to clinching the presidency?

Prof Anangwe explains Mudavadi's approach of "being friendly and critical to all" is a good and cautious strategy "because the political scene is so fluid and no one knows how things will pan out".

Nonetheless, this approach is unpopular with some in the President's corner. "The stars are lined up for him (Mudavadi) this time around and this is a once in lifetime happening. But instead of seizing the opportunity to play ball and eventually succeed the President, he is busy fighting him," says a Jubilee Party insider, who spoke on conditions of anonymity.

Lugari MP Ayub Savula concurs by advising his party leader "to take advantage of the rift within Jubilee to push through his succession plans".

However, the MP regrets Mr Mudavadi may blow up his chances of becoming President, owing to his refusal to stay close to his friend, the President.

"Ruto is the strongest candidate for the top seat, so how can one dream of winning the presidency without teaming up with others to outsmart the frontrunner?" poses the ANC deputy party leader.

Reached for comment, Mr Mudavadi declined to respond. However, a top aide at his presidential campaign secretariat separately explained that his boss was unaware of "this kind of union of butcher men" to which he hasn't been invited.

"But assuming it exists, after the union has slaughtered Ruto, who would be next? In any case, were he to be invited he would decline purely on principle that the objective is short-sighted - built on erroneous assumption that the solution to Kenya's problems is an individual? That's not defending Ruto but to say the obvious - that vengeance, hatred, deceit and betrayal isn't Mudavadi's style."

Noting his party leader and the President "are buddies", Mr Mudavadi's aide claims those who want him to join the "lynch mob" fear the ex-VP will spoil the party from outside, "hence the spirited dirty attempts to soil his relationship with the President". According to the aide, Mr Mudavadi is wanted inside so he can be contained.

With 14 MPs in the National Assembly affiliated to his party - 13 elected and one nominated - and three others in Senate, Mr Mudavadi remains a crucial player in the President's succession matrix including pushing through his agenda in Parliament.

Kalonzo Musyoka

For long, he has been chided as a slow-paced politician, who prefers hiding behind the wait-and-see approach.

But this time around, the Wiper party leader is clearly and firmly focused. And he is in a great hurry.

Since his declaration in November 2018 during his father's funeral that he was ready to be President Kenyatta's "mtu wa mkono (errand boy)", the former VP has moved with speed to formalise his working relations with the Jubilee Party leader.

Mr Kalonzo, who had all along expressed intentions of working with Kenyatta, formalised the ties on Friday a couple of days after Kanu signed a post-poll pact with the Jubilee Party.

The former VP went ahead, despite legal challenges that restrict member parties of Nasa from entering into new coalitions, thereby attracting immediate protest from Nasa founder, Mudavadi.

While the ANC leader points out that one cannot be in two coalitions at the same time, Kalonzo, a lawyer by profession, appears to have manoeuvred around this legal impediment by instead entering into a "cooperation agreement" with Mr Kenyatta.

The ODM leader, for instance, already has a "cooperation" deal with the President, only that it has not been inked the way Kalonzo plans to.

Maintaining the cooperation agreement "does not breach our agreements under Nasa", the Wiper leader said, explaining the move is aimed at enhancing national cohesion in the country.

But of course, the decision by the Wiper party is strategic, geared at securing the party's and Kalonzo's place in the next government.

Elected to Parliament in 1985, Kalonzo, who served as Kenya's 10th vice-president, has the longest experience in elective politics compared to political rivals.

He has vied once for presidency and twice as running mate of Mr Odinga, and is this time around determined to form or be a key player in the next government.

Recently, he explained that ascending to power requires more than winning an election, "otherwise Raila and I would have been sworn in at some point".

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According to Kalonzo, one needs to have "the system" on his side, meaning the machinery of the incumbency.

"We have a presidential candidate and we must put together a team of like-minded individuals and institutions to back our candidate," says Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua.

In the meantime, the President would gladly benefit from the support of Wiper's 23 MPs in the National Assembly and three in the Senate in his ongoing battle for numbers with his deputy.

In the last one week, the Wiper party leader has hosted Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi, Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang'ula and his Chama Cha Mashinani counterpart Isaac Ruto at his Karen home in Nairobi.

Although details of the meeting remain scanty, Kalonzo's allies point out to a coalition building effort. However, it remains unclear whether or the Wiper leader is doing the spade work for Kenyatta or for his own presidential bid.

Gideon Moi

The inclusion of the Kanu national chairman in Kenyatta's emerging coalition is the clearest indication that DP Ruto does not feature in the President's succession matrix.

Much as Ruto enjoys a near fanatical support in Rift Valley, Gideon represents the alternative political leadership in the region.

By embracing Gideon and Chama Cha Mashinani's Ruto in his new plot, the President seems determined to clip the wings of his deputy.

And since being handed the baton of leadership by his elder brother and Rongai MP, Raymond Moi, during the funeral service of their father, Daniel arap Moi, in February, Gideon has greatly improved in his politicking and oratory skills.

During his father's funeral, he for cunningly "prescribed" prayers for "troubled Ruto".

"Having stayed by Mzee's bedside for long in the hospital, I have over the time grasped the various types of medication. I can even make prescriptions just by looking at one. Like the DP, I would say he needs prayers," he joked, perhaps with a symbolic message, to the amusement of mourners.

Gideon relies heavily on the backing of vocal Kanu hawks like Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli and party secretary-general Nick Salat.
Vietnamese companies have hit roadblocks in settling disputes with Chinese contractors in five fertilizer, shipbuilding and steel producing projects.

The state-owned companies that developed these projects have not been able to come to an agreement with Chinese contractors in determining a new investment value for them after changes in technical design and the number of equipment were made, according to a government report submitted to the National Assembly.

As the delays in these projects have lasted years, the two parties have also not agreed on the amount of tax to be paid and fines for late filings, it said.

Three of these projects, developed by the Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem), involve the construction and expansion of fertilizer plants in northern provinces.

The fourth, developed by energy giant Petrovietnam, involves the expansion of a plant belonging to the Dung Quat Shipbuilding Industry Company Ltd. in the central province of Quang Ngai.

The fifth involves the expansion of a plant belonging to the Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel Jsc (TISCO) in the northern province of Thai Nguyen.

The government has proposed that the disputes be taken to court or an international arbiter, but consultants have said there is very little chance of winning and legal costs could exceed current disputed values.

These five are among 12 loss-making projects of the Ministry of Industry and Trade which have seen their total costs balloon by 46 percent to VND63.6 trillion ($2.7 billion). Most of this investment, 75 percent, comprise loans from domestic banks and from other sources with government guarantees.

After three years of the government trying to settle these 12 projects, only two have become profitable. Another two have seen a reduction in losses and one has resumed operation after a hiatus.

The remaining seven are still not operational or have not completed construction.
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Linkedin Moch. Fiqih Prawira Adjie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, May 24, 2020 08:48 606 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd9d593f 1 National COVID-19,COVID-19-in-Indonesia,Jokowi,Iriana-Joko-Widodo,Idul-Fitri,Idul-fitri-holiday,Idul-Fitri-prayer Free

President Joko Jokowi Widodo and first lady Iriana wished all Indonesians a happy Idul Fitri in a subdued video greeting as the country celebrates the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan differently amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

It is customary for Indonesians to gather with their families in their hometowns for Idul Fitri, in a tradition known as mudik (exodus). This year, however, the government has banned the mudik to curb the spread of COVID-19.

We celebrate differently, because [now] we all need to make sacrifices to refrain from the usual mudik and [family] gatherings, Jokowi said in a video message on the State Palace YouTube channel on Saturday.

He urged the public to prioritize their health and that of their families.

I am sure that, together, as a country, we can make it through this trying time, he said. Happy Idul Fitri, forgive me for my physical and emotional wrongdoings.

The President himself would be spending the holiday at Bogor Palace in West Java instead of his hometown Surakarta in Central Java, presidential spokesperson Angkie Yudistia said separately.

This is part of the Presidents commitment to physical distancing and reducing the potential for COVID-19 transmission, she said in a statement on Saturday. Gatherings and open house events are also temporarily canceled, as current conditions do not allow for them.

Previously, Coordinating Legal, Political and Human Rights Minister Mahfud MD noted that mass Idul Fitri prayers in mosques or public squares had been prohibited through the Health Ministrys regulation on large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) and the 2018 Health Quarantine Law.

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), chaired by Vice President Maruf Amin, has also issued a fatwa that allows Idul Fitri prayers to be performed at home.

The virus outbreak has also forced Muslims to forgo other religious rituals and traditions during Ramadan as the Religious Affairs Minister called to avoid performing the tarawih (evening Ramadan prayers) in congregation as well as visiting relatives graves.
During their ten-day stay, experts will visit the Temporary Care and Isolation Center at the Pan American Village and Villa El Salvador Emergency Hospital, joined by a Chinese diplomat and an interpreter.

"() They bring experience and knowledge. Besides, they will work, side by side, with our professionals (infectologists and intensivists) from different health facilities for ten days, as part of a global effort to fight the epidemic," Minister Zamora stated.

"In the case of China, there is a comprehensive support including knowledge, teams, and joint efforts," the Cabinet member expressed.

El embajador de la Republica Popular China en el Peru, Liang Yu, senalo que esta visita es una muestra de la profunda hermandad y alto nivel de cooperacion entre Peru y China. pic.twitter.com/IfvkMausD0
Mumbai: The political slugfest over Shramik Special trains refuses to die down with Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal engaging in a war of words over the issue on Sunday, with the Shiv Sena chief accusing the Railways of not providing enough trains to the state despite demand.

In an address to the state on Sunday, Thackeray said that while he had demanded 80 migrant special trains per day for the state to ferry migrants home, it was getting only 40.

Goyal took a dig at the Maharashtra CM through a tweet, saying the Railways was ready to send as many trains as required to states, provided they do not "return empty".

"I hope that these trains will not have to leave empty after arriving at the station like it has happened earlier. I would like to assure you that the trains you need will be available," tweeted Goyal, referring to earlier occasions when migrants did not board special trains. Thackeray in his address also said that the state had paid Rs 85 crore so far towards these trains.

Goyal tweeted, "We are ready to provide 125 Shramik Special trains to Maharashtra. Since you have said that you have a list ready that is why I am requesting you to please provide all information like from where the train will run, the list of passengers according to the trains, their medical certificate and where the train is to go, to the General Manager of Central Railway within the next hour, so that we can plan the time of trains."

Where is the list for 125 trains from Maharashtra? As of 2am, received list of only 46 trains of which 5 are to West Bengal and Odisha which cannot operate due to cyclone Amphan. We are notifying only 41 trains for today despite being prepared for 125 !!! Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) May 24, 2020

Earlier, Shramik Special trains became a bone of contention between the Centre and states like West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan with the minister pointing out that these governments were allowing fewer migrant trains to arrive. The state CMs too came out all guns blazing and denied the allegations on Twitter.

So far, 513 trains have terminated in Maharashtra, according to data provided by Railways.
US-based tech giant Microsoft was forced to host its Build developer conference through a digital-only format, thanks to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, the company claimed that the response for Build 2020 had still been overwhelming.

Over the last three days, Microsoft made a ton of announcements to help developers achieve more through AI and other technology advancements. We penned down some of the biggest announcements during Microsoft Build 2020.



The Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors Program is a new peer community programme focused on leadership through social responsibility and impact.



Microsoft Learn will launch Learn TV, daily live programming and discussions for developers and a hub to learn and grow with live content from Microsoft Cloud Advocates and Product Group leaders.



Azure Quantum, the first full-stack, open cloud ecosystem to unite a diverse set of quantum software, solutions, and hardware, is moving to limited preview. Additionally, theres an Azure Quantum Developer Workshop that will be held on July 16.



The developer conference focused on ways the company is addressing developers' needs across industries and how it is uniquely positioned to help businesses adapt in a remote world.

Microsoft introduced the Azure Synapse Link, bringing real-time operational database services and analytics together. It was initially launched in Azure Cosmos DB but will be coming to all operational systems soon. The Azure Synapse Link also helps customers to reduce time and lower costs to gain useful insight without managing data movement.

Project Reunion will support developers across the world for a collaborated approach with special emphasis on unifying universal apps.

Microsoft announced updates to Fluid Framework, making it open source to developers and introduce the first way for end-users to experience Fluid with the upcoming availability of Fluid workspaces and Fluid components in Outlook for the Web and Office.com.

The software giant will provide new Responsible ML tools in Azure Machine Learning and OSS toolkits to help customers deploy AI models more responsibly by improving model interpretability, minimising unfairness while guaranteeing data privacy and confidentiality.

We also saw one of the worlds most powerful AI supercomputers built-in Azure. The supercomputer was purpose-built to train massive distributed AI models, giving it all the benefits of a dedicated appliance paired with Azures robust modern cloud infrastructure.

Microsoft also announced new tools and services available in Microsoft 365, Azure and Windows that empower developers to be more collaborative and productive. The company will introduce new innovations in healthcare through cloud solutions and Microsoft Teams to help hospitals better manage the needs of patients.

The company plans more investment to bring comprehensive low-code Robotic Process Automation technology into Power Automate. Lastly, Microsoft also briefly teased how the Edge browser would look running on Linux.
At the beginning of the pandemic, Canadas once frenetic emergency departments went strangely quiet as patients stayed home and stayed away.

Canada-wide data obtained and analyzed by the Star shows a dramatic drop in emergency room volumes during COVID-19, with some provinces seeing roughly 50 per cent fewer patients between March 11 and April 30.

The Star spoke to more than a dozen emergency room physicians from coast to coast to coast to find out what they have experienced during the first weeks and months of the pandemic. Here, some tell us in their own words their worries and their successes and share anecdotes of patients who waited too long for care.

Dr. Scott Wilson is an emergency room physician based in St. Johns and is the former chief of emergency medicine for Newfoundland and Labradors Eastern Regional Health Authority. According to a Star analysis of most provinces and territories, Newfoundland and Labrador saw a 53 per cent drop in emergency patient volumes during the pandemic  the largest decline in the country.

A key thing, particularly in St. Johns, was that we had a supercluster (of COVID-19 cases) from a single individual visiting a funeral home over three days. We have a total of 260 cases in the province; 200 came from that one funeral home. Every day, public health was announcing another 10 or 15 cases directly related to the funeral home. I think it spooked a lot of people in the province and people stayed away in droves because they were afraid of emergency rooms. The impact of the supercluster really drove the message home very early in our province. Two of the provinces three COVID-19 deaths came from that funeral home.

We know people have passed away at home that probably wouldnt have if they had come to the emergency room. We dont have specific data to prove it. But when you hear what was presenting at homes, we feel anecdotally that patients stayed away too long. But thats what people did. They got the message so hard, so early, that they said: Unless Im dying, Im not going anywhere.

Dr. Katharine Smart is a pediatrician who sees patients at Whitehorse General Hospital and is president of the Yukon Medical Association. Yukon has only seen 11 COVID-19 cases and no deaths during the pandemic, yet emergency room volumes dropped by 38 per cent between March 11 and April 30.

Our public health people have been very successful at containing COVID here. At this point, things are quiet everywhere, which is of course good news. But naturally, we wonder, where are all the other patients? I think thats the national question: Whats going on with everyone else that doesnt have COVID, that used to come to the hospital?

I think its a multifactorial thing. When you start social distancing, naturally, other infectious diseases become less. All those other diseases that spread around by people being around each other that can make people quite ill  things like influenza and other viruses  naturally decline because people arent around each other anymore. So, were flattening the curve for COVID but also doing that for other infections.

Dr. Samuel Vaillancourt is an emergency department physician at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto, where he has co-led the development of a low-acuity emergency clinic for patients who screen negative for symptoms of COVID-19. The hospital saw a need for such a clinic after noticing a significant drop in emergency patients. Between March 11 and April 30, St. Mikes experienced a 41 per cent drop in patients coming to its ED.

Usually, Ill have a case of a patient who gets intubated and resuscitated  so our sickest patients  a couple of times a month. On my last two shifts, back-to-back, we had two terribly sick patients. One of them was an isolated person who had been getting sicker at home. The other person had the worst kind of heart attack and collapsed on the sidewalk.

I had a patient with a hip fracture a couple of weeks ago. She was this very healthy and proud elderly woman and had been kind of hobbling around her apartment for a bit without seeking attention.

It can be a pretty anxiety provoking experience to be an emergency department patient right now. You go in, the first thing you see is someone who is in full PPE with a mask on, a face shield. Youre screened at the door. With all the tape around and warning signs  it really looks like youre entering a minefield. While it is a different experience for patients, the message is important to get out there: Were ready to provide care in a safe way and were definitely available for patients who need in-person care.

Dr. Rob Drummond is an emergency physician at Montreals St. Marys Hospital, which is not among the citys designated COVID-19 centres. Emergency departments in Quebec saw a 42 per cent decline in patient volumes between March 11 and April 30, although some hospitals in Montreal have reported an influx of COVID-19 patients in recent weeks.

Ive had two patients who delayed coming to the hospital with their complaints only to be diagnosed with metastatic cancer. One patient had chest pain and on evaluation was found to have lymphoma. I had another patient with abdominal pain who was found to have metastatic ovarian cancer.

These are anecdotes of patients who were well-meaning, who normally would have come in because they werent feeling well. They were uncomfortable. But they heard the message loud and clear, If you can avoid coming to the hospital, dont come in, and they heeded that message.

Who knows whether their treatment trajectory would have changed at all but Im more concerned that we could have given patients a closure, made a diagnosis much sooner. It may have put their minds at ease.

Some are definitely scared, but you get the sweet, little old ladies that say, I didnt bother you dear, I knew you were busy. These are the ones that we want to reach. Its like, if youre concerned, we want you to come in. Theres a fair number of patients who we see in the emergency department who end up having nothing of consequence. But in their minds, they did have something. We treat acute illnesses but were always there to provide comfort.

Dr. Michel Shamy is a neurologist and stroke specialist at The Ottawa Hospital, where he has noticed a drop in patients being referred for stroke prevention, as well as a decline in patients coming to the emergency department with acute stroke symptoms. He believes fear of contracting COVID-19 is keeping many patients away.

My own father is in Montreal and has lots of medical problems. His local hospital is the Jewish General Hospital, which is their COVID centre. He was saying that under no circumstance would he want to go to the hospital because with his age and with his problems.

That became a problem when he started to go into worsened heart failure. All of his doctors  and me as his son  would have rather that he had gone to the hospital, but he categorically refused, because of COVID. In the end, we came up with an algorithm of what would be the situation under which it would be OK to call the paramedics. For him, it was life-threatening things and then he would grudgingly accept to go. But anything that wasnt immediately threatening his life, then he would try to just soldier on at home.

Dr. Kirk Magee is head of emergency medicine at Dalhousie University and Central Zone Chief for Nova Scotia Health. Emergency department visits in Nova Scotia declined by 39 per cent between March 11 and April. Magee said his hospitals ED had a significant drop in patients but the proportion of the sickest patients largely stayed the same through the pandemic.

If you look at a health-care system, its very complex: lots of different people, lots of different silos, all competing for a scarce resource. When COVID happened, the whole system focused on one thing  how do we respond to COVID. This singularity of purpose broke down all these barriers. Things that literally would have taken six or 10 months to do were getting done in a matter of days or weeks. When a problem came up, no one ever said: No, I cant do this or Yeah, but  They said: Gee, thats a challenging problem and if I talk to these people, I think we could solve it. With COVID, the problem in front of us is everybodys problem. If anything, this has taught us that health care works best when we are all playing on the same team.

Interviews have been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

Graphics by Nathan Pilla and Andres Plana. Nathan Pilla is a digital designer at the Star, based in Toronto. Reach him via email: npilla@thestar.ca . Andres Plana is a digital designer at the Star, based in Toronto. Reach him via email: aplana@torstar.ca
press release

Separatist leader Blaise Sevidzem Berinyuy, also known as Shufai, was discharged from the hospital and sent back to a high security prison in Yaounde on May 21, despite his critical health condition and apparently following pressure by the head of the detention facility on medical staff. Transferring Shufai, who is immunocompromised, to a crowded prison setting where transmission of Covid-19 is more likely seriously enhances the threats to his health and life.

On May 16, Shufai, one of the leaders of the separatist group "Ambazonia Interim Government," was transferred from the prison to the hospital for non-Covid-19-related illness. His family and lawyers said he was unconscious, and his health had deteriorated significantly over the previous 10 days. They reported that on May 19, Shufai was handcuffed to his hospital bed for the night, despite being barely able to move.

Shufai's family members and lawyers said that the head of the prison visited Shufai twice at the military hospital and pressed medical staff to discharge him, although his condition continues to be alarming. This is despite concerns over the spread of Covid-19 across Cameroon's overcrowded prisons.

Shufai and nine other leaders of the "Ambazonia Interim Government" were arrested in January 2018 in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, and forcibly returned to Cameroon. Their extrajudicial transfer was denounced by the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, as violating the fundamental principle of non-refoulement. The forced return of the 10 leaders was also declared illegal by a Nigerian court in March 2019. The 10 leaders were later held incommunicado at Cameroon's State Defense Secretariat prison for six months before being taken to the Yaounde high security prison. They were charged with terrorism, rebellion, and secession, and sentenced to life before a military court on August 20, 2019, following a deeply flawed trial.

Cameroon has a fundamental obligation to treat all prisoners with humanity and respect, and as the authorities grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic, they should ensure that all prisoners can take measures such as regular handwashing and have proper access to medical care. They should also ensure sick prisoners receive the medical treatment they need and that their health or lives are not further jeopardized by increasing their risk of Covid-19 infection.
NORRISTOWN  Emergency rooms across Montgomery County are filling up as the area continues to deal with another surge in the COVID-19 pandemic. We have encountered a dramatic rise in the number of emergency department visits recently, said Dr. Kisha Martin, chairwoman of emergency medicine for Redeemer Health. Health officials met virtually on Wednesday morning in []
This was supposed to be the week Roman Baca finally brought his life's work back home.

Baca, a former Marine Corps reservist, trained as a ballet dancer before he shouldered a machine gun in the Iraqi city of Fallujah in 2005. He then found a way to combine those two disparate worlds.

He co-founded a group in New York that depicts the experiences of war and trauma through dance. His company had never performed in his native New Mexico, and a slated visit was going to be the moment his vision reached new heights.

"I see the time blocked off on my calendar for it, and I get kind of depressed," Baca said.

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed nearly every facet of daily life. Now that includes Memorial Day events and traditions, as social distancing, closures and restrictions have disrupted the rituals of grief for those who have died in uniform.

Public events, such as wreath laying ceremonies at national cemeteries, have either been altered or roped off from the public.

The virus has also made quieter rituals of grief challenging or impossible.

For Richard Allen Smith and two Army veteran friends who served together in Afghanistan, an annual pilgrimage to Arlington National Cemetery is part of a new tradition. At least one of them has made the trip in the past six years or so to visit comrades killed in action.

They include Sgt. Charles E. Wyckoff Jr. On June 6, 2007, Smith's task on base was to help coordinate surveillance drones for soldiers in enemy contact. Wyckoff's patrol was attacked in Helmand province, and as he killed two Taliban militants in defense of his soldiers, Wyckoff was shot dead.

But such visits are barred this year. The cemetery will be closed to visitors over the weekend; only family members of the interred may enter if they present passes and masks.

Baca's now canceled trip was organized through his dance company. The group planned a weeklong trip to New Mexico, including a stop Albuquerque, his hometown, to hold dance workshops with local veterans and teach steps to disadvantaged kids.

Instead, Baca will hold a remote workshop for veterans in the United Kingdom. It will enable them to express their experiences through creative arts and learn new skills to help them find jobs in the field, Baca said.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, a group that provides resources and care for those who have lost spouses and family members in uniform, has shifted its annual conference in Virginia to Zoom. That has allowed grieving families to find comfort among others even in a time of social isolation, founder Bonnie Carroll said.

Carroll recognized similar feelings of grief among survivors of those who died of infections: a sense of isolation and the burden of not saying goodbye, she said, that military families have historically experienced. The group stepped in to offer resources to help COVID-ravaged families navigate their loss.

Others have not allowed restrictions to impede their observations. Josh Holubz, an Army veteran wounded in Iraq, lives a couple hours from the White County, Ga., gravesite of Sgt. Jason Harkins, who was killed alongside five other soldiers and a Russian photojournalist in a massive IED blast in 2007.

Holubz said he will avoid the holiday crowds but next week will leave some moonshine at his friend's headstone and visit Harkins' family, who live nearby.

"You can't live in fear," Holubz said. "I think we learned that better than anybody."
- Herman Manyora said claims DP Ruto enjoyed overwhelming support both in Senate and National Assembly were misleading

- He noted that if it was true Ruto commanded majority of MPs in Senate, then dethronement of Murkomen, Kindiki and Kihika, who are his allies, could not have succeeded

- According to the political analyst, the same trend will repeat itself when President Uhuru's broom heads to National Assembly to sweep out villain Jubilee Party members

- He reminded the DP to shelve his bid to succeed Uhuru in 2022 and try out his luck in 2027 or 2032 when he is likely to clinch the presidency with a lot of ease

- Manyora has termed axing of Ruto's allies as a trap President Uhuru and Raila Odinga have set to deflate Ruto's State House bid

Political analyst Herman Manyora has urged Deputy President William Ruto to be alive to various political developments showing he has little chance to win the 2022 presidential election.

Manyora singled out the ouster of Kipchumba Murkomen from position of Senate Majority Leader and that of Senate deputy speaker Kithure Kindiki as early signs the political ground was quickly shifting to his disadvantage.

READ ASLO: Uhuru hints at return to work: " We cannot continue with curfew, lockdown

Political analyst Herman Manyora. Photo: Herman Manyora.

Source: UGC

READ ASLO: Mashine ya kupima COVID-19 Tanzania yakutwa na hitilafu

According to Manyora, if at all Ruto commanded numbers in the Senate, the motion to kick out Murkomen, Kindiki and Susan Kihika from the Majority Whip seat, would not have seen the light of the day.

"Where were the numbers when Murkomen, Kihika and Kindiki needed them most. It is time for him to retreat and rethink his strategy. If he doesn't, he is going to embarrass himself.

He should understand things are being run the handshake style by Uhuru and opposition leader Raila Odinga and he is behaving exactly the two want him to behave," the political commentator said in his latest edition on YouTube.

READ ASLO: Detectives visit slain Kenei's house in Imara Daima as new team takes over probe

Senators Kipchumba Murkomen (r), Kithure Kindiki (l) and Susan Kihika (c). Photo: Susan Kihika.

Source: Facebook

READ ASLO: Mashine ya kupima COVID-19 Tanzania yakutwa na hitilafu

The analyst's remarks came amidst speculation President Uhuru Kenyatta's axe was headed to the National Assembly with the aim of sending away rebellious members who had vested their allegiance elsewhere.

A Jubilee Party National Assembly Parliamentary Group meeting is expected to be convened on Tuesday, June 2, and among those who are likely to be shown the door is Majority Leader Aden Duale, Majority Chief Whip Benjamin Washiali and his deputy Cecily Mbarire.

Majority Leader Aden Duale (l) is likely to be ousted from his position in President Uhuru's purge that is headed to the National Assembly. Photo: UGC.

Source: UGC

Jubilee Party deputy secretary-general Caleb Kositany said they (Ruto's allies) will attend the meeting if invited but will not be cowed even if the invites don't come their way.

Manyora said there was a high probability of the three leaders (Duale, Washiali and Mbarire) being stripped their positions and compared challenging such eviction from political appointments to fighting a predetermined or lost battle.

"Duale is not going to survive. Let Ruto open his eyes and be alive to these facts. Let him open his eyes and see the writings on the walls. He should realise things have changed and are being run the handshake way.

He should also not solely depend on the votes of people of Mount Kenya if he wants to contest in 2022. This is because they don't make their decisions such early. But as a friend, I would advise him to shelve his ambition to vie in 2022 and train his eyes on 2027 or 2032," explained Manyora.

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly.

The Untold story of Senator Isaac Mwaura | Tuko TV.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
NY Gov. Cuomo allows drive-in church services, in-person worship of 10 people or less

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said this week that churches can begin hosting drive-in worship services as long as they follow strict social distancing guidelines. Additionally, houses of worship can hold in-person services as long as they're limited to 10 people or fewer.

Cuomo made the announcement as part of a press briefing in Albany Wednesday, saying that services could resume on Thursday as long as all participants use masks and follow social distancing rules.

The governor also noted that he is working with the states Interfaith Advisory Council to consider gradually reopening larger in-person worship. The announcement comes as different regions across the state are hitting the required benchmarks to begin reopening during the coronavirus pandemic.

I understand their desire to get back to religious ceremonies as soon as possible, Cuomo, 62, said.

As a former altar boy, I get it. I think even at this time of stress when people are so anxious and so confused, I think that religious ceremonies can be very comforting. But we need to find out how to do it, and do it safely, and do it smartly. The last thing we want to do is have a religious ceremony that winds up having more people infected.

Cuomo stressed that if people are smart and responsible, that infection rates will slow.

It is amazing how effective a mask is, Cuomo added.

The Rutherford Institute, a civil rights law group, celebrated Cuomos announcement, calling it a victory for common sense.

While federal and state governments have adopted specific restrictive measures in an effort to decelerate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the current public health situation has not resulted in the suspension of fundamental constitutional rights such as religious freedom, stated Rutherford Institute President John W. Whitehead.

While there is a moral responsibility to not endanger other lives with our actions, that does not mean relinquishing all of our freedoms. Be responsible, but dont allow yourselves to be muzzled or your individual freedoms to be undermined.

The institute is representing a New York congregation that was forced to halt its drive-in worship services after it was threatened with $1,000 fines for holding services even though congregants adhered to social distancing guidelines.

The Central Bible Baptist Church was threatened with fines by the Massena Police Department after Pastor Samson Ryman held drive-in worship on May 3. The service was attended by 23 worshipers in 18 vehicles.

In response, the Rutherford Institute sent a letter to Police Chief Adam J. Love on behalf of the church. The letter argued that drive-in services with more than 10 people are legal.

You are mistaken in your assertion that church drive-in worship services are prohibited under New Yorks current emergency orders and could result in fines, wrote Whitehead in the letter.

[These fines] are grounded in a misunderstanding of the law and a misapplication of the Governors Executive Orders, which severely chills their exercise of the fundamental right to practice their religion.

In a Facebook post, Central Bible announced that it will return to holding drive-in services this Sunday.

We have no ill will towards our local officials. We believe them to have been outstanding for their work for our community and we are thankful. We honor and love our officials working day in and out to fight for and protect us, stated the church.

Central and their Pastor are Not against them. Were not rebels. We stand and live by the truth and principles of the Word of God! We are simply trying to have church services, without conflict, safely, legally and peaceably.
While the number of coronavirus-related deaths in New Jersey jumped past 11,000 on Saturday, the number of people hospitalized remained below 3,000 for a second straight day.

State health officials said 2,857 patients with confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases are being treated in the states 71 hospital as of 10 p.m. Saturday. Thats down 117 patients from a day before and is a nearly 65% drop since the number of hospitalizations peaked at 8,084 on April 14.

Officials say 760 patients are receiving critical care with 639 on ventilators. On April 13  slightly less than six weeks ago  2,080 were in intensive care. Thats a nearly 64% decrease. In addition 278 more patients who were treated for the coronavirus have been released from hospitals in most recent 24-hour reporting period.

New Jersey has reported 11,081 deaths of the 153,104 who have tested positive for the coronavirus have died. Gov. Phil Murphy announced an additional 96 deaths and 443 new cases Saturday.

Murphy cautioned on Twitter that a significant amount" of lab reports had not yet been processed. That means Fridays death and case totals may be incomplete.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

A roundup of coronavirus stories:

Can you sue for getting coronavirus at reopened business? This fight may kill new stimulus checks: If you were infected by the coronavirus after returning to work, could you sue your employer? What if you got sick after eating out or going to a store?

New Jersey businesses fear lawsuits could force them to close their doors for good. Others say the threat of legal action would ensure businesses take the proper steps to keep their employees and customers safe. And you should care about this raging debate for another reason: Its threatening to derail efforts in Washington to give you another stimulus check.

Wildwood tram cars will be running soon with coronavirus upgrades: For the first time that anyone can remember, Wildwoods famous boardwalk tram cars arent running on Memorial Day weekend, though theyll be be in action soon. The trams are being fitted with plexiglass dividers and retractable plastic soon will be installed between the facing benches to help with social distancing measures.

To lessen the interaction with the employees, a new Wildwood Tram Cars app is in the works that will allow for cashless payments. With the app the user can purchase single tickets, multiple tickets or day passes right from their phone and track the location of the trams along the boardwalk.

Defiant N.J. gym ordered closed by judge after N.J. Attorney General files complaint: Atilis Gym, which opened this week in defiance of Gov. Phil Murphys executive order, will remain closed  for now, at least  as a state judge forced the doors closed.

New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal on Friday filed a civil complaint and an order to show cause against the Bellmawr gym after authorities spent the week grappling with the business to abide by restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The gym will file an emergency injunction in federal court on Tuesday against Murphy, because we have been robbed of due process and violated of our constitutional rights, co-owner Ian Smith said.

Judge nixes desperate plea to let N.J. small business reopen amid coronavirus shutdown: The federal lawsuit filed by an attorney who is the landlord of a Westfield gym that was told to shut down by cops due to coronavirus restrictions did not get very far after it was rebuked by a judge.

The suit claimed Rowdell Petterway, the owner of Rowdells Fitness, was denied due process when Westfield police told him to close his business on May 6. The suit claimed the gym owner does one-to-one personal training, sanitizes equipment after each session, socially distances and everyone inside wears masks.

N.J. group grants nearly $4.5M to aid hospitals, food banks during coronavirus: The Russell Berrie Foundation announced it would be issuing $4.48 million in emergency grants to support New Jersey and other organizations on the front lines of combatting the coronavirus pandemic.

Local organizations will receive a share of $1.82 million in grants from The Russell Berrie Foundation. Holy Name Medical Center, Englewood Medical Center and New Bridge Medical Center will each received $250,000.

U.S. coronavirus cases: More than 97,000 of the approximately 1.62 infected with the coronavirus have died as of 7 a.m. Sunday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

Worldwide cases: Nearly 342,600 have died among the roughly 5.33 million infected in 188 counties, according to the center. About 2.12 million have recovered.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

NJ Advance Media staff writers Jonathan D. Salant, Rebecca Panico, Tom Hawk, Chris Ryan and Brent Johnson contributed to this report.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Any state which wants migrant workers of Uttar Pradesh back, has to seek permission from the state government and need to ensure their socio-legal-monetary rights, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday.

Upset that migrant labourers were "not properly taken care of" by various states in wake of the coronavirus-triggered lockdown, Adityanath said, "These workers are our biggest resource and will give them employment in Uttar Pradesh as state government is going to set up a commission for their employment."

"They are our people and if some states want them back, they have to seek permission from the state government," Adityanath said in an interaction with the RSS- affiliated publications 'Panchjanya' and 'Organiser'.

As per feedback received from migrant workers who reached Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath said safeguarding their rights should get utmost attention and importance.

"All migrant workers are being registered and their skills mapped. Any state or entity interested in inviting migrant workers will need to assure and provide for their socio-legal-monetary rights," he said.

About the commission, Adityanath said it has been proposed to look into various factors associated with migrant workers' rights and to prevent exploitation while providing an official framework to ensure socio-economic-legal support for them.

"Insurance, social security, re-employment assistance, provision for unemployment allowance etc are some of the factors which will be looked into by the commission," he said.

So far, over 23 lakh of migrant workers have returned to Uttar Pradesh by the efforts of the state government, Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, adding, "75 per cent of those who came from Mumbai and 50 per cent from Delhi were tested positive for coronavirus.

He said that by next week, all migrant labourers who want to come back to Uttar Pradesh, will reach the state and every necessary arrangement for their screening and onward journey to their final destinations have been made.

Adityanath praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "effectively handling the coronavirus crisis", and said that India is in secured position due to the timely decisions taken by the government at the Centre.

Credit should be given to PM Modi, he kept on guiding the chief ministers, he said.

About generating new employment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath said a German company is shifting its production facility from China to India and may start manufacturing more than 30 lakh shoes in Agra.
Sir Richard Branson has been forced to sell a stake in Virgin Galactic. Photo: Getty

Sir Richard Branson has sold off another chunk of Virgin Galactic in order to raise finance for his other businesses.

According to the Financial Times, Virgin Group has sold 366m ($445.3m) shares in the New York listed space travel company and given up majority control.

Virgin now has 40% of the business. Billionaire Branson flagged the stake sale two weeks ago.

The sale comes as other parts of Bransons business have continued to struggle, in particular Virgin Atlantic which has been grounded due to the pandemic.

READ MORE: Devastation for airlines as UK confirms 14-day quarantine post-travel

Virgin Group said it would use the stake sale proceeds to support its portfolio of global leisure, holiday and travel businesses that have been affected by the unprecedented impact of COVID-19.

Branson had initially asked the government for a loan in order to keep the Virgin Atlantic afloat and even offered to put his luxury Caribbean retreat Necker Island up as security against the loan.

But Chancellor Rishi Sunak has held firm ever since he wrote to airlines and airports in March saying the taxpayer would only step in as a last resort.

A rescue package for the airline would have been politically toxic given its super-wealthy backer has not paid personal tax in the UK for 14 years after moving to the British Virgin Islands  a well-known tax haven.

As a result Virgin Atlantic has been left fighting for survival after the coronavirus pandemic caused it to cancel thousands of flights.

READ MORE: Virgin Atlantic delays resuming flights over 14-day quarantine plans

It has already cut 3,150 jobs and announced it will end its presence at Gatwick Airport, while its sister airline Virgin Australia has gone bust.

Bransons Virgin Group empire owns stakes in a slew of companies, from Virgin Wines and Virgin Money to social media giants such as Twitter and Pinterest.

Virgin Galactic was founded by Branson in 2004 and had initially hoped to launch tourist flights into space by 2009.

But the mission has been beset by a series of delays, not least the death of copilot Michael Alsbury during a disastrous test flight of the VSS Enterprise craft in 2014.
Revolution has come to Bucharest, and a society has exploded into shards. A multitude of writhing, flailing, falling bodies fills the screen during the climax of the second act of Ashley Tatas fervently inventive new streaming version of Caryl Churchills Mad Forest, a coproduction of Theater for a New Audience and the Fisher Center at Bard College.

This is not, however, your average mob scene. Each of the participants in this upheaval  and there are a dozen, to be exact, though they feel like many more  is isolated in one of those separate, self-contained frames many of us now identify with Zoom conferences.

They all seem to share an astonishment, mixed with elation and terror, at the chaos that has descended upon what had been a rigidly regimented world. One is locked in a self-stranglehold; another appears to be wiping the window of the lens that separates us, trying to get a clear view; others claw the air and scream silently, while yet another would seem to be vogueing.
New York:

A commemorative Diwali stamp will be issued by the US this year, capping seven years-long efforts by Indian-Americans here and influential American lawmakers to have a stamp marking the Indian festival of lights, a move welcomed by the community.

The stamp that shows a photo of a traditional diya lit against a sparkling gold background and the words Forever USA 2016 written below will be formally unveiled on October 5.

The postage stamp will be issued by the US Postal Service (USPS) from November honoring Diwali, the festival of lights, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney from New York said.

USPS Sally Andersen-Bruce of Connecticut photographed the diya and Greg Breeding of Virginia designed the stamp, with William Gicker of Washington serving as the projects art director.The Diwali stamp is a result of years and years of hard work, Maloney said yesterday.

She lamented that despite Diwali being an important spiritual and cultural festival for many Indian-Americans and millions around the world, it had not been given its own commemorative stamp till now. Given that every other major religion has its own commemorative stamp, she said a stamp for Diwali had been long over-due.

She was joined by Indias Consul General in the city Riva Ganguly Das, Chair of the Diwali Stamp Project Ranju Batra and eminent Indian-American attorney Ravi Batra as she made the historic announcement from the steps of the City Hall.

Maloney underscored that the stamp would also be a very important revenue generator for the US postal department.

The efforts in the Indian-American community had been spearheaded by Ranju Batra, who as chair of the Diwali stamp project and with the help of other community leaders, got tens of thousands of signatures for petitions to issue the stamp.

Maloney had also informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visits to the US in 2014 and 2015, about efforts to get a Diwali postage stamp issued, Batra said. Ravi Batra called the move as the strongest soft power that combines a billion people of India as he lauded Maloney for her years-long efforts.

Among other lawmakers Senators Mark Warner and John Cornyn and House members Joe Crowley, Ed Royce, Ami Bera, and George Holding, all past or present co-chairs of their chambers India Caucuses, also led significant campaigns to assure Congressional support for this measure.

An important recognition for the more than 3 million Indian-Americans who celebrate Diwali, tweeted Senator Mark Warner, Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, the only Hindu member of Congress, led the most recent write in campaign to the USPS with hundreds of signatories.

This has been a long and arduous process but this act by the USPS to recognize this special day and to further increase and enrich our nations tapestry of religious and cultural diversity will be greatly appreciated by many, Gabbard said.

This year and for many more, diyas and spirits will shine brighter, as will greetings cards and gift packages sent donning the Diwali stamp, said Suhag Shukla, Hindu American Foundation (HAF) executive director and legal counsel.

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Zurich/New Delhi:

Banker turned whistle-blower Rudolf Elmer, who is facing jail term in Switzerland, has claimed that bank accounts data leaked by him back in 2008 included Indian names.

As an employee of a subsidiary of Swiss entity Julius Baer bank in Cayman Islands, he had accessed certain client data. He is also suspected to have handed over the data to the whistle-blower site Wikileaks in 2011.

Elmer has told a television channel that the list included not only Americans but also people from Africa, South America and also from India.

When asked whether the list had Indian names, he said, "that is correct".

According to media reports, Elmer was given suspended jail term by a Swiss court this week for alleged forgery, among others.

As part of efforts to curb the black money menace, Indian government has been taking various measures and has also stepped cooperation with other countries on tax matters.

Earlier this month, the government said investigations are going on into the Panama paper leaks and that legal action would be taken depending on the outcome of the probe.

The leak of Panama papers in April this year revealed a list of nearly 500 Indians, including celebrities and industrialists, who allegedly stashed money in offshore entities in Panama.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, May 24, 2020 15:40 606 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd9e1b8f 1 National Papua,shooting,armed-criminal-group,health-worker,COVID-19,coronavirus Free

Military and police personnel belonging to the Nemangkawi task force in Intan Jaya regency, Papua, are on a manhunt for an armed group that purportedly shot members of a local COVID-19 response team.

As reported by Antara News Agency, the Nemangkawi joint task force released a statement on Saturday saying an armed group had shot two health workers affiliated with the local COVID-19 task force in Wandai district, Intan Jaya regency, on Friday at 4:30 p.m. local time.

The two medical workers  identified as Amalek Bagau, 30, and Eniko Somou, 39  were shot while delivering medical supplies to a remote area in Intan Jaya regency.

The Nemangkawi task force, with the assistance of the Intan Jaya Police, managed to locate and evacuate the victims and transferred them to the Nabire General Hospital on Saturday morning, according to the statement.

Read also: OPM says TNI, police shot medical workers in Papua

Papua Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. AM Kamal said Amalek had survived the incident, but was in critical condition, while Eniko had died from his wounds.

It took us about five hours to arrive at the crime scene, Kamal said, citing difficulties in navigating the steep terrain.

The case is the latest in a recent string of violence that has resulted in the deaths of civilians in the region.

In April, two young Papuans, Eden Armando Bebari and Ronny Wandik, were allegedly shot to death by security forces in Mimika regency after being mistaken for members of an armed separatist group.

A week before that, New Zealander Graeme Thomas Wall, an employee of gold and copper mining company PT Freeport Indonesia, was killed by gunmen in the area. (rfa)
Do you hear that? Its the sound of the money printer whirring  trillions of dollars getting pumped into a collapsing economy, making the bailouts following the 2008 financial crisis look like small change. The Price of Peace, Zachary D Carters outstanding new intellectual biography of John Maynard Keynes, offers a resonant guide to our current moment, even if he finished writing it in the time before Covid-19. Its rare for a 600-page economic history to move swiftly along currents of lucidity and wit, and this happens to be one of them. (Mr Carter pays tribute ...
The GNAs militias and Turkish forces backed by Syrian refugee-mercenaries in Libya are no match for the combined firepower of General Haftars LNA, allied militias, and a host of powerful countries, such as the UAE and Egypt, with Russian mercenaries added in for good measure.

Yet, against all odds, with Haftar at the gates of the capital and ready to take control of Libya, the Turks have managed not only to halt his push into Tripoli but to force his retreat from key strategic areas.

Nearly everyone was in Haftars corner in a conflict that featured a vast gathering of major external forces, all eyeing a piece of the balance of power in this post-Gaddafi oil-rich setup.

Turkey has been successful largely by default, as Haftars allies have pressed the pause button. Erdogan has deployed surface-to-air missile defense systems to Libya, and that has been a bit of a spoiler for the UAEs armed drones for Haftar, making it difficult for the General to win an aerial campaign.

The past couple of weeks have seen Haftar lose so much ground that his goal of taking Tripoli now seems rather remote.

On Monday, the General lost a key airbase.

On Wednesday, the GNA captured a Russian-built, UAE-financed air defense system.

On Thursday, the Government of National Accord (GNA) launched airstrikes against Haftars forces as they were withdrawing from the front lines of the capital, Tripoli. A key target was the Generals stronghold of Tarhouna.

So what happens next?

Where it concerns Haftar, this isnt the end. The General will now specifically target Turkish forces.

Saqr Al-Jaroushi, Haftars air force chief, has vowed to unleash the largest aerial campaign in Libyan history with all Turkish positions now legitimate targets for our airforce.

Tripoli also says that a Russian base in Syria had recently delivered Soviet-era jets to Haftar. Russia, for one, has been humiliated in Libya--even though it has maintained plausible deniability for those mercenaries on the ground. Putin is now effectively fighting Turkey--its ally--in two venues: Syria and Libya, and while their goals sometimes align over desires to control the natural resources of the Mediterranean, it is difficult to imagine the Russian president allowing a scenario in which it is bested by the Turks. Hence the new shipment of jet fighters that will most definitely target Turkish forces.

Related: U.S. Cuts Royalty Rates For Oil Firms

So, what about the UAE? It also has a lot of skin in this game and has likewise been humiliated.

The UAE is eyeing a number of spoils from Libya, but the problem for Haftar is that it would also be content to see the country partitioned, with Haftar solidly in control of the east if he cant take and keep Tripoli on his own.

How Washington responds to Haftars recent losses in Libya will depend on what the UAE wants to a large extent. Thats because Washington is the benefactor of piles of cash from the UAEs immense lobbying power.

To put this into perspective, in 2018 alone, there were 20 firms registered as foreign agents for UAE clients in the US, and those firms received over $20 million just for public information campaigns in the United States.

What does the UAE want, exactly?

In Libya, for starters, its the highly lucrative task of rebuilding the country post-conflict, and building influence in a new government along the way. This would still be lucrative for the UAE (and the Saudis, as well) if Haftar only manages to secure eastern and southern Libya, which would mean he would still control the oil production, if not the oil revenues.

The UAE would also like to gain sea access through Libya as its DP World port company is eyeing expansion in the eastern Mediterranean, which means access through Benghazi in eastern Libya.

The problem for Haftar is that the UAE--the biggest contributor to his war effort--is not exactly sold on the idea that Haftar can unify the entire country, so right now, it is hedging its bets, and control of eastern Libya is far more important for the UAE.

But the Turkish gambit will force the UAE into a more immediate decision on this.

And Haftar is now in trouble in the east, his power base, as well as his eastern allies waffle.

Related: Oil May Never Fully Recover From This Crisis



Earlier this month, armed militants linked to General Haftar stormed the headquarters of the Brega Oil Marketing Company in Benghazi, removing the companys director by force because he was supporting the eastern governments efforts towards a political agreement with the GNA in Tripoli.

Such an agreement would go against Haftars recent declaration of a popular mandate to rule all of Libya.

If the UAE steps up to the plate to enforce a partition of Libya into east and west, Haftar doesnt need Tripoli because he would control the bulk of the oil production and the ports, and eventually, he would begin exporting without the GNA. UAE lobbying money would likely see to it that he is recognized as the legitimate exporter in the end.

Source: EIA

What the UAE wont stand for is a Turkish move on spoils in the eastern Mediterranean, where Turkeys state-run oil firm has applied for an exploration permit--a move condemned roundly by Cyprus, Egypt--another power player in the Libyan conflict on Haftars side--and Greece.

So, the ball right now is really in the UAEs court, but regardless, Haftar will now be regrouping for a major assault on the Turks.

By Editorial Dept.

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Eastern-based military commanders setbacks in Tripoli are causing his domestic support base to fragment, analysts say.

Tripoli, Libya  For an entire year, it seemed like renegade commander Khalifa Haftar was hell-bent on taking the Libyan capital, Tripoli, by force.

His self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) had made considerable strides towards capturing the city of some 2.3 million people.

Support from the likes of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Russia  in the form of drone and fighter jet sorties, and an army of mercenaries  appeared to make his victory all the more likely.

But that never happened.

Instead, the United Nations-brokered Government of National Accord (GNA), which Turkey backs, launched a counteroffensive that has, in record time, seen it retake several key towns and a strategic airbase southwest of Tripoli.

Suddenly, Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones shifted from a defensive to offensive posture, destroying a handful of Russian Pantsir aerial defence systems and targeting LNA positions as far away as the Jufra military base in central Libya.

The defeat, which LNA spokesman Ahmed Mismari sought to justify as a tactical withdrawal, has put the eastern-based Haftar in a difficult position, with his ability to keep his support base mobilised increasingly being questioned.

Issa Tuwegiar, a former planning minister, told Al Jazeera that it is Haftars fear of seeing his camp fragment that motivated his decision in late April to withdraw from a landmark power-sharing agreement and pledge to create a new government of his own.

Haftar has failed in his mission to take over and guarantee the eastern tribes rent and favourable status in his new dictatorial regime, said Tuwegiar.

The termination of the deal, announced in a televised address, raised concerns as to the fate of the countrys internationally recognised parliament to which Haftar had putatively pledged allegiance, the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR).

Shortly after Haftars speech, footage emerged on social media showing HoR Speaker Aguila Saleh expressing his disdain for the 76-year-olds plan and announcing a political initiative of his own amid the battlefield setbacks.

Seizing Tripoli

Haftar has long prided himself on commanding a modern standing army, contrasting it with the myriad militias that came into existence during the 2011 NATO-backed uprising against longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi and that nominally fall under the GNAs authority.

Images posted on the LNAs official media channels, showing troops in tightly packed formations, added to the sense of professionalism that seemed lacking among GNA-aligned forces.

In fact, in launching his assault on Tripoli in April 2019, Haftar said he would restore order and free the country from a government beholden to militias.

That pitch earned him the trust of several foreign actors, which in addition to the UAE and Russia, include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and, to a lesser extent, France.





In the short term, that meant Haftar could advance with relative ease and capture much of the countrys vast uninhibited terrain, particularly in the south.

Haftars narrative of having the will and, indeed, the ability to stabilise Libya became a self-fulfilling prophecy in what Libyan researcher Tarek Megerisi described as a Ponzi scheme.

As long as he kept going, expanding his power, he was all right. But now that hes suffered setbacks, all the others are running against him, Megerisi recently said.

And, sure enough, it did not take long for territories that previously fell under the LNAs control to issue statements denouncing Haftars coup and pledging their allegiance to the Tripoli-based administration of Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.

The southern regions were handed over to Haftar by some local tribes, said Tuwegiar, the former planning minister.

This was used to demonstrate to his external supporters the ease with which he could sweep through Libya, and Tripoli in particular.

Question of survival

For Mahmoud al-Futasy, a former minister of industry, Salehs political roadmap is a clear indication of his lack of trust in Haftar.

I think it is a matter of survival for Saleh. He realises that if he continues with Haftar, he will be out of the political game as Haftar is losing the battle, al-Futasy said.

Plus, he has the support of his tribe, which is very influential in eastern Libya, as well as that of the Russians and Egyptians.

In the leaked video of his meeting with tribal elders, Saleh said his plan, which includes the resumption of peace talks and formation of a new unity government, had the backing of Moscow and Cairo, key Haftar supporters.





That account seems to be corroborated by recent reports suggesting Haftars backers in the UAE and Egypt were looking for a replacement.

Meanwhile, Moscow and Ankara stepped up a gear in their diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the Libyan crisis.

Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in a telephone call on Thursday agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire and a resumption of the political process.

The move came just hours after Libyan Minister of Interior Fathi Bashagha announced that several Russian fighter jets had arrived in eastern Libya from an undisclosed location in Syria, in what has been interpreted by some observers as a signal that Moscow will not be backing out from Libya any time soon.

It remains to be seen whether Russia will continue banking on Haftar  and if that is the case  the GNAs reaction to a proposal that would include the Ajdabiya native.

One thing is certain for Colonel Rida Issa, who heads the GNAs naval operations: Haftar cannot be part of the new process.

We will not negotiate with Haftar. The killing of civilians, displacement of hundreds of thousands, and the destruction of homes and infrastructure is his responsibility, Issa told Al Jazeera.

After we win this battle, we must sit at the table and come up with a political solution. But eastern Libya must bring forth other individuals that we can negotiate with.
Two new coronavirus infections were reported in Tokyo on Saturday, the lowest single-day tally since Japan declared a state of emergency last month, as the government prepares to lift restrictions on the capital and four other prefectures.

The number of Tokyo's new cases, which increased rapidly in late March and peaked in mid-April, has recently remained below the threshold set by the central government for imposing emergency measures.

The Tokyo government has confirmed 5,138 cases so far. It received reports of eight new deaths of coronavirus patients Saturday, raising the toll to 271.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to lift the state of emergency in Tokyo, three neighboring prefectures and Hokkaido on Monday based on advice from experts.
Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital's doctors on Saturday organised a candle march to protest against government's decision to stop putting them under 14-day quarantine after finishing their duty in COVID-19 wards.

A group of resident doctors at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in the national capital on Saturday organised a candlelight vigil outside their hostel to protest against the governments decision to stop putting them under 14-day quarantine at dedicated facilities after finishing their duty at COVID-19 ward.

Doctors deployed for COVID-19 duty have raised objections to the new guidelines issued by the Centre. In the last few days, several hospitals have asked their healthcare workers staying in hotels during the quarantine period to vacate rooms immediately failing which the charges paid for their overstay would be deducted from their salaries.

Speaking to ANI, Daljeet Singh, Vice President Resident Doctors, RML Hospital said, We have gathered here today to hold a silent protest in the form of candle march against this unjust order of the government which has suddenly withdrawn our quarantine period of 14-days after COVID duty of 14 days which was previously given. Earlier, doctors who were posted in COVID wards were given a dedicated stay facility at hotels so that they can be away from our families as many may be asymptomatic carriers.

Also Read: After Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal says no to Centres plan for resuming flights

Also Read: AIIMS Pulmonology department head Dr Jitendra Nath Pande dies of COVID-19

This sudden order from the Health Ministry has completely withdrawn that dedicated facility and quarantine. They are now just providing us with the hotel facility during our duty period and after that they expect us to come back to duty and go back to our families, he added.

We are not asking for a dedicated facility just for our own sake but for the sake of our family. Our primary demand is that the 14-day quarantine period should be given to us and it should be given ina dedicates facility so that we stay away from our near and dear ones, said Singh.

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy orderds to fill vacant posts in hospitals

For all the latest National News, download NewsX App
It would already be a huge event if Wednesday's SpaceX launch was just the return to launching astronauts on U.S. rockets for the first time in nearly a decade.

But throw in the fact that it will also be the first orbital launch of U.S. astronauts by a private company  and the fact that it's happening in the middle of a pandemic  and you have a seismic historical event. And it just might give Americans something inspiring to talk about at a time when everyone needs it.

That's assuming the launch is successful. If it isn't, it could turn into yet another blow to the nation's morale, rather than a break from all of the bad news that surrounds us.

Why it matters: The launch to the International Space Station will mark the first crewed rocket launch from U.S. soil since the end of the space shuttle program in 2011. That nine-year gap marks the longest stretch of time since Alan Shepard's first spaceflight in 1961 that the U.S. hasn't had the ability to launch its own astronauts.

And yes, this launch is going ahead even though most of the U.S. is still locked down by the coronavirus.

How is that possible? By keeping the crowds away, quarantining the astronauts  and testing them regularly so they don't carry the virus to the space station with them.

What's happening: Since 2011, NASA has relied on Russia's Soyuz rockets to launch their astronauts to the space station, but this launch is expected to be the beginning of the end of that reliance.

NASA chose SpaceX and Boeing to build vehicles to fly NASA astronauts to the station in 2014, kicking off the Commercial Crew program.

Now, a Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken is expected to take flight atop a Falcon 9 rocket on Wednesday from Florida.

"This is a new generation  a new era  in human spaceflight," NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said during a press conference in early May.

The big picture: The space program has provided this kind of hope during dark times for Americans before.

As the Apollo 8 capsule orbited the Moon in 1968 on Christmas Eve, the astronauts

aboard read from the book of Genesis as millions of people watched back on Earth.

aboard read from the book of Genesis as millions of people watched back on Earth. The broadcast provided a welcome respite to a tumultuous year that included the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.

"This is still something that we're going to be successful at, and we're going to do it in the face of the pandemic," Behnken told Axios during a press conference on Friday.

Yes, but: This won't be the unbridled, patriotic moment that anyone was expecting when SpaceX and Boeing were announced as NASA's crewed launch partners.

Usually, crowds of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, flock to Florida's Space Coast to try to get a glimpse of a crewed flight as it takes off.

This time, however, NASA is asking that members of the public stay home and join in online instead of traveling to Kennedy Space Center for the launch in order to help protect their staff and others from possible exposure to the virus.

Between the lines: This launch will also mark the first time a private company using its own spacecraft and rocket design has lofted people to orbit, heralding in the dawn of a more mature space industry and a new age for spaceflight in the U.S.

While NASA's space shuttle was built by private companies under contract with the space agency, that program ended up costing NASA more than $1.5 billion per flight.

By contrast, SpaceX's development of the Crew Dragon  which is a far less complex vehicle than the shuttle  cost the agency about $1.7 billion even with years of delays.

The company will also be able to manufacture and use these spacecraft to fly private astronauts and even tourists to the station  and eventually beyond. (Tom Cruise reportedly hopes to shoot a movie with SpaceX on the station at some point.)

It's all part of NASA's grand plan to become a buyer of services in low-Earth orbit instead of a provider, allowing the agency to focus on other, bigger goals like getting humans to Mars.

The bottom line: If SpaceX can pull it off, its first crewed flight next week will mark a beacon of hope in an otherwise dark time for the world.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 24 : For Muslims across Kerala, Sunday began with an unusual celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr: unlike in the past, most of them made it a private and a closed-door affair on account of lockdown norms in place to combat Covid-19.

Muslim clerics on Friday said the moon had not been sighted. But the 30-day Ramadan was to end on Saturday, so the clerics declared that Eid-ul-Fitr in Kerala would be celebrated on Sunday.

In normal circumstances, Eid would have been celebrated with thousands of devout Muslims participating in open prayer sessions at specially erected Eid-Gahs at playgrounds and auditoriums. The community members would also have visited their near and dear ones with rich food being served throughout the day.

One of the country's tallest Islamic scholars, Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, who is currently the Grand Mufti of India and also the President of the Islamic Community of India, has wished people well, but had a word of caution for them.

"The world is facing one of its worst times as a pandemic has caused untold miseries to all. At this time of crisis, we should spend more time in prayers. This is one day when we should abide by the orders of the authorities to enable us to combat Covid-19. All of us should pray that the world recovers from this crisis," said the Grand Mufti.

At Kozhikode, one of the important Muslim centres in the state, it was a closed-door affair at many homes.

"We decided to stay indoor. After a prayer session, our family sat down and had a breakfast. As the entire world is suffering due to coronavirus, and many people are finding life very tough, we decided that there would be no celebrations at all. It would be a simple and normal day for us," said a teenage girl in Kozhikode.

The supreme leader of the Indian Union Muslim League, Panakkad Hyderali Shihab Thangal, in his message said as the world is going through one of its worst crises, the day should be used for prayers for those who are going through tough times.

Even as the lockdown norms continue to be strict, and despite it being a Sunday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan allowed slight relaxations. Shops selling meat and fish were open in the morning for a few hours.

Muslims account for 88.73 lakh of the 3.34 crore population in Kerala.
Gov. Phil Murphy woke from cancer surgery on the morning of March 4, and a few hours later, New Jersey confirmed its first case of Covid-19.

His response was to disobey his doctors orders. He wasnt supposed to work the phones from his hospital bed or return to work so quickly. He ran his first public briefing on March 13, when he was supposed to be resting at home.

So, maybe the crisis is making me mushy, but any evaluation of Murphys performance at this stage has to begin with gratitude. Its enough to make you want to bang a pan at 7 p.m.

Hes had his stumbles, and some of them have cost lives, especially in our nursing homes. His plan to release vulnerable prisoners has been tragically mismanaged. Hes left federal money on the table by failing to furlough public workers and claim stimulus subsidies to cover their salaries. Hes been defensive about the release of public documents, to the point of neurosis.

But New Jersey bent the curve, and thats largely because of Murphys leadership. The great fear in the early days of this pandemic was that New Jersey would look like Italy, where hospitals were overwhelmed and elderly patients died in hallways struggling to breathe without needed ventilators.

Lets not forget how terrifying that was. I visited Holy Name Hospital in Bergen Count in mid-March, as work crews scrambled to expand the ICU, doctors swapped gloves and masks with colleagues at other hospitals out of desperation, and ethics advisors discussed who should get the last ventilator, and who should be left to die.

We escaped that fate because Murphy, like Gov. Andrew Cuomo, listened to the experts and relentlessly pounded home the need to change our lives, urgently and dramatically, backed up by a robust use of executive orders to shut down the economy. Under the watchful eye of public health experts, they are now gradually reopening, fending off pressure to move too quickly.

Hes doing a great job, says Sen. Dick Codey, D-Essex. His messaging shows that hes in charge, and thats the most important thing a leader can do right now. People want (to know) this guy knows what hes doing and has control of the situation. That gives them hope.

Murphy shut down the economy about the same time as Cuomo did. They are both taking some flack for not moving sooner, a criticism that gained new weight last week as a report out of Columbia University estimated that acting one week sooner would have saved 36,000 lives by May 3.

The question is whether they had enough information to know they should have acted sooner. Murphy, coordinating with tri-state governors, limited public gatherings to 250 on March 12, eight days after the first infection was detected. He tightened restrictions, step by step, until the stay-at-home order came on March 21, a day after New York and Illinois, but ahead of the rest of the country. Well learn more, but Im not ready to throw darts.

One more for plus column: Murphy is pretending to be impressed with the performance of President Trump, knowing that our child president must be managed carefully. At an Oval Office meeting three weeks ago, Murphy gushed: I thank you for the enormous help in our darkest hour of need.

That has got to hurt. Because the federal government has failed spectacularly, and Murphy knows it. America makes up 5 percent of the worlds population, and 28 percent of deaths. Trump is pressing to open the economy now, and he said Friday that we should not close it again, even if a second wave hits in the fall. On every front, hes doing the opposite of Murphy.

But New Jersey needs his help, and Murphy is smart enough to know that flattery will help. It got us ventilators, protecting equipment, and rapid response teams to help with the crisis at the VA nursing homes. And were going to need billions more in aid to get over this, with Trump holding the strings.

The governors biggest stumble seems to be over nursing homes, where the virus has killed 1 in 13 residents. The administration put hospitals first, even as the death toll exploded in nursing homes. That state didnt conduct its first nursing home inspection until April 16, well into the crisis, after 17 bodies were found stacked behind a nursing home in Andover. He was late sending the National Guard to provide desperately needed staffing help. And he may have accelerated the crisis by requiring nursing homes to re-admit Covid-19 patients while they were still recovering from hospital stays.

New Jerseys prisons are a virus tinderbox as well, and Corrections Commissioner Marcus Hicks has failed to cope. After the state Supreme Court ordered low-risk prisoners in jails to be released to limit the spread, Murphy issued a similar order for state prisons. It took Hicks 17 days to release the first one, and its been painfully slow progress since.

The governors failure to act on furloughs is a final black mark. Under the stimulus program, the furloughed workers would get regular unemployment, plus the $600 a week bonus, at least until July 31. Those earning less than about $75,000 would actually earn more. Legislative leaders gave him a draft bill in early April, and got no response. Both houses overwhelming passed the bill to force Murphys hand, and still Murphy hasnt acted. That speaks to his chronic failure to build coalitions.

Hes become even more isolated, says Assembly Jon Bramnick, R-Union.

The record is mixed, and it will be take months before Murphys performance can be fairly judged. The Senate will open hearings in a few weeks on the debacle at the nursing homes, which seems now like the biggest failure. But on the whole, so far, he has steered the state to safer ground, and deserves the strong public support hes enjoying.

More: Tom Moran columns

Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.
At least three people, including two government officials, were killed in an attack in Pakistan's restive North Waziristan district on May 24, administration and police officials said.

An administration official who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to talk to reporters told RFE/RL that gunmen riding two motorcycles opened fire at the men in Hassu Khel village of Mir Ali town.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

Attacks on Pakistani security forces in the restive Balochistan Province bordering Afghanistan and Iran and the tribal districts bordering Afghanistan have increased over the past few months.

Zubaidullah Dawar, a director at the Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation within the Ministry of Housing and Works, and Malik Nematullah, a local tribal elder and officer at Health Department of Khyber Pakhunkhwa Province, died "on the spot," the administration official said.

Farman, the third victim, reportedly died on his way to the hospital in Bannu.

Nizam, a police official at Mir Ali police station, told RFE/RL that the attack took place at 11 a.m. local time near Eidgah, a place where Muslims offer Eid al-Fitr prayers.

A case was filed and sent to the Counterterrorism Department of the police, he added.

Both officials were attending an Eid al-Fitr celebration marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan in their hometown, Nizam said.

When contacted, Shafiullah Gandapur, police chief of North Waziristan tribal district, declined to comment.

Mohsin Dawar, a lawmaker representing North Waziristan in Pakistan's parliament, "strongly" condemned the attack on Twitter.

On May 17, a Pakistani soldier was killed in a roadside bomb attack in Mir Ali in North Waziristan.
Cian English, 19, (right) fell from a fourth-floor Surfers Paradise balcony while allegedly trying to escape from a vicious assault at the hands of three men

A friend of three men charged over the alleged assault and murder of a teenager who fell to his death from a fourth-floor balcony filmed the incident and posted it on social media.

Cian English, 19, fell from the View Pacific resort in Surfers Paradise at about 3am on Saturday while allegedly trying to escape Jason Ryan Knowles, 22, Lachlan Paul Soper-Lagas, 18, and Hayden Paul Kratzman, 20.

The group are accused of storming the unit Mr English, who is from Hawthorne in Brisbane's east, was partying in and demanded he and a friend give them their phones and some of their clothes while holding a knife to one of their throats.

A 16-year-old girl who tagged along with the three accused is believed to have filmed the alleged violent assault, The Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

The video allegedly shows a teenage girl saying that a man has plunged from the balcony.

Police believe the three accused were staying inside a nearby unit in the apartment complex and had been communicating with Mr English's party throughout the evening.

It will be alleged the two groups had been partying together and taken prescription drugs, but relations soured with things eventually turning violent.

Lachlan Paul Soper-Lagas, 18, is one of three young men charged with murder over Mr English's death

Hayden Paul Kratzman, 20, is another of the trio charged with murder and armed robbery

Jason Ryan Knowles, 22, is the eldest of the three who allegedly beat Mr English while trying to rob him, and is accused of causing his death

Four other teenagers aged between 16 and 19 were found in the same apartment in varying states of consciousness and were taken to Robina Hospital for treatment for drug overdoses.

'What we will be alleging is... the three main offenders have robbed the victim and his friend at knifepoint and in the course of this the victim has attempted to escape and gone over the balcony and died,' Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith Smith said.

The other alleged victim safely escaped the complex.

'We believe that all persons in the premises were under the influence of drugs at the time,' Detective Smith said.

Jason Knowles, Lachlan Soper-Lagas and Hayden Kratzman were on Sunday morning charged with murder and two counts of armed robbery.

Police are investigating whether the alleged murder was linked to a series of break and enters at chemists in Logan and the northern Gold Coast where prescription drugs were stolen from the premises.

Mr English (right) fell to his death from a Surfers Paradise balcony in the early hours of Saturday morning after allegedly being held at knifepoint

A 16-year-old girl who tagged along with the three men, aged 18, 20 and 22, is believed to have filmed the alleged violent assault

Detective Superintendent Smith made an emotional plea for calm after charged on Sunday.

'I don't know how you reconcile that as a family or even as a community,' he said.

'Its becoming too common and we need to stop it. Violence doesn't solve anything.'

'Given the circumstances, the consequences of the robbery and the threats made to the victim the three offenders are being charged with murder,' Detective Smith said.

Spoer-Lagas is due to appear in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Monday while Knowles and Kratzmann will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

A woman said she had seen the tragic night unfold via video footage on Instagram and Snapchat.

'The videos I have seen, they are sickening and so very sad,' she told the Courier-Mail.

'It's not in the best interest of this poor boy's family to see him like that.'

Detectives said Mr English was running from the men who allegedly stormed the unit he was partying in

Mr English pictured left. After his body was discovered, four other teenagers in varying states of consciousness were found in the apartment

A passer-by discovered Mr English's lifeless body on the pavement before calling emergency services.

Paramedics tried to perform CPR on the 19-year-old but were too late.

Two other 16-year-old boys, believed to be a part of the group, were arrested at 2.20am between View Avenue and the Esplanade for possessing prescription drugs.

They were also treated by paramedics for showing symptoms associated with drug use.

Police believe up to 12 people may have attended the party.

Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Senior Operations Supervisor Neil Stead said the teen had 'traumatic injuries'.

The drugs involved were reportedly Diazepam or Valium.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Judicial Watch, the dogged organization that forces the government to produce documents it would rather hide, believes that it may finally have gotten hold of the FBI memo that started the Obama administrations spying, first on the Trump campaign and then, when Trump won, on the Trump presidency. If the email Judicial Watch received is indeed the charging memo, it is a document so careless and ephemeral that it shouldnt have been used to investigate a ham sandwich, let alone a presidential candidate and incoming president.

The electronic communication the government produced is heavily redacted. Nevertheless, theres enough information in it, especially when combined with what weve already learned about Crossfire Hurricane, to show that there was no legal or practical justification for the investigation. (You can see the document here, and the full text is at the bottom of this post.)

The first thing one notices is that Peter Strzoks name is all over it. Hes a one-man FBI. The document is ccd to Strzok, hes listed as a Counterintelligence contact, he approved the document, and he drafted the document.

To refresh your recollection about the smirking Strzok, in his emails to his paramour, Lisa Page, he referred to Trump as a loathsome human being, an idiot, a f**king idiot, and awful. Strzok devoutly wished for a Hillary victory. Disturbingly, he believed that it was up to him to protect our country from Trump. The Crossfire Hurrican opening document may reflect that delusional sense of self-importance.

The email announces that [a]n investigation is being opened based on information received by Legat [Legal Attache] on 07/29/2016. So what is that information? Almost nothing.

An unnamed government (we know it was Russia) was allegedly seeking prominent people in Trumps campaign to prepare for potential post-election relations should Trump be elected U.S. President. George Papadopoulos is named as one of those prominent people. Thats a stretch, to say the least. Papadopoulos was an unpaid foreign policy adviser. Further, its neither unusual nor illegal for countries to try to line up contacts with a potential president.

The next paragraph alleges that Papadopoulos said that the Russians had suggested that they (the Russians) could assist the Trump campaign with the anonymous release of information during the campaign that would be damaging to Hillary Clinton. That Russia allegedly made this offer does not mean that the Trump team engaged in any wrongdoing that would justify an investigation.

Having written the above, Strzok then reframes the same alleged Russian offer to Papadopoulos with a significant addition (emphasis mine):

Mr. Papadopolous [Redacted] also suggested the Trump team had received some kind of suggestion from Russia that it could assist this process with the anonymous release of information during the campaign that would be damaging to Mrs. Clinton (and President Obama). It was unclear whether he or the Russians were referring to material acquired publicly of through other means. It was also unclear how Mr. Trumps team reacted to the offer. We note the Trump teams reaction could, in the end, have little bearing of what Russia decides to do, with or without Mr. Trumps cooperation.

The emphasized language is fascinating, for it simultaneously seems to explain why the FBI started spying on Trump, while also making clear that the FBI had no justification for spying on Trump. The lack of justification appears in this language:

It was also unclear how Mr. Trumps team reacted to the offer. We note the Trump teams reaction could, in the end, have little bearing on what Russia decides to do, with or without Mr. Trumps cooperation.

Put another way, the FBI was saying that it had no idea what Trumps team did or would do, but that the choice the Trump team made would not, in any event, affect what Russian ultimately chose to do. Again, this cannot justify spying on an opposition presidential candidate. And indeed, when similar information appeared during John McCains presidential campaign, the FBI notified McCain that Russia might be a problem, ending the matter immediately.

Notifying Trump, of course, is exactly what the FBI did not do. Instead, the FBI, acting through the ubiquitous Strzok, started spying on Trump.

This drastic and unprecedented decision may have been because of that little parenthetical -- and President Obama. Does that parenthetical mean that Obama was worried that the Russians had dirt on him, whether from stealing Hillarys unsecured emails or from another source? If that was the case, Obama and those who dreaded the thought of a Trump presidency would have had a motive to begin the spying operation to shut down the Trump candidacy and to silence anyone who knew something bad about Obama.

Strzok, who seems to have been the FBIs fixer on this matter, famously hated Trumps supporters as much as he hated Trump. After Crossfire Hurricane began, he texted Page, Just went to a southern Virginia Walmart. I could SMELL the Trump support. Its ironic, therefore, that when it came to Obamas dirty little secrets (assuming the Russians had any), it was Strzok who stepped up to answer a call that was the equivalent of a voice over the Walmart speaker saying Cleanup on aisle 3.

*****

Full text of the July 31, 2016, electronic communication that open Crossfire Hurricane:

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Electronic Communication

Title: Crossfire Hurricane Date: 07/31/2016

Cc: [Redacted]

Strzok Peter P II

From: COUNTERINTELLIGENCE

[Redacted]

Contact: Strzok Peter P II, [Redacted]

Approved by: Strzok Peter P II

Drafed by: Strzok Peter P II

Case ID #: [Redacted]

CROSSFIRE HURRICANE;

FOREIGN AGENTS REGISTRATION ACT 

RUSSIA;

SENSITIVE INVESTIGATIVE MATTER

This document contains information that is restricted to case participants

Synopsis: (S/ / ) Opens and assigns investigation

Reason 1.4 (b)

Derived from: FBI

NSISC-20090615

Declassify On: 20411231

[Redacted]

(S/) An investigation is being opened based on information received by Legat [Redacted] on 07/29/2016. The text of that email follows:

SECRET/

[Redacted]

Title: (S/ / CC/NF) CROSSFIRE HURRICANE

Re: [Redacted] 07/31/2016

BEGIN EMAIL

(U/ /) Legat [Redacted] information from [Redacted] Deputy Chief of Mission

Synopsis:

(U/ /) Legat [Redacted] received information from the [Redacted] Deputy Chief of Mission related to the hacking of the Democratic National Committees website/server.

Details:

(S/ /[Redacted] On Wednesday, July 27, 2016, Legal Attache (Legat) [Redacted] was summoned to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) for the [Redacted] who will be leaving [Redacted] post Saturday July 30, 2016 and set to soon thereafter retire from government service, advised [Redacted] was called by [Redacted] about an urgent matter requiring an in person meeting with the U.S. Ambassador. [Note: [Redacted]. The [Redacted] was scheduled to be away from post until mid-August, therefore [Redacted] attended the meeting.

(S/ [Redacted]) [Redacted] advised that [Redacted] government had been seeking prominent members of the Donald Trump campaign in which to engage to prepare for potential post-election relations should Trump be elected U.S. President. One of the people identified was George Papadopolous (although public media sources provide a spelling of Papadopoulos), who was believed to be one of Donald Trumps foreign policy advisers. Mr. Papdopoulos was located in [Redacted] so the [Redacted] met with him on several occasions, with [Redacted] attending at least one of the meetings.

(S/ [Redacted]) [Redacted] recalled [Redacted] of the meetings between Mr. Papdopolous and [Redacted] concerning statements Mr. Papadopolous made about suggestions from the Russians that they (the Russians) could assist the Trump campaign with the anonymous release of information during the campaign that would be damaging to Hillary Clinton. [Redacted] provided a copy of the reporting that was provided to [Redacted] from [Redacted] to Legal [Redacted]. The text is exactly as follows:

(Begin Text)

(S/ [Redacted]) 5. Mr. Papadopolous [Redacted] also suggested the Trump team had received some kind of suggestion from Russia that it could assist this process with the anonymous release of information during the campaign that would be damaging to Mrs. Clinton (and President Obama). It was unclear whether he or the Russians were referring to material acquired publicly of through other means. It was also unclear how Mr. Trumps team reacted to the offer. We note the Trump teams reaction could, in the end, have little bearing of what Russia decides to do, with or without Mr. Trumps cooperation.

(End Text)

(s/ [Redacted]

[Redacted]

(s/ [Redacted] Legat requests that further action on this information should consider the sensitivity that this information was provided through informal diplomatic channels from [Redacted] to the U.S. Embassys DCM. It was clear from the conversation Legal [Redacted]

had with DCM that [Redacted] knew follow-up by the U.S. government would be necessary, but extraordinary efforts should be made to protect the source of this information until such a time that a request from our organization can be made to [Redacted] to obtain this information through formal channels.

END EMAIL

(S/ / ) Based on the information provided by Legat [Redacted] this investigation is being opened to determine whether individual(s) associated with the Trump campaign are witting of and/or coordinating activities with the Government of Russia.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, 91 members of Ukraine's Armed Forces have recovered.

The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine rose by 14 as of the morning of May 24.

"As of 07:00 Kyiv time on May 24, some 62 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine had acute respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In total, 91 people recovered and two died during the pandemic. Fourteen new cases of acute respiratory illness COVID-19 were recorded in the past day," the press service of the Medical Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook on May 24.

Read alsoTwelve coronavirus patients die in Ukraine in past day

"Four servicemen of the Kharkiv garrison are in the isolation cell of the military unit. Eight more servicemen of the Ternopil garrison are also currently in the isolation ward of the military unit and will soon be evacuated to the military hospital in Rivne. The health status of the patients is satisfactory. They have the necessary treatment," it said.

In addition, one member of the Zhytomyr garrison's military unit was sent to the National Military Medical Clinical Center "GVKG." The patient's condition is moderate, he receives the necessary treatment.

Another serviceman of the Kyiv garrison, who has no symptoms of the disease, is self-isolating at home under the supervision of the medical service. The patient's health condition is satisfactory.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, 91 members of Ukraine's Armed Forces have recovered, two cases were fatal.

Some 259 servicemen are now isolated (including self-isolation). The number of those whose isolation term is expiring in the next three days is 40 people.

As UNIAN reported earlier, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ukraine as of Sunday morning was 20,986, including 406 in the past 24 hours.
Neglect of diseases like TB and



cholera during the lockdown may cancel out lives potentially saved by the COVID-19-induced enforcement measure, says a public health expert.

Professor, Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad, Public Health Foundation of India, V Ramana Dhara said one has to consider the invisible loss of life from the increase in poverty-related diseases like TB, malnutrition and cholera, which can be neglected while the "lockdowns are ongoing".

The deaths resulting from these diseases may well cancel out the lives potentially saved by the lockdowns.

One should view this epidemic as Mother Nature's reaction to the rampant ecological damage caused by humans resulting in animal habitat loss and resultant contact between humans and animals , he told PTI in an interview on Sunday.

On his assessment of the COVID-19 situation in India, he noted that clearly the number of cases as on Saturday of 125,000 has exceeded the predicted 100,000 by May-end and is continuing to rapidly rise .

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two restaurant managers and their relative allegedly robbed a food delivery executive while he was alone in southeast Delhi's Aashtha Kunj park, police said on Sunday.

Police identified the three accused with the help of CCTV footage and arrested them on Saturday from Mamraj mohalla, Garhi in Delhi, they said. The robbed mobile phone and a knife the accused used in the robbery were also recovered from them, a police official said.

The accused were identified as Nishant Kumar (21) and his brother Sushant Kumar (24) and their relative Sumit Kumar (25).

The brothers are managers at separate restaurants while the other relative, Sumit, works as salesman at a hardware shop in Connaught Place. They all are residents of Garhi in East of Kailash, police said.

None of the three accused has any previous involvements in any crime. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) RP Meena said Nishant and Sumit are alcoholic and due to the lockdown, they were facing shortage of money to fund their addiction.

According to police, the incident took place on Thursday night when Vishnu Kumar, the food delivery executive, was going to Sant Nagar in East of Kaliash from Rain Basera, Nehru Place.

In his complaint, Vishnu said when he reached near Aashtha Kunj park around 7.30 pm, three people accosted him and tried to snatch his mobile phone. When he resisted, Sumit attacked him with a knife and the other accused robbed his mobile phone.

The injured delivery person was taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre by PCR staff and his statement was recorded, police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The new missile-capable frigate BRP Jose Rizal FF150 of the Philippines navy arrived in Subic Bay on Saturday May 23, 2020, after a five-day trip from Ulsan, South Korea. The new frigate left South Korea for its delivery to the Philippines on 18 May 2020.

The new missile-capable frigate BRP Jose Rizal FF150 of the Philippines navy arrived in Subic Bay on Saturday May 23, 2020, after a five-day trip from Ulsan, South Korea. The new frigate left South Korea for its delivery to the Philippines on 18 May 2020.

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New guide missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal FF150 of the Philippines navy arrived in Subic Bay on Saturday May 23, 2020 (Picture source facebook Philippines Navy)

In 2016, the Philippines has signed a contract with the South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries for the purchase of two missile frigates. The two ships of the Jose Rizal-class frigate will become the most modern surface combatants of the Philippine Navy

The first frigate, temporarily identified as Hull P159, had its First Steel Cutting Ceremony on 1 May 2018, marking the start of construction work. The keel was laid down on 16 October 2018 at HHI's Ulsan shipyard. The new frigate, named after national hero Jose Rizal, was commissioned into service on June 19, 2019, the heros birthday.

The lead ship, temporarily identified as Hull P159, had its First Steel Cutting Ceremony on 1 May 2018, marking the start of construction work. The keel was laid down on 16 October 2018 at HHI's Ulsan shipyard.

The Jose Rizal-class frigate is a class of two guided missile frigates, designed as multi-role semi-stealth ships for the Philippine Navy. The ships are heavily modified derivative of HDF-3000 frigate design (officially known as HDF-2600 Frigate Design) from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) with design specifically accommodated to fit the requirements of the Philippine Navy.

The armament of the BRP Jose Rizal includes one Oto Melara 76 mm Super Rapid Gun, one ASELSAN SMASH 30mm Secondary Gun, 4 S&T Motiv 12.7mm K6 Heavy Machine Guns and 1 Close-in weapon system (FFBNW). The frigate is also armed with two Twin MBDA Simbad RC with Mistral missiles, one single 8-cell Vertical Launching System (FFBNW) and two Twin LIGNex1 SSM-700K C-Star Anti Ship Missile. It also has two SEA Triple Trainable Torpedo Launchers.

The Philippine frigates have a standard displacement of about 2,600 tons and a length of 107 meters. The diesel main power plant under the CODAD scheme should provide full speed of 25 knots, a cruising range of 4500 nautical miles at a speed of 15 knots.
I knew him very well. In the party, he was invariably non-controversial, low-profile, well-mannered and always very guarded and measured in his utterances.

A perfect description of the late George Michael Chambers, the countrys second prime minister and political leader of the Peoples National Movement (PNM), from Ferdie Ferreira, a foundation member, in his book Political Encounters 1946 -2016.
For so many people, Home isnt a safe place to be. Lockdown has opened everyones eyes

Right now, there are hundreds of women who are more afraid of their own partner than any virus. As calls to domestic abuse helplines have soared and the number of women murdered is now twice the national average, Anna Moore asks  how can we stop the pandemics other killer?

For most of Rachel Williamss 18-year marriage she was locked into survival mode, living day to day, always focused on extending her husbands good moods and getting through his bad ones.

This meant obeying a barrage of rules that governed every inch of her life, from the length of her hair (it had to be short) to the length of her skirts (they had to be long). It included how she could work (as a hairdresser, but she wasnt allowed to have male clients), while at home it meant keeping the house to impossible standards (her husband once hid crumbs of Weetabix under the kitchen bin, then punished her for failing to clean them away).

Every day meant walking on eggshells, says Rachel, but if I was living with him now in this lockdown, it would mean walking on broken glass. I just cant think of anything worse. At least I had my work  time and space away from him  and in the evenings he used to go to the gym for training sessions. Lockdown would mean living 24/7 with a domestic terrorist.

Rachel Williams with HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at a Safelives reception at Clarence House this February

Yet this is the reality for a frightening number of UK women. Since lockdown, calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline have risen by 49 per cent. Refuges are running out of space. The Met Police are making 100 domestic violence arrests a day. Chillingly, the number of women killed has jumped to more than double the national average. In the first month of lockdown, 14 women were shot, stabbed, beaten or burned to death in the UK. This included Kelly Fitzgibbons from West Sussex, who, along with her two young daughters, was shot by her partner Robert Needham. He then turned the gun on himself.

Domestic abuse has always been with us but for the first time its making daily headlines. The Government has launched an awareness campaign (#YouAreNotAlone),

MPs are calling for an urgent cross-party action plan and the Home Secretary has pledged emergency funds for frontline services. Before COVID-19, lots of people didnt understand that for so many women, home is not a safe place to be, says Rachel. Lockdown has opened everybodys eyes. Now happily remarried, Rachel, 49, is a vocal campaigner on domestic abuse  she is currently chairing her own weekly Cobra meetings where MPs, survivors, police and frontline services come together on Zoom to exchange information in lockdown. She has supporters in high places  HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and actor Michael Sheen among them  but when she first met Darren Williams, she was just 21, a single mum to two-year-old Josh, living in Newport. Williams was 27, a 6ft 7in, 18-stone bouncer who seemed open and vulnerable  a gentle giant. Hed had it rough, says Rachel. Hed been brought up in a violent household and his brother had committed suicide. I thought, Im going to fix him.

The first red flag came months later, after a party when someone mentioned Rachels ex-boyfriend. Walking home, Darren began asking who this boyfriend was, then shoved her into some nettles. The next day he apologised, saying hed been jealous because he loved her so much. Rachel let it go, Darren moved in and soon she was pregnant with their son Jack.

Her second memory of violence was seven months into the pregnancy. He lifted me off the floor by my throat and only let me go when my lips turned blue. Again, Darren begged for forgiveness. He fell on his knees and cried like a baby. He went to anger management classes. I thought, Well be all right  Ill make it better. But it wasnt to be.

This pattern of violence and terror followed by tears and remorse continued, and the rules to live by piled up. Its a slow drip, drip, says Rachel. Gradually, you lose your freedom but you dont realise it because for every rule he gives a reason, and before you know it, that has become your normal relationship. Your body and mind are just trying to shield the children and get through the day. As time went on, Darren told me the only way I was getting out of the relationship was in a wooden box  and I truly believed him. What was the point in burdening other people when there was nothing they could do?

It was only after a particularly horrifying attack, where Darren strangled Rachel then slit his own wrists, that the fear of staying became greater than the fear of leaving. Rachel made a police statement, Darren was arrested and charged with common assault. On 19 August 2011, he was out on bail with no restrictions when he walked into Rachels workplace  the hair salon  and blasted her with a shotgun, while also telling her he loved her. She was shot in the legs after curling up to protect her chest, and had black eyes and boot marks embedded in her arms. Darren fled to local woods and took his own life. I remember being told he was dead, says Rachel. I was in hospital, off my trolley on morphine but it felt like this massive boulder had been lifted off my shoulders. If he was still alive, thered have been no escape. Id have been running for ever.

Tragically, Rachels son Jack killed himself only a few weeks later. He was 16, struggling to make sense of it and relations with his mum had broken down while she was in hospital. His text messages changed from, Im praying for your legs to, Its all your fault, says Rachel. Jack was the tragedy and thats why Im so passionate about campaigning. If I had understood domestic abuse when Id first met Darren, Id have left before he got his clutches into me, before I became his possession.

Michelle, 51, feels exactly the same. Like Rachel, she was 21 when she met her husband while travelling in India. Michelle was a free spirit, having quit her job to travel alone. He was a German police officer on holiday, nine years older, handsome and charming. You think youve met the person of your dreams,

she says. I cut my travel short and moved to Germany, then became pregnant very quickly. Although, within two years, he was disconnecting the house phone whenever he left for work, she had no idea that this constituted abuse. Domestic abuse thrives on isolation so Michelle  in a German village with minimal language and no friends or family around her  was vulnerable from the start. Her partner changed almost immediately. Hed told me he loved my sparkiness and spontaneity but that wasnt true  he wanted the opposite, she says. He was so organised and particular. He told me how useless I was at the most basic things, that I was stupid, repulsive. There were a million rules for me and none for him. When their son was born, this escalated.

Michelles husband grew more abusive after the birth of their son

Its a bit like workplace bullying  each incident alone sounds pathetic but cumulatively its devastating. When wed first met, Id been brave, mouthy, confident  now I felt confused. Instead of fighting back, I tried to make things better and smooth everything out. Their first family Christmas is a typical example. He was very controlling around finances and gave me a Christmas allowance, which Id spent on food and presents, says Michelle. On Christmas Eve we went to buy a tree  he expected it to come from my allowance, which was all gone. He was so angry that he didnt speak to me again for three days. On 27 December, our sons first birthday, we had visitors and they noticed all the presents under the tree still unopened.

Month by month, his control tightened. When he left for work, after disconnecting the phone (this was before mobiles) hed take the car keys, leaving Michelle isolated in the snowy German winter. He did not attack his wife, though an underlying threat was always lurking. Hed get hold of my arm and throw me out of the kitchen if Id stacked the dishwasher the wrong way, or hed pick our 14-month-old son out of the high chair and throw him on to the bed for eating like a pig, she says. Sometimes, hed bring a gun home from work and sleep with it on the bedside table. I can remember at one point wanting him to hit me so that I would know for sure that what he was doing was wrong. If he was violent, Id have something to tell people, instead of he ignored me because I folded his clothes badly.

It was only when Michelle did mention some of her husbands behaviour to a local couple that she knew for sure it was unacceptable. They told me that this wasnt right; it was very wrong, she says. Eventually, Michelle moved into this couples home before returning to the UK and raising her son alone. Ten years later, while applying for a job in the domestic abuse sector and reading up on the definition, Michelle realised that shed been a victim herself. It had left a deep wound but, back then, there was much less awareness. No one spoke about controlling partners or coercive control. I hope thats changing. Michelle now works for SafeLives, a UK domestic abuse charity that puts the voices of survivors at the heart of what it does.

Rachel Williams is one the SafeLives survivors involved in campaigning and helping to shape policy. Sarah*, 35, is another. Sarahs relationship followed a familiar pattern. At first her partner  someone shed met through work  was charming and attentive. After two dates, he declared his love; within four months they were living together and in six months Sarah was pregnant. It felt like it was meant to be, she says. But before our daughter had been born, he started to plant little seeds, criticising my friends and family, telling me I shouldnt be going to certain places. I wanted it to work so much; I was terrified of being a single parent.

After the birth, life became much harder. Hed tell me that I was useless, that I wasnt coping, says Sarah. There were rules she had to follow  from her socialising to her appearance. I had to dress very conservatively and my hair changed from blonde to brunette.

Sarah left the relationship when she saw her partner treating their 18-month-old daughter the way he treated her  shouting in her face to shut the f*** up. He soon began to stalk Sarah, parking outside her new flat, appearing anywhere she happened to be (she later discovered hed put a tracker on her car). He also began to threaten her with 13 hours of intimate footage hed recorded when they were still together without her knowledge. He sent some of this footage to her father. When she approached her exs former partner  the woman hed been with before Sarah  she discovered he had abused her too, and even strangled her. Sarah went to the police, her partner was charged and convicted of stalking and served 26 weeks in prison. It led Sarah to join the police herself.

People think that domestic abuse is new, she says, but abusers were here before lockdown and theyll be here after. It has increased the risk by stripping back the safe places like work or the GPs surgery. How can you phone a helpline when your partner is in the room? How can you ask for help when you need to stay two metres away from everyone else?

SafeLives has published specific guidance for women in fear during lockdown. Womens Aid has an online chat and Refuge has a webform with a quick exit button that takes you back to Google. Theres also the 999 silent call service if you cant speak: dial 999, hit the number five twice and the police will act on it. Domestic abuse charity Hestia recently teamed up with Boots pharmacies nationwide to offer safe spaces in its consultation rooms, with access to contacts for help and advice.

For the rest of us, for friends and neighbours, SafeLives has launched a Reach In campaign (see below) with advice on how to help. Communities delivering food and supplies in the pandemic should also be alert to signs of domestic abuse and reach out with a simple, Are you OK? If we dont all look, we wont see.

A message from HRH the Duchess of Cornwall

Camilla has been a supporter of the domestic abuse charity SafeLives for several years. It provides a lifeline to women, men and children who are suffering, or who have suffered, from domestic abuse, she says. When I first visited them, I listened to the harrowing stories from these remarkably brave women and I knew that I wanted to do something to help. I very much hope that, after reading their stories, you will want to help too. During these exceptional times, it is even more important that we all look out for each other. If you think someone you know might be at risk, then please follow the advice from SafeLives and reach in. It really could make all the difference.

Worried about someone you know?

SafeLives advice on how to reach in

 While theres a huge community effort to make sure everyone has food and other essentials, we also need to be vigilant for signs of fear, injuries,shouting and distress.

 Not everyone identifies with the label domestic abuse. Instead, you could try saying, You seem a bit down. Has someone upset you? or Im worried about you and want to help.

 Keep in touch but remember a victims calls and texts may be monitored. Offer to shop for them and try to find out if theres a time their partner is out of the house.

 Agree on a secret code a victim can use if shes frightened, eg, I need a pint of milk. If someone is in immediate danger, dial 999.

 Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 if youre concerned for yourself or someone else.

 Find more information at safelives.org.uk

*name has been changed.
The portraits did just that and the high school students had a chance to see their subjects reaction in a video sent by The Memory Project. In the video, the children danced around and smiled, thanking the artists for their pictures, blurting out, We love you, Thank you for the drawing, its really nice, and Its really beautiful.
The Starbucks drive-thru off 75th Street Southeast in Everett is sometimes so backed up that the line of cars stretches out onto the nearby arterial of Evergreen Way, neighbors say.

I got my letter and about fell off the chair, said landlord Jerry Goodman. The space seemed to be performing well, and he wasnt sure why it needed rent relief.

But just a few miles south of the bustling drive-thru in Goodmans building, the picture is much different at the two Starbucks locations in Lynnwoods Alderwood Mall. Those stores have been closed on and off since late March, due first to the statewide stay-at-home order and later because of slow foot traffic, employees said.

Starbucks letter to landlords suggests the company is anticipating a longer recovery than some economists initially predicted. The chains 12-month ask took some by surprise  other companies have asked for shorter periods of rent deferral.

Starbucks quarterly earnings fell by half from 2019, to $328.4 million, it reported on April 28. On an earnings call with analysts, executives said the company anticipates even greater financial hits as the year progresses.
The mothers of both women at the head of the Stormont Executive have been in hospital during the pandemic, the Deputy First Minister has revealed.

Michelle ONeill also said the Covid-19 outbreak had brought the DUP and Sinn Fein closer together.

Asked what they have personally found most challenging throughout the crisis, Mrs ONeill said that both her own and Arlene Fosters mums had been ill.

I think sometimes people think politicians are a people apart, that somehow we live a different reality, but our reality is the same as everybody elses, Mrs ONeill told Sky News Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme.

In March both lamented the fact there would be no hugs with their mums on Mothers Day.

Mrs ONeill had said the occasion would be hard for her. She said that instead of a family meal, she would be talking to her mum using FaceTime.

When I think of my own mother Kathleen, it is with nothing but pride. She taught me many things that I use every day of my life, she said.

And Mrs Foster said that in the midst of all the crisis her 86-year-old mum Georgina Kelly has one overriding concern  will the hairdresser still do my hair?.

Shes always a great leveller, she said ahead of Mothers Day.

No matter what in the world may be going on, mum will still expect her calls to be answered after two rings and will want to tell you in detail the latest news from Lisnaskea.

Expand Close DUP leader Arlene Foster is hugged by her mother Georgina Kelly after becoming First Minister at Parliament Buildings, Stormont / Facebook

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Whatsapp DUP leader Arlene Foster is hugged by her mother Georgina Kelly after becoming First Minister at Parliament Buildings, Stormont

On Sunday she joked that she missed her own hairdresser and singing in church.

She said: On a personal level there are two things, one is my hairdresser. When people say to us: When are we going to have the hairdresser? You realise we need our hairdressers.

I need my hairdresser as much as anybody, its certainly in need of attention.

I miss the ordinary things that you take for granted and I think after this is over, I hope people dont take those sorts of things for granted, that they actually do value their freedom and all the things we havent been able to do.

She also said the parties had come together to deal with the health crisis and the fallout.

It comes after the parties were criticised for being at loggerheads over some aspects of the response to the pandemic.

Sinn Fein criticised Health Minister Robin Swann for his response to coronavirus, saying he had too closely followed the UK Governments plan.

There was also public disagreement between the parties around the closure of schools, and how Sinn Fein had mishandled an order for a shipment of personal protective equipment.

Mrs Foster admitted it was a challenge to deal with a global pandemic just weeks after Stormont returned from a three-year absence.

The DUP leader said that the Executive had shown they could work together in difficult times.

I think it shows that we can come together and we have worked together, she said.

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The number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland rose on Sunday to 506 after one more death was reported by the Department of Health. It also reported a further 25 cases of confirmed Covid-19, bringing the total number of positive cases to 4,570.

The number of people tested for the virus over the last 24 hours was 1,370.

Mrs ONeill said at times there was different emphasis between the parties, but rejected the idea there was a difference of approach.

We all shared the same objective of trying to save lives, the Sinn Fein vice-president said.

Mrs Foster said the Executive was aware of the risk the virus posed to care homes from other countries experiences.

She said ministers had made many interventions to help care homes during the pandemic.

There will be plenty of time to look back to see what else could have been done, or what could have been done differently, the First Minister said.

The whole Executive acknowledges that care homes are a critical battlefield for us now and we still very much want to deal with those issues.

Talking about the Executives five-stage recovery plan, Mrs ONeill said that the Executive could have looked to Dublin or London, but it was about our own response to Covid-19.

We do live on an island, we have a geographical advantage, its important that we use that to our peoples best advantage, she said.

It also makes good sense that we work with colleagues in Dublin to make sure that we have that north-south approach, because the disease spread is moving in the exact same trajectory right across this island. Mrs Foster said that Northern Ireland benefited from being part of the UK. In terms of economic interventions, our own NHS, plus the fact our Health Minister has a very close relationship with the other Health Ministers across the UK, she said.

Devolution is about doing whats right locally for your own people and what we have to do is to listen to the medical and scientific evidence and then make our decisions based on that.

Mrs Foster said that while she and Mrs ONeill came from completely different political backgrounds, there were things they shared in common.

Its the common ground that weve been trying to concentrate on during this crisis and I think throughout the devolved experience thats whats driving us, the First Minister said.

Mrs ONeill said that while she would never cease to be a republican, she was part of a power-sharing Executive and wanted to make that work.

I think the last couple of months has brought us all closer together, she said.

On Brexit, Mrs Foster said that her party knew that the nature of the protocol between the European Union and UK Government meant there would always be checks between Northern Ireland and Britain.

Thats why we voted against it, she said.

Mrs ONeill said that Brexit was only going to further the pain for the economy caused by Covid-19.
Diversified conglomerate is set to make its biggest acquisition  on Sunday said it had entered into an agreement with the spices major to acquire a 100 per cent stake in the company.

The share-purchase agreement was completed after was enforced and the final deal is likely to be signed soon. didnt comment on the deal size, but sources estimated it at close to Rs 2,000 crore.

clocked a turnover of around Rs 600 crore last year. However, there would be a premium on the 70-year Sunrise brand.

ALSO READ: $717-mn loan case: China banks will have to move Indian courts against ADAG



While ITC, via its Aashirvaad brand, operates in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Sunrise Foods, which sells its products under the Sunrise brand, has an extensive presence across east India, where it is the market leader, and also operates in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi National Capital Region, Rajasthan, and Bengaluru. It also sells its products in Bangladesh and Nepal.

Sunrises plants are located in Kolkata, Agra, Bikaner, and Jaipur. Over the years, the brand (Sunrise) has built a loyal consumer franchise, anchored on a differentiated product portfolio tailored to regional tastes and preferences, both in the basic and blended spice segments, ITC said.

ALSO READ: Slowdown blues: RBI rate cuts not effective anymore, say analysts



According to ITC, the proposed acquisition is aligned with its strategy to rapidly scale up its businesses in a profitable manner, leveraging consumer insights, the distribution network, agri-commodity sourcing, cuisine knowledge, rural linkages, and packaging know-how. The major acquisition move comes a year after Sanjiv Puri became chairman of the company. Mayank Bhardwaj, CEO & MD of Sunrise, said: We are confident that in passing our legacy to ITC, Sunrise will achieve even greater heights of success.
Expletive-filled footage of Brazils far-right president complaining about not being able to get intelligence from the police has been released by the countrys Supreme Court.

Jair Bolsonaro vows, in the clip, that he will not let his friends and family get screwed because he is unable to overhaul law enforcement officials.

The populist president, who has faced sustained criticism over his approach to the coronavirus emergency as Brazils death toll surges to over 20,000, is at the centre of a criminal investigation into claims he sought to replace top federal police officials.

Sergio Moro, the ex Justice Minister, alleges Mr Bolsonaro sacked the federal police chief as he wanted someone in the position who would feed him police intelligence.

Mr Moro, who headed up a major corruption clampdown, handed in his notice last month after Mr Bolsonaro sacked the federal police director-general without conferring with him.

Pandemic portraits in Brazil Show all 12 1 /12 Pandemic portraits in Brazil Pandemic portraits in Brazil Obscura-Portraits-12.jpg EPA/Pedro Rocha Pandemic portraits in Brazil Obscura-Portraits-14.jpg EPA/Bruno Alencastro Pandemic portraits in Brazil Obscura-Portraits-13.jpg EPA/Caroline Muller Pandemic portraits in Brazil Obscura-Portraits-11.jpg EPA/Rodrigo Blum Pandemic portraits in Brazil Obscura-Portraits-10.jpg EPA/Eduardo Seidl Pandemic portraits in Brazil Obscura-Portraits-9.jpg EPA/Felipe Martini Pandemic portraits in Brazil Obscura-Portraits-8.jpg EPA/Beatriz Grieco Pandemic portraits in Brazil Obscura-Portraits-7.jpg EPA/Guilherme Santos Pandemic portraits in Brazil Obscura-Portraits-6.jpg EPA/Leonardo Savaris Pandemic portraits in Brazil Obscura-Portraits-5.jpg EPA/Josue Braun Pandemic portraits in Brazil Obscura-Portraits-4.jpg EPA/Ursula Jahn Pandemic portraits in Brazil Obscura-Portraits-3.jpg EPA/Eveline Medeiros

Ive tried to change our security people in Rio de Janeiro officially, and I wasnt able to. Thats over. I wont wait for my family or my friends to get screwed, Mr Bolsonaro says in the video of a cabinet meeting from last month which surfaced on Friday.

In the video which made the Supreme Court website crash due to peoples demand to watch it, he adds: If you cant change (the official), change his boss. You cant change the boss? Change the minister. End of story. Were not kidding around.

Mr Bolsonaros sons, Flavio Bolsonaro and Carlos Bolsonaro, are currently being investigated over allegations of misconduct. They both deny the claims.

The president, who is famed for making offensive, incendiary, off-the-cuff comments about women, black people and sexual minorities, has insisted he was discussing his own security personnel rather than the police in the video clip.

He claimed there was no indication of interference in the federal police in a Facebook post.
Iran ignored warnings of retaliation from the US as the first of five Iranian tankers entered Venezuelas exclusive economic zone on Saturday.

The tanker, named Fortune, reached the Venezuelas territorial waters at around 7:40 pm after passing north of Trinidad and Tobago in the Carribean, according to vessel-tracking data.

Tareck El Aissami, Venezuelas economy vice president said: The ships from the fraternal Islamic Republic of Iran are now in our exclusive economic zone.

Venezuelan state television showed images of a navy ship and aircraft preparing to meet it.

The defense minister had pledged that the military would escort the tankers once they reached Venezuelas Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) due to what authorities described as threats from the United States.

The five tankers are carrying a staggering 1.53 million barrels of gasoline and alkylate to Venezuela, according to both governments, and sources.

The desperately needed shipments have caused a diplomatic standoff between the United States and Iran and Venezuela, which are under US sanctions.

Iran has warned of repercussions from the potential interception of Iranian tankers by the US In a phone conversation with Emir of Qatar on Saturday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned that the Islamic Republic will respond to any possible US aggression against Iranian oil tankers in the Caribean Sea or any other point in the world.

On May 20, Irans Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said that any US harassment of Iranian tankers will be met with a decisive response.

He said on Wednesday: Any disruption for tankers is against international regulations and security, referring to the release of some reports on the threat of US officials to harass tankers carrying Irans fuel to Venezuela.

Both international organisations and countries that are sensitive to water regulations and security must react to this issue, he added.
Vietnams first information technology museum was established by Doctor Nguyen Chi Cong, former Head of the Department of Science and Technology under the Vietnam Information Technology Association.

Vietnams first private IT museum was set up by Doctor Nguyen Chi Cong (Photo: VOV)

The museum is not just an exhibition of objects but also a venue for those who are interested in the IT sector.

The museum was inaugurated in January in Hanoi. Mr. Nguyen Chi Cong built the museum in his 25 meter-square garage, displaying photos and objects featuring the IT development in Vietnam and the world.

It took Cong more than 40 years to design and collect documents and objects for display.

Cong said, The museum was built in the garage to recall people of the American IT legendary figure Bill Gates who started his business in a garage. On the left side of the museum is a wallboard summarizing the history of the IT development. Below the board are printers, scanners, keyboards, fax machines, memory storage, and tapes which had been used in Vietnams national defense industry. More than 300 items are now on display at this small museum.

The museum has attracted lots of young people who are passionate about IT. It is also a venue for extra-curricular activities.

A teacher from FPT university said, At the museum, I learn a lot about Vietnams IT development, especially in the context of 4.0 industrial revolution. It also gives us a view of the future of the IT development.

The IT museum will apply 3D technology, so people can see it online (Photo: house3D)

Doctor Nguyen Chi Cong worked in the IT field for more than 40 years. He did research and helped produce the first computers in Vietnam and in Asia back in 1977. After his retirement, Cong opened the IT museum where he is also a guide.

Cong noted, I want to call on the young people to live like our generation did. They should be creative and find their own way. They shouldnt stop learning as IT develops quickly.VOV5




Good morning, Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top Newspaper Headlines in Nigeria for today Sunday,24th May 2020.

Here Are The Major Nigerian Newspaper Headlines.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC on Saturday, May 23, 2020, confirmed two hundred and sixty-five new cases of Coronavirus in Nigeria. This new update brings the overall confirmed cases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria to 7526, Naija News affirms.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says the handling of Coronavirus in Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buharis government is positive. Naija News reports that the former Nigerian President shared his position on the handling of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by Nigeria and Africa at large when he featured in Webinar organised by the Kofi Annan Foundation on Friday, May 22.

The Kogi state governorship election petition tribunal has affirmed the election of Yahaya Bello as governor of Kogi State, north-central Nigeria. Naija News reports that the election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja, Nigerias capital, dismissed the case filed against Governor Bello by Musa Wada, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigerias main opposition party on Saturday.

Beneficiaries of the social intervention scheme of the federal government, N-Power have reasons to be happy as the payment of their outstanding stipend has commenced. It will be recalled the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Farouq, under whose ministry the scheme is domiciled announced last week that the processing of their payment was already at the final stage and beneficiaries will get their money this week.

The General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, has reacted to the reopening of churches across the country amid Coronavirus in Nigeria, saying we serve a prayer-answering God. Naija News reports that the Bishop who spoke at the Churchs Covenant Hour of Prayer on Saturday, convened virtually, maintained that churches remained a solution centre to all crises humans face.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged government at various levels to prioritise the welfare of the people when planning for the post-COVID-19 era. He gave the advice in a Sallah message on Saturday to Nigerians.

The Kogi State governorship election petition tribunal on Saturday affirmed the election victory of Yahaya Bello at the November 16, 2019, gubernatorial polls. As earlier reported by Naija News, the election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja, Nigerias capital, dismissed the case filed against Governor Bello by Musa Wada, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigerias main opposition party.

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked for Nigerians understanding as the country experience an extended lockdown due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, President Buhari stated that not government intentionally imposes tough measures on its citizens.

For more than two months now, the Premier League has been shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. A pandemic which has large clubs in economic turbulence. Indeed, Manchester United has seen its debt increase. According to information obtained by the Guardian, the Reds Devils have seen their net debt increase by 142 million euros in recent weeks. It would now reach 479 million, over the period of the last twelve months ended March 31. The Mancunian club, therefore, pays dearly for the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Popular Kannywood actor, Ali Nuhu had revealed why he stopped kissing and hugging in Nigeria movies. According to the actor, he stopped the acts of kissing and hugging in movies due to his religion.

Thats the Nigerian Newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.

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As we live through these life-changing times, cruise expert Fran Golden is brought back to memories of a life-changing trip she took to the Galapagos Islands. When its safe to sail again, she dreams of doing it all over, again basking in unspoiled naturealthough this time with a whole lot of luxury.

When I think of the Galapagos, I have a vision of a sea lion wearing a diamond stud earring.

When I met the sea lion in question, he came so close, I could feel his body heat. He wasnt wearing jewelry at the time, of course. Through my snorkel mask, his big brown eyes met mine. We both waved, me a hand, he a flipper, and then he was gone.

Its a happy memory, but my vision is also tinged with guilt. When I surfaced and flipped off my mask, I dropped an earring into the pristine, protected waters. In my imagination, it now adorns my new marine mammal friend. I hope it did no harm.

Eight years ago, on my first cruise in Ecuadors Galapagos National Park, I was living in Boston, stressed-out managing a news operation remotely while seriously dating a man from Ohio. Already qualified for AARP membership, I needed to start thinking about next steps, such as whether I should persuade myself to move to a red-ish state. I had brought a girlfriend along on the venture, and over Ecuadorian pilsner and rum drinks, we plotted out my life. (Eventually, I moved to Cleveland and married the guy.)

Decisions come easy in a place where you can ignore human civilization for a while. Between naturalist-led excursions that explored uninhabited islands of various volcanic hues, through scrubland, in the water, and across sandy beaches, there is a lot of downtime.

What will draw me back, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, is that wandering among animals in this raw and wild place, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, I had never felt so in tune with natureand alive.

Imagine youre walking in the middle of nowhere and hear a rustling. Suddenly a huge black and red iguana runs through your legs. Maybe a tortoise cocks its head at you, or a blue-footed booby waddles over to check you out. The animals of the Galapagos are fearless, viewing you as a curiosity, much as you view them.

Its both scary and exhilarating on this land-based Noahs Ark, where you are just one of the critters. An adrenaline rush comes from realizing you are part of something thats bigger than yourself, bigger than humankind. And there are lessons to be learned. In his darkly satirical book, Galapagos, writer Kurt Vonnegut imagines a world in the midst of both a global economic crisis and a virus that is making humans sterile. A few travelers head off on a nature cruise, shipwreck on the islands and up being the only propagating humans on earth. Over a million years, their species evolves to resemble sea lionscomplete with fur and flippers for hands.

I was hoping to return to the Galapagos in fall 2020 during the dry season, when temperatures are in the 70sF. Thats when the waved albatross, with eight-foot wingspans, and whale sharks hang around. I dont see that happening this year, as much as I want to support the local economy.

Ecuador, a country of more than 17 million, is among the worst-hit by the coronavirus pandemic in Latin America. While Galapagos is far from the mainland and has been closed to visitors since March 16, a few dozen residents on the four populated islands are among those who have tested positive, as have 50 crew members of Royal Caribbean Internationals Galapagos-based, 100-passenger Celebrity Flora.

Glamping at sea

When I do make it back, it will be on a floating boutique hotel with a French-trained chef. Weighty topics such as Charles Darwins theories on natural selection may be approached while sitting in a hot tub sipping Champagne.

Ecoventura offers the experience on new, fuel efficient, Ecuadorian-flagged yachts that carry up to 20 passengers and 13 crew membersin addition to the chef, a maitre de maison. This is a luxury experience, but its totally casual, the floating equivalent to glamping: Leave the heels (and jewelry) at home, pack an extra sunhat.

The nearly identical M/V Origin and M/V Theory are members of the prestigious, culinary-focused Relais & Chateaux collection. The arrival of a sister ship, Evolve, has been delayed from March to June 2021, due to work stoppages at its Ecuadorian shipyard. If that schedule holds (a big if), perhaps I can be on its maiden voyage.

Ill sleep in a suite and dine on dishes created with a focus on sustainable local ingredientsperhaps fresh-mushroom risotto with goat cheese and truffle oil, grilled grouper fish with citrus sauce and ripe plantains puree, and mille-feuille with diplomat cream and berries. Onboard the intimate ship, I anticipate the kind of camaraderie that comes naturally when small groups of world travelers gather. Its amazing what people will reveal to strangers.

Fares run from $8,050 per person, double-occupancy for one week. Although I dont plan to travel with grandkids, children age 5 and up are welcomethe line even offers special sailings for families with children and those with teens. My ultimate dream, though, would be to get a bunch of quarantining friends together: a full-ship charter is $161,000, and I can think of no better way to travel in socially distant fashion than with a group of loved ones. (Hey, its a dream. I can think big!)

A stopover first, on the mainland

Included in the fare are Avianca Airlines flights to Baltra Island. Since they dont quite match up with international flights, Ill probably need to spend some pre-cruise time on the mainland. Guayaquil is on the coast, with its modern seaside walk, the Malecon, and seafood restaurants with harbor views. But when I return, it will feature a stop in Quito, high in the Andes.

The catch with Quito is it lies at 9,350 feet, the second-highest capital city in the world, after La Paz, Bolivia. Acclimating to the thin air will take some time. In the historic Old Town, Casa Gangotena is an art nouveau mansion converted into a boutique hotel, a member of Relais & Chateaux, and it seems like a fine place to lay your head. Plus, its afternoon tea gets raves.

The city of 1.8 million residents is built on the ruins of an Inca city on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano, a dramatically beautiful location accessible via a modern cable car. The big draw for me is the 17th century Spanish colonial architecture in the city center, so impressive that Quito was the first city in the world to receive Unesco World Heritage Site status in 1978. (Krakow, Poland, was also protected that year.) But I also want to check out the contemporary art scene, including a visit to a former military hospital that now houses the galleries of the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo.

Where we will sail

Ecuadors national park authorities regulate ships so as not to overwhelm the uninhabited islands. One-week itineraries offer comparable experiences. As if to make the point, Econventura labels its itinerary options simply as A and B.

The A itinerary explores the south and central islands. B heads north and west, which means an increased chance of seeing Charles Darwins finches. Itd be possible to combine the itinerary for a two-week trip. To me, thats overkill; after a week, I was ready to get back to civilization.

Each day is like being on safari: Ill do two or three naturalist-led activitiesmaybe a beach walk past sunbathing sea lions, followed by a boulder hikethen allow myself free time for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or kayaking. A cool thing about the Galapagos is that you rarely see other ships pass, let alone tourists, on the remote islands. (You see them in the populated areas.)

Two guides on each yacht means Id never be with more than 10 of my fellow passengers. Im fine with those numbers. I enjoy companionship. I see no reason to splurge an additional $2,000 on Econventuras upgraded package, which includes a private guide.

Learning from the animals

Humans were first recorded arriving in the Galapagos in 1535, when a Spanish ship was blown off course. Onboard was the Bishop of Panama, who reported a place with weird, unafraid creatures. The animals are still that way.

Sea lions, including mothers with their pups, lounge by the dozens on beaches, unbothered when you walk by. (I want to learn to lounge as peacefully as a sea lion.) A frigate bird ignores your presence and puffs out his red chest to show hes a catch for any nearby female. Five penguins paddle past, oblivious to your snorkeling.

Some creatures will approach to check you out, as my sea lion friend did on my previous trip. You may find yourself in view of a dozen species at any given time, with an eerie feeling that they all have their eyes on you.

If Im to be truthful, it does get a bit boring after a whiletoo much of a good thingbut I look at going back as if visiting an old friend. And as tempting as it is to bring a girlfriend again, perhaps Ill introduce my husband to the magic this time. (He might learn a thing or two from the horny frigates!)

When they can get back into the field, scientists will look into whether the animals were affected by the absence of humans during the Covid-19 pandemic. Theres no question the critters will have survivedbut did they miss us?

Focused on preserving the islands biodiversity and best known for its giant tortoise conservation program, the Charles Darwin Foundation manages more than 20 scientific research projects, including monitoring ecological changes. It feels good to support those dedicated to protecting the beasts.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.)

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Obinwanne Okeke, the Nigerian businessman arrested in the United States last August, has capitulated after months of putting up spirited fights against the two-count charge of wire and computer fraud slammed on him by American authorities.

Mr Okeke, also known as Invictus Obi in Nigeria, has now told American authorities he is ready to enter a guilty plea, possibly in exchange for a lesser sentence.

Already, a Senior United State District Judge, Rebecca Smith, has given an order approving the plea bargain arrangement.

The Court has been advised that the defendant wishes to enter a plea of guilty, Judge Smith said in her Order of April 24. A United States Magistrate Judge is hereby authorised, with the consent of the defendant, to conduct the proceedings required by the Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 incident to the making of the plea. See 28 U.S.C. Section (b) (1); United States v. Dees, 125 F.3d 261 (5th Cir.1997).

The defendant may consent to the United States Magistrate Judge conducting the proceedings on a form provided by the clerk.

If, after conducting such proceedings, the Magistrate Judge accepts the plea of guilty and the associated plea agreement, a presentence investigation shall be conducted and a report shall be prepared pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32, and a sentencing data shall be scheduled.

If the plea of guilty is accepted, the District Judge will adjudicate guilt and will determine and impose a sentence.

Magistrate Judge Robert Krask has been appointed to conduct the plea agreement hearing set for June 18 at the Norfolk Magistrate Courtroom 1.

Mr Okekes capitulation is a surprising turn in the case as he has since his arrest strongly denied wrongdoing.

On December 15, 2019, he filed two preliminary objections. One saying American authorities lacked jurisdiction to charge him for fraud since he did not commit the alleged offence on American soil, and that no American companies or individuals were swindled at the time of his indictment.

In the other objection, Mr Okeke accused the Federal Bureau of Investigation of obtaining evidence from him and his iPhone under duress and that the information so extracted should be discountenanced by the court.

Responding to the objection, the prosecutors said Mr Okeke travelled to the U.S. in the course of the crime and that his lawyers were wrong to argue that no American companies or individuals were defrauded by the suspect.

The FBI also insisted it obtained evidence from Mr Okeke following due process.

But just as the parties agreed to continue the trial, Mr Okeke began to signal to the prosecution that he was ready for a guilty plea agreement. The court was so informed of the development.

Mr Okeke was arrested by the FBI on August 6 in Alexandria, Virginia, as he was about to return to Nigeria.

He was later charged with two counts of computer fraud and wire fraud, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 and 20 years jail, respectively.

U.S. authorities allege Mr Okeke defrauded the United Kingdom office of Unatrac of up to $11 million in business email fraud. Unatracs headquarters is in the United Arab Emirates, but the company filed complaints with the FBI through Caterpillar.
A major warehouse fire broke out on Fishermans Wharf Pier 45 in San Francisco early Saturday morning. So far, officials say no injuries have been reported and all of Pier 45 has been evacuated. Officials said that as of 6:36 a.m. PT, the fire is no longer at risk of spreading.

Firefighters began to responding to the warehouse fire on Fishermans Wharfs  one of San Franciscos main tourist attractions  at 4:17 a.m. PDT, according to updates from the San Francisco Fire Department.The fire was reported on the Wharfs Pier 45, which includes national historic landmarks the U.S.S. Pampanito and S.S. Jeremiah OBrien, two military ships from World War II.

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By 4:28 a.m. PDT the warehouse fire was classified a two-alarm fire, and by 4:54 a.m. PDT it was classified four-alarm. (Alarm classifications indicate the seriousness of a fire and are generally determined by the amount of resources dispatched to the scene.)

While the fire spread from the original warehouse to two other buildings, firefighters were able to prevent the fire from reaching the S.S. Jeremiah OBrien, according to tweets from from the San Francisco Fire Department. Officials also reported that multiple walls of the original building have collapsed.

At least 130 firefighters have been dispatched to the scene, as well as fireboats and Coast Guard and Police Marine units to help monitor the water around the Pier, according to officials.

San Francisco Fire Department PIO Lt. Jonathan Baxter said that the fire began at the piers Building C, and all four corners of the building have collapsed inward. The San Francisco Chronicle reports the warehouse holds equipment for processing fish. The Associated Press also reports that the warehouse is usually unoccupied at night but homeless people have been seen in the area in the past. No injuries have been located so far.

The cause of the fire has not yet been announced.

Story continues

Photos that appear to be of the fire have also begun to circulate on social media.

Fire is raging on SF Pier pic.twitter.com/UEpQIDxJsn  Dan Whaley (@dwhly) May 23, 2020

Officials also posted videos of the fire online.

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Christy Neihoff, of Lexington, shops at Banks Market on Saturday morning on Lone Oak Road in Paducah. Masks are part of societys new normal in the era of COVID-19, a common sight among many in public in an attempt to limit the virus spread.
By Van An May 24, 2020 | 12:20 am PT

Fashion designers in Vietnam have turned to the coronavirus crisis for inspiration as they adopt new business modes.

Covid-19 has negatively affected many aspects of life, the Vietnamese fashion industry being no exception. With many Spring-Summer shows cancelled, fashion designers have done their best to adapt.

Chung Thanh Phongs latest "Save Yourself" collection features masks and hand sanitizer, inspired by common protective gear. Prices range from VND780,000 ($34) for a shirt, VND1.8 million ($77) for a jumpsuit, and VND55,000-150,000 ($2.4-6.5) for a mask or bottle of sanitizer.

Color is central to the new collection of leading designer Cong Tri. Photo by Vinh Luu.

Lien Huong, in turn, has combined bespoke masks with traditional ao dai, spreading a positive message amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Delaying his Spring-Summer collection, designer Do Long decided to produce hand sanitizer for adults and children.

"This product does not bring a lot of profit; the more important thing is that I create jobs for my employees," Long said, adding he was surprised after selling 10,000 bottles in two months.

Instead of prom dresses, ready to wear outfits have become Le Thanh Hoas new focus.

Chung Thanh Phong is the first Vietnamese designer to live-stream-release his new collection.

Online platforms are also the mainstay of designer Do Long.

"While selling hand sanitizer, I interacted with many fans online, attracting new customers in the process," Long commented.

Actress Diem My wears a new dress designed by Do Manh Cuong. Photo by Huy Nguyen.

Designer Le Thanh Hoa consulted patrons via phone to nurture inspiration, while Lam Gia Khang sent out gift boxes, including his new collection look book.

Right after the social distancing campaign ease, Do Long invited actress Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc to model his new designs.

Leading designer Do Manh Cuong opted to introduce new creations at more affordable prices (around $172- 215) amid the economic downturn, aiming to open more stores nationwide to serve the middle class.

Designer Adrian Anh Tuan will introduce his summer collection in June, though it is unclear whether the event will involve a small in-store party or outdoor show.

"My Resort 2020 collection is popular because the designs are summery. In this difficult period, I will renovate my store and recruit more employees," Tuan stated.

Lam Gia Khang, who focuses on international buyers, has sold many designs from his new collection since March.

According to designer Le Thanh Hoa, after the pandemic, buyers will focus more on quality and value instead of quantity.

"They will be more considerate. Maybe demand will increase too as more events and parties are held," Hoa maintained

Internationally, fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Chanel have had to adapt their campaigns due to the raging pandemic. At Milan Fashion Week, for instance, Giorgio Armani organized a show with no audience.

In China, Shanghai Fashion Week cooperated with e-commerce platform Alibaba to help fashion designers introduce their autumn collection online.

LVMH Group, owner of Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton, used their perfume factories to produce hand sanitizer, while Gucci, Prada, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent have produced thousands of masks and protective clothing.
Kabul, May 23 (IANS) Talks between border commissioners of Afghanistan and Iran concerning last month's alleged drowning of Afghan migrants by the Iranian border police ended without results, Kabul's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Moving forward, the two countries will pursue the issue through diplomatic channels, TOLO News quoted the Ministry as saying on Friday.

"The case will be referred to diplomatic channels. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister will visit Afghanistan and will participate in the joint investigation with the Afghan side," said Geran Hewad, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Meanwhile, the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) has also called for a swift investigation of the case.

It has termed the incident a major human rights violation.

"We should get to the bottom of this human rights violation and its hidden and unhidden aspects," said Zabihullah Farhang, the head of the media department of the human rights commission.

At the end of April, over 50 Afghan migrants were trying to cross the border when they were "tortured and drowned" by Iranian guards, according to witnesses.

On May 8, President Ashraf Ghani tasked a 10-member team to probe the alleged incident.

--IANS

ksk/
Prince William opened up about his concern over the longterm effects the lockdown may have on children in a recent video call to caregivers in Northern Ireland.

During his discussion with a group of professionals from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, which delivers care to around 340,000 people, the royal dad of three, 37, said, Im particularly worried as to how the young people are going to cope longterm because were all muddling through this period at the moment and helping each other. But the longterm implications  of school being missed, anxiety levels, family members sadly dying and the sort of general economic outlook."

Consultant psychiatrist Frances Doherty, who runs an inpatient mental health unit for teenagers, replied: Interestingly in our service in the short-term, some of our referral rates have gone down, but I would imagine that as were starting to come out of lockdown and people are starting to get back into the world again, [were] starting to realize just what weve been through and well start to see our referral rate increase and the impact on our services.

Related: Kate Middleton and Prince William Call Bingo in Unexpected Zoom Game with Nursing Home Residents!

Kensington Palace Prince William

Social worker Eimear Hanna, who supervises nine out of 10 childrens homes in Belfast, told the prince that her staff bought big teddy bears for the children to hug since they can't hug those caring for them. The staff members stand beside the bears so the children can hug a bear by proxy.

William, who is isolating in his country home in Norfolk alongside wife Kate Middleton and children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, laughed, saying, Everyone needs a hug, its very important, Eimear.

Related: Prince William Just Admitted to This Common Parent Struggle When It Comes to Mealtime

BBC Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte

When child psychiatrist Dr. Clare McKenna said, The children I work with dont understand social distancing, William gave a knowing smile and replied, Thats all children, isnt it? I dont think any children understand social distancing!

Story continues

McKenna said some of her staff had come up with innovative ways to put the vulnerable children in their care at ease while they were all wearing masks, gowns and PPE visors.

The staff took pictures of themselves giving big smiles and printed out the photos and stuck them onto their masks.

William praised the caregivers for what they were doing during the coronavirus pandemic. I know its unprecedented and its scary and its daunting, but youre all making a huge difference, so please pass on to all your team how grateful everyone is and how appreciative everyone is at what theyre doing at the moment, he said.

Kensington Palace Prince William

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On a separate video call, William also spoke to six social care workers from across the U.K. to hear how they were managing.
New Hampshire nurses comforted the family of a dying COVID-19 patient by posting sympathetic signs in the hospital window. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nurses caring for a dying COVID-19 patient comforted his family outside the hospital by posting sympathetic signs in the window.

On Sunday, 65-year-old Rene Johnson Sr., a COVID-19 patient at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, New Hampshire passed away, unfortunately without family by his side, due to visitor restrictions. Still, his loyal family camped outside for hours each day, their presence known to the nurses, who waved through Johnsons room window.

They were there, rain or shine, and famous to the staff, nurse Kaitlin Kerrigan, 26, tells Yahoo Life.

The family held up posters like I love you dad and We miss you and to show appreciation for his caretakers, made Thank you nurses signage.

Nurses at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, New Hampshire posted beautiful signs to family members of a dying COVID-19 patient. (Photo: Courtesy of Angela Daneault)

Rene Johnson, Sr. passed away from COVID-19 on May 17, 2020. His family camped outside his New Hampshire hospital during his hospital stay. (Photo: Courtesy of Angela Daneault)

Angela Daneault tells Yahoo Life that while her dad was hospitalized, the family wore Johnson Strong T-shirts and had a park picnic to enjoy Johnsons favorite breakfast: a Western omelet, beans and an English muffin. We found different ways to be close to my dad, she says.

Soon, the staff started reciprocating with their own window notes: "He's doing OK and Hes comfortable. According to Kerrigan, the notes were a fun way to bring the family inside with us.

After two weeks in the hospital, Johnson passed away with Kerrigan and resource nurse Lynn Harkins holding his hands. We told him that that he did a great job with his family and that he fought hard, Harkins, 52, tells Yahoo Life.

The nurses, who had updated the family prior, then wrote down He is at peace and We are so sorry on paper which they held up to the window.

A New Hampshire family posted loving signs outside a hospital before their loved one passed away from COVID-19. (Photo: Courtesy of Catholic Medical Center)

Writing the signs was difficult, says Kerrigan. You dont know what to say to a family when they cant be with their loved one  it was absolutely heartbreaking and something I will never forget.

Daneault tells Yahoo Life that both nurses are part of her fathers story. If we couldnt be there, they were the next best thing. They touched us in ways we cant explain.

She wrote a GoFundMe account to raise money for Catholic Medical Center staff who were by his side and helped us cope during this difficult time. Daneault wrote, They truly are the HEROES and risk their lives for other families loved ones on a daily basis during this crazy time. We would like to give back and recognize them for all their hard work and dedication. The proceeds will go toward the ICU staff.

Story continues

Since Johnsons death, his family has continued standing outside the hospital to support patients and staff. Last night, a nurse put a sign in the window that said, Thank you so much for the love and support, Daneault tells Yahoo Life. Her patient waved to us.

Daneault says of the nurses, I want frontline workers to get recognition and praise  they risk their lives for our loved ones....we cant show them enough gratitude.



For the latest coronavirus news and updates, follow along at https://news.yahoo.com/coronavirus. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please reference the CDCs and WHOs resource guides.

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Scott reported here on the resistance from Minnesotas Catholic bishops and Lutheran leaders to continuing restrictions placed on religious worship by Gov. Walz. That resistance has paid off. Walz has agreed to lift his restriction on church services of more than ten people. The way is now clear for houses of worship of all faith traditions to open to larger groups starting Wednesday, May 27, 2020.

The Becket Fund, which defends religious liberty throughout the country, took a lead role in negotiating the reopening of Minnesotas houses of worship. As it explains:

The Minnesota Catholic Conference and The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod worked cooperatively with Governor Tim Walz to develop a plan for reopening churches by Pentecost Sunday. Governor Walz returned to the negotiating table after the Churches acted in defense of their free exercise, announcing on Wednesday that they would resume in-person worship services despite the Governors COVID-19 executive order, which wrongly subordinated Minnesotans spiritual well-being to economic interests. Minnesotas reopening plan is a model for other states, as it shows that it is possible for in-person religious worship to resume in a safe, cooperative, and responsible manner.

Under the reopening plan, churches are permitted to hold indoor services at 25 percent capacity with up to 250 people. The churches have published extensive safety and hygiene protocols to ensure a safe return to worship.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, said:

We are grateful that Governor Walz entered into respectful dialogue with us, recognized the spiritual needs of our faithful, and agreed that it is possible to resume worship services safely and responsibly.

Hopefully, our experience of constructive dialogue can serve as a roadmap for churches across the country suffering from similar inequities, whether intended or unintended, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful that Becket and Sidley Austin LLP [a major national law firm] helped us to guard our first freedomreligious freedomso that Catholics can receive the Eucharist and be strengthened in their response to the challenges of this trying time.

Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford, President of the Minnesota South District of The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod, said:

The ability to meet in person to worship God and support one another is invaluable to our community of faith. We are so pleased that Minnesota decided to reopen churches, without needing to resort to legal action. We will remain prayerful and watchful, so that this agreement is just the beginning of a return to full, in-person worship.

Its understandable that these religious leaders are putting a happy face on their dispute with Gov. Walz, and its true that alls well that ends well. Still, its unfortunate that these leaders and their outside advocates had to work so hard to uphold religious rights in Minnesota.
Representative image

Serum Institute, the worlds largest manufacturer of vaccines by volume, is working on several candidates for the novel coronavirus - including potentially mass-producing the AstraZeneca/Oxford university one that has garnered global headlines - as well as developing its own.

The efforts are partly being shepherded by Umesh Shaligram, the head of research and development. His employer is a private company but every day, shortly before midnight, he receives a WhatsApp message from the government asking for updates, and about any new hurdles he faces.

The message is usually from K. VijayRaghavan, Prime Minister Narendra Modis top scientific adviser - an indication of the critical, and even strategically important, nature of the race to develop the vaccines the whole world is waiting for.

Shaligram promptly responds with a progress report and details any bottlenecks.

Any delays, you just tell them, said Shaligram, adding the government has been doing everything it can to fast-track clearances, and resolve import delays and other issues.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

We have begun to see approvals come through in days, even on a Sunday night, for trials and things like that, he said, noting some of these processes typically took 4 to 6 months.

While most of the attention regarding vaccines typically goes to the pharmaceutical developer, India quietly plays a key role in manufacturing 60%-70% of all vaccines sold globally with the Serum Institute playing a lead role, said the companys Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla.

At the companys sprawling, 150-acre campus in the western Indian city of Pune, Shaligram and his team are working flat-out. Dozens of buses ferry in hundreds of workers each day to the grounds, which are buzzing with activity even as the city around it remains largely under lockdown.

The push comes as the number of cases of COVID-19, both globally and domestically, continue to surge and world leaders look to vaccines as the only real way to restart their stalled economies, even though none have yet been proven to be effective against the coronavirus.

Poonawalla, whose family owns the vaccine maker, said scientists, drugmakers and manufacturers were collaborating at an unparalleled scale to spur development and availability.

We are all in a race to battle the disease, there is no one-upmanship here, he told Reuters, sitting in his office beside his familys 74-year-old stud farm.

VACCINE CANDIDATES

Serum, founded in 1966 by Adars father Cyrus Poonawalla, has partnered with U.S. biotech firm Codagenix, its U.S. rival Novavax (NVAX.O) and Austrias Themis to potentially manufacture three COVID-19 vaccine candidates that are still in development.

Another candidate in the works is the experimental vaccine developed by a team at the University of Oxford and now licensed to drugmaker AstraZeneca (AZN.L), with whom Serum is in talks to mass-produce the vaccine, which is now in the clinical trial stage.

The United States has secured almost a third of the first 1 billion doses planned for the potential vaccine, initially known as ChAdOx1 and now as AZD1222, by pledging up to $1.2 billion.

Poonawalla aims to initially produce 4-5 million doses a month, beginning from June, and then gradually ramp up to 350-400 million doses a year.

Hopefully we will build a stock of a few million doses to give to our country and other high-risk areas across the globe come to October-November when the trials ought to be concluded, the 39-year-old said while giving Reuters rare access to tour his facilities.

He added he had been given to understand by the development team that the trials had an 80% chance of success, given that the vaccine is based on a tried-and-tested platform.

Based on the information currently available, Poonawalla also said he anticipated AZD1222 would be a single-dose vaccine and not require a booster dose.

He sees AZD1222 potentially priced at about 1,000 rupees ($13) per dose in India but expects it will be procured and distributed by governments without charge.

The serum is also working on developing its own in-house vaccine options to tackle the disease, Poonawalla said.

VIALS, TUBES, CHEMICALS

Even if a vaccine does succeed, a treatment to fight COVID-19 would still be required, said Poonawalla, noting some people do not get the desired immune response, even if vaccinated.

You may get mild symptoms, you may get severe symptoms. It depends on your system, but there is a chance, he added. Not all vaccines are fully effective.

The Serum Institute produces more than 1.5 billion doses of vaccines every year, for everything from polio to measles.

Poonawalla says that gave the company an edge in securing supplies of vials and high-quality chemicals required to make a vaccine in bulk once all approvals are in place.

We have partnered with many of our suppliers to have one to two-year inventories of glass vials and tubing glass stocked in advance, so luckily for us that wont be an issue.

Slideshow (4 Images)

Any successful vaccine is however bound to be in short supply at first, he stressed.

India recorded more than 6,000 new cases of the coronavirus on Friday, bringing its total to over 118,000 cases with more than 3,500 deaths, even as it gradually begins to ease its nearly two-month-long nationwide lockdown.

There have been more than 5 million infections and over 330,000 deaths reported worldwide.

The Indian government stands ready to cover the costs of trials of any vaccine in the country, said Poonawalla, adding that the government had also expressed interest in placing advance orders for a potential vaccine.

Weve reached out and they have been very positive, he added. But weve said hold on ... as we dont want to take government money until we are very confident we can deliver.

UNLOCKING VALUE IN THE HYPE

Serum, one of the few companies ramping up hiring during the health crisis, is also designing a separate facility to make vaccines for pandemic-level diseases that could handle 90% of the current vaccine candidates being developed, beyond just the COVID-19 ones.

That facility, which will be ready in the next two to three years, would be able to potentially churn out 700-800 million doses a year, according to Poonawalla.

The CEO said he considered taking the company public some years ago to fund some large acquisitions, but changed course when the deals fell through.

Now hes considering a different approach. He is exploring creating a holding entity that will host the companys pandemic-level technologies, including manufacturing rights, intellectual property and the sale of all of Serums COVID-19-related candidates, and selling a minority stake in the venture.

That will unlock value in the main hype, he said.

Poonawalla said he had engaged bankers to test the waters on this, but stressed he would only consider selling a stake to ethical, long-term funds or sovereign funds that do not expect huge returns and want to make a difference to the world.

After getting them onboard, I dont want to be in a situation where I have to charge high prices to give them returns.

(With Inputs from Reuters)
Chennai, May 24 : Passenger car maker Hyundai Motor India Ltd on Sunday said three of its workers had tested positive for coronavirus but are recovering well.

The company also said the car plant, at Irrungattukottai near here, which restarted operations on May 8, will continue without a break.

According to the company, during the first week of the plant operations, three of its employees had shown mild symptoms of cough and cold and were immediately asked to meet medical experts for further evaluation.

Subsequently the three tested positive for coronavirus and they were given immediate medical attention.

"All three employees are recovering fast towards normalcy and as per the safety protocol, essential information was shared with district health authorities. In addition to that all the necessary measures are being taken for contact tracing, self-isolation and complete sanitation," the company said.
RCS is supposed to be the spiritual successor to classic SMS and MMS texting, but the lack of built-in encryption puts a damper on that  someone could theoretically snoop on your messages where they cant with services like iMessage. You might get your privacy after all, though. The 9to5Google crew has found evidence of plans to add end-to-end encryption to RCS conversations in Google Messages. While full details of how this would work arent clear, you could decide whether not third-party apps see encrypted messages. Its also safe to assume that both participants would need a compatible app with reliable data connections.

The code is only just showing up in a dogfood test version of Messages meant for Google employees. It could be a while before this shows up in a release you can use yourself. Still, its good news. So long as you arent picky about your choice of messaging app, you could use all the rich media features of RCS without worrying that youre compromising your privacy in the process.
A 30-year-old Himachal Pradesh doctor has recovered from coronavirus, a senior health official said on Sunday.

The junior resident doctor in medicine department at Tanda's Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC) in Kangra district has made a full recovery from COVID-19, he said.

He was discharged from RPGMC on Saturday, the official added.

The doctor and a head constable had tested positive for COVID-19 on May 12.

Posted at Panchrukhi Police Station in Kangra's Palampur subdivision, the policeman named Raja Ram too had recovered from the disease and was discharged from the COVID-19 care centre in Panchayati Raj Training Institute, Baijnath on May 22.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Linkedin Made Anthony Iswara (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, May 24, 2020 15:04 606 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd9e12c7 1 World #diaspora,diaspora,COVID-19,#COVID19,COVID-19-in-Indonesia Free

Members of the Indonesian diaspora are lending a hand in the domestic struggle against COVID-19, although they have said that the government could do more to allow them to help address national crises.

On May 18, the Manpower Ministry and the Indonesian Diaspora Network Global (IDN Global) kicked off the Diaspora Peduli (Diaspora Care) fundraising program, which is seeking donations from Indonesians abroad to help 5,000 workers who have been furloughed or laid off.

Each recipient family in the program is expected to get US$50 (Rp 735,025) per month, and donors can choose or communicate first with the beneficiaries by looking at their profiles on www.diasporapeduli.id. The ministry expects at least six million members of the Indonesian diaspora to participate in the campaign.

I am proud and touched because even though [members of] the diaspora themselves are facing this COVID-19 pandemic, they are still showing their care and love for our country, Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah said in a statement.

As of May 18, more than 3 million workers have either been told to stay home or have been laid off as a result of the pandemic, Manpower Ministry data showed, although the ministry could only verify about 1.7 million people as the remaining workers had invalid names or addresses.

IDN Global founder Dino Patti Djalal said the donations would go directly to the recipients' bank accounts and not a single cent of the donation would go to the ministry or IDN Global. He said he hoped the partnership would inspire a similar movement at a larger scale.

Read also: Indonesian diaspora in US holds virtual 'kebaya' competition in COVID-19 quarantine

But Dino said that in the long run, the government needed to form a national body for the diaspora that could better connect the two sides for joint efforts. Before the pandemic hit Indonesia, citizens living abroad had been asked to return home to contribute and reverse the brain drain, but many of them did not know who to reach out to or what office would help them in the placement process, Dino said.

The Indonesia Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI) covers only migrant workers who perform manual labor. That accounts for about one third of Indonesians abroad. The ministry has a limited budget and thin human resources for dealing with the estimated 5 to 8 million Indonesians abroad, Dino said.

So unless there is a systematic presence of an institution that deals with the [whole] Indonesian diaspora, Im afraid that we will have unfulfilled promises or policy shortcomings in engaging with the Indonesian diaspora, Dino told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Read also: Govt encourages diaspora scientists to return home

Nikko Akbar from the Overseas Indonesian Students Association Alliance (PPI-Dunia) said his organization wanted more involvement in the government's COVID-19 efforts.

PPI-Dunia has so far raised about Rp 200 million (US$13,585) through events including e-sports competitions and an online pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) session, and the organization is actively promoting physical distancing on social media.

PPI-Dunia has been using the funds it has raised to buy hand sanitizer, masks and protective gear for Indonesian medical workers and people affected by the virus.

It has also sent an open letter to the government recommending ways to deal with COVID-19 based on a comprehensive review of other countries that had been relatively more successful in doing so.

We hope we can be directly involved in government campaigns and its COVID-19 task force, said Nikko who is leading a PPI-Dunia team to respond to the pandemic in the Asia-Oceania region, because I believe that many PPI members who are experts in their own fields are very open to not only join discussions but also to directly go in the field to handle COVID-19.

The Research and Technology Ministry and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) launched a scheme on April 9 that allows local research groups from universities, NGOs and state institutions to partner with Indonesian scholars living abroad to propose research ideas on COVID-19. The proposals are due on May 30.

Read also: Researchers face uphill battle to help with COVID-19 fight

International Indonesian Scholars Association (I-4) secretary-general Sastia Prama Putri expressed her support for the initiative and other partnerships that had recently been developed with the government.

However, like other diaspora communities, she said, diaspora researchers should be given a larger role in solving national problems in the future. She recommended the government facilitate cross-appointments between universities as one way to increase cooperation.

If the country opens up and encourages the involvement of the diaspora, we will certainly be very happy and want to contribute to solving various national problems, including COVID-19, Sastia said.

South Tangerang resident Dewi Komalasari, 40, said she was happy to receive help from the Diaspora Care program after she was laid off as a restaurant worker in late March. She is raising two children alone.

Even if it is small [in value], the aid is very meaningful for me because I can use it to buy staple foods. I will use it as wisely and as economically as possible, Dewi said, as quoted in the Manpower Ministrys press release.
Berlin, May 24 : A COVID-19 outbreak in a restaurant in the German town of Leer has cast doubt on the effectiveness of the strategy to reopen gastronomy venues in the country.

The federal state of Lower Saxony, where Leer is located, was the first to allow the reopening of restaurants with restrictions on the number of customers per table and with distancing rules between customers in the premises, Efe news reported.

There had been no new cases in the town for a week.

Seven new infections were detected this week, all of them believed to be linked to the same restaurant and another 50 people have gone into preventive quarantine.

A spokeswoman for the Federation of German Hotels and Restaurants (Dehoga) said in statements on Saturday to public radio station NDR1 that infection should not be possible with the hygiene plan in place.

Restaurants and bars were closed in Germany in mid-March and Lower Saxony was one of the first federal states to allow these premises to reopen on May 11.

There have been more than 179,700 confirmed cases and 8,200 deaths in Germany.
opinion

The war of words against African holders of land continues un-abated as government finds itself in an embarrassing situation after the land reform programme of the year 2000. In an extremely disquieting turn of affairs, government is not only willing to compensate the departed white farmers, but is also seeking to quietly invite so-called white former farmers back to take land from Africans.

Government's new policy is in line (apparently) with the new dispensation's stance that "there are no white farmers or black farmers -- there are just farmers" despite the fact that government is taxing blacks to "compensate white former farmers". The subject of white farmers who are returning to be given land taken from black farmers has not been justified and cannot be justified.

Why is government taxing the people to compensate former farmers who are returning to take land from the African?

Compensation has not been justified by either government or those who are demanding it. Government is using semantics to confuse observers and muzzle its critics in this regard. Government is a formidable power base which is used, more often than not, in the interest of government and not the people.

Government enjoys an unassailable base of wisdom in public affairs and when such wisdom is challenged by hard facts, it will either seek to muzzle the critics or simply withdraw to its shell of silence because of fear it will be shown to have miscalculated.

In other words, government does not like to be reminded to be accountable. On the issue of compensation of white former farmers, government, however, sleeps with the opposition because both believe compensation will send economic sanctions away. This strange bedfellows disposition is justified and protected by government's silence regarding charges that it has betrayed the people whose land was stolen by the beneficiaries in the compensation issue.

In the current move to take land from Africans to benefit returning white farmers, government has not explained why large tracts of land held by white farmers in conservancies and game farms remain a preserve of non-Africans whose "productivity" is unchallenged when such land does not produce food for the country.

The increasing call for productivity 20 years after the launch of the land reform is designed to justify government's failure to empower all classes of African farmers to become productive. Moreover, government will not admit its failure to realise that climate change has had a devastating effect on land productivity in many regions of the country. This is evidenced by the ever-increasing calls for food relief to avert starvation.

Far from discrediting the land reform programme, this points an accusing finger at government for waiting for 20 years before taking corrective measures to ensure that land was productively utilised. The measures cannot include calling back those from whom the land was taken in the first place because that becomes an open and embarrassing admission by government for failing to plan for productivity.

Government, however, chooses to find scapegoats among African farmers for its own failure.

Historically, regions one and two were the high rainfall areas, which enabled farmers to produce grains by both rain-fed agriculture and irrigation. However, the high rainfall and irrigation are not used solely for food production because these areas are also ideal for commercial tobacco production.

The remaining regions are livestock production ground and can supplement by producing grains under irrigation and provided the country with livestock commodities. This mix ensured that there was no shortage of food for the country.

Once the land was in the hands of the African majority, government needed to use every means to empower the African farmer to meet the needs of the new dispensation to continue producing enough food.

Moreover, successive white governments in this country provided bank loans to the farming community to enhance productivity and there was also the Cold Storage Company (CSC) cattle finance scheme, which ensured that farmers had access to the facility to produce commercial stock.

The effect of climate change in the southern regions has been exacerbated by the human-livestock conflict, which has taken more grazing land to be used for human settlement without endangering the environment. The resulting shrinking of grazing land, made worse by the upsurge and uncontrolled mining activities, has resulted in a shocking inability of the low rainfall regions to sustain both humans and livestock.

Instead of investigating the fundamental reasons for the decline in land productivity, government has chosen to find an easy way out by blaming African land holders' inability to measure up to government expectations.

In the high rainfall regions of the country, the people relied on rain-fed agriculture using animal-drawn implements for tillage. But because the government must find a reason why (with an abundance of land) the people are failing to produce enough food for the nation, government policy has become a witch hunt to blame the African farmer.

The African farmer has become (if you like) the fall guy to whitewash wrongdoing within the ranks of government and its political branches.

But government has money enough to compensate white farmers and facilitating the return of those who have been promised to take land back from the African people. It is not willing to use the money to empower the African farmer. Why is government preoccupied with compensating white farmers instead of spending that money to empower the African farmer who cannot afford to buy farming implements, which can help them to become creditworthy?

In a country where public opinion is anathema to the government's wisdom in all things public, with its powerful public media, which is more often used to justify wrongdoing, government often uses its propaganda machinery to black-out embarrassing information in the realm of public interest.

A good example in this regard is the blacking-out of government's position regarding its decision to compensate white former farmers in the face of overwhelming evidence that the farmers cannot justify their case for compensation.

The first time the public heard about government's position on compensation was an announcement in the budget statement. The decision to compensate without submitting the subject of compensation to scrutiny in parliament had been hushed up to ensure that the move was not questioned before government announced its decision.

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Allied to this thorny issue is government's quiet encouragement of returning farmers and its apparent promise that land was available from African farmers who are perceived failures to utilise land allocated to them.

This is an embarrassing admission by the people's government, which justified the land reform programme because the usurped land belonged to the people. How can it justify taking the land from the people to benefit those who usurped it from the people? If there is any reason why government has caved in to the demand for compensation, the government is obligated to tell the people instead of looking for scapegoats.

Another thorny issue pertains to the CSC, which has failed to publish its shareholding when the undertaking is required by law to do so. What is the government concealing from the public, if indeed there is nothing to hide?

It is believed that the so-called "British investors" in the CSC are in fact local farmers (including those who are being compensated) who are working to have this public company privatised. A decision by government to privatise the CSC is a matter of public interest and government can proceed if it is the public interest. Government, however, is accountable to those who elected it into power.

Government is ignoring the rules of accountability.
A couple from Oregon never imagined the surprise waiting for them when they went to take a look at the newborn litters of one of their cats. Along with the five normal kittens, they also found a tiny feline with two little noses, four eyes, and two mewling mouths. The couple decided to call this rare adorable kitty Biscuits and Gravy and now the images and videos of the tiny tot have tugged at the heartstrings of many.

Shared on the cats personal Instagram page, the videos and images show the daily life of the feline. Heres a video where its human is trying to feed it:

Though rare, this condition among cats is not entirely unheard of, reports CNN. In fact, the two-faced cats are known as Janus. They are named after the Roman God by the same name who was said to have the ability to look to the past with one head and into the future with the other.

The image shows Biscuits and Gravy with one of its siblings. (Instagram/Biscuitsandgravy )

Despite the cat parents taking good care of this feline, theres a risk of survival looming over this kitten  as they have a really short life span. However, beating all the odds a two-faced cat named Frank and Louie survived for over 15 years and that certainly brings some hope for Biscuits and Gravy.

The image shows the Janus cat named Biscuits and Gravy sleeping. (Instagram/Biscuitsandgravy)

Not just the tiny tots parents but several people commented on the Instagram posts and wrote that they hope the kitten pulls through and lives a healthy life.

Heres a latest post where people expressed the same notion. The post is an image of the cat sleeping on its dog sibling.

Biscuits and Ollie B&G went through a bit of a rough patch this afternoon and seemed very lethargic. Hes since perked up quite a bit and seems a little like his normal self. Keep the little dude in your prayers! Were really hoping he pulls through! reads the posts caption.

Biscuits and Gravy sleeping on one of its dog siblings. (Instagram/Biscuitsandgravy)

From asking Biscuits and Gravy to hang on to wishing them a speedy recovery, people dropped all sorts of comments on the post.

Sending soooooo many good thoughts and prayers!!! He is a fighter and I hope it all works out!!! wrote an Instagram user. Hang in there little tough guy! commented another.

What do you think of this tiny kitten?

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Upgrading the rail line from Sydney to Wollongong to boost train speeds to 200km/h is unlikely to result in a major increase in commuters or ease growing pains in the harbour city.

A Grattan Institute analysis also debunks proposals for bullet trains on the east coast, such as those touted by federal Labor, urging politicians to desist from pouring millions into studies of high-speed rail.

The debate about high-speed rail often rises during election campaigns. Credit:Bloomberg

While upgrades to rail lines to regional centres such as Wollongong might make sense, the think-tank warns regional cities and towns may lose more than they gain from faster services.

The institute's Fast Train Fever report says: "Trains go both ways, and it's much more likely that benefits will flow towards big cities, because people and businesses tend to prefer cities."
A bride-to-be and her best friend have been kidnapped 48 hours to her wedding Fatiha in Yankara village in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State when hundreds of armed bandits stormed.

According to Daily Trust, the heavily armed bandits attacked the village on motorbikes at night when most villagers were asleep.

The bandits were said to have gone to the family house of the bride-to-be and demanded for her and her best friend.

The bandits reportedly carried away large quantities of food items and other valuables during the operation.

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Read Also: Bandits Defile Lockdown; Attack Villages In Katsina

We were terrified by excessive gunshots. They woke up every single living thing in this village. Some people who were able to escape, slept in the bush, while those who remained behind had to meet the demands of the bandits, who chose the sort of foodstuff they wanted and asked the villagers to put them in sacks, Daily Trust quoted a source as saying.

Anybody caught by the bandits had no option than to comply with their directives or risk being killed. However, as I am speaking with you, we do not know the whereabouts of the kidnapped bride-to-be and her friend.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of Katsina State, Alhaji Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa, while reacting to the state of insecurity in the state, said relief will come soon.

People should exercise patience because the soldiers have concluded their plans to engage the bandits decisively. We should wait and see and I am sure in the next few days, the soldiers will commence operations, he was quoted by the newspaper as saying.
If we dont come out today to fight back, this may be the last time, said Chris, a 19-year-old protester who spoke on the condition that only his first name be used because he had been arrested once before for participating in an illegal protest. Maybe tomorrow, Hong Kong will be China, and we cant even say a single word of criticism on the Internet without being arrested.
Uttar Pradesh government has banned patients admitted in dedicated L-2 and L-3 Covid hospitals to take mobile phones along with them in the isolation wards so as to check the spread of coronavirus infection.

As per the orders, two mobile phones are required to made available with the ward in-charge of the Covid care centres so that patients and talk to their family members and administration if required. Further, the orders specify that the mobile numbers should be communicated to the family members of the patients. "This is to inform that patients admitted in dedicated L-2 ...
First, the requirement that passengers wear masks is a policy adopted by each airline and is not a federal regulation, like the rule against disabling an airplane lavatorys smoke detector, which can be enforced under the threat of fines or prison time.

Absent a federal requirement that passengers wear face coverings, airlines can do only so much, said Henry Harteveldt, an aviation analyst with Atmosphere Research Group.

Another reason for the tolerant attitude is that demand for air travel is in a nosedive. About 500 flight attendants have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and there is little appetite among flight attendants or airline executives for a face-to-face confrontation with a passenger who refuses to wear a mask, nor is there a desire to divert a mostly empty plane that is already losing the airline money, industry experts said.

Practically speaking, these flight attendants have enough on their hands, said Mark Gerchick, former chief counsel of the Federal Aviation Administration.

In late April, New Yorks JetBlue Airways was the first major U.S. carrier to require that all passengers wear masks during flights, with American, United, Delta, Southwest and Alaska adopting the same requirement in early May.
Connecticut Trooper Christine Jeltema said police were called to a home in Willington early Sunday morning. A man reported that he had been held against his will by Manfredonia, who then left with food, several guns and the mans truck, which was found abandoned at 6:45 a.m. near Osbornedale State Park. Police investigators then went to the Derby home of an acquaintance of Manfredonia and found him dead. He was identified Sunday afternoon as Nicholas Eisele, 23.
EU member states Austria, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands have stated their opposition to the French-German plan for a 500bn coronavirus recovery fund that would issue grants, calling for a loans-based approach instead.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel made the surprise proposal last Monday to set up a fund that would offer grants to EU regions and sectors hit hardest by the pandemic.
Open source

Kyiv checkpoint border guards registered 1290 Ukrainian citizens who returned from seven countries of the world over the past day. This was reported by the State Border Service.



In particular, Ukrainians arrived from:



Tallinn (Estonia);

Frankfurt (Germany);

Dubrovnik (Croatia);

Belgrade (Serbia);

Bridgetown (Barbados);

Amsterdam (Netherlands);

Rijeka (Croatia).



"Border guards obligatory carried out temperature screening of all passengers without exception. They did not find anyone with a fever. None of the passengers complained about the deterioration of their health," the State Border Service said.

Related: Ukrainians evacuated from Azerbaijan, Israel arrive in Boryspil



All citizens who arrived on special flights installed the Diy Vdoma mobile application and pledged to be self-isolated at the addresses indicated in it.



One citizen of Ukraine expressed a desire to undergo observation, the State Customs Service said.



In total, over the past day, border guards registered more than 22,300 people for crossing the Ukrainian border.
NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar on Sunday said that reforms don't mean complete abolition of labour laws. The government is committed towards safeguarding the interests of the workers in the country, news agency PTI reported citing Kumar as saying. The comment comes in wake of rising concerns after several state governments such as Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh brought about amendments to labour laws so as to help businesses negatively impacted due to the coronavirus crisis.

"I have just noticed that the Union Ministry of Labour is firming up its stance to tell the states that they cannot abolish labour laws because India is a signatory to the International Labour Organization (ILO)," Kumar told PTI in an interview.

"Therefore, it is clear that the Union government does not believe that the reform of labour laws implies complete lack of labour laws... The government is committed to protecting the interest of workers," he added.

Kumar also said that the coronavirus induced-lockdowns have impacted different sectors of the economy as well as the entire global economic and trade situation. The lockdown in India was imposed on March 25 and it has been extended thrice. The lockdown is to end on May 31.

Meanwhile, on May 20, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) affiliated to the RSS launched a nationwide agitation against the ordinances of Uttar Pradesh (UP), Madhya Pradesh (MP), Gujarat and also on other labour issues". On May 22, ten Central trade unions (CTUs) and federations and associations in various sectors conducted nationwide protests against the changes to the labour laws.

Also read: Coronavirus India Live Tracker: Delhi registers 508 new cases in 24 hours; tally over 13,400

Also read: Eid-ul-Fitr: Is the Indian stock market open or closed for trading tomorrow?
Nouakchott, 24 May 2020 (SPS) - President of the Republic, Secretary General of the Polisario Front, Mr. Brahim Ghali, received a congratulatory message from President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, H. E. Mohamed Ould Sheikh El-Ghazouani, on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.



As the Islamic nation celebrates Eid al-Fitr, I would like to convey to Your Excellency my warmest congratulations and best wishes of well-being and happiness for you personally and progress and prosperity for your brotherly country, said President Ould El-Ghazouani.



President Ould El-Ghazouani wished progress and prosperity for the two brotherly Mauritanian and Sahrawi peoples and all Arab and Islamic peoples. (SPS)



062/SPS
US officials have pushed the theory that the virus, which first appeared in Wuhan, emerged from the virology lab there.

Claims promoted by the Trump administration that the global coronavirus pandemic originated at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in the central Chinese city are a pure fabrication, the institutes director has said.

US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have repeatedly said they suspect the virus that was first detected in Wuhan was somehow released from the laboratory.

Scientists think the new coronavirus, which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan and has killed more than 340,000 people worldwide, originated in bats and could have been transmitted to people via another mammal.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US intelligence community have said the virus appears to be natural in origin.





The labs director told state broadcaster CGTN that the US claims that the coronavirus may have leaked from the institute were pure fabrication.

In the interview filmed on May 13 but broadcast on Saturday night, Wang Yanyi said the centre has isolated and obtained some coronaviruses from bats while conducting source tracing of SARS, the strain behind another virus outbreak nearly 20 years ago, preceding the pandemic.

Wang said the lab has three strains of live viruses, but said none is genetically very close to SARS-CoV-2, with the closest reaching only 79.8 percent similarity.

Furthermore, Wang said the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is too different from the virus that causes SARS to be studied as part of the previous research into that virus.

We know that the whole genome of SARS-CoV-2 is only 80 percent similar to that of SARS. Its an obvious difference, said Wang. So, [in the research on SARS] they didnt pay attention to such viruses which are less similar to the SARS virus.

We didnt even know the virus existed

The Wuhan lab has said it first received samples of the then-unknown coronavirus that causes COVID-19 on December 30, with scientists at the lab determining the viral genome sequence on January 2 and submitting information on the pathogen to the World Health Organization on January 11.

Wang said in the interview that before it received samples in December, their team had never encountered, researched or kept the virus.

In fact, like everyone else, we didnt even know the virus existed, she said. How could it have leaked from our lab when we never had it?

Conspiracy rumours that the biosafety lab was involved in the outbreak had swirled online for months before Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo brought the theory into the mainstream in April by claiming that there is evidence the pathogen came from the institute.

The US and Australia have called in recent weeks for an investigation into the origins of the pandemic.





Chinese scientists have said the virus first emerged at a market selling live animals in Wuhan, though officials in Beijing more recently cast doubt about its origins.

Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi on Sunday blasted what he called efforts by US politicians to fabricate rumours about the pathogens origins and stigmatise China.

He said China would be open to international cooperation to identify the source of the novel coronavirus, as long as any investigation is free of political interference.

The WHO has said Washington offered no evidence to support the speculative claims about the Wuhan lab.
Bhopal, May 24 : The recovery rate of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients in Madhya Pradesh, which has more than 6,000 infected people so far, increased to 51 per cent.

Till Saturday, the state has reported a total of 6,371 coronavirus cases and Indore has registered the maximum number of infection at around 3,000. However, of the total patients, 3,267 people have recovered till date. At present, the number of active patients in the state stands at 2,823. So far 281 people have died due to the virus.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that better arrangements are being made for the treatment of corona patients in the state.

"The recovery rate from coronavirus has increased to 51 per cent. Currently the lockdown imposed in the districts will have to be strictly followed and it has been ensured that it should be relaxed as per the guidelines", he added.

The state government has started fever clinics to make the screening facilities related to corona virus more easily available to the people.

Additional Chief Secretary Health Mohammad Suleman has said that 27,484 persons have been tested in 1,496 fever clinics in the state. Out of these 24,505 were advised home isolation, samples of 6,415 persons were collected, and 2,824 persons were sent to Covid care centres and hospitals.

The districts are divided into two zones -- red and green. Principal Secretary Sanjay Dubey said that e-pass has been abolished from green zone to green zone in the state, but e-pass will be needed to exit Indore, Bhopal and Ujjain coming in the red zone. Similarly, e-pass will also be required to travel to other states.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
May 24 (Reuters) - The United Kingdom should ensure that China's efforts to impose a new national security law on Hong Kong are on the agenda for the G7 meeting in June, Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong wrote in the Financial Times newspaper on Sunday.

The last governor of the former British colony said that Britain and its G7 allies should take a stance against Chinese President Xi Jinping's 'regime', which he labeled as "an enemy of open societies".

"While the rest of the world is preoccupied with fighting COVID-19, he (Xi) has in effect ripped up the Joint Declaration, a treaty lodged at the UN to guarantee Hong Kong's way of life till 2047", Patten wrote in the newspaper.

China has proposed imposing national security laws on Hong Kong as Communist Party rulers in Beijing on Friday unveiled details of the legislation that critics see as a turning point for the former British colony, which enjoys many freedoms, including an independent legal system and right to protest, not allowed on the mainland.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; editing by Diane Craft)
Sales outside China used to make up nearly half of toymaker Shantou Beilisi's turnover, but plummeted to just five percent after the virus struck Sales outside China used to make up nearly half of toymaker Shantou Beilisi's turnover, but plummeted to just five percent after the virus struck (AFP Photo/NOEL CELIS)

Cancelled shipments, returned goods and a dearth of new orders have left China exporters in crisis as the coronavirus hits its trading partners worldwide -- accelerating a long-standing push towards domestic consumption.

The world's second-largest economy is stirring back to life after virus cases dwindled from a peak in February, when activity came to a near-halt.

But recovery is now hampered by lockdowns and restrictions overseas as the coronavirus continues its deadly march across the planet, with exporters forced to look to domestic markets after years of selling overseas.

Chinese online marketplace Taobao said the number of foreign trading companies opening stores on its domestic-focused platform spiked 160 percent from February to May.

And policymakers -- who have sought for years to wean the country off cheap exports and government spending in favour of domestic consumption -- are welcoming the change.

"When there is no light in the west, there is light in the east," the commerce minister, Zhong Shan, told reporters at a briefing this week.

He said domestic sales from export businesses rose 17 percent in April, and the government was supporting trading enterprises that specialised in foreign sales to tap the home market instead.

Foreign sales used to make up nearly half of toymaker Shantou Beilisi's turnover, but this plummeted to just five percent after the virus struck.

General manager Chen Zhuoyue told AFP that orders from his largest export markets, the United States and Europe, are now "basically negligible".

"Many countries there imposed lockdowns and the global flow of logistics is another issue... these have affected our order volume," he said.

"There is also a rising number of unemployed overseas, and their purchasing power has fallen."

Faced with few new orders and cancellations of existing ones, Chen said the company is attempting more domestic sales by changing the packaging of products and working with platforms such as JD.com to sell online.

Story continues

Still, gearing towards the China market may not yield immediate results as weak domestic demand was a key factor behind the country's poorest economic growth in around 30 years in 2019.

- 'Protect themselves' -

The push inwards comes from China's top echelons, with Industry and Information Technology Minister Miao Wei saying Wednesday that China aims to "rapidly activate domestic demand" to make up for the external shortfall.

Yang Shaohui of JD.com told AFP: "Before the epidemic, some exporters were already trying to expand their domestic market share as part of their business strategy to diversify, in order to protect themselves better against risks."

Kim Ng, managing director of kitchen gadgets producer Ko Fung whose factories are in China, said he is producing 30 percent to 50 percent less than pre-virus levels, with almost no new orders between mid-March and April.

He expects orders from the US -- a major export market -- to fall further, and is preparing to take part in a trade fair in China to boost sales within the country.

What previously was just five percent of his sales could increase to half the business, he hopes.

Ng said he had already considered expanding domestic sales in China when the US imposed tariffs on Chinese goods at the start of their still-simmering trade war which began two years ago.

"The pandemic has accelerated our plans," he said.

"It is a problem we have to solve eventually... the US is now saying it might introduce more tariffs."

- Full warehouses -

Not all exporters in China can readily tap the domestic market, however.

Jason Lee, CEO of metal parts manufacturer Shanghai EverSkill M&E, is at a loss as he simply doesn't see equivalent demand for his products at home.

"Europe has started lifting (lockdown) restrictions recently, and we'll only know if this is a good or bad thing in a few weeks," he said.

For now, Lam Cheong Leung, creative director of household products manufacturer Green & Associates, has full warehouse space to contend with.

Shipments to the US -- which account for nearly half his production -- have slowed, he said.

As a result he has cut production, cancelled overtime, and has just two-thirds of his 300 or so staff at work.

"If shipment delays last a year, how will our factory continue operations?" he asked.
"Mission: Impossible" star Simon Pegg says his character, Benji, has "evolved" with every film in the spy-action franchise, something he believes will follow in the upcoming seventh film.

The British actor has featured in the "MI" films alongside series lead Tom Cruise since the first film in 1996.

"(Benji) has evolved from being a lab technician who reluctantly gets involved in the action to being a fresh-faced field agent who thinks, 'Oh, this is great and fun, and I'm gonna wear a mask,' to actually experiencing what it's really about, which is not so pleasant," Pegg told The Hollywood Reporter.

The actor said he is looking forward to playing the role again "having been through what he went through on 'Fallout', which was unpleasant".

"I can see him not being quite as thrilled with the job," he added.

Cruise is reprising his role of Impossible Mission Forces (IMF) agent Ethan Hunt in the two back-to-back "MI" films, being helmed by director Christopher McQuarrie.

Pegg, 50, said it is going to be fun to play out the narratives set up by McQuarrie, who also directed the fifth ("Rogue Nation") and sixth ("Fallout").

"It's been a really long journey for him (McQuarrie); it's not about each individual film. He's tracking a journey for each of those characters, not just Ethan, but all of us," the actor added.

Recently, British actor Nicholas Hoult, who was set to play the villain in "Mission: Impossible 7", exited the project.

Esai Morales, best known for "How to Get Away With Murder" and "Ozark", will step in for "The Favourite" star.

The upcoming "MI" was among the major Hollywood projects that were impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Its shooting in Italy was halted due to the disease outbreak in the country in February.

The films will also see Ving Rhames, Henry Czerny, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson and Vanessa Kirby reprising their characters from the previous installments.

Newcomers include Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff and Shea Whigham.

The seventh and eighth chapters were scheduled to be released on July 23, 2021, and August 5, 2022, respectively.

The two sequels will now hit the theatres on November 19, 2021 and November 4, 2022.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Around 50% of Facebook workforce could work from home in the future. Photo: Getty

Facebook (FB) could have half its workforce permanently working from home in the next decade, Mark Zuckerberg announced this week.

The tech giants boss released a public video on Thursday outlining the company's remote working policy for its 45,000 staff.

Zuckerberg said about 50% of employees could be working remotely for good in the next five to 10 years.

But he warned this could mean some workers receive lower salaries related to their cost of living.

Facebook will start aggressively opening up hiring for remote workers, Zuckerberg said and establishing new hubs away from Silicon Valley.

Certainly being able to recruit more broadly, especially across the US and Canada to start, is going to open up a lot of new talent that previously wouldn't have considered moving to a big city, he said.

The industry, which relies on work completed on computers is in a strong position for remote or home working. But tech companies also have a culture of large work campuses with collaborative spaces and leisure activities.

READ MORE: UK plans cut in Huawei's 5G network involvement to zero by 2023

But now the Facebook chief executive has said some existing employees can apply to work remotely enabling them to live in cheaper cities. They have until 1 January to tell the company where they are living which may result in a pay cut.

Facebook already pays different salaries based on locations.

Engineers with strong performance reviews will be the first group allowed to apply for remote work.

The company will adjust salaries depending on where employees live, meaning those working remotely in places where the cost of living is cheaper will be paid less.

But executive pay is likely to stay high, even for remote positions, to enable Facebook to compete with rivals.

Most employees have already been told to work remotely until the end of the year although a small number of offices may open from the beginning of July with social distancing restrictions in force.

The army of 15,000 content moderators are likely to continue operating from the office due to the sensitive nature of their work.

Meanwhile Twitter (TWTR) said last week that employees who were able to, could continue working from anywhere, forever.
Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations on



Monday are likely to be a family affair, and virtual also to an extent, in Gujarat in view of the coronavirus-induced lockdown, with Muslim leaders appealing to the community members against visiting mosques to offer prayers.

Gujarat is one of the worst-affected states which has reported 13,669 COVID-19 cases and 829 deaths so far.

Many Muslims are planning to offer prayers and cook 'sewaiyan' (dessert) at their homes and to exchange greetings with friends and relatives via video chatting.

"We will offer prayers at our homes. There will be no 'daawat' (banquet). We will cook sewaiyanat homes as part of the celebrations. Neither will we go out nor do we expect visit by guests on Eid," says social worker Mujahid Nafees.

Majority of Muslims in Ahmedabad live in the areas in eastern Ahmedabad, where several major idgahs and mosques are concentrated.

This part of the city is under stricter restrictions in the fourth phase of the lockdown while restrictions hve been eased in western Ahmedabad.

Muslim religious leaders have appealed to members of the community to not step out of their homes on Monday to offer namaz at mosques or idgahs as has been the practice every year.

Nafees also said Eid shopping will be done once normalcy is restored.

"The fact is that people don't have much money due to the loss of livelihood (amidst the lockdown). A large number of Muslims is daily-earners who are hit hard by the lockdown," he said, adding that well-off Muslims have decided to set aside 'Zakat' (2.5 per cent of earnings) for the needy.

Vadodara-based Intekhab Sheikh says he will offer the Eid prayers at his home and exchange greetings via video chatting.

"Visiting a mosque is out of question. We will cook sewaiyanat home. At the most will offer it to our neighbours. Offering prayers and consuming sewaiyan with family members will be our mode of celebration tomorrow. And as far as greeting friends and relatives are concerned, we will do it through video calling," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Bode Prasad on Saturday held a protest in front of Vuyyuru police station alleging the filing of fake cases against party activists. The protest came after police seized 105 liquor bottles from the house of a ration shop dealer and TDP worker Rambabu.

Speaking about the liquor bottles at the party worker's house, Bode Prasad accused the YSRCP of placing the liquor bottles in Rambabu's house. He staged a protest demanding justice.

Read: Andhra Pradesh: TDP Chief accuses YSRCP of betraying farmers, migrant workers in state

TDP protests against new power tariff system

Meanwhile, on Thursday, May 21, Telegu Desam Party leader and former MLA Tangirala Sowmya held a protest against the new power tariff system in Andhra Pradesh. Following her party's call, Sowmya held the protest at her house in Nandigama town. She demanded that the old slab system be followed and asked for power bills to be waived off during the lowdown.

Read: Andhra Pradesh Minister lambastes TDP supremo for criticism over land acquisition decision

Speaking to ANI, Sowmya said, "The power sector has been spoiled during one year of Jagan Reddy's rule. He has cornered the state into the darkness with his adamant attitude." She said that the Jagan government's decisions in the power sector have drawn flack from both the courts as well as the central government. According to her, while power tariffs were not increased during the five-year tenure of Chandrababu Naidu; Jagan Reddy's government have raised the tariffs two times in merely one year.

Read: Karnataka CM has assured to help stranded Andhra fishermen, says TDP's Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh has thus far recorded 2709 Covid cases in all, with 55 deaths and 1763 recoveries.

Read: Andhra Pradesh: TDP leader Tangirala Sowmya protests against increase of power tariffs

(With ANI Inputs)
A Gorkha association in Arunachal Pradesh has filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) against actor Anuskha Sharma for an alleged "sexist slur" on the Gorkha community in



one of the scenes of the web series 'Paatal Lok' produced by her.

The complaint was filed recently by Bikash Bhattarai, the Namsai unit president of the All Arunachal Pradesh Gorkha Youth Association (AAPGYA).

A "sexist slur" used against a woman character in the second episode of the web series is a "direct insult to the Nepali-speaking people", the association stated in the complaint.

"The sexist slur has hurt the sentiments of the Gorkha community and the Nepali-speaking people across the country," the AAPGYA said.

It demanded that either the web series be stopped from being aired or the team of 'Paatal Lok' apologise to the Gorkhali people.

"The series has hurt the Nepali community and there is already a strong protest against it on social media for presenting an insulting, demeaning and derogatory dialogue," the group stated in its complaint.

AAPGYA state unit president Shyam Ghatani said, "Not only should the Nepali community, but those in the film industry also condemn such direct insult made to millions of people who speak Nepali as their common language".

The association has urged the NHRC and the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs to come up with a "strong and concrete" decision on the matter.

The Bharatiya Gorkha Yuva Parisangh has also started an online petition demanding that Amazon should mute the slur, blur the subtitles and upload an edited video with an apology and a disclaimer.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Akbar Mammadov

Today, Azerbaijani and world Muslims celebrate Ramadan Holiday, also known as Eid Al-Fitr.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the most sacred and anticipated month in Muslim calendar.

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset. While fasting, believers should also avoid all forms of sinful behavior during the holy month.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The Night of Power, when the Quran, the holy book of the Islamic world, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, falls in the final 10 days of Ramadan.

Celebrations start with the sighting of the new moon, which means the end of the holy month of fasting. The dates change annually as theyre determined by the sighting of a new moon.

During Eid Al-Fitr, Muslims usually visit a mosque and participate in mass prayer, give charity, abstain from committing sins.

The Eid prayer is performed in congregation in open areas or mosques. After the prayers, Muslims visit their relatives, friends, and acquaintances and exchange gifts or hold large communal celebrations in homes, community centres, or rented halls. Delicious pastries are baked for the occasion of the great holiday, the graves of relatives are visited, and people pray in mosques.

This year's Eid Al-Fitr is rather quiet as most countries are in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic across the world. The social distancing rules make it impossible for Muslims to perform mass prayer on the last day of Ramadan.

Earlier, on 24 March, Azerbaijan banned religious gathering as part of the special quarantine regime. The country also banned the gathering of more than ten people as part of the lockdown. The Caucasus Board of Muslims said it is impossible to resume mass prayers in Azerbaijan, including the Ramadan prayer, due to the ban on gatherings of more than 10 people amid COVID-19.

The Caucasus Board of Muslims also said that on the Ramadan holiday, people can congratulate each other, but collective prayers are not necessary. There is no need to pray in a group of 3-5 people at home.

Azerbaijan, a predominantly Muslim country, has been celebrating the Ramadan officially since 1993, following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The country has always been one of the historical and cultural centres of the Islamic world.

For many centuries, people in Azerbaijan have preserved their religious and national values.

---

Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
I sraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a tirade against the nations justice system as he arrived at court for the start of his corruption trial.

Netanyahu accused police and prosecutors of conspiring to depose him as he became the country's first sitting prime minister ever to go on trial.

He faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in a series of corruption cases stemming from ties to wealthy friends.

He is accused of accepting lavish gifts and offering to grant favours to powerful media moguls in exchange for favourable coverage of him and his family. He denies the charges.

As he arrived at the courthouse, Netanyahu revived his claims that he is the victim of a deep state-type conspiracy by media, police, prosecutors and judges out to oust him.

Supporters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu / REUTERS

He called the case an attempt to eliminate the will of the people and an attempt to depose a strong right-wing leader.

He said police and prosecutors had conspired to tailor a case against him, and said the evidence was contaminated and exaggerated. He called for the court proceedings to be broadcast live on TV to ensure full transparency.

I stand before you with a straight back and head raised high, he said.

Critics have said that Netanyahus deep state arguments have undermined Israels court system and risk deeper damage to the countrys democratic institutions.

Netanyahu spoke shortly before he was to attend the opening hearing in the case at the Jerusalem district court, after his request to have his lawyers represent him instead was rejected.

The dramatic scene came just days after the long-serving leader swore in his new government, breaking more than a year of political stalemate following three inconclusive elections.

Netanyahu held his first Cabinet meeting with the new government just hours before heading to court.

Neither he nor any of his ministers addressed the looming trial but the countrys outgoing religious affairs minister wished Netanyahu that God will bring the truth out at his trial.

Netanyahu and his allies have spent months lashing out the countrys law enforcement system, and the charges against him have deeply divided the nation.

Ahead of the trial, two sets of protests and counter-protests gathered outside the courthouse and the prime ministers official residence in Jerusalem.

Several of Netanyahus Likud Cabinet ministers, including the newly appointed internal security minister who oversees the police, came to the court to back him.

Netanyahus court appearance on Sunday caps a three-year investigation.

It also comes after more than a year of political turmoil, with three inconclusive elections finally ending last month when the Israeli leader and his main rival, former army chief Benny Gantz, came to a power-sharing deal.

As part of their power-sharing deal, Netanyahu will remain prime minister for the next 18 months, and alternative prime minister for the 18 months after, and will not be legally required to step down during what is expected to be a lengthy trial.

Additional reporting by Press Association.
The district health department has requested the administration to shift the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients, brought to Ghaziabad under the Vande Bharat Mission, to their respective hometowns. The officials said that two travellers lodged in paid quarantine have tested positive and should be sent to their respective districts for further treatment.

The two travellers have tested positive and are lodged at ESI Hospital in Sahibabad. These cases have been added to the tally of Ghaziabad district by the state surveillance control room and are inflating our figures. Apart from them, there are seven more cases from other districts that have been added to the tally of Ghaziabad district, the districts chief medical officer (CMO) Dr NK Gupta, said.

The different parameters (like the number, sampling rate, doubling rate, fatality rate and testing ratio) of active cases will be affected if we do not rectify the figures. So, we have asked the administration to send the travellers back to their home districts and also written to the state surveillance officials to rectify the tally of Ghaziabad district, the CMO added.

He said that the total number of Covid-19 cases in the district stood at 227 with the addition of 10 new cases on Sunday. He added that 193 persons were discharged so far and the number of active cases stood at 33.

Four of the 10 cases reported on Sunday are contacts of two employees of Zee media. Two other women reported positive had given birth at a womens hospital, where they were tested. Apart from the, there are two cases from Vasundhara and one each from Nehru Nagar and Patel Nagar, the CMO added.

We have received the rectification request from the Ghaziabad officials and the cases will soon be transferred to other districts, Dr Vikasendu Agrawal, the state surveillance officer, said.

Under the Vande Bharat Mission, 502 travellers, all from Uttar Pradesh districts, are currently in paid quarantine at hotels in Ghaziabad.

These people have travelled from different cities and countries like the US, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sharjah, Nepal and Dubai, among others. We are making arrangements for their transfer to their hometowns; so far, 32 of them have already been sent home after completed the requisite 14-day quarantine. The process will also be taken up for positive patients, said PN Dixit, the project director of the district rural development authority who is coordinating with the travellers.

App-based e-rickshaws soon

Officials of the district administration also added that since offices are reopening under the norms of Lockdown 4.0, there is a need to cater to passengers who use public transport. As part of one of the measures, they are in talks with e-rickshaw manufactures and have asked them to initiate an app-based e-rickshaw service in Ghaziabad.

We are also trying to operate 20 app-based e-rickshaws on two routesMohan Nagar to Hapur Chungi and Kaushambi to Sahibabad. We have asked the regional transport officer to give a plan for the proposed operations. Such e-rickshaws will cater to a maximum of two passengers besides the driver under the norms of Lockdown 4.0, the district magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey said in a statement on Sunday.

In recent directions under the Lockdown 4.0, the district magistrate had allowed three-wheelers to ply with a maximum of two passengers and a driver.

Civil flights from Hindon

Meanwhile, officials of the district administration said that flights would start operating from the civil terminal at Hindon airbase likely from May 25 and all standard operating procedures (SOPs) were in place before the flights start at 4.45pm on Monday.

In this context, officials of the UP government said that they have issued a government order detailing the SOPs as the flights will be made operational from May 25.

The government has issued the order. The passengers coming to UP will have to register themselves through a web link. People who belong to UP will have to quarantine themselves at home for 14 days and get themselves tested after six days. If their test is negative, they can leave quarantine. There will be no quarantine for persons from UP who travel to and from another state for work. However, their travel to UP has to be short and last less than a week. They have to disclose all their details, place of stay and work, etc. to authorities, Amit Mohan Prasad, UPs principal secretary (health), said.

The officials said that there are 2,686 people in isolation wards in the state and 10,540 in quarantine facilities at present.

We are especially focussed on contacting migrant workers; so far we have contacted 807,147 of them. Of them, 873 are symptomatic and their testing is underway. We are also laying special emphasis on the containment exercise and 90,408 of our teams have so far surveyed 7,157,288 houses with a population of 3.58 crore living in them, Prasad added.

According to officials, an area with a 250-metre radius around where a single case is found is now under surveillance, while an area with 500-metre radius from a cluster of cases is defined as a containment zone.

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Hong Kong police fired tear gas and a water cannon at protesters in a popular shopping district on Sunday, as thousands took to the streets to march against Chinas proposed tough national security legislation for the city.

Pro-democracy supporters in Hong Kong have sharply criticised the proposal last week to enact a national security law that would ban secessionist and subversive activity, as well as foreign interference, in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory. Critics say it goes against the one country, two systems framework that promises the city freedoms not found in mainland China.

Crowds of demonstrators dressed in black gathered Sunday afternoon in Hong Kongs Causeway Bay district to protest the proposed legislation. Protesters chanted slogans including Stand with Hong Kong, Liberate Hong Kong and Revolution of our times. The protest was a continuation of a monthslong pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong that began last year and has at times descended into violence between police and protesters.

Police raised blue flags, warning protesters to disperse, before firing multiple rounds of tear gas. They later fired a water cannon at the protesters.

At least 120 people were arrested, mostly on charges of unlawful assembly, police said in a Facebook post.

They also said in a separate post that protesters threw bricks and splashed unidentified liquid at officers, injuring at least four members of the polices media liaison team. They warned that such behavior is against the law and that police would pursue the matter.

Earlier in the afternoon, prominent activist Tam Tak-chi was arrested during the protest for what police said was unauthorized assembly. Tam said he was giving a health talk and was exempt from social-distancing measures that prohibit gatherings of more than eight people.

The bill that triggered Sundays rally was submitted at Chinas national legislative session on Friday and is expected to be passed on May 28. It would bypass Hong Kongs legislature and allow the citys government to set up mainland agencies in the city that would make it possible for Chinese agents to arbitrarily arrest people for activities deemed to be pro-democracy.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called the move a death knell for the high degree of autonomy that Beijing promised the former British colony when it was returned to China in 1997.

The erosion of Hong Kongs freedoms prompted Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong prior to its handover to China, to condemn what he called a new Chinese dictatorship. I think the Hong Kong people have been betrayed by China, which has proved once again that you cant trust it further than you can throw it, Patten said in an interview with The Times of London.

Bernard Chan, a top-level Hong Kong politician and delegate to the National Peoples Congress in Beijing, defended the national security legislation pushed by China, saying it was written into Hong Kongs Basic Law  the citys mini-constitution  but never enacted.

Chan expressed concern that Hong Kong would inevitably face economic hardship given trade frictions between the US and China.

I think we are definitely the collateral damage being dragged into this thing. But then, I dont think theres any alternatives, Chan said.

But with or without this law, honestly, the US and China are always going to be continuing this loggerhead for quite some time to come, he said. China will remain as a threat to the US in terms of the...world economic dominance.
Married At First Sight bride Stacey Hampton has set the record straight about her feelings toward rival bride KC Osborne.

Speaking to her Instagram fans on Sunday, the single mother, 26, insisted that she has no ill feelings towards the new partner of her ex-husband Michael Goonan.

'I'm not jealous of KC, I think she's beautiful. I think everyone's beautiful. I think Michael's [Goonan] lucky to have her,' Stacey said while sitting on the bed with her energetic sons Kruz, 2, and Kosta, 4.

Stacey went on to encourage her fans to purchase 32-year-old KC's new range of branded hoodies.

'Go and buy her hoodies, I don't hate her. Buy her hoodies, do it! Awesome!' the mother-of-two enthused.

'She teaches children's classes about self love which is really great. And you know what? I support that, I have kids myself. She's going to have kids one day and she's going to understand what it's like,' she beamed.

'Michael's lucky to have her!' Married At First Sight's Stacey Hampton, 26, (left) insisted she's NOT jealous of KC Osborne, 32, (right) during an impassioned Instagram video on Sunday

Earlier in the video, the law graduate warned online trolls to stop posting nasty comments online about her capabilities as a mother.

'I don't know what I've personally done to you guys. But I have a zero tolerance policy with trolls. I literally block straight away,' she warned.

Stacey reiterated that none of her online critics have actually 'seen her as a mother in full form', and therefore have no right to comment on such matters.

'Go and buy her hoodies, I don't hate her!' Stacey went on to encourage her fans to purchase KC's new range of branded hoodies (pictured)

'I have a zero tolerance policy with trolls': Earlier in the video, the law graduate warned online trolls to stop posting nasty comments online about her capabilities as a mother

'If you ask my ex, "the bikie" that everyone likes to bring up, he says I'm a great mother,' she declared.

'And he says it's probably one of my only qualities. Because I can be a difficult partner,' she added.

It comes after KC's restraining order against her Married At First Sight co-star Stacey was formally withdrawn on Tuesday.

Troubles: It comes afte KC took out an IVO out against her boyfriend Michael Goonan's (pictured) former 'wife' Stacey on May 7, accusing the single mother and her friend Anthony Hess of 'harassing her' before withdrawing it last Tuesday

KC had taken an IVO out against Stacey on May 7, accusing the single mother and her friend Anthony Hess of 'harassing her'.

A source close to Stacey told Daily Mail Australia it had been withdrawn due to 'lack of evidence'.

The blonde law graduate is now said to be considering legal action against KC for 'slandering her'.

To be continued? A friend of Stacey's (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia the restraining order had been withdrawn due to 'lack of evidence' and that she was considering legal action against KC for 'slandering her'

KC and Michael said in a joint statement: 'This situation is beyond ridiculous and we want nothing to do with it. We both want to be left in peace. Everyone needs to move on with their lives.'

Michael, 29, claimed earlier this month that KC had been the victim of targeted harassment and threats from Anthony and Stacey. They both deny this.

After KC took out an IVO against Stacey on May 7, Anthony, 39, filed a similar restraining order against Michael on May 14.

Putting it behind them: In a joint statement to Daily Mail Australia, KC and Michael said, 'This situation is beyond ridiculous and we want nothing to do with it. We both want to be left in peace'

In the complaint, the eccentric Bitcoin investor claimed that Michael had sent him a 'threatening text message' and made 'two threatening phone calls'.

An interim order made by the Melbourne Magistrates' Court prevents Michael from going within five metres of Anthony, or within 200 metres of his home.

When asked if he had filed an IVO against Michael to get back at KC for filing one against Stacey, Anthony said: 'Not at all. I had already planned to. This isn't a war.'

The Interim Intervention Order lasts until June 10, when Anthony will have to argue his case again to have it extended and Michael will have the opportunity to put his version of events before the court.
Aside from the coronavirus pandemic, chief of the disarmament department of the United Nations cautioned the public as malicious emails during the outbreak skyrocketed accelerating to an estimated 600%.

As the global health crisis continues to move the world towards online collaboration and technological innovation, Izumi Nakamitsu emphasized during the informal conference of the United Nations Security Council that alarming reports of cyber attacks against major health care organizations and facilities of medical research globally.

The disarmament affairs high ranking official shared that the growing digital dependency propelled the vulnerability to cyberattacks, as an estimated such attack takes place every 39 seconds in every part of the world.

Based on the report of the International Telecommunication Union, she stated that close to 90 nations are still in the early stages of making their cybersecurity commitments.

Nakamitsu emphasized that seeing the threat of misused data and communications technology is very critical.

On the other hand, Nakamitsu shared that there is also a good effect as a group of government experts developed 11 voluntary non-binding norms of responsible state behavior while using the said technology making it global progress for the United Nations.

Juri Ratas, Prime Minister of Estonia established the meeting on Friday as their country holds the Security Council presidency, Ratas pointed out the need for a secure and functioning cyberspace more than ever as he condemns cyberattacks that target medical research facilities, hospital, and medical affiliated infrastructures, specifically during the pandemic.

He also added that the strike is unacceptable as pushes that offenders will hold responsible for their acts.

Read also: Extended Use of Face Mask Dangerous? May Cause Hypercapnia and Hypoxia

Centerpiece of the council presidency of Estonia, the informal council meeting which was broadcasted online did not attend by Russia, however, 14 council nations were present and an estimated 50 other nations participated.

United Nations mission of Russia released a statement on its website sharing that they did not attend the meeting as the United States, United Kingdom, and Estonia violated the established practice that all council members should attend informal meetings regardless of their stand in a certain topic.

The mentioned countries did not attend a sponsored informal meeting ob Crimea by Russia on Thursday as they all oppose the Seizure and annexation of Crimea from Ukraine by Russia.

United States, United Kingdom and Estonia in March accused the military intelligence of Russia by conducting cyberattacks targeting the media and government websites in Georgia, as they call the strike a part of a constant reckless cyberoperations against numerous countries that undeniably contradicts Russia's attempts showing that they are responsible actors in cyberspace.

United States' Deputy Ambassador Cherith Norman Chalet shared on the Friday meeting that they have witnessed malicious cyber activity forming into a designed pattern undermining the United States and its international partners' efforts to guard, assist, and advise the public during this global health crisis.

She also pointed out that that said cyberattacks hampering health care systems specifically hospitals that are currently performing critical services amid the worldwide crisis could be lethal as it can deliver deadly results.

Related article: Apple, Google Builds App to Detect When Someone With Coronavirus is Near

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The Andhra Pradesh high court has ordered the immediate seizure of the Visakhapatnam premises of LG Polymers India Ltd, from whose plant poisonous Styrene gas vapours leaked on May 7, leading to the deaths of 12 people and hospitalisation of about 500 others.

The high court delivered the interim directions to this effect on Friday, but the judgment copy reached the state government on Sunday. The premises of the company LG Polymers at RR Venkatapuram in Visakhapatnam shall be completely seized and no one be allowed to enter the premises including the directors of the company, a division bench comprising chief justice JK Maheshwari and judge K Lalitha Kumari ordered.

The bench, however, said a high-powered committee appointed by the state government and other expert committees could inspect the premises, but they should mention remarks about the inspections in a register maintained at the gate of the premises. After completion of the inspection, they should mention a note in the same register regarding their inspection on the premises, the court said.

The court also ruled that all directors of the company should surrender their passports to the government and shall not be allowed to go outside India without permission of the court.

The high court bench directed that none of the assets, movable or immovable, fixtures, machinery and contents be allowed to be shifted without the approval of the court. The court sought to know whether, during the lockdown period, the company was given any permission to restart its operations. If not, the government shall file an action-taken report in this regard, it said.

The high court asked the state and central governments and the company authorities to file a compliance report by May 26 and posted the case to May 28 for further hearing.

Toxic styrene gas spewed out of the plant near Visakhapatnam on May 7, killing at least 12 people and forcing hundreds to be hospitalised for treatment. Villagers later staged protests near the plant with bodies of victims as the police visited the area.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Srinivasa Rao is Senior Assistant Editor based out of Hyderabad covering developments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana . He has over three decades of reporting experience. ...view detail
Jhansi : , May 24 (IANS) A sudden movement of a swarm of locusts spotted on the outskirts of Jhansi district on Saturday evening, has put the district administration on alert.

The Jhansi district administration has directed the fire brigades to remain on standby with chemicals following a sudden movement by a swarm of locusts.

District Magistrate Andra Vamsi, who chaired an emergency meeting in this regard said, "The villagers along with the common public has been told to inform control room about the movement. The locusts will go to the places where there is green grass or greenery. Hence, details about the movement at such places must be shared." Deputy Director Agriculture Kamal Katiyar said, "The swarm of locusts, which is moving is small in size. We have got news that nearly 2.5 to 3-kilometre long swarm of locusts has entered the country. A team has come from Kota (Rajasthan) to tackle the locusts." At present, the locust swarm is at Bangra Magarpur.

Katiyar said that farmers had been made aware of the problem and spraying of insecticides will be done in the night.
WASHINGTON - In the final days before the United States faced a full-blown epidemic, President Donald Trump made a last-ditch attempt to prevent people infected with the coronavirus from reaching the country.

"To keep new cases from entering our shores," Trump said in an Oval Office address on March 11, "we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days."

Across the Atlantic, Jack Siebert, an American college student spending a semester in Spain, was battling raging headaches, shortness of breath and fevers that touched 104 degrees. Concerned about his condition for travel but alarmed by the president's announcement, his parents scrambled to book a flight home for their son - an impulse shared by thousands of Americans who rushed to get flights out of Europe.

Siebert arrived at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago three days later as the new U.S. restrictions - including mandatory medical screenings - went into effect. He encountered crowds of people packed in tight corridors, stood in lines in which he snaked past other travelers for nearly five hours and tried to direct any cough or sneeze into his sleeve.

When he finally reached the coronavirus checkpoint near baggage pickup, Siebert reported his prior symptoms and described his exposure in Spain. But the screeners waved him through with a cursory temperature check. He was given instructions to self-isolate that struck him as absurd given the conditions he had just encountered at the airport.

"I can guarantee you that people were infected" in that trans-Atlantic gantlet, said Siebert, who tested positive for the virus two days later in Chicago. "It was people passing through a pinhole."

The sequence was repeated at airports across the country that weekend. Harrowing scenes of interminable lines and unmasked faces crammed in confined spaces spread across social media.

The images showed how a policy intended to block the pathogen's entry into the United States instead delivered one final viral infusion. As those exposed travelers fanned out into U.S. cities and suburbs, they became part of an influx from Europe that went unchecked for weeks and helped to seal the country's coronavirus fate.

Epidemiologists contend the U.S. outbreak was driven overwhelmingly by viral strains from Europe rather than China. More than 1.8 million travelers entered the United States from Europe in February alone as that continent became the center of the pandemic. Infections reached critical mass in New York and other cities well before the White House took action, according to studies mapping the virus's spread. The crush of travelers triggered by Trump's announcement only added to that viral load.

"We closed the front door with the China travel ban," New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo said last month as officials began to grasp the magnitude of the failure. In waiting to cut off travel from Europe, he said, "we left the backdoor wide open."

Trump has repeatedly touted his decision in January to restrict travel from China as evidence that he acted decisively to contain the coronavirus, often claiming that doing so saved more than a million lives. But it was his administration's response to the threat from Europe that proved more consequential to the majority of the more than 94,000 people who have died and the 1.6 million now infected in the United States.

White House officials noted the president was widely criticized for the move to limit travel from Europe, with many saying it was too draconian at the time. "The president took bold, early action that I think few leaders would be willing to take - and because of that he saved countless lives," spokeswoman Alyssa Farah said.

The lapses surrounding the spread from Europe stand alongside other breakdowns - in developing diagnostic tests, securing protective gear and imposing social distancing guidelines - as reasons the United States became so overwhelmed.

The travel mayhem was triggered by many of the same problems that plagued the U.S. response to the pandemic from the outset: Early warnings were missed or ignored. Coordination was chaotic or nonexistent. Key agencies fumbled their assignments. Trump's errant statements undermined his administration's plans and endangered the public.

"We kept foreign nationals out of the country but not the virus," said Tom Bossert, who served as adviser of homeland security at the White House until last year. The move to restrict travel came when it was more urgent to arrest the spread of infections already in the United States, Bossert said. "That was a strategic miscalculation."

This article tracing the administration's response to the Europe threat is based on interviews with dozens of current and former U.S. officials, as well as public health experts, airline executives and passengers. Some spoke on the condition of anonymity to offer candid assessments of events, decisions and internal administration debates.

- - -

The Europe restrictions, which remain in effect, bar entry to non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents from 26 countries. Britain and Ireland were at first excluded from the list before being added on March 17.

The decision came at a time when the country was still resisting other measures critical to containing the outbreak. Schools remained open, states were not yet issuing stay-at-home orders, and many officials were still emphasizing hand-washing as an adequate means of preventing infection.

The lack of urgency was driven by a failure to understand the threat's true dimensions. There were only 3,714 confirmed cases in the United States on March 13, the day the travel restrictions were implemented, and just 176 deaths had been recorded. Those numbers are considered woefully inaccurate, artificially suppressed by the scarcity of tests.

Within days, Trump would assert that he grasped the full magnitude of the danger soon after the virus escaped Wuhan, China. "I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic," he said on March 17.

Yet Trump spent much of the preceding month predicting the virus would quickly recede and downplaying its severity. "It will go away," he declared on March 10, one day before his address from the Oval Office. "Just stay calm. It will go away."

Behind the scenes, senior officials had been agitating for weeks to consider expanding travel restrictions beyond China. Deputy national security adviser Matthew Pottinger, who had been based in Beijing as a journalist, argued during meetings in February that transmission was higher than being reported in China and that if community spread began in Europe there was little prospect of containing it.

Pottinger made the case that "once it was in Europe, it was going to go 'whoosh,' " a senior official said. Members of the administration's coronavirus task force were even presented with charts showing that the number of flights arriving from Europe dwarfed the influx from China.

By the third week in February, the fears about Europe were becoming reality. On Feb. 22, Italy issued quarantine orders on 11 municipalities in the northern part of the country. It closed schools, canceled public events and halted train travel in the same region. Because there are no constraints on crossing borders within continental Europe, the developments in Italy meant that spread into other countries was inevitable.

But Pottinger and a handful of other officials who shared his concerns faced opposition from powerful administration figures fearing enormous economic fallout. Among those arguing most vehemently against curbing travel from Europe, officials said, were Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Larry Kudlow, the president's chief economic adviser.

Even health experts at times seemed skeptical. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, at first reacted skeptically to limiting travel from Europe, saying in a February meeting in the Situation Room that the available data did not support such a move , the senior official said. A spokesperson for Fauci declined to comment, referring questions to the White House.

Few countries were then imposing travel restrictions on nations other than China and its neighbors in Asia. Europe did not issue comprehensive travel restrictions until after the United States had done so.

Debate on the issue was also derailed by turmoil on the coronavirus task force. Trump put Vice President Mike Pence in charge of the panel on Feb. 26 as Italy confronted a surging outbreak. Officials said it took a week or more for Pence to get up to speed on the threat and array of possible responses.

Serious deliberations about Europe didn't resume until mid-March. By then, Pottinger had gained a new ally. Deborah Birx, who had joined the task force earlier that month, entered a White House meeting armed with worrisome data on a surge in cases in northern Italy, as well as numbers that showed accelerating spread across Europe. Then, on March 11, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global pandemic.

A tense meeting of task force members and other White House officials followed that afternoon in the Cabinet Room. A small contingent then gathered around Trump in the Oval Office.

Mnuchin remained against the move, officials said, vociferously arguing about its potentially damaging effects on the economy. But others present, including Robert O'Brien, the national security adviser, and Alex Azar, the secretary of health and human services, argued the United States could no longer justify the risk of allowing travel from Europe to continue unimpeded.

Trump sided with the majority. But the magnitude of the undertaking - constricting one of the busiest air travel corridors on the planet - seemed to escape him. And the logistical requirements of implementing this plan on a 48-hour timetable were not even meaningfully discussed, officials said.

Instead, Trump and his inner circle seemed focused on staging the announcement for maximum political impact, officials said. Jared Kushner, the president's adviser and son-in-law, urged Trump to deliver a formal speech that evening and argued that the details should be kept close-hold to prevent them from leaking.

Kushner then gathered with senior policy adviser Stephen Miller in the latter's office to work on a draft. The duo were joined at times by Pence and were still making edits until shortly before Trump was scheduled to go live on television at 9 p.m.

No drafts were shared in advance with members of the task force or any of the agencies that would have to carry out Trump's decision, officials said.

"The president was in a bad mood," one official said. As he settled into his chair, Trump cursed about a stain on his shirt. "He wasn't convinced the speech was a good idea."

It was only the second Oval Office address of his presidency, reflecting the gravity of the moment. But the result was a stumbling performance in which Trump struggled to follow the text on the teleprompter and committed a series of gaffes.

"Never has a less prepared set of remarks been delivered from that room," said a former administration official.

The actual policy included no plan to cut off cargo shipments between the continents, for example, but Trump indicated otherwise. The restrictions "will not only apply to the tremendous amount of trade and cargo," he said, "but various other things."

The new restrictions included "exemptions for Americans who have undergone appropriate screenings," he said. But few caught that important caveat after his opening declaration that the United States was "suspending all travel from Europe."

As networks cut away, Trump was caught muttering a drawn out "okayyyyy" as he slumped in his seat. Afterward, he groused about his performance, officials said, while subordinates issued statements and tweets to clarify or correct his misstatements. Within days, he was blaming Kushner, telling aides that he shouldn't have listened to his son-in-law.

- - -

Even the timing of the speech turned out to be ill-considered. It came at the tail end of a three-hour window during which dozens of red-eye flights depart the United States each night for cities across Europe. As a result, thousands of passengers learned about the new policy while over the Atlantic and scrambled upon arrival to alter their plans.

At Dulles International Airport outside Washington, the cabin door on United Flight 989, headed for Frankfurt, Germany, had just been secured when Trump's speech began airing on television networks. As he spoke, passengers began rising from their seats in panic. Brandishing bulletins about the speech on their cellphones, some pushed for the exits.

"He said they're closing the borders," one passenger said. "I want off this plane."

The pilot and cabin crew began making frantic calls to supervisors for guidance. Bobbie Mas, a veteran flight attendant, dialed a hotline for United employees, then the company's staffing office at Dulles, but no one had answers.

She then entered the cockpit to speak to the captain, who would be first in line for any major air travel advisories. The captain contacted United's operations desk - the nerve center of the airline - but officials there were similarly scrambling for details.

The only warning conveyed to the airline was a call that United's then-chief executive, Oscar Munoz, got from an administration official "literally minutes" before Trump began speaking, a company spokesman said. The official provided no details about what Trump would be saying except that it pertained to air travel.

By the time the Boeing 777 departed for Frankfurt two hours later, nearly every U.S. citizen had gotten off the plane. For many, the decision was driven by the erroneous impression created by the president that they risked being stranded in Europe for a month or more.

Among those who deplaned was Mas, who is also a union representative with the Association of Flight Attendants. Worried that she had not packed enough prescription medicine to last a month trapped in Europe, she said she asked to get off an aircraft for the first time in her 21-year career.

"There was fear and chaos," she said. Save for the tense days that followed the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, she said, "I have never seen anything like it."

Even more chaos was in store.

Airlines' websites and phone lines were inundated in the hours after Trump's Oval address. American Airlines fielded about 700,000 calls on March 12, a spokesman said, more than five times the number on a typical day.

Travel across the Atlantic surged. The number of passengers arriving from countries targeted by the restrictions soared 46% in a single day, up from about 31,000 on the day Trump delivered his address to 45,399 the next, according to data from Customs and Border Protection. Friday's traffic was even higher, topping 46,000.

Many were U.S. citizens racing to get home before midnight March 13, when the restrictions were scheduled to take effect - unaware that they were exempt from the policy and faced no deadline. Even when given accurate details on the policy, many refused to put off their travel fearing the administration might abruptly switch course and end the exemption.

One airline industry official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that gate attendants at multiple airports began making panicked calls after encountering symptomatic passengers.

"We had customer agents calling the security desk by the hundreds, telling us about individuals that have the symptoms," the official said. "Our answer was to follow policy," the official said, which meant they were not to be kept off aircraft unless they were demonstrably unfit to fly or had recently traveled to China.

Those who arrived before the restrictions kicked in faced crowded planes and extended waits even without the additional layer of medical screenings. But the next wave of travelers, which began arriving March 14, confronted scenes out of a public health nightmare.

- - -

Trump has spent much of his presidency fixated on U.S. borders and denying entry to foreigners. Of the possible responses to a pandemic, imposing travel restrictions is the one move Trump should have mastered.

The travel ban on majority-Muslim countries that Trump declared during the first days of his presidency triggered chaos at airports and border entry points. The fallout delivered an early lesson on the consequences of wielding power without adequate planning.

When Trump moved to block travel from China in January, there were few indications of disruption at affected airports. But while the president has depicted that decision as one he made before anyone else recognized it was necessary, in reality major airlines were forcing his hand.

Delta and American had announced on Jan. 31 they were suspending routes to China before Trump announced the restrictions. United informed the White House it had already decided to do the same but was willing to hold off on announcing it publicly if Trump was prepared to act swiftly in issuing an order, officials said. Eager to claim credit for acting to contain the virus, Trump's announcement came within hours.

The Europe restrictions followed six weeks later but unleashed chaos in ways that surpassed even that of the Muslim ban.

Current and former officials said key agencies, including the Departments of Homeland Security and Transportation, had no meaningful input in the nature of the Europe restrictions or how and when they would be executed. An administration official said officials from both agencies were present at meetings where the ban was discussed.

The administration scrambled to round up contractors to conduct temperature checks on tens of thousands of passengers. Officials said the magnitude of the mobilization was unprecedented. Even so, the contractors were overrun by the rush of travelers that Trump had helped unleash.

Even the most basic screening steps seemed to backfire. The CDC failed to distribute a new paper questionnaire in time for it to be shared with airlines in advance, meaning passengers had to fill it out upon arrival. As a result, travelers found themselves reaching around one another for slips of paper and pencils, risking transmission as the bottlenecks got worse.

The number of arriving passengers had in fact plummeted by the first day under the new restrictions. Just 19,418 passengers arrived from designated countries in Europe, according to CBP, less than half the number from the previous day. But even the dramatically reduced passenger volume seemed to overwhelm airport screeners.

Alarming photos and expressions of outrage lit up social media throughout March 14. "To find yourself waiting four hours in a crowded customs hall is not social distancing," a passenger arriving in San Francisco posted. "Fix that or fail."

A photo showed thousands of travelers in line at Dallas-Fort Worth without masks or other protection. "This will not flatten the curve," the caption accompanying the tweet said.

Even JFK Airport in New York had "turned into a #CoronaVirus breeding ground," one traveler tweeted, where teeming crowds were being subjected to "useless enhanced #COVID19 screening measures."

But the most disturbing scenes emerged from Chicago's O'Hare. By late evening, the conditions had become so unsafe that Illinois Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker began delivering broadsides on Twitter.

"The crowds & lines at O'Hare are unacceptable and need to be addressed immediately," he tweeted at 10:50 p.m. "Since this is the only communication medium you pay attention to," he said, taking explicit aim at the president, "you need to do something NOW."

He ended with one final blast: "The federal government needs to get its s@#t together."

Pritzker's aides had struggled to get answers from the administration earlier in the day, but the Twitter outburst got the White House's attention. Within minutes, Douglas Hoelscher, director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, phoned Pritzker. But instead of vowing to fix the problems at O'Hare, Hoelscher began criticizing the governor for insulting the president and said Pritzker should have just contacted the White House.

The conversation grew heated, with the governor saying the White House had failed to communicate or properly implement its plans, according to two people familiar with the exchange.

"There was a lot of yelling," one of them said.

Others responded in more productive fashion. At 12:30 a.m. on March 15, Chad Wolf, the acting DHS secretary, tweeted that his department was "aware of the long lines for passengers who are undergoing increased medical screening requirements." He said the department was "working to add additional screening capacity" and pleaded with the public for patience.

The next day, DHS officials identified procedural problems at O'Hare that helped explain why waits and lines there were worse than at other airports. Acting on instructions of supervisors, CBP agents were holding up passengers until all the screening data collected from them had been entered into department computers. Other airports had scrapped the paperwork, putting it off until later, soon after lines began to bulge.

Once O'Hare did so, officials said, the crowds and lines began to dissipate. The critical problems had largely subsided by late Sunday. The lines continued to shrink in the ensuing weeks as Europe travel plunged.

- - -

Within hours of Trump delivering the Oval address, experts were warning that it was already too late.

Bossert, the former homeland security adviser at the National Security Council, raised fundamental questions about the travel ban in an email he sent public health experts and others late in the evening on March 11.

"Can anyone justify the European travel restriction, scientifically?" Bossert asked the group, which had given itself the moniker Red Dawn in reference to the 1980s movie. "Seriously, is there any benefit?"

The resounding answer he got from others was, "No." The virus was already too widespread in the United States for travel curbs alone to make any difference. The only chance to contain the outbreak and save lives, some argued, was to impose drastic mitigation measures that would bring social interactions, as well as the economy, to a standstill.

Much of the data that has emerged about the pandemic in the ensuing months appears to validate that view.

Comparing genetic signatures of different strains of the virus has enabled researches to map its global detonation with growing precision. After surfacing in China in late December, the contagion had migrated to Europe by early February.

There was a fleeting window of perhaps weeks when blocking travel from Europe might have shielded the Eastern Seaboard.

But by mid-February, European strains were established in New York, where they multiplied in the city's crowded streets and subways before fanning out to the rest of the country, according to findings released by Trevor Bedford, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Washington.

The virus then continued crossing the Atlantic - probably in both directions - for weeks before the Trump administration acted. In February alone, more than 1.8 million air travelers from Europe entered the United States, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Those travelers wouldn't have faced even a temperature check.

An April study led by researchers at Northeastern University in Boston concluded that New York probably had more than 10,000 undetected cases by March 1 - two weeks before the Europe restrictions were imposed - with thousands more cases in San Francisco, Chicago and other cities.

"Horse out of the barn," said Stuart Ray, a professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University and expert on infectious diseases. The travel restrictions "could have bent the curve downward" only if deployed alongside massive testing, distribution of protective gear on an enormous scale and clear public messaging about social distancing.

"Without those," he said, "transmission would have overtaken any benefit of travel ban."

Some in the Trump administration argue that such assessments are too pessimistic. Without the Europe restrictions, "you would have probably seen a higher seeding in the United States," and infections would still be rising, one official said. "This is the advice we were getting from Birx, Fauci and others."

But setting aside the issue of timing, key components of the screening measures appear to have failed. Temperature checks, for example, have proved to be an unreliable way to identify carriers of the coronavirus because many of the most infectious individuals are, at least for the moment they face a thermometer, asymptomatic.

The plan also depended on authorities' ability to trace individuals exposed by incoming travelers. This typically entails obtaining passenger manifests from airlines and contacting anyone who sat within several rows of someone who tests positive. Officials said the CDC has struggled to get information needed for "contact tracing" in a timely manner from airlines.

But that protocol was rendered pointless by the chaotic scenes in airports, and the resulting contacts that would be impossible to trace.

Siebert, the student who studied abroad, appears to have encountered all of these issues upon his return from Madrid. After filling out the CDC questionnaire and reporting his previous symptoms, the screener took his temperature and stepped away briefly.

"You're good, just go self-isolate," the screener said when he came back, according to Siebert. Exhausted, the New York University drama student retrieved his bags and was greeted by family members who took him home.

Siebert, 21, said he was never contacted about any of the information he reported to officials at the airport. The next day, he independently went to be tested at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. A day later, the results came back confirming his infection.

"Ultimately, I am a culprit in bringing coronavirus back to the United States," he said. His mother also came down with the illness, though her symptoms appeared before Siebert's return. The two isolated themselves for weeks in the household, he said, and no other family members became sick.

Siebert was among 110,000 passengers screened during the first four days of the Europe travel restrictions. According to the CDC, only 140 cases of infection were identified either by airport evaluations or subsequent test results reported to the center by local health authorities.

If other travelers were exposed by Siebert's infection, it is unlikely any of them were ever told. A CDC spokesman said the center has conducted "contact tracing" investigations on nine Europe-to-United States flights since the restrictions began. Iberia Flight 6275 - the one Siebert took to get home - was not among them.

- - -

The Washington Post's Julie Tate contributed to this story.
Following the Minister of Informations call to engage the media in the national discourse while the virus remains in the worlds ecosystem, on Friday 22nd May 2020, Dr Da Costa Aboagye, the leader of the national risk communication and social mobilisation talked about the institutionalisation of the control and preventive measures whilst living with Covid-19 in safety.

Appearing on JoyFMs Super Morning show Dr Da Costa Aboagye discussed with host Kojo Yankson that until a cure is found for the virus, the preventive and control measures will continue to guide the new normal in the fight against the virus in Ghana.

Giving details of the presidents control and preventive measures strategy, Dr Da Costa said one of the key control measures initiated by the president was to limit and stop importation of cases. This, he said started with the closure of borders and subsequent mandatory quarantined of about 1,030 passengers.

Dr Da Costa explained that, out of the 1030 passengers, 115 persons tested positive and according to him, the timely decision by President Akufo-Addo to put mandatory quarantine control measures in place helped the country to avoid a catastrophic potential spread and overwhelming of health facilities.

On general preventive measures, he noted that in the absence of a vaccine, the countrys guiding principles after easing restrictions would be based on hand washing, social distancing and wearing mask. Organizations may also be asked to put specific protocols in place in addition to the general preventive measures, he noted.

Social mobilisation engagements with media, faith -based organisations, traditional leaders and other stakeholders will help shape the general and specific protocols on preventive measures, implementation, enforcement, contingencies, public health education, monitoring and evaluation. He touted

Finally, Dr Da Costa noted that an all government approach is enshrined in science under the determinants of health and the principles of health in all policies where health is part of policies in the economic, transport, agriculture, security, environment and communication agencies. This he said helps when taking a holistic assessment for decision making.

----Myjoyonline
Hailey Bieber Recalls the Time She Snuck Out to Go On a Date With Justin Bieber

Hailey Bieber is taking a walk down memory lane.

The 23-year-old star gave fans more insight into her relationship and marriage with Justin Bieber. On Friday night, the two lovebirds recorded a Facebook Live session at their house, and let their followers ask them anything.

During their live video, Hailey shared cute tidbits about the first time she and the 26-year-old pop star kissed, which also happened to be the same night that she snuck out of her house to go on a date with her now husband.

"The first time we kissed, we were in New York and we had gone to dinner together," she remembered of their special moment.

Adding, "[Justin] asked me to go get sushi with him and I called my parents to ask them if I could go and they said no. They were like, 'Absolutely not, you're not going to hang out with Justin by yourself, that's not happening.'"

Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber's Road to Marriage

Hailey explained that her sister, Alaia Baldwin, did what older sisters do: covered for her.

"My older sister covered for me and was like, 'Oh yeah, she's gonna sleep over at my apartment and it's all good.' She covered for me and we went to dinner and didn't get caught," the 23-year-old star shared.

Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber

The couple's date night proved to be unforgettable! Hailey recalls her and Justin having their first kiss after dinner.

"We were just hanging and we went back to watch a movie and we kissed," she said.

Sometimes, it pays to break the rules!

Fast forward to September 2018, and the two got married at a New York City courthouse. A year later, they would celebrate their wedding for a second time, but with close family and friends witnessing their union in a romantic South Carolina ceremony.
Lori Loughlin and husband Mossimo Giannulli have officially entered guilty pleas for charges related to the college admissions scandal  but according to People, a judge has not yet accepted.

The outlet reports that the couple appeared before a federal judge via video conference on Friday, and that Loughlin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud while Giannulli pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and honest services wire and mail fraud.

However, the judge said he couldn't accept the plea until he sees their pre-sentencing report from the Massachusetts Probation Service.

On Thursday, news broke that the couple was set to plead guilty after over a year of maintaining their innocence. Under the terms of the plea agreements, Loughlin will serve two months behind bars and Giannulli agreed to serve five months. Additionally, Loughlin was ordered to pay a $150,000 fine and was placed on two years of supervised release with 100 hours of community service. Giannulli is set to pay a $250,000 fine and will also be on two years of supervised release and must complete 250 hours of community service.

"Lori and Mossimo are going through the legal process and want to put this behind them," a source close to the couple told People.

RELATED: What's Next for Lori Loughlin?

Last year, Loughlin and Giannulli were accused of paying a $500,000 bribe to help get their daughters into the University of Southern California. Last April, the couple pleaded not guilty to all charges against them, including conspiracy to commit money laundering as well as charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. In November, Loughlin and Giannulli also pleaded not guilty to additional federal bribery charges.
Amid social distancing measures put in place to fight the coronavirus pandemic, case numbers have flatlined for a number of other diseases.

But experts warn with the easing of movement restrictions, people have to keep following social distancing measures to ensure they dont come back.

Measures put in place to halt coronavirus have also taken out a range of other diseases. Credit:AP

Rates of influenza have been squashed flat after initially hinting at another serious year for case numbers.

The numbers went so low Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said residents of the state were more likely to get COVID-19 than a flu in 2020.
MONTREALA movement demanding special status for asylum-seeking guardian angels working on the COVID-19 front lines took their cause to Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus constituency office in Montreal on Saturday.

A noisy convoy of several dozen vehicles drove past the building housing Trudeaus Papineau riding office while others displayed banners in support of the movement, which wants the government to accelerate access to Canadian permanent residency for refugees whore risking their lives working in the health network since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an extraordinary context, we can have extraordinary measures, said Wilner Cayo, the organizer of the protest. One of these measures is to grant these people permanent residence.

Cayo said several hundred orderlies and other workers in the provinces hard-hit long-term-care homes find themselves in that very situation  waiting to obtain permanent residence.

We are tired of empty words, Cayo said. We want to send a message that Quebec is a more generous society than this and we say to our governments: stop your little political calculations, concretely recognize these people, grant them permanent residence.

Alexandre Boulerice, the NDP member of Parliament for Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, was there to support demonstrators and said, in his opinion, the Liberal government will not be able to oppose the protesters request for very long.

The least you can do is be grateful for the work of these people and be able to speed up the process, Boulerice said. They literally risk their lives in our CHSLDs (care homes) to take care of our seniors.

There is also disappointment with provincial politicians.

Earlier this month, Catherine Fournier, an independent member of the provincial legislature, tabled a motion to recognize the contribution of hundreds of asylum seekers, mostly of Haitian origin working as orderlies and called on the federal government to quickly regularize their status.

But the motion was rejected by the governing Coalition Avenir Quebec, with Premier Francois Legault said such an exceptional measure could encourage more asylum seekers to cross the border.

Asked Thursday, Legault said it is two separate issues.

I want to be clear, Im very, very happy about the work that is done by some of them in our residences, we need them, we are lucky to have them, Legault said, adding that the federal government is responsible for handling those claims.

But we cannot open the door to say, if you come  illegally  if you find a job, thats OK, Ill accept you as an immigrant, thats not the way it works, Legault said.
Bill Johnson: Healing is as much of the Gospel as is forgiveness

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Healing and deliverance from sins were never supposed to be separate, said Bethel Church Senior Leader Bill Johnson.

Arguing that throughout Scripture (including Mark 2), healing and deliverance always came hand in hand, Johnson said, We were never supposed to have evangelistic ministry  brings people to Christ  and then over here on the side, in some churches, praying for the sick is allowed. It was never meant to be separated.

Healing is as much of the Gospel as is the message of forgiveness.

The charismatic church pastor, whom many consider controversial, spoke during the virtual International Healing Conference this week, which brought together dozens of healing ministries from around the world.

Johnson clarified that the eternal condition of a soul is the most important thing. But there are times Jesus wants to demonstrate His love and His compassion for people by healing the sick, by bringing deliverance, by cleansing the leper.

Given that he was speaking at a healing event, which featured an online healing rally and healing services, Johnson emphasized that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not a philosophy.

It is not something that you take an online course for, that you become educated and now youre an expert in the Gospel. This is something that has to be tasted to be described, it has to be experienced. This Gospel of salvation was always intended to heal us from the inside out.

As the world is currently suffering through the COVID-19 pandemic, the California pastor called it a privilege to live through a time of crisis  a time when the nations of the earth are turning their attention from everything theyve held dear, everything thats been secure to them because everythings been shaken.

But the Lord doesnt shake to distress or to cause pain, so to speak. Theres a shaking because were standing on unstable foundations and Jesus is calling us to adjust so that we are completely founded on His wonder, His mercy, His greatness.

Speaking specifically to church leaders who have all been shaken, the pastor said he believes God is stirring up the heart of faith and courage to return to a simple Gospel of purity, that holiness before God and power where we demonstrate His love in this compassion for hurting and broken people.

Its time for miracles to come back into the house.

As of Friday, there are more than 5.1 million confirmed coronavirus cases around the globe and 335,418 deaths. The U.S. has reported the most cases, with 1.5 million confirmed, and most deaths at 95,276.

Johnson urged Christians to stop blaming God when it comes to death and destruction.

I remind you, Jesus said the devil came to kill, steal, destroy, he said. I hear people say, Well, God gave me this cancer to teach me patience. No, He didnt. He doesnt have cancer to give. What did He do? He came to destroy the works of the evil one.

He also stated that Jesus still heals today and He can work through Christians. All those who put their faith in Christ have the Holy Spirit  the death-defying, disease-defying, sin-canceling presence of the Spirit of God  living in them, he added.

Many of you say, Well, I just dont have enough faith. You dont have to have enough faith. Just put yourself in the right room,  in the place where Jesus is doing something. Hell teach you how to grow in faith. Just use whatever you have and direct it towards Him. Dont measure your faith; thats the worst thing to do. Just simply turn your attention, the affection of your heart toward this wonderful Savior, this wonderful Healer and together lets watch what He will do in your life, what He will do through your life.

The healing conference was initially scheduled to take place in Porto, Portugal, but was switched to an online event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Other speakers and guests included Francis Chan, Benny Hinn, Heidi Baker and Nathan Morris.

Chan said during the conference that he didn't believe in healing and miracles and even ridiculed those who believed they could heal. But after he experienced the power of healing recently, he began to pursue the gifts of the Spirit, he said.
While India battles the coronavirus pandemic, four Indian states  Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat  are also confronting another challenge  a desert locust attack. Sixteen out of 33 districts of Rajasthan are battling the scourge; Madhya Pradesh has reported one of the worst attacks in 27 years in the Nimar-Malwa region; and, Punjab and Gujarat have warned farmers that they could be the next. Reports say that swarms are threatening to touch the Rajasthan-Haryana border, and then could move into Delhi. The current round is the second such attack; the first one was from December to February. India was then moderately successful in tackling the problem, with states deploying teams to spray organophosphate to kill locusts.

The desert locust is one of 12 species of short-horned grasshoppers; its swarms can travel up to 130 km in one day. Each day, a locust can eat its own weight  about two grams of fresh vegetation. This means that they not only devour valuable standing crops, but can also devastate livelihoods of those associated with the agricultural supply chain. The Food and Agriculture Organization has warned that the locust attack could lead to a major threat to food security. Locust attacks are not new to India, but earlier they used to leave India by November. But the swarms stayed on till early February this year. This, scientists said, was because of the climate crisis. In 2019, the monsoon started six weeks ahead of time (first week of July) in western India. It also lasted till November, instead of the usual September/October cycle. Extended rains created breeding conditions and also produced natural vegetation on which locusts feed. The May attack has been attributed to a series of cyclones in the Indian Ocean that hit a sandy area in the Arabian peninsula, providing hospitable breeding conditions for locusts.

Current global challenges  the coronavirus pandemic, increasing intensity of cyclones (as Amphan has shown), the locust attacks in Africa, Iran, Pakistan and India  demonstrate the perils of environmental degradation and the need for international cooperation to fight trans-border challenges. India has proposed a trilateral response in partnership with Pakistan and Iran to combat the desert locust wave. This is positive, and must be a template to deal with environment-related challenges.
Rare earths group Lynas Corp has received a setback to its expansion plans after warning the US Department of Defense contract it was awarded last month may be on hold while the political debate heats up on whether the country should source its rare earths onshore.

In a statement to the ASX on Friday evening, Lynas confirmed media reports in the US - debating the merits of sourcing rare earths locally versus from allies or other sources - have impacted on the contract that could help fund its plants to set up a processing plant in Texas.

"Lynas remains one of two companies selected for Phase 1 of the project, however Lynas understands that the US governments progress on Phase 1 is currently on hold those political issues are addressed," the company said.

The Lynas Mt Weld mine in Western Australia may be a problem for US politicians like Senator Ted Cruz who want the US to control the entire supply chain for rare earths. Credit:Bloomberg

According to Reuters, the Department of Defense - also known as the Pentagon - informed Lynas and another successful applicant for rare earth funding, MP Materials, that the decision had been "put on hold until further research can be conducted."
As the Bridgeport Diocese works to reopen churches for the public celebration of Mass, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano said the prime reason to suspend services was our common moral obligation to protect human life.

He said given all the misinformation that exists in the media, we must never forget that the decision was rooted in a commitment to remain faithful to a central tenet of our Catholic faith.

Writing on his Facebook page and the Bridgeport Dioceses web site Caggiano said, the grave reason that motivated the suspension of public Mass was our commitment to the central Catholic belief in the sanctity of every human life and our common moral obligation to protect human life.

On Thursday, the first public Mass was held at St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church in Bridgeport. The outdoor Mass was one of the first in the county since coronavirus health concerns put restrictions on public gatherings including religious services. It was held behind the church in the grotto, which was only completed about a year ago.

The diocese, which includes all Roman Catholic churches in Fairfield County, will hold masses in one of two ways, Caggiano said.

The first format will offer seating arranged according to proper social distancing, and will support a maximum of 50 people. The second will involve parishioners remaining seated in their cars. The number of cars permitted will depend upon the size of the parking lot, the need to distance cars six feet apart from each other and allow for the safe exit of any car in case of an emergency

The good news is that the celebration of public Mass has begun in our Diocese outdoors, in a manner that every health official considers the safest venue in which to congregate, following social distancing rules, Caggiano said.

While this is a first step forward, we are all anxious to be able to resume the public celebration of Masses in our churches as well. To this end, we will soon make a public announcement about how and when we can reopen our church buildings.

Caggianos message was posted the day after President Donald Trump labeled churches and other houses of worship as essential" and called on governors nationwide to let them reopen this weekend even though some areas remain under coronavirus lockdown.

Trump stressed the importance of churches in many communities and said he was identifying houses of worship  churches, synagogues and mosques  as essential places that provide essential services.

Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential but not churches, Trump said. Its not right. So Im correcting this injustice and calling houses of worship essential. These are places that hold our society together and keep our people united.

Caggiano said the decision not to hold public services was never based on any debate about whether our Catholic faith and its practice is essential.

For anyone who believes, this issue is not debatable. The practice of our faith is at the heart of who we are. The Eucharist sustains our daily life and temporarily to suspend its public celebration could only be justified by a grave, moral cause.

Recognizing the great pain that was caused by the suspension, our churches have remained open for private prayer, Eucharistic adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance. To be clear, the practice of our Catholic faith is essential and necessary for our personal salvation as revealed by our Savior and Redeemer, Caggiano wrote.

When it became clear that the passing of the COVID-19 virus often occurs by asymptomatic persons sharing regular human contact, time was needed to understand how such infections occur, the best ways to avoid passing the contagion, all the while maintaining as much of the public practice of the faith as was prudent and still protecting human life- especially the elderly and sick in our midst. In the last eight weeks, we have made much progress in this regard, allowing us to begin the resumption of public worship in a prudent and gradual manner, the bishop wrote.

If we failed to protect human life during this pandemic, how can we ever hope to convert our society to end the culture of death and to recognize and protect every human life?
Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

Gov. Gavin Newsom didnt pick just any restaurant to announce that the state was preparing to allow dine-in restaurants and offices to reopen in some counties  he picked Mustards Grill in Napa Valley.

The restaurant is the creation of longtime Newsom friend Cindy Pawlcyn and aptly advertises itself the place to go for a heaping plate of honest American fare with worldly sophistication, washed down with a glass of the valleys finest.
Actor Rohan Mehra, well known for his role in the TV serial Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, posted a heartfelt note on Instagram, mourning the death of actor Mohit Baghel. The latter actor died in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. He had been suffering from cancer.

Taking to Instagram and posting a picture with Mohit, Rohan wrote: How uncertain life is ... My one and only friend whom I could rely on has gone forever ... It is unbelievable and heartbreaking. I still remember how we instantly connected when we met for the first time 7 years ago during the shoot of our film Uvaa ... From sharing secrets to supporting each other, you were always there for me bhai R.I.P Mohit baghel I will miss you bhai ... I wish R.I.P meant Return If Possible. Among the industry colleagues who responded to Rohans post was actor Hina Khan. She wrote: Oh my god.. I hv met him so many times Stay strong Rohan.. I know you wer very close to him..may his soul rest in peace.. prayers.

It was writer-director Raaj Shaandilyaa, well-known for his film Dream Girl starring Ayushmann Khurrana, who had tweeted to break the news. Raj had written in Hindi: Mohit, mere bhai itni jaldi kya thi jaane ki? Maine tujhse kahaa tha dekh tere diye saari industry ruk gayi hai. jaldi se theekh hoke aaja uske baad hi sab kaam shuru karenge. Tu bahot achi acting karta hai. Agli film ke set pe tera intezaar karunga.... aur tujhe aana hi padega. Om Sai Ram (What was a hurry to go so early? I told you how the entire industry has stopped working for you. Get well soon and all will begin work again. You act well. I will wait for you on the sets of our next film and you will have to show up).

Also read: When Dharmendra broke down during Esha Deols vidaai, mother Hema Malini hugged her goodbye. Watch video

Speaking to PTI on Saturday, he said, He is gone too soon. He has been undergoing treatment for cancer at AIIMS in Delhi since six months. I spoke to him last on May 15 and that time he was ok, he had started recovering. He stayed with his parents and elder brother in Mathura. I learnt about his demise from a common friend, who said he passed away today morning at his residence.

Raaj, who had worked as a writer with Mohit in Comedy Circus and Jabariya Jodi, said he wanted to cast the actor in his directorial debut Dream Girl (2019) but due to date issues they couldnt work together on the film.

He was such a talented actor. His comic timing was great. He had two films with him that time - Milan Talkies and Bunty Aur Babli 2 -- so we couldnt work together on Dream Girl. Mohit has also acted in films Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami and Gali Gali Chor Hai.

(With PTI inputs)

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If K-12 classes remain online this fall, parents will be faced with the unreasonable burden of overseeing all of their kids learning while at the same time trying to keep up with their regular jobs. (Wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock)

Come September, K-12 Classes Should Be in Person, Not Online

Commentary

University and college campuses are going to look quite empty this fall. Thats because many post-secondary institutions have already announced that virtually all their first semester classes will be taught online, with a real possibility of continuing the online format for the full academic year.

With universities moving to a distance learning format, some politicians are suggesting K-12 schools follow suit.

For example, Manitoba NDP leader Wab Kinew recently posted a tweet asking why the Manitoba government was planning to resume in-person classes in K-12 schools when colleges and universities were putting their courses online. The problem with this question is it assumes that K-12 learning works the same way as post-secondary learning. It doesnt, for a number of reasons.

For starters, university classes are often many orders of magnitude larger than K-12 classes. First year courses in major universities often have upwards of 150-200 students. These classes take place in major lecture halls and can consist of professors giving extended lectures while students take notes. If students are lucky, they might get to ask an occasional question.

Its not difficult to replicate this type of learning in an online format. Record the lecture, put it online, and students then listen to it whenever they want. In some ways, this might make things easier for many students since they will no longer need to drive to the university campus. Plus, there typically isnt a lot of student-to-student interaction in huge lecture halls so students wont even miss out on much socialization.

However, this is not what learning looks like in any K-12 school in Canada today. While teachers, particularly at the high school level, still make use of lectures, even the most traditional classrooms are far more interactive than the one-way transmission of knowledge you get in a university lecture hall. A key part of learning at the K-12 level is the student/teacher relationship, and its difficult to cultivate this relationship online, no matter how good technology might be.

In addition, distance education requires students to do most of their learning independently. Its one thing for university students to complete their courses online, but its another thing entirely to expect the same from Grade 1 students. The reality is that if K-12 classes remain online this fall, parents will be faced with the unreasonable burden of overseeing all of their kids learning while at the same time trying to keep up with their regular jobs. You cant give elementary students tablets and send them off to do their own thing. That would be a disaster.

Teachers across the country worked incredibly hard to convert the last couple months of classes into some sort of online format. However, lets not assume that what worked in the last few months of the school year will work just as well in September. Its one thing to conclude a school year in an online format, its another thing entirely to start a new school year this way.

Expecting teachers to develop quality online relationships with students they often havent even met in person yet is unrealistic. The only reason distance education wasnt a total disaster this spring was because teachers could lean heavily on the relationships they had previously built up with students over the course of a school year. Without this personal connection, it is naive to assume that distance learning in the fall would work as well as it did this spring.

Its also important to remember that K-12 schools do far more than teach academic subjects. School is where kids get involved in sports, socialize with their classmates, and develop strong connections with adult role models. Often, schools provide at-risk students with their only healthy environment since home is not a safe place for them. It also becomes a lot harder for school staff to identify and report possible child abuse cases when their only contact with students is through a computer screen.

Finally, we know a lot more about COVID-19 than we did several months ago. The best information we now have indicates that school-age children are less likely to contract this virus or develop serious complications from it than anyone else. If it is safe for children to visit grocery stores and hang out in public shopping malls, it should be safe for them to attend regular classes at school. Keeping all students home until scientists find a COVID-19 vaccine isnt a viable option, particularly since it could be many months, or even years, before a vaccine becomes available.

Provincial governments would be wise to signal now that they will do everything they can to resume in-person K-12 classes this fall. Extended online learning might work for post-secondary institutions, but it will not work at the K-12 level.

Michael Zwaagstra is a public high school teacher and author of A Sage on the Stage: Common Sense Reflections on Teaching and Learning.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
English centers will have to re-assess their technological capability and products after the pandemic ends because the crisis has changed everything.

Analysts said there are three factors that determine the success of English centers: coverage, curriculum, and location.



If English centers are located in advantageous positions near residential quarters, they can easily approach clients.



However, the advantageous positions turned out to be a disadvantage in the epidemic, because people tried to stay at home as much as possible to avoid the spread of coronavirus, while centers had to pay high rents.



When the epidemic broke out, when other English centers were fumbling for solutions, Yola and Apax Leaders decided that they needed to go online, considering digital transformation a vital strategy.



Ngo Thuy Ngoc Vu, the co-founder of Yola, said when the Hanoi Education and Training Department asked students to stay off school, Yola began organizing online classes.

Within 24 hours, Yola received more than 3,000 registrations from parents and positive feedback. To date, more than 10,000 students have registered for the classes.

Within 24 hours, Yola received more than 3,000 registrations from parents and positive feedback. To date, more than 10,000 students have registered for the classes.



Apax Leaders also quickly switched the offline education network with 60,000 students to online classes within one week and committed to online classes with the same quality as offline ones.



Eighty percent of students at Yola and Apax Leaders online classes are from offline classes. The tuition of online classes is high and the interface is not that special. Analysts believe that these hinder Yola and Apax Leaders to expand the online English training market share.



ELSA Speak, the English speaking and communication practicing app utilizing AI, has been used in 101 countries and territories in the last five years. It has 7 million students throughout the world with representative offices in Portugal, Vietnam, India, Indonesia and Japan.



ELSA has joined forces with the Ministry of Science and Technology to offer online courses to the Vietnamese community. Through the program on teaching English at home during the epidemic, ELSA offers 100 percent funding for ELSA Pro 3 package.



One month after the announcement of the program, over 100,000 registrations were made. In order to ensure the quality of the app when the number of learners increases rapidly within a short time, ELSAs staff has to work 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, according to ELSA founder Van Dinh Hong Vu.



Nguyen Hong Nam, Yolas managing director, commented that after Covid-19 ends, English centers will have to re-assess their technological capability and products.



The businesses which have big revenue from traditional teaching will have to reconsider the way they provide services and products, he said.

Chi Mai

Ministry removes ABC foreign language testing system The Ministry of Education and Training has decided to remove the ABC foreign language testing system used at local language training centres from January 15.
Oil prices have climbed nearly uninterrupted since late April, but the gains could be coming to an end. On Friday, oil prices fell sharply, hitting the pause button on a rally that saw WTI rebound from -$37 per barrel on April 20, to nearly $34 per barrel on May 21, a more than $70-per-barrel swing in just a few weeks. Of course, the plunge deep into negative territory was likely a unique, one-off phenomenon. Nevertheless, the rally back into (positive) $30 territory has been impressive.

Of note, Chinas oil demand has climbed back to about 13 million barrels per day (mb/d), a swift rebound that undergirded improving market sentiment. With Chinas demand back to about 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels, oil traders are clearly holding out hopes of a quick rebound elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the rapid shut in of production in North America combined with the OPEC+ production cuts has meant that the supply side of the equation is doing its part. More than 2.2 mb/d of U.S. oil production has been shut in, according to comments from the U.S. Secretary of Energy, a faster curtailment than expected. There has been a raft of investment bank forecasts that have predicted a supply deficit in the second half of 2020.

But the optimism surrounding the oil market, such as it is, may be going too far. On Friday, the Chinese government said that it would not offer up a GDP growth target for 2020, highlighting the serious challenges facing the worlds second largest economy. Beijing pointed to great uncertainty because of the coronavirus. The government also declined to undertake massive government stimulus in the same way that it did in the wake of the global financial crisis a decade ago.

Related: Covid-19 Crisis Could Crush Brazils Oil Boom Rising tension between the U.S. and China are also weighing on global markets. For political reasons, the leadership in both countries are blaming the other for the coronavirus. The spat could fuel more conflict, perhaps unraveling the phase 1 trade deal or provoking some other trade retaliation.

In the U.S., crude inventories fell by 5.6 million barrels last week, a huge draw, but gasoline stocks actually increased, muddying the outlook. After weeks of rising, US gasoline demand was down again for the first time. Demand (for oil products) also remains very subdued elsewhere, Commerzbank said in a note on Friday. With concerns on the demand side remaining we regard the latest price rally on the oil market to be excessive.

At the same time, the run up in oil prices occurred alongside a buildup in speculative bets on oil futures. That helped fuel price gains, but it also exposes the market to a correction back in the other direction. The extremely positive positioning of investors, especially in WTI, makes the oil market susceptible to price corrections in the event of any emerging doubts and uncertainties, Commerzbank said.

Related: Saudi Arabia And Kuwait Halt Production At Giant Joint Oil Field

Most importantly, despite assurances from Trump administration officials, a V-shaped recovery is extremely unlikely. President Trump has repeated this prediction, saying just days ago: I think youre going to have a V. I think its going to be terrific.

His top economic adviser Larry Kudlow has said the same, although he dialed back the optimism on Thursday while trying not to disagree with his boss.

Sure, the U.S. will see a V-shaped recovery, Kudlow said, but the V might not look exactly like a V. You can have your own Vs. Theres Vs. There are lesser Vs, Kudlow said. There are combos of Us and Vs.

With more than 38 million people applying for unemployment in the past two months, and the pandemic still raging, a fully recovery is a long way off. [F]ew traders are pricing in any significant sustained global recession, Standard Chartered said in a report. All that optimism has, in our view, left prices slightly above the top of their sustainable short-term trading range.

At the same time, there is little reason to think that the U.S. or any other country can avoid a second wave of infections after reopening.

A second wave is not such a remote possibility and a new round of lockdowns could send [oil] prices back to much lower levels very quickly, and the market knows it, Rystad Energy said on Friday in a statement. Therefore lower prices this morning are not a surprise, and they are not necessarily the result of a market event, they are rather a correction of the consecutive boosts that oil has seen over the last days.

Still, the data firm said that it sees oil stabilizing in the $30-$35 range, with potential in the 40s only later in the year when and if demand strengthens and approaches pre-Covid-19 levels.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
A rezoning of flood-prone land that delivered a windfall to the family of a Liberal staffer is among the contentious developments in Melbournes south that could be investigated in the wake of the Casey land scandal.

Kingston City Council will on Monday night vote on a proposal to hire external investigators to probe more than 20 planning decisions from as long ago as 2004 including matters linked to allegedly corrupt developer John Woodman and his associates, including lawyer Megan Schutz, lobbyist and former local Liberal MP Lorraine Wreford and Labor lobbyist Phil Staindl.

Developer John Woodman leaves an IBAC hearing in November. Credit:Justin McManus

An independent inquiry by external lawyers, which appears to have majority support among councillors, could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and follows a preliminary search of Woodman-related projects by council officers.

However, the proposed investigation is at risk of being undermined by factional wrangling among councillors over what projects should and should not be included for further scrutiny.
Associate Professor, Dr. Chu Hoang Long from the Australian National University (ANU) on May 23 expressed his belief that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), once effective, will boost two-way trade thanks to eased tax barriers.

EVFTA will boost two-way trade between Vietnam and the EU thanks to eased tax barriers. Footwear is among Vietnam's exports. Illustrative image. (Photo: VNA)

In the short-and mid-terms, it will facilitate Vietnams market expansion in post-COVID-19 when economic activities in other countries are recovered, he said, adding that Vietnamese enterprises and consumers would access goods and materials with good quality and reasonable prices from the EU.

In the long run, the agreement will make it easier for Vietnam to access high technologies from the EU to improve its productivity and product quality, Long continued.

The EVFTA has put Vietnam in a favourable position in the new global economic order that is being shaped from impacts of the pandemic, he stressed.

To optimise the agreement, the country should push ahead with domestic institutional reform to meet commitments in the deal, he suggested.

More attention should be paid to investment and customs procedures, technical standards, especially product origin, animal and plant quarantine, intellectual property, government procurement and sustainable development, Long went on.

He also suggested Vietnam seriously observe regulations on food safety and product origin when exporting to the EU  one of its biggest agro-forestry-fishery importers.

To utilise opportunities generated by the EVFTA, firms need to fully understand commitments of Vietnam and partners, proactively seek cooperation opportunities with foreign partners and join global and regional supply chains, Long said.

If Vietnam knows how to minimise such opportunities, the country would become a destination for major investment waves, and with its favourable geographical location, the country would serve as a gateway for trade and investment activities of the EU in ASEAN and Australia, he emphasised.

Vietnam can become a processing centre for ASEAN and Australian businesses to serve export to the EU, and vice versa, Long believed./.VNA
Vice PresidentM Venkaiah Naidu greeted people on Sunday on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr and appealed to them to follow social distancing norms during celebrations.

In his message, Naidu said the festival fortifies the spirit of compassion, charity and generosity in our society.

"It is an occasion for families and communities to come together. However, this year, as India and the world continue to fight the relentless battle against the spread of COVID-19, we are celebrating almost all our traditional festivals at home," he said.

Naidu said "this time we have to be content" with a subdued celebration and adhere to the safety norms of social distancing and personal hygiene.

"May the noble ideals associated with Eid-ul-Fitr usher in health, peace, prosperity and harmony in our lives," he said.

Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in the country on May 25 except Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala. The festival heralding the end of the fasting month of Ramzan was celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala on Sunday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Telstra has hilariously trolled 5G conspiracy theorists with a cutting retort to a hysterical Facebook comment.

A concerning number of people believe signals from the new 5G network being rolled out across Australia causes coronavirus.

This is despite a total lack of evidence and that contracting a virus spread by bodily fluids from telecommunications signals being impossible.

'Take down 5G towers there (sic) weapons that cause covid!!' a man named 'James A' wrote in all caps.

Telstra has hilariously trolled 5G conspiracy theorists with a cutting retort to a hysterical Facebook comment

Telstra hit back: 'Hi James, the 5G towers will help download your conspiracy videos faster.'

The exchange was fabricated on Photoshop and did the rounds on social media, but the company liked it so much it endorsed it.

'Attention everyone. This isn't real, but we wish it was. So we're sharing it now,' Telstra wrote on its Facebook page.

A depressing Essential Research survey found ridiculous conspiracy theories are widespread among the Australian population.

Twelve per cent of those surveyed thought the 5G wireless network was being used to spread the coronavirus.

The same number of people believe the pandemic is being used to force people into getting vaccinations.

A local protester is seen in April in Mullumbimy, Byron Bay (pictured) trying to stop in installation of 5G in the town

The results prompted the federal government to renew warnings about claims linking 5G to coronavirus are bogus.

'Any suggestions that there is a link between 5G and coronavirus are utterly baseless,' Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said.

'There is no evidence that the use of these radio waves in mobile networks is harmful to health or related to the current health pandemic.'

One in eight believe Microsoft founder Bill Gates is somehow responsible for the virus.

Mr Gates has donated millions of dollars to research efforts to develop and manufacture a coronavirus vaccine.

Anti-vaxxers and 5G conspiracy buffoons held a series of small protests against coronavirus lockdowns around Australia earlier this month.

Residents fear 5G technology can have harmful effects on health but these claims have been debunked by the scientific community (pictured, a local protest in April)

One in eight Australians believe 'utterly baseless' conspiracy theories that coronavirus is linked to 5G technology. Pictured is a protester at mass rally in Melbourne on May 10

Conspiracy theorists bearing signs with anti-5G messages joined anti-vaxxers and other Victorians furious with the state's strict lockdown measures at a mass rally held in Melbourne, where 10 arrests were made.

There were also angry scenes at Mullumbimby near Byron Bay in northern NSW last month when Telstra installed 5G upgrades despite a local council unanimously agreeing not to support any upgrades that will facilitate 5G technology.

The council astonishingly took its tinfoil hat-wearing residents' concerns seriously, saying it had 'never seen so much electromagnetic activity'.

Councillors agreed to halt work on the Telstra tower, claiming they hadn't been given 'assurances' that high speed internet didn't affect people's health.

Anti-vaxxers and 5G conspiracy buffoons held a series of small protests against coronavirus lockdowns around Australia earlier this month

Australian professor of medicine, and public health advocate John Dwyer described conspiracy claims that 5G causes the deadly virus as 'dangerous nonsense'.

'At this time in the fight against the epidemic, this is dangerous nonsense. Even to have a few people think differently that social distancing isn't for them is a silly idea and is putting all of us at risk,' he told Seven News last month.

'For some people, the idea of a conspiracy theory turns them on. Most of the time, it doesn't matter that much but in this particular case, it's dangerous.'

The roll-out of 5G networks in Australia began in June 2019, with technology using a similar frequency to existing 3G and 4G networks.

The only difference with 5G is it can work at faster speeds as it uses a higher band.
Mumbai: A body of a seer (sadhu) was found inside his ashram in Maharashtra's Nanded late on Saturday night, news agency ANI reported. The deceased sadhu has been identified as Balbrahmachari Shivacharya and his body was found at his ashram in Nandeds Umri Taluka late last night. Notably, the police also found another body, said to be of his accomplice Bhagwan Shinde from the spot.

As per the latest development, the police has arrested an accused, Sainath Shingade, in connection with the case.

As per reports, bodies of both the seers have been found inside the ashram near the bathroom of the house.

The police suspect that the accused had entered the Mutt with an intention to steal. The criminals looted Rs 69,000, laptop and other valuables from the victim's bedroom totalling around Rs 1.50 lakh, besides his car keys. As Shivacharya tried to grapple him, they strangled him and his accomplice to death with a charging cable. The accused later tried to escape from the scene by hiding the corpses in a car trunk. They sped off in the monk's car but ended up crashing at the main gate of the ashram. Hearing the crash noise alerted the people around after which around 8-10 inmates ran outside and saw the attackers jumping onto a two-wheeler and speeding off into the darkness.

Meanwhile, tension has gripped the area following the double-murder at the Mutt.

In view of the sensitivity of the incident, Nanded Superintendent of Police Vijaykumar Magar said around five crack teams have been formed and fanned out into the district to nab the absconding criminal.

The police also found that the suspect used to have meals and even stay at the Mutt sometimes. On the other hand, the seer was a well-known mahant of the district and was involved in the development work of the area for a long time. Hailing from Karnataka, he had come to Nanded a decade ago and set up the ashram which he ran along with a band of followers.

The incident comes more than a month after two sadhus and their driver was lynched by a mob in Palghar's Gadchinchale village while they were on their way to attend a funeral in Gujarat's Surat amid the nationwide lockdown. The incident that took place on the night of April 16, had attracted nationwide outrage.
Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine addressed the controversial debate on wearing masks Sunday, telling the public that doing so is important to protect the health of others and the issue shouldn't be politicized.

"This is not about whether you're liberal or conservative, left or right, Republican or Democrat," DeWine told NBC's Chuck Todd on "Meet the Press."

As states across the country begin reopening their economy and easing stay-at-home orders, DeWine emphasized the importance of following public health measures and wearing face masks, citing scientific studies.

"It's been very clear what the studies have shown, you wear the mask not to protect yourself so much as to protect others," he said.

DeWine's response comes after North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, also a Republican, made an emotional plea on Friday to be more empathetic rather than shaming those who wear masks.

"If someone is wearing a mask, they're not doing it to represent what political party they're in or what candidates they support," Burgum said. "They might be doing it because they've got a 5-year-old child who's been going through cancer treatments. They might have vulnerable adults in their life, who currently have Covid and they're fighting."

DeWine said he agrees with Burgum and added, "this is the one time when we truly are all in this together. What we do directly impacts others."

While public health officials continue to recommend the use of face coverings in public, President Donald Trump has repeatedly refused to follow such practice.

Trump visited a Ford Motor Co. plant in Michigan on Thursday, where he did not wear a mask during the public part of the tour.

Despite a state law and company policy requiring facial coverings, Trump said it was "not necessary" to wear one when a reporter asked why he was not wearing a mask.

"Everybody's been tested and I've been tested."

On Sunday, Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, told CBS' Margaret Brennan on "Face the Nation" that governors and elected leaders "should be setting a strong example on what kind of behavior we should engage in."

tweet

"If we're more careful on what we do, I think that's actually going to facilitate a successful reopening on getting back to the important things, getting back to the economic activity," he said.
New Delhi, May 24 : Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that coronavirus cases will increase in different parts of the country till the migrant influx continues. However, he assured that the situation is being closely monitored and the country's health infrastructure is ready to handle the situation.

The Minister said this in a social media 'interview' with BJP leader G.V.L. Narasimha Rao, who asked about the "strategic and gradual exit from the lockdown".

"Many restrictions in this lockdown were lifted as per the strategic and gradual exit of the country from it. Number of (active) cases in the country is nearly 70,000 now. As per my knowledge, now we can treat even 10 lakh Covid patients at one time. What message would you give to the people of this country when the lockdown is about to be lifted and there are chances of rise in the number of cases?" asked Rao.

In response, Harsh Vardhan said: "If we have relaxed the lockdown and are sending lakhs of migrant workers to their destinations with confidence, that clearly indicates that we know our situation and are closely monitoring it. Our strategies are ready. We are testing migrant workers and quarantining them.

"I think for one to two weeks, the cases will increase till all of them reach their states.

"However I want to say to people of this country that if the relaxations are used optimally with discipline, by following social distancing and hygiene, using masks etc, we will be able to restore normal life." He also said that many experts including one from the US had predicted that there will be millions of cases and deaths in India between May and June. "Fortunately, nothing like that happened. The PM had given instructions and guidance to handle the worst scenario even as there were only a few cases in the country," he said.

Harsh Vardhan also said that learning "from the experience of countries like Italy etc where numbers spiked due to common hospitals, we earmarked dedicated Covid hospitals, separate Covid Health and Covid Care centres. There are 2.5 lakh beds of isolation plus ICU and oxygen, 1.7 lakh beds in 2,065 Covid Health Centres. We created 7,063 Covid care centres in the country which have 6.5 lakh beds.

"All combined, it goes to over 10 lakh. We have also reserved beds in private hospitals but I don't think that there will be a requirement. There are more than 10,000 quarantine centres in the country." The Minister said that now the country has the capacity of doing 1.10 lakh tests per day.

"From one lab in February in the country, we now have 599 labs including 422 government labs. We have prophylactic medicine hydroxychloroquine for our people as well as other countries too. We are fully prepared to handle even the worst scenario. I want to assure the country that they need not to worry about it." Noting that India successfully handled the situation during dangerous diseases like Nipah and Ebola, Harsh Vardhan said: "We know the location of our Covid cases due to our surveillance mechanism and are doing everything required as per the strategy to stop it from spreading."

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, the country's nearly 40,000 grocery stores have been classified by officials as "essential" businesses that must remain open, putting the stores at the front lines of the crisis. At least 100 grocery workers nationwide have died of covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, since late March, and at least 5,500 others have tested positive, according to a Washington Post review of data from the nation's largest grocery workers union, other workers' rights coalitions and media reports. Below are comments provided by supermarket chains about their operations during the pandemic.

- - -

- Walmart

Our associates are playing a critical role in helping people have access to fresh food, medicine and critical supplies during this crisis, and their safety is our highest priority. In areas experiencing community-wide outbreaks like Quincy and Worcester, our associates also felt the impact as members of those communities. We work closely with public health and medical experts and follow their guidance in implementing safety and health measures for our associates and customers.

Since the start of this pandemic we've been following the evolving guidance of health and medical experts, working diligently to ensure our response is appropriate to scale in how we protect our customers and associates, while also taking into account the complexities that surround each location and the varying dynamics at play in working with state and local authorities. With stores, clubs and other facilities located within 10 miles of 90% of the U.S. population, the health of our associates tends to track with the health of the country as a whole. Given the significant differences in reporting criteria and standards in the different jurisdictions where we operate we are unable to confidently provide a specific number of cases at this time with a degree of certainty. However, we believe the number of associates that have contracted COVID-19 is better than the current U.S. trend.

It may be impossible to track the source of anyone's infection, especially in some of the communities that have felt the devastating impact of the virus. As part of our response we have a clear protocol in place for how we are cleaning and sanitizing stores, and have provided guidance for managers to work through each confirmed case. Part of this overall process also involves reiterating to our associates the leave options available to them specific to this crisis, and administered by Sedgwick. We've seen a high adoption of those benefits, which is a strong indicator that our associates are hearing that their health is the most important factor. Additionally, we've sourced PPE and made those resources available for all associates.

While we are looking into Mr. Quiros' claims we have not been provided with enough information to substantiate them. Ms. Quiros was separated for performance reasons unrelated to any request for time off due to the Pandemic. These claims are not consistent with the experiences of the more than 235,000 people recently employed by Walmart or the countless other associates that have been able to utilize our emergency leave policy to stay home and keep their jobs protected.

- Lorenzo Lopez, Walmart spokesman

- - -

- Kroger (owner of Ralph's and QFC)

Our most urgent priority throughout this pandemic has been to provide a safe environment for our associates and customers while meeting our societal obligation to also provide open stores, ecommerce solutions and an efficiently operating supply chain so that our communities have access to fresh, affordable food and essentials.

Since mid-March, we have invested $700 million to reward our associates and safeguard associates, customers and our communities. On May 15 we announced a special Thank You Pay for hourly frontline associates - $400 for qualified full-time associates and $200 for qualified part-time associates, totaling an additional $130 million - to acknowledge their dedication to maintaining safe, clean and stocked stores. The new Thank You Pay bookends an Appreciation Pay first provided to frontline associates for their efforts at the start of the pandemic in March. It also follows multiple Hero Bonuses that were paid in April through mid-May, with associates receiving their final payment by May 23.

In addition to these investments, we have recently provided new career opportunities to more than 100,000 workers nationwide, including those from the hardest-hit sectors like restaurants, hotels and food service distributors, to support our retail, ecommerce, manufacturing and logistics operations. Kroger employs one of the largest unionized populations in the U.S. And prior to the crisis, our workforce topped 460,000 associates.

Ralph's outbreak: We decided early on to be transparent, ensuring our associates and customers feel valued and safe. This includes making sure our associates are informed. Once we're notified of associates who have a confirmed diagnosis, have symptoms, may have been exposed to the virus or have been asked to quarantine by a healthcare provider due to a health-related reason, a member of our HR team contacts the employee to offer support and gather additional information, such as when the symptoms began, when they were last at work and other relevant details. This process immediately ensures the manager is well informed and notifies all co-workers and encourages others to self-quarantine, if appropriate.

Our guidance is always to communicate with integrity - openly and transparently - while protecting the privacy of any affected associate.

We are thankful to report 12 of the associates at the Hollywood store that we treated as if testing positive for COVID-19 have already fully recovered and returned to work. A total of 10 associates out of the store's total 158 associates are still self-isolating due to exposure, per the company's paid COVID-19 Emergency Leave guidelines. We have identified this location as a hot spot and are offering free testing to those symptomatic and asymptomatic.

Customer counting software: During this national pandemic, we committed to adopting preventive measures to help protect the safety and health of our associates, customers and communities. As an illustration, the standard building capacity for a grocery store is 1 person per 60 square feet. Under Kroger's reduced capacity limits, the number is 1 person per 120 square feet. By leveraging QueVision, our preexisting technology system that uses sensors and predictive analytics, we can more efficiently support capacity limits. Our management team also verifies limits, creating a safer environment.

Thermometer errors: We are unaware of any mass calibration thermometer errors. We also encourage our associates to monitor their own health and check their temperature at home before every shift.

Store closings/cleaning: Our practice is to perform a thorough deep cleaning by a third party with a focus on common and high-touch areas once we're notified of a confirmed case. In many cases, a store will close earlier than its scheduled time for this step to happen overnight. Below are the measures we have implemented and continue to execute to protect the safety of our associates, customers and communities:

- Offering COVID-19 testing to associates based on symptoms and medical need.

- Providing COVID-19 Emergency Leave to associates most directly affected by the virus or experiencing related symptoms and providing paid time off.

- Supplying masks for all associates and encouraging them to stay home if they are sick.

- Encouraging customers to wear masks in stores, or alternatively, use ecommerce services.

- Providing comprehensive benefits packages, including healthcare coverage and retirement benefits.

- Offering $5 million through the organization's Helping Hands fund to provide financial support to certain associates experiencing hardships due to COVID-19, including childcare costs.

- Making mental health resources readily available.

- Continuing implementation of customer capacity limits and special shopping hour for senior shoppers and higher-risk customers.

- Continuing the use of plexiglass partitions and physical distancing floor decals.

- Expanding contact-free payment solutions like Scan, Bag, Go and Kroger Pay.

- Offering a no-contact delivery option, low-contact pickup service and ship-to-home orders.

Reporting to health departments: Our stores coordinate with local health departments when we learn of a positive COVID-19 case in our workforce and take immediate action to support and safeguard our associates and customers. We are acutely aware and responding to the safety needs of our associates across our family of companies. We continue to work closely with federal, state and local public health authorities as they coordinate our country's response to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19.

Number of employees who tested positive for covid-19/died from the virus: The cumulative effect of Kroger's safety efforts has contributed to our case rate being below that of the surrounding communities where we operate, and significantly below the national case rate. That doesn't mean there aren't hotspots; this is a pandemic and there are areas of the country where we have individual locations with higher rates of illness. In those areas, we're responding with additional safety measures, including associate testing.

- Kristal Howard, Kroger spokeswoman

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- Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market is providing an essential service in our communities and like all businesses operating in this climate, we continue to balance that responsibility with our responsibility as an employer to ensure the health, safety and privacy of our Team Members. Any notification of a diagnosis in our stores is met with swift and comprehensive action and communication, and stores continue to diligently follow all guidance from local health and food safety authorities. Along with enhanced daily cleaning protocols, social distancing and crowd control measures, we require temperature screenings and face masks for in-store workers, and in addition to providing face masks, we offer gloves and personal face shields for added protection. We are auditing all of these practices on a daily basis to help protect the health and safety of our Team Members and customers, which remains our highest priority.

We do notify health departments of confirmed cases in our stores and diligently follow the guidance of local health and foody safety authorities.

Like most grocery retailers, we have Team Members who have been affected by COVID-19, and are supporting any Team Member diagnosed or placed in quarantine so they can prioritize their health and stay home. Our priority is ensuring safety in our stores, which is why we address any confirmed diagnosis in our stores or facilities with a comprehensive action plan that includes enhanced cleaning and contact tracing, as well as communicating directly with our Team Members. If a customer has a question about a specific location, they are encouraged to reach out to our customer care team for information.

Because of the thorough nature of our daily enhanced cleaning procedures and our escalated safety protocols, our stores remain open to serve our communities under the guidance of health officials.

We made the decision to temporarily close our Lynnfield location out of an abundance of caution. The store has had multiple professional deep cleanings and disinfections throughout the facility, and we are following the guidance of health and food safety authorities.

- Rachel Malish, Whole Foods Market spokeswoman

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- BJ's Wholesale Club

The safety of our team members, members and communities is our top priority. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, we have taken aggressive actions and implemented extensive safety and sanitation measures across all our facilities; and we always encourage our team members to provide feedback and voice concerns. We're fully focused on supporting our team members and operating our clubs with the highest safety standards. Some of our safety measures include, but are not limited to:

- Significantly increased sanitation and deep cleaning protocols on top of our already high standards.

- Continuous communication reinforcing social distancing protocols and using signage, floor decals and overhead announcements to enforce.

- Limiting the number of members to no more than 20% of a club's capacity at any given time.

- Providing masks and gloves to all team members, and face shields for certain positions.

- Mandating that customers wear masks while in our clubs where required by state or local authorities and requesting it in all other locations.

- Additional training on safety and sanitation practices and procedures.

- Temperature checks of all team members and on-site vendors upon arrival.

- Mobile and fixed sneeze-guard barriers placed in checkout lanes, at the membership desk and at our exit for the receipt-checking process to maintain social distancing protocols.

- Waived absenteeism policy.

- Provide standard pay for up to 14 days for team members under mandated quarantine or who have tested positive for COVID-19.

- Notifying all team members, regardless of shift, when there is a confirmed diagnosis in their club.

- Immediately bring in a third-party industrial cleaning vendor to thoroughly sanitize and clean the club after any notification of a confirmed diagnosis.

- Covering the cost of testing and COVID-related treatment for those enrolled in our health plans.

- Donating more than $1 million to support relief funds, hunger relief programs and hospitals throughout our footprint.

- Ensuring team members have access to financial assistance through our employee relief fund.

- Requiring any vendor employee to wear a mask while in our clubs.

- Going above and beyond CDC guidelines and recommendations in our safety and sanitation protocols and communicate with local health officials.

- Kristy Houston, BJ's Wholesale Club spokeswoman

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- Best Market/Lidl

We are taking significant steps to protect the health and safety of our team members during this public health emergency. Across our entire store network, we are providing paid leave for all employees over the age of 65 or with documented health conditions that put them at higher risk of complications related to COVID-19. We also modified our attendance policy to allow all employees to stay home with full pay if they are sickened by the virus or placed under quarantine.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

When any team member tests positive for COVID-19, we immediately place that person on paid leave for 14 days and put all associates who may have had close contact with that person on paid leave out of an abundance of caution. To date, more than 150 employees without any symptoms have been put on paid administrative under this policy.

At all our stores, we have enhanced our cleaning regimen to meet or exceed guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are limiting the number of customers in our stores to encourage social distancing, equipping our team members with masks and gloves, and installed protective barriers at checkout lanes.

We take our responsibility to protect our team members seriously.

Confirmed Case of Covid-19 at Franklin Square Store: We follow the latest guidelines established by the CDC at all our stores which stipulates the incubation period for COVID-19 is 14 days. When we learn of a confirmed employee case, we conduct a close contact trace and put any employee who may have had close contact with an infected employee on paid administrative leave for the period of time that extends to 14 days from exposure. Prior to returning to work, our HR team screens those employees to ensure that they have not developed symptoms. In the case you cited at Franklin Square, the employee who tested positive had not been at work for nine days when we learned of the diagnosis. At that point, we immediately contacted the employee you mention. We determined that she was last in contact with the infected employee nine days prior. Despite having no symptoms, we placed her on paid administrative leave for five days to fully cover the 14-day period since possible exposure. Prior to returning to work, per our policy, our HR team contacted her to ensure no symptoms had developed before returning to the store.

Passing of Gladys Cortes: We were saddened when we learned of her passing. Gladys was a valued member of our team for many years and brought enthusiasm and passion to work every day. Gladys last worked at the store in Islip on March 30th, and we have no reports indicating that she was sick while working. Our policy is clear that employees who are sick should stay home. We reiterate this policy to our team and our store management regularly. We first learned of Glady's positive diagnosis and of her passing on April 9th. As soon as we were informed, we immediately briefed employees at the store on the same day through in-person meetings. We also issued a letter the following morning to all team members at the store on their paycheck. In the letter to employees, we pointed out that we thoroughly clean all our stores every day throughout the day. When an employee with confirmed case of COVID-19 worked in the store within a five-day period, we will also have a third-party company specializing in sanitization conduct an additional deep cleaning of the store. According to CDC guidance, five days is the maximum time the virus can live on surfaces. In this case, Gladys was not in the store for nine days. We reported the case to the appropriate regulatory authorities, who investigated and closed the case.

- William Harwood, Lidl spokesman

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- Target

At Target, our priority has always been the safety and well-being of our team, and that's the approach we've taken throughout the coronavirus. Since early March, we've introduced dozens of safety, social distancing and rigorous cleaning measures at our stores across the country. The number of confirmed cases we're seeing across our team is lower than the percent being reported for the U.S population. But even a single case gets our attention, which is why you see us working so hard to do everything we can to protect our team and our guests.

We're informing team members who work at a location where a case of the coronavirus is confirmed and we'll continue to be transparent in the process, along with the measures we put in place to address it. While being transparent, we're also careful to keep team member privacy from being compromised with the information we share. There are some details we do not provide, as it increases the likelihood of a team member's privacy being compromised.

We're following health expert guidance and we're providing information that any health department requests of us.

We want all team members to feel comfortable sharing their concerns. We provide opportunities for team members to share feedback, either through team leaders or through anonymous reporting.

While I can't provide company-by-company detail, what I can share is our high-level approach.

Partners who operate in our stores receive updated information regarding our policies and expectations as we monitor and address the evolving situation pertaining to the coronavirus.

Additionally, we routinely communicate CDC guidance in and around stores to reinforce these important measures.

- Danielle Schumann, Target spokeswoman

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- Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's has long been known as an employer of choice because of our industry-leading compensation and benefits we provide our Crew Members, as well as our caring culture and the communication we maintain with our Crew Members. This has held true as we have addressed the COVID-19 coronavirus. Since the beginning, we've looked to the CDC and local and state health officials for guidance on best health and safety practices, meeting and exceeding all recommendations and guidelines on everything from the implementation of proper cleaning and safety measures to the proper handling, tracking and reporting of positive cases.

Upon notification of any possible exposure to COVID-19 in any of our stores, we follow practices that meet or exceed CDC and other health official requirements. Our actions vary by situation, and depending on the date range of potential exposure, can include notifying the public and Crew Members, and closing our stores for additional, thorough cleaning and sanitization. We take a hyper careful approach by closing stores in these instances, and we do not reopen a store until we are satisfied that further intense cleaning and sanitation has been completed.

Any time someone at one of our stores tests positive and they were recently in the store, we close the store for an additional, thorough cleaning and post the closure on our website, in addition to posting a notice on the door of the store. We stay in touch with local and state health officials and comply with all reporting requirements for COVID-19. In fact health officials consistently tell us that we go above and beyond.

The CDC recommends there be an additional cleaning if someone who is sick has been in a facility within the last 7 days, however that additional cleaning is something Trader Joe's does in our stores every day. This thorough cleaning is done in addition to the cleaning that takes place throughout the day, every day.

At Trader Joe's we pride ourselves on operating our business with integrity and adhering to the law at all times. We also listen to our Crew Members and customers, appreciate and often implement their ideas and input, and take all concerns seriously. From the beginning, we have made it clear that Mr. King's employment at Trader Joe's did not end because of desire to set up a social media page or because he expressed concerns. When asked further about that, I have been clear that due to for privacy reasons I am not at liberty to say more.

As this unprecedented situation continues to evolve, so has our approach to doing all we can to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our Crew Members and customers. Every day, we're listening to Crew Members and customers and re-evaluating what we're doing and what we can do better. Our Crew Members are the heart of the company, every day going above and beyond to take care of customers and their communities. We want to do everything we can to take care of them. Their safety and wellbeing have been at the center of every decision we've made, throughout this situation. Over the months, we have provided safety and sanitation guidelines and protocols for our stores and reinforced these new measures with regular reminders and updates. We were one of the first grocery stores to reduce store hours, regulate the number of customers in our stores, and implement social distancing protocol in all stores.

Examples of additional measures we've taken:

- Early on we instituted enhanced cleaning and sanitization efforts at all of our stores, especially in high-touch areas, as we know this is the best way to combat any potential virus.

- All of our stores are conducting Crew Member Wellness Checks with all Crew Members, prior to the start of each shift. The Wellness Checks screen for potential exposure to COVID-19, as well as symptoms consistent with a COVID-19 infection. They are an extra precaution we are taking to reduce the possibility of any Crew Members inadvertently exposing their fellow crew or our customers to illness.

- Any Crew Member who had health insurance before the pandemic will keep that insurance, no matter how many hours they work. This allows Crew Members the opportunity to take a couple of days or a couple of weeks off without repercussions to their jobs or the benefits they've come to enjoy.

- We implemented bonus pay as well as $2/hour increases of thank you pay on top of already industry-leading pay that is $15/hour starting pay. The average tends to be much higher because Crew Members have the potential to receive a 7%-10% annual increase.

- We have increased Crew Members' store discount to 20%.

- Even before the CDC changed it's guidance on masks, at the start of April, we had masks made for all of our Crew Members and we had plexiglass shields installed at registers at all of our stores, starting with stores located in areas that have higher COVID-19 cases.

- We've reduced store hours to support our Crew Members in taking care of one another and our customers.

- We were one of the first grocery stores to limit the amount of customers in our stores at one time, and implement social distancing measures in all stores, to help ensure all Crew Members and customers are able to maintain the recommended 6-foot distance when working or shopping.

- We've dedicated a special shopping hour for only our senior customers over the age of 60 and other vulnerable customers who may need extra assistance while shopping.

- Kenya Friend-Daniel, Trader Joe's spokeswoman
The former member representing Kogi west in the upper chamber of the national assembly, Dino Melaye is definitely not new to controversial comments.

The controversial ex-lawmaker in his latest comment stated that the population of people waiting to steal in Nigeria is higher than the population of people who are currently looting the economy.

Read Also: Nigeria Sold Crude Oil For 64 Years But Couldnt Feed Citizens For Just Two Weeks: Melaye

He made this remark via a comment on his official Instagram page.

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He wrote:

In Nigeria, the population of people waiting to steal is higher that the population of people currently stealing.

God pass through Nigeria.
The most common chemical bond in the living world -- that between carbon and hydrogen -- has long resisted attempts by chemists to crack it open, thwarting efforts to add new bells and whistles to old carbon-based molecules.

Now, after nearly 25 years of work by chemists at the University of California, Berkeley, those hydrocarbon bonds -- two-thirds of all the chemical bonds in petroleum and plastics -- have fully yielded, opening the door to the synthesis of a large range of novel organic molecules, including drugs based on natural compounds.

"Carbon-hydrogen bonds are usually part of the framework, the inert part of a molecule," said John Hartwig, the Henry Rapoport Chair in Organic Chemistry at UC Berkeley. "It has been a challenge and a holy grail of synthesis to be able to do reactions at these positions because, until now, there has been no reagent or catalyst that will allow you to add anything at the strongest of these bonds."

Hartwig and other researchers had previously shown how to add new chemical groups at C-H bonds that are easier to break, but they could only add them to the strongest positions of simple hydrocarbon chains.

In the May 15 issue of the journal Science, Hartwig and his UC Berkeley colleagues described how to use a newly designed catalyst to add functional chemical groups to the hardest of the carbon-hydrogen bonds to crack: the bonds, typically at the head or tail of a molecule, where a carbon has three attached hydrogen atoms, what's called a methyl group (CH3).

"The primary C-H bonds, the ones on a methyl group at the end of a chain, are the least electron-rich and the strongest," he said. "They tend to be the least reactive of the C-H bonds."

UC Berkeley postdoctoral fellow Raphael Oeschger discovered a new version of a catalyst based on the metal iridium that opens up one of the three C-H bonds at a terminal methyl group and inserts a boron compound, which can be easily replaced with more complex chemical groups. The new catalyst was more than 50 times more efficient than previous catalysts and just as easy to work with.

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"We now have the ability to do these types of reactions, which should enable people to rapidly make molecules that they would not have made before," Hartwig said. "I wouldn't say these are molecules that could not have been made before, but people wouldn't make them because it would take too long, too much time and research effort, to make them."

The payoff could be huge. Each year, nearly a billion pounds of hydrocarbons are used by industry to make solvents, refrigerants, fire retardants and other chemicals and are the typical starting point for synthesizing drugs.

'Expert surgery' on hydrocarbons

To prove the utility of the catalytic reaction, UC Berkeley postdoctoral fellow Bo Su and his coworkers in the lab used it to add a boron compound, or borane, to a terminal, or primary, carbon atom in 63 different molecular structures. The borane can then be swapped out for any number of chemical groups. The reaction specifically targets terminal C-H bonds, but works at other C-H bonds when a molecule doesn't have a terminal C-H.

"We make a boron-carbon bond using boranes as reagents -- they're just a couple steps away from ant poison, boric acid -- and that carbon-boron bond can be converted into many different things," Hartwig said. "Classically, you can make a carbon-oxygen bond from that, but you can also make a carbon-nitrogen bond, a carbon-carbon bond, a carbon-fluorine bond or other carbon-halogen bonds. So, once you make that carbon-boron bond, there are many different compounds that can be made."

Organic chemist Varinder Aggarwal from the University of Bristol referred to the catalytic reaction as "expert surgery" and characterized UC Berkeley's new technique as "sophisticated and clever," according to the magazine Chemical and Engineering News

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One potential application, Hartwig said, is altering natural compounds -- chemicals from plants or animals that have useful properties, such as antibiotic activity -- to make them better. Many pharmaceutical companies today are focused on biologics -- organic molecules, such as proteins, used as drugs -- that could also be altered with this reaction to improve their effectiveness.

"In the normal course, you would have to go back and remake all those molecules from the start, but this reaction could allow you to just make them directly," Hartwig said. "This is one type of chemistry that would allow you to take those complex structures that nature makes that have an inherent biological activity and enhance or alter that biological activity by making small changes to the structure."

He said that chemists could also add new chemical groups to the ends of organic molecules to prep them for polymerization into long chains never before synthesized.

"It could enable you to take molecules that would be naturally abundant, biosourced molecules like fatty acids, and be able to derivatize them at the other end for polymer purposes," he said.

UC Berkeley's long history with C-H bonds

Chemists have long tried to make targeted additions to carbon-hydrogen bonds, a reaction referred to as C-H activation. One still unachieved dream is to convert methane -- an abundant, but often wasted, byproduct of oil extraction and a potent greenhouse gas -- into an alcohol called methanol that can be used as a starting point in many chemical syntheses in industry.

In 1982, Robert Bergman, now a UC Berkeley professor emeritus of chemistry, first showed that an iridium atom could break a C-H bond in an organic molecule and insert itself and an attached ligand between the carbon and hydrogen. While a major advance in organic and inorganic chemistry, the technique was impractical -- it required one iridium atom per C-H bond. Ten years later, other researchers found a way to use iridium and other so-called transition metals, like tungsten, as a catalyst, where a single atom could break and functionalize millions of C-H bonds.

Hartwig, who was a graduate student with Bergman in the late 1980s, continued to bang on unreactive C-H bonds and in 2000 published a paper in Science describing how to use a rhodium-based catalyst to insert boron at terminal C-H bonds. Once the boron was inserted, chemists could easily swap it out for other compounds. With subsequent improvements to the reaction and changing the metal from rhodium to iridium, some manufacturers have used this catalytic reaction to synthesize drugs by modifying different types of C-H bonds. But the efficiency for reactions at methyl C-H bonds at the ends of carbon chains remained low, because the technique required that the reactive chemicals also be the solvent.

With the addition of the new catalytic reaction, chemists can now stick chemicals in nearly any type of carbon-hydrogen bond. In the reaction, iridium snips off a terminal hydrogen atom, and the boron replaces it; another boron compound floats away with the released hydrogen atom. The team attached a new ligand to iridium -- a methyl group called 2-methylphenanthroline -- that accelerated the reaction by 50 to 80 times over previous results.

Hartwig acknowledges that these experiments are a first step. The reactions vary from 29% to 85% in their yield of the final product. But he is working on improvements.

"For us, it shows, yeah, you can do this, but we will need to make even better catalysts. We know that the ultimate goal is attainable if we can further increase our rates by a factor of 10, let's say. Then, we should be able to increase the complexity of molecules for this reaction and achieve higher yields," Hartwig said. "It is a little bit like a four-minute mile. Once you know that something can be accomplished, many people are able to do it, and the next thing you know, we're running a three-and-three-quarter-minute mile."
An employee arranges steel products at a factory in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Phuong Dong.

Vietnam can entrench itself in global supply chains if the U.S. forms a network of partners to reduce reliance on China, analysts said.

Vietnam was recently invited to join the "Quad" countries, Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S., in an unofficial teleconference on combating Covid-19 and reviving the economy post-pandemic.

Analysts said the addition of Vietnam, South Korea and New Zealand to the group, which has been dubbed "Quad Plus," suggests the group is seeking to reduce the dependence on China in the global supply chain.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last month his government was working with these six countries to "move the global economy forward" by restructuring the supply chains.

American officials are reportedly looking for ways to push companies to move sourcing and manufacturing out of China using tax incentives and subsidies.

Economist Nguyen Tri Hieu said as one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia with exports running into the tens of billions of dollars annually, Vietnam has many good reasons to be selected to the grouping.

Other experts said the pandemic has placed Vietnam in the spotlight thanks to its drastic and quick response to contain it and successfully prevent any deaths.

Phung Duc Tung, director of the Mekong Development Research Institute, said after the pandemic revealed that multinationals are too dependent on China for their manufacturing, Vietnam has emerged as an alternative destination for them.

Vietnam has 64 percent of the population in the working age and labor costs lower than that of China, he said, adding that the countrys long coastline and shared border with China are other factors that would help a switch.

It has already been identified as their next investment destination by many multinationals. Apple, Google and Microsoft are all reportedly making plans to begin or expand production in Vietnam this year.

Experts say the country will benefit even more in trade if a grouping like Quad Plus is established.

Economist Pham Chi Lan said Quad Plus could help Vietnam further advance its trade relations with the U.S. without the need for a free trade agreement, which would take a lot of time and work.

There would be a wave of American investment coming to the country, and investors from Japan, another Quad member, and the E.U, with which Vietnam has signed a free trade pact, could also pour money, she said.

Vietnam has in the last three decades missed many opportunities to establish a better position in the global supply chain, and it should not make the same mistake again since after this time there might not be any space left, she warned.

"This is a golden opportunity for Vietnam."

Experts also warned that Vietnam needs to move quickly since other Asian countries are doing so.

Indonesia has reportedly persuaded 27 U.S. companies to relocate to an industrial zone in Java.

India reached out to more than 1,000 companies in the U.S. last month through its foreign missions, offering incentives to manufacturers seeking to shift from China, while Malaysia and Thailand have also been offering incentives to multinationals.

Tung said the Vietnamese government needs to make institutional changes to make the country a more appealing investment destination.

Transparent and democratic policies would attract investors since they then would not have to worry about "unofficial costs" while doing business in Vietnam, he said.

Besides offering tax incentives, Vietnam should also dispatch officials to find out from foreign investors what they seek and what the government could offer, he added.

There are also concerns about infrastructure. Thao Nguyen, senior leasing manager at real estate service firm CBRE Vietnam, said the limited supply of industrial land and poor road and port quality are barriers to attracting foreign investment.

There are concerns about Vietnams capability to absorb this new wave of investment since numerous challenges remain, including infrastructure capacity constraints, according to a recent CBRE report.

Tung said the private sector should be allowed to participate more in developing infrastructure to meet the increasing needs of FDI companies.
Democrats fired back Saturday after the chairwoman of the Republican Party of Bexar County denounced the novel coronavirus crisis as a hoax at a rally outside City Hall.

The chairwoman, Cynthia Brehm, told several supporters Friday that the coronavirus was a hoax perpetrated by the Democratic Party. Democrats quickly responded by issuing a statement that said Texas Republicans were downplaying the threat from the virus and had mismanaged the health crisis.

They linked Brehms attitude concerning the virus to that of the states leadership: Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, both Republicans.

From top to bottom, Texas Republican leaders continue to downplay and mismanage the coronavirus crisis. Texans continue to suffer because of their lack of leadership, the Texas Democratic Party responded in its Saturday statement.

In a video clip from KENS-5 TV that was widely disseminated on social media, Brehm rejected Mayor Ron Nirenbergs and County Judge Nelson Wolffs call to wear protective masks. She cited Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, calling the policy unconstitutional.

This is America, she said, and we shouldnt have to be forced or mandated to wear a mask.

Asked what he had to say about Brehms charge at Saturday nights daily coronavirus briefing, Wolff was clear.

Let me say it to you this way. It was about 2 years ago, maybe three, I was talking to my late, great friend Commissioner Paul Elizondo, Wolff recounted. Paul said, Weve got to run for re-election again. And I said Paul, why would we want to do that? You know, were getting a little bit older. And he said Well, theres too (expletive) many crazy people running for office. This is a good example.

By Saturday afternoon, the video had more than 18,000 likes on Twitter and 106 shares on Facebook.

Why is this happening today? Brehm is heard to ask at the lectern. Ill tell you why  all of this has been promulgated by the Democrats to undo all of the good that President Trump has done for our country, and they are worried.

So, take off your masks, exercise your constitutional rights. Stand up, speak up, and vote Republican.

On ExpressNews.com: Brehm demands county cut successful program

In an email later, Brehm said the group held the news conference to speak out against its constitutional rights being violated. She said that under the mayors and county judges orders, she has had to wear a mask when shopping for groceries.

Brehm said she hopes in the future that Nirenberg and Wolff will stop imposing edicts on people and will cooperate with Abbott to get Bexar County back to work.

Many small businesses have closed, and their employees are now unemployed, she said. Telling people to stay quarantined until June when the governor is trying to get us up and running is not helping. Its hindering it.

After her speech, Brehm hugged Douglas D.B. Stearns, who was the next speaker at the rally.

Stearns, a GOP precinct chairman, also downplayed the seriousness of the pandemic. He said people have a 0.05 chance of catching the Wuhan flu.

Brehm is in a runoff against John Austin, a real estate appraiser, for her position at the top of the county Republican Party. The runoff election is July 14.

In a text, Austin said that as a country, people have pulled together and protected the health system by flattening the curve.

I support protecting our most vulnerable citizens by following the presidents policies for social distancing and the wearing of masks when necessary, he said. I think President Trump and Gov. Abbott are doing the best they can to fight this disease and open the economy.

On ExpressNews.com: Losing Democratic hopeful, Republican runoff candidate criticizes San Antonio elections

Brehms comments are just the next iteration in a long line of Republicans not taking the coronavirus seriously, he said.

Republican campaign consultant Roger Legrand said hes concerned about the GOP community.

The Bexar County Republican Party has been largely hijacked by a fringe community of the far right, he said.

It is extremely depressing to me as a millennial Republican because I dont think were reaching new voters. I think people who are reading these stories are very unlikely to join us in the party, Legrand added. Its a regrettable situation at a time when our country should be coming together to protect our most vulnerable.

vtdavis@express-news.net
Two Nigerian federal agencies in Abuja have taken their fight over office accommodation to the public via social media.

It all began when the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Sunday, shared that the agency no longer has an office from which to operate.

NIDCOM published a video on Twitter where the CEO said the agency has not had an office for a year now.

She said, In one year, we dont have an office. The office we got, given to us by NCC but we were actually driven away by the honourable minister of communications and digital economy, Mr Isa Pantami, within two days, they drove us out with guns and what happened? The place was given to us by NCC.

You know we all help each other, NCC as an agency of government, said there is a place you can use to settle in, and just as we settled in, I was in Ethiopia when I got a call. I thought that it was a joke. I came back from Ethiopia on Thursday, this happened on Tuesday, by Friday when I went to the office, guns, armed men had taken over the place. I thought it was a joke, but here is the thing, Im a government employee, so is he. Its government business.

Mrs Dabiri-Erewa further said that she has complained to the relevant body.

I have complained officially but we let it be. He wants the place, let him take it. That place is still there, a whole floor is still vacant. As I speak with you all our items are locked up. I dont have a computer, I dont have printers, everything has been locked up.

So, after COVID-19, we are hoping that we can get a space and move in. These things locked are personal printers, personal laptops of our very dedicated staff because when you are just starting a lot of things are not there.

NCC Reacts

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reacting to the aforementioned video said that the claim by NIDCOM was false. It said that the commission was not sent packing.

A statement issued by Henry Nkemadu, NCCs director of public affairs, reads: The NCC has not withdrawn the offer but had hiccups from the preparation of the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate the Communications and Digital Economy Complex and launch of other projects relating to the mandate of government.

He further explained that incidentally, after the offer of the office spaces to the NDC, the Director-General, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had not visited the complex to take possession of any of the offices and also the commission had not started using any of these spaces as offices.

Minister of Communication, Dr Isa Pantami

Therefore, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, could not have sent armed men to drive the staff of the Diaspora Commission out of the Communications and Digital Economy Complex.

Concerning NIDCOMs property, Mr. Nkemadu said that the properties were safely warehoused in some offices in the complex.

Communications Minister reacts

The Minister of communication Isa Pantami in a tweet said THIS IS A FAT LIE FROM HER: The owner of the building @NgComCommission has faulted her lies on their social media platforms. The minister has never given that directives to any gunman. We need to be very objective in reporting. I have never sent any gunmen there, & I have no one.

NIDCOM responds

The commission issued a statement on Sunday in response to NCCs statement. In the statement, NIDCOM restated that they were forcefully evicted from the annex.

On the 9th of February, the staff were given one week by the Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Ali Pantami, to pack out but within 48 hours of the said quit notice, they were forcefully evicted by security operatives attached to the complex on the orders of the Minister on February 11, it read.

The commission further said that the allegation that NIDCOM did not move into the office when allocated, this is untrue, false accusation and contradictory to the statement of NCC to the effect that NIDCOM properties were warehoused and intact in the annex.

A video showing the secretary of the commission addressing the staff after being locked out on February 11, was shared on NIDCOMs official handle on Twitter.
By Clare Jim and Yew Lun Tian

HONG KONG/BEIJING (Reuters) - China's foreign ministry branch in Hong Kong dismissed concerns that its proposed national security laws for the city would harm foreign investors, hitting back at "meddling" countries as Beijing's ties with Washington soured further.

The security legislation, which could see Chinese intelligence agencies set up bases in Hong Kong, has sent chills through the business and diplomatic communities, spooked financial markets and escalated geopolitical tensions.

U.S. government officials have said the legislation would end the Chinese-ruled city's autonomy and would be bad for both Hong Kong's and China's economies. They said it could jeopardise the territory's special status in U.S. law, which has helped it maintain its position as a global financial centre.

Hong Kong is caught in the cross-hairs of a Beijing-Washington conflict developing on many fronts. After trade disputes and reciprocal accusations over the source and handling of the coronavirus pandemic, Washington on Friday accused the Chinese government of making it impossible for U.S. airlines to resume service to China.

Britain, Australia and Canada expressed "deep concern" in a joint statement about the proposed security laws which they said would undermine the "one country, two systems" principle agreed when Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Bankers and headhunters said it could lead to money and talent leaving the city. Hong Kong stocks slumped 5.6% on Friday, and sent chills through global markets.

A spokesperson of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong said in a statement the city's high degree of autonomy "will remain unchanged, and the interests of foreign investors in the city will continue to be protected under the law".

Beijing's move comes after pro-democracy protests in 2019 plunged Hong Kong into its biggest political crisis since the handover. Communist authorities see the protests as a security threat and blame the West for fomenting unrest.

Story continues

The commissioner's office described statements by "meddling countries" as "double standard and gangster logic".

"No matter how venomously you smear, provoke, coerce or blackmail us, the Chinese people will remain rock-firm in safeguarding national sovereignty and security," it said.

"Doomed is your plot to undermine China's sovereignty and security by exploiting the troublemakers in Hong Kong as pawns and the city as a frontier for secession, subversion, infiltration and sabotage activities against China."

Chris Patten, the last governor of the former British colony, said China has betrayed the people of Hong Kong.

HALF-WAY DEAD

As Hong Kong braced for its first major protests since the proposal of the legislation on Sunday in the centre of the city, police said in a statement they "will deploy adequate manpower in relevant locations."

Despite reassurances from Beijing and Hong Kong authorities, many Hong Kongers fret over losing rights.

Lok, 42, a clerk at an investment company, said she felt there was no prospect for her children, aged 16 and 9, and she hopes they will move away: "I think Hong Kong is half-way dead. I didnt expect Hong Kong would deteriorate that quickly."

Hong Kong publishing tycoon Jimmy Lai, an outspoken critic of Beijing who faces charges of illegal assembly, said on Twitter the legislation would bring the end of "China's last miracle" and the communist party was slaughtering "the proverbial golden goose."

Over the past 24 hours, Hong Kong's pro-Beijing politicians have also responded to concerns that the national security legislation could reduce freedoms.

Upon her return from Beijing late on Friday, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said the stock market "goes up and comes down" and blamed protests for destabilising the business environment.

Henry Tang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, said the legislation was "beneficial" for business, bringing stability.

In an interview with Reuters, Lam's predecessor as Hong Kong chief executive, Leung Chun-Ying, said the legislation was needed to "stamp out terrorism". He noted that the British had maintained a police special branch, dismantled before the territory was handed over to Chinese rule in 1997.

Singapore has a Special Branch. We dont. America has all kinds of law enforcement agencies that are tasked to deal with national security threats. We dont. So its not surprising that as part of the efforts to fill the national security legal gap, we need to have a body, Leung said.

(Editing by Peter Graff)
The first of five tankers carrying much-needed Iranian fuel and oil products entered Venezuelan waters on Saturday, a Venezuelan government official said. "The ships of the sister Islamic Republic of Iran are in our exclusive economic zone," Venezuelan oil minister Tareck El Aissami wrote on Twitter after the arrival of the first tanker, named Fortune. The fleet is carrying about 1.5 million barrels of gasoline according to media reports, and arrives amid tensions between Tehran and Washington, which has imposed sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports and Iran. Venezuela had said its navy and air force would escort the tankers after Tehran warned of "consequences" if the US stopped the ships from reaching their destination. According to shipping tracker MarineTraffic, as of at 9:00 pm local time (0100 GMT Sunday) Fortune was near the coast of Sucre state in northern Venezuela after passing off Trinidad and Tobago. It plans to sail to the El Palito refinery in Puerto Cabello in northern Carabobo state, according to the state-run television station. The rest of the Iranian ships -- the Forest, Petunia, Faxon and Clavel -- will arrive in the next few days, according to state television. Relations between Caracas and Tehran have become close since former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez took power in 1999. Iran has repeatedly expressed its support for Nicolas Maduro, his successor, who is also supported by Russia, China, Turkey and Cuba. The United States calls Maduro a "dictator", however, and has leveled a battery of economic sanctions against his administration, including an oil embargo that came into force in April 2019. The fuel from Iran comes at a time when the shortage of gasoline, chronic for years in some parts of the country, has worsened in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world, but its production is in freefall, a collapse that experts attribute to failed policies, lack of investment and corruption.
A church in Berlin has opened its doors to Muslims in need of a place to pray who can longer squeeze into their mosque following the implementation of social distancing regulations.

Germany has started easing its coronavirus lockdown as deaths fall, with religious services being allowed to restart from 4 May, though worshippers must remain 1.5m away from each other.

The Martha Lutheran church in the trendy area of Kreuzberg offered to host people who wanted to attend Friday prayers at the end of Ramadan but were blocked from going into the mosque due to coronavirus rules.

The Dar Assalam mosque in Berlins Neukolln district can now accommodate only a small amount of its usual visitors.

It is a great sign and it brings joy in Ramadan and joy amid this crisis. This pandemic has made us a community. Crises bring people together," the imam at the mosque told Reuters.

Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Show all 13 1 /13 Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Cheryll Mack, 46, a registered nurse in the emergency department, poses for a photograph after a 12-hour shift outside the hospital where she works. "The Covid-19 spread has affected a lot of livelihood, a lot of people's lives. It has created a crisis, death in general. So I would like to ask not one single person, but all people worldwide, to converge and join the platform that this is something that nobody can fight individually," said Mack. Reuters Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Dr Laura Bontempo, 50, an emergency medicine doctor wears her personal protective equipment she uses when she sees patients, while posing for a photograph after a nine-hour shift, outside the hospital. "The hardest moments have actually been separating families from patients, there is a no-visitor policy now and taking people away from their loved ones is very challenging," Bontempo said. "I'm used to treating sick patients. I treat sick patients all the time. It's very different knowing that the patient you are treating, is actually a risk to you as well. That's the main difference here. No one who works in hospitals is afraid of treating sick people. Just want to keep staff safe and the patients safe at the same time." Reuters Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Ernest Capadngan, 29, a registered nurse who works at a biocontainment unit poses for a photograph after a 12-hour shift, outside the hospital. "The hardest moment during the shift was just seeing Covid patients die helpless and without their family members beside them," Capadngan said. Reuters Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Martine Bell, 41, a nurse practitioner in an emergency department, poses for a photograph after a six-hour shift outside the hospital where she works. "The hardest thing in all of this, has been taking care of fellow healthcare providers. It really hits home and it's really scary when you see someone that could be you coming in and now you're taking care of them. It's also hitting home that once healthcare providers start getting sick, who is going to be taking care of the public," Bell said. "It's very stressful, everyone is on edge. We don't know who's coming in next, or how sick they're going to be, or if we are going to get a whole bunch of people or if we're not going to get no one. It's a really stressful and just a completely unusual time for all of us." Reuters Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Kaitlyn Martiniano, 25, a registered nurse who works at a biocontainment poses for a photograph after a 12.5-hour shift, outside the hospital. "We have a lot of patients and they are pretty sick right now but we have not yet been hit as hard as New York or Seattle, so I feel like we are very lucky with that so far. Every day you have to just be optimistic." Said Martiniano. "I think the reason that we are not being hit as hard right now is because so many things are closed, and because so many people are staying at home." Reuters Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Tracey Wilson, 53, a nurse practitioner in an intensive care unit (ICU), poses for a photograph after a 12-hour shift, outside the hospital where she works. "I had a patient fall out of bed today and I had to call his wife and tell her and she couldn't come see him, even though she pleaded and begged to come see him," Wilson said. "There is a lot of unknowns and with that unknown is a lot of anxiety and stress that we're not used to dealing with." Reuters Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Meghan Sheehan, 27, a nurse practitioner in an emergency department, poses for a photograph after a 12-hour shift, outside the hospital where she works. "I think the hardest moment has been the fear that lives within all of us. There is a lot of unknown right now. We fear what's going to happen tomorrow, how the emergency department will look next week when we come in. We have fears about our own colleagues, whether they will fall ill. We also fear that we could be asymptomatic carriers and bring this virus home to our families and our loved ones. There has been a lot of fear over our supplies and whether we'll run out. And then obviously there is the fear that we will see patients and not be able to do everything we normally can to help save patients' lives," Sheehan said. Reuters Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Kimberly Bowers, 44, a nurse practitioner in an ICU, poses for a photograph after a 13-hour shift, outside the hospital. "The hardest moment was a young woman who died and her family wasn't able to be here with her," Bowers said. "I think right now, it's just frustrating and scary just not knowing what comes next." Reuters Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Tiffany Fare, 25, a registered nurse who works at a biocontainment unit poses for a photograph after a 13-hour shift, outside the hospital where she works. "One of the hardest moments was having to see a family member of a Covid patient, say goodbye over an iPad, rooms away. That was a tough one, I can't imagine how hard it would be to be saying goodbye, you can't see your loved one and then they're gone," Fare said. "My team has been really great to me. We've worked really well together and we've really come together in this crisis. We don't really know each other, we all come from different units within the same hospital, so for us to come together and work so well as a team, it's been a journey but I think that's what is giving me hope." Reuters Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Dr Kyle Fischer, 35, an emergency medicine doctor, poses for a photograph after a 12-hour shift, outside the hospital where he works. "Since it's a new virus, we don't have any experience with it. For most diseases I am used to seeing it and taking care of it and this, I don't have any starting place. I know what I'm hearing from New York, I've read all of the papers it seems like, but no one knows what the correct answers are, so there's a huge amount of uncertainty and people are really, really sick. So it's hard to second guess whether or not you are doing the right thing when you think you are but you never quite know," said Fischer. Reuters Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Julia Trainor, 23, a registered nurse at a surgical ICU, poses for a photograph after a 14-hour shift, outside the hospital. "The hardest moment was having to put a breathing tube in my patient who could no longer breathe for herself and after the breathing tube went in, we called her family and the husband, of course, couldn't visit her because of visitor restrictions at the hospital. So I had to put him on the phone and hold the phone to her ear, as he told her that he loved her so much and then I had to wipe away her tears as she was crying," said Trainor. "I'm used to seeing very sick patients and I'm used to patients dying but nothing quite like this. In the flip of a switch, without the support, they're completely isolated. They're very sick. Some of them recover and some of them don't. But the hardest part, I would think, is them having to go through this feeling like they are alone." Reuters Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Lisa Mehring, 45, a registered nurse who works in a biocontainment unit with Covid-19 patients, poses for a photograph after a 12.5-hour shift, outside the hospital where she works in Maryland. "Seeing these new moms have babies has been the hardest moment along with having do their pumping for the new moms and them not being able to be with their newborn children, it's hard to think of the family that they are missing," Mehring said. Photos Reuters Inside US hospital: A day fighting the coronavirus Jacqueline Hamil, 30, a registered nurse in an emergency department, poses for a photograph after a 12-hour shift outside the hospital. "The hardest moment of my shift today, I was in charge, and we had a really sick patient that was in a really, really small room and usually, when we have sick crashing patients, we can have a ton of resources and a ton of staff go in and help with the nurse and the doctors that are taking care of that patient. But due to the patient being ruled out for the coronavirus, we could only have five or six people in the room at a time and putting on all the gowns and gloves and masks and face shields to protect us in case the patient does have coronavirus, it takes a while, so the nurse that was in there, ended up being in the room for you know 6, 7 hours with minimal breaks and it was hard being in charge and knowing that she was stuck in the room and really nothing I could do to help her," Hamil said. Reuters

Samer Hamdoun, a congregation member, added: It was a strange feeling because of the musical instruments, the pictures. But when you look, when you forget the small details, this is the house of God in the end.

Officials said on Saturday that more than 40 visitors who attended a service at a church in Frankfurt after the Covid-19 lockdown was eased had caught the virus, despite adhering to social distancing rules.

Restaurants and cafes in Berlin were permitted to open their doors from 15 May but with strict social distancing guidelines which ask people to remain 1.5m away from each other, and force waiters to wear face masks.

According to the Robert Koch Institute, 8,216 people in Germany have died from coronavirus while there have been 177,850 cases.
Gunawardena can be regarded as one of the respected political leaders and a person of integrity who deserves the respect and honour of the people of Sri Lanka. He is an eloquent speaker, always armed with thorough knowledge of the subject with facts and figures.





by C. Kuruppu





One should associate with a noble person who is intelligent, wise, learned, virtuous and dutiful, just as the moon follows the path of stars 

- The Dhammapada (SukhaVagga)





This verse from The Dhammapada comes to mind whenever I see Minister Dinesh Gunawardena amidst the general public in his numerous political activities. Dinesh, known as the fearless son of the Lion of Boralugoda, cut his political teeth by entering Parliament on May 18, 1983, being elected a member of Parliament in the Maharagama by-election as the Leader of the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna. Since then, the services rendered by Minister Gunawardena as a Member of Parliament being the voice of the people are too numerous to be elaborated in a short article like this.





Dinesh with former Indian HC to Sri Lanka

History bears testimony to the great service rendered by him to the country, nation and religion during the last 37 years of his parliamentary life, always preserving the traditions and practices of the House. Today he holds the important Ministerial portfolios of Foreign Relations and Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations, contributing immensely to boost the countrys image at numerous events, dispelling many a myth created by unscrupulous elements.





In his long political career, Mr Gunawardena has held numerous positions such as the Cabinet portfolios of Transport, Environment, Urban Development, Water Supply and Drainage, Sacred Area Development, Foreign Affairs, Skills Development, and Employment and Labour Relations, dedicating himself fully to the task entrusted by respective governments. It is well known how he endeared himself to the electorate through his services in those capacities, very successfully devoting his time and overwhelming knowledge of the affairs of the country. He never abused his power or position for his own personal gain or benefits.





Mr Gunawardena, a distinguished Royalist, can truly be indentified as one of the most vociferous and yet truly honest Parliamentarians who graced our Legislature for the last three decades. Even his worst enemy will find it difficult to level an accusing finger at him as far as integrity, moral conduct, moral rectitude and decency is concerned.





In his distinguished political career, he represented the House of Parliament throughout from 1983 onwards, except during the period of government in 1994. I have had the opportunity to listen to his voice in Parliament from the day he first entered Parliament, always raising his voice for the electorate in particular, and the common good of the country in general, whenever the interests of the country were at stake.





Mr Gunawardena can be regarded as one of the respected political leaders and a person of integrity who deserves the respect and honour of the people of Sri Lanka. He is an eloquent speaker, always armed with thorough knowledge of the subject with facts and figures.





His greatest quality as a gentleman in politics is the sincerity with which he speaks, and all the speeches he has made in the House bear testimony to his multi-faceted personality characterised by the love and affection he has for the downtrodden masses. Like his father, he never tolerates injustice to anybody, and particularly when the integrity of the Motherland is at stake, he becomes the most vociferous speaker, the mighty warrior in the forefront, taking the cudgel against the powerful, whoever that might be. His kind of politics transcends ethnicity, religion, language, class/caste or any of the many identities which divide our people. The key qualities that his character embodies are a love for the country, the respect for people  including his political opponents, practical common sense, simplicity in dress and language, honesty, integrity, and above all, the value of the Rule of Law and Democracy.





When he was assigned the position of Chief Government Whip of Parliament in the Mahinda Rajapaksa government, he played a very significant role for the smooth and efficient functioning of Parliamentary democracy. He was responsible for maintaining discipline among Government Members of Parliament, playing the role of advisor to back-benchers on matters relating to parliamentary practice and procedure. He also functioned as the Leader of the House until the recent dissolution of Parliament in the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government, contributing his might in full measure as a key figure in the affairs of the Government and Parliament.





Mr Gunawardena, a progressive nationalist and patriotic populist Parliamentarian, following the footsteps of his father the late Philip Gunawardena (Father of the Socialist Movement in Sri Lanka) and his mother the late Kusuma Gunawardena, both Parliamentarians. His father was a national hero who brought colour and dignity to politics. Minister Dinesh had the opportunity and the benefit of learning from his father from his tender age. He hails from a great political family in Boralugoda, which was the seat of political giants of the day including his uncle the late Robert Gunawardena and aunt the late Vivienne Goonawardena (well-known Socialist icons). Influenced by these great personalities, he earned a wealth of political experience throughout his life which have always stood him in good stead.





He and his Mahajana Eksath Peramuna worked closely with Sirimavo Bandaranaike in the 1980s, and during the Presidential Elections of 1982 and 1988 he battled against the Government of J R Jayewardene. Being a longstanding close comrade and Parliamentary colleague of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa he has served in the Cabinets of both Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Chandrika Kumaratunge in the last two decades.





In 2015, after the defeat of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister Dinesh Gunawardenas balanced and mature style of politics helped him to bring most of the progressive parties in the country together and to build up a strong opposition in Parliament. He is considered a veteran on Parliamentary practices and procedures and Standing Orders of Parliament. He is known among his colleagues as a Parliamentarian who respects and treats alike both the government and the opposition benches. He served as Chairman of the Election Reforms Select Committee of Parliament under two governments and recommended the mixed election system for Sri Lanka which has been accepted virtually by all sections of the society. His experience ranges from trade unionism to Parliament, from opposition to government, and armed with such a vast experience, he speaks with authority, making his arguments with facts and figures.Possessed with a full grasp and understanding of current international affairs, he is a national democrat who is committed to a mixed economy and social welfare, and looks after students, workers and trade union rights in general.





As Foreign Minister in President Gotabaya Rajapaksas government, Minister Gunawardenas recent speech at the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Withdrawing from the Co-sponsorship of UNHRC Resolutions was the outcome of a historic decision taken on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka for which his name will go down in the annals of the history of Sri Lanka.





Mother Lanka is proud to have a son in the calibre of Dinesh Gunawardena among her many worthy sons and daughters who have all contributed their might to make what she is today. Long is the way she has to travel to achieve the ultimate goal of true prosperity, free from the shackles of external influence. It is the fervent hope of all Sri Lankans that minister Dinesh Gunawardena, who completes 37 years since entering Parliament this week, will walk a long way with Her in that journey.





(The writer is a former Librarian of Parliament, and Secretary to the Chief Government Whip of Parliament, and former Director (Documentation) of the Presidential Secretariat.)
analysis

Are repressive governments more threatening to their citizens than COVID-19? Simbabrashe Gukurume, in this incisive article shows how Zimbabweans are more likely to be killed and have their sources of livelihood destroyed by the government than by COVID-19.

Authoritarian regimes are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to entrench their power and control. In Africa, leaders and their political henchmen are pushing through interventions that further their own personal political interests, often at the expense of their political nemesis and the majority of the citizens.

In South Africa, a family is suing the state for the death of Collins Khosa who passed on at the hands of the South African National Defence Forces (SANDF) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). The use of brute force and violence has also been reported in Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Kenya, where state security agents enforcing COVID-19 lockdown curfews have killed civilians.

Despite having no single confirmed coronavirus case then, Zimbabwe declared COVID-19 a national disaster in March 2020. After five confirmed cases, the president quickly imposed a national lockdown on the 30th of March - initially for a 21-day period.

Afterward, it was extended twice for two weeks, and then from 16 May 2020 for an indefinite period, albeit with two weekly reviews of the situation. At the time of writing, the country had 46 confirmed cases and 4 deaths.

While fear and anxiety about COVID-19 have gripped people in the country, many seem to be more afraid of something different. Since the lockdown and subsequent deployment of the police and army, it is common to hear people say, 'In this country, we are more afraid of hunger and the state security than the coronavirus.' For many people, the state and its repressive apparatus represent an immediate and serious threat to their lives and livelihoods.

Lockdowns and deployment of state apparatus

To enforce the lockdown regulations, most of the Zimbabwean government deployed soldiers and the police. This deployment of state apparatus is largely concentrated in low-income spaces where adherence to lockdown measures such as socio-physical distancing is next to impossible.

Some scholars have argued that social distancing is not only impossible among the urban poor, but is a privilege that many poor people cannot afford. 'How can I practice social distancing when I am sharing a small room with two different families?' a resident of Mbare's Matapi flats who shares a room with six other people asked. Mbare is the oldest high-density suburbs in the southern part of Harare.

Matapi flats are low-income single room council owned in Harare's oldest high-density suburb. Initially constructed to house single migrant workers, they now house multiple families in each room. For people in such conditions, being outside is better than being indoors - hence, their defiance to social distancing and other lockdown measures is rife.

In fact, the living and working realities in low-income places make social distancing a myth and privilege. In addition, buying soap and sanitizers is now considered a luxury amid a critical food crisis. 'If given a choice would you buy soap or sanitizers with your last penny when there is no food to eat? - Some would argue.

To enforce the lockdown, the deployed police and army have often adopted a heavy-handed approach - arresting and beating up thousands of people in low-income neighbourhoods.

In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city, two women were brutally assaulted by police officers for breaching social distancing rules on a supermarket queue for scarce basic commodities. Considering a long and protracted history of state-sanctioned violence in Zimbabwe, the militarisation of streets and public spaces constitutes 'symbolic violence' that invokes traumatising experiences of past experiences of brutality.

Abductions and Brutality

In Zimbabwe, the lockdown has led to a sharp increase in human rights violations by state apparatus. The recent alleged abduction and sexual abuse of the MDC Alliance female activists is a case in point. While government-aligned newspapers, ZANU-PF politicians, and their supporters have dismissed these abductions as stage-managed, the government has ordered a full-scale investigation into the abductions. Initially, the police confirmed they had arrested the three for protesting against the government in violation of lockdown rules, but later denied when party colleagues and the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights demanded access to them. The government had promised to provide financial and social support to vulnerable people, but nothing has been provided to date and many families are already facing starvation. Later, they were found traumatised and seriously injured with reports that they had been stripped naked, beaten and sexually molested, and asked to drink each other's urine.

These abduction, torture, and disappearance of ZANU-PF critics is neither surprising nor new. In 2015, suspected state security agents abducted pro-democracy activist and journalist Itai Dzamara. To date he has not been found. In fact, civil society and opposition activists believe that abductions, brutality, torture, and disappearance is one of ZANU-PF's key modus operandi of dealing with critics and political nemesis.

Although citizens have a constitutional right to engage in peaceful protests, in Zimbabwe, protests are always met with brutality, abductions and torture of activists.

Thandekile Moyo's article noted that the notorious Central Intelligence Office (CIO) and military intelligence commit many of Zimbabwe's abductions, extrajudicial murders, and enforced disappearances. I have also argued elsewhere that the government deploys a huge network of its state apparatus for spying purposes as well as intimidating political critics and opponents in various spaces.

Demolitions, Livelihoods, and Homelessness

The deepening poverty and unemployment forced the majority of Zimbabwe's urban population into operating informal markets at undesignated spaces in many cities in Zimbabwe. During the lockdown, the Ministry of Local Government ordered city councils to demolish illegal structures in an operation akin to the (in) famous 2005 Operation Murambatsvina.

The government considers the informal sector a potential hotspot for the spread of the coronavirus. Like the Murambatsvina demolitions, the latest demolitions were not only motivated by epidemiological and public health concerns but also political reasons.

Crowded market places like Siya So (Magaba), Mupedzanhamo, and other markets in Harare were particularly targeted and ordered to close. In Masvingo, the popular Chitima market was also demolished by the city council. This led to massive losses for some vendors whose produce was left to rot after the demolitions.

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While the courts had declared the demolitions illegal and ordered them to be stopped, the demolitions continued. ZimRights regard demolitions as a violation of people's social and economic rights.

Many vendors I interviewed in Harare felt that the government was supposed to build on the effort of poor vending and create better infrastructure for them to operate, but instead the government chose to destroy their only source of livelihood. In addition, corruption by law enforcement agents has peaked during the lockdown.

Some police and military officers are extorting citizens already buckling under the economic weight of the lockdown. With the government promising to tighten the lockdown by deploying more security forces into the streets, such conditions will create an environment ripe for state security excesses like police corruption and brutality.

Without addressing the structural forces that (re)produce social inequality and provision of social safety nets as well as social protection measures, pandemics like COVID-19 will have long-lasting impacts on the lives and livelihoods of many people. In fact, without adequate, social, and financial support most of the WHO recommended public health measures like social/physical distancing, lockdown, and hygiene will be a myth in many poor African neighbourhoods.

In fact, some governments such as in Zimbabwe have taken the opportunity to consolidate their power and control. During this protracted COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant lockdown measures, Zimbabweans have to grapple with both food and economic insecurity as well as state security repression.

Simbarashe Gukurume is a lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology at Great Zimbabwe University.
During Operation Lam Son 719, Tony Goodson defended the tactical operations center  all day and night  from attacks in every corner during the Vietnam War. But one explosion struck near him, shooting him into the air.

When he landed, he looked down and saw his legs covered in bloods and scars.

Goodson was winded, but after medical officers picked the shrapnel out of his legs, he was sent back into the field to defend the Khe Sanh Combat Base, supporting South Vietnamese troops.

I felt very lucky the next morning, Goodson said.

Lam Son 719 left over 200 Americans killed or missing in action while 1,149 were wounded, according to History Net.

Goodson, now 70 years old, told The Jersey Journal on Sunday that he can never forget about those he lost during the war. Memorial Day is a bittersweet time, he added, but not being able to get together for the traditional annual events  due to coronavirus virus concerns  makes him sad.

Goodson, a commander at VFW Shelton Post 2294, said they will instead have a small gathering for a flagpole raising and prayer service outside, spaced out from one another, on Monday at 10 a.m. Members of the post will also visit monuments individually.

All Jersey City-run events are canceled until further notice.

On Friday, Gov. Murphy loosened state restrictions allowing groups of 25 outside. Though Monday will have a smaller crowd, Goodson said its the right move to follow guidelines and avoid hosting large gatherings because its not worth the risk.

The Jersey City native was a U.S. Army sergeant and served in Vietnam from June 1970 to May 1971. He was also part of the 101st Airborne Division during Lam Son 719 where 19 U.S. Army aviators died, 59 were wounded and 11 went missing, according to the Air Force History and Museums Program.

Birthdays, holidays, its all the same to me, Goodson said. ... I always think about those who couldnt be here.

For Stephen Holinka, 72, he said he feels terrible without the traditional Memorial Day events, which are a way for him to commemorate his former comrades  people who he thinks about often.

Holinka has marched with Jersey Citys Lafayette Amvets Post 33 in its annual Memorial Day parade for the last 40 years. Afterwards, there would also be a mass, memorial services and a luncheon for members, family and friends at Broadway Diner in Bayonne.

But those are other events that wont be happening Monday due to COVID-19.

Just a shame we couldnt have it..., Holinka said. ... Its been a very disappointing year.

Holinka said that on Monday hell be thinking about all the people he knew during his three years of service. He was a former sergeant and spent a tour in 1966 to 1967 in Korea before volunteering in 1968 for the Vietnam War.

The commander of Amvets Post 33 also said hell been commemorating the former World War II veterans of the post, many of whom have died.

I knew many of them very well and we had some great times at the post, Holinka said. I just think about them so much and what theyve done for this country.

I constantly think about them. Theyre part of me.

Though therell be no parades, some places like Weehawken have decided to move their festivities online.

Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner told The Jersey Journal Saturday that there will be a virtual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday. It will include a dedication of wreaths, veterans ritual, naming of deceased Weehawken Elks Lodge members and more.

The broadcast will be available through the townships government Facebook page and website.

I think were all disappointed, said Elks Exalted Ruler Lorraine Wuillamey. But of course, everybody understands.
China's decision to impose national security reforms on Hong Kong, after decades of trying to get such changes passed through its devolved legislature, crosses a threshold from which there appears to be no turning back.

The new law presented last week at the National People's Congress in Beijing promises tougher measures on those deemed as harbouring secessionist views, and codifies China's right to use national troops and national security agencies in Hong Kong.

What is shocking about this new law is not the detail of its seven articles but rather the way it is being forced upon the city by the Chinese congress. It is an admission that Beijing has no faith left, after the months of street protests last year, in the administration of the city's leader, Carrie Lam.

Speaking yesterday, Leung Chun-ying and pro-Beijing city politicians raised the prospect of new investigative powers for Beijing in comments likely to further enrage campaigners fearing the end of the financial hub's treasured autonomy.

It came as Hong Kong was on edge last night, with an eerie calm settling over the city ahead of the first mass demonstrations planned since lockdown buried a year of turmoil and pro-democracy protests. The city's hidden network of protesters and activists are gearing up for a banned march today.

One protester said: "They want to crush us in body and spirit. We need to focus. We can see why the Chinese Communist Party hates Hong Kong's freedom so much."

Another protester warned that the move by China could prompt a "next level" response from activists.

Others said they were scrubbing their social media history to get rid of anything that may lead any Chinese police to their door.

They must now tread a careful line between staying out of sight and keeping up a message to the outside world, another protester said, adding Hong Kongers can't fight Beijing's clampdown alone.

"It is the beginning of the end of Hong Kong as we know it," said Professor Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at Soas University of London.

Joshua Wong, one of the most high-profile figures of the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement that emerged to protect the city's autonomy in the years since 2014, said the law would "kill future democratic movements, since all protests and other calls for democracy in the city will be classified as attempts at subversion, just like how the Beijing government does in [mainland] China".

Speaking to reporters, he called on the people of Hong Kong to "stand up and fight this uphill battle", Mr Wong said he believed that activists like himself, who have spoken publicly abroad and lobbied for the international community to support Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, were "probably the prime target" for a clause in the new law banning foreign intervention in the city.

That there will be protests in response to Beijing's move is unquestionable, says Prof Tsang. "It is going to be a very hot summer in Hong Kong - if anything, I think it is going to be worse than last year."

He described yesterday's move as the death knell for the "one country, two systems" principle, whereby Hong Kong is seen as part of China but with its citizens enjoying freedoms and judicial independence unseen on the mainland. China's premier, Li Keqiang, insisted yesterday that Beijing would continue to uphold the system.

"Either way," says Prof Tsang, "it is the end of 'one country, two systems' - because if Hong Kongers stand up and fight the new law they will be crushed. If they don't stand up, they don't fight, then they will be rolled over. But it is pretty hard to see the people of Hong Kong just rolling over."

China has been looking for a way out of the protest crisis for a long time now, he added, and the coronavirus crisis has presented "the perfect timing" to make its move, with the Western democracies that would normally speak out for Hong Kong too preoccupied with their own virus outbreaks - or "dependent on China for PPE".

For activists like Mr Wong, the only hope now is that the international community does not look the other way.

 Independent
Many classic films depict servicemens valiant wartime deeds, and these deserve another look on the day we remember those who have fallen for our sake: Memorial Day.

After the success of 1939s Gone With the Wind, American Civil War films became popular. Before America joined World War II, World War I was the most frequent setting for combat films. During World War II, stories about the war were popular, remaining so for years.

Uniting and Sacrificing for Victory

(LR) Ronald Reagan, Rhonda Fleming, and Bruce Bennett in 1951s The Last Outpost. (Paramount Pictures)

The Civil War

A classic Civil War drama is 1951s The Last Outpost. A Confederate cavalry brigade plagues a Union outpost. Union colonel Jeb Britton (Bruce Bennett) comes to capture them, but trader Sam McQuade (John Ridgely) insists that setting local Apaches against the Confederates is the solution. Britton fears they will attack all Americans once provoked, but McQuade persists.

Meanwhile, Britton learns that McQuades discontented wife, Julie (Rhonda Fleming), was engaged to his brother, Vance Britton (Ronald Reagan), before he joined the Confederate Army. When Col. Britton encounters the Confederates, he realizes their captain is his brother. After Apaches kill trader McQuade, Vance impersonates the Union major sent to recruit the Apaches, visiting them himself. He must release the imprisoned Apaches (arrested for McQuades murder) before the tribe attacks, all while keeping his Confederate identity secret.

A scene from The Last Outpost. (Paramount Pictures)

In The Last Outpost, the war within America is reflected by the brothers opposing military sides. However, near the films end, Union and Confederate soldiers unite against a common enemy. Jeb, Union soldiers, and townspeople try to defend a town against the Apaches. Knowing the Native Americans hopelessly outnumber them, Vances regiment joins the battle, saving his brothers defense from annihilation. Although enemies in the war, these soldiers unite as Americans. Their loyalty helped America reunite after the war, just as the Britton brothers plan to reconcile.

Pat OBrien (L) and James Cagney star as priest and soldier, respectively, in The Fighting 69th. (Warner Bros)

World War I

A memorable World War I movie is 1940s The Fighting 69th. New Yorks 69th Infantry Regiment prepares for combat with Maj. Wild Bill Donovans (George Brent) military leadership and chaplain Father Duffys (Pat OBrien) spiritual guidance. Cocky recruit Jerry Plunkett (James Cagney) clashes with Sgt. Mike Wynn (Alan Hale). Plunketts comrades quickly grow to hate him, but Father Duffy believes in him.

In Europe, the 69th finally sees battle. Although Jerry has longed to fight for months, he acts cowardly in the trenches, causing comrades to be killed. Maj. Donovan wants Plunkett transferred, but Father Duffy asks that he be given one more chance, believing faith will give Jerry courage.

In The Fighting 69th, the Fourth Alabama Infantry Regiment camps by the 69th. A fight ensues when an Alabaman brags that they beat the 69th during the Civil War. Maj. Donovan stops the fight, reminding the soldiers that they are no longer enemies:

Those men on both sides were Americans. They fought and then rose above their hatreds to become one people again.  Our two regiments are now brigaded together.  But theres no room  for sectional feuds, because were all one nation now, one team. An all-American team pulling together and known as the United States Army.

Americans must unite for victory.

John Wayne (L) and Robert Montgomery in They Were Expendable. (MGM)

World War II

A great World War II film is 1945s They Were Expendable. Lieutenants Brick Brickley (Robert Montgomery) and Rusty Ryan (John Wayne) struggle to convince superiors of their PT boat squadrons value. After Pearl Harbor, the squadron is relegated to messenger duties. Eventually, they are assigned to destroy an enemy cruiser. Brick chooses his boat and Rustys for the mission, but he replaces Rusty after Rusty is discovered to have blood poisoning from shrapnel.

While restless in the hospital, Rusty is tended by nurse Sandy Davyss (Donna Reed); they bond at a hospital dance. After Rusty recovers, Sandy transfers to the island where his squadron is located, and a romance blossoms. Soon after, they receive a special mission, transporting important personnel 600 miles. These personnel include Gen. MacArthur and his family, but this prestigious mission is just one of the squadrons many jobs toward victory.

They Were Expendable shows that service is not always heroic. Seeing Lt. Brickleys disappointment about the messenger assignment, Adm. Blackwell (Charles Trowbridge) explains that duty is not always exciting:

You and I are professionals. If the manager says, Sacrifice, we lay down a bunt and let somebody else hit the home runs.  Our job is to lay down that sacrifice. Thats what we were trained for, and thats what well do.

These courageous sailors find passive assignments harder than dangerous missions, but they follow orders. As Brick tells Rusty, Theirs not to reason why. Theirs but to do. And die, Rusty finishes, although he doesnt like being bored to death. However, their opportunities come because they willingly serve as needed.

In Memoriam

Two of these movies feature beautiful tributes to fallen soldiers. After the first battle in The Fighting 69th, Sgt. Joyce Kilmer (Jeffrey Lynn), a famous poet from the 69th, recites excerpts from Rouge Bouquet, a poem hed written for fallen comrades:

Perhaps their brave young spirits hear

The bugle sing,

Go to sleep!

Go to sleep!

Slumber well where the shell screamed and fell.

Let your rifles rest on the muddy floor,

You will not need them any more.

Dangers past;

Now at last,

Go to sleep!



And up to Heavens doorway floats

From the wood called Rouge Bouquet,

A delicate cloud of bugle notes

That softly say:

Farewell!

Farewell!

Comrades true, born anew, peace to you.

Your souls shall be where the heroes are,

And your memory shine like the morning-star.

Brave and dear,

Shield us here.

Farewell!

James Cagney plays a coward and then a hero in The Fighting 69th. (Warner Bros)

In They Were Expendable, two sailors on Rustys boat, Squarehead Larsen (Harry Tenbrook) and Slug Mahan (Murray Alper), are killed in action. Rusty delivers the eulogy, describing the importance of servicemens funerals:

A serviceman is supposed to have a funeral, as a tribute to the way he spent his life. Escort, firing squad, wrapped in the flag he served under and died for. In war, you gotta forget those things and get buried the best way you can.

John Wayne (2nd R) as Lt. Rusty Ryan in They Were Expendable from 1945. (MGM)

Rusty recites Requiem by Robert Louis Stevenson in their honor:

Under the wide and starry sky.

Dig the grave and let me lie.

Glad did I live and gladly die.

And I laid me down with a will.

This be the verse you grave for me:

Here he lies where he longed to be.

Home is the sailor, home from the sea,

And the hunter home from the hill.

Then, one sailor plays Taps on harmonica.

The Citadel of Peace

These three classic films honor fallen servicemen by glorifying soldiers from three American wars. The Last Outpost shows the war that tore America apart like feuding brothers, but American brotherhood, like the Britton brothers bond, was too strong to sever. The Fighting 69th honors World War I soldiers by joining historic figures Wild Bill Donovan, Joyce Kilmer, Oliver Ames, and Father Duffy with fictional characters. They Were Expendable, based on William L. Whites book, dramatized PT Boat Squadron 3s excursions under John D. Bulkeley and Robert Kelly (Brickley and Ryan, respectively) to celebrate their bravery.

The Fighting 69th ends with Father Duffys prayer for remembering servicemen, a beautiful tribute to all American veterans:

Hear  the prayer of this, Americas lost generation. They loved life, too.  It was as sweet to them as to the living of today. They accepted privation, wounds, and death, that an ideal might live. Dont let it be forgotten.  Amid turmoil and angry passions, when all worthwhile things seem swept away, let the tired eyes of a troubled world rise up and see the shining citadel of which these young lives formed the imperishable stones. America, the citadel of peace.

Tiffany Brannan is an 18-year-old opera singer, Hollywood historian, travel writer, film blogger, vintage fashion expert, and ballet writer. In 2016, she and her sister founded the Pure Entertainment Preservation Society, an organization dedicated to reforming the arts by reinstating the Motion Picture Production Code.
President Donald Trump lashed out at Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, D, in a pair of late-night tweets Thursday after she called him "a petulant child" following his refusal to wear a face mask at all times during his visit to a Ford manufacturing plant in the state earlier that day.

"The president is like a petulant child who refuses to follow the rules," Nessel said in a Thursday evening appearance on CNN. "This is no joke."

Nessel, who wrote a strongly worded letter to Trump ahead of his visit telling him that he had a "legal" and "moral responsibility" to wear a mask, unleashed on the president in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer. Nessel slammed Trump for sending a "terrible message" and said that his unwillingness to adhere to Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive order and Ford's company policy mandating face coverings showed that he does not care about anyone but himself.

"He is a ridiculous person and I am ashamed to have him be president of the United States of America," she said. "I hope that the voters of Michigan will remember this when November comes. That he didn't care enough about their safety, he didn't care about their welfare, he didn't respect them enough just to engage in the very simple task, the painless task, the easy task of wearing a mask when he was provided one."

She continued: "I hope that we'll have a new president soon enough who does respect people more than this president does."

The state's chief law enforcement official also doubled down on her previous threat to take action against any company or facility in Michigan that allows Trump inside without a mask, telling Blitzer that her office is "going to have to have a very serious conversation with Ford in the event that they permitted the president to be in publicly enclosed places in violation of the order."

Nessel's criticism did not go over well with Trump.

"The Wacky Do Nothing Attorney General of Michigan, Dana Nessel, is viciously threatening Ford Motor Company for the fact that I inspected a Ventilator plant without a mask," the president tweeted shortly after 11 p.m. "Not their fault, & I did put on a mask. No wonder many auto companies left Michigan, until I came along!"

Less than five minutes later, Trump fired off another attack aimed at the "Do nothing A.G. of the Great State of Michigan."

Nessel, he wrote, "should not be taking her anger and stupidity out on Ford Motor - they might get upset with you and leave the state, like so many other companies have - until I came along and brought business back to Michigan."

Ford did not respond to a request for comment from The Washington Post early Friday. But in a statement to reporters after Trump's visit, the company said that executive chairman Bill Ford had "encouraged" the president to wear a face covering on his tour inside the Detroit-area factory that has been repurposed to produce ventilators and masks.

"He wore a mask during a private viewing of three Ford GTs from over the years," the company's statement said. "The President later removed the mask for the remainder of the visit."

Trump said as much to reporters Thursday after he was questioned about his decision to go without a mask.

"I had one on before," he said, standing barefaced in front of several men wearing masks and a large sign advertising the facility's mask-making efforts. "But I didn't want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it."

Trump went on to add that he was "given a choice" about donning a face covering.

"I had one on in an area where they preferred it, so I put it on and it was very nice. But they said, 'Not necessary here,' " he said, later showing off a navy blue mask with a presidential seal to the cameras.

When asked to confirm Trump's comments, Bill Ford only shrugged and responded, "It's up to him."

Trump's disregard for the facility's policy and Whitmer's executive order, which requires that face coverings be worn in all enclosed public spaces, sparked widespread backlash Thursday, most notably from Nessel. Ahead of Trump's visit, Nessel had said that the president would be asked not to come back to Michigan if he didn't follow the state's mask mandate.

In her interview with Blitzer, Nessel said Thursday's events were "extremely disappointing and yet totally predictable," likely referring to past instances in which Trump has not respected mask policies - even those implemented by the White House.

Still, Nessel stressed that Trump's actions are "very, very concerning."

"He's conveying the worst possible message to people who cannot afford to be on the receiving end of terrible misinformation," she said, noting that the virus has now killed more than 93,000 people nationwide. In Michigan alone, there are about 53,500 confirmed cases and more than 5,100 deaths, according to most recent figures.

By flouting mask requirements, Nessel said Trump is essentially telling people, "I don't care about you. . . . I don't care about anyone but myself."

On the subject of taking action against Ford, Nessel did not go into specifics, but warned the automaker that Thursday's visit could have jeopardized the safety of its employees.

"They knew exactly what the order was and if they permitted anyone, even the president of the United States to defy that order, I think it has serious health consequences, potentially to their workers," she said. "The last thing we want to see is for this particular plant now to have to close its doors . . . because someone may have been infected by the president. That is a real possibility."

Though the novel coronavirus reached the White House earlier this month, Trump said he has consistently tested negative. Before leaving for Michigan on Thursday, Trump gave an update on his daily test results, telling reporters, "I tested very positively in another sense. . . . I tested positively toward negative."

"I tested perfectly this morning," he continued. "Meaning I tested negative. But that's a way of saying it: Positively toward the negative."

That didn't stop Nessel from condemning Trump's behavior at the Ford factory Thursday, or responding to his Twitter attack with scathing tweets of her own.

"Seems like you have a problem with all 3 women who run MI - as well as your ability to tell the truth," Nessel tweeted just before midnight, referencing Trump's recent clashes with Whitmer and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

"Also, hard to say I've 'done nothing' as AG with all the lawsuits myself and the other @DemocraticAGs have filed and won against you," she added.

Nessel wasn't the only one on Thursday who went after Trump for failing to wear a mask for the entirety of his tour.

The sight of the lower half of Trump's face proved equally upsetting to late-night host Stephen Colbert, who lumped the president's visit in with the "series of disasters" Michigan is experiencing.

But the CBS host said Trump was right about one thing: the media would be too happy to see him in a mask.

"There would be enormous pleasure in seeing less of his face," Colbert joked.

- - -

The Washington Post's Anne Gearan contributed to this report.
Vietnamese wait to be repatriated home at an airport in Russia, May 12, 2020. Photo courtesy of Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A woman on a repatriation flight from Russia was confirmed Vietnam's latest Covid-19 case Sunday morning, taking the active cases tally to 58.

Among the active cases, ten have tested negative at least once. Sunday morning also marked the start of the 38th straight day in a row that the nation has gone without community transmission of the disease.

"Patient 325" is a 34-year-old woman from the northern province of Ninh Binh. She returned from Russia on Vietnam Airlines flight VN0062, landing May 13 at Van Don Airport in the northern province of Quang Ninh. She tested negative on arrival and positive on May 21. She's being treated at the Hospital of Tropical Diseases in the northern province of Hai Duong.

She had been infected with the novel coronavirus in Russia, but was announced recovered before she returned to Vietnam.

So far, 32 people on the VN0062 flight have been confirmed infected with the coronavirus, including 30 passengers and two crew members. They were all quarantined upon arrival.

The nations Covid-19 tally has gone up to 325 with 185 of them imported and the remaining caused by community transmission. The last community transmission case was recorded on April 16.

There has been no Covid-19 death in Vietnam to date.

The countrys most seriously ill case, "Patient 91," a 43-year-old British man, was temporarily taken off continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) Saturday. He remains in critical condition and on life support, depending almost entirely on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation).

ECMO is a technique that pumps blood out of the body and to a heart-lung machine that removes carbon dioxide and sends oxygen-filled blood back.

CRRT is a technique that replaces the normal blood-filtering function of the kidneys, helping them heal and prevent further damage.

The Covid-19 pandemic has hit 213 countries and territories, with more than 343,500 deaths reported.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided over a Central Military Commission meeting, reported the North's state media KCNA on Sunday.



North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided over a Central Military Commission meeting and discussed "new policies for further increasing the nuclear war deterrence of the country," state media reported Sunday.



Also discussed at the enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party were important military steps and organizational and political measures to further bolster up the overall armed forces, according to the Korean Central News Agency.



"Set forth at the meeting were new policies for further increasing the nuclear war deterrence of the country and putting the strategic armed forces on a high alert operation in line with the general requirements for the building and development of the armed forces of the country," the KCNA said.



It did not elaborate what the "new policies" for nuclear deterrence were.





KCNA via Yonhap





KCNA via Yonhap





KCNA via Yonhap
The former prime minister of Papua New Guinea has been arrested and taken in for questioning over alleged misappropriation and corruption involving the purchase of two generators from Israel.

Peter O'Neill was arrested by police at Jackson's International Airport in Port Moresby on Saturday after flying back from Brisbane, Australia, where he had been stranded because of Covid-19 lockdowns.

He was later released on bail and will spend two weeks in isolation at his home due to the same virus restrictions.

O'Neill led Papua New Guinea for seven years before quitting in 2019 after a number of resignations from his government.

Police said the investigation involves the purchase of the two power generators from Israel for 50 million kina ($14.2 million) when O'Neill was leading the country.

In a statement quoted by the Australian Broadcasting Corp., police official Hodges Ette alleged O'Neill directed payments for the purchase of the generators without approval of parliament and without a tender process.

Ette said police believe "there is reasonable evidence of offenses of misappropriation, abuse of office and official corruption."

Police attempted to arrest O'Neill in October over a different issue but they withdrew the charge when O'Neill challenged its validity in court.
: A two-month-old baby boy,



who was allegedly sold by his parents for Rs 22,000, has been rescued by the police here on Sunday.

Citing preliminary investigation, the police said the couple allegedly sold their baby on Saturday night, their second child born around two months ago "due to some financial problems and also due to the drinking habit" of the baby's father.

However, the baby's mother told police that her husband, who was addicted to drinking, was responsible for selling their child, the police said



Acting on a tip-off, a police team recovered the baby from a woman-buyer and handed over the baby to the Child Welfare Committee, a police official told PTI.

"The couple sold the baby for Rs 22,000 to a woman, who stays in their neighbourhood and it seems she wanted to give the child to her sister who had no issues. The couple also signed on a bond paper and handed over the baby to the woman on Saturday night," the police official said.

The woman was nabbed on Sunday while she was taking the baby to a hospital, the official said adding the baby's parents and the woman buyer were detained and efforts were on to nab three other absconding accused who had signed as witnesses on the bond paper.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tradition is the foundation upon which everything is built at Willamette National Cemetery, a sprawling 270-acre site about 10 miles east of Portland.

More than 180,000 veterans and family members are laid to rest at this cemetery, which opened in late 1950 in Happy Valley.

Rituals and rules are followed to the letter. Protocol offers dignity and certainty, both often lacking in the world beyond these manicured grounds.

This is a place where flags that drape coffins are removed and folded just so. Salutes are snapped with precision, the hand never trembling. Shoes are shined, uniforms crisp. There is a proper way to walk, to turn and to offer a quiet word of condolence to mourners.

Tradition is on majestic display at the annual Memorial Day service. Rain or shine, the somber event typically draws nearly 2,500 people from the metropolitan area. The agenda never varies: Speakers, dignitaries, hymns and prayers.

Until this year.

For the first time in nearly 70 years, there will be no service, no pomp and circumstance, no public gathering to honor those who have died and those who continue to serve the nation.

Tradition lost out to COVID-19.

The National Cemetery Administration, which oversees Willamette, decided not to host public events at any of the national cemeteries this Memorial Day. A staff member at each site will perform a small and private observance that will be photographed and later posted on the organizations website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

At Willamette, families and friends may visit Monday to continue the tradition of placing flowers at a gravesite.

The only official moment marking the day will be when the cemeterys director quietly lays a wreath at the foot of the cemeterys flagpole. With that, he will walk away.

And that will bring an end to Memorial Day 2020 at Willamette National Cemetery.

***

This is a tough year, Crystal Purdy-Newland said Thursday. No question about it.

Shes been in the funeral business for 15 years, the last 12 at Lincoln Memorial Park & Funeral Home across from Willamette National Cemetery.

Her funeral home is part of the Dignity Memorial Homeless Veterans Program, a national organization thats provided 1,700 funerals for veterans whose bodies were not claimed. As such, what takes place at Willamette National matters to Purdy-Newland.

This year just wont be the same, she said. The inability to have the service will make it feel somewhat hollow.

To stand in the crowd at a Memorial Day service, to walk the rolling hills at any time of the year, is to be reminded of lifes fragility, facing the ultimate truth that we all will one day die.

It feels particularly acute this year with a running tally of people who have died from complications brought on by the novel coronavirus.

We can think about all this on our own this Memorial Day, said Purdy-Newland. But theres something powerful when people come together to reflect. In the large group thats been out here every year you feel support being with people who are strangers.

Even as traditions end this year, the cycle of life does not.

Each week, as many as 80 bodies arrive at Willamette National Cemetery.

***

Anthony Sessions, the administrative officer at Willamette National, has been in the business 17 years. He spent time here, served at other national cemeteries and returned three months ago just as the storm arrived.

Were still providing services for families, Sessions said Thursday. But everything has changed.

The front office is closed. Arrangements are worked out over the phone, and employees wear face masks.

Greg Lindstrom, a cemetery representative who works with families, said the cemetery remains open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to allow people to visit gravesites.

I expect people will be out here Memorial Day, he said, but nothing will be organized.

Staff wont be able to help visitors find a specific site, something difficult to do on your own.

The Gravesite Locator kiosk in the administrative building has been turned off over fears about sanitizing the unit and concerns about social distancing as people wait their turn.

To help, a mobile grave locator that can be used with a smart phone will be available. The cemetery will post QR codes on signs throughout the cemetery to help link the visitors to the site.

What all of us miss is the opportunity to reassure families, said Lindstrom.

Also missing this year will be the sea of flags on more than 160,000 gravesites.

Thats heartbreaking, said Purdy-Newland, who can see Willamette National from the parking lot at her funeral home.

In past years, teams of Boy Scouts came to the cemetery the week before Memorial Day to place a flag at each gravesite.

Ive watched them, she said. Its clear they consider it a sacred task. They handle it with honor. At each grave, they place a flag, stand at attention and then salute.

While large flags will be placed along the cemeterys Avenue of Flags, the individual flags are what provide the most power, said Purdy-Newland.

Each flag represents a life, she said. When you see them all, you cant help but feel that loss.

The National Cemetery Administration has created a virtual way for people to pay tribute at the Veterans Legacy Memorial.

The site, launched in 2019, contains a memorial page for each veteran and service member interred in a VA national cemetery. Online visitors are invited to leave a tribute on a veterans page. All comments will be reviewed for appropriateness prior to being posted.

That will help, said Purdy-Newland.

Her husband, Ian, was awarded a Purple Heart after being wounded while serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq. In 2006, a foreign fighter dropped a grenade into the Humvee that Newland and his buddies were riding in. A 19-year-old gunner used his body to cover the grenade. He died. Newland, severely wounded, has scars and shrapnel in his body.

Memorial Day is not just a vacation day for my husband, she said. He uses the day to think about the friends he lost. Its hard for him to enjoy the day and just have a barbecue.

***

The bodies that arrive at Willamette National are treated with respect. It doesnt matter if in civilian life that person earned a living as janitor or a CEO.

Tradition matters from beginning to end.

In normal times the family gathers at one of the outdoor shelters scattered throughout the cemetery. A contingent of motorcycle riders, members of the Patriot Guard, lead the way. They stand at attention as an honor guard removes the casket covered with a flag. The ceremony moves quickly. Words spoken, the flag folded and presented to the family and then a 21-gun salute.

These days, families must stay in their cars, watching officials at the gravesite. There are no words spoken, no flag presented. The only ceremonial moment is when taps is played.

Not the closure needed, said Lindstrom, the staff member who works with the families. But because of the virus, its the best we can do.

The plan is to hold the traditional services when its deemed safe again.

No one knows when that will be.

Outside the front office, yet another hearse arrives.

-- Tom Hallman Jr; thallman@oregonian.com; 503-221-8224; @thallmanjr

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Investors who take an interest in NewOcean Energy Holdings Limited (HKG:342) should definitely note that insider Tseng Hon Wong recently paid HK$0.80 per share to buy HK$1.1m worth of the stock. While that's a very decent purchase to our minds, it was proportionally a bit modest, boosting their holding by just 1.9%.

Check out our latest analysis for NewOcean Energy Holdings

NewOcean Energy Holdings Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Chairman Siu Shum made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for HK$7.5m worth of shares at a price of HK$1.65 each. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being HK$0.78). It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. It is generally more encouraging if they paid above the current price, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels.

While NewOcean Energy Holdings insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. Their average price was about HK$1.48. These transactions suggest that insiders have considered the current price attractive. The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

SEHK:342 Recent Insider Trading May 24th 2020

NewOcean Energy Holdings is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Insider Ownership

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. NewOcean Energy Holdings insiders own about HK$238m worth of shares. That equates to 21% of the company. While this is a strong but not outstanding level of insider ownership, it's enough to indicate some alignment between management and smaller shareholders.

Story continues

What Might The Insider Transactions At NewOcean Energy Holdings Tell Us?

It is good to see the recent insider purchase. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. Once you factor in the high insider ownership, it certainly seems like insiders are positive about NewOcean Energy Holdings. One for the watchlist, at least! So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. At Simply Wall St, we've found that NewOcean Energy Holdings has 3 warning signs (2 are a bit unpleasant!) that deserve your attention before going any further with your analysis.

But note: NewOcean Energy Holdings may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

Love or hate this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.
President Donald Trump's press secretary may have revealed his private bank account and routing numbers while displaying a check during a Friday press briefing, The New York Times reported.

Kayleigh McEnany was displaying a check that showed Trump's quarterly salary donations.

This time, the president donated $100,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany

White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany holds up what appears to be a real check with President Donald Trump's bank account and routing number at a press briefing on Friday. The photo has been cropped to exclude any information.

The White House

During a briefing on Friday, President Donald Trump's Press Secretary may have shown his private bank account and routing numbers, while displaying a check he donated to the Department of Health and Human Services, The New York Times noted. The photos are cropped to exclude any possible information.

As Business Insider previously reported, Trump promised to donate his $400,000 presidential salary, and each quarter it is revealed what entity receives the donation.

"I won't take even one dollar. I'm totally giving up my salary if I become president," Trump said in a short video posted to his Twitter account in 2016.

According to The Times, Kayleigh McEnany not only revealed where this quarterly $100,000 donation was going but inadvertently showcased what appeared to be a "real check from Capital One, complete with the relevant details."

An administration official told The Times that mock checks were never used in the briefing.

That sort of personal information could allow someone to hack an account, withdraw funds, and make unauthorized purchases.





White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany

White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany holds up the check. This photo has been cropped to remove potential information.

The White House

Eva Velasquez, the president, and chief executive of the Identity Theft Resource Center told The Times that while she believed a bank would have extra precautions for protecting the bank accounts of high profile individuals like Trump, she was concerned about McEnany's actions.

Story continues

"This is one of those situations where setting the example is very important," Velasquez told The Times. "It's very important for your average person to understand this is not a best practice."

McEnany has not responded to Business Insider's request for comment at the time of publication.

Read the original article on Business Insider
RUGBY star Simon Zebo has called for prison sentences for people who racially abuse players during games.

Ulster Rugby banned a spectator for life last year after Mr Zebo was insulted while playing for visitors Racing 92 at Belfast's Kingspan Stadium.

The Cork-born player said: "Ulster banned him, but who decides if that's too much or too little? There's no place for racism in any sport, but nothing seems to be happening.

"If someone is going to say that and think they're a tough guy, I'd see how tough they are after six weeks in jail.

"If I punched someone in the street, that's what would happen and it's the same thing in my eyes. More needs to be done to stop it."

The 30-year-old suffered racist abuse when he was growing up but thought those days were gone.

"Growing up in Ireland and playing all sports, I got stuff like that when playing against kids who didn't know the impact of what they were saying," he said.

"As a kid, you're full of rage. When you're older, you're disappointed. I'm disappointed that it happened to me and that it happened in Ireland."

Ulster Rugby thanked supporters for coming forward to identify the spectator who racially abused Mr Zebo.

The club said at the time: "Following a robust investigation into allegations of abuse directed at Simon Zebo during the fixture versus Racing 92, Ulster Rugby has sanctioned a lifetime ban on a spectator for breaching our stadium regulations. We are all very proud of our reputation as an inclusive club, and the unacceptable behaviour of this one individual is not reflective of our supporters or the values of our club."

After the Champions Cup clash, Mr Zebo tweeted: "I hope my ears deceived me with some comments directed my way from the crowd. #Not on - Django wins in the end."

The end of the tweet was a reference to Quentin Tarantino's 2012 film Django Unchained, about an African-American slave who tracks down his wife after securing his freedom.

Zebo's father is from the Caribbean island of Martinique and his mother is from Ireland.
Nanded : , May 24 (IANS) In a sensational incident, a sadhu was robbed and murdered in his bedroom at his ashram in Umri (Nanded), early on Sunday. Barely 12 hours after the incident, the prime suspect was caught, a top police officer said.

The sadhu had arrived from Karnataka to Nanded over a decade ago.

The sadhu, who was strangled to death, has been identified as Shivacharya Nirvanarudra Pashupatinath Maharaj, the founder-spiritual head of Nirvanji Pashupatinath Mutt.

Addressing media persons, Nanded Superintendent of Police Vijaykumar Magar, the prime suspect, Sainath Langote first killed his accomplice Bhagwan Shinde and then went to the ashram late on Saturday.

He entered Shivaharya Maharaj's bedroom where he was resting and threw chilli powder in his eyes, blinding him.

Then he quickly grabbed cash of Rs 69,000, his laptop and other valuables in the bedroom worth approximately Rs.1.50 lakh, besides the sadhu's car keys.

As Shivacharya Maharaj attempted to grapple with him, Langote pinned him down and strangled him, then dragged his body to the sadhu's car parked outside and dumped it into the boot.

"He started the car and sped off towards the road outside, but the car crashed into the main gate of the ashram creating a noise, alerting the other sevaks sleeping inside the ashram," Magar said.

Around 8-10 other ashram sevaks rushed outside to check the ruckus and when they saw their seer's belongings and his body in the car trunck, they attempted to stop Langote, but he gave them the slip.

A short distance away, Langote managed to steal a motorbike and sped off into the darkness and hours later, the police found the body of his accomplice Shinde from a nearby school premises, Magar said.

In view of the sensitivity of the incident, Magar said around five crack teams were formed which fanned out into the district and managed to catch Langote this afternoon.

"The prima facie motive for the Sadhu's murder was clearly robbery and the second killing could be due to rivalry or some differences among them. The absconder suspect has been caught by a police team. We will interrogate him and get further details of the crime," Magar told IANS.

Nanded Congress strongman and PWD Minister Ashok Chavan appealed that the murder should not be politicized, since the police investigations are underway and the autopsy report is awaited.

He said the deceased sadhu belonged to the Lingayat caste, and both Shinde and Langote who belonged to the same community were his followers.

Shivacharya Maharaj had come to Nanded over a decade ago and set up the ashram which he ran along with a band of followers.
As many as 10,000 people have returned in the last four weeks from red zones to Hamirpur district, which has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh.

Over 16,000 people returned from other states to Hamirpur district between April 26 and May 23, Deputy Commissioner Harikesh Meena said on Sunday.

Of them, nearly 10,000 returned from red zone areas, he added.

The number of infected people in Hamirpur district is 61 as against the hill state's total of 193, as of Sunday evening. Himachal Pradesh has 55 active COVID-19 cases.

The DC said the process of collecting samples of people coming from red zones was expedited.

So far, over 4,500 samples have been taken in the district and around 3,500 of them are from red zones, he added.

About 170 more people are soon returning to Hamirpur from red zones of Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Thane in Maharashtra in two trains, he added.

The DC maintained that over 13,000 people have completed their quarantine period in the district.

Meena paid surprise visits to various institutional quarantine centres on Sunday and directed persons posted there to take proper care of the people coming there.

He visited quarantine facilities set up in the premises of National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur and Government Degree College, Hamirpur and got information about lodging and various facilities provided to the people there.

The DC, accompanied by Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) Dr Charanji Lal, instructed the officials concerned to ensure all necessary arrangements on time to keep various services here running smoothly.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Abuja, Nigeria (PANA)  The Nigerian Armed Forces said on Sunday that the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) killed close to 200 armed bandits in multiple air strikes in the northwest of the country
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 16:37:28|Editor: huaxia

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YANGON, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities seized large haul of stimulants and methamphetamine (ICE) in Shan state, according to a release from the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) on Sunday.

Acting on tip-offs, the anti-narcotic police force stoped and searched a car travelling to Moe Mate township from Mantong township on Saturday, and 168,000 stimulants worth 336 million kyats (240,000 U.S. dollars) were confiscated from the car along with one suspect.

The township police filed a case against the suspect and further investigation is underway under the country's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, the release said.

On Friday, 124 kg of methamphetamine (ICE) and 248,000 stimulants were seized from a car in Ywangan township of the same state.

According to a latest release issued by the President's Office, a total of 1,123 drug-related cases were registered across Myanmar while 1,724 suspects were charged in connection with the cases as of May 16 this year, since the formation of the Drug Activity Special Complaint Department on June 26, 2018. Enditem
Scuba diving takes the lucky few to a world of adventure and thrilling sights. Most of us think of diving as drifting along, exploring coral reefs or swimming through schools of fish. Often it involves swimming near a sea turtle or watching a shark cruise past. But there is another side to diving that is less common and less frequently imagined when we say the words "scuba diving". Cenotes are rivers of fresh water that are a popular diving destination, especially in Mexico. Limestone formation and erosion caused an enormous system of underground lakes and rivers, many of which are connected by tunnels and crevices. Scuba divers have been able to explore these beautiful and crystal clear cenotes for many years. The fish are unique and so is the animal life, because it is fresh water, not salt water that runs through them. Cenotes offer tunnels, ledges, overhangs, open areas, and even mangrove roots to explore. These scuba divers had reached the turnaround point in their open cenote dive near Akumal, Mexico. They surfaced in a large pool in the mangroves from a depth of 12m (36 feet). The limestone ledges and mangrove bushes around the opening were the perfect habitat for crocodiles. This large male is 2.5m (7.5 feet) long and has a head and jaws that are full of very impressive teeth. The divers approached cautiously for a close look and some video and photographs of the formidable looking beast. Well camouflaged and large enough that he does not have any true predators, this male was not worried about a few people in his pool. But as they became braver and closed the distance, the crocodile gave them a warning that they had entered his personal bubble. With a display of his hundreds of teeth, the divers quickly got the message to move back. Crocodiles are ambush predators that patrol the shores of the waters they inhabit. They recognize land animals that come to drink as prey. They will move silently and slowly until they are close enough for a lunge attack and they will snap their powerful jaws on the creature, dragging it into the water. Animals that are not killed quickly will be drowned and then eaten. But crocodiles are not used to hunting food in the water and they rarely see.
The National Democratic Party (NDP) has presented some assorted items to the Ho Municipal Police Command to fight the COVID-19 and limit its spread.



The items, which included Veronica buckets, hand sanitizers, liquid soaps, and nose masks are to enable security personnel to observe the health safety protocol while discharging their duties to curb the spread of the virus.



The Party also gave similar items to the Tsito Health Centre in the Ho West District to encourage health personnel to carry out their duties effectively.



The chiefs and people of Ho-Ahoe, Tsito, Ho-Ahoe market women, drivers at Metro mass taxi rank in Ho, NDC Park Tricycle Union, and drivers at Klefe station also benefited from similar items to fight the pandemic.



Mr Prince Mensah, the Volta Regional Chairman of the Party said security personnel continues to play crucial roles in maintaining the peace of the country, thus, the need to support them with the items to protect them against the virus so they could continue to serve the nation.



He said the Party also considered the well-being and role of health personnel in the fight against the disease as very crucial, hence the support to ensure their safety and to cushion them deliver more on their duties.



The Chairman said though the government was doing its best at tackling the pandemic, it cannot do it alone therefore, it was important to augment the effort as a political party because we need every citizen alive for socio-economic development of the country.



He said the Party would be distributing 5,000 nose masks, 3,000 Veronica buckets, 3,000 hand sanitizers, and 2,500 liquid soaps throughout the Volta region, adding that similar exercises would be done in other regions.



Mr Mensah reiterated the need for everyone to adhere to the World Health Organization's and the Ghana Health Service's safety protocols to avoid the spread of COVID-19.



Mr Anthony Danso, Ho Municipal Police Commander was grateful to the Party for the gesture and said the items would be placed at the Commands duty posts to service personnel and the public.

Source: GNA









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China is "open" to international cooperation to identify the source of the novel coronavirus, but any investigation must be led by the World Health Organization and "free of political interference", China's foreign minister said Sunday. Wang Yi blasted what he called efforts by US politicians to "fabricate rumours" about the origins of the virus and "stigmatise China". The United States and Australia have called in recent weeks for an investigation into the source of the pandemic. Both US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have accused China of a lack of transparency over the issue, and repeatedly pushed the theory that the virus leaked from a Chinese maximum-security laboratory. Most scientists believe the virus jumped from animals to humans, possibly from a market selling exotic animals for meat in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. "China is open to working with the international scientific community to look into the source of the virus," Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of China's annual parliament session. "At the same time, we believe that this should be professional, fair and constructive," he added. "Fairness means the process be free of political interference, respect the sovereignty of all countries, and oppose any presumption of guilt." Wang said a "professional" search for the origin of the virus must be "led by the WHO", and "allow scientists and medical experts to conduct scientific research on a global scale." The World Health Organization called on Beijing earlier this month to invite the UN body to investigate the source, but Wang did not say if foreign experts would be invited into the country as part of the efforts. China has previously proposed that the "global response" to COVID-19 should only be assessed when the pandemic is over. WHO members on Tuesday adopted a resolution at the UN body's first virtual assembly to review international handling of the pandemic. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi has said Beijing is open to international cooperation to identify the source of the novel coronavirus
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The youngest member of the royal family of Sweden, Prince Oscar, takes central stage in a series of newly released pictures.

The four-year-old son of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel looked thrilled as he befriended sheep while in the grounds of Haga Palace in Stockholm on Monday last week.

The same day, the young royal had earlier been photographed with his elder sister Estelle, eight, and his mother Victoria, 42, in a beekeeper's outfit to celebrate World Bee Day.

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Prince Oscar of Sweden, four, had the time of his life befriending sheep at the royal residence, Haga Palace, near Stockholm, on Monday

Have you any wool? The young royal couldn't hide his glee as he ran after a black sheep, his mother, Crown Princess Victoria, keeping a close watch

The photographer who captured the cute outing has now shared new snaps of the young prince playing with the sheep, seen with his watchful mother not far behind.

In the pictures, four-year-old Oscar gets close to the curly-coated sheep, hugging their black wool and cuddling their heads, while Crown Princess Victoria is seen smiling in the background.

Oscar did not seem to be fazed by the large animals, who were almost twice his size. Instead, he casually rested his arms, and on one occasion, his whole body, on their black wool.

The Crown Princess, still wearing her beekeeper suit, and a pair of pink gloves, was keeping watch, minding her son's steps as he jumped into the enclosure, ready to mingle with the animals.

The little prince enjoyed some time with one of his new friends, casually resting against the sheep's coat

Still wearing her beekeeping suit, Crown Princess Victoria, 42, seemed delighted to see her young son having such fun

Little Oscar was photographed with a big grin on his face while running after a black sheep and clapping his hands in excitement.

Later on, Victoria's hand was carefully holding the animal's head still as her son rested his cheek close to the animal's forehead, a happy smile lighting up his face.

Victoria, Estelle and Oscar had headed outside at Haga Palace, the Swedish royal residence, in order to observe beehives ahead of World Bee Day.

Victoria had to keep a watchful eye on her young son as he jumped into the sheep's enclosure, ready to play

The young royal, wearing a pair of jeans and rubber boots, shared a tender cuddle with one of the sheep

Princess Estelle, seven, and Oscar, four, looked bewildered as they observed some bees on the grounds of Haga Palace

Princess Estelle even picked up one of the hive's slats to showcase the many bees, as her younger brother eagerly looked on.

The adorable pictures were shared on the royal court's official Instagram account.

'Before #worldbeeday, the Crown Princess took Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar to the hives at Haga Palace,' the social media post read.

Ready to go! Oscar could barely hide his excitement as he climbed the fence to the sheep enclosure with his mother

The prince pondered his wide choice of playmates as he gently petted a sheep's black wool

The sheep remained calmed and gentle as the young prince cuddled them

'There they learned more about bees and why they are important for our biodiversity. Humans rely on pollinators, such as bees, to eventually be able to get food on the table.

'The beehives at Haga Palace were a much appreciated gift to the Crown Princess from the Swedish beekeeper's national association, @biodlarna, 10 years ago.'

The Crown Princess has been an honorary member of the Swedish Beekeepers' Association since 2002 and the beehives were a wedding gift to her and her husband Prince Daniel, 46, from the organisation.
Audi Formula E driver Daniel Abt was disqualified and ordered to pay 10,000 euros ($10,900.00) to charity on Sunday for getting a professional gamer to compete under his name in an official esports race.

The German, who apologised for "having called in outside help", was also stripped of all points won to date in the all-electric series' Race at Home Challenge which features drivers using simulators remotely.

"I did not take it as seriously as I should have," said the 27-year-old, accepting the punishment for sporting misconduct.

"I am especially sorry about this because I know how much work has gone into this project on the part of the Formula E organisation. I am aware that my offence has a bitter aftertaste but it was never meant with any bad intention."

Pro gamer Lorenz Hoerzing, Abt's 'ringer', was disqualified from all future rounds of the separate Challenge Grid competition.

The 15-lap race around a virtual Berlin Tempelhof track was won by Britain's Oliver Rowland for Nissan e.dams with Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne second for Mercedes.

Vandoorne had made clear on his Twitch stream during the race that he suspected somebody else was driving under Abt's name and pretending to be him. He was backed up by Jean-Eric Vergne, a two-times champion in real life.

"Please ask Daniel Abt to put his Zoom next time hes driving, because like Stoffel said Im pretty sure he wasnt in," the Frenchman said.

Abt, who had not featured on the virtual podium in any of the previous races, did not appear for online post-race interviews.

Formula E's real life series leader Antonio Felix da Costa appeared less concerned, however.

"It's just a game guys. We all know Daniel as a fun guy and a joker...," commented the Portuguese on Twitter.

Formula E did not explain how the deception had happened but the-race.com website, which runs a popular series of virtual races with Torque Esports, said it understood organisers had cross-referenced the IP addresses of competitors.

They realised that Abt, who had qualified second, could not have been at the wheel.

The esports series features regular Formula E drivers competing from their homes in isolation and aims to provide some action for fans with racing on hold in real life due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The drivers are usually visible in their simulators on Zoom, but the-race.com said the face of the driver purporting to be Abt was hidden by some equipment while his Twitch stream stopped working.

Vandoorne was seen calling Abt's mobile but he did not answer.

The Challenge Grid is made up "gamers and influencers" competing for a prize of real-life track time in a Formula E car at a race weekend.

The disqualification meant series leader and compatriot Pascal Wehrlein moved up from fourth to third.
The Eid prayer is done in the same way like in the mosques, however, there is no Khutba (sermon) being delivered by the Imam of the mosque. It is just like any normal daily prayer.

The Eid prayer has two rakahs, however, it has extra takbeers. Takbeer refers to when Allah-Hu- Akbar is said to begin the prayer and one raises the hands to the ears, it is an Arabic word. During normal prayers, takbeer is said only once, but for the Eid prayer, you have to say takbeer 12 times in two rakahs (this is the procedure followed in the UAE).

One can say seven takbeers in the first rakah and then begin reciting the Quran as done during normal prayers. You must say extra five takbeers during the starting of the second rakah and then finish your prayer like you normally do.

In mosques, it is the Imam who delivers the khutbah (sermon) of Eid, however, that is not allowed when the prayer is performed at home. The prayer can be performed alone at home or with family members.

During Ramadan for a period of 30 days Muslims observe Roza. Eid depends on the sighting of the moon which normally occurs on the 29th or 30th day of Ramadan. The exact time and date of Eid ul-Fitr is confirmed after the crescent moon has been sighted.

Eid shall now be celebrated in India on May 25 since the moon could not be sighted on Saturday night, Ahmed Shah Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of Delhis Jama Masjid said. Bukhari has also appealed to people to offer Eid namaz at their homes due to the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown.

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The facade of the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa on March 13, 2019. (Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images)

China Building, Bugging Government Offices in African Nations, Report Says

China has been building key government offices and facilities in African countries for decades and fitting them with gear that likely allows the Chinese government to spy on everyone, from presidents and prime ministers to judges and generals and beyond, according to a recent Heritage Foundation report.

More than 186 buildings constructed by China in 40 of the 54 nations in Africa house the sort of sensitive data and activity that invites surveillance, Heritage researcher Joshua Meservey found.

The Palace of Justice in the Angolan capital of Luanda was built in 2012, while in the notorious kleptocracy of Equatorial Guinea, the Chinese erected the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in 2015. And in Zimbabwe, where its former leader, the late Robert Mugabe, once called Chinese leader Xi Jinping a God-sent person, China has built the countrys National Defense College and is constructing its parliament, according to the report.

In all, Chinese companies have built, expanded, or renovated at least 24 presidential or prime minister residences or offices; at least 26 parliaments or parliamentary offices; at least 32 military or police installations; and at least 19 ministries of foreign affairs buildings, the report states.

That gives Beijing extraordinary access to gain insights into the most intimate workings of governments across Africa, and to the information that gives China clairvoyant-like powers to adjust its tactics to maximum advantage.

In conjunction with physical assets, China has also built 14 intra-governmental telecommunication networks, with Chinese-made systems such as those from Huawei. Meservey expects that those networks are all compromised in favor of Chinas intelligence-gathering activities, giving the regime a significant advantage over not only its political and commercial competitors in Africa, but also over host-country officials who may themselves be liable for misdeeds.

The breadth and depth of intelligence coverage China has been able to achieve through its construction projects across Africa is a sign of the continents importance to Beijings geopolitical strategies, the report points out.

The Evidence

The suspicion that many of these facilities act as listening stations for Beijing is bolstered by two factors.

China has already been caught red-handed vacuuming up years of data from one of Africas most important public buildings. In 2018, first Le Monde and then the Financial Times ran stories exposing two systemic security breaches that China had hard-wired into the building it constructed and donated for the African Unions headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The first was the discovery that the AUs servers, also a Chinese gift, were uploading data to servers in Shanghai, nightly from midnight to 2 a.m.

The other breach at the AU was more tactile. A physical inspection of the AU building uncovered listening devices throughout the building.

Aside from the AU case, which offers direct evidence of Chinas ability, and, more importantly, its willingness to spy on and compromise a friend, a second factor adds compelling circumstantial evidence to the likelihood that China is spying on Africa through the medium of its building infrastructure there.

That evidence is found in China, where for decades, apartment compounds and hotels were built that exclusively housed foreigners. In most if not all of those facilities, listening equipment was deployed to monitor conversations and movements of residents and guests, according to multiple Chinese Communist Party and foreign business and diplomatic sources. Those compounds include groups of diplomatic apartment buildings in Beijing, as well as hotels operating under major Western European and American brand names.

Indeed, even foreign students in China are known to have found microphones in their dormitories.

The Ramifications

The high probability that China is using infrastructure that it builds in Africa to spy on political and business leaders and events should give the United States pause, the report suggests. If the capability to spy in Africa is being used, then it means that China has better surveillance access to Africa than any other nation operating on the continent, Meservey writes.

Using that access and the inside knowledge it provides gives China an advantage in competitive commercial negotiations.

It also tips Beijing about who in Africa can be influenced to make decisions favorable to Chinas goals, and how to exert and recruit that influence.

But the scope of surveillance isnt limited to Africans, the report points out. Anyone in a room built or equipped by China can be the subject of Beijings listening capabilities, including U.S. and other foreign officials.

In addition, activities that take place in those physical locations between a host country and any other foreign nation also become vulnerable to Chinese spying, compromising diplomatic strategies, military counterterrorism operations, [and] joint military exercises.

Which is why, Meservey advises, the U.S. should try to complicate Beijings surveillance  as part of a strategic response to the CCPs [Chinese Communist Party] effort to reshape the global order.

Beijings Reaction

In his May 22 press conference, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for Chinas Foreign Ministry, called the Heritage reports claims ridiculous and based on nothing but lies, illusions, and ideological bias, in response to China Dailys request to comment on the report.

In addition, African leaders publicly refuted such rumors on multiple occasions, Zhao said.

The Heritage report anticipated that response.

Expect little helpand perhaps even resistancefrom some African states. Given how adroitly the CCP has built influence in Africa and the many examples of African countries fearing to defy Beijing, the U.S. should not expect these governments to offer much assistance in ameliorating Americas counterintelligence problem in Africa, the author writes.

In fact, some, if asked, or in an attempt to curry CCP favor, may even actively collaborate with Beijing to hinder American efforts to protect its interests on the continent.
In-depth Analysis and Data-driven Insights on the Impact of COVID-19 Included in this Global Hair Loss Products Market Report. The hair loss products market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6% during the period 20192025.

New York, May 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Hair Loss Products Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05894594/?utm_source=GNW





The global hair loss products market is witnessing robust growth, which is expected to continue during the forecast period. An increasing number of customers demanding hair loss products to meet functional purposes has been driving the market over the last few years. The number of people with hair ailments is growing at a steady pace.

The usage and demand for hair care products such as serums, shampoos, conditioners, and oils to improve the volume or strength have been increasing. The global demand for premium-quality hair wigs and extensions is influencing manufacturers to establish production facilities in Asian countries in China and India. It offers hair loss products at a lower cost than global markets. Low-priced goods are becoming extremely popular among price-conscious customers that explore cost-efficient options for surgical hair replacement procedures.

Moreover, the growth in per capita disposable income has increased discretionary spending among several European countries, which bodes well for manufacturers in the region. The influence of social media is driving the demand for hair care products, especially for natural and organic ingredients. The growing inclination toward the maintenance of cleanliness and hygiene is another major driver. The introduction of innovative and differentiated products, as well as enriching consumer experience with the help of technological advancements, is further fueling the market growth.

The following factors are likely to contribute to the growth of the hair loss products market during the forecast period:

 Traction of Organic and Vegan Products

 Skinification of Hair

 Rising Awareness and Adoption of Topical Hair Loss Products

 Social Media and Popup Stores Driving Adoption



The study considers the present scenario of the hair loss products market and its market dynamics for the period 2019?2025. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The study offers both the demand and supply aspects of the market. It profiles and examines leading companies and other prominent companies operating in the market.



HAIR LOSS PRODUCTS MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report includes a detailed segmentation by product, gender, distribution channels, and geography. Shampoos and conditioners are the most widely penetrated hair care products worldwide. The segment accounts for the largest revenue share among both male and female consumers across the globe. One key reason for the high adoption of these products, especially among men, is the convenience of usage as they can easily be fit into daily bathing and grooming routines.

Oils are the most common and widely utilized hair care products and constitute an essential component of hair care kit, primarily in developing countries of APAC. Oils are gaining traction in European countries such as France and Italy. The growth is on account of the incorporation of organic and essential oil extracts, which have regrowth properties.



The women segment is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. This is due to the increasing fashion awareness and collective popularity of hair care products among females. More than 80% of women are apprehensive about the ingredients in the products related to essential care. Hence, the demand is not growing for organic-based products, but also ingredients.

In the US, over 23% of women are suffering from hair loss or other weakening conditions. Pattern hair loss or Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), is the most prevalent type of hair loss in men and women. Hence, the growth of the womens hair fall products market is likely to witness steady growth during the forecast period.



The distribution channel modes include online and offline mediums. The online segment includes official company websites and third-party vendors. The offline channel is further segmented into supermarkets, department stores, chemists, catalogs, spas & salons, and other modes such as hair clinics. To gain a competitive edge, vendors are relying on the multi-channel sales model.



Market Segmentation by Product

 Shampoos & Conditioners

o Women

o Men

 Oil

o Women

o Men

 Serum

o Women

o Men

 Others

o Women

o Men

By Genders

 Men

o Shampoos & Conditioners

o Oil

o Serum

o Others

 Women

o Shampoos & Conditioners

o Oil

o Serum

o Others

By Distribution Channels

 Offline

 Online



INSIGHTS BY GEOGRAPHY



The global hair care and premium cosmetics industry is highly penetrated in Western Europe and North America. The market is rapidly growing in APAC, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa regions. The growth is propelled due to high awareness and the growing trend in the grooming industry.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Japan is leading the hair loss products market, followed by China and India. Australia and Singapore lag in the revenue momentum owing to the niche demand from core target consumers.

Europe, with a market share of 25%, is estimated to continue its significance during the forecast period. The growth can be concentrated in Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, and Russia. The UK, Germany, Italy, and France can serve as the hotspots for the launch of premium and luxury goods in Europe.

North America is expected to contribute 15% of the total market revenue by 2025. The US region is the major contributor. The region is expected to witness the growth of numerous domestic vendors in the next five years. The shift in the grooming trend among generation X and millennials is more likely to sustain during the forecast period.



By Geography

 Europe

o Spain

o Germany

o Italy

o France

o UK

 North America

o US

o Canada

 APAC

o South Korea

o China

o Japan

o Australia

o India

 Latin America

o Brazil

o Mexico

 MEA

o Turkey

o Saudi Arabia

o South Africa

o UAE



INSIGHTS BY VENDORS



Customer demands have steered the global hair loss products market. Manufacturers have been introducing new produces depending on the prevailing trends in fashion, beauty, and personal sectors. However, this has not been able to increase the demand for hair care products. This is because new trends and products showcased by celebrities and influencers on social media are one of the primary factors propelling the market in the current scenario.

The market is observing consolidation wherein several vendors are focusing on the acquisition of domestic brands to strengthen their product portfolio. With the help of acquisitions, vendors are also trying to reduce the competition.



Key Vendors

 Henke

 Loreal

 Unilever

 P&G

 Henkel

 Coty



Other Vendors

 Revlon

 Estee Lauder

 Kao Corporation

 Shiseido

 Hoyu

 Developlus

 Embelleze

 Natulique

 Kevin Murphy

 AmorePacific

 Maria Nila

 Godrej

 Davines

 Johnson & Johnson

 Honasa

 Cellmid

 Pureology

 Aveda

 Lipogaine

 DS Healthcare

 Hims

 Keeps

 Harklinikken

 Beardo

 Natura & Co

 Forrest Essentials

 The Man Company

 Shahnaz Husain Group

 Dr. Batras

 Himalaya Herbals

 Brillare

 Isdin

 Wow Science

 Khadi Natural

 Kama Ayurveda

 Sebapharma

 Biotique

 Veta



KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1. What is growth rate of hair loss treatment products market size in India?

2. What is the global hair loss products market size and growth rate?

3. Which is the leading segment/geography in the global hair loss products market?

4. What is the market size of hair loss shampoo industry?

5. What are the key drivers, trends, and factors driving the global hair loss products market?

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05894594/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

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In the midst of this virus-caused pandemic, the threat of other killer viruses will always generate headlines. For example, an NPR article caught my eye: Are There Zombie VirusesLike The 1918 FluThawing In The Permafrost?

The article presumes that layers of frozen soil could warm in coming years, perhaps releasing frozen pathogens into the world. For example, the bodies of 1918 flu pandemic victims buried in the far north could perhaps harbor deadly viruses that could cause a new outbreak. The corpses of smallpox victims have been found buried in the permafrost as well.

Scientists have attempted to revive the influenza virus and smallpox specimens extracted from such victims. However, their attempts have all failed. The reason is simple: these pathogens lived in people at body temperature, not frozen corpses. When they were extracted, they were found to be as dead as their victims.

The story illustrates this fact: fear-based stories dominate our media because they work.

I clicked on the NPR headline because the threat it suggests seemed both real and frightening. If such pathogens are waiting to be released into the world, I wanted to know about them.

Of course, in retrospect, it makes sense that a virus that lives in a living human could not live in a frozen corpse. But by the time I discovered this, I had read most of the story.

In a recent article, David French explained this phenomenon: Shades of gray dont raise funds. Or generate clicks, I would add. He continues: Its good guys vs. bad guys, and there are two states of beingvictory or crisis.

As a result, while not all media or activism is fear-based, much is. French notes, There is virtually no market for a problem that isnt a disaster. Your public will veer toward putting out the raging fire over tossing a few cups of water on smoldering wood.

Heres the bottom line: the more an article can alarm or frighten us, the more it will engage us.

Changing the world through fear or faith

Christians, by contrast, have the best news in the world to share. Gospel, in fact, literally means good news. The fact that the God who made us also loves us passionately and unconditionally is astounding. The fact that his Son died on the cross so we could live forever is news every person on the planet deserves to know.

If researchers developed a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 today, wouldnt you want to know it by tomorrow?

However, we can share this news most effectively when we exhibit its power most personally.

A story even more compelling than fearful headlines is a changed life. When a blind man healed by Jesus was challenged to explain his transformation, he stated simply but profoundly: One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see (John 9:25).

Missionary Hudson Taylor: Many Christians estimate difficulty in the light of their own resources, and thus they attempt very little and they always fail. All giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on his power and presence to be with them.

Will you reckon on his power and presence today?

Originally posted at denisonforum.org
Lucknow, May 24 : The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has banned Corona patients from keeping mobile phones inside isolation wards of COVID-19 hospitals in the state.

Patients admitted in dedicated L-2 and L-3 COVID hospitals will no longer will allowed to take mobile phones along with them in the isolation wards in order to check the spread of the infection.

According to an order issued by the state government late on Saturday night, two mobile phones will now be available with the ward in-charge of the COVID care centres so that patients and talk to their family members and administration if required.

Further, the orders specify that the mobile numbers should be communicated to the family members of the patients also.

Director General Medical Education, K.K. Gupta, who issued the order, has informed all concerned officials and directors of dedicated COVID hospitals.

"To facilitate the communication between COVID-19 patients admitted in clinics, with their family members, or anyone else, ensure that two dedicated mobile phones while adhering to infection prevention norms, are kept with ward in-charge of COVID care centre," the order said.

According to the latest data available on the website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Uttar Pradesh now has 5,735 cases of Corona positive patients and the numbers have been growing steadily since the past ten days.
Unable to withstand the coronavirus pandemic that has crippled global travel and with it, the heavily indebted 102-year-old car rental company's business, Hertz has filed for bankruptcy protection.

The Estero, Fla.-based company's lenders were unwilling to grant it another extension on its auto lease debt payments past a Friday deadline, triggering the filing on Friday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

Hertz and its subsidiaries will continue to operate, according to a release from the company. Hertz's principal international operating regions and franchised locations are not included in the filing.

By the end of March, Hertz Global Holdings Inc. had racked up $18.7 billion in debt with only $1 billion of available cash.

Starting in mid-March, the company  whose car-rental bands also include Dollar and Thrifty  lost all revenue when travel shut down due to the coronavirus. The company made significant efforts but couldn't raise money on the capital markets, so it started missing payments to creditors in April, the filing said. Hertz has also been plagued by management upheaval, naming its fourth CEO in six years on May 18.

"No business is built for zero revenue," former CEO Kathryn Marinello said on the company's first-quarter earnings conference call May 12. "There's only so long that companies' reserves will carry them."

In late March, Hertz shed 12,000 workers and put another 4,000 on furlough, cut vehicle acquisitions by 90 percent and stopped all nonessential spending. The company said the moves would save $2.5 billion per year.

But the cuts came too late to save Hertz, the nation's No. 2 auto rental company founded in 1918 by Walter L. Jacobs. Jacobs sold the company, initially called Rent-A-Car Inc., to John D. Hertz in 1923.

In a note to investors in late April, Jefferies analyst Hamzah Mazari predicted that rival Avis would survive the coronavirus crisis but Hertz had only a 50-50 chance "given it was slower to cut costs."

On May 18, Hertz named operations chief Paul Stone as CEO and announced that Marinello would step down as CEO and from the company's board. Mazari called the step unusual just days before a potential bankruptcy filing. He also noted that CEO changes have been common at Hertz since financier Carl Icahn entered the firm in 2014.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Icahn's holding company is Hertz's largest shareholder.

Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Woronka credited Marinello with reigniting Hertz's revenue growth, writing in a note to investors that it rose 16 percent in 2018 and 2019 combined.

Hertz's bankruptcy protection filing was hardly a surprise. In its first-quarter report filed earlier in May with securities regulators, the company said it may not be able to repay or refinance debt and may not have enough cash to keep operating.

Under a Chapter 11 restructuring, creditors will have to settle for less than full repayment. Its biggest creditors are banks, but the filing lists IBM, Lyft, United and Southwest Airlines as others owed between $6 million and $23 million each.
Walnut Creek police are searching for two men wanted in connection with a shooting that injured two people on Thursday.

In a 24-second clip from surveillance footage that captured the shooting, a light-colored sedan can be seen pulling up behind a parked black SUV in the parking lot of a business on the 1200 block of Newell Avenue at 6:22 p.m.

Two masked men can be seen stepping out of the sedan and running toward the passenger side of the SUV. Police said the two men were armed with handguns and immediately shot at the victim seated in the passenger side of the SUV. The victim, who was not identified, was struck at least once.

The video shows a rear passenger opening a drivers side door and collapsing onto the lot shortly before the driver behind the wheel of the SUV identified by police as John Rankin  can be seen exiting the vehicle and returning gunfire toward the two suspects, running out of frame.

After the seconds-long exchange, the two armed suspects can be seen returning to the sedan, which promptly drove away from the parking lot. Neither suspect has been arrested, police said.

Police said responding officers found bullet casings, shattered glass and blood in the lot. Within minutes of arriving at the scene, police said they learned that two men were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds related to this incident. Police did not immediately clarify who those men were in connection to the shooting.

Officials said an innocent bystander who was seated in a nearby vehicle was struck by gunfire from Rankins firearm. The persons condition was unknown on Saturday.

Police have arrested Rankin, of Detroit, Mich., on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an inhabited vehicle.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Police released the surveillance video on Friday and are asking the publics help to identify the suspects.

Anyone with information should call call Walnut Creek Police Department Detective Leonard at 925-256-3523.

Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez
The latest novel coronavirus news from Canada and around the world Saturday. This article is no longer updating. Read the latest here.

10 p.m.: Ontarios regional health units reported their first day below 400 new COVID-19 cases in nearly a week on Sunday as Torontos average rate of new infections has hit a new high, surpassing a previous April peak, according to the Stars latest count.

As of 9 p.m. Sunday, the health units had reported a total of 27,072 confirmed and probable cases, including 2,164 deaths.

The total of 339 new confirmed and probable cases reported since Saturday evening was well down from a recent string of above-average case reports this week, which had seen five straight days at above 400 new cases.

A recent upturn in infections across Ontario has not been felt equally across the province. The daily count of new cases has been relatively flat outside of Toronto over the last two weeks. Meanwhile, numbers in the city have now surpassed the highest levels of new case reports seen since the beginning of the pandemic.

Indeed, most of Sundays case growth in Ontario came in Toronto, which by itself reported another 200 new cases, with nine more fatal cases.

Last month, Torontos daily average for new cases rose steadily to eventually peak at an average of 209 per day for the seven days ending April 23. On Sunday, the equivalent seven-day average passed that rate, to 218 cases per day.

Meanwhile, the 24 fatal cases reported in the province since Saturday evening were in line with the long-term recent falling trend. The rate of deaths is down considerably since peaking at more than 90 deaths in a day earlier this month, about two weeks after the peak in the daily case totals.

Earlier Sunday, the province once again reported another day in which testing labs completed far fewer COVID-19 tests than the target of 16,000 daily. The 11,383 tests completed the previous day was the seventh straight well below the target. The province says the labs have the capacity to complete about 20,000 tests daily.

In the past, spikes in case counts have followed days with high testing rates, and vice versa for days of low testing.

Because many health units publish tallies to their websites before reporting to Public Health Ontario, the Stars count is more current than the data the province puts out each morning.

The province also reported 878 patients are now hospitalized with COVID-19, including 148 in intensive care, of whom 104 are on a ventilator  numbers that have fallen in recent weeks. The province also says nearly 19,500 patients who have tested positive for the coronavirus have now recovered from the disease  about three-quarters of the total infected.

The province says its data is accurate to 4 p.m. the previous day. The province also cautions its latest count of total deaths  2,073  may be incomplete or out of date due to delays in the reporting system, saying that in the event of a discrepancy, data reported by (the health units) should be considered the most up to date.

The Stars count includes some patients reported as probable COVID-19 cases, meaning they have symptoms and contacts or travel history that indicate they very likely have the disease, but have not yet received a positive lab test.

9:37 p.m.: Thomas Waerner won this years Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in March, but he is still waiting to return to his home in Norway.

Waerner and his 16 dogs have been stranded in Alaska by travel restrictions and flight cancellations caused by the coronavirus pandemic, The Anchorage Daily News reported Saturday.

The 47-year-old plans to fly home in early June on a DC-6 aircraft bound for the Air History Museum in Sola, Norway.

Everts Air Cargo of Fairbanks is selling the historic plane, and Waerner said the museum is expected to finalize the deal this week.

8:30 p.m.: Mayor John Tory, who visited Trinity Bellwoods park on Saturday, apologized for breaking the COVID-19 rules in a statement released Sunday.

I want to apologize for my personal behaviour, Tory said via Twitter. I visited Trinity Bellwoods Park to try to determine why things were the way they were. I fully intended to properly physically distance but it was very difficult to do. I wore a mask into the park but I failed to use it properly, another thing Im disappointed about.

These were mistakes that I made and as a leader in this city, I know that I must set a better example going forward.

Don Peat, the mayors spokesman, said Tory had made significant efforts to maintain physical distance, moving when people came too close or asking them to step back.

8 p.m.: A Manitoba Indigenous group says there's a deal with the province's Crown-owned hydro utility to remove blockades set up over fears that workers could introduce COVID-19 to an area around a multi-billion dollar hydroelectric project.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak says in a news release that leaders of First Nations that had been blockading the Keeyask power project met with Manitoba Hydro President Jay Grewal on Saturday, and that they reached an agreement for the barricades to come down.

The announcement says the deal includes lifting a court injunction issued last week against Tataskweyak Cree Nation, one of the communities that was part of the protest.

Four northern First Nations stopped entry at three points around the site about 725 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg after Manitoba Hydro said it would rotate out hundreds of employees and contractors who had been there for eight weeks.

7:17 p.m.: A Mississauga mosque says it was still able to celebrate Eid on Sunday with a physically distant drive-thru celebration with thousands of congregants.

The Islamic Society of North America says roughly 2,000 cars with multiple people inside were able to take part in Mississauga where mosque staff handed out gift bags for families.

Eid al-Fitr is an Islamic holiday that celebrates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, in which people go without food or drink from sunrise to sunset.

Chihab Kaab, chair of ISNAs board, said they had planned to start the event at 10 a.m., but cars had already started lining up an hour early. He said spirits were high  It was truly the spirit of Eid and it was the celebration that people needed.

4:40 p.m.: There are 10,035 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto, which is an increase of 200 cases since Saturdays tally. In total, 7,397 people have recovered  a 195 case increase since Saturday, the city stated in a Sunday press release.

There have been 759 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. In the fall out of the gathering at Trinity Bellwoods Park, the city said bylaw enforcement is focused on providing education about the physical distancing bylaw and provincial orders, further stating that education and awareness is the preferred method, but that tickets will be handed out if need be. Four tickets were issued at Trinity Bellwoods Park on Saturday.

The statement said residents are expected to go outside and enjoy the healthy benefits of exercising and fresh air, while also maintaining physical distancing requirements.

1 p.m.: White House coronavirus task force co-ordinator Deborah Birx says shes very concerned that people going outdoors for the Memorial Day weekend arent maintaining six feet of social distancing.

She was responding to reports showing people crowding at beaches.

Noting that people with no symptoms could unwittingly spread the coronavirus, Birx said people need to wear masks in public if they dont socially distance because you dont know whos infected.

12:50 p.m.: The U.S. government is expected to announce a ban on travel from Brazil due to the spread of coronavirus in Latin Americas hardest-hit country.

National Security Adviser Robert OBrien says the U.S. wants to take every step necessary to protect the American people.

President Donald Trump already has banned travel from the United Kingdom, continental Europe and China, all of which have been hit hard by the virus. On Wednesday, Trump said he was considering barring entry to flights from Brazil.

Brazil reported more than 347,000 COVID-19 cases as of Friday, second behind the U.S. in the number of infections, according to a Johns Hopkins University count.

Brazil also has recorded more than 22,000 deaths, fifth most in the world. There have been more than 96,000 U.S. deaths.

12:15 p.m.: Speaking at Queens Park on Sunday, Premier Doug Ford reprimanded the thousands of people gathered at Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto on Saturday who were seen breaking physical distancing rules and disobeying the provinces emergency orders.

I thought it was a rock concert at the beginning, Ford said. When I went out there, I was absolutely shocked.

He further added that he understands people want to get outside and enjoy the beautiful summer days.

But the images I saw, we just cant have that right now. Its just too many people too close, he said.

Ford further reminded everyone that the virus is still present among us and if precautions are not taken, it can spread like wildfire.

Its a deadly killer and we cant give it an inch, he said. Until a vaccine is found, our best defence is to detect the virus, isolate it, and slow the spread.

In the news conference, Ford further urged the people of Ontario to get tested  even if they are not showing symptoms.

If youre worried you have COVID-19, or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, even if you are not showing symptoms, please go get a test, said Ford.

You wont be turned away and you dont need an appointment. Just show up at a testing centre and they will test you, he added.

The province is expected to release a testing strategy next week.

11:30 a.m.: Ontarios regional health units continue to report rising COVID-19 case counts as the rate of new infections has rebounded after falling from a peak in mid-April, according to the Stars latest survey.

As of 11 a.m. Sunday, the health units had reported a total of 26,759 confirmed and probable cases, including 2,140 deaths.

The total of 458 new confirmed and probable cases reported since the same time Saturday morning was once again up from recent averages, a sign the provincewide decline in infection rate has reversed.

The recent increase has not been felt equally across the province. The daily count of new cases has been relatively flat outside of Toronto over the last two weeks. Meanwhile, numbers spiked in the city this week to among the highest levels of new case reports seen since the beginning of the pandemic.

The 207 cases reported per day on average over the last seven days in Toronto is lower only than a brief single-day spike in mid-April, when the epidemic was peaking in the province.

The number of new cases reported each day had been on a downward trend since hitting a peak of more than 700 in late April. However, the average has begun to rise slightly after flattening out to about 360 cases per day last week; before this week, the province last saw more than 400 cases on May 8.

Meanwhile, the 26 fatal cases reported in the province since Saturday morning was back in line with the recent falling trend. The rate of deaths is down considerably since peaking at more than 90 deaths in a day earlier this month, about two weeks after the peak in the daily case totals.

Earlier Sunday, the province once again reported another day in which testing labs completed far fewer COVID-19 tests than the target of 16,000 daily. The 11,383 tests completed the previous day was the seventh straight well below the target. The province says the labs have the capacity to complete about 20,000 tests daily.

In the past, spikes in case counts have followed days with high testing rates, and vice versa for days of low testing.

Because many health units publish tallies to their websites before reporting to Public Health Ontario, the Stars count is more current than the data the province puts out each morning.

The province also reported 878 patients are now hospitalized with COVID-19, including 148 in intensive care, of whom 104 are on a ventilator  numbers that have fallen in recent weeks. The province also says nearly 19,500 patients who have tested positive for the coronavirus have now recovered from the disease  about three-quarters of the total infected.

The province says its data is accurate to 4 p.m. the previous day. The province also cautions its latest count of total deaths  2,073  may be incomplete or out of date due to delays in the reporting system, saying that in the event of a discrepancy, data reported by (the health units) should be considered the most up to date.

The Stars count includes some patients reported as probable COVID-19 cases, meaning they have symptoms and contacts or travel history that indicate they very likely have the disease, but have not yet received a positive lab test.

10:45 a.m.: After thousands of people were spotted at Trinity Bellwoods park on Saturday, apparently ignoring physical distancing rules, Toronto police officers are at the park today to enforce those rules.

Thousands of people gathered at the Trinity Bellwoods Park, near Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue, despite the citys emergency orders that bans gatherings of more than five people.

Mayor John Tory said the city officers will be issuing tickets to those spotted in parks and not following the rules.

I was just dumbfounded by this kind of lack of personal responsibility, Tory said.

More than 2000 people have died as a result of COVID-19 in Ontario.

10:30 a.m.: U.S. President Donald Trumps national security adviser said Sunday he thinks leaders of the worlds major economies would love to get out of their offices and meet in person and plan the post-COVID world at a summit Trump is considering hosting in the United States in June.

Trump had scheduled the Group of Seven summit for June 10-12 at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland. But in March, he announced he was cancelling the annual meeting because of the pandemic and that the leaders would confer by video conference instead.

His national security adviser, Robert OBrien, said Sunday morning that the meeting would be a chance for the leaders to decide how to get their economies reopened and how we can work together to make sure that we all get out of this COVID crisis and bring back health and prosperity to our peoples.

OBrien said wed be looking at the end of June at this point. He said so far weve got a great response from the invitations that have been extended. OBrien said U.S. officials will ensure that everybodys tested. Well make sure its a safe environment if the leaders can come here.

8:30 a.m.: For Muslims, Ramadan culminates on Sunday with Eid al-Fitr, or Festival of Breaking the Fast, when families and friends gather for large feasts, prayer and exchanging of gifts.

During Ramadan, families will frequently break fast together in the evening or attend prayers at their local mosque during the day. The COVID-19 pandemic has made those traditions impossible.

Mosques across Canada are altering their Eid plans with virtual prayers, drive-through gift giveaways and live social media events in order to observe the holiday.

7 a.m.: Well-spaced faithful gathered in St. Peters Square for the first time in months for the traditional Sunday papal blessing.

They cast their gaze at the window where the pope normally addresses the faithful.

Pope Francis has been delivering the blessing from inside the Apostolic library during the epidemic.

Francis came to the window and waved to the people in the piazza at the end of the blessing.

May 23

8:21 p.m.: A day after Torontos mayor and medical officer of health stressed the need to continue social distancing, hundreds of people were seen sunbathing and relaxing in close proximity in Trinity Bellwoods Park.

Video of the crowds circulated on social media and led to a public outcry. Mayor John Tory told the Star late Saturday that there would be a heavier presence of bylaw officers at the park on Sunday. Tory added that he visited several parks on a sunny Saturday and Trinity Bellwoods was the exception when it came to respecting social distancing regulations.

The gathering came a day after a press conference where Eileen de Villa said visits on Mothers Day may be connected to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases.

6:30 p.m.: Ontarios regional health units are reporting their fifth consecutive day with more than 400 new COVID-19 cases as the average rate of new infections per day continues to rise, according to the Stars latest count.

As of 5 p.m. Saturday, the health units had reported a total of 26,733 confirmed and probable cases, including 2,140 deaths.
In North Korea, a meeting was held to go over policies of nuclear war deterrence, headed by the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un mentioned by North Korean state media on Sunday, May 24.

This was the most recent appearance by the North Korean leader in 21 days, coming after the US announcement to conduct a nuclear test that has not been done in a long time.

According to the KCNA of North Korea, officials of the Central Military Commission were intent on drafting needed policies, to strengthen the efficacy of nuclear war deterrence better, not giving out any more details.

Part of the agenda discussed is the crucial measures that will improve the firepower of most artillery pieces, belonging to the army of North Korea. It bolsters their offensive capacity that is present now.

One salient point is putting the "strategic armed forces" to be stationed on a high alert to improve the state and condition of the armed forces of North Korea.

When and where the meeting was convened was not revealed, though several communiques from the KNCA reported that there was an order signed by the North Korean leader on May 23.

Twenty days have passed since Kim Jong Un was seen by the general public, he emerged from a long three-week absence which became a catalyst for speculations about his health.

In circulation was a photo courtesy of the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper on Sunday with the North Korean leader using a pointing stick in a presentation for officers in the North Korean military.

One impression from the photos is that everyone in the meeting, even Kim Jong Un were not wearing masks without considering the danger of transmissions.

Also read: North Korea Hunting Leaker of Kim Jong-Un's Fake Death Video That Circulated Online

Throughout the outbreak, North Korea states that there is no single case of the coronavirus, reported by the state.

A review and analysis were done that examined the drawbacks of all military and political activities, and what improvements were to be done by the establishment, said sources.

Where in the world is Kim?

Speculations ran amuck as the press had a field day, giving wild theories why he did not appear in nationally relevant gatherings and the founder's birthday, all guessing if he was dead or alive.

Until his public appearance in a factory inauguration last May, right after his disappearance and reports of being missing that took the world by surprise.

According to an American newspaper, the current American administration is considering a nuclear test from 1992 to signify America's resolve against Russia and China.

For North Korea, the threat of a nuclear arms race is disquieting to the nation.

A US source mentioned that with the US making such a move, it will cause problems with negotiations that concerns North Korea on its stand about nuclear testing, and eventually dropping it.

The status of negotiations about the management of the North Korean arsenal is stalled, as of now. Even with summits of the US and North Korea.

In recent months, North Korea was active in testing rockets which are multiple launch rocket systems, but Japan and the US say there are ballistic missiles.

A UN resolution that prohibits the UN Security Council that has not allowed any weapons testing comes to the wings of the nuclear deterrence policy which North Korea needs.

Related article: President Trump is Glad That Kim Jong Un is Alive and Well

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A n officer spoke to Dominic Cummings' father about his son self-isolating at the family home in Durham, police have confirmed.

The Prime Minister's chief adviser is accused of breaking coronavirus lockdown rules by making a 250-mile journey to Durham with his family, when his wife had coronavirus symptoms.

Downing Street has defended Mr Cummings' actions, insisting he "acted in line with guidelines", adding that claims he was spoken to by police about the matter were wrong.

"At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported," a statement said.

But Durham Police said officers spoke to Mr Cummings' father over the phone on April 1.

Police said they spoke to Dominic Cummings' father / Getty Images

Following a significant number of media enquiries over the weekend, Durham Constabulary can add the following detail," the force said.

On Tuesday, March 31, our officers were made aware that Dominic Cummings had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city.

At the request of Mr Cummings father, an officer made contact the following morning by telephone.

During that conversation, Mr Cummings father confirmed that his son had travelled with his family from London to the North-East and was self-isolating in part of the property.

Durham Constabulary deemed that no further action was required. However, the officer did provide advice in relation to security issues.

The chief adviser is facing calls to resign over the alleged lockdown breach / AFP via Getty Images

Mr Cummings is facing new claims of flouting Government rules amid reports he made a second trip to Durham during the lockdown.

A witness told the Sunday Mirror and the Observer that he was seen on April 19 in woodland near the Durham property he stayed at with his family - days after he was spotted back in Downing Street on April 14, and when strict rules were still in place not to travel.

Both the Labour Party and SNP have questioned who knew, and when, that Mr Cummings had travelled from his home in London to Durham  and whether this was a breach of rules at the time.

After the latest revelations emerged, a Labour source said: If these latest revelations are true, why on earth were Cabinet ministers sent out this afternoon to defend Dominic Cummings?

In response to the new claims, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: Yesterday the Mirror and Guardian wrote inaccurate stories about Mr Cummings.

Today they are writing more inaccurate stories including claims that Mr Cummings returned to Durham after returning to work in Downing Street on April 14.

We will not waste our time answering a stream of false allegations about Mr Cummings from campaigning newspapers."
New Delhi, May 24 : As businesses and enterprises face a severe crisis amid the coronavirus pandemic, industry body CII has cautioned that although tough times may prompt companies to collaborate with their competitors, they must take decisions and operate as per the anti-trust law and the Competition Act of 2002.

In its competition law compliance manual for corporates in the wake of novel coronavirus, CII noted that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) would keep a close watch for any potential competition law infringement during this period.

"The current COVID-19 crisis has created unprecedented challenges in India and across the world. This impact of COVID-19 on the functioning of the economy may prompt companies to collaborate with their competitors to tackle the uncertainty and hardship faced. However, companies must note that antitrust laws continue to apply and all business decisions undertaken by companies must not fall foul of the provisions of Competition Act, 2002," said the industry manual.

It said that companies must carefully evaluate their business operations during the COVID-19 period, especially if their business operations might require close collaboration with competitors.

"The concrete antitrust risks surrounding any such collaboration remain difficult to assess. Given the absence of any guidance from the CCI, companies should tread with caution and consult their antitrust lawyers as and when required or while exploring any collaboration," the CII manual said.

It said that companies should reach out to their external counsel to assess these risks and must avoid information exchanges through trade associations or any other platforms.

It said that while entering into any form of collaboration, companies should take care that the collaborative efforts must be limited to products or services directly affected by the pandemic or the exigency measures.

"Particularly, pharmaceutical companies should limit their collaborations on R&D to anti-COVID-19 vaccines and should not, in its garb, collude on other drugs," it said.

All negotiations and internal discussions must be documented by companies and all collaboration arrangements must be reviewed beforehand by external legal counsel for any risks of contravening competition law principles and only pursuant to this review, should they be implemented, according to the CII manual among other suggestions.
There is, I think, a little bit of hypocrisy in all of us. A few years ago in Connemara, I sat chatting with a well-known and outspoken vegetarian musician who was wearing a T-shirt with 'McS**t' emblazoned defiantly - even a little piously - across it. I neglected to tell her that on the long drive to the West, myself and the kids had stopped at the subject of her right-on ire, McDonald's, for a particularly delicious Happy Meal.

I hoped she wouldn't see the evidence of our lunch in the boxes in the back of the car and, even worse, possibly notice the traces of Ronald McDonald's ketchup across my guilty face as I talked to her about the depth of her music while trying not to look at her T-shirt, lest she out me as an imposter.

Last Wednesday, I drove with the kids to McDonald's in Nutgrove, Churchtown.

I grew up around the corner, so it was an excuse to show my children the school that daddy went to, a place where Christian Brothers would knock lumps out of you with sticks.

It was a expedition, of sorts, to show my kids the road I grew up on - Henley Park - many years ago; a road where I once played with Mary Lou McDonald, when she was a little and very jolly girl running around Henley Park with her cousins, my little sister and I.

Mary Lou's auntie, Jean Butler, was my mother's best friend. So I called it a pilgrimage to my home town last Wednesday. This, of course, was nothing short of a bare-faced lie.

There is nothing worse, they say, than the lies you tell yourself, but surely worse is the lies you tell your kids. So, just to be absolutely clear, the real reason we went to Churchtown was to have a Happy Meal after two months of going without.

Alas, it was not to end well. There was a mile-long queue outside the restaurant and I had to make an executive decision to go to a nearby Spar, buy some fruit and yogurt, drive to Rathfarnham to have a picnic in St Enda's Park, where Patrick Pearse once lived.

My old playmate Mary Lou would have approved. As would, more importantly, my wife, who wasn't best pleased about the proposed lunch in McDonald's. I have to say, I am as much an advocate of healthy eating as the next person, but sometimes I would actually prefer a Big Mac to a steak. So, there you have it. Judge me all you like.

Despite all my tonguein-cheekiness about McD's, I think that it's a disgrace that a fast food restaurant can open - but we can't open the bloody schools.

I have been going stir-crazy since the first week of March in a house with two very small kids and a wife. The latter home-schools our five-year-old daughter, while I take our two-year-old son out to the park, the beach, the car park, anywhere, once it is not in the house while the actual home-schooling is taking place. It is very difficult for everyone, especially the children, as I'm sure it is in each and every household across Ireland.

Cracking-up is the new national sport.

I woke up last Monday with a blinding headache. There is some irony in having a two-day migraine when your job - when you are not looking after your children - involves spending long amounts of time looking at a computer screen: typing and reading words. So, I was miserable last Monday and Tuesday. My wife would probably say I was miserable before that, too, going back to the start of the lockdown or, even before that again, to the day I was born. It is hard not to be a misery guts when there doesn't seem to be a holiday at the end of it all.

The only un-depressing part of it happens when I look at Independent.ie at the same time every evening to check what the deaths were for the day from Covid-19 and they appear to have fallen, thankfully, to a low number. Good news at last.

Some nights, when we are not too exhausted by the daily grind of the same, week in, week out, and the kids are in bed, my wife and I watch Netflix. We watch - and laugh sometimes at - Schitt's Creek. Last Thursday night, I hoovered and mopped the downstairs of the house. You don't get more glamorous than that. I finished at 11pm.

I opened a beer and watched the three final episodes of Peaky Blinders. I went to bed at 2am, sad that Aberama Gold, Aidan Gillen's character, seemed have met a grisly end, like Aidan did as Petyr 'Littlefinger' Baelish in Game of Thrones. As you can possibly tell from these late-night musings, my life is upside down.

I love my wife and kids, but I'm not sure I recognise who I am any more. I don't mean that in the strictly physical sense (even though I am overweight, unkempt and in need of a bath on occasion). I mean it in the more philosophical way.

I had to drive into town last week. I had a letter from work to show to gardai should they stop me, which they did outside RTE. It was weird being in a completely empty building on Talbot Street. There wasn't a soul about. I did what I had to do, then quickly got in the car.

And took a wrong turn.

I ended up effectively lost in my hometown, because every road I drove on to seemed to say no right turn when I wanted to go right. Looking out the window of the car, the streets of our nation's capital were a little less busy than I remembered, pre-lockdown, with poor unfortunate heroin addicts and the like with their shirts off enjoying the sun on a gorgeous summer's day in a city in lockdown because of a killer virus.

I drove in circles for a while (it was a metaphor for existence as I currently know it), ended back on Talbot Street, before finding myself driving anxiously - and illegally - on the bus lane up O'Connell Street. Gardai looked at me like I was some sort of lost fool. Which wasn't far from the truth. It all reminded me of something Oscar Wilde once said: "I think God, in creating man, somewhat overestimated his ability."
First Bay Area Restaurants Reopen for Dine-In, Navigate New Procedures

NAPA, Calif.Clean tables and chairs waited expectantly in the shade in front of Tarla Mediterranean Bar and Grill in Napa, California, on May 23.

The doors were wide open, and curious passersby slowed to do a double-take at this eatery emerging from hibernation.

Napa County is the first Bay Area county to allow dine-in to resume at restaurants. California Gov. Gavin Newsom released industry guidelines on May 12, but said dine-in would reopen gradually across the state, starting in counties less affected by COVID-19.

Yusuf Topal, the restaurants owner, said he worked with county officials on reopening. He walked us through the new dining experience.

People stop in front of Tarla Mediterranean Bar and Grill in Napa, Calif., on May 23, 2020. (Ilene Eng/The Epoch Times)

Half the dining tables are removed and the remaining ones are spaced further apart at Tarla Mediterranean Bar and Grill in Napa, Calif., on May 23, 2020. (Ilene Eng/The Epoch Times)

Some diners eat outside at Tarla Mediterranean Bar and Grill in Napa, Calif., on May 23, 2020. (Ilene Eng/The Epoch Times).

The dining room looked sparse. Half the tables were removed to allow space between diners. The tables were bare, with staff only bringing out place settings when needed.

The staff took the temperature of each customer and recorded his or her contact information. All employees had their temperatures taken at the beginning of the shift.

When seated, customers didnt get the usual menus.

We are using disposable menus, and also we are using a QR code for the customers to be able to read the menus on their phone and also to be able to do the payment on their own smartphones, Topal told The Epoch Times.

Yusuf Topal opens Tarla Mediterranean Bar and Grill in Napa at full service on May 23, 2020. (Ilene Eng/The Epoch Times)

People can scan the QR code to see the menu on their phone or ask for a one-time use menu at Tarla Mediterranean Bar and Grill in Napa, Calif., on May 23, 2020. (Ilene Eng/The Epoch Times)

Chef Jason Naaman (R) takes the bartenders temperature before work starts at Tarla Mediterranean Bar and Grill in Napa, Calif., on May 23, 2020. (Ilene Eng/The Epoch Times).

The same items were on the menu as usual, however. Topal said the restaurant is still serving the full menu.

Executive Chef Jason Naaman has been cooking takeout orders for the past two months.

It was a process of getting used to putting food back on plates instead of boxes, he said.

Its wonderful to see the guests happy, and people getting out of their house and enjoying themselves, Naaman said.

Executive Chef Jason Naaman at Tarla Mediterranean Bar and Grill in Napa, Calif., on May 23, 2020. (Ilene Eng/The Epoch Times).

The restaurant was booked fully for the long weekend.

We are very busy, we are completely booked and we are very excited to open again and serve our customers, Topal said. We can see a crazy number of people calling and they want to make a reservation, they want to come and dine with us. But unfortunately, we are running with a 50 percent capacity.

With social distancing in the dining room, the space can only fit so many people. But Topal is just glad to have more people than none.

We cannot stay closed. We have rent and laborers to pay, and employees that have to feed their families, he said.

Staff members sanitize the dining room and kitchen regularly. In the kitchen, were sanitizing every 30 minutes all of the work surfaces. Everyone in the kitchen is wearing masks and gloves.  We have sanitizing stations as well with hand sanitizer, Naaman said.



Employees clean every half hour at Tarla Mediterranean Bar and Grill in Napa on May 23, 2020. (Ilene Eng/The Epoch Times)

Elsewhere in the Bay Area

In Carmel-by-the-Sea, in Monterey County, because indoor dining isnt yet proceeding, local restaurant owners are working on another approach.

Restaurants are obtaining permission from city officials on a case-by-case basis for outdoor dining spaces.

As a community, were working on doing parklets for individual restaurants, and community dining by closing streets down, Ken Spilfogel, owner of Village Corner California Bistro and a member of the citys restaurant committee board of directors, told The Epoch Times.

In Corte Madera, Marin County, restaurant owner Tony Farah said hes confused and waiting for more clarity before he makes his reopening plans.

That regulation is not easy, and every day they change it, and so I need to wait, Farah told The Epoch Times.

His Cafe Verde Pizzeria & Ristorante has outdoor seating, but half of the area is city-owned and must remain closed.

I dont know whats going on right now, he said. Nobody knows whats going on right now.

In San Jose, in Santa Clara County, Angelina Ramos is poring over all the new guidance and regulations and says her restaurant wont reopen until its better prepared, she said. Santa Clara has been harder hit by COVID-19 than some other counties.

Wed rather wait a little bit longer and make sure that were ready, than to make a mistake and open too soon, just to close down again, Ramos, the director of operations at Luna Mexican Kitchen, told The Epoch Times.



Since the day we closed, Ive been researching and planning for this, she said. So its nice to have the guidelines now. These are all the things that we were thinking about.
The Muslim event would is being held from a virtual platform in line with the ban on public gatherings to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, with some key Muslim leaders, are expected to join the National Chief Imam.

The 30-day fast, one of five pillars of Islam, is a period devoted for peace, forgiveness, fellow-feeling and self-diagnoses.

Eid-ul-Fitr is also a period where Muslims engage in charity, sharing of gifts, merry-making amongst other spiritual and social activities.

Sheikh Nurudeen Quaye, the Greater Accra Regional Imam of the Ghana Muslim Mission (GMM), however, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the COVID-19 restrictions had not in any way affected the spiritual upliftment of Muslims in the Holy Month of Ramadan.

He said every natural intervention, such as the Covid-19 outbreak, occurred in line with the will of Allah.

However, it did not undermine Allah's command to worship, he said, adding that, the method of worship may change, but the essence and rewards would not change.

"Allah says in the Holy Quran that, He has perfected Islam for us as a Religion with the full measure of its blessings, and it has also been designed to be adjusted to any situation and time," he said.

The coming of Ramadan in this period of COVID-19, he said, was, therefore, to remind Muslims that despite the situation, man was created into this world for a purpose, and that was to worship the creator voluntarily.

Sheikh Quaye said he was happy that the Ramadan had been observed with the same fervor as was done in the previous years.

Other Muslims the GNA spoke to expressed similar positions, saying worshipping at the individual level because of the closure of the mosques, had drawn them closer to Allah.

Some said they used social media to connect and strengthen each other.

---GNA
Two hundred and forty-one (241) Ghanaian deportees on board a Kuwait Aircraft arrived at the Kotoka International Airport on Saturday from the Gulf State.



Also onboard the flight were 43 Togolese nationals enroute to their home country.



The Ghanaian deportees were welcomed on arrival by Mr Joseph Kofi Adda, the Minister of Aviation, Mr Charles Owiredu, a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mr Henry Quartey, Deputy Minister of National Security, and Mr Dickson Osei Bonsu, Chief Legal Advisor of Operation COVID-19 Safety Committee.



They were taken through arrival procedures by officials of the Ghana Immigration Service and screened by health personnel.



They would undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine at designated hotels under heavy security.



The decision to accept the deportees into the Ghanaian jurisdiction despite the closure of the country's borders was reached at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, May 21.



This follows weeks of bilateral discussions between the governments of Ghana and Kuwait.



Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, on Friday, May 22, told journalists that the Government of Kuwait informed Ghanas Government of its intention to deport some 245 Ghanaians who were illegally living in the Gulf State.



Subsequently, Government granted a special permit for the admission of the said deportees to Ghana in line with immigration and health regulations to prevent a threat to the Ghanaian population.



He said the deportation was to be executed via a special charter flight and the Kuwaiti Government would bear the cost.



The deportation comes at a time when the countrys borders remain closed to human travel as part of international travel restrictions under Ghanas COVID-19 Response Programme to prevent the importation of the disease.



The trip, he said, was in line with exemptions granted for special evacuation of foreign nationals during the border closure period.



The Minister said the deportees would be mandatorily quarantined and tested for COVID-19 immediately they arrived in the country.



He said those who may test positive for COVID-19 would be supported with treatment and those who would test negative would still be in quarantine for 14 days for a second and would be released based on the results.



They would be under the custody of the State for preliminary investigations on the circumstances of their illegal stay in Kuwait.



Upon completion of the investigations, a case by case determination would be made on the status and further handling of each deportee in accordance with the law.



The Minister indicated that the cost of quarantine and treatment would be borne by the Government of Ghana.



The National Security Secretariat, in collaboration with the Military, Ghana Immigration Service and the Police Service would be responsible for ensuring the mandatory quarantine is adequately enforced.



The Ghana Health Service would be responsible for testing and treatment if it becomes necessary, the Minister said.



Mr Oppong Nkrumah assured the public that government had instituted measures to safeguard the health of the Ghanaian population in compliance with the COVID-19 Response Programme.

Source: GNA









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On Saturday, May 24, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario provided an update in regard to the EHV-1 situation in the Woodbine Racetrack backstretch.

The contents of the AGCO release appear below in both English and French.

Notice to the Industry

Containment measures continue to appear successful at containing EHV-1 at Woodbine Racetrack. Restrictions on training for Barns 11, 33 and 35 lifted.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) received new test results that suggest the containment and mitigation measures continue to contain the neuropathogeniclogical form of EHV-1 to a single barn at Woodbine Racetrack.

As a result, the AGCO has lifted all the restrictions on training for Barns 33 and 35, as well as the non-isolated horses in Barn 11. Two horses in Barn 11 remain in isolation. Restrictions on training of horses residing in other barns remain in place (please refer to May 21 Notice).

All horses in Barn 10 were re-tested and results all came back negative. In addition, all horses in Barn 12 were re-tested and two additional horses tested positive, bringing the total to 27. All the remaining horses in Barn 12 tested negative. As per the containment protocol, the horses that tested positive have been removed to isolation and Barn 12 remains in lockdown.

Assuming no other horses display clinical signs, the plan at this time is to re-test all horses in Barn 12 on Monday, May 25. Horses from Barn 10 will be re-tested on Friday May 29.

The AGCO is continuing to monitor the situation closely and further developments will be reported. EHV-1 cannot be spread to humans and is unrelated to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Avis a lindustrie

Les mesures de confinement semblent toujours efficaces pour contenir lEHV-1 a lhippodrome de Woodbine. Levee des restrictions sur lentrainement pour les etables 11, 33 et 35.

La Commission des alcools et des jeux de lOntario (CAJO) a recu de nouveaux resultats de tests qui suggerent que les mesures de confinement et dattenuation continuent a contenir la forme neuropathogene de lherpesvirus equin de type 1 (EHV-1) dans une seule etable de lhippodrome de Woodbine.

En consequence, la CAJO a leve toutes les restrictions sur lentrainement pour les etables 33 et 35, ainsi que pour les chevaux non isoles de letable 11. Deux chevaux de letable 11 restent isoles. Les restrictions sur lentrainement des chevaux residant dans dautres etables restent en place (veuillez vous referer a lavis du 21 mai).

Tous les chevaux de letable 10 ont ete testes a nouveau et les resultats sont tous revenus negatifs. De plus, tous les chevaux de letable 12 ont ete testes a nouveau et deux autres chevaux ont ete testes positifs, ce qui porte le total a 27. Tous les autres chevaux de letable 12 ont ete testes negatifs. Conformement au protocole de confinement, les chevaux testes positifs ont ete mis en isolement et letable 12 reste fermee.

En supposant quaucun autre cheval ne presente de signes cliniques, il est prevu pour linstant de refaire des tests sur tous les chevaux de letable 12 le lundi 25 mai. Les chevaux de letable 10 seront a nouveau testes le vendredi 29 mai.

Nous continuons a suivre la situation de pres et nous ferons rapport sur levolution de la situation. LEHV-1 ne peut pas se transmettre a lhomme et nest pas lie a la pandemie actuelle de COVID-19.
CANBERRA, Australia - Six million Australians have downloaded a smartphone app that helps health authorities trace coronavirus infections, officials said Sunday.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the COVIDSafe app is playing a strong role in Australias response to the pandemic and that several countries have expressed interest in learning from its positive impacts.

If a user is diagnosed, the app works to identify other users who have been in close proximity for 15 minutes or more in the previous three weeks.

The government has said at least 40% of Australias 26 million people need to use the app for it to be effective. There are approximately 17 million cellphones in Australia.

The government and states have been easing restrictions on travel and allowed for increased use of restaurants and bars in the past few weeks. Australia has recorded more than 7,100 cases of the coronavirus, including 102 deaths.

In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region:

 3 NEW CASES IN CHINA: China reported three new cases of the coronavirus on Sunday, two from outside the country and one locally transmitted in the northeastern province of Jilin, which has experienced a minor outbreak now apparently largely contained. No new deaths were reported and 79 people remain in treatment, with another 380 under isolation and monitoring for being suspected cases or having tested positive for COVID-19 without showing any symptoms. China has reported a total of 82,974 cases, including 4,634 deaths.

 SOUTH KOREA RECORDS 25 NEW INFECTIONS: South Korea reported 25 additional cases of the coronavirus over a 24-hour period, amid a continuation of small-scale outbreaks in the country. The country has confirmed a total of 11,190 cases, including 266 deaths. Seventeen of the 25 new patients were locally infected, while the other eight came from overseas, health authorities said. South Korea eased many of its strict social distancing rules in early May before it saw a sudden uptick in the number of cases associated with nightclubs in Seouls Itaewon entertainment district. Health authorities had confirmed a total of 225 cases linked to Itaewon cubs as of noon Sunday.

___

Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda



Sonowal on Sunday instructed all deputy commissioners to form separate cells to carry out rescue and relief operations during floods.

In an official release, Sonowal said that the state government is fighting against COVID-19 and flood and erosion situation simultaneously.

"He has already directed all deputy commissioners to set up separate cells to carry out relief and rescue operations expeditiously during flood," the release said.

Sonowal observed that the district administrations have already geared up with all preparations to deal with flood and said they have been directed to provide all possible support to the people affected by flood.

"Moreover, he said that the challenges posed by novel coronavirus pandemic would be more daunting and called upon people to fight against it as a cohesive force," the statement said.

Sonowal also thanked the people of Assam and extended gratitude for their support and cooperation to the BJP-led coalition government in the state on completion of four years on Sunday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-25 00:34:41|Editor: Wang Yamei

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Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan joins a deliberation with fellow deputies from Hunan Province to the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) during the third session of the 13th NPC in Beijing, capital of China, May 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Sunday called for resolve and perseverance to ensure steady and sustained progress in realizing national rejuvenation.

Wang made the remarks while joining a deliberation with fellow deputies from Hunan Province to the 13th National People's Congress during its ongoing annual session.

Wang expressed full support for the government work report.

Speaking of China's progress in COVID-19 fight, Wang said the Party leadership and the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics are the country's biggest political advantages, and the people's trust and support are the most powerful strength behind victory over challenges.

Talking about the draft civil code that is under deliberation, Wang said it will help boost the modernization of China's system and capacity for governance. Enditem
Amaravati, May 24 : With 66 new cases in 24 hours till Sunday morning, there seems no respite for Andhra Pradesh in its battle against coronavirus as its total tally climbed to 2,627.

Briefly, for a few days last week, the state seemed to be turning the tide as single digit tallies were reported from almost all the hotspot districts. However, the past few days have yet again seen COVID-19 cases tending to be higher.

The state nodal officer reported that 47 new cases were detected in the preceding 24-hour cycle compared with Sunday tally.

A significant number of new cases were found to have travel history to the Koyambedu market in Chennai -- including 3 in Chittoor district and 8 in Nellore district. The since-closed Koyambedu market was identified as one of the biggest spreaders of COVID-19 in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, where positive cases tally has long crossed the 10,000-mark.

With evacuation flights landing in Andhra Pradesh over the past few days, a few of the hundreds of foreign returnees have tested positive. On Sunday, authorities reported that 17 new cases are of foreign returnees. Of these, 12 are from Kuwait, 3 from Dubai and 2 from Qatar.

One of the reasons attributed to the higher daily counts is the large number of tests in Andhra Pradesh. The state ranks behind Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu in terms of overall numbers of tests conducted, while in terms of testing ratios, it ranks below Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir.

On a positive note, the number of active cases has been slowly coming down in Andhra, with a third of the positive cases or 764 persons receiving treatment in various hospitals. A total of 29 persons were cured and discharged by Sunday morning, taking the state's tally of cured persons to 1,807.

The state nodal officer reported that 11,357 samples were tested in the past 24 hours as against 9,136 during the preceding cycle.

As no corona death was reported since Saturday morning, the state's death toll remained 56.

Meanwhile, the tally of cases among returnees from other states remained static at 153. However, the active cases tally fell to 119 from 128, as 9 more persons were cured and discharged. Of these, 8 persons had returned from Maharashtra and 1 from West Bengal. Previously, 25 persons from Gujarat had been cured and discharged.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has hailed supporters rallying in the country's capital to back his administration as an unfolding political scandal adds to the worsening coronavirus outbreak.

Surrounded by security guards wearing masks, but not wearing one himself, Bolsonaro was shown in a live-streaming video on his Facebook page greeting protesters waving Brazilian flags and calling him a "legend", days after Brazil topped Russia to become the world's No.2 virus hotspot after the United States.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Secretary of Institutional Security and Brazilian Army General Augusto Heleno wave to supporters. Credit:Getty

The Brasilia rally, one of several demonstrations Bolsonaro has encouraged in recent weeks, came as the administration of US President Donald Trump, a close ally of the far-right Bolsonaro, announced it was prohibiting foreigners from travelling to the United States if they had been in Brazil in the past two weeks.

Health ministry figures released on Saturday evening showed 16,508 new cases were recorded in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total above 347,000, while the death toll increased by 965 to 22,013.
President Donald Trump used the words this weekend when he demanded Friday that states allow houses of worship to reopen. Robert Jeffress, an influential Texas evangelical pastor, spoke with Trump afterward and told him he didnt plan to open his megachurch until June 7.

He wasnt ordering every church to open, said Jeffress, the senior minister at the First Baptist Church in Dallas whos in regular contact with the president. Theres no one-size-fits all.

Houses of worship, by nature centers for community, are eager to open -- especially when businesses like liquor stores, many complain, have been open throughout the deadly coronavirus pandemic. But the faithful, despite Trumps desire to cater to them politically, appear to be moving cautiously.

Jeffres, whose church spreads out across six blocks, plans to open only at 20% capacity. They will encourage mask-wearing and urge vulnerable populations, like the elderly, to continue to watch their popular services on TV or via livestream.

There is an insatiable hunger among Christians right now to get back to worship, he said. Yet they want to do it in a safe way.

Church Versus State

That hunger has led to tensions with local officials. Several states have been the target of lawsuits, and on Friday a federal appeals court ruled that California churches must abide by Governor Gavin Newsoms order to temporarily ban in-person religious services. Attorney General William Barr has threatened the state with legal action.

The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now, Trump said in a statement on Friday. If they dont do it I will override the governors.

Congregation Etz Chaim, an Orthodox congregation in Los Angeles, immediately took Trump up on his word and sent an email out to congregants. It noted with great pleasure and joy that Sabbath services could begin again Friday evening.

Still, its defiance -- in a city that has asked its residents to stay home -- came with masks and social distance.

Potentially Destructive

Some religious leaders have criticized Trump for pushing too soon. In a signed letter to the president Saturday in the Washington Post, two evangelicals called his demand both irresponsible and potentially destructive.

They noted outbreaks in churches in South Korea, Georgia, Texas and Arkansas. On Saturday, 40 cases were traced to a church in Frankfurt, Germany.

Some local leaders have tried accommodate religious services, with more than half of states already loosening rules on houses of worship. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday allowed groups of 10 to gather -- the number for a minyan, the quorum needed for Jewish worship -- if socially distanced.

Some religious leaders say they simply wont open until local leaders encourage them to do so.

Yahya Luqman, the imam at the Fazl Mosque in Washington, D.C., part of a larger local Ahmadiyya congregation in the area, said they remain closed -- and will for the foreseeable future. The biggest Muslim festival of the year, Eid al-Fitr, takes place Sunday after a month of fasting.

We want people to have people safe and healthy and alive, Luqman said. Worship of God can occur at home, which is what were encouraging.

Touch Nothing

At the start of May, Florida allowed houses of worship to reopen, and the First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs did so -- carefully.

Doug Pratt, the senior pastor, said the church sanctuary holds 1,300 people but now seats between 100 and 300 for their two Sunday services.

He said masks are encouraged. There is no choir, and no one can touch Bibles, psalm-books or church bulletins. The offering tray isnt even passed.

If people want to make a contribution, the offering plate is sitting at the door, Pratt said.
Australian women are suffering more job losses, worse anxiety and more-dire long-term financial prospects than men due to the economic shutdown caused by COVID-19.

Academics and advocates including Sex Discrimination commissioner, Kate Jenkins, say more women are likely to be pushed into poverty, which will extend into later life unless gender-specific solutions are included in the recovery.

A joint Melbourne University Policy Lab and La Trobe University study found April labour force figures showing greater job losses for women: it found 15.8 per cent had experienced job loss compared with 11 per cent of men.

The closure of Target, announced on Friday, will put between 1000 and 1300 more retail workers out of jobs. Credit:AAP

The Life During Lockdown study found women are less likely than men to be working at home with their hours and pay unchanged and are suffering from more sleep disturbance and greater fear about funding their retirement.
Two Toronto women are behind an idea to use ultraviolet light to sanitize groceries at the checkout counter and the duo already have interest from two major grocery chains in Ontario.

Alyssa Mincer said she thought of the idea six weeks ago when she was wiping down groceries for her sister, who was pregnant and has since given birth.

We were very concerned about her having her baby during COVID, said Mincer. And as a family we decided to implement a set of rules that everybody would follow and everyone would work together to keep this newborn safe.

Part of this was wiping down groceries with Lysol wipes, which is very stressful and tedious, she said, and actually gave me a lot of anxiety because I didnt know if I was doing it right.

Mincer, 29, had read an ad for cleaning cellphones using UV light and she called her friend  and soon-to-be business partner  Dara Gallinger to float an idea using the same technology to inactivate the coronavirus on groceries.

At the point when Mincer called, Gallinger was considering her future options and thought she might make a move into private equity. When she heard Mincers idea, though, it sounded like the exact thing we should be doing now.

Within days, the two women had partnered with a small Cambridge company  Prescientx  which is developing UV machines to sanitize N95 masks so they can be reused instead of being thrown out after each use.

Evidence shows the type of light used in the machine, called UV-C, disrupts the ability of DNA and RNA in viruses  including COVID-19  to replicate, says Bill Anderson, a professor of chemical engineering at the University of Waterloo, which means the virus cant reproduce in the human body and cause harm.

A one-day pilot of the technology at the Summerhill Market in the Annex last week proved successful, although the machine, built as a prototype for sanitizing masks in a hospital setting and not for use in retail, cost between $40,000 and $50,000 and proved too big for the end of a checkout counter in the store.

Mincer and Gallinger are developing a much smaller, less powerful unit that can be integrated at the checkout counter. They say the machines will be ready to sell in 90 days, though they dont know the cost yet.

UV-C light can be harmful to humans and direct exposure can result in radiation burns like a sunburn. Because UV-C rearranges your DNA  which is one of the ways it stops the virus from replicating  it has the potential to generate cancer, said Anderson.

But, he said that loading groceries into a unit like the one used at Summerhill Market is safe as long as the user is wearing plastic gloves to block the ultraviolet rays.

The machine has been built in a way that prevents any leakage. Theres no harm for anyone around the machine, said Mincer.

Also, unlike the machine used in the pilot, the unit that Mincer and Gallinger are developing will not require anyone to put their hand inside the area where the UV-C light is because the conveyor belt will start outside of the contained area and feed the groceries through.

Although machines like the one tested by Mincer and Gallinger emit a bluish light, Anderson says the colour is a byproduct of how the lamps operate and UV-C cant be perceived by the human eye.

Gallinger said she and Mincer, who is a realtor, werent sure how interested people would be in using the technology, especially if they werent already wiping down their groceries with a disinfectant when they returned home.

But she says the response was overwhelmingly positive.

Even people who are not wiping down their groceries said they would use this service if it was presented in stores, said Gallinger, who, at 36, has already co-founded a business  Brodflour, a mill and bakery in Toronto  and sold it.

At the Summerhill Market, the machine was set up at the end of a checkout counter and groceries were placed on a conveyor belt in the unit and run under the UV light for 30 seconds. General manager Matthew Rogge said the unit generated a lot of positive interest.

Brad McMullen, company president of Summerhill Market, said the machine piloted was too big and powerful to be working in close quarters all day, but hes considering testing it out in an off-site facility where online orders are processed.

We think those who order online would also be more likely to have an interest in sanitized groceries, said McMullen in an email. We are very interested in the grocery store model they are working towards which will be right sized for a store of our size and with a more accessible in and out platform for packing.

The coronavirus has triggered interest in using ultraviolet light as a disinfectant.

New York Transit said on Friday that it was starting a pilot project using ultraviolet light lamps supplied by PURO Lighting to determine how efficient the technology is in killing COVID-19 on buses and trains and in stations.

And McGill Universitys Research Institute is testing a disinfectant robot, which it ordered from a Danish company near the start of the pandemic. UV-C light is known to kill microorganisms on surfaces and in the air, according to a press release from the institute, but this will be the first time the technology will be evaluated in Canada using an automated robot.

Anderson, who has been researching ultraviolet light for 30 years, has advised Prescientx as well as many other companies on the technology but he has no vested interest in the business.

He says that, in theory, UV-C should work the same way on the surfaces of boxes and packages of grocery store items that are being hit with a sufficient dose of the light as it does on other surfaces.

In research literature there hasnt been a bacteria or virus that hasnt been susceptible to UV-C, said Anderson.
Actor Amanda Bynes says her life is back on track and she is doing fine following her mental health treatment.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, the 34-year-old actor said that she spent the last two months in treatment, where she learned to deal with her social anxiety.

''Update: Getting my Bachelor's degree from FIDM ... Taking online classes, trying to get a 4.0 GPA Looking forward to starting my online store in the future #goals



''Spent the last two months in treatment. Worked on coping skills to help with my social anxiety that caused me to drop out of school months ago. Back on track and doing well! I'm now living in transitional living and doing therapy during the week," Bynes wrote alongside a latest photograph of herself.

About her relationship status, the actor said she was still engaged to Paul Michael.

Still engaged to the love of my life Paul Hope you're all staying safe.

Bynes first announced her engagement to Paul, whom she met at her former sober living home in late 2019, on Valentine's Day.

In March, the actor's lawyer had revealed that she was receiving ''mental health'' treatment and asked her fans not to ''speculate'' on her personal life while she focuses on ''getting better''.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
DANBURY - The citys industrial tax base would get a big boost with a $200 million power generation plant and technology campus planned by a New York-based energy company.

The proposed Lotus Danbury Technology Center, touted recently in Mayor Mark Boughons State-of-the City speech, would be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, the company CEO said in an interview on Friday.

The project has been proposed for a 23-acre site on the Ridgefield border just south of the Matrix Corporate Center. So far there are no blueprints for residents to review.

The concept is for a state-of-the-art technology and development center with advanced natural gas energy power generation, a low-energy-consumption data center, and a fuel cell assembly component, said Stefan Amraly, the CEO of Lotus Energy Group. This is a special project for us and I am very excited.

The power-generation component of the campus, which is likely to provoke questions about noise and air quality during the projects environmental review, should have no noticeable impact on neighboring residents, Amraly said.

The two power-generation engines themselves are relatively small, and burn gas highly efficiently, Amraly said, eliminating the need for smokestacks.

It is the same engine as you see on the bottom of a Boeing 767, and the machine is at the very top-of-the-line in terms of efficiency and low emissions, Amraly said. We have an emission-capturing system that is similar to running a natural gas stove, except it is six times more effective.

The gas-fired engines would be used to generate electricity only during peak usage periods, according to Amraly. He estimated to city officials during a preliminary presentation that the power plant would run no more than 25 times a year.

Boughton said the impact on the environment would be minimal.

This technology is quiet and is way below our own noise ordinance, he said.

Amraly stressed on Friday that the power plant component of the technology campus represents a small part of the overall investment in the property at 100 Saw Mill Road.

It is not a power plant per se - there is no smokestack and no exhaust, said Amraly, whose company has offices in England, Denmark, Egypt and Singapore. The capital investment in the site exceeds the value of the power generation.

The wooded property, which is already home to a bio-pharmaceutical company called BioDell, is zoned for light industrial use.

The building would be incorporated in the campus design.

Lotus has an agreement to buy the property from Mulvaney Properties, assuming the project receives approvals from the citys land use agencies.

They want to take over the entire property, property owner George Mulvaney said.

So far the city has not seen Lotus official plans for the site, said Sharon Calitro, Danburys planning director.

Boughton also said he had not seen blueprints.

They filed a notice several weeks ago saying they want to do an electrical generation piece, but I have not seen the actual site plan, Boughton said.

The proposal includes 30,000 square feet of space for computer data storage. Lotus already has a commitment from a telecommunications company to occupy half of that space, Amraly said.

The campus would also be home to fuel cell assembly center, Amraly said.

There are also plans to equip the site with solar panels to power charging stations for the centers electric vehicles.

We hope to be fully completed in 2018, Amraly said. We hope to be through the land use approvals and begin site work in the spring.

rryser@newstimes.com; 203-731-3342
In other parts of the country, there are reasons to feel more certain: decreasing death tolls, fewer people testing positive for the novel coronavirus, and businesses that have been allowed to carefully reopen. But the District and its suburbs have yet to catch up. The city, Maryland and Virginia lead the country in the percentage of positive test results for the virus, White House coronavirus task force leader Deborah Birx said in a news conference Friday. The jurisdictions also lag behind other areas in a decline in infections, Birx said. While governors in Maryland and Virginia have begun gradual reopenings, restrictions remain tight in the Washington suburbs, as they do in Richmond and Baltimore.
When the COVID-19 threat hit in March, most Americans didn't have much of a choice about their new work-from-home existence. But now that a majority of the workforce have settled into their new routines, it may be hard for many to snap back to the daily commute and the office grind again.

And the numbers spell it out  remote workingwell, works. A survey found remote workers actually logged almost 60 more hours of core work per year than those in an office. And remote workers saved anywhere from 2 to 5.5 hours a day without commuting and time-consuming in-person meetings.

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India saw the biggest spike in COVID-19 cases for the third consecutive day on Sunday with 6,767 new infections reported in the last 24 hours taking the nationwide tally to 1,31,868, while the death toll due to the disease rose to 3,867 with 147 more fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry.

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, after visiting the dedicated COVID-19 health centre (DCHC) at Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan (CBPACS) in Najafgarh, said the country has ramped up its testing capacity and around 1,50,000 tests can be conducted every day.

"Yesterday itself, we have conducted 1,10,397 tests. Till yesterday, we have conducted 29,44,874 tests," he said, adding that India now has 422 government laboratories and 177 private laboratory chains to conduct COVID-19 tests.

In an online interaction with BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao, the health minister said India felt a "big jolt" with the sudden spike in cases following the Markaz incident in Delhi's Nizamuddin area.

Vardhan said the incident was a lesson for all communities that when a collective decision is taken by the country, it must be followed with discipline.

At the same time, he said there was no point talking about it now as strict contact tracing of Tablighi Jamaat congregation participants was done and those who contracted coronavirus have been treated.

Meanwhile, the health ministry also issued a separate guideline for domestic travel and international arrivals.

In the guidelines for domestic travel, the ministry advised passengers to download the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile phones and asked states to ensure thermal screening at the departure point of airports, railway stations and bus terminals.

Asymptomatic passengers should be permitted to travel after being asked to self-monitor for 14 days, it said.

Dos and Don'ts shall be provided along with tickets to travellers by agencies concerned, said the ministry's guidelines for domestic travel (air/train/inter-state bus travel).

The guidelines come after the Indian Railways last week issued a list of 100 pairs of trains that it will operate from June 1, putting in operation popular trains such as Durontos, Sampark Krantis, Jan Shatabdis and Poorva Express.

Also, after a two-month hiatus, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has announced the resumption of domestic flights from May 25. He also said that India will try to restart a good percentage of international passenger flights before August.

The Health Ministry also issued guidelines for international arrivals, saying that before boarding, all travellers shall give an undertaking that they would undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days.

All scheduled commercial passenger flights have been suspended in India since March 25. While domestic flights will resume from Monday, international flights remain suspended.

Before boarding, all travellers shall give an undertaking that they would undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days -- seven days' paid institutional quarantine at their own cost, followed by seven days isolation at home with self-monitoring of health, the guidelines said.

Only for exceptional and compelling reasons such as cases of human distress, pregnancy, death in the family, serious illness and parent(s) accompanied by children below 10 years, as assessed by the receiving states, home quarantine may be permitted for 14 days, it stated, adding the use of Aarogya Setu app shall be mandatory in such cases.

Vardhan, during his interaction with Rao, hailed the lockdown imposition as a bold decision which acted as a "potent social vaccine" against the virus and said it was taken at the right time.

Many developed countries of the world put a lot of thought into making this decision and decided to impose lockdown when the situation went out of control, he said.

In his remarks after visiting the COVID-dedicated facility, Vardhan said, "A total of 968 dedicated COVID hospitals have been identified across the country with 2,50,397 beds (1,62,237 Isolation beds plus 20,468 ICU beds); 2,065 Dedicated COVID Health Centres with 1,76,946 beds (1,20,596 isolation beds plus 10,691 ICU beds); and, 7,063 COVID Care Centres with 6,46,438 beds."

About the status of containment of COVID-19 in the country, Vardhan said, "Prior to lockdown, on March 25, the doubling rate was 3.2 when measured over a period of three days, three when measured over a period of seven days and 4.1 when measured over a period of 14 days."

"Today, it stands at 13 over a three-day window, 13.1 over a seven-day window and 12.7 when measured over a 14-day window. The fatality rate stands at 2.9 per cent, while the recovery rate has improved to 41.2 per cent. Clearly the situation has improved due to lockdown," he asserted.

Meanwhile, the number of active COVID-19 cases in the country stood at 73,560. While 54,440 people have recovered, one patient has migrated to another country, the health ministry stated in its bulletin.

"Thus, around 41.28 per cent patients have recovered so far," a Health Ministry official said.

Of the 147 deaths reported since Saturday morning, 60 were in Maharashtra, 27 in Gujarat, 23 in Delhi, nine in Madhya Pradesh, seven in Rajasthan, five in Tamil Nadu, four each in West Bengal and Telangana, three in Uttar Pradesh, and one each in Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand.
Jinja : , May 24 (IANS) Indian Association in Uganda, with help of the Indian Military training team, set up a military war game centre in Jinja district. On Sunday, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni inaugurated the war game centre conceptualised by Indian military team for Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF).

While commissioning the wargame centre at the Uganda Senior Command and Staff College in Kimaka in Jinja District, the the President said, "This centre is also a great gesture of the wider cooperation and support we enjoy with the government and the people of India." He also hailed the relationship between the UPDF and the Indian army which he said has a lot of knowledge, experience and heroism.

"Our relationship with India has existed for centuries. We were colonised together by a small group of people who came from Europe, but when we all woke up, and the small groups ran away. During that time, we fought together first against the Japanese in Burma. The heroic Indians are the ones who stopped the westward expansion of Japan at the famous battle of Kohima," he said.

The war game centre is named 'INDIA' and is a type of strategy game that simulates warfare realistically, as opposed to abstract strategy games such as chess.

Brigadier Ranjit Singh, Head of the Indian military team said that it is a fitting token of gratitude from the Indian community of Uganda for the UPDF, which has been the stabilising force in Uganda and the region for over three decades.

The war game centre, constructed with an amount of over 1 billion Ugandan Shillings ($265,000), has been funded by voluntary contributions from Ugandans of Indian origin.

Lieutenant General Andrew Gutti, Commandant of Senior Command and Staff College, where the Wargame Centre has been constructed, highlighted that the Indian Military Training Team has been a trusted partner of UPDF over many years.

He said that the landmark training aid will help make the UPDF Senior Command and Staff College a centre of excellence in the entire region and it will remain a lasting symbol of the special bond that Indians in Uganda share with UPDF and India shares with Uganda.
Patricia Ripley, a mother from Florida was indicted for her child's murder. She told the police that Alejandro, her son, a nonverbal nine-year-old with autism was kidnaped from Home Depot's parking in Miami.

Reports said, Ripley was taken late Friday night into custody, and indicted with "first-degree murder and premeditated murder" for her son's death. The nonverbal boy was found lifeless Friday morning, several hours after the "Amber Alert," and launching an intensive search for him.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, they are very sad to announce that "the child was found dead."

Katherine Fernandez Rundle, the Miami-Dade State Attorney said, police were able to obtain a video,showing Ripley pushing the nine-year-old into a canal Thursday night, at around 7:30 p.m.

Screaming Heard

Based on the police report, after residents heard screaming, they found the boy and eventually, rescued him. About an hour after, Ripley headed to a different canal, and unfortunately this time, she said, no one was there to save him.

The state attorney also shared the death of the nine-year-old boy, as a tragic loss of life, not to mention, "Loss of any young life," has left all of them grieving. The senseless death of the boy, she added, "will stay with all of us."

Ripley's defense was that she told the investigating police, that they were followed and ambushed on Thursday evening, at a parking lot of Home Depot, by two men riding a vehicle who, she claimed, demanded drugs.

In a statement, police indicated that the driver of an unidentified vehicle tried to "side-swipe her vehicle," then, it reportedly blocked her while "a male passenger ambushed her, and demanded drugs."

According to Ripley, she explained to the men that she did not have any drugs. After that, she said, the men stole her mobile phone and kidnapped her son.

The surveillance video, according to Fernandez Rundle, showed the parking lot with Ripley sitting in her car for around 15 minutes before the alleged kidnapping was reported.

Meanwhile, according to the Miami-Dade police, the boy's body was discovered around four miles from where Alejandro was allegedly abducted.

Mother's Lie about the Kidnapping

Fernandez Rundle also said Ripley lied about her son's abduction. She added detectives found a video that showed her pushing Alejandro into a canal, specifically at "103rd Avenue and Kendall Drive."

As earlier mentioned, Fernandez Rundle also said, according to witnesses, they were able to rescue the boy the first time.

However, the next crime scene was shown at a different canal, this time, located at the Southwest 62nd Street and 13th Court.

When Ripley appeared in court in Miami-Dade, reports said, Aldo Ripley, Alejandro's father, was also there and seen in tears.

Meanwhile, Antoinette Uribe, who said she knew the Ripley family since her son and Alejandro "were both patients at the My Kid Therapy Center," located in Country Walk. Uribe described the boy as "the world to his parents."

While the case is still being investigated, Uribe, and others who were at the memorial, reports said, were convinced that the two men the Ripley was referring to in her statement, were the ones who abducted and killed Alejandro.

Check these out!
President Muhammadu Buhari Sunday celebrated the eid-el-fitri with his family in Abuja.

The celebration of the Islamic festival was low key across Nigeria due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Large gatherings have been banned in most parts of the country to check the spread of the virus.

See the photos of the president and his family below.

President @MBuhari and his immediate family observe the #EidAlFitr Prayer at the State House. [PHOTO CREDIT: @MBuhari]

President @MBuhari and his immediate family observe the #EidAlFitr Prayer at the State House.

President Muhammadu Buhari and his family celebrating Eid-Al-Fitr.

President Muhammadu Buhari and his family celebrating Eid-Al-Fitr.
(Natural News) A new paper out of Australia takes a closer look at the possible origins of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), revealing that it more than likely is an unnatural consequence of deliberate manipulation and not some random fluke.

SARS-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as it is also being called, has been under increasing scrutiny in recent days as scientists try to determine how it might have passed from exotic animals to humans. This type of thing simply does not happen with coronaviruses apart from some kind of tampering, the world is learning.

In order to get to the bottom of it, laboratories could undertake the lengthy task of dissecting the virus using traditional methods. But this would take an incredible amount of time, and many are demanding answers now.

This is where the new research paper from down under comes into play, as scientists there utilized a powerful in silico method of modeling analysis to more rapidly determine what made the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) transfer from animals to humans.

Using an in silico  meaning the use of silicon computer chips for advanced simulation, the team  structural homology modeling approach to characterize the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, the team was able to determine that it has a high affinity for binding to the human ACE2 receptor.

The next step involved constructing models of the ACE2 receptors of relevant species in order to calculate the binding energy of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to each one of them. This revealed that the novel virus prefers human ACE2 receptors more than any others, including those found in bats.

This is an interesting find, seeing as how authorities, especially early on, were insistent that the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) originated in bats that were being sold as meat at so-called wet markets in Wuhan, China.

What this all revealed to the scientists involved is that SARS-CoV-2 somehow became highly adapted to human pathogens more than any other pathogens. And this suggests that the virus many not have originated naturally.

Overall, the data indicates that SARS-CoV-2 is uniquely adapted to infect humans, raising important questions as to whether it arose in nature by a rare chance event or whether its origins might lie elsewhere, they wrote in their abstract.

Listen below to The Health Ranger Report as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, offers a science-based explanation as to a much larger coronavirus depopulation agenda:

No, your dog is not going to give you coronavirus

The fact that these scientists found that the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) does not particularly like animals completely debunks the newest lie from the federal government that people should be afraid of their pets and force their furry family members to practice social distancing.

And it was not just this study that made that determination: Other related research has determined that ferrets, dogs, and other domesticated animals are not at risk of contracting and spreading the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) because it does not replicate well within their bodies.

Even so, it would appear as though we have a Chinese bioweapon on our hands for which continued digging will hopefully determine its true origins. Did the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) simply escape from a Chinese laboratory, or was it intentionally released? And will there be repercussions for the communist state?

Given the seriousness of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is imperative that all efforts be made to identify the original source of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the new paper concludes.

In particular, it will be important to establish whether COVID-19 is due to a completely natural chance occurrence where a presumed bat virus was transmitted to humans via an intermediate animal host or whether COVID-19 has alternative origins. This information will be of paramount importance to help prevent any similar human coronavirus outbreak in the future.

To keep up with the latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), be sure to check out Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

arXiv.org

BusinessInsider.com

NaturalNews.com
National Chief Imam, Dr. Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, on Saturday (May 23, 2020) took delivery of food items from African waste management leaders, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, as its usual corporate social responsibility towards the celebration of this years Eidul Fitr.

The company has a culture of supporting the Chief Imam with food items to in turn support the vulnerable in his community as they break their fast during the Sallah celebration in Accra.

Presenting the items, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Jospong Group of Companies which Zoomlion Ghana Limited is a subsidiary, Mrs. Sophia Lissah, disclosed that 10 cartons of oil and 30 bags of 25kgs of rice plus an undisclosed amount of money were donated to the Chief Imam.

She said the company cannot thank the Chief Imam enough for his sustained prayers and quest to ensuring a peaceful co-existence among the religions in the country.

Mrs. Lissah said the management and staff members have enjoyed a cordial relationship with the Chief Imam and the Muslim community over the years and wish to maintain that at all times.

Receiving the items, the National Chief Imam, Sheik Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, expressed gratitude to Zoomlion Ghana Limited and its owner, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, for the consistency in supporting him during festive seasons, and prayed for the almighty Allah to continue to bless and expand the Jospong companies to greater heights.

He urged the Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrants, especially the youth, to avoid crowds and unnecessary jubilation with motorbikes and other social vices as we are not in normal times.

He admonished them to regularly wash their hands under running water with soap, use alcohol-based hand sanitisers, observe social/physical distancing and wear nose masks as prescribed by the Ghana Health Services (GHS) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to ensure that they do not contract the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Later in an interview, the spokesman of the Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, said the Chief Imam will hold a virtual prayer on GBC tomorrow, Sunday 23rd May 2020 with a few government functionaries and Islamic leaders, and urged all Muslims to watch from their homes and participate in the prayers.

He appealed to all Muslims to ensure that they pray in their homes to help curb the spread of the virus, stressing we are no longer in normal times.


Memorial Day is a national holiday observed in the United States on the last Monday in May. It is the day when Americans honor the women and men who have served in the military.

The Memorial Day holiday was first observed in 1868. The holiday was called Decoration Day. The observance was at what was then known as the National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

It is now known as Arlington National Cemetery.

More than four million people visit the cemetery every year.

It is the most famous national burial place in the United States. It includes about 250 hectares of rolling hills, and trees that were planted hundreds of years ago. There are more than 8,000 trees of 300 species in the cemetery. Up and down the hills are lines of simple white headstones marking the graves. About 400 of the markers have gold letters on them. These are the burial places of those who have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the nations highest military honor.

Among those buried at the cemetery are military and political leaders, cabinet officers and Supreme Court justices. Astronauts, explorers and athletes are also buried there. So are chaplains, nurses, slaves and even war correspondents.

Arlington is on the land that once belonged to George Washington Parke Custis, a step-grandson of George Washington. The cemetery holds the graves of soldiers who died in every war in American history. Some who fought and died in the Revolutionary War in the 1700s were moved there from a nearby cemetery.

The first military burial was on May 13, 1864 for Private William Christman, who died in the Civil War. On May 15, 1864, two unknown Union Soldiers were buried at Arlington. They were the first of almost 5,000 unknowns who are now buried at the cemetery. On March 4, 1921, Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier from World War I. It is now the site of the famed Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Nearly 4,000 former slaves are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. One of them is James Parks. He dug the first graves in the cemetery. And he is the only person buried there who was also born on the property.

Two American presidents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. William Howard Taft was president in the early 1900s. John F. Kennedy was president in the 1960s. More people have visited his grave than any other in the United States.

Other famous people buried at the cemetery include Joe Louis. He was an Army sergeant in World War II. He was a world champion boxer. Robert E. Peary discovered the North Pole. Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee founded the Army Nurse Corps. And the remains of the seven astronauts who died when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded are buried in Section 46.

Sixty-five foreigners are also buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Britain has the most, with 26. South Vietnam has 10, including nine unknown soldiers.

Not everyone who gave military service to the United States may be buried at the cemetery. Those who can be buried there include anyone who died while serving on active duty or who retired from military. Also eligible are those who received high military awards, including the Medal of Honor, those who were injured in combat and former prisoners of war. Some federal government officials and the spouse and children of those buried at Arlington may also be eligible. There is no cost for the burial or funeral service.



Cemetery officials are worried that they will soon run out of space. So they have added an area where the ashes of people who chose to be cremated rather than buried can be placed. There are tens of thousands of spaces in the building, which is called a columbarium. The cemetery is also expanding by almost 11 hectares. This will add almost 30,000 burial places.

Since 1948, on the Thursday before Memorial Day, soldiers from the 3rd US Infantry, The Old Guard, have placed small American flags in front of every headstone in the cemetery. This year, more than a thousand Old Guard soldiers placed more than 220,000 flags in front of each grave marker to honor every individual buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Some of the Old Guard soldiers placed flags in front of the graves of soldiers they knew, in Section 60. Some have called it the saddest place in America. It is where some of the soldiers who died in Americas latest wars -- in Iraq and Afghanistan -- are buried.

Im Christopher Jones-Cruise.

Shelley Gollust and Christopher Jones-Cruise wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

species  n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants

eligible  adj. able to be chosen for something; able to do or receive something

columbarium  n. a building or area where urns holding a deceaseds cremated remains are placed

How does your country honor those who died in war? We want to hear about it. Write to us in the comments section.
A crisis unfolding in Senegal, the World Food Programme warns 130 million people are facing starvation because of the pandemic.

The World Food Programme says the coronavirus pandemic could push an additional 130 million people to the brink of starvation by the end of the year.

While the number of infections is multiplying in Senegal, the government is easing restriction on movement, fearing a looming food crisis.

Al Jazeeras Nicolas Haque reports from Sandiara in Senegals Thies region.
Following her huge success in hit TV drama Chernobyl, Jessie Buckley has little to be embarrassed about now  but the 30-year-old Irish actress cringes at one memory of her teenage years growing up in Co Kerry.

I was in the Gleneagle marching band, which was the social suicidal point in my life, Jessie recalls.

Every Sunday with my clarinet, which had some apparatus missing, I would march around car parks in Killarney with a band. Please laugh  it is incredibly laughable.

Jessie Buckley pictured attending the EE British Academy Film Awards 2020 at Royal Albert Hall on February 2, 2020, in London, England

The Irish actress playing Lyudmilla Ignatenko, the young wife of a firefighter who suffers from exposure to radiation, in the hit TV drama Chernobyl

David Walliams jokes that he wanted to write a childrens book about an evil music boss  but gave up when he realised his pal, fellow Britains Got Talent judge Simon Cowell, was a better villain than anything he could create.

Walliams says: I had an idea for a story where there was a boy band and one by one they were replaced by robots. There was an evil genius behind it based on Simon.

'He was turning them into robots as he himself had a metal heart and he did not have any feelings. But then I thought there is no point as it is all true.

Perhaps the next thing David could write is his own P45 from BGT...
Theyre currently self-isolating in a $18 million mansion in Beverly Hills but according to one royal commentator, Prince Harry and Meghan Markles exit from the royal family has been a nightmare that has spiraled out of control.

Jane Barr, who runs the From Berkshire to Buckingham blog claims Harry and Meghan had no interest in leaving the royal family.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle never wanted to leave the royal family, according to one commentator. Photo: Getty Images

Instead, she claims the Sussexes actually wanted to just change their place in the royal pecking order and run their own course in the family, however their plan didnt pan out as theyd hoped.

Meghan loved being royal. Royalty was an absolute jackpot. She never wanted to relinquish the ultimate A-lister status she had finally achieved, Jane wrote.

Meghan and Harry did not want out; they did not choose their current position. It has been a nightmare that has spiraled out of control for them.

From the moment the BRF (British royal family) balked at their initial January statement, to the showdown at Sandringham where they had to make their choice, to the humiliation of losing permission to use their HRHs (a veritable stripping of their status), to the loss of their brand name/trademarks, to the current catastrophe of trying to launch a new (profitable venture) in the midst of a global pandemic, they have had a wretchedly rocky road.

Back in January, Meghan and Harry shocked their fans when they released a statement detailing how they were stepping away from their roles as senior royals.

After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the royal family in March, after revealing they were stepping back from their roles as senior royals in January. Photo: Getty Images

We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.

It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.

Story continues

This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.

We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.

Over the following days it was alleged that the Queen had no idea they were about to make the statement public and was left heartbroken at the Sussexs decision to break free from The Firm.

The Sussexes are now living in LA. Photo: Getty Images

Crisis meetings were held at Buckingham Palace between Prince Harry, Prince William, Prince Charles and the Queen.

Eventually it was decided that the couple would no longer formally represent the Queen and they were required to withdraw from royal duties, including official military appointments.

The couple moved to Canada but just before coronavirus restrictions were imposed they upped sticks and decided to set up home in LA, with their one-year-old son, Archie.

Last month, it was claimed that Prince Harry is missing parts of his former life, especially the camaraderie that came with being part of the military.

Prince Harry was forced to relinquish his roles as Captain General Royal Marines, Honorary Air Commandant, RAF Honington and Commodore-in-Chief, Small Ships and Diving, Royal Naval Command.

According to The Telegraph, the 35-year-old is longing for the camaraderie of his days in the Army and thinks it may have helped him cope with all the changes that are occurring in his life.

He has been telling friends he still can't believe this has happened. He can't believe his life has been turned upside down, his friend said.

He was in a happy place when he was serving in the Army, then he met Meghan and since then life has been great. But I don't think he foresaw things turning out quite as they did.

Harrys friend went on to say that Harry doesnt blame Meghan for wanting to move back to her hometown of LA, but he feels that he might have been better protected if he was still in the Army.

Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.
Think your employee benefits are pretty generous? Your state may think overwise. Depending on your business location, you might be required to offer employees things like paid sick leave or PTO payouts. And if your state doesnt currently mandate certain benefits, they may in the future.

Why not start offering them now?

7 things to consider offering before your state tells you to

Determining employee compensation is arguably one of the trickiest things you do as an employer. You have to strike a balance between what workers want and what your business can afford. But as more states expand employee protections, you may not have much of a choice on what you offer your staff. Read on to get a jumpstart on state-mandated types of employee benefits.

Related: The Basics of Employee Benefits

1. A higher wage

You know about the federal minimum wage law. But how much do you know about your states minimum wage requirements? Only half of the states follow the federal minimum wage. The other half set a higher state minimum wage that employers must provide. So if your business is located in a state that follows the federal minimum wage, you might consider offering a higher wage to your employees. Plus, a higher wage looks pretty good when it comes to attracting and retaining employees, right?

When setting a higher-than-minimum wage, you cant just pull an arbitrary number out of a hat. More than likely, youll need to do a bit of research to make sure that youre offering a competitive wage. That way, you can avoid both underpaying and overpaying your employees.

2. Paid sick leave

Everyone gets sick. But, theres no federal law that requires employers to give paid sick leave to employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 44 percent of workers at businesses with fewer than 100 workers cant take a paid sick day when theyre under the weather.

Related: The Myriad Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace

However, a number of states have implemented state-mandated paid sick leave laws. And, that number seems to be growing. Currently, 11 states (plus Washington, D.C.) have laws requiring eligible employers to give employees time off for qualifying situations.

If your business is in a state with a paid sick leave law, you may have no choice but to offer paid sick leave.

But if you arent subject to paid sick leave laws, you can still choose to offer employees this great benefit  before your state potentially forces you to. By doing so, you can discourage employees from coming into work when theyre sick, protect other co-workers from catching a bug, and help boost productivity.

3. Paid family leave

Do you give your employees paid family leave? Not many employers do. In fact, only 18 percent of all private industry workers have access to paid family leave (PFL).

The states that require paid family leave treat it like unemployment insurance  employees, employers or both pay into a state fund that pays out benefits to employees when they take leave.

If your state doesnt have a PFL program, offering it to your employees could give you an edge as an employer of choice. You might consider enrolling in a paid family leave program on your own  before your state (or the federal government) passes a new law.

4. PTO payouts

If you willingly give your employees paid vacation days, your state may require you to give paid time off (PTO) payouts. PTO payouts require employers to pay employees for earned but unused time off either at the end of the year or when an employee leaves.

A number of states require employers to provide PTO payouts. And if yours doesnt, you might consider doing so of your own free will.

5. Paid jury duty leave

So, your employee has been served  with time on a jury. Do you give them paid time off while theyre fulfilling their civic duty?

Related: 5 Reasons Enhanced Benefits Programs Are Good for Business

If your business is located in one of the 10 states that have jury duty compensation laws, the answer is an emphatic yes. If not, you might consider broadening your employee benefits by offering paid jury duty leave. When giving employees paid time off to attend jury duty, think about what time youll actually pay for.

You might give partial wages, especially if your state compensates people serving on jury duty. Or, you may give paid jury duty leave for a set period of time.

6. Voting leave

Some states require employers to provide paid voting leave while others mandate unpaid leave. All in all, 30 states require time off to vote. Most states designate how long employees get off to vote, too (e.g., two hours).

Dont live in a state with voting leave laws? Consider making the executive decision and offering time to your employees anyway. Or, if your business is in a state with unpaid voting leave laws, you might offer paid time to your employees instead.

Whether you voluntarily decide to offer paid or unpaid voting leave, your employees will thank you for it. It can help them fulfill their civic responsibilities ... without having to wait in line for an hour after work.

7. Time off for any reason

Only one state requires employers to give time off for any reason, and that state is Maine. Plus, Maines bill, An Act Authorizing Earned Employee Leave, wont take effect until January 2021.

If Maines paid time off for any reason law is anything like paid sick leave and family leave laws, other states may start implementing similar requirements.

Again, this is all just something to mull over. But you absolutely need to know your states laws and whether they affect you. Only then can you consider voluntarily offering non-mandated benefits  before your state forces you to.

Related:

7 Things to Consider Offering Employees Before Your State Forces You To

How Preparation and Role-Playing Can Help You Become a Brilliant Communicator

The Role Model Mindset: Being a Great Entrepreneur Is About Showing Others What's Possible



Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
A COVID-19 outbreak at a Vancouver food processing facility has puts Clark County Public Healths request for a Phase 2 variance from Washington state on hold.

As of Saturday, 47 employees at Firestone Pacific Foods have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to company CEO Josh Hinerfeld.

This appears to be the Portland areas biggest workplace outbreak thus far, excluding the healthcare sector.

As our community moves forward, whether next week or in the weeks that follow, we may unfortunately see more positive cases," Clark County Council Chair Eileen Quiring said in a news release.

Hinerfeld said the company with 161 employees and 18 temporary workers and contractors had its first confirmed case midday Sunday, May 17, and learned of two more later that afternoon.

The Vancouver plant shut down Monday but the infection total has now grown to 47, with 26 new cases confirmed on Friday, according to public health authorities.

One of the infected employees has been hospitalized.

The Vancouver Clinic shifted from its normal operations and on Friday started testing Firestones remaining workforce, and to retest some of those who previously tested negative.

Clark Countys public health department said late Friday that it is tracking the Firestone outbreak and working to trace the contacts of infected employees.

Everyone who tests positive is instructed to isolate at home and close contacts will be asked to quarantine for 14 days, according to a Clark County news release.

Clark Countys public health department spokeswoman Marissa Armstrong said it is collaborating with the company to implement additional controls to prevent infections whenever the facility reopens.

Those controls include things like installing barriers between work stations, installing more hand-washing stations, staggering work shifts and lunch/break schedules, she wrote in an email.

Hinerfeld said the company took steps to protect employees before the outbreak, including social distancing, temperature checks, providing masks to employees and offering expanded sick leave.

Food processing facilities have emerged as a major source of infection across the country, apparently because employees work indoors and are often in close proximity to one another. There have been at least two such workplace outbreaks in Oregon  in Astoria and Albany.

Despite the concentration of coronavirus outbreaks among workers at fruit, vegetable, seafood and meat processing facilities, health authorities say they havent seen evidence the coronavirus can be spread through food.

The World Health Organization says it is highly unlikely people would become infected by the virus through food because COVID-19 is a respiratory illness.

As businesses in Oregon and Washington reopen amid a gradual loosening of coronavirus restrictions, Hinerfeld said his companys experience should serve as a cautionary tale.

We thought we had a pretty good plan in place and boy, it bit us in the rear end, he said. This genie is not back in the bottle.

This article has been updated with additional cases confirmed.

 Mike Rogoway with updates by Janet Eastman

mrogoway@oregonian.com | @rogoway

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories
Prince William and Kate Middleton might opt out of sending Princess Charlotte back to school in June so they can keep up her coronavirus lockdown routine with brother Prince George at home.

Charlotte, five, is currently in reception year at Thomass school in Battersea, London, while George, six, is in Year Two.

Under the latest Government guidelines - which the 19,000-a-year school is expected to follow - Reception, Year One and Year Six classes are to reopen from June 1, meaning Charlotte could return but George must remain at home.

A final decision on whether the school will reopen will be announced this week, The Sunday Times reported.

Prince William and Kate might opt out of sending Princess Charlotte, five, back to school in June. Right: Charlotte helping to pack up and deliver food packages

The royal couple previously said it had been 'challenging' to teach their three children - who they said had 'got such stamina'. Pictured: The family clapping for NHS carers in April

The royal couple, who have been staying at their Norfolk home, Amner Hall, during the crisis, previously said it had been 'challenging' to teach their children at home - joking that they have 'got such stamina'.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Breakfast in April, Kate, 38, said of homeschooling: 'Don't tell the children, we've actually kept it going through the [Easter] holidays. I feel very mean.

'The children have got such stamina, I don't know how. Honestly, you get to the end of the day and you write down the list of all the things that you've done in that day.'

She added: 'It's just having that bit of structure actually. And it's great, there's so many great tips online and fun activities that you can do with the children, so it hasn't been all hardcore.'

Speaking in an interview with BBC Breakfast in April, Kate said of home schooling: 'Don't tell the children, we've actually kept it going through the holidays. I feel very mean.' Pictured: George and Charlotte playing together in 2018

Ballet and a rooftop playground... what George and Charlotte are missing at Thomas's Battersea Thomas's London Day Schools is a group of independent, co-educational preparatory schools in Battersea, Clapham, Fulham and Kensington. It was founded in 1971 when actress Joanna Thomas, a mother of three, started a kindergarten in a church hall. Thomas's Battersea branch opened in October 1990, and the school has 540 pupils between the ages of four and 13. Thomas's Battersea branch (pictured) opened in October 1990, and the school has 540 pupils between the ages of four and 13 It occupies a Grade II listed building - which was once a grammar school founded in 1700 - where facilities include a rooftop playground, theatre, ballet and pottery rooms. The most important school rule is to be kind, while other core values include courtesy, confidence and humility. Former pupils include singer Florence Welch (of Florence & The Machine), model Cara Delevingne and her sisters, Poppy and Chloe. Advertisement

Earlier this month, Kate joked that Prince George was 'jealous' of his five-year-old sister's homework and 'would rather make spider sandwiches'. Pictured: Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Prince George applaud NHS workers

Earlier this month, Kate joked that Prince George was 'jealous' of his five-year-old sister's homework and 'would rather make spider sandwiches'.

Appearing on ITV's This Morning, the mother-of-three said: 'George gets very upset because he just wants to do all of Charlotte's projects. Spider sandwiches are far cooler than literacy work.'

The Duchess also previously talked about how she and Prince William, 37, had kept a strict regime while homeschooling their children George, Charlotte and Prince Louis, two.

Speaking on the BBC last month, the couple said it was important to avoid scaring their children and making it 'too overwhelming', but added that home schooling was 'fun' and the children had been pitching tents, cooking and baking.

Kate, who sported a chic striped T-shirt as she sat next to her husband at their Norfolk home said: 'You pitch a tent take the tent down again, cook, bake.

Appearing on ITV's This Morning, the mother-of-three (pictured) said: 'George gets very upset because he just wants to do all of Charlotte's projects. Spider sandwiches are far cooler than literacy work.'

'You get to the end of the day - they have had a lovely time - but it is amazing how much you can cram into one day, that's for sure.'

The government's decision to send children back to school has been met with criticism from trade unions, ministers and local authorities over whether is is safe to do so.

Hartlepool in County Durham and Liverpool said they would ignore the Government's plan to let some primary school pupils back to the school from June 1.

Concerns have been echoed by The British Medical Association who warned the number of coronavirus cases was still too high to open schools safely.

Speaking on the BBC last month, Prince William and Kate (pictured in March) said it was important to avoid scaring their children and making it 'too overwhelming', but added that home schooling was 'fun' and the children had been pitching tents, cooking and baking

Thomas's school in Battersea is housed in a Grade II listed building, the former Sir Walter St John's Grammar School which dates back to 1700.

The school, which describes itself as Christian, open to children of all faiths, believes in 'praise as the greatest motivator'.

Parents are told their children will be in an atmosphere which seeks positive relationships between pupils, teachers and parents.

Art, ballet, drama, ICT, French, music and physical education are all taught by specialist teachers from a child's first day.
Of all the challenges you may experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps one of the most arduous is that of being a caregiver. The pandemic is adding another layer of stress to your daily responsibilities.

During our last support group meeting, we discussed the difficulties our members are facing with the additional changes they are encountering.

Some of our members, with loved ones at home, are finding it taxing to keep their loved ones occupied. Its stressful when you cant or are uncomfortable going out to a restaurant, unable to interact with friends, wearing a mask when you run errands, or attempting to discuss the reasons for social distancing. Its even harder trying to explain why family and friends are no longer able to come into the home to visit.

Members with a loved one in a nursing facility have an additional layer of separation as they are not allowed to visit face-to-face with their family member. This can be very confusing to their loved one and adds additional guilt to the Caregiver when they are unable to visit as often as they were accustomed. In some cases, families are able to connect with their loved one via internet options, if they can find a health care employee to assist, or perhaps just get an update from the nursing home on a periodic basis.

Its extremely important that you, as a caregiver, make time to care for yourself, especially during these unsettling times. Joan M. Gillis, senior clinical team manager at McLean (Belmont, MA) Hospitals Geriatric Psychiatry Inpatient Services stresses that compassion fatigue occurs when a caregiver is continually stressed from caring for someone in need.

You emotionally disengage which reduces your ability to provide care, Gillis said. You lose the ability to be empathic.

"Self-care is not selfish. It keeps you mentally alert, physically healthy and emotionally strong. You need stamina in the caregiving role. Your poor physical and/or emotional health will most certainly impact your loved one. You need to take time out to recharge and refocus yourself. It is NOT a luxury. It is a basic and essential human need.

Sometimes all you need is to have someone else give you permission to take care of yourself FIRST. Please take these words to heart and concentrate on taking care of yourself before you take care of your loved one. It will make all the difference in your caregiving world!

Join us

We normally hold a monthly Alzheimers Caregivers Support Group meeting at Kentucky Ridge Assisted Living in Mason City. Kentucky Ridge has been on lockdown since early March due to the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, with the help of the Iowa Alzheimers Association, we were able to offer an online meeting, which was attended by several of our members. It was a great way to reconnect and get brought up to speed on the challenges and successes of how our caregivers are handling the issues they are facing whether their loved ones are at home with them or residing in a nursing facility.

Walk to End Alzheimer's

We are planning on joining the 2020 Mason City Walk to End Alzheimers on Saturday, Oct. 3. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this walk is the worlds largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimers care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. Please contact us if you are interested in joining our team, would like to have a team of your own, or if you would be interested in being a Community Sponsor for the Walk.

Final note

Finally, if you are reading this and know a caregiver who is struggling, you may be wondering what you can do to help. First of all, simply recognizing a caregivers situation can go a long way. Is there something you could do to help lighten their load? Perhaps you could offer to pick up a few things when youre running errands, bring over a home-cooked meal or take-out from their favorite restaurant, have a conversation on the phone or outdoors while practicing social distancing. Just be the friend you would want to have. You can make a profound difference in a caregivers day.

You may also contact the Iowa Alzheimer's Association 24/7 at 800-272-3000 or https://alz.org/iowa for additional information and assistance on anything related to Alzheimers.

Please visit and LIKE our Facebook page at Alzheimers Caregivers Support Group-Mason City and email us at alzsupgroupmc@outlook.com with any questions or concerns.

Michael and Constance Wentworth of Mason City are Alzheimers support group facilitators. Their periodic columns will highlight specific real-life questions or concerns addressed at one of their support group meetings. For more information, see their page on Facebook, Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group Mason City. You can also email them at alzsupgroupmc@outlook.com or call 641-201-1797 and leave a message.

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New Delhi, May 23 (IANS) Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan along with other senior officials of the Health Ministry on Saturday interacted with representatives of 11 municipal areas from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan which have reported a high number of COVID-19 cases.

These areas alone account for 70% of India's active case-load.

A presentation was made to highlight the trend in case trajectory with respect to total confirmed cases, the fatality rate, doubling time, tests per million and confirmation percentage.

The major challenge lies in those corporations having shorter doubling time, higher mortality rate and a higher confirmation rate than the national average.

They were briefed about the factors to be considered while mapping the containment and buffer zones; the activities mandated in containment zones such as perimeter control, active search for cases through house-to-house surveillance, contact tracing, testing protocol and clinical management of 'active' cases.

Surveillance activities in the buffer zone such as monitoring of SARI/ILI cases, ensuring social distancing and promoting hand hygiene were also stressed doing the interaction.

Key officials from the Health Ministry told the representatives of the municipal corporations to maintain high vigilance and monitoring in areas of old cities, urban slums and other high-density pockets along with camps or clusters of migrant workers.

Sudan's team told the affected corporations that screening of high-risk population and groups and effective and sturdy clinical management of the admitted cases are necessary to reduce the fatality rate.

The ministry team also said that out of those 11 corporations, which are yet to create a 24/7 control room, must do it on priority.

Testing needs to be stepped up, Sudan's team told the corporations, which can help in early detection of COVID-19 cases, timely clinical management and a reduction in fatality rate.

Also highlighted were better coordination and the use of local languages.

Some good examples were also shared: Mumbai Municipal Commissioner briefed about establishing close cooperation between private hospitals and municipal authorities for pooling in the health infrastructure such as the ICU and oxygen beds. The authorities in Indore focused on contact tracing and active house-to-house surveys.

--IANS

abn/sfm/prs
Cashiers at a grocery store sanitize a card reader and the checkout area, Thursday, March 26, 2020, in Quincy, Mass., as an extra precaution out of concern about the spread of the coronavirus. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Read more

By the end of April, employees at a Walmart in Quincy, Massachusetts, were panicking: Sick colleagues kept showing up at work. Other employees disappeared without explanation. The store's longtime greeter was in the hospital and on a ventilator, dying from covid-19.

Local health officials grew alarmed as employees and their relatives reported sick co-workers. Shoppers called to complain about crowded conditions.

"We have had consistent problems with Walmart," wrote Ruth Jones, Quincy's health commissioner, in an April 28 email to the Massachusetts attorney general's office. "They have a cluster of Covid cases among employees and have not been cooperative in giving us contact information or in following proper quarantine and isolation guidelines."

The next day, at another Walmart in Worcester, Massachusetts, a local public health director ordered a shutdown after obtaining an internal company list showing nearly two dozen employees had tested positive.

Health officials in the two cities pressed the nation's largest grocer to test all of its employees at the two stores for coronavirus. The screenings, which began within days in the store parking lots, helped confirm a wider problem: 119 of the workers were infected, according to health officials.

Despite the pandemic, grocery stores generally are not required to publicly disclose cases of coronavirus involving employees or report them to the local health departments. As states now move to reopen, many grocers are being criticized by health officials, lawmakers and store employees for not being more open with the public and their own workers about outbreaks within their stores.

The Washington Post interviewed about 40 current and former employees at more than 30 supermarkets who alleged that the companies had not disclosed cases of infected or dead workers, retaliated against employees who raised safety concerns and used faulty equipment to implement coronavirus mitigation measures.

The $800 billion grocery industry - dominated by a handful of major players, including Walmart, Kroger and Albertsons - employs more than three million people in what are typically low-paying positions with little job security.

Amid the pandemic, the country's nearly 40,000 grocery stores have been classified by officials as essential businesses that must remain open, putting the stores at the front lines of the crisis. Grocery stores, one place most consumers cannot avoid during the pandemic, have reported double-digit growth in sales in recent months.

At least 100 grocery workers nationwide have died from the virus since late March, and at least 5,500 others have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a Post review of data from the nation's largest grocery workers union, other workers' rights coalitions and media reports.

Many local health officials told The Post they have been left in the dark as clusters of cases have emerged in supermarkets coast to coast.

"We really need to have better communication. There's got to be something moving forward ... that changes the current process," said Karyn Clark, Worcester's public health director. Clark said a nurse had to call the local Walmart several times before the company shared its internal list of infected employees.

In interviews, supermarket chains defended their efforts to protect workers and the public, saying they have required masks for employees, encouraged social distancing and rewarded workers with hazard pay and bonuses. Some grocers said they have collaborated with health departments across the country to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

"Our associates are playing a critical role in helping people have access to fresh food, medicine and critical supplies during this crisis, and their safety is our highest priority," said Lorenzo Lopez, a Walmart spokesman. "In areas experiencing community-wide outbreaks like Quincy and Worcester, our associates also felt the impact as members of those communities. We work closely with public health and medical experts and follow their guidance in implementing safety and health measures for our associates and customers."

Supermarket chains said they are being transparent about outbreaks while protecting the privacy of affected workers, which is governed by a patchwork of laws and regulatory measures.

All of the grocers contacted by The Post - Walmart, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods Market, Target, Kroger, BJ's Wholesale Club and Lidl - declined to provide the number of workers who tested positive for the coronavirus or died from it. Combined, those employers account for roughly 11,300 stores and 2.4 million employees nationwide.

United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 900,000 workers at major chains, including Kroger, Safeway and Giant, has called on the companies to be more forthcoming to protect workers and customers in an industry that has remained a lifeline for households after states shut down most nonessential businesses for the pandemic.

Over the past five weeks, the union said the number of its grocery workers who have been infected or exposed to the virus jumped from 1,557 to 10,453.

"While some companies are doing the right thing and keeping shoppers and employees informed, there are still some keeping consumers in the dark and trying to sweep this information under the rug," union president Marc Perrone said.

Many grocery workers told The Post that despite social distancing measures, they often share break rooms, bathrooms and devices for clocking in and out of their shifts. One sick employee, public health experts said, can potentially expose hundreds of colleagues and shoppers each day.

Local government health officials, whose job is to track and notify the public of disease outbreaks, said they have been hamstrung by many supermarkets responding slowly to their pleas for information about employees who are infected with the coronavirus or may have been exposed to it.

In Quincy, the health department first contacted the local Walmart on April 11 to inform the store of an employee it learned had tested positive for the coronavirus. Jones, the health director, said they asked the company repeatedly for the names and contact information for employees who worked closely with the infected employee so they could identify and inform other workers who may have been exposed.

In the meantime, the health department kept learning of new cases among store employees and the number of potentially exposed employees mushroomed.

After receiving no information for nearly two weeks, Jones escalated her request to the Walmart corporate office.

Finally, on April 28, Walmart provided contact information for employees at the Quincy store who had been exposed to the virus, Jones said. Five days later, 69-year-old Yok Yen Lee, the greeter at the store, died from covid-19, her family said.

Under pressure from the health department, Walmart then closed the store for a week, cleaned it and offered testing to every worker. In all, 34 employees at that location tested positive. In Worcester, more than 80 employees were infected, health officials said.

Troubled by Walmart's response in Quincy and Worcester, lawmakers sent a letter on May 7 to Doug McMillon, the company's president and chief executive.

"Across the country, more than 20 Walmart employees have died from COVID-19, and employees have had to take the critical work of contact tracing into their own hands to try and remain safe," the delegation, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., wrote in the letter.

In a May 19 response to lawmakers, Bruce C. Harris, a Walmart vice president of federal government affairs, wrote that managers are required to meet with associates to let them know about each positive case, and that they are monitoring the number of employees taking leave.

"We are managing thousands of different, and sometimes conflicting, emergency orders and directives," Harris wrote.

In Los Angeles, a Ralph's supermarket employee, Jackie Mayoral, said managers instructed workers not to talk about sick colleagues around customers and that managers also refused to disclose how many employees were infected. It was only through the union that Mayoral learned more than 20 of her colleagues at the supermarket, owned by Kroger, had tested positive for the virus.

"Me and my co-workers are a family, and we should be able to talk about the things that are going to be able to affect us and possibly kill us," said Mayoral, who was diagnosed with covid-19 in April and believes she contracted the virus at the supermarket, the only place she regularly visits outside of her home. She has since recovered.

Asked about the directives to avoid speaking about cases, Kristal Howard, a Kroger spokeswoman, said the company's guidance "is always to communicate with integrity - openly and transparently - while protecting the privacy of any affected associate."

Employment attorneys said companies must balance protecting employee privacy with keeping workplaces safe.

"We're dealing with overlapping laws, gaps in laws and differing guidance from different levels of government," said Kirk Nahra, an attorney at the law firm WilmerHale who specializes in privacy, data and health-care issues. "Companies are not supposed to disclose your name, but can they tell other employees in the meat department that someone who worked there Tuesday tested positive? Sure."

Industry experts said the pandemic has left some supermarket chains struggling with what information should be shared with regulators or the public about sick and exposed employees.

Grocery companies are facing unprecedented challenges when an employee falls ill or dies, according to Hilary Thesmar, chief food and product safety officer for the Food Marketing Institute, a trade group for grocery stores and wholesalers.

"Companies are having to weigh a lot of factors: When did the employee test positive? When were they last at work?" she said.

But Oscar Alleyne, chief of programs and services at the National Association of County and City Health Officials, said that retailers need to be more transparent with public health officials in order to protect these high-risk essential workers and the public.

"You're only as good as the data you have," Alleyne said.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which oversees workplace safety, issued guidance in April that coronavirus cases were reportable to the agency under certain circumstances. But the agency said it generally wouldn't enforce the rules except for employers in the health-care industry, emergency response organizations and correctional institutions.

New workplace safety guidance from OSHA that goes into effect Tuesday asks most industries to report coronavirus cases that meet certain criteria. But employment experts say it's murky and allows employers to decide whether the cases are work-related.

In the absence of data, UFCW has compiled daily reports on infected employees from its local chapters. Employees at chains, including Walmart and Whole Foods, have started their own grassroots efforts to tally illnesses and deaths at their stores, using social media and published reports to confirm tips. (Jeff Bezos, the chief executive of Amazon, which owns Whole Foods, owns The Washington Post.)

During the outbreak, Whole Foods, which has about 500 stores in the United States, began sending voice mail and text messages to employees to notify them of coronavirus cases in their stores. But some officials are pushing for more disclosure. On May 11, attorneys general from 12 states and the District of Columbia wrote to Whole Foods and Amazon, admonishing the companies for failing to alert health officials and the public about infections and deaths of their workers.

The attorneys general said they learned from media reports of multiple infections among workers at a Whole Foods in the District and of two employee deaths in Portland, Oregon, and Swampscott, Massachusetts.

By not sharing a breakdown of coronavirus cases, the retailers may be breaching consumer protection laws, which "require businesses to provide truthful information and disclose material information to consumers," the letter said.

Whole Foods has not responded to the letter, but a company spokeswoman said the chain is balancing the essential services it provides with ensuring the "health, safety and privacy" of their workers.

Grocery chains have publicly touted face masks, social distancing requirements, rigorous cleaning and temperature checks as proof that they are keeping workers and customers as safe as possible.

 FAQ: Your coronavirus questions, answered.

Two grocery chains have used faulty or ineffective equipment, according to documents and interviews.

The Kroger-owned Quality Food Centers chain uses infrared sensors to count the number of shoppers in its stores as a way to limit customers and facilitate social distancing. But the technology routinely provided false tallies, according to internal company documents obtained by The Post.

"Once a person is inside for 30 minutes, the system assumes that individual is an associate and stops counting that person," QFC President Chris Albi said in a Q&A with employees of the chain, which has 62 stores in Washington and Oregon.

A Kroger spokeswoman declined to answer specific questions about any problems with the system but said management regularly verifies the capacity limits within the store.

At BJ's Wholesale Club in Baltimore, a manager said the thermometers were not calibrated properly and the temperature readings of employees consistently reported 96 or 97 degrees. The manager said a supervisor also brushed off concerns about the lack of social distancing by employees who examined customers' receipts as they left the warehouse.

"It is appalling conduct and a policy that is putting us all in danger," said the manager, who spoke anonymously for fear of retaliation. "I would quit in protest, but I worry that without me, it's one more person in a leadership role who is not taking this seriously."

A BJ's spokeswoman said since the coronavirus outbreak, the company has "taken aggressive actions and implemented extensive safety and sanitation measures across all our facilities; and we always encourage our team members to provide feedback and voice concerns."

Even when employees have reported feeling sick, some said that their managers have insisted that they continue to work because of staffing shortages.

Gladys Cortes, who worked at the Best Market supermarket in Islip, New York, told her manager in late March that she wasn't feeling well and had a bad cough, but her boss wouldn't allow her to leave early and said she needed to be back the next day, according to Noemi Salavarria, a former colleague who said she talked with Cortes when she was hospitalized days later with covid-19. Two other workers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retaliation, said they had heard Cortes talking in the store about how she felt sick and needed a break.

Cortes, a single mother of a young child, died on April 9 of complications from covid-19.

"If they would have let her go home, she could still be alive," Salavarria said. "She didn't deserve this."

After Cortes died, management sent out a letter to employees that noted "the passing of one of our colleagues." It made no mention of her name or how she had died.

LatinoJustice, a nonprofit legal defense fund, documented concerns about Cortes and employees at other supermarkets in an April 30 letter to the chief executive of Lidl US, a chain that owns Best Market and has about 100 stores in the U.S.

After receiving no response, LatinoJustice said it filed a complaint on May 12 with the New York state attorney general.

William Harwood, a Lidl spokesman, said the company had "no reports indicating that she was sick while working. Our policy is clear that employees who are sick should stay home."

Marian Meszaros, a 63-year-old employee at the Best Market supermarket in Long Island's Franklin Square in New York, said she believes a manager waited more than a week to inform her in late April that her co-worker in the cramped meat department had tested positive for the coronavirus.

She said the human resources manager offered her five days of paid leave, saying that it was sufficient time off because she had been exposed over a week ago and wasn't showing symptoms. Meszaros said she believes the manager delayed informing her because the store had been so short-staffed, and she worried she could still get sick and infect her co-workers.

"I have nightmares about this," Meszaros said. "No one in the store feels safe."

The supermarket chain in March had announced a new pandemic-related policy that provides 14 days of paid leave to workers who test positive for the coronavirus, as well as paid leave for colleagues who came into close contact with them.

Harwood said the Islip store immediately contacted Meszaros when it learned of the infected employee, and she was given five days off because it had been nine days since they had been in contact at the supermarket. The human resources team called Meszaros to ensure she had no symptoms prior to returning to work, Harwood said.

"We are taking significant steps to protect the health and safety of our team members during this public health emergency," Harwood said.

As infections have spread within supermarkets, employees at two national chains said that stores retaliated against them for speaking up about safety or discussing sick colleagues.

When a Target manager informed Michael Branss in late April that a co-worker in Palatine, Illinois, had tested positive for the coronavirus, Branss said the manager also told him not to talk about the case.

A longtime employee, Branss worked in the back of the store where employees were in close proximity as they unloaded incoming merchandise.

Frustrated by the lack of information about the department where the infected employee had worked, Branss said he called several colleagues and advised them to bring their own masks because the store didn't always have enough. After noticing a missing co-worker, he and fellow employees discussed whether they had been exposed.

A few hours later, Branss said he was called into the human resources office and reprimanded for talking about the sick employee. He was told the store was concerned about following federal privacy laws.

Fearing retaliation, he said he denied talking about the case. About 2 1/2 weeks later, Branss said Target fired him for refusing to answer questions for the store's investigation of potential privacy violations.

"I didn't do anything wrong. These are my friends, and I want them to be safe and healthy," he said. "They punished me for trying to gather information to make a personal safety plan for myself."

A Target spokeswoman, Danielle Schumann, said Branss was terminated "for conduct reasons unrelated to these claims" but provided no details.

In a Target store in Riverdale, New Jersey, employee Mary Jo Kalchthaler said workers are informed of their colleagues' illnesses and deaths but are told not to discuss the cases publicly.

"Every store that I know of has had cases of covid-19, but they don't want to spook people," said Kalchthaler, who took a leave of absence in early May because she felt unsafe at work. "There are still people who think Target, Walmart and other food stores are magical kingdoms where everything is sterile and nobody has ever gotten sick, and that's what they want people to keep thinking."

Target did not respond to questions about allegations that employees were told not to discuss coronavirus cases. But Schumann said, "while being transparent, we're also careful to keep team member privacy from being compromised."

Some workers alleged they have been disciplined simply for raising safety concerns.

In early March, Kris King took two weeks off from his job at a Trader Joe's in Louisville after coming down with a cough, fever and sore throat.

King said he created a private Facebook group for his colleagues to discuss frustrations with the store's handling of the pandemic and to come up with recommendations to keep them safe. After he returned to work, a manager on March 21 confronted King about the Facebook messages and repeatedly encouraged him to quit, according to a lawsuit King has since filed against Trader Joe's.

"He said, 'If you don't feel safe here, we can end this right now,' " King recalled in an interview.

A week later, King was terminated. Trader Joe's cited multiple reasons, including the creation of the Facebook group, according to King.

"The safety of the people I work with is the most important thing and that workers in this situation are able to be heard and have a voice," said King, a 37-year-old with four children. "And that's really just not happening."

Trader Joe's, which has 505 outlets nationwide and employs 50,000 people, has denied in court his claims, including that the supermarket "was not following appropriate safety measures" at the store.

"We have made it clear that Mr. King's employment at Trader Joe's did not end because of desire to set up a social media page or because he expressed concerns," said Kenya Friend-Daniel, a Trader Joe's spokeswoman. "I have been clear that ... for privacy reasons I am not at liberty to say more."

Jon Tenholder, a Trader Joe's employee at the same Louisville store, received a written disciplinary warning on May 10, roughly two weeks after Tenholder spoke with customers about the Kentucky governor's order that only one person per household at a time be permitted inside a grocery store.

Management accused Tenholder of making customers uncomfortable by saying they shouldn't be shopping together. Tenholder refused to sign the incident report and described it in a written rebuttal as "retaliation" for asserting that employees "deserve to be the central voice of our safety."

Friend-Daniel disputed Tenholder's account but declined to comment further citing privacy laws.

"We don't retaliate against people for sharing concerns or for trivial reasons," Friend-Daniel said.

Walmart, the nation's largest private employer, has touted its response to the pandemic from the start, including a policy that allowed its 1.5 million U.S. employees to take up to two weeks off if they were exposed to the coronavirus, and waived attendance policies for workers who felt uncomfortable or unable to work.

Shortly after the policy was announced on March 10, Kyle Quiros and his wife, Rebekkah, took jobs as temporary workers at a Walmart in Medina, Ohio. By mid-April, Kyle, who was born with one kidney and has other health problems, had a fever and was vomiting frequently. He said he tested negative for the coronavirus, but a physician recommended he stay home for two weeks.

Rebekkah also fell ill. When she returned to work, she said a supervisor informed her that she was being let go because she had called in sick too many times. A few days later, Kyle came back to work but was sent home because he had a temperature of about 100 degrees. He soon received a call saying his employment was over, despite several weeks left on his contract.

"It was unfair. I was fired because I was sick, even though they have a policy saying you wouldn't get fired," he said.

Lopez, the Walmart spokesman, said Rebekkah Quiros was terminated "for performance reasons unrelated to any request for time off due to the pandemic." He said he "had not been provided with enough information to substantiate" allegations made by Kyle Quiros.

Other Walmart employees also told The Post that workers fear calling in sick because they did not want to jeopardize their jobs.

"These claims are not consistent with the experiences of the more than 235,000 people recently employed by Walmart or the countless other associates that have been able to utilize our emergency leave policy to stay home and keep their jobs protected," Lopez said.

But in Quincy, days before Lee, the Walmart greeter, was rushed to the hospital on April 20, she told family and friends that she was worried she could lose her job because she was sick and needed time off, said her daughter, Elaine Eklund.

After Lee died, Walmart officials put out a statement saying the company was "mourning alongside their family." Since then, messages have streamed in from colleagues and longtime shoppers remembering the grandmother of two.

"I worried about her the last time I saw her in the store," one stranger said in a handwritten letter.

The Washington Posts Julie Tate and Nate Jones contributed to this report.
Gaya (Bihar) [India], May 24 (ANI): The second repatriation flight from Muscat, Oman, under the Centre's 'Vande Bharat' mission reached Gaya in Bihar via Delhi on Sunday with 132 stranded Indian nationals onboard.



Gaya District Magistrate Abhishek Singh told ANI that the passengers of the flight hail from Bihar and Jharkhand and were brought from Delhi last night. They were only allowed to exit the airport following a medical screening under a Covid-19 protocol.

"Sixteen returnees hail from Jharkhand and we will send them to Ranchi by a bus. The rest of them will be sent to 14-day quarantine in Bodh Gaya and will undergo a medical examination every alternate day," Singh said.



He added that many hotels in Bodh Gaya have been established as quarantine centres. "Migrants living in those centres will have to bear the expenses themselves," he said further.



First repatriation flight from Muscat, Oman, under Vande Bharat Mission of the second phase, landed at Cochin International Airport on Saturday with 177 passengers.



The Indian Embassy in Oman said on Twitter that the first leg of the second phase of Vande Bharat Mission from Oman has been successfully completed. Around 1000 stranded Indian nationals are expected to arrive from Oman in the second phase of the operation which started on May 16. (ANI)


With no mass prayer or get



together, no hugging or handshake Eid will be celebrated in a subdued manner in Bihar on Monday, as the COVID-19 induced lockdown has dampened the mood of the festivity.

People will hold Eid prayers inside their homes as all mosques along with religious places of other faiths are now closed because of the measures taken to break the chain of coronavirus infection.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who usually visits the congregation at Gandhi Maidan here in every year on Eid day, will not go anywhere to exchange greetings, official sources said.

Patna's Imarat Shariah said that people will not be able to offer prayers at Idgah and mosques due to the extension of lockdown till May 31, and urged them to offer prayers at homes.

"I neither heard nor seen an Eid where people will be offering namaz in their homes. There will neither be any handshake, nor will we hug our friends and relatives. It's an Eid with a lot of difference," retired IAS officer Afzal Amanullah told PTI.

Amanullah, who retired as the secretary of Union Parliamentary Affairs Ministry and had served as Bihar in various capacities, said there will be no traditional Eid get together this time.

"We shall exchange greetings and wishes to each other over the phone and through SMS and WhatsApp. We pray that everyone remains safe and healthy," said Amanullah who was appointed as the state's Real Estate Regulatory Authority chairman.

Muzaffarpur-based journalist Khwaja Jamal said children are a disappointed lot as they will have to stay indoors on the day of Eid, the biggest festival of Muslims.

"Because of the COVID-19, We will miss social gatherings which is a key part of the festival," Jamal said.

Bihar has so far reported a total of 2,478 coronavirus cases. Of them, 13 died of the disease, 677 recovered and 1788 are currently under treatment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two men went missing Saturday in separate incidents north of Houston on the first day of the Memorial Day weekend.

A man in his 40s fell off his jet ski about 4 p.m. Saturday on Lake Conroe. The man, who was not wearing a life vest, fell in the 20-foot-deep water about a quarter-mile off East Beach. Authorities were searching for him.

While the parks surrounding Lake Conroe remain closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, authorities have allowed lakegoers access to the waters and advised them to carry safety equipment.

Hours later, authorities in Burleson County were searching for a man who went missing while swimming in Somerville Lake.

The man  believed to be 19  had been boating with friends. As they were returning, he jumped into the water with friends to swim the remaining 25-50 yards to shore, said John Pollock, Chief Deputy with the Burleson County Sheriffs Office.

He never made it. Authorities were still searching for him at 8 p.m.

One or two swimmers who had been with the man had made it to shore, Pollock said, adding that police do not believe the man was wearing a personal flotation device, Pollock said.

The incident brought a swarm of first responders to the lake, said Raven Blalock, who helps manage the park with her husband, Mike Blalock.

After a long day of work  with hundreds of visitors  she and her husband decided to take some time to enjoy the park themselves, and then the ambulances started to arrive. At the boat launch, it was chaos, she said, recalling searchers desperately trying to find the man.

It was very, very horrifying, she said.

At first, they heard an 8-year-old girl was missing, though she was found sleeping in the back of a car.

Its sad, Mike Blalock said.

Police regularly patrol the park, Mike Blalock said. Despite that, the park has weathered boat crashes and other problems.

We cant control people being ignorant, he said.

The incident mirrors a similar incident on May 26 2019, when two young men from Houston were walking into the lake when they hit a drop-off, according to past news reports. One of the men died.

In October of 2019, two boaters died in separate accidents, according to past news reports. One man fell off a jet ski on Oct. 2, 2019 and drowned. He was not wearing a life jacket, as required. A few weeks later, James Carpenter of College Station, 69, fell out of his fishing boat and drowned.

And in July of 2000, the park was the site of a particularly tragic incident where three children and two adult relatives drowned in a swimming accident and failed rescue attempt.

None of the five was wearing a life jacket, according to a news report about the incident.

Gwendolyn Wu contributed.
driven by a compounded growth of 5. 3%. Hospital-based Laboratories, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, displays the potential to grow at over 5%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market.

New York, May 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Clinical Laboratory Services Industry" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p04707129/?utm_source=GNW

Poised to reach over US$76.5 Billion by the year 2025, Hospital-based Laboratories will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth.



- Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 6.3% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an important element in the world economy, Germany will add over US$2 Billion to the regions size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years. Over US$1.8 Billion worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of Europe markets. In Japan, Hospital-based Laboratories will reach a market size of US$6 Billion by the close of the analysis period. As the worlds second largest economy and the new game changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 5% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$6.7 Billion in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders. Presented in visually rich graphics are these and many more need-to-know quantitative data important in ensuring quality of strategy decisions, be it entry into new markets or allocation of resources within a portfolio. Several macroeconomic factors and internal market forces will shape growth and development of demand patterns in emerging countries in Asia-Pacific. All research viewpoints presented are based on validated engagements from influencers in the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies.





Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p04707129/?utm_source=GNW



CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES MCP-6

MARKET ANALYSIS, TRENDS, AND FORECASTS, MAY 2

CONTENTS



I. INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & REPORT SCOPE





II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



1. MARKET OVERVIEW

Clinical Laboratory Services - An Overview Growth of Specialty Labs Recent Market Activity Outlook Developed Nations: Cost Pressures Necessitate New Strategies Despite Challenges, Emerging Markets Provide Growth Opportunities Routine Testing Takes the Lead; Esoteric Testing Services Drive Growth Key Market Drivers Growth Contributing Factors in a Gist Rising Healthcare Needs of Aging Global Population Increase in Healthcare Spending in Emerging Markets Increasing Awareness Levels Need to Cut Healthcare Costs Rising Incidence of Diseases Increasing Role of Clinical Labs in Testing Infectious Diseases Global Competitor Market Shares Clinical Laboratory Services Competitor Market Share Scenario Worldwide (in %): 2020 & 2029 Impact of Covid-19 and a Looming Global Recession

2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS

ADICON Clinical Laboratories, Inc. (China) ARUP Laboratories (USA) Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc. (USA) DaVita, Inc. (USA) Enzo Clinical Labs (USA) Genova Diagnostics, Inc. (USA) Kingmed Diagnostics (China) Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (USA) Dynacare (Canada) Mayo Clinic Laboratories (USA) NeoGenomics Laboratories (USA) Genoptix, Inc. (USA) Quest Diagnostics, Inc. (USA) Sonic Healthcare Limited (Australia) Bioscientia Institut fur Medizinische Diagnostik GmbH (Germany) American Esoteric Laboratories (USA) Spectra Laboratories, Inc. (USA) SYNLAB International GmbH (Germany) The National Health Laboratory Service (South Africa) Thyrocare Technologies Limited (India) Unilabs SA (Switzerland)

3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Need for Clinical Laboratories to Reinvent Business Models Laboratory Informatics Offers Opportunities to Streamline Operations Transforming Hospital Laboratory into a Profit Center Laboratory Specific IT Platforms Provide a Business Case for Outreach Programs Hospital Outreach Laboratories Deliver Better Value to Larger Organizations Managing and Measuring Value Manufacturers Leveraging Expertise to Address Requirements of Laboratories Factors Impacting Laboratories Moving Towards Value Driven Healthcare Maximizing ROI in a Low Cost Environment Making Most of Global Best Practices Advent of Novel Devices Fuel growth for Clinical Laboratory Services Market Biobanks Gain Prominence Home Based Systems Go Digital Drones Emerging as Cost Effective and Efficient Mode for Transporting Samples Innovative Strategies of Clinical Laboratories at Health Systems Creation of Standardized Medical Laboratory Services Laboratory Testing Industry Faces Unique Investor Led Disruption Divergent Paths for Independent Labs and Health System Labs Factors Affecting Divergence Supporting ACO Requirements Transformations in Healthcare Integrated Care Support Population Health Initiatives Home-Field Benefits Evolving Clinical Laboratory Sector to Drive Diverse Lab Test Segment Market Share Key Market Differentiators Real-Time Lab Data Access IVD Market Growth: An Indication of Growth in Clinical Labs Market New Technologies and Tests Drive Demand for Specific Testing Increasing Role of Advanced Tests in Clinical Treatment Decision Making Increasing Opportunities in Personalized Medicine and Clinical Trial Services Cancer Testing Market: Opportunity for Clinical Labs Shortened Hospitalization Enhances Significance of Medical Labs Lab Automation Speeds Up Standardization Gains Precedence in the Hunt for Automation Heightened Use of IT Systems in Clinical Laboratories Assessing the Impact of Point-of-Care Testing on Clinical Labs Autoimmune Disease Testing: Labs Seek Cost-Effective & High Productivity Options POLs: Reducing Turnaround Times for Testing POL Market Succumbs to Cost Pressures Laboratory Outsourcing Trend Gains Strength Value-Based Outsourcing of Services to Take Center Stage Challenges Facing Lab Testing Market Dependence on Third Parties Lack of Skilled Workers

4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

Table 1: Clinical Laboratory Services Global Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2020-2027 Table 2: Clinical Laboratory Services Global Retrospective Market Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2012-2019 Table 3: Clinical Laboratory Services Market Share Shift across Key Geographies Worldwide: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 4: Hospital-based Laboratories (Location) World Market by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 5: Hospital-based Laboratories (Location) Historic Market Analysis by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 6: Hospital-based Laboratories (Location) Market Share Breakdown of Worldwide Sales by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 7: Independent Laboratories (Location) Potential Growth Markets Worldwide in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 8: Independent Laboratories (Location) Historic Market Perspective by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 9: Independent Laboratories (Location) Market Sales Breakdown by Region/Country in Percentage: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 10: Physician Office-based Laboratories (Location) Geographic Market Spread Worldwide in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 11: Physician Office-based Laboratories (Location) Region Wise Breakdown of Global Historic Demand in US$ Million: 2

to 2019 Table 12: Physician Office-based Laboratories (Location) Market Share Distribution in Percentage by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027

III. MARKET ANALYSIS

GEOGRAPHIC MARKET ANALYSIS UNITED STATES Market Facts & Figures US Clinical Laboratory Services Market Share (in %) by Company: 2020 & 2025 Market Analytics Table 13: United States Clinical Laboratory Services Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Location: 2020 to 2027 Table 14: Clinical Laboratory Services Market in the United States by Location: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2012-2019 Table 15: United States Clinical Laboratory Services Market Share Breakdown by Location: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 CANADA Table 16: Canadian Clinical Laboratory Services Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Location: 2020 to 2027 Table 17: Canadian Clinical Laboratory Services Historic Market Review by Location in US$ Million: 2012-2019 Table 18: Clinical Laboratory Services Market in Canada: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Location for 2012, 2020, and 2027 JAPAN Table 19: Japanese Market for Clinical Laboratory Services: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Location for the Period 2020-2027 Table 20: Clinical Laboratory Services Market in Japan: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Location for the Period 2012-2019 Table 21: Japanese Clinical Laboratory Services Market Share Analysis by Location: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 CHINA Table 22: Chinese Clinical Laboratory Services Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Location for the Period 2020-2027 Table 23: Clinical Laboratory Services Historic Market Analysis in China in US$ Million by Location: 2012-2019 Table 24: Chinese Clinical Laboratory Services Market by Location: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2012, 2020, and 2027 EUROPE Market Facts & Figures European Clinical Laboratory Services Market: Competitor Market Share Scenario (in %) for 2020 & 2025 Market Analytics Table 25: European Clinical Laboratory Services Market Demand Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2020-2027 Table 26: Clinical Laboratory Services Market in Europe: A Historic Market Perspective in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Period 2012-2019 Table 27: European Clinical Laboratory Services Market Share Shift by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 28: European Clinical Laboratory Services Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Location: 2020-2027 Table 29: Clinical Laboratory Services Market in Europe in US$ Million by Location: A Historic Review for the Period 2012-2019 Table 30: European Clinical Laboratory Services Market Share Breakdown by Location: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 FRANCE Table 31: Clinical Laboratory Services Market in France by Location: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period 2020-2027 Table 32: French Clinical Laboratory Services Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Location: 2012-2019 Table 33: French Clinical Laboratory Services Market Share Analysis by Location: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 GERMANY Table 34: Clinical Laboratory Services Market in Germany: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Location for the Period 2020-2027 Table 35: German Clinical Laboratory Services Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Location: 2012-2019 Table 36: German Clinical Laboratory Services Market Share Breakdown by Location: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 ITALY Table 37: Italian Clinical Laboratory Services Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Location for the Period 2020-2027 Table 38: Clinical Laboratory Services Historic Market Analysis in Italy in US$ Million by Location: 2012-2019 Table 39: Italian Clinical Laboratory Services Market by Location: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2012, 2020, and 2027 UNITED KINGDOM Table 40: United Kingdom Market for Clinical Laboratory Services: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Location for the Period 2020-2027 Table 41: Clinical Laboratory Services Market in the United Kingdom: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Location for the Period 2012-2019 Table 42: United Kingdom Clinical Laboratory Services Market Share Analysis by Location: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 REST OF EUROPE Table 43: Rest of Europe Clinical Laboratory Services Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Location: 2020-2027 Table 44: Clinical Laboratory Services Market in Rest of Europe in US$ Million by Location: A Historic Review for the Period 2012-2019 Table 45: Rest of Europe Clinical Laboratory Services Market Share Breakdown by Location: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 ASIA-PACIFIC Table 46: Clinical Laboratory Services Market in Asia-Pacific by Location: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period 2020-2027 Table 47: Asia-Pacific Clinical Laboratory Services Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Location: 2012-2019 Table 48: Asia-Pacific Clinical Laboratory Services Market Share Analysis by Location: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 REST OF WORLD Table 49: Rest of World Clinical Laboratory Services Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Location: 2020 to 2027 Table 50: Rest of World Clinical Laboratory Services Historic Market Review by Location in US$ Million: 2012-2019 Table 51: Clinical Laboratory Services Market in Rest of World: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Location for 2012, 2020, and 2027

IV. COMPETITION



Total Companies Profiled: 131

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A Filipina domestic worker has committed suicide in Lebanon at a shelter run by her embassy, consular officials said Sunday, days after a rights group complained about accommodation at the shelter.



The embassy, in a statement posted on its Facebook page, said the unnamed "household service worker" arrived on Friday at the shelter and the next day "reportedly jumped from a room she was sharing" with two others.



She died of her injuries on Sunday, it said, adding that "details of the incident are currently being investigated".



An estimated 250,000 domestic workers -- mostly from Ethiopia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka -- live in Lebanon, many in conditions condemned by rights groups.



Those conditions have worsened in recent months as Lebanon is grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, as well as a coronavirus lockdown.



Some Lebanese families have started paying their home help in the depreciating local currency, while others are now unable to pay them at all, with increasing reports of domestic workers being evicted onto the streets.



A sponsorship system known as "kafala" excludes maids, nannies and carers from Lebanon's labour law, and leaves them at the mercy of their employers, who pay wages as low as $150 a month.



The death of the Filipina domestic worker comes after a visit to the embassy shelter by a delegation from Lebanon's National Human Rights Commission.



On Monday the commission, in a letter sent to the embassy and posted on Facebook, criticised conditions at the shelter.



"The occupancy exceeds the official capacity," it said.



"Respect the minimum requirements for daily outdoor excercise" and "make available appropriate psychological support to all women and staff," the rights group added.



It also called on Lebanese authorities to "ensure that migrant domestic workers are protected from exploitative working conditions during the lockdown".



A video posted by the embassy on its Facebook page Monday said the shelter was currently home to 26 people who receive "all meals and necessities" free of charge.
File Photo

The Union government is operating special flights under the Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate more than five lakh Indians stranded abroad due to the Corona crisis. The second phase of is currently underway.

As part of the mission, a special flight from London landed at Indore Airport at 8.35 am on Sunday. With this, travellers from Madhya Pradesh and other nearby states reached Indore. They were examined by a medical team deployed at the airport.

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Flight servicesThey were then sent to the respective district headquarters. It may be mentioned that on arrival at the district headquarters, all these passengers would be quarantined for 14 days.

The director of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore, said that all the Indians from abroad have been thermally scanned and medically examined by doctors. During this time, Corona's symptoms were examined.

He said arrangements were being made to send the passengers to their hometowns, where they would have to stay in quarantine for 14 days.

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CoronavirusBuses and taxis have been arranged at the airport for passengers from outside Indore. For those who wish to be quarantined in Indore, arrangements have been made to stay at Hotel Amar Vilas and Regenta Hotel.

Indore MP Shankar Lalwani said that many people from the US and London were constantly texting him that they were upset and were having trouble in eating.
Following allegations of corruption after 1 Billion Naira was discovered in one of the 64 accounts linked to Obasa which was leaked by Sahara Reporters.

A petition, in line with the whistle blowing policies of the Federal Government has been sent to Buhari and the Financial Intelligence Unit to investigate the speaker.

The discovery of the 1 Billion Naira in a single account which was accumulated after the Speakers first year in office was brought to light by the petition.

The group called on the Financial Intelligence Unit to investigate acts of gross financial misconduct, criminal breach of public first and abuse of office.

Obasa has come under heavy scrutiny recently as leaks show how he received state parliament funds for end of the year parties and no service rendered, nepotism through outsourcing contacts to his friends.

Other allegations include the approval of 258 Million Naira for the printing of Invitation cards ( 2 months after event was held) and approving 51 Million for a four day leadership summit in Austria with 9 other persons.

There has been no word from EFCC and other financial corruption agencies on investigating the speaker so far.
He appealed to President Akufo-Addo and the health authorities in Ghana to release some Covid-19 patients for him to apply the herbal preparation, to prove the efficacy of the preparation.

Mr Apeakorang who said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra said after the issue had inundated the social media spectrum.

Mr Apeakorang who had pushed for the stoppage of mining in the Atewa Forest,and for marijuana to be legalized for its medicinal and financial benefits,made a strong case of traditional herbal preparations, which he said contributed to the longevity of people in some rural areas of Ghana.

He was so sure of the efficacy of the preparation made up of Aidan Fruit (prekese), selim (whentia); cloves (pepre), ginger and garlic that he said he would be vindicated by the people after healing patients.

According to the activist, his organization had sent a letter to President Akufo-Addo to consider the cure he had discovered as a treatment to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kwame Nkurmah, the First President of Ghana and other nationalists sacrificed their lives to give Ghana independence. If my cure does not work effectively after two weeks of application, I should be sacrificed for my Motherland Ghana.

I believe my ancestors never failed in any battle they encountered because they derived strength from our local herbs and they lived for about 130-150 years without attending to the hospital.

He urged health professional who would disagree with the efficacy of the cure to consult him for proof.

---GNA
Bir-Lehlou (Liberated Territories) 23 May 2020 (SPS) - President of the Republic, Secretary General of the Polisario Front, Mr. Brahim Ghali, has congratulated President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, H.E. Mohamed Ould Sheikh Al-Ghazwani, on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al-Fitr, offering him and the brotherly Mauritanian people his best congratulations and sincere wishes.



With the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the advent of the blessed Eid al-Fitr, I am pleased, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people and government of the Sahrawi Republic, to extend to your Excellency and through you to sister Mauritania, government and people, our warmest congratulations and best wishes, said the President of the Republic.



With the advent of the honorable occasion of Eid al-Fitr, we proudly recall the bonds of brotherhood, friendship and cooperation, which are close and rooted, that link the two brotherly Mauritanian and Sahrawi peoples, and we are all determined to promote them to serve the interests of our two countries and peoples and the aspirations of the peoples of the region in devoting peace, security, stability and prosperity, in the context of good neighborliness and mutual respect, he added. (SPS)



062/SPS
New Delhi: As Indias repatriation exercise continues, the Union home ministry has now outlined stringent protocols for non-residential Indians to return to their destination countries.

While the Centres move comes days after it had given the go-ahead for NRIs to return abroad, it is now treading cautiously with India now taking small steps to open up domestic air traffic, even as it mulls the resumption of commercial international flights, in due course.

On Sunday, the Union home ministry issued a fresh order stating, Such persons will apply to the ministry of civil aviation or to any agency designated by MoCA for this purpose along with necessary details, including places of departure and arrival as prescribed by MoCA."

However, in a bid to prevent the covid-19 outbreak from spiralling out of control, the Centre has attached stringent conditions to the return of NRIs, abroad.

The ministry has now stated that only those people will be allowed to travel out of India to their destination countries if their visa for that country is valid for at least one year or the passenger is a greencard or OCI (overseas citizen of India) card holder. However, the centre has made a concession for people who will be travelling for medical emergencies or a death of a family member, with such passengers being required to hold a visa that is valid for six months.

While their travel from India will be on non-scheduled commercial flights that are allowed by the MoCA for bringing back stranded Indians," on the basis of confirmed tickets, the ministry of civil aviation will also be required to ensure the extent of travel restrictions in the destination country and whether or not stranded NRIs will be permitted to enter their destination country.

At the same time, the cost of travel will have to be borne by the passengers themselves and only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to board the flight."

The MHA also reiterated the protocols that have been dictating the repatriation of Indians who had been stranded abroad. While the ministry has said that Indians stranded abroad need to register with their Indian missions in that country, priority will be given to cases of distress, including migrant workers who have been laid off as well as people faced with the expiry of short term visas, those with a medical emergencies, pregnant women and the elderly. Those required to return to India due to death of family member, and students will also be given priority.

However, even amongst the returnees, only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed on board the repatriation flight.

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The clouds parted, the sun began to shine and Mass began - in the parking lot.

It has been over two months since Catholics have been able to gather and celebrate Mass in New Jersey due to coronavirus restrictions.

And close to 200 of them gathered in the parking lot of St. Bernard of Clairvaux church in Bridgewater Sunday to celebrate Mass and receive communion while still seated in their vehicles that were parked 6 feet from each other.

Margaret Blood receives communion from Father Edmund Luciano at St. Bernard of Clairvaux in Bridgewater on Sunday in Bridgewater Sunday May, 24, 2020.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for

Its good to see you, even though through a windshield, Monsignor Randall Vashon, the parishs pastor, said.

People were not allowed to leave their vehicles during the service and ministers brought communion to each carload of worshippers.

Our people have been without the eucharist since the quarantine, added Vashon.

The parking lot service has space for 107 cars and parishioners need to make reservations for the 9 a.m. or 12 p.m. Masses. The parish has about 1,400 families that regularly attend, Vashon said.

Ushers were present, but they turned into parking attendants, guiding drivers to their parking spot.

Car windows lowered and outdoor speakers could be heard all the way in the back. And in Catholic tradition, even late arrivals could get a spot in the back.

In mid May, Gov. Phil Murphy said churches could hold drive-in services if attendees stayed in their vehicles.

Monsignor Randall Vashon celebrates Sunday Mass in the parking lot of St. Bernard of Clairvaux in Bridgewater Sunday May, 24, 2020.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for

I was a beautiful thing," said Lori Colelli who brought her mother Laura Mannarino.

It was glorious, the sun game out as the priest was speaking, she said.

It was a little chilly out but with the convertible top down but Margaret and David Blood were warmed by the sun. Margaret thought it was great and David felt it was much needed.

Margaret Blood and David Blood listen to Vashon.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for

Clergy wore masks and used hand sanitizer when they distributed the communion. Its a temporary solution, not ideal, Vashon said.

The parking lot service was worth it because we were together, Vashon said. But hed prefer not doing it again, hoping to hold Mass inside the church soon.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Ed Murray may be reached at emurray@njadvancemedia.com.
As Muslims gear up for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the Kaduna state police command has told residents to obey the state governments order on mass gathering and lockdown order.

According to the state commissioner of police, Alhaji Umaru Muri, who made the plea via a new statement on Saturday, anybody found wanting would be dealt with decisively.

Read Also: DPO Arrested Over Alleged Killing Of Policeman In Lagos

He added that more men have been deployed into the state for the purpose.

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The statement read, The Kaduna State Police Command wishes to inform members of the general public that, it has drawn out an elaborate operational strategy to ensure compliance with the total lockdown order imposed by the state government to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic and intensive security coverage to checkmate the activities of criminal elements during EID-EL-FITRI period throughout the state.

In this regard, the command has deployed both conventional and mobile policemen as well as undercover operatives to man and monitor key/vulnerable point with a view to ensure compliance with the lockdown and provide tight security across the state.

The Command once-again reassure the good people of Kaduna State of its readiness to promptly respond to distress calls and decisively deal with any person or group of persons who in any way attempt to violate the lockdown and social distancing orders during the festive period.
ALBANY  When state Supreme Court Justice Thomas Breslin dismissed the rape case against an Albany County Jail officer charged with victimizing two female inmates, members of District Attorney David Soares' office were unhappy with the ruling  and some of the language used in it.

Breslin dismissed an indictment charging 61-year-old Michael Snyder of Renesselaerville with two felonies, third-degree rape and criminal sex act (the legal term for sodomy), as well as misdemeanor charges of sexual abuse. The judge determined that prosecutors had been unable to meet rules that call for prosecutors to be ready for trial within six months of filing an accusatory charge against a defendant.

In doing so, the judge criticized the work of the prosecutor of the case, Assistant District Attorney Shannon Sarfoh, the bureau chief of Soares' Special Victims Unit since 2009. The decision used the term dilatory ("tending or intended to cause delay," according to Merriam-Webster) six times, such as when the decision broadly criticized a "prosecution fraught with dilatory conduct."

Breslin took particular note of Sarfoh's remarks at a pre-trial hearing on Sept. 27. Earlier that morning, Sarfoh had sent an email to Snyders defense lawyer, Paul DerOhannesian, saying she would no longer attempt to admit Snyders statements into evidence. Breslin wrote that in response to DerOhannesian's "visible annoyance over the manner and method he was notified," Sarfoh had said, "That's kind of how I roll. "

A transcript of the proceeding, however, showed her statement was a reference to the prosecutor working at night, and not a dismissive dig at DerOhannesian.

"The assistant district attorney who handled this case is one of our most experienced and conscientious prosecutors, and we were disappointed with the uncharacteristically harsh tone the decision was written in," Cecilia Walsh, a spokeswoman for Soares' office, told Law Beat.

Snyder was originally arraigned in the case on March 26, 2019. Prosecutors said they were ready for trial at that time. They argued that the only reason for the dismissal was that Albany County Judge William Carter had retroactively applied the states new discovery rules before they took effect on Jan. 1 of this year. The new rules require disclosure of evidence within 15 days of a defendants arraignment.

"The court has found that we were under an obligation to apply laws that were not in effect until 2020 to a case that was set for trial in 2019," Walsh said. "We are very disappointed with this courts decision and will appeal."

Breslin, the supervisory judge for the 3rd Judicial District (which covers seven counties, including Albany) did not respond to Law Beat's request for comment.

Here's where things take a twist.

Breslin's involvement with the case is fairly recent. Synder's case had been before Carter until Jan. 16, when Carter was removed from all cases involving Soares office because of an investigation by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct into Carter's conduct  courtesy of a complaint by Soares. In April, the commission censured Carter for conducting an ex parte phone conversation with a sheriffs lieutenant related to a murder case.

Soares and Carter have a history, including a three-year legal fight over Soares' decision to not prosecute the minor arrests of protestors involved in the 2011 Occupy Albany encampment.

Make no mistake: The decision to toss the case was made by Breslin. But Carter's role as the judge in the case is mentioned throughout Breslin's decision.

The court noted that Soares' office waited eight months and five days before Snyder's trial was supposed to start on Dec. 9 before asking Carter for a subpoena to review materials related to the personnel records of correction officers who were witnesses in the case.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

"All relevant events concerning the (prosecution)'s obligation to examine their law enforcement witnesses' personnel records  request, review and disclosure  occurred in 2019," the decision said. "Thus, the (prosecution's) actions belie their current attempt to minimize their legal obligations based on the passage of 2020 Criminal Justice Reform legislation."

On Dec. 20  with the state's new bail and discovery reforms still 12 days away from taking effect  Carter informed the parties that he would allow the reforms to be retroactive in the Snyder case.

"As of Dec. 20, 2019, that became the law of this case  a fact the (prosecution) ignored in its Jan. 6, 2020, trial adjournment request letter and again, in response to the present motion," Breslin's decision said. "At no time have the (prosecutors) filed a motion to reargue or sought leave in any manner to revisit this legal issue."

Snyder's attorneys insist the time period to be ready for trial was missed within 2019. Sources familiar with the defense team contend that whatever bad blood exists between Carter and Soares, the speedy trial rules were still violated.

Law Beat reached out to DerOhannesian and Carter, but neither would comment. Soares' office is appealing to the Appellate Division of state Supreme Court's Third Department.

Barring a reversal of the decision, the prosecution of Snyder is over. It cannot be presented to a new grand jury  not that any are meeting amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Snyder's two alleged victims are suing the officer in U.S. District Court in Albany. Lee Greenstein, the civil attorney for one of the women, told Law Beat it was "very unfortunate that the criminal indictment was dismissed. ... The dismissal was based solely on speedy trial issues. We will continue to pursue Mr. Snyder for monetary damages in federal court for the serious harm that he caused.
There will be no delay in delivery of 36 Rafale jets to India as the timeline finalised for the supply of the fighter jets will be strictly respected, French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain has said. France is reeling under swelling cases of coronavirus infection and there were apprehensions that the delivery of Rafale jets could be delayed due to the pandemic. Over 1,45,000 people were infected by the virus there, while the death toll stood at 28,330.

However, Lenain asserted that the original timeline for the delivery of the jets will be adhered to. "The contractual delivery schedule of the Rafale jets has been perfectly respected till now, and, in fact, a new aircraft was handed over to the Indian Air Force in end-April in France, in keeping with the contract," Lenain told PTI.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh received the first Rafale jet at an airbase in France on October 8.

"We are helping the Indian Air Force in arranging for the ferry flight of their first four Rafales from France to India as soon as possible. So there's no reason today to speculate that the schedule will not be maintained," the envoy said.

India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore.

The IAF has been maintaining that the Rafale jets would significantly enhance its combat capability.

The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile and Scalp cruise missile will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets.

Meteor is the next generation of BVR air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat. The weapon has been developed by MBDA to combat common threats facing the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Sweden.

Guided by an advanced active radar seeker, Meteor provides all weather capability to engage a wide variety of targets from fast jets to small unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.

Besides the missile systems, the Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems.

The IAF has already completed preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft.

The first squadron of the aircraft will be stationed at Ambala air force station, considered one of the most strategically located bases of the IAF. The Indo-Pak border is around 220 km from there.

The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal.

The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangars and maintenance facilities at the two bases.

Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers. The trainer jets will be twin-seater with almost all the features of the fighter jets.

The Congress raised questions about the deal, including on rates of the aircraft, and alleged corruption, but the government has rejected the charges.
The United States has doubled its investment to expedite development of a potential COVID-19 vaccine

Tired of claustrophobic coronavirus stay-at-home orders, some restless Americans are opting for a change of scenery and heading to states like Georgia and South Carolina, preferred destinations of quarantine-defying tourists.

Ghosts are no longer the only ones wandering the shady, tree-lined squares of seductive Savannah, promoted as one of the most haunted cities in the United States.

After Georgia's Republican governor began lifting state restrictions in late April, one of the nation's first major steps towards a return to normalcy, nighttime tours have resumed in this tourism pearl of the Deep South.

Trolley buses, their suspensions straining on the cobblestones of the historic district, have resumed their routes, albeit with social distancing measures in place.

And the souvenir stands and praline candy shops are once again busy along the riverfront of this former slave port, one of the oldest cities in the country.

- 'Weird looks' -

Arthur Parker, a 56-year-old New Yorker, had long dreamed of visiting Savannah and taking his family on a leisurely stroll in the shade of the city's famous majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss.

The pandemic -- whose death toll is rapidly nearing 100,000 in the US -- gave him a good excuse to escape the nation's COVID-19 epicenter and make the 12-hour drive south.

"New York is so depressing nowadays," he sighed from a cafe terrace. "Everything is closed, the streets are empty, people are scared. We needed a change of scenery."

Parker told AFP that his family was "getting weird looks when we say we're from New York. So we're trying to hide it, but our Brooklyn accent gives us away."

After losing substantial bookings in March and April, normally two of the busiest tourist months in Savannah, Jonathan Morgan has seen customers gradually return to his three bed-and-breakfast properties in recent weeks.

"We have two kinds of tourists: one which comes on an airplane and one which is driving through," he explained. "It's been mostly regional tourism lately, people coming on a one-day drive into Savannah."

Story continues

Many of the visitors are young, Morgan said, part of "a whole generation which is not really affected by COVID-19" and who are eager to travel.

Among them is Kaycee, a student from Texas. She had intended to visit Paris to celebrate her college graduation but instead fell back on Savannah, where she stayed in Morgan's elegant Victorian mansion decorated in a French theme.

"It feels like being in Paris, we're just missing the Eiffel Tower," Kaycee consoled herself.

As for the safety of tourism during a pandemic: "I'm not worried at all," she insisted. "I wouldn't be traveling otherwise."

- 'End-of-quarantine party' -

Two hours' drive up the US East Coast, tourists were less visible in the city of Charleston, South Carolina, which reopened a bit later than neighboring Georgia.

With temperatures on the rise, many preferred the beach, including Anne Miller, a twenty-something tourist from Ohio who recently gathered with a dozen friends for a weekend getaway at nearby Folly Beach.

"We were just tired of waiting to get a normal life again, to get our freedom back. So we rented this big house by the beach for an end-of-quarantine party," said Miller, her shoulders reddened by the sun.

In the seaside resort's crowded restaurants and bars, customers, almost all without masks, were not even pretending to abide by social distancing guidelines as they mingled and dined on platters of shrimp, the area specialty.

There was hand-shaking, jostling, kissing on the cheek.

"It feels like the virus never got here!" said Anne, grateful for the opportunity to spend some of the money she saved over two months of home confinement.

"It's helping the local economy."
New Delhi, May 24 : Railway Minister Piyush Goyal decided to address Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray through Twitter, demanding "required information" about Monday's planned 125 trains from the state.

In a rather unusual move, Goyal took to Twitter to say: "Sadly, it has been 1.5 hours but Maharashtra Govt has been unable to give required information about tomorrow's planned 125 trains to the GM of Central Railway. Planning takes time & we do not want trains to stand empty at the stations, so it's impossible to plan without full details." He added that he expects the Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra Government to "fully cooperate in the efforts made for the benefit of migrant labourers".

The "required information" Goyal is referring to pertains to from where the trains will run and about their destinations, the list of passengers as well as their medical certificates.

Goyal's public dig at Thackeray stems from the fact that he learnt from television news where the Maharashtra government claimed to have given a list of 200 trains to the Indian Railways. However, Goyal in another tweet in Hindi said: "But not the list of a single passenger train running tomorrow has come yet to the GM of Central Railways, even after following up." In another dig at the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Goyal said: "Hopefully, after coming to the station, trains do not have to go back empty, as what happened earlier."
Benjamin Grosvenor Chopin Piano Concertos Decca, out now

Rating:

Sometimes hype is just that; hype. But occasionally its true. So those who in 2004 chose an 11-year-old Essex boy as the youngest ever winner of the keyboard section of the BBC Young Musician of the Year, amid a chorus of praise, can feel proud of their foresight.

Because the now 27-year-old Benjamin Grosvenor, after yet more years of being described as the biggest thing to hit British piano playing for a long time, has finally proved it with this, his fifth Decca album.

I remember joining in cataclysmic standing ovations at Londons Royal Festival Hall in the late 1980s after recitals by the then teenage Evgeny Kissin, who recorded these two concertos in Moscow when aged only 12.

The now 27-year-old Benjamin Grosvenor (above) has finally proved his title of BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2004 with this, his fifth Decca album

Everyone predicted a glorious future for him. Kissin, now 48, has had a perfectly respectable career as a concert pianist, but wouldnt now be on anybodys list of future greats.

What is so special about this album, for which Grosvenor is expertly accompanied by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra under their principal guest conductor, Elim Chan?

Its the striking maturity of his playing, his impeccable technique, and especially the flair and imagination of his phrasing, which displays these old warhorses to their best advantage.

His playing is entirely devoid of the shallow point-scoring and excessive sentimentality that sometimes afflicts young pianists in these pieces.

Congratulations are also due to Elim Chan. Chopin was no orchestrator, and his immature and often dull orchestral introductions, in the past so often cut, are made truly interesting here by Chans own flair and imagination, which perfectly matches Grosvenors.

I hope Decca will pair them up again for future recordings. On this evidence, they strike real sparks off each other.
Private hospital operators in Pune



in Maharashtra have said a large number of nurses, mostly from Kerala, were resigning amid the coronavirus pandemic, in the process putting extreme pressure on combat efforts.

They said the issue was raised in a meeting with the district and civic administration on Saturday, with the latter suggesting nurses be told that Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) was in force which allowed hospital managements to reject "non-genuine" resignations.

"Since special trains for migrants started, we are seeing at least seven nurses putting in their papers per day. Some 100 nurses, mostly from Kerala, have already left," said Dr H K Sale, executive director at Noble Hospital, one of the private COVID-19 facilities in Maharashtra's second largest city.

"The issue was raised in the meeting with district officials on Saturday. I have instructed not to accept the resignations during this time when we are fighting a pandemic, that too at a time when the state government has regulated 80 per cent of beds in private hospitals," he added.

Kale said the state government should give incentives to staff at private facilities to keep them motivated.

Noble Hospital's chief nursing officer Trupti Nanda said the facility had some 450 nurses, of which 80-90 per cent are from Kerala, and 100 nurses have gone back since the outbreak began.

"The main concern for them is safety. Moreover, they believe the COVID-19 situation in Kerala is better. So the profession versus panic scenario is playing out. We have spoken to their families as well to assure them there is nothing to worry here," she added.

Sanjay Pathare, Director, Medical Services, Ruby Hall Clinic said the phenomenon of nurses resigning was common and motivation, safety and care were the key.

"In Saturday's meeting, the district administration said hospitals should tell nurses and paramedical staff that MESMA was in force and so they cannot resign. The state government should give us in writing that during such times of pandemic, resignations, barring genuine ones, cannot be accepted," Pathare said.

District Collector Naval Kishore Ram said the issue was discussed in Saturday's meeting and the need was to give nurses, paramedics, sanitation and housekeeping staff etc in the frontline a sense of security.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bansy Kalappa By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: The outlook for jobs is not positive. Efforts to check the spread of novel coronavirus---especially measures like the lockdown for nearly two months  has resulted in job losses in Karnataka. Experts point to this worrying trend post Covid-19 both in the organized and unorganized sectors. Former chairman of Institute for Social and Economic Change Prof R S Deshpande agrees that job losses have been steep considering Bengaluru is an employment hub.

The Karnataka unemployment data show a spike from 6 per cent to about 20 per cent, in just a couple of months. Asked about it, Labour Minister Shivaram Hebbar admitted, We have been hit, referring to the corona crisis. He expressed hope that it would not last long. We will recover in about three months time, he said.

The State Government has been trying hard to bring in large investments from China and other parts of the world. Hebbar said, The government efforts to bring in investments from other nations is still at a preliminary stage, but he sounded optimistic. This will change for the better. I am sure it will be some time before the foreign investments start coming in. We will be ready by then.

Asked about the much-resented 10-hour work schedules and loud complaints that workers would not be able to give their best day after day with such punishing schedules, he said it was only for three months and pointed out that it was done only to encourage the investors and businessmen. He said the business and investor community should not lose hope. We have to be careful that the investors are not demotivated, he said. This work schedule would be reviewed after three months.

Asked about the Opposition allegation that food kits were being distributed through MLAs keeping in mind the upcoming Gram Panchayat and BBMP elections, he said he would not like to comment on the issue. But Labour department sources, however, clarified that they had given these kits to all party MLAs and even opposition legislators had received them. How can anyone complain? they asked.
A 39-year-old Mumbai man has been booked by the police for allegedly assaulting his wife over the khichdi she had cooked, officials said on Sunday.

The accused identified as Abhijeet Sonkule works as a manager in a private company and his wife Jyoti Sonkule is a clerk, according to police. They live in JB Nagar in Andheri (East), they said.

We have registered the case and investigating the matter, Vijay Belge, senior inspector from Andheri police station, said.

Jyoti said in her statement to the police she was assaulted by Abhijeet on May 22 as he did not like the khichdi she had cooked. She added that her husband fights with her on small issues. They have been married since December 2017.

He abused her verbally, then entered into the kitchen and picked up a rolling pin lying nearby to hit her on her stomach, chest and nose.

She started bleeding profusely from her nose due to the beating and screamed for help. Abhijeet threatened her saying that he would kill her as she called for help, Jyoti told the police.

Neighbours came to her rescue as they heard her screams and she was rushed to Cooper Hospital for treatment.

Abhijeet has been booked under sections 324, 323, 504 and 506 (2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

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One person walked into a hospital with serious injuries after a shooting in Scarborough on Sunday afternoon, police say.

At 2:30 p.m., Toronto police tweeted that they had responded to reports of people shooting at each other from their vehicles at Danforth Road and Patterson Avenue, near Warden Avenue.

While one vehicle fled the scene, the other was found disabled on location, police say. Officers found evidence of shell casings and bullet holes at the scene of the shooting.

Shortly after, Toronto police said a victim of the shooting walked into a hospital with serious injuries.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Correction - May 25, 2020: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said the incident took place near Kingston Road.

Abhya Adlakha is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @AbhyaAdlakha
The guidelines for travel come after the Indian Railways last week issued a list of 100 pairs of trains that it will operate from 1 June.

New Delhi: The health ministry on Sunday issued guidelines for domestic travel, advising passengers to download the Aarogya Setu application on their mobile devices and asking states to ensure thermal screening at departure point of airports, railway stations and bus terminals.

Asymptomatic passengers should be permitted to travel after being asked to self-monitor for 14 days, the ministry said.

Dos and Don'ts shall be provided along with tickets to travellers by agencies concerned, said the ministry's guidelines for domestic travel (air/train/inter-state bus travel).

All passengers shall be advised to download the Arogya Setu application on their mobile devices, it said.

The guidelines come after the Indian Railways last week issued a list of 100 pairs of trains that it will operate from 1 June, putting in operation popular trains such as Durontos, Sampark Krantis, Jan Shatabdis and Poorva Express.

Also, after a two-month hiatus, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has announced resumption of domestic flights from 25 May.

In its guidelines for domestic travel, the health ministry said suitable announcement about COVID-19, including precautionary measures to be followed, shall be made at airports, railway stations and bus terminals as well as in flights, trains and buses.

With domestic civil aviation starting on 25th May, here are the latest guidelines on domestic travel issued by @MoHFW_INDIA. Travellers are requested to strictly follow these self-regulatory norms & help in India's fight against #COVID19 #WeShallOvercome#IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/3xwkazvvUc  MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) May 24, 2020

The states/UTs shall ensure that all passengers undergo thermal screening at the point of departure and only asymptomatic passengers are allowed to board the flight, train or bus.

During boarding and travel, all passengers shall use face covers or masks and will also follow hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and maintain environmental hygiene, the ministry said in its guidelines.

At airports, railway stations and bus terminals, required measures to ensure social distancing shall be taken, the guidelines said.

Airports, railway stations and bus terminals should be regularly sanitised or disinfected and the availability of soaps and sanitisers shall be ensured, the health ministry said.

Thermal screening at exit point shall be arranged and asymptomatic passengers will be permitted to go with the advice that they shall self-monitor their health for 14 days, the guidelines said.

"In case, they develop any symptoms, they shall inform the district surveillance officer or the state/national call centre (1075)," they said.

Those found symptomatic will be isolated and taken to the nearest health facility and will be assessed for clinical severity at the health facility, the guidelines said.

Those having moderate or severe symptoms will be admitted to dedicated COVID health facilities and managed accordingly, the guidelines said.

Those having mild symptoms will be given the option of home isolation or isolated in the COVID Care Centre (both public and private facilities) as appropriate and tested as per ICMR protocol, they said.

"If positive, they will continue in COVID Care Centre and will be managed as per clinical protocol. If negative, the passenger may be allowed to go home, isolate himself/herself and self-monitor his/her health for further 7 days," the health ministry said.

In case any symptoms develop, they shall inform the district surveillance officer or the state or the national call centre (1075), it said.

The ministry said states can also develop their own protocol with regards to quarantine and isolation as per their assessment.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani launched a process on May 24 to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners after welcoming an offer by the militants of a three-day cease-fire to mark Eid al-Fitr, the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

"As a responsible government we take one more step forward. I announce that I will expedite the Taliban prisoner releases," Ghani said in an address to the nation marking Eid al-Fitr.

Ghani also urged the Taliban to press ahead with the release of Afghan security personnel they hold.

A presidential spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi, later tweeted that "President Ghani today initiated a process to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a good will gesture in response to the Taliban's announcement of a ceasefire during Eid."

Sediqqi added that Afghanistan's government "is extending the offer of peace and is taking further steps to ensure success of the peace process."

In February, the United States and the Taliban signed an agreement aimed at ending the longest military action in U.S. history. The deal lays out a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in return for security commitments from the Taliban.

It also stipulates that Kabul must free 5,000 Taliban prisoners, while the militants are to release 1,000 captives -- a move expected to lead to intra-Afghan negotiations.

The Taliban on May 23 announced the cease-fire would start the following day. Shortly afterward, Ghani ordered security forces to abide by the cease-fire as well.

In a post on Twitter, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the movement's leadership has ordered all fighters to "conduct no offensive operation against the enemy anywhere." In addition, they have been told to ensure "the security of fellow citizens."

Zalmay Khalizad, the U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan, described the cease-fire as a momentous opportunity to accelerate a stalled U.S.-Taliban peace process.

Other positive steps should immediately follow: the release of remaining prisoners as specified in the U.S.-Taliban agreement by both sides, no returning to high levels of violence, and an agreement on a new date for the start of intra-Afghan negotiations, Khalizad wrote on Twitter.

A deadline for the Taliban to hold talks with the Afghan government passed in March amid a spike in violence and disagreements between the two sides over prisoner swaps.

The prospect of direct talks between Kabul and the Taliban gained a boost on May 17 when Ghani and his political rival, Abdullah Abdullah, reached a power-sharing agreement nearly eight months after disputed elections that led to a parallel government and hampered efforts to broker a peace deal.

The United States has about 12,000 troops in Afghanistan. Washington pays about $4 billion a year to maintain the Afghan military.

Despite both sides vowing to observe the three-day cease-fire, a reported mortar attack has killed four civilians in the eastern Laghman Province.

A further seven were also wounded in the incident that took place in the Ali Shang district of the province, the provincial governor's spokesman, Asadullah Dawlatzai, said.

An investigation has been launched to find out who carried out the shelling, Dawlatzai said.

No group has claimed the attack, but the Taliban has a strong presence in many parts of the district, and staged a number of deadly attacks on the Afghan security forces there in recent weeks.

Taliban militants control about half of Afghanistan's territory and have continued to carry out attacks since the deal was signed.

Afghan intelligence service spokesman Javid Faisal said on May 23 that at least 146 civilians were killed and 430 wounded in Taliban attacks during Ramadan.

With reporting by AFP and AP
French health minister Olivier Veran on Saturday asked the country's health council for advice on the use of malaria drug chloroquine against the Covid-19 virus. His remarks come after the publication of an scientific article critical of the use of the substance.

According to an article published by medical journal The Lancet on 22 May, "using chloroquine or (its derivative) hydroxychloroquine to treat patients with Covid-19 might be hazardous", and that the substances have been used "despite proof of efficiency."

The article says that the drugs may be "associated with cardiac toxicity" and influence the heart rate, potentially leading to ventricular fibrillation and, eventually, death.

The Lancet quotes a study by Professor Mandeep Mehra, Medical Director of the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

The study took in information of 96,032 Covid-19 patients in 671 hospitals world-wide  the largest such study to date, with almost 15,000 of them treated with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine.

"Decreased survival"

Mehra and his colleagues were "unable to confirm the benefit of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine on  outcomes for Covid-19," and even attributed to "decreased in-hospital survival" and an increased rate of irregular heartbeat.

"Following the publication in The Lancet of an alarming study on the lack of efficiency and the risks of certain treatments of Covid-19, among which hydroxychloroquine, I reached out to the High Council of Public Health (HCSP) so as to analyse and propose, within 48 hours, a reevaluation of prescription regulations," French health minister Olivier Veran said in a tweet on Saturday.

Veran's remarks run counter to a growing trend set by proponents for the use of chloroquine to treat Covid-19 patients.

In earlier this year, some 400,000 people in France signed a petition urging health officials to let more doctors prescribe the drug to coronavirus patients.

The French petition on the Change.org website was launched in early April by a group of doctors including Philippe Douste-Blazy, a cardiologist and former French health minister.

The petition was in support for the approach advocated by the controversial Didier Raoult, a leading doctor and microbiologist based in Marseille.

Cure for corona patients?

In April, French President Emmanuel Macron held lengthy talks with Raoult, of the Mediterranee Infection Foundation in Marseille, who claims a derivative of an anti-malaria drug is a cure for patients with coronavirus.

Professor Raoult combines hydroxychloroquine with an antibiotic, azithromycine, and uses it on Covid -19 patients before their symptoms necessitate admission to intensive care units.

Last month, Raoult published the conclusions a study concluding that "hydroxychloroquine, combined with azithromycine, administered immediately after diagnosis is an effective treatment, without danger, against Covid-19.".

According to the website the treatment was used for at least 3 days on 1061 Covd-19 patients.

"Adverse effects"

But more and more studies have shown different conclusions. On 14 May, a French study headed by Professor Matthieu Mahevas of 84 patients did "not support the use of hydroxychloroquine in patients admitted to hospital with Covid-19 who require oxygen."

On the same day, a Chinese study of 150 Covid-19 positive patients, carried out by Professor Tang Wei of the Institute of Respiratory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China pointed out that administration of hydroxychloroquine did not result in significantly more people showing signs of being cured.

On the contrary, Tang said that "adverse events were higher in hydroxychloroquine recipients than in non-recipients," citing diarrhea as the most common adverse effect, but not mentioning heart problems.
Munjah Vitalis Fagha, Researcher in Comparative Politics Munjah

Munjah Vitalis Fagha bagged home a PhD in Political Science from the University of Buea Saturday, May 16, 2020 after a thesis defense in which he made recommendations that could see an end to the socio-political situation in the North West and South West Regions.

The thesis titled  The African Peer Review Mechanism and the Strengthening of Political Institutions in Africa: A Comparative Analysis of Cameroon and Rwanda reveals that Cameroon's governance structures need to be subjected to a comprehensive governance review process if the country wants to make remarkable progress in governance and in warning and resolving intra-state conflicts.

Munjah posits that the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) that was crafted as a blueprint for Africa's renewal, with its most innovative and audacious element being the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), launched in 2003 to improve governance, can be a panacea for Cameroon's deteriorating governance situation and rising intra-state conflicts.

Dr. Munjah told Cameroon-Info.Net that although Cameroon was among the first countries to accede to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 3 rd April, 2003 to set up the peer review mechanism, it is yet to begin the review process in earnest.

All discussions about the APRM process in Cameroon end at the Prime Minister's Office and in the hands of all the three panel members designated by the APRM Secretariat in Midrand, South Africa to foster the implementation of the process in Cameroon, he said.

The researcher notes that the situation in the country's North West and South West regions could even have been avoided if the government of Cameroon undertook the Peer Review process and drew up action plans based on the country review report to address the issues raised. In the absence of that, the governance situation in Cameroon deteriorated making the executive arm of government to remain dominant over the other branches of government thus forestalling the separation of power, rule of law and constitutionalism.

The APRM Heads of states and Governments Implementation Committee (HSGIC) and the government of Cameroon seem to be unwilling to kick start the peer review process in Cameroon 15 years after acceding to the MoU. Not even the current crisis has necessitated the review, said Dr. Munjah.

In studying how APRM has strengthened political institutions in Rwanda and comparing it with Cameroon, Munjah focused on Democracy and Good Governance component, considering variables such as: the prevention and reduction of intra-state conflicts; Constitutional democracy; The rule of law and supremacy of the constitution; The separation of powers (including the protection of the independence of the judiciary and of an effective legislature); Accountable, efficient and effective public office holders and civil servants; and Rule of law and fighting corruption in the political sphere.

The APRM, Munjah posits, provides a useful lens through which political scientists can examine governments, and regimes that wish to abide by the principles of good governance propagated by the World Bank through the good governance theory. Munjah subscribes to the views expressed by apologists of the Good governance theory and contends that there are some basic principles in governance that must be respected by all governments, whatever its form.

The scholar in his recommendations enjoined the Head of State to personally commit to the African Peer Review Mechanism so that Cameroon can get some of the benefits that have accrued to states like Rwanda, Ghana and Kenya because their Heads of State demonstrated a high degree of commitment to the ideals of the continental body and directed the review process. If that is done, Munjah argues that it will facilitate open dialogue and learning, as well as build mutual trust among political stakeholders in Cameroon. In such an environment, frankness, robust debate, differences in opinion and criticisms will be less threatening and more acceptable.

The APRM process should therefore be undertaken as matter of urgency in Cameroon, in view of creating a dialogue forum that might provide solutions to the on-going Anglophone crisis, said Dr. Munjah.

The defense jury was made up of by Professor Paul Ntungwe Ndue as Chairperson, Associate Professor Moye Godwin as Rappoteur I, and Associate Professor John Ndefru as Rapporteur II. Associate Professor Banlilon Victor Tani and Associate Professor Abangma James Arrey were members of the jury.

Munjah entered the defense venue as a student but left a newly minted PhD. The jury declared the work as a novelty given that such a surgical study on Cameroon's governance situation has never been done.

It is the first-ever PhD defense in the Department of Political Science and Comparative Politics at the Faculty of Laws and Political Science of the University of Buea.
Roger Henry Roe, 79, returned to his heavenly home on May 10, 2020, in Tucson, Arizona after a short fight with cancer. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Roger was born to Clancy and Margaret Roe in Willard, Ohio. The family moved to Coolidge, AZ in August of 1948. In 1961, he married the love of his life, Peggy. They moved to Flagstaff in 1963 so he could attend and graduate from Northern Arizona University in 1966. Roger worked at Flagstaff Electric Supply and later became the Manager and Stockholder. He finished his career at N.J. Shaum & Son Electric and moved to Tucson, AZ.

Roger devoted his spare time to family and the Episcopal Church. His favorite job at church was training the acolytes. He enjoyed the spirituality of it and the shaping of the youth of his church. Roger and Peggy raised four smart and beautiful children. He was an avid history and travel adventurer and enjoyed learning. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact he is at peace with his Creator.

Roger is survived by his wife, Peggy; daughters, Brenda and Melissa and husband Rich; son, Randy; grandchildren, JR and fiance' Jessie, and Claire and fiance' Thomas; sister, Mary Beth; several loving nieces and nephews; and many close friends.

He is preceded in death by his son, Robert Roger Robby; son-in-law, Brent; siblings, Patty and Gordon; mother; and father.

Roger requested to be cremated and laid to rest next to his son at the Flagstaff Cemetery. A public memorial service will be scheduled in the near future.

Memorial contributions and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roger's name to the Acolyte Fund at the Church of the Epiphany in Flagstaff, AZ.
Sunseekers have flocked to Greek beaches and tourist spots as much of the country's lockdown restrictions are lifted.

After months of stay-at-home orders due to the coronavirus, Greece has re-opened its famed museums and tourist destinations while relaxing restrictions on movement and shopping on the mainland in recent days.

Athenians were able to gather to watch the sun set on Areopagus Hill, with the Lycabettus Hill in the background on Saturday evening.

Athenians watch the sunset on Areopagus Hill, with the Acropolis in the background, on May 23,

People enjoy a day at Kavouri Beach on May 23 in Vouliagmeni, Greece. Greece reacted early to curb the spread of Covid-19 but the pandemic wreaked havoc for international travel, dealing a damaging blow to the country's tourism sector

Sunbathers enjoy a day at Kavouri Beach, some 20km south of Athens, on Saturday

Others flocked to nearby beaches to enjoy the May sunshine and swim in the sea.

People were seen enjoying a day out at Kavouri Beach, some 20km south of Athens, this weekend.

Greece reacted early to curb the spread of Covid-19 but the pandemic wreaked havoc for international travel, dealing a damaging blow to the country's tourism sector.

Greece - a destination favoured by British holidaymakers - was put on a six-week lockdown in March in a bid to slow the spread of deadly coronavirus.

Businesses were shut as soon as the country recorded its first Covid-19 death and travel to the islands, such as Mykonos and Santorini, was restricted.

Athenians watch the sunset on Areopagus Hill, with the Lycabettus Hill in the background, on Saturday evening, above and below

After months of being on lockdown due to the coronavirus, Greece has opened its famed museums and tourist destinations while relaxing restrictions on movement and shopping on the mainland in recent days

Locals climb the Areopagus Hill with the Acropolis in the background to watch the sunset

Athenians watch the sunset on Areopagus Hill, with the Lycabettus Hill in the background, on May 23

But organised beaches - those with ticketed entrances and organised sunbeds - reopened on May 16 following official advice.

Normally year-round hotels and restaurants are to resume operation in Greece on June 1 with strict distancing rules.

Two fatalities from COVID-19 were reported in Greece during the most recent 24-hour period, bringing the death toll to 171, health authorities announced Saturday.

A couple shares a tender moment near the Tower of the Winds historical landmark, as locals stroll through the Monastiraki neighborhood on May 23

People stroll through the Monastiraki neighborhood on May 23 in Athens, Greece, above and below

Cyprus will reopen its airports to commercial flights on June 9 but British tourists will be banned from entering the country

Another three new infections have been recorded since Friday afternoon, raising the nation's total to 2,876. The number of patients on ventilators stands at 20, while 99 have left intensive care.

Greek authorities say they have performed 152,998 tests for the disease.

Cyprus will reopen its airports to commercial flights on June 9 but British tourists will be banned from entering the country.

People enjoy a day at the beach on May 23. Greek authorities say they have performed 152,998 tests for the disease

People enjoy a day at Akti Vouliagmenis beach resort on May 23. Meanwhile, Spain has told foreign tourists that the country 'will be waiting for them' from July, but it is unclear whether this will apply to UK citizens

Sunbathers gathered at the Akti Vouliagmenis beach resort on May 23

Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said that airports would reopen to commercial flights after nearly three months of lockdown.

Britain and Russia are the island's two largest tourist markets but both are not on the initial lists amid concerns has not been sufficiently contained in those countries.

Meanwhile, Spain has told foreign tourists that the country 'will be waiting for them' from July.

Spain's decision to open the holiday mecca in just over a month's time comes a day after the UK government urged Britons not to book their holidays as they will be forced to quarantine for 14 days on their return.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has told foreign tourists that the country 'will be waiting for them' from July

The holiday mecca will open up its borders in just over a month's time giving hope to Britons wanting to spend the summer in the Costas. Pictured: A woman walks past a closed-off beach in Benidorm

Tourists and locals returned to bars and terraces in Benidorm after the government relaxed lockdown measures last week

Mr Sanchez told the nation yesterday: 'Spain receives each year more than 80 million visitors.

'That's why I'm announcing to you that from the month of July the entry of international tourism to Spain will restart in safety.

'Foreign tourists can now start planning their holidays here.'

Whether Britons will choose to take advantage of Spain's easing of lockdown remains to be seen.

The government's strict quarantine regimen will come into force on June 8.

Home Secretary Priti Patel yesterday confirmed that all arrivals to the UK must self-isolate for 14 days on landing.
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson came out in support of top aide Dominic Cummings Sunday after a joint investigation by the Daily Mirror and The Guardian found Cummings had traveled 260 miles in April to visit his parents while exhibiting coronavirus symptoms.

The latest: "In traveling to find the right kind of child care, at a moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus, and when he had no alternative, I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent and I do not mark him down for that," Johnson said Sunday.

"And while there have been many other allegations about what happened when he was in self-isolation and thereafter, I believe that in every respect he has acted responsibly and legally and with integrity, and with the overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives," Johnson added.

Why it matters: Cummings, a highly polarizing figure in British politics, is widely viewed as the architect of the Brexit campaign and Johnson's most influential adviser. Allegations that he broke lockdown rules came as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.K. surpassed 250,000 and the death toll neared 37,000.

Johnson's move to unambiguously back Cummings amid national outcry could prove to be a politically significant decision down the road.

The big picture: Calls for Cummings to resign grew over the weekend among opposition leaders and even some Conservative MPs, who pointed out the hypocrisy of a top adviser breaking the stringent rules that his government had long stressed were mandatory.

On Saturday, members of Johnson's Cabinet came out in support of Cummings on Twitter, calling it "justifiable" and "reasonable" for him to seek family help to take care of his young child while he and his wife potentially fell ill from the coronavirus.

But later that day, the Mirror and Guardian broke a second story alleging that Cummings had been spotted in his parent's town of Durham on April 19 after recovering from the virus and being photographed in London days earlier.

Another witness claims they saw Cummings in Barnard Castle, a popular English tourist destination, on April 12.

What they're saying: "Yesterday the Mirror and Guardian wrote inaccurate stories about Mr Cummings," Downing Street said in a statement. "Today they are writing more inaccurate stories including claims that Mr. Cummings returned to Durham after returning to work in Downing Street on 14 April. We will not waste our time answering a stream of false allegations about Mr Cummings from campaigning newspapers."

Steve Baker, the first Conservative MP to call for Cummings' resignation, said on the BBC: Dominic is the inventor of these three-word slogans: 'Stay at Home,' 'Protect the NHS' and 'Save Lives.' ... The country cant afford this nonsense, this pantomime, now. Dominic should go, and we should deal with the things that matter in people's lives.

the first Conservative MP to call for Cummings' resignation, said on the BBC: Dominic is the inventor of these three-word slogans: 'Stay at Home,' 'Protect the NHS' and 'Save Lives.' ... The country cant afford this nonsense, this pantomime, now. Dominic should go, and we should deal with the things that matter in people's lives. Roger Gale, another backbench Conservative, tweeted: "While as a father and as a grandfather I fully appreciate Mr Cummings desire to protect his child. There cannot be one law for the Prime Ministers staff and another for everyone else. He has sent out completely the wrong message and his position is no longer tenable."

A tweet previously embedded here has been deleted or was tweeted from an account that has been suspended or deleted.

This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Guests will be able to experience the Safari adventure at Six Flags Great Adventure from the privacy and safety of their own vehicles beginning Saturday.

The Jackson, N.J. theme park announced last week that its Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure will open May 30 and will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Active members, season pass holders, and employees can catch a special preview on Friday.

The announcement comes shortly after N.J. Gov. Phil Murphys executive order permitted drive-through events implementing social distancing guidelines.

*** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK ***

The new safari journey will offer a contact-free experience. Starting Saturday, guests will be able to take a self-guided journey through 1,200 exotic animals from six continents in their own vehicles.

Guests will slowly wind through 350 acres and 11 simulated natural habitats with animals like giraffes, elephants, rhinos, lions, tigers, bears and baboons. While most animals roam freely in the safari, predators are kept safely behind fences. According to Six Flags, all animals are clearly visible from car windows.

The drive is about five miles and takes about one hour to complete.

The safari operated as a self-drive-through experience from 1974 through 2012, before offering guided truck tours beginning in 2013.

Six Flags Great Adventure will have a new experience for its Safari adventure. Guests will be able to drive-through in their own vehicles. (Courtesy/Six Flags)

TICKETS AND RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

To prevent overcrowding, advance tickets and reservations are required for the drive-through experience using Six Flags new online reservation system., which will incorporate new safety procedures for both guests and team members.

The reservation system will be activated on Wednesday at 10 a.m. to allow members, season pass holders and single-day ticket holders to make reservations at sixflags.com/reserve. Guests will not be able to buy tickets at the gate, and guests without advance reservations will not be allowed to enter.

Pricing for the safari experience is $18 per person for general admission, and children two years old and younger are free. Admission to the safari will be free for members and season pass holders, but reservations are still required.

A new list of safety requirements is available on the parks website at www.sixflags.com/greatadventure. That includes keeping all windows, doors, and convertible tops closed; not feeding or touching the animals; no smoking, littering, or stopping; cars, SUVs and consumer pickup trucks with empty beds only -- no buses, campers, RVs, commercial vehicles or trucks larger than a consumer pickup truck; maximum speed of 5 miles per hour and maintaining safe distance between other cars and animals.

All vehicles will be inspected prior to entering the safari, rules will be enforced throughout the journey by park staff, and anyone who violates the rules will be ejected from the park without a refund and possibly prosecuted.

Six Flags Great Adventure will have a new experience for its Safari adventure. Guests will be able to drive-through in their own vehicles. (Courtesy/Six Flags)

As a safety precaution, all Six Flags employees will be temperature-checked and health-screened each day, and they will be required to wear masks and gloves where appropriate. Due to current state regulations, no additional services will be available, so guests should plan accordingly for restroom breaks, gasoline and food. Only portable toilets will be available upon entrance and exit.

The Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure will operate until the theme park is able to reopen. The theme park and waterpark will remain closed until further notice, per state, local and federal guidelines when it comes to COVID-19.

The two parks were initially slated to open for the 2020 season on April 4. The opening date was later pushed back to mid-May. As of Sunday, there is no specific date when the parks will open.

For guests who purchased one-day tickets for a specific date, they will be able to use the tickets on any operating day through Dec. 31, 2020, with no additional fees or restrictions.

For each operating day the park is closed during the 2020 season, Six Flags will give 2020 season pass holders one additional operating day during the 2021 season.

The brand new, record-setting Jersey Devil Coaster is expected to debut during the 2020 season. It will be the worlds tallest, fastest and longest single rail coaster, standing 13 stories tall, reaching speeds of 58 miles per hour and spanning over 3,000 feet of track, according the theme park.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 24)  As Eid'l Fitr, or the end of Islam's holiest month Ramadan approaches, Muslims are encouraged to exemplify the virtues of Islamic faith.

"As you celebrate the Breaking of the Fast, may the clarity of thought and wisdom that you have attained from this undertaking inspire you to be the best living examples of what is best in the Islamic faith," said President Rodrigo Duterte in a statement.

Eid'l Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, where Muslims fast every day from dusk 'til dawn for an entire month to cleanse themselves of sin. It is one of the most important days for the followers of Islam, with the entire Muslim community is celebrating it together.

However, this year, Muslims are compelled to observe both events physically apart with quarantine restrictions in place because of the coronavirus.

READ: Filipino Muslims to celebrate Eidl Fitr differently amid pandemic

"Despite this, we see the many ways that Eidl Fitr and the past holy month of Ramadan strengthened the linkages among Muslim Filipinos," said Vice President Leni Robredo.

Robredo said this is evident in friends reaching out to each other online during fasting, Muslim business owners showing their staff compassion, and leaders who advocate peace and place their constituents at the center of their agenda.

All in all, Muslims "have shown greater compassion, understanding, and solidarity, while observing the obligations and traditions in accordance with the fatwa of the Grand Mufti and the Darul Ifta," observed presidential peace adviser and COVID-19 response chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr.

Meanwhile, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar hoped their "renewed spiritual attainment" will strengthen their "commitment to the exemplary Islamic virtues, especially at this time when we continue to face the challenges and uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 pandemic."

Galvez also asked Muslims to continue helping those who are most in need and pray for the nation's recovery and health.

To date, the Philippines has 13,777 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Some 863 have died from the viral disease, while 3,177 have gotten well.
The US on Sunday announced that it will provide USD 6 million aid to Pakistan to support its effort in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

US ambassador to Pakistan, Paul Jones, in a video message said that the aid money will strengthen Pakistan's response by expanding training for healthcare workers who take care of patients in hospitals with severe cases of coronavirus; preventing the spread of coronavirus in healthcare facilities and providing a fourth mobile lab to test and treat Pakistanis living in virus hotspots.

Jones in the message also expressed good wished for Pakistan on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

"I would like to congratulate all Pakistanis on the completion of Ramazan, said Jones.

Jones also thanked Islamabad for its recent delivery of medical supplies as a gesture of friendship and partnership between the two countries.

The embassy said that the US government has now committed a total of USD 21 million since it declared Pakistan a priority country for coronavirus response'.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Goa Forward Party on Sunday



said the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the Pramod Sawant government for air passengers set to arrive in the state was "loose" and that it should be changed immediately.

GFP chief Vijay Sardesai said the SOP allowed people to fly into the state freely, in the process risking a spike in COVID-19 cases, adding that his party would agitate if it was not changed by Monday.

At least 15 flights are scheduled to arrive at the Goa International Airport in Dabolim in South Goa on Monday.

Sardesai said the demand of state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane for mandatory COVID-19 negative certificate for air travelers arriving in the state should be looked at seriously.

"The SOP is a recipe for (coronavirus) community transmission. We will agitate if it is not changed by Monday," the GFP MLA added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Opening up alcohol sales under level 3 of the lockdown in South Africa may lead to chaos if the government implements its proposed limitations on the sale of liquor.

South Africas national lockdown is expected to be eased to level 3 by the end of May, and reports have stated that this may be implemented on a per-metro basis.

COVID-19 alert level 4 currently forbids the sale of alcohol, although this is expected to change when level 3 is implemented.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Liquor Traders Association of South Africa spokesperson Sean Robinson said that limiting alcohol sales to certain hours and days of the week  as proposed in a draft level 3 document  will cause chaos.

The risk of the spread of the virus is not going to be mitigated if those hours are imposed. Its going to be multiplied, he said.

He said there would likely be a crush of desperate customers during these periods, which could lead to violence and looting.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to provide more information regarding the sale of alcohol and other items under level 3 in a national address at 19:00 this evening.

This comes as South Africans continue to violate lockdown regulations, an activity which will earn them a criminal record if they sign an admission of guilt.

Police Minister Bheki Cele recently announced that over 230,000 cases have been opened for violations of COVID-19 lockdown regulations as of 19 May 2020.

This is more than double the number which had been opened at the end of April, when South Africa was still under lockdown alert level 5.

Many types of contact and trio crimes have declined since the lockdown was implemented, but there has been a significant increase in the illegal sale of alcohol.

We have also observed an increase in smuggling of contraband (liquor and tobacco) between South Africas land borders with Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, as well as the sale of these products in the black market, Cele stated.

Criminals are opportunistic. Organised crime syndicates have taken advantage of the lockdown, especially on the ban of alcohol and cigarettes, and have expanded their illegal trade into the illegal market of illicit and counterfeit alcohol and cigarette sales, he said.

Damaged economy

The effects of COVID-19 and the strict national lockdown will be felt on the South African economy for at least the next three years.

This is according to Nedbank economist Busisiwe Radebe, who recently spoke about the effect of the recent SA Reserve Bank rate cut.

Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago said on Thursday they expect the countrys GDP to contract by 7% this year, following the previous forecast of 6.1%.

Nedbanks economic models around the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown show it will take at least three years to reach pre-crisis peaks.

When it comes to things like employment, we see that taking even longer to reach the pre-crisis peak, said Radebe.

We will still be in this mess trying to undo it three years from now.
Prince Harry and his former wingman Tom Skippy Inskip have finally put their differences aside and patched things up.

Both men are now parents and fatherhood has given them some much-needed perspective, Im told. The pair plan to meet up after the lockdown ends in the United States, where they both live.

Their once-close relationship deteriorated after Skippy reportedly dared to suggest to Harry that he should think twice about marrying Meghan Markle.

Patching things up: Tom Inskip with Prince Harry at a wedding in 2013 (left) and the Duke of Sussex seen with Meghan Markle, both wearing face masks, in Los Angeles (right)

Although Skippy and his wife Lara were invited to the wedding ceremony at St Georges Chapel, Windsor, in 2018, they were notably absent from the lavish evening reception at Frogmore House.

Instead, they had to watch as the Royal couples new friends such as Oprah Winfrey and George Clooney made their way to the event.

Now Im delighted to reveal that Skippy, who lives in Washington DC and works at US tech giant Afiniti, is making plans to take his companys private jet to Los Angeles with his newborn son Albert to meet Harry and his toddler Archie.

A friend tells me: Harry and Tom fell out but things are back on track now.

Theyre now fathers and they both realise they need to share these precious times together, given they have so much history together.

Theyve been through thick and thin, and while they did fall out, they realised that life is too short to be estranged. They would like their children to grow up together.

Mr Inskip (left) arrives for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018

The pair have been close since they met at Eton. Skippy was one of those in Las Vegas in 2012 when Harry was infamously caught playing naked billiards with showgirls in a hotel suite.

Harry had a key role at Skippys wedding in Jamaica in 2017, which was one of Meghans first public appearances as the Princes partner.

James Middleton's marshmallow and greetings card company Boomf has been given a little more oomph.

The Duchess of Cambridges brother has raised almost 1 million from investors to expand the quirky firm. After posting losses since its inception in 2013, Boomf finally broke into profit last year.

James, 33, has spoken of the depression he suffered as the business struggled. Good to see it heading in the right direction at last.

Mr Obnoxious: Petra's fiance

Petra Ecclestone and Sam Palmer attend the VIP opening of Maddox Gallery Exhibition 'Best of British' at Maddox Gallery in October 18 in Los Angeles, California (file photo)

Billionaire heiress Petra Ecclestone sure can pick em.

Her partner, Sam Palmer, has threatened to visit the house of a person he accuses of being an internet troll, daring the man to say to my face comments hed made online.

Sam, 36, has form for this sort of thing: last month he challenged Petras ex-husband, James Stunt, 38, to a no-holds-barred street fight. Now remember, Sam, you have to keep two metres apart
One cough simulation study in 2014 suggested that a shield could reduce a users viral exposure by 96% when worn within 18 inches of someone who was coughing. But most people in the general public are much farther away from others they are interacting with, said William Lindsley, a bioengineer at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health who led the study. Large droplets that may contain virus will fall to the ground quickly, reducing the need for a face shield worn when standing farther away.
Latest News First major rate move of 2022 as ANZ cuts variable Despite expectations that rates will rise, the first big move of the year is a cut

70% of Aussies pessimistic about their chances of getting on the property ladder Mortgage franchise giant releases data suggesting that Aussie Dream is out of reach for young people

Despite a challenging landscape, the commercial lending armof our business has continued to thrive. Just like in the residential arena, brokers provide genuine choice  and this is a vital and missing ingredient in commercial lending.

Brokers introduce to clients a vast array of products, services and fintech lenders that borrowers may not be able to access by going to a bank.

The tightening of lending criteria that occurred after the banking royal commission made it harder for commercial borrowers to access finance, but brokers worked hard to find solutions to suit their customers needs. When the dust began to settle, our country experienced the most devastating bushfires in living memory, but still, brokers pushed through.

Now, as the COVID-19 situation unfolds, we as an industry can expect to face further challenges. However, by remaining agile and continuing with our free-thinking approach to finance, Liberty is well placed to support brokers to come out on top. For example, Liberty has been accepted into the Australian governments SME Guarantee Scheme and has launched an unsecured loan product to support affected businesses, providing loans of up to $250,000 for a maximum of three years. Our new Business Care product offers the option to defer repayments forthe first six months, until small businessowners are back on their feet.

With a growing market, an increasing number of mortgage brokers are stepping into the commercial lending space  and theyre being rewarded for doing so. Part of the reason were seeing more brokers moving into this area is because there are so many opportunities. From opening new shopfronts to purchasing o ce space, there are many reasons why a customer may seek commercial finance, and there is certainly no shortage of customers.

Given the unprecedented nature of the virus, there is no telling just how serious the effects on our industry will be. As the COVID-19 situation has unfolded, we have maintained regular communications with our business partners. Although we cannot currently meet face-to-face, we still strive to achieve personalised contact through video chats and digital platforms.

While it is certainly an unusual time, most brokers are in a fortunate position of being able to continue operating without the same level of disruption that many other industries will face. Although there are likely to be interruptions to some degree, technology allows brokers to work remotely, while still engaging with customers over the phone, via email or through video chat. We truly believe in the value of diversifi cation, and our BDMs are always available to support business partners in moving into other areas of lending.

Broker market share of commercial lending is comparatively low  and the market itself is far from crowded. This means there is ample opportunity for ambitious brokers to move in and make a diff erence

Currently, the broker channel holds the highest market share of residential home loans on record, sitting at close to 60%. With the steady demand for specialised lending support, we can expect this uptick to continue. However, despite a steady increase in the number of brokers moving into commercial lending, broker market share of this type of lending is comparatively low  and the market itself is far from crowded. This means there is ample opportunity for ambitious brokers to move in and make a diff erence.

The fact is, residential is a super competitive market, and it can be di cult for brokers to compete with some of their more established competitors, especially if they are just starting out. With plenty of room to move, commercial lending can be an excellent way for brokers to boost their business and break into a relatively underserviced market.

At Liberty, we promote the benefits of commercial lending with training events and workshops, like our Do More sessions. These sessions explain the fundamentals of commercial lending, and support brokers in taking the first steps towards moving into this area.

If youre considering breaking into commercial lending, theres never been a better time to take the plunge. Those who get in early are likely to see the greatest gains. At Liberty, we know there can be anxieties around moving into new areas of lending, which is why our BDM team offers extensive support to brokers through the transition period and beyond.

Like learning any new skill, its important to receive the best training and support. We have more BDMs than any other non-bank lender, so were equipped to take a hands-on approach and offer the personalised support brokers need to succeed.

John Mohnacheff

Group sales manager,

Liberty
One of the 12 sugar factory



workers, who were hospitalised on Saturday after they complained of suffocation while cleaning a vacuum pan in a Baramati-based sugar factory, died on Sunday, police said.

On Saturday morning, when workers were cleaning the pan, a gas got released from it.

Some workers who had entered the pan felt suffocated and nauseating, a company official earlier said.

One of the workers, identified as Shivaji Bhosale, who was admitted to the ICU of a private hospital here, died on Sunday morning, a police official said.

"Five to six workers were involved in the cleaning activity inside a vacuum pan at the factory when a gasemanated and they felt suffocated," Vijay Wable, managing director of Malegaon Sugar Factory, which is located in Baramati, said on Saturday.

The workers then called their colleagues for help.

The condition of one more worker was critical, while the 10 others were stable, Wable earlier said.

A vacuum pan is a tank with a vacuum pump for rapid evaporation and condensation (as of sugar syrup) by boiling at a low temperature.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By PTI

NEW DELHI: State-owned HIL Ltd will supply 25 tonnes of pesticides to Iran to control locust, the government said on Sunday.

"HIL is now in the process of production and supply of 25 tonnes Malathion Technical for supply to locust control programme to Iran under Government to Government arrangement," an official statement said.

The External Affairs ministry has approached HIL for manufacturing and supply of this commodity to Iran.

Despite logistics and other challenges posed by COVID-19 lockdown, HIL (india) Ltd, a PSU under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertlizers, ensured timely production and supply of pesticides for farming community.

The company has exported 10 tonnes of fungicide Mancozeb to Latin American country Peru and another 12 tonnes will be exported in the next one week.

HIL has also signed an agreement with the agriculture ministry for the supply of Malathion Technical to Rajasthan and Gujarat for locust control programme.

HIL had manufactured and supplied 67 tonnes of Malathion Technical till last week. HIL supplied malathion technical to municipal corporations for dengue and chikungunya control programme.

During the lockdown period till May 15, 2020, HIL produced 120 tonnes of Malathion Technical, 120.

40 tonnes of DDT Technical, 288 tonnes of DDT 50 per cent, 21 tonnes of HILGOLD (water soluble fertiliser), 12 tonnes of Mancozeb Fungicide for exports and 35 tonnes of different agrochemical formulations.

These are used in the agriculture and health sectors.
Family members of a Mississippi man shot to death inside an abandoned Bessemer house retraced his last steps Sunday, grief-stricken as they imagined his final moments.

Michael Jones wife, Bethie, and nearly a dozen of her relatives drove to Bessemer from Mississippi to place a floral cross and balloons at the place where Jones was killed.

The bottom line, this was entrapment, said Martha Salone, Jones brother-in-law. This was Michael trusting. Its like a wounded animal. He was all alone.

Jones, 45, vanished Wednesday after leaving work in Mississippi. His body was discovered Friday night inside a vacant home in the 1800 block of Fairfax Avenue.

Jones was seen about 6:15 a.m. Wednesday when he left work at Steel Dynamics/Severstal on Airport Road in Columbus. Family said he was supposed to return to work at 6 p.m. Wednesday but did not show up or call. His supervisor told them that is not typical for Jones.

His large, close-knit family immediately began to search for him. They were able to track his phone to Tuscaloosa, and then Bessemer. Ultimately, they learned, he had arranged via the Letgo trading app, to meet someone to buy an iPhone 11.

On Thursday, his wifes family fanned out to look for Jones. We were looking for a car running off the road, not this, Salone said. That last pingall roads led to Bessemer.

During the search, they passed the house at 1815 Fairfax Avenue where his body would eventually be found. We drove right by this, said brother-in-law Joshua Tatum.

By Friday morning, Bessemer police were involved in the search. Jones Ford Ranger 4x4 pick-up truck was found Friday afternoon in the 1700 block of Clarendon Avenue. A continued search led to the discovery of his body several hours later. Police said Jones had been shot to death.

My prayer was let us find Michael to bring him back home, Tatum said. I wanted him alive, but we wanted to find his body. Now hes headed back to Mississippi.

Family said it was a hobby of Jones to find good deals on trading sites. Everybody was like, Why did he do that? He could have just bought a phone in a store and made payments, Salone said. That wasnt Michael. When he found a deal, he was telling us about the deal he found, thinking it was the best deal ever.

Trading has been going on for decades, she said. This was his enjoyment. He loved it, and he found some good stuff.

Tatum said theyve learned that Jones first went to Tuscaloosa, and then was told to go to Bessemer instead. The sellers lowered the price to entice him to make the longer drive.

They lured him in, Tatum said. They went down on the price, made him come here and they did what they wanted to do.

If I had been with Michael, it wouldnt have went down, he said. I would have told him to turn around.

Jones leaves behind a 21-year-old daughter and an 18-year-old son. Both children, as well as his wife, are taking his death hard.

Michael he was so kind and so good and so hardworking. Hed get off work and hed still by trying to help somebody like fix your car or do your yard or whatever, Salone said. Hard work didnt mean anything to Michael.

He was a good husband to our sister. He was a friendly guy Hed always help you out if you needed something. You called him and hed say hed be there as soon as he got off work, Tatum said. He did not deserve this.

This was wrong. This was a family man. He didnt do dope. He didnt drink or hang out at clubs or go to casinos, Tatum said. He was a churchgoing man. An usher at church. He was a giver. To take his life was uncalled for. We all are hurting.

He was a godly person, Tatum said. He was an usher at his church.

Whoever did this to him, Michael trusted them, Salone said. He was a very trusting person.

He was a god-fearing person, Tataum said

The family said they will make sure those responsible for Jones death will face the consequences. We want whoever did this to Michael to know, youre going to get it, Salone said. Justice shall be served.

Michael was love, she said. You took someone, and left people greatly hurt.

Tatum agreed. He was a soldier for the Lord, he said, and God will bring vengeance to the one who did this.

Jones is Bessemers 11th homicide in 2020. In all of Jefferson County there have been 70 homicides, including the 11 in Bessemer.

Investigators from Bessemer and Mississippi are working together to determine who is responsible, and why. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Bessemer police at 205-425-2411, the Tip Line at 205-428-3541, Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777, the Lowndes County Sheriffs Office at 662-328-6788 or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151.
Photograph: Marco Garcia/Reuters

Thanks to its geographic isolation, a stay-at-home order and a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all arrivals, Hawaii has had some of the lowest rates of Covid-19 in the US.

But the quarantine essentially halted tourism in Hawaii, which accounts for a quarter of the economy. As a result, nearly one-third of the states working population has applied for unemployment.

Related: 'It's beyond frustrating': tensions peak as Hawaii locals urge tourists to stay out

This week, Hawaiis governor, David Ige, announced a phased approach to opening the non-tourism economy, or kamaaina (local) economy. The plan reopened auto dealerships, car washes and pet grooming services in May, while waiting until June to consider reopening higher-risk businesses, such as gyms, museums and theaters.

The governor also confirmed that the mandatory 14-day quarantine for all arrivals would stay in place through June. The finer details of how the tourism economy  bars, hotels, convention centers  will be reopened have yet to be released but one idea being discussed is waiving the quarantine for visitors if they take a Covid-19 test before traveling to Hawaii.

The state needs to bring back tourism in some way. We need money, said Colin Moore, the University of Hawaii public policy director. But the only way to make that work is to find a way to do it as safely as we can.

Hawaiis governor, David Ige, at the state capitol in January. Photograph: Audrey McAvoy/AP

Nearly 240,000 people have signed up for unemployment since the beginning of March, according to Hawaiis department of labor and industrial relations. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which opened in May for gig workers and self-employed individuals, has received 28,000 applications. The states outdated unemployment system created a huge backlog in applications, forcing the recently jobless to wait weeks or, for some, more than a month for their first payments.

The governor has extended the quarantine until the end of June, which has helped bring the number of arrivals to Hawaii from the usual 30,000 to less than 1,000 most days. The mandatory 14-day quarantine requires that everyone arriving in the state or traveling between islands must go directly from the airport to their home or hotel. During the quarantine period, all food must be delivered. Those who break quarantine face a maximum fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.

Story continues

Local lawmakers have budgeted $36m for airport temperature cameras, which the governor said at a press conference on Monday would be part of the future screening process for arrivals to Hawaiis airports. It does allow us to identify those who are most sick in a way that can be less intrusive than other screening methods, Ige said. The White House has advocated for their use, although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that thermal screening airport passengers is not a particularly effective detection strategy.

Its a lot of money to set up a system that makes people feel better but actually doesnt catch many of the active cases that are coming in, said Sumner La Croix, a research fellow at the University of Hawaiis Economic Research Organization.

A man walks along a closed pier on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu in late March. Photograph: Caleb Jones/AP

Instead, he said, people should take a test before flying to Hawaii, and individuals who share their negative results with the state could then have the 14-day quarantine waived. This system wont be flawless, since test results are not always accurate and not everyone will do it. He also acknowledged that people flying to Hawaii might still be exposed to the virus while traveling.

But it would stop the vast majority of asymptomatic people who would have flown into the state with Covid-19, making it relatively easy to keep the number of new cases low. Hawaiis lieutenant governor, Josh Green; the US congressman Ed Case; and local lawmakers have expressed support for a screening strategy that includes pre-testing for the coronavirus, while the Federal Aviation Administration and the US Department of Transportation have said that would be possible.

Related: I cant get any help: Disney World staff go weeks without unemployment benefits

Were going to have to deal with outbreaks, but that shouldnt be our main policy, said La Croix. Our main policy should be trying to prevent people who have active coronavirus infections from getting on planes.

Maintaining low rates of Covid-19 will probably encourage visitors to come to the state, as they will think of Hawaii as a safe place. It will also make residents who are weary of visitors  a handful were caught breaking quarantine after posting pictures of themselves on the beach  more confident about allowing tourism to return.

Testing, contact tracing, and isolation methods also needed to be bolstered before the state allowed tourists to come back, said La Croix. In early May, the states department of health said it was increasing the number of trained contact tracers, who will help track the people an infected person may have come in contact with in order to slow or stop the spread of the virus.

Even after the quarantine is lifted, it could be years until the tourism economy returns to its previous figures. In 2019, Hawaii received a record-breaking 10 million tourists. If the recovery of Hawaiis tourism economy continues to drag, the double-digit unemployment rates could remain for years, too.

The international airport in Honolulu, seen in April. Coronavirus has essentially halted tourism in Hawaii. Photograph: Caleb Jones/AP

The existing idea that Hawaii is overly reliant on tourism and the need to diversify the economy has picked up steam since the pandemic began.

We can retrain people to start attracting a more diverse set of industries, said Moore. He said the governor should create retraining opportunities for people in the hospitality sector who have lost their jobs, state-sponsored jobs that would focus on public works projects, and programs for young people. People need a sense of purpose. Being unemployed for a long time, your skills start to rot. It can lead to depression, he said.

Along with long-lasting high unemployment numbers, many Hawaii residents will be forced to move to the US mainland for opportunities and affordable housing. It will probably take Hawaii longer to recover than states on the mainland with more diversified economies, said Moore. Hawaii has already seen a loss of population for the past three years and the pandemic is likely to accelerate that trend.

Youre going to lose the people you really dont want to lose, said Moore about residents moving away from Hawaii. Well-trained, younger people with families, who could be the future of the state, leaving. Were going to lose some of the most valuable people this way.
If ever in question, simply follow the money.

Last week, we saw weakness in the U.S. financial sector, and with some of the top U.S. banks grossly underperforming the market.

So some have asked why I choose the financials as the canary in the coal mine, so to speak. Since the coronavirus hit, within weeks, it pushed world economies into a global recession, more severe than the global meltdown in 2008. Currently, we are in an inflection point, with many economies trying to recover and get back to work.

The depth and length of the current downturn will depend on many factors: The virus itself and possible mutations, government and public health responses, results of the previous and future economic interventions, and just as important, the action and behavior of the general public.

Per date, close to $10 trillion has been thrown at the problem with more coming. We will know soon if it has helped or simply slowed a global recession or even worse a possible depression. My hope is the trillions helped tremendously and we will see remarkable recovery in the third and fourth quarters and the forecasted second wave is nonexistent.

Per the amount one trillion, it is so large, many have trouble understanding just how large it is.

To better understand how large $10 trillion is, lets jump to time and seconds. If we clock a million seconds, thats close to 11 days. A billion seconds is nearly 32 years. A trillion seconds is close to 32,000 years, depending on the calendar used. Do the math: You can see the size of the $10 trillion thrown at the world economies and why, when studying the financial sector, that banks are so important.

Today, we look globally and examine the relative strength of the Chinese and European banks for strength and weakness clues to see if we could be going into a global rally or recession.

Lets begin with China. Why? It is the second-largest (country) economy, ranked by gross domestic product, behind the United States. Here are the largest China banks that are chartable and publicly traded on an American exchange, ranked by market cap, and dividend yield: Chinese Construction Bank, 1.93 Trillion-4.72%; Industrial and Commerce Bank of China, 569 Billion-4.62%; Bank of China, 31.5 Billion-5.93%; Chinese Merchants Bank, 21.74 Billion-4.72%; and Agriculture Bank of China, 12.49 Billion, 5.16% yield.

Next, lets view the relative strength performance of these top Chinese banks, during the current rally starting on March 24 to date, and compared to the strength of the Shanghai Stock Exchange Index, symbol $SSEC (red area).

The Chinese banks ranked by relative strength are as follows: Chinese Merchants Bank (14.46% purple line), Agriculture Bank of China (10.43% blue line), Bank of China (4.69% red line), Chinese Construction Bank (4.30% pink line), and Industrial and Commerce Bank of China (1.43% brown line). The relative strength performance of the $SSEC (red area) is 8.40%. For comparison sake, the SPX is outperforming all with a 32.82% return.

While all banks in this group currently have a positive return during this recent rally, only two banks are outperforming and three are underperforming the Chinese index $SSEC. At this point, I do not see any major structural weakness with this group. If any of these banks would drop below their previous lows, then they qualify to consider as short or put candidates. If they rally above their previous highs, they would qualify as potential long candidates.

Now let's identify the largest European banks (by location) that are chartable and publically traded on an American exchange, ranked by market cap, and dividend yield and location: HSBC Holdings-England, 101 Billion-.50%; BNP Paribas-France, 38 Billion-9.03%; Banco Santander-Spain, 32 Billion-.11%; ING Groep-Holland, 21 Billion-27%; and Deutsche Bank-Germany, 58 Billion-1.64%.

The European banks ranked by relative strength, performance of top European banks, compared to the strength of the SPDR EORO Stoxx ETF (FEZ purple area), during the same timeframe: Deutsche Bank (28.60% brown line), BNP Paribas (15.16% red line), ING Groep (12.43% orange line), Banco Santander (-10.62% green line), and HSBC Holdings (-10.66% blue line). The FEZ return during this timeframe is 22.07% while the SPX had a 33.18% performance.

Only one bank in this group is outperforming the main European Index FEZ. Four banks are underperforming the main European index FEZ. If any drop below the current March 2020 lows, they would qualify to consider as short or put candidates. If any should break out above their previous highs, they would be considered as long candidates and would show strength for the region.

Here are the action points. Are you monitoring these overseas banks to signal the next upturn or downturn? If not, it would be wise to set an alert if any of these large Chinese or European banks rally or take a nosedive.

I am very concerned about some of the banks in the European group. Why? Since the European Central Banks (ECB) policy rate went negative in 2014, the tools to help stimulate their economies are greatly reduced, compared to the tools we have with the Federal Reserve.

For those planning to short any of these banks or any securities if you short a security that pays a dividend, it is still paid by the person short the security: You.

To get a head start on next week's column, take the time to research the top Latin and South American banks for additional clues to see if we could be heading into a global rally or a recession. It will be time well spent.

If you have market questions, email them to my address below.

Plan your work, work your plan, and share your harvest!

DAVID O. ENGLAND is an investor/trader, financial analyst/educator/lecturer and Associate Professor Emeritus of Finance. This column is for educational purposes only and not intended as financial advice. Past performance does not dictate future returns. Questions? Send to thetraderseye@gmail.com. Full Disclosure: The author does not own any securities in this column.

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(ILO News)  Two guidance documents for creating safe and effective return-to-work conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic have been issued by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The Guidance Note says that return to work policies need to be informed by a human-centred approach that puts peoples rights at the heart of economic, social and environmental policies. Social dialogue  bringing together governments, workers and employers organizations  will be critical in creating the effective policies and trust needed for a safe return to work.

The note draws on specialist ILO guidance documents and International Labour Standards, which provide a normative framework for creating a safe return to work. The document stresses that policy guidance should be embedded into national Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) systems, as these create the basis for safe workplace environments. The guidance can therefore contribute to a culture of continuous, country-level improvement, in administration, institutions, laws and regulations, labour inspections, information gathering, and other areas.

Workers must feel safe at their workplaces, both from risks directly related to COVID-19, and indirect risks, including psychosocial issues and ergonomic risks related to working in awkward positions or with poor facilities when working from home, the guidelines say. They should have the right to remove themselves from any situation which they have reasonable justification to believe presents an imminent and serious danger to their life or health, and shall be protected from any undue consequences.

The document proposes that each specific work setting, job or group of jobs should be assessed before returning to work and that preventive measures should be implemented to ensure the safety and health of all workers according to a hierarchy of controls. For workers staying at home, the risk of infection in a work context can be eliminated; for all workers returning to workplaces, priority should be given to options that substitute hazardous situations for less hazardous ones, such as organizing virtual instead of physical meetings. When this is not possible a mix of engineering and organizational control measures will usually be required to prevent contagion, The specific measures to implement are specific to each workplace, but may consist of installing physical barriers such as clear plastic sneeze guards, improving ventilation, or adopting flexible working hours, in addition to cleaning and hygiene practices. The guidelines also recall that the use of appropriate personal protective equipment may be required to complement other measures, in particular for the most hazardous occupations, and that this equipment should be provided without cost to workers.

The needs of workers at higher risk of severe illness should be taken into account; including older workers, pregnant workers, those with pre-existing medical conditions, refugees, migrants and those in the informal sector. Special attention will be needed to ensure that return to work policies do not create discrimination related to gender, health status, or other factors.

Unsafe work practices anywhere are a threat to both health and sustainable business, everywhere. So, before returning to work, workers must be confident that they will not be exposed to undue risks, said Deborah Greenfield, ILOs Deputy Director-General for Policy. And, to help enterprises and economies get going as soon as possible, workers will need to cooperate with these new measures. This means that social dialogue will be particularly important because it is the most effective way to feed information and views into policies and actions, so creating the best chance for a swift and balanced recovery.

The Guidance Note, A safe and healthy return to work during the COVID-19 pandemic , is accompanied by a 10-point, Practical Guidance action checklist for employers, workers and their representatives. This tool is intended to compliment and not replace national occupational safety and health regulations and guidance, to help establish the practical details of a safe return to work.
As the coronavirus spread across the United States, sweeping through low-income, densely populated communities, Black and Hispanic patients died at higher rates than white patients.

Crowded living conditions, poorer overall health and limited access to care have been blamed, among other factors. But a new study suggests that the disparity was particularly acute for Black patients.

Among those seeking medical care for COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, Black patients were hospitalized at nearly three times the rate of white and Hispanic patients, according to an analysis of patient records from a large health-care system in northern California.

The disparity remained even after researchers took into account differences in age, sex, income and the prevalence of chronic health problems that exacerbate COVID-19, like hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.

The finding suggests that Black patients may have had limited access to medical care or that they postponed seeking help until later in the course of their illness, when the disease was more advanced.

Black patients were also far less likely than white, Hispanic or Asian patients to have been tested for the virus before going to the emergency room for care.

Black patients are coming to us later and sicker, and theyre accessing our care through the emergency department and acute-care environment, said Dr. Stephen Lockhart, the chief medical officer at Sutter Health in Sacramento and one of the authors of the new study.

The study, which was peer-reviewed, was published in Health Affairs.

Delayed care may give the virus more time to spread through households and neighbourhoods, Lockhart and his colleagues concluded. The delays also suggest that minority patients continue to face barriers despite Californias broad expansion of health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

How soon you access care, even supportive care, affects how you experience illness and how much pain and suffering you have, said Kristen Azar, a research scientist at Sutter Health and the studys lead author.

While we dont necessarily have treatments at this point, there are therapies being developed, and identifying people early on as these treatments become available will be important in order to prevent poor outcomes, like death and being put on ventilators, she added.

Dr. Clyde Yancy, chief of cardiology at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine, said the granular study of patient records bolstered cruder public health reports of higher COVID-19 death rates among Black Americans.

The data confirm that socioeconomic factors play an outsize role in influencing health status and vulnerability to infection, he added.

Where and how we live contributes greatly to our health, said Yancy, who has written about health disparities and the pandemic.

The new study analyzed the electronic health records of 1,052 confirmed COVID-19 patients who sought care between Jan. 1 and April 8 at Sutter Health, a health system serving three and a half million patients in northern California.

More than half of the 61 Black patients who tested positive for the coronavirus were admitted to hospitals, compared with about one-quarter or fewer of the Hispanic, white and Asian patients who tested positive.

Black patients were also more likely than the others to be so sick that they required treatment in an intensive-care unit.

Even after the investigators factored out a number of differences between patient groups, Black patients were still 2.7 times more likely than others to require hospitalization when they sought care.

The important thing we found in this study is that even when we were accounting for all those things, race mattered, Lockhart said. Thats a message thats incredibly important as we think about going forward.

The study was too small to detect differences in death rates among the patient groups, the authors said. In California as a whole, however, Black residents are bearing a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 deaths.

Black residents make up six per cent of the states population and roughly the same percentage of the states COVID-19 cases. But Black patients represented 10.3 per cent of COVID-19-related deaths as of May 13, according to the California Department of Public Health.

One limitation of the study was that researchers did not make adjustments for obesity. Rates of obesity are somewhat higher among Black people, and obesity has emerged as a risk factor in patients with more severe complications from COVID-19.
An Ohio teen who went missing hours before her graduation and prompted a desperate six-day search was found safe with a person of interest in the case and said she'd left to 'start a new life'.

Madison Bell, 18, phoned police to say she is safe after disappearing last Sunday, May 17, the Highland County Sheriff's office said Saturday.

The teen's mother reported her missing after she left home to visit a tanning salon a few hours before her high school graduation ceremony and never returned.

Her car was later found abandoned in a church parking lot, unlocked with her cell phone and keys still inside, sparking immediate suspicion of foul play.

Highland County authorities now say that Madison has been in contact to confirm that she is safe and left of her own free will, but does not want her location disclosed.

Sheriff Donnie Barrera said that when Madison was found she told authorities she wanted 'to start a new life'.

She was reportedly in the company of an unidentified 'person of interest'.

Police say no arrests will be made in the case, despite how costly the extensive search effort was.

Madison Bell, 18, was found safe six days after she disappeared in Highland County, Ohio. Police said she had left of her own volition and wanted to 'start a new life'

Madison was reported missing on May 17 after she left home to visit a tanning salon a few hours before her high school graduation ceremony and never returned

Madison's disappearance generated tremendous community concern, and a $15,000 reward had been posted for information leading to her return.

Her family released a statement saying: 'We ask that the public and media respect our privacy during this difficult time while we are emotionally raw.'

'We are just relieved to know Maddie is alive and not in physical danger.'

The family thanked all of the agencies that joined in the massive search for the teen, as well as the community for rallying around them during the trying ordeal.

'Every single effort to find Maddie has touched us and we appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts,' the statement added.

Police released a photo of this man who was spotted near the area where Madison's car was found. It's unclear whether he has any connection with the case

The mysterious case quickly attracted national attention, with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine pleading for the teen's safe return, and the FBI joining the investigation.

The teen disappeared just two days after tanning businesses had reopened in Ohio following coronavirus lockdowns.

When Madison, known to her family and friends as 'Maddie,' did not return home from the tanning salon after about an hour, her mother started texting and calling her, but received no response.

Mother Melissa Bell had insisted her daughter would never leave her family and friends, especially during graduation week.

'She would always contact me even if she was going to be five minutes late,' the distraught mother said after she disappeared.

Concerned that Madison may have gotten into a car accident, her mother and longtime boyfriend drove together to the Good Shepherd Church parking lot near the Corner Market tanning salon, where they found her car.

'The windows are up, we open the door, her phone is laying in it, her keys in the ignition, the change is in the container she had. The car was left unlocked,' the mother recounted to WHIO. 'She would never leave her car unlocked, she would never leave her phone in there.'

Madison's family was certain that she would not leave on her own just hours before graduation, but it now appears that she left willingly and did not want her family to find her

Madison's mother, Melissa Bell (left), and the teen's long-term boyfriend, Cody Mann (right), made emotional pleas for her safe return during the week she was missing

Madison's car was found abandoned with the keys still in the ignition in the parking lot of the Good Shepherd Church in Highland County (pictured)

Bell said she tried to unlock Madison's phone but was unable to and handed it over to law enforcement.

Cody Mann, Madison's boyfriend of five years, broke down in tears pleading for her safe return during an interview with WXIX-TV on Tuesday.

'She's the most loving girl I've ever seen in my life. I mean, I can't even explain it... I just want her to come home,' he said through sobs.

'I'll see you when you get back is the last thing I got to say', he added.

Madison (pictured left with her live-in boyfriend) was set to graduate from high school on the day she was reported missing. Her mother said she would not have missed it

More than 300 volunteers came out to search for Madison on Sunday and Monday, spending thousands of man-hours scouring trails and woods, and distributing flyers.

On Thursday, police released images of a man and a car with California plates sought in connection with the case, saying the man was spotted in the parking lot where Madison's car was found.

A church worker told police the white four-door vehicle they saw in the lot stood out as there were no services due to COVID-19.

They said a white male stood near the vehicle, which they believed to have California license plates. An image released by police was taken at a nearby business.

After Madison was confirmed safe, it was not clear whether the man had any connection with her decision to leave her family without informing them.
Boris Johnson is reconsidering his controversial decision to give Huawei access to Britains 5G network after fresh security warnings by spy chiefs.

Intelligence agencies are reviewing advice given to No 10 amid concerns new US sanctions on the Chinese company could scupper the goal of bringing in the superfast broadband technology nationwide.

In January, the cyber wing of GCHQ said the risk associated with letting Huawei into the broadband could be mitigated  but a change of advice could force Mr Johnson to pull plans to use the firms kit in 35 per cent of the network.

Boris Johnson is reconsidering his controversial decision to give Huawei access to Britains 5G network after fresh security warnings by spy chiefs

The fresh US sanctions, announced earlier this month, outlaw any American intellectual property from being used in the production of Huawei equipment.

This presents a problem for the UK because mobile chips manufactured for use in Huawei products use US technology.

But British spies have warned Downing Street that the Chinese alternatives currently being discussed cannot be trusted. Whitehall sources said the consequences were being worked out and a decision had not yet been made.

In January, the cyber wing of GCHQ said the risk associated with letting Huawei into the broadband could be mitigated

A Government spokesman said: The security and resilience of our networks is of paramount importance. Following the US announcement of additional sanctions against Huawei, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is looking carefully at any impact they could have on the networks. Victor Zhang, vice president of Huawei, said: As a private company, 100 per cent owned by employees, which has operated in the UK for 20 years, our priority has been to help mobile and broadband companies keep Britain connected, which in this current health crisis has been more vital than ever.

Mr Johnson had approved a limited role for Huawei in building the countrys 5G network, angering Donald Trump.

A 5G mast was set on fire in Chaddesden, Derby, just two days after it was erected

But Chinas response during the virus crisis has increased pressure on the Government to reverse the decision, while some senior Tories believe the Government will fail to get the legislation through the Commons this summer.

One Conservative MP said No 10 would struggle to explain to MPs why it is appropriate for China to be given more influence after the crisis. The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Huawei of spying for Beijing, which the firm strenuously denies.

The rethink comes ahead of a possible G7 summit in the US next month and after Mr Johnson held a meeting of his National Security Council last week  the first since February  to discuss the reliance of UK supply chains on foreign states.

The fresh fears come as an investigation was launched into the torching of a 5G mobile phone mast in Derby just days after it was erected. Police said they believe the blaze, attended at 2am yesterday, was started deliberately. It follows more than 50 incidents nationwide believed to be linked to false claims the network is spreading coronavirus  fake news that has prompted crackdowns from social media giants.
In May 1987, when a curfew was imposed in Delhi after tension flared in some neighbourhoods following communal rioting in Uttar Pradeshs Meerut, Eid prayers were not offered at the iconic Jama Masjid. Thirty-three years later, Delhis largest mosque will again remain shut to devotees when Eid is celebrated on Monday.

Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, cited the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic as the reason for the mosque remaining shut. Similarly, all other mosques in the city will remain shut to devotees on Eid as a lockdown continues to be enforced to contain the spread of the virus.

Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated to mark the end of the holy month of Ramzan during which Muslims observe a fast from dawn to dusk. On the day of Eid, dressed in new clothes, devotees offer prayers at mosques and then hug and greet relatives and friends. After the prayers, people visit each others homes with sheer khurma (a traditional dessert) as a customary ritual of the festival. This year, the community will observe the festival at homes with no public prayers, hugs, and dawats (get-togethers).

Its going to be hard for people to celebrate Eid like this but we need to do this to protect each other from the coronavirus infection. People have an immense attachment to the Jama Masjid. But this time everyone has to pray at home. We have already announced that no one will be allowed inside the mosque on Monday. Only the mosque staff living inside will offer the prayer on the premises, Bukhari said.

Mufti Mukarram Ahmed, the Shahi Imam of Masjid Fatehpuri, recalled the last time Eid prayers were not held in the mosque.

In 1993, when the curfew was imposed post-Babri Masjid demolition, we did not hold Eid prayers in the Fatehpuri mosque and encouraged people to offer prayers in their local mosques (Babri Masjid was demolished in December 1992). But this year its unprecedented. The mosque is closed since March due to the pandemic. We are requesting people to not only pray at their home but also avoid roaming on the streets and gatherings, he said.

Haji Miyan Faiyazuddin, 82, of the iconic Haji Hotel in the Jama Masjid area, said that he has never experienced an Eid without Namaz being offered in mosques, hugs being exchanged, and celebrations on the streets.

I had gone for my first Eid namaz in Jama Masjid when I was six. Even during instances of communal tension, namaz was not prohibited in the local mosques as it has been now. After the namaz, we would visit each others house. Children would buy toys and sweets on the way home. We would also share sweets and other delicacies with our Hindu brothers and they also visit our homes. But, this time, it will be a silent Eid, he said.

Faiyazuddin, whose family claims a lineage of five centuries, said people should follow all the norms specified for the prevention of Covid-19. We can celebrate Eid again next year but we cannot afford to put everyones life in danger. Also, people should help those who have lost their livelihood and loved ones due to this pandemic, he said.

Shopkeepers selling clothes, shoes and jewellery, and tailors, who would otherwise remain busy throughout Ramzan, said this would be a black Eid.

Farookh Ahmed, who runs a readymade garment showroom in the Shaheen Bagh neighbourhood, said, We have opened our shops two days back after a gap of five months. The market was first shut due to the anti-CAA protest and then the Covid-19 lockdown. We did not even get a window of a week to sell some clothes before Eid. People are also not shopping like before this year. For us, its black Eid, he said.

The reference was to the long-running protest staged in Shaheen Bagh against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

On Saturday, very few people were spotted in the markets for Eid Shopping in the walled city, Batla House, Shaheen Bagh, and other Muslim-dominated areas.

The hashtags of #EidatHome and #EidiforMigrants were also trending on Twitter, requesting people to stay at home and help those in need. Refrain from buying new clothes and rather use the money for the marginal sections of the society, said Ashhar Uddin, in a tweet.

Rana Safvi, an author, said that she will have a low-key celebration at home. I wont be able to meet my daughter as she lives in Delhi while I am in Noida. We will do a video call and greet each other, she said.

This time, we should celebrate an Eid of compassion. We should give more to those in need. I will also do that, she added.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fareeha Iftikhar Fareeha Iftikhar is a principal correspondent with the national political bureau of the Hindustan Times. She tracks the education ministry, and covers the beat at the national level for the newspaper. She also writes on issues related to gender, human rights and different policy matters. ...view detail
Prince William has urged people to speak out about depression in a video filmed for the Church of England to mark the end of Mental Health Awareness Week.

The Duke of Cambridge, 37, admitted mental health is a topic he and Kate Middleton, 38, care 'passionately' about, and highlighted the importance of recognising the symptoms of anxiety amid the lockdown surrounding coronavirus.

William, who is isolating with Kate, Prince George, 6, Princess Charlotte, 4, and Prince Louis, 1, at Amner Hall in Norfolk, stressed that it's 'okay not to feel okay' in the clip today.

Speaking in the video led by the Reverend Professor Gina Radford, a vicar in Devon and former deputy chief medical officer for England, William revealed he and Kate had taken 'great comfort in the acts of kindness they had witnessed'.

Prince William has urged people to speak out about depression in a video filmed for the Church of England to mark the end of Mental Health Awareness Week today

Speaking from his home office, William looked smart in a crisp white shirt and black blazer, revealing: 'Mental health is an issue Catherine and I care passionately about, and we are determined to do all we can to remove the stigma attached to it.

'The impact of the coronavirus has been far-reaching, and we shouldnt underestimate its effects on us, and on those in our families and communities.

'Whether people have lost or are worrying about loved ones, struggling with isolating at home, feeling anxious about job security or working on the front line - now more than ever it is important that we talk to one another about issues were struggling with. And it is OK to not feel OK.

'Catherine and I have both found great comfort in the wonderful acts of kindness we have seen happening right across the nation.'

William, who is isolating with Kate, Prince George, 6, Princess Charlotte, 4, and Prince Louis, 1, at Amner Hall in Norfolk, seen, stressed that it's 'okay not to feel okay' in the clip

The speech today comes just days after Prince William warned of the impact that lockdown and being kept away from school could be having on children's mental health.

In a video call to care providers, he said he was particularly concerned about the issue, despite families attempting to 'muddle' their way through.

He also expressed fears about their anxiety levels as a result of the pandemic generally, as well as the loss of family members to the virus, and highlighted the long-term implications of the economic outlook for school leavers.

The prince was talking to five professionals from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust in a Zoom video call.

William said: 'I'm particularly worried as to how the young people are going to cope long term because we're all muddling through this period.

'But the long-term implications  of school being missed, anxiety levels, family members sadly dying and the sort of general economic outlook  do you think that will play heavily on your services and what they'll need?'

The Duke of Cambridge, 37, admitted mental health is a topic he and Kate Middleton, 38, care 'passionately' about, and highlighted the importance of recognising the symptoms of anxiety amid the lockdown surrounding coronavirus

On Thursday night Prince William warned of the impact that lockdown and being kept away from school could be having on children's mental health

In a video call to care providers, he said he was particularly concerned about the issue, despite families attempting to 'muddle' their way through. The prince was talking to five professionals from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust in a Zoom video call (pictured)

Consultant psychiatrist Frances Doherty, who runs an inpatient mental health unit for teenagers, replied: 'Interestingly, some of our referral rates have gone down but I would imagine that as we're starting to come out of lockdown and people are starting to get back into the world again, [we're] starting to realise just what we've been through and we'll start to see our referral rate increase and the impact on our services.

'What I think has been really helpful is a lot of work has been done to think about how young people can care for themselves, how parents can care for them, to help them to survive and to thrive even through the pandemic.

'But I think it's the other side of it that we'll have all the challenges that you mentioned.'
by Paul Wang

Due to the pandemic emergency, any rally with more than 8 people is considered illegal. One protester: "It is better to be arrested than to keep silent." Policemen armed with rifles, pepper spray, armored trucks and water chydrants.

Hong Kong (AsiaNew) - Hundreds of people, many of them young, demonstrated in the early afternoon in Causeway Bay, in the center of the island of Hong Kong, to express their opposition to the security law, announced by Beijing three days ago.

At least 100 policemen, in riot gear, attempted to disperse the crowd with signs and calling out on megaphones, warning against the illegal rally; then they resorted to firing in them with tear gas and pepper spray. According to some present, the police did not give any warning before the attack.

Due to the Covid-19 epidemic, demonstrations and rallies with more than eight people are prohibited in the area. Already yesterday, law enforcement agencies had warned that any rally would be considered illegal.

Some protesters told the media that "the security law is a very serious fact and it is better to be arrested than to keep silent".

For the majority of the population of Hong Kong, the security law - which will be imposed by China on the territory - would be the end of the "one country, two systems" experience, which so far has allowed Hong Kong to have a liberal lifestyle, different from the dictatorial style of the motherland.

From the early morning, the police with armored trucks and hydrants had lined up around the Liaison Office for relations between China and Hong Kong. Mixed among them were plainclothes policemen - possibly from popular China - who wore no identification.

In the early afternoon the policemen, with weapons, hydrants and trucks, moved to Causeway Bay.

Photo: Guardians of Hong Kong
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An award-winning home designer has transformed her husband's 1860s farmhouse into a luxury coastal-inspired mansion on a 1,000sqm property surrounded by wheat fields.

'The Farm Estate' has been in Mark Bowen's family for five generations, with his wife Natalee Bowen seeing the potential for the rural landscape of Toodyay, Western Australia, to become the perfect backdrop for her glamorous 'Hamptons' vision.

An hour's drive from Perth, Toodyay is a small town in the Wheatbelt region of the state and is part of the stunning Avon Valley which has a population of just 4,439 people stretched over 1,683 kilometres.

'Mark's fifth generation grandfather Michael built this rundown farmhouse with his own two hands many years ago,' Natalee said on Channel Nine series Ready Set Reno.

They created two huge wings that extended out of the original farmhouse, which they kept in tact for sentimental reasons, and finished it at a record-pace of 11 months.

'The Australian Hamptons look is uniquely our own, standing apart from the American original,' Natalee said.

An award-winning home designer has transformed her 1860s farmhouse into a luxury coastal-inspired mansion on a 1,000sqm property surrounded by wheat fields

'The Australian Hamptons look is uniquely our own, standing apart from the American original,' Natalee, the designer, said

HOW TO GET THE HAMPTONS LOOK ACCORDING TO NATALEE BOWEN * Start with a weatherboard exterior - you want to create long, lean lines and deep shadows. * Capture the colours of the coast such as whites, blues, greens and creams because these are essential to Hamptons style. * Hamptons homes are synonymous with airy, light-filled spaces, so positioning the doors and windows to maximise light is key. This means considering sliding French doors, oversized bi-folds and floor-to-ceiling glass window panes. * An alfresco kitchen, pool, deck, or just large sliding doors that open up your home to the backyard are ideal for creating the perfect outdoor entertaining space. * When it comes to furnishings, nautical-inspired pieces are a signature element of the Hamptons style. Source: Scyon Walls Advertisement

'It combines the original tenants of timeless style that evoke the surrounds and a love of entertaining, with Australian hues and classic weatherboard.

'We wanted to embody those ideas in The Farm Estate by continuing the legacy of the traditional home, while exploring that of the Hamptons style.'

The Hamptons is synonymous with celebrity and extravagance but this is a recent incarnation of the look that appeared in the last 20-30 years, when Manhattan's high society developed the coastline by emulating farm houses seen further inland.

Upon first look at the new mansion it's easy to see the grandeur of the Hamptons style thanks to the addition of two wings and a refined roofline accented with gables (a triangular portion of the wall).

At the same time an extensive veranda, corrugated iron roof and a full Linea Weatherboard exterior created with James Hardie products ties the home to the classic Queenslander style.

At the same time an extensive veranda, corrugated iron roof and a full Linea Weatherboard exterior created with James Hardie products ties the home to the classic Queenslander style (the deck pictured)

'Nothing typifies traditional Aussie home design quite like weatherboard. This offers an element of texture with simple shadow lines and an air of craftsmanship,' Natalee said (the deck pictured)

It's the living area that offers the most spectacular scene: A view outside onto the surrounding property to remind you just how far the sea is from there (pictured)

The soft blue of the kitchen (pictured) is meant to be an ode to the blue sky permeating outside

'Nothing typifies traditional Aussie home design quite like weatherboard. This offers an element of texture with simple shadow lines and an air of craftsmanship,' Natalee said.

In America they use shingles (individually overlapping roof coverings) which are staggered to create a more complex pattern and over time, fade to light grey in the sun giving a home a sense of timeless charm.

Traditionally this would require timber which is relatively high maintenance in the long run. Thankfully, there are modern alternatives like weatherboard, which is made from thick boards of premium fibre cement that create deep, defined shadow lines.

They are also resistant to warping, flaking and damage from moisture and fire, so they hold the look longer in our harsher Australian elements.

In most cases, the palette of a Hamptons home is defined by the coast, but in rural WA, a new approach had to be taken

'Hamptons is built on sun, sea and sand, so we turned to our surrounds. We tested different white and grey paints for two weeks before settling on Dulux's Milton Moon and Lexicon quarter strength,' Natalee said

In most cases, the palette of a Hamptons home is defined by the coast, but in rural WA, a new approach had to be taken.

'Hamptons is built on sun, sea and sand, so we turned to our surrounds. We tested different white and grey paints for two weeks before settling on Dulux's Milton Moon and Lexicon quarter strength,' Natalee said.

'Greys in particular can be very reflective so we went with a tone that would contrast against the white, without overpowering the facade. Grey with white details is a very traditional Hampton look that won't outdate. When choosing colourways think long term, as it is a big investment that you'll have to live with or make costly changes.'

While the exterior certainly sets the scene it's the inside that contains the real essence of the home, with multiple entertaining areas a prime focus for the designer.

While the exterior certainly sets the scene it's the inside that contains the real essence of the home, with multiple entertaining areas a prime focus for the designer (a bathroom pictured)

The bathrooms are crisp in their design and have a lot of room to get ready for the day (pictured right is the shower)

A little taste of luxury has been added to the bedrooms, which feature plush linen (pictured) and softer hues to balance out the dusty orange Earth outside

Additions such as blue and white ginger jars and numerous seating options pay homage to generations of Bowens.

Even though they wanted to keep tradition alive in the home, it has become 'smarter' in the process with every light fixture and switch able to be turned on through Amazon Alexa, and interconnected with the family's smart phones.

In the kitchen, cabinets have been given a twist with a navy finish, part of a unique colour palette that also reflects the surrounds. Smeg appliances were installed and a 'pot filler' juts out from the wall, making it easy to fill a large pot with water without juggling it over the sink.

The kitchen is quaint and easy to navigate but it's the living area that offers the most spectacular scene: A view outside onto the surrounding property to remind you just how far away the sea is.

There is a hanging chair outside if you're looking for a comfortable place to read your next book

It's one of Natalee's favourite parts of the new build, as is the wraparound deck she can relax on with her family.

'We've injected the home with an Aussie feel through colour,' Natalee said.

'Downstairs we've used richer caramels and softer blues to mirror the wheat fields and sky outside. Upstairs, muted greens emulate the beautiful native treetops. It's the best way to honour both looks.'

A little taste of luxury has been added to the bedrooms, which feature plush linen and softer hues to balance out the dusty orange Earth outside, and the ensuite bathrooms with large bathtubs and showers.

A pool sits just outside surrounded by outdoor chairs, perfect for the children to splash around in during summer, and a cabana offers shade for the adults to relax in.

The house was meant to be a 'weekender' but will now become the full-time home for the Bowen family, although they have dreams of converting it into a space for weddings and large events in the future.
By the end of April, employees at a Walmart in Quincy, Massachusetts, were panicking: Sick colleagues kept showing up at work. Other employees disappeared without explanation. The store's longtime greeter was in the hospital and on a ventilator, dying from covid-19.

Local health officials grew alarmed as employees and their relatives reported sick co-workers. Shoppers called to complain about crowded conditions.

"We have had consistent problems with Walmart," wrote Ruth Jones, Quincy's health commissioner, in an April 28 email to the Massachusetts attorney general's office. "They have a cluster of Covid cases among employees and have not been cooperative in giving us contact information or in following proper quarantine and isolation guidelines."

The next day, at another Walmart in Worcester, Massachusetts, a local public health director ordered a shutdown after obtaining an internal company list showing nearly two dozen employees had tested positive.

Health officials in the two cities pressed the nation's largest grocer to test all of its employees at the two stores for coronavirus. The screenings, which began within days in the store parking lots, helped confirm a wider problem: 119 of the workers were infected, according to health officials.

Despite the pandemic, grocery stores generally are not required to publicly disclose cases of coronavirus involving employees or report them to the local health departments. As states now move to reopen, many grocers are being criticized by health officials, lawmakers and store employees for not being more open with the public and their own workers about outbreaks within their stores.

The Washington Post interviewed about 40 current and former employees at more than 30 supermarkets who alleged that the companies had not disclosed cases of infected or dead workers, retaliated against employees who raised safety concerns and used faulty equipment to implement coronavirus mitigation measures.

The $800 billion grocery industry - dominated by a handful of major players, including Walmart, Kroger and Albertsons - employs more than three million people in what are typically low-paying positions with little job security.

Amid the pandemic, the country's nearly 40,000 grocery stores have been classified by officials as essential businesses that must remain open, putting the stores at the front lines of the crisis. Grocery stores, one place most consumers cannot avoid during the pandemic, have reported double-digit growth in sales in recent months.

At least 100 grocery workers nationwide have died from the virus since late March, and at least 5,500 others have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a Post review of data from the nation's largest grocery workers union, other workers' rights coalitions and media reports.

Many local health officials told The Post they have been left in the dark as clusters of cases have emerged in supermarkets coast to coast.

"We really need to have better communication. There's got to be something moving forward ... that changes the current process," said Karyn Clark, Worcester's public health director. Clark said a nurse had to call the local Walmart several times before the company shared its internal list of infected employees.

In interviews, supermarket chains defended their efforts to protect workers and the public, saying they have required masks for employees, encouraged social distancing and rewarded workers with hazard pay and bonuses. Some grocers said they have collaborated with health departments across the country to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

"Our associates are playing a critical role in helping people have access to fresh food, medicine and critical supplies during this crisis, and their safety is our highest priority," said Lorenzo Lopez, a Walmart spokesman. "In areas experiencing community-wide outbreaks like Quincy and Worcester, our associates also felt the impact as members of those communities. We work closely with public health and medical experts and follow their guidance in implementing safety and health measures for our associates and customers."

Supermarket chains said they are being transparent about outbreaks while protecting the privacy of affected workers, which is governed by a patchwork of laws and regulatory measures.

All of the grocers contacted by The Post - Walmart, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods Market, Target, Kroger, BJ's Wholesale Club and Lidl - declined to provide the number of workers who tested positive for the coronavirus or died from it. Combined, those employers account for roughly 11,300 stores and 2.4 million employees nationwide.

United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 900,000 workers at major chains, including Kroger, Safeway and Giant, has called on the companies to be more forthcoming to protect workers and customers in an industry that has remained a lifeline for households after states shut down most nonessential businesses for the pandemic.

Over the past five weeks, the union said the number of its grocery workers who have been infected or exposed to the virus jumped from 1,557 to 10,453.

"While some companies are doing the right thing and keeping shoppers and employees informed, there are still some keeping consumers in the dark and trying to sweep this information under the rug," union president Marc Perrone said.

Many grocery workers told The Post that despite social distancing measures, they often share break rooms, bathrooms and devices for clocking in and out of their shifts. One sick employee, public health experts said, can potentially expose hundreds of colleagues and shoppers each day.

Local government health officials, whose job is to track and notify the public of disease outbreaks, said they have been hamstrung by many supermarkets responding slowly to their pleas for information about employees who are infected with the coronavirus or may have been exposed to it.

In Quincy, the health department first contacted the local Walmart on April 11 to inform the store of an employee it learned had tested positive for the coronavirus. Jones, the health director, said they asked the company repeatedly for the names and contact information for employees who worked closely with the infected employee so they could identify and inform other workers who may have been exposed.

In the meantime, the health department kept learning of new cases among store employees and the number of potentially exposed employees mushroomed.

After receiving no information for nearly two weeks, Jones escalated her request to the Walmart corporate office.

Finally, on April 28, Walmart provided contact information for employees at the Quincy store who had been exposed to the virus, Jones said. Five days later, 69-year-old Yok Yen Lee, the greeter at the store, died from covid-19, her family said.

Under pressure from the health department, Walmart then closed the store for a week, cleaned it and offered testing to every worker. In all, 34 employees at that location tested positive. In Worcester, more than 80 employees were infected, health officials said.

Troubled by Walmart's response in Quincy and Worcester, lawmakers sent a letter on May 7 to Doug McMillon, the company's president and chief executive.

"Across the country, more than 20 Walmart employees have died from COVID-19, and employees have had to take the critical work of contact tracing into their own hands to try and remain safe," the delegation, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., wrote in the letter.

In a May 19 response to lawmakers, Bruce C. Harris, a Walmart vice president of federal government affairs, wrote that managers are required to meet with associates to let them know about each positive case, and that they are monitoring the number of employees taking leave.

"We are managing thousands of different, and sometimes conflicting, emergency orders and directives," Harris wrote.

In Los Angeles, a Ralph's supermarket employee, Jackie Mayoral, said managers instructed workers not to talk about sick colleagues around customers and that managers also refused to disclose how many employees were infected. It was only through the union that Mayoral learned more than 20 of her colleagues at the supermarket, owned by Kroger, had tested positive for the virus.

"Me and my co-workers are a family, and we should be able to talk about the things that are going to be able to affect us and possibly kill us," said Mayoral, who was diagnosed with covid-19 in April and believes she contracted the virus at the supermarket, the only place she regularly visits outside of her home. She has since recovered.

Asked about the directives to avoid speaking about cases, Kristal Howard, a Kroger spokeswoman, said the company's guidance "is always to communicate with integrity - openly and transparently - while protecting the privacy of any affected associate."

Employment attorneys said companies must balance protecting employee privacy with keeping workplaces safe.

"We're dealing with overlapping laws, gaps in laws and differing guidance from different levels of government," said Kirk Nahra, an attorney at the law firm WilmerHale who specializes in privacy, data and health-care issues. "Companies are not supposed to disclose your name, but can they tell other employees in the meat department that someone who worked there Tuesday tested positive? Sure."

Industry experts said the pandemic has left some supermarket chains struggling with what information should be shared with regulators or the public about sick and exposed employees.

Grocery companies are facing unprecedented challenges when an employee falls ill or dies, according to Hilary Thesmar, chief food and product safety officer for the Food Marketing Institute, a trade group for grocery stores and wholesalers.

"Companies are having to weigh a lot of factors: When did the employee test positive? When were they last at work?" she said.

But Oscar Alleyne, chief of programs and services at the National Association of County and City Health Officials, said that retailers need to be more transparent with public health officials in order to protect these high-risk essential workers and the public.

"You're only as good as the data you have," Alleyne said.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which oversees workplace safety, issued guidance in April that coronavirus cases were reportable to the agency under certain circumstances. But the agency said it generally wouldn't enforce the rules except for employers in the health-care industry, emergency response organizations and correctional institutions.

New workplace safety guidance from OSHA that goes into effect Tuesday asks most industries to report coronavirus cases that meet certain criteria. But employment experts say it's murky and allows employers to decide whether the cases are work-related.

In the absence of data, UFCW has compiled daily reports on infected employees from its local chapters. Employees at chains, including Walmart and Whole Foods, have started their own grassroots efforts to tally illnesses and deaths at their stores, using social media and published reports to confirm tips. (Jeff Bezos, the chief executive of Amazon, which owns Whole Foods, owns The Washington Post.)

During the outbreak, Whole Foods, which has about 500 stores in the United States, began sending voice mail and text messages to employees to notify them of coronavirus cases in their stores. But some officials are pushing for more disclosure. On May 11, attorneys general from 12 states and the District of Columbia wrote to Whole Foods and Amazon, admonishing the companies for failing to alert health officials and the public about infections and deaths of their workers.

The attorneys general said they learned from media reports of multiple infections among workers at a Whole Foods in the District and of two employee deaths in Portland, Oregon, and Swampscott, Massachusetts.

By not sharing a breakdown of coronavirus cases, the retailers may be breaching consumer protection laws, which "require businesses to provide truthful information and disclose material information to consumers," the letter said.

Whole Foods has not responded to the letter, but a company spokeswoman said the chain is balancing the essential services it provides with ensuring the "health, safety and privacy" of their workers.

Grocery chains have publicly touted face masks, social distancing requirements, rigorous cleaning and temperature checks as proof that they are keeping workers and customers as safe as possible.

Two grocery chains have used faulty or ineffective equipment, according to documents and interviews.

The Kroger-owned Quality Food Centers chain uses infrared sensors to count the number of shoppers in its stores as a way to limit customers and facilitate social distancing. But the technology routinely provided false tallies, according to internal company documents obtained by The Post.

"Once a person is inside for 30 minutes, the system assumes that individual is an associate and stops counting that person," QFC President Chris Albi said in a Q&A with employees of the chain, which has 62 stores in Washington and Oregon.

A Kroger spokeswoman declined to answer specific questions about any problems with the system but said management regularly verifies the capacity limits within the store.

At BJ's Wholesale Club in Baltimore, a manager said the thermometers were not calibrated properly and the temperature readings of employees consistently reported 96 or 97 degrees. The manager said a supervisor also brushed off concerns about the lack of social distancing by employees who examined customers' receipts as they left the warehouse.

"It is appalling conduct and a policy that is putting us all in danger," said the manager, who spoke anonymously for fear of retaliation. "I would quit in protest, but I worry that without me, it's one more person in a leadership role who is not taking this seriously."

A BJ's spokeswoman said since the coronavirus outbreak, the company has "taken aggressive actions and implemented extensive safety and sanitation measures across all our facilities; and we always encourage our team members to provide feedback and voice concerns."

Even when employees have reported feeling sick, some said that their managers have insisted that they continue to work because of staffing shortages.

Gladys Cortes, who worked at the Best Market supermarket in Islip, New York, told her manager in late March that she wasn't feeling well and had a bad cough, but her boss wouldn't allow her to leave early and said she needed to be back the next day, according to Noemi Salavarria, a former colleague who said she talked with Cortes when she was hospitalized days later with covid-19. Two other workers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retaliation, said they had heard Cortes talking in the store about how she felt sick and needed a break.

Cortes, a single mother of a young child, died on April 9 of complications from covid-19.

"If they would have let her go home, she could still be alive," Salavarria said. "She didn't deserve this."

After Cortes died, management sent out a letter to employees that noted "the passing of one of our colleagues." It made no mention of her name or how she had died.

LatinoJustice, a nonprofit legal defense fund, documented concerns about Cortes and employees at other supermarkets in an April 30 letter to the chief executive of Lidl US, a chain that owns Best Market and has about 100 stores in the U.S.

After receiving no response, LatinoJustice said it filed a complaint on May 12 with the New York state attorney general.

William Harwood, a Lidl spokesman, said the company had "no reports indicating that she was sick while working. Our policy is clear that employees who are sick should stay home."

Marian Meszaros, a 63-year-old employee at the Best Market supermarket in Long Island's Franklin Square in New York, said she believes a manager waited more than a week to inform her in late April that her co-worker in the cramped meat department had tested positive for the coronavirus.

She said the human resources manager offered her five days of paid leave, saying that it was sufficient time off because she had been exposed over a week ago and wasn't showing symptoms. Meszaros said she believes the manager delayed informing her because the store had been so short-staffed, and she worried she could still get sick and infect her co-workers.

"I have nightmares about this," Meszaros said. "No one in the store feels safe."

The supermarket chain in March had announced a new pandemic-related policy that provides 14 days of paid leave to workers who test positive for the coronavirus, as well as paid leave for colleagues who came into close contact with them.

Harwood said the Islip store immediately contacted Meszaros when it learned of the infected employee, and she was given five days off because it had been nine days since they had been in contact at the supermarket. The human resources team called Meszaros to ensure she had no symptoms prior to returning to work, Harwood said.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

"We are taking significant steps to protect the health and safety of our team members during this public health emergency," Harwood said.

As infections have spread within supermarkets, employees at two national chains said that stores retaliated against them for speaking up about safety or discussing sick colleagues.

When a Target manager informed Michael Branss in late April that a co-worker in Palatine, Illinois, had tested positive for the coronavirus, Branss said the manager also told him not to talk about the case.

A longtime employee, Branss worked in the back of the store where employees were in close proximity as they unloaded incoming merchandise.

Frustrated by the lack of information about the department where the infected employee had worked, Branss said he called several colleagues and advised them to bring their own masks because the store didn't always have enough. After noticing a missing co-worker, he and fellow employees discussed whether they had been exposed.

A few hours later, Branss said he was called into the human resources office and reprimanded for talking about the sick employee. He was told the store was concerned about following federal privacy laws.

Fearing retaliation, he said he denied talking about the case. About 2 1/2 weeks later, Branss said Target fired him for refusing to answer questions for the store's investigation of potential privacy violations.

"I didn't do anything wrong. These are my friends, and I want them to be safe and healthy," he said. "They punished me for trying to gather information to make a personal safety plan for myself."

A Target spokeswoman, Danielle Schumann, said Branss was terminated "for conduct reasons unrelated to these claims" but provided no details.

In a Target store in Riverdale, New Jersey, employee Mary Jo Kalchthaler said workers are informed of their colleagues' illnesses and deaths but are told not to discuss the cases publicly.

"Every store that I know of has had cases of covid-19, but they don't want to spook people," said Kalchthaler, who took a leave of absence in early May because she felt unsafe at work. "There are still people who think Target, Walmart and other food stores are magical kingdoms where everything is sterile and nobody has ever gotten sick, and that's what they want people to keep thinking."

Target did not respond to questions about allegations that employees were told not to discuss coronavirus cases. But Schumann said, "while being transparent, we're also careful to keep team member privacy from being compromised."

Some workers alleged they have been disciplined simply for raising safety concerns.

In early March, Kris King took two weeks off from his job at a Trader Joe's in Louisville after coming down with a cough, fever and sore throat.

King said he created a private Facebook group for his colleagues to discuss frustrations with the store's handling of the pandemic and to come up with recommendations to keep them safe. After he returned to work, a manager on March 21 confronted King about the Facebook messages and repeatedly encouraged him to quit, according to a lawsuit King has since filed against Trader Joe's.

"He said, 'If you don't feel safe here, we can end this right now,' " King recalled in an interview.

A week later, King was terminated. Trader Joe's cited multiple reasons, including the creation of the Facebook group, according to King.

"The safety of the people I work with is the most important thing and that workers in this situation are able to be heard and have a voice," said King, a 37-year-old with four children. "And that's really just not happening."

Trader Joe's, which has 505 outlets nationwide and employs 50,000 people, has denied in court his claims, including that the supermarket "was not following appropriate safety measures" at the store.

"We have made it clear that Mr. King's employment at Trader Joe's did not end because of desire to set up a social media page or because he expressed concerns," said Kenya Friend-Daniel, a Trader Joe's spokeswoman. "I have been clear that ... for privacy reasons I am not at liberty to say more."

Jon Tenholder, a Trader Joe's employee at the same Louisville store, received a written disciplinary warning on May 10, roughly two weeks after Tenholder spoke with customers about the Kentucky governor's order that only one person per household at a time be permitted inside a grocery store.

Management accused Tenholder of making customers uncomfortable by saying they shouldn't be shopping together. Tenholder refused to sign the incident report and described it in a written rebuttal as "retaliation" for asserting that employees "deserve to be the central voice of our safety."

Friend-Daniel disputed Tenholder's account but declined to comment further citing privacy laws.

"We don't retaliate against people for sharing concerns or for trivial reasons," Friend-Daniel said.

Walmart, the nation's largest private employer, has touted its response to the pandemic from the start, including a policy that allowed its 1.5 million U.S. employees to take up to two weeks off if they were exposed to the coronavirus, and waived attendance policies for workers who felt uncomfortable or unable to work.

Shortly after the policy was announced on March 10, Kyle Quiros and his wife, Rebekkah, took jobs as temporary workers at a Walmart in Medina, Ohio. By mid-April, Kyle, who was born with one kidney and has other health problems, had a fever and was vomiting frequently. He said he tested negative for the coronavirus, but a physician recommended he stay home for two weeks.

Rebekkah also fell ill. When she returned to work, she said a supervisor informed her that she was being let go because she had called in sick too many times. A few days later, Kyle came back to work but was sent home because he had a temperature of about 100 degrees. He soon received a call saying his employment was over, despite several weeks left on his contract.

"It was unfair. I was fired because I was sick, even though they have a policy saying you wouldn't get fired," he said.

Lopez, the Walmart spokesman, said Rebekkah Quiros was terminated "for performance reasons unrelated to any request for time off due to the pandemic." He said he "had not been provided with enough information to substantiate" allegations made by Kyle Quiros.

Other Walmart employees also told The Post that workers fear calling in sick because they did not want to jeopardize their jobs.

"These claims are not consistent with the experiences of the more than 235,000 people recently employed by Walmart or the countless other associates that have been able to utilize our emergency leave policy to stay home and keep their jobs protected," Lopez said.

But in Quincy, days before Lee, the Walmart greeter, was rushed to the hospital on April 20, she told family and friends that she was worried she could lose her job because she was sick and needed time off, said her daughter, Elaine Eklund.

After Lee died, Walmart officials put out a statement saying the company was "mourning alongside their family." Since then, messages have streamed in from colleagues and longtime shoppers remembering the grandmother of two.

"I worried about her the last time I saw her in the store," one stranger said in a handwritten letter.

- - -

The Washington Post's Julie Tate and Nate Jones contributed to this report.
The political slugfest over Shramik Special trains refuses to die down with Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal engaging in a war of words over the issue on Sunday, with the Shiv Sena chief accusing the Railways of not providing enough trains to the state despite demand.

In an address to the state on Sunday, Thackeray said that while he had demanded 80 migrant special trains per day for the state to ferry migrants home, it was getting only 40.

Goyal took a dig at the MaharashtraCM through a tweet, saying the Railways was ready to send as many trains as required to states, provided they do not "return empty".

I hope that these trains will not have to leave empty after arriving at the station like it has happened earlier. I would like to assure you that the trains you need will be available," tweeted Goyal, referring to earlier occasions when migrants did not board special trains.

Thackeray in his address also said that the state had paid Rs 85 crore so far towards these trains.

Goyal tweeted, We are ready to provide 125 Shramik Special trains to Maharashtra. Since you have said that you have a list ready that is why I am requesting you to please provide all information like from where the train will run, the list of passengers according to the trains, their medical certificate and where the train is to go, to the General Manager of Central Railway within the next hour, so that we can plan the time of trains,.

The union minister followed this up with another tweet, "Sadly, it has been 1.5 hours but Maharashtra Govt. has been unable to give required information about tomorrow's planned 125 trains to GM of Central Railway. Planning takes time & we do not want train to stand empty at the stations, so it's impossible to plan without full details."



"I hope that the Government of Maharashtra will fully cooperate in the efforts made for the benefit of migrant labourers," he said.

Earlier, Shramik Special trains became a bone of contention between the Centre and states like West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan with the minister pointing out that these governments were allowing fewer migrant trains to arrive. The state CMs too came out all guns blazing and denied the allegations on Twitter.

So far, 513 trains have terminated in Maharashtra, according to data provided by Railways.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Washington, May 24 : The Yokosuka-based aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan officially began its Indo-Pacific deployment this week, the US Navy has said in a statement.

More than 1,000 tonnes of ordnance, 5,000 crew and more than 60 aircraft were moved aboard the carrier for the deployment, the Navy said.

Its crew completed phased sequestrations before embarking the ship to mitigate the chance of bringing coronavirus-positive sailors on board.

"The (restriction-of-movement) period allowed the fleet leadership the ability to monitor the health of the force in a controlled facility and build a safe environment for sailors to accomplish assigned missions at sea," the statement said.

Like the Blue Ridge, the USS Ronald Reagan is unlikely to make port visits so soon after the virus sidelined aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt for nearly two months this spring, according to an April 22 report.

An outbreak among a few Roosevelt sailors in March led to more than 1,150 of their shipmates testing positive for coronavirus.
Police in three states were on the hunt as of 10 p.m. Sunday for a Connecticut man authorities say is connected to a Friday homicide in Willington and a death discovered Sunday in Derby.

Connecticut State Police said the suspect  23-year-old Peter Manfredonia  had been last seen in East Stroudsburg, Pa. Earlier in the day, police swarmed Osbornedale State Park in Derby, looking for Manfredonia.

And in Derby, police found the body of 23-year-old Nicholas J. Eisele, a resident of that city and an acquaintance of Manfredonia, according to state police.

Police said the sighting of Manfredonia in Pennsylvania came after the Volkswagen Jetta he allegedly stole from Eiseles Roosevelt Drive home in Derby was found in New Jersey, near the Pennsylvania border. Also found safe in New Jersey, according to police, was a female victim who Manfredonia allegedly abducted from the Derby home.

On Sunday afternoon, police had asked the public to be on the lookout for a 2016 black Jetta with a Connecticut license plate and a bumper sticker that paid tribute to the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook massacre.

While Eiseles death was not immediately ruled a homicide, Manfredonia, a Newtown High School graduate and University of Connecticut student, was already sought by police in connection with an assault in Willington that left one man dead and another injured Friday morning.

The Connecticut State Police is working aggressively to bring this individual to justice, the agency said in a statement Sunday night.

Manfredonia was described as a white male, 6-foot 3 and weighing 240 pounds, with black disheveled hair, and was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt and gray sweatpants. Connecticut State Police said Pennsylvania and New Jersey law enforcement agencies were actively looking for the suspect, who authorities have repeatedly referred to as armed and dangerous.

We are investigating various leads that we do have, Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Christine Jeltema said during an afternoon press conference, adding that the agency has notified surrounding police departments and neighboring states to be on the lookout.

We have various leads that were looking into, Jeltema said.

Asked whether investigators had searched Newtown or had concerns Manfredonia might be in that area, Jeltema said, This is an ongoing and active investigation. We are gathering information. Were not at the liberty to disclose at this time.

Newtown police said they had stepped up patrols and increased manpower out of an abundance of caution.

Residents should be aware and on the lookout, that while no immediate danger exist(s) the potential is here and we have addressed it by bringing in extra manpower to patrol and protect our residents, Newtown police said. The suspect has very strong ties to Newtown and with the recent sightings of Peter in Derby in the Route 34 area, we want our residents and those around to be aware of this very dangerous individual.

Police began looking for Manfredonia after a deadly assault on Mirtl Road in Willington around 9 a.m. Friday. There troopers found two victims suffering from injuries after an assault with an edged weapon, state police said. One of the victims, 62-year-old Willington resident Theodore DeMers, later died from his injuries.

The search for Manfredonia continued throughout Friday and Saturday, with state police releasing his name, age and photo. Also on Saturday, Newtown police confirmed Manfredonia had ties to their town.

Sundays events began after state police were called to a home on Turnpike Drive in Willington, where the homeowner was held against his will Sunday morning, Jeltema said. She said the suspect took supplies from the house, including food and firearms, and the victims truck. The victim was uninjured and refused medical treatment.

State police said Manfredonia took the homeowners vehicle and headed to Derby, where local police responded to a report of a one-vehicle crash on Hawthorne Avenue, near Osbornedale State Park, and found a vehicle abandoned around 6:45 a.m.

Jeltema said the vehicle was the one taken from Willington Sunday morning. State police searched the area but were unable to find Manfredonia. Investigators found out Manfredonia had an acquaintance on Roosevelt Drive, where they found Eisele dead.

Authorities said an autopsy would determine Eiseles cause and manner of death.

Manfredonia, a 2015 graduate of Newtown High School, is a University of Connecticut student majoring in finance and mechanical engineering.

In a statement Sunday, UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz said records from the university show Manfredonia is a student in the joint school of engineering/school of business program. She said he first enrolled at UConn in the fall of 2015, and is a senior.

He is not attending summer courses, and had not been living on the UConn campus either at the time of the incident in Willington or during recent semesters, Reitz said in the statement.

Reitz said the university is in contact with state police to provide any help and information that might help with the investigation.

The university expresses its deepest, most heartfelt sympathies to the victims and their families in this horrible, incomprehensible tragedy, Reitz said. They are all in our thoughts.

She said the university couldnt discuss specific individuals and cases, but did say that UConn strives to do everything possible to identify and engage with students of concern and to provide them with all the assistance and resources we can both for their own well-being and that of the wider community.
Indian Army dismisses reports of detention of Indian soldiers by China

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, May 24: The Indian Army on Sunday denied reports that India soldiers were detained by Chinese troops.

"There has been no detention of Indian soldiers at the borders. We categorically deny this. It only hurts national interests when media outlets publish unsubstantiated news", an official statement from the army said.

The build up started after the PLA personnel attacked the Indian Army soldiers with sticks and stones on May 5. India has maintained that its forces are well within its territory. The Chinese Army, in fact, had started building a bunker in order to restrict access to an area where Indian soldiers regularly patrol.

India maintains that a distance is being maintained to avoid a situation which erupted on May 5.

As tensions rise, India says change in status quo by China at LAC is not acceptable

Covid-19: Maha says no to passenger flights, may extend lockdown: Oneindia News

While maintaining that the situation is unprecedented, India believes that there ought to be a solution soon. The change in the status quo by China is not acceptable, India also maintains. India has also pointed out that there has been a marked increase in the number of Chinese transgressions along the LAC.
Arrests for the sale of heroin and fentanyl in San Francisco have taken a major dive since the mid-March coronavirus shutdown, in large part because the Police Department suspended the operations of the narcotics unit.

Nowhere was the narcotics units absence more evident than in the constantly troubled Tenderloin, where open drug dealing has reached new heights.

Ive never seen it so bad, especially in the evenings or at night, said Supervisor Matt Haney, who lives in the neighborhood.

Just look at the arrest numbers before and after Mayor London Breed announced the shelter-in-place order on March 16.

According to the latest police records, there were 53 arrests citywide for the sale of heroin in February, the month before the pandemic hit. In March, arrests for selling heroin dropped to 19. In April, there were 10 arrests across the city.

In February, records show 18 arrests for the sale of fentanyl. In March, arrests for fentanyl sales dropped to seven. In April, six.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco Fire Department responded to 239 drug overdose calls in February, 243 overdose calls in March and 223 in April. Those numbers are almost double the overdose calls during the same time period in 2019.

That is just the Fire Department. The numbers do not include private ambulance services, said Fire Department spokesman Jonathan Baxter.

Just today I was walking along McAllister Street, and there were about 40 people congregating along Hyde Street, blocking sidewalks and with many individuals actively dealing and using, Rhiannon Bailard, executive director of operations at UC Hastings College of the Law, said Thursday. Its like they just have free rein out there.

One key reason for the rise in the free-for-all drug market was the decision to shut down the police narcotics unit and with it the buy bust operations that targeted the dealers who have long operated on the corners and in the alleyways of the Tenderloin.

One of our biggest concerns with buy bust operations is that dealers often carry the drugs in their mouths. And doing a buy meant taking a high risk of exposure to the virus, said Assistant Chief Michael Redmond. One or two exposures and you could have put an entire station at risk, Redmond said.

There was another factor at play as well, one that wound up trading off drug arrests for the overall safety of the city. Early on in the pandemic, headquarters decided to put every available cop on patrol.

Virtually every officer in the department was ordered back into uniform and onto the streets, sometimes patrolling in squad cars, sometime patrolling on foot, sometimes just taking up positions on high-visibility street corners.

Seeing police helped keep everyone calm, Redmond said.

At the same time, hundreds of homeless with no place to go began descending on the Tenderloin.

Within weeks of the shutdown order, there were more than 400 tents lining the neighborhoods sidewalks and alleyways  giving the dealers newfound cover.

And giving Tenderloin residents newfound fear.

We have families living here who are afraid to go out at night, Haney said. That wouldnt be allowed to happen in other neighborhoods.

The rise in rampant drug dealing was one reason UC Hastings and a collection of residents and businesses filed suit in federal court recently demanding the city clean up the area.

I appreciate that there are a lot of challenges and health challenges right now, but something needs to be done, Haney said.

Word must have gotten back to headquarters  or City Hall  because Tuesday, the narcotics unit was back on the streets.

No one was happy about the situation, especially the Tenderloin officers who had been working so hard for so long to make a difference, Redmond said.

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On Wednesday, seven suspected dealers were arrested.

On Thursday, four suspected dealers were arrested in an operation in U.N. Plaza, with police confiscating $4,554 along with heroin, cocaine and fentanyl.

NONE of these dealers live in the TL. With exception of one, all suspects reside in Oakland, the Tenderloin cops tweeted Friday morning.

Any long-term impacts of the narcotic unit shutdown on the Tenderloin remain to be seen, but everyone agrees hitting the pause button on narcotics enforcement had pushed the effort to clean up the neighborhood back to the forefront.

And in the process, made the Tenderloin another victim of the pandemic.

Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

Gov. to go: Gov. Gavin Newsom didnt pick just any restaurant to announce that the state was preparing to allow dine-in restaurants and offices to reopen in some counties  he picked Mustards Grill in Napa Valley.

The restaurant is the creation of longtime Newsom friend Cindy Pawlcyn and aptly advertises itself the place to go for a heaping plate of honest American fare with worldly sophistication, washed down with a glass of the valleys finest.

Before the pandemic, it was not uncommon to wait three months for a reservation.

But Newsom must have thought the setting was worth the 60-plus-mile drive from Sacramento. Or maybe it was the food.

The gubernatorial gang left with a stack of salads; grilled chicken breast with spicy mustard; bacon, avocado and cheddar cheese sandwiches; and smoked, barbecued pork.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Phil Matier appears Sundays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KGO-TV morning and evening news and can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call 415-777-8815, or email pmatier@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @philmatier
By Trend

With the right support, including public and private investment and the transfer of know-how, Georgian and Azerbaijani tea industries could see a revival, tea expert John Snell said, Trend reports referring to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

In recent years, both countries  boasting ideal tea growing conditions and natural tea stock  have taken steps to revitalize their tea sectors, tea expert said. Those were among the findings shared by the FAO Investment Centre during todays online event celebrating International Tea Day.

The tea bush survives for a century or more, and with care can be brought back into production, which is happening in both Georgia and Azerbaijan, Snell added.

The tea expert added that new tea plantations have been established in both countries and some incredible leaf teas have been produced, taking us back to the age of Lao Jin Jao, whose Georgian tea won the gold medal at the Paris Expo in 1900.

FAO partnered with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on tea sector studies for Georgia and Azerbaijan to inform potential investors of opportunities and risks.

The studies give a comprehensive sector overview, including consumption, production, and trade trends. They also identify potentially profitable opportunities in tea growing and making, and examine sector policies and environmental sustainability, taking into consideration climate change.

The seed-grown tea stock in both countries is robust and able to produce quality tea, Snell added. The six-month dormancy delivers the right stress and strength in the tea bush, enabling the production of exceptional first and second flushes akin to Indias famous Darjeeling area.

The tea stocks long dormancy combined with the countries low humidity also help prevent pests, allowing tea growers to produce organic teas more easily and worry less about pesticide residues, tea expert said.

Azerbaijan is a nation of tea drinkers, with tea consumption rising by 50 percent since 2008, Snell said. Educating the public on what is special about quality Azerbaijani teas could help satisfy the huge domestic demand.

FAO Investment Centre Director, Mohamed Manssouri explained that the studies aim to promote responsible agricultural investment for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Raising tea quality while also reducing production costs could make Georgian and Azerbaijani teas more competitive at home and abroad. And it could create interesting opportunities for small-scale tea growers and enterprises to access new, more lucrative markets, Manssouri said.

Natalya Zhukova, Director, Head of Agribusiness from the EBRD noted the advantage both countries have in their proximity to large and discerning tea markets, like the European Union and former Soviet Union countries.

The international tea market continues to evolve, with trends showing a thirst for different quality tea products, like oolong or white tea leaf, Zhukova added. By improving quality and efficiency along the entire supply chain and diversifying, Georgia and Azerbaijan have a lot to offer the tea world and we stand ready to support industry growth.
MANDATORY CREDIT REQIURED Handout photo courtesy of Joel Neill of a fire at the Bombardier Aerospace plant in Belfast. Airport Road in the east of the city was sealed off at two ends by police as firefighters tackled the blaze.

Firefighters are scaling back their operation at a Bombardier Aerospace plant in Belfast.

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said the blaze appears to have started in machinery however the cause is under investigation.

Airport Road was cordoned off earlier on Sunday evening as firefighters rushed to the scene.

NORTHERN IRELAND FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE 24th May 2020 NIFRS Statement: Social Media Update - Bombardier... Posted by Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service on Sunday, May 24, 2020

The NIFRS said the incident involved a factory unit and they received the first call about the incident at 8.45pm.

At one stage there were six pumping appliances, one aerial appliance, a high volume pump with a total of 50 firefighters and supervisory officers engaged in firefighting operations to contain the fire.

The NIFRS provided an update at around 11pm to say the incident was under control.

Expand Close Members of the NIFRS Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attend at fire this evening at Bombardier Aerospace in Belfasts Harbour estate. (Liam McBurney/PA) PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Members of the NIFRS Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attend at fire this evening at Bombardier Aerospace in Belfasts Harbour estate. (Liam McBurney/PA)

Operations are being scaled back with a small number of resources remaining at the scene to damp down, a spokesman said.

The fire appears to have started in machinery and the cause of the incident is under investigation.

At this stage the cause is believed to be accidental.

There were no injuries at the incident.

Worrying news coming from Bombardier, Airport Road of a large scale fire in the factory. Praying that there have been no injuries. Emergency services appear to have it under control. The following hours will tell us of the scale of damage on site. pic.twitter.com/o628NsKuSi  Gavin Robinson (@GRobinsonDUP) May 24, 2020

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson described the blaze as worrying.

Worrying news coming from Bombardier, Airport Road of a large scale fire in the factory, he said.

Expand Close Firefighters are attending a blaze on Airport Road in east Belfast (Rebecca Black/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Firefighters are attending a blaze on Airport Road in east Belfast (Rebecca Black/PA)

Praying that there have been no injuries.

Emergency services appear to have it under control.

The following hours will tell us of the scale of damage on site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took to Twitter and extended wishes to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on his 76th birthday. PM Modi wished for Vijayans good health and long life.

Birthday wishes to Kerala CM Shri @vijayanpinarayi Ji on his birthday. May he be blessed with good health and a long life. the prime minister tweeted out. CM Vijayan thanked PM Modi for his good wishes.

Also read: Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal wish Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on his birthday

Birthday wishes to Kerala CM Shri @vijayanpinarayi Ji on his birthday. May he be blessed with good health and a long life.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 24, 2020

Several eminent personalities and political leaders wished Vijayan on his 76th birthday on Sunday.

Vijayan was born on May 24, 1944, in Pinarayi, Malabar district of Madras Presidency under British India. He served as the longest-serving secretary of the Kerala State Committee of the CPI(M) from the year 1998 to 2015 and took charge as the 12th chief minister of Kerala in the year 2016.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also wished good health to Vijayan on his big day.

Wish Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan ji a happy birthday. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life, Kejriwal tweeted.

Wish Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan ji a happy birthday. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life. @vijayanpinarayi  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 24, 2020

He has made his state the object of adulation in the country, actor and politician Kamal Haasan lauded Vijayan in a Twitter post and extended birthday greetings.

Then, he created a storm by talking with a bloodstained shirt. Now, he has made his state the object of adulation in the country. The CM of Kerala emphasised our bond, calling us brothers, keeping the borders open. Our Heartfelt birthday wishes to our comrade @vijayanpinarayi  Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) May 24, 2020

Then, he created a storm by talking with a bloodstained shirt. Now, he has made his state the object of adulation in the country. The CM of Kerala emphasised our bond, calling us brothers, keeping the borders open. Our Heartfelt birthday wishes to our comrade @vijayanpinarayi, Haasan tweeted out.

Malayalam cinema superstar Mohanlal also extended his wishes on Vijayans birthday Birthday wishes to our Honourable Chief Minister, Shri @vijayanpinarayi sir, Mohanlal tweeted on Sunday.

Vijayan was born on May 24, 1944, in Pinarayi, Malabar district of Madras Presidency under British India. He served as the longest-serving secretary of the Kerala State Committee of the CPI(M) from the year 1998 to 2015 and took charge as the 12th chief minister of Kerala in the year 2016.
A man trapped by large wood beams on a freight train was rescued by a crew from Clackamas Fire District #1 Saturday morning.

The man was weak and had to be lifted away from the train, which was near Camp Withycombe, around Lawnfield Road and Minuteman Way.

The Clackamas Fire Technical Rescue Team secured a rope to the man and used the tip of an aerial ladder to extricate him. He was then taken to an area hospital.

The train track was shut down during the rescue, which started around 7:50 a.m. and lasted more than an hour.

A train worker performing a routine inspection reported the accident after he heard yelling and found the man, who said he boarded the train about 100 miles away in Eugene, fell between the large stacks of lumber and was trapped overnight.

The Technical Rescue Team is made up of Clackamas firefighters who are highly trained to perform complex rescues, using ropes and other equipment in confined spaces.

 Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories
The Covid-19 crisis could knock tens of thousands or more off Irish house prices and make the coming months the cheapest time in years to buy property - if you can afford to.

The Economic and Social Research Institute warned last week that property prices could fall by 12pc by the end of next year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Belgian bank KBC said recently that it expected Irish house prices to fall by 12pc this year - followed by a rise of 8pc next year. In its worst-case scenario, the bank said prices could fall by 20pc this year.

As almost 600,000 people have lost their jobs since the coronavirus crisis hit, many are not in a position to buy a home. Banks are expecting a big collapse in the demand for mortgages as a result. However, for those whose jobs and pay have not been affected by the current emergency, the coming months could be the ideal time to buy. So if you're in a position to buy and want to take advantage of falling prices, what should you know?

You need to time it right

For a house-hunter eager to buy when house prices are cheapest, getting the timing right - and striking a deal before any recovery sets in - will be key. In the last recession - which ran from 2008 to late 2013 - the cheapest time to buy property was late 2012 and early 2013.

The ESRI said last week that Irish house prices could fall over the next year-and-a-half as a result of the Covid-19 downturn. House prices are likely to recover swiftly when the economy starts to get back on its feet again after the Covid-19 crisis, according to Kieran McQuinn, head of research with the ESRI. "You can see the housing marketbeing impacted by the Covid-19 crisis right through this crisis - until recovery sets in. Once the economy gets back, I'd be quite confident the housing market will recover and grow quite strongly - that would lead to a fairly quick pick-up in house prices."

Some believe that house prices could fall for the next year or two as a result of the Covid-19 crisis; some fear that Ireland is heading into a more prolonged recession, with the slump in the housing market set to last a few years too. It all depends on the severity of the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the Irish economy and if Ireland sees a second surge of the virus.

The danger of buying at the start of a downward trend in house prices is that you could end up in negative equity - where you owe more on your mortgage than you would get by selling your home. It may therefore be wiser to wait until this autumn before making a decision on whether or not to buy - as we should have a better idea then of the likely impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the economy. How long you intend to make the property your home should come into play too: if you plan to live in the property for 10 years or more, hopefully it will have recovered from any price drops by the time you move on.

Housing crisis may curb price falls

It has been widely estimated that the Covid-19 crisis could trigger house price falls of between 5pc and 10pc. "The major determinant of housing demand is what people can afford," said McQuinn. "The drop in incomes [as a result of the Covid-19 crisis] will have an impact on what people can afford - that will hit demand and put downward pressure on house prices. There's also considerable uncertainty in the market and that too will have a downward impact on house prices - as will the slowdown in activity in the market."

House prices may not be affected by the Covid-19 crisis as much as people think, according to Michael Dowling, managing director of Dowling Financial. "There will be less property on the market for buyers to compete for," said Dowling. "I don't think you'll see house price falls of 20pc [as a result of the Covid-19 emergency] - because of the limited housing stock."

Indeed, the Covid-19 crisis has probably compounded Ireland's chronic housing shortage. "Already it is evident that the lockdown will see fewer houses built in 2020 [than planned]," said McQuinn.

Being mortgage-ready should pay off

House-hunters unscathed by the emergency should get their mortgage application in soon and get it approved, advised Dowling. "Banks will treat your application in the normal fashion -and operate normal due diligence - if you're not impacted by the Covid-19 crisis," said Dowling. "If you get loan approval, it should be valid for between six and 12 months. The key thing is to get yourself ready to buy for when a house comes up."

The people best placed to get a mortgage today are those who are still in a job - and who haven't seen any dip in their pay since the Covid-19 crisis hit. When applying for a mortgage, you need to prove that your income and job have not been affected by the current emergency.

Those who are still in their jobs - but on reduced incomes and expected to get their full incomes restored after the crisis - could still be in the running for a mortgage, according to Dowling. "Banks are taking applications based on pre-Covid 19 income - but on the basis that it's restored to pre-Covid income by the time the mortgage is drawn down," said Dowling.

Expect lenders to be tight-fisted

Even if you can get a mortgage, you may not be able to borrow as much as would have been the case before the Covid-19 crisis. You may struggle to get an exemption to the Central Bank's lending rules today. As these exemptions allow you to borrow more than the lending rules stipulate, failure to get one could price you out of certain areas. Banks expect to tighten their lending criteria under the current emergency even more than they did at the height of the financial crisis of more than a decade ago, according to a recent Central Bank report.

Expect to run into practical hitches

It's important to visit and physically view a property before deciding whether or not to buy it - yet it could be June 8 (the second phase of the lockdown exit) before this can happen and even this date is uncertain. "We feel it's likely that physical house viewings for second-hand homes will fall into the second phase on June 8 - provided it is deemed safe to do so with very strict protocols in place," said Jill O'Neill, communications director with Sherry FitzGerald.

Many estate agents - including Sherry FitzGerald, Douglas Newman Good and Savills - offer virtual viewings of a range of their properties. While such viewings can give a feel for a property, they are no substitute for physically viewing and inspecting a property.

Hiring a surveyor to check a house for structural defects before you buy is also a must. (A snagging survey - an inspection which checks for problems in newly built homes - may be sufficient for a new build.) Under current Covid-19 restrictions, surveys cannot be carried out. So house-hunters will have to wait until the restrictions around viewings and surveys are lifted before seriously pursuing a property.

You can't be shy about renegotiating

"Everyone has been renegotiating prices since the lockdown - and most vendors are willing to come down in price to get the sale over the line," said Dowling. "We've seen cases where between 5,000 and 10,000 - and even 25,000 - has been knocked off the sale price. Since lockdown, any perspective buyer who is not looking for a price reduction is not doing themselves justice. As long as you have not yet signed the contract for a house purchase, you can seek a reduction."

You need a good solicitor

Under Central Bank rules, lenders must ensure that borrowers can afford the loans they take out. So your bank may withdraw its mortgage offer even when contracts have been signed and deposits paid - if you lose your job or get a big pay cut just before the sale is due to close. In these cases, the seller may not have to return the deposit - leaving you seriously out of pocket.

"How a deposit is dealt with in a property transaction is a matter for the solicitors involved," according to a statement from the Banking Payment Federation of Ireland. "Since June 2009, the Law Society recommends that a contract includes a special condition that the loan approval of the lender is in place at the date of completion of the contract and for an amount that will allow a purchaser to complete the purchase. If a contract includes this special condition, the buyer can rely on it to ensure that he or she can proceed to complete the purchase. If the loan approval changes, a buyer is entitled to a refund of the deposit, if this special condition had been included in the contract."

As always, buyer beware.

Mortgage practicalities during pandemic

Are banks open?

Although many bank branches have been temporarily closed throughout the crisis, many are still open  though opening hours may be reduced. All banks are working remotely too. Banks say they are open for new mortgage applications. Banks are still lending money and approving loan applications, said Michael Dowling of Dowling Financial.

Can I apply for a mortgage online?

Most banks allow you to apply for a mortgage online. Customers can now apply for a mortgage over the phone or through our website and submit documents by email, said a spokeswoman for KBC. For those who wish to apply for a mortgage online with Bank of Ireland, the bank accepts electronic versions of salary certs. We also accept initial submission of ID documents and application declarations in a digital format, with originals required subsequently, said a spokesman for Bank of Ireland. Self-employed applicants can also provide us with their financial information electronically. We use docusign [a secure way of signing documents online which avoids the need to get the original signature on certain documents] where a customer signature is required on documents such as rate option change requests and mortgage offer letters. AIB recently launched a digital mortgage which allows customers to complete and submit a mortgage application online. Customers sign their mortgage documentation with their solicitor, as is industry practice, said a spokesman for AIB. It is possible to complete a mortgage application online with Ulster Bank through a secure portal in which customers can complete everything required to apply for their mortgage, including the ability to e-sign all necessary documents, said a spokesman for Ulster Bank.

Permanent TSB doesnt yet accept mortgage applications online, though it has plans to do so.

Can I meet a mortgage broker?

Many mortgage brokers and solicitors have temporarily closed their offices to the public  and are engaging with customers by phone, email and Zoom. Some mortgage brokers are available for face-to-face appointments in their office  however, the current 5km travel restriction could prevent you from travelling to a brokers office. This may become easier from June 8 when the travel restriction increases to 20km.

What about my bad financial habits?

Tidy up your finances now so that you have a clean slate by the time you apply for your mortgage. Even if your income and job have not taken a hit during the Covid-19 crisis, any bad habits such as lavish credit card spending or an inability to pay bills will be frowned on by your bank.
India saw its biggest spike of Covid-19 cases on Sunday with 6,767 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 1,31,868.

The number of Covid-19 cases saw a spike in Uttar Pradesh too, with the states tally reaching 6,017.

But an analysis of Uttar Pradeshs dats shows that the disease is spreading faster in eastern part of the state, said the states health officials. This is mainly due to the large number of the migrant workers who have arrived in this region during the past 10 days, they said.

State health minister Jai Pratap Singh said on Saturday that 1,423 migrant workers, who returned to Uttar Pradesh in recent days, have tested positive for coronavirus disease.

This constitutes 40 per cent of the total cases in the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh, he said.

The Sultanpur district, which had only five cases of Covid-19 till recently, now has 41 cases, 15 of which were reported on Saturday, the states health officials said.

In Jaunpur district, 43 migrant workers have tested positive for Covid-19 while in Barabanki that reported 95 cases in a day on May 21, 49 were migrant workers.

In Jaunpur, 43 migrant workers who had returned last week, were tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Friday, taking the districts total to 91. Most of them had come back from Maharashtra.

All 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh are now affected by the Sars-CoV-2 virus.

Most of the migrants who were infected have returned from states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. We have increased our daily testing capacity to over 7,000 samples, said health minister Jai Pratap Singh.

He said that according to estimates, around 17 lakh migrant workers have returned to Uttar Pradesh via trains and buses. He said that samples of over 50,000 have been tested so far.
A royal expert claims that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are "more exposed than very before" after their big move to Los Angeles.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are currently living rent-free in movie producer Tyler Perry's $18-million Hollywood mansion.

Despite thinking that the US was the one place they could live peacefully, as Prince Harry once said the "powerful force" of the press was the reason they stepped down, royal editor Katie Nicholl said that it would be no better.

Nicholl said that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are actually "more exposed than ever before" after moving to the other side of the pond.

Speaking to Channel 5's "Harry and Meghan: Two Troubled Years," she said, "I think that now that they have moved thousands of miles away from home, that that Palace PR machine does not support them, they're more vulnerable."

Nicholl continued, "They're more at risk, and they're more exposed now more than ever."

Royal author Tom Quinn also suggested that Prince Harry would be "like a lost soul" and would find it challenging to be in the US.

"It will be far worse for Harry in America than Meghan Markle in England because he's not as tough as she is."

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have already erected 10-foot high fences to avoid prying eyes while they borrow Tyler's mansion.

This news comes after a photographer suggested that the Sussexes should drive a "beaten-up mini-van" to fool photographers.

Veteran photographer Mark Karloff, who has been taking pictures of celebrities for more than ten years, said that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry should change and downgrade their car to get rid of the snappers.

Speaking to the Daily Star Online, "A beaten-up mini-van is the way to go because no one looks at that. An undercover kind of decoy car, you know?"

According to Karloff, that's how several A-list stars do to avoid paparazzi.

Talking about Leonardo DiCaprio, the expert said, "He'll get his security out in his car, so you can't see who's in the car, so then when photographers go after that he comes out in a lower-end car."

"If I were in that position, I'd do the same thing. [DiCaprio] been elusive. He gets photographed probably once every month or so, but he's hard to find."

Since moving to Los Angeles, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have only been spotted a couple of times in Los Angeles.

Some reports recently surfaced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were eyeing the Malibu area or Pacific Palisades for their permanent US home.

Karloff laughed off their reported desire to move because the expert says they are just some of the most photographed areas in the city.

He was in disbelief, speaking to the Daily Star, "If you don't want to be seen and you don't want to be photographed, you are going to move to the biggest neighborhood where people get photographed?"

He continued that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry moving to that neighborhood is "ridiculous" if the couple wanted to live a private life, as it's not gated at all.

"There are 20 photographers right now in that neighborhood just circling doing laps, and they are shooting every celebrity that comes out of their home every day."

READ MORE: Prince Harry Suffered from PTSD After Moving to the US? THE TRUTH
Mumbai: Hours after Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in a statement claimed that the Indian Railways had not provided him with the required number of trains, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal issued a counter statement dismissing the claims and blamed the state for canceling several trains citing lack of adequate safety measures.

The war of words between the leaders stems from the fact that the Maharashtra government claims to have given a list of 200 trains to the Indian Railways which the latter is vehemently denying.

While holding a video conference, Thackeray had mentioned that he had put in a request for 80 Shramik trains but the Centre only allowed 30-40 trains. He even claimed that he had prepared a list of migrants workers in his state who want to go back to their respective native states.

In a press release on Sunday, the Central Railways said: "On demands given on daily basis by nodal officers of the Government of Maharashtra, Railways have run 520 Shramik special trains carrying 7,32,166 migrant workers till 23.05.2020. The demands for Shramik special trains are given by State Government with list of travellers, their destinations and other details after consulting receiving states."

The statement said that the Central Railways had fully complied with the demands of the Maharashtra government and will continue to do so.

It pointed out that on Sunday the railways authorities had been waiting for more than two hours for the list of passengers with details of their destination to plan for the trains running in Maharashtra on Monday.

"Sadly, it has been 2.5 hours but Maharashtra Govt has been unable to give required information about tomorrow`s planned 125 trains to the GM of Central Railway. Planning takes time & we do not want trains to stand empty at the stations, so it`s impossible to plan without full details," Goyal wrote on microblogging site Twitter.

More than 2.5 hours have passed but still passenger details for 125 planned trains in Maharashtra not received by GM Central Railway from Government of Maharashtra. pic.twitter.com/A4CXFpxKCZ  Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) May 24, 2020

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut too jumped into the melee by claiming that the government had provided with the list of number of trains required. He took potshots at the Union Minister via tweet saying, "Maharashtra government has given the list of required trains to the Railway Ministry. The only request from Piyush Ji is that the train should reach the station at which it should arrive. The train leaving for Gorakhpur should not reach Orissa."

Maharashtra saw its COVID-19 tally crossing the 50K mark with the highest single-day infections of 3,041 patients taking the number of psoitive cases to 50,231, with 58 deaths.
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Dear Professor Bell,

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my May 17 article in Haaretz and for responding to me directly in your article of May 19. Allow me to respond to you.

In the first line of your article, you referenced GOD TVs Hebrew speaking channel in Israel, Shelanu, claiming that it employs [my] services. That is incorrect. I am not employed by GOD TV or Shelanu. While a minor point, truth is important.

You wrote, I rather doubt that you are interested in real dialogue.

To the contrary, for the last 48 years, as a Jewish believer in Jesus and a serious student of the Scriptures, I have engaged in continuous dialogue, discussion, and debate with the Jewish community. This includes thousands of hours of private discussions and many public debates and dialogues, including more than 20 with my dear friend Rabbi Shmuley Boteach.

I welcome healthy interaction in the spirit of the Talmudic phrase, shakla vetarya, and I love for my views to be challenged in the court of public opinion as well as in private. My door is wide open to you. Shall we continue?

You wrote, Many Jews, in Israel and elsewhere in the world, are offended by God TVs missionary activity, which is also in direct violation of its broadcasting license.

Yes, as someone who has devoted many years of my life to exposing the sins of the Church against the Jewish people, Im quite aware that many Jews are offended by any mention of Jesus-Yeshua. In my home, growing up in NY, the name Jesus Christ could be used as profanity.

Thats why Ward Simpsons initial public announcement caused such a stir, and thats why he, as CEO of GOD TV, immediately pulled it. But he did not pull the video to be deceptive. Rather, he did it to avoid undue offense.

As for Shelanu itself, contrary to your statement, it is operating 100 percent in harmony with its broadcasting license. This is according to information released by the Israeli board members of Shelanu and confirmed by their attorney. Unfortunately, later in your article, you claim that Shelanu wants to defraud Israeli regulatory authorities and that it violates our laws.

Once again, sir, you are misinformed.

More importantly, since when is it illegal for Israeli Jews who believe that Yeshua is the Messiah, as taught in the New Testament, to share their views in public? What law are they breaking? And where is it written that they cannot share their personal stories and their music and song with Israeli viewers?

With all respect, sir, may I ask how many hours of programming on Shelanu you watched before penning your editorial?

You wrote, This is not because we are attempting to silence the voice of American Christian missionaries (or, in your patently dishonest description, Israeli Jews who believe in Yeshua.).

To the contrary, many of the key contributors to Shelanu are exactly what I said they are: Israeli Jews who believe in Yeshua. Im speaking of sabra Messianic Jews like Avi Mizrachi and Eitan Bar. Should their content be banned from Israeli TV?

I appreciate your kind words about the positive impact that Christianity has had on the world, and I appreciate your affirmation of a Christians right to interpret the Bible as he or she understands it.

But you also wrote, We are not telling you how to interpret your New Testament, and you should stop telling us Jews how we are to interpret our Torah. . . . We respect your choice to abandon the religion of your people. Now respect our choice to stick with the religion of ours.

In reality, you are free to do whatever you wish with your religious choices. At the same time, according to the New Testament, Yeshua is the promised Messiah of Israel. He is the one of whom the Torah spoke and of whom the Prophets bear witness. And we, his followers, are commanded by the risen Messiah to share the good news of his death and resurrection with both Jew and Gentile.

So, in effect, you are telling us not to be true to our faith, and you are telling us our understanding of Torah is wrong. And that is your prerogative. But why resist the open, non-coercive exchange of ideas? What is so dangerous about that?

And what of the roughly 300,000 Jews worldwide who do believe in Yeshua, including as many as 30,000 in Israel right now? Many come from secular backgrounds while others come from religious backgrounds. Do they, as fellow Jews, get to decide for themselves? Or do you claim the right to stop them from hearing a message?

A 2017 survey, referenced by the Jerusalem Post, found that one-fifth of Jewish millennials believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Should they not be allowed to investigate things for themselves?

You wrote, When you and your fellow preachers at God TV claim that Christianity is the true Judaism you are making a claim that is disrespectful, anti-Semitic and toxic.

Actually, we simply proclaim Jesus as the Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world. Is that disrespectful, anti-Semitic and toxic?

Ironically, the very New Testament that you disparage says this about Gods promises to the nation of Israel: the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Thats why, as I argued in my previous article, a true Christian faith, is deeply philo-Semitic. And thats why evangelical Christians have no history of persecuting Jews.

You even acknowledge that most evangelical Christians are wonderfully philo-Semitic before saying unlike you and your ilk at God TV.

In reality, Prof. Bell, the evangelical Christians associated with GOD TV, along with the Messianic Jews living in Israel working with Shelanu, are among the most philo-Semitic people on the planet. Why do you so grossly mischaracterize people of whom you apparently know little or nothing?

You wrote, If you want your brand of Christianity to be supersessionist, specifically aimed at destroying Jewish faith and traditions, we cant stop you.

Then why are you trying to stop Jewish believers in Jesus, living in Israel and honoring many of our common traditions, from sharing their faith with fellow Jews? There is nothing that even hints of supersessionism here. Why oppose this so vigorously?

You close your article by saying, Friendship begins with respect. What kind of friendship are you preaching?

Sir, Im preaching the same friendship I have preached for decades. One based on mutual respect in the midst of our differences. One based on non-coercion and unconditional love. One based on truth.

I offer that friendship, with respect, to you. Will you reciprocate and offer the same back to me?
In any direction he went, Jackie could find heroin.

He rents a room on East Tioga Street, half a block from the Kensington Pub. On the concrete steps, stained with rust from the railing, Jackie sat one morning last week and watched the users and the dealers; theyre on every corner, the handshakes and highs that used to be his life. He adjusted the cloth mask covering his gray beard, and let it go by.

When social distancing began in the middle of March, Jackie had been sober for one month. A patient with Pathways to Recovery, a treatment program in Port Richmond, he had spent those first weeks in intensive counseling, attending group sessions like Living in Balance and Adjusting to Change. He said he was learning to communicate better, to speak his feelings.

But as COVID-19 shut down Pennsylvania, so went the face-to-face programs that kept Jackie and so many others from using opioids, crack cocaine, and alcohol. Twenty of the 50 participants who were with Pathways two months ago have fallen off, its therapists said, and are presumed to have relapsed.

Theres too much down here, its all in your face," said Jackie, who is 47 and has shared the room with his wife since November. Its kind of hard to stay clean when you see people using everywhere. Its like, now, I remember that.

The coronavirus has created new and staggering barriers for people recovering from addiction. Most experts say that isolation is the single-worst risk factor for relapse, but its the cornerstone of social distancing. Job loss and homelessness, always triggers for drug use, have come on suddenly. And many recovering users, like Jackie, are sheltering in place on blocks haunted by their former habits.

Jackie had been clean for 13 months once, but then he started gambling, then drinking, then using heroin and crack again. He wanted it to work this time, he said.

It only works if you want it," he said. "People are not going to stop getting high until theyre ready.

He had liked going to groups at Pathways, getting out of the house for a bit. The therapy sessions were now available over Zoom, but Jackies phone had been shut off. He couldnt pay his bill.

But Jackie has not started using again.

Late Monday morning, there was a knock on the door of his building. When he came to the window, he saw Troy Mouzon standing on the sidewalk in blue latex gloves, Ray-Ban sunglasses, and a black mask covering his nose and mouth.

Pathways and other treatment programs have realized they need to go beyond the screen if they are going to keep the most vulnerable people in recovery. What has followed is an all-out effort to find people where they are.

Mouzon, a peer recovery specialist with Pathways, and three years clean, knew what people in recovery were up against, the fear and the cravings that existed long before the pandemic. So the 50-year-old would spend all day Monday driving around the city, tracking down people who were trying to stay sober, trying to remind them they were not alone.

He asked Jackie about his search for a new apartment away from the neighborhood. (The Inquirer agreed to identify Pathways participants only by the first names they provided.) He was eyeing a place on 49th Street.

Is that where you want to be, in West Philly? Mouzon asked. He had a lead on a place at 54th and Walnut and promised to make some calls. Every source I have, you have, Mouzon said.

He told Jackie he would be back soon with updates, then climbed back in his van, a white Chevy Express. There were a lot more people he needed to check on, to try to keep from relapse, even if for one more day.

A high level of care

Philadelphia, with the highest fatal overdose rate among large cities, has the worst urban opioid crisis in America. Its getting worse.

Data released by the city last week show that overdose deaths rose 3% in 2019, claiming 1,150 lives. Nearly half of these deaths were due to a combination of opioids with stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Overdose deaths are rising fastest among black and Hispanic users.

Jennifer Smith, secretary of the states Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, said she has received data from some counties showing that overdose rates have climbed even higher during the pandemic, but did not have numbers for Philadelphia.

Some of the overdoses are occurring in people in recovery, but early in recovery," Smith said. "Its important for support systems to be actively reaching out to individuals who are new in that journey.

 READ MORE: Inside Phillys coronavirus quarantine hotel for those with nowhere else to go

In-patient programs have largely remained intact, while outpatient treatment "pretty much had to switch to telemedicine on a dime, said Patrick Vulgamore, a project manager for Temple Health. Medical appointments became virtual, and fewer patients were no-shows, with transportation to the appointment a nonissue. Its extremely easy to pick up a phone and have a doctors appointment, Vulgamore said.

Long-standing groups like Alcohol Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous moved to Zoom meetings, already chartered territory for some chapters. Philadelphia-based groups welcomed members from Maryland to London, calling in from kitchens and bedrooms, toddlers bobbing in the backgrounds. In a group called Mid-Day Miracles, people unmuted themselves to clap in staccato for a man celebrating 30 years sober.

But Pathways to Recovery occupies a more complicated space on the treatment spectrum. Before the pandemic, its 50 participants spent their days at the center off East Allegheny Avenue before returning to their homes or shelters in the evening.

Founded three years ago, Pathways serves participants who also have mental health issues, and tend to be less stable in their recovery than those receiving outpatient care. Many people are using or are very newly clean, sober, said Denise Botcheos, the program director. Its definitely a population that needs a high level of care.

While the programs physical center did not close, its staff has strongly encouraged patients to stay home. In a bulletin last month, Pathways leaders outlined how they would all get through this: group meetings with dial-in codes; daily calls for individual check-ins; video calls with doctors to discuss medication; a 24-hour line that someone would answer, always.

Yet Pathways clients dont all have computers, phones, or reliable access to them. And not everyone wants to Zoom their way out of isolation.

 READ MORE: Phillys overdose deaths rose again in 2019, especially in black and Latino communities

And so Mouzon steered his Chevy Express away from the curb, intent on seeing five more people before the day was out. He is one of two peer counselors for Pathways; the other one, a woman named Temple, was just released from the hospital after two weeks fighting the coronavirus.

He parked the van four blocks away, checking on a man with medical issues. He worried about him, knowing the man was in pain and prone to self-medicating. He had knocked on his door the previous week, only to see him sleeping through the window.

The man would sometimes have 10 days clean, 11 days, and then have a moment. But talking with him on his porch Monday, Mouzon saw that he was in good spirits. The mans grandchildren had visited recently.

He was three weeks clean.

I have to do what it takes

After another short drive, Mouzon found Tyrone, who was happy for the excuse to get out of his house. Who wants to sit on the phone all day? he asked, shaking his head at Mouzon.

Tyrone lived with his wife, his wifes son, and the sons girlfriend and their baby daughter in a house on Unity Street. Before the coronavirus, he had worked eight-hour days. Now he found yards to mow and picked up odd jobs, but work was never guaranteed.

Inside the house all day, his family complained, Tyrone said. He needed to be outside, getting things done, and said he tried to explain that to his wife. She said: Oh, its about you? I thought we were in this together. But how are we in this together when youre always on my back?

The stress, the 55-year-old said, was getting to him. The answer used to be cocaine and marijuana, with a chaser of beer.

Keep doing what youre doing," Mouzon told him. Your recovery is whats most important. A lot of times its easy to focus on other people. But weve got to focus on what we can do.

He knew Tyrone needed work, and he had a good lead for him. But there would be a drug test.

That sounds fair," Tyrone said, because if I really want to work, if I want the job, I have to do what it takes.

He said he was smiling, even though Mouzon couldnt see it behind his paper mask. The men kicked shoes and bumped elbows, then Mouzon was back in his van, steering west through the city.

So much of recovery, he knew, was helping people to find something to fill the void left behind by drugs. It was harder now, but it wasnt impossible. He liked to ask, What did you like doing when you were young? Or, What did you love before you started getting high?

For Mouzon, it was learning. When he stopped using three years ago, he enrolled at Chestnut Hill College, where he felt good from Day One. He just completed his bachelors degree in human services, with a minor in psychology.

He likes how it helps him to understand people, why they are the way they are. If you have enough information, you can make it make sense, he said. Its not a 100% science, but its like, Oh, OK. I get it."

He drove through Nicetown, the neighborhood where he came up. As a little boy he liked to ride the 75 bus across town to Frankford Playground. But as a teenager and young man, in the 80s and 90s, it was pills, the dust, the coke.

No one thing made him stop using, he said. He tried a few times before it stuck. Family and friends backed away, he said, because they didnt know what to do. Theres not a playbook for it," Mouzon said, but he thought about how alone he felt in his recovery.

Addiction always tricks people into feeling they are alone, he said. So he went to check in on a woman named Charlie who had graduated from Pathways two months ago.

My list doesnt go away, he said. It gets longer and longer.

The want and the need

He goes looking through abandoned houses, jails, hospitals, morgues. He walks through neighborhoods where some outreach organizations wont go. People can hide in Kensington, said Reagan Copeland, a Pathways therapist.

It means something to people, he said, when he shows up at their door and they realize they were worth looking for. That look on their faces, Mouzon said. Thats my high now.

Relapse happens. It is part of recovery, he says, and he has gone through it himself. People drop off.

One Pathways participant, who had connected well with the program and went regularly to group sessions, "was having difficulty feeling so isolated, and he just started drinking, said Botcheos, the director.

Its heartbreaking," she said, because you feel like theyve got a handle on things, theyre moving in the right direction, and the pandemic has really decimated peoples support systems, and their ability to feel safe.

Charlie was exactly where he expected her to be, on the front steps of her recovery house, four months clean. The one thing is wanting it," she said of her sobriety. "You cant only need it. Mouzon pulled down his mask to show her his smile.

Im so proud of you. I cant stop singing your praises, he told her. She beamed back.

In the van, Mouzon took a bottle of Purell from his cupholder and rubbed his gloved hands together, then started driving the 20 minutes to Cheltenham. He wanted to check in on a young woman who had relapsed a few times, but was now going six months strong.

Mahogney, 31, sat on the porch of her parents home, a block from a cemetery. When she took walks around the neighborhood, she could see the burials, sometimes two at a time. The coronavirus situation is scaring people, she said. Im sitting across from the graveyard, Im seeing the reality of it.

But social distancing was actually helping her, Mahogney said. Her father was over 70, and mixing with her old crowd would mean exposing her family to the virus. She also liked avoiding going to the Pathways facility near Kensington, known for its open drug markets.

One time I walked through Kensington to get to the bus stop, she said, and Im not that strong yet, Im sorry.

Knowledge of self is one of the most powerful things on the planet," Mouzon told her.

Last time she relapsed, she said she realized shes more easily influenced than she thought. She learned to say no.

Youve got to be strong, she said. And youve got to want it. Youre always going to need it. Its when the want and the need match up."

Mouzon smiled behind his mask. He told her he had chills: She was the third person that day to say the same thing.

Mahogney told him shed be on his 9 a.m. Zoom the next day, and so he left to make just one more stop.

In her bag

It was just after 3 p.m. when Mouzon parked the van in Strawberry Mansion for his last check-in. He went to knock on the door of the young womans apartment.

It was open.

He thought, This isnt good.

Mouzon had been thinking about this woman, who started the program the same week that social distancing dismantled it. He knew she had wanted the in-person meetings, the face to face. She was just like Jackie, he said, in that her biggest challenge was her location. She did not just live down the street from a corner; she lived on a corner.

But she had a good attitude. Mouzon had enjoyed making his visits to her, keeping her engaged with the program. He had brought her extra masks and gloves. She had mentioned feeling under the weather, so Mouzon had packed soup and juice, too.

When he asked her why the door was open, the woman said she had been smoking a cigarette. She looked in the bag Mouzon had brought. She said, Thank you. But she barely said another word.

Whats going on? Mouzon asked her. This isnt us.

And so it came out that she was using. He could tell anyway. She was repeating herself, checking her pockets too often, stammering when she spoke.

"Im in my bag, she said.

Back in the van, Mouzon let out a deep breath. Its not like television, he said, where the person apologizes for their addiction, or makes excuses, or promises to never do it again. When theyre at that point, he said, they dont feel like they owe you an explanation.

She had stood by the door, as if she wanted him to leave.

He thought what might have happened had the coronavirus not kept her in that apartment.

For the stage of recovery shes at, its hard for her to  its too much time and space in that little room.

He hated that she hadnt been upfront with him, when he walked in the door.

I need her to fight a little harder," he said.

But I come to the realization I cant make my ready be her ready. So Ill wait for it. Ill wait for her to be ready.

Until she was, he knew, he would keep coming back. He left the apartment, knowing she knew that, too.
China has met 38 targets set in last years government work report, the State Council said on May 19.

The State Council, Chinas cabinet, released a table on the implementation of quantitative targets listed in last years government work report, prior to the annual sessions of the top legislature and political advisory body.

The 2019 government work report set a target of 6 to 6.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) growth from the previous year. Last year, Chinas GDP reached nearly 99.09 trillion yuan (about $13.98 trillion), up 6.1 percent from 2018, in line with the annual target.

In terms of cuts in taxes and fees, the report proposed axing businesses burden in taxes and social security payment by nearly 2 trillion yuan in 2019, and the actual figure last year exceeded 2.3 trillion yuan.

The tight budget of the government has released dividends that stimulated market vitality and ensured strong power for economic growth. According to the table, the country has also met the targets of a reduction of more than 5 percent in the general expenditure of the central government and a cut of about 3 percent in spending on official overseas visits, official vehicles, and official hospitality.

As a people-centric government, the Chinese government takes peoples livelihood as a priority in its work. The 2019 report aimed to create more than 11 million urban jobs in 2019, and about 13.52 million urban jobs were created last year. Stable employment leads to stable income of the people, which further drives consumption and expands domestic demand. This is a premise ensuring benign social and economic cycle, and an effective guarantee for constantly improving the livelihood of the people.

The 2019 report aimed to lift more than 10 million rural people out of poverty, and poverty was indeed eradicated for a total of 11.09 million people in the countryside. Behind the achievements are targeted poverty alleviation measures, the efforts made by governments at all levels and Party officials, as well as the tangible benefits enjoyed by the 11.09 million people.

This year, China faces heavier and more complicated tasks. No relaxation is allowed in regular epidemic prevention and control as the country has achieved major success in controlling the COVID-19 epidemic. The GDP growth, employment, as well as economic and social development still remains major criteria. The year 2020 is the critical year for securing a decisive victory in the fight to eradicate absolute poverty and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, so the country must work hard to complete its tasks in the remaining 7 months of this year.

Arduous efforts are called for especially at critical moments. Numerous historical experiences proved that as long as the Chinese people from all ethnic groups unite together and work as one, they will be able to conquer all challenges, and thus finish the annual targets this year.
Connoisseurs of



litchi may enjoy the choicest variety of the luscious fruit this season without having to step out of their homes and exposing themselves to the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 'Shahi Litchi', a speciality of the north Bihar district of Muzaffarpur which earned the GI tag a couple of years ago, stands apart from other varieties by virtue of its unique fragrance and extra-juicy pulp which gives way to a smaller than usual seed.

It is now all set to be delivered to people's doorsteps thanks to a joint move by the Bihar government and the postal department.

"From May 25 onwards, people can place orders on state horticulture department website horticulture.bihar.gov.in," district horticulture officer Arun Kumar said.

The facility will initially be available to consumers in Patna, Muzaffarpur and Bhagalpur and may be extended to "all districts of Bihar" if the response is favourable, he said.

"The postal department will ensure free delivery within 24 hours. But only orders of two kg and above will be accepted," Muzaffarpur postmaster general Ashok Kumar said.

The measure has been hailed by litchi cultivators who had been in a state of despondency since the fruit has a very short shelf life and transportation has become a challenge in view of the nationwide lockdown.

"Litchis have started ripening but a lower than normal demand had been a problem. The cultivators hope that the online delivery facility will help them bring back their 'ache din' (good days)," remarked Jayapraksh, the CEO of Muraul Farmers Producers Company, with which 750 cultivators of the fruit, 50 of them dealing in 'Shahi Litchi', are associated.

"Farmers can now look forward to earning some decent profit by this new market that may spring up as a result of the online facility.

"Because of the lockdown, litchi cultivators have been finding it difficult to carry their produce to the markets. Moreover, the markets too are shorn of the usual hustle and bustle because of people staying indoors, resulting in lesser demand," he said.

The district collector had issued a communication earlier this week ordering that places identified as loading points for litchis or having processing units be allowed to carry out their operations beyond 6 pm the deadline for most economic activities across the state.

The communication noted that the 'Shahi Litchi' is supplied to far-off places like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Chennai and Agra and unless supplied within a certain period of time the quality starts deteriorating causing the prices to fall.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As colleges across the country grapple with rampant uncertainty about how to conduct classes this fall, UC San Diego officials are taking a more proactive approach.

Theyre diving into coronavirus testing with uncommon vigor. Now.

UCSD launched its Return to Learn program May 11, an effort to broadly test students, faculty and staff on the picturesque campus along the Pacific Ocean. School officials started with 100 tests per day the first week, doubled that total last week and hope to conduct 400 tests daily this week.

If the project works as planned, they would expand to 1,500 daily tests in the fall, potentially allowing the campus to reopen for in-person classes and activities.

Natasha Martin  project lead, associate professor of medicine, infection disease modeler and Stanford alum  acknowledged the volume of testing is ambitious and brings logistical challenges. She remains hopeful because UCSD has an on-campus laboratory to process the tests, and because the goal is clear.

This is not a research study, Martin said. Its a public health intervention.

UCSD is believed to be one of the first colleges in the country to attempt a program on this scale. Martin and her colleagues, Dr. Robert Schooley (who oversees the testing element) and Dr. Cheryl Anderson (contact tracing), already have fielded calls from several schools interested in adopting some of UCSDs methods.

The project leaped to life, in part, because of Schooleys distinctive job description. He has been involved in infectious disease research most of his career, and now divides his time developing viral drugs in a laboratory and running a research and education program in Mozambique.

Three years ago, he also was asked to coordinate the schools international collaborations. That landed him an office about 50 feet from the office of UCSD Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla, and a quick connection to the boss.

Erik Jepsen / UC San Diego Publications

The current structure of my job gave us a head start, Schooley said.

Khosla asked Schooley and Martin to develop a plan for UCSD. They already knew the urgency of identifying infections early, after what Schooley called the nations failed experiment to find the virus after people began getting sick.

He found more evidence in a Chronicle graphic showing the strikingly divergent caseload curves of California and New York. The two states were close through about March 15  and then New Yorks suddenly soared, while California (and especially the Bay Area) stayed relatively flat after early shelter-in-place orders.

Martin put together models and discovered UCSD needed to test 75% of the campus population to catch an outbreak before there were 10 cases.

We know the campus is not an island, she said. Well likely get viral introduction from the community, so we want to be able to detect outbreaks early enough that we can isolate and do contact tracing before they spread to the campus community.

The program requires participants to pick up a clean nasal swab in a specimen collection container; scan the bar code onto a smartphone app, linking their cell phone number to the specimen; swab the inside of their own nose; and then drop the swab in the container and leave it in a collection box.

Schooley said students proved quite capable of self-testing during the projects first two weeks. (Nearly 5,000 students, many of them graduate and/or international students, stayed on campus after classes moved online in mid-March, according to a UCSD spokeswoman.) Schooley also said the project will move toward salivary testing in the fall, which would be faster and more comfortable.

Also worth noting: None of the first 1,000 students to participate tested positive.

Erik Jepsen / UC San Diego Publications

UCSD officials were determined to make the tests efficient  the opposite of visiting a doctors office, in Schooleys words. No search for parking, no long forms to complete, no prolonged wait for results (the goal is within 24 hours).

COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California.

We want this to be easier than brushing your teeth, he said.

Or, as Martin put it, If were really going to test this many people, it has to be a simple process thats self-administered. We cant have clinicians out there in personal protective equipment.

It helps to have the Center for Advanced Laboratory Medicine, a state-of-the-art, 90,000-square-foot facility that opened more than eight years ago. The lab has the capacity to run 2,000 to 2,500 tests per day, Schooley said.

The standard cost per test at a national lab is about $100-$120, Schooley said, but UCSD is paying well below half price. The school estimated its spring testing will cost about $500,000 in all; if the program operates at full volume in the fall, the cost would be about $2 million per month.

The project begins with lofty ambitions, including testing for signs of the coronavirus in residential wastewater. Khosla, the chancellor, called the program audacious and predicted, if successful, it could become a model for other colleges and potentially municipalities.

Bay Area schools such as Stanford and UC Berkeley are exploring testing programs to help reopen their campuses this fall, without providing specifics. UC schools are expected to offer a mix of in-person and online instruction, while Cal State campuses such as San Francisco State and San Jose State will stay nearly all online. Stanford is still contemplating various scenarios.

As for UCSDs testing program, Martin and Schooley will see how the spring trial run unfolds before trying to expand in September.

Weve had a lot of really good reception from students, Martin said. Were optimistic things will go well.

Ron Kroichick is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rkroichick@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ronkroichick
Preeja Prasad By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Bengaluru-based scooter rental startup Bounce, which is now looking at investing in electric vehicles and revamping its inventory is selling around 1,500 of its bicycles in Bengaluru and Hyderabad at Rs 800. The company is shifting its focus to scooter-sharing business. There was excess an inventory and we are entering the electric vehicle (EV) industry. We realised that bicycles are good for short trips only. So we are shutting that option, though it is still active on the app, a Bounce spokesperson said.

This apart, around 500 fuel-run scooters are also being sold.

Bounce co-founder Vivekananda Hallekere took to Twitter, saying: I think you can make anything go viral on WhatsApp by posting it in family groups. We started selling a few used scooters and now the message has reached its own interpretation as to if we are shutting down. Again, when it comes to PR there is nothing called as bad news (sic).

With the pandemic creating fear among customers on the cleanliness of rental bikes, the company has taken measures by applying a disinfectant coating on its vehicles. The coating will last for over three months. There is a health card pasted on the scooter which shows the last time the vehicle was sanitised, the spokesperson said.The company recently collaborated with the Bengaluru City Police in disinfecting the personnel vehicles with an anti-microbial solution.
Weve become familiar with words such as lockdown, social distancing, self-isolation and quarantine in these days of Covid-19. But plagues (and viruses) are nothing new in human history. How we respond to them may have changed, largely due to modern medicine and a better understanding, but the notion of quarantine and isolation is not new.

But nothing done today can match the response of a small English village, several hundred years ago, when people responded to the spread of the plague in their midst.

We visited this little village with our son, during his gap year, after we had been alerted to the story by an English friend in New Zealand. On the surface the village was just like many other small English villages; quiet and quaint, with stone cottages, a large church, a pub and store, and with a village green in its midst. It didnt take long to find out more.

It all began with one person

In 1665 a tailor in the small village of Eyam in Derbyshire ordered a bolt of cloth from London. There the plague was spreading like wildfire, but it hadnt gone much beyond the city. Some fleas carrying disease came with the tailors order, and soon villagers started to fall sick and die.

William Mompesson, the local vicar, discussed the matter with his predecessor, also living in the village. Rather than having villagers flee to surrounding areas, taking the plague with them, they decided the village should isolate itself to contain the plague. The villagers were reluctantly persuaded to take up the challenge to self-quarantine, and arrangements were made for food to be brought to the village outskirts in exchange for money. The coins were left in vinegar, the only way they knew to disinfect them.

The cost was heavy. Over a period of 14 months numbers of people became ill and died. The vicars wife, Catherine Mompesson, who had refused to leave the village in order to care for the sick and to support her husband, was one of the victims.

One villager, Elizabeth Hancock, lost all her five children and her husband in the space of eight days. She dragged each body to a nearby field, dug their graves and buried each one herself. Those watching her from a nearby village were too scared to help her.

In all, 260 people from 76 families died. But the quarantine cordon worked. It is estimated that thousands of people in nearby centres such as Sheffield and Manchester were spared. The village has now become known as the one that sacrificed itself for a greater good.

Eyam today

We walked the stone streets, and read the names of the inhabitants who died, listed on the walls of the Plague Cottages. There are descendants of the survivors of that terrible time who still live in the village, and their research can be found in a museum that helps visitors understand and honour those who suffered so much.

The museum was closed, but we visited the church, and its graveyard with many plague graves. (During the plague, worshippers met in a nearby field and practiced social distancing during services, gathering as families, but separate from each other.) The church has continued its worship during the 350 years since the plague struck, and though it recognises and remembers its plague history, it doesnt live in the past, but continues to uphold the same faith that inspired William Mompesson.

As he encouraged his parishioners to be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice, a faith that includes Jesuss words: Greater love has no one than this, that he/she lays down their lives for their friends, so we too have been challenged in these days of Covid-19 to self-isolate for the sake of others, as well as ourselves, and to the extent that we have done so as a community, have fulfilled the words of Jesus.

Remembering Eyam, reminds us too of the cost of Christian service then  and also now. During 2020 the suffering world-wide has been very great. Not only have hundreds of thousands of lives been lost, but sometimes health workers too have died  just as Catherine Mompesson did, because she committed herself to the care of those who were suffering.

Pray for those putting their lives on the line as they care for others.
opinion

When my daughter was six weeks old, she was exposed to measles.

I was in the UK at the time, where coverage rates for routine childhood vaccinations like measles and polio are high. Still, not everyone follows Public Health England advice to get their child immunised against these debilitating and sometimes fatal diseases.

Too young for her first vaccination, my child was exposed to measles through another child whose parents had decided not to get their child immunised.

My fear was compounded by the memory of a school friend. She caught measles aged one - not in the UK, I should add. That eventually led to encephalitis at the age of 14: the swelling of the brain, a terrible potential complication of this disease. As teenagers, my friends and I watched this amazing young woman slowly deteriorate in front of us.

She died at the age of 19.

I will never forget what she and her family went through.

Thankfully my daughter did not contract measles: doctors gave her immunoglobulin. Immunoglobulin can provide short-term, immediate protection against measles.

It's a substance made from the blood plasma of humans who've already produced antibodies to the disease.

But immunoglobulin is only a last resort since it has its own risks and isn't routinely available in many countries for measles prophylaxis. That means that parents rightly have to rely on mass immunisation programmes to protect their children, and other people's children, against measles and other diseases like polio and typhoid.

I've visited mass immunisation programmes in several countries during my career: one of the last I saw was in Senegal on a trip with World Bank board members.

As a mother, I too winced at the momentary pain of the children vaccinated. But I was doubly in awe of the commitment I saw in the health workers doing the vaccinating. They knew how much this matters.

No parent anywhere in the world should have to worry about their child contracting an entirely avoidable disease.

But history and recent experience tells us that during natural disasters, conflict or public health crises, mass immunisation programmes can be threatened and vaccination coverage go down.

Just last year, measles broke out in the Democratic Republic of Congo as that country battled Ebola.

That's why the UK is committed to ensuring that mass immunisation programmes can continue at this time, protecting vulnerable children from diseases like measles and polio. By helping stop further disease outbreaks, we can protect public health systems so they can cope with rising Covid-19 cases. In Zimbabwe, we are working through Unicef to strengthen the delivery of immunisation programmes -- providing strategic planning, strengthening surveillance systems so that the country can get ahead of potential outbreaks and making sure vaccines and vital health messages reach communities.

(This is, I should say, just one part of a wider package of Covid-19 support already being delivered through UN partners to the people of Zimbabwe -- providing humanitarian food and cash assistance, supporting water and sanitation provision, helping detect Covid-19 cases, boosting local health systems and protecting communities)

Back to vaccines. As the largest supporter of the Global Vaccines Alliance (Gavi), the UK last month announced a funding pledge equivalent to $403,6 million per year for five years to help fund immunisation of 75 million children globally. The UK is hosting virtually the Gavi Global Vaccines Summit on June 4, aiming to raise a further $8 billion for Gavi's important work.

We're also leading global efforts to find a vaccine for Covid-19 -- a vaccine that will be for global distribution. Last week UK ministers pledged additional funding for two vaccine development projects in the UK, one at Oxford University, which I'm particularly proud to see, as my undergraduate university, another at Imperial College London. Just-announced government funding is helping speed up the construction of a not-for-profit vaccine research lab in Oxfordshire.

Crucially, we're upping our support to Africa to save lives. This week International Development secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan announced that the UK is investing $23,4 million in the African Union to help it tackle coronavirus. This makes the UK the biggest donor to the African Union's Coronavirus Response Fund.

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We're proud to be standing side by side with international partners like the AU in the fight to save lives. In that fight, it's important not to miss the individual stories of frontline workers tackling coronavirus with energy, courage and resilience.

In Zimbabwe, I've been inspired by the story of John Masimba, a truck driver with HALO Trust, the disarmament charity that operates here with UK funding. When Covid-19 hit, HALO had to transition fast.

In recent weeks, its staff have been providing logistical support to the Ministry of Health as part of the Covid-19 National Taskforce Response. Masimba and his team have driven 10 000km, delivering supplies and ferrying healthworkers between hospitals, villages and clinics. He told us: "I had to offer my support to save lives."

He is a true hero.

l Melanie Robinson is the UK's ambassador to Zimbabwe
A Chinese worker carrying materials for the first rail line linking China to Laos, a key part of Beijing's 'Belt and Road' project across the Mekong, in Luang Prabang, on Feb. 8, 2020. (AIDAN JONES/AFP via Getty Images)

More Countries May Fall Into Chinas Debt Trap With COVID-19

WASHINGTONThrough its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has poured billions of dollars in loans into low-income countries to help build their massive infrastructure projects. And now with the COVID-19 pandemic, concern about a looming debt crisis has increased in developing nations, as most of them are already bent under massive Chinese debt.

Launched in 2013, Chinas BRI, also referred to as One Belt, One Road or the New Silk Road, is one of the worlds most ambitious and controversial development programs. In recent years, the initiative has been perceived as a debt trap, due to Beijings predatory lending practices.

The BRI has contributed to the substantial external debt buildup in many low-income countries, according to a recent report by the Institute of International Finance (IIF).

Over the past two decades, China has become a major global lender, with outstanding debt exceeding $5.5 trillion in 2019more than 6 percent of global gross domestic product, the IIF report stated.

The BRI has played an important role in driving Chinas lending activity in recent years, making Beijing the worlds largest creditor to low-income countries. Since its launch, the initiative directed more than $730 billion to overseas investment and construction projects in over 112 countries, according to the report.

Among the BRI countries, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Laos, the Maldives, and Tajikistan are rated at high risk of debt distress by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), meaning they are likely to default or face problems servicing their massive debt.

In addition, a recent academic study published by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy suggests that the Chinese overseas loans may be higher than reported. The study says that up to 50 percent of Chinese loans are hidden, as theyre not reported to the IMF or World Bank. Chinas nontransparent lending practices amplify debt vulnerabilities in poor countries.

Amid a looming financial crisis, Sri Lanka is currently piling on more Chinese debt. Although the debt-ridden country must make $4.8 billion in loan repayments this year, it has reached an agreement with China for at least $1 billion in additional lending, according to Nikkei Asian Review.

Sri Lanka is often cited as a clear example of becoming trapped in Chinese debt and being forced to hand over strategic assets to China. A Chinese state-owned firm took control of Sri Lankas southern port of Hambantota in 2017 on a 99-year lease after the country defaulted on its loans.

Ports have dual use in almost every countryfor civilian use as well as for military use, Bonnie Glick, deputy administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, told The Epoch Times American Thought Leaders program.

And the way China has mapped out the globe, it has been very strategically looking at the most valuable ports first and approaching those countries accordingly.

The same thing happened in the East African country of Djibouti, she noted, where China built a concessionary port. The country is located at the entrance to the Red Sea, where the United States has strong defense interests. Nearly 10 percent of the worlds oil exports and 20 percent of all commercial goods navigate through the Suez Canal, passing close to Djibouti.

Djibouti defaulted on its loan, and China ultimately controls operations in the port in Djibouti, Glick said, calling the BRI One belt, one road, one-way trip to insoluble debt.

Debt Relief

Both the World Bank Group and the IMF have urged the G-20 economies including China to provide debt relief to the worlds 76 poorest countries and allow them to redirect funds toward fighting the pandemic.

China is a signatory to the debt service suspension initiative agreed to by the G-20 nations, which provides a freeze of debt repayments for the poorest nations upon request. The suspension will run from May 1 through the end of 2020.

According to Glick, the initial Chinese response to debt forgiveness was positive.

But later, they started putting all kinds of conditions on what type of debt would be considered for debt forgiveness, carefully trying to thread the needle to keep bilateral debt owed to China off the table, she said.

BRIs massive construction projects are financed mainly through a wide range of Chinese local government and state-controlled institutions.

The Trump administration has voiced a hard line against Chinas ambitions to grow its footprint in emerging markets, and the pandemic has amplified these concerns.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the whole world is waking up to the challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party.

Chinas been ruled by a brutal, authoritarian regime, a communist regime, since 1949. For several decades, we thought the regime would become more like us through trade, scientific exchanges, diplomatic outreach, letting them in the WTO as a developing nation, he told reporters on May 20.

That didnt happen. We greatly underestimated the degree to which Beijing is ideologically and politically hostile to free nations.
In September 2006, Nouriel Roubini told the International Monetary Fund what it didn't want to hear. Standing before an audience of economists at the organization's headquarters, the New York University professor warned that the U.S. housing market would soon collapse - and, quite possibly, bring the global financial system down with it.
MIAL (Representative Image)

Hours after Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, in an address to the state said that he has spoken to Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri regarding the re-starting of domestic airlines, the state government said that it will allow 25 takeoffs and 25 landings every day from Mumbai.

"Maharashtra govt has agreed to allow 25 takeoffs and 25 landings every day for domestic flights from Mumbai. This number will be increased gradually. State govt will issue details and guidelines in this regard soon," Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik said, according to news agency ANI.

"We had a discussion with the Civil Aviation Minister (Hardeep Singh Puri) today and are still deciding on what precautions and preparations we have to undertake and what the Centre is doing. We are contemplating and we will decide soon," Thackeray said during his address to the state.

The Centre has permitted domestic air travel to resume from May 25 in a calibrated manner, albeit extra safety measures.

Earlier, an India Today report had said that the state government would not be allowing flight activity in Maharashtra at least until May 31, when the fourth phase of the lockdown ends.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

The report further states that Uddhav Thackeray, CM of Maharashtra, has termed the Centre's decision to reopen domestic flights as 'arbitrary' and it was done without any consultation with the state.

In an order issued on May 21, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MCA) has said that operation of domestic flights can resume from May 25 onwards. The ministry has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) that airlines need to follow.
Tourism Ireland has said the market here can expect an 80% drop in business this year.

But its boss, Niall Gibbons, said the 4bn to 5bn the Irish public would have spent overseas presents an "opportunity" to the sector here.

He said there is no clear return to free movement across Europe at a time when the high season would normally begin.

Mr Gibbons said: "Sixteen states in Germany are all moving at different speeds in relation to lifting quarantines. Austria, for example will open their borders with certain countries, not others.

"So, the European project has become a little bit frayed, so to speak, airline are still trying to get back into the sky, but the UK which has a very big tourism market where they would have about 70 million trips abroad in a typical year, the airlines are struggling to get going for the summer season."

Mr Gibbons told Newstalk Breakfast with Susan Keogh that, globally, the livelihoods of over 300 million people are "on the line."

Some 1.4 billion people took trips around the globe last year, which he said is now down to "a trickle".

He predicts that Ireland's tourism numbers will be down "about 80%" for 2020.

The industry now has a roadmap for the future, which is good because that gives a sense of hope and confidence and some capacity to plan.

"But it has to be said - not just Ireland, but when you look across the globe and across Europe - different jurisdictions are working at different speeds with regard to this, and when planes can get back in the sky.

"I think people are doing their best, the industry has pulled together very well.

"The Government and ministers have listened very carefully to what's going on, but there is a realisation that the tourism industry was the hardest to be hit and will probably be the longest one to recover."

He said several businesses associated with the tourism industry have collapsed in recent days.

"In the last 48 hours alone we've seen the likes of Hertz car hire in the United States file for bankruptcy after 100 years in business.

"And a big company that wouldn't be a household name here: Sherrings Travel and Wallance Arnold - who put a lot of business into Ireland - has collapsed on Friday evening with the loss of thousands of jobs in the UK after 100 years in business.

The implications here are profound, there is a major health issue here that we have to deal with.

"I think the roadmap that we have is a very solid one, but there are a lot of moving parts at the moment in relation to this".

He said he is hopeful of a recovery, but in the longer-term.

"If you go back to the global financial crisis 10 years ago, we were trying to recover 30% of our business then - it took five years to do that.

"So you can get a sense of there's no v-shaped coming on this one".

But he said the domestic market could see an uptake as less people travel abroad - "and hopefully then as we head towards the latter part of this year into next year, we can start to see the recovery in relation to the international side".
Garment companies have been told to find new alternative markets as the US and EU are busy fighting against Covid-19.

Thanh Dat Garment specializes in making garment products for export to the US and EU. Le Nhung, general director of the company, said as the epidemic has been escalating in the two economies, partners have suspended imports.

Thanh Dat also exports products to Japan, but the exports account for a small proportion.

In order to get jobs, Thanh Dat has shifted to make cloth face masks for export, a seasonal job that, according to Nhung, can retain 70 percent of workers and offer modest income.



Nhung said the epidemic has affected nearly all countries in the globe, so it is not easy to find new markets.



Thanh Dat hopes that American and European partners will return and import products from Vietnam. Its expected that they will resume imports in May.



The US and EU are the two largest export markets for Vietnams textiles and garments. The other positions belong to Japan, South Korea and China. All five markets have suffered heavily from Covid-19.

The US and EU are the two largest export markets for Vietnams textiles and garments. The other positions belong to Japan, South Korea and China. All five markets have suffered heavily from Covid-19.

The Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (Vitas) also said that there is no alternative market for Vietnam, because the epidemic affects the entire world.

Even the US and EU have been hit hard by the epidemic, let alone other markets, he said, predicting that Vietnam would see sharp decline in export turnover this year.



While Nhung hopes foreign partners will resume imports in May, other producers are not sure about when they will come back.



It is highly possible that the partners would continue delaying the delivery time. In other countries, people just buy food to store, while they dont have demand for other products.



Some Vietnamese garment companies are making cloth face masks. However, since the product price is low, the job just helps to retain workers, and does not bring profits.



A series of textile and garment companies have reported loss for Q1 2020. Nha Be Corporation reported a net loss of VND2 billion, while it made a profit of VND8.7 billion in Q1 2019.

Most garment companies have set very modest business targets for 2020. Viet Tien Garment has set targets of VND6.3 trillion in revenue and VND150 billion in pre-tax profit, just 70 percent and 39 percent, respectively, of 2019.



Vietnam exported $8.9 billion worth of garments in the first four months of 2020.

Linh Ha

Is the $42 billion garment export target out of reach? The input material supply from China ha resumed, but some American and European buyers have asked to delay deliveries for the orders they had previously placed.
A firefighter sprays water on the wreckage of a Pakistan International Airlines aircraft, with nearly 100 people on board, that crashed in a residential area in Karachi, Friday, also killing several people on the ground. AFP





A total of 80 bodies have been recovered after a Pakistani plane with nearly 100 people on board crashed in the southern city of Karachi, Friday, provincial health officials said in a statement, with more feared dead.



The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane had made multiple approaches to land at the city's airport when it came down among houses, devastating buildings and killing several people on the ground.



The official statement confirmed two survivors and said that 17 of the bodies had been "identified so far."



Earlier the airline's chief executive, Arshad Mahmood Malik, said in a press conference that only one survivor had been confirmed from the wreckage  Bank of Punjab President Zafar Masud.



He added that the full clean-up operation could last two to three days.



Efforts on the ground will be ongoing "until we get all the bodies recovered," a provincial official who asked not to be named told AFP. "So far 80 bodies have been recovered from the debris."



Plumes of smoke were sent into the air as rescue workers and residents searched the debris for people and as firefighters tried to extinguish the flames. An AFP reporter witnessed charred bodies being loaded into ambulances.



Sarfraz Ahmed, a firefighter at the crash site, told AFP the nose of the Airbus A320 and the fuselage had been heavily damaged by the impact, adding that rescuers had pulled bodies from the aircraft who were still wearing seatbelts.



The disaster comes as Pakistanis prepare to celebrate the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, with many travelling back to their homes in cities and villages.



- Technical fault -



PIA confirmed there were 91 passengers and seven crew on board the flight, which lost contact with air traffic control just after 2:30 pm (local time) while travelling from Lahore to Karachi.



"It was an A320 which is one of the safest planes. Technically, operationally everything was in place," Malik said, adding the plane was bought by the airline in 2014.



The pilot, Sajjad Gull, who according to an official release was the most senior A320 pilot with extensive flight experience, complained of a problem after making his second approach to the runway, before air traffic control lost contact with him.



PIA promised a full independent investigation.



Airbus later said in a statement that the plane had first entered service in 2004 and was acquired by PIA a decade later and had logged around 47,100 flight hours.



The plane developed a technical fault, according to Interior Minister Ijaz Ahmad Shah who said the pilot issued a mayday call after the craft "lost" an engine.



Residents near the scene said their walls shook before a big explosion erupted as the aircraft slammed into their neighbourhood.



"I was coming from the mosque when I saw the plane tilting on one side. The engines' sounds were quite weird. It was so low that the walls of my house were trembling," said 14-year-old witness Hassan.



Karachi resident Mudassar Ali said he "heard a big bang and woke up to people calling for the fire brigade".



- 'Prayers & condolences' -



Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was "shocked and saddened" by the crash, tweeting that he was in touch with the state airline's chief executive.



"Prayers & condolences go to families of the deceased," he wrote on Twitter.



The Pakistan military said security forces were deployed to the neighbourhood and helicopters were used to survey the damage, while offering condolences over the "loss of precious lives."



US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that his "prayers go out to those killed and injured, and their families," and added that the United States "stands with Pakistan during this difficult time."



Commercial flights resumed only days ago, after planes were grounded during a lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic.



Pakistan has a chequered military and civilian aviation safety record, with frequent plane and helicopter crashes over the years.



In 2016, a PIA plane burst into flames after one of its two turboprop engines failed while flying from the remote north to Islamabad, killing more than 40 people.



The deadliest air disaster on Pakistani soil was in 2010, when an Airbus A321 operated by private airline Airblue and flying from Karachi crashed into the hills outside Islamabad as it came in to land, killing all 152 people on board.



An official report blamed the accident on a confused captain and a hostile cockpit atmosphere.



PIA, one of the world's leading airlines until the 1970s, now suffers from a sinking reputation due to frequent cancellations, delays and financial troubles. It has been involved in numerous controversies over the years, including the jailing of a drunk pilot in Britain in 2013. (AFP)


After weeks of closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said last week that retailers and churches in the state may open at partial capacity, but that gyms and salons must stay closed, and that residents must wear face masks in public.

But the 65,000 residents of Chaves County have little to fear should they violate these orders.

My department will not be out citing anyone for not wearing a mask, Mike Herrington, the county sheriff, told The Marshall Project. I will not be enforcing any of those orders. Herrington has already allowed at least one gym, among other businesses, to reopen in recent weeks.

Chaves Countywhich has reported 30 positive diagnoses of COVID-19, and two related deathsencompasses Roswell, the town famous for its association with a debunked-but-widely-believed UFO sighting in the 1940s. Its also one of many rural communities hit hard by the recent economic shutdown; the cancellation of the annual UFO Festival this month potentially deprived local businesses of a million dollars in revenue, according to television station KRQE.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, right, with Riverside City Police Chief Sergio G. Diaz, center, and a California Highway Patrol officer gather information after a shootout near a freeway killed a CHP officer and wounded two others before the gunman was fatally shot, Monday, Aug. 12, 2019, in Riverside, Calif. (Terry Pierson/The Orange County Register via AP)

Herrington is one of at least 70 sheriffs nationwide, spread across more than a dozen states, who are publicly opposing restrictions issued by governors, according to a Marshall Project analysis of news reports and official statements. There are likely many more quietly declining to enforce them.

All law enforcement officers have a great deal of discretion, but the power of sheriffs in particular stretches deep into American history, to the end of the Civil War and the settling of the frontier. This history can help us make sense of their increasingly central role in partisan battles about public health and economic recovery, as they clash with governors through viral Facebook posts and media appearances.

A history of defiance

While police chiefs are appointed and thus insulated from politics, sheriffs are elected and many have built their reputations by defying state and federal laws in areas ranging from immigration to gun control. The best known sheriffs in America in recent years, Joe Arpaio of Arizona and David Clarke of Wisconsin, used racially charged criticism of President Obama to become high-profile allies of President Trump.

Story continues

Mike Herrington was elected sheriff of Chaves County, New Mexico, in 2018, after two decades as a deputy in his hometown of Roswell. He tries to balance the need to enforce COVID-19 lockdown rules with the constitutional concerns of his constituents.

The stay-at-home orders are just the latest opportunity for sheriffs to get noticed, particularly in states with Democratic governors. (Seventy percent of the sheriffs in the Marshall Project count were in such states.) Very rarely are they able to do things that voters know about, said Zoe Neverever, a political science graduate student who studies sheriffs. Everybody knows about COVID.

But to truly understand the role that sheriffs are currently playing in the political conversation, its necessary to go back much furtherall the way to Reconstruction.

After the Civil War, sheriffs assumed the power vacuum left behind by slave owners, according to Douglas Blackmon, author of the 2009 Pultizer-winning history Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II. They were empowered by the Black Codes to make arrests for congregating in public and being unemployed, and they oversaw the leasing of black prisoners as laborers in an economic system that in effect continued slavery.

Arrests surged and fell, not as acts of crime increased or receded, but in tandem to the varying needs of the buyers of labor, Blackmon wrote.

Racial disparities have defined the U.S. justice system ever since, and are now appearing in the enforcement of laws meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus; the New York Times reported earlier this month that all but one of the first forty people arrested for social-distancing violations in Brooklyn were black and Hispanic.

More: Coronavirus lockdowns have caused a whopping 17% drop in global carbon emissions

More: Is international travel allowed yet? See when Spain, Mexico, Iceland plan to reopen borders

More: Coronavirus spread: In which states is COVID-19 growing fastest?

Gilbert King, author of two books featuring Willis V. McCall, a violent, racist sheriff in 1950s Florida, found that throughout the civil rights era sheriffs were known members of the Ku Klux Klan. In the 1960s, Sheriff Jim Clark of Dallas County, Alabama, famously oversaw the beating of black voting rights demonstrators in Selma, Alabama. Giving power to sheriffs was in the interest of pro-segregation Southern leaders because it would be much harder for the federal government to track the actions of hundreds of individual counties.

The idea that a sheriff could stand as a bulwark of local control against state and federal laws shifted in the 1970s, from opposition to civil rights to the more arcane intellectual sphere of the Christian Identity movement. Minister William Potter Gale preached that the Constitution was a divinely inspired document intended to elevate whites above Jews and racial minorities, journalist Ashley Powers wrote in The New Yorker. This thinking underpinned the Posse Comitatus movement of the 1980s, which violently clashed with federal law enforcement while promoting the idea of sheriff supremacy, and which, Powers wrote, cross-pollinated with other kinds of right-wing thought.

The open talk of white supremacy receded while the idea of the sheriffs power remained.

Challenging authority

Although sheriffs generally enforce state laws, in 1994, a group of sheriffs in Arizona and Montana sued the federal government, challenging a law that required them to perform background checks on people who wanted to buy handguns. The Supreme Court ruled in the sheriffs favor. One of the sheriffs, Richard Mack of Arizona, went on to found the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, which advocates that sheriffs not enforce all laws they believe to be unconstitutional. In 2016, Mack was a prominent supporter of the Bundy family during their standoff with FBI agents over their right to let cattle graze on public lands.

The organization claims roughly 5,000 members. Political scientist Mirya Holman says the number of sheriffs who actively consider themselves members may be fewer than a hundred.

But even when they do not take loud political stands, their personal views shape the local justice system. Holman and a colleague surveyed hundreds of sheriffs and found that those who believed myths about domestic violence, including the idea that it is easy for women to leave abusive partners, are less likely to arrest domestic violence suspects.

Protesters demonstrate against stay-at-home orders that were put in place due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Friday, April 17, 2020, in Huntington Beach, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ORG XMIT: CAMT117

Still, sheriffs do not always fall on the conservative side of partisan divides, especially when the federal government itself is led by a conservative president. In the Trump era, sheriffs from Charlotte to Cincinnati have been elected after promising to not cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Holman points out that sometimes sheriffs are simply requesting that the federal government work with them before sending federal agents into high risk situations in their counties.

As COVID-19 began hitting urban centers in March and governors began issuing lockdown orders, sheriffs began quelling rumors of checkpoints and mass arrests. This is not Nazi Germany or Soviet Russia where you are asked for your papers! wrote Sheriff Scott Nichols of Franklin County, Maine. Although Nichols noted that his deputies would still arrest people, his post was celebrated in conservative media as a rebellion against Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat. (Nichols did not respond to a request for comment.)

Other sheriffs simply said they didnt have the resources to enforce these orders, having already been stretched thin by having to respond to everything from mental health episodes to drug overdoses.

While Arpaio and Clarke built their reputations over many years, the route to political stardom has quickened in the COVID age, especially when a Democratic governor can serve as a foil. Washington, Oregon, and Wisconsin are all examples where you have a liberal governor thats been largely elected by the urban centers of the state, and a more conservative, rural area that feels like theyre being ignored and their interests are not being heard in the political process, said Holman. The sheriff becomes the representation of that conflict.

Sheriff Adam Fortney, in Snohomish County, Washington, has been publicly feuding with the state leaders, and is now facing a potential recall election, while his supporters are raising money on GoFundMe. On May 5, Chad Bianco, the sheriff of Riverside County, California, told county commissioners, I refuse to make criminals out of business owners, single moms, and otherwise healthy individuals who are exercising their constitutional rights. A video of his comments went viral, and on May 8 he appeared on Fox & Friends, a show that had already hosted a Michigan sheriff critical of Gov. Gretchen Whitmers orders.

Herrington was elected sheriff of Chaves County, New Mexico, in 2018, after two decades as a deputy in his hometown of Roswell. He speaks less to the deep historical legacy of his role than to the daily struggles of his constituents. Hes sympathetic to the constitutional sheriff movement, but also cordial to his governor and eager to stress the non-partisan nature of his job, although he ran for office as a Republican.

A group with C.O.V.I.D., Citizens Outraged Voters in Danger, protest wearing masks outside the State Capitol during a special session regarding the spring election in Madison, Wis., Saturday, April 4, 2020.

In April, after Gov. Lujan Grisham extended the stay-at-home order until mid-May, Herrington said he was approached by small business owners, some of them literally in tears. They complained that Walmart and Target, allowed to stay open because they sold food, were also selling televisions and other big items to residents looking to spend their stimulus checks. These owners told Herrington that by opening, they could reduce crowding at the big box stores.

The head of the New Mexico Sheriffs Association wrote a letter last week to Attorney General William Barr, asking him to consider whether the governors orders violated the civil rights of New Mexicans, and he similarly focused on how big-box stores have reaped the economic benefits of the closures.

These are my friends and family, Herrington said. To look at the fear in their eyes, the fear of losing everything they have, tells me I have no choice but to stand and take on this fight.

Striking a balance

In his public statements, Herrington has told the governor he doesnt want to be defiant, and invited her to negotiate on how to let businesses reopen sooner while still protecting public health. Since before the birth of America the duty of the Sheriff has been to secure the Rights of the People, he wrote on Facebook. Every business in Chaves County is essential when the people are dependent upon that income to provide for themselves and their families. Gov. Lujan Grisham has responded with a press statement asking New Mexicans to stay the course and follow her guidelines. There is little she can do to punish the sheriff.

Herrington did say no to drag races and little league games, and hes encouraging people to stay home if they are sick, immuno-compromised, or simply dont want to put themselves at risk. He has also encouraged residents to stop threatening state police officers who were trying to enforce the governors orders. He is worried about crime going up as residents grow economically desperate.

For childrens birthdays, Herrington organizes small paradesmore than one per day, he saidin which police and firefighters drive by their houses with lights and sirens. We are delivering groceries, medicine, everything, to anybody, not just the elderly, he said. You call me with your receipt number, well deliver it to your front porch.

We are saying: If you want to come out, you have that God-given right under the First Amendment, Herrington explained, but if youre scared, if youre being cautious, I will help you.

This article was originally published by The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Sign up for their newsletter, or follow The Marshall Project on Facebook or Twitter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus: Anti-lockdown sheriffs defying governors' orders
COLUMBIA  SC Public Radio has announced plans to offer Spoleto Festival programming as part of a new Spoleto at Home initiative. The network will utilize its Sonatas & Soundscapes program, as well as its Spoleto Backstage podcast to bring past festival performances and behind-the-scenes insights to listeners across the state and beyond.

On March 24, Spoleto Festival USA made the difficult decision to cancel this years festival  a first in the events 44-year history. Throughout that storied history, the twice-daily chamber music concerts at Dock Street Theatre have been beloved cornerstones of each season, famous for their assemblage of leading musicians and eclectic programming. As such, the festival is partnering with SCPR to produce one of the most robust elements of Spoleto at Home: weekday radio broadcasts of 11 past Bank of America Chamber Music programs.

Through June 5, Sonatas & Soundscapes, which airs Monday  Thursday from 11 a.m.  1 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m.  noon, will feature 11 Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA performances from the past decade. All 11 performances are being selected by the artistic director of the festivals Bank of America Chamber Music series, Geoff Nuttall, who will also provide commentary regarding each selection.

Additionally, Sonatas & Soundscapes will feature a series of interviews conducted by SCPRs Bradley Fuller. Among the subjects of those interviews will be veteran performers of chamber music, such as Todd Palmer, composer-in-residence Jessica Meyer and Charleston area native and pianist Micah McLaurin, as well as the festivals general manager, Nigel Redden, who will address future plans for the event.

The program will have additional areas of focus, including: The celebration of the 350th anniversary of the founding of Charleston, featuring music that may have been composed and performed during that period; emphasis on the 250th anniversary of Beethovens birth; and The Prokofiev and Shostakovich recording from 2019, along with a previously recorded interview with the conductor of this work.

For those seeking to consume festival-related programming online, a live stream of Sonatas and Soundscapes will be available at www.southcarolinapublicradio.org and through the SCETV app, which is available for download on all Android and Apple devices. Additionally, the Spoleto Backstage podcast will return. With new episodes released each Friday, the podcast will be co-hosted by Bradley Fuller and Geoff Nuttall and will feature public domain works from Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA, as well as interviews and lively commentary.

For more information on Spoleto Festival USA, visit www.spoletousa.org.

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Some investors rely on dividends for growing their wealth, and if you're one of those dividend sleuths, you might be intrigued to know that Casablanca Group Limited (HKG:2223) is about to go ex-dividend in just 3 days. This means that investors who purchase shares on or after the 28th of May will not receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 17th of June.

Casablanca Group's next dividend payment will be HK$0.03 per share, on the back of last year when the company paid a total of HK$0.06 to shareholders. Based on the last year's worth of payments, Casablanca Group has a trailing yield of 9.8% on the current stock price of HK$0.61. Dividends are an important source of income to many shareholders, but the health of the business is crucial to maintaining those dividends. We need to see whether the dividend is covered by earnings and if it's growing.

Check out our latest analysis for Casablanca Group

If a company pays out more in dividends than it earned, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. Casablanca Group paid out more than half (70%) of its earnings last year, which is a regular payout ratio for most companies. Yet cash flow is typically more important than profit for assessing dividend sustainability, so we should always check if the company generated enough cash to afford its dividend. Luckily it paid out just 24% of its free cash flow last year.

It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously.

Click here to see how much of its profit Casablanca Group paid out over the last 12 months.

SEHK:2223 Historical Dividend Yield May 24th 2020

Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?

Companies with consistently growing earnings per share generally make the best dividend stocks, as they usually find it easier to grow dividends per share. If earnings decline and the company is forced to cut its dividend, investors could watch the value of their investment go up in smoke. With that in mind, we're encouraged by the steady growth at Casablanca Group, with earnings per share up 2.4% on average over the last five years. Earnings growth has been slim and the company is paying out more than half of its earnings. While there is some room to both increase the payout ratio and reinvest in the business, generally the higher a payout ratio goes, the lower a company's prospects for future growth.

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Given that Casablanca Group has only been paying a dividend for a year, there's not much of a past history to draw insight from.

The Bottom Line

Is Casablanca Group an attractive dividend stock, or better left on the shelf? While earnings per share growth has been modest, Casablanca Group's dividend payouts are around an average level; without a sharp change in earnings we feel that the dividend is likely somewhat sustainable. Pleasingly the company paid out a conservatively low percentage of its free cash flow. It might be worth researching if the company is reinvesting in growth projects that could grow earnings and dividends in the future, but for now we're not all that optimistic on its dividend prospects.

With that in mind, a critical part of thorough stock research is being aware of any risks that stock currently faces. In terms of investment risks, we've identified 2 warning signs with Casablanca Group and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

If you're in the market for dividend stocks, we recommend checking our list of top dividend stocks with a greater than 2% yield and an upcoming dividend.

Love or hate this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.
Work from home meetings in a lockdown. (Getty)

Since the coronavirus lockdown was introduced in March, the way we are working has transformed. While medics, supermarket staff and other key workers are more stretched than ever, many of us are continuing to work from home to help stop COVID-19 from spreading.

Offices are now empty, meetings are taking place online and were having to create our own schedules at home.

For most of us, we have been fortunate enough to not have had to live in a warzone or even undergo any widespread virus like conditions prior to this current pandemic, says Karen Kwong, an organisational psychologist and director of Renoc Consulting.

As such, I can safely say that most of us will have never experienced an upheaval like this. So for every one of us, our lives personally and at work will likely change quite a lot.

Many people are waiting for things to go back to normal as soon as it is safe. But some things have likely changed for good  particularly when it comes to the way we work.

More remote working

This is the first time many people have had to work from home  and the first time a lot of companies have had to embrace flexible working. While some firms will want employees to head back to the office as soon as they can, others are most likely going to encourage flexible working arrangements.

READ MORE: What might social distancing look like in the workplace?

Flexible working where traditional hours of 9-5 or 8-6 will be less prevalent and vary according to the needs of the business and the requirements of workers, Kwong says. There might also be an increase of flexible and part-time workers.

Many office buildings may become a little more obsolete, she adds. Perhaps instead of the whole building, they might have two floors for those who have face-to-face meetings or for those who want to work in offices. The co-working space model will be the preferred option for many businesses to keep overheads low, whilst many others will opt to work from home.

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More use of technology

Things arent just changing for employees, too. Leaders and businesses will have to support their staff in different ways to accommodate changes such as flexible working.

After all these changes present a new set of challenges  where on the one hand, staff members will prefer this autonomy, but on the other hand, collaboration and team innovation and creativity may change as a result of less face-to-face interactions, Kwong says.

Most likely, there will be an increased dependence on technology  be it for online interactions between clients and service providers, all the way to providers of that technology to enable those conversations to occur.

READ MORE: How to set yourself a routine when working from home

We will also need to get used to video conferencing and communication apps like Slack, but ensure workers dont lose out on the benefits of face-to-face contact with colleagues.

More focus on transferable skills

Millions of people around the world have been made redundant, been furloughed or lost income as a result of the current crisis. Whole industries have ceased operating, including the travel and restaurant sectors. Recovery will take many years and because of this, there may be more of a focus on transferable skills because of this, as people try different avenues for employment.

Those who have a skillset that has been underused, for example, tech skills or project management skills, now is the time to share those skills with others, Kwong says. This is relevant on a business level too. Look at how the F1 engineers turned their skills and expertise into making ventilators.

More focus on work-life balance

Perhaps most significantly, the coronavirus pandemic will likely change our priorities and values when it comes to work and our personal lives. As the lockdown begins to lift, many people will see family and friends for the first time in months  and want to spend more time with them.

The lockdown has taught us so much about balance. Im reading more, exercising more and spending more time with my kids, says Simon Paine, the co-founder and CEO of the PopUp Business School. Yes of course we all want a sense of normality, freedom and connection but going back to how things were is not an option.
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > Letter to Readers Mainstream, 23 May 2020 - Lockdown Edition (...)

Super-cyclone Amphan of 21 May 2020 has caused serious damage to land and life in Eastern India and Bangladesh. Why the massive devastation in Bengal and Bangladesh after the cyclone has found practically no coverage on national television is quite disturbing. The disaster to the ecologically sensitive zone of the Sundarbans is an international calamity and the state of West Bengal has rightly demanded that given the scale of damage (estimated to be over 10 billion dollars) it should be declared a National Disaster.

The death-toll in cyclone Amphan, especially in South Bengal, was revised to 86 once agencies were able to reach areas inaccessible for two days. On his first trip outside Delhi since the nationwide lockdown began last march, Prime Minister Narendra Modi frankly admitted yesterday that the loss of lives, homesteads, infrastructure and standing crops were a double whammy for West Bengal which was severely hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, he openly disclosed that the state under Mamataji has tried to fight strongly, striking a note seldom witnessed in the recent past. In an eight-minute video message from Basirhat (West Bengal) the PM further explained: staying home and social distancing are the safeguards against corona, whereas moving out from homes and reaching safer places are advisable in case of a cyclone. Bengal has to fight the two challenges together. While expressing solidarity with the West Bengal State Government, he declared The Centre was in constant touch with the State Govt. and the two jointly worked hard. Announcing ex-gratia of Rs Two lakhs to the families of the deceased and Rs Fifty thousand to the injured from the PMs relief fund. Modi spoke of Rs 1000 crores to West Bengal and Rs 500 crores to neighbouring Odissa after an Ariel survey of the devastation wrought by Amphan.

Meanwhile, the opposition parties meeting in the capital yesterday warned the Modi govt. that post-covid economic crisis would be catastrophic; they described the stimulus package of Rs 20 lakh crores as a cruel joke on the country and demanded that the Center come out with a revised stimulus package which would stimulate demand the 22 opposition parties meeting under the convener ship of the Congress charged the Center with unabashedly usurping the power of the states in the name of fighting the pandemic. The 22 parties also decided to form a committee to chalk out a future protest plan.

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The autonomy and freedom of media is crucial in a democracy, the media must report the real stories and not play to a pre-crafted agenda. Top officials must not try re-shaping the media attention on Indias COVID-19 lockdown led humanitarian crisis  seeking to downplay the migrant exodus. In a programme on Door Darshan the state-run TV telecast on 19 May, Shashi Shekhar Vempati, CEO of Prasar Bharati, reproached the media for being too focussed on the pain and misery of migrants and thereby emphasizing a negative picture. This is uncalled for advice.

Hundreds of thousands of jobless migrant workers trying to return to their original homes and are stranded in the country. Last week we witnessed a very ugly situation where the countrys main opposition party tried to help the stranded workers by organizing for buses to take them to their destination in the state of Uttar Pradesh; But we saw the UP state administration create all manner of hurdles to obstruct the transport of workers because the buses had been organized by the main opposition party and also seemingly migrant workers dont matter for now since there is no election around the corner. About a thousand buses had been arranged by the Congress party for migrant workers to travel to UP but they were disallowed by the UP administration from entering the borders. The state unit chiefs for the Congress party in Delhi and in UP were also arrested in the process. (see here news report in the Times of India). Readers would do well to recall that the ruling BJP is said to have arranged some 6,000 buses and 30 trains for a 2019 election campaign rally in Patna for Prime Minister Modi. So remember if its election time people can get transport and goodies but not during a humanitarian crisis.

We offer our condolences for all who have lost lives in the Amphan Cyclone in Bengal and in the plane crash in Karachi.

The Editor, May 23, 2020
Delivery workers in Vietnams thriving e-commerce industry increasingly expect their customers to transfer their goods and shipping fees online instead of paying them in cash, for fear of transmission amid the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

A sudden downpour wetted the streets of Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday. Nguyen Van Hai, a deliveryman at Giaohangnhanh, a Vietnamese logistics service provider, was trying to wear his raincoat so that the goods on his old scooter would not become drenched.

The rain is so heavy that I will deliver your goods around one hour late. I am sorry for any convenience caused! Hai spoke to a lady on the phone.

After hanging up the phone, he told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the job requires him to deliver goods as soon as possible.

Once he has closed a deal with his customers, he will deliver it whether it is sunny or rainy.

He said as a deliveryman for around one year, he has learned many unforgettable lessons, such as loss of goods, intentional non-delivery, and his customers unable to pay their fees.

For each successful delivery in less than 10 kilometers, he will receive around VND30,000-50,000 (US$1.28-2.14).

If he manages to ship more than a dozen orders, his monthly income could amount to VND10-15 million ($430-644).

It seems to him everyone thinks that delivery workers hit the mother lode because of an upsurge in delivery demand on account of COVID-19.

Little do they know that there are many unseen worries. His work demands that he meet face-to-face dozens of customers on a daily basis, which increases the risk of COVID-19 infection for himself and his own family.

Counting money is another issue when contacting customers.

I dreaded every time I had to count money or give change to the customers. Even with a hand wash right after, I still worried loads, he said.

Hai said he has to put down a deposits worth of goods for store owners in case customers cancel their orders.

As usual, delivery workers pick up orders at the declared business locations, but many businesses would be based at a coffee shop, a curbside location or even a fake address.

As the deliverymen come to the addresses, the customers would sometimes refuse to pick up the phone, or the addresses might not even exist.

Once Hai looked at the delivery items, he found them to be knock-offs.

When I finally knew that I got duped, collecting the deposit was then like getting a camel through the eye of a needle. Most of the time, the delivery workers have to bear the brunt because they cannot find any information on the goods senders, he said.

Every time the phone goes ding, Bui Pham Thien Long, a delivery rider for on-demand meal delivery service GrabFood, jumps for joy, but more often than not that joy may be replaced by concerns over his customers choosing to pay in cash for food orders.

For around three years having worked for all kinds of Grabs services, namely GrabBike, GrabExpress, and GrabFood, Long has still dreaded the thought of customers failing to keep in contact with him.

He explained a new order would have him running errands in the blazing heat for the customers, but sometimes they just would not come out of their houses or pick up the phone.

Some folks would keep me waiting for nearly an hour under the scorching summer heat, but later refuse to take their orders, he said.

In those cases, I have no other choice but to return the items. Some days you just got unlucky and had a chain of order aborts. I would just cry on those days.

A lady receives food from a deliveryman. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

Relief from card payment

Customers are increasingly choosing electronic wallets as an alternative payment method in order to minimize physical contact, according to several workers of other delivery services, such as Now, Foody and Baemin.

With these pre-paid orders, delivery workers can be assured that the deliveries are 100 percent confirmed without any fear of order aborts.

With card payment, at least the names of the customers are known, so delivery riders seem to be more at peace with their deliveries.

On a similar note, ride-sharing drivers for Be, Grab, and VATO said that they prefer card customers to cash ones.

After each card trip, money is instantly transferred into their electronic wallets  sometimes with tips ranging from VND5,000 (US$0.21) to VND20,000 ($0.86).

Sometimes an order only runs up to VND120,000 [$5.16], but a customer gives me a VND500,000 [$21.5] bill. So I have to waste time converting that bill into smaller notes. Now, with online transactions, we dont have to bother with counting cash anymore, he said.

A recent study of consumer habits during the COVID-19 pandemic by ride-hailing firm Grab reveals that online shopping has grown considerably in popularity, which helps promote cashless transactions.

The number of customers who use cashless payment on Grab for the first time in March surged by 22.5 percent, compared with the previous month, according to Nguyen Thai Hai Van, managing director of Grab Vietnam.

She said cashless payments accounted for a staggering 43 percent of the total transactions on the Grab platform during the COVID-19 outbreak.

At one point the percentage rose by as much as 10 percent, much greater than the average rate, according to the Saigon Union of Trading Cooperatives (Saigon Co.op), the owner of the Co.opmart supermarket chain.

However, the figure is only recorded during the promotional season when many cash-back and incentive programs for cashless payment are available.

Once these programs end, the method of payment will fall back to its usual place.

Cashless payment is a necessity

Grab Vietnam has encouraged its customers to use either electronic wallet Moca or their own credit cards to pay for its delivery services in order to enhance public health and curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, managing director Van said.

The encouragement is in line with instructions from the State Bank of Vietnam in an attempt to promote a cashless economy in the Southeast Asian nation.

We have quickly put forward many new initiatives while developing all services in order to meet the essential needs of our customers in their daily lives, she said, adding that this the quickest way to fuel the growth of the cashless economy.

Everyone has a card now, but...

While raising the awareness about the convenience of cashless payment, Do Quoc Huy, marketing director at Saigon Co.op, urged local firms to work with each other to introduce more attractive promotion programs.

They should run such programs in the long run so their consumers can have a chance to get first-hand experience and thus change their behaviors on a gradual basis, according to the director.

During the pandemic, people avoided paying in cash. Once social distancing measures were lifted, the old habit of cash payment came back anyway.

We should be determined in our sustained efforts to encourage cashless payment, Huy said.

Despite credit and ATM cards being almost universal, cash remains the king of all transactions in Vietnam.

It is essential to develop infrastructure which makes it convenient for customers to pay with different methods, he said, adding that this will reduce reliance on cash.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The coronavirus pandemic followed by a nationwide lockdown has inflicted a deeper wound on the differently-abled, making them singularly reliant on the help provided by others. To ease their woes, some organisations have been working round the clock. But, this battle isnt easy as volunteers say that lack of inclusivity is making it difficult for those with special needs to survive the lockdown that seems to be never-ending.

Some of the Delhi-based volunteers have been inundated with calls from across the country. On an average, we receive around 15-20 calls, and the same number of messages, mostly from the hearing impaired community. We do help provide access to essentials like food and medicines, but they also need some emotional support at this time, which is difficult to provide virtually, says Aditya Sen, part of an 11-member team at Delhi Project, a volunteer-run initiative, which has helped more than 80 families during the lockdown, across Delhi-NCR.

I get heartbreaking calls everyday; people wonder about their next meal, milk for their children and how they will survive once their meagre savings are exhausted, says Delhi-based Arman Ali, executive director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People. He says that the organisation has been receiving non-stop calls from people who are differently-abled, for doorstep delivery of essentials, and also with the required access needed by caregivers. Most of the differently-abled who work in the unorganised sector have been the worst hit by the lockdown... We have been providing daily passes to the families and caregivers of the differently-abled, so that they can provide the necessary help.

The government has schemes, in place, like the National Social Assistance Programme... Yet, the problem remains that people do not know how to apply for such schemes.

 Arman Ali, executive director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People

Ali adds that at this point in time, locals can pitch in by providing medicines to the differently-abled in their vicinity since their needs dont end at ration. Talking about the significance to spread awareness on help available from the government, Ali informs, The government has schemes, in place, like the National Social Assistance Programme that provides a pension of 300 per month to the differently-abled, upto the age of 79 and 500 for those above 80. The government also has announced an ex- gratia of 1,000 rupees to be distributed in two instalments in three months. Yet, the problem remains that people do not know how to apply for the scheme.

Kapil Aggarwal, general secretary of Viklang Sahara Samiti Delhi, says that his organisation has been helping those differently-able procure online ration cards, who are incapacitated to apply for the same themselves. Aggarwal adds, People have been reaching out to us via word of mouth and WhatsApp groups. We ask them about their needs and then communicate the same to the designated government authority in their location. Many, who have had to return with a cancelled pass or ration card due to incorrect or missing information, needed our assistance. But, beyond what we are doing, the neighbours [of the differently-abled] can also come forward to provide the government with the information of people who need essential services, such as batteries for essential medical equipment or wheelchairs. For individuals with hearing and sight impairment, there could also be one person stationed at the government centres, who can describe the facilities available.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more
- Jeff Koinange got a job offer to join CNN while he was still working for Reuters in South Africa

- At first, the journalist declined the offer because he was not willing to move from South Africa to Nigeria

- But, a shoe shiner named Doc who lived in the US convinced him otherwise and even played a huge role during his interview process

Sometimes opportunity comes from the most unexpected places thus everyone should learn how to respect even the lowly in society because they too can change our lives.

Television giant Jeff Koinange owes part of his huge success to a shoe shiner who saw potential in him and helped him join CNN.

READ ALSO: Bedroom matters: Lady says husband refused to touch her on wedding night

READ ALSO: Kericho: Watu 5 waangamia kwenye ajali ya barabarani

In 2001, Jeffs career had started taking off and he was a force to reckon with back in South Africa.

In a video narration on Facebook, the Citizen TV news anchor said he worked for Reuters at the time and thought he was at the peak of his career. How wrong!

One day while attending a function at CNN, Vice President Chris from the media company spotted him and offered the oh my journalist a spot at the station.

READ ALSO: Ramadhan with a twist: Diamond Platnumz blasted for posting shirtless photos during holy month

READ ALSO: Trans Nzoia: Msichana wa miaka 15 ahofiwa kuwaambukiza watu kadhaa COVID-19

The catch was, the opening was in Nigeria and Jeff lived in the golden city of Johannesburg. As he was not ready to make that move, the father of one turned down the offer.

They were opening a new branch in Nigeria and wanted me to work there but I could not risk leaving the comfort of Johannesburg to go to Nigeria, the news presenter said.

Jeff was then asked to accompany the head to US and have a look at how things operated at the company before making a permanent decision.

READ ALSO: Akothee heartbroken after 24 women show up to beg for food at her gate

I flew to the US and was amazed by how they produced news, the process it took and how the place operated for a solid 24 hours. I met with Ethan, one of the bosses and we had a deep chat before going out for a walk, the TV host narrated.

Once he was done chatting up with one of the bosses, Jeff and Ethan walked down and met a cobbler named Doc.

They struck a conversation and Doc said the articulate journalist was cut out for a position at CNN.

Ethan agreed and was happy that the cobbler had given the go-ahead for the illustrious scribe to join them.

He said, Do not worry man, you are alright. You can do alright here at CNN.' He turned to Ethan and winked at him, and Ethan gave him a high-five, and then he looked at me and said 'I like you, young man, I think you are going to finely fit in, Jeff remembered.

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly.

Our locally made PPEs are of better quality than the imported ones - CS Mutahi Kagwe | Tuko TV

Source: TUKO.co.ke
A woman who loved getting expensive Keratin hair treatments at a professional salon has made $521,000 in 30 days by selling her own natural, smoothing hair product that keeps your mane frizz-free for three months.

Georgiana Grudinschi, 27, created O'wow in August 2019 with $1,000 in the bank after growing tired of paying a premium price for chemical-laden haircare that took hours in the chair to apply - and it ships for free to Australia.

'The aim was to develop a product that would deliver a shiny, after-hairdresser look in an accessible at-home format and with long-lasting results,' the Estonia-based blonde beauty told FEMAIL.

'Similar treatments at salons can cost up to $750, whereas O'wow's at-home kit is available for just $86.90.'

Georgiana Grudinschi (pictured) created O'wow in August 2019 with $1,000 in the bank after growing tired of paying a premium price for chemical-laden hair care

'The aim was to develop a product that would deliver a shiny, after-hairdresser look in an accessible at-home format,' the Estonia-based blonde told FEMAIL (a transformation pictured)

What does a keratin treatment involve? A keratin is a smoothing treatment that seals the hair cuticle with a coating of protein that eliminates frizz, and adds softness and shine. The process can take anywhere between one and three hours depending on hair type, length, and fullness. It also involves blow drying and flat ironing the hair after the treatment is finished, to lock in the effects. Source: The Ouai Advertisement

Georgiana admitted to getting 'addicted' to the divinely shiny, straight locks keratin creates, with the chemical able to penetrate into the hair cuticle and work to repair damage caused by heating implements and colouring.

However she was disappointed to hear that most salons use keratin treatments that contain formaldehyde, which has been linked to chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, and nose and throat irritation.

It has also been linked to cancer and the development of asthma.

'These findings made me even more motivated to find not only a more convenient and affordable option but also an option which would not compromise my health,' Georgiana said.

The all-inclusive smoothing kit contains a sulphate and paraben-free shampoo, conditioner and treatment serum which delivers the same results as a traditional Brazilian Blowout

One application of the serum onto clean hair is all that's required for three months of smooth strands

'Sales keep constantly increasing. In the past 30 days we have sold 6,000 units which is $521,000 in revenue,' she said (a transformation pictured)

The all-inclusive smoothing kit contains a sulphate and paraben-free shampoo, conditioner and treatment serum which delivers the same results as a traditional Brazilian Blowout.

One application of the serum onto clean hair is all that's required for three months of smooth strands.

And with the coronavirus pandemic forcing people to stay indoors and avoid their hairdresser as much as possible, sales have dramatically increased by 1600 per cent since February 2020.

'Sales keep constantly increasing. In the past 30 days we have sold 6,000 units which is $521,000 in revenue,' she said.

'With the current sales volume we are on track to make $5million in revenue for the first year of operation which feels surreal.'

And the results speak for themselves, with clients sharing snaps of their sleek mane just hours after finishing the treatment (pictured)

And the results speak for themselves, with clients sharing snaps of their sleek mane just hours after finishing the treatment.

'I have spent four decades trying different hair treatments in search of straight, shiny and non-frizzy hair and I feel like I have finally found the holy grail for my hair. Please don't discontinue this product. I'm a subscriber for life,' one woman said.

'O'wow is absolutely phenomenal. I was blown away by how manageable my hair became. I will honestly tell the creator of this treatment to give herself a massive pat on the back for creating a product that is accessible to all women,' said another.

Georgiana and her team are in the process of preparing another product which will launch within a month

A third added: 'Really love this product - easier to apply than I expected and instant results. I have frizzy hair and this definitely made a difference. Hair continues to feel and look sleek, it's lovely to have that "just been to the hairdresser" feeling every day'.

Georgiana and her team are in the process of preparing another product which will launch within a month.

She said it's 'innovative but simple' and will solve a hair problem every woman has struggled with.

Australians can ship the products to their doorstep for free from the website here.
North Carolina has failed to change its election laws to ensure that voters can safely cast ballots during the COVID-19 pandemic, voting rights advocates claim in a federal lawsuit.

The nonprofit Democracy North Carolina and the League of Women Voters of North Carolina sued Friday on behalf of several elderly or disabled residents whose medical conditions make them more vulnerable to coronavirus.

The lawsuit alleges that several aspects of North Carolina's absentee vote-by-mail requirements are unconstitutional because voters will have to risk exposure to COVID-19 to successfully vote.

For example, mail-in absentee voters are required to complete the ballot in the presence of two witnesses or a notary.

State law also requires voters to submit their registration applications at least 25 days before the election or else register in-person at an early voting site, the suit notes.

The lawsuit says that will result in millions of state residents either losing their right to vote or being forced to compromise their health in order to cast a ballot.

The state Board of Elections and other state officials are named as defendants.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
'China's opaque defence allocation processes are shrouded in mystery and have triggered security dilemmas among its neighbours and others,' notes China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.

IMAGE: A scene from Shanghai on the opening day of the National People's Congress, May 22, 2020. Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters

At the current parliamentary session in Beijing, China's Premier Li Keqiang announced a rise in defence allocations to about $179 billion -- an increase of 6.6 percent from the previous figures of about $177 billion.

This makes it the second largest defence allocations in the world after that of the United States allocations of about $730 billion, and three times over the Indian defence budget.

Till 1989, Indian and Chinese defence budgets matched each other at around $16 billion.

Since the 1990s there was a marginal increase in China's defence budgets over Indian defence budgets, partly as a result of the nearly 10 percent increase a year in defence allocations by China.

However, since the 2000s, a wide gap began between the two Asian giants began to emerge.

In 2005, China's defence allocations doubled that of Indian outlays, while in 2010 it tripled.

The Stockholm-based Peace Research Istitute, on the other hand, estimated that China's actual defence spending is more than $230 billion while other estimates suggest to as much as $300 billion.

Of course, Zhang Yesui, spokesperson for the parliament, stated that there is no 'hidden military spending' and that China has been sharing such data with United Nations registers.

However, the UN register has not been updated for the past seven years!

Besides, China once walked away from the UN register protesting US arms transfers to Taiwan in the early 1990s.

A similar situation exist even today with the US decision recently to transfer torpedoes to Taiwan.

Despite denials, China's opaque defence allocation processes are shrouded in mystery and as such has triggered security dilemmas among its neighbours and others.

Wide discrepancies exist about China's 'peaceful' intentions and the coercive diplomatic postures that Beijing has been exhibiting in recent times with the backing of its huge defence outlays.

IMAGE: People's Liberation Army soldiers at a military parade in Beijing. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters

Firstly, the philosophy of China's defence budget.

Two phrases were outlined as 'guiding principles' -- the defence budget should be either coordinated or subordinated to the civilian economy.

That is if the civilian economy is doing well, then the defence allocations can be increased or vice versa.

Since the 1990s, China's civilian economy grew at about 10 percent and hence defence allocations also matched a similar percentage for the past three decades.

However, while the civilian economy grew more than 10 percent in the early 1990s, defence allocations were 'subordinated' to the civilian economy.

Today, the civilian economy is declining in China from 10 percent in 2010 to an estimated 6 percent last year, but expected to be about 1 percent in this year of the COVID-19 disaster.

Yet, in the early 2010s, China's defence budgets still retained double digit increases, suggesting neither that it is 'subordinated' or 'coordinated' methods but in fact overshadowing the civilian economy's growth and to a praetorian prospect.

Higher defence allocations is one way of placating the military constituents who form 10 percent of the representation in the Chinese parliament, unlike in India.

IMAGE: People's Liberation Army soldiers. Photograph: CHINA OUT/Reuters

Secondly, China's official defence finance includes only work unit budgets, itemised budgets and earmarked expenditures.

Unlike Zhang's assertion on no 'hidden' spending and unlike the established practices in India or Japan or the US, China's defence finance does not include 'extra budgetary funds' (military self-generated income through commercial operations, military-run production profits, business development income) or earmarked construction funds for the paramilitary and research and development or even inter-agency funding (foreign aid, conscripts, local military training, air defence works, mobilisation preparedness, military procurement from abroad etc).

Many of the above are massive financial outlays.

For instance, China since the 1990s has been a major arms importer from Russia and Israel including Sovremenny-class of destroyers, Kilo-class submarines, S400 air defence systems, Su-27, Su-30, J-10 Lavi fighter aircraft, drones and other capital-intensive platforms, not to mention of sophisticated systems imported.

China's defence budget does not include Osama bin Laden's transfer to China of unexploded Tomahawk missiles from Afghanistan at $10 million apiece either.

Thirdly, China's military assertiveness in the South China Sea against Vietnam and the Philippines, on the Senkaku islands, Taiwan and India-China border areas -- all have witnessed capital and technology intensive platforms deployment given the country's military strategy shift to fight and win integrated joint operations beyond China's borders.

China's defence allocations to its power projection forces like rapid response forces, naval and air forces and missile forces increased substantially.

All this cost money although none has been outlined.

IMAGE: A People's Liberation Army soldier fires an anti-tank rocket during a military exercise in Wuzhong. Photograph: CHINA OUT/Reuters

Fourthly, unlike in India or other democracies which have strict auditing procedures, China's financial and auditing of accounts do not include logistics services finances, equipment finances and production and management finances.

No unified management framework or centralised administrative framework exists resulting in not only corruption at all levels, but loss of revenue to the state.

The seizure of 17 truck loads of gold biscuits and other expensive items from General Gu Jinkun, the PLA's former deputy chief of logistics, is only the tip of the iceberg in China.

Fifthly, China displayed very expensive and technologically intensive military platforms and systems like DF-41, DF-31, DF-21D, DF-16 missile systems, J-20 stealth bombers, Z-20 helicopters, tanks, armoured personnel carriers and drones at the Beijing military parades in 2015 and 2019.

Many of these are products of indigenous R&D efforts the budget of which is not shown in the one-line figure announced in China's parliament.

Sixthly, many civilian projects like space, cyber, counter-terrorism are not factored in China's defence finance system.

With the recent military-civil fusion, this trend of civilians subsidising military finances will increase further, militarising civilian sectors in the longer run.

That is a danger for not only the Chinese, but also to the outside world.

Srikanth Kondapalli is Professor in Chinese Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Production: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Writer-director Raaj Shaandilyaa says he is looking forward to reuniting with actor Ayushmann Khurrana for a massy entertainer after "Dream Girl".

Raaj, who has worked with comedian Kapil Sharma on his show "Comedy Nights with Kapil" and has written dialogues for movies such as "Jabariya Jodi", "Freaky Ali", made his directorial debut last year with "Dream Girl".

"I am writing a script and it will be with Ayushmann. It is not a sequel of 'Dream Girl'. The writing is almost done. I have told Ayushmann I am writing something for him and he said, 'Let me know'.

"This will be an entertaining massy commercial film with a social message," Raaj told PTI.

The director is also collaborating with actor Varun Dhawan for a comedy.

Raaj said he was supposed to give a final narration to Varun for their upcoming film, but the discussions have been put on hold due to the lockdown.

"The script is ready. The final narration was to happen with Varun in March, but then lockdown happened.

"Work is on hold due to the current situation, now dates will be shuffled. He had Sriram's film among others. We had not finalised the dates, but we don't know what will happen now. Everything is on hold."

The director said the film will be produced by Ekta Kapoor.

Varun has completed shooting for "Coolie No 1", which was locked for a May 1 release. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the film has been pushed ahead.

The actor's other films include the Arun Khetarpal biopic with director Sriram Raghavan and "Mr Lele" with Shashank Khaitan.

Follow @News18Movies for more
Goa will reopen its airport on



Monday but has decided to keep the flight operations at the minimum level, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Sunday.

He said 13 flights are scheduled to land on the first day of the partial resumption of the operations amidst the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

"About 4,000 people, including 1,000 air travellers, are expected to come to the state on Monday itself," said Sawant.

Meanwhile, as per the amended guidelines issued by the state government, only those people, including air travellers, carrying the COVID-19 negative certificate from authorised laboratories would be allowed to enter Goa without testing.

"Those travellers who are carrying COVID-19 negative certificate from ICMR-approved labs would be exempted from checking at the state border.

"Others will have to get themselves tested for COVID- 19 by paying Rs 2,000. Those who don't want to be tested will have to stay in home quarantine for the next 14 days," the CM told reporters.

He said this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be applicable to all those people who are coming to Goa by flights, roads, water or in trains.

He also said that operations of flights and trains have been kept at the minimum level in the state.

Claiming that Goa tops the list of states that have managed COVID-19 successfully, Sawant said that all the 47 patients who have tested positive and admitted in ESI hospital will recover in the next eight days.

The chief minister also said that the state is well equipped to handle fresh cases, if any.

"Goa is the only state in the country which has tested all the people who entered the borders for COVID-19 infection," the CM said.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Goa went up by 11 to 66 earlier in the day.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora, who is serving his decades-long sentence at a federal prison in Ohio where nine inmates have died from the coronavirus, has tested positive for the virus, his attorney said Sunday.

Dimora, 64, informed his lawyer David Mills late Friday of the test result. Mills and co-counsel Philip Kushner have urged the warden at Federal Correctional Institution Elkton several times in recent weeks to release Dimora on home confinement because of his medical ailments, including a weakened immune system. The warden wrote back and said Dimora is not eligible for release, according to correspondence Mills provided.

The lawyers priorities shifted after Dimora tested positive, from trying to secure his release to making sure he receives proper medical care, Mills said in an interview.

We, along with his family and friends, are concerned, Mills wrote in a Saturday letter to Warden Mark Williams that expressed disappointment with the positive test result. We want to ensure he receives proper medical care. We ask that you keep us informed of his condition, including any progression of his symptoms. In addition, if you are contemplating any change in his location, including to a hospital, please let us know immediately.

Mills said he has exchanged emails with the former commissioner and county Democratic Party chairman every day for the past two months but has not heard from him since Friday, when he disclosed the positive test result. Dimoras current condition wasnt immediately clear, though Mills said Dimora wrote in an email that he did not feel ill as of early last week.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons media office did not immediately respond to an email.

Dimora is serving a 28-year prison sentence for racketeering and dozens of other federal convictions. Prosecutors at his 2012 trial portrayed him as the embodiment of the pay-to-play system that was rampant in the county for decades, saying he took bribes and received lavish treatment in exchange for influence.

He has served more than eight years of his sentence and is not slated for release until 2036. Mills in April argued to a federal appeals court in Cincinnati that the former commissioner should receive a new trial and said the instructions the jury received before deliberating at his trial were faulty.

He was one of the most powerful people to be convicted as part of a years-long federal probe into county corruption. Dozens of elected officials, contractors and government employees were sentenced as part of the sprawling investigation, and Dimora received the longest sentence of any of them.

His former friend, former county Auditor Frank Russo, was released from a medical prison in North Carolina to home confinement earlier this month because of the virus.

Elkton  a low-security compound located in Columbiana County, about 100 miles southeast of Cleveland  has become a national example for how quickly the coronavirus can spread in prisons, where inmates often have no choice but to live in close quarters and may lack access to adequate medical care. The main facility and a satellite prison house more than 2,300 male inmates.

In addition to the nine deaths, 163 inmates were positive for the virus as of Sunday, along with eight staff members, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Seventy-two inmates have recovered, as have 45 staff members.

The virus and officials response to it prompted the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio to sue the prisons bureau to force it to take more drastic steps. U.S. District Judge James Gwin in Cleveland ordered the prisons bureau in April to either release or transfer inmates particularly susceptible to illness associated with the virus.

Dimora is on a list of more than 800 inmates that officials deemed at risk.

Gwin wrote Tuesday that the prisons bureaus response to his April order was lacking, ordering it to speed up efforts and relax requirements for inmates who qualify for home confinement.

Mills argued that Dimora fits the criteria for home confinement that Attorney General William Barr outlined in an effort to reduce the incarcerated federal inmate population, including that he is a nonviolent offender and had no incident reports in the past year.

Despite that, officials have refused to release the former commissioner. Williams wrote in a May 12 letter that prison officials determined that Dimora is not eligible for home confinement.

Its frustrating because we feel like this just didnt need to happen, Mills said of Dimoras testing positive.

Read more:

Judge: BOP hasnt complied with order to address coronavirus at Ohio federal prison

Corrupt former Cuyahoga County Auditor Frank Russo released from federal prison amid coronavirus pandemic

Ninth inmate dies of coronavirus at Elkton federal prison in Ohio

Jimmy Dimora among 837 Elkton inmates eligible for release, transfer due to coronavirus per federal judges order

Federal judge orders Elkton prison officials to clear out vulnerable inmates because of coronavirus

Appeals court entertains arguments on whether Jimmy Dimora should receive new trial

Groups seek release of hundreds of inmates from Ohio federal prison where 3 inmates died from coronavirus

U.S. attorney general says officials must prioritize releasing inmates at federal prison in Ohio due to coronavirus outbreak

Jimmy Dimora sentenced to 28 years in prison, defense attorney calls it a death sentence
Well-spaced faithful have gathered in St. Peter's Square for the first time in months for the traditional Sunday papal blessing.

They cast their gaze at the window where the pope normally addresses the faithful.

Pope Francis has been delivering the blessing from inside the Apostolic library during the epidemic.

Francis recalled his scheduled visit on Sunday to the Naples area to draw attention to environmental damage caused by toxic-waste dumping by the mob.

The visit - canceled during the pandemic - was timed to mark the fifth anniversary of his ecological manifesto, and the pope announced a year of reflection on his 2015 environmental encyclical, ''Praised Be.''



Francis came to the window and waved to the people in the piazza at the end of the blessing.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Taking off from Mojave Air and Space Port, the plane headed west over the Pacific Ocean and turned south. At an altitude a bit below 35,000 feet, or about 6.5 miles up, Cosmic Girl flew upward at an angle and dropped LauncherOne. A few seconds later, the booster stage of the rocket was to be ignited, allowing the rocket to arc upward into the sky.

(The jets 6.5-mile head start off the ground is not that much of a help, because it not does not have much upward velocity. The rocket still needs to accelerate to a speed of 18,000 miles per hour to achieve a stable orbit around Earth.)

Will Pomerantz, vice president of special projects at Virgin Orbit, noted on Saturday that about half of maiden flights do not succeed.

Although unsuccessful, the company said the data gathered would be useful for future launches. The ignition of the rocket engine, for instance  the first time it will have been done in flight and not on a test stand on the ground  is the key moment in this flight, Mr. Pomerantz said on Saturday.

Why launch a rocket from an airplane?

An airplane is essentially a mobile launchpad, enabling rocket launches from many more locations. If there is a thunderstorm, the jet can fly around or over it. And flying over the ocean immediately reduces the risk to people below if the rocket explodes.
Boris Johnson talks at the final hustings of the Conservative leadership campaign at ExCeL London on July 17, 2019 in London, England. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

UK Plans to Phase Out Huawei From 5G Network, Reports Say

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says Britain will develop plans to phase out telecommunications equipment maker Huawei Technologies Co.s involvement in Britains 5G network in the wake of the CCP virus crisis, the Daily Telegraph newspaper reported.

Johnson has asked officials to make plans to reduce the Chinese companys involvement in British infrastructure to zero by 2023, the newspaper reported late on May 22.

Downing Street declined to comment on the reports.

This is potentially very good news indeed and shows that there is a significant re-evaluation of our relationship with China, Tory MP Bob Seely, a member of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, told local media. More generally, the evidence is now overwhelming that we need a root and branch reform of our attitude toward China.

Huawei now needs to stop trying to dig its way into the UK network as it has been doing. British telecoms firms now need clear guidance so we can build an advanced comms future without high risk, hi-tech from authoritarian states.

Huawei is part and parcel of the Chinese state. It is a high risk vendor in the UKs infrastructure. There should be no place for it.

Huawei in our 5G network is bad for data privacy, bad for our security, bad for human rights: glad the government may now be thinking, no way Huawei.

Tory MP Tom Tugendhat, chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, also commented on the governments plans, saying that Huawei is actually owned by the Chinese Communist Party.

According to the Telegraph, Johnson is expected to boost trade talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in the aftermath of Britains departure from the European Union as Johnson moves to make the UK less reliant on foreign countries such as China for goods.

Earlier on May 22, The Times reported that Johnson has instructed civil servants to make plans to end Britains reliance on China for vital medical supplies and other strategic imports. The policy has been dubbed Project Defend.

Beijing is being criticized for its handling of the outbreak of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, which began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. Beijing rejects claims from world governments that it wasnt transparent about the outbreak.

The announcement is a U-turn for Britain, which in late April confirmed it would allow Huawei to have a role in building its 5G phone network, according to the deal struck by former Prime Minister Theresa May.

Before the CCP virus pandemic, 36 Tory MPs had attempted to pressure the government against the deal, voicing concerns about security warnings from the United States and Australia about Huaweis lack of independence from the CCP and the PRC military.

Britain decided in January to allow Huawei to participate in the network, on the condition that it was excluded from security-critical network functions and its involvement was capped at 35 percent.

The United States has raised security concerns about Huawei equipment, and warned that allies that use it in their networks risk being cut off from valuable intelligence sharing feeds.

The Epoch Times contributed to this report.
Samsung Electronics NAND semiconductor plant in Xian, China. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics



Conglomerates resume overseas plant operations



By Kim Hyun-bin



Major Korean conglomerates such as Samsung and LG Electronics are speeding up their moves to resume overseas plant operations in a bid to prepare for a pick-up in demand and put themselves on better footing in the post COVID-19 era. Industry watchers believe there could be large M&A deals to strengthen their market presence and a major expansion of plant production capacity to meet an expected rise in future demand.



Korean firms have also been alerted over renewed tension between the U.S. and China, which could lead to a second trade war that could impact Korean firms operating in both markets.



Samsung and LG Electronics have resumed operations at their India plants.

On May 7, Samsung resumed its smartphone plant in Noida and its home appliance factory in Chennai on May 14.



"The India plants are partially in operation, but with the recent resumption most of our overseas plants are in operation, except the Mexico plant which is currently under negotiation with the Mexican government," a Samsung Electronics official said.



LG Electronics quickly followed suit, restarting its home appliance factories in Pune and Noida, India, on May 17 and 21, respectively.



India imposed one of the strictest lockdowns due to the coronavirus but through negotiations eased the restrictions in the past few weeks, creating leeway for Korean conglomerates to normalize plant operations there.



Deployment of key personnel to China has increased as the Chinese government also agreed to ease visa entry procedures for local conglomerates starting May 1.



The Chinese government exempted Korean employees from a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine after they test negative for COVID-19 after entering the country.



Major semiconductor, display and battery plants have been operating in China and most are under construction to increase production capacity.



Since the easing of regulations, around 1,000 personnel in total from Samsung Electronics, Samsung Display, Samsung SDI, LG Chem, LG Display and SK Innovation have been dispatched to their plants in China.



Major battery giants have dispatched their personnel to extend production capacity at their factories to better meet the rising global demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries in which the market is expected surge in the coming years.



LG Chem, Samsung SDI, and SK Innovation have dispatched technicians to swiftly construct new plants or to expand their factories in China.



LG Chem, the world's leading battery firm, deployed 120 engineers to Nanjing on May 3 and is reviewing whether to send a second group later this month.



Last year, the company announced a plan to spend 1.2 trillion won to build the Nanjing battery plant within this year.



SK Innovation also deployed 120 engineers to Yancheng to complete the construction of two battery factories within in this year. The company has partnered with China's EVE Energy to construct a 20 gigawatt-hour (GWh) to 25 gigawatt-hour battery plant.



Since April, Samsung Electronics has dispatched a total of 500 employees to its semiconductor plants in China.



Samsung has been expanding its V-NAND flash production and has a second plant under construction in Xian. The first plant covers over 20 percent of the company's global NAND production.


The citizens of Kapan gathered in front of the local police station demand that Governor of Syunik Province come and clarify the information that is at their disposal.

Based on our information, this is political persecution. Let the regional governor come and explain why the boys were detained, exposed to violence and why police want to transport them to Yerevan when there is a place for detainees in Syunik Province and the investigation can be conducted by the regional investigative committee, one of the citizens said.

Many citizens say Deputy Governor of Syunik Province Narek Babayan, who is a member of the ruling Civil Contract Party, has something to do with all this.

Narek Babayan needs to resign, one of the citizens said.

The citizens of Kajaran, who have been standing in front of the police station for several hours now, are certain that the police used violence against the apprehended citizens in an attempt to obtain testimonies from them against head of Kajaran town Manvel Paramazyan.

As reported earlier, the situation in Kapan is tense. Several residents of Kajaran town have gathered in front of the police building with the demand to release their fellow citizens who were apprehended and later detained and not to transport them to Yerevan. According to the information of the relatives gathered in front of the building, the apprehended were beaten at the police station, but the police refute news about use of violence. There are three detainees, and another person by the name of Nver Khachatryan was apprehended by mistake and released. There are bruises on his body. The gathered demand that the arrestees arent transported to Yerevan and that the investigation is conducted in Syunik Province since they fear that the arrestees will be beaten more brutally in Yerevan. They threaten to close down roads. Head of Kajaran town Manvel Paramazyan has declared that this is political repression against him, adding that a few days ago police officers conducted searches in his apartment and his close ones apartments, after which residents of Kajaran were detained for no reason and through the use of violence.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has so far brought back 89,773 residents, who were stranded outside the Union territory, in 28 special trains, four flights and various buses.

As per the official figures, the administration evacuated 66,024 residents through the Lakhanpur border in buses, bringing home 23,097 stranded people via special trains that arrived at Jammu and Udhampur railway stations. Besides this, 652 passengers, including students, were brought in special flights under the Vande Bharat mission.

Around 650 stranded passengers entered through Lakhanpur from May 23 to May 24 morning, while 767 came in the 11th special train which arrived at the Jammu railway station on Sunday. About 408 passengers reached Udhampur railway station from Thane on Sunday.

So far, 11 trains have ferried a total of 9,634 stranded persons to Jammu, while 13,463 passengers have reached Udhampur in 17 special trains so far.

The official communique added that of the 66,024 returnees that entered through Lakhanpur till May 24, 15,491 came from Punjab, 20,344 from Himachal Pardesh, 21 from Andhra Pardesh, 6,479 from Delhi, 1,348 from Gujrat, 2,688 from Rajasthan, 3,784 from Haryana, 149 from Chattisgarh, 3,351 from Uttarakhand, 1007 from Maharashtra, 4,269 from Uttar Pradesh, 63 from Odisha, 252 from Assam and 982 from Madhya Pradesh. As many as 88 had come from Dehradun, 1,104 from Chandigarh, 682 from Telengana, 106 from Karnataka, 13 from Tamil Nadu, 52 from Chennai, 296 from Bihar, 155 from West Bengal, 26 from Jharkhand, 3 from Nepal and 3,271 from other states and UTs.
Karachi:

Pakistan charged MQM chief Altaf Hussain with treason for his inflammatory speech that incited party workers to attack media outlets here. Hussain, leader of Mutthaida-E-Qaumi Movement - the single largest party in Karachi, was accused of raising anti-Pakistan slogans at a protest rally that turned violent.

Several journalists of various media organisation were attacked by the activists of the MQM. The protesters pelted stones and resorted to heavy aerial firing that killed one person and wounded others.

Two cases have been filed against Hussain: one for treason for his anti-Pakistan speech to participants in the hunger strike organised by MQM and the other for inciting party workers to violent protests, Inspector General of Sindh AD Khawaja was quoted as saying by the Geo News.

The case pertains to the attack on ARY News office, vandalising of property, arson and pelting of stones at police.MQM party workers took to streets yesterday after Hussain, in an address from London, incited them to storm media outlets and chant anti-Pakistan slogans during the hunger strike. The hunger strike was launched to protest the disappearance and arrest of their workers by the paramilitary rangers.

Responding to the protests, paramilitary rangers launched a major offensive here and sealed offices of the party.The senior membership of MQM confirmed that they are no longer under the directive of Hussain.

Senior MQM leader Farooq Sattar and other leaders said that in future the party would operate from Pakistan alone and that all decisions would be taken by the leadership in Pakistan and not from London from where Hussain has controlled the MQM for years now.

The MQM should operate from Pakistan alone, Sattar said. We totally disassociate ourselves from the violence that took place in Karachi yesterday. It is totally against our policy to use violence to achieve our ends, he added.

Altaf Hussain and the entire party are being ridiculed due to these statements, Sattar added.Enough is enough we cannot side with anti-Pakistan statements or ideology, said another MQM leader Aamir Liaquat Hussain.

The MQM remains the single largest party in Karachi for decades now and have dominated the political landscape for years sweeping provincial and national elections but since the clean-up operation began on the orders of the centre, the party has come under intense pressure.

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Memorial Day Weekend is usually a time in which banner planes buzz up and down the Jersey Shore advertising drink specials, pizza deals or local businesses to the sun-seekers below.

On Sunday in the Wildwoods, a few went political, apparently over the reopening of most Jersey Shore beaches from months-long coronavirus restrictions.

One aimed at Gov. Phil Murphy said: Murphys mom voted for Guadagno. (Murphy ran against Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno in 2017. His mother, Dorothy, died nine years before that election.)

And another said, "Tom Wolf likes to color - an apparent reference to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolfs color-coded reopening plan.

Wolf was at odds with fellow Democrat Murphy last week, saying Pennsylvania residents should stay away from the Jersey Shore and Maryland beaches.

I am not sure why the governors of Maryland and New Jersey have opened their beaches, but they have...I wouldnt go to the beach," Wolf said.

A second plane flew past the North Wildwood beach Sunday, pulling a sign saying "Wolf likes to color"

An employee at Paramount Air Service, an aerial advertising company, confirmed to NJ Advance Media a client had paid for the two signs to fly along the coast, but would not disclose more information.

Further north, in Sea Isle City, beachgoers saw planes that displayed, "Resist Murphy, and Wolf is the Nerd King.

Political advertisements on Jersey Shore banner planes are common, particularly closer to Labor Day as election season heats up.

A few businesses have garnered media attention for opening before New Jersey restrictions allow, and on Monday, a rally in Point Pleasant Beach will call for businesses deemed nonessential top reopen.

Apparently the banner planes in Sea Isle arent happy with the Governor of Pennsylvania ... this sign was preceded by a Resist Murphy banner plane ... weird times indeed pic.twitter.com/Grc0TKxYVy  SteveB (@SJB414) May 23, 2020

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.

Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
New York state reported its lowest number of daily coronavirus deaths in weeks in what Gov. Andrew Cuomo described Saturday as a critical benchmark.

The daily death tally was 84 after a peak of 799 on April 8.

Reducing the state's daily death count to fewer than 100 seemed almost impossible several weeks ago, the Democratic governor said.

That figure has remained stubbornly high even amid other signs of encouragement.

In my head, I was always looking to get under 100, Cuomo said.

For me, it's a sign that we're making real progress.

The number of hospitalized patients in the state that has been the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S. continued to fall, dropping to over 4,600.

Cuomo also announced that the region along the Hudson River north of New York City and south of Albany is set to begin reopening Tuesday, and that Long Island could follow suit Wednesday.
UAE-based software engineer Fariyal Shaikh shows me a picture of her six-year-old Ayeshas henna, She asked for Corona 2020 and Ana (from Disneys Frozen) for henna this time, so I bought a stencil. The reason for little Ayeshas request, Her 9-year-old cousin in Bombay put a similar design on her hand because she is so upset that Corona has ruined her Eid, so Ayesha is showing solidarity, albeit the Ana is her own addition.

When asked what a typical Eid is usually like in her home, the mother of two reminisces, I remember growing up, all of my siblings and I would go with Abba in the last two weeks of Ramadan to buy our Eid clothes, wed all each get two outfits, a pair of shoes, accessories, watches, you name it, we would buy to our hearts content since Amma said that Allah does not take into account what you buy for Eid, so get all your new things now. I dont know if that is true, but it sure felt great to have untethered access to my fathers wallet for that day.

My father would then arrange for somebody to come and apply henna to the ladies of the house, sometimes if we didnt get anyone we would do it ourselves, staying up all night, bubbling with excitement about the next day. My siblings and I would arrange their clothes and shoes in the study, living room and the dining area the night before, the excitement of Eid is indescribable, it used to be at least.

When youre just a kid, you wake up to your mother cooking Biryani, Nihari and Sheer Korma (Sweet vermicelli), the smells take over the entire house. But the rule always was that you get cleaned first, dress up, pray Eid ki namaz (Eid prayers) and then you get to feast to your hearts content. It was so funny, we would all be so uncomfortable eating food the first day after Ramadan was over. It felt very haram. We would host a party at home every year, all our friends and relatives would come over, on the first day its usually some of your relatives and all your non-Muslim friends, as all Muslims prefer to host their own Eid gatherings.

The best part as a kid was always the Eidi (token money you get on Eid from your elders), be it gifts or money, but we did prefer those relatives that handed cash. I feel sad that my children wont be able to experience it this year, I hope it gets better next time. 

Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims all around the world, during this month Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, practice self resolution, offer Salaat (prayers), give Zakaat (charity), improve the quality of their Imaan (faith), read the Quran, pray special prayers called Taraweeh, among other things, for a period of 29-30 days. This year most Gulf countries including the UAE and others (Malaysia, Europe, etc) are celebrating Eid, while in India it will be celebrated on May 25, i.e. tomorrow. Other than the spiritual aspect of Ramadan, there is also the social aspect, people often gather for prayers, meals, shopping and more. However this year amid the lockdowns on account of the coronavirus pandemic, Ramadan spirits have been dull. Ramadan ends with a grand feast and celebration, Eid ul Fitr, where Muslims go for prayers, get together to eat lavish delicacies during the daytime after a month of fasting, share gifts and visit their loved ones, but that seems unlikely this year. With Eid right around the corner, Muslims (especially children) around the world arent feeling too festive knowing that they wont be able to meet their loved ones or engage in any of the festivities of Eid like they usually do.

Zoha Khan, the nine-year-old who inspired little Ayesha to draw the henna, speaks of her Eid plans (translated), I just drew Corona on my hand because everyone is always talking about it. It has made things very different, in a bad but also good way. Good because this Ramadan we got to help mom more in the kitchen. We didnt feel too bad about this situation during Ramadan since my sister Samara and I play at home. But for Eid we go to meet my grandparents, buy new clothes, get dressed up and get Eidi money from all our relatives and eat yummy things. But I wont be able to go anywhere this time. Mom says its okay because we are helping a lot of people by not celebrating, and I will give some Zakaat from my savings to mom to buy something for Jyoti Didi (their house help).

11-year-old Malaysian national Zahaan Azam, an aspiring doctor has some noble plans this Eid, I cant do anything this year, we usually go to Dadas house for Eid dressed in Baju Melayu (traditional Malay attire), meet our relatives and friends there, eat and get lots of gifts and money. But theres a lot of people who havent been able to go home at all, like the security guards where I stay. So mom and I have decided to spread some Eid cheer by sharing our Biryani and Sheer Korma with them, from a safe distance of course. We will distribute food and some money among all the staff that have been working here.

Zahaan Azam at last years Eid celebrations with his grandfather and younger brother.

Delhi girl and content creator Farzeen Ali who is away from her family in Mumbai currently plans on recreating all the delicacies that are made back at home so she doesnt miss her family too much. The 26-year-old says, I have been cooking for a while now but even for Iftaar I made sure that I cooked things my folks would have. Ill definitely miss being with my family on Eid, I will miss getting Eidi and wearing new clothes. I think Ill just have a big virtual Eid wishing call with my family but I will definitely be eating Eid food like them. I know Eid isnt the time to try something for the first time ever, but I will, and make Biryani using my moms recipe. I am a little stressed about that.

Farzeen Ali during previous Eid celebrations. (Farzeen Ali)

She adds, Because of the lockdown, things arent as easily available so Ive been stocking up since weeks to ensure I have all my ingredients in place. Ill make the whole spread, Biryani, Kebabs, Sevaiyan, Sheer Korma, all of it. I really want it to be perfect, and even thought of making practice batches but didnt want to waste food. I dont know why I want it to be perfect its not like theres anyone else who will eat it, but Eid needs to feel like Eid. So at least if the food is perfect, it will feel that way.

Mumbai based make-up artist Midhat Contractor has been donating to local mosques to help migrant Muslims who are stranded on account of the pandemic and is most upset by the cancellation of Eid prayers, she says, Im sad that there will be no Eid ki Namaz this year, I think that has to be what I will miss the most. There is no excitement for Eid like there usually is as we wont be able to meet relatives, buy new clothes or get henna drawn, but the situation of all those who are stranded away from their homes is so much worse, that our problems seem like nothing.

Jewellery designer and mother of two Shahida Parekh is sad about missing Eid prayers, she says, The spirit of Ramadan always remains high in all of us but this time the environment has been quite grim. The festivities may have reduced but the praying definitely increased. We dont mind staying home and praying honestly, but Eid will be hard. This year, Eid will be more virtual than ever as I will be meeting my relatives and friends on video calls, something I have only done excessively since the lockdown. Eid will be much simpler this year. We wont be going outside the house, nor will the iconic Eid ki Namaz take place so we will pray at home. And of course, for children who do not completely understand the gravity of the situation, it will be very tough too. They are devastated about missing all their Eidi.

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Amid concerns over changes in labour laws in various states, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar on Sunday said reforms do not mean complete abolition of labour laws and that the central government is committed to protecting the interests of workers.

In recent weeks, various state governments, including Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, have either made amendments or proposed changes to existing labour laws as part of larger efforts to help businesses that have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

"I have just noticed that the Union Ministry of Labour is firming up its stance to tell the states that they cannot abolish labour laws because India is a signatory to the International Labour Organization (ILO)," Kumar told PTI in an interview.

"Therefore, it is clear that the Union government does not believe that the reform of labour laws implies complete lack of labour laws... The government is committed to protecting the interest of workers," he said.

He was replying to a query on whether labour reforms by states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat can be done without creating some kind of social safety net for wokers.

Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government approved an ordinance to exempt various industries from certain labour laws for three years to revive the state's economic activities.

Madhya Pradesh has also tweaked some labour laws amid the nationwide lockdown to spur economic activities. Some other states are also likely to follow suit.

About the country's macroeconomic situation, Kumar said that just like the rest of the world, India is also suffering from the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has resulted in serious loss of economic activities in the first two months of the first quarter of fiscal 2020-21, he said.

Referring to RBI saying that the country's growth is likely to remain in the negative territory in the current fiscal, Kumar said, "the extent of that (negative growth) cannot be forecast at this point of time because there are too many unknowns, both in the domestic scene and in the global scene".

On Friday, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said the impact of COVID-19 is more severe than anticipated and the GDP growth during 2020-21 is likely to remain in the negative territory.

According to Kumar, the objective of the Rs 20 lakh crore-economic stimulus package announced by the government was to revive aggregate demand and not just consumer demand.

"Huge amount of liquidity has been infused by the RBI and the Finance Minister's encouragement to all the banks to improve their credit flows means that it will help revive aggregate demand in the economy.

"So, the key therefore is that the financial sector and especially banking sector now becomes less risk averse and improves the credit flow to the MSMEs as well other segments of economy. If that happens, then the demand will revive and we will see the revival of economic activities in the country," Kumar emphasised.

On whether there should be monetisation of deficit by RBI, the Niti Aayog Vice Chairman said the government is looking at all possible options to finance the stimulus package.

When asked about the possibility of companies shifting their operations from China to India, Kumar said, "if we get our act together and we get the right policies to target companies which are making plans to move out of China, I think there is no reason to believe that they will not shift to India".

To curb spreading of coronavirus infections, India and many other countries have imposed lockdowns, which have also impacted economic activities.

Kumar said coronavirus induced-lockdowns have impacted different sectors of the economy as well as the entire global economic and trade situation.

The lockdown in India was imposed on March 25 and it has been extended thrice. The lockdown is to end on May 31.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Surinames president looked straight at the judge as she read his sentence for crimes committed during the 1982 political purge that cemented his grip on the small South American nation.

You have been sentenced to 20 years in prison for committing murder, she said that day this past January, according to witnesses.

The spectacle, virtually unheard-of for a sitting president, stunned the audience.

For the president, Desi Bouterse, his conviction before a military court in Suriname was just the latest chapter in a four-decade battle to maintain power. Appealing the ruling and avoiding prison through presidential immunity, he is instead running for re-election.

Mondays vote will be one of the biggest tests of his career. Amid an economic crisis and a pandemic, Surinamese will decide whether Mr. Bouterse, 74, will spend his twilight years ruling the country or serving time.
New Delhi:

Members of a local Ganesh Mandal in Pune, made the workers at a bakery to do sit-ups allegedly after they refused to pay donation for an upcoming festival, police said on Tuesday.

A purported video of the incident, which occurred at a bakery in Bhosari area on August 15, has gone viral, while the three accused have been arrested, police said.

According to an official of Bhosari police station, the accused went to the bakery and demanded 'vargani' (donation) of Rs. 151 from the workers for the Ganesh festival. The workers, who are non-Maharashtrians, said the owner of the shop was not there and hence they did not give the donation, the official said.

Following the denial for donation, the accused, identified as Prakash Landage (30), Ganesh Landage (30) and Mahesh Mare (31), abused the workers and later made them to do sit-ups, the official said.

A complaint was filed by one of the workers, Irshad Mommammed Ayub Khan, and a case under IPC sections 294 (obscene act or words in public), 341 (wrongful confinement), 385 (extortion) and 506 (criminal intimidation) was registered, the official said, adding investigations are underway.





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TORONTO, May 22, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K; NYSE:KGC) announced today that the strike by unionized employees at its Tasiast mine has been suspended at the request of the Government of Mauritania.



The recent shutdown, which began on May 5th and ended today, is not expected to materially affect 2020 production or the development of the 24k expansion. The Company has adhered to the three-year collective labour agreement finalized in Q4 2019, all applicable labour codes, and rigorously complied with all government mandates related to COVID-19 prior to the strike and will continue to do so going forward. While the Company disagrees with the basis for the strike, it remains open to discussions with the staff delegates.

About Kinross Gold Corporation

Kinross is a Canadian-based senior gold mining company with mines and projects in the United States, Brazil, Chile, Ghana, Mauritania, and Russia. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC).

Media Contact

Louie Diaz

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

phone: 416-369-6469

louie.diaz@kinross.com

Investor Relations Contact

Tom Elliott

Senior Vice-President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development

phone: 416-365-3390

tom.elliott@kinross.com

Cautionary statement on forward-looking information

All statements, other than statements of historical fact in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of certain securities laws, including the provisions of the Securities Act (Ontario) and the provisions for "safe harbor" under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. The words continue, "development", and "expect" or variations of or similar such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results will affect, or will occur or result, and similar such expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Kinross as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. These uncertainties and contingencies can affect, and could cause, Kinross' actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Kinross. There can be no assurance that forward looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All of the forward looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those made in our filings with the securities regulators of Canada and the U.S, including but not limited to those made in the "Risk Analysis" section of our full year 2019 management's discussion and analysis, the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Information Form dated March 30, 2020 and the Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information in our news release dated May 5, 2020. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Kinross. Kinross disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.

Other information

Where we say "we", "us", "our", the "Company", or "Kinross" in this news release, we mean Kinross Gold Corporation and/or its applicable subsidiary(ies).

Source: Kinross Gold Corporation


iStock / Getty Images Plus

While I am grateful for all the heroes who have been, and still are, working in hospitals and food stores, Im equally thankful for the reporters and editors of our daily and weekly newspapers and of WAMC.

In addition to gathering and reporting on what is going on in our hometowns and across the state, the members of the press investigate statements given out by government and business, protecting us from those who would enrich themselves and hurt our communities.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 19:20:04|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on May 24, 2020 shows an empty amusement park during the Eid al-Fitr festival due to the impact of COVID-19 in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait. The Kuwaiti government has imposed a full curfew in the country to curb the rapid rise in coronavirus cases. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

KUWAIT CITY, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait on Sunday reported 838 new cases of COVID-19 and eight more deaths, raising the tally of infections to 21,302 and the death toll to 156, the health ministry said in a statement.

Currently, 15,029 patients are receiving treatment, including 177 in ICU, according to the statement.

The ministry also announced the recovery of 370 more patients, raising the total recoveries in the country to 6,117.

The Kuwaiti government has imposed a full curfew in the country to curb the rapid rise of coronavirus cases.

On March 13, Kuwait suspended all commercial flights. The government also closed stores, malls and barbershops in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. Enditem
Employees are under health tests before resuming work in Wuhan. [Xinhua/Zhang Chang]

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BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua)  Before resuming operation, Huang Jing's company in Wuhan, a city once hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak, arranged two rounds of nucleic acid tests and one blood antibody test for all employees.

"Last Sunday, I did another throat swab and antibody tests in the community," said the 29-year-old woman who returned to work in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, in mid-April from her hometown in Henan Province.

The company and the community are still very strict in epidemic prevention and control, requiring all employees and residents to show their health code and take their body temperature every day, she said.

Through arduous efforts, China has achieved decisive results in the fight against COVID-19 to protect hard-hit Hubei and its capital city Wuhan. The nation has also made major strategic strides in curbing the spread of the virus with positive results in coordinating the epidemic control and economic and social development.

With hard-earned achievements, Chinese authorities demand regular prevention and control measures while speeding up production resumption.

"Anti-epidemic work has yielded favorable results," said Wang Xueli, Party secretary of Wuhan's Dongting community.

The gate of the community has not been fully opened, with staff on duty 24 hours a day. Residents need to wear a mask and have their body temperature measured when entering or leaving the community, while outsiders are required to register at the gate.

"Many volunteers have joined us in epidemic prevention and control, helping us to form a long-term anti-epidemic mechanism from the door of every household to the gate of our community," Wang said.

Local authorities in Huimin County, east China's Shandong Province, have been battling against the epidemic through digital means, integrating "big data and grid-based" measures.

Huimin has developed a service platform that can show information about 9,589 points set in the county. People have to scan QR codes when passing through these points to ensure travel records of COVID-19 cases can be traceable.

"I think the epidemic prevention and control measures have been part of our life and work," said Ge Chang, a doctor at Liyuan Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. "But the alarm bell is still ringing. If I went out without a mask now, I'd feel scared."

The doctor said compared with a month ago, when the hospital just resumed normal medical treatment, the number of patients in the ward has greatly increased, with CT, antibody and nucleic acid tests required for inpatients.

China has released a circular requiring strengthened infection control in medical institutions and better implementation of the epidemic prevention and control work on a regular basis.

Shanghai's fever clinics will gradually increase their capacity to conduct nucleic acid tests to ensure all patients that require the test are able to do so in time, according to the municipal health commission.

With epidemic prevention measures, most major enterprises in China have resumed operations. Tourist sites have reopened and diners reappeared in restaurants. As of May 11, over 100 million students nationwide have resumed classes. Some primary, middle school and university students across the country have returned to campus. In Beijing, more students are expected to return to school in early June.

Miao Wei, minister of industry and information technology, said 99.1 percent of Chinese industrial enterprises with an annual business turnover of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.82 million U.S. dollars) had resumed production as of Monday and about 95.4 percent of employees in such enterprises have returned to work.

(Source: Xinhua)
Kanpur : , May 24 (IANS) A migrant worker riding pillion on a two-wheeler from Gurugram in Haryana to his home in Bihar, died when he dozed off on the motorbike and fell off.

His nephew Satish also lost balance and fell down.

Both received serious head injuries and Ratiram, 36, died on the spot while Satish is in hospital with critical injuries.

The incident took place on the Yashoda Nagar highway on Saturday.

According to reports, Ratiram and his nephew Satish, residents of the Supaul district of Bihar, used to work in a factory in Gurugram.

After the lockdown, they lost their jobs and finally decided to return to their home.

They left on their motorcycle from Gurugram on Saturday after they failed to get another other means of transport.

Naubasta inspector Ashish Shukla said that their families have been informed and are on their way to Kanpur.

"The body has been shifted to the mortuary and the autopsy will be conducted only after his family members arrive from Bihar," the inspector said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
On Friday, more than 330,000 COVID-19 infections have been reported in Brazil, eventually surpassing Russia as the nation with the second-highest rate of COVID-19 infections around the world behind the U.S., as the Americas arose as the new pandemic epicentre.

According to the health ministry, Brazil reported 1,001 daily fatalities from coronavirus on Friday, increasing the number of deaths to 21,048. The actual number of infections and fatalities, nevertheless, is likely to be higher as the top economy in Latin America has been slow to speed up coronavirus screening.

The number of deaths in Brazil seems to be currently the sixth highest worldwide, just behind the United States, Britain, Italy, Spain, as well as France. However it is not anticipated that the outbreak will peak in Brazil until June.

The alarming turning point on Friday emerged as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared South America as the "new epicenter" of the viral disease, with the director of emergencies at the World Health Organization, Mike Ryan, sharing his worry for Brazil.

"In a sense, South America has become a new epicentre for the disease. We have seen many South American countries with increasing numbers of cases," Ryan stated in a virtual press conference. "Clearly there is a concern across many of those countries, but clearly the most affected is Brazil at this point."

Check these out:

The use of anti-malarial drugs

The Brazilian Ministry of Health has approved the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine- an anti-malarial drug to combat even minor cases of COVID-19-treatments that President Jair Bolsonaro has campaigned for despite the lack of concrete evidence of their efficacy.

On Friday, a research published in the medical journal The Lancet discovered that patients medicated with the drugs presented a higher chance of death compared to those who had not received these drugs.

The two medications are one of the handful clinical trials coordinated by the WHO to seek successful treatments for the infection. In 320 facilities in 17 countries about 3,000 patients are taking part in the clinical trials.

Moreover, Ryan emphasised that neither the chloroquine nor the hydroxychloroquine has shown to be successful in the prevention of COVID-19 or even in the disease prevention.

"Our current clinical and systematic reviews carried out by the Pan American Health Organization, and the current clinical evidence, does not support the widespread use of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 - not until the trials are completed and we have clear results," Ryan stated.

The COVID-19 response of Bolsonaro

In a prominent medical study, President Jair Bolsonaro has been identified as "perhaps the biggest threat" to the capability of Brazil to combat the coronavirus outbreak effectively, just as the nation recorded its highest daily death toll.

Bolsonaro, who alluded to the outbreak as a "mere cold" and who met with his followers without wearing a mask, stated that the quarantine initiatives' economic effects will be more dangerous than the virus itself.

In addition to this, he has also supported and encouraged citizens to disobey the social distancing directives that state governors have implemented, urging people to return to work and participate in public gatherings despite the increasing rate of infections and fatalities.
Tamil Nadu has come up with additional guidelines for people who plan to fly down to the state from Monday onwards when flight services stopped due to the coronavirus pandemic will resume after two months.

This comes after Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had written to aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri, requesting him to avoid domestic flights into the state till May 31.

The ministry of civil aviation has also issued instructions to be followed by passengers and major stakeholders, including airport operators, for compliance.

The states standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be in addition to the instructions of the civil aviation ministry and include a 14-day home quarantine for asymptomatic fliers and institutional isolation for those without facilities for home quarantine.

All domestic air travellers coming into Tamil Nadu will also have to register themselves on the TNePass portal, the state government said, according to news agency ANI.

Karnataka, Punjab, and Kerala have decided on a 14-day quarantine for domestic passengers, with variations.

Karnatakas is restricted to travellers from areas with a high incidence such as Delhi; Punjab and Kerala have mandated a 14-day quarantine for anyone entering the state on any means of transport.

Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana are also considering quarantines.

Following are the guidelines issued for domestic air travellers coming to Tamil Nadu:

1. It is mandatory for all the domestic air travellers flying into Tamil Nadu to register their details online in TNePass Portal. After obtaining the flight tickets, the travellers shall register their details TNe-pass portal following the link https://tnepass.tnega.org duly selecting the airport of arrival in Tamil Nadu.

[in TN epass portal select Flight Train registration, fill in their details and Submit)

2. The passenger while applying for TN epass shall give the declaration to the following effect, for getting TN epass:

* I/We am/are not residing in any containment zone

* I/We am/are not suffering from any fever cough any respiratory distress.

* I/We am/are not under quarantine.

* If I/We develop any of the above-mentioned symptoms we shall contact the concerned health authorities immediately.

* I/We have not tested COVID-19 positive in last two months.

* I/We am/are eligible to travel as per the extant norms.

* I/We make my mobile number/contact details available to the TN epass.

* I/We understand that if I/We undertake the air journey on false information, without meeting the eligibility criteria, I/We would be liable to penal action.

* I/We undertake to adhere to the health protocol and quarantine norms prescribed by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

3. If more than one person travels in a group, the details of all persons shall be entered using the add family member option in the TNePass Portal.

4. Travel permit will be issued with a QR Code in the registered mobile number email.

5. The airline staff shall insist on the details of entry pass obtained from IN e pass before issuing the boarding pass. A separate request has been made to the airlines and operators Regarding this.

6. Travellers can use own vehicle or rented vehicle for travel from the airport to their home. The vehicle number must be indicated in the portal

7. Travellers on arrival in Tamil Nadu airport shall show the registration of TN e-Pass at the registration desk at the airport. Passengers who are without an entry in TN ePass will not be permitted to move out without making entry.

District Collectors shall make available necessary infrastructure in the exit gates of airports to check and take followup action on this.

8. After undergoing medical screening for any symptoms of Covid-19, asymptomatic persons shall undergo home quarantine for 14 days. Travellers who register for institutional quarantine shall be sent for institutional quarantine (government or paid facility)

9. All persons entering the State shall remain under home quarantine for 14 days from the date of arrival. However, if the individual does not have facilities for home quarantine, he will be sent to institutional quarantine. He should indicate the same in the TNePass portal.

10. Pick up vehicles for arriving passengers will be permitted to enter Airport with one person (excluding driver of the vehicle) at a designated place subject to social distancing norms. If the persons who pick up the passenger comes into physical contact with the traveller, they shall also remain under Home Quarantine for 14 days.

Infrastructure requirements at entry airports:

a) Temperature checking must be carried out with Infrared thermometer

b) There should be a proper queue system to reach the desks.

e) All luggage should be disinfected by the airport authorities

d) All the officials who directly deal with passengers shall use PPES, masks and protective gear

e) All symptomatic passengers to be sent to Isolation facilities in a designated ambulance

f) Staff must be exclusively posted for a period of two weeks for Airport surveillance and they must undergo two weeks home quarantine upon finishing duties

g) Any COVID 19 related symptoms in health staff must be promptly reported to state and they must be tested with RT PCR

h) All staff who are directly dealing with passengers shall use PPE/Masks

i) Passengers must be made to walk to the health desks in a group of 20 maintaining proper social distancing

j) Wheel Chair facility be made available for the needy.

k) Public address systems to Airports may be used for informing the passengers of the details.

l) Airport staff shall follow all the Covid-19 protocol

Procedure for going out of Tamil Nadu:

All domestic air travellers shall undergo medical screening as stipulated by Airport Authority and persons with symptoms will be sent to a health facility for testing and treatment.

Only asymptomatic persons will be allowed to board the flight.
Greek native Kevin Kourtis, 39, (pictured) died from multiple stab wounds after five people allegedly stormed his western Sydney home

A manhunt has been launched for three members of a masked gang who allegedly stabbed a 39-year-old man to death when he opened the door to his home.

Kevin Kourtis died from multiple stab wounds after five men allegedly stormed into his home in Riverstone in western Sydney at about 12.30am on Sunday.

His female housemate, 34, was allegedly assaulted with the butt of a rifle and suffered minor injuries.

Mr Kourtis' girlfriend, 43, was also at home during the violent home invasion but was uninjured.

A 16-year-old and a 17-year-old who allegedly fled the scene by jumping over the property's back fence were arrested a few streets away from the Langton Street home about 1.10am.

The pair were charged with murder on Sunday afternoon and refused bail.

Police launched a widespread search in Riverstone following the fatal stabbing and arrested two male teens a short time later. They have both been charged with murder and refused bail

They will face children's court on Monday.

Police are still searching for three men who allegedly fled the scene in a car.

Mr Kourtis is believed to have a minor criminal record, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Detectives are meanwhile investigating whether the five men who allegedly stormed his home were known to him.

Police conducted a search of the surrounding area with assistance from PolAir, the Dog Unit and the Public Order and Riot Squad. Two teens were later arrested in a nearby street

Police were called to a home on Langton Street in Riverstone following reports of a home invasion

Police have established four separate crime scenes which were being examined by specialist forensic officers on Sunday.

Inquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Kabul: A Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and the terrorist organization Taliban have declared a three-day ceasefire on Saturday night, offering peace keeping in mind the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the festival of Eid. Soon after this announcement by the Taliban, President Ashraf Ghani announced via Twitter that the government of Afghanistan "offers peace".

It is noteworthy that this step has been taken by both of them when US peace envoy Jalmi Khalilzad visited Kabul and Doha. During his visit, Khalilzad had urged both the Taliban and the Afghan government to reduce violence and move towards inter-Afghan dialogue, a key pillar of the US peace deal with the Taliban in February.

The Taliban, while announcing the ceasefire, gave a message of Eid-ul-Fitr on behalf of their leader stating that the Taliban is committed to the peace deal and promised to protect the rights of women and men under the Islamic system. is. The Taliban, in its order, ordered the fighters to not only fight but also to treat the Afghan national security forces in a friendly manner.

Also Read:

People protests against lockdown in Spain

US President Trump reaches golf club during national emergency

Couple tied knot in Karnataka amid lockdown

Italy extends lockdown as corona cases continue increasing
Families in Ecuador desperately search for the remains of their loved ones, as hospitals and morgues become inundated with coronavirus victims.

In Ecuador, families of coronavirus victims are desperately searching for their loved ones remains.

Hundreds of bodies have never been identified, as hospitals, morgues and cemeteries become overwhelmed.

In the city of Guayaquil, bodies have not been stored properly, and have started to decompose.

Al Jazeeras Lucia Newman reports.

WARNING: Some viewers may find some of the images distressing.
Dear reader,

After two months under the coronavirus shutdown, parts of central Pennsylvania are getting back to business this long holiday weekend.

Its the prime time to add a new news page on PennLive  this one devoted to Reopening PA.

Our first priority will always be providing essential news and information to keep everyone healthy and safe during the pandemic. Were dedicating significant resources to that coverage.

But we understand youre also eager to know how to navigate the new normal when traveling, shopping, returning to work or going out.

The Reopening PA webpage is already loaded with updates on changing county restrictions, many local store hours, and available recreation options. Youll find info on state services from licensing centers to liquor stores. We look ahead with stories on subjects including safety protocols for casinos. And well provide broader examinations of the economic recovery across the region and the state as it progresses.

PA Media Groups commitment to the community starts with this kind of quality journalism. Were also dedicated to helping small businesses through our #Rally4Local public service initiative.

Check out the Rally website for easy to search listings from more than 450 area shops, restaurants and nonprofits. Youll find operating hours and contact info, takeout and delivery options, gift card offers and ways to make charitable donations. Or list your own small business on this virtual marketplace - its free!

#Rally4Local is all about neighbor helping neighbor during these tough times.

Even as Pennsylvania joins other parts of the country beginning to lift businesses restrictions, another 2.4 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week. The states jobless rate hit 15.1 percent in April, the highest in more than four decades.

We also want to share the human stories that lie behind these devastating statistics. And were asking for your help.

If you lost your job or were forced to permanently close your business or restaurant due to the economic meltdown  and are open to sharing your experiences  wed like to hear from you.

We hope to follow a midstate family throughout the year as they work to recover from the financial blow caused by this pandemic. Interested persons should contact me at cbarron@pennlive.com.

As always, thank you for reading and subscribing to The Patriot-New and PennLive.

Wishing you a safe start to summer,

Cate Barron

President, PennLive & The Patriot-News
The Mumbai police on Sunday



issued an advisory warning netizens and social media-users of strict action if they disseminate fake news, rumours, misinformation in connection withe coronavirus outbreak.

The advisory said such content can cause panic among people, and incite mistrust towards government functionaries trying to control the outbreak, an official said.

"All persons designated as admin on messaging and social media platforms shall be held responsible for any such information being disseminated in a group administered by them," the official said.

The diktat will come into force from Monday and violators will be booked under section 188 of IPC for disobedience to official order, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two Chinese nationals who were arraigned for allegedly offering bribe to an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been granted bail by the Sokoto state high court.

Abdullahi Lawal, head of EFCC zonal office in Sokoto state, had paraded the two foreigners, Meng Wei Kun and Xu Kuoi of China Zhounghao Nigeria Limited, a construction company, for offering N100m bribe to cover-up an investigation against their company.

The Jamaatu Nasril Islam (JNI), Zaria branch, says research has shown that there is high rate of infant and maternal mortality owing to prolonged lockdown imposed on Kaduna state. The JNI disclosed this know during a press briefing by the Chairman and Secretary of the society, Abdullahi Yahaya and Mahmud A. Abdullahi, respectively.

Senate president Ahmed Lawan has taken to his official Twitter handle to wish Muslims a happy Eid-el-Fitri as they end their Ramadan fasting on Saturday.Lawan in his message urged Muslims to continue to observe the health precautions and sustain the acts of purity as they did during the holy month.

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Despite threats issued by the Kaduna State government, health workers in the state have commenced a 7-day warning strike over unresolved issues the State Government.

This was made known in a communique issued at the end of the joint meeting of Kaduna State Healthcare Workers Unions and Associations.

Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), has issued a procedure for the removal of heads of public agencies in the country.

This was contained in the circular issued on Tuesday, May 19.This came after the Minister of Power Sale Mamman, announced the removal of Usman Mohammed as managing director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

A popular social media commentator, Reno Omokri has once again attacked President Muhammadu Buhari.

The popular speaker in his criticism opined that Buharis administration only has poverty acceleration programs instead of poverty alleviation programs.

President Muhammadu Buhari says Muslims must keep their spirits high despite the coronavirus pandemic. Buhari in his Sallah message to Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, said for the first time in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the peoples spiritual, social and economic lives.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has asked Nigerians to continue to abide by the guidelines issued by health authorities as COVID-19 is a test from God.

Atiku made this known in his Sallah message to Nigerians, saying the guidelines are for the benefit of Nigerians and the world at large.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has maintained that churches will not open, despite increased pressure from leaders and members.

This was contained in a statement signed by CAN President, Rev. Supo Ayokunle, on Friday. According to Ayokunle, the relaxation of lockdown had seen the country witnessed more coronavirus infection.

An Islamic Scholar, Malam Bello Yabo has been arrested for allegedly making disparaging remarks against the Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir El-rufai.

The Islamic scholar based in Sokoto was reportedly arrested around 4pm on Friday and was transported to Kaduna where he would be charged, Daily Trust reports.

Kabiru Rabiu Dansitta, reportedly the index COVID-19 case in Kano, says it is possible he contracted the disease in the state, and not that he brought the virus there. The states index case was reported to have tested positive on April 11.

However, while speaking with Daily Trust, he said he had spent 12 days in the state before he went for a test.

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has described the judgment of the Election Tribunal upholding his election as a re-affirmation of his landmark victory on the 16th of November, 2019.Speaking in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onogwu Muhammad, Saturday, the governor said the judgment is a validation of the peoples mandate and an added impetus to his drive to do more for the good people of Kogi State.
Lucknow, May 24 : The corona pandemic in Uttar Pradesh is now shifting patterns. Apart from cities like Lucknow, Kanpur in central Uttar Pradesh and Ghaziabad and Greater Noida in the western part of the state that continue to throw up new cases every day, it is now cities and semi-urban centres in eastern side of the state that are turning into corona hotspots.

This is mainly due to the large number of the migrant workers who have arrived in this region during the past ten days.

State health minister Jai Pratap Singh has said that 1,423 migrant workers who returned to Uttar Pradesh in recent days, have tested positive for corona.

This constitutes 40 per cent of the total cases in the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh, he said.

The Sultanpur district which had only five cases of corona, now has 41 cases, 15 of which were reported on Saturday.

In Jaunpur district, 43 migrant workers have tested positive while in Barabanki that reported 95 corona positive cases in a day on May 21, 49 were migrant workers.

In Jaunpur, 43 migrant workers who had returned last week, were tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Friday, taking the district's total to 91. Most of them had come back from Maharashtra.

Siddhartha Nagar, which was corona free till last month, now has 77 cases after the migrant influx began.

In Azamgarh, at least 10 out of 31 corona positive cases are migrant workers who have returned from Maharashtra.

Districts like Sant Kabir Nagar, Varanasi, Ballia and Chandauli have also reported a spurt in corona cases after the return of migrant workers.

All 75 districts in the state are now affected by corona.

State minister for health, Jai Pratap Singh said, "Most of the migrants who were infected have returned from states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. We have increased our daily testing capacity to over 7,000 samples." He said that according to estimates, around 17 lakh migrant workers have returned to Uttar Pradesh via trains and buses. He said that samples of over 50,000 have been tested so far.

A senior official in the health department, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the spurt in cases was mainly due to those migrant workers who had travelled on foot and had managed to escape medical screening.

"Lakhs of migrants have come by trains and buses and an equal number -- if not more --have come on foot or by cycles, autos and trucks. They have evaded medical screenings and their entry into the state is not recorded. Majority of them have not quarantined themselves and this is causing the spread of the corona infection," he said.

Talking about the new pattern of corona spread which is centered around eastern Uttar Pradesh, the official said that since this region was comparatively backward, a large population had migrated to other states in the past years.

"Maximum number of private security guards and taxi drivers in Mumbai are from this region. Now that they are returning in large numbers, many of them are bringing the infection with them. Moreover, many of them are malnourished and have low immunity levels, which makes them increasingly susceptible to the infection," he said.
SSC chairman B R Sharma, who had recently asked the government to relieve him from the post within a month of getting two-year extension, has been appointed as the chief of Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission, a Personnel Ministry statement said on Saturday. A 1984 batch IAS (retired) officer of Jammu and Kashmir cadre, Sharma served as the chief secretary in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir before proceeding on deputation to the central government.

He was in October 2019 appointed as the chairman of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and was re-employed by the Centre for two years after his superannuation on April 30, 2020.

Recently, Sharma put in a request to the Department of Personnel & Training for being relieved from the post of chairman SSC, the Personnel Ministry statement said, without giving further details.

On Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu appointed him as the chairman of J-K PSC till he attains 62 years of age.

Newly appointed chairman of Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (PSC), B R Sharma called on Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh here today, the statement said.

While wishing good luck to Sharma, Singh expressed the need to promptly revive the recruitment process to various posts in the new Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

He said, as chairman PSC of the new Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Sharma has crucial responsibility ahead, for which his long administrative experience and knowledge of Jammu & Kashmir will be of help.

Sharma thanked the minister for his continued support and guidance. He also thanked the minister for advising him during his tenure as chairman SSC while handling some of the crucial decisions pertaining to the selection process and other related matters, it said.

Sharma also gave Singh an update of the current status of the various selection processes under SSC which had got disturbed due to COVID-19 pandemic.

He said, it had been an honour for him to serve in the highly important position of chairman SSC, particularly at a time when the Government of India is seeking to bring in maximum transparency and objectivity in selection to various governments posts, the statement added.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 19:39:17|Editor: huaxia

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BANGKOK, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Old-fashioned massage and spa parlors might reopen shortly among other businesses in Thailand under strict anti-pandemic measures, said a senior government official on Sunday.

The Disease Control Department's deputy director general Thanarak Phliphat said some categories of business, officially considered "fairly risky" to COVID-19 infection, might probably be allowed to reopen by the end of this month.

The categories of business which might enjoy the gradual easing of anti-pandemic measures include old-fashioned massage, better known as "Nuad Thai", and spa parlors nationwide, Thanarak said.

However, they will be legally obliged to strictly observe social distancing order among their clients otherwise they could possibly be ordered to close again at any time, he commented.

While the categories of business, officially deemed as "fairly risky" to infection, might probably reopen, those officially deemed as "highly risky" will not be allowed to follow suit as yet, according to the the deputy department chief.

The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), headed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, is scheduled in the next few days to consider allowing the reopening of the "fairly risky" businesses, he said.

The "fairly risky" and "highly risky" categories of business include movie theaters, stadiums, conference and exhibition centers, amusement parks, bars, karaoke lounges, water sport facilities, bowling lanes and skating rinks, among other public venues.

The CCSA earlier allowed the reopening of the relatively "slightly risky" categories of business, including open-air marketplaces, department stores, discount stores, grocery stores, hair salons and barbershops as well as restaurants and food shops where one customer may be seated about two meters apart from another under social distancing rule. Enditem
Have you ever wondered how forks ended up with four tines, where to store off-season clothes when you live in a small space, or why there's green felt on pool tables? These books have answers.

"Home: A Short History of an Idea," by Witold Rybczynski

Walk into any flea market and you'll find crafts stitched with aphorisms like "Home sweet home" and "Home is where the heart is." But what do we really mean when we talk about the place where we eat and sleep? What elevates a shelter to a refuge? In this extended essay, an architect reflects on such questions, considering not just a building's structure but what we ask it to hold: light, air, comfort, privacy and intimacy. From the manor halls of the Middle Ages to contemporary dwellings crammed with stuff, Rybczynski examines five centuries of homes, pausing at the intersection of form and function to pose yet another question: How do we want to live now?

"The Making of Home: The 500-Year Story of How Our Houses Became Our Homes," by Judith Flanders

Flanders' book "isn't just smart and diverting but also brave," our reviewer wrote. "It's good to be reminded that in the 1650s the grandest drawing rooms of London held very large beds, with no hint of impropriety; this was public furniture. ... Good, too, to remember the deep meaning of curtains and how a few hundred miles could change it entirely. In Germany, they were the mark of an orderly household with not too much light, but in the Netherlands Calvinists were apt to let their goods, the signs of God's favor, be seen from the street." Flanders leads a house tour that traverses continents, centuries and social classes. No detail is too small, no ceiling too high to escape her scrutiny.

"Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House," by Cheryl Mendelson

Mendelson's 72-chapter, information-crammed, yellow-spined bible of domestic life has been a presence on bookshelves since 1999. For years, it was a staple at bridal showers and the perfect gift for a niece who just signed a lease on her first apartment. The recipient would skim the table of contents, exclaiming over the chapters he or she (but, let's face it, usually she) couldn't wait to read  "Stimulating Beverages," "Electrical Safety," "Beds and Bedding"  and then onto the shelf the book would go. Now is the time to pull it down. Mendelson not only teaches you how to clean your refrigerator, launder your clothes and make sense of your vacuum cleaner attachments, she does so with a sense of humor and a "we're all in this together" vibe. Which is exactly what we need right now.

"At Home: A Short History of Private Life," by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson is best known for his jaunt on the Appalachian Trail (chronicled in "A Walk in the Woods") and road trips ("The Lost Continent," "In a Sunburned Country"). In "At Home," he takes a spin through history without leaving his own property  a former rectory built in 1851, nestled in an English village. Room by room, from the larder to the dining area all the way down to the cellar, he pauses to put everything from buttons to building materials into context. Our reviewer wrote, "If you have any interest in furniture, food, fashion, architecture, energy or world history, chances are you've stumbled across some (or all) of the information Bryson has on offer. ... But while Bryson may not have done much original research, it takes a very particular kind of thoughtfulness, as well as a bold temperament, to stuff all this research into a mattress that's supportive enough to loll about on while pondering the real subject of this book  the development of the modern world."

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter.

"The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing," by Marie Kondo

If you haven't heard of Marie Kondo, you must be trapped under a pile of household cultch that doesn't, as she would say, spark joy. But before she had her own Netflix show and launched an online store selling handmade matcha bowls ($45) and weighted meditation support cushions ($149), Kondo published this wildly successful and incredibly practical guide to getting your house in order. She begins with simple advice: "Start by discarding. Then organize your place, thoroughly and completely, in one go." You might be skeptical of the promise of a changed life, but who can argue with the peace of mind resulting from a well-organized environment? With this book, getting there is easier than you might expect.

"Happier at Home: Kiss More, Jump More, Abandon Self-Control, and My Other Experiments in Everyday Life," by Gretchen Rubin

One night, unloading the dishwasher while her husband and two daughters played in the next room, Rubin, the author of "The Happiness Project," realized that her ongoing quest for happiness was tied to the place where she lived. "I decided to start my happiness project with the theme of 'Possessions,' not because I thought possessions were the most important aspect of my home  they weren't  but because I knew that in many cases, my possessions blocked my view and weighed me down," she writes. "Before I wrestled with deeper challenges that struck closer to my heart  in the months devoted to 'Marriage,' 'Parenthood' and 'Family'  I wanted to feel more in control of stuff." Ah, don't we all.
TORRINGTON  City Council members have approved a request from the Board of Education to pursue funding for a new high school, and to establish a building committee to oversee the project.

The Torrington High School project, which has been in the planning stages for more than three years, was first presented in April by Superintendent of Schools Susan Lubomski and her administration along with the Board of Education. At that time, a PowerPoint presentation by the school board showed areas of the aging Torrington High School building, illustrating how the school hasnt been upgraded for quite some time. Aging floors, out-of-date restrooms, deteriorating ceilings and other areas of infrastructure were discussed during the April presentation.

The architectural firm Kaestle Boos, which was hired to study the circa-1960s building, determined what areas needed renovation or repair, and whether building a new high school was a better option. At that time, the firm presented several building options, including renovating the school or building a new one.

Thursday nights presentation was focused on building a new school. If the school district wants to apply and be considered for funding in the fall, it must set up a building committee and hold a referendum by June 30.

At Thursday nights meeting, attended by the City Council and school board, the presentation was focused on funding. According to the presentation, building a new high school would cost $156 million. With reimbursement from the state at 62.5 percent, the estimated cost to the taxpayers is $71.6 million. With interest over a 20-year period, the cost is $106 million, which would be repaid by property taxes.

Estimates on the fiscal impact showed that the citys tax rate would increase, at the highest, about 5 mills during that 20-year repayment period.

Mayor Elinor Carbone recently discussed the upcoming presentation with the City Council. Councilman Paul Cavagnero reiterated his objection to building a new high school without taking into account the coronavirus pandemics impact on how education is delivered.

We should put together a long-term analysis of what education in Torrington in the future will look like, not the same-old, same-old, Cavagnero said. Its an opportunity for Torrington to take a leadership role to redefine educations future, and find substantial cost savings and improvements to education.

If we get a curriculum thats forward-thinking, were not talking about just building a shell for education, that continues to be a seccond-rate educational facility, he said. We have to rethink this.

The City Council read a number of letters into the record from residents and officials, speaking for and against the new high school proposal.

Council member Sharon Waagner read from a prepared statement, expressing her opinion on the project. She said she had spoken to THS students who were proud of their teachers and programs, but were concerned about the condition of the building.

I think referring to this project as a shiny, new building sends the misperception that we only want something to show off, Waagner said. This distorts an important message to the public. ... I have been in the school and the school gym on many occasions. Each year, as a volunteer with the Financial Reality Fair, I always hear comments about the sorry state of our gym and bathrooms by visitors, and students from other districts have said the same.

Waagner also addressed Cavagneros comments on distance learning, saying that while many students can continue to learn easily using this method, our schools must provide for all students, and the pandemic has shown that not all students benefit from distance learning for a variety of reasons. ... I am in full support of the construction project and want to see the application filed.

Waagner also pointed to the schools being an Alliance District. The lowest-performing school districts in the state are classified as such by the state and receive additional funding. Torrington was named such a district as part of the state budget in 2017. Each district is required to submit a plan to improve district achievement, developed with the aid of a state representative, and the plan is monitored on a yearly basis.

We have been designated an Alliance District because we are not up to acceptable standards, she said. We have been recognized as a distressed community. We need investment of new home buyers and business but when the condition of our schools is noted, families are turned off.

Other residents also weighed in on the proposal. Some asked the council to hold off on a decision while others expressed staunch support for the school system; still others expressed outrage over the idea of increasing taxes.

At this time proceeding with the THS Building Project would be a too hasty and irresponsible action mainly because the response to the pandemic has thoroughly scrambled the parameters of what public education should look like, said resident Tom Kandefer. Even after a year or so of stringent COVID adjustments, we are unlikely to go back to the pre-COVID learning model in a predominately brick-and-mortar setting.

Listen to the presentation and you will realize that delaying the start of this renovation will be more costly. Not creating a 7-12 campus will be more costly, said resident McClure Whiting. Not supporting the current renovation schedule and plan is to not be fiscally responsible.

School board member Jessica Richardson spoke as a parent.

As the parent of two student athletes, over the last few years I have had many opportunities to visit other high schools in our area and view their facilities while attending my childrens games. I can say with confidence that the Torrington High School lacks many of the amenities common to other schools in our conference and region, she said. Additionally, in attending events at THS, I have seen firsthand many of the needs of this aging facility. I would strongly urge the respective boards to take any proposal to renovate this school very seriously. THS should be our flagship school, and while the teachers, staff and students do a tremendous job of stoking Raider Pride, the building should be something that would induce pride in our city, as well.

THS special education teacher Jason LaFreniere, who served on an ad-hoc committee to develop the high school project, also wrote in favor of the plan.

The proposal before you is not simply a shell of a building. It is a system of preparing 21st century learners and incorporates innovative areas of curriculum, differentiated means of delivering education, and a focus on all children, he said.

Resident Jonathan Draper was opposed.

I do not support this project going forward because of our current events going on. Many people have lost their jobs due to the virus and no additional income coming in to support themselves and their families, he said. The possibility is there in that schools may not be opening in the fall. If they do, considerations must be given as to how to address the protocols to protect the children from the virus. As a taxpayer of Torrington, I cannot support the renovation with all this uncertainty going on.

Another resident, Vincenza Carey, was worried about the citys tax rate.

Trim the budget and do not allow the mill rate to increase, she said. Put any and all renovation projects on hold. Continuing on this path every year will continue to drive out residents and homes left unsold. I do not believe the city wants this to happen.

This story has been corrected: Building a new high school, according to the Board of Educations May 21 presentation, would cost $156 million. With reimbursement from the state at 62.5 percent, the estimated cost to the taxpayers is $71.6 million. Over a 20-year period, including interest, the total cost would be $106 million, which would be repaid by property taxes.

Estimates on the fiscal impact showed that the citys tax rate would increase, at the highest, about 5 mills during that 20-year repayment period
Photo: Naramata Bench Wineries Moraine Winery vineyard

As temperatures slowly rise in the Okanagan, it's still unclear what this year's tourist season will look like under COVID-19 conditions. But Dr. Bonnie Henry is hopeful she'll be encouraging British Columbians to travel around their own province come the summer.

During her daily press conference Saturday, Dr. Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, says her recommendations for the summer will depend largely on how the next few weeks look.

If things continue to go well, and we take it carefully and we're mindful of the potential for outbreaks and we get to that point in the summer, then yes, I will be encouraging people to vacation at home in B.C., to experience what we have here and to support our local communities and businesses, she said Saturday.

In the past, she's said she doesn't expect international travellers to be coming to B.C. any time soon. Canada's border with the United States will be closed to non-essential travel until at least June 21, but B.C.'s Health Minister Adrian Dix has said he expects it will need to stay closed for a significant time beyond that.

Dr. Henry, who's held four to five press conferences every week since March, in addition to her daily work managing the COVID-19 crisis in B.C. behind the scenes, added that she's excited to one day take her own vacation within the province.

I'm looking forward to maybe getting a break some day and there's a number of places that I would like to go and spend some time and make sure that we can support our tourist-reliant industries as much as we can, she said.

With Phase 2 of B.C,'s reopening beginning this past week, many restaurants and pubs are beginning to reopen under new measures, along with local wineries. Dr. Henry said if wineries are able to abide by the new guidelines to minimize the transmission of the virus, they're welcome to open.

As long as they have their plans posted and they have them in place to make sure that they're meeting the guidelines that we have around numbers of people and distancing and that sort of thing, I can see them being able to open, she said.

There may be limitations, for example on tastings and things, so that would have to be worked to make sure that it meets the criteria.

She said the first impact on COVID-19 cases, if any, from last week's partial reopening of businesses will start to become apparent next week.
Georgian Downs is excited to announce that live harness racing will return to the Barrie area oval on Saturday, June 6.

The racing season will remain unchanged from last season with first race post time on Tuesdays and Saturdays set for 7:15 p.m. Sunday will also remain unchanged and will go postward at 6:00 p.m.

Training days will be Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m.  12:00 noon beginning Thursday, May 28 and continue through to the end of August. Qualifiers will once again be scheduled for Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. The only exception to the qualifying schedule will be on Saturday, May 30. Qualifiers will begin at 10:00 a.m. on this day.

Important Notice: Although spectators will not be permitted to attend our live racing at Georgian Downs, fans are invited to take in all the excitement that Georgian Downs has to offer by watching its live streaming video at georgiandowns.com. Free programs are also available on its website. Georgian Downs will be available for wagering through hpibet.com as well as all of its simulcast partners locations worldwide.

Return to Racing 2020 - Ontario Racing



COVID-19 Georgian Downs Protocol Minimum Standards

Georgian Downs encourages the horsepeople coming to Georgian Downs in 2020 to familiarize themselves with the following protocols that have been put in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of team members and racing participants:

The Ontario Racing tracks are committed to keeping Ontarios racing participants safe and healthy. In order to conduct live racing in the province without spectators and minimize any potential concerns with respect to the health and welfare of participants in the sport, the following minimum standards will apply to all persons who require access to the backstretch and/or paddock of any Ontario racetrack.

Access to the backstretch/paddock will be limited to essential personnel who are AGCO-licensed. No persons under the age of 16 will be permitted access to the backstretch/paddock, regardless of whether such persons hold an AGCO license. All participants must wear face masks at all times when in the backstretch/paddock. Persons requesting access are required to bring their own face masks and wear same at all times. No person without a face mask will be permitted entry. Any person found on track premises without wearing a face mask will be ejected from the track. Each person entering the track premises will be subject to a screening process prior to be granted entry. As part of the screening process, all participants must answer the following questions: Have you or someone you have come in contact with travelled or returned from any country outside of Canada? Are you experiencing, or have you experienced any of the following symptoms in the past 7 days: a. Fever

b. Cough

c. Muscle Aches and Tiredness

d. Difficulty Breathing Have you been in contact with anyone who is or has experienced any of the following symptoms in the past 7 days: a. Fever

b. Cough

c. Muscle Aches and Tiredness

d. Difficulty Breathing Have you or someone you have come in contact with travelled or returned from any United States Racetrack or Racing Association in the past 21 days? Are you aware that washing your hands multiple times per day and before eating and practicing proper social distancing guidelines are the most important ways to stop the spread of the Coronavirus? Please use our hand washing stations upon entering the cafeteria areas, dorms and at every opportunity through any of the washrooms located throughout the backstretch and maintain a safe distance from others at all times. Any person who answers yes to any of questions 1  3, or who is displaying visible signs of illness consistent with COVID-19 exposure, will be denied access to the track. Persons who answer no to all of questions 1  3 will be subject to a temperature check using a no-touch thermometer. Persons with a temperature of less than 100.5F will be permitted to enter; persons with a temperature of 100.5F or more will be denied access to the track. Each track will ensure that handwashing and/or sanitization stations and/or equipment are available to all persons attending the track. Each track will implement enhanced cleaning procedures. Each track will ensure that physical distancing guidelines are in place. Personnel will be required to maintain a physical distance between them of not less than 2 metres. Only 1 person shall be permitted in the paddock per horse, and horses should be placed in every other stall in the paddock where possible/required. Horses/handlers should vacate the paddock within  hour of race completion. Access to the retention area will be controlled and horse people will be required to comply with CPMA requirements. Each track will ensure that these requirements are communicated to its personnel and participants. If tracks cannot provide change facilities that include the opportunity for adequate social distancing, the drivers and warm up personnel will be required to change outside backstretch/paddock areas. All persons within the backstretch/paddock areas are required to follow all directional arrows outlining proper flow for best social distancing practices.

Georgian Downs is forward to a safe return of horse racing in Ontario.

(Georgian)
In the wake of the economic slowdown owing to the Covid-19 pandemic in China, paramount leader Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are facing one of the biggest crises since the party came to power in 1949. The challenges before the party and the leader are being deliberated since May 22 at the National Peoples Congress and a parallel Chinese Peoples Consultative Conference, the most powerful political advisory body in the country. The move is already on to pre-emptively counter any dissatisfaction in handling the pandemic and the consequent surge in economic distress. While there is no political challenge to President Xi, who is also the Chairman of the Central Military Commission, it is the economic collapse that Beijing fears coupled with growing resentment against China, fuelling nationalism and the kindling of old Chinese fears against foreign threats.

While the NPC was called to deliberate on the next five-year development plan, the session will also provide a platform to President Xi to respond both domestically and internationally to the pandemic. The expected message will be conciliatory to the domestic audience, while the international assertion can be expected to be robust and defiant.

It is in this context that the current stand-off between India and China at multiple points along the 3,488 kilometre Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh and Sikkim should be seen. The Chinese move is multi-pronged as it not only diverts attention from the domestic economic crisis, Hong Kong and Taiwan, but is also engineered to paint India as a villain constantly at odds with Pakistan and more recently, Nepal. With China believing that India is catalyzing resentment against Beijing over poor handling of the pandemic that originated in Wuhan, the Peoples Liberation Armys tactical play along the LAC is also seen by its people as teaching a lesson to the Gweilo Club and its perceived proxies. The use of party tabloid Global Times to paint India as an aggressor in Sikkim and Ladakh also is designed to force India to reassess its strategy of perceived alignment with the US against China.

Even though the PLA is using a 1960 map released by then Premier Chou En Lai to present the cartographic expansion in Ladakh, there is little resemblance of the ground situation to either 1962 skirmishes or 1999 incursions in Kargil sector. The only coincidence is that President Xi may use the Ladakh military option to divert attention of his domestic audience, just as the then Chinese leader Mao Zedong used the 1962 skirmish to cover the massive Chinese famine due to failure of the Great Leap Forward revolution. Another Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping used the 1979 border war with Vietnam to divert internal dissatisfaction before embarking on economic recovery of the middle kingdom.

While Ladakh may tactically serve the political objectives of Beijing, India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is no pushover. It is the third largest market after the US and ASEAN, and could even be the key to economic revival of China. Militarily, it serves neither the interest of China nor India to raise the red flag as there will be huge economic and political costs to such a move. Pakistan and Nepal dont add up to cost-benefit analysis. And the Doklam stand-off message did not exactly work with Bhutan in 2017.

The fact is after the construction of strategic Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road in eastern Ladakh and rapid construction of strategic roads in both the middle and eastern sector, it is China that is concerned about Indias military objectives. At present, both sides are matching on the ground, whether it is Galwan valley or Pangong Tso lake and are constantly talking to each other through institutionalised diplomatic and military channels. With the LAC being undefined by nature at least in the western and eastern sector, the option of emphasizing its own cartographic interpretation is also available to the Indian Army.

Even though China is playing to its long-term plan to use the LAC to destabilise India, Delhi does need to get its act together when it comes to Beijing as any conciliatory move with the best of intentions will be viewed as a sign of weakness. Rather than leave it to its military or diplomatic commanders, the two leaders need to have a candid conversation on the lines of the Wuhan or Mahabalipuram dialogue to carry out course corrections and take the bilateral relationship beyond third party suspicions. This may sound simple but is terribly complex as another challenge is looming on the horizon with Tibetan leader in exile Dalai Lama, now 84 years old, and still without a designated reincarnation. The Dalai Lamas nomination of Panchen Lama, the second most important priest after Dalai, is now 31 and still under the Chinese Communist Partys tutelage since he went missing on May 17, 1995. Given the scale of problems involved and its impact on sovereignty of both the countries, the only option left is for PM Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping to keep communication channels open 24 X 7. Because the NPC may get over on 28 May but Chinas bilateral troubles with India wont.

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Washington D.C. is filled with politicians, bureaucrats and pundits who are outraged by corruption and vow to get to the bottom of each scandal, but ultimately accomplish nothing. Judge Emmet G. Sullivan is a perfect example of such a Washington denizen, a Deep State operative who has up until now been able to conceal his membership in this sorry club until the mask came off in the General Michael Flynn case.

George Washington University Law School professor Jonathan Turley claims, Judge Sullivan is one of the most liked judges on the bench. He is smart and courteous and even-keeled. Perhaps it is time for Professor Turley to reevaluate his opinion of the judge.

In April 2009, while presiding over the Sem. Ted Stevens case, Judge Sullivan scolded the prosecution team: In nearly 25 years on the bench Ive never seen anything approaching the mishandling and misconduct that Ive seen in this case. He ordered an inquiry into the prosecutors handling of the case. Stanley M. Brand, a partner at Brand Law Group, P.C. claimed, "This judges tolerance was pushed to the limit, and prosecutors are not going to just go on their merry way." When prosecutors failed to produce evidence Sullivan demanded he stated, It strikes me that this was probably intentional. I find it unbelievable that this was just an error. Later when the prosecution failed to produce the documents he stated, That was a court order. That wasnt a request. I didnt ask for them out of the kindness of your hearts.Isnt the Department of Justice taking court orders seriously these days? He even claimed prosecutors were providing false evidence: Its very troubling that the government would utilize records that the government knows were false. The government knowingly submitted false accounting records to bolster their case.

Like the Flynn case, the Steven case was plagued by FBI corruption. The lead FBI agent in Stevens trial was Mary Beth Kepner. Kepner didn't document all of her interviews so she made them up following the judge's order. She backdated two of her 302s by more than two years, making it appear that they had been prepared the day after the interview. She denied under oath that she had done this. Later when it became impossible to maintain her lie she remarked, "You know, unfortunately, you know, I was disorganized with this, you know, I was overwhelmed and, you know, I lost materials that had, you know, I lost notes, I lost 302s."

What was to outcome of all this malfeasance: obstruction of justice, utilizing records that the government knew were false, backdated 302s, and perjury? Two of the lower members of the prosecution team were suspended without pay: Joseph W. Bottini for 40 days and James A. Goeke for 15 days. Nicolas Marsh who believed he was going to be the scapegoat in the case committed suicide. The supervisors were exonerated. Kepner was still working for the FBI until at least 2014 when she was reportedly severely disciplined. Her partner, Chad Joy, who had informed on her was driven from the FBI. The conviction of Senator Stevens handed the Democrats a filibuster proof majority in the U.S. Senate which they used to pass Obamacare. According to Roll Call, relying on false records and fueled by testimony from a richly rewarded cooperating witness government prosecutors convinced jurors to find him (Stevens) guilty just eight days before the general election which he lost by less than 2 percent of the vote. In April 2009, Judge Sullivan dismissed Stevens conviction.

Judge Sullivan faced some of the same behavior in the Flynn case. Obstruction of justice, perjury, and missing and altered documents. He does not appear to be disturbed about missing documents. He explained about the lost FD-302, "[T]hings happen and documents are lost. I mean, it just happens. However this 302 is crucial. It would have revealed that Flynn was not lying.

Although the original 302 is reportedly lost there are likely numerous copies of it on the internet. It is simply a matter of locating them. Peter Strzok and Lisa Page spent over two weeks editing it on the internet. Strozk told Page I made your edits, and sent them to Joe (likely Joe Pientka the author). I also emailed you an updated 302 . . . hopefully it doesnt need much more editing." Flynn's attorney Sidney Powell wrote, "Page and Strzok massaged the 302 until McCabe approved it, and it was filed as final on February 15, 2017." Ordinarily an FBI agent is allowed a maximum of five days to prepare such a report.

General Flynn was facing zealous team of prosecutors, a judge who at one point called him a traitor and even his own defense council. Prosecutor Brandon Van Grack made a deal with Flynn's original attorneys at Covington & Burling. If Flynn would plead guilty to making a false statement, the DOJ would not go after his son. Van Grack filed an official plea agreement with the court in which he swore that every deal reached between the prosecution and the defense was contained in writing within that document. Prosecutors are bound by law to disclose all deals and Van Grack lied to the court. Flynn's attorneys hid these documents from Flynn and the court repeatedly.

This probably all could have been avoided if General Flynn had used the Kepner defense. He might have been let off with a slap on the wrist. Of course he would have had to modify it slightly: "You know, unfortunately, you know, I was disorganized with this, you know, I was overwhelmed and, you know, I lost materials that had, you know, I lost notes, I lost 302s." He would just have had to leave out the part of the 302s. Like, you know. That's just how professional FBI agents speak.

John Dietrich is a freelance writer and the author of The Morgenthau Plan: Soviet Influence on American Postwar Policy (Algora Publishing). He has a Master of Arts Degree in International Relations from St. Marys University. He is retired from the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. He is featured on the BBC's program "Things We Forgot to Remember:" Morgenthau Plan and Post-War Germany.
Railways minister Piyush Goyal, on Sunday sought details of migrants registered with the Maharashtra government within an hour so that the railways can run 125 special trains from Monday as planned.

In a tweet where he tagged Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, Goyal regretted that the Maharashtra government could not give the list even after an hours deadline.

Sadly, it has been 1.5 hours but Maharashtra Govt. has been unable to give required information about tomorrows planned 125 trains to GM of Central Railway. Planning takes time & we do not want train to stand empty at the stations, so its impossible to plan without full details, Goyal tweeted late evening.

Goyal informed that the Railways will operate 125 special Shramik trains. He had asked Thackeray to share the list of migrants with their relevant details like - originating and destination stations, the number of migrants travelling, medical certificates with the Centre within an hour

The Centre has come under fire after the lockdown two-month lockdown triggered a mass migration of workers, many of them on foot and bicycles.

Goyal in another tweet said he hoped for Maharashtras cooperation for the benefit of migrant labourers.

I hope that the Government of Maharashtra will fully cooperate in the efforts made for the benefit of migrant labourers, Goyal said.

Thackeray had earlier criticised the Centre for not providing enough trains for the migrants to return home despite several requests. He also said the state was yet to receive Centres share of the train ticket cost.
WA has had another day of zero new cases of COVID-19 overnight as Premier Mark McGowan continues to vividly defend his decision to keep borders to the rest of Australia shut.

The Department of Health said in a statement on Sunday the state was sitting stagnant at a total of 560 cases with two active cases remaining in the state, none of them in the regions.

The Premier said other states were still seeing instances of community spread and clusters of cases and he would not expose to Western Australia. Credit:9 News Perth

To date, 549 people have recovered from the virus in WA and there are no confirmed COVID-19 patients in Perth hospitals.

There have been 76,644 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those, 13,605 tests were carried out in regional WA.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un convened a key military meeting to discuss bolstering the country's nuclear arsenal and putting its armed forces on high alert, state media reported Sunday, in Kim's first known public appearance in about 20 days.

Kim earlier this month quelled intense rumors about his health by attending a ceremony marking the completion of a fertilizer factory in what at the time was his first public appearance in 20 days. But he hadnt made another public appearance for around 20 more days until the North's official news agency said Sunday that he led a meeting of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers Party.

Set forth at the meeting were new policies for further increasing the nuclear war deterrence of the country and putting the strategic armed forces on a high alert operation, the Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA, said, without mentioning when the meeting was held.

Related Video: Trump Says Hes Willing to Meet With Kim Jong Un

The meeting discussed increasing the capabilities for deterring the threatening foreign forces, the report said, an apparent reference to the U.S. and South Korean militaries.

Kim, who heads the military commission, also used the meeting to promote the ranks of dozens of army generals and others in an apparent effort to boost military morale. Among them is military chief Pak Jong Chon, who was made a vice marshal, and Ri Pyong Chol, a senior party official in charge of weapons development, who became a deputy head of the military commission, according to KCNA.

Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said that Kim's public appearances have more to do with domestic politics than international signaling, but it is interesting for him to reappear in state media about the time the world started noticing hed been gone for three weeks again.

The meeting was held amid a prolonged deadlock in negotiations with the United States over the Norths nuclear program. The two countries diplomacy faltered when a second summit between Kim and President Donald Trump in February 2019 ended without any agreement due to disputes over U.S.-led sanctions on North Korea.

Story continues

Frustrated over the lack of progress, Kim later said he would unveil a new strategic weapon and would no longer be bound by a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile tests. Kim hasnt followed through with those threats, though he did conduct a slew of short-range missile tests.

On Sunday, the Norths main Rodong Sinmun newspaper released photos showing Kim clad in his trademark dark Mao suit delivering a speech, writing on a document and pointing a stick at a board on the podium. Elderly military generals wearing olive green uniforms were seen taking notes as Kim, 36, spoke  something thats typical in North Korean state media-distributed photos.

Despite lingering rumors about Kims health, South Korean officials have said he didnt undergo surgery or any other medical procedure.

South Koreas spy agency recently told lawmakers that it believes the coronavirus pandemic had led Kim to avoid public activities, saying he appeared in public 17 times this year, compared with an average of 50 appearances in the same time period each year since he took power in late 2011.
By Trend

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 22 times, Trend reports on May 24 referring to Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

The Armenian armed forces were using large-caliber machine guns.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on the withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
OPINION: One letter writer (and possibly Swiftie) insists the press is "gonna hate, hate, hate" Donald Trump, regardless of what policy he might propose. That and more in this edition of Letters to the Editor.
Schneider Electric, a leading player in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced that it has released a public API (application programming interface) for cloud-based software EcoStruxure IT Expert.

The first public API for EcoStruxure IT Expert, it enables IT solution providers and end users to seamlessly integrate a power and critical infrastructure monitoring platform into any preferred management system, Schneider Electric said in a statement.

With the introduction of EcoStruxure IT Expert API, Schneider Electric is helping to simplify management at the edge for IT solution providers and end users who are managing distributed IT infrastructure. EcoStruxure IT Expert API builds on the success of EcoStruxure IT Expert, the industrys first hosted monitoring platform, which is vendor-agnostic and powered by artificial intelligence. Now enhanced with new public API capabilities, the platform keeps increasing its flexibility. For example, users can maintain a local data store and build custom applications that react to changes. With this increased access to energy and infrastructure resource data, users can make changes to increase efficiency and sustainability.

We are working with our partners and customers in new and different ways so they can gain the right visibility and insights on their IT infrastructure while we help to create a more open ecosystem, said Kevin Brown, Senior Vice President EcoStruxure, Energy Management Business, Schneider Electric. We have been talking about releasing a public API in the past year, and this announcement of its availability for EcoStruxure IT Expert demonstrates our on-going commitment to solving efficiency and sustainability challenges with edge computing while also opening up new business opportunities for partners.

With the addition of the public API, IT solution providers can easily integrate the EcoStruxure IT platform into their preferred systems. By adding remote monitoring of power and critical infrastructure into their portfolio, solution providers drive differentiation and bring more value to their customers who are grappling with the complexities of edge network management.

EcoStruxure IT Expert API brings additional power-based instrumentation to bear, supplementing our current platform with additional data to increase our related value proposition and enrich the overall customer experience, said Wayne St. Jacques, Vice President, Managed & Executive Services, ePlus.

Other key benefits of EcoStruxure IT Expert API are:

 Third-party integration: Integrate the EcoStruxure IT platform into your existing systems to mitigate risk of downtime by monitoring power and critical infrastructures.

 Improved, instantaneous visibility: Access critical infrastructure data from your preferred system and retrieve a snapshot of its current state to determine any alarms.

 Smarter, data-driven decision making: Capture alarm, inventory, sensor and location data to make key decisions and, in the case of a partner, make proactive recommendations to customers.

 Improved reporting: Pull data from your power and critical devices into existing or new dashboards and gain the ability to add metrics with a granular level of detail.

EcoStruxure IT Expert API is available globally in all markets, except China and is subscription based.

With an open, vendor-agnostic platform, EcoStruxure IT software and services provide the power and flexibility for customers to seamlessly manage critical infrastructure devices on their own, with a partner, or to leverage Schneider Electrics expert service engineers to manage it on their behalf, the statement said.--TradeArabia News Service
A 48-year-old Brick woman beat her wife to death with a wine chiller last weekend in the townhouse they shared and fled to Texas after her wife tried to end their relationship, according to authorities.

Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus is charged with murder in the death of Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus, 32, and is awaiting extradition to New Jersey after being captured Wednesday in Houston.

A friend of Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus told police that she had been talking about ending the relationship the night before she was found dead in the couples apartment, according to court documents obtained by NJ Advance Media through a records request. The friend and Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus worked together at a Toms River assisted living facility.

She was taking her wedding ring off, and did not plan to wear it anymore," the friend told police, according to the affidavit filed by a Brick police detective. She wanted to date a man.

A spokesman for Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said it was his offices understanding that the two women were married, though it was unclear when or where. They had joint bank accounts, family members told police.

Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus, 48, of Brick TownshipOcean County Prosecutor's Office

When Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus did not show up for work on May 17, that led to multiple calls between family members of both women and attempts to reach them. A relative of Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus and her boyfriend went to the couples townhouse apartment and found Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus dead under a sheet in a second-floor bedroom, authorities said.

A cylindrical container, described by police as a wine chiller, was found in the bedroom and believed to be the weapon used the in killing, authorities said. Police found a fingerprint on the wine chiller that matched to Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus.

On the evening of May 16, the night before the body was found, Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus withdrew $700 from an ATM in New York City, police said. She also tried to call a travel agent that night. The Ocean County Prosecutors Office has said they believe she took a bus to Texas.

Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus was arrested in Houston on Wednesday by members of the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Houston Police Department.

Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus had told her coworker that she had feared for her safety in the days before her death after telling her wife she no longer wanted to stay in the relationship, authorities said. The couple had recently been in Ecuador until February and had been living in the Brick townhouse about for a month, family members told police. The couple had verbal altercations while in Ecuador, authorities said.

Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus told the coworker that Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus had offered her $3,000 to stay in the relationship, authorities said.

In addition to the murder charge, Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus also faces weapons offenses.

The complex in Brick where Rebecca and Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus shared an apartment before Rebecca, 32, was found bludgeoned to death and Mayra, 48, was charged with her murder.Google

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Avalon Zoppo contributed to this article.

Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com.
By and large, the coronavirus pandemic has taken a huge toll on Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS). The COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, declared as pandemic late January by the World Health Organization (WHO), allegedly originated (yet to be proved) from Wuhan city in China. However, the World Health Assembly on May 18-19 by a resolution agreed to launch an investigation into the origin of the disease, whose unyielding march across the globe since last year and has already left more than 320,000 dead.

Statistics made available (Johns Hopkins University) as at May 20, showed that Brazil (310,087) in South America, Russia (317,554) in Eastern Europe or compared to, say in the former Soviet region, India (118,447) and China (84,507) both in Asian region, and South Africa (19,137) in Africa. It means South Africa, with a population 57 million, has one-fifth of the total confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa.

Further, assessing BRICS countries population in relation to the number of infections, Russia seems the worst spot among BRICS, and has taken the second highest in the world and that was followed in the third position by Brazil. Under a "pessimistic scenario", the number of active cases could peak again when the expected "second wave of coronavirus" sets in and if strict precautions are not observed.

The COVID-19 has shattered nearly all economies. But at the same time, just as the COVID-19 has offered opportunities, so it also presents significant challenges. In the world including BRICS countries, the outlook remains bleak. BRICS is interested in both, taking advantage of the emerging opportunities and dealing with the challenges.

Experts have argued that BRICS members meet to discuss various global issues, and plan its joint collaborative projects on the global landscape. Comparatively, Russia, India and China, all these three still respond individually to varying opportunities and pursue different investment in the world.

As experts noted, China and India lead in the pursuit of economic spheres of influence worldwide. Geography of investment largely explains why China and India seem to be leading, followed by Russia, among the five. With regard to coronavirus and the operations of WHO, Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech via video link at the opening of the World Health Assembly, pledges $2 billion to deal with COVID-19.

According to an executive decree published in April on the official website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia contributed $1 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) to fight the coronavirus. Figures unavailable for Brazil, India and South Africa.

Still put them together, BRICS is an upcoming and developing force to reckon with. Thus on May 7, Russia's Health Ministry held a meeting of BRICS countries via videoconference focusing, particularly, on the issue of the novel coronavirus pandemic discussed joint efforts needed by BRICS countries. It was held within the framework of Russia's BRICS chair-ship.

Participants from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa discussed at the meeting all aspects, including measures on liquidation of the novel coronavirus infection, and submitted report to BRICS Health Ministries. "It is planned that the online platform will provide partners with an opportunity to share BRICS countries' experience and develop joint steps towards reaching a better understanding of the ways to liquidate the COVID-19 outbreak," according to the report.

The participating officials agreed that it is important to strengthen international cooperation, within the framework of which there has to be a transparent and timely exchange of information.

During the discussions, the countries also agreed to continue providing mutual support in activities to prevent and treat the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19, as well as to create favorable conditions for the supply of deliveries of medications and diagnostic materials, immune-biological preparations and medical equipment.

Under an "optimistic scenario", the BRICS meeting by Health Ministers of BRICS countries pledged to adopt further collaborative steps as their collective contributions toward the eradication of the global pandemic.

It is worth to say that BRICS has to accelerate the implementation of some of its earlier initiatives. Over the years, the BRICS has wanted to expand cooperation in the fight against infections and the joint production and use of vaccines. Cooperation on countering infectious diseases has long been a priority for BRICS. For instance, the final declaration of the 2015 BRICS summit in Ufa, Russia, contains instructions by the leaders to work on managing the risk of disease outbreaks.

That declaration stated: "we commend the efforts made by the BRICS countries to contribute to enhanced international cooperation to support the efforts of countries to achieve their health goals, including the implementation of universal and equitable access to health services, and ensure affordable, good-quality service delivery while taking into account different national circumstances, policies, priorities and capabilities."

Last month for instance, BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs /International Relations held a video conference chaired by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister Ernesto Araujo, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and South African Minister of International Relations Grace Naledi Pandor took part in the meeting.

China and Russia have strong working relationship and both are members of BRICS. Russia objects to attempts by the United States to turn the World Health Organization (WHO) into a forum for settling political scores, Minister Lavrov said with colleagues during the video conference of BRICS Foreign Ministers held late April. Russia has been working closely together with China, and Russia has no reason to oppose China, according to Minister Lavrov.

Key Highlights from that meeting included:

 The BRICS nations agreed to allocate $15 billion to the New Development Bank (NDB) so that it could set up a special loan instrument to support the revival of economies and help meet the emergency expenses incurred for responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

The BRICS nations further held discussions on ways to step up cooperation within the bloc to contain coronavirus pandemic, as well as to revive the economies that have received a major blow due to the travel restrictions and lockdown imposed in most countries to curb the spread of coronavirus.

 The meeting underlined the need for reforms in the multilateral systems and stated that this was the way forward. The bloc reiterated its support towards the World Health Organization, stating that it is a very important and unique platform, which employs the best professionals from around the world, including from the United States.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on all the BRICS members to firmly stand by multilateralism, by the international system centered around the United Nations and by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

Throughout 2020, - under the theme "BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth" - Russia holds the BRICS pro tempore presidency.

The emphasis of the Russian presidency is on promoting science, technology and innovation and digital economy and health, and strengthening cooperation in the fight against transnational crimes. In addition to those, dozens of academic, sporting, cultural and artistic events planned for the year, culminates with the final BRICS Summit on July 2123 in St Petersburg, chosen as the venue in accordance with the Presidential Executive Order No. 380 of 15 August 2019.

BRICS is the group composed by the five major emerging countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, - which together represent about 42% of the population, 23% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 30% of the territory and 18% of the global trade.

*Kester Kenn Klomegah is an independent researcher on Russia, Africa and BRICS. He is the author of the Geopolitical Handbook titled Putins African Dream and The New Dawn: Challenges and Emerging Opportunities devoted to the first Russia-Africa Summit 2019.
Two men, who were injured along with two other people when a wall of a house collapsed near an encounter site in Nawakadal area of Srinagar on Tuesday, died at a hospital here, police said on Sunday.

Manzoor Ahmad, a resident of Hawal, succumbed to burn injuries at a hospital here this morning, a police official said.

Hours later, another injured person, Fayaz Ahmad, a resident of Jamalatta area, also succumbed, the official said.

This has taken the death toll in the house collapse incident to three.

Basim Aijaz, a resident of Chota Bazar in Karan Nagar area of the city, succumbed at SMHS hospital late on Wednesday night.

Four people, including Aijaz, were injured on Tuesday at the encounter site at Kanemazar in Nawakadal area of the city where two militants, including top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Junaid Sehrai, were killed.

The wall had collapsed when people were clearing the debris of one of the houses destroyed in the encounter, leaving four people injured.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chinas move to strip away another layer of Hong Kongs autonomy was not a rash impulse. It was a deliberate act, months in the making. It took into account the risks of international umbrage and reached the reasonable assumption that there would not be a significant geopolitical price to pay.

As a provocative move, it is just the latest.

With the world distracted by the pandemics devastating toll, China has taken a series of aggressive actions in recent weeks to flex its economic, diplomatic and military muscle across the region.

Chinas Coast Guard rammed and sank a fishing boat in disputed waters off Vietnam, and its ships swarmed an offshore oil rig operated by Malaysia. Beijing denounced the second inauguration of Taiwans president, Tsai Ing-wen, and pointedly dropped the word peaceful from its annual call for unification with the island democracy.

Chinese troops squared off again last week with Indias along their contentious border in the Himalayas.
A trapeze artist trapped in a Spanish town because of the coronavirus crisis has died after falling and hitting her head during a practice session.

Uruguayan Guadalupe Videla, 29, smashed her skull on the ground in a freak accident after plunging around five feet and missing a safety mat by inches.

She was rushed to hospital but died hours later.

The tragedy happened in the Basque town of Beasain, a half-hour drive south of the city of San Sebastian, where Guadalupe had been stranded since the middle of March with the circus she worked for.

Uruguayan Guadalupe Videla, 29, smashed her skull on the ground in a freak accident after plunging around five feet and missing a safety mat by inches in Beasain, Spain

She had only just joined Il Circo Italiano after arriving from Andorra.

A routine police investigation is underway into her death.

Circus bosses paid tribute to Guadalupe in an emotional social media post, saying: 'An angel left us.

'We know that she will continue showing off her beauty and talent and the fantastic smile she always gifted us from Heaven.

'We will always miss the way she made the impossible possible.

Guadalupe had been stranded since the middle of March with the circus she worked for. She had only just joined Il Circo Italiano after arriving from Andorra.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Guadalupe will always be in our hearts.'

Devastated friend Paola Tapia said: 'Beat your wings and fly so high where sadness never reaches you.

'Fly so fast you will triumph over your adversities.

'You lived your life as you wanted and you travelled the world as you wished.

'You were happy and you became an angel my friend. Follow your path with those wings you always dreamed of having.

'We are going to miss you so much. My heart is broken but you would tell me, "My friend don't cry".'

As well as Spain and Argentina, Guadalupe's love of the circus had taken her to countries including Panama

Edgardo Fonticelli said of the tragedy involving the trapeze artist, from the Uruguayan capital Montevideo: 'What a loss. Such a young artist.'

As well as Spain and Argentina, Guadalupe's love of the circus had taken her to countries including Panama.

A couple of months before her death she shared an old 2013 photo with friends of her with her first tattoo and joked: 'My first tattoo and this is how I started. Let's go for more.'

Her devastated colleagues are hoping to start performing in Beasain at the start of June once an easing of lockdown restrictions enables the circus to re-open.

The accident that led to her death occurred as she was practising for a new show with other acrobats.

Circus director Pele Rossi, insisting she might only have been injured if she had not fallen from such a low height, said: 'If she had been higher up when she fell she would have had time to twist round.'
Both of the Democrats running for governor this year say they want to finally get a statewide public pre-kindergarten program, while one of the Republicans, Attorney General Tim Fox, said he'd want to bolster existing private and religious options while exploring public models other GOP governors in the country have supported.

U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, another Republican running for governor, said he didn't think there'd be space to pursue pre-kindergarten while also working to increase teacher pay, and state Sen. Al Olszewski said he wanted to focus on changing how schools are funded.

In one of the biggest policy setbacks for Democrats in the 2019 legislative session, lawmakers failed to pass expanded public pre-kindergarten, which has long been a priority for Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock, and lost funding for existing programs.

The governor's office is open this year as Bullock is termed out from running again and is seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate. His lieutenant governor, Mike Cooney, is running in the Democratic primary to be the state's next governor, along with Missoula businesswoman Whitney Williams.

Cooney said for him, a high-quality public program will be a top priority.

I think where Montana is probably failing is the fact that we dont have a voluntary public, quality pre-K program in the state, Cooney said. Were one of the handful of states that doesnt offer that. All the science out there demonstrates why that is such a valuable program and how it better prepares our young people to be successful. Pre-k is very important, and we need to fight like heck to get that implemented in the state of Montana.

Williams also said that she supported a public preschool program.

It really is about implementing that statewide public preschool program for our littlest learners, and its time we get that done, Williams said. I believe that Montanas Constitution tells us rightly so that everyone is entitled to a free, high-quality public education. We should start with our 4-year-olds. Were one of only a handful of states that doesnt prioritize our littlest learners.

The rolling back of existing programs has given Williams a line of attack on Cooney, because it happened during the administration hes a part of. Cooneys running mate, state Rep. Casey Schreiner, was minority leader in the House in 2019 when Bullocks original $22 million bill, which Schreiner carried, failed with Republican opposition.

A Republican proposal that also didnt advance would have put money toward public and private programs, which drew the ire of the states largest union, the Montana Federation of Public Employees, which represents school employees among others. The union has endorsed Cooney and Schreiner this election.

Williams was also critical in an interview of money from a 2017 budget item that sent funding to 10 school districts and seven private programs, and said she wouldnt back allowing taxpayer dollars to go toward private programs.

Under a Fox administration, thered be an exploration of a mixed-delivery pre-kindergarten model, similar to the ones that over a dozen Republican governors across our nation have promoted and instituted in their states, Fox said. That would involve bolstering the private and religious pre-kindergarten programs while exploring the possibility of a public one.

Still, Fox acknowledged the budget scenario the state will face in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic could slow plans.

There will be some tough budget decisions to make, Fox said. I adamantly oppose raising taxes and there may be fewer options available to lawmakers in the coming legislative session depending on the impact to state revenues because of the pandemic.

Given the priority he places on raising teacher pay, Gianforte said he didnt see a way to prioritize public pre-kindergarten.

When our teachers cant put three meals a day on the table, we need to focus on getting their pay up first, Gianforte said.

One of the biggest challenges Gianforte sees public schools facing is that not enough of the money allocated to them is reaching the classroom and that teacher pay is too low.

Its not because the moneys not allocated, Gianforte said.

He said that hes spoken with teachers in rural Montana who are unable to make ends meet on their salaries.

Id like to work with our educators to figure out how to get more money to the classroom so we can attract the best and brightest to teach our kids, Gianforte said, adding he would work with the Office of Public Instruction to figure out solutions.

In interviews, both Democrats running for governor focused almost as much on their priorities for public education as the dangers they said Gianforte posed to them, citing his past support of private schools. That is a repeat of attacks against Gianforte made by Bullock and the Montana Democratic Party in the 2016 governors race.

Gianforte has chaired the board for the Petra Academy, a private Bozeman school that offers a classical Christian education and is a major financial backer of the Montana Family Foundation, which has led the push for so-called "school choice" in the state over the last decade or so. Hes also given $4.6 million to fund ACE scholarships to help families afford private school tuition.

Earlier this year, Gianforte signed onto an amicus brief for the plaintiffs in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue. The case is over a Montana law passed by the state Legislature in 2015 creating tax credits to help pay for private school. The revenue department wrote rules preventing the tax credits to go toward religiously affiliated schools; a group of families in the Flathead challenged that rule in court.

In a recent interview, Gianforte said he still supports school choice, but that his focus as governor would first be finding ways to increase teacher pay.

I think parents know whats best for their children, Gianforte. That being said, many of our communities in Montana economically cant support multiple schools. So where parental choice in education may make sense in some of our larger communities, its impossible to implement in our rural communities. We need strong public schools, and that would be my focus.

In the Espinoza case, Fox declined to defend the Department of Revenues rule before the state Supreme Court.

Had (the Department of Revenue) just stayed within the confines of the statute the Legislature passed, they would have been fine, Fox said.

Fox added that he believes in school choice and that parents should have the ability to decide how their child is educated. Like Democrats, he cast concerns about Gianforte's support of private schools in the past and thinks his opponent would elevate private schools to the point of hurting public ones.

While more than 90% of Montanans send their children to public schools for their K-12 education, Fox said that might be different if there were more options, though he still thinks most would go to public school.

For Cooney, he said hed want to expand on several things the Bullock administration has championed, such as dual enrollment and prioritizing tuition freezes in the state budget.

Cooney also said hed also want to explore career options outside college, especially given the jobs lost during the pandemic.

We need to continue to look at ... other ways to give young people and people wanting to move into different jobs the ability to gain that necessary training or access to education to allow them to do that, Cooney said. Apprenticeship or certification programs are going to be key not only to educating our workforce but driving the economy.

Williams also called for boosting options, including community colleges. She said meeting educational needs will be critical in pulling the state out of the economic slump from the pandemic.

In a large state where smaller districts may struggle to recruit, Gianforte said the existing Montana Digital Academy is a good program that can be further developed and deployed.

My fear is that the next Einstein or Beethoven is born in some rural Montana community and the question is are we going to have a world-class physics teacher or world-class music composition teacher in that community? Gianforte said. With digital delivery, we can have Einstein himself teaching that child in conjunction with local teachers. This is not to eliminate our local teachers, it is to augment them.

Fox also raised concern about teacher salaries, saying that Montanas low ranking nationwide makes it difficult to recruit and retain teachers. He also wants to expand options outside the standard K-12 and college track.

We want to really enhance the career and the technical education programs across the state and have private companies and organizations work more closely with the school system and parents, Fox said. We want to continue to promote professional and personalized learning.

Olszewski said he would want to change the way the state pays for education by removing property taxes from the equation and shifting that portion of funding, which accounts for roughly a quarter of schools money, to natural revenue taxes.

The first thing we do is we take and we disconnect public education, put it off of our property taxes, and we find another way to pay for it. Like Wyoming, I would like to pay for public education through our natural resources royalties, taxes and revenue. Once weve done that, we can see our property taxes drop, Olszewski said.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Elnur Baghishov - Trend:

As many as 2,180 people have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past 24 hours in Iran, said Kiyanush Jahanpur, spokesman for Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Trend reports citing the ministry.

According to Jahanpur, 58 more people have died from the coronavirus over the past day.

Jahanpur added that the condition of 2,615 people is critical.

Jahanpur said that no deaths were reported in 13 provinces of Iran, only 1 death was registered in 8 provinces each.

So far, more than 800,000 tests have been conducted in Iran for the diagnosis of coronavirus.

Iran continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 135,700 people have tested positive for COVID-19, 7,417 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 105,800 have reportedly recovered from the disease.

The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease.

The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.

The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019.
The Government must revive a programme to disperse migrant children throughout the UK, the leader of Kent County Council warned last night.

Conservative councillor Roger Gough said the local authority was now the 'sole carer' of unaccompanied youngsters smuggled into Britain on dinghies and rafts.

Mr Gough has written to Home Secretary Priti Patel urging her to 'reactivate' the National Transfer Scheme (NTS), which previously rehoused children to the care of other councils.

The Government must revive a programme to disperse migrant children throughout the UK, the leader of Kent County Council warned last night

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Mr Gough said the number of children arriving on Kent's shores had doubled over the past 12 months. So far this year, 178 unaccompanied children have landed at Dover and were placed in the care of the council.

Mr Gough said: 'What we are seeing is arrivals on a scale which we in Kent certainly cannot cope with.

'We are in the process of having to double up, getting two people to share a room. In Covid-19 times, it is absolutely not what we want to be doing.'

While adults and families arriving in Dover can automatically be dispersed to other parts of the country, unaccompanied children are usually cared for at their point of arrival.

The Home Office launched the NTS in 2016 but Mr Gough says the scheme has 'dried up'. Last night, the Home Office insisted that NTS was still ongoing, but needed 'invigorating'.
From Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan to Chiranjeevi and Prabhas, India's film biggies are stepping forward to do their bit for migrants, daily wage workers and those from their own industry facing joblessness and near starvation in an unprecedented pan-India lockdown.

As COVID-19 spreads, the band of stars, filmmakers and musicians, among the most affluent in the country, are making contributions of money, food and medical supplies and, in some cases, offering their properties for use as quarantine centres.

They are being innovative too, raising money through online concerts and throwing in a virtual date.

The grand-daddy of stars, Amitabh Bachchan,has pledged monthly rations to support 1,00,000 households of daily wage workers, including spot boys and makeup artists, belonging to the All India Film Employees Confederation (AIFEC). The initiative is supported by Sony Pictures Networks India and Kalyan Jewellers.

Bachchan, one of the most followed stars in India, also did his bit to spread awareness and was part of a short film on social distancing called Family. The film was made in collaboration with stars from Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema.

With shootings cancelled and no idea of when audiences will feel confident enough to return to theatres, lakhs of people dependent on the film industry are on the verge of penury.

Superstar Salman Khan was one of the earliest celebrities to understand that lack of shootings will render many jobless. He pledged to directly help 25,000 daily wage artistes of FWICE every month through his Being Human Foundation.

We have about five lakh workers out of which 25,000 are in dire need of financial help. Being Human Foundation said they will take care of these workers on their own they are ensuring the money reaches them directly, FWICE president B N Tiwari told PTI in an earlier interview.

The actor has also asked fans to donate food to the needy and was seen loading ration packets in tractors and bullock carts to be sent to villages near his Panvel farmhouse, where he has been since the lockdown started on March 25.

His superstar colleague Shah Rukh went a step further by announcing a series of initiatives with his wife Gauri Khan and his business partners besides donating in the PM-CARES fund through his and actor Juhi Chawla's IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.

Their package' of relief includes contributing personal protective equipment' (PPE) for frontline health workers, daily food for 5,500 families in Mumbai, meal kits for 10,000 people per day, and essentials for 2,500 daily-wage workers as well as basic essentials and groceries to 2,500 workers in the national capital.

Shah Rukh and Gauri have also offered their four-floor office in suburban Mumbai to local civic authorities to help expand quarantine facilities in the city.

"This crisis is not going to pass in a hurry, it will take its time and its toll on all of us. It will also show us that there isn't really a choice between looking out for ourselves and looking out for one another.

"There's nothing more obvious in the spread of this pandemic, than the fact that each one of us is inextricably connected to each other, without any distinction," the actor said in a statement last month while announcing his charity initiatives.

With the nationwide lockdown in its fourth phase and India's count of COVID-19 cases crossing 1.3 lakh with more than 3,800 fatalities, other stars are digging deep into their pockets too. Akshay Kumar donated Rs 25 crore to the PM-CARES fund to help fight the virus in March apart from a Rs 2 crore contribution to Mumbai Police and other charity contributions.

Other who have donated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's PM-CARES fund include Vicky Kaushal, Karan Johar, Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Lata Mangeshkar. Ajay Devgn and filmmaker Rohit Shetty have donated Rs 51 lakh each for the daily wage workers in the film industry.

Besides, Hrithik Roshan, Vidya Balan, Farhan Akhtar, Sonu Sood and Sonakshi are among the people who have given money for PPE kits and food for healthcare professionals and other healthcare workers.

Like Shah Rukh, Sood has also offered his hotel in the city for healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and the paramedical staff, to stay. He also has been delivering meals to the underprivileged in Mumbai.

But that is not all.

Troubled by images of lakhs of migrant labourers making their way to their homes on foot with little or no food, the actor decided to help them reach home.

Sood facilitated several buses for hundreds of workers stranded in Mumbai so they could return to their homes in states such as Karnataka, Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

He has also been helping those reaching out to him via social media.

I will continue sending migrants home until the last migrant reunites with his family and loved ones. This is something really close to my heart and I will give it my all," the 46-year-old said in a statement.

Bollywood stars also raised funds through the high profile charity concert I for India held earlier this month to raise funds for frontline workers.

The digital concert, featuring 85 Indian and global stars such as Will Smith, Nick Jonas, Shah Rukh and Priyanka Chopra, raised Rs 52 crore.

And actor Arjun Kapoor offered a virtual date to raise funds for charity besides personal donations.

Down south, Baahubali actor Prabhas has given Rs 4 crore -- Rs 3 crore for the PM's National Relief Fund and Rs 50 lakh each to relief funds of the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana chief ministers.

Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan donated Rs 1 crore to the PM's relief fund and Rs 50 lakh each to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana CM relief funds.

Actor Ram Charan and his father Cheeranjeevi donated Rs 70 lakh and Rs 1 crore to the centre and state charities.

Telugu star Allu Arjun made a donation of Rs 1.25 crore to relieffunds of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Keralaand an additional, Rs 20 lakh to Corona Crisis Charity set up by Cheerajivi to help daily wage workers in the south film industry.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amidst ongoing speculations over the resumption of domestic flight operations in Maharashtra, the state government has finally agreed to allow limited take-offs and landings from Mumbai airport on Monday, when flying resumes after two months. Initially, 25 flights will be allowed to land and 25 more to take off from the Mumbai international airport beginning today May 25.

"Initially the state government will allow 25 take offs and 25 landings every day for domestic flights from Mumbai. This number will be increased gradually," news agency ANI quoted Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik as saying.

"State government will issue details and guidelines in this regard soon," he added.

Earlier on Sunday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that he has requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to give the state some more time to restart domestic flight services at the Mumbai airport.

"I spoke to Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today and told him that the Mumbai international airport needs more time to resume domestic flight operations," Uddhav Thackeray had said in an online news briefing.

Also Read: No flights to and from Mumbai? Maharashtra govt opposes air operations starting May 25

Earlier on Saturday, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh tweeted that it was "extremely ill-advised to re-open airports in red zone". According to Deshmukh, mere thermal scanning of passengers was inadequate with or without swabs.

Maharashtra is the worst-affected by the coronavirus pandemic in the country with 50,231 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state. Of this, Mumbai alone accounts for 30,542 cases and 988 deaths as of May 25, according to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data. Maharashtra has 14 red zones, including Mumbai and Pune.

The Civil Aviation ministry recently took the decision to reinstate flight operations from May 25, but in a calibrated manner. Subsequently, thousands of passengers had booked flights. However, later murmurs were doing the rounds that a few state governments were not happy with the aviation ministry's decision.

Also Read: Govt issues guidelines for domestic, international travel; check out the details here

The suspense over the resumption of air operations in Maharashtra has clearly indicated poor coordination between the Centre and the states.

Maharashtra government On Saturday communicated to the airport operator to fine-tune its operations and also discussed minimum flight operations like, "international transfer passengers from these cities, medical emergencies, students and cases on compassionate grounds only".

An official from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (MIAL) had told India Today that they were prepared to restart flight operations in Mumbai and all the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) were in place. He also said that passengers will be taken care of inside the airport.

A Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) official said he was sure that the operations would resume but on a limited basis. "Bookings have been made and even the airlines are ready. This cannot be rolled back now," he had said.

By Chitranjan Kumar
The Himachal Pradesh Congress has expressed surprise over Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur's statement of exploring ways to promote the hill state as a quarantine destination to boost tourism.

In a press note issued here, state Congress president Kuldeep Singh Rathore asked the chief minister to take practical decisions after due consideration for reviving the state's economy.

It is not only wrong to present Himachal as a quarantine destination but it may also prove dangerous for the state The Congress would not accept this decision to give an open invitation to the pandemic, Rathore said.

It has already become difficult to control coronavirus in Himachal due to the recent spurt in cases but if the state is turned into a quarantine destination, the situation might get out of hand, Rathore said.

Presenting Himachal as a quarantine destination for revival of tourism industry will prove to be anti-public, he said, adding that the state government should instead seek a financial relief package from the Centre.

Thakur had recently told a private channel that the state government might promote Himachal Pradesh as a quarantine destination by converting its hotels into quarantine centres.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Vietnam on Sunday morning confirmed one new patient of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a 34-year-old woman who returned to the country from Russia earlier this month.

The patient, Vietnams 325th, hails from the northern province of Ninh Binh, the Ministry of Health stated, adding that she had come back on board flight VN0062 on May 13.

She was previously infected with COVID-19 in Russia and had recovered from it prior to her repatriation, the ministry added.

Following her arrival, she was brought to an isolation facility in the northern province of Hai Duong,

Her first test result came back negative for the virus on May 13.

However, she tested positive twice on May 21 and 23 and was sent to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hai Duong Province.

A total of 32 people aboard flight VN0062, including two flight attendants, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus so far.

Among them, 27 are being isolated and treated in northern Thai Binh Province, two in Hai Duong Province, two in Ho Chi Minh City, and one in northern Quang Ninh Province.

All passengers and flight crew members were taken to quarantine camps following their arrival at Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh.

The novel coronavirus, which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, has sickened over 5.39 million people and killed nearly 343,600 globally as of Sunday morning, according to Ministry of Health statistics.

Vietnam has announced 325 COVID-19 patients so far, with 267 having recovered. No fatality in association with the disease has been reported in the country to date.

No new infections in the community have been documented in the Southeast Asian country for nearly 40 days.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - Tunisian President Kais Saied on Saturday issued a stern warning to supporters of the counter-revolution and those who "are nostalgic for the past", saying they "are deluding themselves"
I was on the front porch when you drove by and I waved, happy that spring has found us.

We now have temps in the high 70s which I observed last week by enjoying an outdoor lunch on our backyard deck, dining on Louises chicken salad made with cranberries and bits of pecans, all excellent, followed by a fresh baked brownie for dessert. A raven landed on the railing and cocked his eye at my plate so I tossed him a cranberry and he caught it mid-air. A wonder. This never happened before COVID-19.

Another wonder of the pandemic is how polished and squeaky clean everybody is since government demanded we hunker down and take hygiene tips from raccoons.

Thus, stores are still low on hand sanitizers. Also running low is rubbing alcohol, antibacterial wipes, and almost any kind of cleaner, but when you do get close to people they smell clean, like lavender or a jug of bleach. I was recently approached by a homeless gentleman who told me gin is a proven sanitizer, which probably makes Washington, D.C., the cleanest place on earth.
1. 'Money Heist' To Reportedly Return For Seasons 5 And 6: Here's Everything We Know So Far

wallpapersden.com

According to Spanish site Marca, Netflix gave the 'go-ahead' to the fifth and sixth seasons. However, the streaming platform is yet to confirm the same. The website reports that the renewal agreement was made before the release of season 4, as per Express.



2. Kiran Kumar Reportedly Tests Positive For Coronavirus, Says He Is Asymptomatic & 'Doing Fine'

asianetnews.com

Veteran actor Kiran Kumar is the latest Bollywood star to have tested positive for COVID-19. Known for his roles in movies like Tezaab, Dhadkan, Mujhse Dosti Karoge and Khuda Gawah, Kumar found out about the diagnosis when he went for a minor check up to the hospital about 10 days ago.



3. Smriti Irani & Jayant Patil Praise Sonu Sood For Helping Migrants, Call Him A 'Hero'

Not only has Sonu has won the hearts of the audiences, he is also being showered with praises from other actors, police officers and even politicians. The latest to join the bandwagon is Smriti Irani.



4. 15 Brilliant Performances From Recent Web Shows That Prove Bollywood Is The One Missing Out!

Not only have these shows given us amazing stories, they have also given us star performers and actors who were otherwise overshadowed by the 'heroes' in Bollywood.



5. Chef Vikas Khanna To Distribute Food To Those Affected By Cyclone Amphan In West Bengal

Now, according to a report on The Times Of India, Chef Khanna has reached out to the NGOs and he will soon start the distribution of food.


A woman who raised questions about Florida's COVID-19 data after being ousted as the data's curator had been reprimanded several times for violating Health Department policy, including for posting political commentary about the information, state records show.

Rebekah Jones' comments over the past week and a half in emails to researchers, interviews with a handful of media outlets, and blog posts have sought to sow doubt about the credibility of the data now that she is no longer in that role.

State health officials strenuously deny any issue with the information's accuracy as Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis seeks to make a data-driven case for a step-by-step reopening of the state's battered economy following safer-at-home orders.

Jones has not alleged any tampering with data on deaths, hospital symptom surveillance, hospitalizations for COVID-19, numbers of new confirmed cases, or overall testing rates.

She has, however, suggested Health Department managers wanted her to manipulate information to paint a rosier picture and that she pushed back.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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"There are potentially 10,000 spaces available in the nation's enterprise centres and remote-working hubs," said Gary O'Meara, chairman of the National Association of Community Enterprise Centres (NACEC). Photo: David Conachy

Enterprise centres could open their doors to remote workers from multinational firms to give them access to key facilities.

The plan would allow the country's enterprise hubs replace SME tenants that are going out of business due to the impact of the pandemic.

Business Minister Heather Humphreys has given her backing to the plan, which would bring new business to more than 200 State-backed enterprise hubs throughout the country.

"There are potentially 10,000 spaces available in the nation's enterprise centres and remote-working hubs," said Gary O'Meara, chairman of the National Association of Community Enterprise Centres (NACEC), which is leading the plan.

"Facilities available include everything from desk spaces, digital lab spaces, wet labs, kitchens, meeting rooms and wifi. Many people are now finding that working at home comes with big limitations so this could be a very welcome opportunity for many companies and their workers. It's a win-win for everyone."

A business barometer survey at the centres by NACEC, which promotes, supports and develops the community and regional enterprise sector, found 33pc of them had tenants which had shut down permanently. NACEC has calculated the plan would require 5m investment in the sector to help enterprise centres and co-working hubs to adapt their facilities and services, particularly to social-distancing requirements. O'Meara said this investment would likely have to come from Government and that further discussions with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation would take place next week.

O'Meara said the plan had the potential to provide long-term solutions beyond the pandemic and could be a boost for local communities.

John O'Dea, chief executive of Tech Ireland, which represents many large multinational employers, expressed support for the emerging plan.

"Enabling people to work closer to where they live can have positive and long-term sustainable benefits for the environment, rural regeneration and the health and well-being of our employees, so utilising the national enterprise hub infrastructure to support the future of flexible working is an exciting project that we are delighted to be supporting," he said.

Humphreys said that her department "has awarded considerable funding to support the development of a national network of enterprise, technology and co-working hubs throughout Ireland and I believe NACEC and the wider enterprise hub network is well placed to support our multinationals, large corporates and SMEs with their remote and flexible working requirements after the pandemic".
Taking a swipe at the Centre over the plight of migrant labourers amidst the coronavirus-induced lockdown, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday said the humanity shown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by washing the feet of conservatory workers seems to have vanished now.

In his weekly column published in the Sena mouthpiece Saamana, Raut said, Prime Minister Modi had washed the feet of four conservatory workers in Varanasi and showed us the humanity. It seems this humanity has vanished in the last three months.

The PM had washed washed the feet of safai karamcharis (sanitation workers) during Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj last February as a mark of respect for their work.

Raut, who is the executive editor of the Saamana and chief whip of the Sena in Parliament, also sought to draw parallels between politicisation of displacement of Kashmiri Pandits and the plight of migrant labourers, who are bearing the brunt of the lockdown.

The issue of Kashmiri Pandits being forced to leave their homes and living as refugees in their own country has been politicised frequently. Today, some six crore migrant workers are forced to live the similar way, he said.

Those who get angry with Adolf Hitlers cruelty and treatment to Jews should tell us what have they done for these migrant workers. If the ruling government is not moved by the sufferings of migrant workers in all states then this Coronavirus has ended the humanity, he said.

Raut also targeted BJP leaders from Maharashtra over their frequent meeting with state governor B S Koshyari instead of interacting with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who heads the Shiv Sena.

The Opposition in Maharashtra is consistently claiming that the Thackeray-led government has failed. They should not forget that governments of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat are actually the biggest failures in containing COVID-19 cases.

And since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah hail from Gujarat, they cannot escape this responsibility, he said.

Raut said that everybody is sailing in the same boat as far as the current COVID crisis and its adverse impact on the economy are concerned. We have to work together to contain the outbreak, he added.

Raut also slammed former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP who had criticised NCP chief Sharad Pawar for questionning the Atma Nirbhar package in the latters recent letter to the prime minister.

Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis is getting agitated with letters of Sharad Pawar. Who has stopped him from writing letters to Prime Minister Modi? he asked.

Rut said the only agenda of Fadnavis is to dissolve the Sena-led tripartite government with the help of the governor.

If the Opposition keeps patients their lockdown will also end soon, Raut said cryptically.

He also said that Opposition party (read BJP) is ridiculed the most on social media which is not a good sign.

Raut also asked Fadnavis to meet the CM and Sharad Pawar once.
A 19-year-old migrant worker who had returned from Mumbai, died of respiratory complications late Saturday night in Jharkhands Koderma district prompting officials to send his samples for Covid-19 test.

The youth had come from Mumbai privately on a truck on May 16 and went straight to his village in Satgawa block. When it came to our knowledge, he was picked up and sent to the quarantine centre set up at the blocks Panchayat Bhawan, said Koderma deputy commissioner Ramesh Gholakh.

He added, On Saturday, he developed some Covid-19 symptoms including respiratory trouble and dysentery and was brought to the districts Sadar hospital for treatment. His condition further deteriorated and he was shifted to the citys Jaiprakash Hospital for better treatment but he died late night.

Since he had symptoms of coronavirus infection, his samples were taken for testing to confirm if the death was due to pandemic, the deputy commissioner said, adding, Test result is awaited.

The body was reportedly cremated as per the health departments protocol for Covid-19 casualties.

Koderma district had reported its first Covid-19 death on Saturday after another migrant worker, who too had returned from Mumbai, tested positive for SARS-COV-2 virus after his death on Thursday.

The 39-year-old man had died of cardiac arrest on May 21. Since he came from Mumbai, a Covid-19 hotspot, his samples were taken and tested for Covid-19. The test report, which came on Saturday, showed positive.

Jharkhand has so far reported 353 positive cases including 141 recoveries and four deaths.

On Sunday, three more positive cases were reported from East Singhbhum district taking the states tally to 353.
The sudden outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic forced the Supreme Court to resort to virtual court hearings to ensure the safety of lawyers, litigants and media personnel, Supreme Court judge justice DY Chandrachud said on Sunday.

But virtual court hearings will not replace or be a substitute to physical courts, justice Chandrachud made it clear at a webinar organized by Nyaya Forum of National Academy of Legal Studies and Research, Hyderabad on the topic Future of Virtual Courts and Access to Justice in India.

I want to dissuade people from the idea that virtual court hearings are some sort of a panacea. They will not be able to replace physical court hearings. We had to resort to virtual court hearings because Covid-19 descended without warning and we had no other choice. We had to protect those who come to court  lawyers, litigants, media personnel, para-legal, interns, he said.

The Supreme Court, which is under complete shutdown due to the Coronavirus threat, has been hearing only extremely urgent cases since March 23 via video conferencing without the personal presence of lawyers.

The top court had issued a circular on March 23 suspending entry of lawyers and litigants to the court premises and directing that only extremely urgent cases will be taken up for hearing through video conferencing during the lockdown period.

The video conferencing is conducted by the court through Vidyo app which can be downloaded on mobile phones and desktop.

On the use of technology in courts, justice Chandrachud said that technology is an inseparable adjunct to rule of law and will have to be employed as a critical element in court design. But it should be inclusive and should replace court procedures into manageable chunks, he added.

Our court procedures are tardy and unintelligible to common people, justice Chandrachud conceded.

Justice Chandrachud, who is also the chairperson of the e-committee at the Supreme Court, said that the digitization of courts including e-filing must be standardized across the country.

The filing of cases in Supreme Court is set to undergo a radical change with the introduction of the new e-filing module in the near future. The module will provide personalized information to every advocate-on-Record of cases which have been filed by them, their own causelist of cases, details of pleadings filed by them and pleadings filed by others in cases in which they are appear.

The service will be available round the clock which would mean that a lawyer can file a case anytime of the day and any day irrespective of whether the registry is working or not.

We as judges have a vital role to ensure that young members of the Bar are trained and we have to do the hand-holding ourselves, justice Chandrachud said.
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Global Gingivostomatitis Market report titled Global Gingivostomatitis Market Research Report- Forecast To 2023 Based on treatment, the market has been segmented as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiviral and antibacterial, debridement of the mouth and others.

The Global Gingivostomatitis Market is expected to reach USD 15.5 billion by 2023, and the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of ~ 6.6 % during the forecast period 2017-2023.

The Worldwide Gingivostomatitis Market report analyzes the market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. The Global Gingivostomatitis Market Trends report provide overview of key players and their strategic profiling in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market. Gingiva means gums and stomata refer to mouth. Gingivostomatitis is a combination of gingivitis and stomatitis, which is the inflammation of the oral mucosa and gingiva. Gingivostomatitis is most commonly caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), coxsackievirus, bacteria such as Streptococcus, Actinomyces etc. Poor oral hygiene is an important risk factor for Gingivostomatitis.

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Symptoms of gingivostomatitis may include tender sores on the gums or cheeks, bad breath, fever, swollen gums and lymph nodes, bleeding, difficulty in eating etc. Gingivostomatitis is a common infection of the mouth and gums and frequently occurs in children. If left untreated complications such as severe mouth ulcers can occur. Gingivostomatitis is caused in 90% of cases by herpes simplex virus type 1. Acyclovir and penciclovir are the drugs of choice for the treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1, but microbial resistance has been on a rise which has led to high degree of clinical failures. Thus there is an unmet need for a new drug with selectivity and lethal action against of herpes simplex virus. Development of any new drug for the treatment of herpes simplex virus will be met with great market enthusiasm with a minimum of marketing costs and efforts.

The Americas accounted for a significant market share owing to extensive use of medications and high expenditure on the health care. Additionally, the fastest uptake of new products in the US drives the Gingivostomatitis market. Also, concentration of major healthcare companies in the developed countries of this region coupled with the larger market for oral hygiene products is adding fuel to the market growth. The large expenditure by the US on healthcare accounting to 16% of GDP also cruises the sale of Gingivostomatitis treatment.

Europe is the second largest market in the world due to high income and healthcare penetration. Europe is led by countries such as Germany and France. UK is expected to be the fastest growing market. The large influence of media and the rise in awareness of oral hygiene coupled with the high per capita income of the population drives the European market for Gingivostomatitis.

Asia Pacific region is expected to grow rapidly and China and India are likely to lead this market due to fast growing healthcare sector and large unmet needs during the forecast period. South East Asia countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia will also contribute highly to the market.

Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are estimated to drive the Middle East & African market. Other Middle East nations to watch out for will be Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt and Iran. The African region is expected to witness a moderate growth owing to poor economic and political conditions and poor healthcare development. However it has to be noted that Africa has the highest unmet needs in the world and cost effective products will be the key to dominate the African market. First comer advantage and established dominance in African market are advantages that will be difficult to overcome by any new player due to the smaller market size and market value of the African market for Gingivostomatitis.

Some of the key players in this market are Pfizer Inc., Taj Pharmaceutical limited., Ciron pharma, Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & CO., Inc. Novartis, F. Hoffman La Roche AG, Eli Lily and Company, AstraZeneca Plc., and others.

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Global Gingivostomatitis Market, Applications

Global Gingivostomatitis Market, By Types

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Deputy Communications Director of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mame Yaa Aboagye has urged Ghanaians not to entrust the countrys future into the hands of former President John Mahama and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).



According to the NPP Deputy Communications Director, former President Mahama and the NDC have nothing good to offer Ghanaians.



Former President John Dramani Mahama has outlined his vision for his next term in office which is to address the plight of Ghanaians.



The former President is eyeing the Presidential seat and appealing to Ghanaians to give him another term.



Mr. Mahama stated on his Facebook that, if elected President again, he will build a peaceful, secure and prosperous nation, and provide sustainable jobs through industrialization for rapid development.



Reacting to Mr. Mahamas goals for his next administration, Mame Yaa reminded the citizenry of the poor governance by the former President saying he superintended a corrupt administration which saw his officials embezzling state funds while he also mismanaged the economy.



Mr. Mahamas latest vision for Ghanaians are vague. What happened when he was the President? You had your time, chances and opportunityWhat did you do with it? In all your four years in office what did you achieved? Is it dumsor, bribery and corruption, SADA, GYEEDA, bus branding? she questioned and added that up to date, as a flag bearer of the largest opposition party, you have not even come clear with your ManifestoWhat is your message for Ghanaians, policies, your plans and programs as NDC flag bearer? indeed the alternative is totally empty and visionless.



She also touted the achievements of President Nana Akufo-Addo and was optimistic Ghanaians will re-elect him to power.



We are privileged to have a President who always thinks outside the box and has rolled out his programs, plans with good polices and one of such policies is to transform Ghana with Free SHS, 1V1D, 1D1F, NABco and the rapid mechanism put in place in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. This is what we call visionary President.









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Chhattisgarh government has



issued standard operating procedure (SOP) for medical screening and quarantining of people arriving in the state on domestic flights and trains amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

A directive about the SOP was issued by the General Administration Department Secretary Dr Kamalpreet Singh on May 22, a public relations department official here said.

The people interested to return to Chhattisgarh from other states must register themselves with the state portal, and district collectors would inform the nodal officers of the concerned gram panchayat or urban wards to ensure compliance of quarantine protocols after the arrival of the passengers, he said quoting the directive.

With domestic air services resuming from May 25, the Raipur Municipal Corporation commissioner will coordinate with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and local police to set up facilitation centres for passengers at the Swami Vivekanand Airport here, he said.

Health desks will be set up in these facilitation centres, and passengers will be subjected to a medical check- up, including thermal screening, and those showing coronavirus symptoms will be admitted in the airport's isolation kiosk, he added.

Those showing no symptoms would be placed in 14-day quarantine at government centres, homes or paid facilities, the official said, adding that passengers will have to submit a written undertaking they will strictly follow isolation norms.

"Baggage will be sanitised at the airport and only select vehicles whose details are with the transport department will be allowed to pick and drop passengers," he said.

"Similarly, the district administration would work in co-ordination the railways to set up facilitation centres at stations. The SOP for medical screening and quarantining for train passengers will be the same as air travelers." he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

Two Republicans  Joseph Tiano and Susan Vescovo  are vying in the June 2 primary election to face incumbent Democrat Liz Stefanics in the general election this fall to represent New Mexico State Senate District 39.

The almost vertically shaped district runs from Ruidoso in southern New Mexico almost to Mora in the northern part of the state, bypassing Santa Fe. While it is primarily a rural district, it includes the tourist towns of Lamy and Madrid.

Personally, I think its gerrymandering, said Susan Vescovo, one of the two GOP candidates in the primary.

Vescovo and her husband ran a Toyota dealership in Las Cruces for 24 years before passing it down to their son and moving to Alto, near Ruidoso, in 2014.

The retired educator said she was driven to run for political office for the first time because of the abortion issue. Vescovo said she was born after 6 months in the womb and is still alive 66 years later.

I can support early-term abortion, especially in cases of rape. But what we allow in this state is criminal, she said, referring to late-term abortion.

Vescovo notes her little sister was adopted and said there are many people in the state who would welcome the chance to adopt if the mother is not in a position to raise her child.

A practicing Catholic, Vescovo said not enough is being done to educate people about the morning-after pill, which is available without a prescription and is eligible for Medicaid reimbursement.

Vescovo said she is opposed to Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams plan to make college free for everyone.

Id rather see that funding go toward tutoring in high school so we can get our juniors and seniors reading above a junior-high level, she said. Not everyone needs to go to college. The technicians at our sons dealership make a very good living.

A past president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Vescovo said she doesnt want to see New Mexicans with behavioral health issues fall through the cracks. She noted her cousin, designer Kate Spade, committed suicide in 2018 and that her son is a schizophrenic who lives in a boarding house in Albuquerque, so mental health concerns are close to home for her.

Vescovos opponent, Joseph Tiano, also has a hot-button issue: gun rights.

A graduate of the New Mexico State Police Academy and a retired law enforcement officer, Tiano called the states red flag gun law, which took effect Wednesday, May 20, unconstitutional and predicted it will be struck down by the courts.

Formally known as the Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Act, the law allows temporary seizure of guns from individuals who are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.

Sheriffs and police officers cannot enforce that law because it violates peoples constitutional rights, said Tiano, who is also running for office for the first time.

Tiano, an independent consultant for Legal Shield who helps clients protect themselves against identity theft, said he decided to run in the primary because things are so bad in New Mexico. Were last in the nation in everything good and first in everything bad.

Like Vescovo, Tiano is opposed to the states abortion law, which allows late-term abortion to be paid for by Medicaid.

Weve got to get government out of the baby-killing business, he said.

Describing himself as a real rule of law guy, Tiano said he is concerned about government funds subsidizing illegal aliens and also wants stricter oversight of voting.

Alleging malfeasance in the county clerk offices of both Santa Fe and Dona Ana counties, Tiano said he wants to see one vote for one legal citizen.

Santa Feans may recognize Tianos name because family members ran Tiano Sporting Goods on the site currently occupied by Seret & Sons downtown, as well Toms Sporting Goods Center, where Posas is now located on Rodeo Road.

He said both retailers were driven out of business by big-box stores and said it is essential that more aid be funneled to New Mexico small businesses that were forced to shut down temporarily during the coronavirus crisis.

Summing up his platform, Tiano said, Im a New Mexican for New Mexico. My great-grandparents came to the U.S. in 1895 from a socialist country, Italy. They didnt think they were bringing their family to another socialist country.
President Donald Trump said former Vice President Joe Biden was never known as a 'smart person' as he struggled to name positive things about the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

In a brief clip for Sunday's 'Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson', Trump quickly lambasted Biden as being forgetful when asked what Biden's 'strongest feature' was as a competitor.

'Well I would have said experience but he doesn't really have experience because I don't think he remembers what he did yesterday,' the president said in the brief interview segment.

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In a brief clip for Sunday's 'Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson', Trump quickly lambasted Biden as being forgetful when asked what Biden's 'strongest feature'

'So how is that experience. He has been there a long time. He was never known as a smart person.'

When asked to name one good thing about Biden, Trump could not think of something off the top of his head.

But when asked about negatives things, he claimed he could 'talk about weak points all day long.'

Trump has tried to present Biden, who at 77 is four years older than him, as addled and out of it, suggesting often that his staff does the work for him.

Earlier in the month, Biden bumbled his way through a 'virtual roundtable' he hosted, where he spoke about soaring unemployment levels.

He wrongly claimed 85,000 jobs had been lost in the US as a result of COVID-19, and millions of Americans had died.

Speaking to Anderson Cooper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Biden stumbled his way through an April interview on CNN when talking about Trump's pandemic response.

Earlier in the month, during a monologue about soaring unemployment levels, Biden wrongly claimed 85,000 jobs had been lost in the US as a result of COVID-19, and millions of people had died

After a long-winded reply about a lack of testing, Biden said: 'You know, there's a uh, during World War II, uh, you know, where Roosevelt came up with a thing uh, that uh, you know, was totally different than a, than the, the, it's called, he called it the, you know, the World War II, he had the war the War Production Board.

'I don't know why we don't set up something like a pandemic production board.'

President Trump's appearance on 'Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson' is scheduled to air on Sinclair sites at 9.30am EDT on Sunday.

Almost 100,000 have died from the coronavirus in recent months and some 39million Americans have filed for unemployment as the pandemic wreaks havoc on the U.S.

A recent poll from AP's NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has shown that just 41 per cent of American's approve of his job performance. But the president praises his administration's performance.

'Well I would have said experience but he doesn't really have experience because I don't think he remembers what he did yesterday,' the president said. The pair pictured with former President Obama on January 20, 2017

When asked to name one good thing about Biden, Trump could not think of something off the top of his head

'No country has ever done better than what we were doing just a number of months ago and we had to turn it off to save a lot of lives, which we've done,' Trump said. 'And now we're opening it up again and I think we're going to get our economy back fast.'

Trump also blamed China for why the pandemic has caused so much damage to the American way of life.

'They could have stopped it. Either it was incompetent or they didn't want to  both are not very acceptable,' he said.
Hyderabad, May 24 : Four days after nine bodies were recovered from a well in Telangana's Warangal district, police have not reached to a conclusion whether it was a murder or mass suicide.

Multiples teams formed by Warangal police were making hectic efforts to gather evidence in the sensational case, which is proving to be a challenge for the investigators.

Bodies of all nine migrants, including six from one family, have been preserved after autopsy at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital (MGH) at Warangal. The hospital authorities said the bodies would be handed over to their families with the permission of police.

So far, no kin of anyone of the dead hailing from West Bengal, Bihar and Tripura have come forward to claim the bodies. The district officials said if nobody comes forward to claim the bodies, they will arrange the last rites.

The forensic teams on Sunday collected more samples as part of the investigations while police were questioning two men from Bihar, who were in close contact with Mohammed Maqsood Alam, who along with five members of his family, and three others were found dead.

The investigators have not yet reached a conclusion about the cause of the death and were waiting for results of some of the tests being done at Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

The police also reported to have recovered two mobile phones of Alam's family. In the absence of any CCTV cameras in the area around the well, the investigators are banking on the call data to get clues. Police were trying to identify the people the victims last spoke to.

The forensic teams also collected food samples from the houses of Alam and three other men found dead to find out if they were poisoned before the bodies were dumped into the well. The tests at FSL are expected to help them reach to conclusion if there was any poison in the liver or viscera. It may take 10 days or two weeks to get the test reports.

The preliminary tests by forensic experts indicate that seven of the victims were alive when they fell into well while two others were already dead. They believe that seven of the victims died of drowning.

"We found scratch marks on some of the bodies but we are still investigating how they occurred. We suspect that seven were alive when they fell into the well while two others were either sleeping or already dead when they were thrown into the well," said Dr Raza Malik who performed the autopsy, told reporters.

They included bodies of six members of one family. They were identified as Alam (55), a native of West Bengal working in gunny bag manufacturing unit in Warangal for last 20 years, his wife Nisha (48), daughter Bushra Khatoon (22), sons Shabaaz Alam (20), Sohail Alam (18) and Bushra.

The bodies of Sriram Kumar Shah (26) and Shyam Kumar Shah (21), both natives of Bihar, and Mohammed Shakeel (40) of Tripura were also recovered from the well. They were all workers in the same gunny bag manufacturing unit.

Initially Shakeel was identified as a local resident but subsequent investigations revealed that he had migrated from Tripura over two decades ago and had settled down in Warangal.

It is said that there was a birthday party at Alam's house on Wednesday and he had invited the three other men for the same.

For the last one-and-half month, Alam was living in a warehouse of a gunny bag unit with the permission of its owner. The bodies were found in the well near it.

Police sources said they were probing the case from all angles. They were trying to find out who else attended the party.
Last week, the Maine Gambling Control Board gave the green light for residents in the state to legally wager on horse races online.

As an article by WMTW.com explains, residents of Maine can now legally wager on horse races that are being conducted anywhere in the world, but they must do so via Penn National Gaming, which has received approval to be the only licensed advance deposit wagering entity in the state.

We are excited to bring this form of gaming to Maine, Penn National Gaming Vice President of Racing Christopher McErlean was quoted as saying.

This is a tried and tested use of technology for more people to get excited about the sport of horse racing, any time of day, any day of the year, and allows Mainers to enjoy races taking places across the world from the comfort of their own home.

To read the article in its entirety, click here.

(With files from WMTW.com)
Protesters run away from tear gas during a march against Beijings plans to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong on May 24, 2020. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

Tear Gas Fired as Hong Kong Protesters Return to Streets Against Chinas National Security Law

This article has been updated with the latest information.

The air in Hong Kong filled again with tear gas on May 24 after months of relative quiet during the pandemic lockdowns.

In a scene reminiscent of last years mass protests, thousands returned to the streets to voice their opposition to Beijings proposal for a national security law that was presented at the Chinese regimes rubber-stamp legislature this weekbypassing the Hong Kong legislative council.

According to Hong Kong police, at least 180 protesters have been arrested as of Sunday 10 p.m.

Beijings move was met with international criticism as critics argued that the law would undermine Hong Kongs autonomy and freedoms, which the Chinese regime promised to preserve after the citys sovereignty was handed over from Britain to China in 1997.

Washington said on Sunday that Chinas proposal could lead to U.S. sanctions.

It looks like, with this national security law, theyre going to basically take over Hong Kong and if they do  Secretary [of State Mike] Pompeo will likely be unable to certify that Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy and if that happens there will be sanctions that will be imposed on Hong Kong and China, National Security Adviser Robert OBrien told NBC television.

Beijing announced the details of the law on Friday, which include the likely scenario that the regimes security agencies will be granted jurisdiction over matters in Hong Kong. The law drew immediate condemnation from the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Taiwan.

Planned March

Netizens on Hong Kongs social media quickly called for a march on Hong Kong Island from Causeway Bay to Wan Chai beginning at 1 p.m. local time on Sunday.

Largest public Hong Kong protest gathering since the start of #COVID outbreak. #HKers defy 8-person-max group gathering rule to protest against Chinas recent #NationalSecurityLaw plan, which effectively erases one country, two systems. pic.twitter.com/oGxRCKf06H  The Epoch Times Hong Kong (@EpochTimesHK) May 24, 2020

Protesters did not obtain police approval, given the citys social distancing rule, which prevents gatherings of more than eight people, is still in place until early June to prevent the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.

Before the march took off, a large number of police officers were seen gathering in Causeway Bay, including patrols at the local metro station, where they stopped people for inspection.

Police fired the first shot of tear gas at around 1:30 p.m. local time outside the local shopping mall Hysan Place in Causeway Bay in an effort to disperse protesters. The first arrest was made about 20 minutes later.

A protester dressed in black is handcuffed by the police at Hennessy Road in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, on May 24, 2020. (Hong Kong branch of The Epoch Times)

Hong Kong police have arrested over 7,500 people since June last yearthe start of the current anti-CCP and pro-democracy movement that was sparked over the since-scrapped extradition bill.

At 2:30 p.m. local time, the Hong Kong government issued a statement saying that rioters had thrown items at police officers and blocked roads with miscellaneous objects. It added that the police were using minimum necessary force, including tear gas to disperse rioters.

Police have since fired multiple rounds of tear gas and pepper spray. Journalists covering the protests were also hit. The Hong Kong edition of The Epoch Times reported that reporters were pepper-sprayed by the police at the Canal Road Flyover, a bridge at Causeway Bay at around 2:45 p.m. local time.

Meanwhile, police armored and water cannon vehicles were seen heading toward Causeway Bay.

Police officers cordon off an area near the shopping center Windsor House in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, on May 24, 2020. (The Hong Kong branch of The Epoch Times)

The local police were already gearing up for a possible confrontation with protesters earlier in the day, with a police water-cannon vehicle parked outside of the Hong Kong Liaison Office in the morning, the Hong Kong branch of The Epoch Times reported.

At around 3:20 p.m. local time, a police water cannon fired at protesters and journalists near Canal Road Flyover.

Morning Protests

Members of several groups, including Hong Kongs pro-democracy parties the League of Social Democrats, Neo Democrats, Labour Party, and the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, staged protests outside the Hong Kong Liaison OfficeBeijings representative office in the cityon Sunday morning.

The groups held banners and placards voicing their opposition to the CCPs national security law that they see as destroying the promises made between the British government and the Chinese regime under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

They repeated the longstanding five demands of prior demonstrations, including for universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into instances of police violence.

Members of pro-democracy party Neo Democrats hold a protest outside of the Hong Kong Liaison Office in Hong Kong, on May 24, 2020. (Hong Kong Branch of The Epoch Times)

Lee Cheuk-yan, the alliances chairman, told local media that Beijing was digging its own grave by proposing the national security law.

Leung Kwok-hung, a former lawmaker and one of the founders of the League of Social Democrats, said the law will deprive Hongkongers freedom of speech.

Recently, over 200 parliamentarians and policymakers from 23 countries issued a joint statement, saying that Chinas law is a flagrant breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

Beijing Also Pushing National Anthem Law

The Sunday protest was originally planned in opposition to the Hong Kong governments pushing ahead with a second reading of a controversial national anthem law, scheduled for May 27 in the citys legislative council (LegCo).

If passed, the law stipulates that anyone in Hong Kong found guilty of actions such as singing the [Chinese] national anthem in a distorted or disrespectful way could face a fine up to HK$50,000 ($6,440) and three years in prison.

The push for a national anthem law in Hong Kong was mandated by Beijing in late 2017, when the standing committee of Chinas rubber-stamp legislature, the National People Congress, adopted the decision to add the law to Annex III of Hong Kongs Basic Law.

Once a Chinese national law is added to Annex III in Hong Kongs mini constitution, the Hong Kong government can pass it through local legislation, or the citys chief executive can bypass the legislature by issuing a legal notice in the Government Gazette, paving the way for the law to be applied verbatim.

Opting to go through the legislature, LegCo passed the first reading of Chinas national anthem law in January 2019, according to Chinas state-run media.

Then in early May this year, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced that local lawmakers should prioritize passing the anthem law, defending the move as proper legislation during a weekly briefing.

The national anthem law has been criticized by rights groups.

In March 2019, British NGO Hong Kong Watch issued a report, saying that such a law would be an appalling violation of freedom of expression. It said that the laws vague definition of insult was not in line with the basic principles of the rule of law.

The Hong Kong edition of The Epoch Times and Reuters contributed to this report.
Photos can help us remember loved ones who have died. But those images were usually captured when our nearest and dearest were still living. In the Victorian era, they did things a bit differently. Beginning in the mid-19th century, people began taking death portraits of family members after they had passed away. The strange practice inspired the new series Dead Still, currently streaming on Acorn TV.

Dead Still is a murder mystery involving post-mortem photography

Dead Still | Acorn TV

In Dead Still, Michael Smiley plays Brock Blennerhasset, a former undertaker turned post-mortem photographer in 1880s Dublin. His job entails paying visits to the recently bereaved and capturing images of their deceased loved ones before they are laid to rest.

Blennerhasset was a photographic pioneer who helped introduce the daguerreotype  an early type of photography  to Ireland. But technology has evolved and hes struggling to keep up with the times. With the arrival of cheaper cameras and photographic studios, theres less of a market for his death portraits.

In the shows first episode, a mishap during a photo session further jeopardizes his business. To get out of the jam, Blennerhasset turns to Conall Molloy (Kerr Logan), a former gravedigger turned photographic assistant, along with his newly-arrived niece Nancy (Eileen OHiggins).

Blennerhasset also crosses paths with Frederick Regan (Aidan OHare), a tenacious detective. Regan is investigating a series of murders that seem to have a connection to Blennerhasset. It appears theres a serial killer on the loose who is cashing in on an underground market for photos of people in their death throes. With the body count rising, Brock, Molloy and Nancy have to try to stop a murderer who might be out to get them next.

Dead Still might have a dark premise, but it also has a dose of morbid, gallows humor, the shows writer John Morton told Willow & Thatch. But, he added, he was careful to balance the lighter moments with the more serious elements, keeping the focus on the central mystery.

The show is inspired by a real Victorian practice

Dead Still | Acorn TV

RELATED: Victoria: Why Jenna Coleman Says She May Eventually Leave the Show (and Who She Wants as Her Replacement)

The idea of posing for photographs with your dead relatives might seem creepy today. But it didnt seem so odd to people in Victorian times, who generally had a more intimate relationship with death than we do today.

The invention of the daguerreotype in 1839 offered a reasonably affordable way for people to preserve images of a family member. Previously, that was an option only available to wealthy individuals who could pay for painted portraits. But in the 1840s and 1850s, photography was still novel. Many families wouldnt have thought to have a photo taken until a person died, noted the BBC. Death portraits were a last chance to capture an image of a person  often a child  before they were buried.

It is not merely the likeness which is precious, but the association and the sense of nearness involved in the thing, the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote of a post-mortem portrait, according to The Atlantic. [T]he very shadow of the person lying there fixed forever!

The first two episodes of Dead Still are currently streaming at Acorn TV. New episodes are available Mondays through June 15.

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'I worry that the suffering of these people might be as invisible as the people themselves,' observes Geetanjali Krishna.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Over the last few weeks, the lockdown has forced us to become more aware of the poverty around us.

This week, I reflected on this with 33-year-old Navin Shukla who has been providing food and hygiene relief kits to those who need them.

A part of the exemplary disaster relief organisation SEEDS, which has rolled out humanitarian response programmes across the country, Shukla sees this lockdown as a disaster unfolding before our eyes.

"Initially when we conducted a pilot study in north east Delhi, the ground reality was heart-rending," he said. "Wherever we went, we found people from the unorganised sector left without any livelihood."

While narrating his field experiences, he told me about some segments of the population who are so invisible, they often tend to fall through the holes of the social security net.

"For example, in Burari, a low income settlement in central Delhi, I visited the home of seven sex workers," he narrated. "They are feeling extremely insecure of their future as it looks highly unlikely that their business will resume any time soon."

To make matters worse, five of them are HIV positive. The stigma surrounding their profession, not to speak of the HIV, has made it hard for them to seek government relief.

What's more, with five immune-compromised inmates, the remaining two risk all seven lives every time they step out.

Another time, when Shukla was distributing ration kits in north-east Delhi, a woman approached him. "She asked me to come with her to meet some people who urgently needed help," he narrated.

"We got onto a boat and rowed to a sandbank in the middle of the Yamuna where 15 families, who depended on fishing and melon farming, lived."

Pre-COVID-19, they'd sell the fish and fruit on the bridge. The lockdown brought their enterprise to a halt.

So every day since the lockdown, these people would row across the river to look for cooked food being served in different camps.

This daily but unavoidable exposure put them at risk of contracting the infection.

"But their self-respect was such that when we offered them relief kits, they accepted only five for the neediest among them," he narrated.

Then our conversation came around to another, and perhaps the most tragic, invisible segment that presently needs support.

"After almost two months of lockdown, we're noticing that it's not just daily wagers but also the lower middle class that is slowly falling into poverty," Shukla said.

"The tragedy is that such people -- small shopkeepers, auto drivers, even call centre employees -- are ashamed to ask for help."

Listening to him, I realised how little we know about where and how the poor live.

Come to think of it, we don't even know who the poor really are! They aren't just the people below an arbitrary poverty line.

Like the Burari sex workers, they are people who have few viable future work prospects. And they also include much of our so-called lower middle class -- people who are comfortable when the going is good, but don't have enough savings to offset the economic stress of this unending lockdown.

NGOs like SEEDS are doing their bit, but I worry that the suffering of these people might be as invisible as the people themselves.

Production: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
Brussels, May 24 : European Union (EU) prosecutors are increasing cumulating charges, including genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, against returning foreign terrorists and members of the Islamic State (IS).

Judicial cooperation agency Eurojust announced on Saturday that it will enable longer sentences against individual perpetrators, reports Efe news.

Prosecutors in Germany, France, Hungary, Finland and the Netherlands have several open cases with cumulative charges against suspected returning foreign fighters.

By imposing core international charges, European countries can prosecute their citizens for war crimes, regardless of where they were committed.

Eurojust President Ladislav Hamran said in a statement: "We show the world that we care - not only about European citizens, but about humanity as a whole.

"It is our joint responsibility to bring justice to the countless victims and people affected by armed conflicts." Many of the accused were able to return to European countries because they have links through nationality or residency, while others sought to enter the EU as refugees or asylum seekers.

Matevz Pezdirc, head of the Secretariat to the European Genocide Network, said IS and Yabhat al Nusra, a branch of Al Qaeda in Syria, are terrorist organizations but must also be considered parties to armed conflict in Iraq and Syria.

This allows its members to be charged with war crimes, in addition to crimes against humanity and genocide.

These offences, which are classified as core international crimes, increase the possibility of higher sentences and of securing justice for victims.

It also means individuals can be charged not only for terrorism but also other crimes such as slavery, use of child soldiers, murder and human rights violations.

The conflict in IS-occupied territories in northern Iraq and Syria between 2014 and 2018 has been well documented by terrorists themselves, offering additional possibilities for sentencing.

This was seen in the so-called "selfie" cases: when photographs and videos published on social media of perpetrators carrying out their crimes was used by the judiciary.

Dutch prosecutor Nicole Vogelenzang said in a video statement that there is already a precedent for after a Dutch citizen who had travelled to Syria in 2014 to join IS and returned to Turkey in 2016, where he was arrested and deported to Holland to stand trial.

Investigators found a photograph of him on Facebook in which the 24-year-old was posing next to a dead body.

Prosecutors were able to use the image to find out where in Syria the photograph had been taken and they were able to find the original execution video which had been carried out by IS.

"Because we found the execution video we knew it was IS who executed the man - and more importantly we could establish that the suspect was not involved in the execution itself," Vogelenzang said.

"By having his picture taken next to the dead body and by distributing the photo via Facebook, the suspect violated the personal dignity of the deceased man, which resulted in a war crime of degrading and inhuman treatment." The suspect, who has since launched an appeal, was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison, two and a half years for the war crime and six and a half years for a terror offence, she added.

Eurojust said cumulative trials, which encompass a more comprehensive range of criminal charges against individual defendants, allow for longer penalties and fill the gap left by the absence of an international tribunal to prosecute atrocities committed by IS.
London:

Mars had a warm and wet climate about four billion years ago and provided a more favourable environment for life, say scientists who have discovered fossilised riverbeds on an ancient region of the red planet.



The study identified over 17,000 km of former river channels on a northern plain called Arabia Terra, providing further evidence of water once flowing on Mars.



"Climate models of early Mars predict rain in Arabia Terra and until now there was little geological evidence on the surface to support this theory," said Joel Davis from University College London.



"This led some to believe that Mars was never warm and wet but was a largely frozen planet, covered in ice-sheets and glaciers," said Davis.



"We've now found evidence of extensive river systems in the area which supports the idea that Mars was warm and wet, providing a more favourable environment for life than a cold, dry planet," he said.



Since the 1970s, scientists have identified valleys and channels on Mars which they think were carved out and eroded by rain and surface runoff, just like on Earth. Similar structures had not been seen on Arabia Terra until the team analysed high resolution imagery from NASA's MarsReconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft.



The new study examined images covering an area roughly the size of Brazil at a much higher resolution than was previously possible - 6 metres per pixel compared to 100 metres perpixel.



While a few valleys were identified, the team found the existence of many systems of fossilised riverbeds which are visible as inverted channels spread across the Arabia Terraplain.



The inverted channels are similar to those found elsewhere on Mars and Earth. They are made of sand and gravel deposited by a river and when the river becomes dry, the channels are left upstanding as the surrounding material erodes.



On Earth, inverted channels often occur in dry, desert environments like Oman, Egypt, or Utah, where erosion rates are low - in most other environments, the channels are worn away before they can become inverted.



"The networks of inverted channels in Arabia Terra are about 30m high and up to 1-2km wide, so we think they are probably the remains of giant rivers that flowed billions of years ago," said Davis.



"Arabia Terra was essentially one massive flood plain bordering the highlands and lowlands of Mars," he said.



"We think the rivers were active 3.9-3.7 billion years ago, but gradually dried up before being rapidly buried and protected for billions of years, potentially preserving any ancient biological material that might have been present," he added.



"These ancient Martian flood plains would be great places to explore to search for evidence of past life," said Matthew Balme, from The Open University in UK. The research appears in the journal Geology.

For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The UK government will look into Huawei (Getty)

After months of speculation, the UK government has confirmed it plans to review the role of Huawei in Britains 5G networks.

A report from Reuters newswire said the government is looking carefully at the impact the United States new sanctions on the Chinese telecoms giant might have on British networks.

A government spokesman said in a statement: Following the US announcement of additional sanctions against Huawei, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is looking carefully at any impact they could have to the UKs networks.

A government spokesperson also told Times the "security & resilience of our networks is of paramount importance.

Victor Zhang, vice-president Huawei said: Our priority remains to continue the rollout of a reliable and secure 5G networks across Britain. We are happy to discuss with NCSC any concerns they may have and hope to continue the close working relationship we have enjoyed for the last ten years.

 BREAKING: Security officials launch new review of Huawei's role in British 5G infrastructure, govt confirms 



Govt spox told Times the "security & resilience of our networks is of paramount importance". NCSC now "looking carefully" at impact of new US sanctions on Huawei pic.twitter.com/Dut1HkssmE  Lucy Fisher (@LOS_Fisher) May 24, 2020

On Friday, reports emerged saying that Boris Johnson plans to reduce Huaweis involvement in UK 5G networks in the wake of the coronavirus.

The prime minister is expected to reduce reliance on China in the coming years as a means to boost relations elsewhere.

Trade talks with US president Donald Trump will be of paramount importance in the aftermath of the UKs departure from the European Union.

READ MORE: UK plans cut in Huawei's 5G network involvement to zero by 2023

Plans are due to be drawn up to phase out Chinas input in British infrastructure to zero by 2023, according to the reports by The Daily Telegraph released on Friday.

Story continues

Conservative backbench MPs have previously rebelled against decisions to involve Huawei in UK infrastructure.

Although Johnson has a majority of 80, the ranks of backbenchers willing to rebel on the issue is now estimated to enough to defeat the government.

In January, the telecoms equipment maker was granted a seat at the table in 5G development of what the UK government called non-sensitive parts of the network. The government capped its involvement at 35%.

READ MORE: Twitter to guide users to 5G facts in search results

The US has previously raised security concerns about the use of Huawei equipment, warning allies that use of it in their networks means they face being cut off from intelligence feeds.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

The Iran and Turkey may soon open land and air borders in accordance with health protocols to resume trade between the two countries, Trend reports citing the website of Iranian presidents office.

The remarks were made in a telephone conversation between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the occasion of Ramadan Holiday.

During the telephone conversation, the Iranian and Turkish presidents expressed hope that in the near future, with the establishment of a joint commission on economic cooperation between the two countries and the end of the coronavirus crisis, economic relations between the two countries will revive.

The presidents of Iran and Turkey noted the positive cooperation between the two countries at different times and stressed the exchange of information and experience in the fight against coronavirus, the report said.

Iran continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 135,700 people have tested positive for COVID-19, 7,417 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 105,800 have reportedly recovered from the disease.

The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease.

The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.

The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019.

Iran's exports to Turkey amounted to $72 million in the first month of current Iranian year (March 20-April 19, 2020). Turkey's share in Iran's exports was 4.4 percent, or 48.6 percent less compared to the same month of last Iranian year. Iran imported $246 million worth of products from Turkey. Turkey's share in Iran's imports was 12.8 percent, or 27.2 percent less compared to the same month of last Iranian year.
Early Friday morning, May 22, Midland Center for the Arts facilities staff were able to enter the Doan History Center and Heritage Park to assess the flood damage caused by the catastrophic collapse of the Edenville Dam and the failure of the Sanford Lake Dam.

Terri Trotter, president & CEO and Julie Johnson, director of museums, toured the facility to get a first-hand look at the damage. They reviewed plans for immediate clean-up and rescue of artifacts. The damage at the facility affects the work of the Midland County Historical Society, an organizational entity operating under the auspices of Midland Center for the Arts.

Our initial review of the historic campus reveals some hope after a gloomy few days for Midland County, said Trotter. The flood waters have caused damage to the facilities, with mud and debris scattered throughout the Midland County history museums. But structurally, the buildings have withstood devastation and many of the archives remain dry. Our biggest concern is for the thousands of papers, artifacts and photographs that celebrate our rich history in Midland County, and most of those valued treasurers are safe.

Water submerged the basement of the 1874 Victorian Bradley Home, emerging through the ground floor level by one inch. The Herbert H. Dow Museum appears virtually unscathed other than water in the basement and on the floors. The Carriage House, Brine Well and Blacksmith Shop damage have yet to be fully assessed. The facilities staff is pumping water out of the buildings and beginning efforts to dry, cool and fan these historical structures prior to restoration. More than 20 water pumps and 20 industrial-size fans are being utilized in buildings throughout the campus.

Our mitigation efforts within the archives and Heritage Park, including the historic Bradley Home, Carriage House, Blacksmith Shop, and Herbert H. Dow Museum, were geared toward the 2017 flood level, if not higher,  noted Jake Huss, historical programs & exhibitions manager. The 1874 Victorian Bradley Home was prepared for the 1986 flood level. However, this situation is unprecedented, and water filled the basement and even slightly damaged the ground floor of the Historic Bradley Home, which has never happened before.

Despite being at a higher elevation, the Doan History Center, where most of the Midland County Historical Society archives are stored, took in an estimated 24 inches of water throughout the facility. The exhibits were not damaged, other than water and mud on the floors. A portion of the archives, however, have sustained significant damage.

Records and files kept on the lowest shelves of the archive storage area were subjected to quite a bit of water, noted Crystal Laudeman, archivist. However, our colleagues at Saginaw Valley State Universitys Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Museum have provided immediate access to their freezer storage to help preserve wet artifacts, a process which prevents mold and other water damage. After freezing, we will coordinate with other agencies to freeze dry the paperwork, which intensifies the drying process and more successfully restores delicate items. The situation is concerning, but because the Doan Center is well above the river, the situation is manageable and we anticipate that we will be able to restore many of the soaked documents.

It has been an emotional and trying week for many residents of Midland County and our staff at Midland Center for the Arts and the Midland County Historical Society, said Julie Johnson. We have received countless nationwide inquiries and offers to assist from volunteers, cultural organizations, community members and donors about our facilities and archives. The dedication and passion for preserving our rich history is strong and we will be able to navigate this devastating flood because of the many people who are committed to our success.

Center staff are coordinating with Central Michigan Universitys Museum Studies program to assist with the preservation of 3-dimensional objects, focusing on the historic Bradley Home. As the Center moves from rescue to restoration, they will also be collaborating with experts from Michigan Museum Association and Michigan Archivists Society, and others from around the nation. The Center has also gratefully accepted assistance from Smithsonian-trained historic preservation and restoration specialist, Jared Yax, Collections Curator from the Tri-Cities Historical Museum.

Folks have been concerned and worried, and have been asking for ways to assist, said Huss. Some of the work right now requires high levels of expertise and training. However, a lot of the work is simply labor  carrying, lifting, labeling. If people are interested, they should be able to sign up through the Midland Historical Society Facebook page. In addition, we urge those who would like to help us to donate at the Centers website, at midlandcenter.org.

Midland Center for the Arts is accepting donations to support the Historical Societys cleanup, assessment, rescue and restoration efforts. For more information or to make a gift, visit midlandcenter.org.

People who have donated an artifact to the Midland Historical Society Archive and are concerned about its status, are asked not to contact the Society at this time. Once officials have the ability to assess the full extent of the issues, Crystal Laudeman will reach out to the donors of items that have been affected. Donors are asked to be patient during this time. Any developing updates will appear on an ongoing basis on the Center's website and on the Midland Historical Society Facebook page.

 Processed by Lori Qualls, lqualls@mdn.net
Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday put his former ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in his line of fire for playing politics while the state government was battling the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thackeray, in his address to the State, said that his government will not indulge in politics as it does not suit the culture of Maharashtra. The chief minister also said that the Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra, which now has 47,190 cases, are likely to rise further by May end.

Maharashtra has been clocking over 2,000 fresh cases daily since last week, but the Centres projection that the state would have around 1.25-1.50 lakh cases has not come true

I am still of the opinion that these are testing times, and that nobody should indulge in politics now. Even if you do, we will not because we have got the responsibility of Maharashtra and the people of Maharashtra have faith in us. And I will never let that faith (in us) go in vain, Thackeray said.

As I have honestly said the Centre is helping us (State). We are still facing issue like GST refund, it is still to reach us. Should I make it an issue? Earlier PPE kits were not coming; there is still a deficiency in the supply of medicine. Should I yell over it? We are still to get the money for the trains. If we start doing this, then this is not humanity Just playing politics for the sake of it does not suit the culture of Maharashtra. I will preserve Maharashtra and its culture. It does not fit in my principle to play politics at times of difficulty and I will not do it, the CM said.

The BJP, led by former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, had staged Maharashtra Bachao (Save Maharashtra) agitation on May 22 and demanded a financial package worth Rs 50,000 crore for farmers and daily wage earners.

In a veiled jibe at the BJP, Thackeray said that the state government is not going to announce empty packages but do actual work.

Some people are asking why have you not announced a package? We are giving everything. At the moment, the crisis in front of us is related to public health. Till now many packages worth lakhs and crores have been announced. It is packaged nicely when you open it is an empty box. Our Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government is not the one to announce empty packages, he said in his address on Sunday afternoon.

Thackeray also outlined the state governments steps taken for the people and migrant labourers including widening the scope of Shiv Bhojan scheme, following up with the Centre to give foodgrains for people who do not have ration cards, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Aarogya Yojana, etc. He said that 5.5 to 6 lakh migrant workers have been provided food till now.

These steps are beyond any package. getting food and medical treatment is important. All these schemes are for all classes because virus does not know any class or religion. The public insurance scheme gives 100% free treatment to all. This is a package. Should we announce it and advertise it or should we keep working, Thackeray asked.

Speaking about the measures to tackle Covid-19 outbreak, Thackeray said that the state has prepared for a surge in numbers by the end of this month. There was a projection that Maharashtra could have 1.25-1.50 lakh coronavirus positive cases by May end. But, currently we have 33,786 [active] Covid-19 cases, around 13,404 have recovered. This is thanks to the lockdown and discipline maintained by you, he said. Cases will increase now, we are preparing and created hospital infrastructure for it. By the end of May, we will make 14,000 beds available, currently, we have already created around 7,000 beds including 3000 in our field hospitals.

The CM also appealed to people to celebrate Eid inside their homes and not come on the streets. Several exemptions have been made but its important not to crowds shops when they open. We will still need to follow instructions, otherwise, we will have to close it again. We need to get our life back on track. Congregations, religious functions are still not allowed. Celebrate at home to emerge out of this situation in a better and effective way, he said.
Chris Patten, Hong Kong's last British governor speaks at The Foreign Correspondents Club to promote his new book in Hong Kong, on Sept. 19, 2017. (Vincent Yu/AP Photo)

Last British Governor Says Hong Kong Betrayed by China

China's new Hong Kong laws a 'flagrant breach' of agreement, foreign officials say

The last British governor of Hong Kong said China has betrayed the territory by tightening control over the city it had promised could keep freedoms not found on the mainland.

What we are seeing is a new Chinese dictatorship, Chris Patten told an interview with The Times of London. I think the Hong Kong people have been betrayed by China, which has proved once again that you cant trust it further than you can throw it.

He said the British government should make it clear that what we are seeing is a complete destruction of the Joint Declaration, a legal document under which the former British colony was returned to China in 1997 under a one country, two systems framework.

It gives Hong Kong its own legal system and Western-style freedoms until 2047. But many fear those are being chipped away after authorities clamped down on massive pro-democracy protests that rocked the city last year.

Last week, Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers sharply criticized the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)s move to enact national security legislation in the territory, which was submitted on the opening day of the regimes rubber-stamp legislature. It would forbid secessionist and subversive activity, as well as foreign interference and terrorism.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the move a death knell for the high degree of autonomy that Beijing had promised Hong Kong.

Patten told the Times he believed that one country, two systems, the treaty logged at the United Nations, would be enough to protect Hong Kongs capitalist economy and its way of life.

China cheats, it tries to screw things in its own favor, and if you ever point this out their wolf warrior diplomats try to bully and hector you into submission, he said. Its got to stop otherwise the world is going to be a much less safe place and liberal democracy around the world is going to be destabilized.

He called on Britain to do more to stand up to the CCP and protect Hong Kong under its legal obligations.

Britain has a moral, economic and legal duty to stand up for Hong Kong, he said. The real danger is that we are entirely limp on this. We have obligations because we signed the agreement  If we dont have any responsibilities for the people of Hong Kong and their way of life, who do we have responsibility for?

Flagrant Breach

In a joint statement organized by Patten and former British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind, 186 law and policy leaders, including 17 members of the U.S. Congress, on Saturday decried Beijings proposed laws are a comprehensive assault on Hong Kongs autonomy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms and flagrant breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration that returned Hong Kong to China in 1997.

If the international community cannot trust Beijing to keep its word when it comes to Hong Kong, people will be reluctant to take its word on other matters, they wrote.

U.S. officials have said the Chinese legislation would be bad for the economies of both Hong Kong and China and could jeopardize the territorys special status in U.S. law.

Some of U.S. President Donald Trumps fellow RepublicansSenator Marco Rubio, acting chairman of the Intelligence Committee, and Senator Ted Cruzsigned the statement. Democratic signatories included Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representatives Eliot Engel, head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Adam Schiff, chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee.

Forty-four members of Britains House of Commons and eight members of its House of Lords also signed the statement, alongside figures from across Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.

Reuters contributed to this report








A first-generation diamantaire Yoram Dvash, currently serving as the Acting President at World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the President of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE), launched his diamond manufacturing and trading business, Yoram Dvash Diamonds Ltd., in 1991.

Yoram Dvash has been a member of Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association (IsDMA) since the beginning of the century and an IsDMA board member since 2011. He also served a term on the board of the Israel Diamond Institute. In 2013 elections, Yoram was chosen as the IDE's honorary secretary, Chairman of the Industry Committee and Chairman of the Marketing and External Relations Committee. Yoram first joined the board of directors of the Israel Diamond Exchange in 2013.

In the 2015 elections, Yoram was elected as President of the Israel Diamond Exchange. In 2016, five months after being elected as Israeli Diamond Exchange President, Yoram was elected as Vice President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).

Here, in an interview with Rough & Polished, Yoram Dvash expresses his confidence in WFDBs Get Diamonds platform that has been designed to bring transparency; and also be ideal to connect traders across the globe.

Some excerpts:

Can you tell us more about the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) diamond trading platform Get Diamonds?

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a huge crisis in the global economy, but the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, a body that incorporates 29 diamond exchanges, has decided to turn the crisis into an opportunity and to introduce significant changes into the way business has traditionally been done.

The halt in trade, exhibitions and international flights has led to the realization that online commerce is a major force that is here to stay. Customers have cut back on store visits and have largely moved online. With this in mind, the WFDB decided to acquire online diamond trading platform "Get Diamonds".

Huge efforts were invested in this platform to make it convenient and user-friendly, easily accessible and transparent. Moreover, it is not a privately-owned venture but a non-profit company owned by the WFDB. Get Diamonds is truly By the industry, For the industry.

Traders across countries are interested to know more about Get Diamonds working procedure etc. Also, how it will counterpoise to RapNet or even any other trading platforms? Your comments, please?

In a very short space of five weeks, Get Diamonds has captured the market and established itself as the world's largest diamond trading platform, with over 1.2 million diamonds listed, valued over $ 5.5 billion, with over 3,200 traders and more than 25,000 buyers worldwide. This proves to us how important full transparency is to the diamond trade. Currently, the platform is free to use and will be offered at very affordable prices.

How do you think Get Diamonds will benefit the global diamond traders on the whole?

I think that a major factor in its success is that it is so different from what was available before. This platform is not privately owned and influenced by various interests that are not-transparent.

It is a platform created by and for the diamond industry, and its purpose is to provide the transparency it brings with it. It is an ideal platform for connecting buyers and sellers from around the world professionally and objectively.

How is the Chinese version of the Get Diamonds site launched by WFDB recently faring now? Traders are eager to know about the Russian and Arabic versions as well. How soon will they be launched?

After we launched the English, Hebrew and Chinese versions, the Russian and Hindi language versions are also available. The Arabic language will soon be added as well.

Once there is a demand for language or interest from some countries, we will do everything to make the platform convenient and provide a user-friendly interface.

We see the future generation as a very big hope for our industry, so we decided to invest resources and create a new website that will serve as a hub for young diamantaires around the world. It took quite a while to create this site that would suit the young members of the industry, and allow them to reach out to creative collaborations to improve their business operations. At the end of the day, they are the future of the industry, and we are pleased to see that over 300 young diamantaires around the world have joined the Young Diamantaire site.

I invite anyone who has not yet joined to register for the site.

Wrapping up, how do you think the global diamond industry would be impacted by COVID19 crisis? The negative effect is now being felt right from the Mines down to the retailers. Please give us an outlook for the post-COVID-19 period. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

We may be nearing the end of the coronavirus wave. Governments have already begun to open the economy, and companies and businesses are slowly starting to return to work. I predict that within a few months, the wheels of trade and industry will return at a brisk pace.

We hope that we will restore the global diamond industry to growth and prosperity for the benefit of all diamantaires in the world. We also hope that we have been able to make a significant change by encouraging the transition to trade that is more digital and less physical. No wonder senior diamond industry executives such as Dr Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO President, Lawrence Ma, Hong Kong Diamond Federation President, and the President of the Antwerp World Diamond Center have urged the use of ' Get Diamonds'. The success of the platform is because its time has come - its time that the industry manages its trade on its own, for its benefit.

Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished




Gardai are appealing for witnesses to a serious crash in County Kildare four days ago.

A woman has since died after she was knocked down near Athy.


OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - The deadly pathogen SARS-COV-2, which causes COVID-19, continues to spread unabated in most parts of the world while in some regions it has been brought under control. At last count, the total number of confirmed cases of infection across the globe is 5.31 million and the death toll is 342,147. The U.S. tops the list with 1.62 million confirmed cases and 97,087 fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University.



As the companies race against time to develop antibiotics or vaccines against the novel coronavirus, here's what happened in the COVID-19 drug/vaccine development space in the week that went by.



1. Moderna's COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate On Track For Phase II Study



Moderna Inc.'s (MRNA) vaccine candidate against the novel coronavirus, mRNA-1273, has yielded positive results in a phase I study that was led by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.



In the phase I study, all eight participants evaluated to date across the 25 g and 100 g dose cohorts of mRNA-1273 developed detectable antibodies in the blood against the novel coronavirus at or above levels seen in convalescent sera. In addition, the vaccine candidate elicited neutralizing antibody titer levels in all the participants across the 25 g and 100 g dose cohorts, reaching or exceeding neutralizing antibody titers generally seen in convalescent sera. Neutralizing antibodies interferes with a virus/pathogen's ability to infect a cell.



The phase II study of mRNA-1273 vaccine will be conducted by Moderna. The Company was given FDA clearance to initiate a phase II study of the vaccine on May 6, and the study is expected to begin shortly.



Moderna is finalizing the protocol for a phase III study, which is scheduled to begin in July 2020.



MRNA closed Friday's trading at $69.00, up 2.91%.



2. IMV Selects COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate To Advance Into Phase I testing



IMV Inc. (IMV), which has been evaluating a number of peptide epitopes in an animal model, has selected a vaccine candidate for COVID-19 to advance into human testing.



The vaccine, dubbed DPX-COVID-19, is designed to utilize a multi-target approach, to optimize immune response against virus' weaknesses, enhance efficacy at preventing infection and reduce the potential for immune escape, according to the Company.



A phase I clinical study of DPX-COVID-19 in Canada is scheduled to be launched during summer 2020.



IMV closed Friday's trading at $3.53, down 2.75%.



3. NantKwest Gets Clearance To Move BM-Allo.MSC Into Clinical Study In COVID-19 Patients



NantKwest Inc. (NK) has been given the go-ahead by the FDA to advance BM-Allo.MSC, an allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) product derived from human bone marrow, into human testing for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by COVID-19.



The clinical study of BM-Allo.MSC in severe COVID-19 disease patients receiving care in the critical care or ICU setting in Los Angeles area hospitals is expected to start this quarter (Q2).



NK closed Friday's trading at $5.58, down 2.45%.



4. Aldeyra To Advance Potential COVID-19 Meds Into Clinical Study In Q3, 2020



Aldeyra Therapeutics Inc. (ALDX) has plans to test two of its compounds - ADX-1612 and ADX-629 - as a treatment for COVID-19.



ADX-1612 is an inhibitor of chaperone protein HSP90, a target widely implicated in viral disease.



In lab studies, ADX-1612 has demonstrated nanomolar potency similar to or greater than that of Gilead's Remdesivir. Complementary to the nucleic acid inhibition mechanism of action of Remdesivir and related antiviral compounds, ADX-1612 potentially leads to the inhibition of proteins associated with viral replication and infection and thereby may enhance the activity of other antiviral drugs for the treatment of COVID-19, according to the Company.



The Company plans to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application, seeking clearance to initiate a clinical trial of ADX-1612, in the third quarter of 2020.



The second potential COVID-19 drug candidate ADX-629 has been granted a BARDA CoronaWatch meeting.



ADX-629 has completed pre-IND discussions with the Pulmonary Division of the FDA, and Aldeyra expects to submit an IND application, seeking clearance to initiate a human trial, in June 2020.



ALDX closed Friday's trading at $4.27, up 0.71%.



5. Appili To Test Favipiravir As Preventative Measure against COVID-19 Outbreaks



Appili Therapeutics Inc. (APLI.V) has received regulatory clearance from Health Canada to conduct a phase II study evaluating FUJIFILM Toyama Chemical's Favipiravir as a preventative measure against COVID-19 outbreaks.



The study, which will enroll approximately 760 subjects, both residents and staff, at 16 long-term care homes (LTCHs) in Ontario, is expected to begin immediately. This is the first clinical study to examine the use of Favipiravir for COVID-19 outbreak control.



Favipiravir, under the brand name Avigan, is approved in Japan as a treatment and stockpile countermeasure for the pandemic influenza outbreak.



APLI.V closed Friday's trading at C$1.69, up 0.60%.



6. Octapharma To Initiate Phase III of Trial Of Octagam 10% In COVID-19 Patients



Privately-held Octapharma USA has secured FDA clearance to initiate a phase III trial of Octagam 10% therapy in COVID-19 patients with severe disease progression.



Octagam 10% is an immune globulin intravenous (human) liquid preparation indicated for the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in adults.



The trial to evaluate Octagam 10% therapy will enroll about 54 adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 with a resting SpO2 of less than or equal to 93%, requiring oxygen supplementation. SpO2, also known as oxygen saturation, is a measure of the amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the blood relative to the amount of hemoglobin not carrying oxygen.



Octapharma hopes to report results from the phase III Octagam 10% therapy study in COVID-19 patients by the third quarter of 2020.



7. Inovio Expects Phase I Covid-19 Vaccine Trial Results In June



Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s (INO) vaccine candidate against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, INO-4800, has demonstrated promising results in animal testing.



Mice and guinea pigs vaccinated with INO-4800 generated robust binding and neutralizing antibody as well as T cell responses, which could provide protection from SARS-CoV-2.



A phase I clinical trial evaluating the safety profile and immunogenicity of INO-4800 in humans is underway in the U.S. Preliminary safety and immune response data from the phase I trial are expected in June.



If all goes well as planned, the Company plans to start a phase II/III efficacy trial of INO-4800 in July/August.



INO closed Friday's trading at $14.08, down 1.12%.



8. Vaxart's COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate To Enter Phase I Study In Summer



After evaluating multiple vaccine candidates in preclinical models, Vaxart Inc. (VXRT) has selected its lead COVID-19 vaccine candidate and has contracted with KindredBio to manufacture bulk vaccine to complement the manufacturing capacity of partner Emergent BioSolutions.



Vaxart's vaccines are produced in tablet form and are not injectable vaccines.



The Company is planning to start its first phase I study of COVID-19 vaccine candidate in the second half of this year, possibly as early as the summer.



VXRT closed Friday's trading at $2.91, down 3.32%.



9. CanSino' Phase I Study Results of COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Published In Lancet



CanSino Biologics Inc.'s recombinant novel coronavirus vaccine candidate Ad5-nCoV has demonstrated that it is tolerable and immunogenic at 28 days post-vaccination in a phase I study.



The phase I study was conducted in Wuhan, China, and it involved healthy adults aged between 18 and 60 years.



Ad5-nCoV as an intramuscular injection of vaccine was tested in three dose groups. Humoral response, i.e., the formation of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, peaked at day 28 post-vaccination in healthy adults, and rapid specific T-cell responses were noted from day 14 post-vaccination, according to the study findings published in the Lancet.



A phase II trial of Ad5-nCoV, designed to enroll 500 healthy adults, is underway, with results expected to be available by January 2021.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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A California woman has become the latest person from mainland America to be arrested for violating Hawaii's strict 14-day quarantine order.

Misty Beutler, 51, was detained by authorities Friday after witnesses reported her out and about in Honolulu just days after she arrived there. Visitors and residents returning to Hawaii are required to stay indoors and self-isolate for a fortnight in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19.

According to a press release from Governor David Ige's office, Beutler touched down in Honolulu May 9 to stay with her son at his condominium complex.

A resident at the complex claims they saw Buetler and her son unloading her luggage on that day. However, just two days later, they spotted her returning to the residence with beach equipment in hand.

Misty Beutler (right) was detained by Hawaiian authorities Friday after witnesses reported her out and about in Honolulu just days after she arrived there. She was reportedly staying with her son (left) at his condominium complex

On May 12, a witness reported that Beutler was out walking her son's dog

Then, on May 12, the resident reported that Beutler was out again - this time walking her son's dog.

Investigators went to the complex to interview the witness on Friday, May 22 and saw Beutler and her son coming out of an elevator ready to head outside.

She was promptly arrested and taken into custody. Her bond is set at $2,000.

Hawaii Attorney General Clare Connors stated: 'Law enforcement agencies across the State have cited hundreds of people for emergency rules violations and have made dozens of arrests for violating the travel quarantine. We appreciate everyones cooperation in these efforts.'

On Wednesday, another woman from mainland America was arrested for breaking the self-quarantine orders after she posted photos on social media of herself at the beach.

Investigators went to the complex to interview the witness on Friday, May 22 and saw Beutler and her son coming out of an elevator ready to head outside

Alyza Alder, 18, allegedly flew to Honolulu from her home in Arizona on May 6 and started posting photos on Instagram just three days later.

Photos from her social media accounts show her posing at beaches on May 9 and May 14.

In one photo caption, Alder wrote that she had just moved to her dream location in Oahu and was 'loving every minute of it'.

During the time she should have been quarantining, authorities say she had also been working at a restaurant in Laie.

Alder was arrested at that restaurant on Wednesday afternoon. Her bail has also been set at $2,000.

Alyza Alder, 18,allegedly flew to Honolulu from her home in Arizona on May 6 and started posting photos on Instagram just three days later

In one photo caption, Alder wrote that she had just moved to her dream location in Oahu and was 'loving every minute of it'

Last week, a young New York man was also arrested for allegedly violating the self-quarantine orders.

Tarique Peters, 23, of the Bronx, arrived in Honolulu on May 11 and 'allegedly left his hotel room the day he arrived and traveled many places using public transportation'.

Agents from the Hawaii COVID-19 Joint Information Center say authorities 'became aware of his social media posts from citizens who saw posts of him - on the beach with a surfboard, sunbathing, and walking around Waikiki at night.'

Agents from the state attorney general's office arrested him on May 15. Hotel staff told the agents they saw Peters leave his room and the hotel numerous times.

Tarique Peters, 23, of the Bronx, arrived in Honolulu on May 11 and 'allegedly left his hotel room the day he arrived and traveled many places using public transportation'
In view of the Coronavirus crisis, eleven municipal areas from seven states across the country have accounted for 70 percent of the COVID-19 case load, said the Union Health Ministry on Saturday. According to the Ministry, the states include Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh West Bengal, and Rajasthan.

Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan held a high-level meeting through video conferencing with principal health secretaries and municipal commissioners along with other officials from the 11 municipal areas. During the meeting, she urged them to focus on prevention through active screening of high risk and vulnerable populations, as well as on effective clinical management of the people who have been admitted.

She also briefed the states about the factors to be considered while mapping the containment and buffer zones. Further, the health secretary also highlighted the trend in case of trajectory with respect to total confirmed cases, case fatality rate, doubling time, tests per million, and confirmation percentage. As per the ministry, the recovery rate is up to 41.39 percent till now.

Read: 'Approx. 40% COVID-19 patients have recovered; 2.94% on oxygen support': Health Ministry

States to categorize zones

Last week, the Health Ministry allowed the states to categorize their own COVID-19 districts into the red, orange, and green zones. Later, the Ministry also wrote to the states on the parameters while doing the same. In the letter, the Health Ministry highlighted that the states must consider total active cases, active cases per lakh, doubling rate, case fatality, testing ratio, and sample positivity while categorizing the zones. It also reiterated that states must ensure that containment zones must be delineated based on mapping of cases, geographical dispersion od cases, area perimeter, perimeter control enforceability.

Read: Health Ministry writes to states on parameters while categorising COVID-19 zones

India extends lockdown

Last Sunday, the Centre announced the extension of India's lockdown till May 31 due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a Rs 20 lakh crore economic package - including the previous monetary package and the liquidity measures announced by RBI till date, to kickstart Indian economy's growth.

According to the latest update from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the number of total coronavirus cases in the country has climbed to 1,318,868 including 73,560 active cases. While 3,867 deaths have been reported overall, around 54,440 people have been cured/discharged, and one person has been migrated.

Read: Manipur CM makes quarantine mandatory for all returnees, says violators will be jailed

Read: Health Ministry issues revised guidelines for home isolation of very mild Covid-19 cases

(With PTI Inputs)
Srinagar: Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Kashmir on Sunday were a low-key affair as most of the faithful marked the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan by offering thanksgiving prayers at home in view of the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

The festival is being celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala on Sunday, while the rest of the country will celebrate Eid on Monday.

No Eid prayers were offered for the second consecutive time in major mosques and shrines of Kashmir as police enforced restrictions in most parts of the valley including Srinagar city, officials said.

People preferred to offer Eid prayers at home -- either individually or in small groups comprising family members, the officials said.

However, there have been reports of congregation Eid prayers being offered in mosques located in the interior parts of cities and towns.

Police personnel made announcements early in the morning on public address systems, appealing people not to congregate for Eid prayers as restrictions were still in place as part of the lockdown.

Last year, Eid-ul-Azha prayers could not be offered in Kashmir as authorities had imposed strict curfew in the wake of abrogation of Article 370 and division of then Jammu and Kashmir State into two union territories.
The role of the automobile has been reinvented in the coronavirus era. Once just a way of getting from one place to another, the car has been turned into a mini-shelter on wheels, safe from contamination, a cocoon that allows its occupants to be inside and outside at the same time.

It took a pandemic to give the automobile its new role. When people pack up their families and friends, they can still adhere to social distancing rules. They remain under a roof, within closed doors, sealed off and separated from the rest of their fellow human beings.

Mobile safe distancing has generated a new way of life  a society on wheels.
May 25 is probably going to be the most eventful and important day in the short history of the quickly growing Realme brand. The company aims to hold not one but two events on the same day at two different locations - China and India. On the next day, May 26, another event will follow, this time for Europe.

So why is May 25 so important for Realme? Well, the OEM is about to unveil eight new devices on the same date.

Smartphones

Most of the devices, if not all, are already confirmed. We expect the Realme X50 Pro Player edition, Realme X3 and X3 SuperZoom to be the stars of the show. The first one is essentially a gaming-centric version of the company's most recent flagship, the X50 Pro 5G.

The price will reportedly be lower by cutting some unnecessary features from a gamer's perspective. While still running on the Snapdragon 865 platform and boasting a high-refresh rate screen (6.44" 90Hz Super AMOLED), the phone will have a less impressive 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide unit, 2MP macro cam and a 2MP depth sensor. The battery capacity is expected to be 4,200mAh and the 65W SuperDart Flash Charge will top-up the phone fast even if you keep gaming while charing.

The special thing about this phone, as per teasers, would be the cooling solution. Incorporating graphite sheets and vapor chambers, the system should be able to sustain maximum performance for longer, which we all know is pretty important for mobile gaming.

Moving to the Realme X3 SuperZoom - it is said to ll be retaining that Snapdragon 855+ chipset from the X2 Pro while upgrading the telephoto camera to 5x optical zoom using a periscope lens.

Teasers have confirmed the fingerprint scanner will be side-mounted so the panel will be of the LCD variety. But it will support 120Hz refresh rate for extra smooth gaming. The rumors suggest that the battery would get a slight bump to 4,200 mAh but the charging speed will cap at 30W instead of 50W.

As for the Realme X3 5G, it's supposed to deliver 5G on the cheap using a Snapdragon 765G chip.

Smart watch, earphones and a power bank

Realme is supposed to release its first smartwatch called Realme Watch. It's going to run a custom platform with the biggest screen in India in the price segment - 1.4". The watch will also have a heart rate and SpO2 monitors. Deeper integration with your Realme smartphone like camera control, is expected as well.

Following on the successful Realme Buds Air earphones, the company is about to unveil two more TWS products - Realme Buds Air Neo and Buds Q. The former will be a cheaper version of the original Buds Air with some of the features missing such as the wireless charging case and the so-called Environmental Noise Cancellation.

The Buds Q, on the other hand, seem like the most premium option in the Realme earphone portfolio. Features haven't been disclosed but the they are reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy Buds and are designed by the French artist Jose Levy.

Last but not least, the Buds Wireless are getting a Pro version. No one knows what makes them Pro but we know how the look and that they have USB-C connector.

Sadly, information about the power bank is scarce but we do hope that it supports some of the SuperDart/VOOC/Warp speeds.

Realme TV

This is going to be the first for the company and as expected, the brand aims to disrupt the TV market with low prices, just like it did with its phones. The TV will allegedly come in two flavors - 32" and 43" running Android TV.

Features like QLED panels, Chroma Boost engine, bezel-less design, 400 nits of brightness (20% more than the average TV in the price range), 24W quad-speakers and a quad-core MediaTek chipset are on the list.

As far as the Indian event is concerned, Realme has confirmed only the TV and the Watch so we don't know which other devices from the list above will make an appearance. Some of the accessories are likely to be launched in India as per media invites.

The European event will likely have the fewest devices of the three given that the company has teased just the X3 SuperZoom and vaguely confirmed that the X3 5G will be at that event as well. And by that point, we would know everything about the two handsets.

In any case, make sure to watch all of the events as with so many new announcements, we are excused to have missed something from the rumor mill. And besides, there are still some features that remain a mystery.
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New Delhi, May 24 : Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, on Sunday, visited a dedicated COVID-19 Health Centre at Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan (CBPACS) in Delhi's Najafgarh, the first Ayurveda hospital of India to provide Covid care, where he interacted with the doctors and sought feedback from COVID positive patients. He also stressed on the importance of Ayurveda.

"It is heartening to know the positive feedback of the Covid-19 patients here", said Harsh Vardhan, while also praising the role of Ayurveda. "Ayurveda is a traditional medicinal knowledge source from India and there is huge potential in it. Its inherent strength in holistic healing and wellbeing which is being put to good use in treatment of the COVID-19 patients at this DCHC. This knowledge and experience will surely prove beneficial to people all over the world, especially in combating COVID-19," he added.

Also talking about India's response to COVID-19, he said, "We have today 422 government laboratories and 177 private laboratory chains. The testing capacity has also been ramped up in both, and as on date, around 1,50,000 tests can be conducted every day. Yesterday itself, we conducted 1,10,397 tests. Till yesterday, we have conducted 29,44,874 tests." He also vouched for the ramped up health infrastructure that has been put in place. "A total of 968 dedicated COVID hospitals have been identified across the country with 2,50,397 beds; 2,065 dedicated COVID health Centres with 1,76,946 beds and, 7,063 COVID care centres with 6,46,438 beds," Vardhan claimed.

Talking of the doubling rate, the minister said that the situation has improved due to the lockdown.

Till date, a total of 201 patients have been admitted ro the CBPACS Centre. Of these, 37 patients have been cured and 100 patients have been advised home isolation. At least 19 patients have been shifted to Specialty hospitals on review of their medical condition. There has been no casualty in this Centre.

Out of the total capacity of 270 beds in this facility, 135 beds are earmarked for COVID-19 patients.

At this facility, a holistic approach is observed for treatment of COVID-19 patients following protocol of Ministry of AYUSH. In addition to the Ayurvedic and herbal treatments, the holistic approach also includes yoga, meditation, pranayam and other methods.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
A young Madison man was arrested after he led deputies on a low-speed chase, and at one point, was driving in the opposite lane of U.S. Highway 151, says the Iowa County Sheriffs Office.

Iowa County Dispatch received a call at 4:36 p.m Saturday from Lafayette County Dispatch that a car was traveling very slowly on U.S. 151 near Mineral Point.

Mineral Point police tried to pull over the car driven by Daeshawn Webster, but he refused to pull over and continued to drive at low speeds, according to the Iowa County Sheriffs Office.

They said the 19-year-old avoided stop sticks, and began traveling northbound in the southbound lanes.

An intervention technique was used to stop the car near CTH YZ, says the sheriffs office. No injuries were reported

Webster was arrested for operating while under the influence of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment, driving on the wrong side of a divided highway, and operating without a valid license.

A portion of the US 151 was reduced to one lane for 90 minutes while the scene was investigated by Wisconsin State Patrol.
From: NewsTip -- Story Ideas and Contacts Washington , DC Sunday, May 24, 2020









Dr. Don Martin, author of Road Map, is a graduate enrollment expert. He spent 28 years as Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, and Dean of Students at Columbia University, The University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Thinking about Graduate Study? You've come to the right place! Road Map is first book on the entire Graduate School experience. From doing research to find the right program, to navigating the application process, to succeeding once enrolled, it's all here in this succinct yet comprehensive resource. Follow Dr. Don's weekly blog on US News and World Report Magazine.







Looking for someone to give you 'The Why' behind what's happening and what's next? Joyce Gioia can do that for you. High content thought leader and Celebrity Futurist who will demystify complicated workforce and workplace issue and trends. Available 24/7, highly responsive and deadline-sensitive. Articulate Certified Management Consultant, she's upbeat about the future, with a realistic focus on employee turnover, labor shortages, corporation of the future, and similar current issues. Author of recent books on management and near-term future, including 'Impending Crisis,' 'How to Become an Employer of Choice,' 'Lean & Meaningful,'and 'How to Choose Your Next Employer.' The Herman Group helps organizations and their leaders prepare for tomorrow. Gioia has been on local and national TV more than 70 times and is often quoted in the national media, like TIME, Wall Street Journal, and the Christian Science Monitor. Joyce L. Gioia, CMC, CSP







Gail Rubin, CT, is a pioneering death educator who starts serious conversations with humor and funny films. She's a speaker, author, TV/radio host and Certified Funeral Celebrant. Her motto: 'Talking about sex won't make you pregnant, and talking about funerals won't make you dead.' As The Doyenne of Death (R), she helps families reduce stress, minimize conflict, save money and create a meaningful, memorable 'good goodbye.' She's the author of A GOOD GOODBYE: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don't Plan to Die, KICKING THE BUCKET LIST: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die, and HAIL AND FAREWELL: Cremation Ceremonies, Templates and Tips. She also created The Newly-Dead Game (R) to help families learn their loved ones' last wishes. Albuquerque Business First named her one of their 2019 Women of Influence. Download a free planning form and 50-point Executors Checklist at www.AGoodGoodbye.com. Talkers  Three New Guests  May 26, 2020 Grad School? Futurist. Death EducatorDr. Don Martin, author of Road Map, is a graduate enrollment expert. He spent 28 years as Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, and Dean of Students at Columbia University, The University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Thinking about Graduate Study? You've come to the right place! Road Map is first book on the entire Graduate School experience. From doing research to find the right program, to navigating the application process, to succeeding once enrolled, it's all here in this succinct yet comprehensive resource. Follow Dr. Don's weekly blog on US News and World Report Magazine. https://www.expertclick.com/19-4480 773-549-7639 dmartin@gradschoolroadmap.com Looking for someone to give you 'The Why' behind what's happening and what's next? Joyce Gioia can do that for you. High content thought leader and Celebrity Futurist who will demystify complicated workforce and workplace issue and trends. Available 24/7, highly responsive and deadline-sensitive. Articulate Certified Management Consultant, she's upbeat about the future, with a realistic focus on employee turnover, labor shortages, corporation of the future, and similar current issues. Author of recent books on management and near-term future, including 'Impending Crisis,' 'How to Become an Employer of Choice,' 'Lean & Meaningful,'and 'How to Choose Your Next Employer.' The Herman Group helps organizations and their leaders prepare for tomorrow. Gioia has been on local and national TV more than 70 times and is often quoted in the national media, like TIME, Wall Street Journal, and the Christian Science Monitor. Joyce L. Gioia, CMC, CSP joyce@hermangroup.com Cell: 336-210-3548 https://www.expertclick.com/19-415 Gail Rubin, CT, is a pioneering death educator who starts serious conversations with humor and funny films. She's a speaker, author, TV/radio host and Certified Funeral Celebrant. Her motto: 'Talking about sex won't make you pregnant, and talking about funerals won't make you dead.' As The Doyenne of Death (R), she helps families reduce stress, minimize conflict, save money and create a meaningful, memorable 'good goodbye.' She's the author of A GOOD GOODBYE: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don't Plan to Die, KICKING THE BUCKET LIST: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die, and HAIL AND FAREWELL: Cremation Ceremonies, Templates and Tips. She also created The Newly-Dead Game (R) to help families learn their loved ones' last wishes. Albuquerque Business First named her one of their 2019 Women of Influence. Download a free planning form and 50-point Executors Checklist at www.AGoodGoodbye.com. https://www.expertclick.com/12399 Cell: 505-363-7514 Gail@agoodgoodbye.com


Gurbir Singh By

Express News Service

The owner of a small potato wafers unit in Dharavi, Asias largest slum pocket in Mumbai, does not know how to get his unit started even though he has permission. His entire workforce of around 40 has walked out on him without notice. And why not? They had no stake in this coronavirus-blighted city, not even a rented hut in Dharavi. They stayed as guests on daily wages in the mezzanine floor of the small scale unit. Presumably, they have all gone back to their villages. The question bothering the owner now is: where does he get trained workers from at short notice?

Hundreds of similar small and medium enterprises (SMEs) all over the country, and big ones too, are facing the same crisis. Labour seems to have disappeared. When the lockdown became operative on March 25, no one had imagined the migrants crisis. For the last two months, a human tragedy of unspeakable proportions has played out millions upon millions fleeing the cities to get to the safety of their ancestral homes thousands of miles away.

They are on foot, on cattle carts, on autos and more lately on Shramik Special trains. They are dying of hunger, of accidents. But for now they dont care; only so long they can get home. These are the people who lived below the radar, in slums and hovels in cities; but who manned construction sites and 12-hour sweat shops. Without them, industrial units cannot crank up again.

Humongous numbers

Unlike most economies, migrant labour numbers in India are humongous. Indiaspend.com, the data analysis site, estimates that over the next few weeks and months, rural India will be expected to absorb 23 million interstate and intrastate migrants coming home from cities and industrial centers. About 25 per cent of the migrant workforce in the country is from UP, while Bihar contributes 14 per cent. The UP government estimates about 2 million migrants have returned home, and another one million are expected back in the next few weeks.

Certain industries and industrial townships had developed a symbiotic relationship with specific communities of migrants. There are, for example, eight lakh Odia workers in Surat alone, employed in the massive artificial silk weaving industry of the city. Large numbers of them are also polishers of rough diamonds. Over the last few weeks, Surat has been on the boil as thousands of these unemployed workers have clamoured to be provided with buses and trains to return to Odisha.

Similarly, the textile town of Bhiwandi, about 60 kilometers from Mumbai, is home to about two lakh UP powerloom workers, originally of the Julaha or weaver caste, and a lakh of Telugu Padmashali weavers. Tirupur towns once bustling textile industry is manned by 3 lakh workers from Bihar and UP, who have been agitating to be provided trains to make their way home 2,000 km away. As state governments struggle to restore normalcy and restart workplaces, reverse migration is the big challenge. With the restoration of public transport, the exodus is only gathering pace. Where are the workers left to man job stations?

No wonder Karnataka chief minister B.S.Yediyurappa made a bid to cancel scheduled trains carrying construction workers home at the behest of the construction lobby! It was also quite amusing to hear Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray exhort sons of the soil to seize the opportunity vacated by lakhs of migrant workers.

Irreplacable talent

It must be realized organised industry and services are talent specific; and talent is often community or region specific. Sons of the soil cannot mechanically replace labour that had worked on jobs that require specific skills and experience. Getting back those who have gone home is also not an immediate option. It is with great risk to life and health that millions made their way back home, and they are not coming back any time soon.

The cities have been cruel to them, offering no support or employment in the time of crisis. Given this scenario, local industry everywhere will be staring at a staffing crisis for quite some time to come.

Long term, one can take a guess how things will play out. The millions who are returning to their rural homes are unlikely to get jobs. Very few can be expected to go back to tilling the soil, and manufacturing forms just about 17 per cent of the rural economynot enough base to absorb the returning workers.

The unemployment rate of the rural workforce is high5.8 per cent or nearly 16 million pairs of hands looking for jobs; in UP and Bihar, it is even higher6 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively. The newcomers stand little chance.Those who fled the cities therefore will ultimately return in search of livelihood, but not before industry and services go through a shock of extreme labour shortage.

Specific skills needed

It must be realized organised industry and services are talent specific; and talent is often community or region specific. Sons of the soil cannot mechanically replace labour that had specific skills and experience.

The crisis in numbers

25 per cent of Indias total migrant labour force comes from the state of Uttar Pradesh, while another 14 per cent hail from Bihar

17 per cent of the rural economy accounts for manufacturing, according to estimates, and this is unlikely to be enough to absorb the returning labour base in their home states

5.8 per cent is the unemployment rate in rural India, with UP and Bihar at 6% and 7% respectively
The farmer was arrested after he was found lying in a pool of blood under a tree in a bush, with multiple wounds on his abdomen and his intestines gushing out.

Mr Daniel Kunyowu, former Assemblyman of the electoral area told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the community members found the suspect lying in the bush and rushed him to the St. Joseph Hospital after making a report to the police.

The former Assemblyman said the suspect was later referred to the Kpando Hospital for treatment due to the severity of his condition.

He said on May 20, 2020, about 1700 hours, he had a call from the community that a pregnant woman butchered by her husband was found in a pool of blood.

Mr Kunyowu said the pregnant woman was also rushed to St. Joseph Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.

He said it was later found out that the pregnant woman was butchered by Simon Kwabena, who after the act tried to commit suicide.

Mr. Lawson Lartey, Nkwanta South Municipal Police Commander confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency and said investigations were on-going.

GNA
In November 2019, 26-year-old Dheeraj Kapoor and 33-year-old Naveen Kumar were new civil defence volunteer recruits deployed by the Delhi government at a busy traffic intersection in south Delhi. They were there to ensure that private vehicles with odd and even registration numbers ply on alternate dates adhering to the governments fortnight-long road space rationing strategy.

However, as the authorities eased the restrictions of the nationwide lockdown, implemented to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), with time, the city police reduced its deployment on Covid-19 duty in a phased manner and returned to regular law and order duties. This led to the district administration relying more on civil defence volunteers since May 4, remarked several district magistrates that HT spoke to. There are 13,000 active volunteers on duty. The government needs at least 10,000 more volunteers immediately and at least 25,000 more in the next few months as businesses, commercial activities and public transport resume operations, and the number of positive cases continues to spike, senior government officials said on condition of anonymity.

Currently, Kapoor works full-time in one of the 87 Covid-19 containment zones in the city  from manning barricades that seal the area to ensuring doorstep delivery of essential goods. Kumar works in one of the 1,800-odd hunger centres run by the city government, which feeds around 500 people twice a day.

In the last few months, I have witnessed quite an unexpected journey  from manning vehicles on odd-even days and volunteering for election duty to helping victims during the north-east Delhi riots and now Covid-19 management, Kapoor said over the telephone.

From manning barricades in containment zones and providing essential goods to the residents of sealed areas to distributing ration and cooked meals at hunger centres, helping the police maintain law and order, and ensuring social distancing at railway stations and liquor shops, civil defence volunteers in Delhi have been playing a major role since the day the nationwide lockdown was imposed (March 25), Delhis revenue minister Kailash Gahlot said.

Delhis chief secretary Vijay Dev said, In the next few days, we are looking forward to more volunteers joining our ranks as the city resumes normalcy with the functioning of business, commerce and public transport.

MORE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

There are almost 46,000 volunteers registered with the Delhi government, according to a senior official with the revenue department. They are not bound by an employment contract and are entitled to emolument of around 730 for a days work when engaged in duty, he said.

Of the 46,000, around 13,000 are active volunteers. Others have not reported for a long time. We have deployed them in containment zones, food distribution centres, screening centres, shelter homes, quarantine centres, etc., the official in charge of the civil defence registration process said, requesting anonymity. However, a total of 25,000 volunteers are needed for effective Covid-19 management, he added.

The official said that civil defence volunteers are needed throughout the year and the government occasionally publishes advertisements in newspapers to inform potential volunteers of that. The minimum age requirement is 18 years and there is no bar on the maximum age.

Delhi currently has a sanctioned strength of 237,938 civil defence volunteers, according to records of the Union home ministry.The recruitment official in Delhi government said, To ensure social distancing, especially in public transport, the government plans to deploy more volunteers. We need at least 25,000 volunteers in the next few months as more businesses, commercial activities and public transport are expected to further restart operations.

According to Jugal Kishore, the head of the community medicines department in Safdarjung Hospital, Community participation plays an important role in public health initiatives. It can help change perception and aid in the effective implementation of rules and regulations for the welfare of the community if the volunteers are trained well.
The first of five tankers loaded with gasoline sent from Iran reached Venezuelan waters late Saturday, expected to temporarily ease the South American nation's fuel crunch while defying Trump administration sanctions targeting the two US foes.

The oil tanker Fortune encountered no immediate signs of US interference as it eased through Caribbean waters toward the Venezuelan coast and Venezuelan officials celebrated the arrival.

"Iran and Venezuela have always supported each other in times of difficulty, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza tweeted. Today, the first ship with gasoline arrives for our people.

The tanker and four behind it were finishing a high seas journey amid a burgeoning relationship between Iran and Venezuela, both of which Washington says are ruled by repressive regimes.

Russ Dallen, head of the Miami-based investment firm Caracas Capital Markets, confirmed the Fortune's location using ship tracking technology. He said the Clavel, the last of the five ships, was about 3 1/2 days behind the lead tanker.

Venezuela sits atop the world's largest oil reserves, but it must import gasoline because production has crashed in the last two decades. Critics blame corruption and mismanagement by the socialist administration amid an economic crisis that has led to huge migration by Venezuelans seeking to escape poverty, shortages of basic goods and crime.

The Iranian tankers hold what analysts estimate to be enough gasoline to supply Venezuela for two to three weeks.

Deep gasoline shortages have plagued Venezuela for years, though the problem had until recently largely spared the capital of Caracas, the largest population center and political seat.

Drivers must wait for days in lines that snake through neighbourhood to fill up with government-subsidised gasoline that costs less than a penny for a tank.

Wealthier drivers with US dollars turn to the black market, where gas costs up to USD 12 a gallon. That's a small fortune in Venezuela, where the monthly minimum wage equals less than USD 5.

The US accuses Iran and other nations of propping up Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro. It's among nearly 60 nations that back opposition leader Juan Guaid as Venezuela's legitimate president, contending that Maduro illegitimately won a 2018 election that banned his most popular opponents.

In a new relationship between Caracas and Tehran, Iran recently also flew shipments of a key chemical needed to help jump start a Venezuelan oil refinery and produce gasoline.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned Saturday that the United States should not to interfere with the shipment of oil bound for Venezuela.

In a statement, Rouhani said that the US had created unacceptable conditions in different parts of the world, but that Iran would by no means be the one to initiate conflict.

If our tankers in the Caribbean or anywhere in the world face any problems caused by the Americans, they will face problems as well, he added. We hope the Americans will not make a mistake.

US officials had announced no plans to try to intercept Iran's tankers.

However, the Trump administration has increased pressure on Maduro, recently offered a USD 15 million bounty for his arrest after a US court indicted him as a narcotrafficker.

The US also recently deployed a force of ships, including Navy destroyers and other combat ships, to patrol the Caribbean on what US officials call a drug interdiction mission. The Maduro government considers it a direct threat.

Maduro holds on to power with support from Venezuela's military and his international allies, also including Cuba, Russia, and China.

The US says these nations are engaged in malign activities and meddling around the world.

We will not abide by their support of the illegitimate and tyrannical regime of Nicols Maduro, the Trump administration said in a statement, citing its maximum pressure campaign against the socialist leader. Will continue until Maduro's hold on Venezuela is over.

A defiant Maduro appeared on state TV days ahead of the ships' arrivals, vowing a tough response to any US aggression against the Iranian tankers. He showed images of soldiers firing antiaircraft missiles streaking across the Caribbean.

They want to enslave us, Maduro said Thursday. If you want peace, you must be prepared to defend it.

Maduro's defense minister, Vladimir Padrino Lpez, said Venezuela's armed forces would welcome the five Iranian tankers, escorting them with ships and planes through the nation's maritime territory and into port.

Eric Farnsworth, vice president of the Council of the Americas and Americas Society research center, said he didn't expect the US would act against the Iranian tankers. Such an act could too easily escalate, he said, especially in the Persian Gulf where Iran could retaliate against US ships.

"(That) would needlessly undermine the narrative that Venezuela, with the world's largest proven oil supply, has to import gasoline from Iran of all places because they have become such an international pariah, Farnsworth said.

"If they don't, Caracas claims a great victory for the fatherland and tries to portray the US as impotent.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rome: Visitors were able to enjoy the splendours of Florence's Duomo for the first time since it shut for Italy's strict lockdown, thanks to a gadget designed to emit an alarm each time they strayed too close to others.

The special devices, which are issued free on entry to each visitor, flash, vibrate and beep when people fail to observe the two metre social distancing rule.

Officials hope the technology will help bring visitors back to the historic Duomo in Florence, which has been scarce for months due to lockdown measures. Credit:AP

Timothy Verdon, director of the Duomo Museum, said the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the first in the world to employ such a device in a museum setting, adding that visitor numbers were also being reduced in line with Italy's continuing social distancing measures, with online booking and masks now obligatory.

At the entrance to the Duomo, guards used thermal scanners to take the temperature of visitors, before each one was given one of the devices. These will later be disinfected before being used again.
(LOS ANGELES and CHICAGO) -- Cartilage is far from being like cartilage. As a rubber-like elastic tissue with widely varying properties, it lubricates our joints to keep them healthy and in motion, and forms many of our internal structures such as the intervertebral discs in our spine, the flexible connections between our ribs, and our voice box, as well as external tissues like nose, and ears.

Specifically, in joints, the wear-and-tear of cartilage over time eventually can result in the painful bone-on-bone contacts, and the bone damage and inflammatory reactions that plague patients with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. In the US alone, 32.5 million adults are affected by osteoarthritis, and thus far there is no strategy that allows lasting repair or replacement of degenerating joint (articular) cartilage.

To overcome this problem, researchers are using tissue engineering strategies to generate cartilage from stem cells outside of the human body, but "it can be challenging to prevent fibrocartilage and hypertrophic cartilage from forming when using tissue engineering strategies", said Eben Alsberg, Ph.D., the Richard and Loan Hill Professor of Bioengineering, Orthopedics, Pharmacology and Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at the University of Illinois in Chicago, who was previously at Case Western Reserve University. Upon implantation into joints, engineered cartilage can become unstable and dysfunctional, and methods that can determine more complex conditions for the production of high-quality cartilage ex vivo and its maintenance in vivo thus far were limited.

Now, a collaborative research team led by Ali Khademhosseini, Ph.D., the Director and CEO of the Terasaki Institute who was previously Director of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, and Alsberg, has developed a multi-component biomaterial-based screening approach that identifies material compositions, and mechanical and molecular stimuli enabling human stem cells to differentiate into cells capable of generating higher-quality articular cartilage. The study is published in Science Advances.

"We took a holistic approach to cartilage engineering with this multicomponent in vitro approach by screening with high-throughput through many combinations of material, biomechanical and molecular parameters, which in this complexity had not been done before," said Khademhosseini. "This allowed us to define material properties and compositions, and specific mechanical, biochemical, and pharmacological contributions that help guide human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) down a differentiation path towards articular cartilage-producing chondrocytes in vitro, and better maintain their functionality when transferred into mice."

Chondrocytes, which are differentiating from hMSCs, form cartilage by secreting collagen and other biomolecules into their extracellular environments where they form a hydrated elastic matrix. However, as differentiated cartilage only retains relatively low numbers of normally functioning chondrocytes, and lacks supportive blood vessels, it cannot efficiently repair and regenerate itself.

In the study, the team assembled a compression bioreactor from 3D printed components with an array of 288 individual hydrogel-based biomaterials for screening of multiple parameters presented in the native developing cartilage microenvironment. These hydrogels were made up of two different biomaterials, oxidized methacrylated alginate (OMA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). The two hydrogel components can be cross-linked to each other to create a biodegradable and biocompatible dense interconnected elastic network. Within the biomaterial, the researchers embedded hMSCs and, in addition, cell-binding ligands that mimic the normal extracellular environment of developing cartilage, and growth factors favoring cartilage cell differentiation. The hydrogel biomaterial with the encapsulated hMSCs could be mechanically manipulated between fixed and movable plates, whereby the movable plate is cyclically pushed up from the bottom with finely calibrated forces, causing the biomaterial scaffold to be compressed and then relaxed again each time.

To be able to support the hMSCs with cartilage-specific cell culture medium and expose them to additional biochemical cues while they differentiate, the device was separated into multiple chambers and each chamber was linked to a microfluidic support system. Since all relevant biomaterial, mechanical and chemical parameters could be individually varied between biomaterials of the array, the researchers could study multiple combinations of cues simultaneously.

"Our approach pinpointed biomaterial compositions that provided a sweet spot of hydrogel physical properties, just the right amounts of extracellular matrix and critical growth factors, and mechanical stimulation that hMSCs needed in this complexity to develop into highly functional articular chondrocytes in the engineered system," said co-first author Junmin Lee, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in Khademhosseini's group.

Alsberg added that the team's device-driven biomaterials strategy "identified cues in the cellular microenvironment that could preferentially drive engineered tissue constructs to a preferred hyaline cartilage phenotype". Chondrocytes that matured in the biomaterials secreted substantial amounts of extracellular matrix molecules that compose natural joint cartilage.

Lee together with the other co-first author Oju Jeon, Ph.D., a Research Professor working with Alsberg, and additional team members, also studied molecular pathways that chondrocytes normally use to transduce mechanical signals from their extracellular environment to control their gene expression. "We found that suboptimal biomaterial properties that elevated the activity of a mechanotransducing protein called YAP and its down-stream effects were causing chondrocytes to adopt a less functional state strongly resembling the one in hypertrophic cartilage in patients," said Jeon. "In contrast, inhibiting YAP with a specific drug favored the formation of functional articular chondrocytes in our system."

The YAP inhibitor as well as an inhibitor of WNT, another protein involved in mechanotransduction, were also found by the team in a search for drugs that would favor the formation of healthy articular cartilage in their system.

To investigate whether their overall approach could enable the generation of chondrocytes that would also be more effective in vivo, they scaled up a successful condition that resulted from their screening procedure from a hydrogel 1 mm in diameter to one that measured 8 mm in diameter. "When we actively inhibited YAP or the mechanical signal transducer WNT during 21 days of chondrocyte differentiation in vitro, implanted the engineered tissue under the skin of mice, and analyzed the implants again after an additional 21 days, we observed higher-quality chondrocytes with significantly less hypertrophy compared to controls that were not treated with inhibitors prior to implantation," said Jeon.

"The opportunities that our approach offers and the information it already helped us provide is an important step towards the generation of truly therapeutic articular cartilage, and some of the insights we gleaned could also be tooled for enhancing the function of existing joint cartilage in patients with osteoarthritis and for more personalized strategies," said Khademhosseini. His group continues their efforts at the interface of the Terasaki Institute's Personalized Implants, Personalized Cells, and Personalized Materials platforms in collaboration with the Alsberg Stem Cell & Engineered Novel Therapeutics (ASCENT) Laboratory.

###

Additional authors on the study are Ming Kong, Ph.D., Amr Abdeed, Ph.D., Jung-Youn Shin, Ph.D., Ha Neul Lee, Ph.D., Yu Bin Lee, Ph.D., Wujin Sun, Ph.D., Praveen Bandaru, Daniel S. Alt, KangJu Lee, Ph.D., Han-Jun Kim, DVM/Ph.D., Sang Jin Lee, Ph.D., Somali Chaterji, Ph.D., and Su Ryon Shin, Ph.D. This work was funded by the National Institutes of Health under grant AR066193.

PRESS CONTACT

Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation

Stewart Han, shan@terasaki.org, +1 818-836-4393

The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (terasaki.org) is a non-profit research organization that invents and fosters practical solutions that restore or enhance the health of individuals. Research at the Terasaki Institute leverages scientific advancements that enable an understanding of what makes each person unique, from the macroscale of human tissues down to the microscale of genes, to create technological solutions for some of the most pressing medical problems of our time. We use innovative technology platforms to study human disease on the level of individual patients by incorporating advanced computational and tissue-engineering methods. Findings yielded by these studies are translated by our research teams into tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches encompassing personalized materials, cells and implants with unique potential and broad applicability to a variety of diseases, disorders and injuries.

The Institute is made possible through an endowment from the late Dr. Paul I. Terasaki, a pioneer in the field of organ transplant technology.
With the pressure of keeping over 2 lakh migrant workers in quarantine centres for 21 days proving difficult in view of frequent protests at such centres and migrants jumping quarantine, the Odisha government on Sunday brought down the total quarantine period from 28 days to 14 days.

Special relief commissioner Pradeep Jena said in rural areas the migrant workers will undergo 7 days of mandatory institutional quarantine after which the asymptomatic ones will be discharged for home quarantine for a further period of 7 days. Earlier, all returning migrant workers in rural areas had to compulsorily stay in 21 days of official quarantine followed by 7 days of home quarantine. They were also stamped with indelible ink on their left arm.

Jena, however, said government officials, professionals, businessmen or any other person travelling to Odisha on work and leaving within 72 hours would be exempted from mandatory quarantine. Besides, anyone who has already undergone the prescribed quarantine period in any other state would also be exempted from quarantine in Odisha.

Additional chief secretary of the health department, PK Mohapatra said the change in quarantine policy came following changes in ICMR guidelines.

Officials however admitted that shortening the quarantine period was necessary to free up school buildings and Anganwadi centres that are currently being used as quarantine centres. So far 2.4 lakh migrant workers have been quarantined in Odisha after lockdown was relaxed.

A senior official said reducing the quarantine period was necessary as more and more jumping of quarantine norms were being reported across the state with gram panchayats feeling the pressure of keeping the migrant workers in the centres.

In several quarantine centres the inmates have gone on strike protesting the quality of food while in other places villagers are uneasy about having quarantine centres next to their homes.

In Sundargarh district, four migrant workers escaped from an institutional quarantine at a school in Gurundia block early Sunday morning. The inmates who had returned from Kerala and Maharashtra jumped the schools boundary wall protesting the quality of food served there.

The returning migrant workers have proved to be a big headache for us. It seems the prime duty of the Sarpanch is now to ensure that the inmates complete their quarantine period, said a Sarpanch in Ganjam district, the epicentre of Covid-19 in Odisha.

The state governments shortening of the quarantine period came on the day more than 200 migrant workers fled a Shramik Special train near Balibagada in Ganjam district after pulling the alarm chain. The Shramik Special train carrying Odisha migrants from Namapalli in Telangana was going towards Khordha Road station in Bhubaneswar.

After some locals spotted the migrant returnees coming via the railway track towards Balibagada area, they informed the police and the Railway Protection Force.

Pradeep Jena said the Centres decision to run more Shramik Special trains without any prior information and without the consent of the state government, would make things difficult for Odisha.

The Centre earlier used to inform the state government about Shramik Special trains leaving for Odisha as well as the particulars of the migrant workers travelling in it, he said.

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Flynn Judge Hires Well-Connected DC Attorney to Face Higher Courts Order

District Judge Emmet Sullivan, who presides over the case of former Trump adviser Michael Flynn, has hired a high-profile Washington attorney to represent him before the District of Columbia appeals court, a person familiar with Sullivans decision confirmed to The Epoch Times.

Sullivan hired Beth Wilkinson after the higher court ordered him on May 21 to respond within 10 days about why he hasnt approved the Department of Justices (DOJ) motion to drop the retired Army three-star generals case.

Wilkinson has in the past represented major corporations such as Pfizer, Bayer, Microsoft, and Phillip Morris, as well as aides of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the FBIs investigation of Clintons use of a private email server. She also assisted then-Supreme Court nominee Bret Kavanaugh in preparing his 2018 defense against an allegation that he committed a sexual assault while in high school.

Shes married to CNN analyst David Gregory, the former host of the NBC News Meet the Press.

Flynn, a former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency and former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, pleaded guilty in 2017 to one count of lying during an FBI interview. In January, he disavowed the plea and asked the court to allow him to withdraw it.

The DOJ moved to drop Flynns case on May 7, saying the FBI interview wasnt based on a properly predicated investigation and seems to have been undertaken only to elicit those very false statements and thereby criminalize Mr. Flynn.

Sullivan has so far refused to affirm the dismissal and has instead laid out a schedule that would prolong the case for possibly months. Hes appointed former federal Judge John Gleeson as an amicus curiae (friend of the court) to present arguments in opposition to the governments Motion to Dismiss, as well as to address whether the court should make the defense explain why Flynn should not be held in criminal contempt for perjury.

Hes also signaled he may allow more amici to join the case.

Flynns lawyers, led by former federal prosecutor Sidney Powell, on May 19 filed a petition for a writ of mandamusa request to the higher court to order Sullivan to accept the case dismissal, cancel the Gleeson appointment, and assign the case to another judge.

Sullivans move, first reported by The Washington Post, underscores the peculiarity of the situation.

Most writ petitions are denied right away, according to appellate attorney John Reeves, a former assistant Missouri attorney general. If the appeals court is willing to entertain the petition, it has to get a response from the lower court first. Usually, that would happen by inviting the judge to respond or by appointing an amicus to represent the judge.

Its rare for the appeals court to directly order the judge, Reeves told The Epoch Times.

The short time-table recognizes the seriousness of the issue to the proper administration of justice, Powell commented on the order in a May 21 tweet.

Moreover, the order included a reference to a 2016 case in which the court ruled that a judge has only a narrow role when prosecutors send him a motion to dismiss a case.

Decisions to dismiss pending criminal chargesno less than decisions to initiate charges and to identify which charges to bringlie squarely within the ken of prosecutorial discretion, the ruling stated.

The case is being handled at the appeals court by a three-judge panel: Karen Henderson, a George W. Bush appointee; Robert Wilkins, an Obama appointee; and Neomi Rao, a Trump appointee. There was no dissent on the order.

Sullivans reference to contempt for perjury likely refers to Flynns reiterating his guilty plea before the judge in 2018. Flynn said he only did so because his lawyers urged him to and because he was coerced into making the plea by the prosecutors threat to charge his son.

The plea is legally irrelevant to the case dismissal, according to Powell, because the DOJ based its decision on a lack of materiality, meaning impactfulness of what Flynn said, to a legitimate FBI investigation.

He had to accept on faith that the questions [the FBI asked him] were material, she said in the petition.

Moreover, as the appeals court for the 9th Circuit noted in 2009, it is well established that the government may move to dismiss even after a complaint has turned into a conviction because of a guilty plea.

This is not a new principle in our legal system, and among honest attorneys, judges, and legal scholars, it is not subject to any serious debate, Reeves said via email.
The U.S. jobless rate may still be in the double digits when President Donald Trump stands for re-election in November, a top White House adviser said.

While jobless data is a lagging indicator, business activity is already close to an "inflection point" toward recovery, White House aide Kevin Hassett said on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday.

The job market, as shown by unemployment figures, is "probably about a month away" from that point, Hassett said. The jobless rate probably will peak above 20%, he said.

Eric Rosengren, president of the Boston Federal Reserve Bank, said the unemployment rate would remain over 10% through 2020, risking a "severe outcome" in the labor market.

The insured unemployment rate, or the number of people currently receiving unemployment insurance as a share of the total eligible labor market, rose to 17.2% in the week ended May 9, according to the latest Labor Department report.

"We're going to see more bad data," Hassett said. If glitches that marred last week's data are fixed, the U.S. could "end up with a number north of 20% in May."

People's fear of contracting the virus and the absence of a vaccine probably will weigh on the economy into the fall, Hassett said, though he expressed confidence that it will "skyrocket" back in the third quarter after record-setting losses in the second quarter, citing a Congressional Budget Office forecast.

- - -

Asked whether he sees the unemployment rate in the double digits in November, Hassett said: "Yes, I do."

His view was echoed by Rosengren, currently the longest-serving Fed policymaker, who said he expects the unemployment rate to remain above 10% through 2020 at least.

"Unfortunately I think it's likely to be double digit unemployment through the end of this year," Rosengren said on CBS's "Face the Nation."

"Full employment - getting back to the low level of unemployment we saw at the end of February - probably takes either a vaccine or other innovations that make it much less risky to go out," Rosengren said.

Like Rosengren, many economic policymakers and health officials have said Americans won't have the confidence to completely resume their daily activities until a coronavirus vaccine is widely available, which could be over a year at the earliest. Until then, caution will linger.

Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, tweeted Sunday morning to "remind everyone that the coronavirus is not yet contained," even with efforts underway to normalize conditions.

The U.S. has more than 1.6 million confirmed cases of Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. New diagnoses have tailed off in former hot spots such as New York and New Jersey, but are still on the rise - or rising again - in several states, including North Carolina, Alabama and North Dakota.

Deaths in the U.S. attributed to the coronavirus are expected to pass 100,000 in the next few days.

- - -

"When you look across the country, you see hospitalizations going up in many states," said Scott Gottlieb, who proceeded Hahn as leader of the FDA.

"People can start to go out again, I think, and start to enjoy some semblance of the lives that they want to enjoy over the course of the summer. But we should still be careful," he said.

The global economy is suffering its worst slump since the 1930s, with few corners spared the impact of Covid-19 and its associated shutdowns of much of daily life.

Still, Hassett predicted that within months "all the signs of economic recovery are going to be raging everywhere," consistent with his view of a strong rebound in the quarter that starts in July.

"The only thing we're going to be debating as economists" is how quickly output will return to where it was before the pandemic, Hassett said.

"Unemployment will be something that moves back slower," Hassett said. "It could be better than that, but you're going to be starting at a number in the 20s and working your way down. So of course you could not be back to full employment by September or October. If there were a vaccine in July, I'd be way more optimistic."

With Congress debating a possible fourth economic stimulus bill, Hassett accused Democrats of backing "absurd" requests for aid to local and state governments that he said are seeking "radically more money" than their expected budget shortfalls related to the virus crisis.

"There's a lot of money for the states already," and "I don't know" whether a needs analysis will support the Democratic-led forecasts, he said.

Rosengren, though, said that a long stretch of double-digit unemployment risks "a much more severe outcome in labor markets over time" and that "additional fiscal policy" will be needed.
White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday that the U.S. government will likely impose economic sanctions on Hong Kong and China if Beijing moves ahead with a proposed national security law for Hong Kong that could constrain the special region's autonomy.

Why it matters: O'Brien said the U.S. could revoke a special status that allows Hong Kong to function as an international financial hub, stating that it's "hard to see" how the financial community can remain in the city if the law is enacted.

The backdrop: The Chinese Communist Party proposed an amendment to Hong Kong's independent legal system last week that would prohibit acts of sedition, subversion and secession, as well as foreign interference, though Beijing tends to define those crimes broadly.

What he's saying: "It's hard to see how Hong Kong could remain the Asian financial center that it's become if China takes over," O'Brien said.

"I just don't see how [the financial community] can stay. One reason that they came to Hong Kong is because there was the rule of law there, there was a free enterprise system, there was a capitalist system, there was democracy and local legislative elections. If all those things go away, I'm not sure how the financial community can stay there."

O'Brien said he believes the law would create a "brain drain" for the city as Hong Kongers "seek refuge other places."

"They're not going to stay in Hong Kong to be dominated by the People's Republic of China and the Communist Party."

Asked whether China would be threatened by sanctions, O'Brien responded: "China is dependent on capital from the rest of the world, to build their economy and grow their middle class. They're dependent on liquidity in financial markets. If they lose access of that through Hong Kong, that's a real blow to Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party. "

O'Brien also refused to say that President Trump's decision not to stand up for pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong during U.S.-China trade negotiations was a "mistake."

"We want good relations with China and with the Chinese people. But unfortunately, we're seeing just action after action by the Chinese Communist Party that makes it difficult."

Driving the news: Thousands of protesters marched through Hong Kong on Sunday in the largest gathering since Beijing's encroachment on the city's independent legal system sparked protests last year.

Go deeper: U.S.-China rivalry chips away at global order
President Donald Trump plans to be on the Florida coast Wednesday to watch American astronauts blast into orbit from the Kennedy Space Center for the first time in nearly a decade.

It will be the first time since the space shuttle program ended in 2011 that U.S. astronauts will launch into space aboard an American rocket from American soil.

Also new Wednesday: a private company  not NASA  is running the show.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is the conductor and NASA the customer as businesses begin chauffeuring astronauts to the International Space Station. With American shuttles no longer in use, the United States has had to rely on Russia for rides to the station.

The NASA/SpaceX Commercial Crew flight test launch will carry NASA's newest test pilots, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

They're scheduled to blast off at 4:33 p.m. EDT from launch pad 39A, the same one the Apollo astronauts used to get to the moon.

The shift to private companies allows NASA to zero in on deep space travel. The space agency is working to return astronauts to the moon by 2024 under orders from the White House, but that deadline appears increasingly unlikely even as three newly chosen commercial teams rush to develop lunar landers. Mars also beckons.

The White House portrayed the launch as an extension of Trump's promise to reassert American dominance in space. He recently oversaw creation of the Space Force as the sixth branch of the armed forces.

"Our destiny, beyond the Earth, is not only a matter of national identity, but a matter of national security," Trump said in a statement.

Vice President Mike Pence, who is chairman of the National Space Council, also plans to attend Wednesday's launch.

 Associated Press

'Parenthood' star's videos go viral

Sarah Ramos always knew Dylan O'Brien had the range.

The actress, best known for NBC's "Parenthood," went viral on Thursday after uploading a video in which she and O'Brien reenacted the climax of David Fincher's "The Social Network." O'Brien, who starred in MTV's "Teen Wolf" and the "Maze Runner" films, played Eduardo Saverin, a role originally taken on by Andrew Garfield. Ramos pulled double duty as Jesse Eisenberg's Mark Zuckerberg and Justin Timberlake's Sean Parker. Borrowing the original script and score, the actors re-created the scene in which an irate Saverin, who is being pushed out of Facebook, threatens Zuckerberg by telling him to "lawyer up."

The reenactment, shot from their respective homes, attracted tens of thousands of interactions on Twitter  and even caught the attention of Garfield, who wrote to his friend Lin-Manuel Miranda that O'Brien had "MURDERED it." It was the latest in a series of videos Ramos has been uploading throughout quarantine, in which she and the occasional guest star reenact scenes that "feel symbolic to me, in some way."

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"It's really crazy," Ramos says. "As my fiance and I have mentioned, it's crazy that we made this in our living room and then people are talking about it the next day. It makes me happy and proud."

 Associated Press

Acclaimed novelist hosts radio show

Acclaimed Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami, hosting a special radio show from home, painted a brighter side of the world with his favorite music, and said the fight against the coronavirus is a challenge in figuring out ways to help and care for each other.

The 71-year-old, known for bestsellers such as "A Wild Sheep Chase" and "Windup Bird Chronicle," said Friday he hoped the show would "blow away some of the corona-related blues."

Murakami opened the two-hour late night show "Murakami Radio Stay Home Special" with "Look for the Silver Lining" by the Modern Folk Quartet, followed by 16 other songs, selected from classical to jazz, pop and rock. Their common thread: smile, sunshine, rainbow, birthday memories and other happy sides of life.

Murakami said comparing the fight against the coronavirus to a war, as politicians often do, is inappropriate. "It's a challenge for us to figure out how we can share our wisdom to cooperate, help each other and keep balance. It's not a war to kill each other but a fight of wisdom to let us all live," he said. "We don't need enmity and hatred here."

 Associated Press
Chief Of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat has decided to donate Rs 50,000 from his every salary for the next 12 months to PM Cares Fund.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat has started donating Rs 50,000 from his salary to be deducted every month for the next one year to the PM CARES fund created to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, the CDS had written to the authorities concerned that for the next one year, Rs 50,000 be deducted from his salary and be deposited in the PM-CARES fund, defence sources told ANI.

After the letter was written, the first deduction of Rs 50,000 was done from the salary of April and deposited in the fund created for the fight against Coronavirus, they said. The CDS had also donated one-day salary for the PM CARES fund along with all other defence services personnel who had donated in March soon after the fund was started.

Now the Defence Ministry employees have been given an option of donating one-day salary every month for the next one year and this would be done voluntarily. Sources said the decision to donate Rs. 50,000 every month to the PM CARES fund by the CDS is likely to encourage other senior officers also to make their contribution towards the fight against coronavirus.



Also Read: COVID-19 update: With 6,767 cases in last 24 hours, Indias tally crosses 1.3 lakh mark with toll at 3,867

Also Read: Cyclone Amphan: West Bengal governor hits out at Mamata Banerjee for delay in seeking help from army for relief work

National Disaster Management Authority member and former Coast Guard Chief Rajendra Singh has also donated 30 per cent of his salary to the PM CARES fund. A number of senior officers in Army Headquarters have contributed for the PM fund.



The CDS is also leading from the front in the armed forces fight against COVID-19 as he attends all meetings with the Health Ministry and is also working with the services in preparing them for fight against the pandemic. The CDS had also visited the Narela quarantine centre and other facilities to assess the preparations there to tackle the spread of the deadly virus which originated from China.

Also Read: COVID-19: Doctors at Delhis RML hospital hold candle march against Centres move to cancel 14-day quarantine

For all the latest National News, download NewsX App
A Conservative MP is calling for Boris Johnson's top adviser to resign or be sacked amid more claims he broke lockdown rules.

Dominic Cummings claims he acted "reasonably and legally" by driving more than 300 kilometres from London to County Durham while his wife had coronavirus symptoms.

Downing Street said reports in The Observer and Sunday Mirror that he made a second trip there are "inaccurate".

Steve Baker said Mr Cummings "must go".

He tweeted: It is intolerable that Boris government is losing so much political capital. Three changes are immediately required: 1  Govt needs competitive expert advice 2  Govt must insist on high software engineering standards 3  Dominic Cummings must go.

It is intolerable that Boris government is losing so much political capital. Three changes are immediately required:



1 - Govt needs competitive expert advice



2 - Govt must insist on high software engineering standards



3 - Dominic Cummings must gohttps://t.co/zUOCVcDAmN  Steve Baker MP FRSA (@SteveBakerHW) May 24, 2020

Writing for The Critic Magazine, Mr Baker said allegations of a further breach in the Sunday papers were a disaster and Mr Cummings clearly broke at the very least the guidance which kept mums and dads at home.

He added: Dominic Cummings must go before he does any more harm to the UK, the Government, the Prime Minister, our institutions or the Conservative Party.

Time is up. It is time for Dom to resign so Boris can govern within the conventions and norms which will see us through.

Speaking on the Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme, Mr Baker said: If he doesnt resign, well just keep burning through Boriss political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis, he said.

It is very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominics slogans to mean stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

"I don't see...how this is going to go away unless Dominic goes"



"Everyone else understood Dominic's slogans to mean stay at home" says Conservative @SteveBakerHW and "mums and dads...will wonder why he's been able to do this". He thinks the No.10 adviser should resign.#Ridge pic.twitter.com/gdnG4o6vRz  Trevor Phillips on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) May 24, 2020

And I think mums and dads who very much care about their children and who have been forgoing the childcare of their extended family will wonder why he has been allowed to do this.

I really just dont see, as we approach the Prime Minister (appearing) at the liaison committee on Wednesday, how this is going to go away unless Dominic goes.

"No one is indispensable, Dominic should go and we should have a chief of staff to the PM who doesn't end up in the newspapers in this way." @SteveBakerHW says the story involving Dominic Cummings is "diverting from the real issues". #Ridge https://t.co/JwYiKcNiml pic.twitter.com/DP2w0uu14W  Trevor Phillips on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) May 24, 2020

Mr Baker, MP for Wycombe, said: Im afraid I just think this is the end of the road. I objected to Dominic going into Number 10 on the day Boris became PM, my colleagues werent with me. I think its worked out badly, as it was bound to do.

Dominics tactics are out of place and he should go, and this moment has revealed that really he has ended up not abiding by the spirit at least of the slogans which he has enforced on the rest of the country.
(Reuters) - The Trump administration discussed last week whether to conduct its first nuclear test explosion since 1992, the Washington Post reported late on Friday, citing a senior official and two former officials familiar with the matter.

The topic surfaced at a meeting of senior officials representing the top national security agencies after accusations from the administration that Russia and China are conducting low-yield nuclear tests, the Washington Post said. (https://wapo.st/2Xljjro)

The meeting, however, did not conclude with any agreement to conduct a nuclear test. A decision was ultimately made to take other measures in response to threats posed by Russia and China and avoid a resumption of testing, the report added.

U.S. officials could not be reached immediately for a comment.

(Reporting by Rama Venkat in Bengaluru; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
Kids play at the beach and enjoy the weather at Margate City Beach on Saturday. Sunday will be chilly at the Shore. Read more

New Jersey officials who are urging people not to crowd the beaches are getting a powerful ally Sunday and Monday  the Atlantic Ocean.

Surf temperatures Saturday were around 48 degrees Fahrenheit near Atlantic City, and 51 offshore of Cape May, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information; on average they are around 60 this time of year.

 READ MORE: At the start of Shores summer season, rain and clouds enforce social distancing

With onshore winds from the northeast expected on both days, some of that chill from the overlying air will be imported landward.

For those with fine memories of sea-breezes on sultry summer evenings, this probably isnt what you had in mind: Temperatures made it to 80 on Saturday before the winds started coming off the ocean and they were down to the 50s by 8 p.m.

Readings at the Shore on a cloudy Sunday might not get out of the 50s; the normal high in Atlantic City for a May 24 is 74. Monday, the sun is due to make a reappearance; however, the onshore winds will continue, and the temperature isnt expected to get past the mid-60s.

The boardwalks are likely to be far-more popular than the strands.

A big reason for the cooler waters is the protracted spell of below-normal temperatures around here, said Sarah Johnson, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Mount Holly.

After a cool last half of April, officials temperatures in Philadelphia have been below normal in all but five days in May, and six days in Atlantic City.

 READ MORE: In the heart of spring, it hasnt been this chilly in 54 years in Philadelphia

Water tends to have a far greater attention span than land and changes temperatures more ponderously, she said.

A warm-up is due to gain wings by Wednesday with temperatures heading into the 80s right on into the weekend, but the ocean is apt to take its time to respond to the heating.

Looking ahead, the governments 8-to-14-day outlook into the first week in June says the odds favoring below-normal temperatures.

A side note for those of you assigned to mowing duty: The rainfall totals Friday and Saturday at Philadelphia International Airport, 1.38 inches, were double the total for the first 21 days of the month.
A man died on the platform of the New Jersey Transit train station in Perth Amboy Sunday morning, an agency spokesman said.

The man was found unresponsive on the eastbound platform by an NJ Transit police officer around 9 a.m., spokesman Jim Smith told NJ Advance Media. The officer administered Narcan and began CPR, Smith said.

EMS continued CPR and used a defibrillator, but the man did not survive, Smith said.

A cause of death was not immediately clear. The mans identity was not available Sunday afternoon.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
A dose of sun and a daily snippet of poetry offers a chance to put an extra spring in your step this week.

The RSC has just launched Sonnets in Solitude, a selection of Shakespeares sonnets self-recorded by RSC actors while in lockdown. Many of the actors were working with the RSC at the time of the theatres temporary closure on 17th March and have been unable to perform or rehearse since.

While the sun raised temperatures earlier this week, Herald arts thermometer threatened to blow as we tuned in to listen to Antony Byrne turn up the heat with his assured delivery of Sonnet 18 Shall I compare thee to a summers day, and Andrew French wrap his deeply-timbred and divine vocals to Sonnet 2 When forty winters shall besiege thy brow.

RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran said: The sonnets are so intimate, confidential and direct, and watching them being performed in this way captures that immediately. Perhaps after 400 years, the form has finally found its ideal format.

The RSC will release 90 of the 154 sonnets over the coming weeks which will be available to view via the RSCs You Tube channel Miles Jupp, Alexandra Gilbreath, Antony Sher, Emma Fielding and Rosie Sheehy are just some of the actors involved in Sonnets in Solitude.

Some highlights include: Sonnet 29, When in disgrace with Fortune and mens eyes read by Antony Sher; Sonnet 116, Let me not to the marriage of true minds performed by Alexandra Gilbreath; and Sonnet 130 My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun read by Miles Jupp, who should have been opening as Antipholus, one of the twins in The Comedy of Errors, in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre this month.

First published in 1609, Shakespeares Sonnets were described by William Wordsworth as the Key which unlocked Shakespeares heart. They explore themes of love, sexual desire, jealousy, mortality, friendship and the passage of time and continue to be published and shared around the world to this day.

The question has longed been asked who was Shakespeare addressing in his sonnets? Academics think they may be addressed to a series of different people.

The first 17 sonnets for example seem to be addressed to a fair youth, an aristocratic young man, imploring him to get married, and have children. There are several candidates for this Fair Youth.

Perhaps the most likely candidate is William Herbert. In 1595 Herbert had refused to marry Elizabeth Carey, the granddaughter of the Lord Chamberlain, the patron of the very company Shakespeare worked for. Some people suggest that his mother, Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke invited Shakespeare down to Wilton House and commissioned him to write these 17 for the 17th birthday of her son, William in April 1597.

William Herberts initials certainly seem to fit to the dedication of the book to Mr WH. Hemminges and Condell, Shakespeares business partners would later dedicate the First Folio to William Herbert and his brother Philip.

Some suggest that the sonnets are written for Henry Wriothesley, the third Earl of Southampton to whom in 1593 Shakespeare dedicated his poem Venus and Adonis and later The Rape of Lucrece.

To see the other sonnet readings visit the RSC's YouTube channel here
Hamirpur district continues to have the highest number of novel coronavirus cases in Himachal Pradesh with one more person, a Delhi returnee, testing positive for the disease on Sunday, deputy commissioner Harikesh Meena said.

The number of infected people in Hamirpur district has risen to 61 out of total 192 in the state.

The district now has 55 active cases. One COVID-19 patient died and five have recovered, according to state government data.

Meena said a 20-year-old woman tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday.A resident of Baragram in Badsar area, the woman returned from Delhi with her relatives on May 18 and was quarantined at the government high school, Baragram, he said.

She will be sent to a COVID care centre for isolation and treatment, he added.

Meanwhile, the officer declared ward numbers 5 and 6 of Dugha gram panchayat of Hamirpur subdivision as containment zones after detection of a COVID-19 case there recently.

Meena also declared three wards of gram panchayat Booni in Nadaun subdivision and Pahloo gram panchayat of Badsar subdivision as containment zones following detection of two coronavirus positive cases there recently.

He issued these orders under section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (prohibiting the assembly of four or more people in an area). Under no circumstances the ingress or egress of any person or vehicle, except officers or vehicles on government duty, to these areas shall be allowed, he stated in the order.

Further, now there shall be no relaxation in curfew imposed for any shops or banks within the entire area as described above till further orders, he added.

The home delivery of all the essentials like milk, groceries, fruits, vegetables, pharmaceutical, gas supply shall be made through the administration in these areas, he said.

No person shall leave their homes or move on foot or by vehicle or travel or roam around or stand on any road or public place in these areas till further orders, he stated.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has praised AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and his wife Anita for providing migrants with food amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

Sharing a video posted on Anita's Twitter account where she can be seen distributing packets of food and masks to people in a bus ferrying labourers, Kejriwal said the AAP MP has also helped hundreds of migrant labourers return to their homes.

"Our Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh ji and his wife Anita ji are feeding food to the poor every day. He also helped hundreds of migrant laborers to return to their homes. Salute to his spirit and service," Kejriwal said in a tweet.

India's economy has been severely hit by the lockdown and thousands of migrant workers across the country are returning to their home towns after losing their means of livelihood.

Thousands are even walking back to their homes due to lack of adequate transport facilities.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Jacy Lewis/Reporter-Telegram

Even before I ran for school board, I was a long-time proponent of intersessional school. Why? The academic summer slide is very real. In my earliest days in public library work as a childrens librarian I witnessed that the decline in skills, especially in reading, over a long summer was measurable and often significant. While it can affect all students, its effect on low income students can be so much more impactful. The Texas Education Agency reports that the impact of summer slide may create a gap of up to three grade levels for low income students by the fifth grade. Additionally, data from the Department of Education and the International Literacy Council shows that of the students that fall behind and are below grade level in reading going into third grade, three out of four will not catch up before graduation, if they graduate. This is just one example of academic decline that happens over the summer. Also, of note, while schools are not day care centers, they do provide for needs beyond learning (food programs, health and wellness, etc.). School can be a refuge for many students, as it was for me growing up.

As a school board member, the possibility of Midland ISD adopting an intersessional school calendar triggered more emails, calls, and texts than any topic in my time on the school board. Even though the agenda item was discussion and information only, the community moved the needle with contacts to the school board, making it obvious that the topic is of great interest. I would like to take this opportunity to share what information the board has received and the reason why this is being considered.
A San Antonio event planner who landed a $39 million federal contract to deliver food to needy families has boasted about clients who say theyve never worked with him, cited unearned professional credentials and touted business affiliations that cant be verified, an Express-News investigation found.

On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases

Despite having no experience in food distribution, Gregorio Palomino was granted a contract by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its new Farmers to Families Food Box program, designed to get surplus food into the hands of desperate families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The contract requires Palominos company  CRE8AD8, pronounced Create A Date  to buy 18 million pounds of food, pack it into 750,000 individual boxes and transport the boxes to food banks and other nonprofits in seven states  all in less than six weeks.

Industry professionals have raised doubts about an inexperienced companys ability to pull off such an ambitious project.

On ExpressNews.com: USDA knocked for granting $39M contract to San Antonio event planner

On his companys website, Palomino has listed USAA, Valero Energy and Fiesta San Antonio among his clients.

Officials at those companies say theyve never done business with Palomino or his firm. Their names vanished from CRE8AD8s website after the Express-News began making inquiries.

Palominos LinkedIn profile says he served on the board of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The chamber says he was never on its board.

Palomino said he was awarded an event-planning contract by the North Dakota Department of Transportation earlier this year. The agency said CRE8AD8s bid was rejected.

In promoting CRE8AD8, Palomino claims to have operations in 27 cities around the world, including Houston, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Paris, Shanghai, Buenos Aires, Melbourne, Tokyo and Moscow.

No addresses or phone numbers are listed for any of them.

The company website does list an address for CRE8AD8s global headquarters in San Antonio. It appears to be a mailbox at a UPS store in a North Side strip mall.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio event planner has yet to start food distribution under federal contract

Palomino told an industry publication his company had amassed more than 60 awards while being regularly featured as one of the fastest-growing companies both in our industry and within the general business community.

An extensive search for articles about CRE8AD8 turned up only a handful in online magazines. Industry professionals in San Antonio werent familiar with the company.

Success required

Bob Owen /Staff photographer

The Farmers to Families program is intended to make use of surplus fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products that would otherwise go to waste because growers usual customers  such as restaurants, hotels and schools  have closed or drastically reduced their purchases. Some farmers had been discarding produce for lack of buyers.

The USDA received more than 550 proposals to serve seven supplier regions. CRE8AD8 has been contracted to supply the Southwestern Region, which includes Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Utah.

In all, the government granted more than 200 contracts, worth a combined $1.2 billion. CRE8AD8s was the seventh largest in the nation.

Eric Cooper, CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, said a lot is riding on Palominos ability to deliver.

What it ultimately means is nourishment for families that are hungry, Cooper said. Success on this is not an option. Its really required. Failure could cause a family to go hungry.

On ExpressNews.com: 'We just cant feed this many': 10,000 seek S.A. Food Bank help as COVID-19 ravages economy

To fulfill the contract, CRE8AD8 needs refrigerated storage, food-safe space for packing the boxes and refrigerated vehicles for transportation. Palomino has estimated he will need to hire 100 workers or more.

Our team is working around the clock, Palomino said in an interview. Its beautiful  the relationship between the San Antonio Food Bank and CRE8AD8 has been exceptional.

He said hes working with other food banks too.

They are sending us dozens of emails a day, asking what we can do to make their life easier, which is fantastic, Palomino said. The fact that the food banks want this food and want us to be successful  and we are going to be successful  is really amazing.

He said his team had come up with game plans for 95 percent or more of the food banks and other nonprofits CRE8AD8 plans to serve.

In the competition for USDA contracts, CRE8AD8 won out over established food distributors.

On ExpressNews.com: Editorial: Investigate USDA food box contracts

A USDA spokesperson told the Express-News proposals were evaluated by, in descending order of importance, the technical information contained, the prices offered, past performances of the bidder and the bidders capability to perform. The spokesperson added the evaluation criteria gave weight to small businesses and those that will support local and regional farmers.

Palomino secured the contract despite lacking a USDA Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) license, required to operate a produce business.

Palomino has since acquired a PACA license.

A great job

Bob Owen / Staff photographer

Palomino, 37, was born in Temple, moved to San Antonio in the early 1990s and attended MacArthur High School for a time, according to a biography on his Facebook page.

He moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but later returned to San Antonio and attended UTSA, where he majored in marketing, management and public relations, the biography states.

In 2004, he was arrested and charged with impersonating a public servant after an encounter with UTSA police. Officers had pulled over three of Palominos friends on suspicion of drunk driving when Palomino approached and began questioning the investigation, according to a police report.

Two officers said Palomino pretended he was a lawyer for the Dallas public defenders office. Palomino denied making such a claim, and a judge dismissed the case for insufficient evidence.

Palomino started CRE8AD8 in 2007. By his description on Facebook, the company has grown from a 1-man start-up to a 30+ employee multimillion dollar agency specializing in event management, concierge services, event brokerage, venue management & travel agency.

CRE8AD8s website says it employs over 200 talented Certified professionals, operates on six continents and competes on international levels with some of the major players in the industry.

On his LinkedIn page, Palomino claims to speak five languages.

At least one of Palominos clients, the Health Cell, says he performed admirably.

The nonprofit brings together leaders in San Antonios medical, biotech, military and academic fields to promote collaboration and professional development.

For five years, CRE8AD8 planned an annual showcase event for Health Cell.

He did a great job, said Brigitta Glick, a founder and CEO of Health Cell. He really helped elevate us. He took us from one level, really, to another in terms of production and lighting and sound.

These are huge events, with about 500 people in attendance. All the movers and shakers in health care in San Antonio attend, so there is a lot of high expectations, and he did a great job.

Clients who arent

Bob Owen /Staff photographer

Other San Antonio organizations that CRE8AD8 has listed as clients did not offer such testimonials.

USAA, Valero Energy and Fiesta San Antonio all said they had never hired Palominos company.

We dont have any financial records of doing business with that entity, Valero spokeswoman Lillian Riojas said.

USAA officials said the same thing.

Fiesta San Antonios executive director, Amy Shaw, said she couldnt find any records of a relationship with CRE8AD8 either, so she emailed the company asking that Fiestas name be removed from its website.

Within days, all references to USAA, Valero and Fiesta San Antonio had been deleted from CRE8AD8.com.

Palomino insisted we did perform and execute events for both Valero and Fiesta San Antonio. He said he could not go into detail, because he had signed non-disclosure agreements with both organizations.

He also said Valero and Fiesta San Antonio had granted verbal rights allowing CRE8AD8 to use their logos on its website.

These respectable organizations have changed their policies since our last engagement, and we were requested to go through a process to gain their permission for future use, Palomino said in explaining why their names had been removed from his website.

Shaw said Fiesta San Antonio doesnt require any of its clients to sign non-disclosure agreements. She also said it did not grant verbal approval to use Fiestas logo or name.

Asked for names of other CRE8AD8 clients, Palomino demurred, saying he couldnt release what he described as confidential information.

No record

Bob Owen /Staff photographer

Palominos LinkedIn page has listed CMP after his name, a designation for Certified Meeting Professional. Its a credential awarded by the Events Industry Council in Washington and regarded as the badge of excellence in the events industry.

Certification is granted based on professional experience, education and a rigorous exam.

A council spokesperson said records show Palomino has never been a CMP.

Asked to explain, Palomino said: My CMP is a different acronym, and we found out that the organizing association that put it together didnt say we could use CMP, because I guess it was trademarked with the Events Industry Council, which we did not get it through.

The designation disappeared from Palominos LinkedIn profile.

Asked why, Palomino said that after CRE8AD8 won the federal food box contract, it needed to clean everything up, re-verify everything.

His LinkedIn profile also says Palomino served on the board of directors of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2010 and 2011. His Facebook biography says he currently sits on the board.

We have no record of Greg ever being a board member, said Brandon Petrosky, the chambers chief financial officer. He was a dues-paying member from 2007 to 2010 but not a board member.

Palomino said Petrosky is mistaken.

I was a board member, Palomino said. I have photos, documents, board member pin and dozens of sources who can vouch for my participation, attendance and service during that time.

The Hispanic Chambers annual federal tax filings lists all board members by name. The Express-News examined the filings for the 2010 and 2011 calendar years. Palominos name does not appear on the list of board members for either year.

Palominos LinkedIn page also lists presidential inauguration as one of his projects. Asked for details, he said the reference was to the inauguration of UTSA president Taylor Eighmy in March 2018.

UTSA confirmed Palomino provided decorating and video services for the event.

North Dakota

In March, CRE8AD8 filed papers to incorporate in North Dakota, listing Cole J. Sandau, 28, of Elgin, N.D., as its registered agent.

But Sandau said he isnt a registered agent for CRE8AD8 and doesnt even know Palomino.

I havent heard hide nor hair from the guy, he said.

A registered agent is a person or entity hired to accept service of process and official mail on behalf of a business.

Sandau isnt a professional registered agent; hes a cattle rancher who operates a hauling business on the side. The only thing hes an agent for is his own business.

Palomino said CRE8AD8 chose Sandau from a list of registered agents on the North Dakota Secretary of States website.

Darcy Hurley, an administrative staff officer for the North Dakota Secretary of States office, said Sandau isnt on the agencys list of registered agents. She suggested Palomino might have come across the name as the agent of Sandaus own company.

In any case, Hurley said, Palomino should have sought Sandaus permission before listing him as a registered agent.

Sandau will be removed as CRE8AD8s agent. Palomino has 60 days to find a new one or his rights to do business in North Dakota will be revoked, Hurley said.

Palomino said he incorporated in North Dakota to do business there after CRE8AD8 was awarded a contract with the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

David Finley, a department spokesman, said CRE8AD8 submitted a bid to become event coordinator for the departments safety division but was not awarded the contract.

CRE8AD8 was added to the states vendor pool, Finley said.

On his Facebook page, Palomino says hes a firm believer in small business. He says he enjoys giving back to the community and loves to entertain and give people more than they expect.

In that same post, Palomino describes himself as a public figure for taking San Antonio and surrounding areas to a new level of lifestyle, culture and more!

Staff researcher Misty Harris contributed to this story.

Staff researcher Misty Harris contributed to this report. Tom Orsborn covers sports news in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Tom, become a subscriber. torsborn@express-news.net | Twitter: @tom_orsborn
Bengaluru, May 24 : A total lockdown on Sunday turned Karnataka into a ghost state, with an eerie silence and uneasy calm prevailing across its cities and towns, even as hundreds of policemen kept a close vigil.

"A total lockdown is in force across the state since Saturday evening (7pm) to Monday morning (7am). A ban under Section 144 of the CrPC has also been imposed to prevent movement of people and vehicles," a police official told IANS here.

As decided by the state government to contain the coronavirus spread, the Sunday lockdown comes after a partial relaxation of restrictions on weekdays since May 19 to revive economic activity and restore near-normalcy.

"We have seized about 100 vehicles across the city (Bengaluru) since morning when some people, mostly youths, ventured out on two-wheelers to roam around in residential areas in violation of the lockdown norm," the official said.

The police also sealed inter-state borders to prevent movement of people and vehicles from neighbouring states, as bus services and transportation of goods remain suspended till Monday morning.

"Only ambulances and vehicles on essential duty are allowed to ply during the curfew period. Shops selling medicines, groceries, vegetables, fruits and poultry and meat products have been allowed to open but ensure customers maintain physical distancing and stand in queues.

"Barring retail outlets for essential supplies like milk, vegetables, fruits, and medicines, everything has been shut down since 7pm on Saturday to 7am on Monday," the official added.

State-run buses, taxis and autos have also not been allowed to operate across the state.

Though the central government further extended the lockdown to May 31 from May 18 with greater relaxation in the norms to restore near-normalcy across the country, the state has decided to enforce it (lockdown) only on Sundays till month-end, that is on May 24 and May 31.

All main roads, flyovers and enter/exit points on the city outskirts have been barricaded to prevent vehicular movement.

In an appeal to all citizens across the state on Saturday, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa urged the people to abide by the lockdown on this (May 24) and next Sunday (May 31) to contain the Covid-19 spread.

"We have reached a crucial stage in the war against Covid-19. Follow guidelines in the interest and welfare of all to fight the pandemic. Stay at home to be safe," said Yediyurappa.

The state government, however, allowed weddings prefixed on Sunday amid the lockdown with a slew of riders to ensure health and social distancing.
S ix prisoners have died and two have been injured after a brawl at a women's prison in Honduras, authorities have said.

The incident started on Saturday night in the National Women's Penitentiary for Social Adaptation, said Jose Gonzalez, the head of a prison commission, but was brought under control in the early hours of Sunday.

An inmate set fire to an area at the prison north of Tegucigalpa where two newly incarcerated women were undergoing a 14-day quarantine for coronavirus, authorities said.

Amid the confusion, a group of inmates broke out of two other cells and headed to the prison gymnasium, where they killed six other women who had recently entered the prison.

Forensics pictured outside the prison on Sunday / REUTERS

"While the fire was being controlled, some of the inmates broke through the roof of their module and went to another module," Mr Gonzalez said.

It was not immediately clear how the inmates died.

Oscar Triminio, a spokesman for the Honduran Fire Department, said that shots could be heard from inside when the firefighters arrived at the prison.

Prison officials said they were working with police and prosecutors to investigate the attack.

Honduran prisons, which often hold rival gang members, are notorious for violence, though usually in facilities that hold men.

Nineteen inmates died in a December riot at the Porvenir prison in central Honduras.

Another 18 died in another incident at the prison in Tela, along the Caribbean coast.
A hairstylist with coronavirus worked for eight days this month while symptomatic, exposing as many as 91 customers and coworkers in Missouri, health officials said.

The case highlights the threats of community spread in the United States as businesses reopen after weeks of restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus.

In this instance, the 84 customers exposed got services from the hairstylist at Great Clips, said Clay Goddard, director of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department. In addition to the customers, seven coworkers were also notified of exposure.

It's unclear when the stylist tested positive, but the infection is believed to have happened while traveling. The stylist worked from May 12 until Wednesday, health officials said Friday. At the time, businesses such as barbershops and hair salons were allowed to operate in the state.

"The individual and their clients were wearing face coverings. The 84 clients potentially directly exposed will be notified by the Health Department and be offered testing, as will seven coworkers," the Springfield-Greene County Health Department said in a statement. "It is the hope of the department that because face coverings were worn throughout this exposure timeline, no additional cases will result."

Goddard did not provide details on the identity or the condition of the stylist. He said health officials have reached out to the people who were exposed, adding that the hairstylist had kept impeccable records that made contact tracing possible.

But he cautioned about the risks of overwhelming resources.

"I'm going to be honest with you: We can't have many more of these," he said at a news conference. "We can't make this a regular habit or our capabilities as a community will be strained."

Health officials provided a detailed timeline of all the places the stylist visited, including a local Dairy Queen, a Walmart and a CVS pharmacy.

They urged those who may have gone to those places to be on the lookout for coronavirus symptoms.

Goddard said he was pleased with the deep cleaning measures taken by Great Clips, adding that he now considers the business safe.

"The wellbeing of Great Clips customers and stylists in the salon is our top priority and proper sanitization has always been an important cosmetology industry practice for Great Clips salons. We've closed the salon where the employee works and it's currently undergoing additional sanitizing and deep cleaning," the owners of the business said in a statement to CNN affiliate KYTV.
Boris Johnsons defence of Dominic Cummings has trashed all the advice scientists have given Downing Street on making sure the public follow coronavirus lockdown measures, a government adviser has said.

Stephen Reicher, a member of the Independent Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) said advice on honesty, respect and equity had all been trashed and accused the government of not wanting to listen to science.

SPI-B is one of several groups that advises the scientific advisory group for emergencies (Sage). Made up of behavioural scientists and academic specialists in health psychology, social psychology, anthropology and history, it advises on how to get people to stick to the measures recommended by medical and epidemiological experts to control the spread of infection.

Writing on Twitter, Reicher said: I can say that in a few short minutes tonight, Boris Johnson has trashed all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control COVID-19.

As one of those involved in SPI-B, the Government advisory group on behavioural science, I can say that in a few short minutes tonight, Boris Johnson has trashed all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control COVID-19.  Stephen Reicher (@ReicherStephen) May 24, 2020

Reichers comments came after Johnson defended his top aides apparent flouting of lockdown rules by driving to Durham from London with his wife and child, sparking widespread fury.

Continuing his comments via Twitter, the adviser added: Be open and honest, we said. Trashed. Respect the public, we said. Trashed. Ensure equity, so everyone is treated the same, we said. Trashed. Be consistent we said. Trashed. Make clear 'we are all in it together'. Trashed.

It is very hard to provide scientific advice to a government which doesn't want to listen to science.

Story continues

His comments came despite the government repeatedly declaring it is being led by the science on the decisions it has made around the coronavirus pandemic, including lockdown measures, as well as things like school closures and the wearing of face masks.

Reicher added that he hoped the public would read the groups publicly available papers and continue to make up for this bad government with their own good sense.

He wasnt alone in his criticism, with fellow members of SPI-B Susan Michie and Robert West saying they agreed with his comments.

As another member of SPI-B, I completely agree. https://t.co/Ywf5uGS7a9  Susan Michie (@SusanMichie) May 24, 2020

I am sorry to have to say that as another member of SPI-B I have to agree. https://t.co/ceKU0HioFC  Robert West (@robertjwest) May 24, 2020

Professor Helen Ward, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at Imperial School of Public Health, also voiced her concern at the effect the prime ministers support of Cummings would have on those advising the government.

She wrote on Twitter: I do not see how the professional advisers to the government can tolerate this.

They must surely consider their own positions, or they are effectively condoning the disregarding of the rules that they have been advocating.

I do not see how the professional advisers to the government can tolerate this. They must surely consider their own positions, or they are effectively condoning the disregarding of the rules that they have been advocating.  Helen Ward (@profhelenward) May 24, 2020

Speaking at the governments official daily briefing on Sunday evening, Johnson said his top adviser had acted responsibly, legally and with integrity despite breaching lockdown restrictions to travel to his parents home.

The PM said he thought Cummings had followed the instincts of every father and every parent in making the 260-mile trip from London to Durham with his wife and child and said he did not mark him down for that.

His defence of Cummings has sparked a backlash from the public and from fellow politicians, including in his own party.

Coronavirus: what happened today

Read more about COVID-19

How to get a coronavirus test if you have symptoms

What you can and cant do under lockdown rules

In pictures: How UK school classrooms could look in new normal

How public transport could look after lockdown

How our public spaces will change in the future

Help and advice

Read the full list of official FAQs here

10 tips from the NHS to help deal with anxiety

What to do if you think you have symptoms

How to get help if you've been furloughed
The Congress on Sunday demanded that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath withdraws "false" and "politically motivated" cases against the party's state unit president Ajay Kumar Lallu and release him from jail.

The Uttar Pradesh Congress chief was arrested twice on May 20 -- first in Agra for sitting on a dharna to protest against UP government not granting permission to allow buses arranged for migrants by the Congress enter the state.

He was granted bail by an Agra court and released, before being rearrested by a team of Lucknow police in a second case filed here in connection with the Congress' standoff with the state government.

Party leader Rajeev Shukla said Lallu was booked for helping migrant workers and labourers returning to the state and putting him in jail was "high-handedness" on the part of the Adityanath government.

Congress Legislative Party leader in the UP Assembly Aradhna Misra said such "misconduct" by the state government with a two-time MLA is undemocratic and uncalled for.

"We urge Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to immediately release our UPPCC president Ajay Kumar Lallu, who was only helping migrants," Shukla said.

Misra said it was unfortunate that Lallu has been put in jail and quarantined, and the UP authorities have set new rules to take his phone away on the pretext that mobile phones can help in spreading of the novel coronavirus.

"The quarantine centres in Uttar Pradesh have become torture cells and this is the reason why UP is not allowing mobile phones inside them, as it does not want the truth and their shortcomings out," she said.

"The Uttar Pradesh government has fallen so low that they have lodged Lallu in a cell with criminals and is being tortured. He has been slapped with such charges that are punishable up to life imprisonment and all this for helping migrants," she said.

She added that Lallu is not being allowed to meet his lawyer or his family members and this was a violation of his fundamental rights.

UP Congress leaders Ajay Rai and Pankaj Malik said "false cases" were being registered against Congress leaders in the state so that they are unable to offer the help to migrants. They claimed that five such FIRs have already been registered.

Misra said a party like the Congress which has fought the Freedom Struggle will not be cowed down by "false cases" and will fight it out legally.

She also alleged that the alacrity with which the UP police found and arrested Lallu, they do not do the same to nab criminals who are roaming around freely in the state.
Ukrainian MP Valeriy Davydenko 112 Agency

The body of Ukrainian MP Valeriy Davydenko was found dead in the toilet of his own office in Kyiv. He was shot in the head. Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Anton Herashchenko reported this.

It is unlikely that wide circles in Ukraine are familiar with Valeriy Davydenko, although he is a rather well-known figure in business circles, and during the presidency of Viktor Yanukovych he was a Deputy Minister of Agricultural Policy. And subsequently, because of this, he was at the epicenter of the scandal involving the theft of funds from a Chinese loan in State Food and Grain Corporation of Ukraine. 112.ua proposes you to get acquainted with Davydenkos biography.

From migrant worker to agro-baron

Valeriy Davydenko was born in Nosivka, Chernihiv region. It was officially registered there. He was born into a family of collective farmers. During the last years of the USSR he worked as a laborer on a local collective farm. In 1995, he received education at the Ukrainian University of Food Technology (mechanic engineer of food production equipment). And then suddenly became the Director of Agroprofit CJSC. As he himself admitted that former teachers of the institute, who developed the project of the sausage shop in one of the villages of the Chernihiv region invited Davydenko to work as the leader of this project.

Davydenko worked for two years in business in a high position and then in 1998 he got a job at the Ukrainian House of communications ... as an engineer. In the early 2000s, he worked as an ordinary insurance specialist in Salamandra-Skhid Joint-Stock Insurance Company and Ukrainian Insurance Group CJSC. He went abroad to earn money.

And then, in 2004, according to Valeriy Davydenko, he was lucky: his acquaintances held talks in Bakhmach to rent land, and invited him. Agrodim enterprise was created in 2003. The first manager could not establish the process, he got stuck in a sad credit history. And in November 2004, Valeriy Davydenko has become director-general of the enterprise.

Subsequently, Agrodim will grow into a whole agro-empire of the future MP. In the south of the Chernihiv region, Davydenko will have tens of thousands of hectares of land, a sugar factory, and other assets. And people who later became close to the family of President Viktor Yanukovych helped him become a big businessman.

Partner of Yanukovychs people

Valeriy Davydenko's became known to the public in 2007. At the time, he, the CEO of Agrodim, turned out to be one of the new co-owners of Terra Bank - together with his partner Yuriy Kolobov. Kolobov, if will become the Minister of Finance in the government of Mykola Azarov. But the venture with the bank was a failure for Davydenko and in seven years there was nothing left from one of the oldest Ukrainian banks (founded in 1995), as in August 2014, temporary administration was introduced in Terra.

However, his acquaintance with Kolobov bore significant fruit. Shortly after Viktor Yanukovych was elected President, Kolobov became Finance Minister, and Valeriy Davydenko became Deputy Agrarian Minister. He worked under the leadership of Mykola Prysiazhniuk, headed the supervisory board of the State Food and Grain Company of Ukraine. The results of Valeriy Davydenko's work have led to multibillion-dollar financial claims from China. Having received a $3 billion loan from China in exchange for grain supplies, the State Food and Grain Company of Ukraine shipped only for $153 million. At that time, Chinese grain went to other countries at higher prices.

In 2014, after a change of authorities, Arseniy Yatsenyuk's government fired Davydenko from all government positions. In the summer of that year, he was already listed as an Advisor to the Directorate for the Development of Advanced Programs of the Institute of Innovative Providing CJSC of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine.

Poroshenko's team member

Despite his past, in the fall of 2014, Davydenko ran for the Verkhovna Rada under the brand of the Spade party. Haven't you heard of Spade? It is not surprising, as it was a local project for one election in Chernihiv region, the party literally showered the area with money, offering agitators twice as many competitors, and even gave money for the vote in favor of Davydenko (police even detained party proxies with 257,000 UAH in a bag (9,600 dollars). Spade party turned out to be one of the most impressive technological projects, which shocked even experienced specialists with the amount of money directed for its agitation. As a result, a month before the election, Spade has already become a leader - but not of the voters liking, but online sources. It was Davydenko's party that ordered more than a third of all paid news on Ukrainian websites.

As you understand, Davydenko eventually became an MP, and after the start of the new Verkhovna Rada he became a member of the Petro Poroshenko Bloc. Davydenko was an inconspicuous MP: he practically did not speak, did not submit bills, according to Slovo i Dilo website, did not fulfill almost any of his promises. He did not even vote for the illegitimate election to the State Duma in the occupied Crimea.

Mom loves land

Despite the large agribusiness, Davydenkos declaration showed him as a quite poor person for his status: apartment in Bakhmach, a house in Nosivka, and a garage. However, there are several expensive watches in the businessman's collection. Though, Davydenko's civilian wife Lyudmyla Nesterenko has a lot more of property - 3 apartments, two of which are in Kyiv, two plots of land, Infiniti car. The house, apartment, Land Cruiser land is on the mother of the murdered.

Davydenko registered his business as his mothers after he was elected an MP. Yes, she became the owner of shares in the French company AGROREGION, she owns REGION-2007 LLC (it is in the face a private customs checkpoint in the village of Kozelets, opened after Deputy Minister Davydenko helped close the state checkpoint in Chernihiv), and dozens of other companies with mainly agricultural activities.

In 2015, MP Davydenko became the curator of the Our Land party (Bankova's project of that time, which united former Party of Regions MPs in various regions of the country) in the Chernihiv region.

And after the change of authorities in Ukraine in 2019, Davydenko has already entered the Rada as a self-nominated candidate from 208th constituency in the Chernihiv region and in December of the same year joined the Dovira deputy group.

Shot himself or was shot?

Interestingly, after Davydenko's death, ex-MP Ihor Mosiychuk called for the immediate arrest of another MP from the Dovira group, Borys Prykhodko. Take under protection or better into custody the newly shot MP Valeriy Davydenkos accomplice in the theft of the agrarian fund, another MP from the Dovira group Borys Prykhodko! Oh, another suicide is coming up..., Mosiychuk wrote in the Telegram channel.

It is about the fact that Davydenko and Prykhodko were involved in another criminal case  on the theft of funds from the Agrarian Fund. Allegedly, in February 2014, Prykhodko, while holding the position of First Deputy Head of the National Bank of Ukraine, illegally seized 74,000 dollars from the Agrarian Fund by prior agreement with the Chairman of the Board of Agrarian Fund and Brokbusinessbank officials.

The investigation established that the fund placed money on the deposit account of Brokbusinessbank without the permission of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, and the bank spent these funds on its own needs. Davydenko, who worked at the Ministry of Agriculture at the time, was called Prykhodko's business partner.

MP Anton Polyakov, who wrote a lot about this process, wrote in a Telegram channel that he would not believe in Davydenko's suicide even if it was announced by law enforcement officers.
U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (L) walk down the Colonnade before a press conference at the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC on March 19, 2019.

Trump Bans Entry of Non-US Citizens Coming From Brazil Over CCP Virus

The White House has barred entry of non-U.S. citizens who are traveling from Brazil, which has become a CCP virus hot spot in recent weeks.

In confirming the development, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Sunday that President Donald Trump has taken decisive action to protect our country by suspending the entry of aliens who have been in Brazil during the 14-day period before seeking admittance to the United States.

McEnany noted that Brazil has more than 300,000 cases of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and she also noted that its among the highest number of cases anywhere in the world.

The decision will ensure that foreign nationals who have recently been in Brazil wont become a source of additional infections in the United States, said McEnany.

Meanwhile, the restrictions dont affect trade between the United States and Brazil, according to the White House.

National security adviser Robert OBrien earlier in the day said on CBS News Face the Nation that the United States hopes the ban will be temporary, but because of the situation in Brazil, were going to take every step necessary to protect the American people.

Trump, at the same time, said last week he is considering imposing restrictions on Brazil.

Brazilian 99-year-old former WWII combatant Ermando Armelino Piveta gestures as he leaves the Armed Forces Hospital, after being treated for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and discharged, in Brasilia, Brazil, April 14, 2020. (Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino)

I dont want people coming over here and infecting our people. I dont want people over there sick either. Were helping Brazil with ventilators.  Brazil is having some trouble, no question about it, Trump told reporters on May 19.

OBrien said that the White House will evaluate other nations in South America to determine if more countries should be added to the list.

According to data from Johns Hopkins University, Brazil has recorded more than 22,000 deaths from the virus.

In February, Trump suspended travel for most people coming from China, where the virus originated last year, and weeks later, imposed travel restrictions on Europe. The United States and Canada also agreed to suspend non-work travel for non-citizens in both countries, nearly shutting down the 5,500-mile-long border between the two nations.

Provincial health department workers stop traffic that has crossed the Confederation Bridge in Borden-Carleton, P.E.I., on March 22, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on May 19 that the ban on non-essential travel will last until June 21.

This is an important decision that will keep people in both of our countries safe, Trudeau said during a daily briefing on Canadas response to the pandemic.

The prime minister does not yet know if the travel ban would be extended past June 21, saying the government is making decisions on a week to week basis.

The CCP virus causes mild or moderate symptoms for the majority of people. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the disease can cause more severe illness or even death.
- Francis Atwoli said Aden Duale has demonstrated how much he hates Kenyan workers and does not fit to serve as National Assembly majority leaders

- He said Duale has more often introduced bills in the National Assembly seeking to gag workers from striking

- The trade unionist said Benjamin Washiali should alo be impeached as chief whip for "supporting evil"

Secretary general for Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), Francis Atwoli, has called for immediate impeachment of National Assembly majority leader Aden Duale.

According to the 70-year-old trade unionist, for prosperity of Kenya Duale must be impeached for misleading the country and also fighting against workers' rights.

READ ALSO: Kithure Kindiki: Dethroned deputy speaker hosts Tanga Tanga colleagues a day after his ouster

COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli said Aden Duale should be impeached for proposing bills against workers' rights. Photo: Citizen TV

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Coronavirus: Hairstylist exposes 91 customers, co-workers to COVID-19

Speaking to the press on Sartuday, May 23, the COTU boss cited many instances that Duale has been at loggerheads with workers including his strong opposition to strikes by teachers and nurses.

"I warned Duale about ten years ago, and I told Kenyans that Duale might be an impediment to the economic development and prosperity of this nation. He has brought a lot of controversial amendments and bills on laws aimed at protecting workers of this country," said Atwoli.

Atwoli said the Garissa Township MP had demonstrated how much he hated workers when he tried to bring amendments on the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

National Assembly majority leader Aden Duale is on the Jubilee Party's chopping board in major shakeup. Photo: Aden Duale

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Hatuwezi kuendelea na kafyu, lockdown, Rais Uhuru asema

As earlier reported by TUKO.co.ke, following a series of medics strikes in 2018, Aden Duale moved a miscellaneous amendment on the Labour and Employment Act seeking to bar workers from holding strikes.

The amends proposed for increasing the number of professions listed under essential service providers and leaving 10% of workers to continue delivering services during strikes.

The Labour and Employment Act of 2007 lists police officers, nurses and firefighters as essential service providers whose absence from work exposes lives of citizens to the danger of death.

National Assembly majority chief whip Benjamin Washiali. Francis Atwoli said Washiali too should be impeached for supporting evil. Photo: Daily Nation

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Drifting Rift: Ruto's governor Jackson Mandago meets Mudavadi as Isaac Ruto warms up to Kalonzo

The Ministry of Labour had also recommended for the exclusion of representatives of COTU, Federation of Kenyan Employers (FKE) from NHIF and NSSF boards.

The above were some of the justifications that the Luhya kingpin said were enough to dethrone Duale from his leadership position.

Atwoli said he was determined to ensure that the legislators 'fumigate' and 'sanitise' the National Assembly in bid to make sure people like Duale are not allowed to hold key leadership positions.

He said the majority leader should be impeached alongside majority chief whip Benjamin Washiali "for being supporters of the evil."

"We want a vibrant management team that will help President Uhuru Kenyatta to achieve his agenda in reviving the economy," he said.

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Have you ever heard a sound that wont go away and gets inside your head until it drives you around the bend?

Thats what a long night in bed is like for Valerie Gibson, who says a clank-clank noise caused by vehicles passing over a utility chamber near her home has become a maddening distraction in the wee hours.

You may recognize Gibsons name. For 24 years she was the Toronto Suns sex columnist, as she describes it, and an author who specialized in advice to older women looking to hook up with younger men.

She is credited with popularizing the term cougar to describe women of a certain age who are on the prowl for tender young male morsels. She wrote two books about the fine points of the pursuit and was a consultant to a U.S. TV series about it.

Shes enjoying retirement now, except for the relentless noise of the loose utility cover, which she says is making bedtime not nearly as joyful as it once was.

She sent me an email that began by saying could you please, please help an 80-year-old get some sleep after many months of having to wear ear plugs at night?

This is due to a very noisy loose manhole cover (water) that I have called about six times to 311 yet without it being fixed.

Maybe Im dating myself, but its hard to believe that such an authority in the ins and outs of in-and-out could possibly be 80.

Gibson said her house is close to a utility chamber on Burnhamthorpe Road, about one block north of Dundas Street, which causes a clanking sound whenever a vehicle drives over it.

I called months ago to complain that it was loose and every vehicle that went over it made it crash loudly, night and day. Yet nothing has happened. The crash-crash goes on 24/7.

My doctor says I am not getting proper sleep and should not wear ear plugs forever. I am so tired.

I went there on Sunday and listened as vehicles passed over the utility cover, making thunk-thunk noises every time.

I also spoke to a guy who several months ago moved into a house just a few metres away. He said they were puzzled and then annoyed by the sound and thought it was coming from the basement of their house, until they figured out it was the utility cover.

STATUS: Eric Holmes, who deals with media for transportation services, emailed to say city staff have been assigned to investigate the cover on Burnhamthorpe Road and will take appropriate action based on what they find. Residents are reminded to please call 311 and file a service request if they are concerned about covers on roads.

Whats broken in your neighbourhood? Wherever you are in Greater Toronto, we want to know. Email jlakey@thestar.ca or follow @TOStarFixer on Twitter
On May 10, a 35-year-old bank loan agent in Mumbai suddenly developed a temperature. With the city firmly in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic,his family was alarmed but he dismissed their concern, saying he hadnt come in contact with any confirmed Covid-19 patient.

He ran to the local medical store in the neighbourhood in Vakola, and bought a strip of paracetamol. When he went to bed that night, he thought his body temperature would be down to normal the next day.

That didnt happen. By morning, he was burning up and over the next two days, his condition slowly deteriorated. On May 13, his 38-year-old brother took him to VN Desai Hospital where an X-ray showed patches of pneumonia in his lungs that made the consulting doctor suspicious.

He was referred to Cooper Hospital, a designated Covid-19 hospital in the city.

After standing in a line for two hours to take a slip to see a doctor, I was informed that the line for the fever clinic is different. By that time, my brother had already started having trouble breathing. So, I rushed him to a private nursing home, said his brother.

The nursing home refused to admit him without a swab test. So, the doctor at the nursing home prescribed a Covid test and he was taken to Hinduja Hospital for a test.

After three days on May 16, the report confirmed that he was a Covid carrier.

Worried, his brother called the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporations (BMC) helpline number (1916) for guidance. At 6pm that day, two doctors came to examine the patient.

The doctors informed me that at around 8pm, they will send an ambulance, said the brother. But the vehicle didnt arrive even at 10.30pm, prompting the brother to call the helpline again. Finally after four hours of wait, at round 12.30am, the vehicle came, said the brother.

There was now a new problem  the ambulance didnt have any oxygen support system, critical for a patient with severe breathing problems.

By the time they reached the Guru Nanak Hospital, four kilometres away, the patients oxygen levels had dipped to dangerous levels. The hospital had no intensive care unit (ICU) beds available so the doctor referred him to Seven Hills Hospitals, 12km away. They reached the hospital at 1.45am.

Before we could enter, police stopped us at the gate and told us that there was no bed available. Despite repeated pleas, they didnt allow us to go inside. Then they asked to go to Nair hospital [in central Mumbai], said the brother.

By now, he had travelled across five suburbs of the city, first to get a diagnosis and then, in search of a bed. Frantic, the brother dialed Nair Hospital, one of the largest Covid-19 facilities in Mumbai with 52 ICU beds, but was told there was none available.

Four more hours were spent in the ambulance before a local politician helped the family get an ICU bed at the Jogeshwari Trauma Centre. The bed was available only after 9am.

It was already 5am, so the brothers went home to rest. My brothers back was paining by sitting in the ambulance for so long and there was no oxygen support, he couldnt even breathe, so I took him home. We rested for four hours, then went to Jogeshwari Trauma Centre, said the 38-year-old.

When they reached the hospital at 9am on May 18, they were informed that there were no vacant beds. After waiting for another three hours, at around 12pm, the patient finally was admitted to the ICU and given a bed  a week after his symptoms had worsened and two days after he was confirmed to be a Covid patient.

At night on May 18, his brother received a call that the patients condition was severe and that he had been put on a ventilator. Then, at 12.35am, the hospital informed me that my brother succumbed to his infection, the brother said.

Devastated with their loss and seething at the lax response of the authorities, the family researched his condition and found that patients develop pneumonia in the later stage of the infection.

This means he was already serious. But because of the delay of 18 hours due to unavailability of ambulances and bed, his condition deteriorated, said the brother. If he got treatment on time, I could have saved him.

The harrowing experience of the Vakola family is not isolated.

On May 1, a family from Chembur visited five hospitals to get a 62-year-old woman admitted but couldnt. Four days later, the woman succumbed to the infection without getting any treatment. I had never felt so helpless as I did when I could not save my mother. I was ready to put in all my savings but no hospital was ready to admit and treat her, said the daughter.

A 38-year-old patient from Govandi could not find a bed for four days and was turned away from four government hospitals. He developed Covid symptoms on May 3; his condition is now critical but he has not even been administered a swab test.

Much like New York was in March and April, Mumbai is struggling to cope with the surge of Covid patients. Hospitals are stretched to capacity, front-line staff are struggling to deal with physical, emotional and psychological trauma and tempers are running high among patients and medical staff.

Doctors are contracting the infection by the dozen, fights are breaking out in hospital queues and bodies of deceased patients are being left behind in wards for hours on end. A worried civic body has taken over large sections of private hospitals and is looking to turn buses and school vans into makeshift ambulances.

Mumbai is on the verge of a health crisis, said Dr Deepak Baid, president of Association of Medical Consultants. The corporation should have made the arrangements earlier considering the huge population of Mumbai. Now, the helpline number has started giving a token number for the waiting list. They dont even consider the patients who are critical, he added.

Mumbai reported its first infection on March 11, when two passengers from Dubai tested positive. But the citys crisis grabbed national attention on April 1, when the first case was reported from the slum cluster of Dharavi, where more than a million people jostle in cheek-by-jowl shanties and tin-roofed rooms are often shared by eight or 10 people.

Since then, the virus has raced through almost every neighbourhood of the coastal city, from the upmarket localities of Marine Drive and Malabar Hill to the working-class neighbourhoods of Worli and Sion. As of Sunday, Mumbai had 30, 542 cases with 988 fatalities.

On average, the city has reported around 1,500 cases every day this week, with experts warning that the peak of the disease will come in the middle of June. On Sunday, the city crossed 30,000 cases with 1,725 new infections  its highest daily jump yet.

This trajectory of the virus is well chronicled. When the disease pummeled New York in early March, the daily tally of cases suddenly jumped from the hundreds into several thousands. A week later, hospitals were overflowing and exhausted health care staff struggled to treat the patients who were being wheeled in almost every minute, as as depicted in unforgettable photos from that time of tired nurses with garbage bags for protective equipment.

The Maharashtra governments data says roughly 29% of the states patients need hospitalization. Daksha Shah, deputy health officer of the BMC, further added that 20% of the patients require ICU care and 5% need ventilators.

In Mumbai, which has 21,297 active cases, Shahs calculation translates to roughly 6,100 patients needing hospitalization, 4,200 patients needing ICU beds and 1,060 requiring ventilators.

A separate calculation by the daily report of state medical education and drugs department pegged the percentage of patients requiring critical care at 5%. If this figure is extrapolated for Mumbai, it translates to around 1,000 patients.

But the BMC controls just 530 ICU beds, though the capacity has now gone up to 1,165 after the government on Friday took over 80% of beds in private hospitals in the city.

Additionally, the city has 589 ventilators, and 2,255 beds with oxygen support systems.

This will be inadequate, said a top state health department officer on condition of anonymity.

He said according to the governments calculations, almost 0.5% of Mumbai will be infected by the end of June, which translated to at least 100,000 infections. At the 5% ICU requirement calculation mentioned earlier, this translates to 5,000 ICU beds.

One big advantage Mumbai has over New York is that India has a much lower fatality rate than the US  2.9% compared to 5.9%.

But the city is grappling with rising panic and outdated technology.

Government procedure dictates that a patient is supposed to call the BMC helpline and get themselves registered for a hospital bed, which is then allotted to the patient as soon as it is available. This may take between a few minutes to several hours.

The BMC helpline is fielding 4,000 calls daily  out of which 1,800 are for bed requests -- but the lack of live dashboards means that helpline coordinators cannot guide patients on time, causing further delays.Volunteers of the number say unavailability of live updates from hospitals cripple their ability to help patients.

By the time we assign a bed to a caller, the bed gets booked by another critical patient. There are waiting lists in all tertiary care hospitals. So, we need to distribute the crowd to peripheral hospitals where beds are available. For that, we need a live dashboard to inform patients, said a volunteer on condition of anonymity because he is not allowed to talk to the media.

In response, BMC officials said they have put in place a foolproof system.

We have appointed a doctor in the 1916 control room, who is supposed to gauge the need to allot an ICU bed, on call with the patient, after asking a set number of simple questions. These questions can help the doctor determine for the time being if the patient primarily needs an ICU bed. Every co-morbid patient does not need an ICU bed, said Suresh Kakani, additional commissioner (health), BMC.

Officials also said they are developing a live dashboard in coordination with a private company that will be installed soon.

Only BMC officers will have access to the dashboard. It will get updated every 30 seconds. It will have the list both from private and civic-run hospitals. We cant keep it open as people will unnecessarily start flocking to the centres, added Kakani.

Beds in Mumbai are divided into three categories:

One, Covid Care Centres 1 and 2 (CCCs 1 and 2), the first for high-risk contacts of positive persons and the second for asymtomatic and mild symptomatic patients.

Two, Dedicated Covid Health Centres (DCHC) for symptomatic patients and moderately ill patients and some patients with co-morbidity; and, three, Dedicated Covid Hospitals (DCH) for patients showing prolonged symptoms of fever, cough, and breathlessness, patients with co-morbidity, Covid positive senior citizens, severely ill and critical patients who need ICUs.

In all, there are 73,000 beds in Mumbai -- 5,500 DCH, 10,000 DCHC, 23,000 CCC1 (not for Covid patients), and 34,500 CCC2 beds.

Currently, a total of 5,392 patients are admitted in the first and second categories of beds  the most critical. Out of this, 4,056 are in government and civic-run hospitals while 1,336 are in private hospitals.

Kakani said the body has sufficient CCC, DCHC and DCH beds for Covid-19 patients. It is true however, that there are limited number of ICU beds and these need to be used judiciously, he admitted.

According to the government, there are four main reasons for the shortage in critical care.

One, many patients and their relatives prefer major hospitals to peripheral hospitals. While we have beds available in peripheral hospitals, we cannot force a patient to go there if he doesnt want to. The hospitals everyone chooses are the ones that are over burdened, said a senior civic body official on condition of anonymity.

Two, the stigma and panic around the infection prompt many families to not seek treatment on time. They wait and watch for the symptoms to subside, but it only gets worse. Many patients come to hospitals at a much later stage of the infection, and then need critical healthcare, said a second civic body official on condition of anonymity.

Three, many patients insist that doctors put them on oxygen support even if their levels are normal. Due to the anxiety and fear, they become breathless. Then they assume that their oxygen saturation is low. The recovery rate among patients between 20-40 years is high. We need to save the beds for senior citizens with co-morbid issues, said Dr Om Srivastava, a city epidemiologist who is also part of the Covid task force.

Four, many government officials feel private non-covid hospitals should not discharge a Covid-19 patient until a bed is found in a Covid hospital. We coaxed private hospitals, offered them incentives, but it did not work. Hence we came up with the guidelines for 80% reservation of beds in all private hospitals, managed and distributed centrally by BMC, said a third civic body official.

The BMC says it is aware the city is yet to hit the caseload peak and is preparing for an even bigger surge in cases. So-called Jumbo facilities for asymptomatic patients in six locations are being converted into critical care units, with at least 10,000 beds added. At least 50% of these will have oxygen points as well and 10% beds will be reserved for virus patients who need dialysis.

The BMC is also revamping mini buses and school buses to make ambulances and hopes this will add 350 vehicles to its 250-strong fleet. The preparations we are making now will complete by May end. These are being made keeping Junes cases in mind, said additional municipal commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal.

The surge of the pandemic has hit hard thousands of medical staff at the forefront of the fight against the virus in isolation wards.

Interns, resident doctors, senior doctors, and nurses, all working in three shifts of eight hours each with personal protective equipment (PPE) as their only shield, are fighting a steep battle against not just the disease but also associated mental health concerns.

In Mumbai alone, 300 medical staff have contracted the infection.

We cant start the air conditioning due to possible transmission of the virus. In this heat, we have to work in PPE for 6-8 hours without even drinking water. With precipitation and dehydration, our body starts aching. We feel dizzy, said a doctor stationed in the isolation ward of St George Hospital which has over 100 covid-19 patients.

Many woman nurses and doctors complain of urinary tract infection (UTI) due to the dehydration. The problem gets worse during menstruation. During the monthly cycle, women generally feel nauseous and weak. With the PPE on, we cant even go to the washroom, to get refreshed, said a nurse from Kasturba Gandhi Hospital.

All the medical staff on Covid duty are given alternative accommodation in hotels or lodges. Many havent seen their family for over two months.

I have a 3-year-old daughter whom I have seen last in March. We do video chats everyday but I miss hugging her, said Mahalaxmi Iyer, a nurse at Seven Hills Hospital, a resident of Vasai.

At the Kasturba Gandhi Hospital, a 48-year-old midwife developed loose motions. So, she used an adult diaper for two days to avoid going to the washroom while on PPE.

I cant take leave as we are already short staffed and I couldnt afford going to the washroom repeatedly. So, I used an adult diaper. It felt uncomfortable in the beginning but later, I got used to it, she said.

The fear of contracting the infection is ever present. So far, over 75 resident doctors have contracted the infection on duty. Many of them are as young as 20 years.

We werent ready to face the situation. Even after the duty hours, we discuss the reports of patients. Many of us have developed anxiety. Then parents keep forcing us to come back home which adds on to the mental trauma, said a nursing student from Sion hospital who contracted the infection.
New Delhi: An emerging technique that uses lab-grown tiny human organs to study viral diseases can accelerate research on the novel coronavirus, and pave the way for new COVID-19 therapies, leading scientists say.

"Organoids, are lab-grown organs, which closely resemble human tissues that are relevant for disease, Josef Penninger, Director, Life Science Institute at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada, told PTI.

In these human organ-like structures, Penninger said, scientists are beginning to perform more experiments to explore how the SARS-CoV-2 virus replicates in hosts, or even test vaccines and drugs against COVID-19.

Cultured from undifferentiated cells in the human body called stem cells, he said, these tiny organs contain cells which are also present in a "real" human organ.

For instance, organoids of blood vessels are perfect mini versions of the vascular tissue, made up of an empty cavity, cells that stabilise it, and a membrane wrapped around and keeping it all together, Penninger explained.

Similarly, the scientist said, kidney organoids have multiple cell types found in a normal kidney, including those expressing the ACE2 receptor which acts as an entry gate for SARS-CoV-2.

According to Penninger, research using organoids can open new doors for studying COVID-19 symptoms.

The tiny organs have previously helped scientists understand how the Zika virus, an emerging mosquito-borne pathogen, causes smaller head size, and intellectual disability in developing newborns.

Infection of brain organoid models with Zika virus revealed which cells were affected, and resulting neurological disorders, noted a study published last year in the journal Viruses.

But even now, preliminary experiments on viral infection use only mouse models or lab-grown animal or human tissues, which do not possess the complexity seen in human organs, Penninger said.

"For studying infectious diseases, the commonly used lab models are vero cell lines which are derived from monkey kidneys, and colon cancer cell lines, but these do not fully capture what happens in humans," Shuibing Chen, stem cell biologist from Cornell University in the US, told PTI.

While scientists also study SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice, Chen said the rodents do not have the same human version of ACE2 -- the SARS-CoV-2 'gateway' receptor.

Organoids can help overcome these limitations, she said, adding that they can change how scientists understand and test potential COVID-19 therapeutics.

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The babies turned blue and gasped for air. Cocooned inside incubators in an Arizona neonatal intensive-care unit, the preemies were sick with whooping cough, having contracted the infection somewhere between the maternity ward and the NICU. It was 2011, I was an officer in the Epidemic Intelligence Service at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it was my job to investigate the NICU epidemic and stop its spread.

My sleuthing pointed to health care workers as one of the likely carriers. Hospital policy lumped sick leave with personal time off, and NICU staff members told me the policy encouraged them to continue to work while sick. I was furious. One of my supervisors urged me to calm down and suggested that if I was too forceful when I approached hospital administrators about changing sick leave policy, they would become defensive and wouldnt allow me to come back the next time there was an outbreak. I was urged to calculate the cost of the outbreak to the hospital system, with the idea that economics, not dying preemies, might encourage a change in policy. I did the math. Nothing changed.

At last weeks Senate committee hearing on how to safely return to work and school, Americans received a crash course in how politics interacts with public health. As with White House news conferences where the president has shared dangerous scientific misinformation and disagreed with the nations top health experts, senators derided the best scientific evidence and even took jabs at the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci.

What might not be clear is that this play between politics and public health is not new. I spent two years in the Epidemic Intelligence Service and can say from experience: We might like to think of public health as the realm of experts and evidence, but politics and diplomacy have long been vital skills for disease detectives. These seemingly nonscientific skills are becoming more critical under the current administration.
Eleven municipal areas in seven states and union territories that have accounted for 70 per cent of India's coronavirus caseload were asked by the government on Saturday to step up monitoring in old cities, urban slums and other high-density pockets like camps and clusters for migrant workers for management of COVID-19 cases. These 11 municipal areas are from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan and account for 70 per cent of active case load, the Union health ministry said.

Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan who held a high-level meeting through video conferencing with principal health secretaries and municipal commissioners along with other officials from the 11 municipal areas urged them to focus on prevention through active screening of high risk and vulnerable population along with effective and sturdy clinical management of the admitted cases to reduce fatality rate.

The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 3,720 and the number of cases climbed to 1,25,101 in the country on Saturday, registering an increase of 137 deaths and a record jump of 6,654 cases in a 24-hour span till 8 AM, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 69,597 while 51,783 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, it said. "Thus, around 41.39 per cent patients have recovered so far," a senior health ministry official said.

During the meeting, a presentation was made to highlight the trend in case trajectory with respect to total confirmed cases, case fatality rate, doubling time, tests per million and confirmation percentage, the ministry said. "It was told that major challenge lies in those corporations having shorter doubling time, higher mortality rate and a higher confirmation rate than the national average," the ministry said in its statement.

The officials were briefed about the factors to be considered while mapping the containment and buffer zones and the activities mandated in containment zone like perimeter control, active search for cases through house to house surveillance, contact tracing, clinical management of the active cases. They were also asked to undertake surveillance activities in the buffer zone like monitoring of SARI/ILI cases and promoting social distancing and hand hygiene among others.

"Maintaining high vigilance and monitoring in areas of old cities, urban slums and other high density pockets along with the camps/clusters for migrant workers are important steps in COVID-19 management in the urban areas," Sudan said.

The officials were also urged to focus on prevention through active screening of high risk and vulnerable population and groups, and effective and sturdy clinical management of the admitted cases to reduce fatality rate. While many have operationalised 24x7 state control rooms, others could also follow the lead and start such units which shall not only provide assistance to the people for various facilities and services regarding COVID-19 management, but also have a panel of domain experts and doctors to provide round the clock support and mentoring for clinical issues which shall effectively contribute to reducing fatality rate, the statement said.

"It was pointed out that testing needs to stepped up in some municipal areas to ensure early detection of cases, timely clinical management and a reduction in fatality rate," it said.

They also need to be mindful of ramping up the health infrastructure to ensure preparedness for the next two months with special focus on isolation beds with oxygen, ventilators and ICU beds. Other issues that need focused attention include active coordination with government and private labs to address delays in sample collection, partnership with private hospitals to augment the health and bed capacity, waste disposal, management of camps for migrant labourers and creating awareness regarding issues such as stigmatisation of patients in local languages, by involving community leaders, youth groups among others. The measures taken and best practices followed by the municipal corporations for the management of COVID-19 cases were also discussed, the statement stated.

Mumbai Municipal Commissioner briefed about establishing close cooperation between private hospitals and municipal authorities to pool the health infrastructure like ICU or oxygen beds etc. They shall also soon make public the online portal displaying the bed availability with unique ID numbers for each bed, and also set up a GPS backed online ambulance tracking system, the statement said. Indore authorities have focused on contact tracing, and active house to house survey.

They have formed 'gully patrolling teams' which include community volunteers and retired government officials helping the special surveillance teams in containment zones to improve confidence building measures, active surveillance and provisioning of essential items, the statement said.
Over her school career, Phoebe Love has spent as much time doing lessons at home as she has in her classroom.

The kindergarten student was just seven weeks into her first term at Thirroul Public School when remote learning brought the process of making friends, getting to know teachers and becoming familiar with her new school to a sudden halt.

Phoebe Love is in kindergarten and is getting ready for a return to school on Monday. Credit:Edwina Pickles

Kindy kids have been among those most disrupted by COVID-19. "They have been talking a lot about what year 12 has been missing out on, but that age group can be more independent," mother Coralie Love said. "Kindy is all about relationships and finding out what school is about."

Most of the state's 1.2 million students will be back in class on Monday, as public and private schools resume full-time learning nine weeks after Premier Gladys Berejiklian asked parents to keep their children at home amid concerns about the spread of coronavirus.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has quietly ditched plans to end the out-dated long summer school holidays.

He has told friends that fierce union opposition has forced him to bury his hopes of using the virus crisis to reform the summer vacation.

One week ago, Mr Williamson said there were currently no plans to make up class time lost during the lockdown by requiring pupils to return early from their holidays in August.

Instead, sources suggested that special summer camps for children of all school ages could be set up to provide catch-up tuition.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has quietly ditched plans to end the out-dated long summer school holidays

But the Mail on Sunday understands that the Education Secretary did originally want to make radical reforms by reducing the length of the traditional summer break.

He told associates he regarded it as an out-dated relic of the agrarian calendar when children helped out on the farm. A source said: Gavin certainly holds those views.

Amid the current debate over how much vital school time has been lost to so many kids during the lockdown, he was keen to get cracking on with ending the summer holidays earlier.

Sadly, the trenchant opposition of the unions has put paid to that.

The revelation comes amid signs that Mr Williamson and fellow Ministers were also bowing to union opposition to a general reopening of schools from June 1.

He has told friends that fierce union opposition has forced him to bury his hopes of using the virus crisis to reform the summer vacation

Only on Friday, there were suggestions that the biggest teaching union, the NEU, may be ready to negotiate a general re-opening of schools from June 15.

Mr Williamson said last week that his department had been doing an enormous amount of work on initiatives to make sure people do not miss out as a result of this crisis, looking at how we can make the interventions to support children.

He added: We are looking at different initiatives that we could maybe look at rolling out during the summer period.

Mr Williamson stressed that the Government had got elected on an agenda of levelling up right across society and that education is the greatest leveller.
Saidulajab, an urban village in Delhi, has set an example in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in the country as more than 3,700 people have died and over 1.25 have contracted the disease.

The villagers in south Delhi honoured the additional district magistrate (ADM) as Covid-19 warrior and the village head handed over a check of Rs 11 lakh to the Prime Ministers Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund.

The villagers also honoured 18 sweepers, 12 policemen and six media personnel as Covid-19 warriors.

Gokul Chandra Yadav, a resident of the village, said the country is facing a pandemic and policemen, sweepers and health workers engaged in serving people are putting their lives at stake.

In such a situation, our village decided to give its support in this difficult time for the country, Yadav said, according to Hindustan.

The members of the committee, which was formed in the village, went to peoples homes and collected donations from the people to deposit money in the PM CARES Fund.

Its members Sunder Lal, Sukhbir, Narendra and Surendra collected Rs 11 lakh in 15 days from the villagers, who donated the money according to their ability.

Delhi reported 23 more deaths due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) on Saturday, taking the toll in the national capital to 231, even as 591 fresh cases increased the tally of the viral infections to 12,910, according to official data. Of the Covid-19 deaths so far in Delhi, 158 have been recorded in the last 12 days.

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WASHINGTON  The Justice Department warned state and local officials Friday of the possible illegality of their stay-at-home orders, as the agency continues to monitor restrictions meant to contain the spread of COVID-19.

In a letter to Los Angeles officials, Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband said their recent comments suggesting that stay-at-home orders may stay in place longer "may be both arbitrary and unlawful." The Justice Department also said that Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's "sweeping limitations" on Illinois residents raise constitutional concerns.

Attorney General William Barr said last month that the Justice Department would intervene if stay-at-home orders in response to the coronavirus pandemic become too restrictive, directing federal prosecutors "to be on the lookout" for state and local directives that could be violating constitutional rights. In a memo, Barr acknowledged that while lockdowns are "necessary" to stop the spread of the virus, such restrictions have placed "tremendous burdens" on Americans.

Barr warns of federal action: Federal prosecutors could intervene if stay-at-home orders go too far, attorney general says

"If a state or local ordinance crosses the line from an appropriate exercise of authority to stop the spread of COVID-19 into an overbearing infringement of constitutional and statutory protections, the Department of Justice may have an obligation to address that overreach in federal court," Barr said.

The Justice Department's comments Friday regarding Los Angeles and Illinois stop short of declaring legal actions against the localities. But the agency warns of potential civil liberties violations.

"The Department of Justice does not seek to dictate how cities and counties such as Los Angeles determine what degree of activity and personal interaction should be allowed to protect the safety of their citizens," Dreiband said in the letter to Los Angeles officials. "However, we are charged with protecting the federal statutory and constitutional rights of all persons in our country, and ensuring that governmental restrictions are not unconstitutionally burdensome. ... Simply put, there is no pandemic exception to the U.S. Constitution and its Bill of Rights."

Story continues

The letter was addressed to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Department of Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer and cited comments the two made about the possibility of long-term lockdowns. Ferrer said at a county supervisors' meeting earlier this month that some form of stay-at-home orders will likely stay in place "for the next three months." Garcetti also said in a media interview that Los Angeles would "never be completely open until we have a cure" for the virus.

A county official later said that Ferrer's comments were "taken out of context," according to CBS Los Angeles. Garcetti also later clarified his comments and said he doesn't expect an extended lockdown.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti wears a face mask during his Wednesday news conference while recommending that the city's 4 million people do the same when going outside amid the spreading coronavirus.

"However, we remain concerned about what may be an arbitrary and heavy-handed approach to continuing stay-at-home requirements,"

Dreiband said in the letter. Garcetti's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Los Angeles County has had 46,000 coronavirus cases, and a little over 2,000 deaths.

DOJ warns California: Re-opening could 'discriminate' against religious groups

Days earlier, the Justice Department also warned California Gov. Gavin Newsom, claiming that his plan for the state's staggered re-opening could discriminate against religious groups and a return to in-person services.

Also on Friday, the Justice Department filed court papers in an unrelated lawsuit against Pritzker, Illinois' Democratic governor. The department argued Pritzker exceeded his authority when he ordered citizens to stay at home except for essential reasons.

Jordan Abudayyeh, Pritzker's press secretary, said the Justice Department's position opposing the governor's stay-at-home measures is "unfortunate." Illinois has seen more than 105,000 coronavirus cases. A little over 4,700 have died.

Pritzker, who extended stay-at-home orders until end of May, had been sued by Republican Illinois state Rep. Darren Bailey. Bailey alleged the restrictions are unlawful because they extended beyond the 30-day emergency powers the state legislature granted Pritzker.

'Naming and shaming': States stepping up enforcement of stay-at-home orders

Enforcing lockdowns: Oregon Supreme Court stays lower court ruling that nullified governor's coronavirus measures

In its court filing supporting Bailey, the Justice Department said the lawmaker raised substantial questions on the lawfulness of Pritzker's stay-at-home order.

"Even during times of crisis, executive actions undertaken in the name of public safety must be lawful," said Steven Weinhoeft, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. "And while the people of Illinois must be physically protected from the effects of this public health crisis ... their constitutionally guaranteed rights and liberties must be safeguarded as well."

In this April 23, 2020 file photo, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announces an extension of the stay at home order for Illinois as well as a mandatory face covering order at his daily Illinois coronavirus update at the Thompson Center.

Contributing: Kevin Johnson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus: DOJ says LA, Illinois limits may be unconstitutional
Australia should put the idea of an east-coast bullet train to rest and "move on, as the long-held dream of linking major cities from Melbourne to Brisbane via rail will fail to deliver its proposed economic, travel and environmental benefits.

That's the view of the Grattan Institute, which has called for a re-think on high speed rail on the grounds that bullet trains are unsuitable for Australia's population, size and density.

Federal Labor renewed its calls for a fast rail line connecting Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane, arguing it would help the economy recover from the COVID-19 economic crisis.

The federal government is promising to build its own fast rail network in Victoria, NSW and Queensland and has provided $8 million to a private consortium to investigate the merits of an east-coast bullet train from Melbourne to Sydney.
Wish you could just press pause and skip straight to next year?

There is at least one place where that has occurred  on TVs Days of Our Lives.

Jumping a year, as it did in late 2019  a first for the 54-year-old soap, as well as for any daytime drama  it all shifted into gear when the long-suffering Jennifer Horton (part of the core family of Hortons hearkening to the shows roots in the 1960s) awoke from a coma, whereupon she was told by her off-on love, Jack Deveraux, that shed actually been asleep for 12 months and, well, missed out on a lot of life in their unreal town of Salem.

An apt metaphor for our own on-ice existences, these days? Sure, you might say so. Though in the syntax of this particular show, in which the town has already seen so much  including the infamous devil possession of Dr. Marlena Evans during the 1990s  most viewers nary batted an eye. (If soap fans are trained to do anything  and I count myself as one  it is to suspend reality at snap!)

During this never-ending season of our discontent, however, this Pandemic of Our Lives, the long-running serial is making news for other reasons, too: unlike the other three daily soaps still on the air, which have all run out of episodes due to production halts, Days has material to last it until October! While the others shoot four to six weeks in advance, Days tapes months ahead, essentially making it pandemic proof  reliable comfort food in a TV-sphere in which talk shows happen from home and a most certain content drought is en route in other areas of programming.

Indeed, in a world where nothing is certain but death, taxes and The Young and the Restless episodes  to paraphrase Benjamin Franklin  and in a genre many consider to be the original home of binge-watching, the coronaviruss effect on soaps constitutes a micro-melodrama of its own. Apart from the very few times they were pre-empted over the decades  the O.J. trial, the Watergate hearings, the impeachment hearings of both Clinton and Trump  or affected by the 2008 writers strike, this is the longest blank in their history.

Y&R, as it is known  the most watched soap in Canada  ceased production at the end of April and has since been filling its time slot with theme-week packages tapping into its 47 years of story. Likewise its sister soap The Bold and The Beautiful  the worlds most watched soap, viewed in more than 100 countries  which went dark with a dangling cliffhanger as a character named Flo uncovered that her rival, Sally, has been faking a terminal illness to win back their joint romantic object, Wyatt.

Finally, General Hospital, the soap that made Luke and Laura household names back in the day, their 1981 wedding the second most watched TV wedding next to Charles and Dianas. It was ahead a bit, but not by much. It aired its final original ep this week.

They have no idea when we are going back, confirmed Canadian actor Jason Thompson, who plays bratty scion Billy Abbott on Y&R, when he was interviewed by Global TV.

When and how? That remains an open question, as it does with so many other industries  although movements in other parts of the world may provide a template. Take Australia, where Neighbours recently resumed production, albeit with social distancing in play. The soap, which has churned out 8,000-plus episodes and boasts many celebrity alum  Margot Robbie, anyone?  announced that there is no kissing/touching planned for the foreseeable future and that they planned to get creative with romance, including focusing on the yearning.

Gotcha.

And while many other international soaps are still a no-go  Brazils beloved telenovelas have sputtered to a halt, reads an article in The Economist  there is some news re: Coronation Street, the legacy soap out of the U.K., which will to some extent become Coronavirus Street. Commenting on a decision to incorporate realism when it reboots  including showing its characters following handwashing protocol  its producer mused in a recent interview, I am also aware that people tune into Coronation Street for escapism  while the virus will exist in Coronation Street, we were also keen that it wouldnt dominate every single story and every single scene.

The route the American soaps will take, who knows? But to fill the lull, perhaps, ABC together with People magazine aired a special called The Story of Soaps just this week  a rare prime-time look back, including showing how many of the original soaps actually migrated from radio to television (like Guiding Light, which still holds the record for longest-running drama in broadcast history and had been going for 57 years when it finally swan-songed in 2009).

Showing how their sprawling storylines lurk in the DNA of so much scripted TV as well as reality today  Game of Thrones was essentially a soap, as is The Crown, This Is Us and The Real Housewives  the special also nodded to the many stars who got their starts in daytime. Everyone from Julianne Moore and Meg Ryan (As the World Turns) to Robin Wright (Santa Barbara) and Michael B. Jordan (All My Children). A club, moreover, that also claims Allison Janney, Alec Baldwin, Judith Light, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nathan Fillion, Demi Moore, Ricky Martin, Marisa Tomei and James Earl Jones.

And it is true, as Bryan Cranston  who had an early stint on the long-gone soap Loving  pointed out in the special, that daytime created serialized television, which we love now.

But will the soaps be the same post-pandemic?
Beaumont police were searching for a person of interest Sunday while they investigate a fatal shooting that took place in the south end.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Sergio Alejandro Romero-Verde was asked to contact the Beaumont Police Department. Police said he could be driving a black Chevrolet Silverado pickup, license plate FYR-4234.
<! Taking a coronavirus victim to cemetery in Brazil >

Brazil registered 16,508 cases of coronavirus on Saturday, taking the national total

to 347,398.

Fatalities also increased by 965 on Saturday.The death toll is now 22,013.

Skeptics, however believed that the actual number of cases and deaths is higher than the official figures disclosed by the government.

The suspicion arose because the testing capacity of Latin Americas largest country lags.

Brazil has now surpassed Russias 335,882 cases to become the world Number 2 virus hot spot.

Only the United States, which has 1,666,828 cases is ahead.

On Friday, Dr. Mike Ryan, WHOs top emergencies expert, described the situation in South America as grave.

In a sense South America has become a new epicentre for the disease, he said.

Brazil is the most affected,.

He said authorities there have approved broad use of the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine.

He reiterated that clinical evidence does not support the drugs widespread use, given its risks.

Brazils far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has been fiercely criticised for his handling of the outbreak.

Bolsonaros style has led to the exit of two health ministers as he opposed social distancing measures while advocating the use of unproven drugs for treatment.

The former army captain has seen his opinion poll ratings drop as an unfolding political crisis adds to the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
MUSKEGON, MI - Construction is underway on a new $4.5 million facility to house and expand Muskegons Catholic Charities of West Michigan, which will include a 14-bed detox center.

The facility will occupy a once-vacant parcel at 1713 7th St. in the Nelson Neighborhood. Chris Slater, CEO of Catholic Charities West Michigan, said construction began in February. A 21,000-square-foot building will house the organizations offices and walk-in social services.

However, work on this main part of the project was temporarily paused earlier this year due to Gov. Gretchen Whitmers stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus but progressed on the adjacent detox center.

Related: Whitmer signs order allowing construction, real estate and outdoor work to resume May 7 in Michigan

Slater said that because the detox facility is considered a "critical medical infrastructure'' construction was allowed to continue on the 4,700-square-foot building. He said it will house a detoxification center for people with drug and alcohol addictions.

The primary building is expected to be completed by early 2021, and the detox center - the first of its kind in the county - is expected to open on October 1, Slater said. Catholic Charities is currently located at 1095 3rd St.

Slater said about 80 people will work at the new campus - 70 employees working for the organization and 10 to 12 more at the detox center.

That center will be named for Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish friar who died in the Holocaust and is considered the patron saint of addiction, according to a recent press release.

The Kolbe Center will have 14 beds and provide stays of three to five nights for people withdrawing from substance use. The plan is for it to offer individualized addiction treatment and serve 700 people each year.

Naming our new detox center after Saint Maximilian Kolbe gives us a great opportunity to talk about how selflessness and compassion for others can create a lasting legacy of rehabilitation, Slater said in a press release.

Kolbe was canonized in 1982 for an act of martyrdom, when he voluntarily traded his life for that of a stranger at Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp, according to the press release. He is associated with drug addiction because he was murdered with a chemical substance.

According to Dexur statistics from 2015-2016, Muskegon County had the highest hospitalization rate in the Michigan due to opioid use and the eighth highest in the country. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that an estimated 20 percent of Muskegon County residents are excessive drinkers.

Although there are other addiction services around the county, Slater said that there are no medically supervised detox programs for people to safely withdraw from substances.

12 Muskegon gets midtown Catholic Charities building in land swap deal

With the arrival of the new Catholic Charities location, directly behind the Muskegon Rescue Mission Mens Shelter, somewhat of a social services corridor will bloom off of Laketon Avenue.

In February, the city approved another land swap with the Rescue Mission, giving them a parcel at 1747 7th Street, just south of the new Catholic Charities location.

At the time that the deal was approved, it was envisioned as a consolidated, one-stop-shop for social services, as well as providing job training and a daycare facility, the Rescue Missions executive director, Dan Skoglund, told MLive at the time. He did not immediately respond to a call for comment on this story.

City Manager Frank Peterson said that the city signed its end of the paperwork, but was not sure if the land transaction had formally gone through.

Catholic Charities of West Michigan is affiliated with the Diocese of Grand Rapids, and has 11 locations across West Michigan.

The Muskegon organization has been in its current location since the mid-1980s. Officials traded that property to the city of Muskegon in October, in exchange for the vacant parcel on 7th Street.

The city expects to develop the 3rd Street property after the move, according to city documents.

At the new building, the organization will continue to provide many of the services currently offered at its existing site, such as counseling, foster care and adoption services, family preservation and senior services, and a baby and toddler pantry.

However, the food pantry, which has operated since 1997, will not move with them. The nearby Muskegon Rescue Mission, 400 W Laketon Ave., also offers a full-service food pantry. So, they plan to open new hunger-related services, such as a mobile food truck, serving hot meals for the needy.

In the meantime, the food pantry will remain at the 3rd Street location until Sept. 30.

Slater said that the organization is trying to ensure that a food pantry remains in the neighborhood around 3rd Street. He said many individuals are able to arrive there by foot on recently renovated sidewalks, or by public bus which drops off directly on the corner of Third Street and Houston Avenue.

The city plans to rehabilitate the old building, which currently stands between the historic downtown and the renewed Third Street Corridor - renamed Midtown Muskegon in 2017.

The area is home to small businesses like Third Coast Vinyl, The Griffins Rest, Hamburger Mikey, The Curry Kitchen and Naan Pizza, Valy Vietnamese Oriental Food, Only Cannoli, and Muskegon Family Foods.

The Muskegon YMCA also operates out of a storefront on the southern corner of Third Street and Houston, directly across from Catholic Charities.

Redeveloping that building would be part of that corridors ongoing rejuvenation, Jake Eckholm, economic development director with the city of Muskegon, previously told MLive. He said the city plans to rehabilitate the building before finding a private investor to fully redevelop it.

In addition to its effect on construction, coronavirus has also increased need among the people the organization serves, Slater said.

There has been an increased need in everything since (coronavirus), and we anticipate mental health and substance abuse problems to continue to rise even as the economy attempts to recover," he told MLive .

Read more on MLive:

Community effort brings free coronavirus testing to disproportionately hit Muskegon Heights

See Muskegons historic warship honor coronavirus first responders

If people are willing to behave, we have a chance: A view of reopening day in northern Michigan

Whitmer extends stay-home order, closures of gyms, salons and other businesses to June 12
Is it just me, or has anyone else ever undertaken the mammoth task of emptying a house? Actually, my family did the majority of the heavy lifting before I got involved - I'm just like the architect who arrives after the labourers have left and takes credit for the work.

There are towers of packing boxes in the building that my Nana called home. It's just a building now, vacant, still, and heavy with coldness. A ray of sunlight spews in from the upstairs bathroom and throws itself like a guillotine down into the hall. The dust dances in its luminescence and, for a moment, the movement makes me forget that nothing else stirs in this house.

There are piles everywhere.

Piles of notebooks and diaries she kept.

Piles of Sellotape.

Piles of plates she ate off.

Piles of plates that were too good to eat off.

Piles of African art from that time Grandad went to Zambia.

Piles of CDs that came free with the Daily Mail.

Piles of books that came free with some other paper if you collected enough stamps.

Piles of cushions she sat on - years of cushions, their style changing from frivolous to opulent to orthopedic as her age forced her to sacrifice luxury at the altar of utility.

The piles of her things are like little tombstones to all that was and is now gone. They cast obscure dark shadows across the floor and tables. Each one is a landmine that explodes once observed. It detonates inside my heart and the shards of memory open the wound that's been trying to heal since she died.

I try not to cry, letting the sadness build up like a hot flush. The skin on my face gets so red it feels my cheeks might burst, like a sausage under a grill.

What am I meant to do with all this stuff? Is this what we become? Are we eventually just piles of stuff that nobody wants? Things that are too sentimental to toss without consideration, but not sentimental enough to cherish and adapt into an heirloom? Am I really going to pass on these seven rolls of Sellotape to my children and request that they do the same? But it's perfectly good Sellotape, I can't throw it out. But I can't use it either, because it feels vulgar to wrap presents for people who aren't my Nana in Sellotape she couldn't take with her.

She left an Estee Lauder moisturiser. She rarely let me use it, because she'd tell me it was 'a euro a squirt' and my young skin didn't need it. I pocket the brown bottle, knowing that seeing it go to waste would make her angrier than me putting it on my face. Besides, I'm a year older now than I was when she died. I never asked her at what age I should start investing in expensive face creams.

We're getting a skip. Skip. It seems such a playful word for what is going to be one of the most violent undertakings of my life. I'm going to fill a skip with things my Nana loved. Then someone else is going to buy her house and do whatever they want with it.

When I was four, my mother bought the house of my best friend's grandparents in Mallow. Julie didn't talk to me for weeks because we got rid of her Grandad's vegetable patch. I always thought she was being petty, refusing to understand how sale by private treaty works. But now I have a new level of understanding.

Maybe if I ask nicely, they will keep the table and the throne-like chair where she'd sit and tell me what was on sale in Lidl this week, taking 30 minutes to eat a slice of toast. She always left me the crusts. Always.

Maybe they'd keep the formica worktops if I told them she still had the receipt from 1979.

There's a sub-perceptible scent of her Jo Malone perfume still lingering on her pillow. If I bury my face deep enough, I can still catch some. I take the pillow with me. I stand in the hallway of the house for a silent eternity. The sort of silent eternity that only granddaughters and deceased grandmothers can build between themselves. I decide there's plenty of time for packing up her life. It took more than 50 years in the house to gather all the things I'm going to part with. I don't have to clear it in a single day.

I close the door and hope the emotional landmines don't follow me home. I pull the straps of my backpack so tight that it's like a hug from behind. My Nana was never a hugger. I can imagine, though, and I can pretend.
A senior doctor at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) died of coronavirus on Saturday. The deceased, Dr. Jitendra Nath Pande, was director and professor of the Pulmonology Department at AIIMS Delhi.

Dr. Pande and his wife tested positive for the infection on May 19, Tuesday with mild symptoms.

AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria said that after the couple was detected with COVID-19 symptoms, they decided to remain under home isolation. However, on Saturday, Pande's wife was hospitalised after her health condition worsened.

Guleria added that Dr. Pande is improving."He had his dinner and went off to sleep and then passed away in sleep possibly because of an acute cardiac event," Dr. Guleria said.

Also read: Coronavirus India Live Tracker: Biggest 1-day spike with 6,796 COVID-19 cases, India's tally tops 1,31,000

Guleria expressed his grief over Pande's death. He said that the AIIMS family will miss Dr. Pande the most because he joined AIIMS as an MBBS student and retired as the head of the Department of Medicine.

"I have worked closely with him and have known him since my childhood as he was a student of my father," he added.

Following Dr. Pande's demise, several senior doctors have expressed their condolences. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group and President of the industry chamber FICCI, said in a tweet: "Deeply saddened to hear that today. @covid19 claimed its most illustrious victim Dr. J.N Pande Director & Prof of Pulmonology @aiims_newdelhi.

Deeply saddened to hear that today @covid19 claimed it's most illustrious victim Dr. J.N Pande Director & Prof of Pulmonology @aiims_newdelhi A stalwart of the medical world his work in pulmonology will continue to ensure better health for many My Condolences to his family pic.twitter.com/ByE83ikItS - Dr. Sangita Reddy (@drsangitareddy) May 23, 2020

"A stalwart of the medical world, his work in pulmonology will continue to ensure better health for many. My Condolences to his family," added Reddy.

After his retirement in 2003, Dr. Pande joined the Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research and worked there as a senior consultant in the Respiratory Medicine department.

"He was a legendary physician who had taught many practicing doctors at AIIMS and continued to mentor physicians even after joining this hospital. What was remarkable was that the most difficult cases would come to him," said the institute's director Abhishek Bhartia.

Also read: No flights to and from Mumbai? Maharashtra govt opposes air operations starting May 25

Also read: Coronavirus lockdown: Railways to run 200 Mail Express trains from June 1, fares unchanged
Mark Weatherford, Former First Deputy Under Secretary for Cybersecurity, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Maria Thompson, State Chief Risk Officer, North Carolina Department of Information Technology

Dustin Haisler, Chief Innovation Officer, e.Republic

Dan Lohrmann, former CSO for State of Michigan and current CSO at Security Mentor Inc.

National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) - https://www.nascio.org/covid19resources/

https://www.nascio.org/covid19resources/ National Governors Association (NGA) - https://www.nga.org/coronavirus/

Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center (MS-ISAC): Part of Center for Internet Security (CIS) - https://www.cisecurity.org/blog/resource-guide-for-cybersecurity-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

https://www.cisecurity.org/blog/resource-guide-for-cybersecurity-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/ Lear Corp.  Safe Work Playbook - https://lear.com/safeworkplaybook

Governing + Government Technology Magazine  https://www.govtech.com/security/ and https://www.governing.com/crisisresponse

Thank God for the Web!And, I dont know how I would have coped without seeing my friends and family on Zoom.Or, How did they possible manage back in 1918 (during the last equivalent pandemic) without the Internet?Weve all heard widespread sentiments like this for weeks now, and even as the countries begin to end the lockdowns and open more community businesses, large numbers of people plan to continue working from home for months, or until a vaccine is available or perhaps even forever.There is no doubt that our connected virtual world has come to the rescue and enabled constant global communication at a level that would have been impossible at the beginning of this millennium. Internet service providers (ISPs), telecommunications and technology companies and many others have offered free services, new apps, expanded coverage and increased speeds to enable enhanced virtual lives for millions of people around the world.In fact, according the Pew Research Center, 53 percent of Americans say the Internet has been essential during the COVID-19 outbreak , and another 34 percent say it is important but not essential. The list of digital new normal opportunities is, without a doubt, remarkable.Nevertheless, there is a now a rapidly growing body of evidence suggesting that COVID-19 isnt just making people catch a virus. This pandemic appears to be making the Internet explode with viruses and more dark side troubles  with potential impacts that will reshape the future of cyberspace far after we can finally get our hair cut again or eat-out at a restaurant again with friends.And sadly, despite the fact that an effective vaccine now seems highly probable within a year, there will be no simple cure to fix the Internets woes.Back at the end of March I articulated why many experts felt that the rapid move to working from home during this pandemic was laying the groundwork for a surge in data breaches . From COVID-19 related phishing attacks to unsecured home Wi-Fi networks to the use of personally owned computer equipment that is not secure, the potential for bad actors to access sensitive business data has grown rapidly as people moved very quickly to working from home.In the past two months, there have been numerous headlines articulating more scary details on this online hacking trend. In addition, several more recent announcements related to Internet fraud and data breaches have surfaced. For example:This brief video from CNBC explains these cyber trends in details.But taking this thread a big further, Steven McBride grabbed the attention ofmagazine readers a few weeks ago with the article titled:Heres an excerpt: The coronavirus is laying the groundwork for a massive cyberattack. In fact, Im on record today saying well see the largest cyberattack in HISTORY within the next six months. So hundreds of millions of folks are using personal laptops  on unsecured home Internet connections  to access work files. Many of which likely contain confidential information and personal data.This is a dream come true for cybercriminals. Hackers only need to gain access through one entry point to seize control of a whole network. Once theyre in they can steal data, secrets, and even lock you out of the network.Hackers broke into the networks of Americas largest defense contractor, Lockheed Martin, by targeting remote workers. If they can infiltrate this system, you best believe remote workers with little security are easy pickings. I highlight this article now, because when I posted it on LinkedIn with my personal perspectives, I received hundreds of comments and reactions from global security and technology experts. Some thought the article was just over-hyped FUD , but most people thought that the online cyberchallenges were indeed growing during the pandemic and making the Internet much less safe  while opening-up more Internet vulnerabilities and security holes.Here is a small sample of some of the responses I received on LinkedIn regarding the Forbes article post:Corey Munson: PC Matic just launched a security survey of those working from home. The first 3,500 responses have been frightening. (Results will be out next week). The rapid mass migration to WFH & BYOD 'gone wild' has left massive security holes. How those risks are addressed now will determine what happens in the next 6 months.William Tucker: Makes sense. I specifically use my extra personal computer for anything outside of work or researching something. Even though my work computer is a personal computer too, I don't do online stuff through it, unless it's in the "work" work stream.... Even there we are limited according to our roles....separation of powers/privileges and workstation mapping.Caston Thomas: Theres no way to predict the severity of a future attack. Complete fake news, equivalent to the crazy dude standing on a New York street corner screaming The end is near. Could it happen? Of course. Richard Stiennon: I understand your heated response Caston. That said, I did hear an interesting observation from a friend in Canada. There is no question that attack surfaces have been extended out to the home. Also that activity is heightened. If the average dwell time to discover a breach is 270 days, that means that starting 6 months from now we *will* learn of some breaches. Predicting the biggest in history is more of a stretch. I participated in a webinar this past week that was run bymagazine andmagazine titled: Cybersecurity at the Edge: Rethinking Security Strategy to Support the New Work From Home Normal. This important session (available for free viewing with registration) included:The webinar covered current hot technology trends in governments around the world. While there has been a huge positive movement towards working from home (WFH) which has been successful in the public and private sectors, there has also been a surge in online fraud and hacking that is just now becoming clear  with more announcements likely in the coming months (or even years) ahead. Many detailed figures can be found in this Kaspersky Research report During the webinar I offered these excellent resources for organizations that want to improve their business and government cybersecurity at this time of emergency:One bright spot that I have seen arise in the past few months has been the recognition that organizations need more cybersecurity spending following these new coronavirus concerns. Almost 70 percent of the global organizations surveyed plan to increase their cyber spending in the coming months. With coronavirus crisis creating new opportunities for cybercriminals, this figure could easily increase by the end of the year. Besides boosting their cybersecurity spending, as the top IT priority this year, around 55% of major organizations will boost their investments in automation solutions, revealed HFS Research survey conducted in April. Smart analytics, hybrid or multi-cloud and artificial intelligence follow, with 53%, 49% and 46% of those bodies asked naming them as their leading IT investments this year. Whether a major, debilitating cyberattack is coming is debatable. Some will say the Internet was already sick, while admitting that this coronavirus is making cyberspace less safe by exposing weaknesses that were already present. Is that so different than a lack of a sufficient national stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE)?No doubt, the importance of cybersecurity has only grown during this pandemic. As the paperless office is becoming closer to reality by necessity, and business transformations and digital government keep growing faster than ever, cyberprotections are also more vital than ever  but too often neglected.So while the Internet is alive and more important than ever to our lives in 2020, COVID-19 is bringing about a cyber pandemic that will linger long after a vaccine or cure is found for this disease.
An Offaly factory worker has received a 'significant' payout after losing her job after having a baby.

A victim of discrimination, Inga Dainauskiene, who had worked at sausage maker, Rudd's in Birr for 13 years, was told she could either come back from maternity leave for a lower paid role or be made redundant. Now, she has been paid more than 61,000 after she lost her job.

Last week, the 38 year old was awarded 45,000 after the Workplace Relations Commission ruled Dainauskiene was a victim of  pregnancy related discrimination regarding the termination of her employment. This compensation was paid on top of the 16,673 she received in a redundancy payment from the company.

Speaking on RTE's Drivetime earlier this week, the mother of two said: I couldn't believe it. I thought that I did a good job. I did feel like I was being discriminated against because I had a baby and came back off maternity leave but there was no job there.

Inga started working at the Birr factory on September 1, 2005 after moving to Birr from Latvia. She said at the time of her dismissal she had been the longest serving employee at Rudd's. In 2017, Sean Loughnane Galway Ltd bought Rudd's Sausages from the O'Brien Fine Foods group and Inga continued to work there.

She was promoted to supervisor and on November 20, 2018, she went on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her little girl, who is now 16 months old. She was due back to work on July 1, 2019 but a month before her return, her employer contacted her.

Ms Dainauskiene was informed her job was gone and she was instead offered a more junior role, which paid 9.80 per hour and would include six months probation. Previously, she had been paid 14 per hour in the supervisor's role. When she complained, she was told she could either take a more junior job or accept redundancy.

In October 2019, she got a new job with Brady Family Ham, which is owned by the O'Brien Food Group that used to own Rudd's. Rudd's said the company had been restructured while Ms Dainuskiene was on maternity leave but confirmed she was the only person who had been made redundant during this restructure.

In summary, the respondent's case was that it was a genuine redundancy and not pregnancy related. It came about because of the restructuring process and the Respondent refutes any allegation of discrimination. It submitted that there was no evidence put forward of discrimination and relied on the requirements set out in Section 85 (a) (1) of the Employment Equality Act 2004. It submitted that the Complainant had not adequately set out her claim and failed to set out a prima facia case of discrimination. 

Meanwhile, the 38 year old also has a ten year old son and had come back from maternity leave with no problem after he was born. She said it had been scary to take the case but she was glad she did and hoped it encouraged other women in a similar position.

Her case was that she was dismissed on the grounds of gender and family status, which amounted to a discriminatory dismissal and her solicitor, Mairead Carey, of Carey Solicitors in Clondalkin, spoke to the 'Tribune' this week, pointing out that this is far more common than people expect. We are a new firm and this is the second case in a year that we have had, she explained.

According to Ms Carey, Inga was delighted with the outcome. This is a significant award, she pointed out. I think a lot of people don't take cases like this because they are concerned of the impact that it will have on their employment prospects in the future, she continued adding that the law states that women are entitled to come back from maternity leave to their job and be treated as if they haven't been out.
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Linkedin Belseran Christ (The Jakarta Post) Ambon  Sun, May 24, 2020 16:22 606 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd9e396c 1 National leatherback-turtles,EndangeredSpecies,endangered-animal,turtle,Maluku Free

A leatherback sea turtle was found dead off the coast of Asilulu village in Central Maluku regency, Maluku, on Saturday morning.

Iwan Asikin, the head of the Maritime and Fisheries Ministrys maritime management division in Maluku, said the turtle was found dead by local fishermen.

Fishermen Amin Mamang and Abu Nurlily found the 180-centimeter-long, 140-cm-wide turtle. But it had died before they found it. They then moved the carcass to shore, Iwan said on Saturday.

He said the turtle was likely swept away by strong currents and may have been killed after colliding with hard objects, such as coral heads.

We are investigating the cause of death further, Iwan said, adding that Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) personnel buried the turtle near the BKSDA residential complex in Passo village, Baguala district, Ambon.

Leatherback sea turtles, known locally as penyu belimbing, are the worlds biggest turtles and the fourth-biggest reptiles after three species of crocodile.

In Indonesia, leatherback turtles are a protected marine species. They are considered endangered as their population has continued to decline over the years.

Last December, a 2.13-meter-long leatherback turtle weighing 213 kilograms was reportedly caught and killed by a resident of Sosorgadong district, Central Tanapuli regency, North Sumatra, as it was coming ashore to lay eggs. (rfa)
New Delhi, May 24 : A massive spike in ticket cancellations, along with a drop in bookings, was reported by the aviation industry for Monday's flights as several states moved to limit air operations.

Consequently, in order to calm nervous passengers, the Centre said that barring just two states, the rest of the country is open to accept domestic flights. On Sunday evening, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted that states across the country will resume domestic flight services on Monday except Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.

Airports in Andhra Pradesh will resume services on Tuesday, May 26 and West Bengal will restart on Thursday, May 28.

"It has been a long day of hard negotiations with various state govts to recommence civil aviation operations in the country. Except Andhra Pradesh which will start on 26/5 & West Bengal on 28/5, domestic flights will recommence across the country from tomorrow," Puri tweeted.

Sources said that starting May 28, Kolkata and Bagdogra airports will each handle 10 arrivals and 10 departures per day.

Further, according to people in the know, both Vijayawada and Vizag airports in Andhra Pradesh will have 20 per cent of both arrivals and departures as planned under the Summer Schedule.

Hyderabad will resume services on Monday with 15 arrivals and 15 departures, sources said.

In another tweet, the minister said that starting Monday, there will be limited flights from Mumbai and as per approved one-third schedule from other airports in the state.

"As per request of state govt, operations in Andhra Pradesh will recommence on limited scale from 26 May. For Tamil Nadu there will be max 25 arrivals in Chennai but there's no limit on number of departures. For other airports in TN flights will operate as in other parts of country," Puri said.

Resultantly, passengers, who had booked for flights on these and other intra-metro route segment for May 25, rushed to cancel their tickets.

Notably impacted was the Delhi-Mumbai trunk route followed by flights to Bengaluru and Kolkata.

Industry insiders pointed out that majority of bookings received were for flights between metro cities, due to the "pent-up demand", but now with limited operations and quarantine norms, a large number of queries have been received from passengers travelling to these cities.

Even airline executives were left in lurch as state after state came out with new norms for accepting flights, thereby, distorting their network planning.

Another daunting confusion was over the quarantine norm which many states said they will enforce on air travellers.

This led to a cascade of calls at the customer care centres of online travel agents.

Nevertheless, many passengers still wanted to travel, if they were provided with a choice for 'Home Quarantine'.

Except for intra-metro routes, the total cancellations would have come to only about 15 per cent of the entire network, industry insiders told IANS.

In terms of bookings, a sharp drop of over 50 per cent was witnessed on Sunday on a daily sequential basis.

"All the passengers booking flights currently are travelling for their essential needs and multiple changes in the directives by individual states have left them utterly disappointed. Now with operation of only a fraction of earlier approved flights has caused a spike in cancellations and the passengers are once again left high and dry by the government," Nishant Pitti, CEO and Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip.com, told IANS.

"In addition, to the continued uncertainty in their travel plan, more money will be blocked with the airlines." Aloke Bajpai, CEO & Co-Founder, ixigo, said: "There is some apprehension amongst travellers with the constantly evolving state specific quarantine protocols." "There might be a slight increase in cancellation or reschedule requests from travellers in the coming few days specifically for states that are not allowing air travel to resume starting tomorrow. We hope the state governments can take a more pragmatic and compassionate view of the situation given a vast majority of bookers are going back to their homes or travelling for essential or emergency reasons." On its part, the Centre had previously urged the state governments not to implement quarantine norms since inter-state transportation services are allowed under the provisions of lockdown 4.0.

During an online question and answer session on Saturday, Puri had said: "In a receiving state, if an incoming passenger has 'Aarogya Setu' app, and if he or she is green, why would the receiving state want to quarantine them after that." "Its not that if you don't have an Aarogya Setu app, you will not be allowed to travel. We have said it is advisory, it is preferable... If you dont have Aarogya Setu you can give a self-declaration, if you don't have an app... If somebody has symptoms they will be stopped at the airport. Why would any state want to quarantine somebody after these facts." Earlier, air passengers gave an overwhelming response to the re-commencement of passenger flight services from May 25, as healthy demand was witnessed for tickets on all metro routes.

The Centre had only allowed limited passenger flight operations of about one-third capacity of the summer schedule to operate between metro cities and other destinations from May 25, adding that this capacity might be ramped up in the coming period.

Passenger air services were suspended for both scheduled domestic and international flights since March 25, due to the imposition of the nationwide lockdown in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak.
MORE than 3,000 is still owed by a man who hired power tools in Birr and Tullamore in 2017 and did not return them, Tullamore District Court was told.

The court previously heard that Patrick McLoughlin, 20 Rossvale, Portlaoise, was under pressure from drug dealers.

The 32-year-old pleaded guilty last year to stealing a power washer, a welder and a concrete saw, valued at 4,610 from Central Tool Hire, Syngefield, Birr on December 8, 2017.

He also admitted stealing another power washer and a second concrete saw, worth 1,430, from Hire Depot, Axis Business Park three days later on December 11.

Sentencing has been adjourned on a number of occasions so the man could pay compensation.

Defending solicitor Donal Farrelly told the court last week that over 3,000 remained outstanding and in addition to being out of work, his client had other matters coming before courts in Portlaoise and Kilkenny and he was also making payments in relation to those. Mr Farrelly said he had paid 2,600 towards the Offaly offences but was in trouble financially.

Sgt James O'Sullivan said a total of 3,340 was owed in relation to charges brought by two local gardai as a result of the offences in Tullamore and Birr.

Judge Bernadette Owens said a probation report before her indicated Mr McLoughlin was back in work in May and had been receiving the Covid-19 payment before that.

She remanded him on continuing bail to September 9 next and while she appreciated he owed monies elsewhere, she said he would have to start making inroads in relation to the compensation before her court.

A sitting of Tullamore District Court in September 2018 was told Mr McLoughlin paid a small deposit for the Birr tools and a 100 deposit for the Tullamore equipment.

Sgt O'Sullivan said at the time he believed the property had been handed on so the man could pay a moneylending debt arising from drugs.

The judge sitting in Tullamore on that day, Judge Catherine Staines, said the property involved was worth a huge amount and she believed the crime was premedidated.

However, she accepted Mr McLoughlin was under pressure from drug dealers and adjourned sentence.
A street dog rescued by Animal Friends Manado Indonesia looks through a fence at the organization's shelter in Tomohon, Indonesia. (Ronny Adolof Buol / For The Times)

The sale of dog meat for consumption is technically illegal in Indonesia, but visitors wouldn't be able to tell walking through the crowded central market in Tomohon.

Butchers in this remote, rural city in the equatorial province of North Sulawesi have no reservations about displaying the animals for sale after bludgeoning them and then charring the carcasses to remove their fur.

Dog meat isn't recognized as food under Indonesian law, which makes it illegal to sell in the market. Workers in the trade also violate the law when they regularly transport dogs between provinces where rabies is endemic. Of Indonesia's 34 provinces, only eight are considered rabies-free.

The trade persists because local governments have rarely enforced those laws, local animal activists say.

The Tomohon market was the focus of videos recorded by Los Angeles animal rights activist Marc Ching when he visited the area in 2016. Horrific images from that trip appeared in a public service announcement featuring Matt Damon, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara and other celebrities in support of Ching's charitable foundation, which raises awareness about the brutality of the enduring dog meat industry in various Asian countries.

But a Times investigation has found evidence that contradicts Ching's claims about the authenticity of some of the most shocking videos.

Butchers told The Times that Ching paid them to hang and burn a dog alive and kill several more while he recorded video. Ching's raw footage shows that as the burning begins, one of the butchers looks toward the camera, flashes a thumbs up and asks a question in a language local to the area whose English translation is, "This is exactly what you want, right?"

Ching denies paying butchers to harm dogs or orchestrating any of the videos. His foundation has questioned the butchers' credibility, saying his work threatened their livelihoods.

Indonesia, the worlds fourth-most populous nation, spread across more than 17,000 islands, is notoriously difficult to govern. Local traditions often trump edicts delivered from the faraway capital in Jakarta.

Story continues

Nevertheless, a movement is growing to end the dog and cat meat trade in Indonesia, which has received a boost from concerns about how rural markets could spread diseases like COVID-19.

Many middle-class Indonesians in larger cities, particularly in Jakarta and its outskirts, have embraced pet ownership, yet the practice of eating dogs continues in a few rural parts of the country.

Whats happening in Tomohon is not representative of the nations perception and attitude toward companion animals, said Lola Webber, the Bali-based co-founder and director of the Change for Animals Foundation, a charity registered in England. "People outside the dog meat-eating hot spots would not believe this behavior and practice persists. There's a certain amount of disconnect."

(Paul Duginski / Los Angeles Times)

Tomohon is roughly 1,300 miles from the nation's capital but a world a way. The city of 120,000 people is connected to the provincial capital, Manado, by a winding two-lane mountain road with commanding views of the Celebes Sea.

Tucked in a lush valley flanked by two active volcanoes that often billow smoke, the area's remoteness has preserved a way of life thats lasted centuries, untouched by modern malls, hotel chains or Western fast food.

The dominant ethnic group in Tomohon, the Minahasa, savor dog meat on special occasions. The meat is believed to keep ones body warm and is enjoyed RW style, which involves simmering it in an aromatic sauce made with chiles, galangal, lime leaves and turmeric.

Butchers say the dogs are specially raised for their meat, but animal rights activists say many that are sold are strays captured locally or from neighboring provinces.

Unlike most other parts of Indonesia, where Muslims make up the overwhelming majority, Tomohon is a Christian enclave that was influenced by Europeans starting in the 1500s  first with the Portuguese, then the Spanish and the Dutch. Customs here are interwoven with Catholic, Protestant and animist beliefs. One tradition included spilling blood from a freshly slaughtered dog, symbolizing strength, on the beams of a new house. The meat was then consumed.

Dogs have always been used in rituals, said H.B. Palar, a local historian and expert on the Minahasa.

There arent taboos about which animals to eat, mostly out of necessity, he added.

In the late 1950s, the region around Tomohon was the center of the so-called Permesta rebellion against the central government  an uprising driven by anger that Javanese rulers in Jakarta were neglecting Indonesias far-flung islands such as Sulawesi and their ethnic minority inhabitants.

The army responded with brutal force and the rebels fled to the surrounding jungles, where they couldnt cultivate food. To survive, they had to eat animals that were considered exotic during peacetime.

Food was scarce, Palar said. Thats why they had to eat monkey, snake, dog and even bats. After the crisis, the tradition continued.
A day before domestic flight operations resume in the country, the Jammu and Kashmir government has appointed two senior officials to assist Jammus Deputy Commissioner Sushma Chauhan to make arrangements for handling incoming passengers.

Commissioner of Jammu Municipal Corporation, Avny Lavasa and Vice Chairman Jammu Development Authority, Babila Rakwal will be the two officers assisting the Deputy Commissioner.

Director Industries and Commerce, Kashmir, Mahmood Shah and Vice Chairman Lakes and Waterways Development Authority, Tufail Mattoo have also been assigned to assist Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development (Nodal Officer, Srinagar Airport) in this regard.

The officers will carry out their new assignments in addition to their own duties.

The Jammu, Srinagar and Leh airports have made elaborate arrangements for the resumption of domestic flights.

Passenger flights in the country were suspended with effect from March 25 when the nationwide lockdown came into force to check the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh had earlier announced that domestic flights would resume from May 25 onwards in a calibrated manner and the Airport Authority of India has issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to the airport operators across the country.

The Union home ministry has issued a 12-point guideline on domestic air, rail and bus travel that focuses on screening passengers for Covid-19 symptoms at boarding and exit points of airports and railway and bus stations.
An artist has revealed how eating a brownie laced with PCP at university led her to a series of serious nervous breakdowns.

Ruth Poniarski, 64, from New York, was driven to the brink of verge of insanity after taking the drug at a party in 1977 unknowingly, and she tried repeatedly to throw herself out of a window, stopped only by a classmate.

After her psychiatrist failed to diagnose or take her symptoms seriously, she went on to have several manic episodes in a span of ten years which led to a life-altering 30ft fall from her apartment window.

Speaking to FEMAIL Ruth, who is now happily married with two children, revealed she had sued her psychiatrist and settled out of court after he mismanaged her case.

Ruth Poniarski, 64, from New York, revealed how her mental health was mismanaged by psychiatrists for years after she suffered several breakdowns having taken PCP at a university party (pictured in 1993)

Ruth went through a first nervous breakdown as an architecture student in 1977, after eating a brownie that had been laced with PCP, which is also known as angel dust.

Taking her car to drive back to her house, Ruth parked on the side of the highway and walked for hours without shoes, suffering a psychotic break, convinced she was caught in the middle of a revolution.

She was eventually driven home by a stranger, and found herself facing her father and worried acquaintances.

After this initial breakdown, Ruth struggled to balance her life with her issues, haunted by feelings of inadequacy triggered by her scarce support system.

It has taken Ruth over 30 years to right drug and right dosage to treat her illness and she has battled a multitude of breakdowns

While her parents were loving, she believes they did not know how to deal with her illness and lived in fear she would injure herself.

Journey of the Self: Memoir of an Artist, by Ruth Poniarski, is published by Warren Publishing this month

She wrote: 'No one knew of my breakdowns, and I led a lonely life, concealing the truth from the few friends I had.'

'I was afraid if my peers learned of my illness, they would shun me and call me "the crazy woman".'

Ruth also struggled with intense insomnia, spending up to seven days without sleep during her manic episodes.

In her early 20s, she suffered nervous breakdowns every six months or so, struggling between regaining a sense of purpose and normalcy and trips to hospital's psych wards.

She was regularly seen by a psychiatrist Dr. Samuel, however, she claimed the professional would not take her symptoms seriously, and was not equipped to deal with serious mental woes.

She said: 'The doctor didnt realize the pattern of psychosis developing when a stressful situation evolved.

She revealed how she had a series of psychotic breaks after taking angel dust at university (pictured with a friend in the 1980s)

'My illness was difficult to understand and not defined in the same way as diabetes or a heart condition.'

What is PCP? PCP is an anaesthetic that can stop people feeling pain, but also cause hallucinations. It can be an oil, liquid, powder, crystal or pill. The colour depends on what form the PCP is in and how pure it is. PCP oil is yellow, pure PCP powder and crystals can range from white to light brown. It can be sniffed, swallowed or injected. PCP can also be smoked if it is sprayed onto something that you can smoke, like tobacco, or because a cigarette has been dipped into liquid PCP (this method is sometimes referred to as 'embalming fluid'). No method makes using PCP safe, but injecting, and sharing the equipment used for injecting, is particularly risky. You might overdose or catch a virus such as HIV or hepatitis C. There is also the risk that veins may be damaged and that an abscess or blood clot may develop. The drug is an anaesthetic and painkiller, which means that it can produce dreamlike and floaty or numb feelings. PCP can change your mood and the way you feel in ways you dont expect. It can change how you see reality. You can have hallucinations and see and hear things that arent there.

The way you experience time may change, time may speed up or slow down.

It might make you feel really happy and upbeat.

It might make you feel very down, panicky and paranoid.

You may believe things that arent true.

Some people become more aggressive and violent. Advertisement

'I needed to know that I should avoid chaos and too many events happening at once.'

Ruth revealed that her illness culminated in 1986, when she fell from 30ft from her apartment's window during a manic episode, and broke her ankles and back, which left her with a limp.

She talked about waking up in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit, still in the middle of a manic episode, writing: 'I was still delusional and full of fear and anxiety. The doctors and nurses were going to kill me. I would be murdered in my bed.

'Or if not, I would wake up to a desolate world where every single human had left in spaceships, and I was left to perish.'

However, following the fall, she met a professional called George, who took the time to talk, not only to her, but to her parents, to identify what triggered her episodes.

'He was very thorough, he went over my whole background, he included my parents, my brothers he organised a support system which is so essential,' Ruth said.

Meanwhile Doctor Samuel's inadequacy to deal with Ruth's symptoms became obvious over time.

She revealed: 'By this point, Dad and I were considering a lawsuit against Dr. Samuel.

'For the seven years I had been Dr. Samuels patient, my meltdowns became more and more life-threatening.

'It was blatantly obvious he was unable to treat me and should have assigned a doctor who was more capable of treating high-risk patients,' she said.

This led her to a ten-year long legal battle with Samuel, which was settled out of court.

She commented: 'I sued him for a lot of money, and I had to settle before it went to court, but that took nine years after 1987.

'To this day I don't think he's a thorough doctor, he's not thorough with the patients, and I think he can handle very light cases, or some mental illness, but not critical, risky cases,' she said.

Ruth, pictured with her parents in the 1970s, and her father (pictured) ended up suing Dr. Samuel over her treatment

Now happily married, Ruth is a mother-of-two and a successful painter.

She found the right drug and right dosage to treat her illness in 2010, 33 years after her initial breakdown, and more than 20 years after her correct diagnosis, due to the progress in mental health research and drugs.

Ruth explained she's only had a handful of breakdown between 1987 and 2010, thanks to the support of her new, more qualified psychiatrist and the support of her family.

Journey of the Self: Memoir of an Artist is published by Warren Publishing.
Almost 200 politicians and legislators from 23 countries issued a joint statement criticizing Chinas plans to impose a sweeping national security law in Hong Kong, and warned that it could spark more protests in the city, Radio and Television Hong Kong reported.

Signatories included Hong Kongs last colonial governor, Chris Patten, and former British foreign secretary Malcolm Rifkind, as well as five U.S. senators, and lawmakers from Europe, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Canada and Australia, according to the report.

China said it will introduce a law to prevent and punish any acts of secession, subversion or terrorism in the city that threaten national security. Pro-democracy activists say the move endangers the future of one country, two systems, the principle by which the Asian financial hub is overseen by Beijing.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the city would cooperate fully with China to enact the legislation. Her comments are likely to anger demonstrators and fuel protests that have resurged in recent weeks following months of disruption levelled by the coronavirus. Demonstrations were already planned against Beijing-backed legislation, including a bill that would criminalize disrespecting Chinas national anthem, on Sunday and Wednesday.

Key Developments:

Heres the latest (all times local):

Senior city officials try to reassure on law (10 a.m.)

Senior Hong Kong officials defended Chinas plan to enact the law, with Financial Secretary Paul Chan saying it will help quell ongoing political unrest in the city, the main threat to confidence in the financial sector.

The freedom and rights enjoyed by the general public according to law are not interfered with, daily life will not be affected, and property security will continue to be effectively guaranteed, Chan wrote in a Chinese-language post on his official website.

In a separate post, Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung said on his website that the new legislation does not affect the principle of one country, two systems, in place since the 1997 handover. The city must ensure that the business investment environment is stable, Cheung wrote in the Chinese-language blog. Social turmoil is the enemy of peace and happiness and investors, he said.

Global group of politicians condemns law (6 a.m.)

A group of 199 legislators and prominent former politicians from 23 countries said in a joint statement that the principle of one country, two systems is hanging by a thread in Hong Kong and described the proposed security law as a comprehensive assault on the citys autonomy, rule of law, and fundamental freedoms.

The protests are driven by the genuine grievances of ordinary Hongkongers and that harsh laws will only escalate the situation, the group said in the statement on Sunday.

Hong Kongers Wont be Whisked Over Border, Official Says (2 p.m)

The new security legislation wont be used to whisk people over the border to China, Maria Tam, vice chairwoman of the Chinese parliamentary committee that oversees Hong Kongs law, said in an interview.

Tam acknowledged that some details of the sweeping legislation expected to soon be passed by the National Peoples Congress had yet to be decided.

The Hong Kong opposition has always reaped the benefit of striking fear in the minds of the Hong Kong people and asking them not to trust China, Tam said by phone. And so this is political capital, and I would be surprised if they dont cash in on it. But I dont think its going to happen that way.

Police Warn of unauthorized marches (2:50 p.m.)

Officers will be deployed around Hong Kong on Sunday at locations where unauthorized marches are due to take place and will arrest demonstrators if necessary, according to a post on the police Facebook page.

The police urged residents not to take part in gatherings that are not approved, according to the post.

They also warned that anyone who gathers in groups of more than eight would violate the citys social-distancing measures, which pro-democracy advocates have complained are suppressing lawful protests.

China tries to reassure city officials (12:35 p.m.)

China tried to ease fears over the proposed legislation in a meeting between central government officials and city representatives, Radio Television Hong Kong reported, citing attendees.

Vice Premier Han Zheng said at the meeting in Beijing that Beijing hoped to ensure the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people were protected and maintained, RTHK said, citing local Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference member Thomas So. There would be a consultation process, the news agency quoted him as saying.

Law is anti-virus software for city: Peoples Daily (Saturday 7:35 a.m.)

Chinas proposed security law for Hong Kong was anti-virus software for the city to enhance law and order, and to build a stable foundation for the principle of one country, two systems, the Communist Party-owned Peoples Daily said in an online commentary on Saturday.

The anti-extradition bill movement responsible for protests in the city was the cause of the National Peoples Congress introducing the security-law legislation, it said.

U.K. Australia, Canada foreign ministers express concern (11:45 p.m.)

Making such a law on Hong Kongs behalf without the direct participation of its people, legislature or judiciary would clearly undermine the principle of one country, two systems, under which Hong Kong is guaranteed a high degree of autonomy, according to joint statement from U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne.

The U.K., Australia and Canada are deeply concerned at Chinas proposals for introducing the legislation.

Hassett warns of capital flight if laws enacted (10:39 a.m.)

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett called Chinas move very unacceptable to the U.S. government and predicted it would backfire on Beijing.

Theyre going to see a lot of economic harm from what theyre doing, because if I had capital to invest, would you really want to invest it in a place where theyre basically, you know, sneering at the rule of law the way they are right now? he said Friday in an interview on Fox Business Network.

I would expect that theyre going to have serious capital flight problems in Hong Kong, if they follow through this, they will no longer be the financial center of Asia, and that they themselves will pay very, very heavy costs, he added.

China must respect Hong Kongs freedoms, U.K. says (9:23 p.m.)

Prime Minister Boris Johnsons spokesman said the British government wants to clarify exactly what China has proposed -- but warned it expects Beijing to respect the autonomy Hong Kong is due.

We expect China to respect Hong Kongs rights and freedoms and high degree of autonomy, Johnsons spokesman James Slack told reporters. The U.K. remains committed to upholding Hong Kongs autonomy under the joint declaration, Slack said.

The U.K. has previously said there will need to be a reassessment of relations with China in the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak. On Friday, the government unveiled a plan to diversify supply chains, potentially reducing Britains reliance on China for some medical materials.

U.S. condemns Chinas plan to impose legislation on Hong Kong (8:30 p.m.)

The U.S. condemns Chinas proposal to unilaterally and arbitrarily impose national security legislation on Hong Kong, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in an emailed statement. The United States strongly urges Beijing to reconsider its disastrous proposal.

The decision to bypass Hong Kongs well-established legislative processes and ignore the will of the people of Hong Kong would be a death knell for the high degree of autonomy Beijing promised for Hong Kong under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a UN-filed agreement, the statement said.

President Donald Trump had earlier warned that the U.S. would respond to the planned move in Beijing, amid escalating tensions between the two powers. I dont know what it is because nobody knows yet, he told reporters at the White House about the possible Chinese actions. If it happens, well address that issue very strongly.

Activist Joshua Wong calls on international community (7:28 p.m.)

Wong, one of the citys most prominent activists, distributed fliers with a group of others outside the Hung Hom train station in Kowloon during the Friday evening rush hour. We urge China to withdraw the evil bill, he said, adding that it was eroding the fundamental freedom of Hong Kongers.

Wong called on the global community to stand with the financial hub and said it was time for the U.S. to implement the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.
Surgical masks and N95s, on the other hand, are meant to be disposed after each use, although some studies have shown masks can be reused two or three times after being sterilized before they lose integrity.

Dr. Perencevich believes that face shields should be the preferred personal protective equipment of everyone for the same reason health care workers use them. They protect the entire face, including the eyes, and prevent people from touching their faces or inadvertently exposing themselves to the coronavirus.

Face shields may be easier to wear than masks, he said, comparing them with wearing glasses or a hat. They wrap around a small portion of a persons forehead rather than covering more than half their face with material that can create the urge to itch.

Many people also wear masks incorrectly, letting them dangle off the tips of their noses, or concealing just their mouths. People also tend to readjust face masks frequently, or remove them to communicate with others, which increases their risk of being exposed or infecting others, he said. And while cloth masks can prevent people from spreading germs to others, they dont usually protect the wearer from infection.

Face shields can also aid people who depend on lip-reading, Dr. Perencevich said. They may be slightly dorky-looking, but the shields allow facial expressions and lip movements to remain visible, while serving as an obvious reminder to maintain social distancing.

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Still, he and other experts acknowledge that face shields have their limits.

Just like masks, they must be removed when eating in cafeterias or restaurants. And studies on how effectively they can reduce a persons viral exposure are scarce.
President Donald Trump said he is finished taking hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug, as therapy for coronavirus after completing a two-week treatment.

Trump said in an interview on the Sinclair Broadcast Group program Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson that he was finished, just finished.

The interview was taped Friday and aired Sunday.

And by the way, I'm still here, Trump said in the interview.

Trump had been taking the drug despite warnings from his own government noting it should be used for COVID-19 only in a hospital or research setting.

Last week, Trump said he had been taking the drug for about a week-and-a-half along with a zinc supplement daily, according to the Associated Press.

The president has pushed hydroxychloroquine as a potential cure for COVID-19.

A month ago, the Food and Drug Administration issued a caution about the use of the drug for coronavirus treatment if it was used outside a hospital or clinical research setting. Some side effects were fatal.

Well, Ive heard tremendous reports about it, Trump said about the use of the drug for COVID-19 treatment. Frankly, Ive heard tremendous reports. Many people think it saved their lives. Doctors come out with reports. You had a study in France, you had a study in Italy that were incredible studies. Look, if somebody else were promoting it other than me, call it a promotion because I want people to get better.

Trump noted two people in the White House tested positive for COVID-19.

I believe in it enough that I took a program because I had two people in the White House that tested positive, he said. I figured maybe its a good thing to take a program. You know, we take a little bit of a period of time, I think it was two weeks. But hydroxy has had tremendous, if you look at it, tremendous, rave reviews.

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New Delhi: A massive fire broke out at a private school at Gautam Buddh Nagar's JBM Global school's library on Sunday (May 24) morning. Upon receiving the information, the fire department pressed at least six tenders into service. The flame which had engulfed the school library and other classrooms were doused after a 3-hour struggle.

According to the report, the third floor of the school, which is located in Sector 132 of the Expressway, has been completely burnt down.

Confirming the same, Arun Kumar, CFO, Gautam Buddh Nagar said that a mishap was averted as the school is currently shut due to the COVID-19 lockdown. He said that the cause of the fire is being ascertained. The CFO said that fire extinguishing equipment is also being investigated in the school.

Although no one was injured in the incident, the school has incurred a huge loss to the building, infrastructure, books, furniture and other content.






The Zambia Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Hon. Dora Siliya, has contracted the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19).

In a video she released on Saturday, the Minister disclosed that she has gone into self-isolation.

According to the Zambian Minister, despite adhering to health directives she still tested positive for coronavirus.

He said: In the last three months, I have been very involved in risk communication in the fight against coronavirus.

However, I regret to announce that even after taking all precautions like washing my face, hand, masking and observing social distancing as much as possible, yesterday I tested positive for COVID-19.

I immediately went into self-isolation as I am asymptomatic. I have alerted the Ministry of Health and I also gave them all my contacts especially in the last 10 days.

Hon. Siliya urged Zambians to work with health professionals and observe social distancing in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

She also advised everyone to remove their mask with care to avoid self contamination.

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Epidemic prevention and control measures are implemented in every detail during Chinas ongoing two sessions, the countrys top legislature and political advisory body.

Staff members paste yellow tapes outside the Great Hall of the People on May 20, before two sessions kick off. Photo by Zhang Wujin/Peoples Daily

Yellow warning tapes are pasted on the ground outside the Great Hall of the People reminding people to keep social distance, and outside the press room, attendees are offered disinfectant and hand sanitizer. Besides, disinfectant robots are working busily, and dining tables are separated by boards or placed with reminders telling people to sit at separate tables.

The two sessions are not only an annual meeting of deputies and representatives to discuss national policies and measures, but also the best window for the world to observe Chinas development.

The annual sessions of the National Peoples Congress (NPC) and the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee are postponed for two months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and adjustment to interview activities are made accordingly. How to simplify and innovate the two sessions during epidemic prevention and control period is receiving specific attention from the world.

According to Guo Weimin, spokesperson of the third session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, the session this year will be four and a half days shorter than previous sessions. The numbers of both plenary meetings and group meetings are reduced accordingly. Except for the opening and closing meetings, the session includes two plenary meetings, one of which will be held via video link, as well as six group meetings, Guo said. Foreign diplomatic envoys to China will be invited to observe the opening and closing meetings of this years session, he added.

Online videos have become the primary channel for news coverage for this years two sessions. The press conferences, journalist conferences, as well as the interviews will all be conducted through online videos.

Delegations also canceled their open day and group interviews, and only a small number of foreign journalists in Beijing are invited for interviews at the Great Hall of the People. No journalist is invited to the capital for interviews from outside the country.

Disinfectant and hand sanitizer are offered to meeting attendees outside the press room on May 20. Photo by Zhang Wujin/Peoples Daily

Interviews are mostly carried out through the internet, video link and in written form. Interview rooms are established at deputies residences in Beijing, where they can receive interviews from multiple journalists in different places through online platforms, such as Tencent Meeting, Ding Ding, QQ, WeChat and ZOOM.

Besides, the official website of the two sessions Press Center has opened a journalist section to timely release related information, materials and documents, and to assist both Chinese and foreign journalists to hold interviews.

Liu Yonghao, member of the CPPCC National Committee said the cloud conferences and interviews are conducive to epidemic prevention and control, and are effective and convenient.

NPC deputy Lam Lung-on, whos also the president of the Hong Kong Chinese Importers & Exporters Association noted that the two sessions are postponed because of the epidemic, and many deputies and members just came back from the frontline of the COVID-19 fight, adding that the two sessions carried out at a special moment and in a special form this year are worth remembering.
An expert team of divers from the National Disaster Response Response Force (NDRF) continued to search a water body in Gujarats Mehsana district on Sunday to recover alcohol bottles stolen from a police station and dumped there, police officials said

The NDRF team of divers which was deployed by the Gujarat police on Saturday has so far managed to recover 150 of the 1,200 bottles stolen.

Gujarat is a dry state, where liquor sale is prohibited. NDRF is a premier national force that specializes in rescue operations during disasters.

Mehsana superintendent of police, Manish Singh said they had received a tip-off on Thursday that some liquor bottles have been stolen from the Kadi police station and have been dumped in Narmada Canal passing through Narsinghpura area which is close to the police station.

As the matter was sensitive, I had informed my inspector general of police (IGP), Gandhinagar. After which a special investigation team (SIT) was formed to find out where the bottles were stolen from, who dumped them in the water body and who were involved, Singh said, adding that the investigations were on.

Another police official said on the condition of anonymity that there were complaints that illegal liquor business was thriving in Mehsana town because of the connivance of the staff of Kadi police station with local bootleggers. The local police had seized liquor worth Rs one crore in the district in the past two years but they were not destroyed.

As per government orders, the liquor confiscated has to be thrown away within a year in presence of senior district officials. But that was not done in Mehsana, the officer said.

Foreign liquor cartons seized in past were kept in the store room of the police station. During lockdown, when inter-state borders were sealed, these liquor bottles were sold with the help of local bootleggers. Complaints were received at the office of the director general of police and inspector general of police a few days back that around 1,200 bottles of foreign made liquor were missing, the official said. A complaint was lodged at Kadi police station that liquor has been stolen, he added.

As the police started investigation, two police officers went missing and police received information that a large number of liquor bottles have been dumped in Narmada drain, Singh said. He added that NDRFs help was sought to recover the bottles after the fire brigade team failed to find them on Friday.

The NDRF has deep divers and they have so far recovered over 150 bottles, he said.

In Gujarat, where only tourists can buy liquor after filling a form, smuggling and sale of liquor can land a person in jail for 10 years with a fine of Rs five lakh. The punishment was enhanced in 2017 after the government found that there was smuggling of liquor in Gujarat was rampant.

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Amid the financial crunch due to the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent disruption to global commerce, Sri Lanka has sought a special USD 1.1 billion currency swap facility from India to boost the country's draining foreign exchange reserves. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office said the new request is in addition to the USD 400 million amount Sri Lanka has sought from the Indian government under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) framework.

Rajapaksa made the request over a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, which the President's office described as very constructive and cordial."

If the Government of India could provide $ 1.1 billion special SWAP facility to top up $ 400 million under SAARC Facility, it would enormously help Sri Lanka in dealing with our foreign exchange issues," the statement from Rajapaksas office quoting the president said.

READ | Sri Lanka To Ease Coronavirus Restrictions From May 26

What is a currency swap?

A currency swap is an agreement in which two parties exchange the principal amount of a loan and the interest in one currency for the principal and interest in another currency. At the inception of the swap, the equivalent principal amounts are exchanged at the spot rate. This is used by countries to defend against financial turmoil by allowing the country beset by a liquidity crisis to borrow money from others with its own currency.

READ | PM Modi, Rajapaksa Agree To Accelerate Indian-assisted Development Projects In Sri Lanka

Economy in turmoil

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the Sri Lankan economy hard as revenues from tourism  a major foreign currency earner  has dried up completely as countries across the globe imposed strict travel restrictions. The country is also facing crunch due to a slump in exports of cash crops and has the arduous task of servicing its massive debt owed to China, which has over the years employed predatory tactics to trap smaller countries in loans and then seize solid assets.

READ | Sri Lankan Election Commission Says Parliamentary Poll Not Possible In June

COVID cases in SL

The COVID-19 disease has claimed nine lives and infected 1,068 people in Sri Lanka so far, one of the lowest rates in South Asia and just a tiny fraction of India. India has already sent four consignments of essential life-saving medicines and medical supplies weighing over 25 tonnes to Sri Lanka in the last few weeks as a goodwill gesture.

(AP Photo)

READ | Rajapaksa Warns Sri Lanka Will Withdraw From Any Int'l Forum If 'war Heroes' Are Targeted
Cyclone Fani: No flights to and from Kolkata airport between 3 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday

Sex on false promise of marriage not rape: Orissa HC

India

pti-PTI

Cuttack (Odisha), May 24: In a significant observation, a judge of the Orissa High Court has observed that indulgence in sexual intercourse on false promise of marriage does not amount to rape. Justice S K Panigrahi also raised questions about whether rape laws should be used to regulate intimate relationships, especially in cases where women enter into a relationship by choice.

Justice Panigrahi made the observations on Thursday while allowing the bail application of a rape accused, setting aside a lower court order.

Old love relight: Gujarat man, woman who eloped weeks ahead of their kids marriage return home

The case related to the arrest of a student from Koraput district of Odisha under rape charges on a complaint by a 19-year-old tribal woman in November last year.

According to the case records, the young man and the woman of the same village were in a physical relationship for about four years and she got pregnant twice during that period.

The woman later lodged a police complaint alleging that the man had established physical relations with her taking advantage of her innocence and promising that he will marry her. The woman had claimed that she was coerced by the accused into terminating her pregnancies by consuming abortion pills. Police registered a case and arrested the man, who was in jail for the last six months.

The high court on Thursday allowed his bail application on the condition that he will cooperate with the prosecution and shall not threaten the alleged victim.

In his 12-page order, Justice Panigrahi discussed the rape laws in detail and observed that "a consensual relationship without even any assurance obviously will not attract the offence under Section 376 of the IPC (rape)".

Noting that there was a need to delve into the issue, Justice Panigrahi said questions are often raised as to how such cases are addressed by the statute and judicial pronouncements. He, however, also observed that the rape laws often fail to address the plight of socially-disadvantaged and poor victims, who get lured into sex by men on false promise of marriage.
Here is how David Brooks begins his May 21 column for the New York Times:

I was an American history major in college, back in the 1980s. Ill be honest with you. I thrilled to the way the American story was told back then. To immigrate to America was to join the luckiest and greatest nation in history. . . . To be born American was to be born to a glorious destiny. We were the nation of the future, the vanguard of justice, the last best hope of mankind. . .To be born American was to be born boldly individual, daring and self-sufficient. Trust thyself: Every heart vibrates to that iron string, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in an essay called, very Americanly, Self-Reliance. To be born American was to bow down to no one, to say: Im no better than anyone else, but nobodys better than me. Tocqueville wrote about the equality of condition he found in America; no one putting on airs over anyone else. In 1981, Samuel Huntington wrote that American creed was built around a suspicion of authority and a fervent rejection of hierarchy: The essence of egalitarianism is rejection of the idea that one person has the right to exercise power over another.. . . Today, of course, we understand what was wrong with that version of American history. It didnt include everybody. It left out the full horrors of slavery and genocide.

Is Brooks really being honest with us? Did he really not understand as a history student in the 1980s that African-Americans werent treated as equals during most of American history? I doubt it. More likely, he thought it would sound good to write this way in the newspaper that is peddling the 1619 Project.

The premise of Brookss column is that the American character depicted in his opening paragraphs was a product of our existential security.

Americans had the luxury of thinking and living the way they did because they had two whopping great oceans on either side. The United States was immune to foreign invasion, the corruptions of the old world. It was often spared the plagues that swept over so many other parts of the globe. We could be individualistic, anti-authority, daring and self-sufficient because on an elemental level we felt so damn safe.

Nonsense. The American character was forged to a significant degree during a period in which the continent was twice attacked by the strongest or second strongest army in the world. During the same period, American colonists, and later citizens, were frequently attacked up and down the frontier by Indians.

The subsequent westward expansion wasnt a picnic, either. There was little existential security for American pioneers. There probably was even less during the Civil War, when both the North and the South were attacked by large, powerful invading armies.

The U.S. may have experienced relative existential security during the first two decades of Brookss adult life. But I would argue that during this period Americans became less individualistic and self-sufficient.

From his false premise, Brooks argues to his conclusion  that with any sense of existential security shattered by the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic, we will not only suspend the old individualistic American creed, but will undergo[] a more permanent shift in national consciousness, a reconstruction of meanings, symbols, values and narratives. (Brooks sets a new world record for stale buzzwords in this passage.)

He predicts:

Well spend more time minimizing downside risks than maximizing upside gains. The local and the rooted will be valued more than the distantly networked. Well value community over individualism, embeddedness over autonomy. . . . [T]he American identity that grows up in the shadow of the plague can have the humanity of shared vulnerability, the humility that comes with an understanding of the precariousness of life and a fierce solidarity that emerges during a long struggle against an invading force.

I doubt it. Already, the suspension of our old individualistic American creed is getting old for plenty of Americans (though not yet a majority, I think). Brooks claims that fatigue with adhering to the diktats of authorities is largely confined to a few protesters and a depraved president. (Emphasis added) He cites no evidence for this view, and its not my sense of things.

As for the future, the notion that Americans will unite with fierce solidarity behind a communitarian vision strikes me as fanciful. Victor David Hanson seems much closer to the mark when he argues that this pandemic has widened our political/cultural divide, or at least exposed more acutely the fault line between two conflicting visions of America.

Theres a good chance that, as the dust settles from the pandemic, the U.S. will find itself in a depression, or at least a significant economic downturn, that lasts a few years. Thats not an ideal setting for the formation of a gentle all-for-one, one-for-all spirit, even if such an ethos were possible in a nation as diverse as this one is and as divided as it has become.

My sense is that robust individualism and self-reliance, and the torrent of energy that Brooks admits is associated with these characteristics, are a key to fighting our way out of the parlous situation the U.S. will face due to the pandemic. I may be wrong to think so, but a great many Americans share this view, and this reality probably precludes the country from uniting around a vision that rejects or significantly downplays individualism and self-reliance.
D ominic Cummings has arrived in Downing Street as Boris Johnson faces calls to sack his top aide over alleged lockdown breaches.

The Government adviser was seen leaving his home in north London on Sunday after he was accused of flouting the rules more than once.

Fresh allegations emerged that Mr Cummings, 48, made a second trip to County Durham, where his family lives, despite stringent social restrictions being in place.

As he left his home on Sunday, one journalist asked if he had returned to Durham in April, to which Mr Cummings said: No, I did not.

Mr Cummings, who was wearing a lanyard with an ID card, was carrying a note pad and what appeared to be a black bin bag.

He then got in the car and drove away before he was filmed arriving in Downing Street.

The PM pledged his full support on Saturday to his under-fire chief adviser, who it emerged had travelled 260 miles to the North East in March to self-isolate with his family while official guidelines warned against long-distance journeys.

According to the Sunday Times, the Tory leader told allies he would not throw Mr Cummings to the dogs following reports he made the journey to ensure his four-year-old child could be looked after as he and his wife were ill.

Grant Shapps defends Dominic Cummings' trip to visit parents' house in lockdown

But according to reports in the Observer and Sunday Mirror, the former Vote Leave campaign co-ordinator made a second trip to Durham and was seen there on April 19  five days after being photographed on his return to Westminster.

A second witness told the papers they saw him a week earlier in Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday, a popular tourist location 30 miles from Durham, during the period he was believed to be self-isolating.

Downing Street has said it would not waste time replying to the fresh allegations from campaigning newspapers.

But Mr Baker told Skys Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: If he doesnt resign, well just keep burning through Boriss political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis.

It is very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominics slogans to mean stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

Craig Whittaker, Conservative MP for Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, said Mr Cummings position was untenable.

He tweeted: You cannot advise the nation one thing then do the opposite.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who was sent out to defend Mr Cummings at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing on Saturday, faced questioning on the advisers actions on Sunday but admitted he had not spoken to him beforehand.

The Cabinet minister, in an interview on the BBCs Andrew Marr programme, said Mr Cummings was not going to resign.

He also said: Im afraid I dont know (about Barnard Castle) but if that date was true that would have been outside the 14-day period. But Im afraid I dont have the information on that.

But I do know it is not the case that he has travelled backwards and forwards, which seemed to be a major part of the stories I saw in the paper today.
TRAVERSE CITY, MI  As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, two more northern Michigan tribal casinos are preparing to reopen this week with some precautions.

Leelanau Sands Casino and Lodge and Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel near Traverse City have announced plans to welcome back guests beginning 8 a.m. Friday, May 29.

Both are Grand Traverse Resort and Casinos properties owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

According to a news release, there will be several new coronavirus-related safety measures, including increased sanitation protocols, health-testing measures for guests and employees and social-distancing safeguards.

The reopening at both casinos is to occur in phases, with increased amenities added over time.

Mackinaw City casino to reopen for Memorial Day weekend

Masks will be required of all guests and team members, and initially smoking will be allowed only in outdoor areas with a COVID-19 reentry procedure required. Guests are advised to be prepared to supply their own mask.

Temperature screening will be mandatory for all team members and guests prior to entering the property, and anyone with a temperature greater than 100.4 degrees will be asked to return home to recuperate.

The casinos also have installed plexiglass shields in close-contact areas as an added precaution.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended emergency stay-home orders through June 12, continuing the temporary closure of places such as theaters, gyms, salons and non-tribal casinos. Tribal casinos are not under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Gaming Control Board and the stay-home order does not apply to them.

U.P. casino plans phased reopening starting May 6 despite governors order

Turtle Creek Casino is schedule to be open daily until 3 a.m. with slot play starting at 7 a.m. and table games starting at 2 p.m. Leelanau Sands Casino plans to offer slot play daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. and table games from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Both casinos plan to use the closed hours for extensive cleaning and preparation, according to the news release.

Other safety precautions announced:

Capacity will be limited to 350 guests at a time at Turtle Creek Casino and 125 guests at Leelanau Sands Casino, with entrances monitored and controlled by security.

Guests will be asked to practice physical distancing of at least six feet and floor signage will help guide proper distance between guests.

About one-third of gaming machines will be active and with seating removed to encourage safe distancing, and a limit of three guests per table game, with every other table open.

Dining will be available upon opening with properly distanced seating at both properties.

Bingo will resume at Leelanau Sands Casino starting Friday, June 5, with properly distanced seating, with regular session days and hours. (Wednesday-Friday starting at 6 p.m., Sunday starting at 1 p.m.)

Accommodations at both Turtle Creek Casino and The Lodge at Leelanau Sand Casino will be open with a limited number of rooms to allow proper time for deep cleaning.

Self-serve beverage areas will be closed, but complimentary soda and coffee will be available at staffed bar areas.

More information is available at turtlecreekcasino.com and leelanausandscasino.com.

COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.

Read more MLive coronavirus coverage.

Related stories:

If people are willing to behave, we have a chance: A review of reopening day in Northern Michigan

This is not normal: Northern Michigan shops and restaurants begin reopening during coronavirus pandemic

Reopening day: Northern Michigan restaurants expect surge, as hotels fill fast

For vacation spots outside of Michigans reopened zone, Memorial Day weekend goes from boom to bust

Sunday, May 24: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan
Police in Maharashtras Nanded district have launched a manhunt for a 25-year-old drug addict who allegedly killed two people, including a 33-year-old sadhu (seer), in a village early on Sunday.

Locals discovered the bodies of Swami Rudra Pratap Maharaj and Bhagwan Shinde, 50, inside the Sri Nirvani Math in Nagthana village and informed the police about the murders.

Vijay Kumar Magar, the superintendent of police of Nanded, confirmed the murders.

The accused, Sainath Lingare, is a resident of the same village in Nagthana and managed to flee. We have been searching for him, Magar said.

Magar said Lingare is a drug addict and has been booked for car thefts in the past. He also said Lingare and Shinde knew each other and they were seen together on Saturday evening.

As per preliminary inquiry, it appears that Lingare was planning to break into the ashram but Shinde did not support him so he strangled him in a fit of rage around 1am on Sunday, said Magar.

Lingare then came to the ashram and killed the sadhu at 4am in his room by strangling him. There were three to four people inside the ashram but they were sleeping in another room and did not hear the ruckus.

Magar said Langare fled from the spot after killing the sadhu.

There is also an injury mark on Shindes body and police are trying to find out the object Lingare used to kill him, added Magar.

Umri Police have registered a case of murder against Lingare under sections 302 (murder), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender), 452 (House-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint) of the Indian Penal code (IPC).

Umri Police have been inquiring if any valuables are missing from the ashram, added the officer.

The murders come more than a month after three people, including two seers, were lynched by a mob in Gadchinchale village of Palghar district.

More than 160 people, including minors, have been arrested by the states Criminal Investigation Department, which is probing the Palghar lynching case.
Katrina Kaif made her Bollywood debut with the film Boom in 2004. But she shot to fame with Salman Khan's Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya in the year 2005. The film Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya is one of her more popular works. It features Sushmita Sen and Salman Khan, apart from her, in prominent roles. The film was a success at the box-office and also managed to impress fans. Here are some of the best scenes of Katrina from this romantic-comedy film that you must check out:

ALSO READ: Katrina Kaif's Behind The Scenes Video From Making Of 'Ek Tha Tiger'

Katrina Kaif's best scenes from the film Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya

One of the scenes where Katrina Kaif and Sohail Khan visit a bar is a must-watch scene. The scene has many hilarious dialogues and the comic timing of Katrina will surely make people laugh out loud. The scene also shows the chemistry between Salman Khan and Karina Kaif. Salman tries to flirt with her, but she refuses to go along with him as he is already married.

ALSO READ: Katrina Kaif's 'Tiger Zinda Hai' Bloopers With Salman Khan And Other Cast

In the above scene, Dr Samir Malhotra (Salman Khan) falls in love with Sonia (Katrina Kaif). But due to some circumstances, he has unfortunately lied to her that he is already married. Later, when she wants to meet her wife, Samir approaches his dutiful nurse Naina (Sushmita Sen) to play his wife. Naina agrees to the same, but little do they know that this is going to turn out into a comedy of errors.

The scene shows Susmita Sen enjoying her date with Arshad Warsi. Meanwhile, Katrina and Salman also visit the same place and get to know that Susmita is having an affair. However, the situation is created to make Katrina feel bad about Salman's broken marriage. Meanwhile, Arshad Warsi's girlfriend enters the picture and the scene becomes hilarious to watch with an amazing comic timing of him and Katrina Kaif.

Upcoming films of Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif has three upcoming Bollywood projects lined up, among which two of them are slated to release next year. The actor will be seen in the film Sooryavanshi opposite Akshay Kumar. The movie is helmed by Rohit Shetty and is a new addition to his cop universe, apart from films like Simmba, Singham Returns, and Singham. Later, she will also be seen in Bang Bang Reloaded opposite Shahid Kapoor and in the untitled sequel to Tiger Zinda Hai which is currently in its pre-production stage.

ALSO READ: Katrina Kaif Answers Which Is The Catchiest Bollywood Song Ever

ALSO READ: Katrina Kaif's Movies That Will Put A Smile On Your Face With Its Happy Endings, See List

Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment.
Elon Musk is about to face his biggest test after almost two decades as a space entrepreneur: launching human beings into orbit.

If the weather holds and there are no technical issues, a SpaceX Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket will blast off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 4:33 p.m. on May 27. Two NASA astronauts  Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley  will be on board, with a docking at the International Space Station scheduled for 19 hours later.

The history of spaceflight is made up of moments etched into humanitys collective memory, including Yuri Gagarins orbit of the Earth in 1961, Neil Armstrongs one small step onto the moon in 1969 and the loss of Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986. While SpaceXs upcoming launch may not end up ranking with those events, it will mark the first-ever ride to orbit on a privately owned vehicle  and the first time astronauts have flown from U.S. soil since the shuttle program ended in 2011.

We havent had two humans shoot up into space on a commercial spacecraft ever. Thats an absolute first. Its an epic moment, said Luigi Peluso, an aerospace analyst with AlixPartners. Space is still a dangerous game, and when you launch with people on board its a whole different level of intensity. And its not just about getting them there safely  its also about bringing them back.

Surpassing Boeing

Musk founded Space Exploration Technologies Corp. in 2002 with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has been a key partner and customer every step of the way for the Hawthorne, California-based company. A cargo-only version of SpaceXs Dragon capsule already makes regular runs to the space station.

In 2014, NASA awarded SpaceX and entrenched rival Boeing Co. a combined $6.8 billion in contracts to revive Americas ability to fly to the orbiting lab without buying seats on Russian Soyuz capsules. By crossing the finish line ahead of a company with Apollo-era roots, SpaceX will underscore its metamorphosis from upstart to power player.

Its definitely a bit of a black eye to Boeing, said George Ferguson, analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence. He said the hit is less to the aerospace titans pocketbook and more to its reputation for engineering prowess, which has already been badly sullied by two deadly crashes of its best-selling jet, the 737 Max.

For a nation scarred by the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus and slowly emerging from stay-home orders, the SpaceX launch will be a chance to look skyward. For NASA, the event will also be a distraction from intrigue surrounding the abrupt departure earlier this week of its human spaceflight chief, Douglas Loverro.

The shuffle placed more responsibility on officials such as Steve Jurczyk, NASAs associate administrator and highest-ranking civil servant, who stepped in for Loverro to make the final decision to proceed with the mission.

NASA is a very resilient organization. Theres nobody in the organization thats irreplaceable, said Wayne Hale, a former space shuttle program manager and an architect of NASAs commercial space foray. Its unfortunate that this happens and he had to leave, but people are already stepping up.

Real Breakthrough

While NASA has discouraged people from mobbing Cape Canaveral because of the coronavirus pandemic, the agency is planning hours of programming around the #LaunchAmerica event. Vice President Mike Pence said he plans to attend the launch. President Donald Trump also plans to travel to Florida to watch, Bloomberg News reported Friday.

But the weather forecast  clouds, rainstorms and isolated thunderstorms  could delay the big event. If the May 27 launch is scrubbed for weather, the back-up date and time is Saturday, May 30, at 3:22 p.m. Florida time.

Adding to the excitement is SpaceXs knack for milking big events, as it did when it sent a cherry-red Tesla Roadster to deep space with its largest rocket. The voyage will usher in a new era of commercial space flight.

This is a real breakthrough for space development, said Lori Garver, a former NASA deputy administrator and current CEO of the Earthrise Alliance. This plan has been in the works for a decade. Youve turned over the keys to the private sector for low-earth orbit, which frees up NASA to do other things. And it will open up space, ultimately, for paying tourists.

There were plenty of skeptics  including Armstrong and other spaceflight pioneers  who thought this day would never come. When then-President Barack Obama decided in 2010 to turn space-station treks over to private contractors, SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket hadnt yet flown and few could have predicted it would dominate commercial satellite launches within a matter of years.

Soyuz Seats

Still, the milestone crewed flight is years behind schedule, and NASA has paid $3.5 billion to purchase 52 rides to space from Russia since 2011, including a seat on a Soyuz rocket later this year. The agency is confident that U.S. commercial spacecraft will take over the missions this year and next.

Boeing is still working through dozens of corrective actions that NASA recommended after the companys Starliner capsule missed a rendezvous with the station in December. The company hasnt yet scheduled a do-over, or its first flight with humans.

Regaining crew launch capability and having two American crew launch providers is vital to achieving our countrys goals in space, said Chris Ferguson, a Starliner astronaut and former NASA astronaut who commanded the final space shuttle mission. Im excited to see my friends and former colleagues, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, take this important next step.

The extensive testing that contributed to the Boeing and SpaceX delays is a contrast to the space shuttle, which flew humans without any practice runs for its orbital vehicle or rockets, said Hale, the retired NASA official.

Next Stage

The May 27 launch, known as Demo-2, will serve as a final test of SpaceXs entire system for transporting people to orbit, the last step to winning NASAs approval for regular crewed flights to the space station. Behnken and Hurley are slated to dock with the station on Thursday and meet with the Expedition 63 crew members already in residence aboard the orbiting lab. A press conference from the space station is slated for May 29.

Its a culmination, Hurley told reporters after arriving at Cape Canaveral on May 20. Its that next stage of human space flight.

Former astronaut Garrett Reisman, a professor of astronautics at the University of Southern California and an adviser to SpaceX, knows Benkhen and Hurley personally. He was a graduate student at the California Institute of Technology with Behnken and was on the space station with astronaut Karen Nyberg, who is Hurleys wife.

Reisman is elated about what Wednesdays launch means: that American taxpayers will no longer have to pay for seats on a Russian Soyuz. It could be the dawn of a new golden age of space flight. Reisman is considering flying his own single-engine propeller plane from California to Florida so he can avoid flying commercially during the coronavirus pandemic.

It changes everything when you know the people, Reisman said of the nerve-wracking anxiety around the launch. But NASA put SpaceX through excruciating scrutiny, as they do with everyone. It makes me feel more comfortable and more confident.
New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that nationalism is the identity of BJP. Addressing core groups of state BJP units, Modi said the week-long tiranga yatra by Union ministers and party leaders to mark the 70th Independence Day had made a good impact across the country.



He also asserted that the yatra played an important role in spreading the spirit of national unity, integrity and harmony at a time when forces against them are at work, according to Union minister Ananth Kumar.



The saffron party has harped on nationalism against the backdrop of ongoing Kashmir unrest, the row over an Amnesty event in Bengaluru in which a case of sedition was registered over alleged raising of pro-azadi slogans by some Kashmiris and the JNU controversy.



Though the prime minister did not make any direct mention of these issues, he noted that nationalism has been the partys identity, sources said.



[ALSO READ: Congress slams PM Modi's nationalism remark, says BJP exposed before the nation]



We are continuously working for development but there are some elements who do not like it. They are trying to divert our and peoples attention. We will have to inform the common man that our sole aim is nation building, a BJP statement later quoted him as saying.



Modi also asked party leaders to make conscious efforts to identify with and work for all sections of the society and asserted that his government was dedicated to the welfare of the poor.



Noting that the birth centenary year of Deendayal Upadhyay, a party ideologue, starts from September 25, he said his government would continue to come out with pro-poor schemes to realise his motto of antyodaya (uplift of the last man).



The sources said Modi also asked BJP leaders to work constructively, noting that the way they worked when the party was in the opposition would have to change when it is in power.



Earlier, party chief Amit Shah stressed on the need of discipline and unity in his speech and said it has to expand geographically and across different sections of society.

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Many of us enjoy Americas freedom by an accident of birth, yet we all live free in this land by our own choice. It is our responsibility to show respect and genuine friendship to each other as fellow citizens  including those with whom we sometimes disagree  by unifying around our radical idea. That is how we can meet our ultimate responsibility: to turn over to the next generation a republic in better shape than we received it.
A family woke up one morning to find their cat had given birth to a litter of kittens, but one of the six is incredibly unique.

Kyla King from the US state of Oregon knew her cat was probably going to give birth to her litter overnight so she put the expectant mother in a crate.

The next morning she woke up to find six kittens, one of which had two faces.

Ms King told KOIN she then messaged her husband, BJ King, after seeing the peculiar kitten and he decided to share a photo to a community group on Facebook.

Two-faced cats are called Janus cats, after the Roman god, and disprosopus, a rare congenital defect causes the unusual phenomenon, CBS explained.

The King family named the kitten Biscuits and Gravy, simply Biscuit for short, and the family is aware Janus cats dont usually live that long.

A family from Oregon found a Janus cat among the litter. Source: KOIN

Were not super optimistic but it does seem pretty lively and has an appetite and seems to be doing pretty well, Mr King told KOIN.

He also explained in addition to having two faces, Biscuit also appears to be the smallest of the litter, and while the kitten has two distinct noses and mouths, it is unclear if it three or four eyes.

Ms King said they would be able to find out if Biscuit has conjoined eyes in about a week, if it lives that long.

The family did reach out to their vet to find out how to best care for Biscuit, however all that can be done is make it comfortable and help it feed.

Ms King has been bottle feeding Biscuit and sleeping with it at night in a seperate room to her husband, because Mr King is allergic to cats.

The family is planning on keeping the kitten according to KOIN, however there has been a lot of interest from other people saying they would like to adopt Biscuit.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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A day after Priti Patel announced the UKs first blanket quarantine from 8 June, the transport secretary denied that travellers can avoid two weeks of self-isolation by travelling via Ireland.

At Saturday's No 10 daily briefing, a questioner named Gordon from Gosport asked Grant Shapps: How is the government going to prevent travellers staying in the Irish republic after their holidays to bypass the UKs 14-day quarantine?

The Home Office regulations exempt arrivals from the Common Travel Area  comprising Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

The Independent has identified several ways in which travellers could avoid quarantine by travelling via Dublin. None involves staying overnight, which would breach Irelands strict lockdown rules.

But Mr Shapps dismissed the so-called Dublin dodge, saying: The point that people may not be aware of is that Ireland has a travel ban effectively as well, so they also have a quarantine in place.

So it is the case that that may change in the future. Of course well keep our system under review in the future.

But for the time being whether somebody travels to Dublin or somebody travels to London, the same essential quarantine system would apply.

The current Foreign Office travel advice for Ireland initially concurs, saying: All arrivals from overseas, including Irish residents, are asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

But in contradiction it adds: This does not apply if you are returning to Ireland from Northern Ireland [or] transiting via an Irish airport on your way to another country.

Those exemptions present straightforward options for UK-bound travellers to avoid both Irish and British quarantine obligations.

Anyone seeking to exploit the loopholes would increase risk to themselves and others.

With the additional transportation involved, the number of interactions with frontline staff and passengers on essential journeys would rise sharply.

The government believes that travellers availing of the loopholes will be breaching the spirit of the quarantine rules.

The Department for Transport and the Home Office have declined to comment on Mr Shapps's assertions.

Earlier, a spokesperson for the Home Office confirmed: Anyone travelling from Ireland will be exempt.

However, given the high levels of compliance we have seen to date, we expect that the majority of people will do the right thing and abide by these measures.
Boss Mustapha

Over a week after receiving the Madagascan native formulation for the treatment of COVID-19, the Presidency has yet to send the samples to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for testing, Sunday PUNCH reports.

A top source told one of our correspondents that the drug, which was delivered to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), by his Guinea Bissau counterpart, Umarro Embalo, nine days ago had remained in the possession of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

The source, who wished to remain anonymous, said with the manner in which things are being done, the drug would not be available for testing till June given the Islamic holiday which extends from Sunday to Tuesday.

He said, We were told that the drug, which was delivered in five cartons, was delivered to the SGF who was supposed to deliver the sample to the Federal Ministry of Health and then NAFDAC for testing.

However, as of today, May 23, 2020, the sample has not been sent to NAFDAC for testing. I even doubt if the ministry has received it. And work resumes on Wednesday.

The source lamented the slow pace of work by the Federal Government regarding its response to COVID-19.

He noted that this was the same manner in which some drugs sent to Nigeria by the West African Health Organisation were delayed by over a month due to bureaucratic processes.

He added, In March, WAHO (West African Health Organisation) distributed 30,500 diagnostic test kits; 10,000 Personal Protective Equipment and 740,000 Chloroquine and Azithromycin tablets to be shared by all ECOWAS states, including Nigeria.

The drugs were to be certified by NAFDAC before use. However, NAFDAC only received the drugs a month after they had arrived. These delays were caused by government bureaucracy.

The source lamented that it might be June before the Madagascan drug could be deployed for scientific analysis, adding that herbal drugs would need a longer testing period than orthodox medicine.

He said NAFDAC would check for animal toxicity, microbial content and others in the drug which might take about 10 days.



It could take about 10 days for NAFDAC to test and certify the drugs. So, the Madagascan medicine ought to have been sent on time in anticipation of the testing time but that has not been done, he said.

The SGF had, at the daily COVID-19 briefing last Tuesday, said he had received the consignment and it would be sent to the ministry of health.

Mustapha had said, As God would have it, the President of Guinea Bissau decided to visit our President last Saturday and when he was coming, he came with our consignment of five cartons and those five cartons were delivered to me yesterday in the evening, sealed, without a bottle out of it.

I am going to engage the minister of health who has the responsibility of validation, through his institutions that are chartered by law to do that. The President was upfront with that even when he took delivery of it from the President of Guinea Bissau.



He said it quite clearly of what we are going to do with the consignment would be guided by science, under the processes of validation. Well now know where to go.

However, a top source at the ministry of health told Sunday PUNCH that the cartons were still at the SGFs office.

The source said there seemed to be a communication gap between the minister and the SGF.



The SGF informed the minister to pick up the drugs but it seems the minister was also expecting the SGF to send the drugs to the ministry. It was a simple communication problem, he said.

Following the arrival of the Madagascan herbal cure for COVID-19 in Nigeria, NAFDAC promised to fast-track the laboratory examination of the drug named Covid Organics.

The agency, which regulates and controls the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, chemicals and detergents, noted that the product would be subjected to the normal procedure but that the process would be hastened.

In an interview with Sunday PUNCH two weeks ago, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, noted that the agency would prioritise the laboratory examination of the product once it received it from the authorities.

She had said, When the drug arrives, it will go to the Minister of Health who will in turn hand it over to NAFDAC through the PTF. It is after that we would start our laboratory examination. It will be subjected to the normal procedure.

We would expedite action on this because everyone is anxiously waiting for the result. We would speed it up but it will still have to go through the normal laboratory analysis and medical evaluation.

Unlike the orthodox medicine, with the herbal medicine, it is given linctus status, it is not given full registration and that means it has a life span of two years, unlike normal drug that has a life span of five years. So, this is what will be applicable to the Madagascar drug. We would ensure that the claims being made are true.

Asked how long it could take for the laboratory examination to be concluded, she said the normal procedure was three months, adding that given the situation at hand, the process would be prioritised without compromising the efficiency of the process.

She said, The normal mandatory procedure is three months, but under this emergency, we would give it a top priority to come out with urgent results. In the process of the evaluation, if NAFDAC needs to get in touch with the manufacturers, we will. It all depends on the analysis in the lab.

This kind of drug does not go through a clinical trial at this stage; it is only when it wants to go through registration that it will be subjected to clinical trial. We are only going to determine its safety and efficacy now.

There were 265 new cases on Saturday, pushing the total number of cases to 7,526. 167 persons were discharged while no new death was recorded.

Efforts to speak with the Director of Information in the Office of the SGF, Mr Willie Bassey, on why NAFDAC had yet to receive the Madagascars solution proved abortive.

He neither answered the calls nor replied a text message sent to him.
It is hard to think of a more ill-judged, ill-timed and badly thought-out Government policy than the plan to quarantine travellers entering or returning to this country.

It is months too late to do any good. Its faults are so obvious that they ought not to need stating.

But let us point out to Ministers yet again that these rules will stifle any recovery in our airports and airline industries, huge employers and mainstays of our economy.

They will do so just as the rest of Europe is beginning to pick itself up off the floor, and to reopen for business.

It needs a tough-minded Conservative Government to ensure that, in the years of rebuilding that lie ahead, Britain is not dragged back into the over-regulated over-taxed, greyness from which it escaped under Margaret Thatcher. Time for you to show your mettle, Boris

Like so much that has come out of the Government machine for the past few weeks, the scheme has been a muddle from start to finish. First, France was going to be exempted from the quarantine, and then it was not.

First, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said there was going to be an air-bridge allowing unhindered travel to and from certain favoured holiday destinations. Then the idea was publicly demolished by the rest of the Cabinet.

This sort of thing cannot even be dismissed as zig-zagging. That would be too kind. It looks more like the crazy motions of a wayward party balloon, looping the loop as the air squirts out of it.

There does not seem to be any credible idea of how the quarantine system will work in practice.

It is likely to be a mixture of the wildly illiberal, with a few individuals besieged by officious police, while nothing happens to thousands of others  much like the general enforcement of the lockdown when it first began.

The attempt to reopen Englands schools has been another farce, with policy apparently made up from minute to minute.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said there was going to be an air-bridge allowing unhindered travel to and from certain favoured holiday destinations. Then the idea was publicly demolished by the rest of the Cabinet

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson mused about opening the schools during what would have been the summer holidays, but fled in confusion as soon as the teachers unions  predictably  denounced it.

But none of the Governments screeching U-turns on this subject has been as bad as the performance of the BBCs new hero, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

Sir Keirs wife turns out to be a key worker, so the couples children have been able to attend school throughout the crisis.

This information, which finally dribbled out in a newspaper interview yesterday, should surely have been public knowledge from the start.

There is nothing wrong with Sir Keir benefiting from this provision. On the contrary, his experience means that he knows better than most that it is perfectly possible for schools to operate under conditions of social distancing.

But in that case why has he not raised his voice in support of the general reopening of schools for the multitude of voters who long to see their children back in their classrooms? Parents worry with good reason about the long-term damage that the closure of education has already done, especially for the children of the disadvantaged.

It was cowardly and self-serving of Sir Keir not to stand up for a policy he knew for certain was workable. It is a distressing sign that, even with Jeremy Corbyn gone, Labour is still far too much in the hands of union apparatchiks who care more about sectional interests than the public good.

But the poor performance of the official Opposition should not distract us from the deeper problem of the Government.

Boris Johnson has a huge capacity for leadership. He can speak directly to the public in a way few politicians can, and which many envy. He has shown throughout his time in politics that he is innovative and open-minded, and a great believer in the power of free people to do good, if they are left alone to get on with it.

But while we sympathise with him for his undoubted ordeal, in undergoing the illness he has done so much to fight against, we must still urge him, in the friendliest possible way, to get a grip.

His Government, far from leading the nation out of the lockdown, seems to be following the nation out of lockdown.

Having loosened some of the restraints on movement and trade, the Cabinet has watched while the nation has pushed at the new boundaries, issuing occasional warnings that we should not go too far but offering no real idea of when the mighty engines of the national economy can begin to turn at full power again.

For there are plenty of other problems that need to be dealt with  most notably the rapidly-approaching moment of full Brexit. The Mail on Sunday reports today on the urgent concerns of farmers that the new post-Brexit trading rules, and plans for subsidies paid to landowners regardless of whether they actually cultivate their acres, could unintentionally destroy much of our agriculture.

If we are not careful, we could permit huge cheap imports of food produced with far lower standards than ours. Nobody who voted for Brexit voted for the devastation of our countryside or the extinction of the traditional stewardship of the soil which contributes so much to the beauty of our unique landscape.

With all these problems in front of him, Boris Johnson would do well to remind the nation of just what an inspiring and invigorating figure he can be. Yet these advantages are being wasted.

In recent weeks he has often seemed absent from the stage, leaving lacklustre lieutenants to do almost all the talking.

It is plainly time for him to be seen and heard much more in public, reminding people of the force and wit with which he won the December Election, and of the real power which holds this Government together.

This is necessary for the nation as much as for him. The old hard Left are stirring again. They see the Covid crisis, with its enlarged role for the State and public spending, as an opportunity to return to the days of incessant State intervention in the smallest details of life.

The Trades Union Congress chief, Frances OGrady, proclaimed last week that the unions are back and that the State is back.

This is not the lesson that many will take from these events, but it is the one the whole Left, from the TUC to the BBC and the liberal elite in education, law and media want us to take.

It needs a tough-minded Conservative Government to ensure that, in the years of rebuilding that lie ahead, Britain is not dragged back into the over-regulated over-taxed, greyness from which it escaped under Margaret Thatcher. Time for you to show your mettle, Boris.
Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, shown in court on Sunday, is charged with fraud, bribery and breach of trust. (Ronen Zvulun / Associated Press)

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial finally began Sunday, two images from the courtroom steps stood out.

One was of the arrival of chief prosecutor Liat Ben-Ari. The target of a raging campaign of threats and incitement, she was encircled by beefy bodyguards shed been assigned.

The other was that of a seething Netanyahu, surrounded by ministers applauding as he lambasted Israels police, judiciary and media for wanting to topple me at any cost.

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister and the first to be indicted, was charged last November with fraud, bribery and breach of trust in three separate cases in which he was alleged to have attempted to influence or control the media.

Israeli right-wing activists hold flags and signs in support of Prime Minister Netanyahu outside the Jerusalem court on Sunday. (Sebastian Scheiner / Associated Press)

On Sunday, Netanyahu, as he has often done, decried the proceedings as an attempted coup detat by what he described as a vast left-wing conspiracy that stitched up charges so as to block the will of the people.

Upon his arrival at the courthouse, several hundred supporters blasted supportive slogans and campaign jingles of his Likud party.

Bibi, King of Israel and Bibi, youll never walk alone, they shouted, referring to him by his nickname.

The start of the trial culminated four years of police investigations, judicial probes, shocking news leaks and what critics termed an unprecedented assault against state institutions by the man who had led the nation for almost a dozen years.

Inside the courthouse, a far more restrained Netanyahu stood up in District Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldmans small courtroom, No. 317, to formally identify himself and acknowledge understanding the charges against him. Due to regulations in place to combat the coronavirus, Netanyahu wore a mask, as did all others in the courtroom, and was accompanied by a single attorney.

Benjamin Netanyahu, second from right, at his corruption trial at the Jerusalem District Court on Sunday. He is the country's first sitting prime minister to go on trial. (Ronan Zvulun / Associated Press)

Three co-defendants sat nearby.

Arnon Mozes, the owner of Yediot Ahronot, the largest tabloid in Israel, is alleged to have conspired with the prime minister to sway his newspapers coverage in exchange for a law that would have quashed Israel Hayom, a free daily paper established by Las Vegas casino mogul Sheldon Adelson meant to support Netanyahu.

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Shaul Elovitch, controlling shareholder of Bezeq, the Israeli telecoms giant, and his wife, Iris, are alleged to have received regulatory favors benefiting their company from Netanyahu, again, in exchange for positive media coverage on the Walla news portal, owned by Bezeq.

Never, in the history of any democracy, has anyone been indicted over positive media coverage, Netanyahu declared ahead of the session, quoting American lawyer Alan Dershowitz, a close ally who represented President Trump during his impeachment trial.

But in a statement released after the court session, which lasted less than an hour, Israeli Atty. Gen. Avichai Mandelblit said the judiciary would "continue our work even in the face of relentless attempts to attribute conflicts of interests to law enforcement, which we reject. We will continue to act on the principle that everyone is equal under the law.

The trial takes place amid an ongoing fractious political environment, in which three inconclusive elections were held in a span of a year before Netanyahu and his rival, centrist Benny Gantz, finally swore in a new government last week. Gantz agreed to serve in the newly created post of alternative prime minister.

In his public remarks outside the courthouse, Netanyahu linked his signature policy promise of West Bank annexation to his ongoing legal troubles.

They cant defeat a strong, right-wing prime minister at the ballot box, so they are trying to oust me through stitched-up charges, he railed, surrounded by a cadre of ministers from his Likud party.

I wont give up a single settlement! he promised, mocking any possible successors to his reign as poodles.

The coalition agreement, reached in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, allows Netanyahu to present legislation annexing the West Bank, or parts of it, as of July 1 but releases Gantz and the legislators from his party, Blue and White, from any obligation to support the law.

European nations, the Arab world and many international organizations have decried any unilateral Israeli move toward annexation as a grave breach of international law. The European Union has threatened to sanction Israel as Netanyahu seeks to impose Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, which the Palestinian Authority views as the heart of a future Palestinian state.

Among key world leaders, only Trump has supported the concept, most prominently in parts of the economic plan for renewing Israeli-Palestinian negotiations developed by the president's son-in-law and senior aide, Jared Kushner.

In a radio interview, Limor Livnat, a former minister in Netanyahus government, distanced herself from the prime ministers remarks and his ministers applause.

The right is not on trial, she said. There is no conspiracy to oust him, however many times he repeats the claim. When he says this is an attempt to oust a right-wing prime minister only because he is strong and not a poodle  well, weve had strong prime ministers before. Yitzhak Shamir didnt remove any settlements.

The raucous atmosphere on the courtroom steps was balanced by the measured, deliberative domain of Judge Friedman-Feldman, who heads the three judge-panel that will decide Netanyahus fate.



Less than an hour after adjourning the initial session, Judge Friedman-Feldman turned down Netanyahus attorneys request for a lengthy delay, scheduling the next session for July 19.
South African special event stations

There are two local special event stations you can look out for.

ZS95SARL celebrates the 95th birthday of the SARL and ZS1820S celebrates the 200th anniversary of the landing of the 1820 Settlers.

Both call signs are active on HF and ZS95SARL has been active on satellites as well.

During October, the Astronomical Society of South Africa will be celebrating its 200th anniversary. It was established in Cape Town in October 1820. Here is an opportunity for another special event station.
Dogs are held in an iron cage at a market in Tomohon, Indonesia, where animal rights activist Marc Ching said he "stumbled upon" a dog being torched alive. (Ronny Adolof Buol / For The Times)

The videos are horrifying. In one, a black dog hangs by its neck, crying and convulsing as it is blowtorched alive. In another, a white dog dangles from a wooden beam, writhing in pain and terror.

The footage came from a 2016 trip to Asia by Marc Ching, a Los Angeles resident who spent nearly a decade in prison for a violent crime before transforming himself into a prominent leader in the local, national and international animal rights communities.

Ching has told supporters that those videos and others were recorded to document the torture and slaughter of dogs at meat markets in Indonesia, Cambodia and other countries in Asia with a limited but enduring trade in butchering the animals for human food.

The gruesome images appear on social media and in an emotional public service announcement that features a roster of celebrities, including Matt Damon, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara, and promotes a charitable foundation that Ching started. The Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation has raised millions of dollars for the purpose of rescuing dogs and cats from Asian slaughterhouses.

It shows you why this has to end, Ching said after screening the videos at a House briefing in 2016 on Capitol Hill. As he showed the torture scenes, audience members gasped and averted their eyes. How can you do that to an animal? Ching asked.

But a Times investigation has found evidence that contradicts Ching's claims about the authenticity of some of the most shocking videos and raises questions about his rescue efforts overseas.

Ching, shown at a 2015 fundraiser, garnered celebrity support from the likes of Matt Damon, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara. (Angela Weiss / Getty Images)

Butchers in Indonesia have told The Times that Ching paid them to hang the black dog and burn it to death  a method of killing more cruel than any they say they normally employ  so he could stage the scene for the camera.

In appeals to the public and foundation supporters, Ching has presented videos of that incident and others as candid portrayals of the day-to-day routine at the slaughterhouses he documented mostly while undercover, posing as a dog meat buyer. But local animal rights activists in Indonesia, Cambodia and elsewhere in Asia say they have never heard of dogs being regularly tortured or killed in some of the ways depicted by Ching.

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And raw footage of Chings recordings obtained by The Times casts doubt on whether all of the videos show how butchers typically torture and kill the dogs.

One of the unedited clips captures the dog being burned alive. In a sworn court declaration filed in August 2017, Ching wrote that he happened to be investigating the dog meat trade at a market in Tomohon, Indonesia, when he and his interpreter stumbled upon the burning.

Ching wrote that it was taking place in broad daylight while passersby ignored the dogs screams. My translator filmed the gruesome act only to use as evidence of the cruelty happening in Indonesia.

But nearly seven minutes of the raw footage shows the dog being pulled from a cage with a noose and carried through the market by a butcher while Ching's camera follows him from behind. The camera continues to roll as the animal is strung up by its neck and slowly torched to death. As the dog burns, the butcher looks toward the camera and gives a thumbs up.

Marthen Wondang, a butcher at the Tomohon market, said Ching in 2016 bought four dogs at an inflated price and asked that they be killed in particular ways, including torching one alive, while he recorded video. (Ronny Adolof Buol / For The Times)

Ching, 41, denied orchestrating that scene or any other and said he never instructed butchers on how to maim or kill dogs.

If the question is if I pay people to torture dogs  no, I dont, Ching said.

In an interview and a subsequent email to The Times, Ching said the allegations against him were motivated in part by rivalries among animal rescuers. Ching accused two activists of conspiring to bribe a butcher in Indonesia to say Ching paid to stage the burning of living dogs.

Groups slander each other constantly based on the fact that they believe or feel they know better, he said in the email.

The animal rights activists deny bribing any butchers, and The Times found no evidence of a conspiracy to falsely accuse Ching of wrongdoing.

::

Ching's foundation held a gala fundraiser in 2017 at the W Hotel in Hollywood, drawing the likes of No Doubt bassist Tony Kanal, who told an interviewer at the event that Ching was a superhero. Others in attendance referred to him as an Earth angel.

In March 2019, musician Moby and actresses Alicia Silverstone and Shannen Doherty attended a Culver City fundraiser for the foundation that was hosted by comedian Whitney Cummings. Doherty, who once sat on his charity board, told an interviewer at the event that Ching had the greatest spirit and always the best of intentions.

As the star power elevated Ching's profile, the foundation helped secure a federal law that effectively banned the human consumption of dog and cat meat and a California prohibition on new fur products. Donations continued to roll in.

The Times' investigation also found that Ching's charity has engaged in financial practices that nonprofit experts say are troubling. Foundation records show that more than $350,000 in cash was withdrawn from the charity in a period of 27 months and that Ching has billed the foundation for at least $59,000 in food and other products from his for-profit pet nutrition business, the Petstaurant.

In emails to The Times, and through statements by the foundations attorneys, the organization said Ching never misused funds and had contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in goods, services and cash to the charity since 2014.

Last month, the Federal Trade Commission accused Ching of making false or deceptive claims that an herbal supplement he was selling could treat COVID-19 and that some of his other products could treat cancer. Ching denied wrongdoing and said he was cooperating with the commission.

Board members who oversee Ching's foundation initially declined to meet with The Times, and the organization at one point suggested the newspaper had tried to persuade people to lie about Ching and the charity.

Dr. Barbara Gitlitz, a Los Angeles oncologist who chaired the charitys board at the time, eventually sat for an interview in January in the Wilshire Boulevard offices of the foundations attorneys. She said she had no reason to doubt Chings accounts of the dog torture and that she questioned the credibility of the butchers who accused him of paying them to stage abuse.

It just goes against everything that I know about Marc and how he treats animals, Gitlitz said.

Two days later, she emailed The Times to say the board was launching an independent investigation. She and a foundation attorney did not respond to follow-up questions about the investigation, including a query on who conducted it. The foundation also did not respond to questions of whether any recent changes had been made in the board membership, including the chair position.

In a recent email, the attorney, Russell M. Selmont, said the charity had found no evidence that Ching ever staged the burning of any dogs (at Tomohon market or otherwise) or ever knowingly or intentionally contributed to the harm of any animals.

He called the butchers accounts unreliable and said Chings videos threatened to expose their inhumanity and shut down their livelihoods. The notion that Mr. Ching paid these butchers to burn and torture the dogs is sick, twisted fantasy.

A dog is squeezed in a narrow iron cage at the Tomohon market. (Ronny Adolof Buol / For The Times)

::

Ching has publicly drawn on his time in prison to explain his devotion to the plight of caged animals. At a 2017 animal rights march in Los Angeles, he delivered a tearful speech, telling demonstrators that during a long stretch in solitary confinement, a scout ant crawled into his cell and took a nibble of a little ball of bread he had saved to lure the insect. The ant left, he said, but in about an hour and a half thousands of them were in his cell.

It was the first time in so long that I had the contact of anybody or anything, he told the crowd, his voice catching.

But Ching, who was born in Hawaii and attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has revealed little about what landed him behind bars.

In what authorities called a "heinous" and "sophisticated" crime, Ching and several accomplices abducted a man who had stolen $60,000 in a drug deal, bound his hands and drove him to a hotel, where they removed his pants and beat him at length, court records show.

Corrections officials said he served nine years and seven months in prison for kidnapping and causing great bodily injury. Valarie Ianniello, former executive director of the foundation, said Ching told her he spent 11 months in solitary confinement. A California prisons spokeswoman said there was no record he was ever placed in any type of solitary housing.

Ching did not dispute the lack of such a record, but he said in an email to The Times: My experience is my experience. And because your definition of confinement differs from mine, that does not make my experience not true.

Two years after his release in 2010, Ching registered his pet food business and the Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation with the state. He describes himself as a fourth-generation herbalist and nutritionist. He also opened the Petstaurant store on Van Nuys Boulevard in Sherman Oaks. In 2015, Ching began making regular trips to Asia and posting disturbing images on social media.

Ching speaks at the 2017 Circle V Festival in Los Angeles. (Tommaso Boddi / Getty Images)

He soon became something of a media darling, telling harrowing tales of being assaulted, threatened with a machete, shot at and nearly killed while uncovering animal abuse overseas.

In Asia once I watched them crucify dogs, he said on camera in a 2016 BuzzFeed interview, his eyes red and wet with tears. They would get their paws and they would nail gun them into walls. (Ching did not respond to requests from The Times for any documentation or further details of this incident and the more serious of the alleged assaults against him.)

He added: I have videos of hangings, burning them alive, boiling alive, cutting their feet off while theyre still alive, strangulation.

Valarie Ianniello, former executive director of Ching's foundation, said he grew accustomed to the hero treatment. "The money came in, and it helped build his business up," she said. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The segment has been viewed more than 3.9 million times. Viewers praised him online as a hero. Contributions to his foundation surged  from about $110,000 in 2015 to nearly $2 million the next year, according to the charitys tax records.

I think he recognized that he could be worshiped by this stuff, Ianniello said. The money came in, and it helped build his business up.

Ching has opened a second Petstaurant on the Westside.

::

There is no dispute that dogs and cats are killed for food in countries across Asia, especially outside the major cities. Local activists in those countries have long fought to end the practice, often working in league with Westerners.

Foreign and U.S. activists interviewed by The Times said the methods used by butchers to round up and kill the animals  packing them into cages, drowning them, clubbing them on the head and, in some cases, hanging them  are uniformly inhumane.

They said there had been instances when animal abusers burned dogs alive or brutalized them in other ways, and images of the cruelty are posted online. And there have been many times when butchers, after striking a dog's skull to kill it, burn the animal to de-fur it, even though it is still alive.

But all of the activists, including seven who do work in Asia, said their efforts had found no evidence to support the notion that the dogs are routinely and deliberately burned or boiled alive, or tortured with beatings and mutilations on a regular basis as Ching has described.

Weve never seen animals boiled alive, never seen animals beaten or paws cut or anything, said Lee Fox-Smith, an author who co-founded the Campaign to End the Dog Meat Trade in Cambodia. Since 2017, Fox-Smith said, he has visited more than 200 slaughterhouses and restaurants that serve dog meat.

He said he initially was afraid to investigate the meat trade because he had heard Chings tales of danger. But when he started visiting slaughterhouses, he said, he found that they were the complete opposite of Chings portrayals.

People arent chasing you with machetes and guns, Fox-Smith said.

He said he first contacted Ching through Facebook in 2018 and offered to help Ching's foundation shelter dogs rescued in Cambodia. They met twice in that country, Fox-Smith said, and he questioned Ching during the second meeting about Chings claim that dogs were boiled alive in Cambodia.

Fox-Smith said Ching told him, They dont really torture the dogs in Cambodia.

Hes basically taking the most vulnerable animals in our society and exploiting them  and its disgusting, Fox-Smith said.

He said Ching was cagey in answering other questions and declined to disclose the locations of slaughterhouses he had visited, making it impossible for Fox-Smith to verify Ching's claims.

A still from the video shows butcher Marthen Wondang flashing a thumbs up toward the camera. "This is exactly what you want, right?" he is heard asking in a local language as a dog is torched. (Image from video obtained by The Times)

At the market in Tomohon, Indonesia, butchers gave The Times a much different account of the dog torched than Ching offered in his court declaration. They said Ching specifically wanted the dog burned alive, something they and others insisted was not normally done at the market.

In the raw footage The Times obtained, a man is seen pulling the dog from a cage by its neck. Marthen Wondang, a butcher, moments later takes the dog, hanging from a noose, through the market.

Someone yells out about a demonstration as Wondang carries the dog to a patch of dirt where chickens are underfoot.

As the dog tries to escape, Wondang twice throws a rock at its head, subduing it before hanging the animal from a wooden cane. Another butcher starts to blowtorch the dog, which thrashes about in agony. Wondang looks toward the camera and flashes a thumbs up. In a language local to the area, he asks a question whose English translation is, "This is exactly what you want, right?"

A minute and 19 seconds into the burning, the dog, its body charred, lets out its final whimper.

The market has earned a grisly reputation thanks to social media and animal welfare campaigns.

In one section under brightly colored tarpaulins, vendors hawk local favorites such as smoked skipjack tuna, spiky golden pineapples and tropical jeruk manis oranges that turn green when ripened.

The center of the bazaar features rats impaled on bamboo sticks, listless reticulated pythons coiled into mounds and charred bats, mouths agape and showing off rows of fangs and thick, pointy tongues. The smell is a noxious mix of cigarette smoke, unrefrigerated meat and kerosene from blowtorches singeing away dead animal hair.

Dogs are kept in small cages on wheels before theyre slaughtered, their tails tucked between their hind legs and faces withdrawn with droopy eyes.

Several butchers in Ching's videos told a Times reporter on a recent visit to the market that they met Ching when he showed up with an interpreter in 2016, saying he wanted to buy dog meat. Wondang said Ching bought four dogs at an inflated price and asked that they be killed in particular ways, including torching one alive, while he recorded video.

Wondang and the other butchers said they typically killed dogs by beating them on the head. Burning dogs to death, they said, would be too costly in terms of kerosene and more likely to result in the butchers getting bitten or scratched.

Strangely, Wondang said, Ching left the dog meat behind after he finished recording.

He was smiling and laughing throughout the process, he said of Ching. Like he was happy.

Ching did not respond to a question about that claim. He said one of the butchers, whom he did not identify, told him in 2016 that they burned 50 dogs to death a day at the market.

In interviews with The Times, animal welfare activists based in Europe and Asia said some of the butchers had given them the same account of Ching paying to have the dog burned alive on camera. They said the butchers told them this separately at various times between late 2017 and spring 2018, well before The Times began its investigation.

Lola Webber, Bali-based co-founder and director of the Change for Animals Foundation, a charity registered in England, told The Times she visited the Tomohon market around Christmas 2017. She said maybe three butchers, including one she recognized from Chings videos, together approached her group asking whether they were with Ching. Webber said she told them no.

A dog lies inside a cage at the Tomohon market. (Ronny Adolof Buol / For The Times)

The butchers related that Ching had paid them to torture the dogs on camera in certain ways  one hanged, another torched alive, Webber said.

She said she had a similar experience when she visited a meat market in nearby Langowan. About five butchers walked up to her group and asked whether they were associated with Ching, she said.

We said, No, we have nothing to do with Marc Ching, Webber added. They said, Do you want to pay us?

Webber said Chings actions undermined the work of activists devoted to ending the dog meat trade, which kills dogs in ways that are cruel enough. Its totally shameful, she said.

Frank Manus manages Animal Friends Manado Indonesia, which operates a shelter in Tomohon. He said that during a brief meeting in 2016, Ching showed him photos of a dog being burned alive at the Tomohon market. Manus said he immediately doubted the photos.

Frank Manus, who manages an Indonesian animal rescue organization, said he immediately doubted the photos Ching showed him of a dog being burned alive in Tomohon: "I go to the market every day, and no such thing happens." (Ronny Adolof Buol / For The Times)

I go to the market every day, and no such thing happens, Manus said.

Other activists have questioned Ching's videos. He sued one of them: Deborah Hall, a volunteer who posted on Facebook that Ching "paid to have dogs torched and legs cut off," according to the suit. A judge tossed the part of the lawsuit concerning that statement. Hall declined to comment on the suit, which the parties eventually settled.

Sebastian Margenfeld, a German activist, said he first learned of Ching in 2016 when he stumbled upon a YouTube video on Chings rescues in Asia. He said it moved him so much that he reached out to Chings charity with the goal of producing a public service announcement, or PSA, in German similar to the foundations, using the same footage.

Soon after, Margenfeld said, he started his own foundation with a name that echoes that of Chings charity when translated into English. Margenfeld said the early web postings of his foundation focused on Chings work. He added that his foundation later contributed more than $50,000 in funds and services to Chings efforts, including the cost of flying American veterinarians to China.

In the meantime, he said, Chings foundation put him in touch with the production company that created its PSA, Sugar Studios LA, which sent Margenfeld a zip file in November 2016 with Chings raw footage.

Margenfeld said he watched it all. He offered to join Ching on rescue missions, but Ching always refused the help.

It wasnt until he visited Indonesian slaughterhouses in April 2018 to shoot his own footage that he began to question Chings footage, Margenfeld said.

Because I had never been to Asian slaughterhouses, I thought it was real, he said of the torture. I went to Tomohon and it was so different from Ching's video.

Margenfeld, who is a physical therapist in the town of Freiburg in southwest Germany, said he told the foundation board members of his suspicions about Ching in a May 2018 conference call. The board members stood by Ching, Margenfeld said.

In 2016, Ching traveled to Cambodia with a professional cameraman to film more slaughterhouses. Raw footage from the trip features long monologues during bumpy car rides in which Ching chokes up as he reflects on what he says he witnessed.

The people that really hurt these animals, theyre going to hurt children, he says during one ride. Theyre going to molest kids, kidnap people, theyre gonna beat them up.

In one scene, Ching is kneeling beside a brick cage of dogs describing the meat trade for the camera.

How many dogs you want? his interpreter is heard asking him shortly after.

Ching cuts him off by saying whoa several times and time out, while making a gesture to direct the cameraman to stop shooting. The cameraman points the camera down but keeps it rolling.

Dressed in a black T-shirt lettered #CompassionProject with the foundations web address, Ching says to the cameraman, You know going undercover, they show us, just because as a dog meat buyer, usually, this guy is gonna tie one up, hes gonna hang one over here, and beat him.

"You know, were gonna cut him down so he doesnt kill the dog and stuff," he continues on the footage. "So are you OK documenting that stuff?

Someone says, Yeah. And Ching replies, Ill just do one then.

After a few moments, the cameraman asks, Do you feel like this is necessary?

Its up to you, Ching replied. Id rather not document it. When I go undercover, I dont know, I like it better, because, like, its just natural, you know. Theyre doing it already.

A person familiar with the incident said Ching had arranged to have the slaughterhouse hang and beat the dog for the purpose of filming it. The person, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation by Ching, said the hanging and beating ultimately did not occur.

Ching and two Los Angeles attorneys for his foundation offered a series of descriptions of the clip.

Jeremy Gray, one of the lawyers, said in an email to The Times that the video from Cambodia appears to be a misleadingly doctored clip that is removed from its appropriate context.

The Times engaged an audio-visual forensics expert in Michigan, Ed Primeau, to analyze the Cambodia footage. Primeau said he found no evidence that it had been altered.

These video recordings are authentic and represent the events as they occurred, he said.

Ching later said in an email to The Times, It is likely that the clip recorded a discussion about organizing the filming and that may have included some payment to enter the slaughterhouse." He said that there was no plan to mistreat a dog and that no animal was hurt.

Selmont, the other attorney for the foundation, described the clip as a discussion about filming a dramatic reenactment of a previous hanging at the slaughterhouse without harming the dog.

Mr. Ching and the foundation ultimately decided against including anything like that in the documentary and the videographer himself has confirmed that no such event ever occurred, Selmont said in an email.

Selmont said the earlier hanging occurred several months before the discussion on the clip: Mr. Ching posted an iPhone video of him cutting down a dog that he saw in real time being hung at a dog butcher. Mr. Ching, at that exact moment, paid for the dog and filmed himself in real time cutting down that dog who otherwise [would] have been slaughtered for meat.

The foundation's PSA includes a shot of Ching cutting a hanging dog free.

In another clip from Cambodia, a young man in board shorts drops a live dog into a vat of scalding water. As the dog thrashes about, the man quickly jumps back to avoid getting splashed. Moments later, the vat falls over as the dog tries to escape.

Activists told The Times that dogs are not normally boiled alive in Cambodia, if only because the butchers could be scalded in the attempt. They said those vats were often used instead to de-fur dead dogs in boiling water. In the background of the Cambodia clip, a second young worker is seen removing the fur from what appears to be a dead dog in a similar tub of steaming water.

On numerous occasions, Ching claimed that his life was in danger in Asia. When first asked for details by The Times, Ching responded with written descriptions of two car crashes, getting into altercations in Cambodia and China, being punched in the face in Korea, various encounters with butchers who threatened but did not injure him, and being pushed off a small cliff in Taiji, Japan.

The Times then presented Ching with information from media interviews and social media posts in which he is quoted as saying that, in addition to several assaults, he was shot at, had a machine gun stuck in his mouth and almost died four times. Ching responded that he had tried to suppress his memories of those incidents  which he has said occurred in recent years  because of their traumatic nature.

Those things happened to me, Ching said in an email. Over the years both intentionally and I believe subconsciously I have tried to forget the worst of these experiences as it is best for my mental health.

Ianniello, the foundations former executive director, said Ching told her of an incident in which he was pushed to the ground at a slaughterhouse, where he swallowed feces and blood. Ching said that as a result he contracted flesh-eating bacteria that required surgery to eliminate, according to Ianniello and another former foundation employee, Kiana Kang.

Ching did not respond to a Times query about the incident. He would not provide The Times with any documentation or other means of verifying the more serious episodes, such as medical records or the names of any witnesses. His foundation said in an email that Ching never reported the assaults to Asian authorities or to American diplomatic officials because doing so would have affected the mission of the trips.

Pringle and Tchekmedyian reported from Los Angeles, and Pierson reported from Indonesia. Alice Su and Gaochao Zhang of The Times Beijing bureau and special correspondent San Sel in Cambodia contributed to this report.
Dr. Drew Miller wears a homemade gown as he prepares to see potential COVID-19 patients at the 24-bed Kearny County Hospital in Lakin, Kansas, May 20, 2020.

Charlie Riedel/AP Photo

Montgomery, Alabama is "down to just a handful of ICU beds," according to Mayor Steven Reed, and the city has begun transferring critical patients to Birmingham.

As states reopen and the coronavirus spreads through rural America, small-town and rural-adjacent hospitals could face overwhelming waves of COVID-19 patients.

Experts told Business Insider they feared what fast upticks in coronavirus cases could mean for rural facilities that don't have the staff or resources to handle the influx.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

As the state of Alabama lifts coronavirus restrictions, hospital intensive care units in its capital are running out of beds.

Montgomery hospitals are "down to just a handful of ICU beds," Mayor Steven Reed told Business Insider on Thursday. Many of the incoming patients are from surrounding rural counties which don't have ICUs.

Unable to take in new patients who are in need of immediate attention, Montgomery hospitals are transferring them 90 miles away to Birmingham, Reed said. It's the first time they've had to make such transfers since the pandemic began.

"That's very serious," Reed said in a Wednesday press conference. "Right now, if you're from Montgomery, and you need an ICU bed, you're in trouble. If you're from Central Alabama, and you need an ICU bed, you may not be able to get one because our health care system has been maxed out."

On Thursday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced that Alabama would allow theaters, bowling alleys, childcare facilities, and summer camps to reopen.

Other small cities and towns surrounded by rural counties could soon face similar influxes of coronavirus patients, as businesses reopen and new outbreaks spread through remote areas with little critical care capacity.

"[States] are starting to think about reopening at the very same time that this crisis is spreading across rural places," Carrie Henning-Smith, Deputy Director of the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, told Business Insider in early May. "Given the fact that we're seeing these high increases, these fast increases, in rural areas, I worry about what that means for rural facilities and their ability to keep up and keep up safely."

Story continues

'Rural hospitals are not built for pandemic surge capacity'

Dr. Bryon Harbolt makes notes in Ann Cantrell's chart in his Cathedral Canyon Clinic in Altamont, Tennessee, July 14, 2013.

Harrison McClary/Reuters

As the coronavirus hits rural America, several weeks after it made its first surge through larger cities, some of the country's most underresourced healthcare systems are overflowing with new patients.

There are roughly 2,000 rural hospitals across the US. Many have few inpatient beds and just one or two ventilators. More than half of US counties have no ICU beds, according to an analysis by Kaiser Health News.

"They are built for primary care and general surgery. These rural hospitals are not built for pandemic surge capacity," Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, told Business Insider.

In addition, rural facilities are often notoriously understaffed. If one doctor or a couple nurses contract the virus, "you've got a real problem," Morgan said.

When the rural hospitals become overwhelmed, they send patients to larger facilities in nearby cities. That can lead to situations like the one in Montgomery, which now has its own overflow patients to send to Birmingham. Those transfers in themselves take up valuable resources.

"Some rural hospitals may only have one ambulance, and if you're using that ambulance to transport someone who has COVID to an urban facility, what does that mean if someone else in town has an emergency?" Henning-Smith said.

Hospital furniture lies outside the closed Cook Medical Center in Adel, Georgia, January 23, 2020. Though the county replaced it with a new hospital, it now has no emergency room.

Sudhin S. Thanawala/AP Photo

She expects that many rural hospitals will shut down during the coronavirus crisis, especially after months of lost income from canceling non-essential surgeries. That will only make matters worse in some places, condensing more COVID-19 patients into fewer hospitals.

Both Morgan and Henning-Smith said that states reopening their economies could make the rural crisis worse and allow the virus to spread faster.

"I would have preferred a slower reopening, a more cautious reopening," Reed told Business Insider.

'We are still in a place were we could go either way'

Montgomery, Alabama Mayor Steven Reed

Screenshot/City of Montgomery

In Alabama, daily hospitalizations from COVID-19 appeared to plateau in mid-April, but have since been on the rise.

The state of Alabama reported 13,938 cases of COVID-19 as of Saturday, with more than 4,200 of them being identified in the last 14 days. Montgomery County has 1,126 cases  nearly half of them in the last 14 days  and more than 1,500 hospitalizations.

"I don't come before you every day to talk about how dreary the circumstances are, but I come before you this day to tell you that the circumstances are certainly dire," Reed said Wednesday. "We have to make sure that we don't get into a hole that we cannot get ourselves out of."

He pleaded with citizens to continue practicing social distancing and to stay home as often as possible.

"While I know people are ready to enjoy this Memorial Day weekend and are fatigued by all of this, I just want to reiterate: We are not there yet," Reed said. "We are still in a place were we could go either way, and we don't want to slip and fall off a cliff."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Robert Price is a journalist for KGET-TV. His column appears here on Sundays; the views expressed are his own. Reach him at robertprice@kget.com or via Twitter: @stubblebuzz.
West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankar on Sunday said that army could have been deployed in West Bengal 3 days back if Mamata Banerjee had kept in touch with the government.

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday hit out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stating that the Army would have been called three days back to carry out post-cyclone relief work if the TMC supremo had kept the Governors office in the loop. Tagging the Chief Ministers official handle on Twitter, Dhankhar said, Urge Mamata  be in touch with Guv- had this been done army would have been called 3 days back.

He said that he is distressed and pained at the horrifying spectacle of people suffering for lack of basic facilities for several days and appealed people to stay calm.Am distressed and pained at the horrifying spectacle of people suffering for lack of basic facilities, now for days. My appeal: Government/agencies must be in overdrive to restore services. Urge people to keep calm, time to bear as reaction can wait, he added.

The Governor has directed all authorities to attend to Raj Bhawan at the end, only after normalcy is restored in the city.

He further asked the West Bengal government to share real loss regarding Cyclone Amphan with the Central government as inflating figures is counter-productive.Share real loss @PMO India: inflating figures is counter-productive, he said, tagging the PMOs handle.

Also Read: COVID-19 update: With 6,767 cases in last 24 hours, Indias tally crosses 1.3 lakh mark with toll at 3,867

Also Read: COVID-19: Doctors at Delhis RML hospital hold candle march against Centres move to cancel 14-day quarantine

The Army on Saturday accepted the West Bengal governments request for assistance in the restoration of essential infrastructure and services, sending five columns to help Kolkata citys civil administration.



On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to the state, had praised the West Bengal governments efforts under Chief Minister Banerjee to tackle the situation caused by Cyclone Amphan and COVID-19 crisis. The Prime Minister also announced Rs 1,000 crore relief package for West Bengal and Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured in the destruction caused by Cyclone Amphan.

Also Read: After Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal says no to Centres plan for resuming flights

For all the latest National News, download NewsX App
There's hail, there's big hail, and then there's what fell on Burkburnett, Texas, about 10 miles north of Wichita Falls, on Friday afternoon. Hail topping five inches in diameter crashed like meteors on the town, punching holes through home roofs and leaving craters in the ground.

Officially, the largest recovered stone came in at a whopping 5.33 inches across, roughly the length of an iPhone 6. To put it differently, this hail was wider than many grapefruits and exceeded the diameter of a typical DVD. It weighed in at nearly a pound.

Social media images began circulating Friday evening of what appeared to be a chunk of ice that took both hands to hold. An 8-year-old recovered one of the whoppers after the storm passed. Another resident compared one of the stones to a softball.

One of the largest hailstones was first measured by a broadcast meteorologist from a Wichita Falls station, which led to the 5.33-inch value that officially went in the books. Rick Smith, the warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Norman, Okla., stopped by to investigate the hail while en route to inspect for nearby tornado damage.

"I went down there to survey the tornado tracks, and was especially interested in what happened west of Bowie," Smith said. He said he was skeptical after seeing the photos on social media but was able to confirm what happened.

"I held at least two (five-inch hailstones) in my hand yesterday, so it was legit," Smith said Sunday. One of the homeowners who found a five-inch hailstone reached out to the National Weather Service via Facebook.

"One of the local (meteorologists) went to their house Friday night at like 10 or 10:30, they measured it, they gave us what we thought was a reliable report ... by the time I looked at it yesterday, it had sublimated a bit," Smith said. Sublimation is the process through which a material transitions directly from solid to gas.

Areas that experienced the mega hailstorm wound up with significant hail damage to vehicles and structures.

"I visited one home where a four-inch hailstone made it all the way through the bathroom ceiling and onto the bathroom floor," said Smith. "I was standing in their bathroom looking up at the ceiling." Insulation can be seen on the stone in a photo he took.

Smith noted that a number of residents even reported craters in their yards from the giant hail.

"Smartly, they didn't run out while the hail was falling. The two five-plus-inch hailstones that I got to see were fairly close together ... about a half-mile away."

What impressed Smith the most was the number of large hailstones that were recovered. In hailstorms, the largest stones often fall among a much greater quantity of smaller hailstones. The fact that multiple five-inch stones were retrieved and that damage was so widely reported, at least locally, highlights the impressive nature of the event.

Residents "were giving me a list of other homes that had damage," Smith said. "There's no doubt there were more holes in roofs, more hail damage than we even know about. This was not just one five-inch stone, it was probably multiple four to five-inch stones. That kind of hail is rare, but to get that volume of it is incredibly rare."

Smith also confirmed three weak tornadoes on the survey, but the specifics are still being determined. No damage to structures was reported, however.

"We had a tornado west of Burkburnett, and one east of Burkburnett. And we had ... one in Clay County," in Texas, he explained.

The hailstone was enormous but fell just shy of an even larger Texas hailstone found almost exactly a year ago. Hail up to 5.5 inches in diameter fell in Wellington in the Texas Panhandle on May 20, 2019.

A 5.5-inch hailstone was also found in Smithville, about an hour southeast of Austin, on March 18, 2018. It came up short of the six-inch stone collected by a storm chaser near Sunray, also in the Texas Panhandle, in June 2010.

Smith believes that the hail that affected Burkburnett was even bigger than 5.33 inches originally but says there's no telling how much so, because of melting and the handling of the chunk of ice.

"We're going to reach out to media partners and staff and talk about how to handle these giant hailstones from a data perspective," he said. "We were very concerned about 'how do you handle this?' You're not supposed to touch (them) with bare hands. You should put in (the) freezer in (a) sealed plastic bag ... there are lots of things like this. It's quite likely (this hailstone) could have been much bigger."

Officially, the U.S. hail record, and long-standing global record, comes from a hailstone that fell on Vivian, South Dakota, on July 23, 2010. It measured in at eight inches in diameter and nearly two pounds in weight. Some initial reports suggested that its spiked protrusions would have brought it to 11 inches across, but fragmentation upon hitting the ground - as well as melting and sublimation due to a power outage while storing it - made a dent in its size.

Hailstones between 7.1 and 9.3 inches in diameter also fell near Cordoba, Argentina, in 2018. Hailstones over six inches in diameter are increasingly becoming the subject of scientific fascination and study, recently earning their own category title: gargantuan.
On the first day of Eid El-Fitr on Sunday, many Cairo streets are virtually empty as the coronavirus restrictions have kept many Egyptians at home.

Mohamed, 23, says the Muslim holiday is rather depressing this year.

Im locked up at home with my family doing nothing. There were no Eid prayers, no gatherings and no sign of the typical joy seen in the streets every year.

Every year during the religious holiday, the young man travels with his family to their hometown in Sharqiya governorate to spend Eid with their extended family, and he would get up at dawn to perform the congregational Eid prayers at the towns local mosque. But with the restrictive coronavirus measures, the day was marked with no family reunions or the special annual Eid prayers as mosques around the country have been shut since March.

In the capital, only the Al-Sayyida Nafisa and Al-Fattah Al-Alim mosques were permitted by the religious endowments ministry to hold the Eid prayers, with only around two dozen worshippers from the ministry employees and mosque workers allowed to attend in each mosque. The prayers were broadcast live on TV.

Some mosques broadcast the special Takbirat Al-Eid  repeated recitation of Allahu Akbar and other words of worship prior to Eid prayers  although they remain shut to worshippers.

Cinemas, coffee shops, parks and other recreational sites that are typically occupied during Eid are closed throughout this week due to the coronavirus.

But some young men in Cairo sought to challenge the exceptional conditions and chose to gather around their cars, while some families opted to drive around in their cars.

Many pastry shops that sell traditional Eid cookies were shuttered on Sunday, and many announced they would either shut down during Eid or would only be selling their treats through delivery.

"I was supposed to be at the beach now," Salma Karem said.

Karem would typically travel together with her extended family to spend the holiday in the North Coast, but she also had to abandon her traditional Eid plans as the country has closed public beaches during the holiday to curb the spread of the virus.

Instead, she got together with her fathers side of the family via video call.

Where Salma lives, mosques did not broadcast Takbirat Al-Eid, so her family put them on TV so they can get into the Eid spirit.

In the city of Fayoum, southwest of Cairo, some kids were adamant to celebrate the Muslim holiday, lighting up fireworks on otherwise quiet streets, local resident Amira Abu Zeid told Ahram Online over phone.

The 25-year-old also halted her yearly ritual to be with her extended family and grandfather over fears of the virus.

Last week, Egypt announced it was imposing stricter measures during the Eid El-Fitr religious holiday, including extending the hours of the nightly curfew to begin on 5 pm instead of the previous 9 pm until Friday.

All shops, malls and beaches would continue to be shut and public transportation suspended throughout the six-day period.

Travel between governorates is also suspended. Only microbuses are allowed to operate normally in cities and between governorates before the curfew hours.

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When this is done and dusted, my first port of call will be Barcelona. I lived there for a year-and-a-half and grew to hate the place, but I enjoy going back for a three-day stint; four, tops.

I have a solid half-dozen pals who take turns putting me up and putting up with me every time I go. One option would be to do very little and just hang out at my friend's ranch.

I'm not a fan of the beach and Barceloneta is a man-made one, so on Saturday I'd head for the mountains near Terrassa. It's not too steep up there, which suits my 'pack-a-day' lung capacity.

Back in Barcelona for Saturday evening, if the budget suits, I'd have dinner in Els Quatre Gats. Picasso and friends would meet there back in the day, and it closed from 1903 to 1989. Fantastic fish and atmosphere. Otherwise, I'd pop into Sensi, a lovely little French bistro.

On Saturday night, I wouldn't move any further than Carrer Ample in the Gothic Quarter. My friends have a bar called Penny Banger, a classy venture which is Irish/Manchester operated, and I'd stay till the death.

If Sunday morning isn't written off or if I don't have a flight looming, I'd brunch in Gilda on Carrer Ample. Then I might hit my friends' bar again for the cure. If there's time before leaving, I'd go for a walk in Placa de Gaudi.

Calvin Sweeney is a DJ and also, with his brother Andy, runs Scoop Foundation, a charity working in Syria and Iraq with displaced young people, and distributing PPE in Ireland. For their annual art auction tonight, see scoopfoundation.org
By Mothers Day, Stella Coronas fever had subsided.

She was tough. Corona lived through two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Great Recession, a presidential assassination and 9/11. She made it to 102 years old despite smoking for about 70 of them and later dodging doctors recommendations for a pacemaker. For the last 20 years, shed been telling her kids and grandkids she thought she would die soon and no one believed her.

Corona, feeling the best she felt since being diagnosed with the coronavirus, made the dire prediction again.

I think the end is coming here, she told her granddaughter Cathy Boyle on the phone. Im tired, I cant fight this anymore.

Boyle reminded her of the improvements.

No, Cathy, she said. Im tired.

The novel coronavirus is cruel and Corona was right. Days later, her breaths became shorter and her symptoms returned. She refused phone calls as she staved off the virus for nearly two more weeks and died Friday, now apparently Onondaga Countys oldest victim.

Corona lived a life bookended by pandemics. She was born during the influenza pandemic of 1918. It killed her father, a Sicilian immigrant, just eight months after her birth. Her family says she took on the traits of so many people born to immigrant families: She was strong-willed, honest and a hard worker.

On Saturday, County Executive Ryan McMahon, a friend of Coronas family, mentioned her in his daily briefing. She is one of 115 people who have died from the coronavirus in Onondaga County.

She lived a great and full life, McMahon said.

Corona was born in 1918 and grew up in Brooklyn. Her family had immigrated from Sicily in search of better opportunities. Corona was the baby of the family. Her father, Giovanni Migliore, had created a macaroni factory. But shortly after she was born, he died from the influenza.

Victoria, Coronas mother, had married twice. Both men died young and Victoria raised all of her eight kids.

Stella eventually became a seamstress in New York City and met John Corona. Hed moved to New York City from Syracuse to work at his uncles gas station because of a poor Central New York job market in the mid-1930s.

The two got along well. Stella Corona was a master card player, which earned her the nickname Maverick. She enjoyed knock rummy and gin rummy. John was a jokester. Hed tell the same stories over and over until you memorized their punchlines.

The two married in 1936. By 1948, the couple had three children and moved to the North Side of Syracuse, where much of Johns family already lived in a community of Italians.

Each day, Corona would walk up North Salina Street to Learbury Clothes, where she worked as a seamstress. She never did get her drivers license.

Corona sewed pockets and pants, feeding each piece of clothing through a sewing machine. Every so often shed come home and show her kids where the needle punched through her skin.

She cooked spaghetti and meatballs every Sunday and sometimes pasta e fagioli. Corona earned a reputation as a protective mother. She hooked her youngest son, Joe, up to a leash-like contraption when they lived in Brooklyn, though she let him roam more when they moved to Syracuse.

When her husband turned 58, he was diagnosed with diabetes, and she turned that protectiveness on him. Corona watched what he ate and he lived another 30 years. He died in 2000, and Corona predicted she wouldnt be long behind him. Shed smoked cigarettes for about the first 70 years of her life, loved whiskey sours and salted her beers to stop them from becoming flat.

Her kids and grandkids never understood the pessimism. Her mind was as sharp as ever. Corona filled in crosswords until she died and knitted and crocheted by feel, even as her sight worsened.

Still, more than 10 years ago, she insisted on dictating her obituary to her granddaughter. She signed a do not resuscitate order long before the pandemic. She refused to get a pacemaker despite a weakening heart.

When news of the coronavirus spread, she reversed course. Corona was adamant about outlasting it: She would not face the same fate as her father.

Her spirit was strong for the last two months even as The Centers at St. Camillus, where she lived, went into a lockdown. Coronas family made sure they celebrated her 102nd birthday April 28. They had a cake delivered for the staff and residents.

Other residents had tested positive for the coronavirus. Then a neighbor tested positive.

In early May, Corona felt feverish and it was believed she had a urinary tract infection. She was taken to Upstate University Hospital and was tested for the coronavirus. She tested positive.

She started to come out of it, Boyle said. We thought she was going to make it maybe.

During the phone call on Mothers Day, Boyle began to get choked up. She tried passing the phone to her son Patrick, whos getting married in October. She needed to be there for it, they told her.

I dont think I can wait, Corona told him. I dont think I can make it.

Nurses told Coronas family she didnt feel much like talking because she had weakened. But they still tried to hold the phone up to Coronas ear, so she could hear words of encouragement.

As Corona fought, her ex-son-in-law and Boyles father, Leon Saya, died Wednesday. In Sayas obituary, he was listed as being survived by, among others, Corona.

Like many other families, Boyle now has to help plan limited funerals.

After Corona died, her daughter Catherine, 82, wrote out an obituary. Boyle reminded her they had one.

Her family reminisced over the phone about her trips to Vernon Downs, her love of history and how she had to shout Shut up, Johnnie at her husband when he began telling the same joke for the umpteenth time.

When Corona could feel the end approaching in that last phone call with her granddaughter and great-grandson, she chose to give advice for a marriage she wouldnt see.

Dont go to bed angry, she told him. Put your cards on the table, make sure theres honesty and trust always, no matter what. Thats what I can pass on to you and my words of wisdom for you.

MORE ON CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources

NY must own nursing home mistakes, learn from them (Editorial)

Amid the din of the pandemic, retiring CNY teachers end their careers in a whisper

Dozens of coronavirus patients well enough to leave Syracuse hospitals stuck in limbo

Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Chris Libonati via the Signal app for encrypted messaging at 585-290-0718, by phone at the same number, by email or on Twitter.
Sheikh Osman Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam on Sunday called on all stakeholders, especially the Electoral Commission to ensure a violence-free, fair and transparent elections ahead of the December polls.



"As a faith community committed to lasting peace and harmony, we call on all political stakeholders to avoid all tendencies that could jeopardize the political peace, harmony, and stability of the country as enjoined over the years, he added.



Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the spokesperson for the National Chief Imam made the call in a sermon to mark this years virtual Eid-Ul-Fitr celebration in Accra.



The fasting season, according to the Chief Imam was to help Muslims attained Allahs consciousness of piety and the need to evaluate themselves and see whether these values have been achieved.



He said the virtual celebration which was a result of restrictions on social gatherings directed by President Akufo-Addo in the wake of coronavirus (CONVID-19), provided an opportunity for Ghanaian Muslims to participate in the celebration at their various homes.



"The pandemic has provided Muslim faithful the unique opportunity to appreciate that we can worship our maker in private and experience a personal connection with Him.



We need to raise our hands in complete helplessness and nothingness in the presence of Allah that He alone who knows the beginning and end of things will ward off the pandemic that has brought the World under standstill", he said.



Sheikh Sharubutu said the pandemic had made Muslims learn to focus on the substance and the essence of worship rather than the form, expressing confidence that the quality of the just ended fasting had not diminished despite the COVID-19.



He commended the President for updating the citizenry in his address on the status of the pandemic and the need to continuously adhere to the preventive measures of ensuring social distancing and washing hands under running water to prevent the spread of the virus.



"President Akufo-Addos periodic appearance on state television to update Ghanaians on COVID-19 has been inspiring and effective in its awareness creation value. We encourage the President to forge ahead with any measure necessary in his thinking and the counsel of health advisors to curb the further spread of the virus".



The Chief Imam commended Ghanaian Muslims for behaving responsibly and adhering to the Presidents directives on social gatherings, saying no Muslims in the country met in any open space to pray.



He said the Office of the Chief Imam with support from Imams from the various sects across the country presented a cheque of GHc130,000 to the National COVID-19 Fund.



Sheikh Sharubutu commended the President for appointing a Muslim figure, Justice Issifu Imoro Tanko Amadu as Supreme Court Judge, stressing that the gesture would serve as an inspiration to many upcoming young Muslim lawyers who aspire to greater height in the legal profession and the general space of education.



He said the lifting of the social gathering restrictions was highly anticipated and suggested that if these restrictions were lifted, Muslim worship places and educational facilities and other centres would have a comprehensive programme of disinfection in all these areas to help in fighting the spread of the disease.



He called on the President to intervened and help facilitate the conclusion on the ongoing discussion on the harmonization of Muslim Marriage and Inheritance Law which was before the ministry of Justice.



Mr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the Minister of Inner City and Zongo Development presented an undisclosed amount of money to the Chief Imam to pray for the President to guide the country and find solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic

Source: GNA









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- The two GSU officers are attached at Mariara Police Station and were arrested alongside three civilians

- The civilians are northeastern residents and were aboard a Toyota Prado car trailing the police Land Cruiser driven by the two officers

- Isiolo County Commissioner Herman Shambi said the two officers had tainted image of the government badly and as such, with be dully prosecuted

Two police officers from Mariara Police Station in Meru are in the soup after being arrested while transporting narcotics.

TUKO.co.ke has learnt the duo, from the General Service Unit (GSU), were nabbed in Gotu area in Isiolo county with sacks of bhang in the trunk of a government Land Cruiser assigned to them.

READ ALSO: Nairobi man arrested with over 5K fake bottle tops for local alcohol brands

The two GSU officers are attached at Mariara Police Station in Meru county. Photo: Tony Anelka.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Bikizee mwenye miaka 107 apona virusi vya corona nchini Iran

Confirming the incident, Isiolo County Commissioner Herman Shambi said the government vehicle was being trailed by a private Toyota Prado that was also transporting the same illegal substance.

"We have arrested two GSU officers and three civilians transporting 600 kilos of bhang in a government vehicle and personal car at Gotu," Shambi was quoted by Daily Nation on Sunday, May 24.

READ ALSO: KSh 15,000,000 Betika weekly jackpot makes mega come back

The government vehicle was being trailed by a private Toyota Prado. Photo: Tony Anelka.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Coronavirus update: 22 more cases confirmed, Kenya's count races to 1,214

Shambi said the two officers will be duly prosecuted adding that their conduct had tainted the government's image.

According to the County Commissioner, occupants of the private car were local residents including a Jua Kali artisan who have been on the radar of authorities over drug trafficking.

"We will not spare anyone. The officers caught in drug business will be severely dealt with, he stated.

About one month ago, TUKO.co.ke reported another incident where an ambulance belonging, Takaba, a private hospital in Mandera, was transporting narcotics worth KSh 3 million.

The vehicle with illegal cargo was identified after it was involved in an accident that killed three.

According to police, the vehicle also had a consignment of onions which was used to conceal smell of the bhang.

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly.

I slept with multiple women, did all sorts of drugs before God changed me - Pastor Chris | Tuko TV.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
GREENWICH  Community Centers Inc. of Greenwich will host a virtual walkathon to fight cabin fever and isolation during the coronavirus pandemic on Saturday, June 6.

The human services organization, which helps clients build skills to overcome educational, social and economic barriers, is inviting the public to follow five easy steps to join the event.

Step 1: Pick a loop youd like to walk  around your block, a track or a park, for example.

Step 2: Sign up sponsors to pledge a dollar amount for each lap that you complete.

Step 3: Return your sponsorship form and your pledges by Thursday, June 4.

Step 4: Complete your laps by Saturday, June 6.

Step 5: Let CCI leaders know how you are doing and post your pictures on the organizations Facebook and Twitter pages.

You dont have to complete all your laps at the same time, just on the walkathon day. Head out in the morning and come back later to do more, CCI leaders said in an email.

The objective is to do as many laps as possible by June 7. Each lap means more contributions for CCI, the statement said.

During the pandemic, CCI has been providing food and groceries to more than 170 individuals living in Greenwich subsidized housing. Support from this virtual walkathon will help organization leaders continue to provide this service, they said.

The goal is to raise $6,500, for 65 years of CCI service, leaders said.

Make checks payable to: Community Centers, Inc., or CCI. When using PayPal, add Walkathon in the memo area. To donate online, visit ccigreenwich.org/donate/. Pledge forms can be found at ccigreenwich.org/donate/.

A rain date will be set for Sunday, June 7.
President Donald Trump plans to be on the Florida coast Wednesday to watch American astronauts blast into orbit from the Kennedy Space Center for the first time in nearly a decade.

It will be the first time since the space shuttle program ended in 2011 that U.S. astronauts will launch into space aboard an American rocket from American soil.

Also new Wednesday: a private company  not NASA  is running the show.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is the conductor and NASA the customer as businesses begin chauffeuring astronauts to the International Space Station. With American shuttles no longer in use, the United States has had to rely on Russia for rides to the station.

The NASA/SpaceX Commercial Crew flight test launch will carry NASA's newest test pilots, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

They're scheduled to blast off at 4:33 p.m. EDT from launch pad 39A, the same one the Apollo astronauts used to get to the moon.

The shift to private companies allows NASA to zero in on deep space travel. The space agency is working to return astronauts to the moon by 2024 under orders from the White House, but that deadline appears increasingly unlikely even as three newly chosen commercial teams rush to develop lunar landers. Mars also beckons.

The White House portrayed the launch as an extension of Trump's promise to reassert American dominance in space. He recently oversaw creation of the Space Force as the sixth branch of the armed forces.

"Our destiny, beyond the Earth, is not only a matter of national identity, but a matter of national security," Trump said in a statement.

Vice President Mike Pence, who is chairman of the National Space Council, also plans to attend Wednesday's launch.

 Associated Press

'Parenthood' star's videos go viral

Sarah Ramos always knew Dylan O'Brien had the range.

The actress, best known for NBC's "Parenthood," went viral on Thursday after uploading a video in which she and O'Brien reenacted the climax of David Fincher's "The Social Network." O'Brien, who starred in MTV's "Teen Wolf" and the "Maze Runner" films, played Eduardo Saverin, a role originally taken on by Andrew Garfield. Ramos pulled double duty as Jesse Eisenberg's Mark Zuckerberg and Justin Timberlake's Sean Parker. Borrowing the original script and score, the actors re-created the scene in which an irate Saverin, who is being pushed out of Facebook, threatens Zuckerberg by telling him to "lawyer up."

The reenactment, shot from their respective homes, attracted tens of thousands of interactions on Twitter  and even caught the attention of Garfield, who wrote to his friend Lin-Manuel Miranda that O'Brien had "MURDERED it." It was the latest in a series of videos Ramos has been uploading throughout quarantine, in which she and the occasional guest star reenact scenes that "feel symbolic to me, in some way."

"It's really crazy," Ramos says. "As my fiance and I have mentioned, it's crazy that we made this in our living room and then people are talking about it the next day. It makes me happy and proud."

 Associated Press

Acclaimed novelist hosts radio show

Acclaimed Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami, hosting a special radio show from home, painted a brighter side of the world with his favorite music, and said the fight against the coronavirus is a challenge in figuring out ways to help and care for each other.

The 71-year-old, known for bestsellers such as "A Wild Sheep Chase" and "Windup Bird Chronicle," said Friday he hoped the show would "blow away some of the corona-related blues."

Murakami opened the two-hour late night show "Murakami Radio Stay Home Special" with "Look for the Silver Lining" by the Modern Folk Quartet, followed by 16 other songs, selected from classical to jazz, pop and rock. Their common thread: smile, sunshine, rainbow, birthday memories and other happy sides of life.

Murakami said comparing the fight against the coronavirus to a war, as politicians often do, is inappropriate. "It's a challenge for us to figure out how we can share our wisdom to cooperate, help each other and keep balance. It's not a war to kill each other but a fight of wisdom to let us all live," he said. "We don't need enmity and hatred here."

 Associated Press
Eva Longoria has revealed she obtained her latest directing job after she channelled being a white man.

The actress, 45, was pitching to head up Flamin' Hot, a biopic about the man who invented Cheetos.

Before the interview, she revealed she was given advice from her Desperate Housewives producer Brian Tanen which helped her land the job.

Changed attitude: Eva Longoria, 45, has revealed she obtained her latest directing job after she channelled being a white man

She told The Sun on Sunday: 'I was practising pitching with him and he said, "Stop right there. Put on your male privilege pants and stop ASKING to do this movie. Walk in the room as if that movie's yours and you're directing it and tell them this is how you're going to cast it, this is how you're going to shoot it."

'And I thought, "Oh my gosh, yeah! I'm not a man and I'm not white, so I wouldn't think to do that". It was a change in approach to every sentence that came out of my mouth. Because as a woman, we want to be amenable. We want to be seen as cooperative.'

The Hollywood beauty also discussed why she showed off her grey hairs to her Instagram followers last month.

Hair me out: Eva shared an honest moment with fans last month when she unveiled her grey hair in a video posted on her Instagram account

She said: 'I always say, "Every time I'm on a red carpet, my look is an illusion". Those aren't my lashes and that isn't my hair colour or my cleavage. I've always been open to people. There's nothing scary about grey hair, you can fix it.'

The star, who married Joe Baston in 2016 and shares a son with the Mexican businessman, also opened up about her difficulties breaking into the acting world.

She said she would do nine auditions a day, changing outfits between them, as she desperately sought to break into Hollywood.

Tresses: The 45-year-actress displayed the lighter tufts of hair to her almost 8million followers

Eva worked at the time as a recruitment consultant on the side but would audition for every role going, including 'hookers', so she could get her break.

Her breakthrough soon came when she was cast as Gabrielle Solis in US hit Desperate Housewives, which played from 2004 to 2012.

She said it was the last audition of the day and hadn't even had time to read the full script, but still impressed the show's producers and won the coveted role.

The actress also revealed her mother instilled in her a pride of her Latina heritage from a young age.

Breakout role: The actress stared as Gabrielle Solis in Desperate Housewives from 2004 to 2012

When Eva, who was raised in Texas, was teased on the bus for eating a bean taco when everyone else was eating Pop Tarts, her mother packed her two bean tacos the next day, telling her never to forget where she came from.

This week, the actress and her husband celebrated their four-year wedding anniversary with a socially-distanced 'front yard flamenco'.

Eva uploaded a series of posts to Instagram on Thursday to mark the milestone and praised partner Jose Antonio Baston as 'the kindest soul I have ever known'.

She looked radiant as she slipped into a black linen maxi dress and went bare foot to enjoy a live performance from a flamenco band at her home.

Inseparable: Eva Longoria, 45, and her husband have celebrated their four-year wedding anniversary with a socially-distanced 'front yard flamenco'

The pair swilled glasses of red wine as they listened to the music but their one-year-old son Santiago stole the show as he danced enthusiastically.

Eva uploaded snippets of the musical escapade alongside a caption that read: 'Wow what a wedding anniversary [red heart].

'Thank you @manuelguitierrez6 and @flamencodistrict for helping us celebrate our anniversary!

'Dancing 6 feet away... #frontyardflamencoconcert #socialdistancing #anniversary.'
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Hi Neighbor,

Nothing much happens these days without it circling back to the coronavirus and an America-In-Lockdown -- now a matter of such consternation, despite it saving lives.

Theres a Sirius XM program called Radio Classics (Channel 148.) As youd guess, it features old-time radio shows from the 1940s and 50s. Johnny Dollar, Dragnet, The Whistler, Gunsmoke, Hopalong Cassidy, Abbott and Costello, The Jack Benny Show, Life of Riley and a bunch of others.

Whats really fun are the shows vintage commercials. Some of us are just about old enough to remember Lux Toilet Soap  Even Ida Lupino is a Lux Girl. Rinso -- It soaks Clothes Whiter. Motorolas Admiral portable radios  Just $19.95. Shave with Barbasol. Or those tiny, new-fangled, boxy GE portable TVs  $129 or just $1.95 a week with 5% down!

One that got me thinking about the coronavirus lockdown was an advertisement for Crisco. Fat in the Can, we called it as kids. I didnt catch the date but it must have aired sometime between 1940 and 1945.The World War II era.

The salesmans pitch: Crisco wont put a dent in your Red Stamp Rationing Book. Lard and butter, you see, were rationed and in short supply.

During the war, Americans were issued stamps to purchase goods hard to come by because they were diverted to the war effort, or we couldnt get them from overseas because of the war. Red stamps were for meat and butter and blue stamps were for processed foods.

If you ran out of coupons before the end of the month, you were out of luck. Or you bartered with a neighbor.

Ladies couldnt get stockings because nylon was needed for parachutes. Lard and butter  fat -- were pretty good in making bombs. In fact, The American Fat Salvage Committee urged housewives to save all the fat from cooking and donate it to the Army. Fat makes glycerin, and glycerin makes bombs. Crisco, on the other hand, was made from non-rationed vegetable oil.

Sugar, coffee, meat, cheese, canned fish, canned milk? All needed for the boys overseas. And you could forget rubber tires for your car.

But enough about Crisco and nylons. Its not Fat in a Can that brings to mind todays 2020 global crisis.

Its sacrifice.

I suppose everything looks better through the lens of history, a lens we have the ability to adjust, but theres reason the Americans who gave birth to the Baby Boomer Generation are called The Greatest Generation.

As Americans died on the battlefields of Europe, a charismatic president named FDR asked Americans at home to sacrifice.

"There is one front and one battle where everyone in the United States -- every man, woman, and child -- is in action, and will be privileged to remain in action throughout this war, FDR told the nation in one of his Fireside Chats. That front is right here at home, in our daily lives, and in our daily tasks.

Here at home everyone will have the privilege of making whatever self-denial is necessary."

Self-denial, the equality of sacrifice  a privilege -- FDR called it. The Greatest Generation complied. Their country was at war.

Times change. The Baby Boomer Generation morphed into The Me Generation. Memories grew shorter as times got better. And as ludicrous and un-American as it is to say, too much of a democracy may not always be such a good thing.

Todays lockdown protesters will say we are not at war. If we were to ration today, it would be for toilet paper, Clorox wipes and Chinese food.

Arent we, though? Our Commander in Chief, a man so many Staten Islanders admire, thinks so.

"I view the invisible enemy [coronavirus] as a war," President Trump told the nation. "I don't like how it got here, because it could have been stopped, but . . . I view the invisible enemy like a war."

And then he doubled down.

"We went through the worst attack we've ever had on our country . . . This is worse than Pearl Harbor. This is worse than the World Trade Center. There's never been an attack like this.

Pretty heavy words from the free worlds commander-in-chief. But let us not forget . . . hes also the tweeter-in-chief.

Trump hyperbole again? I dont think so. Neither do a lot of medical experts.

This is a war. One we are winning. In only two or three months. Staten Island matched its lowest increase in the number of deaths  two -- related to the coronavirus during a 24-hour period last week. But it has not been without enormous casualty.

So is this the time to let our guard down?

Anyone with a heart should ache when we think of Staten Island businesses on the verge of collapse and their owners  our neighbors - struggling, on the verge of bankruptcy.

We should ache when we see families who never worried about their next meal on a North Shore food pantry line.

We should feel for even of high schoolers and their families who looked forward to celebrating the hard work and that huge next step into a new chapter of their young lives. All now put on pause.

Most of all, we should ache for the thousands and thousands of families  almost 950 right here on Staten Island  who mourn not a veteran lost in war this Memorial Day weekend, but a loved one just lost to the murderous invader of America during the War of 2020.

What were they thinking at a gym in New Jersey where scores showed up the other day as the owner defied state orders and opened the doors? Just so they could sweat. And possibly spread a potential killer.

Not sacrifice.

What are they thinking when they demand to go to a shuttered beach or park, just to bake in the sun? Or stage a wedding or neighborhood barbecue?

Not sacrifice.

USA. USA. USA, they chant.

Do they really think USA freedom is under siege? Or is it all about them? Sacrifice be damned.

The focus of Americas leaders who urge caution is getting America on its feet, just as it is for those who want to throw open Americas doors.

Throwing open the doors is not the answer. Focusing on those really in need until we are sure the invader has been defeated is. Not on those who think freedom means doing anything they want.

Theres something called The Greater Good. They should look it up.

Brian

Oh by the way: For those not working from home who think the whole work-from-home thing is just one long vacation, think again. Theres no such thing as a beginning or end of a work-from-home day. In the pre-pandemic days, you went to the office at a certain time and left at a certain time. At home, there are no boundaries. A conference call at 8 a.m.? Thats fine. A conference call at 8 p.m.? Sure! Still, they need to be thankful. But there are certainly lessons being learned by businesses across the country. Work-from-home, well . . . works. Do we really need all that office space? And the astronomical costs that go with it?
It will be interesting to see what happens in B-N restaurants when the governor lifts the executive order that has banned in-house dining for nine weeks.

Will diners rush into their favorite restaurants and taverns or will the reopening see a trickle of customers hesitantly returning?

When the governor issued the executive order banning in-house dining that went into effect on St Patricks Day, most local restaurant owners thought as I did  If they could just get through a couple of weeks of the in-house ban, then the governor would lift the order, and it will be similar to opening a faucet as the customers pour back into their favorite restaurants and taverns.

Now, however, many local restaurant owners are unsure of what will happen when the ban is lifted and are getting concerned in-house diners may not return as quickly as everyone first thought.

What has changed?

One is their customers now have experienced more than nine weeks of staying at home, and the public has been well educated about the dangers of COVID-19 after the pandemic has completely dominated the news cycle for months. Plus, the headlines of the foreseeable future will be a daily reminder of the remaining presence and dangers of COVID-19.

When the in-house dining ban first went into effect, my prediction was local, privately owned restaurants would be the first to close permanently, which has not proven accurate.

I only know of five B-N restaurants that have permanently closedfour franchises and a corporate: TGI Fridays, Zoup!, Slim Chickens, Tony Romas and Logans Roadhouse.

Almost all local restaurant owners, while managing to stay open, are struggling to keep their doors open with pickup, curbside pickup, and delivery and are waiting for the day the in-house dining ban is lifted, which they believe may assure their survival.

As I heard someone say, It is a tug-of-war between lives and livelihoods.

Another reason why the customers may not come flocking back as hoped is the fantastic job local restaurants have done converting on the fly to curbside pickup, pickup and delivery.

My wife Kay and I are good examples. Before staying at home, Kay and I seldom did pickup or delivery. We were not even aware of the term curbside pickup.

But now, Kay has mastered online ordering, and I must admit curbside pickup is very convenient and safe with little or no personal contact. Curbside pickup, pickup and delivery now have become a part of our dining experiences and I would guess for many others.

How quickly will we return to in-house dining when it becomes available? I know Kay will not be the first one through the door when the in-house ban is lifted.

And before the restaurant owners can finalize any reopening plans, they will have to wait and see what restrictions, if any, the governor will place on in-house dining.

One restriction that apparently is being discussed is reducing the number of seats in restaurants to help meet social distancing guidelines. Local restaurant and tavern owners tell me they have a concern depending on the number of seats that will be allowed, since traffic and volume make the numbers work to be profitable.

What other parts of their operation will they need to change to safely serve their customers and to follow any guidelines issued? They are unsure at this time, which is understandable.

And, if all this is not enough for restaurant owners, a very recent additional concern is the looming price increases and the availability of all food supplies, especially beef, pork, poultry and eggs.

Most restaurants operate on such a thin margin that some price increases probably will be passed along to the consumer, which would mean raising menu prices.

Now is a challenging time to be a restaurant owner!

Check it out: 20 Bloomington-Normal restaurants from the past we wish would come back

Carius, of Bloomington, is a former food program and plan review supervisor for the McLean County Health Department. His Facebook blog, Bloomington-Normal Restaurant Scene, has 24,000 followers.

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By Express News Service

KOZHIKODE: Coronavirus on Sunday claimed one more life in Kerala. A 53-year-old woman from Wayanad Kalpetta, Kottathara passed away at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (KMCH) at 3 pm.

A cancer patient, she arrived at Kochi International Airport from Dubai on May 20 and was admitted to a private hospital here. On the next day she was shifted to KMCH after testing positive. Already sick, she was in the ICU of COVID ward.

Her husband tested negative and is under institutional quarantine in Kozhikode. The couple had been living in Dubai for long.

According to sources, her mortal remains would be buried in Kozhikode itself.

On Sunday, 52 new cases were found in the state.

Kerala has so far recorded six COVID deaths, including a resident of Mahe who died in Kannur hospital.
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is questioning President Donald Trumps leadership in the coronavirus pandemic and bashing his refusal to coordinate with other world leaders.

When asked his opinion on how Trump was leading the nation, Blair said he was worried about the lack of global coordination in tackling the crisis.

'The worry I have that an absence of global coordination and global leadership thats necessary for it is a huge problem,' he said in an interview with NBC News on Friday.

'When I think back to the times when I'm dealing with American presidents whether its Bill Clinton or George Bush, Barack Obama as well, the most important thing at a time like this is to say, "How do you bring the world together?"'

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is questioning President Donald Trumps leadership in the coronavirus pandemic and bashing his refusal to coordinate with other world leaders

With global coordination he said leaders could find a vaccine together, accelerate the development of therapeutics and testing capability, and organize economic measures to keep the international economy afloat.

'It's that global coordination, the absence of which means that each individual country's less effective at dealing with the disease. That's the thing that worries me,' he stated.

Blair, who served from 1997 to 2007 and was a key ally of President George W. Bush in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, called the pandemic 'terrifying'.

When asked his opinion on Trump's suggestion that people could beat the virus by injecting disinfectant into their system he said: 'I think most people would understand what I would think, but it's probably better sometimes not to say it.'

When asked his opinion on Trump's suggestion that people could beat the virus by injecting disinfectant into their system he said: 'I think most people would understand what I would think, but it's probably better sometimes not to say it'

He said that in Western countries people are well-informed about the disease but not sufficiently informed about the economic collapse it could trigger.

'The safest thing for any political leader to do is just keep the lockdown because the risk of COVID-19 spreading is going to be minimal, but on the other hand if youre looking responsibly into how you get through this into the medium term without the economic wreckage being absolutely devastated,' he said.

'Political leaders around the world have got to be thinking about how to get the economy moving again,' he added.

Across the globe COVID-19 has infected more than 5.3million with the US leading with the highest number of infections. Economies across the globe have been shut down in the crisis.

In the US, the first quarter of 2020 saw the steepest decline since the Great Recession as unemployment climbed to over 40million.

In the US, states have started phased reopenings as President Donald Trump continues his rallying cry to fully open the entire country and restart the economy.

In Trumps time in office he has strained international alliances and withdrawn from agreements including the Iran nuclear deal, the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Paris climate agreement.

Following the coronavirus outbreak he threatened to freeze US funding for the World Health Organization, accusing the agency of being too closely tied to China and for its handling of the virus.
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Keralites on Sunday



celebrated a low-key Eid-ul-Fitr amid the coronavirus lockdown in the state as most of the faithful marked the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan by offering thanksgiving prayers at home.

The festival is being celebrated across Kerala and Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, while the rest of the country will celebrate Eid on Monday.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extended Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to all Keralites across the world.

State Governor Arif Mohammed Khan also extended his festival wishes to all the Keralites.

"May we also have the blessing to prevent and eliminate the COVID-19 disease," Khan tweeted.

Vijayan said this year Ramzan is celebrated at a time when the world is going through "an unprecedented crisis and misery" because of pandemic COVID-19.

"Usual celebration during Ramzan is not there anywhere in the world due to the pandemic. Instead of offering prayers at mosques, which is important for Muslims, this time the prayers and the feast is performed in their homes. Community leaders have taken this important decision to protect the interests of the society" he added.

The chief minister said Eid-ul-Fitr gives out a message of equality, tolerance and repentance.

The state government had earlier announced that the lockdown restrictions in the state onSunday will be relaxed in the view of Eid-ul-Fitr with shops selling essential items remaining open.

The State government had earlier declared that a complete shutdown would be observed in Kerala on Sundays in order to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In the spring of 1980, the Irish Department of Defence sanctioned the establishment of a new unit within the Irish Defence Forces and the Irish Army Ranger Wing (ARW) came into being.

In the decades that followed, its soldiers have been deployed on active service at home and abroad, generally without the knowledge of the wider public.

The ARW is made up of seasoned men from across the island, who are selected through tough competition.

Only the best of the best make it through and are trained in an extraordinary range of specialist skills.

Being one of these elite operators takes more than simply being a skilled soldier  it means believing you are the best.

Shadow Warriors tells the story behind the creation of the ARW, from its origins in specialist counter-terrorism training in the late 1960s and the preparation of small unconventional units in the 1970s to the formation of the ARW itself in 1980 and its subsequent history.

Shadow Warriors is the first and only authoritative account in the public domain of this specialist unit.

Authors Paul OBrien and Kildare-based Sergeant Wayne Fitzgerald have been granted access to the closed and clandestine world of Irelands Special Forces, who train hard, fight harder and face unconventional types of warfare, yet prefer to stay out of the limelight.

Co-author Sgt Fitzgerald joined the Defence Forces in 1990, serving with the 5 Inf Bn until 1997.

He has worked in a number of roles in the Army and Air Corps HQ.

In 2011 he was attached to Defence Forces HQ to work on the website www.military.ie.

He then became the editor of the Defence Forces' Connect newsletter.

In May 2011 he was appointed editor of An Cosantoir, where he still works.

Athy-based Sgt Fitzgerald has served overseas as a peacekeeper with the UN, EU and NATO in Lebanon (1991), Kosovo (2002, 2010) and Bosnia (2008).

Co-author Mr OBrien is a military historian and works for the Office of Public Works at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham.

An author of fifteen books, he has written extensively on the military strategy of the 1916 Rising, as well as the British Army in Ireland.

Two of his books, Blood on the Streets and Crossfire, were turned into the critically acclaimed drama-documentary A Terrible Beauty.

He lives in Santry, Dublin with his wife, daughter and two cats.

Sgt Fitzgerald told the Leader that many ARW members live in the general Co Kildare area.

He explained: For rapid deployment on operations, most ARW operatives must reside within a close proximity to the Curragh Camp, so its safe to say the majority would reside within Co Kildare.

The ARW have their own military compound within the Curragh Camp, where they practice and train.

Sgt Fitzgerald added: But the ARW would train all over Ireland, inside other Defence Forces facilities and in private and public areas where they would have prior permission and in conjunction with An Garda Siochana (AGS).

A good example of this would be Exercise Ullamh (Prepare), conducted in conjunction with AGSI in December 2017.

The exercise involved over 500 military personnel and assets from all three services and was spearheaded by the ARW.

At present, the ARW are taking part in what is considered the UN's most dangerous mission in Mali with MINUSMA.

According to Sgt Fitzgerald, as of June 2019, 123 MINUSMA peacekeeping and law enforcement personnel have been killed since July 2013, along with 358 who were seriously injured.

He continued: The ARW peacekeepers are being deployed in a response to an upsurge in violence in northern Mali, which is led by Al Qaeda affiliated militant groups.

They will be used for long-range reconnaissance patrols, with direct action.

This requires speed, mobility, flexibility, the ability to undertake missions that regular infantry soldiers are not trained for.

So what does the future hold for the ARW?

Sgt Fitzgerald said: With technology and advancements in tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) the ARW is leading the way for other Defence Forces personnel to train and operate.

The ARW will go from strength to strength as they are constantly training and operating at such a high level, and their operational teams are building their skill sets.

BUY A COPY

Published by Mercier Press Shadow Warriors: The Irish Army Ranger Wing is currently available as an eBook on Amazon RRP3.44.

A print version will be available once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
Boris Johnson has trashed public trust and adherence to lockdown, government advisers warned last night.

Psychology professor Stephen Reicher said the Prime Ministers defence of Dominic Cummings had threatened the UKs fight against coronavirus.

The University of St Andrews academic, who serves on the Sage committee advising the Government on behavioural science, tweeted: I can say that in a few short minutes tonight, Boris Johnson has trashed all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control Covid-19.

Boris Johnson has trashed public trust and adherence to lockdown, Government advisers warned last night. Pictured: Mr Johnson during tonight's Dowing Street press briefing

Psychology professor Stephen Reicher (pictured) said the Prime Ministers defence of Dominic Cummings had threatened the UKs fight against coronavirus

Be open and honest, we said. Trashed. Respect the public, we said. Trashed. Ensure equity, so everyone is treated the same, we said. Trashed. Be consistent we said. Trashed. Make clear we are all in it together. Trashed.

Shortly after the comment was shared, three other government advisers, two also on the committee, echoed Professor Reichers anger.

On Saturday, the Government said Mr Cummings had acted 'reasonably and legally' in response to claims he had driven 270 miles from London to Durham with his wife amid the nationwide lockdown.

Retired chemistry teacher Robin Lees then claimed he saw Mr Cummings and his family on April 12 walking in the town of Barnard Castle, according to The Guardian and The Mirror.

On Saturday, the Government said Mr Cummings had acted 'reasonably and legally' in response to claims he had driven 270 miles from London to Durham with his wife amid the nationwide lockdown. Pictured: Mr Cummings leaving No. 10 today

The town is 30 miles from Durham, where the aide had been self-isolating. Mr Lees has reportedly made a complaint to the police.

Mr Cummings was photographed back in Downing Street on April 14 before a passerby claimed to have seen him in Durham again on April 19.

But despite ten Tory backbenchers demanding Mr Cummings's head, Mr Johnson refused to bow to public and political pressure to sack his top aide.

He claimed Mr Cummings had 'no alternative' but to make the journey when both he and his wife Mary Wakefield were 'about to be incapacitated by coronavirus.'

The prime minister said he had 'extensive face-to-face' talks with Mr Cummings, claiming his close associate had 'acted responsibly, legally and with integrity'.

Following Professor Reicher's Tweet, Susan Michie, professor of health psychology at University College London said: I dont want science to be dragged down by association with dishonesty.

Shortly after the comment was shared, three other Government advisers also on the committee, including Professor Susan Michie (left) and Professor Robert West (right), who echoed Professor Reichers anger

My fear is that science, which is key to getting through this pandemic, will be diminished in the eyes of the public.

Robert West, also part of the advisory group, backed his colleagues as he shared Professor Michies post.

Professor West had earlier tweeted: Conservative MPs and supporters must be feeling alarmed at what is going on in government. It is nothing short of a shambles with Trumpian levels of deceit.

The people of this country are being treated like idiots and I doubt that they will stand for it.

He also implored the public to continue following the guidance on the lockdown, adding: There is a natural human tendency to say, If someone else can flout it, so can I, but who will suffer? Dominic Cummings wont suffer if we abandon it, the Prime Minister wont suffer  it will be the people who we love who will suffer.

Epidemiologist on the Governments Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling Adam Kurcharski (pictured) said it's going to be more difficult to achieve contact tracing through public adherence

Adam Kucharski, an epidemiologist on the Governments Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, added: I spent this weekend refining our contact tracing analysis.

'One of the things thats always stood out is that for these targeted measures to work, we need public adherence to quarantine to be very high.

'But I fear its now going to be far more difficult to achieve this.
LG Poland recently released a highly objectionable video on its official TikTok channel in a bid to promote the V60 ThinQ's dual screen accessory. The ad, instead of promoting the phone and the accessory, seemed to promote sexism. LG has now taken down the ad and has issued an apology.

Working For Notebookcheck Are you a techie who knows how to write? Then join our Team! English native speakers welcome! News Writer (AUS/NZL based) - Details here

The LG V60 ThinQ offers a neat dual screen accessory that not only enhances productivity but also offers much improved protection and grip compared to a similar accessory that the G8X ThinQ shipped with earlier. Given the utility of the case and its reasonable price of US$100, it shouldn't be too hard for LG to sell it to the target audience.

But LG Poland's inexpedient approach to marketing the V60 ThinQ's dual screen accessory comes as a shocker at a time when society as a whole is endeavoring to uproot sexism both in personal and professional spheres.

In a now-deleted video posted on LG Polska's (now changed to LG Poland) official TikTok page, a creepy old man (who is actually an actor in prosthetics going by his TikTok profile) is seen taking inappropriate photos of a young woman climbing stairs without her knowledge using his dual screen LG device. The woman, upon hearing the camera shutter, turns back and grabs the phone from the man but only finds his selfies. She apologizes and returns the device. However, unbeknownst to her, the "old man" is actually able to swipe those inappropriate photos on the dual screen accessory.

The video, which has already garnered 20 million views on TikTok, was actually created by user @sawardega and was used by LG Poland for its promotion. Although the video has been taken down  both by LG Poland and from the creator's profile  it has become viral on other social media platforms.

As a responsible publication, we do not condone such inappropriate promotions and hence will not be linking the said video.

LG has now apologized to its LG Poland TikTok audience and also sent a statement to Phone Arena. The company said,

A recent video posted by LG Poland failed to follow the proper approval process for social media content. It did not live up to the standards and policy of LG Electronics and was immediately removed. We apologize for any offense this ill-conceived video may have caused. We will strive to prevent such an occurrence from happening again in the future."

While LG has been quick to take down this misconceived ad, it does highlight that companies do take societal sensibilities for granted at times. A little effort in ensuring that promotional videos conform with company policies can go a long way in preventing such thoughtless marketing.

On a related note, videos that are apparently vexatious, absurd, objectionable, and even downright unethical abound on platforms such as TikTok, prompting many netizens, especially in India, to bring down the app's rating on the Google Play Store as a sign of protest.
Americans must maintain social distancing and there should not be more than 10 people during public gatherings, the top White House official on coronavirus said on Sunday as the states across the US gradually started to reopen their economies.

Responding to questions, Deborah Brix said that the Trump administration has been working with every county and state and local official, both through the Center of Disease Control and through the governors, to encourage proactive testing.

During this reopening, social gatherings should not be more than 10 people, even if they're outside, because you still need to maintain that social distancing, Dr Brix told ABC in an interview on a Sunday talk show.

More than 97,000 Americans have died of coronavirus in the last three months and over 1.6 million have tested positive.

As the rate of new cases showed signs of decline, states have now started reopening their economies.

On Friday, Trump issued an order to declare places of worship as essential services.

I think it's our job as public health officials every day to be informing the public of what puts them at risk. And we have made it clear that there is asymptomatic spread. And that means that people are spreading the virus unknowingly, she said.

So we really want to be clear all the time that social distancing is absolutely critical. If you can't social distance and you're outside, you must wear a mask. These are items that really critical to protect individuals, she said.

During the last few months, she said the US has learned a lot about this virus.

But we now need to translate that learning into real changed behaviour that stays with us so that we can continue to drive down the number of cases, she said.

More than 70 per cent of the American businesses are likely to be open by Monday, but the Americans are expected to experience economic pain over the next few months, another White House official.

The United States is definitely in recovery now, the Senior Advisor to the President on the Economic Task Force and the former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, Kevin Hassett, told MSNBC in an interview.

In early April about 50 per cent of American businesses were open and 50 per cent closed. And right now, as of the latest numbers, we're closing in -- probably by Monday will be about 70 per cent open, he said in response to a question.

So open doesn't mean your sales are back to where they were. There's still going to be a lot of economic pain over the next few months but the fact is that everything's trajecting in the right directory.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

So goes the famous quote from Lord Acton, who was an outspoken critic of oppressive government in the nineteenth century.

That saying would seem to apply to a certain governor of New Jersey in the 21st century.

Phil Murphy seemed like a reasonable enough guy until this coronavirus crisis came along. Then he started issuing decrees like this one:

It shall be the duty of every person or entity in this State . to cooperate fully in all matters concerning this Executive Order, and to cooperate fully with Administrative Orders issued pursuant to this Executive Order.

When Ive asked Murphy whether he intends to continue ruling indefinitely by executive order, he said thats not his intention. But hes given no date for giving up those powers.

One recent quote was particularly ominous.

Until either a proven vaccine is in our midst, or proven therapeutics are widely available we cannot firmly enter the new normal which eventually awaits us when life will once again return to all our workplaces, downtowns and main streets, Murphy said during one of his regular COVID-19 briefings in Trenton.

What recourse does the humble citizen have in the face of such power?

I put that question to Enrique Guerra-Pujol. Hes a professor of business law at the University of Central Florida. He recently published a paper arguing citizens deprived of the use of their property for extended periods of time could bring a case for compensation under the takings clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Each state governor has to figure out which law gives him the power to take emergency measures, Guerra-Pujol said. Does it exceed the power given to him by the Legislature? If it does, the question is, How do we compensate the citizen?

The government would likely win such a case in the event of an emergency declaration that goes for a few weeks, he said. But when the governor keeps businesses shut for months, Murphy and several other governors have, that raises novel issues.

One such issue is the way in which many small retail shops are shuttered while at the same time big-box stores are open. And then there was the case of that South Jersey gym that the owner opened despite Murphys order.

I find that very alarming when people are arrested for violating an order that hasnt been litigated, Guerra-Pujol said. Maybe the court could save us from this. (For the counter-argument, click this link at Reason Magazine.)

We may find out when that lawsuit filed last week by a state senator from South Jersey goes before a judge. Sen. Mike Testa of Cumberland County said the current orders violate the constitutional principle of equal protection.

The governor and his executive orders have picked winners and losers, Testa said. You can go to the boardwalk in any Shore town and you cant buy sunglasses, flip-flops and a T-shirt. But if you go two blocks inland you can buy them at a number of stores.

In his suit on behalf of a number of small business owner as well as the state Republican Party, Testa is arguing businesses should be compensated.

Obviously these small businesses have been irreparably harmed. They can prove real damages, he said. There are businesses that will never be able to come back from an entire lost season.

In a press release, the state GOP got in the usual dig against Murphy for his statement during a TV interview that the Bill of Rights is above my pay grade.

But even within his own party the governor is finding increasing resistance.

Last week state Sen. Richard Codey told the NJ Globe website that its time for his fellow Democrat to reach out to the minority Republicans in the Legislature.

Never mind the Republicans. He should start reaching out to the Democrats.

State Senate President Steve Sweeney of Gloucester County told NJ Advance Media that he and other Democrats have been asking for the data the administration is using to determine which businesses can reopen.

We cant get that information, said Sweeney. Itd be nice to bring the Democratic leadership in, too. Right now, we do not know.

What we do know is that the administration badly mishandled the most crucial aspect of this pandemic, the question of Covid-19 in the long-term care facilities.

More than half the fatalities in the state occurred in those facilities. Yet no one in either of the other two branches of government had any input into the disastrous decision-making behind it.

With absolute power comes absolute blame.

You dont have to be a British lord to figure that out.

Even a former Goldman Sachs executive should find that to be within his pay grade.

ADD - THIS WAS A NURSING-HOME CRISIS, NOT A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS:

Youll be glad to know that the Murphy administration finally did something to cut the number of deaths in long-term care.

They changed the definition.

That cut the total by about 1,200 and made it look like fewer than half the deaths in long-term care facilities came from Covid-19. But the reality is that even the old definition undercounted Covid-19 fatalities, said state Sen. Joe Pennacchio.

"By their own admission it was 53 percent before they cooked the books, said Pennacchio. Not factored into that number were staff deaths and nursing home patients that were transferred to hospital and died in hospitals.

Check for yourself on the governors Covid-19 dashboard. You will see that about one-fourth of those infected in nursing homes died. The proportion was about one in 15 for the general public. Yet Murphy spent the crisis alarming the public with unrealistic and alarmist projections, like the one in which his health commissioner overestimated projected Covid-19 hospital admissions by 10,000.

Meanwhile he actually created a crisis in the long-term-care facilities by ordering them to accept Covid-19 patients.

Senate President Steve Sweeney announced last week that a bipartisan legislative panel will be looking into the Murphy administrations handling of the crisis.

Pennacchio said the primary focus should be on why the administration ordered the nursing homes to accept Covid-19-positive patients.

If they did such a bad job with the less than 1 percent of the people who had more than half the fatalities, how could they be trusted to secure the safety of the other 99 percent? he asked.

How indeed?

Its time for Murphy to stop ordering and start explaining.

He might start by explaining why he insisted on bossing people around while the Swedes got much better results emphasizing voluntary cooperation - while not destroying their own economy as he has done in Jersey..
Chief Alhaji Sulley Oubda Issah, Sarkin for Mosawa, Abeka in the Greater Accra region has urged all Muslims and Ghanaians to comply with the government's directives as they celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr.

Chief Alhaji Sulley Oubda Issah who described the 2020 Eid celebration as an unusual one coming at a time when the world is battling a global pandemic, encouraged Muslims to carry out their Eid prayers at home as this exceptional circumstance demands and has been advised by Muslim scholars over the world.

I urge every Muslim to adhere to what the government is saying on social gatherings, and that it is not healthy for us to meet as we have been meeting before. Let us observe our prayers at home with our family members and when this pandemic is over, we can come together again and observe our normal congregational worship. After all, weve been praying at home with our family members, did Allah not answer us?

According to him, the only way to close ranks and work towards defeating the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which has taken a heavy toll on the peoples spiritual, social, and economic lives to obey the government's directives and keep the faith.

While informing Muslim faithful that this years Eid event is an occasion for sober reflection, rather than celebration, he also exhorted the wealthy to continue helping the less privileged so that we can all come out of this pandemic stronger and more united.

He noted that the month of Ramadan was a period of spiritual overhauling, added that it would, therefore, be for the faithful to go back to those things that they renounced during fastings, such as bickering, envy, backbiting, lying, unguarded attachment to worldly activities and lack of concern for families, among others.

"To create the right environment for the acceptance of our prayers, we should live pure lives, devoid of sinful acts, hatred, disobedience, nepotism, corruption and other vices  most of which were avoided during the Ramadan. Going back to these acts is a vitiation of our sacrifices during the Holy month of Ramadan", he said.

He encouraged them to continue to make use of hand sanitiser, facemask, disposable/washable hand gloves, as a matter of priority. According to him, despite the relaxation of lockdown; we should all know that since the battle is yet to be fully won, it is our responsibility to remain prayerful, health-conscious, and go about our daily businesses without contravening laws and orders.

He specifically tasked political leaders and those in positions of authority to adhere strictly to the rule of law, and to maintain justice, noting that there can be no peace in the absence of justice, even as they stress that public office holders should harness the countrys God-given resources to develop the country, rather than concentrating on selfish interests.
The Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, which signifies the end of Ramadan fasting.

Read Also: Sanwo-Olu Holds Meeting With Religious Leaders; Calls For Prayers Against COVID-19

In a statement on his official Twitter handle, Sanwo-Olu called for moderate celebration as a result of the novel coronavirus.

On behalf of my wife and entire family, I rejoice with all Muslims on the occasion of this years eid-el-Fitr

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Traditionally, the end of Ramadan comes with fanfare and lots of celebrations with families and friends.

As we celebrate at home with our families, I want us to remember our health care workers and thousands of COVID19 patients who would have loved to be at home to celebrate with their families at this moment.

To reflect the spirit of the current global pandemic, I implore us all to celebrate moderately with our families. It is my prayer that the end of Ramadan brings joy to every Lagosian irrespective of religious inclination.

On behalf of my wife and entire family, I rejoice with all Muslims on the occasion of this year's #EidUlFitr Traditionally, the end of Ramadan comes with fanfare and lots of celebrations with families and friends. pic.twitter.com/kCC5RKqu9b  Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) May 24, 2020

As we celebrate at home with our families, I want us to remember our health care workers, and thousands of #COVID19 patients who would have loved to be at home to celebrate with their families at this moment.  Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) May 24, 2020
CATHERINE HOUSE by Elisabeth Thomas (Tinder Press 18.99, 320 pp)

CATHERINE HOUSE

by Elisabeth Thomas (Tinder Press 18.99, 320 pp)

To Ines, Catherine House provides a longed-for respite from her traumatic life. The elite, selective academic institution admits only the most brilliant students, going on to produce some of the worlds finest minds.

For three years, the students remain behind the houses locked, black gates, with no contact with the outside world.

Ines makes a small group of friends, among them Baby, her room-mate, who unlike Ines studies hard, desperate to be selected for the special group that will concentrate on plasm (germ) studies.

When tragedy strikes, Ines is driven to investigate the sinister agenda at the heart of the school.

Despite some thin characterisation and languid pacing, echoes of Donna Tartts The Secret History and Kazuo Ishiguros Never Let Me Go contribute an intriguing undercurrent to this unsettling gothic concoction.

THE BOOK OF ECHOES by Rosanna Amaka (Doubleday 12.99, 384 pp)

THE BOOK OF ECHOES

by Rosanna Amaka (Doubleday 12.99, 384 pp)

Twenty years in the writing, this impassioned testament to black history tells of the oppression, prejudice and injustice suffered by so many.

The novel is narrated by the spirit of a kidnapped Nigerian slave who for 200 years has roamed the world in search of her two children.

She tells her own story, but also those of Michael and Ngozi, whose troubled lives are affected by the echoes of the past.

Born in Jamaica but growing up in Brixton, Michael is drawn into the criminal world after his brother murders their stepmother. He struggles to make a better life for himself and his baby sister, but can he escape his past?

Simultaneously, in Nigeria, Ngozi also battles to better herself after she is sent away from home to improve her chances. Like Michael, she struggles with the consequences of her circumstances and the powerful grip of the past.

Investigating themes of intergenerational trauma, racism, injustice, love and redemption, this is an absorbing, moving and thought-provoking read.

LOOKING FOR ELIZA by Leaf Arbuthnot (Orion 14.99, 336 pp)

LOOKING FOR ELIZA

by Leaf Arbuthnot (Orion 14.99, 336 pp)

Mid-pandemic, never has a book about cross-generational friendship and looking out for your neighbours been more timely. Recently widowed Ada is lonely, so she sets up a business, Rent-a-Gran, offering to be a grandmother to anyone who needs one. Requests flood in.

Eliza lives across the road, and has come to Oxford to study and to escape a disastrous love affair.

The burgeoning friendship between the two women is a source of joy to them both, until Ada overhears something she shouldnt and flees. Can their relationship be resurrected? Or are they destined to return to the loneliness of their former lives?
The situation in Armenias Kapan is tense, reports 168.am newspaper.

Today at 9:40 a.m. three residents of Kajaran town (Nver Khachatryan, Khoren Mirzoyan and Levon Hambardzumyan) were taken to the regional investigation department of Syunik Province. Several citizens had gathered in front of the building of the department and police station with the demand to release the boys. The boys relatives say the detainees were beaten. However, the head of department refuted the news, saying that the arrest was lawful.

At dawn, masked and armed police officers apprehended four people from the close circle of the head of Kajaran town who are currently at the police station in Kapan.

The gathered claim that the detainees must not be transported to Yerevan since they fear that they may be beaten more brutally there.

Currently, police officers are trying to calm the citizens down and transport the citizens to Yerevan.

According to information, the main purpose of the detention is to obtain testimonies against head of Kajaran town Manvel Paramazyan in the future.
: On her way to her home state



Uttar Pradesh from here on a Shramik special train, a nine month pregnant woman suddenly developed labour pains and gave birth to a baby girl, aided by women travelling with her.

Her husband, Sandeep, a construction worker here, told PTI that his wife went into labour following which the other women formed a protective shield around her and aided in the birth.

The couple were on their way to their native village Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh.

Sandeep said his wife gave birth to the baby girl as the train approached Bina station in Madhya Pradesh. Doctors there medically examined her and certified her fit for her onward journey.

He said his co travellers informed Deputy Commissioner of Police (Whitefield Division) M N Anucheth and an Indian Forest Service Officer Dipika Bajpai, who are working for migrants' needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, then alerted their batch mates in Uttar Pradesh.

The couple alighted at Lucknow, after which the woman and her newbornwere taken to a hospital by an ambulance.

"The doctors did a medical check and gave some medicines.. We then continued with our journey on a government bus to our home town Balrampur," Sandeep said.

Inspector General of Police and Additional Commissioner of Police (Administration), Bengaluru city police, Hemant Nimbalkar, said the woman had boarded the Shramik Special train without informing the authorities about her condition.

"Her relatives too did not inform the authorities about her pregnancy. In fact, the pregnant woman insisted on going back to her home town," Nimbalkar told PTI.

Sharing the joy along with the photograph of the woman, Nimbalkar tweeted, "We made it @BlrCityPolice (Bengaluru City Police)! The mother and baby are fine & healthy..

Foldedhands to DCP Whitefield (M N Anucheth) who made it possible to board train to UP for this pregnant lady and husband. She delivered on board and all is well..."



The Director General of Police Praveen Sood too wished the family well, tweeting, "A new dawn...wishing the newborn a healthy beginning.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
KABUL, Afghanistan  The Taliban and the Afghan government announced a cease-fire for the three days of the Islamic festival Eid al-Fitr, which starts on Sunday in Afghanistan, offering the war-torn nation a rare respite from violence that has been intensifying.

The insurgents, in a statement late Saturday, said they had instructed their fighters to attack only if their positions were hit. Hours later, President Ashraf Ghani, who recently ordered his troops to move into offensive operations amid the increasing Taliban attacks, said Afghan security forces would comply.

I welcome the cease-fire announced by the Taliban, and last evening I have ordered the security and defense forces to comply completely with the cease-fire and to remain on the defensive, Mr. Ghani said.

In a sign of reciprocating the Talibans compromise, Mr. Ghani said he would expedite the release of insurgent prisoners in the hopes of building further trust in a fragile peace process.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 22

Trend:

On May 22, 2020 Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov held a telephone conversation with his colleague from Russia, Sergei Lavrov, Trend reports citing MFA press service.

The Ministers exchanged views on measures taken by both states to fight the global pandemic.

Cooperation on multilateral platforms, especially the actual issues on the agenda of the Commonwealth of Independent States were discussed by the Ministers.

The general exchange was held on the recent online session of the World Health Organisation in Geneva, where mainly the issues related to fighting against coronavirus pandemic were addressed.
C laims Dominic Cummings made a second trip to Durham during the lockdown are "completely untrue", the Transport Secretary has said.

Grant Shapps defended the Prime Minister's top adviser on Sky News on Sunday by saying fresh allegations Mr Cummings made a second trip to visit his parents were false.

Boris Johnson is under renewed pressure to sack the 48-year-old adviser after it was claimed Mr Cummings travelled to visit his family a second time, despite official guidelines warning against long-distance journeys.

Mr Cummings was first accused of breaking coronavirus lockdown rules by making a 250-mile journey to visit his family, when his wife had Covid-19 symptoms.

Asked about the first alleged breach of lockdown rules, Mr Shapps told Sky's Sophy Ridge that Mr Cummings was "trying to do the best by the child".

He said: "What they've done is gone to make sure there's a support network around them, both parents were concerned about being ill, so they've gone somewhere which was adjacent to his parents.

"It meant that if they were both ill that the child would be getting support."

Dominic Cummings told reporters he was justified for travelling to his parents home during the lockdown / PA

He called Mr Cummings' actions "sensible rational steps to make sure that they could look after their child".

Mr Shapps then said the allegations he made a second trip to Durham after returning to London "completely untrue".

When he came back to London, which was on April 14 I see, he has remained in London since and hasnt been back to Durham," said the Transport Secretary.

There are all kinds of things that are being said here that are completely untrue. The basic story is actually pretty straightforward. Husband and wife were ill, they hunker down, they look after their four-year-old and they dont move until they are better.

Shapps defends Cummings over lockdown journey

And coming back down to London afterwards, they would have been travelling for essential work which is always allowed as well.

The Transport Secretary said he was sure Mr Cummings obeyed social distancing rules during the first trip.

He said: Youll appreciate I wasnt with them so I cant tell you exactly what that journey was like, but what I do know is that Dominic Cummings  I saw a clip yesterday of him asking journalists to be spaced two metres apart, so I know he is a stickler for those rules about what to do to make sure you are following the two-metre rule and the like, so Im sure that they took all the necessary precautions.

Steve Baker became the first Conservative MP to break ranks and demand that Boris Johnson sack Dominic Cummings over his alleged breach of lockdown rules.

He told Sky's Sophy Ridge programme on Sunday morning that Mr Cummings "holds in contempt any effort to hold him accountable to others" and that "no one is indispensable".

Mr Baker was soon joined by North Dorset MP Simon Hoare who became the second Tory MP to demand Mr Cummings goes, saying he is "wounding" the Government.

He tweeted: "With the damage Mr Cummings is doing to the Governments reputation he must consider his position. Lockdown has had its challenges for everyone."

The interventions come as Boris Johnson faces mounting pressure to sack his most senior aide following the fresh claims of a second trip, despite official guidelines warning against long-distance journeys.

Labour and the SNP have both written to Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill demanding an "urgent inquiry" into the allegations.

The PM pledged his full support on Saturday as Mr Cummings insisted he behaved "reasonably and legally".
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In the age of COVID-19, many U.S. states are facing unprecedented budget crises. If unchecked, these will lead to funding cuts that devastate public education, leave students less prepared for the future and weaken state economies that depend on a well-educated workforce.

The cuts have already begun, and theyre sobering. In April alone, nearly 470,000 public school employees across America were furloughed or laid off. Thats 100,000 more teachers and school staff who lost their jobs than during the worst point of the Great Recession a decade ago. At the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, we are closely analyzing state budget gaps because we know the tremendous harm that can result from funding cuts.

Recently, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, announced plans to cut $300 million in K-12 funding and $100 million in college and university funding for the current year. Meanwhile, Georgias top budget officials told the states schools to plan for large cuts for next year that will almost certainly force districts to lay off teachers and other workers.

With the deep economic downturn closing businesses and sending unemployment to its highest level since the 1930s, state income and sales taxes  on which states overwhelmingly rely  are drying up. As a result, our study estimated that state budget shortfalls during the next three years will total an eye-popping $765 billion.

So far, federal aid and states own reserves are only sufficient to cover about one-fifth of that gap, leaving states $590 billion short. In addition, many local governments face enormous deficits of their own.

The impact on public education could be severe. Across the country, states provide 47% of all K-12 funding (with localities paying 45% and the federal government providing the rest). At the same time, education comprises about 26% of state budgets, making education cuts very hard to avoid at a time of big shortfalls.

The experience of the Great Recession of 2008 provides a sobering example of what may yet come.

School districts have never recovered from the layoffs they imposed back then. When COVID-19 hit, K-12 schools were employing 77,000 fewer teachers and other workers  even though they were teaching 2 million more children, and overall funding in many states was still below pre-2008 levels.

House Democrats have proposed nearly $1 trillion in additional state, local and education aid, and governors of both parties agree much more is needed. President Donald Trump and Congress need to provide significant fiscal relief to help states minimize any education cuts. But the Trump administration and some in Congress remain resistant.

Whatever federal policymakers do or fail to do, states will need to draw down their reserves, close tax loopholes, and find other ways to protect education funding and other programs serving vulnerable children and families. The education of a generation is at stake.

Johnson is senior vice president for state fiscal policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. This column was produced for the Progressive Media Project, which is run by The Progressive magazine, and distributed by Tribune News Service.

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Rescuers rushed to the aid of an abused maggot-infested dog after she was kicked to the curb while in labor. Her owner even spat at the Labrador-pit bull mix when a welfare team arrived on the scene, claiming that the helpless dog aint worth it.

On April 27, 2020, good Samaritan Toni McQueen alerted Woof Pet Rescue of Woodward, Oklahoma, to the presence of a near-motionless pregnant dog in distress on a driveway. Pawsitive Restorations Animal Rescue, who later assumed care of the desperately sick dog, took to Facebook to share their outrage.

Six dogs abandoned, they began. One dog was laying in the driveway, pregnant, in labor, in distress, with one baby halfway out and mom was unresponsive!

The 1-year-old pregnant dog, named Annie, was found with open wounds full of maggots as a result of suspected attacks from other dogs. She has been rushed to the emergency vet where it was discovered she is extremely dehydrated, the rescuers continued, too dehydrated to deliver, and very malnourished.

Annies previous owner, the rescue team later posted in outrage, came outside and spat on the laboring dog in full view of the rescue team. Law enforcement is involved, the team assured their followers.

Annie was rushed to Woodward Animal Hospital in Aurora, Oklahoma, and put on an IV for vital fluids. However, vets voiced concern for the weak dogs kidneys and for the health of her premature puppies.

The hospitals veterinarian, Dr. Didier, concluded that the ailing dog was too dehydrated to deliver her puppies. Annie was sedated, and staff performed an emergency cesarean section.

Tragically, Annie lost all 10 of her babies. Four were born alive, Pawsitive Restorations staff explained, breaking the sad news on their website, two perished within hours, the other two surviving premature puppies perished within a week.

The rescue team battled through their heartbreak in order to focus on helping ensure Annies own survival. We are horrified at the thought of losing Annie and her dying before she ever gets the chance to know love, they wrote on Facebook.

Annie had a long road ahead of her, however. On May 4, the grieving mother dog finally had surgery to clean her wounds and remove the maggot infestation, which necessitated daily vet visits for aftercare.

Even though the procedures were hurting her, rescue staff explained, updating followers on their website, she would still reach back and kiss her techs and her doctors. Its as if she knew everyone was trying to help her.

The long-suffering Lab-pit bull mix suffered a hemorrhage, infections, and anemia after surgery and was moved to Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital in Colorado for critical care. She also needed multiple blood transfusions.

She went far too long with festering dog attack wounds, her team reflected. But her beautiful little self is fighting, they added, and she still has a waggy tail for those who show her love.

On May 15, KDVR reported that Happy Tails Veterinary Center in Aurora was treating Annie for rare persistent and profuse bleeding caused by internal varicose veins. Krissy Mosbarger, president of Pawsitive Restorations, described Annies condition as a ticking time bomb.

The rescue group also pleaded with those who were able to consider donating toward Annies mounting medical bills, which as of May 15 had already reached almost $15,000.

On May 19, Annies previous owner was identified as Maranda Dawne Weber, and was arrested on felony charges of animal cruelty. Mosbarger and her team also started the #JusticeForAnnie campaign hashtag to raise awareness of their little dogs heartbreaking ordeal.

At the time of writing, Annies recovery continues in the comfort of a carers home. Mosbarger praised Annies sheer will to survive against the odds and the tireless efforts of her care team.

She is an amazing creature, Mosbarger told ABC 7. She has been overlooked and let down, but she is not let down anymore.

To lose her would be devastating, she continued. Everybody would miss her greatly. But we would be comforted by the fact that this dog saw love.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam attends the opening session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 22, 2020.

Nearly 200 political figures from around the world on Saturday decried Beijing's proposed national security laws for Hong Kong, including 17 members of the U.S. Congress, as international tensions grow over the proposal to set up Chinese government intelligence bases in the territory.

In a joint statement organized by former Hong Kong Governor Christopher Patten and former British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind, 186 law and policy leaders said the proposed laws are a "comprehensive assault on the city's autonomy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms" and "flagrant breach" of the Sino-British Joint Declaration that returned Hong Kong to China in 1997.

"If the international community cannot trust Beijing to keep its word when it comes to Hong Kong, people will be reluctant to take its word on other matters," they wrote.

The legislation comes as the relationship between Washington and Beijing frays, with U.S. President Donald Trump blaming China for the coronavirus pandemic.

U.S. officials have said the Chinese legislation would be bad for the economies of both Hong Kong and China and could jeopardize the territory's special status in U.S. law. China has dismissed other countries' complaints as meddling.

Some of Trump's fellow Republicans  Senator Marco Rubio, acting chairman of the Intelligence Committee, and Senator Ted Cruz  signed the statement. Democratic signatories included Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representatives Eliot Engel, head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Adam Schiff, chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee.

Forty-four members of Britain's House of Commons and eight members of its House of Lords also signed the statement, alongside figures from across Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.
Boston

A sailboat race from Cape Cod to the island of Nantucket has marked the unofficial beginning of summer for the last 49 years. But the Figawi regatta, which raises money for veterans over Memorial Day weekend, will not involve any actual boats this year. Instead, organizers will host a virtual cocktail party from a boathouse, among other online events.

At first, regulars vowed to sail from Hyannis to Nantucket anyway, said Shelley Hill, executive director of Figawi Charities. "But as time went on and everybody learned more," she said, "that idea has gone away."

Crowded parades. Mobbed beaches. Congested public ceremonies. Jam-packed backyard barbecues. Memorial Day, which has come to mark the beginning of hot weather across much of the United States, typically brings millions of Americans shoulder to shoulder, towel to towel.

But this year these first rites of summer are taking place as the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic and cautiously emerges from two months of quarantine. Cooped-up Americans are eager for social interaction and fun. Yet public health officials warn that those impulses could result in an uptick in coronavirus cases.

Many traditional Memorial Day events have been canceled or replaced with socially distant formats. Elected officials and event organizers are struggling to bring back as much normalcy as possible without jeopardizing public health. The results have been hopeful, maddening and bewildering. But many Americans are pressing on, and trying to preserve what is important while letting go of what is not.

A Memorial Day parade from Vidalia, La., to the Natchez National Cemetery in Mississippi has roots going back to 1867. But instead of marching this time, people will motorcade in masks and gloves to let veterans know "that they have not been forgotten," said Laura Ann Jackson, co-chair of the parade.

"It's going to be different this year," she said.

Although the Memorial Day ceremony in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is still on, organizers are begging the public not to come. Instead of filling 500 chairs, the solemn event honoring fallen veterans will be livestreamed into residents' homes.

"It's been really difficult for us to say, 'We really don't want you there,'" said Tom Rice, chairman of the committee that sponsors the event, which will feature the national anthem and a benediction from a priest. "So far, there's been no blowback."

The iconic boardwalk in Ocean City, Md., opened May 9 to throngs of people, but signs reminded beachgoers that contagion is still afoot, and that groups of 10 or more were discouraged.

In Massachusetts, beaches will be allowed to reopen for swimming on Memorial Day, but volleyball is banned and sunbathers must place their towels 12 feet apart. In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio opted to keep the city's beaches closed over the weekend and even threatened to cordon them off with fencing, prompting elected officials on Long Island to try to ward off a flood of would-be beachgoers from the city by restricting access to local residents.

In California, where tens of thousands have flocked to beaches in recent weeks, Gov. Gavin Newsom had announced that he was shutting beaches down to protect public health, but then backtracked and allowed them to open for "active use," which does not include lounging on beach towels.

Mayor Will O'Neill of Newport Beach, Calif., said the city was unlikely to fine or arrest sunbathers on his city's 7-mile stretch of beach.

"At a time when tens of thousands of people have been released from jails, why are we being told to arrest moms on beach blankets and seniors under umbrellas?" he asked. "There was no data or science supporting the decision."

He estimated that about 40,000 people showed up in late April on the first warm weekend of the year, but he said that beachgoers have generally followed social-distancing rules and that neighborhood complaints have gone down since the beaches have been open.

At this stage of the pandemic, people are beginning to feel the negative health effects of social isolation, which Steve Cole, a social genomics researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles, argued can increase the chances of chronic disease and other types of illnesses the longer it goes on. Over the summer, he is planning to take his children to the Grand Canyon as soon as logistically possible, and socialize in small groups with trusted friends.

"We should be able to find some equilibrium between those two extremes," he said. "We don't want to be packed like sardines in a crowd, but at the same time, a lone human being is a recipe for death."

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Across the country, many of the normal opportunities for fellowship and summer fun have been canceled or transformed beyond recognition.

On Lake Champlain in upstate New York, the cabins at Camp Dudley will be empty this summer for the first time since 1885. In neighboring Vermont, campgrounds will be allowed to open, but only at 25 percent capacity.

Both the Yarmouth Clam Festival and the Rockland Lobster Festival have been canceled in Maine, which relies heavily on tourism. But officials in Portland, the state's largest city, are preparing to block off streets in June to give restaurants more space for outdoor dining, which is considered less risky than dining indoors.

Perhaps nowhere has the decision about how to handle Memorial Day caused more angst and heartbreak than in Ironton, Ohio, an Appalachian town of 11,000 people that holds the holiday parade at the core of its identity.

The town has hosted a parade every year since 1868, and lays claim to being the site of the nation's oldest continuous Memorial Day observance. Tens of thousands of people flock there every year, forming crowds that can get 10 people deep.

But this year, Gov. Mike DeWine asked local officials to adhere to social-distancing guidelines that make hosting a normal parade impossible. Members of the parade committee in Ironton agonized.

They did not want to be the first in 152 years to cancel.

The parade will go on, they decided, but the number of vehicles on the route will be cut back drastically. Instead of marching, participants will stay inside their vehicles. The crowd has been asked to stay on porches or watch online.

The changes have sparked outrage among some who want to honor their military dead by marching, as well as parents who have waited for years to watch their children in the high school band.

"Some of them just can't take it," said David Lucas, a volunteer on the parade committee who serves as its spokesman. "Everybody's tired of being quarantined. They are stunned that they couldn't watch their children graduate from high school. They are afraid that the whole world is going to get canceled."

Lucas predicted that a few renegades might come to town on Memorial Day anyway but that most observers "will quietly watch the parade on the internet and wonder what the world has come to."
Companies will be encouraged to slash their greenhouse gas emissions below a crucial benchmark in the Morrison governments $2 billion climate fund without any pressure for mandatory cuts that could put a price on carbon.

Energy Minister Angus Taylor has insisted the carbon cuts must remain voluntary to avoid any shift in the safety net to turn it into a carbon tax, just as 15 industry and community groups call for more ambition on tackling climate change.

Energy Minister Angus Taylor: Were not going to use the safeguard to create a carbon tax. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Mr Taylor rejected the idea of using the safeguard mechanism to set reduction targets for companies so they could trade credits with a carbon price.

Its a safety net  thats what it is now, he said in an interview.
By the end of April, employees at a Walmart in Quincy, Massachusetts, were panicking: Sick colleagues kept showing up at work. Other employees disappeared without explanation. The store's longtime greeter was in the hospital and on a ventilator, dying from covid-19.

Local health officials grew alarmed as employees and their relatives reported sick co-workers. Shoppers called to complain about crowded conditions.

"We have had consistent problems with Walmart," wrote Ruth Jones, Quincy's health commissioner, in an April 28 email to the Massachusetts attorney general's office. "They have a cluster of Covid cases among employees and have not been cooperative in giving us contact information or in following proper quarantine and isolation guidelines."

The next day, at another Walmart in Worcester, Massachusetts, a local public health director ordered a shutdown after obtaining an internal company list showing nearly two dozen employees had tested positive.

Health officials in the two cities pressed the nation's largest grocer to test all of its employees at the two stores for coronavirus. The screenings, which began within days in the store parking lots, helped confirm a wider problem: 119 of the workers were infected, according to health officials.

Despite the pandemic, grocery stores generally are not required to publicly disclose cases of coronavirus involving employees or report them to the local health departments. As states now move to reopen, many grocers are being criticized by health officials, lawmakers and store employees for not being more open with the public and their own workers about outbreaks within their stores.

The Washington Post interviewed about 40 current and former employees at more than 30 supermarkets who alleged that the companies had not disclosed cases of infected or dead workers, retaliated against employees who raised safety concerns and used faulty equipment to implement coronavirus mitigation measures.

The $800 billion grocery industry - dominated by a handful of major players, including Walmart, Kroger and Albertsons - employs more than three million people in what are typically low-paying positions with little job security.

Amid the pandemic, the country's nearly 40,000 grocery stores have been classified by officials as essential businesses that must remain open, putting the stores at the front lines of the crisis. Grocery stores, one place most consumers cannot avoid during the pandemic, have reported double-digit growth in sales in recent months.

At least 100 grocery workers nationwide have died from the virus since late March, and at least 5,500 others have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a Post review of data from the nation's largest grocery workers union, other workers' rights coalitions and media reports.

Many local health officials told The Post they have been left in the dark as clusters of cases have emerged in supermarkets coast to coast.

"We really need to have better communication. There's got to be something moving forward ... that changes the current process," said Karyn Clark, Worcester's public health director. Clark said a nurse had to call the local Walmart several times before the company shared its internal list of infected employees.

In interviews, supermarket chains defended their efforts to protect workers and the public, saying they have required masks for employees, encouraged social distancing and rewarded workers with hazard pay and bonuses. Some grocers said they have collaborated with health departments across the country to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

"Our associates are playing a critical role in helping people have access to fresh food, medicine and critical supplies during this crisis, and their safety is our highest priority," said Lorenzo Lopez, a Walmart spokesman. "In areas experiencing community-wide outbreaks like Quincy and Worcester, our associates also felt the impact as members of those communities. We work closely with public health and medical experts and follow their guidance in implementing safety and health measures for our associates and customers."

Supermarket chains said they are being transparent about outbreaks while protecting the privacy of affected workers, which is governed by a patchwork of laws and regulatory measures.

All of the grocers contacted by The Post - Walmart, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods Market, Target, Kroger, BJ's Wholesale Club and Lidl - declined to provide the number of workers who tested positive for the coronavirus or died from it. Combined, those employers account for roughly 11,300 stores and 2.4 million employees nationwide.

United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 900,000 workers at major chains, including Kroger, Safeway and Giant, has called on the companies to be more forthcoming to protect workers and customers in an industry that has remained a lifeline for households after states shut down most nonessential businesses for the pandemic.

Over the past five weeks, the union said the number of its grocery workers who have been infected or exposed to the virus jumped from 1,557 to 10,453.

"While some companies are doing the right thing and keeping shoppers and employees informed, there are still some keeping consumers in the dark and trying to sweep this information under the rug," union president Marc Perrone said.

Many grocery workers told The Post that despite social distancing measures, they often share break rooms, bathrooms and devices for clocking in and out of their shifts. One sick employee, public health experts said, can potentially expose hundreds of colleagues and shoppers each day.

Local government health officials, whose job is to track and notify the public of disease outbreaks, said they have been hamstrung by many supermarkets responding slowly to their pleas for information about employees who are infected with the coronavirus or may have been exposed to it.

In Quincy, the health department first contacted the local Walmart on April 11 to inform the store of an employee it learned had tested positive for the coronavirus. Jones, the health director, said they asked the company repeatedly for the names and contact information for employees who worked closely with the infected employee so they could identify and inform other workers who may have been exposed.

In the meantime, the health department kept learning of new cases among store employees and the number of potentially exposed employees mushroomed.

After receiving no information for nearly two weeks, Jones escalated her request to the Walmart corporate office.

Finally, on April 28, Walmart provided contact information for employees at the Quincy store who had been exposed to the virus, Jones said. Five days later, 69-year-old Yok Yen Lee, the greeter at the store, died from covid-19, her family said.

Under pressure from the health department, Walmart then closed the store for a week, cleaned it and offered testing to every worker. In all, 34 employees at that location tested positive. In Worcester, more than 80 employees were infected, health officials said.

Troubled by Walmart's response in Quincy and Worcester, lawmakers sent a letter on May 7 to Doug McMillon, the company's president and chief executive.

"Across the country, more than 20 Walmart employees have died from COVID-19, and employees have had to take the critical work of contact tracing into their own hands to try and remain safe," the delegation, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., wrote in the letter.

In a May 19 response to lawmakers, Bruce C. Harris, a Walmart vice president of federal government affairs, wrote that managers are required to meet with associates to let them know about each positive case, and that they are monitoring the number of employees taking leave.

"We are managing thousands of different, and sometimes conflicting, emergency orders and directives," Harris wrote.

In Los Angeles, a Ralph's supermarket employee, Jackie Mayoral, said managers instructed workers not to talk about sick colleagues around customers and that managers also refused to disclose how many employees were infected. It was only through the union that Mayoral learned more than 20 of her colleagues at the supermarket, owned by Kroger, had tested positive for the virus.

"Me and my co-workers are a family, and we should be able to talk about the things that are going to be able to affect us and possibly kill us," said Mayoral, who was diagnosed with covid-19 in April and believes she contracted the virus at the supermarket, the only place she regularly visits outside of her home. She has since recovered.

Asked about the directives to avoid speaking about cases, Kristal Howard, a Kroger spokeswoman, said the company's guidance "is always to communicate with integrity - openly and transparently - while protecting the privacy of any affected associate."

Employment attorneys said companies must balance protecting employee privacy with keeping workplaces safe.

"We're dealing with overlapping laws, gaps in laws and differing guidance from different levels of government," said Kirk Nahra, an attorney at the law firm WilmerHale who specializes in privacy, data and health-care issues. "Companies are not supposed to disclose your name, but can they tell other employees in the meat department that someone who worked there Tuesday tested positive? Sure."

Industry experts said the pandemic has left some supermarket chains struggling with what information should be shared with regulators or the public about sick and exposed employees.

Grocery companies are facing unprecedented challenges when an employee falls ill or dies, according to Hilary Thesmar, chief food and product safety officer for the Food Marketing Institute, a trade group for grocery stores and wholesalers.

"Companies are having to weigh a lot of factors: When did the employee test positive? When were they last at work?" she said.

But Oscar Alleyne, chief of programs and services at the National Association of County and City Health Officials, said that retailers need to be more transparent with public health officials in order to protect these high-risk essential workers and the public.

"You're only as good as the data you have," Alleyne said.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which oversees workplace safety, issued guidance in April that coronavirus cases were reportable to the agency under certain circumstances. But the agency said it generally wouldn't enforce the rules except for employers in the health-care industry, emergency response organizations and correctional institutions.

New workplace safety guidance from OSHA that goes into effect Tuesday asks most industries to report coronavirus cases that meet certain criteria. But employment experts say it's murky and allows employers to decide whether the cases are work-related.

In the absence of data, UFCW has compiled daily reports on infected employees from its local chapters. Employees at chains, including Walmart and Whole Foods, have started their own grassroots efforts to tally illnesses and deaths at their stores, using social media and published reports to confirm tips. (Jeff Bezos, the chief executive of Amazon, which owns Whole Foods, owns The Washington Post.)

During the outbreak, Whole Foods, which has about 500 stores in the United States, began sending voice mail and text messages to employees to notify them of coronavirus cases in their stores. But some officials are pushing for more disclosure. On May 11, attorneys general from 12 states and the District of Columbia wrote to Whole Foods and Amazon, admonishing the companies for failing to alert health officials and the public about infections and deaths of their workers.

The attorneys general said they learned from media reports of multiple infections among workers at a Whole Foods in the District and of two employee deaths in Portland, Oregon, and Swampscott, Massachusetts.

By not sharing a breakdown of coronavirus cases, the retailers may be breaching consumer protection laws, which "require businesses to provide truthful information and disclose material information to consumers," the letter said.

Whole Foods has not responded to the letter, but a company spokeswoman said the chain is balancing the essential services it provides with ensuring the "health, safety and privacy" of their workers.

Grocery chains have publicly touted face masks, social distancing requirements, rigorous cleaning and temperature checks as proof that they are keeping workers and customers as safe as possible.

Two grocery chains have used faulty or ineffective equipment, according to documents and interviews.

The Kroger-owned Quality Food Centers chain uses infrared sensors to count the number of shoppers in its stores as a way to limit customers and facilitate social distancing. But the technology routinely provided false tallies, according to internal company documents obtained by The Post.

"Once a person is inside for 30 minutes, the system assumes that individual is an associate and stops counting that person," QFC President Chris Albi said in a Q&A with employees of the chain, which has 62 stores in Washington and Oregon.

A Kroger spokeswoman declined to answer specific questions about any problems with the system but said management regularly verifies the capacity limits within the store.

At BJ's Wholesale Club in Baltimore, a manager said the thermometers were not calibrated properly and the temperature readings of employees consistently reported 96 or 97 degrees. The manager said a supervisor also brushed off concerns about the lack of social distancing by employees who examined customers' receipts as they left the warehouse.

"It is appalling conduct and a policy that is putting us all in danger," said the manager, who spoke anonymously for fear of retaliation. "I would quit in protest, but I worry that without me, it's one more person in a leadership role who is not taking this seriously."

A BJ's spokeswoman said since the coronavirus outbreak, the company has "taken aggressive actions and implemented extensive safety and sanitation measures across all our facilities; and we always encourage our team members to provide feedback and voice concerns."

Even when employees have reported feeling sick, some said that their managers have insisted that they continue to work because of staffing shortages.

Gladys Cortes, who worked at the Best Market supermarket in Islip, New York, told her manager in late March that she wasn't feeling well and had a bad cough, but her boss wouldn't allow her to leave early and said she needed to be back the next day, according to Noemi Salavarria, a former colleague who said she talked with Cortes when she was hospitalized days later with covid-19. Two other workers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retaliation, said they had heard Cortes talking in the store about how she felt sick and needed a break.

Cortes, a single mother of a young child, died on April 9 of complications from covid-19.

"If they would have let her go home, she could still be alive," Salavarria said. "She didn't deserve this."

After Cortes died, management sent out a letter to employees that noted "the passing of one of our colleagues." It made no mention of her name or how she had died.

LatinoJustice, a nonprofit legal defense fund, documented concerns about Cortes and employees at other supermarkets in an April 30 letter to the chief executive of Lidl US, a chain that owns Best Market and has about 100 stores in the U.S.

After receiving no response, LatinoJustice said it filed a complaint on May 12 with the New York state attorney general.

William Harwood, a Lidl spokesman, said the company had "no reports indicating that she was sick while working. Our policy is clear that employees who are sick should stay home."

Marian Meszaros, a 63-year-old employee at the Best Market supermarket in Long Island's Franklin Square in New York, said she believes a manager waited more than a week to inform her in late April that her co-worker in the cramped meat department had tested positive for the coronavirus.

She said the human resources manager offered her five days of paid leave, saying that it was sufficient time off because she had been exposed over a week ago and wasn't showing symptoms. Meszaros said she believes the manager delayed informing her because the store had been so short-staffed, and she worried she could still get sick and infect her co-workers.

"I have nightmares about this," Meszaros said. "No one in the store feels safe."

The supermarket chain in March had announced a new pandemic-related policy that provides 14 days of paid leave to workers who test positive for the coronavirus, as well as paid leave for colleagues who came into close contact with them.

Harwood said the Islip store immediately contacted Meszaros when it learned of the infected employee, and she was given five days off because it had been nine days since they had been in contact at the supermarket. The human resources team called Meszaros to ensure she had no symptoms prior to returning to work, Harwood said.

"We are taking significant steps to protect the health and safety of our team members during this public health emergency," Harwood said.

As infections have spread within supermarkets, employees at two national chains said that stores retaliated against them for speaking up about safety or discussing sick colleagues.

When a Target manager informed Michael Branss in late April that a co-worker in Palatine, Illinois, had tested positive for the coronavirus, Branss said the manager also told him not to talk about the case.

A longtime employee, Branss worked in the back of the store where employees were in close proximity as they unloaded incoming merchandise.

Frustrated by the lack of information about the department where the infected employee had worked, Branss said he called several colleagues and advised them to bring their own masks because the store didn't always have enough. After noticing a missing co-worker, he and fellow employees discussed whether they had been exposed.

A few hours later, Branss said he was called into the human resources office and reprimanded for talking about the sick employee. He was told the store was concerned about following federal privacy laws.

Fearing retaliation, he said he denied talking about the case. About 2 1/2 weeks later, Branss said Target fired him for refusing to answer questions for the store's investigation of potential privacy violations.

"I didn't do anything wrong. These are my friends, and I want them to be safe and healthy," he said. "They punished me for trying to gather information to make a personal safety plan for myself."

A Target spokeswoman, Danielle Schumann, said Branss was terminated "for conduct reasons unrelated to these claims" but provided no details.

In a Target store in Riverdale, New Jersey, employee Mary Jo Kalchthaler said workers are informed of their colleagues' illnesses and deaths but are told not to discuss the cases publicly.

"Every store that I know of has had cases of covid-19, but they don't want to spook people," said Kalchthaler, who took a leave of absence in early May because she felt unsafe at work. "There are still people who think Target, Walmart and other food stores are magical kingdoms where everything is sterile and nobody has ever gotten sick, and that's what they want people to keep thinking."

Target did not respond to questions about allegations that employees were told not to discuss coronavirus cases. But Schumann said, "while being transparent, we're also careful to keep team member privacy from being compromised."

Some workers alleged they have been disciplined simply for raising safety concerns.

In early March, Kris King took two weeks off from his job at a Trader Joe's in Louisville after coming down with a cough, fever and sore throat.

King said he created a private Facebook group for his colleagues to discuss frustrations with the store's handling of the pandemic and to come up with recommendations to keep them safe. After he returned to work, a manager on March 21 confronted King about the Facebook messages and repeatedly encouraged him to quit, according to a lawsuit King has since filed against Trader Joe's.

"He said, 'If you don't feel safe here, we can end this right now,' " King recalled in an interview.

A week later, King was terminated. Trader Joe's cited multiple reasons, including the creation of the Facebook group, according to King.

"The safety of the people I work with is the most important thing and that workers in this situation are able to be heard and have a voice," said King, a 37-year-old with four children. "And that's really just not happening."

Trader Joe's, which has 505 outlets nationwide and employs 50,000 people, has denied in court his claims, including that the supermarket "was not following appropriate safety measures" at the store.

"We have made it clear that Mr. King's employment at Trader Joe's did not end because of desire to set up a social media page or because he expressed concerns," said Kenya Friend-Daniel, a Trader Joe's spokeswoman. "I have been clear that ... for privacy reasons I am not at liberty to say more."

Jon Tenholder, a Trader Joe's employee at the same Louisville store, received a written disciplinary warning on May 10, roughly two weeks after Tenholder spoke with customers about the Kentucky governor's order that only one person per household at a time be permitted inside a grocery store.

Management accused Tenholder of making customers uncomfortable by saying they shouldn't be shopping together. Tenholder refused to sign the incident report and described it in a written rebuttal as "retaliation" for asserting that employees "deserve to be the central voice of our safety."

Friend-Daniel disputed Tenholder's account but declined to comment further citing privacy laws.

"We don't retaliate against people for sharing concerns or for trivial reasons," Friend-Daniel said.

Walmart, the nation's largest private employer, has touted its response to the pandemic from the start, including a policy that allowed its 1.5 million U.S. employees to take up to two weeks off if they were exposed to the coronavirus, and waived attendance policies for workers who felt uncomfortable or unable to work.

Shortly after the policy was announced on March 10, Kyle Quiros and his wife, Rebekkah, took jobs as temporary workers at a Walmart in Medina, Ohio. By mid-April, Kyle, who was born with one kidney and has other health problems, had a fever and was vomiting frequently. He said he tested negative for the coronavirus, but a physician recommended he stay home for two weeks.

Rebekkah also fell ill. When she returned to work, she said a supervisor informed her that she was being let go because she had called in sick too many times. A few days later, Kyle came back to work but was sent home because he had a temperature of about 100 degrees. He soon received a call saying his employment was over, despite several weeks left on his contract.

"It was unfair. I was fired because I was sick, even though they have a policy saying you wouldn't get fired," he said.

Lopez, the Walmart spokesman, said Rebekkah Quiros was terminated "for performance reasons unrelated to any request for time off due to the pandemic." He said he "had not been provided with enough information to substantiate" allegations made by Kyle Quiros.

Other Walmart employees also told The Post that workers fear calling in sick because they did not want to jeopardize their jobs.

"These claims are not consistent with the experiences of the more than 235,000 people recently employed by Walmart or the countless other associates that have been able to utilize our emergency leave policy to stay home and keep their jobs protected," Lopez said.

But in Quincy, days before Lee, the Walmart greeter, was rushed to the hospital on April 20, she told family and friends that she was worried she could lose her job because she was sick and needed time off, said her daughter, Elaine Eklund.

After Lee died, Walmart officials put out a statement saying the company was "mourning alongside their family." Since then, messages have streamed in from colleagues and longtime shoppers remembering the grandmother of two.

"I worried about her the last time I saw her in the store," one stranger said in a handwritten letter.

- - -

The Washington Post's Julie Tate and Nate Jones contributed to this report.
The BJP and the Congress are responsible for the current plight of migrant workers and the two parties should start working for their welfare rather than indulging in a blame game over the issue, Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati said on Sunday.

She said had the ruling BJP helped the businesses in time, workers would not have faced survival issues.

The former UP chief minister also claimed that had the central government given advance indications of a nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the workers would have made their own arrangements to leave for their home states.

Hitting out at the Congress, Mayawati said that for decades the party ruled the Centre and various states but did little to create job opportunities.

This made people leave their home states for bigger cities for survival, she said in a statement.

She said it is time the BJP and the Congress and their respective governments at the Centre and the states end blame game and focus on the welfare of the migrant workers.

Mayawati said when recently she had observed that the Congress was more responsible for the plight of workers than BJP governments at the Centre and the states, she was accused of aligning with the ruling party at the Centre.

She said the BSP will not contest any election with the two parties as it opposes the politics of capitalism and casteism being followed by the BJP and the Congress.

She also slammed states for their claims that returning migrant workers would spread the virus.

Mayawati said those returning cannot falsely be blamed for a spike in the cases. She said quarantine facilities set up by states would make even a healthy person sick.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said Saturday that the state's single-day death toll from the coronavirus fell below 100, for the first time in weeks. Eighty four people died from the coronavirus in New York on Friday, he said, down from 109 the day before.

"Eighty-four is still a tragedy, no doubt," he said. "But the fact that it's down as low as it is is really, overall, good news."

At its height, the single-day COVID-19 death toll in New York was close to 800 for several days in a row in April.

New York City, the epicenter of the state's outbreak, hit its peak number of deaths on April 7, when 590 people died in one day.

Death and hospitalizations in the city have consistently fallen since then. The city reported 26 deaths from the coronavirus on Wednesday, its most recent public data.

We lost 84 New Yorkers to COVID-19 yesterday. By any normal standard this is a hideous number. But we are thankful this number has fallen below 100 for the first time since late March.

 Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) May 23, 2020

Cuomo said Saturday that the Long Island and Mid-Hudson regions, which border New York City, are still on track to begin reopening early next week. If deaths continue to decline, Mid-Hudson could reopen on Tuesday and Long Island by Wednesday.

The governor cautioned residents to remain vigilant by wearing masks and practicing social distancing as regions begin to reopen.

"Don't underestimate this virus. We know it can rear its ugly head at any time," he said Saturday.

Cuomo held his daily briefing hours after issuing an executive order that allows small non-essential gatherings. The order, which was issued in time for Memorial Day weekend, allows any "non-essential gathering of ten or fewer individuals, for any lawful purpose or reason," CBS New York reported.

According to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, 28,853 people have died from the coronavirus in New York state since the pandemic started, and over 63,000 people have recovered after contracting the virus. New York has had the most deaths of any state; followed by New Jersey, where 10,985 people have died. The U.S. as a whole has had the most deaths of any country by far, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University. In total, 96,125 people have died from the virus nationwide, followed by 36,475 in the U.K.

Story continues

Firefighters battle massive fire at San Francisco's Fisherman Wharf

NASA astronauts conduct trial run before historic launch of SpaceX rocket

Americans head outdoors for Memorial Day weekend as coronavirus restrictions ease
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday discussed turmoil in Libya and Syria, as well as reopening economies around the world amid the global coronavirus pandemic, a White House spokesman said. 'President Trump and President Erdogan discussed progress on reopening and boosting global economies in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic,' Spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday discussed turmoil in Libya and Syria, as well as reopening economies around the world amid the global coronavirus pandemic, a White House spokesman said.

"President Trump and President Erdogan discussed progress on reopening and boosting global economies in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic," Spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement. "President Trump reiterated concern over worsening foreign interference in Libya and the need for rapid de-escalation. President Trump and President Erdogan reaffirmed the urgent need for a political resolution to the conflict in Syria, as well as unimpeded humanitarian access throughout the country."

(Reporting by Lisa Lambert and Steve Holland; Editing by Andrea Ricci)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Local and regional policies will be required to ease the economic burden in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, a new UCC study has warned.

The research warned against a 'one-size fits all' approach, with affluent urban areas better primed to succeed in the new economic reality than less urban areas or those reliant on tourism and hospitality.

Dublin and the provincial cities will be best suited when it comes to implementing social distancing or remote working, according to 'Covid-19, Occupational Social Distancing and Remote Working Potential in Ireland', which has been published by UCC academics Dr Frank Crowley and Dr Justin Doran.

The study uses occupational data and economic indices to determine which workplaces have the most potential to adhere to social distancing requirements or to continue working remotely. It found the potential for social distancing and remote work favours occupations located in the Greater Dublin region and provincial cities.

At a town level, more affluent, larger, more densely populated, better educated and better broadband provisioned towns have more occupations with potential to adhere to social distancing measures or implement remote working.

The study identified areas like agriculture, forestry and fishing as those with the least remote working potential, while it suggests those in education, media, information and communications, or finance and insurance could all cope well with remote working arrangements.

Social distancing will be most challenging for those in transport, health and frontline services such as gardai or the fire service, but it should be an option for those working in research, engineering, technology and customer service, they said.

As a result of the different requirements and challenges of different sectors, a varied strategy will be needed, the study warns. For instance, areas which are more reliant on tourism or hospitality could see their economies devastated by containment measures and would need a different approach than large urban centres.

"The Irish government needs to consider carefully how local and regional policy settings could be redesigned in order to better accommodate the impacts of increased social distancing and remote working on society over the short term and how it can help deeply affected workers and businesses recover in the medium to longer term," the study states.

Co-author of the report, Dr Frank Crowley, economist and co-director of the Spatial and Regional Economics Research Centre (SRERC) at Cork University Business School, said a varied economic approach could be key in aiding the recovery in different parts of the country.

"Due to occupational and industrial clustering and the associated social distancing and remote working potential required; the economic crisis is likely to play out differently across places," he said.

"A one-size fits all policy approach to the crisis is unlikely to resolve regional inequalities.The government needs to consider carefully how local and regional policy settings could be redesigned in order to better accommodate the impacts of increased social distancing and remote working on society over the short term and how it can help deeply affected workers and businesses recover in the medium to longer term."
The Border Roads Organisation would bring in labourers from within and outside the state for constructing roads and maintenance work near the Sino-India border amid the lockdown, BRO sources said here on Sunday.

The decision was taken following a meeting between the Arunachal Pradesh government and the BRO, they said.

Troops of India and China were involved in a fierce face-off and many of them sustained minor injuries in a clash near Naku La in the Sikkim sector along the Sino-Indo border on May 9.

Arunachal Pradesh shares a 1,080 kilometres long international border with China.

The state government recently issued a circular allowing central paramilitary forces and the Border Road Task Force "to bring labourers to the state for their approved activities like road construction and maintenance works", the sources in BRO's Project Arunank said.

The Project Arunank has a vital role in the development of strategic roads and in a larger perspective, the overall communication system, designed for the socio-economic development of Arunachal Pradesh.

The circular came at a time when the nationwide lockdown is in force and Arunachal Pradesh is still a green zone.

"Large numbers of labourers are expected to be brought by BRO and other central agencies into the state to resume their work in the state. These labourers are required to be camped in quarantine facilities arranged by the BRO at Kimin and Bhalukpong," the circular said.

It said the workers will stay in those camps till the result of their swab testing is known.

All deputy commissioners and district medical officers have been asked to coordinate with the BRO and CPMFs to ensure strict compliance of COVID-19 guidelines.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
For more coverage, visit our complete coronavirus section here.

A woman was photographed Friday allegedly posting xenophobic letters in San Leandro, demanding that if you are a woman or man and was born in other country, return, go back to your land immediately, fast, with urgency."

The woman, who police identified as 52-year-old Nancy Arechiga of San Leandro, reportedly posted the handwritten flyers on at least five homes and around the neighborhood.

Arechiga was arrested Friday night by police officers investigating the incident.

"I am aware of reports that a woman was posting flyers containing anti-Asian messages at residences and public places in our community yesterday," San Leandro Mayor Pauline Cutter wrote in a message on Facebook on Saturday. "Id like to commend our Police Department for taking this situation extremely seriously. They were able to identify the person responsible within a matter of hours and take appropriate action right away.

"The City of San Leandro is committed to being a welcoming place for everyone. There is no place for hate in our community."

A copy of the letter was reportedly found on a tree in the neighborhood.

Facebook

"You, because we consider youre a stranger, one bad person for this country, leave, go far away, go back to your country, the place you belong," the letter read. "Leave this place.

"You have until the day May/23/2020 Saturday 10:30 am to leave this country, it continued. In this place, no Asian allowed. My Country USA."

The incident comes as hate crimes and harassment against the Asian American community are on the rise due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A Ring doorbell camera allegedly caught Arechiga posting one of the notes on a home. Within a matter of hours, Arechiga, who was still in the area and had a backpack that contained more of the letters, was arrested, police said.

Arechiga was booked into Alameda County's Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. Due to the state's current bail policies, she has been cited and released from custody.

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Matthew Tom is a Homepage Editor at SFGATE. Email: mtom@sfgate.com.
In March, the Congress had to let go of its 15-month-old government and BJP poster boy, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, regained power after a fortnight of high-voltage political drama. But more action is in store as the state gears up for bypolls on 24 assembly seats amid altered political equations.

With 16 of the 24 vacant assembly seats, including those 22 where Congress MLAs switched over to the BJP, falling in Gwalior-Chambal region, an area from where the BJP stalwarts hail, the polls will be observed keenly.

Two assembly seats Jaura in Morena and Aagr had fallen vacant after demise of Congress and BJP lawmakers, respectively.

After decades, the Congress will take an electoral plunge in this region without the Scindias by its side. Jyotiraditya Scindias father, Madhav Rao, had also quit the Congress during PV Narasimha Rao government but no assembly polls had taken place around that time.

Moreover, divided in camps, Gwalior-Chambal region then was a no-entry zone for other senior leaders, including Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh, which is not the case this time and the party seniors are consolidating their camps in the region.

Former Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia will have his first test of strength after switching over to the saffron party in March this year and will have the mantle of helping party win maximum seats in his home turf.

Senior BJP leaders, including Narendra Singh Tomar, Narottam Mishra, Anup Mishra, Prabhat Jha, Jyotiradityas aunt Yashodhara Raje Scindia and Jaibhan Singh Paviaya, also hail from the same region and it will be interesting to see how the BJP high command finds harmony among these bigwigs.

Among them, Jha and Paviaya had been the most vocal against the fort and had been quiet since Scindia switched over. However, a senior journalist from the region claimed that most BJP senior leaders in the Gwlaior-Chambal region dont have a mass appeal and thrive on party structure, and because of this, the party high commands directives in favour of Scindia must be sufficient to keep them in check.

The political workers who, till now, fought against the fort for decades, now find rubbing shoulders with their adversaries who joined in recently, said a political analyst of the region.

For Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the fate lies solely on the outcome of the bypolls. Scindia has more on stake as he needs to prove his political mettle at his home turf and also keep in mind the interests of his followers who tailed him to BJP.

Sources also claimed that Scindia had been exerting pressure on the party leadership to accommodate most of his followers when tickets are distributed for bypolls. If at all the BJP obliges him, the decision comes with an added risk of angering own dedicated cadre which is being seen in the Haatpiplya seat.

Former Congressman Manoj Chaduhary had defeated BJPs Deepak Joshi, and after Chaudhary entered the BJP during mass exodus in March, Joshi had been singing a rebellious tune.

The Congress, busy zeroing in on the candidates for bypolls, is pitted against an internal dissent. PCC chief Kamal Nath is pitching for Chaudhary Rakesh Singh Chaturvedi for a ticket and Prem Chand Guddu from Sanwer against who have both deserted the party in the past and many BJP dissenters but has faced internal opposition. Senior leaders like Ajay Singh and Dr Govind Singh have opposed the move of counting on those who ditched the party in the past.

Sources claim that Nath, too, is eyeing BJP dissenters a ploy used by opposition to topple his government in March.

Recently, the Congress party had altered party officebearers in districts where Scindia enjoyed the clout earlier.

However, with the BSP also announcing to contest all the 24 bypolls, this a triangular contest has become even more interesting as the region had seen a massive SC/ST rebellion over alterations in SC/ST act couple of years ago, and the issue of reservation was seen as one reason Congress had a sweeping success in 2018  winning 26 of the total 34 seats.

For obvious reasons, the BJP state unit led by CM Chouhan and state head VD Sharma has been busy devising the strategy for upcoming bypolls. Recently, senior leaders had video conferencing with the district heads and other office bearers in the state and CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan said to have discussions with ticket aspirants from Gwalior-Chambal region through video conferencing.

Sources claim that most of Scindia supporters are sure of getting tickets in bypolls.

Amid the coronavirus scare, BJP party high command has instructed state unit to run relief and welfare measures so that hardships caused to labourers dont impact the polls. Chouhan has also been laying emphasis on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) works to benefit the migrant labourers who returned to the state after being rendered jobless in other states.

Meanwhile, the Congress is back to farm loan waivers to gain public confidence yet again and state leaders are stressing heavily on their loan waiver works to win back farmers trust. The Opposition is also underlining spiralled power bills in BJP rule to underline the power subsidies the Congress government was offering on electricity bills.

The BJP was already accusing Congress government of fooling farmers with loan waiver certificates and even urged peasants to lodge FIRs against the Congress party.

Former Agriculture minister Sachin Yadav recently asked the Shivraj Chauhan government if it wishes to discontinue the Jai Kisan loan waiver scheme. Alleging that the government was handing massive power bills to farmers, Yadav claimed loan recovery was on in the state despite the chief minister ordering to keep it suspended till may 31.

By roping in poll strategist Prashant Kishor, the Congress has made it clear that bypolls are no less important than the 2018 assembly polls where Kishor had played key role in devising the winning strategy.

With a six-month mandatory period, the bypolls are required to be held by September in MP.
A continuing problem with the handling of corona pandemic in India is that even after a long effective lockdown -- which did save the country from a surge of infections that would have totally overwhelmed our governance -- the logic of prevention through 'social distancing' and 'surface hygiene' has still not been put across to the common man here because of poor messaging.

Locked down with panic

The episode of coronavirus will stand out for the disproportionate panic it produced in India due to the highly deficient communication between the people and the administrators implementing the policy during the lockdown. It is possible that many of these functionaries missed out on this logic themselves -- it relates to the simple facts of 'science' behind the virus which, once understood, would have brought clarity and precision to whatever responsibility they were discharging during the crisis. This could also be the reason for the disconnect between the medical experts who painted the picture of a deluge facing the country and the strategy handlers who looked upon the lockdown as an end in itself and not as an instrument of mitigation against the danger.

Caught in conflict

Moreover, what is now impeding the handling of the pandemic is the 'conflict of interest' between the Centre and some of the states -- rooted in the desire of the latter to reduce their area of accountability. Some have taken to politics of blame game over what remains a totally non-political problem of saving the people wherever they were, from a common threat to their life and livelihood.

Facts first

Grasp of some elementary facts about the virus will help all concerned in the period ahead. First, corona is not an invisible 'hydra-headed monster' out to 'attack' people. It is, in fact, not even a 'living organism' but a free floating protein molecule put out by an infected human being -- that can either land on another human body available in close proximity or rest on a surface where it would disintegrate after a short period of time if left alone. Since this protein is of the same class as the Ribo Nucleic Acid (RNA) which is a building block of human genes, the virus has the biochemical quality of mutating or multiplying in a vulnerable human body, thereby adversely affecting physiological functioning and the working of organs depending on the level of immunity of the individual concerned.

Mystery behind the mask

The virus has no 'intentions' about doing anything and is destined to self destruct in the absence of an opportunity for mutation. Prevention, therefore, lies in not coming in its way when it is in the air (as droplets or perched on a surface for a few hours). This is the mystery behind 'social distancing with mask on' -- to avoid the contagion in the air -- and an 'effective hand wash' whenever a suspect surface was touched. Lockdown was an immediate and effective preventive measure to prepare the people for following these practices whenever they would be out of the house at some point of time later. It had to be made 'total' in India as there was already enough of this virus around in the world -- delayed responses in the West created that situation -- and also because the cycle of infection had to be broken through a three-week pause initially. Movement for essential commodities or medicines was allowed so that there was no panic on that count for the people who would otherwise have to be in confinement.

Communication crisis

For lack of proper and adequate communication from authorities to the public, however, the lockdown came off as a law enforcement event that additionally scared the uninformed about the 'death at the hands of an unknown demon' staring them in the face. One reason why the migrants turned out in the streets was -- apart from the loss of livelihood -- their inborn instinct about 'preferring to die at home' rather than in the wilderness outside. The saga of suffering of migrants that exposed the administrative inadequacy of the Centre-State combine has, in fact, overtaken the merit of the handling of the corona pandemic itself.

Road not taken?

District Magistrates should have been activated at the first signs of migrant movement to rush to the clusters wading through their jurisdiction to assure them of food and shelter and explain it to them that there was no threat to their lives if certain precautions were taken by them while they waited for public transport. That was also the moment for the Centre to make a loud announcement of payment of wages for the lockdown period -- with the government equally sharing the burden with employers. If the district authorities listed out the employees and their employers for ready payment of the month's salary, many of the migrants might have chosen to stay on for some time making it easier for the administration to organise travel for the others. Corona contingency funds could have been allocated to the DMs to make all this possible. The governments sat too tightly on money to make for a quick response on these lines.

Uniform in a different light

The problem would not have acquired tragic proportions if enforcement would have been combined with a response of benign guidance to the weaker sections. Just because lockdown orders came from above, it suited the local administration to surrender its judgment and discretion and put the police in the front to 'discipline' the people. It is another thing that this pandemic brought out the role of our policemen as a collective of caring and sympathising people who generally avoided using force against the migrants -- this image will stay in public mind for a long time even as grievances against the administration lingered on.

The sooner the better

Even now, the movement of migrants should be facilitated by the government with all logistic help and human care and the cost of it borne by the state -- the financial burden is larger now because of initial indecisiveness but this cannot be helped. The sooner this is done the better it would be for the image of democratic governance in this country. India is too large and resourceful a country to allow a successful handling of the pandemic to be marred by bureaucratic insensitivity towards sections of the law-abiding population that were forced to trek down the roads with their children for hundreds of miles just to reach home.

Message to the masses

Coming back to the strategy on the corona pandemic, it has only two components -- keeping up the preventive protocols while opening up the socio-economic life and readying the health infrastructure to take charge of cases detected by testing or reported otherwise. The treatment includes medical quarantine, admission into a ward and shifting a case to ICU on the doctor's advice. Public must be constantly educated on how to bring 'home quarantine' into operation in appropriate cases and avoid prematurely rushing a person to the hospital. Being tested positive is in no sense a social stigma. In fact, this has been another major shortcoming in the communication and messaging flowing out of the experts of the government for the ordinary people. Shortages of hospital space, trained manpower and equipment is a legacy of the neglect of healthcare over the years. It is high time the Centre declared health and education as strategic sectors that would give it primacy over the states in laying down the policy and development projects in these spheres -- weakness in these segments would deprive the nation of its demographic dividend. This is as important as the emphasis on 'production' that continues to drive the conventional economic policy.

Outsmarting the virus

Opening up the socio-economic life with knowledge-based preventive measures being observed during a journey or at a place of work is the right way out. It has to be understood that apart from the measures initiated by the government, every individual has to be 'smart' about not crossing the coronavirus' path. There would be many new cases detected on the basis of symptoms but many other persons of younger age groups would also be going around undetected as they were asymptomatic -- because they had already developed anti-bodies in response to an initial infection and acquired immunity. They might have transmitted the contagion but only during the run-up to their becoming immune themselves.

Long walk home

The crucial thing is that there should be adequate capacity in the country -- spread out to all districts -- for handling the reported cases. Only a small percentage of cases of infection, around 3 per cent, lead to fatality on account of virus complications as shown by the data. Many of these fatalities were attributable to the added vulnerability created by other illnesses in parallel. Gradually the population might move towards 'herd immunity' that would help but the real 'cure' has to wait for the invention of a vaccine against this virus. The learning from India's experience of corona pandemic is that public messaging should not only be about the rigour of clampdown but should also emphasise the assurance of the state that nobody would be left in the lurch. This did not happen -- the result is that the pandemic might be remembered more for the man-made tragedy of the migrants than anything else.
The police in Jigawa on Monday said two suspected armed robbers fleeing arrest from a robbery scene were lynched by villagers in Sule-Tankarkar Local Government Area, following desperate moves to evade arrest.

One of the armed robbers, from Niger Republic, was later arrested, the police said.

The police spokesperson in Jigawa, Audu Jinjiri, said the robbers, numbering about nine, earlier robbed and killed a man, Kamisu Idris, at Andau village in Babura Local Government Area, and took to their heels after sighting the police.

The police responded to a distress call that some gunmen had stormed Andau village and robbed people of three motorcycles as well as shooting one dead. The police rushed to the scene. On sighting the police, the hoodlums opened fire and a firefight ensued, the police said.

The superior gunfire of the police forced the hoodlums to abandon the three robbed motorcycles, one AK47 rifle with nine rounds of ammunition, as they took to their heels, Mr Jinjiri added.

Moreover, he said three of the suspects on the run, also shot dead a man, Sabiu Magaji, 30, in a neighbouring village in Sule-tankarkar Local Government Area, in their effort to escape from the police.

Subsequently, the villagers ganged up and lynched two of the suspects. However, the police rescued another suspect by name Abdullahi Usman, 35, from Niger Republic, who sustained severe injury, the police added.

Also, Mr Jinjiri said the police recovered the second AK47 rifle with eleven rounds of ammunition and a handset, suspected to have been robbed.

He added further that two days later, one Salisu Ahmadu 25, of Dorawa Tara village, in Babura Local Government Area, was also arrested. He is strongly suspected to be an informant to the gang, which allegedly came from Niger Republic.

The case is under investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
When COVID-19 patients are critically ill, the biggest threat to their lives is lung dysfunction. If their lungs don't work, their blood can't circulate enough oxygen to the brain, the liver and other organs.

A new cohort study out of West Virginia University suggests one piece of life-support equipment -- an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine -- can be especially useful for treating some of these COVID-19 patients. But ECMO may be less helpful for COVID-19 patients who are older, who have preexisting conditions and whose heart function has deteriorated.

The findings appeared in ASAIO Journal.

An ECMO machine works by pumping someone's blood outside of their body, oxygenating it and returning it to the body. In this way, the ECMO machine gives the lungs -- and sometimes the heart -- time to rest and heal.

It can keep some patients alive when ventilators alone aren't enough.

The research team analyzed 32 COVID-19 patients with severely compromised lung function who were supported with ECMO.

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At the time of the researchers' analysis, 22 of the patients -- or 68 percent -- had survived. Of those 22 patients, 17 were still on ECMO. Only five had been removed from ECMO and lived.

Those five patients had something interesting in common: they all received a kind of ECMO that supports the lungs but not the heart. None of the patients who had lung and heart ECMO support had been removed from ECMO successfully yet.

This disparity probably exists because patients who got ECMO support for both their heart and lungs were sicker to begin with, and their heart function was more compromised.

Insights like these help clinicians to "counsel patients and family members about the individualized risks and benefits of ECMO," said Jeremiah Hayanga, WVU's director of ECMO and a member of the research team.

The team also included Vinay Badhwar, the executive chair of the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, and Jeffrey Jacobs, a consultant to HVI and a non-faculty collaborator with the School of Medicine's Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery.

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"Patients whose disease is restricted to the lung have been shown to have better survival, and this is indeed true for all indications of ECMO," Hayanga said. "When both heart and lung function are impaired, however, there is a reduction in survival, and selection in these patients warrants even greater scrutiny."

The researchers also discovered that patients who were under 65 and had fewer preexisting conditions -- such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease -- also fared better on ECMO than their older counterparts who had more medical issues.

"Our previously published research on national ECMO use has highlighted that patients over age 70 have drastically reduced survival," Hayanga said. "This may likely be a function of their coexisting illnesses and a lack of reserve. Indeed, the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization that provides oversight for ECMO programs around the world considers age 65 as a relative contraindication. As such, patients with advanced age require careful evaluation to ensure the benefit outweighs the risk."

Besides being relatively young, what else might improve COVID-19 patients' outcomes from ECMO?

Steroids.

Of the five patients who were successfully removed from ECMO, four had been receiving steroids through an IV. This discovery contradicts earlier findings out of China, which suggested steroids might do more harm than good.

"It is a fact that any given treatment is a single instrument in an orchestra of other treatments," Jacobs said. "The role of multiple medications in the treatment of COVID-19 remains unclear, including intravenous steroids while on ECMO, antiviral medications -- like remdesivir -- and antimalarial medications -- like hydroxychloroquine. Ongoing research is necessary to determine the role of these medications in the treatment of patients with COVID-19, both in patients treated with ECMO and in patients not treated with ECMO."

But just because the data suggest younger, healthier COVID-19 patients -- especially those prescribed steroids -- may be more likely to respond well to ECMO, that doesn't mean other patients should never receive ECMO support.

"At the WVU HVI, we pride ourselves in offering individualized, patient-centric care to all patients," Hayanga said. "Our multidisciplinary team takes a very individualized approach to all patients who may benefit from ECMO support, and we fully assess the potential benefits and risks of supporting any patient with this advanced method of life support."
New Delhi, May 24 : A stowaway cat, which was found in a container that had arrived from China at the Chennai port, has finally been released after spending three months in quarantine and is now up for adoption.

The dark brown feline was found in a container of toys which had arrived from the neighbouring country on February 17 and later faced deportation because of legal hurdles and ignorance regarding how the novel coronavirus is transmitted. It is a healthy, neutered female with a tabby coat and distinct white paws.

"Chennai customs officials handed the cat over to The Cattitude Trust on May 23. She is now safe with the organisation which has actively been working in Chennai since 2005 to help community cats," stated People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.

The Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Department also facilitated the process of freeing the feline.

On April 19, the Central government had advised Chennai's Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) to hand over the cat, upon completion of a 30-day quarantine period.

The PETA India, with support from lawmaker Maneka Gandhi, co-founder of Blue Cross of India Chinny Krishna, and The Cattitude Trust, had been appealing for her release from the last three months.

Rashmi Gokhale, PETA India's manager of veterinary services, had written to Chennai's Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) showing willingness to foster the animal until she is adopted into a caring home.

Gokhale also fired off a letter to the Chennai Customs Zone, stating that humans are not at risk of catching COVID-19 from cats.

"In China, cats are often killed for meat or fur and it is likely that this animal would have been treated cruelly upon arrival, if she would have survived that journey at all," the doctor said, thanking Central government, Tamil Nadu government, AQCS and Chennai customs for freeing her.

Various studies have shown that cats are highly susceptible to the deadly virus and can infect each other. Based on the limited information available so far, the risk of pets spreading coronavirus to people is considered to be low.
The first thing we were supposed to do once we found out about the virus was to acquire as much PPE equipment as would be needed. Second, we were supposed to acquire all supplies needed for testing. Our government failed on this. In January, we were told that this virus would somehow magically disappear soon. South Carolinas first case was on March 6, and our government failed to shut us down and never did stop travel. As of May 10, 2020, South Carolina ranks last in testing out of 51 States. We currently test only 16.6 people per 100,000.

I sent a message and called our governor. I sent messages to both of our U.S. senators, suggesting a strategic and systematic way to test everyone, but they were not concerned about what I had to say. Their only concern was whether I wanted to receive their newsletter. South Carolina could have been the first state to eradicate this virus had we tested everyone by their zip code and stopped travel from zip code to zip code. Everyone  every business, house, apartment and street  has a ZIP code. South Carolina has a population of 5.1 million. Wuhan has 11 million people, and its government has decided to test all 11 million in 10 days. Why cant the Greatest Country in the World do the same?
The United States has secured almost a third of the first 1 billion doses for AstraZenecas experimental COVID-19 vaccine. On May 21, U.S. Health Departments Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority pledged $1 billion to AstraZeneca to speed up development of a coronavirus vaccine from the University of Oxford.

Biotech companies and drugmakers across the world are speeding up development of a vaccine for COVID-19. This has seen many big players joining forces to come up with a treatment. Also, governments across the world are pumping in huge amounts to secure doses of the vaccines. This has seen many big names already ramping up manufacturing of their vaccine candidate for COVID-19 so that they can meet global demand if the drug proves to be safe and effective.

U.S. Secures a Third of Potential COVID-19 Vaccine

AstraZeneca, which is developing a COVID-19 vaccine with the University of Oxford, has agreed to initially supply at least 400 million doses of the vaccine and secured total manufacturing capacity to produce 1 billion doses, with first deliveries in September.

In April, the University of Oxford announced that it has partnered with AstraZeneca to allow the drugmaker to develop and distribute the vaccine being researched by the Jenner Institute and Oxford Vaccine Group. Per the U.S. deal, AstraZeneca will start a Phase III clinical trial of the vaccine with 30,000 volunteers. Human trials began last month on over 1,000 volunteers in the south of England. However, no trial data has been released, and AstraZeneca has said it recognizes that the vaccine may not work.

Drugmakers Ramp up Manufacturing

The novel coronavirus has infected more than 5 million and killed 328,227 people globally. While the FDA hasnt approved any treatment for COVID-19, vaccines are being seen by world leaders as the only real way to restart their stalled economies.

This has seen many companies joining forces to ramp up manufacturing even before the vaccines candidates have proved effective. Earlier this month, biotechnology giant Moderna, Inc. MRNA, announced a 10-year partnership with Swiss contract drugmaker Lonza to ramp up production of the experimental coronavirus vaccine. Moderna said that it could start manufacturing its yet-unconfirmed COVID-19 vaccine as early as July. Moderna has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Its shares have jumped 36.1% in the past 30 days.

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Also, Pfizer, Inc. PFE is contemplating shifting more of its medicine production to outside contractors, as it is focusing on large-scale production of its experimental COVID-19 vaccine. The company is planning to zero in on three sites in the United States and one in Belgium for the early stages of the launch, provided the vaccine candidate in collaboration with BioNTech SE BNTX gets green light from the FDA. Pfizer carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), while BioNTech has a Zacks Rank #3. Shares of Pfizer and BioNTech have gained 4.6% and 22.8% in the past 30 days, respectively. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Also, Sanofi SNY last month said that it would be able to produce up to 600 million doses of vaccine next year if its clinical trials with GlaxoSmithKline, plc GSK go as planned. Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline have entered into a partnership to speed up development of a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline each carries a Zacks Rank #2.

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After a month of fasting from home and missing out on the usual nightly gatherings with friends and family, Asghar Methiwalla wanted to do something different.

So on the last day of Ramadan, he and his daughter set up a table of samosas and sweets on her long driveway to share with their neighbours and local community  complete with physical distancing.

That was rule number one, Methiwalla said.

Ramadan is the month where Muslims fast from dawn until dusk, pray and reflect on their faith. It culminates on Sunday with Eid al-Fitr, or Festival of Breaking the Fast, when families and friends gather for large feasts, prayer and exchanging of gifts.

During Ramadan, families will frequently break fast together in the evening or attend prayers at their local mosque during the day. The COVID-19 pandemic has made those traditions impossible, which is why Methiwalla and his daughter set up the samosa and sweets table to connect with their local community.

Were trying, in a small way, to have the same (experience) that we normally do every year, which is dropping in to friends and family the whole day  Were just trying to recreate that feeling, Methiwalla said from his home in Mississauga.

Mosques across the country are altering their Eid plans with virtual prayers, drive-through gift giveaways and live social media events in order to observe the holiday.

For some, its a major adjustment.

For me, its the first time in 39 years Im not leading the prayer, said Hamdi Shafiq, an imam at the Islamic Society of North Americas Mississauga mosque.

So for me its very, very different, a very new experience.

The society will be hosting live speakers on their ISNA Canada Facebook page starting at 6:15 a.m. on Eid, followed by a drive-through sweets and goody bag giveaway for kids at various mosques in the GTA. There will be a social media Eid show on their Facebook page from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Islamic Circle of North America will also be holding a drive-through gift giveaway at the Islamic Community Centre of Milton from noon to 2 p.m., spokesperson Raees Ahmed said.

The Muslim Association of Canada will be hosting an online Eid Festival complete with speakers, home virtual prayers, a bake-off and a range of speakers throughout the day. There is also online storytelling, stand-up comedy, a virtual concert and family and youth games.

The Al Rashid Mosque in Edmonton, the oldest Islamic house of worship in Canada, is one of the few that will be allowing actual physical prayers in their building on Eid. They are allowed to host up to 50 people in four different areas of the mosque, with the floor marked so that worshippers stand two metres apart. People must register this year in order to attend.

We are one of the few who have the luxury of doing that because of the way that the mosque is built, said Al-Rashid spokesperson Noor Al-Henedy, explaining theyre allowed to host the gatherings because each prayer space has a separate exit and entrance.

A major part of Ramadan is giving back to those in need. Mosques typically host families for the evening dinner where Muslims break their fast, known as iftar.

Every year in Ramadan we usually have iftars at the mosque. This year we couldnt, so we decided to just take it to the people, Al-Henedy said.

Over the last month, Al-Rashid has given away nearly 20,000 meals through a drive-through service, Al-Henedy said.

Meanwhile, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, with its headquarters in Vaughan, will be hosting an EidTogether event online at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Visit eidtogether.ca for more information.

It will have participants virtually joining from across the country from Newfoundland to British Columbia, including non-Muslims, so weve kind of turned it into a multi-faith event, said spokesperson Safwan Choudhry.

Its going to be a unique experience, but I think that also is partly what makes it special, he added. Because then Eid in 2020 is one that people will remember for many, many years to come.
The Reserve Bank, which has been operating from a war-room at a secret facility here since March 19 with skeletal staff, has increased the deployed manpower to 150 now, as the monetary authority continues to insulate the nation's financial system from the disruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The facility, part of the RBI's business contingency plan (BCP), was up and running within 24 hrs of the central bank taking a decision to this effect. The war-room was being manned by just about 120 most critical staff from the RBI, along with 60 key personnel from its 600-people strong workforce of its external vendor and around 70 facility staff.

As the lockdown has been extended, the RBI deputed an additional 30 staff recently, taking the total strength to 150, a central bank official told on Friday.

Mumbai was shuttered almost a fortnight before the national lockdown from March 25. Taking into consideration the criticality of the situation, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das took the decision to set up a war-room on March 18.

Since mid-March, only around 10 per cent of staff have been attending the central office that houses around 2,000 people, according to RBI union sources.

Addressing the media on Friday, wherein the RBI cut the repo rate by 40 basis points to 4 per cent, Governor Das profusely thanked the staffers manning the war-room.

"I would like to thank my colleagues who have been working tirelessly in our fight against the COVID-19. A special word of praise for our team of over 200 officers, staff and other service providers who are working 24x7 in isolation to keep the essential RBI services available to the nation," Das said.

He also praised the selfless work of doctors, healthcare and medical staff, police and law enforcement agencies, functionaries and personnel in government and private sector, banks and other financial institutions and their families.

The war-room operation is so controlled for the sake of security and health of the personnel as also of the system. The BCP manual allows only half of the deputed staff to be present at any given time, with the rest on standby.

"This is the first of its kind BCP implementation by any central bank and is also the first in our history as even during the World War II, we did not have any such facility," an RBI official had told in March.

The most critical RBI functions like debt and reserve management, and monetary operations are being run from the war-room now. On a normal day, these critical operations are handled by around 1,500 employees.

The war-room also operates other RBI data centres that run critical systems like SFMS (structured financial messaging system), RTGS and NEFT, e-Kuber that handles the Centre's and states' transactions, inter-bank transactions, market and monetary policy instruments operations, treasury operations, currency inventory and distribution management, RBI website, e-mail and over 35 other applications.

"This BCP model is a first in the financial system perhaps anywhere in the world as the normal BCP is for software and hardware problems, fire or other natural calamities and no one has such a plan as RBI has put in place to fight the pandemic.

"What is also unique is that no national institution or central bank has a BCP for pandemics where people also maintain social distancing in accordance with established protocols. This includes donning hazmat suits too," the official had explained.

On a normal day, the Reserve Bank, that handles billions of transactions, is served by around 14,000 employees across the central office and 31 regional offices.

The three most critical functions moved to the war-room -- debt management, reserve management and monetary operations -- are handled by around 1,500 people on a normal day.

Explaining how they operationalised the war-room, the official said first they hired the facility exclusively to accommodate around 120 RBI personnel and around 60 IT service providers who are supported by around 70 facility staff. All these people are isolated within the secret facility on a continuous basis and cannot move out except for extreme contingencies.

Under the minimum staffing plan of the BCP playbook, two batches are formed and the second batch is kept on standby. A backup replacement pool is also in place. All the staff at the secret location are in hazmat suits, the official added.

Again, this is first time that vendors gave been put on the location as on normal days they work onsite and stay back round the clock.

These systems, operated through multiple data centres, have to stay live notwithstanding any exogenous disruption, the official noted.

The BCP playbook is designed to ensure that all critical functions of the financial system continue function round-the-clock.

The novel coronavirus virus has killed around 3,600 people in the country and infected close to 1.2 lakh, while across the world over 5.2 million have been infected and over 3.32 lakh have died.

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There is a current of energy in this room like a coil in a lightbulb about to pop.

Its an emotive crowd and Kendyl Terry brings it out of them. Terry plays the keyboard for this worship band, performing from a raised platform at the center of Caspers Restoration Church.

The worship song he plays comes out bright and full. A ceiling-mounted projector beams the lyrics onto two large screens at the front of the room. A smaller monitor on the back wall aids the three vocalists who stand in front of Terry, clapping and swaying and leading the congregation in singing these praises.

The weapon may be formed but it wont prosper, they sing.

And the congregation does sing back. Hands are outstretched, as if for a long, weary embrace. Shouts and heavy amens are heaved deep from chests around the room.

My God will never fail, Im gonna see a victory, the song goes on.

Its Sunday, May 17, and the congregants here have come back home. Its the first day theyve been allowed. The first Sunday since the governor said it was again safe to let places of worship regather their bodies. The first time since the novel coronavirus emergence in Wyoming in early March forced closed gathering places such as this.

***

The church itself is large enough to dominate the edge of a pockmarked commercial parking lot in east Casper. The sanctuary is expansive, auditorium-esque with banquet chairs staggered neatly across the cavernous room.

Still, only 150 chairs fit in the current setup, a far cry from the typical 400, according to one of the churchs pastors. And most of those 150 chairs were full the morning of May 17.

Terry and the rest of the band played for 30 minutes. Nearly every member of the church remained on their feet the whole time.

Restoration Churchs lead pastor Justin Limmer took the stage with unbridled enthusiasm. He may get fired up, he told his audience, because, for the first time in a long time, he had one.

His church was one of more than a dozen in town who reopened their doors last weekend, according to a Star-Tribune survey.

Limmers sermon focused on mercy and grace, two concepts he ties easily back to current events. He used the ideas of mercy and grace  forgiveness and absolute favor  to urge his audience to not engage with divisiveness around the pandemic.

Break down the dividing wall, he told them.

Limmer is used to preaching in front of a virtual audience. Restoration Church has been streaming services for years.

He took over leading the church after his father, Dave, stepped down from the top position about seven years ago. He grew up at the ankles of much of the congregation.

My dad, he never canceled church, Justin said. And now I have to cancel it for two months.

But the church took the new mission in stride. There would be some weeks Justin would film multiple sermons in a row and just post a new one each week rather than giving it live. Admittedly, it was a strange feeling to be preached to by himself on those Sundays where the sermon had been prerecorded, he said.

The worship team took a similar tack, taping a catalog of songs all at once and then sharing a handful each week for the streamed services.

Limmer reiterated what many in the congregation said. The church isnt the building; its the people. But without them in the building, it was harder to make that connection.

The biggest thing for me was not having the reaction, like if I made a joke, was it funny? he said. Theres just a lot more energy in the room when its populated.

***

Before the service, when it was quiet and only a few people had trickled inside, the churchs leaders stood in the lobby awaiting their flock. Eager to reconnect with people they all said were like family.

Calling on the phone is one thing, said Randy Raver, the churchs family pastor. Being one-to-one, that kind of humanness  that is hard to get across over the phone.

The church has been calling all of its nearly 300 members, just to check in, Raver explained. Like youd call your grandmother if you knew shed been to the doctor that day. You want to know how they are.

But the phone only gets you so far. Not being able to see each other face-to-face makes it harder to know how the other person is feeling, he said. To be able to look into someones eye when you say How are you doing?

Raver stopped the interview for a moment when a congregant approached.

Were we supposed to bring our own masks? the man asked.

No, no, Raver said, pointing to a small table against the wall where face masks and hand sanitizer had been laid out. They arent requiring members to wear masks, Raver said, but they will provide them. Most of the congregation worshiped maskless. But Raver said he wasnt apprehensive about people returning to the church so much as he worried how long this pandemic will last. How long will there be this risk, how long will extraordinary measures be needed to keep this community safe?

For now, he said, it just feels like its pretty necessary to be together again and be in the same building.

***

When asked how or if the distance from the church had impacted their faith, many seemed genuinely baffled by the question.

The church is not the building. My faith isnt central on this building, Scott Shipley explained.

Destiny Keil, who has been attending the church since she was 5 years old, so 16 years, described the feeling as kind of like homesick.

Coming back felt good because shes a people person, she said. And while she said being away from the church didnt hurt her faith, it was good to be able to be in one place with a lot of familiar faces again.

Church is supposed to be you are gathering around the presence of God, she said. So I would say community is the most important thing, thats what makes your life, relationships with people.

***

Before Terry finishes playing, before Justin begins his sermon about grace and mercy, Howard Scott stands at the back of the large sanctuary locked in diligent prayer, his hands folded in a tent at his forehead. Swaying with the music, mouthing the words.

The online services dont feel like this. The energy, the connection. Its not as personal, Scott says.

Do you want me to wear this? he asks afterward when first approached, pulling a thin blue surgical mask from his breast pocket, then tucking it back in when told the choice was his.

He describes himself as a very spiritual person. That spirituality has been a salve in the aftermath of drug addictions, in the midst of poverty.

He found Restoration Church through its food pantry. He came in one day about a year and a half ago needing a little bit of help and they invited him to a service. Hes been walking over from a nearby apartment every week since.

This is the place he relies on for camaraderie. The one time during the week he tells his boss he wont be able to work.

Being without it for so long, well, its been sucky, actually, Scott says. Without it, it really messes up my week.

Staff writer Elysia Conner contributed to this report.

Follow local government reporter Morgan Hughes on Twitter @morganhwrites

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The White House fired the State Department Inspector General late Friday, according to a State Department spokesperson and a senior congressional aide -- the latest senior U.S. official involved in the impeachment probe into President Donald Trump to be forced out by his administration.

The inspector general, who acts as an independent watchdog responsible for investigating the agency, was investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, according to the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Eliot Engel, D-NY.

Pompeo recommended to Trump that inspector general Steve Linick be fired and supported the president's decision, a senior State Department official told ABC News.

MORE: State Dept inspector general's 'urgent' Ukraine briefing underway on Capitol Hill

"The President's late-night, weekend firing of the State Department Inspector General has accelerated his dangerous pattern of retaliation against the patriotic public servants charged with conducting oversight on behalf of the American people," Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement released Friday evening. "Inspector General Linick was punished for honorably performing his duty to protect the Constitution and our national security, as required by the law and by his oath."

Under Linick, the inspector general's office had repeatedly found fault with the Trump administration's handling of the agency, especially the treatment of career staff and its efforts to remodel its workforce, including through a damaging hiring freeze.

Appointed to the role in 2013 by President Barack Obama, Linick is a career government lawyer who served as a senior Justice Department official under President George W. Bush and assistant U.S. attorney in California and Virginia under President Bill Clinton.

He is the latest official involved in the House probe to be fired after Trump's effort to withhold military aid and a White House meeting in exchange for a Ukrainian investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden resulted in his impeachment.

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But Engel seemed to suggest another reason Linick was ousted, saying late Friday that Linick's office "had opened an investigation into Secretary Pompeo" and that his firing "amid such a probe strongly suggests that this is an unlawful act of retaliation."

PHOTO: (FILES) In this file photo taken on April 08, 2020 US Secretary of States Mike Pompeo speaks during the daily briefing on the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

"This firing is the outrageous act of a President trying to protect one of his most loyal supporters, the Secretary of State, from accountability," added Engel, accusing Trump of "systematically remov[ing] the official independent watchdogs from the Executive Branch."

In addition to Linick, Trump removed the intelligence community inspector general Michael Atkinson on April 3, who alerted Congress to the whistleblower complaint that ultimately led to his impeachment -- an oversight function required of Atkinson by law. The White House said Trump no longer had confidence in him, while the president said he was "not a big Trump fan, that I can tell you."

MORE: Pelosi, Democrats decry Trump's 'shameful' firing of inspector general amid coronavirus outbreak

Linick played a more minor role in the impeachment probe. As ABC News was first to report in October, he requested an urgent meeting with senior lawmakers during the probe to turn over documents his office obtained. Those papers, later confirmed to come largely from Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, showed what one senior State Department official called a disinformation campaign that smeared U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, which appeared to have led to her firing. They also included false claims about Biden, his son Hunter, and the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, whose board Hunter sat on.

Giuliani had turned the documents, based on his interviews with a fired Ukrainian prosecutor accused of corruption, over to Pompeo, who passed them down and said the department would investigate.

Trump has also fired or demoted other top U.S. officials involved in the probe, including his Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland and Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, both of whom testified, as well as Vindman's twin brother Lt. Col. Yevgeny Vindman, who also served on the National Security Council.

In addition to Linick and Atkinson, Trump has waged something of a war on inspectors general in recent weeks. He effectively removed Glenn Fine, the acting Department of Defense inspector general, who was set to monitor spending from the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package. After acting Department of Health and Human Services inspector general Christi Grimm's office released a report on shortages in testing and personal protective equipment amid the coronavirus pandemic, Trump moved to replace her by nominating a full-time candidate, after leaving the post vacant for months.

MORE: Trump abruptly removes inspector general named to oversee $2T in stimulus spending

Under Linick, the State Department Inspector General's office has repeatedly criticized the agency and its Trump leadership for poor performance. Last November, it found that senior Trump appointees improperly retaliated against a career civil servant over her perceived nationality and political beliefs.

Last August, it said senior political appointees in charge of one bureaus treated employees in a "harsh and aggressive manner" and created a "negative and 'vindictive' environment."

Linick will be replaced by Stephen Akard, who has been the State Department's Director of Foreign Missions since September 2019.

A former senior foreign policy adviser to then-governor Mike Pence, among others, Akard has served at the department since the beginning of the Trump administration as a political appointee.

He was originally nominated to be director general of the Foreign Service -- a role reserved for senior Foreign Service officers, angering many career U.S. diplomats. While Akard served as a Foreign Service Officer from 1997 to 2005 and met the legal requirement, his nomination was eventually withdrawn amid congressional opposition and submitted instead to lead the Office of Foreign Missions.

ABC News' William Mansell contributed to this report.

Trump fires IG said to be investigating Pompeo, involved in impeachment probe originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Welsh MP Jonathan Edwards has reportedly been arrested after he was kicked out of the marital home for allegedly attacking his wife.

The 44-year-old Plaid Cymru politician was led away by police in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

He was seen returning to the 600,000 property later that day to pack his bags.

Officers said a 44-year-old man from Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, had been arrested on suspicion of assault, adding he was later released on bail.

Pictured: Welsh Plaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards was seen by neighbours leaving his 600,000 marital home in Wales

His wife's mother, Erica, told The Sun after arriving in the driveway with bags of shopping that her daughter had thrown Edwards out.

'Yes, the police were called. Jonathan was arrested and taken by the officers.

'He is no longer living here. I do not know where he is living now but he won't be coming back here. I'm looking after Emma and my grandchildren.'

The Welsh nationalist party confirmed it had suspended Edwards, who has represented Carmarthen East and Dinefwr since 2010, pending an investigation.

They said in a statement: 'The party whip has been withdrawn pending the conclusion of a police investigation.

'Mr Edwards has accepted this course of action and is complying fully with police enquiries.

'It would be inappropriate for the party to comment further at this time.'

Pictured: Edwards meeting constituents while campaigning in Carmarthenshire, Wales

Edwards has three children with his wife Emma and lives in his constituency.

The 44-year-old acted as Plaid Cymru's Brexit spokesman and was critical of the knock-on effect of Britain's withdrawal from the European Union on the Welsh economy.

On the 19 May, the day before his arrest, Edwards uploaded a video of himself to his Facebook page asking the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care about the availability of a COVID vaccine in Wales.

'Considering that Wales has been undermined by the British government over the distribution of PPE and testing,' he said. 'What confidence can the people of Wales have that we will have our fair share of vaccines once one is developed.'
Abby Johnson reveals Norma McCorveys lifelong burden not told in AKA Jane Roe

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Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood director turned pro-life advocate, has debunked claims in a new documentary that Norma McCorvey, Jane Roe in the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that sanctioned abortion in the U.S., was insincere in her conversion to pro-life. Dont trust it. Its patently false, she says.

The documentary, AKA Jane Roe, which premiered Friday on FX, features an interview of McCorvey that purports to show the anonymous plaintiff in Roe v. Wade as saying before her death in 2017 that she turned pro-life because she was paid to do so.

I spoke to Norma McCorvey days before her death, Johnson wrote on Facebook. It was the only time we had ever spoken. An unexpected call and a number I didnt recognize, I almost didnt answer. I am so thankful that I did. There was no long introduction. No formalities. She told me that she called because she needed to talk to someone else who had a big number and would understand what she needed to ask me.

Johnson said the term big number referred to the number of babies aborted while she was a director at Planned Parenthood, and for McCorvey, the number of abortions nationwide she felt responsible for.

Yes, I have a big number  22,000, Johnson continued. But it was a drop in the bucket compared to the burden that she felt. My number was just part of her number. Because she felt like she owned EVERY number. She owned my 22,000. She felt like she owned them all. Every abortion that had been committed under the law that bore her name... Jane Roe ...they were hers.

Johnson added, Now imagine 50 million, 60 million. Thats the burden that Norma carried. A self-imposed burden that she could not shake...that she carried with her until the day of her death. She was a fragile woman. A woman whose life was riddled with heartache. She was shamelessly used by the abortion industry at a young age. She was a vulnerable target for them and that's who they prey on. No one reading this can even understand the mental state of a woman tormented by that burden...especially in the last year of her life, Johnson wrote.

She added: Of all of the people who claimed to be friends with Norma McCorvey, the one I saw who loved her completely was Fr. Frank Pavone. Listen to his opinion of this nonsense. Listen to his perspective.  There is a reason that HE was not asked to be in this recent documentary. If he would have been involved, the entire thing would have crumbled. He knew the real Norma. And he knew the sincerity of her conversion.

Pavone, national director of Priests for Life and who served as McCorveys spiritual counselor for over two decades, and Janet Morana, the groups executive director, also released statements.

One would think that any normal or honest person who wants to understand the journey of Norma McCorvey would talk with those who journeyed with her, Pavone said.

I knew her and was one of her key spiritual guides for 22 years, starting in 1995 with her baptism, right through the conversation we had on the day she died. I was privileged to lead and preach at her funeral. I knew her struggles and her pain. She didnt just have positions; she had deep wounds because of her involvement with Roe vs. Wade, and I guided her through the healing of those wounds, in the quiet hours of struggle that nobody saw or heard about. Those are things you dont fake, Pavone continued.

Yes, she not only rejected abortion, but she became a new creation in Christ, he added. I received her into the Catholic Church and rejoiced together with her as she discovered day by day the joy of prayer, and in her final years made rosaries by hand to help others experience that same joy. Her desire to protect children in the womb was no act.

There have always been people who have tried to reshape her story, or get her to reshape it. She resented that and would resent it today. Norma was not somebody you could come to know in a snapshot, in an interview, or even in years of interviews. Ill have a lot more to say about this once I see the documentary.

Evangelist Alveda King, a niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., also responded to the claims in the documentary.

For me, Norma was never a trophy, she was my friend, King wrote in an op-ed in TruthPR. I loved Norma, and told her so. Norma loved me too. She told me so. We laughed together, we cried together, we worked together. I miss her.

King continued: The abortion lobby pays billions a year to kill babies, and dehumanize their mothers. The authors of Roe v. Wade used Norma. They lied to her. The Prolife Family loves Norma. We thank GOD for Normas love for Life. Her memory lives on in our hearts.

She added, In 1995, Norma prayed, and God opened her eyes. Then, Norma blew the whistle. Normas heart was won and transformed by love, not money.

Shameful fake news would have us believe that Norma McCorvey was a mercenary. Nothing could be further from the truth. For those of us who knew and loved Norma, we know that at the end, Norma loved God, and Norma loved life, she added.

Live Action, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to exposing the truth about abortion and affirming the life of every child, spoke to Normas friends, including Karen Garnett, who said: When she came back to Dallas, she was living in the home of a saintly pro-life woman who took her in and was giving her loving hospitality. And she was not well. She was in and out of the hospital with failing health. She had absolutely no wealth at all. It was the pro-life community who she was with. We loved her. She went to mass with us. We celebrated her birthday. Never was there any indication that she was acting."
Wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat (in yellow top) cooking and distributing food among the needy during lokdown. (Photo: Sanjeev Kumar Singh Chauhan) Image Source: IANS News

Wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat (in yellow top) cooking and distributing food among the needy during lokdown. (Photo: Sanjeev Kumar Singh Chauhan) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, May 24 : The Bhartiya Janata Party claims to have achieved a sort of record in providing relief to the poor during the lockdown enforced to check the spread of highly contagious coronavirus.

Under the direction from its national President J.P. Nadda, the BJP says it has distributed 24 crore food packets and ration kits to the people during the lockdown.

The BJP cadres also distributed more than 5 crore masks or face covers to the people, the party said.

In view of its sheer number, this is said to be the biggest relief operations ever launched by any political party in the world.

National General Secretary Arun Singh shared this information with the media. "Since the lockdown began on March 24 and till May 23, the BJP has distributed 19.28 crore food packets and 4.86 crore ration kits to the people," he said.

On the appeal of its President, the BJP claims it activated its 8.23 lakh cadres to take part in the massive relief operations on the ground to mitigate the sufferings due to the lockdown. About 4.48 cadres of the party have been specially taking care of the old and feeble, the party said.

The party also initiated a signature campaign 'Thank you Corona warriors' at 12.87 polling stations across the country.

More than 53.87 lakh BJP workers have so far contributed to PM-CARES Fund on the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Nadda.
Firefighters rescue dogs trapped in house on fire

PHUKET: Locla firefighters rescued two dogs trapped in a burning room at a house on fire in Kathu yesterday (May 23).



By Eakkapop Thongtub

Sunday 24 May 2020, 01:33PM

Many belongings in the house were damaged by the fire. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The dogs were trapped in the bedroom, which was heavily damaged by the blaze. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The dogs were trapped in the bedroom, which was heavily damaged by the blaze. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The dogs were trapped in the bedroom, which was heavily damaged by the blaze. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Firefighters were called to the Sing Thao Thani housing estate in Moo 6, Kathu, at around 2:30pm yesterday. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Firefighters were called to the Sing Thao Thani housing estate in Moo 6, Kathu, at around 2:30pm yesterday. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Emergency services were called to the scene, in the Sing Thao Thani housing estate in Moo 6, Kathu, at around 2:30pm, confirmed Lt Peerawat Yordtor of the Kathu Police.

When police and firefighters arrived local residents were already trying to put out the fire themselves, Capt Peerawat reported.

Firefighters took command of the efforts and had the fire extinguished in about 20 minutes.

One firefighter at the scene explained to The Phuket News, When we arrived, the fire was burning in a bedroom, and there were two dogs suffocating from the smoke in the room.

We rushed to take dogs out and then douse the fire, he said.

The dogs were rushed to a pet hospital, but at last report seemed not dangerously affected by the smoke inhalation, the firefighter reported.

The owner of the house, who declined to give his name but identified himself as a former police officer, explained that he was not at home when the fire started as he had gone to his wifes new salon.

He explained that he had left the dogs in the room because he thought he would be away only a short time.

Normally, I always take the dogs along everywhere I go, he said.

The fire had caused considerable damage, the former police officer added.

Most of the stuff inside the house, electrical appliances, furniture and documents left in the house, were damaged by the fire, he said.



At this stage, I do not know the cost of the damage, he added.

Lt Peerawat confirmed that the investigation into what caused the fire would have to wait until he receives a report by Forensic Police.








However, its important for people, especially in Hall County, to be vigilant. Large gatherings such as Memorial Day cookouts shouldnt be held this year.

Lets remember that there have been more than 1,500 cases in the Grand Island area. Residents cant let down on protections. Wear a face mask. Keep social distancing.

If residents do this and the trend in cases keeps going down, more restrictions will be lifted or eased in the coming weeks. But no one wants to see a setback in that trend that will prevent the easing and reopening.

It must be remembered that many people are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

As Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele said this week, I want us to get through the summer without a flare up, what they call a second wave, for health reasons but also because I want our schools to be able to open in August and I want our State Fair to be successful. If we have a flare up, that would put both of those goals at risk.

Thank you to all of the veterans who have served this great country. Thank you also to the families of veterans who have also made great sacrifices.

Its not the usual Memorial Day, but lets take time to remember those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice, while also doing what we can to keep each other safe from the coronavirus.
The first reported clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) occurred on May 9 in the area of Nakula in north Sikkim. The Indian Army statement on the incident was brief and factual: "Aggressive behaviour by the two sides resulted in minor injuries to troops. The two sides disengaged after a dialogue and interaction at local level.

Subsequent reports indicated that an earlier clash between the two armies had occurred around May 5 in eastern Ladakh. This was apparently more serious, with a large number of soldiers on both sides getting injured. There were some initial attempts to downplay the incidents, but with the passage of time, the situation is developing into a matter of some concern.

Official news is hard to come by, but the PLA seems to have brought in a large number of soldiers and transgressed in multiple areas in eastern Ladakh. The stance of both sides is reflected in the statements given out by the foreign ministries. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs statements on May 19 and 21 talked about the Indian Army crossing into its territory, blocking PLA patrols and attempting to unilaterally change the status.

The Chinese spokesperson also stated, "China's border troops firmly safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and security and firmly deals with the Indian sides crossover and infringement activities."

Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected Beijings allegations. The MEA spokesperson stated, Any suggestion that Indian troops had undertaken activity across the LAC in the Western Sector, or the Sikkim Sector is not accurateAll Indian activities are entirely on the Indian side of the LAC. In fact, it is the Chinese side that has recently undertaken activity hindering Indias normal patrolling patterns.

LAC transgressions are not new. As per media reports, there were 497 Chinese transgressions in eastern Ladakh in 2019. On a non-demarcated border, there would be differing perceptions on the exact alignment of the boundary in some areas, and this is reflected in the official statements by the two sides.

Both countries blame the other for crossing the LAC and blocking legitimate patrolling activity. This has been the norm for many years, and most local disputes get resolved quickly through meetings between local military commanders. There have been some standoffs like Chumar and Dokalam that required diplomatic intervention, but these were again geographically restricted to one area and ultimately resolved peacefully.

The current standoff in eastern Ladakh is different from the past in a few ways. The transgressions by the Chinese soldiers are at multiple locations and in large numbers. What is worrying is that these transgressions are at locations like Galwan where there has never been a dispute about the LAC alignment. The Chinese actions seem to be well-coordinated and would have been planned at the highest level. It does not appear to be an act executed by some local military commanders.

The level of physical violence that accompanied the latest set of incidents is unprecedented. It has been reported that the PLA troops in the Pangong Tso transgression came armed with batons and rods. The tensest of standoffs between soldiers of the two sides in the past have been marked by a remarkable degree of restraint and an understanding of not using force. If this restraint breaks down, each transgression (more than 600 annually) could become a mini-battle.

The Chinese moves on the border also come at a time when the coronavirus is causing a global geopolitical churning. The US-China cold war has intensified as both countries vie for a leadership role in the post-Covid 19 world. The Chinese leadership is using its economic and military power, combined with an intense propaganda campaign, to show that it has not been weakened due to the pandemic. In these circumstances, even local incidents along the LAC can acquire a larger meaning.

It would be naive to buy the story that the blocking of PLA patrols has led to this escalation. In past standoffs like Chumar and Dokalam, the demands of both sides were explicit and geographically limited to a specific area, e.g., stopping the construction of a particular road. In the current case, there is a great deal of uncertainty about Chinese intentions and motives behind triggering the current crisis. A lack of clarity about intentions leads to assumptions of worst-case scenarios and the tendency to take higher risks than usual.

Different reasons are being ascribed to the Chinese moves in Ladakh and Sikkim. Whatever be the motivation, the more important point is that the Chinese behaviour carries enormous dangers. From Nathu La in 1967 to Wangdung in 1987, and the more recent incidents in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, attempts to put military pressure on India have rarely yielded big dividends for the Chinese. If nothing else, this reading of history should force a rethink on further Chinese adventurism in Ladakh.

The situation along the LAC needs to be defused at the earliest. India and China have handled their border issues in the past without a shot having been fired at each other since 1975, and there are sufficient lessons that can be applied to restore calm. However, if the standoff drags on, nationalistic fervour is bound to kick in, and the resultant public groundswell would restrict the options available to political leaders on both sides to resolve the issue.
New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said his government will lay down stringent conditions for ensuring social security of workers from UP who are hired by other states. Other states will also need to seek permission from his government before engaging workers from UP, he aid.

If any state wants manpower, the state government will have to guarantee social security and insurance of the workers. Without our permission they will not be able to take our peoplebecause of the way they were treated in some states, he said in an interaction with journalists through video conferencing.

The CM said all migrant workers who have returned to the state were being registered and their skills mapped by his administration. Any state or entity interested in hiring them will need to take care of their social, legal and monetary rights.

Adityanath also asked called for the creation of a migration commission that will look into various factors related to the rights of migrant workers and ensure they arent exploited.

Prof Amitabh Kundu, distinguished fellow at the New Delhi-based think tank Research and Information System for Developing Countries, said requiring government permission for employing people could face a legal challenge as the Constitution guarantees the freedom of movement and residence and employment of workers.

Article 19 (1)(D) guarantees freedom to move freely, and 19(1)(e) the freedom to settled in any part of the countryso the need for permission can be legally challenged, Prof. Kundu said.

He also said the demand for labour in the southern states outstrips the employment avenues in UP. UP does not have the capacity to absorb all the returnees, as the population growth is higher than the national average, he said.

Out-of-work migrant workers who are returning to the state has emerged as a big challenge for the government. Though the UP CM was among the first to send buses to bring back stranded workers and students, which out pressure on other state to follow suit; the government was criticised for not providing organised transport to the workers during the lockdown, which forced thousands to walk.

Acknowledging that workers trying to get back home on foot was a big challenge, Adityanath said once the government had made arrangements for buses, it had to also face a second challenge of screening and quarantining the returnees.

He said state ministers were divided into groups to make policies.  One committee was assigned to look for policies for livelihood options for workers in urban and rural areas...Second committee was to deal with business sector; to provide for the workers, and the chief secretary was tasked to coordinate with the Centre and other states, he said.

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China on Sunday accused the United States of pushing the bilateral ties to the brink of a "new Cold War" by spreading "lies" about the coronavirus and said it was open to international efforts to identify the source of the deadly virus.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also said the lawsuits filed against China in the US demanding compensation for COVID-19 is an attempt to blackmail a victim with fabricated evidence.

Under constant attack from US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over the origin of the coronavirus and failure to provide timely information, Wang launched a broadside against Washington in his annual press conference.

He accused American politicians of spreading "political virus" to smear China.

"It is the most regrettable that while the coronavirus is still out there, a 'political virus' is also spreading in the US and jumping at any opportunity to attack and slander China," he said in a video media conference on the sidelines of China's annual session of the National People's Conference.

"Some political forces in the US are taking China-US relations hostage and pushing our two countries to the brink of a new Cold War," Wang said.

Some politicians ignored the basic facts and made up countless lies and conspiracy theories concerning China.

"The longer the list, the more it says about how low the rumour-mongers are willing to go and the more stains they will leave in history," Wang, who is also the State Councillor, said.

He was scathingly critical of especially the lawsuits against China.

A lawsuit was filed by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt against the Chinese government, the ruling Communist Party of China, and other Chinese officials and institutions in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

It alleges that during the critical weeks of the initial coronavirus outbreak, the Chinese authorities deceived the public, suppressed crucial information, arrested whistle-blowers, destroyed critical medical research and permitted millions of people to be exposed to the virus, causing a global pandemic that was unnecessary and preventable.

Observers say the Missouri lawsuit could pose a problem to China given the US courts' claim of universal jurisdiction.

Asked whether Beijing is concerned that China's overseas assets could be seized, Wang said "some people are clamouring for so-called accountability and compensation from a victim of COVID-19.

"They are fabricating so-called evidence for frivolous lawsuits. These people are tramping on international rule of law and betraying human conscience," he said.

"If anybody thought they could use some ludicrous lawsuits to undermine China's sovereignty and dignity to deprive the Chinese people their hard-won gains they will be daydreaming and bring disgrace to themselves," he said.

He also struck a reconciliatory note saying that both the US and China should work together.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the common enemy of China and the US and it is the shared wish of the people of the two nations to support and help each other.

China and the US should share the experience of the epidemic fight and learn from each other to boost their respective responses, Wang said. -- PTI
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Construction for Sydney's new metro train line has uncovered two 'ghost platforms' hidden beneath Central Station, buried and abandoned for 40 years.

Platforms 26 and 27 lie dormant and gathering decades of dust as 270,000 people walk above them every say without knowing what lies beneath their feet.

They were built in 1979 on the site of the Devonshire Street Cemetery as part of the Eastern Suburbs Railway line for Bondi and Illawarra but never completed.

Bodies lying in the graveyard were reburied across the city decades earlier but workers claim to have claimed to hear voices echoing against the walls, and even the sound of children playing.

Construction for Sydney's new metro train line has uncovered two 'ghost platforms' hidden beneath Central Station, buried and abandoned for 40 years

Now linked to the new tunnels, the ghost platforms will finally be put to use housing 17 new communications and power rooms for the metro line when it is finished

Platforms 26 and 27 lie dormant and gathering decades of dust as 270,000 people walk above them every say without knowing what lies beneath their feet

Now linked to the new tunnels, the ghost platforms will finally be put to use housing 17 new communications and power rooms for the metro line when it is finished.

Urban explorers have for years found creative ways of checking out the disused platforms, evidenced by the graffiti lining some of the walls and columns.

Lying between the eastern concourse and platforms 24 and 25, they can occasionally be reached via the lift to the Bondi to Cronulla platforms if a worker has left the button active.

Rail historian John Oakes said there were many stories about people either feeling or hearing ghosts after coming down to the abandoned platforms.

'Sometimes they might feel a hand on their shoulder and look around and there is nobody there. They are very eerie places,' he said.

Lying deep beneath Sydney's Central station is one of the city's hidden secrets - the stripped bare but fully in tact platforms 26 and 27

Sydney Trains officials have reported hearing voices echoing against the walls, and even the sound of children playing

Urban explorers have for years found creative ways of checking out the disused platforms, evidenced by the graffiti lining some of the walls and columns

Platforms 26 and 27 were built in the 1970s on the site of the old Devonshire Street Cemetery, and the ghosts of the deceased seem to still be present to this day

The disused platforms also connect to a labyrinth of tunnels underneath Central Station and surrounding areas

One secret entrance is a nondescript metal door in the carpark of an office building on Pitt Street, behind an electrical substation.

'The entrance to this particular tunnel is near a loading dock in an underground carpark behind an electrical substation,' a former train worker previously explained to Daily Mail Australia.

'It's used mainly these days for cleaners and freight, it's also a shortcut for the drivers and other train workers.'

'There's also a locked vault with a steel door in this tunnel, no one is allowed through the door and no one knows what's in there.

'It's a bit unnerving if you're in there for long periods of time.'

In the carpark of an office building on Pitt Street, behind an electrical substation, is a metal door that leads to a tunnel winding its way under the city to Central Station

An artist's impression of what Central Station will look like after it is redeveloped by the Metro project over the next few years

More than 270,000 customers use the 114-year-old station on a normal day, with that number expected to increase to 450,000 in the next two decades

Among the tunnels are an abandoned station master's office, complete with fireplace and federation doors, and bathrooms and workspaces frozen in time.

Sydney Trains operations director Tony Eid also claims to have heard the sound of children's voices on a visit to station's never-used tunnels.

He previously told the Sydney Morning Herald: 'Workers down here said they would hear kids playing and, thinking they were vandals, would go and investigate.

'On one occasion I was down here with a radio crew and we all heard children playing. Take that as you wish but we all heard it'.

Aside from the station's ghostly past, it is also the site of more tangible historical events like the Battle of Central Station - where soldiers rebelling against the army were involved in a shootout with military guards.

St James station also has ghosts platforms, numbers 1 and 2, and a series of off-limits tunnels underneath the concourse and nearby Hyde Park

The platforms and were built in the 1940s but never used, and are connected through a series of tunnels

The St James tunnels contain a former bomb shelter and, surprisingly, an underground lake

One stray bullet hole near platform one is what remains of the exchange started by a drunken soldier's gunshot - which led to the guards killing one and injuring eight when they returned fire.

St James station also has ghosts platforms, numbers 1 and 2, and a series of off-limits tunnels underneath the concourse and nearby Hyde Park.

They contain a former bomb shelter and, surprisingly, an underground lake.

A photographer and several associates recently sneaked into the tunnels, many of which were flooded and some were just inches from passing trains.

Ghost hunters at Macquaire Fields train station in the city's southwest also claim to have seen a ghostly apparition clutching her bloodied chest and shrieking in terror.

Others claim to have heard a 'faint crying on the breeze' late night following the departure of the last train.
Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: The Pune district administration said that 459 new coronavirus cases and eight deaths have been reported in last 24 hours in the district. Total positive cases stand at 6,153 and toll is at 280.

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The number of active coronavirus cases rose to 73,560. While 54,440 people have recovered, one patient has migrated to another country, according to the ministry bulletin.

The country reported 6,767 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 1,31,868, while the death toll due to the disease rose to 3,867 after 147 more fatalities, the Union Health Ministry said.

Inter-state movement of passenger vehicles and buses can resume with mutual consent of the states involved, the SRC said.

Similarly, the intrastate movement of trains has been given a go-ahead by following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Railways.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena told reporters that intrastate movement of two-wheelers, private vehicles, official vehicles, taxis including app-based cab aggregators will be allowed to operate from Monday.

The Odisha government Sunday had announced the resumption of intrastate movement of passenger buses, trains and other vehicles from Monday, a senior official said.

"There are more than 100 candidates for developing a vaccine that are working at different levels. The WHO is coordinating the efforts," the health minister said.

In an online interaction with BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao, Vardhan said the entire world was working on developing a vaccine to halt the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Four out of the 14 COVID-19 vaccine candidates from India may enter the clinical trial stage in the next three-five months, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday.

Out of the 392 cases, there are 328 active cases, four deaths, three migrated out of the state and 57 of them recovered and have been discharged from the hospital. The state recorded 285 cases in a single week since 18 May.

A day after the state recorded the highest spike of 87 cases, the rise in numbers continued with 133 positive cases detected since 23 May.

Forty-six new COVID-19 positive cases were recorded yesterday in Assam taking the total to 392, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Both flights were operated by IndiGo on Monday morning. While the Delhi-Pune flight departed at 4.45 am, while the Mumbai-Patna flight took off t 6.45 am.

All scheduled commercial passenger flights have been suspended since March 25 when the government imposed a nationwide lockdown to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

Indian skies opened up for domestic passenger services from Monday after a gap of two months, with Delhi-Pune and Mumbai-Patna flights being among the first to take off, aviation industry sources said.

The district now has 56 active cases out of total 137 active cases in the state. One COVID-19 patient has died and five have recovered, according to state government data.

The number of infected people in Hamirpur district has risen to 62 out of total 204 in the state.

Hamirpur district continues to have the highest number of novel coronavirus cases in Himachal Pradesh with two more persons, both of whom recently returned to the state from outside, testing positive for the disease on Sunday, deputy commissioner Harikesh Meena said.

Dos and Don'ts shall be provided along with tickets to travellers by agencies concerned, said the ministry's guidelines for domestic travel (air/train/inter-state bus travel). All passengers shall be advised to download the Arogya Setu application on their mobile devices, it said.

Asymptomatic passengers should be permitted to travel after being asked to self-monitor for 14 days, the ministry said.

The health ministry on Sunday issued guidelines for domestic travel, advising passengers to download the Aarogya Setu application on their mobile devices and asking states to ensure thermal screening at the departure point of airports, railway stations and bus terminals.

Of the total 161 COVID-19 deaths, Agra tops the list with 33 deaths, followed by 20 in Meerut, 12 in Aligarh, 11 each in Kanpur Nagar and Moradabad, and eight in Firozabad.

The COVID-19 death toll in Uttar Pradesh rose to 161 yesterday with six more deaths, while 254 new cases in the last 24 hours took the tally to 6,268, an official said.

With a greater emphasis on minimum touch and minimum exposure between passengers and airport personnel, BIAL aims to minimise all physical contact at the airport. The technology will continue to enable a seamless airport journey, with greater emphasis on health and safety, the statement said.

In order to contain coronavirus transmission among passengers and staff, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) introduced the new feature of the contactless journey right from pre-entry check to security check and boarding.

The Bengaluru airport management is introducing a unique feature of a parking-to-boarding contactless journey for the passengers as the domestic flight resumes from Monday.

"As many as 50 departures and arrivals are expected on day one and all flights will be operational from Terminal 2," the Mumbai International Airport Ltd ( MIAL) said in a release. Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had allowed airlines to operate one-third of their total domestic flights from each airport.

Prior to the suspension of passenger flight services on 25 March in the wake of nationwide lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic, the AAI-GVK group-run airport had been operating over 1,000 daily flights (arrivals and departures), including on international routes.

The operator of the Mumbai international airport said on Sunday it will resume commercial passenger services on domestic routes from 25 May with 25 departures and arrivals each.

Nine CRPF personnel tested positive for COVID-19 in Delhi on Sunday. According to the CRPF, 359 positive cases have been reported so far including 137 active positive cases, 220 recoveries and two deceased, reports ANI.

He is the second minister in the Uddhav Thackeray government to catch the infection after Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad. Chavan is currently admitted to a hospital in Nanded. His condition is stable, sources told the newspaper, adding that he was reportedly under home quarantine for the last few days.

Passengers of an Air India Bengaluru-Hyderabad flight say their flight has been cancelled, without prior notice from the airline. "Only when our boarding passes were scanned at the airport entry we were told that boarding has been cancelled. We don't know what to do now," a passenger told ANI.

The toll in India due to the novel coronavirus pandemic has risen to 4,021 with reported active at 77,103 and as many as 57,721 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged so far.

India reported the highest ever spike of 6977 COVID19 cases and 154 new deaths in India in the last 24 hours. The total confirmed COVID-19 cases have risen to 1,38,845, according to the latest update from the Union Health Ministry.

According to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry, Maharashtra has reported 1,635 COVID-19 deaths so far. As many as 14,600 patients have recovered.

With 50,231 confirmed novel coronavirus cases, Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state in the country, followed by Tamil Nadu (16,277) and Gujarat (14,056).

Four more people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh, taking the number of cases in the state to 208, while a 72-year-old woman died due to the disease at a hospital here, officials said on Monday. With the latest fatality, the death toll due to COVID-19 has increased to five in the state.

Abe is to officially declare the end of the state of emergency later Monday after endorsement from parliamentary committees.

Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters that experts on a government-commissioned panel approved the plan to end the state of emergency that has lasted for more than a month and a half.

Experts on a special government panel have approved a plan to remove a coronavirus state of emergency from Tokyo and four other remaining prefectures, paving the way for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to declare entirely ending the measure to allow businesses to gradually resume, reports AP.

A total of 16 flights were scheduled to arrive in the city through the day, according to the Centre's decision as Tamil Nadu government had demanded for capping such services to 25 per day, while 19 outbound services were scheduled from the city, they said.

It left for the national capital at 6.40 am while a flight from Delhi operated by the same carrier was the first incoming one, albeit with a far lesser number of passengers, at 27.

A Delhi-bound Indigo Airlines with 116 passengers was the first flight to be operated from the airport here on Monday when the country resumed domestic air services, officials said.

India is now among the 10 countries with most cases, according to a tracker by the Johns Hopkins University. According to the health ministry's latest update, the country now has 1,38,845 confirmed cases and 4,021 deaths.

The health department, in a tweet late on Sunday evening, said,"63 more COVID-19 +ve cases in Bihar taking the total to 2,574... We are ascertaining their trail of infection". Earlier on Sunday, the state had registered 117 new positive cases and two fatalities due to the contagion, taking the death toll to 13.

Bihar has reported 180 new cases of COVID-19 from 15 districts, pushing the tally to 2,574 in the state, the health department said. Of the fresh cases, Nawada and East Champaran accounted for 11 each and the state capital Patna recorded four new infections, it said.

South Korea reported 16 new cases of the coronavirus as officials scramble to stem transmissions with 2 million more children returning to school this week. The figures released by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday brought national totals to 11,206 cases and 267 deaths.

The district now has 57 active cases out of total 142 active cases in the state. One COVID-19 patient has died and five have recovered, according to the data.

The number of infected people in Hamirpur district has risen to 63 out of total 210 in the state as of Monday morning, as per state government data.

Hamirpur district continues to have the highest number of novel coronavirus cases in Himachal Pradesh with one more person, a Mumbai returnee, testing positive for the disease, deputy commissioner Harikesh Meena said on Monday.

According to sources, the first flight out was an Air Asia aircraft to Ranchi that departed at around 5:30 am with about 176 passengers, while the first arrival was a flight from Chennai at about 7:35 am with around 113 passengers.

As domestic air travel resumed on Monday after nearly two months of COVID-19 induced lockdown, the city's Kempegowda International Airport will see nearly 107 flights departing and about hundred arrivals, as it begins operations.

The Air Asia flight with 23 passengers on board landed at 0830 hrs, Jaipur airport director JS Balhara said. He said 20 flights were scheduled for the first day at the Jaipur airport but 11 of them have been cancelled.

After the restart of the domestic flight operations, the first aircraft arrived at the Jaipur airport from Bengaluru on Monday morning.

Odisha on Monday reported 103 new COVID19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1438, according to the state health department, reports ANI.

Adityanath also directed officials that migrant workers be given insurance so that their life is secured, Awasthi said. The chief minister suggested that a scheme be launched to ensure their job security.

With over 23 lakh workers and migrants having to return to the state till Sunday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed that a Migration Commission be set up, according to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi.

In a two-pronged strategy to secure migrant workers, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to set up a Migration Commission for the employment of such labourers in the state and made it clear that any state that wants them from UP has to seek its permission.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that 30,33,591 samples were tested for COVID-19 in the country till 9.00 am on Monday. Of these, 90,170 samples were tested in the last 24 hours.

The total number of containment zones in Delhi is now 90 with three new zones added to the list, reports ANI. Forty-one zones have been de-contained.

However, the apex court added that post 10 days, Air India for international operations must follow the Bombay High Court order which directs the carrier to keep middle seats vacant, reports Livelaw

Air India shall be allowed to operate non-scheduled foreign flights with middle seats booking for next 10 days, Supreme Court has ordered after hearing an urgent plea filed by Centre and Air India against Bombay High Court order to keep middle seats vacant in international flights.

"The Indigo flight from Delhi has landed at Patna airport at 7.30 am, while the flight from Mumbai to Patna has been delayed by two hours," Director of the Jay Prakash Narayan Airport, Patna, Bhupesh Negi told PTI. The first flight from Patna to Delhi has also taken off, Negi added.

As domestic air travel resumed in India on Monday after a gap of two months, the first flight arrived at the Patna airport from Delhi around 7.30 am, an official said. Another flight from Mumbai, which was to land at 7 am, was delayed by two hours, he said.

Till yesterday, there were 13,418 positive cases of COVID-19 (in Delhi). Out of these, 6,540 have recovered and 6,617 cases are active, he added. He also said that 2,000 extra beds are now available in 117 private hospitals.

The COVID-19 recovery rate in Delhi is nearly 50 percent, said chief minister Arvind Kejriwal during a video briefing on Monday. Of the 4,000 beds in the National Capital, 1,500 are occupied, he said.

The company has been informed by SMG that it would re-start production of vehicles from the 25 May, strictly in accordance with the government regulations and guidelines, MSI said in a regulatory filing.

Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Monday said Suzuki Motor Gujarat has resumed manufacturing operations after having suspended work for over two months due to coronavirus lockdown. Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG) manufactures cars on a contract basis for MSI.

Kejriwal also said that the Delhi government has issued a show-cause notice to a private hospital that denied treatment to a COVID-19 patient. It is the hospitals duty in such a case to provide an ambulance to the patient and take them to a COVID hospital, he adds.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday during video briefing said that 3,314 people are undergoing treatment at home in the National Capital. He further said cases have increased in Delhi due to relaxations in lockdown. But there is nothing to worry about unless the mortality rate or the number of serious cases rises rapidly, he adds.

In the last 24 hours, 51 police personnel have tested positive for COVID19, says Maharashtra Police. The total number of positive cases in the force is now at 1809, including 1113 active cases, 678 recovered cases and 18 deaths, reports ANI.

Two more COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Manipur on Monday, taking the total number of positive cases to 34, of which 30 are active cases, according to a press release of the Government of Manipur.

"Is it because the RSS-backed BJP is not in power in Maharashtra?" the Marathi daily asked.

An editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said when the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has already opposed holding exams in Gujarat and Goa in the current scenario, why is Koshyari's demand in contrast to it.

The ruling Shiv Sena in Maharashtra on Monday hit out at Governor BS Koshyari for being in favour of conducting final year university exams in the state and said the health of students cannot be put at risk amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The once-storied full service carrier is undergoing insolvency process and its affairs are being managed by insolvency resolution professional Ashish Chhawchharia. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) is being implemented by the corporate affairs ministry.

Jet Airways, which suspended services more than a year ago due to cash crunch, has offered two of its Boeing planes for operations under the Vande Bharat Mission to evacuate Indians stranded in foreign countries, according to a communication.

Even as domestic air services resumed, five of 10 flights scheduled to land at Bhubaneswar's Biju Patnaik International Airport were cancelled, an airport official told ANI. The first flight to reach the city in Odisha was operated by Vistara and departed from Delhi at 6.50 am. Four more flights are scheduled to land in Bhubaneswar in the evening.

Even as booking for 1,050 flight for Monday were opened, the civil aviation ministry announced that only one-third of the pre-lockdown flights will resume operation on 25 May, leading to cancellation of some flights.

Some flights at Bengaluru's Kempegowda airport and Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport were also cancelled . Only when our boarding passes were scanned at the airport entry we were told that boarding has been cancelled. We dont know what to do now, a passenger of an Air India Bengaluru-Hyderabad flight told ANI.

Confusion prevailed at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, where 80 arriving and departing flights were cancelled without prior notice to passengers. Flights resumed operations today after remaining suspended for two months.

The man, a lawyer by profession, had undergone a test for COVID-19 and its 'positive' result was received after his death at the Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Science (ASCOMS) Hospital here due to multiple complications on Sunday, the officials said.

A 63-year-old man died of coronavirus at a private hospital here, taking the death toll due to the disease in the Jammu region to three and to 22 in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Amid the political slugfest over the Shramik Special trains, Goyal on Sunday night said, "We are ready to provide 125 Shramik Special trains to Maharashtra."

The Vasai Road-Gorakhpur Sharmik Special train to Uttar Pradesh, which left from Palghar on 21 May, was diverted to a different route via Odisha due to heavy congestion. It reached Gorakhpur two-and-a-half days later, when it should have reached the destination in about 25 hours.

Shiv Sena's alliance partner NCP, however, took a different stand, saying Goyal and his ministry are under pressure and their efforts should be appreciated.

In a dig at Railway Minister Piyush Goyal over the diversion of the Vasai Road-Gorakhpur Sharmik Special train via Odisha, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday said their only request is that train carrying migrants should reach its destination as announced.

Two patients, both men, were admitted to Indira Gandhi Government Medical College Hospital this morning, Health Minister Malladi Krishna Rao told reporters here. The new cases were from neighbouring Muthialpet and Moogambigai Nagar areas, he added.

Two COVID-19 cases were reported in Puducherry on Monday, taking the number of infections in the union territory to 31.

With 43 deaths and 680 discharges, there are 1,433 active corona cases in the state, the department said in its mid-day bulletin.

A 55-year-old woman from Bengaluru Rural became the 43rd COVID-19 casualty in Karnataka as the state reported 69 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total number of infections to 2,158, the health department said on Monday.

Delhi records 635 new coronavirus cases, taking the tally to 14,053, PTI reports. The toll stands at 276.

Two thousand beds in private hospitals in Delhi will be available from today for coronavirus patients, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday, stressing that 117 private hospitals in the city have been told to reserve 20 percent of the beds for those seeking treatment for the highly contagious disease.

Malegaon is the district's hotspot accounting for 697 of the 953 cases, Nashik city has 95 and the rural parts 132, while 39 are from areas outside the district, he added. While 720 have been discharged after recovery, 51 have died of the infection, leaving the district with 182 active COVID-19 cases, the official informed.

Thirteen coronavirus positive cases were detected in Nashik late Sunday night, taking the district's COVID-19 count to 963, an official said.

All the 16 patients were under quarantine and their test reports came on Sunday night, District Magistrate Ashutosh Niranjan said. Twenty-eight of the total 141 patients have recovered and two died due to the disease.

Sixteen people, who returned from Maharashtra in the last one week, have tested positive for coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh's Basti district, taking the number of cases to 141, officials said on Monday.

Of the fresh cases in the past 24 hours ending 9 am on Monday, seven were linked to the Koyambedu market in Chennai while 41 foreign returnees tested positive, the bulletin said.

With 89 fresh infections, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Andhra Pradesh climbed to 2,886, a bulletin from the government said on Monday. No death occurred due to the virus and the toll in the state remained at 56.

He further requested the Maharashtra government that when these migrant workers return from back to the state from UP, their registration, police records and health tests should be done. Pawar asked the Yogi Adityanath-led government to join hands with the Maharashtra government for testing these workers instead of making 'baseless allegations' against them.

Pawar also said, "The whole world saw that your government (UP) sprayed medicine on these workers and treated them worse than animals." He also questioned the UP government: "Why did you not raise voice against the central government for not accepting the request of the Maharashtra government to start railways for these workers?"

Pawar in a series of tweets said that the migrant workers the Uttar Pradesh chief minister was talking about had actually insisted on going home, which the Maharashtra government felicitated under the CM-funds. He then shared a video where migrant workers are seeing appreciating the Maharashtra government, about the facilities provided by them while complaining about the lack of basic facilities like water while travelling to their home towns in Uttar Pradesh.

Sharad Pawar's grand-nephew and NCP leader Rohit Pawar took to Twitter to hit out at Yogi Adityanath tweet which alleged that Uddhav Thackeray 'tricked' migrant workers into lockdown, forcing them to return home.

Senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai noted that Goyal as a Union minister is now commenting on a topic which, as so far, was only between state leaders. "Should union mins be taking on oppn CMs on twitter or talking to them on phone,settling issues in spirit of coop in Covid times? @PiyushGoyal is original Mumbaikar but Centre seems determined to encircle/topple @OfficeofUT Maha govt at all costs! Unity surely needed in crisis!" Sardesai said (sic) in a tweet.

On Monday, he asked the Maharashtra government (in a tweet) where was the list of 125 trains? "Where is the list for 125 trains from Maharashtra? As of 2 am, received a list of only 46 trains of which 5 are to West Bengal and Odisha which cannot operate due to cyclone Amphan. We are notifying only 41 trains for today despite being prepared for 125." he said in a tweet.

Hours, after Maharashtra government blamed Indian Railways for not providing Maharashtra with the required number of trains, Union Minister for Railways Piyush Goyal, tweeted in response to Uddhav Thackerays plea and sought various passenger details such as their boarding stations, medical certificates, etc on Sunday.

Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar on Monday said that two members of his household staff have tested positive for coronavirus. "He said that all his family members have taken the swab test, and their results have come negative."

The Pune district administration said that 459 new coronavirus cases and eight deaths have been reported in last 24 hours in the district. Total positive cases stand at 6,153 and toll is at 280.

Alert ~ 13 new cases of #COVID19 + reported. Swabs for testing taken before people sent for quarantine. 7 Kamrup Metro, 6 Golaghat Total cases 539 Recovered 62 Active cases 470 Deaths 04 Migrated 03 Update 10:10 pm/May 25 #AssamCovidCount pic.twitter.com/y8ykdxsIPY

With 13 new coronavirus cases reported in Assam in the government's 10.10 pm update, the total number of new cases reported on Monday are 142.

194 new positive cases & 10 deaths have been reported today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 6859, of which 3571 patients have been cured and discharged. The death toll stands at 300: Madhya Pradesh Health Department

A 63-year-old woman from Dharmadam in Kannur who had tested positive for COVID-19 passed away at Kozhikode Medical College, on Monday. Toll rises to 6 in Kerala.

"With some key changes in the guidelines for lockdown 4.0, the Rajasthan government on Monday allowed taxi, auto operations, and parks to open in red zones in the state. Taxis with driver and two passengers have been allowed, while autos with driver and one passenger have been allowed to ply," India Today reported.

India Today reported that the Union civil aviation ministry "has allowed private jet and charter flight operations to resume. The Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) will be the same as those are for the passenger flights".

The Telangana government said that on Monday, 66 new coronavirus cases have been reported, taking the total number of positive cases to 1,920. The toll rose to 56 after three deaths were reported .

"The other arms of the trial are continuing. This concern relates to the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloraquine in #COVID19 . I wish to reiterate that these drugs are accepted as generally safe for use in patients with autoimmune diseases or malaria"- @DrTedros

Karnataka Govt issues addendum to SOP for Inter-State Passengers; any person who gets a negative COVID test certificate (from ICMR approved lab) which is not more than 2 days old from the date of journey will be exempted from the requirement of institutional quarantine. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/5X1Kto7urM

Karnataka government issues addendum to SOP for Inter-State Passengers; any person who gets a negative COVID test certificate (from ICMR approved lab) which is not more than 2 days old from the date of journey will be exempted from the requirement of institutional quarantine.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates: The Pune district administration said that 459 new coronavirus cases and eight deaths have been reported in last 24 hours in the district. Total positive cases stand at 6,153 and toll is at 280.

The Maharashtra health department said that 2,436 new patients of coronavirus were recorded in the state on Monday, in addition, 60 deaths and 1,186 patients were discharged.

The Centre on Monday said that as on the morning of 25 May, "a total of 3,060 Shramik Special trains have been operationalised from various states across the country. More than 40 lakhs passengers have reached their destinations by these Shramik Special trains."

These 3,060 trains were originated from various states. The top 5 states/UTs from where maximum trains originated are Gujarat (853 Trains), Maharashtra (550 Trains), Punjab (333 Trains), Uttar Pradesh (221 Trains), Delhi (181 Trains), the statement said.

"These Shramik Special Trains were terminated in various states across the country. The top five states where maximum trains terminated are Uttar Pradesh(1245 Trains), Bihar(846 Trains), Jharkhand(123 Trains), Madhya Pradesh (112 Trains), Odisha (73 Trains)."

Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday said that the UT has the "highest testing rate" across India.

"Ever since we started tracing and testing coronavirus, around 10 weeks ago, we've done 1.30 Lakh tests so far. Our testing rate works out to over 10,000 per million. As I speak today, Jammu and Kashmir's testing rate is the highest in the entire country," the statement was quoted as saying.

Coronavirus cases in Tamil Nadu crossed 17,000 on Monday after 805 new cases were reported in the state. Additionally, seven deaths were also reported in the state. "549 cases are from Chennai alone. 407 patients have been discharged. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 17,082," News18 reported.

Union Minister Sadananda Gowda, who arrived in Bengaluru on Monday, reportedly refused to be quarantined and has refused to quarantine himself in accordance with the state government's lockdown protocol.

Practically, the guidelines are applicable to each and every citizen, I do concede. But are certain persons exempted from quarantining, those who hold certain responsible posts, he was quoted as saying by ANI.

So, I am a minister, I am heading the pharma ministry and I should see that in each and every corner of the country there should be sufficient supply of medicines. If the supply of medicine is not properly done, what can doctors do for the patients? If the supply of medicines is not done properly by the government, is it not a failure of the government? he asked.

The number of active cases of COVID-19 rises to 359 in Kerala, with 49 more people testing positive on Monday, said the state health department.

Hours, after Maharashtra government blamed Indian Railways for not providing Maharashtra with the required number of trains, Union Minister for Railways Piyush Goyal, tweeted in response to Uddhav Thackerays plea and sought various passenger details such as their boarding stations, medical certificates, etc on Sunday.

On Monday, he asked the Maharashtra government (in a tweet) where was the list of 125 trains? "Where is the list for 125 trains from Maharashtra? As of 2 am, received a list of only 46 trains of which 5 are to West Bengal and Odisha which cannot operate due to cyclone Amphan. We are notifying only 41 trains for today despite being prepared for 125." he said in a tweet.

Senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai noted that Goyal as a Union minister is now commenting on a topic which, as so far, was only between state leaders. "Should union mins be taking on oppn CMs on twitter or talking to them on phone,settling issues in spirit of coop in Covid times? @PiyushGoyal is original Mumbaikar but Centre seems determined to encircle/topple @OfficeofUT Maha govt at all costs! Unity surely needed in crisis!" Sardesai said (sic) in a tweet.

The Ghaziabad district magistrate sealed its border with Delhi after a spike in cases of coronavirus were reported in the district, reports said on Monday.

2,000 in private hospitals in Delhi will be available from today for coronavirus patients, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday, stressing that 117 private hospitals in the city have been told to reserve 20 percent of the beds for those seeking treatment for the highly contagious disease. Delhi records 635 new coronavirus cases, taking the tally to 14,053, PTI reports. The toll stands at 276.

Confusion prevailed at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, where 80 arriving and departing flights were cancelled without prior notice to passengers.

In the last 24 hours, 51 police personnel have tested positive for COVID19, says Maharashtra Police. The total number of positive cases in the force is now at 1809, including 1113 active cases, 678 recovered cases and 18 deaths, reports ANI.

Even after lockdown relaxations, situation is still under control in Delhi, said Arvind Kejriwal in a video briefing on Monday. He also said the COVID-19 recovery rate in Delhi is nearly 50 percent.

Air India shall be allowed to operate non-scheduled foreign flights with middle seats booking for next 10 days, Supreme Court has ordered after hearing an urgent plea filed by Centre and Air India against Bombay High Court order to keep middle seats vacant in international flights.

In a two-pronged strategy to secure migrant workers, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to set up a Migration Commission for the employment of such labourers in the state and made it clear that any state that wants them from Uttar Pradesh has to seek its permission.

Hamirpur district continues to have the highest number of novel coronavirus cases in Himachal Pradesh with one more person, a Mumbai returnee, testing positive for the disease, deputy commissioner Harikesh Meena said on Monday. The number of infected people in Hamirpur district has risen to 63 out of total 210 in the state as of Monday morning, as per state government data.

Bihar has reported 180 new cases of COVID-19 from 15 districts, pushing the tally to 2,574 in the state, the health department said. Meanwhile, 72 new COVID-19 positive cases, no deaths reported in Rajasthan on Monday.

India is now among the 10 countries with most cases, according to a tracker by the Johns Hopkins University. According to the health ministry's latest update, the country now has 1,38,845 confirmed cases and 4,021 deaths.

India reported the highest ever spike of 6977 COVID19 cases and 154 new deaths in India in the last 24 hours. The total confirmed COVID-19 cases have risen to 1,38,845 with 4,021 deaths.

Senior Congress leader and Public Works Department Minister Ashok Chavan has tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday, reports Indian Express. He is the second minister in the Uddhav Thackeray government to catch the infection after Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad.

Indian skies will open up for domestic passenger services from Monday after a gap of two months, with Delhi-Pune and Mumbai-Patna flights being among the first to take off, aviation industry sources said.

The country reported 6,767 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 1,31,868, while the death toll due to the disease rose to 3,867 after 147 more fatalities, the Union Health Ministry said.

The number of active coronavirus cases rose to 73,560. While 54,440 people have recovered, one patient has migrated to another country, according to the ministry bulletin.

Meanwhile, the health ministry issued guidelines for domestic travel, advising passengers to download the Aarogya Setu application on their mobile devices and asking states to ensure thermal screening at the departure point of airports, railway stations, and bus terminals.

In Mumbai, the police issued orders under Section 144 of the CrPC prohibiting persons from disseminating "incorrect" or factually distorted information through messaging platforms and social media sites like WhatsApp, Twitter, and TikTok. The order also prohibits the spread of inflammatory statements that are discriminatory against a particular community and any information which could cause panic or confusion among the public.

According to the order, action can also be taken under Section 188 of the IPC against those contravening the directives. The order also says that admins of WhatsApp groups will be personally responsible for reporting such content to the police. The order signed by Dy Commissioner (Operations) Pranaya Ashok comes into effect from 12.15 am on 25 May and continues to operate till 8 June.

Maharashtra, Gujarat report most deaths

Of the 147 deaths reported since Saturday morning, 60 were in Maharashtra, 27 in Gujarat, 23 in Delhi, nine in Madhya Pradesh, seven in Rajasthan, five in Tamil Nadu, four each in West Bengal and Telangana, three in Uttar Pradesh, and one each in Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand.

Of the total death toll of 3,867, Maharashtra tops the tally with 1,577 deaths, followed by Gujarat at 829, Madhya Pradesh at 281, West Bengal at 269 and Delhi at 231.

The number of deaths due to the contagion in Rajasthan is 160, while 155 people died in Uttar Pradesh, 103 in Tamil Nadu and 56 in Andhra Pradesh.

The COVID-19 death toll reached 49 in Telangana, 42 in Karnataka and 39 in Punjab. There are 21 fatalities in Jammu and Kashmir, 16 in Haryana and 11 in Bihar.

Seven people have succumbed to the disease in Odisha, and four each in Kerala, Jharkhand and Assam so far.

Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh have recorded three deaths each, while Uttarakhand has recorded two deaths due to the virus. One fatality has been recorded in Meghalaya, the ministry said.

More than 70 per cent of the deaths are due to comorbidities, according to the ministry's website.

The highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra at 47,190 followed by Tamil Nadu at 15,512, Gujarat at 13,664 and Delhi at 12,910.

There are 6,742 coronavirus cases in Rajasthan, 6,371 in Madhya Pradesh and 6,017 in Uttar Pradesh. The number of infections has gone up to 3,459 in West Bengal, 2,757 in Andhra Pradesh and 2,380 in Bihar.

Follow LIVE updates on coronavirus outbreak here

As many as 2,045 people have been infected with the virus in Punjab, 1,959 in Karnataka, 1,813 in Telangana, 1,569 in Jammu and Kashmir and 1,269 in Odisha.

In Haryana, 1,132 people are afflicted with the deadly disease, while Kerala has 795 cases, followed by Jharkhand with 350 and 329 in Assam. As many as 244 cases have been reported in Uttarakhand, Chandigarh has reported 225 cases, while 214 people have tested positive for the virus in Chhattisgarh.

A total of 189 people have tested positive in Tripura, while there are 185 cases of the pathogen in Himachal Pradesh, and 55 in Goa. Ladakh has reported 49 COVID-19 cases, while Andaman and Nicobar Islands has registered 33 infections.

Manipur has registered 29 cases and Puducherry has recorded 26 cases. Meghalaya has 14 cases. Dadar and Nagar Haveli has reported two cases, while Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim have recorded one case each

As many as "2,338 cases are being reassigned to states," the ministry said on its website, adding that, "Our figures are being reconciled with the ICMR".

Statewide distribution is subject to further verification and reconciliation, it said.

Centre issues guidelines for domestic travel

The health ministry issues guidelines for air, train and bus travel within India days after the Indian Railways issued a list of 100 pairs of trains that it will operate from 1 June, putting in operation popular trains such as Durontos, Sampark Krantis, Jan Shatabdis and Poorva Express.

Also, after a two-month hiatus, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has announced resumption of domestic flights from 25 May.

In its guidelines for domestic travel, the health ministry said suitable announcement about COVID-19, including precautionary measures to be followed, shall be made at airports, railway stations and bus terminals as well as in flights, trains and buses.

The states/UTs shall ensure that all passengers undergo thermal screening at the point of departure and only asymptomatic passengers are allowed to board the flight, train or bus.

During boarding and travel, all passengers shall use face covers or masks and will also follow hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and maintain environmental hygiene, the ministry said in its guidelines.

At airports, railway stations and bus terminals, required measures to ensure social distancing shall be taken, the guidelines said.

Airports, railway stations and bus terminals should be regularly sanitised or disinfected and the availability of soaps and sanitisers shall be ensured, the health ministry said.

Thermal screening at exit point shall be arranged and asymptomatic passengers will be permitted to go with the advice that they shall self-monitor their health for 14 days, the guidelines said.

"In case, they develop any symptoms, they shall inform the district surveillance officer or the state/national call centre (1075)," they said.

Lockdown was imposed at right time in India: Harsh Vardhan

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has said the doubling rate of COVID-19 cases in the country is currently at above 13 days, which is a significant improvement as compared to 3.4 days, which existed in the pre-lockdown phase.

"If the doubling rate in India before the lockdown was between 3.4 days, today the doubling rate is more than 13-days. Lockdown and all its guidelines have acted as a potent social vaccine," said Vardhan.

The Union Minister said that the nationwide lockdown was imposed in the country at the opportune moment as compared to other countries where it was imposed either late or partially.

"Lockdown was imposed in India at the right time. Other developed countries wasted many days to take this decision. In some countries when the situation went out of control they took the decision of lockdown and in most places, it was partial lockdown," he said.

132 Indians brought back to Bihar from Muscat

A special flight carrying 132 stranded Indians from Muscat landed at Gaya airport in Bihar on Sunday, officials said.

None of the passengers exhibited symptoms of coronavirus during screening and medical examination, they said.

Of the 132 returnees, 116 are from Bihar and 16 from Jharkhand, Gaya airport director Dilip Kumar said.

After completion of formalities like depositing returnees' passports at the immigration counters by the district administration, the residents of Bihar were sent to various hotels in Bodh Gaya for 14 days quarantine, the officials said.

Those from Jharkhand were sent to the state in a vehicle dispatched by the Jharkhand government, they added.

Magadh Divisional Commissioner Asangba Chuba Ao, Gaya District Magistrate Abhishek Singh, SSP Rajiv Mishra and the airport director welcomed the returnees on their arrival here with kits containing sanitiser and soaps.

With inputs from agencies
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has sued Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and the Federal Government before the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja over what it termed; "brutal crackdown," repression, and grave violations and abuses of human rights of the people of Rivers State.

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its solicitors, Kolawole Oluwadare, Atinuke Adejuyigbe and Opeyemi Owolabi, in suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/20/20, filed last Friday and made available to media on Sunday, the organisation maintained that "Governor Wike is using COVID-19 as a pretext to step up repression and systematic abuses against the people of Rivers State, including, carrying out mass arbitrary detention, mistreatment, forced evictions, and imposing pervasive controls on daily life."

Also read: REVEALED: There are plans to impose emergency rule in Rivers - Wike

According to SERAP: "Governor Wike is using executive orders 1 and 6, 2020 as instruments to violate and abuse the rights to liberty and freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention, to a fair trial, and to property, contrary to Nigeria's international human rights obligations, including under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights."

"This suit is primarily against Governor Wike and the Rivers state government for failing to respect, protect and ensure the constitutionally and internationally guaranteed human rights of the people of his state. The governor has used executive orders 1 and 6 to run roughshod over the human rights of Nigerians."

SERAP sought the court for an order of injunction to "restrain and stop Governor Wike from further using, applying and enforcing executive orders 1 and 6 or any other executive orders to harass, arbitrarily arrest, detain and demolish property of the people of Rivers state."

SERAP, also sought an order directing Governor Wike and the other defendants to pay adequate monetary compensation to the victims of human rights violations and abuses and to provide other forms of reparation, which may take the form of restitution, satisfaction or guarantees of non-repetition, and other forms of reparation that the Court may deem fit to grant.

SERAP contended that several people were arbitrarily arrested and detained in various police stations and isolation centres in Rivers State and without any regard for due process of law.

The group maintained that: "Governor Wike and his agents used, applied and enforced executive orders 1 and 6 to suppress and repress the human rights of the people and business operators, including harassing, arbitrarily arresting, detaining, and torturing anyone found exercising their rights within Rivers State, all in the guise of enforcing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

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"The wanton destruction of people's property, harassment, arrest, and detention of persons exercising their rights to personal liberty and other human rights amounts to an affront to the Nigerian constitution of 1999 (as amended) and the country's international human rights obligations.

"The executive orders, including executive order 6, by Governor Wike, are invalid, illegal and unconstitutional, has not complied with the requirements of due process of law.

"Demolition of hotels and guest houses is illegal and unconstitutional, as it runs afoul of the penalty stipulated in the Quarantine Act, which provides only a fine of N200 or imprisonment for a term of six months or both. The demolition is a blatant violation of article 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights."

SERAP recalled that Governor Wike, demolition workers and security agents without due process of law demolished Prudent Hotel, Alode in Eleme, and Etemeteh Hotel in Onne on Saturday, May 9, 2020, and fragrantly breached the rights of the owners, employees and occupiers. The demolitions were supervised by Governor Wike in the company of security agents of the Federal Government.

SERAP contended that "Governor Wike with the complicity or support of the Federal Government of Nigeria carried out these demolitions without giving adequate notice, compensation, alternative hotel or affording the victims legal remedies. Many people have now been deprived of their means of livelihood, employment and shelter, and exposed to other serious human rights violations and abuses."

The organisation, therefore, sought a seven-point relief from the court. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
The number of Americans filing for unemployment insurance soared to 38.6 million this past week, even as some states and cities attempt to reopen their economies from Covid-19 lockdowns.

The U.S. unemployment system is designed as a partnership between the federal government and the states in order to provide short-term financial aid to certain workers. States have struggled to keep up with the demand that the crisis has placed on the system. As a result, Congress has passed emergency measures to temporarily expand the unemployment insurance program. Other counties, such as Germany and Sweden, have a different approach.

Watch the video above to learn how the social safety net for workers in America compares to other systems around the world.




Further easing curbs, the Tamil Nadu government on Sunday allowed 17 industrial estates here to resume work from tomorrow with conditions, including confining the workforce to 25 per cent and implementing safety measures.

The industrial estates situated in non-containment zones, inclduing the Ambattur and Guindy clusters here can resume work from May 25, the government said, adding however employees residingin containment zones would not be allowed to report for work.

Also read: Coronavirus Live Tracker: Centre issues new guidelines; those found negative at airports to be allowed to go home

The strength of the workers should be capped at 25 per cent and thermal scanners must be used for screening employees, an official release said.

Following social distancing, disinfecting work places twice a day and practising personal hygiene were among the other norms that should be implemented.

The industries in the clusters are expected to resume work partially from tomorrow after a gap of two months.

Also read: Troubled hospitality sector seeks MSME tag for more firms, loan recast to tide over COVID-19 crisis

Also read: Coronavirus: Senior doctor at AIIMS Delhi dies of COVID-19; wife hospitalised
In collaboration with Dow and Midlands Emergency Operations Center, United Way of Midland County has created a process for those who wish to donate and access items for flood relief.

We are so grateful for the overwhelming generosity of people, corporations and organizationsboth in our own backyard and across the nationwho want to donate items to help those impacted by this severe event, said Holly Miller, executive director of United Way of Midland County. For those who have been eager to donate and help: we see you, we hear you, we appreciate you.

The Supplies Donations Plan provides a framework to collect and distribute donated items to those in need.

Along with United Way and numerous organizations, we are stepping forward together in order to best respond to the flood devastation, said Jennifer Boyer, Midland County's Emergency Management Coordinator. We must stress how important it is that people refrain from simply showing up at a location with a truck full of donations. This can create confusion and ultimately cause more harm than good. This process exists in order to get much-need items in the hands of those who need it most.

The current list of items needed includes:

Personal Protective Equipment

Cleaning supplies

Food

Water

Personal care items

Household goods

Clothing donations will not be accepted at this time.

As described by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, clothing is one of the items deemed unnecessary in a disaster situation, Miller said. We are appreciative to those who want to donate clothes, but we are focused on solely collecting items that will help fulfill basic needs.

Beginning Wednesday, May 27, the following locations will serve as both drop-off sites for those who wish to donate itemsas well pick-up sites for individuals who need access to supplies between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week to start:

West Midland Family Center, 4011 W. Isabella Road

Coleman High School, 4951 N. Lewis Road

Sanford Senior Center, 3243 N. West River Road

Meridian Elementary School, 3343 N. Meridian Road

North Family Center, 2601 E. Shearer Road

Gladwin downtown  parking lot behind Forge Fitness, 237 W. Cedar, Gladwin; corner of Arcade & Grout

Midland High School, 1301 Eastlawn Drive

Bullock Creek High School, 1420 S. Badour Road

Businesses or organizations who want to donate items must first fill out United Ways Supplies Donations Survey online at reliefmidland.org by clicking the Supplies Donations button. Once the survey is complete, United Way will be in contact within 48 hours to discuss next steps. If the need is urgent, businesses can indicate the urgency within the survey and United Way will be in touch as soon as possible.

Dow is lending its supply chain expertise and deploying employee volunteers to the drop-off and distribution sites across the county.

Many thanks to Dow for their willingness to step into this space to help ensure our community gets what they need as efficiently and effectively as possible, Miller said.

The execution of the Supplies Distribution Plan is a reflection of the collaborative efforts of Midlands organizations, businesses, agencies and leadership, Miller added.

Along with Dow, those offering resources to provide community support include The Salvation Army, the Arnold Center, Great Lakes Loons and local restaurants. United Way is also partnering with the Health Department to ensure proper protocols are in place to maintain safety and health guidelines.

Our community is equipped to stand up from this devastation because of the outpouring of support, Miller said. In times of crisis, our community continues to rise above, again and again. Midland is showing the nation right now what it looks like to truly live united.
WHO WILL PAY?

Does anyone realize that we have to pay back these trillions of dollars from these stimulus packages? Its something we might need to get people and businesses back on their feet or just save them. Government must act responsibly

SPOILED ROTTEN TEENS

All these people going against the rules the government is trying to enforce remind me of teenagers telling their parents that the parents dont know what theyre talking about. Theyre all babies.

JUST WONDERING DAN

TRUST IN GOD

The time has come for Pennsylvania citizens to stand up. We received our rights from God and he will lead us through the dark murky times.

LOCK THEM UP

All the shellfish morons who want to gather in large crowds without masks should be quarantined wherever they are at their own expense. Maybe two weeks will get them a little bit smarter, although I doubt it. But if they quarantine the rest of us, we can go about our lives without having to worry about stupid selfish people messing things up while we are trying to get away from this virus. They are inviting it back in.

OUT OF THIS WORLD

I read in the paper that Susan Rice would be a good vice presidential choice. No way. No chance. You know shes a bigger liar than Biden and shes more corrupt. There has to be someone whos a good person and not corrupt. Maybe we can find someone from another planet.

WHAT A TURN OFF

Who knows how to call Comcast during this pandemic? They showed The Shawshank Redemption for the upteenth time and every movie that Adam Sandler ever made.

GLEN MILLS GP

TERRIBLE TIMES

Id like to Sound Off about the fact that this is a terrible, terrible time in this country to have a terrible, terrible president. I mean, any man that would tell his alma mater that if they released his grades he would sue them has something missing in terms of a presidential figure. His game seems to be sell the public a rosy picture concerning this virus and most Americans, 74 percent, put their faith in Dr. Fauci less than 30 percent put their faith in Trump. Im just worried that well reopen everything and it will come back with a vengeance. God help us.

THE PRIMOS POLITICIAN

WOLF WAS RIGHT

Great article in the Times about the barbershop in Media defying the state mandate and opening for business. In an earlier article the owner spoke of stringent sanitation in place, including mass and shields. But the TV news profiled the Media shop with a customer in the chair with no mask talking to a reporter. Thats positive proof that some businesses cant be trusted to do whats responsible amid this pandemic. Seems like the governor was right all along.

OLD MEDIA MUSTANG

RULES ARE RULES

Just like Donald Trump, some businesses in Delaware County are showing a blatant disregard for the rule of law. These people must know that there are consequences for their actions. Any business thats open that shouldnt be open should be fined to the max for every day. Their business licenses should be revoked. Maybe then these people who get a respect for the rule of law.

TIME FOR CALM

OK, people, take it easy. We will all get through this together. Love one another.
Schools must move quickly to help disadvantaged students in Victoria who could return to the classroom this week having lost between two and three weeks of numeracy knowledge and one-to-two weeks in reading skills.

A study from the Centre for Independent Studies has found schools must move quickly to help students who have fallen behind during the coronavirus lockdown.

Research suggests disadvantaged students will need help catching up once they return to classrooms.

Researcher Blaise Joseph said evidence suggested there was little health benefit to closing schools but substantial economic and educational cost.

"There's a strong consensus now that learning from home does further disadvantage students from disadvantaged social backgrounds," he said.
As if 44,354 Robin Hood traders suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced.

What one world war, one Great Depression and numerous oil price shocks couldn't do, the coronavirus did in less than three months and late on Friday, auto rental giant Hertz which was founded in 1918 when it set up shop with a dozen Ford Model Ts, quietly filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection struggling under a massive debt load after its business was brought to a grinding halt during the coronavirus pandemic and talks with creditors failed to result in much needed relief.

The company had a total of 568,000 vehicles and 12,400 corporate and franchise locations worldwide at the start of this year. About a third of those locations are at airports

By declaring bankruptcy, Hertz said it intends to stay in business while restructuring its debts and emerging a financially healthier company. The board of Hertz, whose org chart listed dozens of debtor and non-debtor affiliates...

... earlier on Friday approved the company's Chapter 11 filing in a U.S. bankruptcy court in Delaware, according to court records, news of which was promptly leaked and sent the stock - which had in recent days become a darling for retail daytraders on Robinhood and elsewhere who expected a swift rebound in the price and BTFD - crashing . Its international operating regions including Europe, Australia and New Zealand were not included in the U.S. proceedings.

The impact of COVID-19 on travel demand was sudden and dramatic, causing an abrupt decline in the companys revenue and future bookings, said the companys statement adding that while it took immediate action in response to the crisis, uncertainty remains as to when revenue will return and when the used-car market will fully re-open for sales, which necessitated todays action.

"With the severity of the Covid-19 impact on our business, and the uncertainty of when travel and the economy will rebound, we need to take further steps to weather a potentially prolonged recovery, Hertz' new CEO Paul Stone said in a statement.

The firm, which already was suffering from a decline in demand as a result of the ubiquity of cheaper car-hailing services, and whose largest shareholder is billionaire investor Carl Icahn with a nearly 39% ownership stake...

... was left reeling after government orders restricted travel and ordered citizens to remain home. A large portion of Hertzs revenue comes from car rentals at airports, which have all but evaporated as potential customers eschew plane travel.

Then there is the debt: with nearly $19 billion of debt and roughly 38,000 employees worldwide as of the end of 2019, Hertz was among the largest companies to be undone by the pandemic.

Hertz had $18.8 billion of debt on its books as of March 31, up $1.7 billion from the end of last year. Most of that debt, $14.4 billion, is backed by its vehicles. That includes the debt for which it missed the payment in April the prompted this latest crisis.

Hertzs woes are compounded by the complexity of its balance sheet, which includes more than $14 billion of securitized debt. The proceeds from those securities finance purchases of vehicles that are then leased to Hertz in exchange for monthly payments that have risen as the value of cars fall. Hertz also has traditional credit lines, loans and bonds with conditions that can trigger defaults based on missing those lease payments or failing to meet other conditions, such as delivering a timely operating budget and reimbursing funds it has borrowed.

The public health crisis has also caused a cascade of bankruptcies or Chapter 11 preparations among companies dependent on consumer demand, including retailers, restaurants and oil and gas firms. And while US airlines had so far avoided a similar fate after receiving billions of dollars in government aid, Hertz was unable to get a government handout and this is the result.

The Estero, Florida-based company, which operates Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty car-rentals, had been in talks with creditors after skipping significant car-lease payments due in April. Forbearance and waiver agreements on the missed payments were set to expire on May 22. Hertz has about $1 billion of cash, which is why it won't need a debtor in possession loan. The company said it might need to raise more, perhaps through added borrowings while the bankruptcy process moves forward.

The company listed total assets of $25.8 billion and total debt of $24.4 billion on its bankruptcy petition, estimating more than 100,000 total creditors, of which IBM and Lyft were listed as the biggest.

The size of Hertzs lease obligations have increased as the value of vehicles declined because of the pandemic. In an attempt to appease creditors holding asset-backed securities that finance its fleet of more than 500,000 vehicles, Hertz proposed selling more than 30,000 cars a month through the end of the year in an effort to raise around $5 billion, a person familiar with the matter said; that effort was seen as insufficient.

Just four days before the filing, the Hertz board appointed executive Paul Stone to replace Kathryn Marinello as CEO. Earlier notified 12,000 employees in North America that that they were losing their jobs, and another 4,000 are on furloughs. Its US workforce stood at 38,000 employees at the start of the year, with about a quarter of them represented by unions.

After the coronavirus pandemic decimated revenue, the car renter sought relief from lenders and a bailout from the U.S. Treasury Department. But while it managed to negotiate a short-term reprieve from creditors, it wasnt able to work out longer-term agreements. A trade group representing Hertz, the American Car Rental Association, has asked Congress to do more for the industry by expanding coronavirus relief efforts and advancing new legislation targeting tourism-related businesses.

Even before the pandemic, Hertz and its peers were under financial pressure as travelers shifted to ride-hailing services such as Uber. To combat Uber, Hertz had adopted a turnaround plan, aiming to modernize its smartphone apps and improve management of its fleet of rental cars.

The filing has been the highest-profile bankruptcy of the COVID-19 crisis so far, which has prompted bankruptcies by national retailers like JCPenney, Neiman Marcus and J.Crew, along with some energy companies such as Whiting Petroleum and Diamond Offshore Drilling. But none of the companies to file so far have had such as large a share of their industry as does Hertz, which along with rivals Avis Budget and privately held Enterprise dominate the rental car industry.

The entire rental car industry has been devastated by the plunge in travel since the pandemic hit earlier this year.

Nearly two-thirds of its revenue comes from rentals at airport locations, and air travel has fallen sharply. Since the start of April, the number of people passing through TSA checkpoints at US airports has plummeted 94% compared with a year ago.

A significant portion of Hertzs nonairport business is renting cars to people who are having their vehicles repaired after accidents. But with so many people out of work or working from home, the miles being driven and the number of car accidents are down significantly. Car insurers are voluntarily returning more than $7 billion, or between 15% to 25% of premiums, to their customers.

Hertz was founded in Chicago just more than a century ago by Walter Jacobs, who sold the company in 1923 to John Hertz, who renamed it and expanded the fleet to 600 cars. He began the nations first national rental network in 1925 and opened its first airport location at Chicago Midway Airport in 1932.

Hertz has had a number of high-profile corporate owners, including RCA, United Airlines, and most recently Ford, which sold it to a group of private equity firms in 2005 for $5.6 billion. It was taken public a year later.

Its primary shareholder today is activist investor Carl Icahn, who owns about 38% of its shares outstanding. He continued to increase his stake in the company all the way through mid-March. Those shares, which increased the size of his stake by 26%, have lost more than 60% of their value in the two months since his most recent purchases.

The company's legal and financial advisors are White & Case and FTI Consulting , while Moelis is its investment banker. The case in 20-11218 in the District of Delaware.

The full first-day bankruptcy motion is below.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has described Labor's demand for Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to front a Senate inquiry to explain the embarrassing $60 billion JobKeeper reporting error a "stunt".

The government admitted on Friday its JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme to assist business and workers through the COVID-19 pandemic will now be $70 billion rather than $130 billion and will now only cover 3.5 million people rather than 6.5 million that had been forecast.

Chair of the Senate committee into the COVID-19 response, Labor's Katy Gallagher, has called on the treasurer to front the inquiry to explain the $60 billion bungle.

"I think if he chooses not to appear, he needs to explain why," she told reporters in Canberra on Sunday.

But a spokesman for the government told AAP that is not how the committee was set up.

"As the Labor Party know, the process for the COVID Committee is that House of Representatives ministers, if required, would appear through their representative ministers in the Senate and be supported by relevant departmental officials like takes place during Senate estimates hearings," he said.

In this case it would be Finance Minister and senator Mathias Cormann.

But Mr Morrison went further.

"To now try and change the rules exposes that as just a bit of a political stunt," he told reporters in Murrumbateman, in the seat of Eden-Monaro, where he was introducing Liberal candidate for the vacant seat Fiona Kotvojs.

Opposition frontbencher Penny Wong says it's a "$60 billion black hole in the economic credibility" of the government.

"We can't trust anything Scott Morrison or Josh Frydenberg say about the economy or the budget," Senator Wong told ABC television's Insiders program.

The prime minister explained when the program was put together it was at a time of "incredible uncertainty".

"No one could say for sure what the months ahead were going to bring," he said.

Treasury put forward an estimate of what they thought demand for the scheme would be, putting it at six million people.

"Now it is proved that has not been the case and the demand is not a s high as Treasury estimated," he said.

As a result, the program will not cost what was estimated and that means for the taxpayer, debt levels and the interest bill will be lower and the government will be able to ensure that it can continue to provide many other essential services, he said.

The government is under pressure to extend the the scheme to casuals and other worker groups that don't get the $1500 per fortnight payment and extend it beyond the six-month period.

Asked if he intends to broaden or lengthen the JobKeeper program, Mr Morrison said: "This is not free money."

Cabinet minister Angus Taylor said a review into the program would go ahead in June and all of those issues would be looked at.

"The Labor party are out campaigning saying we should spend more money. They have never seen a dollar they don't want to spend," Mr Taylor said.

But it is not just Labor that see this forecasting and accounting mistake as an opportunity to amend the scheme, such as business groups, economists and Liberal Premier Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein.

Mr Gutwein says the program should run for a longer period and target additional support at those industries such as tourism and hospitality that will take longer to recover.
Hong Kong: Police condemn irresponsible act

Police have strongly condemned netizens who called for an unauthorised assembly to be held on Hong Kong Island today, saying such an act is irresponsible.

It noted that some people intentionally misinterpreted the definition of exempted group gatherings under the Prevention & Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation to incite others to take part in unlawful activities.

The force emphasised that according to Schedule 1 of the regulation, a group gathering during a religious activity is exempted only if held at premises constructed or regularly used as a place of worship, but not all religious activities are exempted.

It added that officers are deployed to take resolute law enforcement action, including making arrests.

Police reminded the public not to participate in any unauthorised assembly or prohibited group gathering.

This story has been published on: 2020-05-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
But he still faces enormous economic and diplomatic challenges. New protests erupted in Hong Kong on Sunday, and resistance to greater control by Beijing could threaten the territory's role as a financial centre. Officials and state media outlets have lashed out at the United States and other countries, accusing them of supporting "separatists" and "terrorists" in an effort to weaken the power of the Communist Party. The Trump administration has, in turn, intensified its actions against China, imposing restrictions on trade and technology, praising Tsai's inauguration and even marking the 25th anniversary of the disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism. "The United States, in fact, is pouring oil on the fire, barrel by barrel," Tian Feilong, a professor of law at Beihang University in Beijing, said in a telephone interview. "The central government is therefore actually just safeguarding its own most basic national security interests."

Loading China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, said Sunday that the two countries could still work together to promote global peace and stability, but he denounced those in the United States who seek American hegemony. "It's time for the United States to give up its wishful thinking of changing China," Wang said, accusing American officials of having a Cold War mentality. Xi's move against Hong Kong has nonviolent echoes of President Vladimir Putin's forceful seizure of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, which was a violation of international law and of Russia's previous diplomatic commitments. The annexation made Putin an international pariah for a while, but Russia still remains firmly in control of Crimea. While Xi is using legislation rather than military force in a territory already under Chinese rule, it is nonetheless a brash move by an autocratic leader willing to risk international condemnation to resist what he views as foreign encroachment on his country's security.

"The Communist Party doesn't care anymore about the reactions because it's about survival, the stability of the one-party system, avoiding the fate of the Soviet Union," Cabestan said. "Hong Kong is being perceived more and more as a base of surveillance, as a factor in the destabilisation of the Chinese state." The challenges facing Xi come at a time when China's major rivals, the United States above all, are in disarray, giving Xi more room to manoeuvre. Britain, which is a signatory to the 1984 treaty that promised Hong Kong  its former colony  basic freedoms until 2047, issued a statement with Australia and Canada saying that they were "deeply concerned." Senior Trump administration officials also denounced Xi's gambit, warning that they could reconsider the territory's special trade privileges or impose other sanctions. President Donald Trump, whose few comments about Hong Kong have been inconsistent, said little.

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin in Moscow last year. Credit:AP For those who support Hong Kong's unique status as Asia's commercial and cultural crossroads, warnings no longer suffice in the face of determined pressure from Beijing. Victoria Hui, a political scientist at the University of Notre Dame and author of a book on the 2014 Hong Kong protests known as the Umbrella Movement, said the international community had often spoken out against China's steady accretion of power over the territory but had exacted no real punishment. That has been the case for the most egregious violations of basic rights in Hong Kong in recent years, including extrajudicial kidnappings, excessive use of force by the police last year and the arrests of leading democratic leaders a week ago. "The international pushback has been so weak," Hui said. "Beijing is daring foreign governments to continue to issue words but take no actions."

Loading China's tactics under Xi today contrast those of his immediate predecessors, who prioritised China's reforms and opening over confrontation with its neighbours or the broader world. "Hide our strength, bide our time" was Deng Xiaoping's adage a generation ago. When Taiwan was moving to hold its first presidential elections in 1996, China conducted intimidating missile tests in the Taiwan Strait. It was forced to back down when President Bill Clinton ordered U.S. aircraft carriers to the waters in a show of military support for the island's defence. Xi has steadily built up China's air and naval power, raising the risks for a similar move by the United States now. Chinese forces routinely menace the island, as its first operational aircraft carrier did last month, forcing Taiwan's military to scramble jets and ships. The seventh similar incident this year, it signalled China's determination to block Taiwan from formally establishing its independence.

For Beijing's leaders, China's sovereignty over Hong Kong is as emotionally charged. Under the Basic Law, the miniconstitution that governs the territory, Hong Kong is obliged to adopt rules "to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition and subversion" against the Chinese government. When the city's legislature tried to do so in 2003, Beijing retreated in the face of huge street protests. "China was in a very different place globally," said Rana Mitter, director of the University of Oxford China Centre. "China's economy was growing in 2003, but it wasn't the second-biggest economy in the world and quite the economic behemoth it is today."
The young builder was intent, as T.S. Eliot wrote, to take the time to prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet. Early on, Donald locked in his costume for the masquerade, the look of a C.E.O. in the 80s. His body armor was a dark suit, white shirt and monochromatic silk tie. His hair was a blond helmet, his war paint was orange.

He is the most vaudevillian performance artist who ever inhabited the White House, says his biographer Tim OBrien. He has a consuming desire to always be center stage, yet he never wants to reveal who he really is. He masks his finances, his taxes, his friendships, his ongoing family conflicts of interest, his ignorance and his inadequacies. Hes constantly making up areas of expertise he doesnt have.

He doesnt read the Bible and he doesnt live as a Christian and love thy neighbor. But he is demanding that the churches be reopened because his evangelical base will love that. Everything hes doing right now is to stave off a loss in November.

Just as Obama admitted at the end of his presidency that he had not always been attentive enough to the parts of the job he did not care for, the theatrics, the simplistic displays of feelings and emotions designed to satisfy the cable news hype-fest, Trumps presidency is the reductio ad absurdum of all that. It is all theatrics, all performance, all form with no content. His script is the only truth.

Those of us who have donned protective masks to fight the virus have taken off our professional masks  makeup, fashion, artifice. Now we see celebrities and journalists in their own habitats without hair and makeup, and that has made them seem more fully human.

Humanity is showing through  everywhere except, ironically, with the unmasked Trump.

As we saw with Joe Bidens latest contretemps, telling Charlamagne Tha God, If you have a problem figuring out whether youre for me or Trump, then you aint black, Biden has his flaws. God love him.

But Trump without a mask is more of a masked person than Biden with a mask.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com.

Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram.
The accused had tried to flee the spot by stealing the sadhu's car, but it crashed with the ashram gate.

Police have arrested the accused in connection with the murder of a sadhu in Nandeds Umri, said Vijay Kumar Magar, Superintendent of Police (SP) on Sunday.

The accused in the sadhus murder case has been arrested. There is a criminal record against him, as he was a co-accused in a murder case filed 10 years back. He was also booked earlier in a molestation case. The sadhu was killed by strangling his neck, Magar told reporters here.

The sadhus body was found at his ashram in Umri late last night, the police said.

The accused had tried to flee the spot by stealing the sadhus car, but it crashed with the ashram gate. He could not flee the spot with the car due to the intervention of the sewaks.

He also said that there was no communal angle in the crime.

Prima facie it looks like a case of attempted robbery, as red chilli powder was sprayed on the sadhus body. The accused had tried to steal the sadhus laptop, money and other things. There is no other angle as the deceased and the accused are from the same community, said Magar.

According to sources, the accused was apprehended from Telangana.

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No doubt about it, this pandemic has sucked a lot of joy out of life. Whether it be a drink with friends in the pub or a two-week break in the sun, the prospect of anyone having any fun ever again seems to have all but vanished.

By necessity, how we pursue leisure is changing  if not for ever then certainly in the short to medium term  and the wellness industry, born in large part out of peoples desire to find meaning and balance in a frenetic world, is having to adjust.

Products and treatments designed to counteract the effects of long working hours, stressful office environments and gruelling commutes, suddenly have less purpose in a world where many are now working from home, whether they like it or not.

Classes from yoga to Pilates to CrossFit and beyond are all cancelled; gyms and clubs are closed. The booming health tourism market, which was worth around 700 billion last year and, before Covid-19, was projected to hit more than 900 billion by 2022, has taken a massive hit, grinding to a halt along with every other area of the hospitality/leisure industry.

Four British writers give their verdict on a selection of virtual retreats. Pictured: Mexicos Grand Velas Resorts Wellnessing Getaway Online

Although many shops and businesses are now preparing to reopen, this whole sector is at the back of the queue.

Its no surprise, then, that so many clubs, clinics, salons and gyms are diversifying online, in a bid to guide their businesses through the crisis and out the other side.

You can attend virtual classes in almost anything, from mindfulness to Barrecore to eyebrow threading, but go on a whole wellness retreat virtually? Can it really be done? Here, four writers put the latest trends to the test 

THE MEXICAN HAPPINESS RETREAT

Daisy Waugh

VIRTUAL RESORT: Mexicos Grand Velas Resorts Wellnessing Getaway Online (velasresorts.com).

COST: Free access to a one-day virtual retreat via pre-recorded YouTube videos, including a sunrise workout and classes on happiness, nutrition, anxiety, art therapy, dance, yoga and sound therapy.

NEXT ONE: Available any time at magazine.velasresorts.com

I was feeling a bit frayed  who isnt?  and then up popped this: an invitation to spend a day finding Elevated Bliss at the Grand Velas five-star spa hotel in Mexico.

Obviously, things being as they are, the invitation didnt actually include travelling to Mexico. I only had to get to my computer.

Daisy Waugh (pictured) said Mexicos Grand Velas Resorts Wellnessing Getaway Online is a bargain when you consider the price of their non-virtual experiences

From 10am Mexican time, and for all that Mexican day, this internationally renowned resort hotel would be running a Wellnessing Getaway Online from its Facebook page directly into my sitting room in West London.

Better still, it was free: a bargain of godly proportions when you consider that a 24-hour non-virtual wellnessing experience at Grand Velas costs up to $1,400 (1,149).

The six-hour time difference was always going to be a hurdle. The Grand Velas journey to Elevated Bliss began with a fat-burning Energetic Sunrise class. Sunrise in Mexico starts at our 4pm  about the time (quite early, due to quarantine boredom) my countdown begins for the first glass of gin.

If I stuck with the timetable, Deborah Hanekamp, a medicine reading healer (no, I dont know what that means either), would be teaching me how to transform my bathroom into a healing space at around midnight. And Roberto Gopar would be live-streaming the multiple benefits on a physical, mental and spiritual level of his sound therapy session at 2am, by which time I would have long since passed out to the therapeutic sound of my own snoring.

Daisy said the Energetic Sunrise session wasn't elevating or blissful. Pictured: Mexico retreat Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Im going to skip over the Energetic Sunrise session because there was nothing elevated or blissful about it: a pre-recorded cardio workout with a shiny blonde dame in running pants, standing in front of a wooden wall which didnt even attempt to resemble paradise or Mexico or a beach. She shouted out things like: Squeeze those glutes!

The next session, Full Body Workout with Rachel Devaue, wasnt any more elevating: a different dame (also pretty, but with dark hair) stood in a modern kitchen, shouting: Engage that core!

Session No 3 (also pre-recorded) was a talk on The Science of Happiness, in which wellness expert, author and former model Nikki Sharp told us that happiness is something we all want in our life.

She posed the ticklish question, Why do we want to be happy?, before brilliantly answering it: Happiness actually has led to people making more money, so the happier you are means that you do make more money 

There was a gap in the schedule after that, while the people of Mexico and elsewhere  I didnt get the sense this was playing out to a large audience  enjoyed their siesta, and here in the UK, I poured myself that gin.

Daisy said the art therapy session made her cry with laughter, but the retreat was blissful in the end. Pictured: Mexico retreat Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

I wondered whether it was worth tuning in again after aforementioned refreshment, given how comically hopeless it had been up until then. But I had nothing else to do, so in I logged for one last session: art therapy.

To soothing music, and after a struggle to squeeze the paint from the tube, art therapist Beatriz did some therapeutic splodging, and as she filled her paper with splodges, she spoke to us softly in Spanish: Simplemente expresate, she murmured, which probably means, Simply express yourself.

By the time she held up her splodgy finished painting, I was actually crying with laughter. A state of elevated bliss, indeed. So, thank you, Grand Velas. We got there in the end.

Daisy Waughs latest novel, In The Crypt With A Candlestick is long listed for the Comedy Women in Print prize for comic fiction.

THE MENOPAUSE JUICE DETOX

Claudia Connell

VIRTUAL RESORT: Amanda Hamiltons Online Midlife Reset Detox Retreat (amanda hamilton.com).

COST: 295 for a five-day course, with interactive small groups of up to eight women of a similar age, all via Zoom. Includes easy menus, workouts and access to a WhatsApp group, and promises to manage your hormones, improve sleep, beat stress and lose weight. Recipes and suggested menu plans are provided but participants shop for and prepare their own food.

NEXT ONE: June 14 to 18.

Claudia Connell (pictured) who has gained a stone in the past two months, tried Amanda Hamiltons Online Midlife Reset Detox Retreat

Stepping on the scales for the first time in weeks, I was horrified to see that Id piled on a stone in two months. Drastic action was needed if I was going to lose the lockdown lard for the summer.

Luckily, nutritionist Amanda Hamilton is offering an online Midlife Reset Detox Retreat.

One of the main aims of the retreat is to improve metabolism and switch cells from storing fat to burning fat, especially around what Amanda calls the menopause middle.

Eliminating all meat, fish, wheat, unnatural sugars, dairy, caffeine and alcohol, it will also detox the liver and gut and give my poor body a break from the mountain of junk Ive been filling it with in recent weeks.

The detox follows a strict routine:

On rising: Hot water and juice of half a lemon.

9am-9.30am: A fruit and veg smoothie.

10am-10.30am: Pilates.

12pm-12.30pm: Soup and a slaw (like coleslaw but without the mayonnaise).

1pm-2pm: An online class to raise questions and discuss our detox.

3pm-3.30pm: Another smoothie.

6pm-6.30pm: Soup. An afternoon snack is permitted if needed. I must also drink two litres of water and can have herbal teas.

There are five of us, all in our 50s, attending the retreat and we meet online to discuss our woes and goals. I state that I want to lose my pudgy carb face and to deflate my giant stomach.

My first breakfast smoothie was a berry beet made with cooked beetroot, spinach and avocado, blended with coconut milk. I expected it to be foul but was amazed at how delicious it was.

Claudia (pictured) said by day two she developed a pounding headache, which she believes could've been caused by caffeine withdrawal

Over the next few days my smoothies include: carrot and ginger, pineapple and coconut, cucumber and spinach and even a frozen pea and mint one. Our Pilates classes focused on the areas most likely to bother middle-aged women: bingo wings, tummies, inner thighs and a backside set on migrating down the backs of our legs. And they must have been hitting the spot because I ached like a 100-year-old the day after our first session.

Preparing the soups was time-consuming but worth it, as they were tasty and insanely filling  so much so that I couldnt finish my evening bowls.

The huge portions of raw slaws meant I never experienced my usual mid-afternoon energy dip that sees me heading for the fridge.

By day two Ive developed a pounding headache  caffeine withdrawal no doubt  that eventually eases thanks to all the water Im drinking.

I enjoy our afternoon Zoom classes where we learn about gut health, nutrition and the effects of alcohol on weight.

I was staggered to learn that one study found a 72 per cent drop in fat burning immediately after drinking alcohol. I was starting to regret all those lockdown cocktails.

Claudia (pictured) who shed five pounds in five days, said she's going to carry on the detox because it has been effective

A fellow detoxer says she now pictures wine as liquid cake  a tip Ill be using in the future.

By day three, Im shocked I dont feel hungry and, if Im honest, shocked I havent cheated. Instead, all the nutritious smoothies and shakes have made me feel energised and surprisingly full.

On day four, I wake up and notice that my stomach has gone down significantly. Its not washboard flat but its nowhere near as roly-poly as it was.

By the time Ive reached day five, my carb face has gone and I am five pounds lighter. I feel light, revitalised and like Ive had an internal spring clean.

The detox has proved so effective that Im going to carry on for another five days. I thought Id be reaching for the pizza delivery menu as soon as it was over, but I have no desire to drink alcohol or eat junk.

Whats happened to me? Whatever it is, long may it continue.

THE SOUL-SURFING WEEKEND

Anna Maxted

VIRTUAL RESORT: Pause: Soul & Surf At Home (soulandsurf.com)

COST: 80 for a virtual weekend retreat via Zoom with up to 25 people. Ten sessions, including surf fitness, yoga, massage and cooking demos.

NEXT ONE: June 13-14.

Anna Maxted (pictured) tried Soul & Surf At Home, which is a virtual weekend retreat via Zoom including surf fitness, yoga, massage and cooking demos

Soul & Surf organise idyllic surfing and yoga retreats in Sri Lanka, Portugal and India, but instead of sun salutations overlooking the Arabian Sea, we have Soul & Surf At Home. With a husband and three teenage boys, my home is all laser gun battles, PS4 and fighting. I could cry.

Its the first time Ive seen you smile in ages, says my husband. Im not a yoga fan. I cant surf and my body feels battered, but I havent felt this relaxed in weeks

The weekend schedule comes mainly from the firms retreat in Portugal and includes live yoga, shiatsu self-massage and pop up training (above)  because, of course, getting upright (or in surf-speak popping up) on your board requires core strength and technique. Were sent cooking demos for dhal curry and coconut roti, and given links to playlists and a surf-themed film.

I join Hayley, whos actually in Sri Lanka, for Zoom yoga. Its 8.15am UK time and sunny, so I take my laptop outside. Hayleys flow yoga opens up my upper body and leaves me serene, buzzing and upright.

After an online induction, we try the shiatsu self-massage. Its a non-invasive treatment using pressure points on the meridian pathways, explains Becca. We tap around our jaw like raindrops to release tension, then move to tapping our shoulders and chest. Its surprisingly energising and enjoyable. A yin yoga session follows, and as I lie on my mat, listening to Rachels soothing tones, my mind slows until Im in a blissful, meditative state.

Anna (pictured) who was exhausted by the end of the weekend, said she felt truly sorry to have to leave

Its the first time Ive seen you smile in ages, says my husband. You looked so happy out there. Like Snoopy on top of the kennel.

Im loving it. Im not even a yoga fan and I cant surf, but I havent felt this relaxed in weeks.

On Sunday, I bounce outside for another flow session. Its exhausting and my body feels battered, but dynamic yoga mimics the moves and builds the strength required to surf. At the end of the day, Im truly sorry to leave.

THE BALINESE YOGA ESCAPE

Sarah Vine

VIRTUAL RESORT: Balis Escape Haven Free Three-Day Mini Escape (escapehaven.com).

COST: Free access to daily emails, 30-minute video lessons featuring workouts, yoga and recipes, plus access to a support group on Facebook to connect with other women on the retreat. The aim is to help you slow down and find balance.

NEXT ONE: June 5 to 7.

Sarah Vine tried Balis Escape Haven Free Three-Day Mini Escape (pictured), which involves workouts, yoga and recipes

The problem, I fear, is one of unreasonable expectation. If Im taking part in an online yoga class, Im just there for the instructions. If, on the other hand, Ive signed up for a wellness retreat in Bali, the disappointment is almost unavoidable.

Escape Haven runs award-winning all-women exotic retreats specialising in all the sorts of things you would expect, from Ayurveda to detox via everything in between.

It even offers a deluxe yacht package, which is all of the above, only adrift in the beautiful blue waters of the Bali Sea. Sun, beach, impeccable service, delicious food and breathtaking scenery are what make these trips worth every penny.

So when I was asked to trial its virtual offering, I had fairly high hopes. But I can honestly say this was one of the least pleasurable of my lockdown experiences  and that is a very competitive field, I can assure you.

The basic problem is this: its all the most annoying aspects of a wellness retreat  the patronising tone, the sweeping statements (e.g., As women we know that our attention span isnt so great. Er, no), the over-enthusiasm (Isnt it fantastic?! Again, no), the cod-mysticism, the dewy-eyed evangelism  but without the climate, the food and the sea; in short, the fact that you are in Bali. Plus, of course, all those other retreat treats, such as long massages, foot rubs, facials, nice towels and so on.

Sarah Vine (poctured) said the experience of having a woman in Bali speak about self-discovery made her want to pour a very large glass of wine

Instead, its same old you sitting at your same old desk in your same old house, with your same old teenagers sleeping in and refusing to do their homework, while the dog stares at you in desultory fashion because its fully 11-and-a-half seconds since you last fed him and the washing up sits waiting in the sink.

Only now youve given up precious time to watch a woman in a swirly silk kaftan  a woman who, it is clear from the heavenly backdrop, actually is in Bali (damn her!)  tell you how mystical and wonderful your experience is going to be, and how you are going to go on an important and life-changing journey of self-discovery in a way that, quite inexplicably and unreasonably, makes you want to pour yourself a very large glass of wine, break out the Violet Creams and search the kitchen drawers for that ancient packet of fags your friend left behind at Christmas.

Well, thats what it did to me, anyway. Matters were not helped by the fact that the website was extremely unwieldy and also that, even once Id negotiated the toolbar to find my sessions, I had to watch each and every one of them to the bitter (and sometimes very boring) end, until I could move on to the next.

I hate to be awful, but thats the truth of it. I suggest you save up your money for the real thing.
Acknowledge the trade-offs

In this situation with a new coronavirus, we are seeing too many harsh or partisan criticisms. Our president, governors and public health officials are making the best decisions they can with the knowledge they have at the time. Some of these decisions have needed to be revised or reversed as new data come in, but that should be expected since we knew nothing of this virus at the beginning.

We can debate the wisdom of these decisions, but that is different from attributing a lack of caring on either side of the debate. I do not believe anyone on the full quarantine side is failing to care about the harsh reality that small businesses and jobs are being lost, or that those on the open-the-economy side do not care that more people are going to die. The only thing that is clear is that there is no perfect solution for this situation. Like most of life, there are only trade-offs.

So let us debate those trade-offs between the virus and personal freedom without the harsh personal criticisms. It is probably more necessary that we strive to be one American people than at any time since World War II.

Randall Bradley, Papillion

Not a made-up crisis
The arrest of DMKs Rajya Sabha member, RS Bharathi, for reportedly making negative comments about a judge of the Madras High Court, with specific reference to his caste, will definitely take the legal route. However, it is unlikely to have much politico-electoral consequences. Or, so it seems in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis.

A lower court in Chennai has granted Bharathi interim bail till June 1, pending his existing application before the HC, seeking to quash the proceedings and grant him anticipatory bail. Given the background, the details of the arrest procedure is unclear as yet, particularly because the state authorities had sought a weeks time to file their response, but have gone ahead and arrested him.

In doing so, the government also transferred the case from jurisdictional Teynampet police station in Chennai to the Central Crime Branch (CCB), which effected the arrest.

The police action followed a high court directive to investigate a social media video where Bharathi is shown telling party cadre how DMK patriarch, the late M Karunanidhi, as chief minister had recommended the elevation of a particular incumbent judge, taking into account his social background. After his arrest, Bharathi reiterated how he had already explained the circumstances that led to the when controversy.

Surely, Bharathi can be expected to take forward the case, going by the advice of the party leadership. But the options are not too many. Either he offers an unconditional apology before the court and accepts whatever follows, or contests the case, going possibly all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Depending on the mood of the high court, the party may have the option to move the Privileges Committee of Parliament against the state police. The leadership will also be aware that in the committee, decisions are taken on numerical majority, which it may lack. More importantly, the party may not want to wash its dirty linen in Delhi.

Permanent Complainant?

Within the DMK, Bharathi, as the secretary of the partys legal wing, is seen as a permanent complainant to the states Department of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DV&AC) against successive AIADMK governments. He was the complainant in the infamous TANSI land deal case against the late Jayalalithaas first government in 1991-96.

Against the incumbent government of chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, especially against individual ministers, Bharathi has been approaching the DV&AC and also the courts with specific petitions for follow-up investigation. The latest one was reportedly moved on Friday, with regard to the procurement of equipment for the Coimbatore Municipal Corporation.

Ramadoss Parallel

The temptation now will be to compare the Bharathis arrest with Jayalalithaas action against PMK founder S Ramadoss who was detained for anti-Dalit violence alleged to have been triggered by his party cadres returning from the outfits annual Mahabalipuram conclave. But the comparison should end there.

This did bring in some electoral dividends for the AIADMK, given the Dalit communitys traditional adversity to the Vanniyar community, and cost the DMK some Dalit votes, despite the electoral partnership with Thol Thirumavalavans VCK in the PMK-strong northern region. It may not happen again.

Though a party senior in his own right, Bharathi is not in the top brass within the DMK as Ramadoss is in the PMK. Two, the traditional animosity that Dalits and Vanniyars have for each other is not present in this case, as the DMK is not seen as a caste-based party, barring remnants of the traditional anti-Brahmin identity (which again was never ever strong, as is being made out outside the state).

Indications are that unless there is a sea change in public perception between now and the assembly polls, due by May next year, Covid-19 related social and economic crisis may emerge as the major election issue. Chances are that caste politics may be pushed to the background after a point, with professional strategists taking over tactic-planning for both the DMK and the AIADMK.

The DMK has signed on political strategist Prashant Kishor for the assembly elections. Kishors one-time aide, Sunil, was the DMKs chief strategist for the 2016 assembly polls and the 2019 general elections.

The DMK did creditably well in the former, despite not being able to dislodge the ruling AIADMK under the charismatic Jayalalithaa. The DMK-Congress alliance swept the Lok Sabha polls last year against the BJP-AIADMK combine, winning 38 seats by huge margins.

With Prashant Kishor taking over the DMKs poll management, Sunil is said to have been commissioned by the AIADMK for the assembly polls. With the chief strategists for the two rivals having worked with each other, it remains to be seen what new ammunition each of them bring to the table.

Sunil may be at a slight advantage here, having worked with Stalin, whereas Kishor may lack full knowledge of his new client.

Anti-Dalit Imagery

According to some DMK insiders, the court case against Bharathi, and his subsequent arrest, is a part of a larger strategy, claiming it a conspiracy to paint the DMK as anti-Dalit. Before Bharathis case, a section of the state BJP had sought to depict Karunanidhi, too, as anti-Dalit, by claiming that the site on which the party headquarters stood, or a part thereof, was Dalit Panchami land, gifted to the community by the erstwhile British rulers.

The allegation was that Karunanidhi, as chief minister, had got the Madras City Corporation and other authorities to change the ownership. Stalin was quick to recall how Jayalalithaa as chief minister had raked up the issue once earlier, and Karunanidhi himself had given a fitting reply. He also pointed out how the Jayalalithaa administration did not proceed with the allegations.

The BJP leader who raised the issue this time round, L Murugan, has since been named as the state party president. In turn, Murugan, belonging to the Dalit-Arundathiyar sub-sect, had enrolled former state assembly deputy speaker, VP Duraisamy, from the same community and district, Namakkal, into the BJP on Friday.

Duraisamy was a deputy general secretary of the DMK. Party boss MK Stalin divested him of the position after Duraisamy called on Murugan at the BJP headquarters in Chennai, describing it as a courtesy call. His place in the DMK has since gone to another Arundathiyar leader, Andhiyur P Selvaraj, who was made Rajya Sabha member in March.

Coinciding with Bharathis arrest and interim bail, another DMK parliamentarian, former Union minister Dayanidhi Maran, has moved the high court, seeking anticipatory bail, in a similar case. Maran had reportedly made a remark that is being interpreted as anti-Dailit, when he criticised state chief secretary K Shanmugam for allegedly showing disregard to party MPs who called on him.

Justice M Nirmal Kumar of the high court is scheduled to hear Marans petition on Saturday afternoon.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 24)  A councilor of Pasay City is in hot water for berating health workers who were conducting rapid testing among employees of the city hall.

Facebook user Alexia Guevara uploaded a video on Saturday which tagged Pasay City councilor Arnel "Moti" Arceo, who can be heard "badmouthing" health workers for using the session hall as a venue to test the local government employees for COVID-19.

Guevara said in her post that the video, which has since gone viral, was only forwarded to her by a friend. It was taken last May 19 by Arceo himself, who can also be seen and heard in the clip.

The video has garnered more than 17,000 angry reactions and 18,000 shares on Facebook as of late afternoon Sunday.

A few seconds into the video, Arceo can be heard shouting at the frontliners: "P******a kung hindi delikado tanggalin niyo, p********g yan. Araw-araw namin dinidisinfect yan eh," the councilor said, taunting them to remove the barriers surrounding the session hall.

[Translation: If that's not dangerous, then remove the barriers s********h. We've been disinfecting that every day.]

"Bakit di sa opisina nila ginawa yan? Tapos sasabihin wag akong sumigaw. Nagiisip ba kayo?" he added, as he continued to walk around the premises with a few personnel trying to console him.

[Translation: Why don't they do that in their office. Then they'll tell me not to shout? Are you even thinking?]

In the middle of the clip, Arceo can be heard shouting at one of the frontliners attempting to film him as he continued to make a scene.

"Kinukunan mo ako? Kunan mo ko oh. Konsehal ako ng bayan. Session hall namin yan. Nagpaalam ba kayo saming lahat? Eh lahat kami gumagamit nyan eh," he said.

[Translation: Are you trying to film me? Then film me. I'm a councilor of this city. That's our session hall. Did you ask for permission from all of us? We're all using that.]

Along with the video, Guevara's post included a copy of the memorandum from the human resource department of the Pasay City government issued on May 18 to all department heads and employees notifying them that there will be a rapid testing for the skeleton workforce inside the city hall.

"Syempre, 'yung mga medtech, sumunod lang sa memo from the office and dumating sila sa venue and nag-prep ng lahat including 'yung covers and plastic sheets as protective gear," Guevara narrated.

[Translation: The medical technologists only followed what was in the memorandum and showed up in the venue to prepare, including the covers, the plastic sheets as protective gear.]

She added that the health workers wanted to file a complaint following the incident, but were only told by city health officer Cesar Encinares to just ignore what happened.

CNN Philippines reached out to Arceo himself, who insisted that he only stood for what is right.

"Naniniwala ako na tama yung stand ko...Wala akong hinarass. Inemphasize ko lang na delikado yung ginawa niyo dito," he told CNN Philippines.

[Translation: I still believe that what I did was right. I did not harass anyone. I only emphasized that what they did was dangerous.

"Kung si Panginoong Hesukristo nga, noong makitang ginawang palengke yung templo niya, nagalit, nagwala eh tayo makasalanang tao lang di naman pwedeng ikumpara doon. Kinilabutan rin ako sa nakita ko eh," Arceo said.

[Translation: If Jesus Christ himself got angry at the people who turned his temple into a market, as a sinful person I cannot compare myself to that. But what I saw gave me shivers.]

The Department of Interior and Local Government previously urged local government units to report incidents of harassment and discrimination against frontline workers in the country.

President Rodrigo Duterte also ordered the police and military last April to watch out for anyone who will harass health workers.

Meanwhile, Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano said Sunday she has organized a dialogue between Councilor Moti and the Pasay City health personnel, saying "it is very possible that there has been a misunderstanding between them."

The mayor added that she has already conducted a series of dialogues with the parties involved in the video to hear their sides of the incident.

"I find it regrettable that the incident happened," Calixto-Rubiano said. "But as mayor, it is my responsibility to ensure that we should focus on our real enemy which is COVID-19."
New Delhi: Numerous eyewitnesses on Friday (May 22, 2020) evening caught the show of the space debris of a Russian rocket in the skies over southeast Australian cities.

There were several videos on social media platforms where people sighted it for over 20 seconds.

"Russia launched a Soyuz-1b/Fregat from Plesetsk at 0731 UTC on May 22," said Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

He added that the Soyuz third stage was inserted into a marginally orbital trajectory with reentry at first perigee just south of Tasmania, which is an island state of Australia.

The payload is the fourth EKS (Kupol') satellite with an infrared telescope for missile launch detection.

"The light show was not a shooting star or a meteor, but a rocket returning to Earth, the Astronomical Society of Victoria vice-president, Perry Vlahos, told Guardian Australia.

He also said that the debris burned up on re-entry and none of it would have hit the ground.
Indian skies will open up for domestic passenger flights from Monday after a gap of two months but there was confusion following the imposition of own set of conditions and rules by several states which are at odds with each other.

Many states like Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu were opposed to opening up of their airports in view of rising cases of the coronavirus infection, making it difficult for the airlines as well as the civil aviation authorities to resume services.

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are home to some of the busiest airports in terms of passenger traffic. Amidst West Bengal govt raising doubts about central government's decision to restart flights, Kolkata Airport has announced they will not operate any flights till May 28 as they have asked govt to stop flights till May 30.

Mumbai Airport, on the other hand, will only operate 25 flights for arrival and 25 for departure as against 380 flights by Delhi Airport. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Twitter on Sunday that it is "extremely ill-advised" to reopen airports in red zones.

Echoing similar sentiments, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she will urge the Centre to postpone the resumption of domestic flight services at Kolkata and Bagdogra airports by a few days.

On Sunday afternoon, AirAsia India said on Twitter that all passengers must read the health protocols of the destination states and it would "not be responsible for repatriating or bearing any quarantine or related costs of any guests".

In the midst of uncertainty and confusion, representatives of airlines and several states held multiple meetings with top officials of the Civil Aviation Ministry on Sunday covering a range of contentious issues like quarantine rules for flyers and standard operating procedures for leading airports, officials said.

The focus of the deliberations was to have uniform quarantine rules following the announcement of separate conditions by various state governments. However, it is not immediately clear whether uniform quarantine rules as envisaged could be finalised in the meetings.

Officials said the first flight on Monday is scheduled to depart from Mumbai for Patna at 4.20 AM. Similarly, the first flight from Delhi airport would depart for Kolkata at 4.30 AM. Both flights are from IndiGo airline.

At the same time, they did not rule out a change in the schedule if the West Bengal government unilaterally decides not to allow flight operations.

As airlines were making preparations to resume their operation, scores of pilots and first officers PTI spoke to seem to be concerned about the lack of clarity on quarantine requirements for them. Many of them raised concerns over issues like quarantine procedures, personal and family safety, and flying into regions badly hit by the pandemic.

"There is no clarity on whether I need to go into home quarantine for 14 days after returning to my base or show up for duty on Monday," a pilot said, requesting anonymity.

The government last week announced the resumption of domestic flight services from May under specific rules and guidelines like a cap on ticket pricing, wearing of face masks by passengers, no food served onboard planes and making available details of medical conditions by travellers through Aarogya Setu app or by filling up of a self-declaration form.

The government's decision came as the aviation sector was reeling under severe stress triggered by the coronavirus lockdown that began on March 25.

However, many states expressed serious reservations about the Centre's decision to start flight services. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Bihar, Punjab, Assam and Andhra Pradesh have announced their respective quarantine measures for passengers arriving at their airports.

Some states decided to put passengers on mandatory institutional quarantine while several others talked about putting them under home quarantine.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday questioned the need for quarantine if a passenger is shown green status in Aarogya Setu app. The green status signifies that a passenger is safe.

However, as the states remained adamant on the matter, the central government is trying to create coherence in quarantine rules for flyers, officials said.

They said bookings have been opened for around 1,050 domestic flights that will operate on Monday.

Several executives from a number of airlines said since Mumbai and Kolkata airports handle a significant share of domestic flights, the operators are expecting the Centre to clarify the "prevailing confusion" relating to quarantine.

"Clarity is required on matters regarding quarantine and flights to Mumbai and Kolkata as it is affecting our bookings. Passengers are reluctant to book in such an environment," said an executive of a low cost carrier.

The Jammu and Kashmir government said on Saturday that all incoming passengers will have to undergo "administrative quarantine" for a fortnight.

Similarly, the Kerala government said on Friday that all flyers will be put into 14 days' home quarantine and that it has made an exception for those coming for business purposes or for a short duration.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had said all incoming passengers will be put in home quarantine for 14 days while the Bihar government said that travellers will be put on "paid quarantine" for the same period.

Passengers coming to Andhra Pradesh would be put under home quarantine, said the state government, adding that once their test results for COVID-19 come negative, they will be relieved from quarantine.

The Assam government on Friday said it will be putting flyers on a 14-day quarantine. The passengers might be distributed equally in home quarantine and government quarantine, it clarified.

Karnataka government's health ministry made it clear said that anyone coming from states where there is "high prevalence" of COVID-19 will be kept in institutional quarantine for seven days and if tested COVID-negative, the passenger will have to spend the next seven days in home quarantine.

Karnataka has classified Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh as "high prevalence" states.

The passengers coming through remaining states in the country to Karnataka will have to undergo 14 days of home quarantine.

However, the Karnataka health department clarified that special cases where businessmen are coming for urgent work will not require to undergo any quarantine if they bring test results that are not more than two days old and show them COVID-negative.

Puri's announcement on Wednesday that airlines will resume domestic passenger flights from Monday came as a big breather for the aviation sector.

Saujanya Shrivastava, Chief Operating Officer - Flights, MakeMyTrip and Goibibo, said: "With domestic flights taking off after 61 days of lockdown, there is an understandable apprehension amongst flyers. That said, we expect the situation to smoothen out as flyers gradually get attuned to the new safety protocols."

Aloke Bajpai, Co-founder and CEO of Ixigo, a flight booking platform, said,"There is still no official directive from state governments or airlines regarding quarantine protocols for different cities. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update our users on any official mandate which might affect their travel plan."

In the meantime, the Health Ministry on Sunday issued guidelines for domestic travel, advising passengers to download the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile devices and asking states to ensure thermal screening at the departure point of airports, railway stations and bus terminals.

Asymptomatic passengers should be permitted to travel after being asked to self-monitor for 14 days, the ministry said.

Dos and Don'ts shall be provided along with tickets to travellers by the agencies concerned, said the ministry's guidelines for domestic travel (air/train/inter-state bus travel).
Amid speculation over delay in the delivery of Rafale jets due to coronavirus pandemic, France has said that the timeline finalised for the supply of the fighter planes will be strictly respected. French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said that there will be no delay in delivery of 36 Rafale jets to India.

In September 2016, India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 Rafale jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore to strengthen the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities. As per the deal, the delivery of the jets was to be completed in 67 months from the date the contract was inked.

"The contractual delivery schedule of the Rafale jets has been perfectly respected till now, and, in fact, a new aircraft was handed over to the Indian Air Force in end-April in France, in keeping with the contract," Lenain told PTI.

"We are helping the Indian Air Force in arranging for the ferry flight of their first four Rafales from France to India as soon as possible. So there's no reason today to speculate that the schedule will not be maintained," the envoy said.

Also Read: Coronavirus likely to delay delivery of first Rafale fighter jet to India

The first four Rafale fighter jets were scheduled to arrive in India by May 2020, but there were apprehensions that the delivery could be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic as aircraft manufacturer Dassault's assembly facility in Merignac were closed due to the spread of virus in the country.

Lenain, however, asserted that the original timeline for delivery of the jets will be adhered to.

France, which is battling with rising infections and deaths due to COVID-19, imposed nationwide lockdown after March 17 to slow the spread of the virus, which was later eased after eight weeks. Over 1,45,000 people were infected by the virus, while the death toll stood at 28,330.

Also Read: Govt issues guidelines for domestic, international travel; check out the details here

In October 2019, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to France for the second India-France ministerial-level annual defence dialogue, had taken formal delivery of the first Rafale jet.

The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile and Scalp cruise missile will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets.

Besides the missile systems, the Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems.

The IAF has already completed preparations, including getting ready required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft.

The first squadron of the aircraft will be stationed at Ambala air force station, considered one of the most strategically located bases of the IAF. The Indo-Pak border is around 220 km from there. The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal.

The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangars and maintenance facilities at the two bases.

Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers. The trainer jets will be twin-seater with almost all the features of the fighter jets.

By Chitranjan Kumar with PTI inputs
NASA invites public to be its guests to celebrate historic Launch America

NASA is inviting the public to help celebrate a historic milestone in human spaceflight as it prepares for #LaunchAmerica  the first flight into orbit of American astronauts on American rockets from American soil since the end of the space shuttle era in 2011.



NASA astronauts Robert Behnken, left, and Douglas Hurley speak to members of the media after arriving at the Launch and Landing Facility at NASAs Kennedy Space Center ahead of SpaceXs Demo-2 mission, Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in Florida. Credits: NASA

Known as NASAs SpaceX Demo-2 test flight, which is targeted for lift off at 4:33 p.m. EDT Wednesday, May 27, this mission will send NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International Space Station as part of the agencys Commercial Crew Program. Members of the public can attend the launch virtually, receiving mission updates and opportunities normally received by on-site guests.

Through NASAs virtual launch experience, we make it possible for more people than ever to watch the beginning of this new era in human spaceflight, said Bettina Inclan, NASAs associate administrator for Communications. Were already seeing people participate online with the #LaunchAmerica hashtag and helping build the excitement for this historic moment.

To participate, members of the public can register to find a calendar of mission information, mission highlights, and virtual tours. To find out more, visit:https://www.nasa.gov/beourguest

Demo-2 will be SpaceXs second spaceflight test of its Crew Dragon craft and its first test with astronauts aboard. This final test flight prior to NASA certification and will provide data on the performance of the Falcon 9 rocket, the Crew Dragon and ground systems, as well as in-orbit, docking, and landing operations.

The Falcon 9 rocket will launch from historic Launch Complex 39A at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. But, the excitement will be felt across the country and around the world, with virtual launch parties and other events to help usher in this new era of spaceflight as NASA and its commercial partners take the next bold step toward to send the first woman and the next man to the Moon by 2024 as part of the agencys Artemis program.

Live video coverage and countdown commentary begins at 12:15 p.m. May 27. Watch the launch and all prelaunch activities on NASA TV, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin. You also can share reasons you are excited for the launch on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #LaunchAmerica for a chance to be shared on our social media channels.

But, before then, there are a lot of other ways people can get involved with this historic mission now. The virtual events taking place include:

Virtual NASA Social

For the first time ever, NASA is hosting a global NASA Social, an opportunity for social media users to get a behind the scenes view of the launch  virtually  and a unique way the public can celebrate the return of human spaceflight to American soil.

The #LaunchAmerica NASA Social is taking the form of a Facebook group that any social media user can request permission to join by answering a few simple questions and agreeing to adhere to the guidelines of the group. In addition to connecting virtually with a community of people excited about the #LaunchAmerica mission, participants will be able to virtually tour NASA facilities at Kennedy and interact with NASA representatives in real time, as well as virtually view a launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. For more information and to register, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/social/launchamerica

NASA STEM Engagement

No matter where you are, you can celebrate this historic milestone with other members of the Artemis Generation. Students can share their excitement with webinars, virtual reality experiences and activities specifically designed for grades K-4 and grades 5-12. These and other exciting resources are available at:

https://go.nasa.gov/CCPLaunchKit

NASA Television Coverage

In addition to social media coverage, NASA Television will air a number of events leading up to, including, and following the historic launch. Continuous coverage of the mission on all NASA TV channels begins at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 27 and continue through Crew Dragons arrival at the International Space Station on Thursday, May 28, including the subsequent hatch opening and welcoming ceremony.

The following events currently are scheduled to air live (all times Eastern). Please check the NASA TV schedule for the latest updates:

Wednesday, May 20

4 p.m.  NASAs SpaceX Demo-2 Mission astronaut arrival at Kennedy Space Center media question-and-answer session

Thursday, May 21

No earlier than 6 p.m.  Demo-2 post-Flight Readiness Review news conference

Friday, May 22

2:15 p.m.  Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley virtual media question-and-answer session

Monday, May 25

No earlier than 6 p.m.  Demo-2 prelaunch news conference

Tuesday, May 26

10 a.m.  NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine media availability at Kennedys Countdown Clock

Wednesday, May 27

Noon  Live views of the SpaceX/Falcon 9 rocket on Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center

12:15 p.m.  Live countdown coverage of NASAs SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station (launch scheduled at 4:33 p.m.)

6 p.m.  Demo-2 postlaunch news conference

Thursday, May 28

11:39 a.m.  Docking of the SpaceX Crew Dragon and NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station

1:55 p.m.  SpaceX Crew Dragon hatch opening to the International Space Station

2:25 p.m.  SpaceX Crew Dragon and International Space Station crew media event aboard the space station

Friday, May 29

11:05 a.m.  International Space Station Expedition 63 crew news conference with space station Commander Chris Cassidy of NASA and NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley

12:50 p.m.  International Space Station Expedition 63 in-flight event for SpaceX to mark the arrival of the Demo-2 crew

The Demo-2 mission will be the final major step before NASAs Commercial Crew Program certifies Crew Dragon for operational, long-duration missions to the space station. This certification and regular operation of Crew Dragon will enable NASA to continue the important research and technology investigations taking place onboard the station, which benefits people on Earth and lays the groundwork for future exploration of the Moon and Mars starting with the agencys Artemis program.

Learn more about Artemis and NASAs Moon to Mars exploration approach at: https://www.nasa.gov/moontomars
Published on 2020/05/24 | Source

Some 80 days after they were meant to start the spring semester, high school seniors finally returned to their classrooms Wednesday.

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They were greeted by their teachers, some of whom they had never met in person.

High school seniors started their classes first because they have to prepare for the college entrance exam.

Wearing a face mask is mandatory in class, and a thermal imaging camera at the entrance checked that students' temperature was below 37.5 degrees Celsius. Even when going home, students must keep their distance from each other.

But students at 66 high schools in Incheon were sent home before noon because two of their peers were confirmed to be infected early in the morning.

The two students appear to have caught the virus in a karaoke bar, which had in turn been visited by a patient linked to the Itaewon club outbreak.

It has not been decided when the schools will reopen.
(Newser)  An alligator that many people believe once belonged to Adolf Hitler has died in the Moscow Zoo, reports the AP. The zoo said the alligator, named Saturn, was about 84 years old when he died on Friday. According to the zoo, Saturn was born in the United States and later sent to the Berlin Zoo, from which he escaped when the zoo was bombed in 1943. His whereabouts were unknown until 1946, when British soldiers found him and gave him to the Soviet Union, the zoo said.

story continues below

Almost immediately, the myth was born that he was allegedly in the collection of Hitler and not in the Berlin Zoo, the zoo said in a statement. But, it noted, animals are not involved in war and politics and it is absurd to blame them for human sins. Sky News notes that Saturn was something of a picky eater who loved a brush massage.

(Read more Adolf Hitler stories.)
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Regions with the highest excess death rate in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic have been revealed, with London seeing almost double the amount of deaths it normally would.

Britain has suffered some 55,000 'excess deaths' - the number of deaths above what would be expected for the time of year - in 2020, up nearly 70 per cent compared to the five-year average by May 8.

The capital city has seen 9,200 excess deaths since March, which is 92 per cent higher than the five year average.

The West Midlands has 58 per cent more excess deaths than it would normally, with 6,193 excess deaths since March 6. The North West's excess death rate has soared by 52 per cent, suffering a total of 7,360 excess deaths.

The excess death rate paints a clearer picture of how the coronavirus crisis has impacted countries because it encompasses all the fatalities the coronavirus has contributed to.

For example, it represents people who may have died because they couldn't access healthcare due to the lockdown. In normal times, they may be the result of a particularly deadly flu strain.

Britain has suffered the highest proportion of excess deaths across Europe this year, as well as the highest COVID-19 death toll, with at least 10,000 excess deaths in care homes across England and Wales.

More than 9,000 Londoners than normal have died since March. Almost 7,800 were directly caused by COVID-19. But 1,626 were unrelated. The figure is 92 per cent higher than the five year average (pictured)

'Excess deaths' are 58 per cent higher in the West Midlands. The West Midlands has had 6,193 excess deaths, with some 1,730 unexplained.

Excess deaths are 52 per cent higher in the North West, where there are almost 7,360 excess deaths, almost 1,700 of which are not related to COVID-19

The Office for National Statistics revealed Britain's excess death toll in a report on Tuesday, May 12, suggesting at least 55,000 more deaths had occurred than expected.

However, when comparing with singular years, the results are different. For example, there have only been 32,720 excess deaths when comparing with 2017/2018, when there were a high level of excess deaths due to a flu strain.

The rate is 70 per cent higher compared to the five-year rolling average by May 8. But a quarter of deaths were not officially attributed to COVID-19.

Analysis by The Sunday Telegraph found three regions which have recorded excess death more than 50 per cent higher since the start of March.

London has been the hardest hit with more than 9,000 excess deaths from March 6 to May 8 - a 92 per cent rise from what would otherwise be expected.

Some 1,600 of those have not been directly caused by COVID-19.

The North West is closest behind, with almost 7,360 excess deaths between March and now, 52 per cent higher than what would be expected. Almost 1,700 of the excess deaths were not related to COVID-19.

WHAT ARE EXCESS DEATHS? Excess deaths are those which occur in addition to any that would be expected to happen in the same period in an average year. They are measured in the UK over a five-year average. For example, if the average number of deaths in the first week of April over the least five years was 10,000, the 10,001st person to die in that week is considered an excess death, along with any others who come after them. Ministers have admitted 'excess deaths' are the most reliable measure of how many fatalities the coronavirus has actually contributed to. They take into account not just infected people who have died of COVID-19 but also those who died because of indirect effects of the outbreak. The biggest contribution to this is expected to be people whose medical treatment was interrupted or stopped because of the pandemic, including people who avoided going to hospital. NHS data shows A&E attendances have halved since March. Advertisement

The West Midlands has had 6,193 excess deaths, which is 58 per cent higher than what would be expected for that time of year. Some 1,730 are unexplained and not caused by COVID-19.

The South East has also been hard hit with 7,200 excess deaths. A total of 1,841 of those deaths were not due to COVID-19.

It means the South East has experienced the most excess deaths during the pandemic, which were not caused by COVID-19, than anywhere else.

Wales has seen 1,910 excess deaths, 59 unrelated to COVID-19, Scotland 4,140 (925 unrelated) and Northern Ireland 643 (65 unrelated).

The excess death figures for England in part reflect the regions with the highest COVID-19 fatalities - London and Birmingham, in the West Midlands, reported the most deaths for weeks, and now show to also have high excess death rates.

However, the North East and Yorkshire, which according to data from Public Health England have the highest rate of coronavirus infection, have had far fewer excess COVID-19 deaths than one might expect.

Research by Public Health England and Cambridge University, published on May 14, suggests the crucial reproduction rate, known as the R, is around 0.8 in the North East, which means every 10 infected people spread the virus to eight other people.

That's double the 0.4 in London, where experts believe the spread has been stalled because more people have been infected and therefore have immunity.

In the South East, the R rate is 0.71 - every 10 cases leads to seven more - and there are less cases per capita.

But the region has suffered the most indirect COVID-19 excess deaths, according to The Telegraph's analysis. It proves other factors unrelated to the spread of coronavirus itself are causing excess deaths.

The excess death toll captures deaths that may have resulted from a lack of access to healthcare, as doctors have warned the public are avoiding A&E in order to protect the NHS.

Conditions like stroke and heart attack need immediate medical treatment, but there are indications people are delaying presentation at hospitals.

It also includes suicides, which are feared to rise as a knock-on effect of people's mental health worsening during the lockdown, or moving forward due to financial worries.

It may also include victims who may have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 and never had it written on their death certificate as a result.

How many excess deaths there are in the East, Yorkshire, East Midlands and North East, and how these compare to the five-year average

Across England, South West has the lowest change in excess death rate

Scotland has had 4,140 excess deaths, 925 unrelated to COVID-19

Wales has seen 1,910 excess deaths, 59 unrelated to COVID-19

Northern Ireland has suffered 643 excess deaths, 65 unrelated to COVID-19

The coronavirus is infecting people twice as fast in the North East of England than it is in London, real-time tracking of the reproductive 'R' rating shows. However, the excess death rate doesn't always match up. There are more excess deaths in the South East and North West than in Yorkshire and the North East - despite the virus spreading there more rapidly

Gail Davey, professor of global health epidemiology at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, said excess mortality helps account for 'knock on' deaths  those which occurred because people avoided going to hospital.

'It would be better to acknowledge the excess deaths and to use them to help the whole country get behind what still needs to be done,' he told The Sunday Telegraph.

Deaths which were not as a result of COVID-19 fell below average for the first time in the week up to May 8, a positive sign after weeks of soaring numbers.

'There are apparently no non-COVID excess deaths, which is in stark contrast to previous weeks of the epidemic and may be attributable to fewer registrations,' Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter said of the Office For National Statistics report on Tuesday.

Professor Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics, The Open University, said: 'Excess deaths in the last week available here, ending on 8 May, were about 3,100, which is far less than the peak of over 12,000 a week in mid-April.

'The number of deaths where COVID-19 was not mentioned was 800 fewer than the average number of deaths that week for the previous 5 years.

'I cant say why this is, and it will take considerable further analysis from ONS in the future to throw light on it.

'Two possible explanations did occur to me, though I cant say how likely they are. One is that the week ending 8 May included the early May bank holiday. Bank holidays, according to ONS, always change exact dates of death registration.'

The other explanation could be that doctors are writing COVID-19 on death certificates more often for those where it's not completely clear whether the disease was involved, therefore boosting excess deaths in the COVID-19 category.

Hospital deaths have now tapered off so much that the numbers of people dying in them is lower than average for this time of year, and the Government has said there are now fewer than 10,000 people in hospital in England.

But the crisis is continuing in care homes. There were still more than 2,000 'excess deaths' in the week between May 2 and May 8.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously been pushed to explain why there have been up to 10,000 'unexplained' excess deaths in care homes by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

Britain has suffered the highest proportion of excess deaths across Europe during the coronavirus crisis, according to the Financial Times.

Belgium has been the second worst-hit European country, with 9,000 excess deaths by May 3  57 per cent higher than average, analysis by the FT found.

Britain has suffered the highest proportion of excess deaths in Europe during the coronavirus crisis

Belgium has been the second worst-hit European country, with 9,000 excess deaths by May 3  57 per cent higher than average, according to the Financial Times. Spain's deaths are up 44 per cent compared to the five year average, after suffering 30,000 excess fatalities

Spain's deaths are up 44 per cent compared to the five year average, after suffering 30,000 excess fatalities.

EUROPE'S EXCESS DEATHS REVEALED UK Around 55,000 more Britons than normal have died in 2020, up nearly 70 per cent by May 8 compared to the five-year average. Belgium Belgium has been the second worst-hit country on the continent, suffering 9,000 excess deaths by May 3  57 per cent higher than average. Spain Spains deaths are up 44 per cent compared to the five year average after suffering 30,000 excess fatalities. Italy Its national health institute said that since February 20 there were 91,000 deaths, 25,000 more than normal (39 per cent). France Roughly 22 per cent more French people have died in 2020 than normal. Germany The country has had 5,800 excess deaths up to April 19, about 7 per cent above the average. Advertisement

There has been only one study comparing excess death rates in Italy so far, which suggests its excess deaths are 39 per cent higher than normal.

Italy's national health body said since February 20 - when it recorded its first COVID-19 case - there were 91,000 deaths, 25,000 more than average.

France recorded a sharp rise in deaths in March but after lockdown in April the rate actually fell below its usual level.

It means the nation has experienced 22 per cent more deaths than normal.

French officials say the drop off in April was likely caused by a steep decline in car accidents and a decrease in other viral illness deaths, helped by lockdown.

Germany  one of the countries in Europe to avert a major crisis  has had 5,800 excess deaths up to April 19, about 7 per cent above the average.

While the immediate impact of the COVID-19 outbreak will be devastating, Britain is expected to face 'persistent negative health effects' the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has previously warned.

In a briefing published in April, the think-tank said: 'A debate has started on whether the adverse health effects of a recession may be greater than the increased morbidity and mortality within the pandemic itself.'

The IFS predicts hundreds of thousands of people could develop chronic physical and mental health conditions in the long term, mostly as a result of financial strain.

There have also been warnings the pandemic will trigger a mental health crisis, rise in obesity and alcoholism.

The scale of the problem won't become apparent for many months or even years down the line.

The NHS postponed all non-urgent elective operations for at least the next three months at the start of the crisis in order to free up beds for those with COVID-19.

George Stoye, an associate director at IFS, said: 'This will cause immediate distress to those affected and knock on effects on waiting times that could take years to unwind.'
COVID-19 cases in Karnataka breached the 2,000 mark on Sunday with the detection of 130 infections, most of them returnees to the state from Maharashtra, the Health department said.

It said the total number of positive cases was now 2,056, including 654 discharges, 1,391 active cases and 42 deaths.

Of the total number of cases, 100 had returned from Maharashtra and 41 of them were women.

Two of the coronavirus infected persons had a travel history to Dubai and the United Kingdom, the department said.

Giving the break up of cases, the Health department said 27 patients were from Chikkaballapura, 24 from Yadagiri, 23 from Udupi, 15 from Mandya, 14 from Hassan, six each from Kalaburagi and Bidar, four from Davangere, two each from Tumakuru, Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada and one each from Kodagu, Vijayapura, Dakshina Kannada, Bengaluru Urban and Dharwad.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India logs over 3.17 lakh new Covid cases in last 24 hours; daily positivity rate up at 16.41 per cent

COVID-19 fatalities may be much more than what is being reported

New AI-based test uses X-rays to detect Covid in a few minutes

As domestic flight ops resume; States issue SOPs for flyers

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, May 25: With domestic passenger flights to resume after a hiatus of two months due to the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, the Ministry of Health along with a few other states issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) and guidelines to be followed by passengers boarding the flights resuming on Monday.

While some states decided to put passengers on mandatory institutional quarantine, several others talked about putting them under home quarantine. The imposition of quarantine rules by several states which are at odds with each other also triggered concern among the flying and cabin crew of the airlines.

Tamil Nadu

Ending uncertainty over resumption of domestic flight services in the state from Monday, the Tamil Nadu government allowed passenger operations at the airports here and three other cities and notified guidelines, which included 14 days home quarantine and an e-pass for entry.

Covid-19: Maha says no to passenger flights, may extend lockdown: Oneindia News

Due to high number of virus cases, flights from Gujarat and Maharashtra may be kept at the barest minimum level and there is no issue for operating any number of outgoing flights from Tamil Nadu.

Asymptomatic people shall undergo home quarantine for 14 days.

If air journey was undertaken without meeting the eligibility criteria they would be liable for penal action.

Passengers who do not have a residence in Tamil Nadu and opting for paid quarantine, shall be sent to designated hotels for institutional quarantine.

People who were found symptomatic will be isolated and taken to the nearest health facility and then subjected to confirmatory RT-PCR test.

Those testing positive for COVID-19 and having moderate or severe symptoms will be admitted to a hospital or a health centre and people with mild symptoms will be given the option of home isolation.

Those who test negative for the virus shall be in home quarantine for 14 days.

All air passengers flying into Tamil Nadu should obtain a "TN e-pass" through the TN e-pass portal by agreeing to conditions that are set out in the form of a declaration.

The e-pass travel permit will be issued with a QR code. Among the riders are that they were not from any containment zones and they had not tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two months and undertake to adhere to all the norms of the State government.

If the passengers do not fulfil such conditions, they will not be eligible to travel to Tamil Nadu.

All passengers will be stamped with quarantine seal with date with indelible ink before they are allowed to move out of the airport.

Temperature checking, carrying out disinfection of luggage were among the procedures detailed for implementation at the airports.

Outward travellers will be screened and only those without symptoms for the virus shall be allowed to board the flight.

Kerala

Fresh guidelines issued for air travellers mandates 14-day home quarantine from the date of arrival. Symptomatic persons will be sent to either COVID Care Centre or Hospital.

All passengers had to register their details with the Covid-19 Jagratha web portal.

The airline staff shall insist the details of entry pass obtained from Covid-19 before issuing the boarding pass. If more than one person travel in a single ticket details of all persons shall be entered by anyone in the group using 'add family member' option.

Those who reach the state in flights for any urgent "business meets" would require to travel back within a day or two and the state will not insist such persons to not undergo the strict quarantine of 14 days.

The pick up vehicles for arriving passengers will be permitted to enter airport with one person (excluding driver of the vehicle) at a designated place subject to social distancing norms.

If the persons who pick up the passenger comes into physical contact with the traveller, they shall also remain under home quarantine for 14 days.

The staff at the airports will be exclusively posted for a period of two weeks for airport surveillance and they must undergo two weeks home quarantine upon finishing duties.

Delhi

No mandatory institutional or home quarantine for asymptomatic passengers.

Only those with symptoms would need isolation

Asymptomatic passengers can go home, self monitor their health

Call Helpline numbers if they develop symptoms

Moderate to severely symptomatic persons will taken to covid care centres

Those with mild symptoms, will be given the option of being taken to covid care centres or home quarantine.

Uttar Pradesh

All passengers will be under home quarantine for 14 days unless they are staying for less than a week or if they clear the coronavirus test earlier.

Outsiders on visits of less than a week to the state need not go into quarantine if they furnish details of their return journey.

All passengers coming to UP will have to register themselves on http://reg.upcovid.in and furnish details of themselves and family members travelling with them.

A message will be displayed on their phones after this and CISF personnel will let them leave the airport only after checking it.

Karnataka

Anyone coming from states where there is "high prevalence" of Covid-19 will be kept in institutional quarantine for seven days and if tested Covid-negative, the passenger will have to spend the next seven days in home quarantine.

Karnataka has classified Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh as "high prevalence" states. The passengers coming through remaining states in the country will have to undergo 14 days of home quarantine.

However, special cases where businessmen are coming for urgent work will not require to undergo any quarantine if they bring test results that are not more than two days old.

Assam

Pilots and crew members will not be subjected to quarantine - home or institutional

If anybody comes to Guwahati for less than 24 hours - arrive in the morning and return by evening won't be subjected to Quarantine. If they don't return as declared, they will face criminal charges.

Those travelling on government duty including defence ops will be free from quarantine, but they will have to seek approval from Health Dept and submit a declaration, and must confine themselves in guest houses.

Any senior citizen above 75 years, Pregnant women, physically disabled, passengers visiting family members in hospitals, those below 10 years along with parents will be stamped for home quarantined.

Those returning from abroad -who have already completed quarantine in another state upon landing do not require to go for repeat institutional quarantine

Himachal Pradesh

Only persons with valid address proof of the state should book tickets to the city and the flyer will have to obtain a district entry-pass. Dharamshala will have two flights from Delhi and one from Chandigarh daily.

The incoming person will have to obtain an entry pass from the concerned district administration, which will have to be shown on de-boarding the flight at Gaggal airport of Dharamshala.

HP residents coming from red zone areas and those with ILI symptoms shall be put in institutional quarantine.

And the persons, the non-residents of HP/Tourist shall not be allowed entry into the district and they shall immediately be put in institutional quarantine before sending them back on their own expenses.

Andhra Pradesh

Passengers coming to Andhra Pradesh will be put under home quarantine. However, once their test results for Covid-19 come negative, they will be relieved from quarantine.

Vijayawada and Vizag airports to not operate any domestic flights on Monday.

Services on these airports will begin from Tuesday.

Telangana

The Telangana government decided against home quarantine for incoming passengers to the state, starting Monday.

The state government said that only those displaying symptoms at airports after screening will be taken to government centres.

The rest will be asked to 'self-monitor' themselves.

Jammu and Kashmir

All passengers will have to undergo "administrative quarantine" for a fortnight.

Thirty kiosks have been set up at Srinagar airport for collection of samples.

Jharkhand

Every passenger coming to the state by flight "shall have to compulsorily stay in home quarantine for 14 days.

Any person travelling to Jharkhand and intending to exit the state within 72 hours and any returnee who has already undergone the prescribed quarantine period are exempted from the 14-day quarantine norm.

Passengers have to enter the aircraft wearing face masks and gloves, sanitize their luggage, download Arogya Setu app and maintain social distance.

Confirmed flight tickets and flight boarding pass would be treated as lockdown passes and only authorised taxis are allowed to ferrying passengers from their houses to the airport.

Punjab

All air travellers bound for Punjab shall be tested for COVID-19 upon their arrival at the Chandigarh airport and then mandatorily stay quarantined in home for 14 days.

COVID-19 tests shall be done only on passengers whose destination is Punjab.

In case, the test comes out to be positive, the person shall be shifted to an isolation facility.

If the test is negative, the person shall still be required to undergo home quarantine for 14 days.

Those moving through the airport on way to Union Territory of Chandigarh, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh shall be dealt with as per the protocol of the recipient state.

Goa

Only those people, including air travellers, carrying the COVID-19 negative certificate from authorised laboratories would be allowed to enter Goa without testing.

Others will have to get themselves tested for COVID- 19 by paying Rs 2,000.

Those who don't want to be tested will have to stay in home quarantine for the next 14 days.

Chhattisgarh

Air passengers showing no symptoms would be placed in 14-day quarantine at government centres, homes or paid facilities.

Passengers will have to submit a written undertaking they will strictly follow isolation norms.

Baggage will be sanitised at the airport and only select vehicles whose details are with the transport department will be allowed to pick and drop passengers.

Manipur

All passengers will undergo full thermal scan on arrival. Those who are asymptomatic will be stamped for home quarantine.

Any symptomatic passenger or suspected passenger will be separated immediately and sent to Isolation Ward/ Covid-19 Treatment Ward by a medical team.

Installation of Aarogya Setu has been made mandatory and only passengers with green status on the app are allowed to travel.

All taxi drivers registered with the transport department are exempt from curfew pass for pick-up and drops at the airport in Imphal.

Private vehicles that go to pick up passengers shall carry either a soft copy or a hard copy of the boarding pass or ticket of the passenger, which shall be treated as curfew pass for that period.

Bihar

The Bihar government said travellers will be put on "paid quarantine" for 14 days.

Maharashtra

Health Ministry issues guidelines for domestic and international travel

All passengers will be advised to download the Aarogya Setu app.

They will have to declare that they are not coming from any containment zone and don't have any COVID-19 symptoms.

Passengers will also need to declare that they have not tested coronavirus positive in the last two months and are not under quarantine.

Anyone travelling without meeting the required conditions will face action.

Airlines and airports will ensure social distancing at all times and thermal screening.

All passengers, crew and other staff will have to wear masks and follow sanitation rules.



All passengers will be stamped on their left hand and be under home isolation for 14 days.

All passengers will be stamped on their left hand and be under home isolation for 14 days. Local officials will be authorised to give exemptions to isolation rule for important work.

Passengers who are coming to the state for less than one week will be exempt from home isolation.

Passengers who are coming to the state for less than one week will be exempt from home isolation. Passengers will not be allowed into containment zones of hotspot areas.

Authorities need to be informed of where a passenger is staying if other than their homes.

Passengers are permitted to travel in their passenger vehicles to the airport as long as they don't travel from a containment zone.

West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she would urge the Centre to postpone the resumption of domestic flight services at Kolkata, which was recently battered by Cyclone Amphan, and Bagdogra airports by a few days.

"Kolkata and Bagdogra airports to not operate any domestic flights between May 25-27; both will handle 20 flights per day from May 28," PTI quoted an official as saying.

The government last week announced resumption of the domestic flight services from May under specific rules and guidelines like cap on ticket pricing, wearing of face masks by passengers, no food served on board planes and making available details of medical conditions by travellers through Aarogya Setu app or by filling up of a self declaration form.

The government's decision came as the aviation sector was reeling under severe stress triggered by the coronavirus lockdown that began on March 25.
New Delhi, May 24 : Limited management facilities accompanied by shortage of trained manpower in managing biomedical waste have posed a serious challenge before local urban bodies and companies involved in the fight against coronavirus.

Speaking to IANS, Director of North Delhi Municipal Corporation, Ira Singhal said the MCD is following all the prescribed guidelines laid down by the government.

"We have two agencies to take care of garbage collection -- one for picking the biohazardous waste and the other for its disposal. We have appointed a person who incinerates biohazardous waste. Our sanitation workers are involved only in the cleaning part and not picking up the waste because there is dedicated staff for it," she said.

"There are existing protocols for disposing of biohazardous waste. But since such waste is coming from even households, our staff who collect the waste house-to-house pick it from quarantined houses and hand it over to the agency involved in its disposal," said Singhal.

The SOP set up by the Central Pollution Control Board, (CPCB) for dealing with the biomedical waste during COVID-19 pandemic says that biomedical waste generated from quarantine areas and containment zones should be collected separately in yellow-coloured bags (suitable for biomedical waste collection) provided by urban local bodies. "These bags can be placed in separate and dedicated dust-bins of appropriate size. The waste should be handed over at the doorstep".

Singhal told IANS that the North MCD has formed docking stations outside all containment zones where personnel don and doff the PPE kits before entering and after leaving the containment zone. Then they are sanitized, only then they can leave for home.

"We have provided PPE kits to waste pickers as per the guidelines. The challenge before us is that due to this pandemic, the work load has gone up manifold," she said.

Abhay Ranjan, Senior General Manager of Delhi MSW Solutions Ltd which is involved in waste management with North Delhi MCD, told IANS that collecting biomedical waste from quarantined households and containment or red zones is more challenging than collecting the waste from hospitals and nursing homes.

"The dangerous waste is coming not only from hospitals but also from quarantine houses and containment zones. Meanwhile, the numbers of cases and containment zones is rising in Delhi," said Ranjan.

"Government quarantine facilities had their mechanism for biohazardous waste disposal and trained staff even before COVID-19. Therefore, the real challenge is collecting waste from quarantine houses. It is the most dangerous scenario. The number of hospitals is limited, but there are more than 20 thousand houses from where such waste is coming," Ranjan said.

"We have arranged covered vehicles for collection of such waste. The driver, helper and anyone else who collects the waste wears the full PPE kit," he said.

"On an average, we have been collecting around 400-500 kg waste per day in North Corporation since March 28. It is increasing. So far we have collected around 25 metric ton waste, excluding hospital waste," said Ranjan.

A north MCD sanitation worker, Pramod Mehrolia, involved in cleaning, told IANS that he wants PPE kits for all sanitation workers "because it is very difficult to identify while sweeping or cleaning as to where the waste material is coming from -- a dangerous situation for sanitation workers".

"We are given low-quality gloves and masks which expire in a few hours. The MCD did not even give us I-cards during the lockdown. A few sanitation workers were beaten up by the police," said Mehrolia.

There are separate sanitation workers for collecting waste from containment zones. "But how would we know that the waste we are collecting is safe to carry or who has thrown that waste in the street? There are many asymptomatic patients also these days. They should provide full kits to all sanitation workers. At least four of our people have died of COVID-19," said Mehrolia.

Another worker and General Secretary of Delhi Pradesh Akhil Bhartiya Safai Mazdoor Sangh, Vijendra Bagdi alleged that apart from four deaths, at least 60 workers have reported corona positive in North Delhi MCD. "We are facing big trouble in the absence of masks, gloves and sanitizers. We are doing our work honestly," said Bagdi.

However, North MCD Director Singhal denied the allegations and told IANS that "no one has died from coronavirus in our staff".

She said a few people were politicising the issue for their benefit. "Sanitation workers not involved in picking biohazardous waste don't require full PPE kits, though we have enough of these kits," Singhal said.

(Sfoorti Mishra can be contacted at sfoorti.m@ians.in)
In a new paper, experts address the specific challenges patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families might encounter during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as what healthcare providers should know and do to ensure optimal and safe care.

The report is published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal.

Autism spectrum disorder prevalence has increased significantly in the last 20 years. In 2004, the prevalence of autism was 1 in 166. Today the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1 in 54 children are on the autism spectrum, said co-author Adrien A. Eshraghi, M.D., M.Sc., professor of Otolaryngology, Neurological Surgery and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

At a time when everyone is stressed about contracting COVID-19, becoming better educated about how to manage patients with autism will increase patient and provider safety, while appropriately helping these patients and their families.

Eshraghi is the director of the University of Miami Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory and co-director of the University of Miami Ear Institute. He has dedicated much of his career to caring for individuals with various disabilities including individuals with autism.

The goal of this paper was to define the challenges patients with autism may face in a pandemic like this, so physicians, caregivers, and the overall health system can better anticipate and meet the needs of these particular patients.

For example, people with autism are at higher risk for COVID-19 complications, according to the CDC. This is because they tend to have immune disorders and other comorbidities.

In addition, the process of isolating can be especially hard on children with autism and their families. The pandemic also disrupts routine, which is problematic for this population. Patients might have difficulty comprehending the situation and expressing themselves.

Those with autism spectrum disorder are not just another vulnerable population in the context of COVID-19, said co-author Michael Alessandri, Ph.D., executive director of the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD).

While they may share similar needs with other vulnerable groups, some are in fact quite unique. We hope our commentary begins to provide a framework for strategic enhancement and investment in healthcare, therapy, education, and family support during future crises.

Depending on where they are on the spectrum  from extremely high to low functioning  patients with autism might have challenges with communicating, hyperactivity, and behavioral issues. Some individuals on the spectrum are extremely sensitive to sound or bright light.

Because of all these multiple challenges which may be experienced at the same time in some instances, people with ASD and their caregivers are likely experiencing greater levels of stress during this time.

If patients need medical care during the pandemic, the situation for patients and their families often becomes even more overwhelming, according to Eshraghi.

The healthcare environment, especially in the emergency room, can be difficult and overstimulating for people with autism spectrum disorder possibly due to the crowd, sounds and lights, Eshraghi said.

Its important to reduce that stress. For example, caregivers are not allowed into many ER exam and hospital rooms during the pandemic. But in the case of autism, patients need their caregivers to help keep them be calm and facilitate communication with providers.

Eshraghi recommends that ERs train staff to recognize the signs of autism and understand how to best manage these patients. Often, that means thinking out of the box.

If the patient is running around the ER waiting room, for example, it is not because the parents dont know how to discipline the child, but rather the child is overwhelmed because of the environment.

Another issue with people on the spectrum is that some dont have a concept of having to wait for their turn, so theyre impatient when they have to wait, Eshraghi said.

At a time when it is important to wear masks, children with autism might refuse or take off their masks because of sensory issues.

Potential solutions include bringing the child and caregiver to wait in an exam room, rather than keeping them in the waiting room. If the patient keeps taking off his or her mask, provide parents with additional masks to keep the child, parents, and providers safe.

Telehealth can also be a viable and promising solution, but research is needed to develop telehealth services geared specifically toward people with autism, he said. It might actually be even an opportunity for many kids on the spectrum to use these online services, even post COVID-19.

Its important that providers and hospital staffs not judge those parents and avoid unintentional discrimination, simply because they dont understand the behaviors of a person on the autism spectrum, Eshraghi said.

A pandemic presents a perfect storm of challenges for patients with autism and their family.

We need policies to help those people who are more vulnerable during a pandemic, Eshraghi said. Hopefully, this paper will bring these patients needs and potential solutions to light.

Source: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 24)  Vice President Leni Robredo is pushing for the speedier certification of laboratories testing for COVID-19, amid reports of returning overseas workers still not getting their test results, even after undergoing the required 14-day quarantine.

"Mayroong mga sumusulat sa amin halos isang buwan na sila sa loob ng quarantine facility. Hindi sila makauwi sa kanila kasi ang pinapahintay iyong test," Robredo said Sunday in 'Biserbisyong Leni,' a weekly radio show which she co-hosts with anchor Ely Saludar.

[Translation: Some (OFWs) who have written to us (say) they've been staying in the quarantine facility for almost a month now. They can't go home because they're being asked to wait for the test results.]

The vice president also shared that a common complaint among numerous Zoom meetings she attended this week is the country's low laboratory testing capacity. Many attribute this to the slow accreditation process for laboratories, she added.

"Kaya ang tagal nila sa quarantine facilities kasi iyon nga, iyong sobrang bagal. Mabagal kasi kakaunti pa lang so dapat bilisan iyong pag-accredit," explained Robredo.

[Translation: The reason why they (OFWs) stay in quarantine facilities for too long because it (the testing process) is too slow. It is slow because there are few (accredited laboratories), so the accreditation process must be sped up.]

She also suggested seeking the assistance of experts and the private sector in making the accreditation process faster.

"Kung sino pa iyong marunong sana pagtulong-tulongan na iyong accreditation kasi kailan pa ba tayo magdadagdag," Robredo said.

[Translation: May those who have the knowledge help out in the accreditation because when will we ever add (additional laboratories?)]

On Friday, COVID-19 response chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the Philippines has 39 accredited laboratories. Of these, 21 are in Metro Manila, six in other areas in Luzon, seven in Visayas, and five in Mindanao. With this, the country already has a testing capacity of 11,000 tests daily, he added.

Meanwhile, the Health Department said it aims to certify 17 additional laboratories to further expand the country's coronavirus testing capacity and meet the 30,000 tests per day target by the end of the month.

The government expects 42,000 overseas workers will be coming home this June, while 150,000 to 500,000 overseas workers are estimated to return to the Philippines for the rest of the year.
President Donald Trump speaks to the press after meeting with Republican Senators in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 19, 2020. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Trump Administration Shows Willingness for More COVID-19 Relief Spending

President Donald Trump and top White House advisers appear to be warming to the idea of supporting a new round of COVID-19 relief spending as the fallout from the shutdowns continues to spread.

I think were going to be helping people out and getting some money for them, the president said last week as nearly 40 million Americans have now claimed unemployment benefits, and also as businesses attempt to survive with health restrictions in place around the United States.

Trump told reporters on May 21 that there could be one more nice shot, passing another relief package. The last one, the CARES Act, which was passed and signed into law in March, provided up to $1,200 for eligible individuals, gave relief to small business owners, expanded unemployment benefits, and more.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, meanwhile, said that he sees a strong likelihood that another stimulus package will be needed.

House Democrats have sought an immediate, sweeping plan to provide more funding to individuals, expand the safety net during the outbreak, and allow for vote-by-mail. While the House passed the measure, top GOP leaders in the Senate have said it will be dead on arrival and wont pass. They argued that the package, called the HEROES Act, contains too many unnecessary additions not explicitly related to pandemic relief.

President Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka listen as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speaks during an event on supporting small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program in the East Room of the White House on April 28, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

At the same time, Trump, Mnuchin, other White House officials, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have expressed a desire to wait and see if the U.S. economy can rebound after suffering weeks of losses before trying to pass a new stimulus bill.

Democrats also want $1 trillion purportedly to help state and local governments deal with budget shortfalls suffered during the CCP virus crisis. Some Republicans have said the figure is too high, and Trump has showed reluctance to bail out municipal and state governments from preexisting administrative problems.

One issue that has been contentious between the two parties is unemployment insurance. Democrats have sought to allow expanded federal unemployment insurance to continue into next year, while Republicans have strongly opposed the measure.

Such benefits, which include $600 extra per week, wont be in a future stimulus bill, McConnell told other Republicans last week.

The GOP is going to have to clean up the Democrats crazy policy that is paying people more to remain unemployed than they would earn if they went back to work, McConnell said.

Talks between the White House and Congress have stalled, according to some reports. The House plans to return to work for part of this week, while the Senate is slated to reconvene on June 1.
The first of five Iranian oil takers recently entered Venezuelas special economic zone. As per reports the tanker entered Venezuelas economic zone on May 24 despite the fact that US officials warned that Washington was considering a response to the shipment. The oil tanker is reportedly called Fortune and reached the countrys waters at 7:40pm local time.

Escorted by the Venezuelan military

According to reports, Venezuelan state television showed images of navy ships and aircrafts preparing to escort the oil tankers once it reached the countrys special economic zone. Venezuelas defence minister in response to threats from the United States has pledged that the tanker would be escorted by the military.

Read: Venezuela Orders Seizure Of DirectTV Property

Read: Judge Approves Sale Of Venezuela's Prized US-refineries

As per reports, the oil tanker is carrying 1.53 million barrels of gasoline to gas-starved Venezuela. Irans decision to send oil to Venezuela has resulted in a stand-off with the United States, both Iran and Venezuela are under US sanctions. The shipment has drawn wide criticism from the Venezuelan opposition which is worried about the strengthening ties between Iran and socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

The US have deployed a force of ships, including Navy destroyers and other combat ships, to patrol the Caribbean on what US officials call a drug interdiction mission. The Maduro government considers it a direct threat. According to reports, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on May 23 declared that if the US caused trouble for Iranian tankers carrying fuel to Venezuela or anywhere across the world the there would surely be retaliation.

Venezuela sits atop the worlds largest oil reserves, but it must import gasoline because production has crashed in the last two decades. Critics blame corruption and mismanagement by the socialist administration amid an economic crisis that has led to huge migration by Venezuelans seeking to escape poverty, shortages of basic goods and crime. The Iranian tankers hold what analysts estimate to be enough gasoline to supply Venezuela for two to three weeks.

Read: Iranian Ships Approach Venezuela With No Sign Of US Threat

Read: Iran Warns US Not To Interfere With Venezuela Oil Shipment

(Image Credit: AP)
For more than 20 years, Shahid Shawn Javed has enjoyed large, sumptuous Eid celebrations with relatives. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, everyone chose to celebrate in smaller groups, at their respective homes.

My immediate family, my cousins, my brothers and sisters  we all live on the same street, Javed said on Sunday. We have like eight or nine houses next to each other. We usually meet up at one house. That is the tradition. This year, we are all stuck at our own homes.

Instead of venturing out, he added, We are just celebrating as much as we can and talking to people on the phone.

Eid, celebrated by Muslims across the world, marks the end of Ramadan and its 29 or 30 days of fasting.

Imam Mufti Taha, of the Islamic Society of Triplex, celebrated by spending time with family outdoors. On Friday, the society made a social media post encouraging members to pray from home this year.

I went for a walk with the family, Taha said. We are just trying to stay home and stay safe. Its a day of celebration. Its a day where God lifts up the obligation of fasting and rewards us with a day of enjoyment.

He reflected on the difference this year, when video chats replaced many of the home visits.

Normally, you are visiting family, Taha said. By the end of the day, you will have made a good five or six stops at different homes. Everyone has a lot of food cooked and a lot to offer.

Taha added that the feasts look different depending on the region.

Our religion is universal, so it has roots in many cultures, he said. A lot of people will have barbecue and steak here because of the culture.

Javed said the extended economic shutdown and lingering concerns over the virus have brought many changes.

We went to a drive-through graduation the other day, he said. It was the first time in my life to do that. We were happy to be able to see everyone from the car.

On Sunday, the Javed family, like many Muslims, exchanged gifts and dressed in traditional attire. Some of the familys gifts were ordered online and are expected to arrive late as the influx of online shopping has slowed deliveries.

But Javed said he is also using this time to be thankful for good health and pray for those impacted by the pandemic.

I cherish and thank God that all of our members are healthy, he said. We have been praying for the people that have been affected in our city, county, state and our country.

We have had a special prayer for 30 days, every night, where our imam prayed for the whole world.

chris.moore@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/chris_moore09
New Delhi: A Delhi court has allowed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to interrogate Christian Michel, in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, for two days in Tihar jail. Michel was extradited from Dubai last year and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal.

.

Special Judge Pulastya Pramachala of Rouse Avenue Court allowed the agency to interrogate him on May 25 and 26 after Special Public Prosecutor N.K. Matta told the court that Michel was required to be confronted with certain documents.

Apart from allowing IO for interrogation the court has also allowed two more officials for assistance. "ED team now permitted to visit Tihar Jail on 25/05/2020 and 26/05/2020 from 10.00 A.M. to 1.30 P.M. and from 2.30 P.M. to 5.00 P.M., so as to interrogate accused Christian Michel James, in the presence of Jail Superintendent or his authorized official" court order said.

While the CBI is probing his role in the deal as a "middleman", the Enforcement Directorate is investigating money laundering charges against him.

He is among the three alleged middlemen being probed by both the agencies. Others include Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

The CBI had alleged that there was an estimated loss of euro 398.21 million to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth euro 556.262 million.

The ED had alleged that Michel received euro 30 million from AgustaWestland, in its charge sheet filed in June 2016.

(With IANS input)
But as with any family budget, the realisation that you are spending less than you thought has a significant upside. The temptation to spend the new-found savings, even if it is borrowed money, can be enticing. For Mr Frydenberg, there is no shortage of suggestions being put forward on how to spend the windfall.

The mistake was discovered as the Tax Office and Treasury found their initial forecast and the amount of cash flowing to businesses to support staff did not add up. It was then found that more than 1000 firms had made "significant errors" when estimating the number of staff who would use the program. A simple mistake has turned into an embarrassing political mess for the government, which had been riding high on its response to the pandemic.

Spare a thought for the person who first picked up the blunder. A $60 billion blunder. It must have entailed a very awkward conversation with Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy, who then had to pass on the news of the monumental stuff-up in the JobKeeper program to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. No one's reputation will come out of this unscathed.

The JobKeeper program never included casual workers who have not been attached to a single employer for at least 12 months, or migrant workers and international students who have been hit particularly hard by the loss of work. And let's not forget about those already on JobKeeper. As the weeks dealing with the pandemic have turned into months, it has become clear that some businesses may need support in keeping people employed well into the new year. With the funding tap set to be turned off on September 27, there is an argument for it to be extended in a more limited way.

But with the federal budget dramatically shifting from what was a likely surplus to a deficit in the tens of billions of dollars in a matter of weeks, it's understandable that Mr Frydenberg is not so keen to continue with the largesse. While The Age applauds his cautious approach, there is a compelling economic lesson to keep in mind.

The history of recessions starkly reveals that getting people back to work during the recovery phase can be enormously difficult, with many never making it back. For the individuals who drop out, there can be dire financial and personal consequences. With 600,000 people losing their job in April alone, the task before Mr Frydenberg is immense. It was notable that the Treasury's Steven Kennedy, who fronted the COVID-19 Senate committee on Thursday, was so adamant that governments should focus on jobs before worrying about the mounting deficit.

For all the political finger pointing going on, what is of utmost importance is that JobKeeper is effective at what it was designed to do  help keep the economy afloat and people in a job. With an accounting bungle of this magnitude, what we understand of how the economy is performing is no longer a given. That is a precarious state to be in during such global upheaval. Mr Frydenberg and the COVID-19 Senate committee must each play their part now in restoring faith in the policy direction and settings put in place.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland East province has suspended recently sacked Deputy Minister of Information, Energy Mutodi from conducting any ruling party business in the province as he awaits disciplinary action.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa fired Mutodi as deputy minister last Wednesday but did not give any reasons.

Mutodi is a member of Zanu PF's Mashonaland East provincial structures. He is also MP for Goromonzi West.

The announcement to suspend Mutodi was made by Zanu PF provincial spokesperson, Kenneth Mutiwekuziva.

"Following the sacking of Dr. Mutodi as a Deputy Minister of Information, Mashonaland East executive committee sat down and deliberated on the issue and agreed that proper disciplinary action should be carried out," said Mutiwekuziva.

"This prohibition order is in regard to his position as a provincial member in Mashonaland East province."

The provincial spokesperson said Mutodi would soon be issued with a prohibition order and notice of charges.

Mutiwekuziva could not explain what charges the embattled politician was facing.

However, before he was dismissed from government last week, Mutodi had clashed with several senior government and Zanu PF officials over his comments on Twitter.

Among those he was in conflict with was his boss, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa and her husband, Chris Mutsvangwa including Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo.

Chris Mutsvangwa is a former adviser to Mnangagwa and is the current chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWA).
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Linkedin Roselle Chen (Reuters) New York, United States  Sun, May 24, 2020 08:04 606 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd9d4c0e 2 Food New-York-City,chef,COVID-19,coronavirus,united-states,charity,Daniel-Humm,Eleven-Madison-Park Free

Chef Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park, who is used to being paid for fine dining with exclusive black credit cards, says his richest reward during the COVID-19 crisis is the grateful smiles of poor New Yorkers fed by the Michelin three-starred restaurant he has turned into a charity kitchen.

Cooks at his Manhattan eatery, which was named World's Best Restaurant in 2017 by the World's 50 Best Restaurants Academy, are preparing 3,000 meals a day for frontline workers and underprivileged New Yorkers, most of them distributed at a Harlem church.

"I had a person the other day who said, 'Oh my God, this is the best meal I've ever had,'" said Humm, standing inside his darkened, empty restaurant, which was shuttered in mid-March by the coronavirus pandemic.

Working alongside New York City-based nonprofit Rethink Food, which transforms restaurant leftovers into dishes for the disadvantaged, Humm and his staff have churned out some of the 90,000 meals being served each week to the needy during the pandemic.

"When this crisis started happening and we had to turn off the lights for a minute, we were a little bit in shock like everyone was," Humm said. "But then pretty quickly, we felt like we wanted to help in any way we can."

Read also: 'Cooking for heroes': Michelin-starred restaurant helps Berlin medics fight coronavirus

Stripped of its tablecloths and upscale clientele, the dining room looks lonely compared with the activity in the kitchen where meals are prepared for distribution at churches, soup kitchens, community centers and housing projects.

Humm transformed the kitchen into a commissary using private donations, and $250,000 donated by American Express, all of which went through Rethink Food.

After COVID-19 lockdown restrictions lift and some normalcy is restored, Humm knows he will continue cooking not just for the 1% but for those facing extreme poverty as well.

"Food is magical, it's so powerful," he said. "I mean, there are very few things in the world that touch everyone."
ALBANY  Beaches are open across New York Memorial Day weekend, but patrons should be advised beaches will be closed if they reach more than 50 percent capacity.

Also, there are other precautions in place to keep people socially distant - such as signs reminding beach goers to set up their chairs and towels 10 feet from other groups, as well as park staff monitoring bathrooms to ensure only a certain number of people are in them at one time.
New Delhi, May 24 : India's iconic brand, Amul has been instrumental in ensuring uninterrupted supply of milk and milk products across the country during the Covid-19 lockdown in difficult times.

In an interview with IANS, Dr. R S Sodhi, Managing Director, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) says that Amul is procuring 15 per cent more milk every day as other private and dairy players are not procuring that much.

Sodhi added that since people have been at home during the lockdown, consumption of milk and dairy products has gone up. The opportunities for Amul in the post lockdown period will go up as demand for hygienic and good brands is rising and consumption of loose milk is going down, Sodhi said.

He said the Rs 15,000 crore dairy infrastructure fund announced as part of the stimulus package will create a capacity for five crore litres of more milk and 30 lakh jobs. The Rs 10,000 crore scheme for micro entrepreneurs can also tackle the problem of migration by creating dairy entrepreneurs in milk deficit states.

GCMMF had a turnover of Rs 38,500 crore in FY 20 and has a revenue target of Rs 43,000 crore in the current year, Dr Sodhi said. GCMMF is India's largest food product marketing organization and in FY20, it daily milk procurement was 23 million litres per day.

Q: How did Amul ensure supply of milk during the lockdown? A: In the lockdown as far as Amul supply chain is concerned there has been no interruption and disruption. It continues right from farmer to the consumer.

You do not stop consuming milk or milk products during a lockdown. Right from day one, milk was declared as a essential product. So there was no major problem in the supply chain.

No doubt we had had to take the precautionary and safety measures right from the village level in the classification, processing and distribution of milk and milk products.

Q: How has milk procurement gone up? A: Coming to the procurement part, procurement has gone up by 15 per cent because smaller players, private players, small dairies ice cream dairies, they are not procuring milk as much. That much will keep coming extra. That is not just the case with Amul. Cooperatives all over India are taking 15-30 per cent more milk because cooperatives continue to pay good price also.

We are able to handle extra milk. We have the capacity for it. We are converting the extra milk into commodities like skimming powder or white butter.

Q: Consumption of milk and milk products has seen an uptrend? A: Coming to the consumption side, milk consumption initially reduced by 15 per cent because of closure of hotels, restaurants, mithai shops but within one week we recovered. And now our sales is the same or higher. Metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai is higher than pre-Covid phase of last year.

Mainly, because I believe that when people are at home they are consuming more milk and milk products. Same is the case with consumption of all our dairy products, paneer, ghee, cheese, 10-30 per cent increase is there. Because when people are not eating out, they are eating at home, eating good ingredients at home.

When you are eating at home, you will go for real, cheese, butter, ghee. Naturally, people will go for a good brand like Amul. Demand for good, branded products has increased.

We sorted out problems in the supply chain during lockdown. We had given lot of incentives to our supply chain partners, like labour, transporters, employees to motivate them in a difficult time.

In consumer products, our growth will be 15-17 per cent more. Reason is simple that we are getting 15-17 per cent more milk so we have to process it. You can't keep it. Commodity sale is little less now, later on we will sell it.

Extra milk we convert it into commodities like skimmed milk powder or white butter, which can be stored for one or two years. We will sell it in time to come.

Q: What are the revenue projections for GCMMF in the current year? A: Last year, the revenue was Rs 38,500 crore, with a growth of 15 per cent it will be Rs 43,000 crore in the current year. If you see Amul brand as a whole, last year it was Rs 53,000 crore, this year it will be Rs 58,000 crore.

Q: What are your views on "Vocal for Local" campaign? A: You see, what Prime Minister has said is Atmanirbharta and Vocal for Local. In the foods category, Indian brands are more than 50 per cent. If you take other categories like durables, it is mostly global.

No Indian will buy an Indian brand because of the nationality. People will buy Indian brand or any brand for that matter because of the desired benefits and excellence. This means best quality, best technology at affordable price.

Prime Minister has given a challenge to Indian brands to reach global standards because India is the largest market and fastest growing market in the world.

If I take you back to the 70s, this was the same situation in the dairy sector. We were importing, production was low and we were dependent on imports. That time farmers of India, policy makers and political leadership decided we have to become self sufficient.

It was decided that the successful Amul model be replicated and within 20 years we became not just self sufficient but the largest producer of milk.

Within 20 years we not only became self sufficient but world's largest producer of milk. In the 70s, we were producing milk, one eighth of Europe and one third of USA.

Now, we are double than that of USA and more than 25 per cent of what Europe produces. Milk production has jumped by nine times.

In any organization or company, what is the biggest asset? It is not the plant. It is the brand value.

Till you are selling in the local market, it will get appreciation and brand value. Foreign brands in India, even if they are made here and sold here..Billions of dollars are being given in royalty, R&D. If US, Europe foreign brands are being sold in India, these companies get valuations.

If Indian brands are sold in Middle East, Europe, even it is made there, Indians will get the benefit. You can't become global leader unless you are a leader in the Indian market. India has huge opportunity, a democratic set up, skills and a large market is there.

Q: What will be post lockdown opportunities? A: There are emerging opportunities after the lockdown. People are preferring safe and hygienic products with immunity boosters. Branded products, reputed brands which are affordable will be preferred and Amul meets all the criteria. People are buying less of loose milk.

Q: What about the Delhi market? A: In Delhi, Amul has been the number one milk brand. We don't have booths in Delhi, we are growing through the shops.

Q: What are your views on the dairy sector package announced as part of the stimulus by the central government? A: The Finance Minister has announced a very required to boost the dairy sector. This package was much required. There has been talk that nothing has been done for generating demand and that there is only focus on investment. It is being said how will demand be generated.

There are four major measures. Dairy farmer can access Kisan Credit Cards for taking credit. Four major things Dairy farmers also get Kisan credit cards..they can take credit The cooperative sector procuring 15-30 percent more milk. We have more of commodity stock. Our working capital is blocked. The government has allowed interest subvention of four per cent so we will not make desperate sale of commodities. We will keep it so that farmers get better valuation.

In addition, government announced Rs 15,000 crore of dairy infrastructure fund to attract more investment in cooperative and private sector. This will create capacity of five crore litres more milk and will generate 30 lakh jobs. These 30 lakh jobs will create more income and also more demand in rural areas. That much will be coming into their hands. The wheel of economy will be running.

For disease control and vaccination, Rs 13,000 crore has been given. We had a loss of Rs 80,000 crore of milk due to disease.

Also, Rs 10,000 crore has been given for two lakh micro entrepreneurs have been given. This will give opportunities for dairy entrepreneurs and food processing at the village. This can create lot of employment.

These are very positive measures and will create job opportunities. Especially for the migration of labour, that is happening to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, these are all milk deficit states. There is a market and opportunity, they can start dairy farming activities.

(Sanjeev Sharma can be contacted at sanjeev.s@ians.in)
By PTI

KARACHI: A preliminary report on the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane crash, in which 97 people were killed, has raised serious questions about the pilot's handling of the aircraft and what prevented the crew in the cockpit from informing the air traffic controllers about the troubles.

Pakistani investigators are trying to find out if the crash of the national flag carrier's flight PK-8303 is attributable to a pilot error or a technical glitch, with new leads raising fresh questions over the circumstances of the incident, Geo News reported.

According to the report, prepared by the country's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Airbus A-320's engines had scraped the runway thrice on the pilot's first attempt to land, causing friction and sparks recorded by the experts.

After the third impact, the pilot took the aircraft off into the air again, which officials found very strange as the crew in the cockpit did not inform the Air Traffic Control (ATC) at the Jinnah International Airport of any problem with the landing gear, The News International quoted CAA sources as saying.

Since automated emergency systems within the aircraft go off in case of any emergency, and the loud alarms and warnings are impossible to ignore, there was no indication from the pilot to the ATC that something was amiss, it said.

ALSO READ | Survivor recalls horror of Pakistan plane crash that killed 97

When the aircraft scraped the ground on the first failed attempt at landing, the engine's oil tank and fuel pump may have been damaged and started to leak, preventing the pilot from achieving the required thrust and speed to raise the aircraft to safety, the report said.

The pilot made a decision "on his own" to undertake a "go-around" after he failed to land the first time.

It was only during the go-around that the ATC was informed that landing gear was not deploying, it said.

The pilot was directed by the air traffic controller to take the aircraft to 3,000 feet, but he managed only 1,800.

When the cockpit was reminded to go for the 3,000 feet level, the first officer said we are trying', the report said.

Experts said that the failure to achieve the directed height indicates that the engines were not responding.

The aircraft, thereafter, tilted and crashed suddenly.

"The plane descended too fast, almost plunged," sources familiar with the report said.

The investigators were trying to establish why the pilots not once informed the ATC of any emergency, malfunction, engine failure or fire despite the visible problems the aircraft was facing, the report said, adding that it is rare to have so many technical problems at the same time.

The ATC's conduct is also being probed.

The report added that at this point, there are more questions than answers with the most serious being why and how the alarm systems inside the cockpit failed to warn the pilots of an impending emergency.

PIA chief executive officer Arshad Malik has said that the black box of the plane has been handed over to the investigation team.

The team, headed by Air Commodore Muhammad Usman Ghani, President of the Aircraft Accident and Investigation Board, is expected to submit a full report in about three months.

According to the PIA's engineering and maintenance department, the last check of the plane was done on March 21 this year and it had flown from Muscat to Lahore a day before the crash.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pakistan government had allowed the limited domestic flight operations from five major airports  Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta  from May 16.

After the plane tragedy, the PIA has called off its domestic operation.
A body of a sadhu (seer) was found inside his ashram in Maharashtras Nanded late on Saturday night, news agency ANI reported.

The sadhus body was found at his Ashram in Nandeds Umri late last night, ANI quoted Nanded Superintendent of Police Vijaykumar Magar as saying. He further said that an investigation has been launched.

The incident comes more than a month after three people, including two seers, were lynched by more than 500 people at Gadchinchale village, in Palghar district. The incident took place on April 16.

So far, more than 160 accused have been arrested by the state CID which is probing the Palghar lynching case. Ten arrested minors have been sent to childrens remand home in Bhiwandi.

When produced before the Dahanu court on May 12, the accused mentioned in the first information report (FIR) number 76/2020 (attempt to murder charge) have been remanded in judicial custody, while the accused mentioned in FIR number 77/2020 (murder charge) have been remanded in police custody till May 26, said Parmanand Ojha, counsel for the three victims.

Gaurav Singh, the Superintendent of Police (SP) who was in-charge when the Palghar lynching incident took place, was sent on compulsory leave by home minister Anil Deshmukh on May 8. Singh has been transferred out of the district but is still awaiting his posting.

Dattatreya Shinde has replaced Singh as the new SP of Palghar.

Previously, the Maharashtra home ministry had suspended five police personnel, including the Kasa police in-charge assistant police inspector (API) Anandrao Kale; his subordinate, sub-inspector (SI) Sudhir Katare; and transferred about 35 police personnel from the station to various departments in Palghar district.
President Donald Trump is suspending travel from Brazil to the U.S. as the coronavirus pandemic worsens in Latin America's largest nation and economy.



The president's order, published Sunday, denies entry to "all aliens" who were in Brazil two weeks prior to their attempted entry into the United States. The order takes effect May 28 at 11:59 pm ET.

Brazil has rapidly become one of the hardest hit countries in the world as the World Health Organization warns that the epicenter of the pandemic has shifted from Europe and the U.S. to South America.



"We've seen many South American countries with increasing numbers of cases and clearly there's a concern across many of those countries, but certainly the most affected is Brazil at this point," Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO's emergencies program, said Friday during a news briefing at the organization's Geneva headquarters.

Brazil has more than 347,000 confirmed cases of the virus and at least 22,013 people have died, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. At this point only the United States is harder hit in terms of total positive cases.



Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro has repeatedly downplayed the virus, dismissing it as a "little flu" and attacking stay-at-home orders imposed by governors as a "crime." He is a close ideological ally of Trump.



Bolsonaro's own press secretary tested positive for the virus in March after attending a gathering with the Brazilian president and Trump at Mar-a-Lago. The incident raised concern about the health of Bolsonaro and Trump at the time, though both leaders have tested negative for the virus.
That new $1,200 per person check that House Democrats want to send you?

President Donald Trumps senior economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, said hes willing to talk about it.

Depending on the state of the economy, its something that I guess we would consider, Hassett said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union.

The House Democrats $3 trillion stimulus bill includes $1,200 payments for each family member up to $6,000 per household. The payments would phase out for individuals making more than $75,000 and couples earning more than $150,000.

The payments would not be adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences.

In addition, the House bill would give dependents over the age of 17, including full-time students below age 24, the $500 payments from the original stimulus bill that they previously were not eligible for. And unauthorized immigrants would be eligible for the new stimulus payments.

Senate Republicans have rejected the House bill, demanding instead that businesses be protected from lawsuits.

Hassett, though, said the White House was willing to discuss another round of stimulus payments. The first round provided $1,200 checks to around 140 million people, an enormously successful part of the first three phases, Hassett said.

Theres no assurances that the White House will agree to another round of stimulus payments. Hassett said they may not be needed if the economy comes roaring back as governors relax their shutdown orders.

Right now, it looks like the economys picking up at a very rapid rate, in which case we could potentially move on to other things that the president has mentioned, like the payroll tax cut and potentially even a capital gains holiday, Hassett said.

A payroll tax cut, opposed by leading Senate Republicans, would not help the almost 40 million unemployed, and a capital gains reduction primarily would benefit the wealthiest. Two-thirds of the existing tax break for capital gains goes to the richest 1% of taxpayers, according to a 2013 Congressional Budget Office report.

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Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com.
Overwhelmed by the donations that poured in from the society for his help, Phool Mia, the fruit seller in north Delhi's Jagatpuri area whose mangoes were looted by the ordinary people, said that those who helped him have made his "Eid" and have shown that "humanity is still alive".

Video footage that went viral on social media, shows that scores of passers-by looted the unattended crates of mangoes of a fruit seller after a fight broke out in the neighbourhood. The incident took place on Wednesday. "My stock of mangoes worth Rs 30,000 was kept there. ...
Deputy Information Minister, Pius Enam Hadzide says since former President John Mahama has not reacted to comments made by his aide, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, he is in support.



Special Aide to the former President courted controversy when she doubted some figures put out by the Ghana Health Service (GHS).



In a tweet, she wrote: How the hell did 790 more people recover overnight!!... We need to put these numbers to strict proof!!



Ghanaians who reacted to this felt she was wishing ill for patients infected by COVID-19.



Speaking in a one-on-one interaction on Me Man Nti programme on Neat FM, Pius said, "what she said was unfortunate . . . by her comments she is promoting stigmatisation and so she didn't do well. I am expecting that by now the former President would have chastised her for making those comments but I have not heard anything so it means he sides with her and she spoke on his behalf . . . it means he is also praying for people to die so that they can use it for politics".



Listen to him in the video below





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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8 Christians arrested in India while preparing relief packages for the poor

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Eight Christians were arrested in India in late April and accused of violating a coronavirus lockdown order while they were putting together relief supplies to distribute to a poor nomadic community, a pastor says.

Pastor Ramesh Kumar told the nonprofit persecution news organization Morning Star News that he and three other members of his church in the Kaushambi District of Uttar Pradesh were preparing aid packages in a local home for distribution when they were detained by police along with four others who were helping them on April 25.

Along with the 32-year-old pastor and church members Shri Chand, Rakesh Kumar and Mohit Kumar, police arrested the homeowners three sons and their cousin, who were not members of the pastors church.

Before they detained us, the policemen used vulgar language and beat me, Rajendra and Rakesh with clubs, Kumar was quoted as saying. Rakesh sustained an injury on his hand and developed swelling because of the beating.

According to the pastor, the police accused the group of violating a social distancing order by holding a worship meeting. Kumar said that the officers acted on a complaint from locals and ignored his plea to speak with the head of the village to explain that they were not participating in a worship service.

Kumar insisted that he and the others were responding to a call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for people to help out poor families throughout India. Even though Pastor Kumar pleaded for the homeowners sons and their cousin to be released, they were also arrested and taken to Sarai Akil police station.

Morning Star News reports that the eight men were booked for the crimes of negligent acts likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life and disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant.

While at the police station, the men were reportedly threatened with more beatings. Kumar said one officer asked him about where he got the money for the relief materials. Kumar said he was asked questions like, Where does the money come from to lure people to convert? and From which country do you get foreign funds?

Kumar contends that the money for the materials and food items came from a pool of cash created by several families from his church.

The police officer persisted with the allegation that I receive funds from abroad and convert people by paying them huge monetary sums, Kumar was quoted as saying.



The group obtained permission to distribute the relief materials to the local nomadic community from the head of Kakrahia village, who told Morning Star News that lawmakers and other groups have even been allowed to distribute food there without objection.

It wasnt until the head of Kotiya village arrived at the police station that the detained men were released. Kumar said that they were told no charges would be pressed against them. However, police still registered a case against them the next day.



When I called the police station the next day, we were shocked to know that a case has been registered against us, Kumar told Morning Star News. The policeman on the phone said that there is a lot of pressure from the authorities to file a complaint against us.

The Christians arrest was confirmed to the news outlet by a representative of the Sarai Akil police station, who claimed that 10 to 12 people were found praying inside a room.

We had information that they had gathered and were praying, and we reached the spot and arrested them, the representative of the police station told Morning Star News, adding that the investigation is still ongoing and that charges have not officially been filed.

India ranks as the 10th worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution on Open Doors USAs 2020 World Watch List.

Since the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2014, there has been a dramatic increase in radical Hindu extremism targeting Christian and other religious minority communities.

In the early months of 2020, the quantity and severity of attacks on Christians in India have continued to escalate. The United Christian Forum in India has documented at least 56 threats against Christians as well as 78 incidents of violence that occurred between January and March of 2020.



A watchdog initiative led by ADF India reported last year that there were over 1,400 incidents of persecution against Christians in India since 2014.

In April, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recommended that the State Department list India as a country of particular concern for engaging in or tolerating systemic and egregious violations of religious freedom.



Additionally, dozens of Aid groups have called on President Trump and the World Bank Group to hold the Indian government accountable after reports surfaced that many Christians and other non-Hindus were being denied government-issued food rations.

Specifically, many are being left out of the programs created to help the people during this crisis, Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations Chairman John Prabhudoss told CP. Obviously, there are several systemic flaws in the Hindu nationalist government's approach to the problem.
Kasapa 102.5Fm has donated an amount of 31,980 Ghana Cedis to the Christ the King Leprosarium in Accra.

The donation was made on behalf of the station by Host of Anidaso show, Agyenim Boateng who through his show raised the said amount.

Narrating how the money was raised, the renowned gospel musician and radio presenter said his team received the direction from God to raise the money together with their listeners and donate to the Leprosarium after they embarked on one-week fasting and prayer with their listeners.

Agyenim Boateng said the theme and word for the fasting and prayer was based on 2nd Kings chapter 5 and 2nd Kings chapter 7.

We were directed by God to make a thanksgiving donation here so that father Campbell would pray for everyone who contributed to raising the money

 I am confident everyone who played a role in seeing this materialise would be extremely blessed - Agyenim Boateng added

Receiving the cash donation on behalf of the Leprosarium, Rev. Father Campbell said the donation could not have come at a better time because of the COVID-19 pandemic which has taken a toll across all aspects of livelihood.

We havent received any donation like this through the whole Pandemic. This is wonderful - He said

Rev Father Campbell expressed gratitude to the team from Kasapa FM for the donation and prayed for them.

To all your listeners, staff and benefactors, we say thank you and God Bless you - Father Campbell said to the team from Kasapa FM

He said the money received will be used to buy food items, toiletries and other essential items to Carter for not only Christ the King Leprosarium but other Leprosariums across the country that his office supports.

According to Father Campbell, persons living with leprosy are one of the most stigmatized against in the society even after they have received treatment and recovered from the disease.

He said because of the Stigmatization, very few individuals and companies make donations to such facilities but lamented how they needed such kind gestures to ensure the survival of persons living under their care.
The City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) has decided to defer the rate revision of water charges for the next 6 months in Cidco area of Navi Mumbai due to Covid-19 pandemic.

The decision comes in the wake of many complaints by the consumers regarding inflated water bills for the month of February and March without any prior intimation regarding the increase in the bill.

Cidco supplies water to Kharghar, Kamothe, Roadpali, Kalamboli, and New Panvel.

Several housing societies from Kamothe and Kharghar received an inflated bill. The residents allege that there has been a two-fold increase in the bill amount from the previous bills.

The city-based activist also raised the issue of the increased bill on twitter.

Ranjana Sadolikar who heads citizens Unity Forum, Kamothe, said, At this point of time when the entire country is going through a financial crisis it is unjust to increase the water bills by the developing body. I raised the issue with Cidco as well as tweeted about the problem and tagged chief ministers office, home minister, Anil Deshmukh, guardian minister, Eknath Shinde among many. Cidco then rolled back their decision and have decided to implement the increase after six months.

The increased water bill came as a big surprise for everyone as there was no prior intimation regarding this, said Sadolikar.

Priya Ratambe, public relations officer, Cidco said, The revision of water charges has been deferred for next months in Cidco area of Navi Mumbai.

The decision of rate revision of water charges was of January 2020 and implemented in the billing cycle of Feb-March 2020. This rate revision was done after 15 years considering the procurement of water and maintenance charges of supply equipments, said Ratambe.

She further said, However considering the pandemic, Cidco has decided to defer the rate revision of water charges for the next six months. Though no revised bills will be issued, the settlement will be done in the next billing cycle as per old rates.

Suresh Sadolikar, secretary Vrundavan Park, Kamothe said,  We got a message from Cidco to pay the water bill of Rs 1,17,009 on or before May 31 against water charges for months of February and March, our previous bill was only Rs 5,1247. I hurriedly called Cidco officials who said that the rates have been increased in a slab wise manner from February 20.

None of the societies was given any circular regarding the increase in water bill hence, we argued with officials terming it unjust. We also said that it was unjust to increase the bill at this critical point, said Sadolikar.

There is a two-fold increase in the bill from the past water bill for the same consumption due to an increase in the rate for water charges from Rs 7 per cubic meter to Rs 20 (slab wise) per cubic meter. However the increase rate will not apply for the next six months, said a Cidco official.

The residents who were surprised at the sudden inflated bill are of the view that as of now they are not in a position to take the financial burden hence, the developing should have considered the circumstances first.

Similarly, Subham Rane, committee member, Exotica society said, We were shocked to get a double bill of around Rs 3 lakhs instead of Rs 1.05 lakh towards the water charges of society. I immediately complained about the issue to the Cidco officials who assured that issue will be looked in,

Later on I got an intimation that the bill amount was as per increased charges, but the increased charges will be applicable after six months. We are relieved for now at least, said Rane.

Residents are also of the view that Cidco should first improve the quality of service, bridge the gap between demand and supply then think to increase the water charges.

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Public urinals could be a thing of the past in a post-Covid society as industry leaders recommend men use stalls when they return to work.

The British Toilet Associations is advising councils and companies on how to keep washrooms clean and safe as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Managing director Raymond Martin said solutions could range from foot-operated flushes and self-closing seats to sensor-activated taps and soap dispensers.

But one of the most substantial proposed changes is the elimination of separate toilets for men and women.

Public urinals could be a thing of the past in a post-Covid society as industry leaders recommend men use stalls when they return to work

Instead, one-way gender neutral facilities could see men and women queuing at one door and exiting on the other side with individual cubicles in between.

Mr Martin said he is calling on the Government to invest in revolutionising the nation's washrooms as a matter of 'public health'.

He said: 'Toilets have a massive commercial effect on an area, which is why they are one of the first things you plan in any new shopping centre.

'It's going to cost a lot of money, but if we want to get back outdoors, to socialise, to go to parks and beaches, then the Government has to step in.

'We want to bring back life to this country, and toilets are a vital part of that,' he told The Sunday Times.

The proposed changes come as a senior government advisor said ministers should force councils to reopen public toilets on Monday.

Professor Dingwall, who sits on the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group, said the risk outdoors was 'minimal' and people did not need to be so anxious

Professor Robert Dingwall, who sits on the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group said the government should stop 'terrorising' those who visit public spaces.

2m rule may be relaxed The two-metre rule could be reduced in the near future, officials revealed yesterday. Public Health England said the advice to stand 6ft 6in from others was under frequent review. The rule is among the strictest in the world, with most countries insisting on 1.5m or less. Managers of pubs and restaurants say two metres makes many businesses unviable. Professor Yvonne Doyle, of PHE, said: We are aware of the international differences and I am sure this will be the subject of continued investigation as to whether that can be reduced further. From June 1, anyone informed they might be a virus carrier will have to isolate for 14 days under the test and trace scheme. Advertisement

The sociologist at Nottingham Trent University said said the risk outdoors was 'minimal' and people did not need to be so anxious.

Professor Dingwall, told the Telegraph: 'The Government needs to be more proactive and order councils to open lavatories and car parks.'

'The ''stay away'' messages coming from a lot of these areas (seaside resorts and beauty spots) has fed back to the public who are wondering what they can do.

'I can see a lot of people thinking, ''is this worth it?''. Then there are the general levels of fear and anxiety.

'People are worried they won't be safe despite growing evidence that has not been well communicated that there is minimal risk.

'The Government has been terrorising the population, instilling a state of terror.'

Earlier this week it was revealed that Britons do not want to go back into work because they fear the lockdown is being eased too quickly.

The Daily Mail survey by JL Partners showed 53 per cent of people felt the government was acting too swiftly in lifting lockdown restrictions.

Most 'non-essential' shops and other businesses will be allowed to reopen on June 1, with thousands expected to return to work.
NEW MEXICO

Loosened restrictions, mask edict take effect

SANTA FE  The loosening of some restrictions imposed on nonessential businesses by New Mexico's governor two months ago to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak took effect May 16, along with a new edict that people wear masks in public under most circumstances.

Figures released by state officials put the death toll at 259 as of May 16, with the total number of cases statewide at 5,847.

The loosening of restrictions applied to most of the state but not in the northwest region, where McKinley and San Juan counties are located along with Cibola County.

Under the loosening, retailers and many services along with houses of worship could reopen at limited capacity.

Also, in a new move to combat the spread, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered that face masks be worn in public, but with exceptions that included eating, drinking and exercising.

Wearing masks is needed to help produce "a safe environment," but police will not ticket people not wearing some sort of face covering, the governor said.

"I am not going to go out and try to make examples of individuals and cite them. I don't think that that wins the day. I think positive re-enforcement wins the day and we don't have the resources to do it anyway," Lujan Grisham said.

Sheriff switches endorsement in nasty GOP US House race

RIO RANCHO  An influential sheriff has switched his endorsement in an increasingly nasty Republican primary race for crucial U.S. House race in southern New Mexico.

Eddy County Sheriff Mark Cage said May 18 he is throwing his support behind oil executive Claire Chase for the GOP nomination to challenge Democratic Rep. Xochitl Torres Small.

Cage initially has supported former state lawmaker Yvette Herrell for the nomination  a move that Herrell advertised on her campaign's Facebook page. He later said he was staying neutral after Chase jumped in the race

"Unfortunately, the latest very personal, very ugly attacks on my friend Claire Chase have driven me to do otherwise," Cage said in a video.

Herrell has faced criticism for exchanging text messages with a cartoonist who was drafting a meme around false rumors Chase had cheated on her first husband.

Chase also has been the target of Herrell campaign commercials that uses a cheerleader's voice to read old Chase Facebook posts attacking Trump. The ad has been called sexist.

NEBRASKA

High court orders disclosure of execution drug records

OMAHA  Nebraska prison officials cannot withhold public records that reveal where they purchased their supply of lethal injection drugs, the state's highest court said May 15 in a ruling that could threaten Nebraska's ability to carry out executions for the dozen men on its death row.

In ordering the documents to be disclosed for public scrutiny, the Nebraska Supreme Court sided with two newspapers and a prisoner advocacy group that sued the Department of Correctional Services after its 2017 refusal to release them. Before that, the department had regularly disclosed such records to anyone who requested them.

Pharmaceutical companies object to their products being used in executions and have sought to prevent pharmacies from providing them. Some states have moved to keep their suppliers secret, but Nebraska lawmakers have rejected "shield laws" that would have given prison officials the authority to withhold such records.

Nebraska lawmakers narrowly abolished capital punishment in 2015, largely due to a coalition of conservative legislators who viewed it as a waste of money given how long it had been since the state had an execution. As lawmakers were considering the move, prison officials and Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts sent $54,400 in state money to a broker in India who promised to deliver lethal injection drugs. The broker later said his shipments were being blocked and refused to return the money.

The next year, voters approved reinstating capital punishment in a ballot measure that was partially financed by Ricketts, a death penalty supporter.

The state currently has no executions scheduled.

WYOMING

Lawmakers looks to UW, public schools for potential budget cuts

CHEYENNE  The Wyoming Senate on May 15 approved a pair of amendments to a wide-ranging COVID-19 relief package that, if adopted, would give Gov. Mark Gordon broad authority to transfer millions of dollars in funding from the University of Wyoming and the state's K-12 education system to help balance the budget.

The amendments, both of which were passed by wide margins, do not necessarily guarantee that cuts will be coming to either public schools or the university. However, they would grant the governor a significant amount of leeway to reduce funding levels in two of the state's most expensive systems at a time where state revenues are projected to decline by catastrophic levels over the coming year.

In the University of Wyoming's case, those reductions could be up to 25 percent of its budget, though the legislation does not mandate any cuts need to be taken.

While the amendments would likely be used to cut education funding, lawmakers also adopted language to allow schools across the state to increase the amount of money kept in their reserves with significant restrictions on what that funding could be used for: an effort lawmakers said could be used to prevent cuts to teachers as local revenues continue to languish.

While the decision to open the door to budget cuts was met with plenty of reluctance, most members of the Senate said they recognized the state's looming financial situation would likely have required major cuts to education down the line regardless.

However dire the state's revenue situation was, some lawmakers -- like Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne -- suggested that the last-minute decision to put education funding on the chopping block was a rushed one, and urged her fellow lawmakers to take on the subject at a time where more members of the public had an opportunity to comment.

UTAH

Stolen $5K marble sculpture found by joggers

LOGAN  A $5,000 marble sculpture has been found resting in a grassy field in northern Utah about two weeks after it was stolen from a local art business, authorities said.

The 400-pound sculpture was found intact near Collinston May 15 by two people on their morning jog who reported it to authorities, The Herald Journal reported.

Sculptor Andrew Keith spent up to 100 hours crafting the "Daring Dancer" sculpture as part of his final project to complete his Bachelor of Arts.

The damage appears to be minimal and could be repaired in six hours, Keith said.

"There's probably some chips and dings on the surface just from them moving it," Keith said. "It looks like they just pushed it out of the back of their truck on the side of a dirt road."

It is still unclear who took the sculpture and what the motive was.

Keith originally had planned on presenting the piece at a juried outdoor sculpture show in Loveland, Colorado, but the show was cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic, he said.
The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has found that 63 per cent of people it surveyed in northern India are gearing to travel within three months of relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown, but most of them have ruled out any international travel.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey was conducted online among a limited sample of 250 respondents across Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

The survey has also found that post the coronavirus lockdown, hygiene standards maintained by hotels would be the single most important deciding factor for tourists while selecting the place of stay.

Around 68 per cent of the respondents said hygiene standards would determine their choice of hotels.

Around 59 per cent of the respondents said use of protective gear was the most important precaution they would take during travel, with Arogya Setu App being the preferred choice of around one fifth of the respondents.

Close to two thirds of the respondents would like to travel within three months of relaxation of the lockdown. Around 17 per cent of people said they saw travel as an important means of rejuvenation.

While 33 per cent of the respondents are likely to resume travel within a month, about 30 per cent said they would wait for three months. However, about seven per cent of the respondents said that they would prefer to wait for a year.

"More than 70 per cent of the respondents would prefer domestic travel only. Over one fourth of respondents would like to travel both within India and abroad. Only 1.4 per cent of respondents have shown preference for overseas travel," the survey said.

The survey also found that most people are likely to travel for business (37.4 per cent) while around 32 per cent said that they could plan outings to their extended families. However, only 2.4 per cent said they would make advance bookings.

Nature, wildlife and hill stations account for over two thirds of the kind of tourism the respondents would prefer.

Both air and train travel in the country is restricted due to the lockdown till May 31. While both the aviation and railway ministries have opened in a graded manner, only emergency travel is being encouraged.

Results of the survey indicate the impact of COVID-19 on thinking of people with focus on travel and tourism taking a bit of a back seat. However, it is heartening to note that people are still looking at tourism as a means of rejuvenation which translates to potential opportunities once people learn to live with COVID-19," the survey said.

"Shortly after the virus is contained, international travel may not be a priority for majority of population due to COVID-19 impact. Challenges will be greater for airports, cruise lines and airlines, which tend to attract large crowds in relatively small and confined space," it pointed out. PTI ASG.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
: Fipola, an online provider of



fresh chicken and mutton, would focus on tapping tech-enabled operations, contact-less deliveries besides expanding product line, according to a top official.

The company also planned to enhance its presence in the digital platform and increase delivery footprint, Fipola Retail India Pvt Ltd. Managing Director Sushil Kanugolu said.

According to him, the company was well on its way to more than double its revenues in financial year 2020-21.

"We are focusing on technology enabled operations, contactless deliveries, expanding product line and better online experience.

Our USP remains spacious upscale stores, procurement, hygiene and last mile deliveries", Kanugolu said.

Asked whether the company saw a new trend among consumers opting to eat meat, he said people were buying more quantity per bill and more frequently.

"Our data around sign ups and conversions also suggest that consumers decide upon buying and then visit our website or (mobile) application.

Ninety five per cent of the consumers who made more than two purchases during the lockdown from Fipola have stayed with us,"



he told PTI.

As part of enhancing service, the company has tied-up with food ordering and delivery platform providers Swiggy and Zomato for online deliveries.

On the company financials, he said FIPOLA recorded Rs 24 crore revenue for the 2019-20 fiscal.

"We are looking to clock about Rs six crore in monthly revenues by November 2020 by building on the momentum we have at the moment.

We are now at Rs four crore per month and well on the way to touch Rs 55 crore in FY2020-21", he said.

The company remains upbeat as organised "omni-channel retail" would be the way forward for the industry, he said.

To a query, he said Fipola has noticed that more people are consuming meat for their protein needs as the country scores 'very low' on per capita protein consumption.

"Given that most vegan sources of protein are exorbitantly priced, consumers want cheaper sources like meat.

Our data says 25-34 year-olds contribute to 40 per cent of our revenues", he said.

Asked about the response to its food products during the lock-down, he said the company witnessed 'good traction' both in retail and online sales.

"Our online revenues jumped four times in one month," he said.

To a query on whether there was any hesitation among consumers to eat meat due to the COVID-19 outbreak, he said "since COVID-19 allegedly originated in a wet market, there were rumours around consumption of meat during such times".

"Fipola has always stressed on hygiene. We have been constantly communicating to our consumers through social media that our meat is safe.

There were rumours floating around against eating meat, but we countered them well in time to avoid a larger fall out", he said.

The Tamil Nadu government also issued an official circular and reassured people that meat consumption is safe, he said, adding that the meat industry also responded with stricter hygiene norms, protective gear for staff and safe packaging.

The company was also coordinating with the authorities concerned to ensure smoother operation as per the lockdown norms laid down by the government, he said.

Admitting that Fipola's supply chainis 'strained' during the lockdown, he said it was a challenging task to ensure that deliveries take place within the time of operation.

The company has limited working hours and had to speed up deliveries to customers, he said.

On lessons learnt during the lock-down, he said it was winning consumers' trust and retaining it.

He said within a span of 45 days, the company saw close to 1.50 lakh customers buying from them.

"Our major learning has been that if you win consumers' trust, they stay with you for the long haul", he said.

"Many consumers are habituated to contactless deliveries and payments. This is expected to become a habit.

Delays in delivery to consumers was the biggest pain during the lock-down and we are continuously learning to improve it", he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In the hit Netflix series The Last Kingdom, fans have a lot of opinions when it comes to Haesten (Jeppe Beck Laursen). Hes a Dane thats known to play both sides for his own benefit. Its gotten him into some trouble in the show. Beck Laursen recently revealed some surprising information when it comes to filming his fight scenes. Read on to learn more.

Haesten plays for the Danes and the Saxons when it suits him

Jeppe Beck Laursen in The Last Kingdom | Adrienn Szabo/Netflix

Haesten has gotten a reputation for only looking out for himself most of the time. Hell back either side as long as it suits him personally. He has no problem betraying someone if it will get him out of trouble. In season 4, he tells Eardwulf (Jamie Blackley) that Cnut (Magnus Bruun) is headed for Ireland, when in fact its all a distraction so the Danes can take Mercia.

Where do Haestens loyalties lie?

Haestens loyalties lie with himself only and no one else. Hes willing to betray anyone to save his own skin. He reveals to Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) that Cnut was the one who manipulated Aethelwold (Harry McEntire) into killing Young Ragnar (Tobias Santelmann). He even hands over Cnuts boys to Uhtred who he has sworn to protect. Haesten seals Cnuts death by telling Uhtred the truth, something he only did so he could survive and live to see another day.

Jeppe Beck Laursen talks about filming his own fight scenes

RELATED: The Last Kingdom: What Do Fans Think of Haesten in Season 4?

Beck Laursen spoke with Winter Is Coming ahead of the premiere of the new season. He talked about the casting process as well as the difficulties of filming. Fans may be surprised to learn that he films all his own fights. He also has an impressive background involved in stage fighting.

I have a background in stunts, and had a teaching degree in stage fighting, Beck Laursen revealed. Its old now, I havent kept up with the certificates, but I was certified teacher in stage fighting. Ive been around swords and stage fighting a lot, so that was sort of my forte coming into the show.

There was only 1 occasion that a stunt man was needed for Beck Laursen in a fight scene on set

It makes sense that someone so comfortable with fighting and acting would naturally do their own fight scenes. According to Beck Laursen, there has only been one time that a stunt man was needed after he slipped on snow while filming the series.

I do everything, I do all my fights, Beck Laursen continued. Theres only been one occasion where my stunt man went in, but that was only because I slipped on some snow and had to take a break. For the most part though, we all do our own stuff, because we want to do that. For me, I want people when they see Haestan fighting to know thats me fighting. Its hard for two people to have the same body language.

It sounds like Beck Laursen is a very talented actor in many different ways. If you dont believe us, just watch The Last Kingdom to see for yourself.
President Trump's administration added 33 Chinese firms and institutions to an economic blacklisting due to national security and human rights issues, according to a recently published article.

National Security and Human Rights Issues

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced on Friday the latest move of Trump's administration to crack down Chinese firms and institutions that may be using the goods of the U.S. that might put the national security at risk and its treatment to the Muslim minorities.

In the official statement released by the department, it says that the U.S. will add 24 Chinese governmental and commercial organizations "for engaging in activities contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States."

Additionally, seven Chinese companies and two institutions were also blacklisted for being "complicit in human rights violations and abuses committed in China's campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, forced labor and high-technology surveillance against Uighurs," the department says.

Some of the Chines Companies Blacklisted by the U.S. Department of Commerce

Some of the blacklisted companies are the following:

Major Chinese cybersecurity firm Qihoo 360

Softbank Group Corp-backed CloudMinds that operates a cloud-based service to run AI

Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research

Harbin Engineering University and Harbin Institute of Technology

Meanwhile, the major Chinese cybersecurity firm Qihoo 360 firmly opposed the accusations against them because they believed that the U.S. Commerce Department lack credible evidence to prove the allegations.

According to Qihoo 360, they helped Apple, Google, Microsoft, and other companies to discover thousands of security vulnerabilities and indirectly protect netizens. The company also claimed that their system has been highly praised by these companies.

Another company is CloudWalk Technology. In a statement that the company released, they said: "CloudWalk conducts business activities on the basis of strictly abiding by the laws and regulations of relevant countries and regions. CloudWalk has continued to maintain good cooperative relations with ecological partners in China and other countries and jointly provide better services to users."

Moreover, CloudWalk Technology added that they will maintain their active communication with all parties to ensure fair and equitable treatment.

What Will Happen Next to these Companies?

The pronouncement of the U.S. Department of Commerce means that it will restrict sales of goods shipped to them. Moreover, some more limited items made abroad with U.S. content or technology will also be controlled.

What Chinese Official Said?

Meanwhile, Bai Ming, deputy director of the Academy of International Trade and economic cooperation in the Ministry of Commerce, told a Chinese news outlet: "The U.S. suppression targets not only Chinese enterprises but focuses more on industries. The U.S. tactic to strike the Chinese technology industry shows the characteristics of 'a combination blow,' among which non-business purposes become pronounced, sacrificing even the United States' interest."

Bai added, "Do not think the U.S. is only targeting tech giants like Huawei, it is also plotting to round up small and medium-sized ones that have potential to become bigger and stronger and knock them off collectively."

The latest move of Trump's administration might escalate the trade war and trade agreement of the U.S. and China.

Read related articles:
Residents of states with limited access to contraceptives and high rates of unplanned pregnancies are more likely to turn to the internet for information about abortion. These are the findings of a new study of Google search data across all 50 states by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.

The results suggest that policies that limit access to birth control -- such as the Title X gag rule, which restricts federal funding from clinics that provide birth control if they also provide abortion information or referrals -- lead people to seek out family planning information online.

What is surprising is that the opinions that people have toward abortion might influence whether they search for abortion, but we found that these opinions don't make a difference, once you control for health and legal factors. What encourages or incentivizes people to search seems to be far more pragmatic than just ideological." Sylvia Guendelman, professor of maternal, child and adolescent health at UC Berkeley and co-principal investigator of the study

The same results hold regardless of statewide opinions toward abortion or legal restrictions on abortion access. In fact, some states with the most restricted access to abortion care and the most negative opinions toward abortion, such as Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, actually had the highest Google search volume for abortion, the study found. In 2019, these three states all attempted to pass legislation banning the procedure after the sixth week of pregnancy or banning it outright.

"It's not that abortion restrictions don't make any difference. People in highly restrictive states search for abortion more. However, when you control for other factors, namely access to contraceptives and the rates of unplanned pregnancies, we found the latter are far more important determinants of what people are searching for when it comes to abortion," Guendelman said.

This study appeared online on Thursday, May 21, in the journal PLOS ONE.

Online search data can give researchers a unique glimpse into consumers' concerns regarding contentious issues like abortion, Guendelman said, because stigma and lack of access to reproductive health care may prevent people from seeking the information more publicly. However, navigating the internet can be perilous, due to the amount of misinformation there on both birth control and abortion.

The study analyzed the relative search volume, or proportion, of all Google searches containing the words "abortion" or "abortion pill" in each state in 2018. The researchers then compared these numbers to state-level, reproduction-related policies and attitudes, including legal restrictions on and protections for abortion, availability of abortion facilities, health care costs, access and health outcomes, opinions about abortion, concern about birth control and prevalence of unplanned pregnancies.

Many states impose significant restrictions on people seeking to obtain an abortion, including mandatory waiting periods and counseling. In some areas, the number of clinics that provide abortions is also severely limited: A recent study found that people in 27 U.S. cities with populations greater than 50,000 had to travel more than 100 miles to reach a clinic.

While Google search volume for "abortion" was not predicted by state restrictions on abortion, the research team did find that people in states with fewer abortion facilities were more likely to search for the term "abortion pill."

The abortion pill refers to medication that can be used to induce abortion. The higher search volume for "abortion pill" in states with a limited number of abortion facilities may imply that people who cannot access clinics are instead seeking out abortion information online, researchers said.

Restrictions and access barriers to contraceptives and abortion are particularly concerning during the COVID-19 pandemic, Guendelman said, as many people are now without work and struggling financially, child care centers and schools have shut down or gone remote, and many medical centers are limiting their in-person services.

However, medication abortion provides an opportunity to make abortion services available through telemedicine, as the drug regimen is easy to follow for self-administration, said Ndola Prata, co-principal investigator of the study.

"Before COVID-19, women were being redirected and restricted in terms of the reproductive choices that they could make and, as a result of that, they had to go online to find the right resources and to understand their options," Guendelman said. "Now, COVID-19 is impoverishing our population at a dramatic rate, and I think this is a time when the majority of women are looking for ways to plan their families in a way that is far more consistent with their values and their economic means than ever before. This is a time to ramp up the investment in prevention and good family planning."
Santiago (AFP) - Chile's government ordered a mandatory total quarantine for the capital Santiago on Wednesday after a 60 percent spike in coronavirus infections in the previous 24 hours.

"The most severe measure I must announce is a total quarantine in Greater Santiago," home to 80 percent of the country's 34,000-plus infections, Health Minister Jaime Manalich said.

Manalich said the lockdown -- including in several areas where earlier confinement measures had been lifted -- was necessary after 2,260 new infections and 12 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Chile had until now opted for a selective quarantine strategy in dealing with the pandemic, limiting the measures to areas with high incidence of infection.

It also has Latin America's highest rate of coronavirus testing -- 14,000 a day and around 200,000 overall.

However, the government had been increasingly concerned about rising infection numbers across the city of seven million people in the past 10 days, and last week ordered strict new confinement measures in three densely populated areas.

Healthworkers reported growing rates of infection in early May, just after President Sebastian Pinera's conservative government celebrated the fact that infections were peaking, citing a daily rate of around 500 new cases.

Within a few days, however, officials began to speak of "The Battle of Santiago."

"The month of May is being hard on our country and we have to take appropriate actions at the right time to stop this disease," Manalich said.

He added that the health system was able to cope, as fatalities remain low.

Health authorities said the South American country had 553 ventilators available as of Wednesday, and more units would be added in the coming days.

The minister also announced that the government was imposing a mandatory quarantine on people over 75 years of age in the northern cities of Iquique and Alto Hospicio.
The Chinese Communist Party has been steadily chipping away at Hong Kongs freedoms and autonomy over the past decade. On Friday, it put down the chisel and swung with an axe.

By unilaterally deciding to impose draconian national security legislation on Hong Kong, Chinas rubber-stamp parliament dealt a severe blow to the city.

Pro-democracy lawmakers and activists rally against China's proposed security legislation on Friday. Credit:Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

At first glance, it looks like a needless act of self-harm, further alienating Hong Kongers and giving more ammunition to Beijings opponents in the West. But the party feels compelled to act because the freedom embraced by Hong Kongers represents a fundamental threat to its power.

Many outside observers wonder why Chinese leader Xi Jinping doesnt just leave Hong Kong alone to enjoy the high degree of autonomy and civil liberties that Beijing promised it for 50 years after the UK handed it over in 1997. Without the incessant pressure of the past decade, there would be no strident opposition movement for Beijing to crush.
Clicking through Facebook, I find myself nearly skipping over the post telling me that its been eight years since a friend was blown up driving over an improvised bomb in Afghanistan. His name was Chris Mosko, and before he died, he told me he applied for the explosive ordnance disposal field after I visited his R.O.T.C. unit in Philadelphia and gave a recruiting pitch to the midshipmen there about becoming bomb technicians.

C.J. Chivers, a Times colleague, wrote about Chris Moskos death. I could not; I was a mess.

I attended Moskos wake in San Diego a couple of days after Chiverss story was published, staring at his body in a half-open coffin, when a woman walked up and spoke to a kindly looking man standing in front of me: Did you read what The Times wrote about Chris? she asked him. The man smiled and said he had, and that he had really enjoyed it. It was Moskos father.

There, on what had to be one of the worst days of his life, Mr. Mosko smiled because Chivers had taken the time to write about his sons death.

That remains as much a Memorial Day to me as this three-day weekend.

As I began my new life as a civilian and started to write for At War, which is now a channel of The Times Magazine but then was one of The Timess many blogs, I thought about that exchange at the wake. The act of remembering, of focusing in the moment, in writing cleanly about a life taken way too early  there was something truly honorable, human and decent about that. For the first time, I saw journalism as a new cause I could pledge myself to.

I had occasion to write about other friends soon enough. Almost a year to the day that Mosko was killed, another friend of mine in the Navy explosive ordnance disposal field died in a car wreck. The friend, Timmy Johns, had been badly wounded while we were in Iraq together years before, but since he had not died in combat, his family did not receive the attention paid to those killed overseas. So, I wrote a piece with his mother in mind, though she was someone I had never met. Within an hour or so of the story going up online, I heard from a mutual friend that Timmys mother had seen what I had written and liked it.
Governor Charlie Baker gives a coronavirus update at Symmons Industries in Braintree after touring the plant on May 20, 2020.
Today I'm talking to two veterans of the food and hospitality business and two relative newbies, all of whom have been extremely resourceful in these uncertain times.

THE FOOD BOX

Cork's legendary English Market is in many ways more than a market. It's a whole community of people working together year after year under one roof, not only selling their food, but bringing enormous life and energy to the city. They know their customers from their daily encounters. There's banter and fun, but, at the heart of it, it's all about good food from hard-working producers in the region. The Roughty Foodie was set up 60 years ago by Michael F and Peggy Murphy, described by their daughter, Margo Ann, as "country people".

"We're now third-generation traders. We stock an array of artisan food from producers based in Ireland's most rural communities. The stall is a platform for them to showcase their amazing products, which include homemade preserves, chutneys, farmhouse cheeses, raw Irish honey, strawberries, free-range eggs and West Cork flowers."

Expand Close Margo Ann Murphy: The Roughty Foodie, Cork city / Facebook

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Margo Ann says there needs to be change. "Parking needs to remain free to entice people to come in and shop with us. There needs to be more seating for people to be able to enjoy their goodies from the market. Moreover, the waterways and quays need to be developed safely for both local businesses and the public to enjoy."

Margo Ann and her daughter Harriet, a home economics teacher, who makes the most delicious lemon curd with passionfruit for the stall, have put together food boxes, which are delivered all over Ireland. Their English Market food box starts at 70, while their 'Rolls Royce' food box is from 100. Call Margo on 087 6352415

roughtyfoodie@gmail.com

THE PRODUCERS

Expand Close Michael & Aisling Flanagan: Claremorris, Co Mayo / Facebook

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Whatsapp Michael & Aisling Flanagan: Claremorris, Co Mayo

Michael and Aisling Flanagan produce their Velvet Cloud sheep's milk, yogurt and cheese on their family farm in Co Mayo. Having founded their business in 2015, their delicious yogurt was an instant hit and they'd been growing steadily. However, they've seen a 50pc drop in their weekly sales just from restaurant closures, apart from the loss of retail sales. Fighting for their fab foodie business, they've started a new delivery service of their Velvet Cloud yogurt, but are planning to give their 'Rockfield by Velvet Cloud', a semi-hard three-month-old cheese with a natural rind, its online debut in June.

"It's amazing how quickly you can learn about online applications and how to set up an e-commerce shop, when your back is up against the wall," says Aisling. "We've been surprised at the uptake so far, while it's still modest, and only running for five weeks, we've doubled sales each week." They've also taken up support from their Local Enterprise Office using a Trading Online Voucher, and Aisling says she's using every spare minute to attend 'webinars' and online tutorials provided by agencies like Bord Bia and Blas na hEireann. The Flanagans will deliver six 450g pots of their fresh Velvet Cloud sheep's milk yogurt anywhere in Ireland, via courier, for 30, the shelf life being at least 21 days.

velvetcloud.ie

THE RESTAURANT

Expand Close Margaret & Joe Bohan: Dela, Galway city / Facebook

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Whatsapp Margaret & Joe Bohan: Dela, Galway city

Joe and Margaret Bohan's Dela restaurant opened in 2013 and has grown steadily since, enjoying a loyal local customer base who know the welcome will be warm and the food fresh and delicious. It's in the foodie East End of Galway, and it's cool, but not of the achingly hip variety.

"Dela means to share in Swedish, to have in common, to cut the cake in equal parts, and it's a concept we try to extend to all aspects of our business." They're all about self-sustainability where possible.

"We're only one generation removed from where our parents were growing their own food as a matter of course. If we don't continue the tradition, it stops with them. We're lucky to have access to family land where we grow both in tunnels and outdoors.

"This year we installed a second commercial tunnel, bringing our indoor growing area to 6,000sq ft. We grow 40-plus vegetable varieties, not including herbs and edible flowers."

It's all grown from seed, maintained organically and harvested by themselves. Joe says they're lucky to have a head chef, Sylvain Gatay, and team who 'get it' and love to get stuck in. Until recently, Galway was booming, and, having started in the depths of the last recession, Dela had seen double-digit annual growth since 2015.

"Our immediate future will be as a collect-only restaurant - and we've launched our 'Curbside Collection'. We've also tweaked our growing plan to focus on late summer and winter crops to potentially do some amazing veg boxes and veg-related products."

dela.ie

THE HOTEL

Expand Close John & Gerard Loughran: Sandymount Hotel, Dublin / Facebook

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Whatsapp John & Gerard Loughran: Sandymount Hotel, Dublin

Now celebrating 65 years in the biz, the Sandymount Hotel running over eight Victorian houses with 187 bedrooms is Dublin's oldest and largest independent family-run hotel. Ideally located in upmarket D4, close to the Aviva Stadium, and close to town, it's proudly run by John and Gerard Loughran, the son and grandson of the founders.

Like everyone else, they were hit hard in the recession, but went on to thrive since, even undergoing an 8m makeover in the past few years. "Now the hotel is strangely quiet, at a time when it would usually be welcoming many guests," says Gerard.

"We are fortunate to have wonderful and supportive staff, several of whom are currently working in the hotel to ensure that the property is well maintained, and that we will be ready to provide an excellent service when 'normality' is restored."

To support the local community, a coffee station has been set up in front of the hotel, taking advantage of the spacious area to ensure social distancing.

Though their 65th anniversary will be a quiet one, the Loughrans say that they hope it won't be long before they will be able to celebrate in style. In the meantime, they wish their many loyal guests the best of health and look forward to welcoming them back soon.

sandymounthotel.ie
Hollywood's Eve

Lili Anolik Scribner 8.99

Rating:

The name Eve Babitz may not mean much, if anything, these days, but half a century ago she swept her way through Los Angeles like a bush fire. As the writer Joan Didion noted sniffily, Babitz was a kind of dowager groupie  the groupie to whom all other groupies deferred.

Her partners were so numerous that if shed carved a notch on her bedpost for every one, it would have been reduced to splinters: Jim Morrison of The Doors, assorted Eagles, the record company boss Ahmet Ertegun, Warren Zevon...the list goes on and on.

Having grown up in a wealthy and sophisticated California family  her godfather was the composer Igor Stravinsky  Babitz decided at an early age that if I could wreak any havoc in my life I would.

As the writer Joan Didion noted sniffily, Eve Babitz (above) was a kind of dowager groupie  the groupie to whom all other groupies deferred

She started off by sleeping with artists, then moved up or down  to musicians, branching out every so often to accommodate passing actors. Here, Harrison Ford was very much the man to beat, apparently able to manage sex with nine different partners a day, as opposed to Warren Beattys six.

But theres an obvious question hanging behind Babitzs frenetic bed-hopping: what did she actually want? The sex clearly didnt give her much pleasure she once wrote a book entitled Sex And Rage, and the two things were closely entwined as far as she was concerned.

What she wanted most of all, it seems, was to be taken seriously.

Although Lili Anolik, a contributing editor at Vanity Fair, does her best to portray Babitz as a neglected genius, the evidence is skimpy. Inspired by Andy Warhol, she started painting Coke bottles  only hers were white instead of black.

She designed a few album covers  most notably for The Byrds  and then in her mid-30s, when cocaine had ravaged her looks, she tried to reinvent herself as an essayist.

Babitz had some success, writing barbed profiles of people she had once hung out with. Not everyone was convinced, though; according to one critic, her work demonstrated the sketchy intelligence of a woman stoned on trivia.

Meanwhile she grew increasingly cranky. Badly burned when she tried to light a cigarette while driving a car, she became a recluse, kept afloat by the generosity of former lovers such as comedian Steve Martin.

Now 77, Babitz seldom ventures out of her one-room apartment. On the rare occasions she does, she still causes a stir  but not for the reasons of old. As Anolik admits, these days she tends to be a bit smelly.

In many ways this book is an ideal pairing of subject and author since Anolik proves herself every bit as self-indulgent and egotistical as Babitz, casually tossing off sentences like, And so Eves ur-groupie stage gives way, at last, to her groupie groupie phase. (Having previously had to explain what she means by ur-groupie).

Yet beneath hefty slabs of twaddle is the fascinating story of a woman who set out to wreak as much havoc as possible, but in the end really only succeeded in damaging herself.

Walking The Great North Line

Robert Twigger W&N 20

Rating:

Its ironic that taking the path less chosen is actually becoming a well-trodden route to a book deal. Even as we speak, would-be travelogue writers are poring over maps and history books looking for ancient tracks, forgotten drovers trails, anywhere you can get whimsically from A to B and thence into print.

Alan Partridge did it (parodically) in Nomad, where he retraced his fathers failed trek from Norfolk to Dungeness for a job at the power station. Yes, Ive even done it myself.

Ostensibly, this is a book about a journey from Stonehenge to Lindisfarne undertaken for reasons that are never made clear. No matter, because this book is really about the author not the trip.

Would-be travelogue writers are poring over maps and history books looking for ancient tracks, anywhere you can get whimsically from A to B and thence into print

We are reminded of this often in sentences of the Ive sat with Bedouin late into the night round embers that are barely glowing type, which reminded me of both Rutger Hauers famous Ive seen things you people wouldnt believe speech from Blade Runner and the Ive been undressed by kings line in Charlenes hit Ive Never Been To Me.

Apropos of little, Twigger will tell us that he thinks kids should get courses in firemaking rather than the laptop lunacy of desperate teachers. The style is an uneasy mix of Bear Grylls, Kahlil Gibran and Norman Wisdom; macho adventurousness, hippy musings and Oh Mr Grimsdale incompetence.

Some may find this winning but the self-absorption and lack of detail about the actual walk starts to nag like the oft-discussed blisters. Encountering some people enquiring about their pub reservation, Twigger snorts, Like many people who cant take much of modern life seriously, I dont usually give a toss where I sit. Im too busy rushing through my existence, tearing off chicken legs of experience and spitting the bones out without chewing properly.

I stayed the course, somewhat grumpily. But in the end, how much you enjoy this curious trip will depend whether, like me, you like a nice pub table rather than biting off the chicken legs of experience.

Its important to draw the line.

Stuart Maconie
Gracie Waldron is senior class president of Sheehan High School. But maroon and gold are not the only school colors Waldron has worn throughout her academic career.

She also grew up wearing green and white.

Those are the school colors for Michigan State University. Two of Waldrons uncles graduated from there.

And she is planning to join her uncles when she enters Michigan State next fall as an incoming freshman. But whether Waldrons college career officially starts at home in Wallingford, in front of a computer, or in a physical classroom at the East Lansing, Michigan, campus has yet to be determined.

Officials leading Michigan State, as with many colleges and universities across the country, have yet to decide whether to reopen campus next fall. Officials at the university, whose enrollment consists of more than 39,000 undergraduate students, promised to announce an official decision by early July.

Concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, the pandemic that led to the shutdown of college campuses and school buildings since March, weigh on the minds of Waldron and other high school seniors.

At the same time, students appear eager to start the next phase of their education.

Im looking forward to the experience of being in another part of the country, Waldron said.

So far, the experience has been different.

Our orientation has been online, Waldron said, adding the decision was made a month ago.

Thats going to be hard, not knowing anyone and not getting to meet people until classes start.

Waldron will begin her studies at MSU with an undecided major. But she plans to study physiology and eventually become a physician assistant.

In past years, Sheehan High School seniors would wear college sweatshirts on May 1, showing where they intend to be in the fall.

This month, because Sheehan students werent in the building, members of the senior class decided to use the schools Instagram site to announce students decisions.

In-state reopening

In Connecticut, a subcommittee of the states Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group recommended colleges and universities plan for a phased reopening, which would begin over the summer.

The phased reopening requires each institution to file reopening plans with the state Department of Public Health. The plans detail how officials will repopulate campuses and monitor health conditions to detect coronavirus infections. If the virus is detected, the plans outline how officials would contain its spread and shut down if necessary.

Administrators of local high schools dont have official tallies for how many graduates will attend college in the fall, and how many have opted to attend in-state colleges and universities, versus out-of-state colleges.

Trevor Messina, a Southington High School senior, said his plans to attend the University of Connecticut  where he will study music education  remain unchanged.

I have worked too hard to not go to my top school, Messina said. No matter what, on or off campus, online or in person, I will be a proud Husky.

Messina said he is not aware of any peers who had planned to attend out-of-state colleges changing their minds.

College-bound seniors have other concerns, aside from COVID-19.

I think some concerns for not just our seniors, but seniors across the country, are money, safety, and missing out on the experience, Messina said.

Jennifer Straub, principal of Maloney High School in Meriden, said if students are more driven to attend school closer to home this fall then they would have in years past, those decisions are most likely based on cost and affordability. Other programs that guarantee students would be able to transfer credits from community colleges into four-year schools are also appealing to students.

I think more than COVID, affordability and those kinds of credit transfer programs are what drive kids to be closer than home, Straub said.

Institutions, like UConn, have pushed back their commitment dates to June.

A lot of schools want to do everything they can to help students make an informed decision, Straub said.

In recent weeks, Maloney staff sent out surveys to students to find out whether their plans may have changed since the pandemic began. So far more than half of those surveys have come back.

Straub doesnt have an official tally on whether plans have changed since the COVID-19 outbreak.

Anecdotally, I can tell you, for the most part our students seem to be sticking with their original plans, Straub said.

Emily Nash, a Cheshire High School senior, is excited to make the roughly three-hour and two-state trip next fall to set foot on the tree-lined campus of the University of New Hampshire, in Durham. She plans to study social work.

UNH is planning to resume in-person instruction, according to a notice on its website.

Nash said when she visited campus last fall, her decision was made.

It was just exactly what I had pictured for college, Nash said.

Next fall may bring a mix of online learning and limited in-person class time, so Nash and other incoming UNH students may have to wait for the fully immersed college experience.

I think the plan is giving the option to students how they want to go about their fall semester  staying home and doing online classes, or being on campus and staying in your dorms, Nash said.

University officials announced plans to reopen in the fall, with details regarding a COVID-19 testing system, social distancing measures and advanced cleaning protocols to come. Officials promised to follow and adhere to clear public health guidance, according to a university statement dated May 8.

While parents have expressed some concern about their college-bound children attending college out of state, they also expressed support for their decisions.

Corey Nash, Emilys father, said hes as nervous as any parent would be, of course.

But, he said, shes a smart kid. Her mom and I did a great job raising her. Im not worried about any of the things she might run into first year, while shes away from home and in college.

mgagne@record-journal.com203-317-2231Twitter:@MikeGagneRJ
Stifling heat gripped the national capital on Sunday with the maximum temperature hovering close to 45 degrees Celsius in most parts of the city.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a 'red alert' , used for a severe heatwave, for parts of Delhi for the next two days.

"Heatwave will prevail in many places and severe heatwave in isolated places. Mainly clear sky with strong surface winds (20-20 kilometres per hour)," the IMD forecast said.

The Safdarjung Observatory, which provides representative figures for the city, recorded a high of 44.4 degrees Celsius, which was five notches above the normal. The minimum temperature was recorded at 28.7 degrees Celsius, two notches above the normal.

The stations at Palam, Lodhi Road and Ayanagar recorded their respective maximums at 45.4 degrees Celsius, 44.2 degrees Celsius and 45.6 degrees Celsius.

Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the regional forecasting centre of the IMD, said some respite from the stifling heat is expected in the national capital on May 28 due to a fresh Western Disturbance and easterly winds at lower levels.

"Dust storm and thunderstorm with winds gusting up to 60 kilometres per hour is likely over Delhi-NCR on May 29-30," he said.

Besides Delhi, the IMD has issued "red warning" in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Rajasthan for the next two days. It has issued "orange" warning for eastern Uttar Pradesh.

In large areas, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is 45 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days and severe heatwave when the mercury touches the 47 degrees Celsius mark for two days on the trot.

In small areas, like the national capital, a heatwave is declared if the temperature soars to 45 degrees Celsius even for a day, according to the IMD.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hello.

My name is Colin.

Im 65. I hold a bachelors degree.

My most recent appearance inside a building that was not my home was March 16, unless you count my visit, a week ago, to an oil change place where you sit inside your car in a garage bay. I wore gloves and a mask, kept my window up when it was possible, and maintained a mindset that probably would have been more appropriate for a visit to the Island of Feverish Monkeys.

Sign up to get Colins newsletter delivered to your inbox, for free

I walk my dog in the deep woods whenever possible. Im trying to avoid you.

I used to live and die with the fortunes of the Boston Red Sox and the Green Bay Packers, but I cant imagine caring about them now.

My heroes now are doctors, nurses, hospital workers, mail carriers, grocery store employees, delivery drivers, volunteers in vaccine research. Ive become obsessed with the work of virologists, microbiologists, vaccine researchers.

My son and I used to meet for lunch every Saturday. Our last visit to a restaurant was March 7.

I am one of the fortunate people whose work has continued largely undisturbed. I do five radio shows a week: four of my own show plus The Wheelhouse, a political roundtable. I write this weekly column and a newsletter.

I get very tired, not exactly from the work, but from doing the work with this strange new pulse in the background, a two-stroke engine fueled by anxiety, weirdness and the anger in the air.

Im telling you all of this (quite possibly boring) stuff, so you will know who I am.

I live very near the route used by CT Liberty Rally, the people who drive through Hartford honking their horns and demanding to be released from all restrictions.

I am working hard on not hating these people, but they dont make it easy. (The honking goes on for an hour, minimum.) No matter what they tell you, this is a political movement. They dont have any rallies that arent heavy on Trump/Pence signs and MAGA hats.

A rally-goer named Valerie posted a through-the-windshield video of her car cruising in last weeks line of ear-splitting horn-honkers as she narrated: The police are really cooperative. They love Trump. Im flying my Trump flag out the window, and they love it. They say they love him.

Another demonstrator named Leslie posted on Facebook: ITS NOT ABOUT POLITICS ANYMORE FOLKS, IT'S ABOUT SAVING LIVES! ... Every week our numbers are growing at the CT Liberty Rallies (and Rolling Rallies) to show LOSER LAMONT we see that DEMOCRATS are BAD for Connecticut.

Get that? Its not about politics. But Democrats are bad. Among the many maxims of old friend Peter Shapiro: When they say its not about the money, that means its about the money. The same goes for politics.

Its worth noting that all of this honking and sign waving took place on Wednesday, to coincide with the first phase of reopening Connecticut. Businesses are coming slowly, gingerly back. From what I could tell, 80 percent of Wednesdays hollering about tyrants and dictators was connected to salons and barbershops and not much else.

Give me highlights or give me death.

Actually, Leslies correct. This is about something deeper than politics.

A Gallup/Knight Foundation survey in the third week of April asked about face mask usage. Women were far more likely to always wear a mask in public (44 percent) than men (29 percent). College graduates were vastly more likely to wear masks always or sometimes than people with high school degrees or less.

I took Gallups chart and set it up next to a Pew study of validated voters in the 2016 presidential election. The same splits were there. Men voted for Trump in far greater numbers. College-educated people voted for Clinton by large margins.

This week in the Atlantic, Ron Brownstein assembled a bunch of similar data and looked at the two most alienated major groups: college-educated white women and non-college-educated white men. When the pandemic hit, Brownstein said, each group retreated to their respective corners.

OK, one more study. My rummaging this week turned up a 2014 meta-analysis in the Singapore Medical Journal about the use of face masks during previous 21st century respiratory epidemics. (This is where my son invariably says: Dad, most people arent like you.)

Surprisingly, the authors found the same correlation between education and gender when they looked at face mask use in other countries. So its not just us. (My favorite tidbit: Mexico City cabdrivers who wore masks during the 2009 H1N1 outbreak were hailed more often, which seemed to drive more of them to wear masks.)

And yet, it is just us. Way back in 1985, the sociologist Robert Bellah worried that the American version of individualism might become toxic in a way that interfered with our ability to create a morally coherent life together.

That has happened.

And now we talk past one another. The reason I told you about myself at the beginning is so you would see that my ideology is a product of my identity. My reaction to Valerie and Leslie is that they dont get it. Their reaction to me is that I want, arrogantly, to impose my values on them.

Theyre wrong about the pandemic, but theyre not wrong about me. How are we going to resolve this? Because its not just a political difference anymore. Its a difference about whether we feel safe in each others presence.

And while we think about this some more, would you mind standing even farther away from me?

Colin McEnroes column appears every Sunday, his newsletter comes out every Thursday and you can hear his radio show every weekday on WNPR 90.5. Email him at colin@ctpublic.org. Sign up for his newsletter at http://bit.ly/colinmcenroe.
Connecticut became the final state to reopen on May 20, so Stacker compiled a list of where each state stands on reopening. Phased plans, and whats included in each phase, varies greatly by state, as does progress through each step.

This article was first published on Stacker
We are being utterly transformed. And the world is being utterly transformed around us.

Ostensibly, this is to tackle a simple virus. In reality, it is to achieve an elite design at staggering cost to humanity and to life generally.

If you have not been carefully following what is taking place, let me highlight some recent developments and what we can do about them.

On 26 March 2020, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) granted Microsoft a world patent. Titled 1. WO2020060606  Cryptocurrency System Using Body Activity Data , this patent gives Microsoft (that is, Bill Gates) extraordinary power over our lives.

As Professor Vandana Shiva evocatively explains in her latest article, My Earth Journey in defence of Biodiversity, Life and Freedom over 5 decades , this development is robbing us of our deep humanity:

The patent is dramatically changing the meaning of being human.

Firstly, it is redefining us as mines for data  robbing us of our autonomy, our sovereignty, and control over our bodies and minds. And just being connected through their server is giving consent.

Secondly, it is erasing our humanity  as sovereign, living beings, spiritual, conscious, intelligent beings, making our decisions and choices with wisdom and ethical values about the impacts of our actions on the natural and social world of which we are a part; and to which we are inextricably related. We are being reduced to being users of tasks assigned to us by the extractive digital mega machine. A user is a consumer without choice in the digital empire. Human creativity and consciousness disappear in the world imagined in #patent060606.

Thirdly, the patent is redefining human values, and the value of being human. Human values include ethical, ecological, spiritual values.

Patent 060606 is aimed at robbing us of our deep humanity. We are being transformed from self organised, conscious, creative, autopoetic beings, into external input users whose value will be assigned in cryptocurrency through algorithms, by the very machine that gave us the task in the first place.

But it is not just our humanity that is at stake, horrific though this may be. The world, too, is being transformed so that the humanoids who are not killed off or marginalized into extreme poverty and desperation will perform their assigned roles to serve the global elite within the new techno tyranny that is being created around us.

For just a taste of the evidence in this regard, see Global Capitalism, World Government and the Corona Crisis ,  The Farce and Diabolical Agenda of A Universal Lockdown  and  Techno-Tyranny: How The US National Security State Is Using Coronavirus To Fulfill An Orwellian Vision  .

And if you would like greater insight into the role that individuals like Bill Gates are playing in all of this, see these three recent documentaries produced by James Corbett: How Bill Gates Monopolized Global Health , Bill Gates Plan to Vaccinate the World and Bill Gates and the Population Control Grid . In addition, this article by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is instructive: Gates Globalist Vaccine Agenda: A Win-Win for Pharma and Mandatory Vaccination .

Given the monumental undertaking for global control that this represents, you might wonder how this transformation can be achieved. And, unfortunately, the answer is very simply. This is because the bulk of the human population has been terrorized into a state of being submissively obedient. And this state is effectively permanent. As a result, mobilizing strategic resistance to what is happening is very difficult.

Why do I write this?

Because the evidence that COVID-19 is a minor health risk, particularly if dealt with appropriately, is overwhelming and extensively documented: According to data from the best-studied countries and regions, the lethality of Covid19 is on average about 0.2%, which is in the range of a severe influenza (flu) and about twenty times lower than originally assumed by the WHO. See A Swiss Doctor on Covid-19 .

Having noted that, however, if you want to watch a thoughtful and detailed explanation of why COVID-19 is a fake virus, try watching molecular biologist Dr Andrew Kaufmans two hour interview by Brian Rose: Unmasking the Lies Around COVID-19: Facts vs Fiction of the Coronavirus Pandemic . In this interview, Dr Kaufman carefully explains:

The scientific procedures that have been utilized in all of these scientific studies... it wouldnt be possible using those techniques to isolate the virus and purify it and prove that it exists. Taking into account all of the evidence I have looked at which has been almost entirely from peer-reviewed scientific papers and official government websites, my opinion is that this entire pandemic is a completely manufactured crisis. In other words there is no evidence of anyone dying from any novel illness.... And so what I think is going on... is in line with what might be known as a globalist agenda.... All of these things seem to be moving towards control of the people.

There is not very much about vaccines that makes a lot of sense because if you actually go back and look for the evidence that vaccines have prevented disease you are not going to find any.... Smallpox is an interesting example.... In the mainstream history books the smallpox vaccine has been touted as a major success but thats not really accurate. If you go back and look at data from the Royal Academy of Sciences what you will see is that the mortality increased substantially while these vaccines were widely used and then when they stopped being used the numbers went back down again.

So it is really difficult to trust what is in a general textbook or mainstream history book without going and looking at the actual data yourself because all of the textbooks that were in medical schools say that vaccines are responsible for preventing many of these major illnesses that people were suffering from and worried about in the first part of the twentieth century. But if you look at some of the same diseases that did not have a vaccine, such as scarlet fever for example, you will find that scarlet fever also went away with all of the other diseases even though there was no vaccine for it.

And when you look at the number of cases of the various illnesses like polio or measles or diphtheria, youll see that the prevalence or incidence of those diseases and mortality from those diseases, which in some was substantial, went down almost to the current levels before a vaccine was even available for use so you couldnt possibly attribute a vaccine for causing that reduction in the illness if it wasnt even around at the time that the illness was reduced....

If you create a vaccine for an illness [such as COVID-19] that has not been proven to even exist, then the vaccine couldnt possibly work. But if you do a clinical study and have an imaginary disease and give the vaccine to people and then they never get the imaginary disease it would give the appearance that its very successful.

So this is a real win-win strategy for anyone making these vaccines and which is why there have been companies all over the world racing to be the first one to have a vaccine thats been proven to be safe or effective using the limited criteria that they require. Because whoever gets there first, according to the plans or proposed policies, theyre going to be selling billions of vaccines. Billions! So theyre going to make billions of dollars as a result of this. So there is such a strong financial incentive.

Some of the technological strategies that they are using to make these vaccines are quite scary and unprecedented.... But obviously it couldnt prevent a disease that doesnt exist so there must be some other purpose for it.

Remember, the words quoted above are taken from a two hour interview. If any of these words leave you wondering, watch the interview to consider the evidence that Dr Kaufman cites or check his website: Dr Andrew Kaufman .

In another video Dr Kaufman explains how early scientific papers on the subject suggested an association (not causation) between a novel coronavirus with human to human transmission and severe human infection whereas a subsequent key scientific paper that made a claim which helped drive the global response to COVID-19 flat out lied about their results: Following the first outbreaks of unexplained pneumonia in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the causative agent in January 2020. See Identification of Coronavirus Isolated from a Patient in Korea with COVID-19 . In fact, Dr Kaufman points out: they cannot reference any science to back that up whatsoever. Moreover, subsequently to this paper, another article  see I study viruses: How our team isolated the new coronavirus to fight the global pandemic  declared The emergence of a new coronavirus in a market in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 set in motion the pandemic we are now witnessing in 160 countries around the world. But again, Dr Kaufman counters, no evidence was provided at all to support this claim: just flat out lies. For the details and citation of all the scientific sources for this explanation of how the COVID-19 rumour mill got started, see The Rooster in the River of Rats .

If you wish to watch a more scientifically-oriented lecture, explaining more of the technical detail of what Dr Kaufman argues is really going on and which is consistent with the evidence, then you can view it here: Special Report: Humanity is NOT a virus!

So while the evidence that there is neither a virus nor a pandemic is grounded firmly in the science, the evidence that the global elite is using COVID-19 as cover to implement its coup against humanity is rather overwhelming. In addition to the articles cited above, see these two articles which cite many other extensively-documented sources as well: The Elites COVID-19 Coup Against a Terrified Humanity: Resisting Powerfully and COVID-19: Breaking the Lockdown, Defeating the Coup, Averting Extinction .

But while this evidence is readily available, it requires someone who has not lost the capacity to investigate and think for themself. And that is a huge problem.

Of course, little of the evidence in these regards is available through education systems or the corporate media, given that the purpose of these institutions is to serve elite interests. And controlling access to, and manipulating perception of, the evidence is vital in both regards.

So if, for example, you believe that the corporate media is reporting the news, you might like to reflect on these words of David Rockefeller spoken at the highly secretive elite Bilderberg meeting held in Germany in 1991 but subsequently leaked:

We are grateful to The Washington Post, The New York Times, Time Magazine and other publications whose directors have attended our meetings and respected their promises of discretion for almost 40 years. It would have been impossible for us to develop our plan for the world if we had been subject to the bright lights of publicity. But the world is now more sophisticated and prepared to march towards a world government.... The supranational sovereignty of an intellectual elite and world bankers is surely preferable to the national auto-determination practiced in past centuries. See David Rockefeller at Bilderberg meeting in Baden 1991 and David Rockefellers Chilling 1991 Speech at a Bilderberg Meeting .

The motto of The Washington Post is Democracy Dies in Darkness. What it does not proclaim is that the Post, along with the other corporate media outlets, has long played its part in the global elites program to ensure that democracy  and hence any meaningful role in how we are governed  cannot flourish. But for a detailed critique of the corporate media exposing its role in perpetrating elite power by distributing elite propaganda as news, see Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media .

Hence, while increasing numbers of people are lamenting the submissive response to elite initiatives to imprison us in our own homes (and strip us of rights and freedoms that it took centuries to win)  see, for example, A Nation of Sheep and To All Cowards Who Meekly Succumbed To the Unlawful Lockdown... Hang Your Heads In Shame  and some authors have written commentaries illustrating and explaining the ways in which peoples fear is manifesting in response to a simple virus  see Dr. Rudolf Hansels explanation in The Diabolical Game with Fear as an Instrument of Domination. The Reflex of Obedience and Dr. Pascal Sacres thoughts in COVID-19: An Ocean of Fears and Lies  my own interest lies in explaining why people are fearfully and submissively obedient in the first place and how we can go about restoring agency to the individuals life so that they can use their own investigatory and analytical capacities to track down and consider the evidence, and to then act sensibly and powerfully in response.

While, regrettably, this cannot be done quickly, it is an essential component of any strategy to effectively resist elite encroachments on our rights, freedoms and economic security while also acting powerfully to deal with the genuine threats to human survival such as those posed by war, the environmental and climate catastrophes, biodiversity loss and the deployment of 5G , among others. See Human Extinction Now Imminent and Inevitable? A Report on the State of Planet Earth and, for astute insight into the disastrous impact that the global industrial shutdown is having on the aerosol masking effect and hence the global climate, see Will COVID-19 Trigger Extinction of All Life on Earth?

This is because fear suppresses (other) emotional responses (including the anger that would mobilize resistance), distorts sensory perception (so that people disbelieve, rather than consider carefully, evidence that contradicts the elite-driven narrative), inhibits analytical capacity, falsifies memory (to conform with explanations that are less frightening) and thwarts powerful behavioural responses. As a consequence of being victims of their own fear, most people live in a world of delusion and projection and are quite incapable of being anything but submissively obedient.

In brief, fear makes people want to believe, and hence to actually believe, that there is nothing wrong with elite directives distributed by international organizations (such as the World Health Organisation), governments, the medical industry, education systems and the corporate media. This means that they do not have to feel and think for themselves, consult their conscience or change their own behaviour, each of which is particularly frightening when their fear and the (unconscious) imperative to obey already have them paralyzed.

So how have we ended up with a population of individuals who are so devoid of any sense of Selfhood that they are submissively obedient as Drs Hansel and Sacre discussed above and which we are now witnessing on a global scale as people are imprisoned in their own homes?

Fundamentally, this has occurred because our parenting and education models are based on terrorizing children into obedience using a combination of visible, invisible and utterly invisible violence. For the details of how we do this, see Why Violence? , Fearless Psychology and Fearful Psychology: Principles and Practice and Do We Want School or Education?

Hence, while we pay lip service to the notion of the individual, the reality is that we prefer individuals who follow the orders of the authorities, whether at home, school, work, in the military, at a religious gathering or as citizens in society generally. After all, our definition of individuality long ago ceased to mean any more than that the person clothes themself differently and has their own combination of interests to while away their spare time.

The genuine individual who has an integrated mind, trusts their own (emotional and intellectual) judgment, articulates the truth and behaves powerfully in accord with their conscience, whatever the cost, is only supposed to appear as a fictional character in novels or films. We certainly do not want them in real life. Just ask Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning, for example. Shot dead or imprisoned for having the qualities of a genuine individual.

For further explanations of how we systematically destroy the individuality in our children, see The Disintegrated Mind: The Greatest Threat to Human Survival on Earth , Most Attitudes and Beliefs are Outcomes of Fear and The Psychology of Projection in Conflict .

So here we are at the most important moment in human history. At the brink of precipitating our own extinction  again, see Human Extinction Now Imminent and Inevitable? A Report on the State of Planet Earth and Will COVID-19 Trigger Extinction of All Life on Earth?  and now imprisoned in our own homes (for those who have them) while the global elite implements more of its plan to reduce us from human individuals to digital identities that are readily tracked and controlled while playing our robotic role in the techno tyranny that is almost upon us.

Even those two writers of the classic dystopian novels of the twentieth century, Aldous Huxley and George Orwell, would be horrified that we participated so obediently, so submissively, in the destruction of our free world (whatever its limitations). And I doubt they would get any solace from knowing just how well they truly understood the terrified and submissive nature of the human condition.

So with virtually everyone distracted from the main game  the coup in which the global elite is taking vastly greater control of our lives and even dramatically increasing the risk of imminent human extinction  while we sit back, or even ask for, greater restrictions on our rights and freedoms, the only important question remaining is this:

Can we mobilize sufficient people, even at this late moment, to strategically defend our humanity, defeat the elite coup and avert the imminent threats to human survival?

Unfortunately, as recent evidence clearly indicates, with even most activists obviously deceived by the use of COVID-19 as cover for the coup and oblivious to its catastrophic environmental consequences, this is proving far more difficult than I originally hoped.

Nevertheless, in the hope that we can build on the existing resistance, such as that being documented by Professor Chenoweth and her colleagues  see The global pandemic has spawned new forms of activism  and theyre flourishing  while sharpening its focus for greater strategic impact, let me reiterate a previously outlined strategy below, particularly taking into account the insanity of the global elite  see The Global Elite is Insane Revisited  and the emotional health issues (including anxiety and depression) that are arising during the lockdown that are now complicating peoples existing compulsion to be obedient in the belief that compliance with COVID-19 (that is, coup) measures will make them safe.

A Nonviolent Strategy to Fight for our Humanity, Liberty and Future

So, if you wish to address your own emotional health issues arising during the COVID-19 coup, consider Putting Feelings First and/or, if you wish to support others, including children, to do so effectively, see Nisteling: The Art of Deep Listening .

In relation to the coup itself, I have identified the appropriate political purpose  obviously To defend humanity against a political/military coup conducted by the global elite  and set out a basic list of (now) 28 strategic goals for achieving this purpose (which will also play a vital role in tackling key threats to human survival). The first thirteen of these strategic goals are as follows:

(1) To cause people and groups all around the world to join the resistance strategy by wearing a global symbol of human solidarity, such as an image of several people of different genders/races/religions/abilities/classes holding hands.

(2) To cause people and groups all around the world to join the resistance strategy by boycotting all corporate media outlets (television, radio, newspapers, Google, Facebook, Twitter) and by seeking news from progressive news outlets committed to telling the truth.

(3) To cause people and groups all around the world to join the resistance strategy by refusing to download the COVID-19 contact tracing surveillance app.

(4) To cause people and groups all around the world to join the resistance strategy by ending their ownership and use of a mobile (cell) phone. See EchoEarth: End Cell Phones on Earth and Cancel Your Cellphone Account Day, 20-21 June 2020 .

(5) To cause people and groups all around the world to join the resistance strategy by withdrawing all funds from the corporate banks that are supporting the coup and to deposit their money in local community banks or credit unions.

(6) To cause people and groups all around the world to join the resistance strategy by boycotting the medical and pharmaceutical industries  including by conscientiously refusing to submit to vaccination  and by seeking health advice and treatment from natural therapists. (If you are unfamiliar with the different philosophies underpinning these approaches, and hence why many natural therapies are so much more effective, there is a straightforward explanation here: Pasteur vs. Bechamp: An Alternative View of Infectious Disease .)

(7) To cause people and groups all around the world to join the resistance strategy by boycotting corporate supermarkets and by supporting small and family businesses, and local markets.

(8) To cause people and groups all around the world to join the resistance strategy by participating in other locally relevant nonviolent action(s)/campaign(s) and/or constructive program activities. For this item and many subsequent, see the list of possible nonviolent actions in the document 198 Tactics of Nonviolent Action .

(9) To cause the workers [in trade unions or labor organizations T1, T2, T] all around the world to join the resistance strategy by participating in locally relevant nonviolent action(s)/campaign(s) and/or constructive program activities. For example, this might include withdrawing labor from an elite-controlled bank, media, pharmaceutical or other corporation operating in your country.

(10) To cause the small farmers and farmworkers [in organizations F1, F2, F] all around the world to join the resistance strategy by participating in locally relevant nonviolent action(s)/campaign(s) and/or constructive program activities. For example, this might include distributing farm produce through (existing or created) grassroots networks to small and family businesses as well as local markets rather than through corporate supply chains.

(11) To cause the indigenous peoples [in organizations IP1,IP2, IP] all around the world to join the resistance strategy by participating in locally relevant nonviolent action(s)/campaign(s) and/or constructive program activities. For example, this might include utilizing indigenous knowledge to improve local self-reliance in food production and in other ways.

(12) To cause the soldiers and military police [in army units AU1, AU2, AU and MP1, MP2, MP], wherever stationed around the world, to refuse to obey orders from the global elite and its agents to arrest, assault, torture and shoot nonviolent activists and the other citizens of [your country].

(13) To cause the police [in police units P1, P2, P], wherever stationed around the world, to refuse to obey orders from the global elite and its agents to arrest, assault, torture and shoot nonviolent activists and the other citizens of [your country].

You can read all 28 of the Strategic goals for defeating a political/military coup conducted by the global elite against humanity by scrolling down the page at Strategic Aims .

Remaining pages on the website fully explain the twelve components of the strategy, as illustrated by the Nonviolent Strategy Wheel , as well as articles and videos explaining all of the vital points of strategy and tactics, such as those to help you understand Nonviolent Action: Why and How it Works .

Given the complexity of the configuration of this conflict, however, which involves the need to fight simultaneously to retain our deep humanity, defeat the elite coup and avert near-term human extinction, it is important that our tactical choices are strategically-oriented (as the examples I cite in the thirteen strategic goals above illustrate). Hence, three further considerations assume importance.

First, choose/design tactics that have strategic impact, that is, they fundamentally and permanently alter, in our favor, the power relationship between the elite and us.

Second, when tactical choices are made, focus them on undermining the elite coup, not just features of it, such as social distancing or the lockdowns. At its most basic, this can be achieved by using tactical choices that mobilize people to act initially, as is happening, but then inviting them to consider taking further, more focused, action as well (such as those nominated in the 28 strategic goals listed or referenced above). This is important because existing actions will have little impact on key underlying measures, such as those being taken by the elite to advance the fourth industrial revolution, which includes reducing us to a digital identity.

Third, I would choose/design tactics that also have strategic impact on the greatest threats to human survival, including the collapsing biodiversity on Earth, the threat of nuclear war, the climate catastrophe and the deployment of 5G. Given the incredibly short timeframe in which we are now working to avert human extinction, while people are mobilizing it is important to use this opportunity to give them the chance to perceive the big picture of what is taking place  beyond lockdowns and other measures supposedly being used to tackle COVID-19  and to act powerfully in response.

Equally importantly, the Nonviolent Strategy website explains how to prepare, frame and conduct any nonviolent action to minimize the risk of violent repression and, as some nonviolent activists are concerned, to contain any risk of damage to their cause by association with, or disruption by, those groups and provocateurs with a very different and possibly violent agenda. See Nonviolent Action: Minimizing the Risk of Violent Repression .

Fortunately, as more people become aware of the deeper strands of what is taking place, the energy to break the lockdowns and resist the coup will gather pace. As I have previously outlined, using a locally relevant focus, or perhaps several, for which many people would traditionally be together  a cultural or sporting event, a community activity such as working to establish a community garden to increase local self-reliance, a birthday celebration and/or a return to work  we can mobilize people to collectively resist.

In addition, as I mentioned above, given the pressing (and, possibly, now uncontainable) threat of human extinction but also because becoming more self-reliant is vital to our ongoing capacity to resist elite encroachments on our rights, freedom and economic security, consider accelerated participation in The Flame Tree Project to Save Life on Earth .

And for those nonviolent activists concerned about tackling the climate and/or other threats to human survival  including those in relation to the environment and war  you can read about nonviolent strategy, including strategic goals to focus your campaigns, from here: Strategic Aims .

Or, if you want something simpler, consider committing to:

The Earth Pledge

Out of love for the Earth and all of its creatures, and my respect for their needs, from this day onwards I pledge that:

1. I will listen deeply to children. See Nisteling: The Art of Deep Listening .

2. I will not travel by plane

3. I will not travel by car

4. I will not eat meat and fish

5. I will only eat organically/biodynamically grown food

6. I will minimize the amount of fresh water I use, including by minimizing my ownership and use of electronic devices

7. I will not own or use a mobile (cell) phone

8. I will not buy rainforest timber

9. I will not buy or use single-use plastic, such as bags, bottles, containers, cups and straws

10. I will not use banks, superannuation (pension) funds or insurance companies that provide any service to corporations involved in fossil fuels, nuclear power and/or weapons

11. I will not accept employment from, or invest in, any organization that supports or participates in the exploitation of fellow human beings or profits from killing and/or destruction of the biosphere

12. I will not get news from the corporate media (mainstream newspapers, television, radio, Google, Facebook, Twitter)

13. I will make the effort to learn a skill, such as food gardening or sewing, that makes me more self-reliant

14. I will gently encourage my family and friends to consider signing this pledge.

Conclusion

Using COVID-19 as cover, the global elite is conducting a coup to take vastly greater control of our lives and, in fact, to neutralize our humanity. This is being made very easy by the compulsion to obey that most people acquire in response to the socialization experience they suffered as a child.

As a result, there is very little resistance to the coup, and none of which I am aware that is strategically focused. Consequently, the coup is readily measured by the destruction of our rights, freedoms, emotional health, political participation and economic security as well as its devastating impact on the Earth, further complicating the already grave series of interrelated threats to our survival and that of vast numbers of other species with which we share this planet.

As you ponder your response to this coup and the vastly increased threat to our survival, it might be worth remembering the words of David Rockefeller in his autobiography Memoirs , published in 2003:

Some even believe [the Rockefeller family is] part of a secret cabal working against the best interests of the United States, characterizing my family and me as internationalists and of conspiring with others around the world to build a more integrated global political and economic structure  one world, if you will. If thats the charge, I stand guilty, and I am proud of it.

If you believe that Rockefellers vision is benign from the viewpoint of people like you and me, it might be worth reading more about the Rockefeller familys interests in our well-being, starting with the report from 2010 titled Scenarios for the Future of Technology and International Development which discusses four scenarios for the human future in which one is based on Lock Step following a pandemic: A world of tighter top-down government control and more authoritarian leadership, with limited innovation and growing citizen pushback.

Hence, if you share my concern that the time to act powerfully in defence of our humanity, to defeat this elite coup and to fight vigorously and strategically on the many interrelated crises that threaten human extinction, then you are welcome to become involved in one or more of the ways suggested above.

Whatever we do, however, it is vitally important that we do not submissively obey the global elite and its agents such as international organizations, governments, corporations and the mainstream media. The elite and its agents might wear a benign smile at times but their loyalty is not to us or to the Earth. They are too insane to have loyalty to either; their loyalty is to themselves exclusively and we are expendable.

So I gently encourage you to have a good look at the evidence for yourself and to act while we still have some personal autonomy and political space to do so. If we do not act now, we will not have this autonomy and space for much longer and human extinction will follow imminently.
Top letters: Electoral College should stay; attacks on Fauci are outrageous; US virus response has been hampered
Dr. Aenor Sawyer, an orthopedist at UCSF, was working on a coronavirus project to decontaminate masks in late March when she learned a startling fact: California had stockpiled 21 million N95 masks, and all of them were expired.

By that time the pandemic had already taken hold in the U.S., and hospitals and first responders across the country were scrambling to get their hands on the virus-blocking face coverings and other personal protective equipment, or PPE.

UCSF had its own stockpile of N95 masks  80,000 given to the hospital by state officials  and these too were expired. They remained stored in a warehouse, unused and useless.

But Sawyer, a self-described fix-it person, saw an opportunity.

At that point I thought, Wow, we have a really great need for masks  not only in the hospital, but in the community, Sawyer said. We were just desperate trying to figure out how to get PPE.

Sawyer and Toby Ricco, an engineer and entrepreneur, spent the next few weeks with volunteers developing a method to refurbish the masks by adding a new elastic band. While the masks couldnt meet their original N95 certification, they could certainly serve a purpose in nonmedical settings, as people across the world were being told to mask up in public.

Over the past month, Sawyer and a crew of volunteers  they call themselves the Scrappy Strappers  have refurbished roughly 10,000 of the masks, and they plan to distribute the reconditioned respirators to organizations in desperate need, including local homeless shelters and retirement facilities. The hope is the initiative stretches beyond the Bay Area and U.S., as its become apparent there may be millions of expired masks sitting in storage across the globe.

We are going to be living with these new standards of safety, Sawyer said. We should use the resources that we have to the best of our ability, and we should scale up our ability to produce.

Sawyer and Ricco tested different materials and methods to replace the elastic bands, and they used a 10-pound kettle ball to measure the amount of weight the straps could pull until they snapped. A new mask can hold about seven pounds of force, while the refurbished masks are estimated to hold about five to seven pounds of force.

They settled on replacing the masks original strap by tying a knot at each end of a foot-long flat elastic band and stapling it to hold. Each refurbished respirator notes that it is no longer certified as an N95 mask, thanks to an X drawn in red Sharpie over its faint, original stamped label.

There is no intention to distribute the masks for use in medical environments, but they still offer substantial protection for people in non-health care settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently said expired respirators are more effective than simple surgical masks or improvised face coverings like bandannas.

As Sawyer and Ricco started to enlist help from others, they also developed a uniform procedure and standards to ensure the masks are safely refurbished. Volunteers handling the masks are checked for symptoms, and they must wear masks and gloves.

As more individuals started helping Sawyer and Ricco, it became a matter of scaling the operation.

Lauren Duensing, who serves as director of business development and operations at Riccos startup, Bimotal, offered to ask for volunteers from her church, Creekside Community Church in Alamo. The church got on board, and Duensing mapped out the process to scale production.

But the group still needed help to transport the thousands of duckbill respirators. Duensing remembered she knows the owner of a container company that operates out of Concord, Phil Herndon, so she contacted him.

Give me 24 hours, Ill take care of it, he told her.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Herndon used a truck and a container to move 30,000 masks two weeks ago, and he plans to pick up 40,000 from the schools warehouse. He also developed what he called a little rig that spools elastic and slices it into the appropriate size.

As of midweek, Herndon said with a chuckle, he had 22 kilometers (24,060 yards) of elastic at his home. The elastic will be cut into the tiny strap-size strips that will go into mask-refurbishing kits.

Herndon has encouraged other container company owners around the country to join the initiative and ask their local hospitals whether they have any expired masks.

You see reports of people in rest homes being told to wear coffee filters, Herndon said. Its just mind-boggling that on one side you have all these masks and the other side you have all this need.

The Scrappy Strappers have refurbished 10,000 masks in just four recent volunteer sessions at the church in Alamo, and theyre now trying to scale operations throughout the state. The group has posted a seven-page, 12-step repair guide on its website and started contacting organizations they know can help them accomplish their mission.

The group plans to train coordinators from seven other churches to show them how to refurbish the masks and pass on that knowledge. Sawyer said shes also writing local health officials to see if any of them have expired stockpiles of the same duckbill masks.

Its this concept of: Many hands make light work, Sawyer said. So many people are motivated to be part of the solution in some way.

Alejandro Serrano is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alejandro.serrano@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @serrano_alej
Plans are being developed across all levels of academia to figure out how in-person education can safely resume come fall after the last two months of the 2019-20 school year were taught remotely as campuses shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Illinois Colleges plan is a work in progress, school officials say, though the school is developing its plan based on the hope that it will be able to hold classes on campus this fall.

Under Gov. J.B. Pritzkers reopening plan for the state, in-person education will be allowed to resume in Phase 4. Illinois currently is in Phase 2 but is expected to move to Phase 3 by the beginning of June.

IC has established a task force to develop the schools plans for fall  for a variety of scenarios, including the potential for continued remote learning.

Illinois College is preparing to hold in-person classes this fall, while continuing to plan for alternative scenarios should local, state or federal restrictions be in place for the operation of higher education institutions, a statement from IC said. IC is committed to limiting the disruption of students education in any scenario. A task force has been assembled to examine the precautions that would need to be taken as the college aims to welcome students back to campus in late August.

The fall semester is scheduled to begin Aug. 25, but that could change.

The Illinois State Board of Education is working with state health officials to help develop plans for primary institutions, but state Superintendent Carmen Ayala said the board recommends local districts begin making their own plans for social distancing, extra cleaning and new procedures to increase health practices as schools.

I know many of you are eager for more  for guidance on how to plan for the start of next school year and for when students return to the classroom, Ayala said in a May 15 letter. We are eager, too. But we cannot lose sight of the fact that these considerations are matters of life and death.

State and local school officials will be working to establish all necessary plans with the help of health officials, Ayala said.

We are working closely with public health experts to ensure that any recommendations we provide to you contain the information you will need to welcome your students and staff back safely with minimal risk to their health and well being, Ayala said.

Lincoln Land Community College also is developing plans.

According to Lynn Whalen, executive director of public relations for LLCC, the college is working with local health officials and the Illinois Department of Public Health on its plan.

The college is weighing all options and making plans for various scenarios for the fall semester, Whalen said. The (LLCC) president will announce plans for fall as soon as they are finalized.

LLCCs summer courses were moved online with the potential for some in-person labs late in the summer, if allowed. The school also is already adding more online options.

Additional online classes are being added for summer and fall, and more faculty are being trained to teach online, Whalen said. LLCC has a long history of excellence in online learning and was recently reapproved at the highest level to offer distance education by the Higher Learning Commission.
In the avalanche of articles about the Coronavirus, from time to time, an article surfaces regarding the sacrifices of younger people for older more vulnerable people. The economic fallout from the virus is likely to affect the employment opportunities and earning capacity of working adults for years. Meanwhile, older people will continue to live off pensions and superannuation, which may decrease in value but is likely to continue to support them. Our prime minister was asked about this at one of his many press conferences. I was encouraged to hear him reply that he governs for all Australians regardless of their age, health or status. All Australians are worth making sacrifices for. All are worth protecting.

Christianity holds the view that all people are created in the image of God and therefore have worth and value, even if they are never able to contribute to society or are no longer able to do so. However, the media tells us that we live in a post-Christian society, that God is irrelevant and science holds all the answers to the origins of life. Children are taught evolution theory in our schools which holds to the principle of the Survival of the Fittest. The scientific evidence indicates its the strongest of the species that survives and the weakest perish. This is the logical outcome of evolution. Therefore, it is a valid question to ask why are we protecting the vulnerable?

Protecting the vulnerable

Authorities are closing businesses, upgrading hospital equipment and fining dissenters. Doctors, nurses and other health professionals are putting their own health and safety at risk, and not only their own but also the health and safety of their families. If were only the chance result of an evolutionary process, one wonders why they would do this.

Atheists seem to get offended when we ask why they are doing good to the weakest of society. Why they are sacrificing their comfort and conveniences to help those who evolution has chosen to eliminate? Its not that Christians think that atheists are incapable of doing good, but rather we wonder how it logically fits into their worldview.

I know atheists argue that these ethical principles come naturally to them so it must be an outworking of evolution, but scientifically its a difficult position to uphold.

A better explanation

Christianity provides a better explanation. Paul writes, Even Gentiles, who do not have Gods written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that Gods law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right Romans chapter 2 verses 14 and 15.

Christianity believes in a Creator who is outside his creation and therefore able to cause its origin and design. This Creator God has also chosen to give us free will, an enormous privilege that many use to deny his existence, but its a true demonstration of his love for us. God wants us to freely choose to reciprocate his love, without our free will this wouldnt be possible.

During this current crisis, instinctively those in authority, Christian, those of other faiths and atheists, are making decisions to protect the vulnerable and Im glad. Gods law is written in their hearts and their conscience tells them its the right thing to do.
Actor Rana Daggubati recently revealed to his fans through social media that he has found himself the perfect life partner. The Baahubali star said he had proposed to Miheeka Bajaj and she said yes.

Not many knew about Rana and Miheeka being in a relationship until the announcement. Now, the actor has revealed all about his proposal and their families reactions to the big news in an interview. Speaking to Indian Express, Rana said Miheeka has an event management company and is into fine, nice things.

Miheeka was brought up in Hyderabad. She lives right next to us in Jubilee Hills. She can speak Telugu, not fluent in it but yes. Also, our worlds are the same. The fun fact is that she is friends with my family, and I know her circle of friends in Mumbai, he said about her. Talking about the proposal, Rana said Miheeka already knew what he was calling her about.

She knew where Im getting at when I called her. And then she met me in person, thats it. I remember I said a bunch of things together. For me, it was serious. It was commitment. When I met her, thats the time I felt I am ready to do this. It was that simple, for real, he said. Rana added that he never consciously thought about marrying or not marrying someone from the film industry. I never thought about it. I met her, I liked her, and thats it. I found love, he said.

Also see: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai fans cant keep calm as Archana Puran Singh aka Miss Braganza shares message for Anupam Khers Malhotra

The actor agrees that he chose a weird time to tie the knot considering the coronavirus pandemic that has gripped the world. When asked whether his wedding will be grand, he said, Depends on the worlds situation. I found the strangest time to get married (chuckles).

The couple shared pictures from a ceremony recently when their families met each other. And its official, he captioned a picture of the couple. Rana sported a white shirt with a matching lungi, while his fiancee wore a multicoloured sari. Miheeka also shared photographs of the ceremony and wrote, To the beginning of forever.

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Like many creche owners, Regina Bushell has spent recent weeks pacing her premises. She been measuring up the space, and re-enacting the myriad mundane routines of everyday childcare that are now impossible in coronavirus land.

The reimagining is tortuous, right down to how a child should enter the facility. Should parents be allowed inside? Should staff members go outside and collect the child from the car? "And how will we then ensure that [the staff member] is not crossing over with other parents who drop their children off?"

Bushell, who is also chair of Seas Suas, an independent association of childcare providers, has a plan in place for her own chain of creches in the midlands which "luckily" have plenty of space.

"We have two main areas for cars. Staff from inside will be assigned to go to the car to take the child, provided the child is happy to go with the staff member," she said.

Expand Close A childcare shortage looms as creches close down and others will not reopen after the Covid-19 crisis / Facebook

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Whatsapp A childcare shortage looms as creches close down and others will not reopen after the Covid-19 crisis

"Ideally, you want parents out of the centre altogether. The children's hands are disinfected outside, wash inside and possibly changing shoes and into a uniform as well. They would probably have to be washed and dried at the centre, rather than taken home."

These are all surmountable. "All of that is workable - once we know what we are working with," she said.

Therein lies the problem.

Read More

Childcare centres will open on a phased basis for frontline care workers from June 29 and, if that goes well, to all parents. As of last Friday, providers were still without any public health advice on how to prepare for the safe return of more than 200,000 children to their services.

It has been two months since Covid-19 restrictions forced childcare facilities to close on March 12.

The first six weeks of Covid-19 lockdown was spent trying and failing to solve the problem of how to provide safe childcare for the country's 100,000-plus frontline workers who were essential to the running of the country but left high and dry when it came to childcare.

The Government proposed sending child minders into the homes of frontline workers. But the scheme was scrapped because only six providers applied to participate. Two weeks ago, the Minister for Children, Katherine Zappone, appointed an advisory group on the phased reopening of childcare.

And, finally, she announced a solution. Not a perfect one. But for child-harried parents withering from home-schooling while juggling jobs, it is a start.

Do as the Norwegians do.

Children are organised into pods of between three and six children. They stay in their pods all day. They are minded by the same staff member and play with the same toys. Opening times are staggered and parents hand over children from their cars. A similar model in Denmark is strict down to the square metres of floor space allocated to children: six square metres per child for nursery children.

Since the minister's announcement, associations representing childcare providers have been overwhelmed with questions from providers and parents.

What about lunch breaks? How do creche owners avoid cross-contamination between pods? And what if the groups are reduced, and that means fewer children and fewer staff required to look after that?

Workers were advised not to hold meetings in the same room with others for longer than two hours. In creches, staff work eight, nine, 10 hours, and must, by necessity, be in the same rooms as the children they are minding.

Can large rooms accommodate two pods of children or is there a limit of one per room?

Early Childhood Ireland (ECI), which represents 3,800 childcare providers, said the measures will be challenging.

"If there is a staff member in a room with four children and a fifth child arrives later, what staff member goes out to get the fifth child from the car? We hope that the guidelines will operate at that level. That they will dig down into that, paint a picture as well as offer strong advice," said Frances Byrne, ECI director of policy.

There was one piece of clarity. The minister also said last week that social distancing for children is unworkable.

"Our members have been saying there's just no way you could do that," said Byrne. "And I think to get that clarity from the minister was really welcome."

But has this talk of creches meant that other solutions are overlooked?

Dr Lisa Wilson, an economist with the Nevin Institute, published a study last week which shows almost half of families with dependent children in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland rely on their wider family circle to help with childcare. In the Republic, this figure is 50pc, while 34pc rely on childminders and 25pc on creche facilities.

"The majority of people don't use creches to meet their childcare needs," she said. "So perhaps something we should be thinking of doing is what they're starting to do in New Zealand."

One of the poster countries in terms of its response to Covid-19, New Zealand is promoting gradually expanding household "bubbles" as the safe way back to childcare. Householders are urged to keep their bubbles "exclusive", admitting few new members and doing so slowly and carefully. But as restrictions have eased, household "bubbles" have been allowed to admit childminders or care providers into their units.

"I think that might be a more sensible place to start in terms of how you get the majority of your childcare needs met," she said. Not every family can do this, but some can. "Mixing with your family, you're going to know a lot more about how they interact and who with," she said.

"I don't think there is any easy answer because you know that the people that parents rely on tend to be older people," she added. But grandparents are fit and healthy 50-and 60-something- year-olds and outside the net of cocooners.

"There are still a lot of people within the wider family and friends other than grandparents that you might, you know, do it in a way that you haven't before," she said.

There are no easy solutions, she acknowledges. But from the get-go, she suggested, authorities appear to have given "little consideration to the misalignment" between reopening the economy without access to childcare.

Having met four times with her advisory team, the minister now plans to bring her Norwegian-inspired proposal and detailed guidelines to cabinet in a week to 10 days.

She acknowledged last week that staff may lose their jobs, creches may take in fewer children, and providers must make hard choices as to who to accept and who to turn away.

"We don't want parents to have to pay more because of that, and we don't want the providers to run into debt because of that," she told Newstalk.

The Government, she confirmed, is examining funding models to keep creche providers afloat.

"We can't be in a scenario, and we've said this very clearly, where staff are let go, because the sector must reopen fully whenever that happens," said Frances Byrne of Early Childhood Ireland.

The Nordic childcare models are heavily State subsidised. In Ireland, creches can't be allowed to go to the wall because "we will need the sector to reopen fully whenever this is all over", said Byrne.

"And we will need staff to go into those jobs. We have made that very clear. There needs to be funding solutions for all of that."
Victorians will be able to host 20 people in their homes, overnight stays will be allowed and swimming pools will reopen with limited numbers under an easing of restrictions from next month.

A wide range of activities will be allowed from June 1, including community sport, beauty therapy and visits to galleries and museums, but the numbers will be strictly controlled.

Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a widespread easing of restrictions. Credit:AAP

On Sunday morning, Premier Daniel Andrews announced a more immediate set of restrictions to be eased this Tuesday, with public playgrounds, skateparks and outdoor gyms allowed to reopen with a limit of 10 people.

Victorians can finally book holidays, with accommodation providers and campsites allowed to reopen next month, as long as they do not offer shared facilities.
New Delhi :

Morphed obscene pictures of about 50 girls mostly from Mathura were circulated on social media causing extreme distress to the victims and their families.

According to the primary investigation, the girls photographs have been superimposed on nude and semi-nude pictures and circulated on WhatsApp with their names, addresses, depicting them as call girls.

Earlier, similar incident had happened in Nov 2015 also. Kanak Dhara Foundation, an NGO working for women assured of informing the matter to PMO and Chief Ministers office. A case has been registered under relevant sections against the unknown perpetrators. Cyber cell is investigating the matter.

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SpaceX founder and chief engineer Elon Musk attends a post-launch news conference to discuss the SpaceX Crew Dragon astronaut capsule in-flight abort test at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S. January 19, 2020.

REUTERS/Steve Nesius

Bad weather might push SpaceX's historic first flight of NASA astronauts to its backup launch date on May 30.

Forecasts show just a 40% chance that rain and clouds won't make conditions unsafe for the scheduled launch on Wednesday.

Rockets can trigger lightning strikes, winds can throw launches off course, and powerful waves can make evacuations dangerous.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Clouds and rain could thwart the historic first launch of NASA astronauts in a SpaceX spacecraft on Wednesday.

The mission, called Demo-2, will fly seasoned NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley in the company's Crew Dragon spaceship. The flight's success would effectively resurrect human spaceflight from America after nearly a decade of dormancy.

But a forecast of cloudiness, rain, and isolated thunderstorms leaves only a 40% chance that the spacecraft will be able to safely launch on Wednesday, according to the space wing of the US Air Force.

If the rain makes launch untenable, SpaceX and NASA will fall to their backup date: Saturday, May 30.

SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft integrated with a Falcon 9 rocket in a hangar at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A on May 20, 2020.

SpaceX via Twitter

Lightning, rain, or heavy clouds during launch could all endanger the Falcon 9 rocket that will carry the Crew Dragon, Behnken, and Hurley to space.

"You could trigger lightning," Tim Garner, a meteorologist in charge at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said on a NASA podcast in 2017. "[A rocket's] mere presence in a high electric field will be that thing that sets off the lightning strike."

That happened to the Apollo 12 mission twice in 1969. The astronauts inside the rocket later said they felt the lightning strike, and it disabled nine non-essential instrument sensors.

'We don't launch until we know that we're ready'

Beyond storms, less obvious weather dynamics can throw a rocket off course. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has said that high-altitude wind shear "hits like a sledgehammer." That can cause "control problems," according to NASA's weather criteria for launching Falcon 9.

Story continues

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley (front) participate in a SpaceX flight simulation of the planned Demo-2 test-flight mission in March 2020.

SpaceX via NASA

Those criteria outline the weather conditions needed for the rocket to launch safely, including no lightning or thunderstorm anvil clouds within 10 nautical miles, no cloud layer thicker than 4,500 feet with freezing temperatures, and no cumulus clouds with freezing temperatures.

Weather is important beyond the launch site. SpaceX monitors weather conditions at over 50 locations, "which means from here in Florida all the way up the eastern seaboard of North America, United States and Canada, and all the way over basically to Ireland," Benji Reed, the company's director of Crew Mission Management, said in a flight readiness briefing on Friday.

The company even monitors the velocity and height of waves in the Atlantic Ocean.

"We need to make sure that if the crew had to come down, in a launch escape scenario, that they would come down in a sea state that would keep them safe, and that the rescue forces would be able to come and get them," Reed said. "We don't launch until we know that we're ready."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Binduri District Police Headquarters fully funded by Binduri District Assembly has been commissioned and handed over to the Police administration.

The building has male and female cells, offices, armoury, washrooms, District Commanders office and other ancillary spaces and circulation areas.

The state-of-the-art facility was jointly commissioned by the Bawku Divisional Police Commander, ACP Yao Tettegah, and the District Chief Executive Yakubu Ayinga Abagre, assisted by representatives of the Binduri Chief Naba Robert Akolbila Akoum II, the Kaadi Chief Naba Asuguru and Naba Adams Boko.

ACP Yao Tettegah praised the DCE and the traditional authorities in the area for their collective efforts to put up the edifice to fight crime in the area.

ACP Tettegah urged the people to cooperate with the police personnel who are posted to the district to discharge their duties efficiently for the peace and safety of the community members.

He called on the Assembly to construct them a new accommodation for the personnel

The project commenced in February 2020 and was completed in May.

The District Chief Executive, Yakubu Abagre Ayinga said Binduri was under the Bawku Municipal Police Command despite being a district on its own in 2012.

He said residents and commuters of various major markets in the area had been terrorized by armed robbers for far too long hence the need to boost the security in the district.

According to the DCE, the police station project was one of the first he and the assembly tackled when he assumed office as DCE due to the myriad of security challenges in the district.

The assembly, he noted, would continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to beef up security in the district to promote economic activities.

Speaking on behalf of the chiefs and people of Binduri divisional area Yakubu Akolbila, a Bio Technician who represented the Chief of the area commended the Assembly in their effort to fight crime in the area.

Present at the occasion were the parliamentary candidate for Binduri, Abdulai Abanga, NPP party constituency chairman and other government officials.
The loss of Australian sovereignty within the American alliance is rarely raised amid the current alarm about whether the US is a reliable ally. Successive prime ministers have given the US a de facto veto over whether Australia can use its own weapons systems to defend itself.

Australia's newest warplane, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter ... Israel is the only country allowed even a partial role in repairing its electronic systems. Credit:Joe Armao

At the same time, they have allowed Australian forces to become so tightly integrated into the Pentagons that it presumes Australia will automatically participate in a horrendous new American war, even when its an illegal act of aggression like the invasion of Iraq.

The erosion of our national sovereignty has not occurred suddenly. A Parliamentary Library research paper warned back in 2001 that American restrictions meant Australia could only use its advanced weapons for a short time before they became inoperable. Since then, Australia has become more reliant on complex weapons systems whose sensitive components have to be sent back to America for maintenance and repairs. Perversely, American secrecy prevents Australian personnel from learning how to perform these tasks.

The US also denies Australia access to the computer source code essential to operate key electronic components in its ships, planes, missiles, sensors and so on. Israel is the only country allowed even a partial role in repairing the electronic systems at the heart of the troubled-plagued F-35 fighter planes Australia is also acquiring.
The coronavirus pandemic was never solely a threat to public health. Fear of the virus as well as the need to temper its spread with physical distancing and business shutdowns put the health of the economy in jeopardy. And last week, Oregonians got its first glimpse of just how bad the economic damage may be.

The numbers are shocking. State economists project the state will collect $2.7 billion less revenue than expected in the current budget cycle ending June 30, 2021, with income tax, corporate activity tax and other revenue sources taking a 20% to 25% hit in the near term. The pain doesnt end there, however. They forecast the state will bring in $4.4 billion less in the 2021-2023 biennium and $3.4 billion less for the two-year cycle after that. Employment and revenue wont match pre-pandemic levels until 2024 or 2025, state economist Mark McMullen told legislators. And this is assuming theres not a serious health setback that causes peoples confidence and the recovery to nosedive.

Its hard to fathom how dramatically Oregons fortunes have changed from the record-low unemployment and strong outlook of just three months ago. Another federal coronavirus relief package may be in the works that can help ease the pain. But the states leaders will still need to readjust quickly and map a strategy that will help Oregonians weather the shock, ensure continuing public health needs are met and support an economic recovery. While state agencies have already submitted proposed budget cuts and a special session is not on the calendar, the governor, legislators and local leaders should put Oregon in the best position to succeed by keeping some ideas in mind:

Ensure state agencies can handle a surge and communicate if theres a problem: Its too late now to upgrade an ancient system that was supposed to have been replaced years ago, as the Oregon Employment Department has learned. But state and local agencies need to have a clear grasp of their capacity for handling applications for food stamps, Medicaid coverage, rental assistance and other safety net services. They also must be prepared to communicate quickly and frequently with Oregonians if their services are overwhelmed. Unfortunately for thousands of people who have been waiting weeks for an unemployment check and been frustrated by jammed phone lines, Oregons Employment Department has failed to do either, as The Oregonian/OregonLives Mike Rogoway has reported. While the agency has added hundreds to its payroll and finally appears to be working through the last tranch of claims filed before March 28, theres been limited communication from Director Kay Erickson and Gov. Kate Brown as this debacle continues into a third month. That reflects a disturbing lack of concern for the thousands of restaurant workers, clerks, drivers and others who have lost their incomes and face mounting bills.

Freeze salaries and delay raises and cost-of-living increases: Despite requiring supermajority legislative approval, its almost a foregone conclusion that the state will dip  or dive  into the states reserve funds. The health of the educational stability fund and rainy-day fund, which collectively have $1.6 billion  is one of the few bits of good news to come out of the economic forecast. But it would represent a huge missed opportunity  not to mention an odd statement of priorities  if some of those dollars went to a mass increase in compensation for existing workers versus stretching them to prevent layoffs, expand services or supplement allocations such as school funding. Unfortunately, the governor has not taken steps to freeze compensation for executives and managers nor has she committed to even talking with the states unions to delay the significant raises and cost-of-living increases that go in effect this summer. Her chief of staff, Nik Blosser, said that the governor is not ruling anything out, but will not comment on particular proposals as her office continues to examine each agencys proposed cuts.

But consider the example set by the unions representing Portlands firefighters and Portland Police commanding officers, which had negotiated raises prior to the shutdown. Amid the pandemic and the crashing economy, they agreed to significant concessions in advance of the contracts going to City Council for consideration, as Willamette Weeks Nigel Jaquiss reported  $4.7 million over two years to firefighters and $137,000 over one year to commanding officers. The new agreement, as firefighters union president Alan Ferschweiler said, was meant to show that we are committed to the citizens we serve. That sacrifice from people who already put their lives on the line for the public speaks volumes about their dedication.

Support the leading role businesses must play in a recovery: While the need for government services will only grow in this crisis, the private sector will be the engine to bring the economy back to life. As economist Josh Lehner with the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis told legislators, the biggest risk of permanent damage to the state economy is the loss of firms. A recovery depends on businesses being there to hire people once the health threat abates.

That means first and foremost providing a safe and healthy climate in which businesses can operate. While the state cant affect how quickly a vaccine is developed, it can and must closely monitor, track and respond to surges in COVID-19 cases as counties reopen. As McMullen said, if people do not feel confident reopening businesses, returning to work and frequenting restaurants, then our economic recovery will suffer.

Additionally, state and local agencies should focus on preserving businesses, removing bureaucratic hurdles and looking for ways to help new ventures access capital  particularly if banks are reticent to do so on their own.

Resist pork-barrel politics: Its a great time to borrow money for infrastructure projects, and many have already discussed the dual win that comes from breaking ground on big projects that will employ workers and deliver a needed benefit when completed. For example, House Speaker Tina Kotek mentioned transportation and seismic resiliency projects or school renovations that would tap local funds as well.

But as University of Oregon economist Tim Duy noted to the editorial board, leaders must avoid the pressure to treat debt capacity as pork barrel funding and seek to spread projects out across different constituencies. Its going to be spread out like butter on toast if we dont have some kind of thoughts on what we are trying to do, he said.

Certainly, its challenging to know how to rebuild a state amid an international health crisis. While Oregons response likely wont be perfect, sticking to pragmatic priorities will help light the path.

The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 09:30:13|Editor: huaxia

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PYONGYANG, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The ruling party of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has held a military meeting on measures and policies to improve the country's armed forces to defend its sovereignty and stability, the state news agency reported on Sunday.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the fourth enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) set forth "new policies for further increasing the nuclear war deterrence of the country and putting the strategic armed forces on a high alert operation."

DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un chaired the meeting, the report said, without mentioning the exact date.

The meeting also discussed "crucial measures for considerably increasing the firepower strike ability of the artillery pieces of the Korean People's Army," the KCNA reported.

At the meeting, Kim "put main emphasis on thoroughly realizing the party's monolithic leadership" over the army, and signed seven orders including reorganizing the military commanding system and enhancing the roles of major military educational institutions.

The meeting elected Ri Pyong Chol as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, the report said. Enditem
HOUSTON, May 23 (Xinhua) -- China's economic improvement will be critically important in revitalizing the global economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a U.S. scholar has said.

Jon R. Taylor, political science professor and department chair at the University of Texas at San Antonio, told Xinhua in a recent interview that the world is currently facing the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. Since China has largely gotten COVID-19 under control, its economy has gradually reopened.

"This is exceedingly important as other nations like the U.S. are still in the beginning phases of reopening," he said.

Although the outbreak has big impact on consumer spending, real estate, and small and medium-sized enterprises in China, Taylor believed China's economy will bounce back in the second half of the year.

"I think that we will see a gradual improvement in China's economy as the year proceeds," he said, adding that high-tech areas that enhance indigenous innovation, green and smart technology will likely to emerge and thrive in the post-pandemic era.

In terms of international collaboration, the professor said he would like to see countries learning from the pandemic and strengthening ties to achieve collective development.

"One would hope that we would see greater cooperation and an emphasis on developing greater consensus within a global governance framework," he commented.
Taking a dig at the state government, Akhilesh Yadav said, 'There is no need to ban mobile phone but to sanitise.'

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday lashed out at the Uttar Pradesh government for banning COVID-19 patients to carry mobile phones in the isolation wards and said that the decision has been taken to hide "mismanagement and plight of the hospitals" from the public.

"If the infection spreads through mobiles, they should be banned in the entire country along with the isolation wards. This (mobile phones) becomes mental support during loneliness. This ban is aimed at hiding mismanagement and plight of the hospitals from the public," Yadav tweeted.

Taking a dig at the state government, the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh said, "There is no need to ban mobile phone but to sanitise".

The Uttar Pradesh government had prohibited patients admitted in dedicated L-2 and L-3 COVID hospitals to take mobile phones along with them in the isolation wards so as to check the spread of coronavirus infection.

As per the orders, two mobile phones will be available with the ward in-charge of the COVID care centres so that patients can talk to their family members and administration if required. Further, the orders specify that the mobile numbers should be communicated to the family members of the patients.

"This is to inform that patients admitted in dedicated L-2 and L-3 hospitals are not allowed to take mobile phones along in the isolation wards as its spread infection," read a letter by Director General Medical Education, KK Gupta to all concerned officials and Directors of dedicated COVID hospitals.

"To facilitate the communication between COVID-19 patients admitted in clinics, with their family members, or anyone else, ensure that two dedicated mobile phones while adhering to infection prevention norms, are kept with ward in-charge of COVID care centre..." read the order.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: There seems to be no respite for Tamil Nadu. With 759 fresh cases, the States COVID-19 tally crossed the 15,000-mark, reaching 15,512, on Saturday. Five more people died, taking the toll to 103. Chennai had 625 cases, while 49 cases were among the people returning from other States and countries  including five from the Philippines and seven from the UK.

Districts neighbouring the capital city too saw a steady rise in cases, with Tiruvallur reporting 22, Chengalpattu 39 and Kancheepuram 13 new patients. All the patients who died on Saturday were from Chennai, had co-morbidities and were over 50 years of age. The city now accounts for 72 of the total deaths in the State, while it has 5,865 active cases.

As many as 74 people who returned from other countries have tested positive so far. Of tem 38 initially tested negative, but tested positive on exit after seven days. Of the 5,136 people who returned by trains till May 23, five have tested positive, while, 818 samples are still under process.

Meanwhile, 363 more people were discharged on Saturday, taking the number of discharged patients to 7,491, which is almost on par with the 7,915 cases currently active. The number of people tested so far in the State will soon reached 4 lakh, with 12,155 people being tested on Saturday alone. The number of testing labs too has risen to 68.


North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks during a meeting of the Seventh Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party in this photo image released by the Korean Central News Agency, Sunday. Yonhap



Defense meeting seen as bid to press US ahead of November presidential election



By Yi Whan-woo



North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided over a key defense meeting of the ruling Workers' Party and discussed "new measures to enhance nuclear war deterrence of the country," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and other state-controlled media outlets reported Sunday.



Analysts said the discussion is seen as a bid to press the Donald Trump administration over the stalled nuclear dialogue ahead of the U.S presidential election in November.



The analysts speculated, depending on the U.S. response, firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) or an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) can be possible around the 70th anniversary of the Korean War on June 25.



Cheong Wa Dae said it is analyzing what the North meant by new measures, adding "This is all we can say at this moment."



The seventh meeting of the party's Central Military Commission, according to experts, addresses as well Kim's efforts to tighten discipline within the military in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.



Sources familiar with Pyongyang said the North's Korean People's Army has been no exception from social distancing and that drills and other group activities have been "seriously affected."






CNB Bank & Trust has been helping small and local businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.

As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, the Small Business Administration launched the Paycheck Protection Program, allowing small businesses to apply for a loan that can help keep workers employed during the outbreak.

CNB has processed 836 loans totaling more than $75 million for small businesses within its communities.

Funds also have been allocated for member and associate member institutions of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago to receive up to $20,000 in COVID-19 relief grants. CNB Bank & Trust received the grant and decided to match it with $20,000 of its own money. In total, $40,000 will be donated to food shelters in the 17 branch communities the bank serves, with each food shelter receiving at least $2,000.

CNB Bank & Trust is always happy to give back to the communities we serve, said Tony Heitzig, a CNB regional president. We are fortunate to have the means available to help make a difference in the lives of those most in need during these uncertain times.

CNB Bank & Trust has 19 locations, including Carlinville, Carrollton, Chapin, Jerseyville, Pittsfield and three in Jacksonville.



The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service has awarded $10.2 million in federal grants to place 719 AmeriCorps members in 13 programs.

The awards include $3.9 million in education awards that AmeriCorps members can use to pay for college or pay off student loans after their service. AmeriCorps programs will match the funds with an additional $15.9 million in local funding.

AmeriCorps members dedicate up to one year to help communities meet unmet economic, education, health and other needs.

The federal grants will be used for services in Illinois, including tutoring and mentoring at-risk youth, preparing communities to respond effectively to emergencies, feeding those in need, providing legal support services, helping incarcerated individuals re-enter their communities, promoting environmental stewardship, supporting veterans, and improving youth and adult literacy.

 Compiled by David C.L. Bauer
An aircraft will take off from the Hindon airport for Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand on Monday, marking the resumption of domestic flight services after nearly two-month hiatus following the coronavirus lockdown, officials said on Sunday.

The Ghaziabad district administration has drafted standard operating procedures (SOPs) to resume the flight services. The first flight after the lockdown will take off at 4.45 pm on Monday, District Magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey told PTI.

He said the municipal commissioner, regional transport officer and chief medical officer have been instructed to make public transport arrangements to ensure proper connectivity to the airport so that passengers may not face any problem.

Health checkup and screening of the passengers, proper disposal of biohazardous material will also be ensured, he said.

Project director of district rural development agency, P N Dixit, has been designated the nodal officer for compliance of SOP for resumption of the flight services, DM Pandey added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Spending close to 20 violent seconds being contorted underwater by a monster wave can be enjoyable if you want it to be.

At least that's what Sydney surfer Nick Carroll thinks.

Nick and his brother, former world champion surfer Tom, were among a select few who braved the five metre swell on Saturday as it lashed the NSW coastline.

Big waves at Austinmer Beach on the high tide. Credit:Kirk Gilmour

The brothers spent Saturday morning paddling into some of the biggest, cleanest surf to land on Sydney's coastline in years.
Document about steps Myanmar took for protecting Rohingya from genocide is with ICJ, official says as critics cry foul.

Myanmar has submitted its first report to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), detailing what it has done to protect the minority Rohingya from genocide.

The Hague-based court issued a provisional order in January, asking Myanmar to safeguard the mostly Muslim group in western Rakhine state as part of provisional measures at the start of a trial expected to take years.

The top UN court agreed last year to consider a case brought by The Gambia alleging that Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya, an accusation vigorously denied by the government.





Myanmars military in August 2017 launched what it called a clearance operation in Rakhine state in response to an attack by a Rohingya armed group. The crackdown forced more than 730,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh and led to widespread accusations that security forces committed mass murder, gang rape, torture and arson.

A foreign ministry official told Turkeys Anadolu news agency the report submitted on Saturday was based on three directives issued by President Win Myints office in April.

It is unclear if the court will make the report public.

Speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media, the official said the president ordered the regional government and military not to remove or destroy evidence of a genocide.

He also instructed them to prevent genocidal acts as well as incitement and hate speech against the Rohingya.

What I know is that the report was based on what we have done and what we are doing regarding these three directives, said the official.

Milestone

David Scheffer, US ambassador-at-large for war crimes, said before Myanmar filed the report that it was an important milestone.

The world should learn whether Myanmar not only is complying with an international order, but whether it has done so truthfully and without deception or obfuscation, he said.

Scheffer made the remarks in a foreword to a report titled No Place for Optimism: Anticipating Myanmars First Report to the International Court of Justice.





Rohingya groups say Myanmar has ignored the ICJs orders and the military is still committing atrocities in Rakhine state, where it is fighting ethnic Rakhine rebels.

Myanmar has not taken any serious action to protect the Rohingya, said Muhammed Nowkhim, a Rohingya activist based in Bangladesh who fled the 2017 violence.

Nowkhim told DPA news agency that refugee groups in Bangladesh have documented dozens of cases of Rohingya being killed or injured in Rakhine since the ICJ order, often by military shelling.

Stella Naw, a Myanmar-based human rights activist, said the governments directives were disingenuous and aimed at shifting responsibility away from the military.

Theyre always playing the same old game, she told DPA.

Most persecuted

The Rohingya, described by the United Nations as the worlds most persecuted people, have faced heightened fears of attack since dozens were killed in communal violence in 2012.

According to Amnesty International, more than 750,000 Rohingya refugees, mostly women and children, fled Myanmar and crossed into Bangladesh after Myanmar forces launched a crackdown on the community in August 2017.

Since then, nearly 24,000 Rohingya have been killed by Myanmars state forces, according to a report by the Ontario International Development Agency (OIDA).

More than 34,000 Rohingya were also thrown into fires, while more than 114,000 others were beaten, said the OIDA report, titled Forced Migration of Rohingya: The Untold Experience.

As many as 18,000 Rohingya women and girls were raped by Myanmars army and police and more than 115,000 Rohingya homes burned down while 113,000 others were vandalised, it added.
Paleontologists from the Argentine Museum of Natural Sciences said on Monday they found the 70-million-year-old remains of a megaraptor, making it one of the last carnivorous dinosaurs to inhabit the earth, Trend reports citing Reuters.

The discovery was made in the southern province of Santa Cruz in the middle of March this year. After studying the fossils, measuring 10 meters (32 feet), experts realized they were looking at the remains of a predatory dinosaur from the end of the age of dinosaurs.

This is the moment, 65 million years ago, when the extinction of the dinosaurs occurs, and this new megaraptor that we now have to study would be one of the last representatives of this group, Fernando Novas, the paleontologist in charge of the project, told Reuters.

Unlike the Tyrannosaurus rex, the megaraptors were slimmer and built for speed, with long tails that allowed them to keep their balance. They had muscular but elongated legs to take long steps, according to the specialist.

The defining characteristic of the megaraptors was that they had very long arms and that their thumb ended in a claw of approximately 40 centimeters (15 inches), allowing them to catch their prey, he said.
London: Britain has launched a new review into using Huawei in the country's 5G networks, ahead of a Tory revolt over Prime Minister Boris Johnson's green light for the China-based vendor.

Johnson's review comes just days after he flagged tougher foreign investment rules following the coronavirus pandemic, which began in Wuhan, China.

Britain's decision to allow Huawei to take part in the construction of its 5G network has raised concerns in Canberra. Credit:Bloomberg

A spokesperson for the British government said: "The security and resilience of our networks is of paramount importance.

"Following the US announcement of additional sanctions against Huawei, the National Cyber Security Centre is looking carefully at any impact they could have to the UK's networks."
Oregon man caught in Lyon County with $900,000 worth of marijuana
A man is accused of shooting another Sunday morning at the entrance to the Post Oak Hotel in uptown Houston, according to police.

Two guests  both from out of state  got in a verbal spat just before 5:30 a.m. at the luxury hotel at 1600 W. Loop South, said Houston police Executive Assistant Chief Troy Finner.
Institutions mandated to fight corruption in Ghana are on course, doing their very best in dealing with the canker. In an article, I authored, titled Make Office of The Special Prosecutor Independent, I indicated that the Hong Kong Approach of fighting corruption seems replicable in our Country.

Their fight was a three-pronged approach of law enforcement, prevention, and community education. There was an effective collaboration from the communities to augment the efforts of the state.

In Ghana, law enforcement is a challenge for the agencies charged to apply the law ultimately. The law enforcement machinery is kaput. There are a series of corruption and corruption-related issues but these agencies derelict on their duties. The framework for law enforcement is not operational to some extent. The rule of law procedures is flouted on many occasions. Violating the parameters set will negatively affect the determination in fighting corruption.

There are numerous law enforcement agencies in the country that will help apply the law. The fact is these agencies are disintegrated and that has been a bane in eliminating this endemic. The agencies that need to enforce the laws of the country must operate and act in an organised manner. There are many instances where wrongdoings were discovered in the Auditor-General and Accountant-Generals reports but punitive actions were not taken against the culprits. To replicate the Hong Kong approach, the state needs to assess or evaluate the performance of law enforcement agencies and take caution in its strategy. The agencies must be integrated to form a formidable unit to uniformly enforce the law.

The second tier of their approach was prevention of the canker. How will corruption be prevented? This seemingly simple question needs thought-provoking answers.

Corruption is like a demon as suggested by the current Vice President of Ghana. Preventing the demon from its devastating activities is a taxing task. For the next decade, 2020-2030, the country can draw a pragmatic plan to combat corruption. The first half of the decade can take the form of a top-down approach of preventing corruption while the second half takes a bottom-up approach.

According to an American journalist, Howard French as quoted by The New York Times, in each African country, the formula for enrichment, being Corrupt (emphasis mine) differs. In Senegal, World Bank officials have said that Government imports of rice, the staple food, have constituted a major source of unaccounted for revenue for ruling party leaders for years. In Congo, top officials and their relatives sign deals that mortgage the heavily indebted countrys oil earnings in advance [to 2012], in exchange for quick cash.

In Nigeria, the Government awards so-called liftings contracts to its political friends that amount to little more than gifts of handsome commissions on oil contracts. Based on realities like these, a confidential report prepared in 1995by the French Foreign Ministry warned of the criminalization of sub-Saharan Africa by the elites. The prevention of corruption is a difficult undertaking. Public servants use classmates, family members, and acquaintances as a conduit to achieve their goals.

The content of the narrative above is not different in Ghana. There are many issues of corruption infused in government contracts in procuring loans, aircraft, agricultural equipment, etc. The intricate nature of corruption will make its prevention particularly difficult as state actors meander in activities that form the basis for its sprouting. The Parliament of Ghana has been a culprit in the prevention and enforcement of laws in the corruption fight. Parliament has the power to enforce laws and enact laws to prevent corruption but it has been lenient in doing its job.

Community Education, the third tier of the approach adopted in Hong Kong should take the bottom-up approach as I proposed which should begin in the second half of the decade in the new strategic plan to fight corruption. Community Education cannot take any serious form and have a deep impact if those to initiate it are perceived to be extremely corrupt. The government must cleanse itself with the same efforts from the agencies in charge of fighting corruption before embarking on any behaviour-changing community education. A prostitute cannot advise her progenies to desist from an act she finds rewarding herself.

In utilizing the Hong Kong remedy of community involvement through community education, the cleansing must begin from the top. Community Education needs to be a two-tier approach. The top-tier and the down-tier; with the top-tier taking the form of training and seminars for law enforcement agents while the down-tier begins at schools, developed in our curricula. It should also begin in religious groupings namely, Churches and Mosques.

But what sort of education must be given to people who have gone through rigorous training and retraining before their engagements as law enforcers? Education perhaps may take the form of re-learning new and global standards and models for fighting corruption. The current systems may be out-of-date, making their usage difficult, by producing little outcomes.

The down-tier, if it is done properly, will help yield results later as a clean system needs to be built from the bottom. The people who will assume leadership positions in their prime should know the dire consequences of corruption.

Religious organisations essentially must involve in this endeavour to complement the efforts of the state which will take place in schools. Churches have a moral duty to change society. But in the opinion of the public, these churches are corrupted, more corrupt than the state institutions. Where can we seek moral asylum? The mosque too must instil discipline in the people it grooms to act as responsible citizens. Can these religious institutions be trusted when their prior character-shaping activities have failed? The corrupt officials have no background peculiar to a particular religion. Well, let the state try it with a new approach.

Corruption is analogous to crime, unemployment, or the demon, it cannot be eradicated completely but can be reduced to minimal levels. The approach used in Hong Kong can provide us with useful lessons to develop a suitable model for our fight against corruption.

Emmanuel Kwabena Wucharey

Economics Tutor - Kintampo SHS.
COVID-19 affects different communities in different ways.

That is frustrating and unacceptable, Dr. Cameron Webb, an internal medicine doctor at the University of Virginia Medical Center, said Saturday during a virtual town hall hosted by Albemarle County high school students.

Its frustrating and its frightening as a provider when you see the people who look like you are the ones who are filling the beds in the hospital with a disease that we dont fully understand, said Webb, whos also the director of health policy and equity at the University of Virginia and is running for the Democratic nomination for Virginias 5th Congressional District.

Health disparities and the broader COVID-19 pandemic were the focus of the town hall, which also included Janice Underwood, the states chief diversity officer, and Lawrence Pilkey, who works in Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospitals Intensive Care Unit. They fielded questions about the virus, the role of social media in the pandemic and why the disease is disproportionately affecting communities of color.

Youve got to look at this from the perspective of what shapes chronic disease in our community because health doesnt happen in hospitals; it happens in communities, Webb said. It happens where were born, grow, live, learn, eat, play and pray.

As of Saturday, 402 people in the Thomas Jefferson Health District have tested positive for COVID-19. African Americans account for a quarter of the 16 fatalities in the area, 27% of the cases and more than half of the 68 hospitalizations, trends that have held steady since the health district started releasing demographic data in early April.

Naquel Perry Jr., a rising senior at Albemarle High School, moderated the town hall. More than 50 people joined the Zoom call.

Webb and other doctors have pushed for better demographic data about the positive cases in the state. Statewide, African Americans make up nearly 22% of the cases in which race is known, and Hispanics account for almost half of the cases in which ethnicity is known. As of Saturday, race and ethnicity is unknown for about one-third of the states 35,749 cases.

Webb was a few minutes late to the virtual town hall, held over Zoom, because he was assisting with pop-up testing sites for communities of color in Charlottesville. UVa and Martha Jefferson performed the COVID-19 tests at the Jefferson School City Center and Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Webb said more than 300 tests were administered across the two locations  he and public information officers said 174 occurred at Mt. Zion and 150 occurred at the Jefferson School.

With the testings, Webb said doctors are not just showing up, testing individuals and sending them on their way. They have to build trust with the communities.

My patients themselves went to segregated wards, he said, referring to the old University Hospital, which until the 1960s separated black and white patients. And so the reality is we have to acknowledge that history and evaluate that when we say testing for coronavirus for this new and scary disease thats gonna have a different impact on different communities. We had to start by gaining that trust, I believe.

Thats what seeing this through an anti-racist lens looks like, because to me it means that were reversing those systemic structures that are in place that are creating the dynamics and health that were seeing, he said.

Underwood had been working to create a state strategic plan for diversity, equity and inclusion, but that campaign paused during the pandemic. Now, shes leading a health equity task force that has worked to provide personal protective equipment to those who cant socially distance or stay at home and has focused on testing communities of color across the state.

Because what we realized is that those structural inequities that we were fighting against have bubbled up and we see a disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color, in particular, black and Latino communities, she said. ... These structural and racial inequities didnt start with COVID-19 and theyre certainly not going to end with COVID-19.

She also encouraged students on the committee and those at the town hall to ask their parents and other adults if theyve completed the 2020 census and to vote in elections.

Pilkey also provided information about the virus and research into it. He advised students to be skeptical about studies regarding the virus and to look at the sources to try to figure out the validity of the data.

Before the pandemic, the students behind the town hall were part of a committee to implement the school divisions anti-racism policy, which was drafted by students and adopted in February 2019. The policy established reporting requirements on disciplinary actions and racial disparities throughout the division and mandated anti-racism training for staff, a more transparent process for class recommendations and the creation of anti-racist curriculum.

Division staff have worked in the last year to devise a plan to carry out the various provisions of the policy. One such provision called for the creation of a student committee to assist with the policy. The students named their leadership committee the Student Equity & Advisory Team, or SEAT, to highlight the importance of everyone having a place at the table.

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Top stories from the western region at 1730 hrs. MH-FLIGHTS-UDDHAV



Need more time to resume Mumbai airport operations: Maha CM



Mumbai: A day ahead of partial resumption of domestic flight services in the country amidst the lockdown, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday sought more time from the Civil Aviation Ministry for restarting the operations at the Mumbai international airport.

BOM1 MH-LOCKDOWN-FLIGHTS-MINISTER Ill-advised to reopen airports in red zone: Maha home minister



Mumbai: Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh has said it is "extremely ill-advised" to reopen airports in red zone amid the coronavirus pandemic.

BOM8 MH-VIRUS-THACKERAY It was wrong to impose lockdown suddenly: Thackeray



Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said it was wrong to impose the lockdown suddenly and now it cannot be lifted all at once.

BOM10 MH-LOCKDOWN PM-RAUT Humanity in PM washing feet of safai workers vanished now:Raut



Mumbai: Taking a swipe at the Centre over the plight of migrant labourers amidst the coronavirus-induced lockdown, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday said the humanity shown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by washing the feet of conservatory workers seems to have vanished now.

BOM5 MH-LOCKDOWN-TRAINS-KASHMIR Maharashtra: 3300 from Jammu and Kashmir evacuated by 4 trains



Mumbai: Around 3300 Jammu and Kashmir residents including 1200 students who were stranded in various parts of Maharashtra have been evacuated by four Shramik special trains during the past 10 days, an official said.

LGB1 MH-HC-VIRUS-AIR INDIA HC seeks reply from AI on plea over safety measures in flights



Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has sought a response from the Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on a petition of an AI pilot, claiming the airline was not following safety measures for COVID-19 while bringing back Indians stranded abroad.

LGB3 GJ-HC-VIRUS-TESTS HC questions Gujarat govt over COVID-19 testing in state



Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court has questioned the state government's decision to not allow private laboratories to conduct COVID-19 tests, saying whether this is meant to "artificially control" the data of number of coronavirus cases in the state.

BES5 MH-SADHU-MURDER Sadhu, man killed in Nanded, accused held near T'gana border



Aurangabad: A sadhu residing in his ashram in Nagthana in Maharashtra's Nanded district, some 250 kilometres from here, and another person were killed on Sunday morning, with police stating that robbery may have been the motive.

BES11 MH-LOCKDOWN-EID COVID-19 casts shadow on Eid festivities this year



Mumbai: The Eid-ul-Fitr festival has lost its sheen this year due to COVID-19 outbreak and many Muslim community members in Mumbai have decided to keep the celebration a low key affair on Monday by offering namaz at home and not wear any new clothes on the occasion.

BES3 MH-WORKER-SUFFOCATION Maha: Sugar factory worker hospitalised after suffocation dies



Pune: One of the 12 sugar factory workers, who were hospitalised on Saturday after they complained of suffocation while cleaning a vacuum pan in a Baramati-based sugar factory, died on Sunday, police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mixed results from clinical trials of several promising treatments and vaccines against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) brought good and bad news this week to a world desperate for a remedy. Meanwhile, at least three states -- Karnataka, Punjab and Kerala -- have decided on quarantining domestic flyers reaching there even though civil aviation minister Hardeep Puri has repeatedly said such a move is not needed.

Karnataka, Punjab, Kerala order 14-day quarantine after flight

A Delhi business executive who has an all-important business meeting in Bengaluru can now fly to the southern city -- domestic airline services are being restored from Monday -- but faces the prospect of a seven-day quarantine at a state-run institution and another seven days out of it. Read more

Covid-19: What you need to know today

It isnt a competition, yet most states have started treating their response to the coronavirus disease as one. Competitions have metrics, and this one has two  the number of cases, and the number of deaths. Metrics, though, have the ability of provoking undesirable behaviour. Read more

Aim to restart international flights before August: Puri

India will try to restart a good percentage of international passenger flights before August, civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday said, three days after announcing resumption of domestic flights from May 25. Read more

Cong releases video of Rahuls interaction with migrants

The Congress on Saturday released a video of an interaction between former party chief Rahul Gandhi and a group of migrant workers who were walking back to their village in Uttar Pradesh from Haryana during the lockdown. Read more

Covid-19: Clinical trials bring hope, concerns

Mixed results from clinical trials of several promising treatments and vaccines against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) released this week brought both cheer and gloom to a world desperate for a safe and effective treatment or vaccine against a disease that has infected at least 5.3 million people and killed 340,000. Read more

Human trial in Chinese vaccine shows promise

A vaccine for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), developed by researchers at Chinas CanSino Biologics was found to be safe and effective in its first test on humans, becoming the latest trial that raises hope for an early candidate that could help make people immune to the viral pandemic. Read more

Covid-19 economic proposal stokes controversy, redrafted

A group of economists, intellectuals and activists on Saturday redrafted their seven-point Mission Jai Hind proposal to deal with the Covid-19 crisis after one of their suggestions of treating all resources of the nation and its citizens -- cash, real estate, property and bonds -- as national resources triggered a controversy. Some of the plans signatories also opposed the idea. Read more

Farm sector, poised to grow by 3%, remains beacon of hope amid pandemic

Fresh indicators show the countrys farm sector, which employs nearly half the population, has coped well with the Covid-19 crisis, with a larger summer crop area than last year, higher sales of fertilisers and seeds, and better prices, leading Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das to call it a beacon of hope. Read more

Migrants protest lack of food, water

Migrant workers travelling on Shramik special trains allegedly damaged railway property at separate places in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday while protesting against scarcity of food, water and unscheduled stoppage during their travel, officials said. Read more

141 flights to W Asia to be part of Vande Bharat phase 2

The Indian government on Saturday added 141 more flights to West Asian countries for the second phase of Vande Bharat Mission, its massive repatriation programme for citizens stranded overseas because of Covid-19-related travel restrictions. Read more

Ivanka Trump under fire for tweet on migrants

US presidential adviser Ivanka Trumps praise of an Indian teenagers bicycle ride home is drawing criticism in India for being insensitive to the plight of migrant workers struggling in a lockdown. Read more

F1 teams come together to fight virus

The exit of Sebastian Vettel from Scuderia Ferrari has been the biggest Formula One news story during the pandemic. What slipped through almost unnoticed was that at the same time as Vettels exit, Ferrari unveiled a new pulmonary ventilator for Covid-19 patientsconceived, designed and built in five weeks. Read more
Muslim religious leaders in Rajasthan have appealed to the community to stay home and avoid any religious or social gathering during Eid-ul-Fitr on Monday, as the administration deployed additional security personnel to ensure strict compliance to social-distancing norms.

While extending greetings to the people on the eve of Eid, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot appealed to the community to follow lockdown norms and maintain social-distancing on the occasion.

"The festival of Eid brings the message of happiness to the Rozedars. Eid teaches us to help people, destitute and needy, and to maintain humanity and brotherhood by eradicating mutual discrimination," Gehlot said.

He appealed to the Muslim community to offer Eid prayers at home and follow the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Gehlot also asked the community members to pray for the end of the pandemic.

Naim Rabbani, a preacher in Ramganj area, appealed the community people to stay indoors. "I appeal to people to stay indoors. They should not go out for Eid prayers. They should perform Eid prayers at home while maintaining social distancing norms."



"It is a testing time for the Muslim community and they have to follow the rule of the law. There should not be any religious or social gathering," he said, while adding, that people should not go out to meet their relatives and friends.

Jaipur police commissioner Anand Srivastava said that elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure there is no gathering of people.

"We have deployed additional policemen. We held a meeting with the religious leaders who are convincing people to stay at home on Eid. They are appealing through social media and through other methods for nearly a week, he said.

Some of the community people preferred online charity on the eve of Eid on Sunday.

"Since there is lockdown, we are not moving out. Charity is an essential custom of the festival so this time we are preferring online charity," Mujahid Naqvi, a city-based lawyer said.

He said that austerity measures are being taken this time.

"Markets were closed for nearly two months so there was no shopping for Eid. Many would not be wearing new clothes on the occasion," he said.

In Ajmer, Khadim of Ajmer dargah Syed Bilal Chisty said that the khadim community will on Monday honour police and health workers on Eid to express gratitude towards their round the clock services to contain the spread of coronavirus.

"Police, heath workers, district administration did good wok to contain the spread. We want to thank them for their services and hard work. They were alert and vigilant. Because of them, we are able to celebrate Eid. Otherwise things would have been very different in the city," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By William Schwartz | Published on 2020/05/23

Sang-gon (played by Chun Jung-myung) finds himself somewhat unwillingly thrust into the life of a gangster boss. He gets stuck having to maintain his illegitimate business by destroying everything he loves. Cheol-hoi (played by Jin Yi-han) is Sang-gon's loyal goon, who supports Sang-gon's noble goal of trying to reform the mafia from the inside. This is, you might have guessed, a very stupid goal. So nobody has all that much fun over the course of "Unalterable: The Untold Story - Director's Cut".

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Least of all the viewer. "Unalterable: The Untold Story - Director's Cut" is an extremely brooding movie with minimal variation. We watch our very glum-looking leading men kill people, surprisingly often by complete accident, and then just look rather sullen as they reflect on the poor life decisions that led them to this point. If director Lim Sung-yong's intent was to make the gangster life look surprisingly pathetic and stupid, well, he certainly succeeded there.

"Unalterable: The Untold Story - Director's Cut" is in a way kind of clever in that regard. It plays off gangster work as just being a very unpleasant management job most of the time. It's just that you're managing employees into beating people up and stealing their money. So it's not exactly rewarding, at least unless you like money a whole lot. Weirdly enough almost no one in "Unalterable: The Untold Story - Director's Cut" even seems to care about money all that much, even after the extended jail sequence. So the movie doesn't exactly present a compelling portrait of why people turn to crime in the first place.

The jail sequence, incidentally, is a highlight mainly because it's the only time the movie's generally discouraging tone really works. It makes sense for gangsters to be disgusted with themselves and upset at life in general when they're in prison. That's because prison sucks. It's supposed to suck. Prison is supposed to make you not want to do crimes anymore. But when the main characters barely even wanted to do crimes before going to prison...the whole situation just feels obnoxiously forced is all.

Much like the movie's whole existence really. I'm not sure why "Unalterable" needed a director's cut, especially one this counterintuitive. Rather than adding deleted scenes "Unalterable: The Untold Story - Director's Cut" actually cuts about twenty minutes' worth of existing ones. Normally this wouldn't bother me, given that I didn't like the movie I saw all that much anyway. But this certainly explains why there were parts where I was just scratching my head feeling like there was some sort of important context I was missing.

That's not necessarily the director's fault though, at least not directly. The performances are quite bad, and poorly distinguished compared to one another. I came to really like Min-jeong (played by Lee Shi-ah), simply because as a non-gangster character she had a significantly different personality compared to her co-stars. Min-jeong likes hanging out. And date night. She's not a particularly deep character but after a certain point anything beats endless moping.

Review by William Schwartz

___________

"Unalterable: The Untold Story - Director's Cut" is directed by Lim Sung-yong, and features Chun Jung-myung, Jin Yi-han, Lee Ha-yul, Kwak Hee-sung, Lee Shi-ah, Kim Do-hoon-I. Release date in Korea: 2020/05/13.
Kumawood actor and director Samuel Ofori has landed in big trouble as scandal brews over his head.

In new audio recordings which have been trending to social media, the Kumawood actor has been accused of sleeping around with married women in Germany.

Sammy, as the actor is simply known, is said to have relocated to Germany for some time now and has been involved in escapades with women, some of which are said to be married, even though he himself was married in Ghana.

In one of the audios YEN.com.gh has heard, one of the ladies who is said to have dated the actor in Germany was heard complaining bitterly.

According to the lady who described herself as Maa Afia, she claimed that the actor had told her that he was not with her wife again and they were together for some time.

But it turned out later that, Samuel Ofori had not left his wife as he claimed. Moreover, the lady claimed that Sammy had gone on to badmouth her to mutual friends.

She indicated that the actor went about telling other people that private part was watery among other unpalatable statements.

Source: YEN.com.gh
A parent wearing a protective mask carries his child to attend a pre-school in Singapore. (PHOTO: Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images)

SINGAPORE  More then 99 per cent of all pre-school staff who have undergone COVID-19 testing have been tested negative, as pre-schools prepare to reopen on 2 June.

In a media statement on Saturday (23 May), the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) said that since testing for pre-school staff members began on 15 May, about 15,300 have tested negative while seven were confirmed positive for COVID-19 infection.

Testing  which is done with a one-time swab test  is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month.

During this proactive testing of all staff, it is expected that some positive cases will be identified, ECDA said in the media statement.

Testing would enable staff who are affected to get the care early, so that we can better prepare for the safe return of children and staff to pre-schools.

LOAs, contract tracing and prompt notification

As a precautionary measure, ECDA has required pre-schools to issue a 14-day Leave of Absence for all children and staff who were recently in the pre-schools at the same time as the pre-school staff who had tested positive.

Contact tracing by the Ministry of Health is ongoing, with close contacts to be placed on quarantine order. All parents and staff of the relevant pre-schools are promptly notified whenever there is a confirmed case.

For the positive cases that have been identified so far, we seek the publics understanding towards the pre-schools and staff involved, ECDA said.

As infections can be very mild or asymptomatic (i.e. no visible symptoms), the pre-school staff may not be aware that they were unwell. The test thus is useful to identify asymptomatic and mild cases ahead of pre-school reopening.

COVID-Safe ABCs upon reopening

Even with the COVID-19 testing exercise, ECDA said that pre-schools must stay vigilant through stringent safe management requirements, as new COVID-10 cases may arise.

Pre-schools are required to stick to enhanced safe management measures upon reopening, under the COVID-Safe ABCs: COVID-Safe Access, COVID-Safe Behaviours and COVID-Safe Classrooms.

Story continues

It will work with pre-schools and early intervention centres to dedicate the first two weeks of re-opening to strengthening public health awareness and building a culture of COVID-Safe habits among staff, children and their parents.

Pre-school staff, like many Singaporeans, take pride in a strong work ethic and often worry that taking medical leave may burden other colleagues, it said in the media statement.

Similarly, parents who have work commitments may want to send their children to pre-school even when they exhibit mild symptoms.

To achieve this mindset of vigilance that can keep pre-schools safe for all, we urge all staff, parents and children to prioritise taking care of themselves and seek medical attention even if mildly unwell.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore

More Singapore stories:

COVID-19: Singapore confirms 642 new cases, total at 31,068

COVID-19: MOH lists healthcare services that can resume on 2 June

Taxi, private-hire car drivers can continue deliveries until September

Jolovan Wham apologises to Josephine Teo, retracts claims against Surbana Jurong
The state is reporting more than 33,000 people have recovered from COVID-19.

The latest data on recoveries -- defined as a person who is alive 30 days beyond the onset of COVID-19 symptoms -- were released Saturday, May 23.

The recoveries increased from 28,234 on May 16 to todays total of 33,168.

State health officials reported 452 new coronavirus cases and 65 new deaths Saturday, but with a caveat.

Of the 65 deaths reported Saturday, 44 were added to the total after a review of death certificates and happened in recent days. They were found through a vital records search conducted three times a week by comparing death certificates and the Michigan Disease Surveillance System to see if an individual who died had a positive test for COVID-19 on record with the state.

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Michigan now has a total of 54,365 COVID-19 cases and 5,223 deaths.

Kent County had the highest total for new cases at 77, followed by 64 in Wayne County. It marked the third straight day that Kent County had the highest total for new cases.

Among other counties, Oakland County had 61 new cases and Macomb County had 37.

The state encourages people to look at weekly averages when viewing coronavirus cases and deaths.

The latest 7-day averages show 552 cases per day and 48 deaths per day. A week before that, the 7-day average was 535 cases per day and 62 deaths per day.

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A state map shows that, so far, four of the states 83 counties still have no COVID-19 cases. Those are all in the Upper Peninsula.

Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties in Southeast Michigan, the hardest hit in the state for COVID-19, make up 63% of the states confirmed cases and 78% percent of deaths associated with the virus.

The data shows the average age of people to die from COVID-19 at 75.3 years, with the youngest age 5 and the oldest 107.

The overall statewide case fatality rate is 9.6 percent.

Of the deaths, 53 percent are male and 47 percent are female. Of the total cases, the numbers are reversed, with 47 percent male and 53 percent female.

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Heres a look at the Michigan counties with the most confirmed cases:

1. Wayne County: 19,697 cases (2,361 deaths)

2. Oakland County: 8,192 cases (954 deaths)

3. Macomb County: 6,482 cases (778 deaths)

4. Kent County: 3,308 cases (67 deaths)

5. Genesee County: 1,936 cases (240 deaths)

6. Washtenaw County: 1,282 cases (96 deaths)

7. Saginaw County: 982 cases (105 deaths)

8. Kalamazoo County: 793 cases (47 deaths)

9. Ingham County: 695 cases (25 deaths)

10. Ottawa County: 673 (26 deaths)

For more statewide data, visit MLives coronavirus data page, here.

COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Related stories:

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Michigan tests every state prisoner for coronavirus in less than 15 days

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I consider it my duty to stand with my citizens. This is what Mayor of Kajaran Manvel Paramazyan said as he addressed the citizens of Kajaran who had gathered in front of the police station in Kapan today.

Today we are witnessing groundless detentions and violence. We demand that everything be done by law. The police apprehended a person, beat him and then said they had apprehended him by mistake. There was a young man who could barely hold his tears back. I saw the bruises on his body. Is this the value of the revolution? What is this? We all need to fight together. The police dont know how brave the real citizens of Kajaran are, he said.

Before this, Governor of Syunik Province Hunan Poghosyan had tried to convince the citizens to calm down, but the citizens of Kajaran said refused to pay heed to his calls. Paramazyan stated that this is political persecution against him and that it all started a few days ago when police officers conducted searches in his apartment and his close ones apartments and didnt find anything suspicious, after which they started detaining citizens for no reason and through the use of violence.

As reported earlier, the situation in Kapan is tense. Several residents of Kajaran town have gathered in front of the police building with the demand to release their fellow citizens who were apprehended and later detained and not to transport them to Yerevan. According to the information of the relatives gathered in front of the building, the apprehended were beaten at the police station, but the police refute news about use of violence. There are three detainees, and another person by the name of Nver Khachatryan was apprehended by mistake and released. There are bruises on his body. The gathered demand that the arrestees arent transported to Yerevan and that the investigation is conducted in Syunik Province since they fear that the arrestees will be beaten more brutally in Yerevan. They threaten to close down roads. Head of Kajaran town Manvel Paramazyan has declared that this is political repression against him, adding that a few days ago police officers conducted searches in his apartment and his close ones apartments, after which residents of Kajaran were detained for no reason and through the use of violence.
24.05.2020 LISTEN

The Head Pastor for Calvary Temple Assemblies of God Church at Bantama in the Kumasi Metropolis, Rev. Dominic Owusu has called on President Akufo Addo not to ease the various protocols aimed at halting the spread of coronavirus in the country.

According to him quick easing of protocols and restriction by the government without proper measures would be suicidal for the nation.

The Pastor in a virtual sermon to the country monitored by OTEC News Kwame Agyenim Boateng called on the public to be brave during the coronavirus outbreak as he gave his blessings to the nation.

As part of measures to cut the spread of the coronavirus in the country, President Akufo-Addo imposed some restrictions.

There was a ban on the social gathering, closure of the countrys borders i.e land, air, and sea, among others, and for three weeks a partial lockdown in Accra, Kumasi, Tema, and parts of Kasoa.

Although some of the restrictions such as the lockdown have been lifted, Ghanaians are anticipating the release of the remaining restrictions.

President Akufo-Addo has announced an extension of the ban on public gatherings as well as the closure of borders until May 31 but has said he is working on measures that will make Ghanaians live a normal life again.

But Rev. Dominic Owusu is of the view that its too early to lift the ban on public, social and religious gatherings, given that the case counts of the pandemic are still rising

The Pastor has therefore called on the president not to give in to those calling for the opening of schools, churches, and other social gatherings.

He noted that claims by some people that God is destroying the world with the coronavirus pandemic is not accurate and appealed to all to protect themselves from the virus.

COVID 19 impact

Rev. Dominic Owusu said Ghana, like other countries has been hit by the negative impact of Covid-19, however, there is a need to manage the resources that will be left after the pandemic.

Sometimes we look at what is in our hands and it looks like it doesnt seem like its enough but we must look at that in relation to the problem we have at hand.

God is about to work something in your life, in your business, in the next few months, this year. What you hold in your hand that seems to be inferior, the place where you are that seems like a disadvantage, the time that you think is against you, God is about to take all these together and put it into a package to work a miracle.

He noted God will protect the world particularly Ghana and soon the coronavirus that is claiming the lives of Ghanaians and others in some parts of the world will be a thing of the past.

Reading the Bible from the book of Psalms 137, Rev Dominic Owusu asked God to protect every single soul in the country from the virus.

16 patients in severe condition

The government says consultations on the easing of the remaining Covid-19 restrictions will conclude this week.

This will be followed by an announcement in the course of the week.

President Akufo-Addo said this when he joined the National Chief Imam Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu and a few members of the Muslim community at a virtual Eid prayer at the studio of GBC, Sunday morning.

Ghanas case count

Sixty-six (66) new Coronavirus cases have been recorded barely a day after the Ghana Health Service (GHS) announced 131 infections.

The number of cases has moved from 6,617 to 6,683, information on GHS website said, Sunday, May 24, 2020

20 more persons have recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 1,998. The death toll has also increased to 32 after one more person with the virus has died.

Out of the 66 new cases, 18 came from the Greater Accra region while 39 came from the Ashanti region. Central, Western, Volta and Northern regions have had their tallies increased by 2.

Savannah Region which hitherto had no infections has become the fourteenth region to record a case.

Regional breakdown of the 6,683 cases:

Greater Accra Region  4,798

Ashanti Region  1,049

Central Region  299

Western Region  210

Eastern Region  106

Western North Region  61

Volta Region  47

Northern Region  36

Oti Region  26

Upper East Region  26

Upper West Region  21

North East Region  2

Savannah Region  1

Bono Region  1

Ahafo Region  0

Bono East Region  0

---OtecfmGhana.com
The biggest thing to remember before venturing forth: Many people spreading the virus appear perfectly healthy, so a strategy of simply avoiding people who look sick wont work.

Thats why mask-wearing, good ventilation with outside air and staying as far away as you can from others  ideally well over the 6 feet recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- are all crucial, says Richard Corsi, a Portland State University dean who has been researching airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus.

The Oregonian/OregonLive asked Corsi and other experts about the safety of going out in Oregon today. Heres what they -- and the latest body of scientific studies -- say about worship and religious gatherings:

Outbreaks have been traced to a concerning number of religious settings.

In March, two members of an Arkansas church ended up infecting 61 fellow church-goers or others linked to the congregation. Four died.

At least 71 people linked to a Sacramento-area church came down with COVID-19 by early April after church services closed but many members continued to meet in violation of Californias stay-at-home order, public health officials said.

CDC guidelines suggest halting the practices of hand-holding during services and passing around the collection basket (but its OK to place the basket in a stationary spot). In Catholic churches, the agency recommends placing the Holy Communion in parishioners hands, not on their tongues.

But even with social distancing measures, the disease has still surfaced.

Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Houston closed May 14 and has advised all of its parishioners to get tested in an attempt to identify if an outbreak is underway. A day earlier, a 79-year-old priest from the Texas church died from a suspected case of COVID-19.

His death occurred 11 days after services there had reconvened under a requirement to wear masks. Attendance never exceeded 179 people in the 900-person sanctuary for Sunday Masses.

Since the priests death, five members of his religious order have tested positive for the disease, including two other priests who actively participated in Masses.

Under Oregons Phase I, groups of 25 or fewer people are allowed to gather if they maintain at least 6 feet from others outside their households.

Corsi said making sure people are spaced out, disinfecting surfaces and increasing airflow from the outdoors will all lower the risk.

He also agrees with the decisions some churches, like those in Germany, are making: No singing. The vibration of the vocal cords while singing releases increased amounts of virus in both large and microscopic droplets, he said.

You dont want to be in an indoor environment with a lot of people singing, he said.

Case-in-point, 52 of 61 people who attended a March choir practice in Mount Vernon, Wash., about 60 miles north of Seattle, came down with the disease. Two of them died.

HOLY COMMUNION

A pastor distributes communion wafers on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020.Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

Whether a minister can safely give Holy Communion when it means standing within 2 or 3 feet of parishioners is a vexing question.

John Kowalczyk, who spent his career working for state and federal public health agencies before retiring, was elated when he learned that Masses at his Portland church are restarting this weekend

He was greatly troubled, however, upon learning about guidelines from the Archdiocese of Portland, which state that people who dont share a household must maintain 6 feet of distance from each other but that doesnt apply to priests during Communion.

Parishioners also have the option of receiving Communion in their hands or on their tongues, according to the archdioceses guidelines. Those who choose the tongue will be asked to wait at the back of the line and priests who end up touching parishioners during this process have been told to sanitize their hands before continuing.

Kowalczyk said he worries that even if priests dont touch parishioners mouths, the virus still will be expelled onto their hands.

If youre within an inch or two of the orifices that emit the virus, youre going to get the virus on your fingers, Kowalczyk said. Youre going to get a full blast.

Kowalczyk also believes other procedures within the church need to be more stringent. That includes requiring face coverings of all church-goers, not just recommending it, to reduce the cloud of potential virus exhaled into the sanctuary.

Because his pastor will be within a few feet of parishioners during Communion, Kowalczyk said he offered him a higher-quality N95 mask, but his pastor refused, explaining he didnt want to deprive a medical worker of such a mask.

Kowalczyk said he now plans to offer his pastor a KN95 mask that he ordered in the mail, and Kowalczyk hopes hell accept it.

Read The Oregonian/OregonLives full guide to reopening safely.
Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh



Koshyarion Sunday greeted people of Maharashtra on the eve of Eid-Ul-Fitr and also appealed to them to stay indoors.

"Eid Mubarak to all citizens of Maharashtra, especially to Muslim brothers and sisters. The holy month ofRamzanattaches utmost importance of fasting, prayers and charity," he said.

The governor said the challenge posed by the coronavirus disease has underscored the importance of charity.

"I appeal to the people to celebrate Eid by staying at home and observing all government guidelines. May Eid-Ul-Fitr bring happiness, good health and prosperity to all," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Central Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has destroyed quantities of seized COA-FS food supplement and other assorted items declared as unwholesome to safeguard public health and safety.



The four tons of destroyed items valued atGH54,300.00 included all five brands of product areas regulated by the Authority - food products, drugs mainly herbal, orthodox, medical devices, and cosmetics.



Mr. John Odai-Tettey, the Regional Director of the Authority disclosed in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA).



The products were seized from markets, warehouses, shops, voluntary submission of expired products, and manufacturing and retail shops through intensive market surveillance and swoop across the Region.



He said the exercise was to serve as a wake-up call to all manufacturers, importers, individual shop owners, cold-store owners, and wholesalers to disengage in the sale of expired, fake and unregistered goods.



He called on consumers to be bold to expose those dealing in unwholesome or expired items by reporting them to the Authority for immediate action.



They must also critically check the expiry date, batch number, labels of food items, and legibility of the manufacturers before purchasing the products.



He cautioned persons selling expired products to stop because when caught, sanctions or jail term awaits them depending on the quantity of the expired products on the market.



He further urged operators of food and drug manufacturers to always exercise good manufacturing practices and avail themselves for training and industrial support programmes routinely organized by the Authority and also license their operations and products to avoid the consequences.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Governor of Syunik Province of Armenia Hunan Poghosyan has arrived in Kapan where citizens of Kajaran, who have been standing in front of the police station for a couple of hours, are demanding the release of the detained citizens of Kajaran and are declaring that they had been exposed to violence at the police station.

Poghosyan is trying to convince the citizens of Kajaran to trust investigators and is assuring them that the guilty person will be punished after official investigation into the case of exposure to violence. He also called on the citizens to calm down and stop the protest.

One of the protesters got frustrated and said the regional governor was supposed to protect the protesters, not convince them.

The regional governor offered to meet with about 15 relatives to discuss the matter and understand the situation. He also called on the gathered to not let anyone take advantage of this situation.

As reported earlier, the situation in Kapan is tense. Several residents of Kajaran town have gathered in front of the police building with the demand to release their fellow citizens who were apprehended and later detained and not to transport them to Yerevan. According to the information of the relatives gathered in front of the building, the apprehended were beaten at the police station, but the police refute news about use of violence. There are three detainees, and another person by the name of Nver Khachatryan was apprehended by mistake and released. There are bruises on his body. The gathered demand that the arrestees arent transported to Yerevan and that the investigation is conducted in Syunik Province since they fear that the arrestees will be beaten more brutally in Yerevan. They threaten to close down roads. Head of Kajaran town Manvel Paramazyan has declared that this is political repression against him, adding that a few days ago police officers conducted searches in his apartment and his close ones apartments, after which residents of Kajaran were detained for no reason and through the use of violence.
Why is Congress high command silent over killing of Dalit man in Rajasthan, asks Mayawati

Mayawati a Twitter behanji and undeclared spokesperson of BJP: Congress

India

pti-PTI

Lucknow, May 24: The Congress on Sunday described BSP chief Mayawati as a "Twitter behanji" and undeclared spokesperson of the BJP, angry with the grand old partys proactive efforts to mitigate migrant workers miseries amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Congress leader PL Punia hit back at Mayawati a day after the BSP described Rahul Gandhis meeting with migrant workers a drama, in a language allegedly similar to that of the BJP.

"The language and the tweets, which the 'Twitter behanji' is using clearly indicates that she makes the press note for the BJP and sends it, Punia told reporters.

She feels angry over the proactive efforts of the Congress and its general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (in mitigating the poors plight amid the lockdown), he added.

Punia also accused the BSP of having a tacit understanding with the BJP while the Congress SC cell chairman Brijlal Khabri said, Mayawati is the undeclared spokesperson of the BJP.

When will foodgrains in warehouses be used asks Mayawati

There seems to be a tacit understanding between the BSP and BJP, as the both have termed Rahul Gandhis meeting with poor labourers as drama, said Punia.

Punia also accused Mayawati of being silent amid alleged rise in incidents of attacks on Dalits during the Yogi Adityanath governments tenure in Uttar Pradesh.

Biggest single day spike in Coronavirus cases, 6,767 cases recorded in 24 hours | Oneindia News

"The list of attacks on Dalits is long, and it is taking place under the patronage of the government. We have been raising questions and fighting on this. But why is the self-proclaimed leader of Dalits silent?" he asked.
Eid-ul-Fitr will be a muted



affair in Madhya Pradesh on Monday in the departure from traditional public prayers and the celebratory hug courtesy coronavirus pandemic and the national lockdown.

Shahar Qazi, Bhopal, Mushtaq Ali Nadvi has appealed to Muslims to offer the Eid namaaz at their homes.

"I have also urged people to avoid shaking hands and to also avoid the traditional embrace for the safety of themselves and others," Nadvi told PTI.

Shopping for the biggest festival of Muslims has remained restricted in Bhopal as Old City area falls under red zone and very few shops remaining open.

"I have been observing rozas (fast) for the last 57 years uninterruptedly. This is the first time in my life that I will have to celebrate Eid in isolation with my family due to the prevailing situation," said Syed Tahir Ali, former joint director of state public relations department.

"But for the safety of all we have to follow norms and we will offer prayers at our homes only. Doing so is very much permissible and there is no compulsion to offer prayers only in mosques," he said.

Dr. Farrukh Salim Khan, assistant professor at the state-run Institute of Advance Study in Education (IASE) said that Eid means happiness which can be shared with family members, irrespective of the situation.

"For nearly 32 years I have been observing Ramzan fast but had not seen such a situation earlier. However, it is necessary to celebrate Eid by staying indoors in the interest of the community and the nation," he said.

Police personnel have been deployed in various parts of Madhya Pradesh, a senior police officer said, adding that Muslim leaders have appealed to people to stay indoors on Monday.

In Indore, which is the biggest COVID-19 hotspot in the state, Shahar Qazi Mohammad Ishrat Ali appealed to members of the community to offer Eid prayers at their homes.

"Instead of offering the traditional embrace, we should exchange Eid greetings over phone and social media to maintain social distance," he said.

Indore collector Manish Singh said that no relaxations were given to people for celebrating Eid by coming out in the open.

"Our only intention is that all residents of Indore remain safe. To maintain law and order, police personnel are deployed in various areas to maintain peace," he said.

The total case count in Madhya Pradesh stood at 6,371 with 281 deaths as on Saturday.

Muslims in Tikamgarh, Mandla, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Balaghat and Sheopur have also expressed that they would offer prayers at their homes.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at a news conference at the State Department in Washington, on April 29, 2020. (Andrew Harnik/File/AP Photo)

US, Australia Could Disconnect If Victorias Belt and Road Partnership Presents a Risk: Pompeo

The U.S. Secretary of State says the United States will simply disconnect with Australia if the Victorian states Belt and Road partnership with Beijing presents any risk to telecommunications infrastructure.

Mike Pompeo told Sky News on May 24 that the United States was keen to continue working with Australia on security and that it was a great partner, but it needed to prioritise the safety of its own telecommunications network.

We will not take any risk to our telecommunications infrastructure, any risk to national security elements with our Five Eyes partners. We are going to protect and preserve the security of those institutions, he said.

I dont know the nature of those (Victorias) projects precisely, but to the extent they have an adverse impact on our ability to protect telecommunications from our private citizens, or security networks for our defence, or intelligence communities, we will simply disconnect, we will simply separate, Pompeo said.

We are going to trusted networks for important information. We hope our friends, partners, allies around the world, especially allies like Australia, will do the same.

Pompeo also warned Australia that projects that form part of the Chinese Communist Partys (CCPs) Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) need to be looked at carefully, and every project from BRI had a cost to it.

Often money is loaned at concessional rates, or conditions are placed in debt documents, or government concessions have to be made to the Chinese Communist Party in order to get those (BRI) projects built, Pompeo said.

(They) present real risks to the people, and real risk to the country. Frankly, they build up the capacity of the (CCP) to do harm in other ways as well.

So far, Victorias Labor Premier Daniel Andrews has signed two agreements with Beijings National Development and Reform Commission, progressing the states involvement in the BRI. A third agreement is due to be signed middle of 2020.

Victorias BRI at Odds With Federal Policy

Victorias involvement in the BRI has been a consistent source of controversy, as it has placed the state at odds with the federal governments stance on the program.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told a press conference on May 24 that the federal government did not support Victorias actions.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and President Donald Trump attend an official visit ceremony at the South Lawn at the White House in Washington on Sept. 20, 2019. (Zach Gibson/Getty Images)

National interest issues on foreign affairs are determined by the federal government, Morrison said.

I respect their jurisdiction when it comes to the issues they are responsible for, and its always been the usual practice for states to respect and recognise the role of the federal government in setting foreign policy.

I think thats always been a good practice.

Last week, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton called the BRI a propaganda exercise from China.

Dutton said he was gravely concerned, citing a series of issues involving the Chinese communist regime, including its claims in the South China Sea, its militarisation of ports in the Asia Pacific, and its attempts to buy influence in Australia.

Victoria needs to explain why its the only state in the country that has entered into this relationship, he said.

The Morrison governments pushback against the projects has received bipartisan support with Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching writing on Twitter on May 20 that Victoria erred in signing up to the BRI.

Liberal Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells told The Epoch Times on May 11 that the BRI was skulduggery by the Chinese communist regime and it was code for debt-trap diplomacy.

Those leading our fellow traveller foreign policy over many years and those doing business with China have preferred to turn a blind eye to CCPs skulduggery so long as cash flows were maintained, said Fierravanti-Wells.

Fellow traveller refers to individuals who are not communists, yet sympathise with the Chinese Communist Partys goals and policies.

This approach has led to our present predicament and has made us more vulnerable to economic coercion as was evidenced by the Chinese Ambassadors [threats], she said.

Telecommunications Is the New Vanguard of BRI

United States-based defence think tank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), published a paper on April 13, highlighting how the Chinese communist regime has been actively advancing the digital component of the BRI (Digital Silk Road) even as the country suffers from the pandemic.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping declared on March 4 that the regime would increase investment and accelerate the construction of new infrastructure such as 5G networks and data centres.

Chinas three largest telecommunications firmsall state-ownedresponded to the call and upped the development of 5G in the country.

The Digital Silk Road refers to the Chinese regime and its state-owned entities building digital infrastructure across the world, including telecommunications networks and smart cities, to gain a future upper hand in the realms of cyberspace and space.

In the current global climate, the CCP has found it easier to advance the Digital Silk Road rather than the BRI, particularly in developing countries.

The CSIS found it was lower cost, easier to deliver, and easier to monetise than traditional construction projects. It was also less likely to stoke resentment from local communities.

The CSIS found that 60 percent of projects in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)a flagship of the BRIhas been mired in delays, including pipeline and railway projects.

However, in the digital space, Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei was able to lay 820 kilometres of fiber-optic cable across the China-Pakistan border and deep into the country in less than two years.

The project cost just US$44 millionless than it costs to build only four kilometres of railway in Pakistan, the report stated.

Given Pakistans mounting debt, the second phase of CPEC, much like the future of the BRI, will place a greater emphasis on smaller, higher-tech projects.
The Mango Motel and the Blue Diamond Motel welcomed guests Friday night for the start of the Memorial Day weekend, the owner said, even though Wildwood isnt allowing any short-stay rentals until May 26.

The citys rules, instituted because of the coronavirus outbreak, say when motels and hotels reopen and start renting rooms, they can only rent up to 60% of capacity. On June 22, they can start renting to full capacity.

The order defines a short-term rental as any rental of less than 30 days.

Frank Mangini, the owner of the hotels, said he allowed guests into the two motels.

I realized I wasnt supposed to. I think I maybe didnt take it seriously enough, Mangini said. I had the best intention for this weekend. I know I made a mistake in hindsight.

Now, he says he fears arrest  or even losing his license to operate the motels  when he comes back to Wildwood after being away for a family function at the start of the weekend. He knows four summonses or tickets were issued, but, he said, he doesnt know what the violations are or what the fines may be.

He said the police wont give him the details by phone. He sent his manager to pick up the summonses late Saturday, but police wouldnt give them to anyone but Mangini, he said.

Calls and emails to the police were not returned on Saturday. An officer who answered the police departments phone number and Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron said they could not comment on ongoing investigations.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Mangini said his motels have been empty since the shutdown. Until Friday night.

He said it started when a friend was coming to do a painting job at one of the locations, and Mangini wasnt going to charge him rent as part of a bartering swap.

Then a family called and wanted to stay, he said, and he said yes. Then a friend of a friend called. Yes again, he said.

Next came groups of graduates, mostly from Pennsylvania, he said.

They just wanted to get away. Blow off steam, Mangini said. I just started to give in and then word got out and before you knew it, quite a few rooms were rented.

Mangini wasnt sure of the exact number of rooms he rented, but he said there were mostly families at the Blue Diamond and maybe 30 to 40 kids, maybe half the motel was occupied at Mango.

My intention wasnt to rent as many rooms, but it mushroomed, he said.

He noted the pools and hot tubs were closed at both motels and people were congregating at the balcony in front of their rooms, they were six feet away from each other.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage

When police got word that guests were at the motel, they first went to the Blue Diamond and then to Mango. Mangini said he was told by telephone by the the police chief to empty both places because the motels were violating Gov. Phil Murphys executive order.

Murphys order actually gives towns the authority to control short-term rentals.

I felt bad, Mangini said. We asked people to leave and people wanted to stay. Some people said Its my constitutional right to stay, or they had a barbeque to go to the next day.

Others, he said, were dropped off at the motels and said they wouldnt have a ride home until Monday. Another guest said her husband had been drinking and they couldnt safely drive home, he said. Still others came by bus, he said, and werent sure how they could leave.

Mangini said when he tried to explain the guests situations to the police chief, he didnt care.

Police issued one summons for each motel, Mangini said.

While some guests did check out and leave Friday night, others were still there on Saturday morning, he said. The Blue Diamond had about 10 rooms still occupied while Mango had about 20 rooms full, Mangini said.

When the police chief returned on the scene Saturday morning, each motel was issued another summons, Mangini said.

(The police chief) was upset and he said to me Im going to give you a summons for every day you have people here, Mangini said of their phone conversation Saturday morning. He said he was going to recommend to the prosecutor to pull my mercantile license for a year so I wouldnt be able to operate at all.

He said he asked the chief what the charges and fines were, but the chief wouldnt tell him.

Youll find out in court, Mangini said the chief told him.

Mangini said he wasnt trying to prove a point by renting rooms, saying he shouldnt be compared to the Bellmawr gym owner who reopened despite multiple warnings and was eventually shut down.

`Screw them was definitely not my intent, Mangini said. Word just got out and people said they heard I had rooms and I said not really, but people said please, we are stir crazy and we need to get out.

Mangini said he probably earned $2,000 from rentals at the Blue Diamond and $4,000 from Mango for Friday night. Hes refunding money to anyone who made reservations for Saturday, Sunday and Monday, he said, and to anyone who didnt stay overnight on Friday.

Both motels were empty by late Saturday afternoon, he said.

I didnt think it was going to be such a big deal, Mangini said.

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Karin Price Mueller may be reached at bamboozled@njadvancemedia.com.
And the way it started was because I do a weekly Instagram series on Instagram Stories for This is Tucson and its called Andi Eats, where I go and eat at a local restaurant.

I usually do it on Thursday, Friday, maybe Saturday, sometimes. It doesnt really have a regular day, but I usually do it around then.

But basically, Ive been doing the Andi Eats for a couple years where I go out to eat at restaurants. And since this quarantine started, I thought I should do a different thing where Im cooking. So its Andi Cooks and the concept is I try to recreate food from a restaurant that I like, in my kitchen.

The first one I did was I recreated the Baked Eggs from The Cup (inside of Hotel Congress). Theyre fantastic. Its like a cast iron skillet filled with eggs and cream and Gruyere cheese and leeks, and its like a creamy medley of eggs flavor. I tried to recreate that and it didnt go so well, to be honest, because its actually pretty hard to cook.
A woman walks a dog near the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C., the United States, May 15, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

"It appears that short-sighted interests and partisan politics prevailed over reason and good foreign policy. This is a regrettable decision that will have lasting consequences."

WASHINGTON, May 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Democrats on Friday denounced the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, saying it's illegal and demanding an explanation.

In a letter to U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel and Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith said that the withdrawal from the treaty without consultation with Congress violates Section 1234 of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.

"This provision of law stipulates that you must notify Congress not later than 120 days before the intent to withdraw from the treaty is presented to either treaty depository ... To date, this requirement has not been fulfilled," the two Democrats said in the letter, demanding an explanation for this "intended illegal action."

Engel and Smith also said that they strongly oppose the withdrawal decision, which they believe would "specifically negatively impact U.S. leadership in NATO and the transatlantic relationship with its allies and partners."

"It appears that short-sighted interests and partisan politics prevailed over reason and good foreign policy. This is a regrettable decision that will have lasting consequences," they added.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks during a press briefing in Washington D.C., the United States, on March 5, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

Pompeo announced on Thursday that the United States would submit the notice of its decision to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty to all other state parties on Friday, citing Russian noncompliance as a motivating factor for its decision.

The withdrawal would formally take place in six months, based on the treaty's withdrawal terms. Pompeo said Washington might reconsider its decision if Moscow returns to "full compliance with the Treaty."

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Friday that Russia is open to dialogue with the United States on the Open Skies Treaty, but only if it is based on equal rights and aimed at mutual consideration of interests and concerns.

The United States and Russia have blamed each other for noncompliance with the treaty. Washington and Moscow have each put a few limits on flights over their territories -- Hawaii and some other U.S. bases have been off-limits, as has Kaliningrad, among others, according to media reports.

The treaty, which became effective in 2002, allows its states-parties to conduct short-notice, unarmed reconnaissance flights over the others' entire territories to collect data on military forces and activities.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform aerobatics during the 57th annual Abbotsford International Airshow in Abbotsford, Canada, Aug. 11, 2019. (Xinhua/Liang Sen)

Currently, 35 nations, including Russia, the United States, and most members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, have signed it. Kyrgyzstan has signed but not ratified it yet.

The treaty is aimed at building confidence and familiarity among states-parties through their participation in the overflights. Over 1,500 Open Skies flights have been conducted since the deal entered into force in 2002, according to media reports.

Analysts noted that the U.S. pullout, rumored for months, would cause concern among European allies.

"A unilateral U.S. exit from Open Skies would undermine our security and that of our European allies, all of whom strongly support the treaty," said Thomas Countryman, former U.S. acting undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, and now chair of the board of the Arms Control Association.

"It has the effect - and perhaps this is the intention - of signaling a diminished U.S. commitment to its NATO allies," he added.

U.S. Air forces AH-64 Apache helicopters participate in Saber Strike military exercise at Central pylon in Tapa, Estonia on June 20, 2016. (Xinhua/Sergei Stepanov)

Ten European nations on Friday issued a joint statement regretting the United States' withdrawal.

"We regret the announcement by the government of the United States of its intention to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, although we share its concerns regarding the implementation of treaty provisions by Russia," said the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Sweden in the statement.

"We will continue to implement the Open Skies Treaty which has obvious added value for our conventional arms control architecture and our common security," said the statement.

It was the latest in a string of moves by the Trump administration to withdraw from major international treaties. Washington abandoned the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Moscow last year.

The pullout of the Open Skies Treaty further raised doubts over whether the Trump administration would extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty in force between Washington and Moscow.

The New START, which expires next February, can be extended for at most five years with the consent of the two countries. Russia has expressed willingness to extend the treaty, while the Trump administration has yet to officially reply.
Fire brigade staff try to put out fire caused by a plane crash in Karachi, Pakistan, on Friday.

AP Photo/Fareed Khan

In a last-minute distress call, the pilot of a crashed passenger plane in Pakistan said the aircraft had engine problems.

"We have lost two engines. Mayday, mayday, mayday," the pilot can be heard saying in audio published by the air traffic control monitoring site Live ATC.

The plane, an Airbus A320, was operated by Pakistan International Airlines and had 107 people on board.

It crashed as it was coming in to land at Jinnah International Airport, near the city of Karachi, Pakistan.

Air Vice Marshal Arshad Malik, the chief executive of the airline, said the pilot told air traffic control there were "technical difficulties."

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

A pilot on board a plane carrying 107 people that crashed in Pakistan on Friday warned of engine trouble in a final distress call.

"We have lost two engines. Mayday, mayday, mayday," a pilot can be heard saying in audio published by Live ATC, a website which gives access to air traffic control radio transmissions.

The plane was an Airbus A320 operated by the state-run Pakistan International Airlines and coming in to land at Jinnah International Airport, near Karachi, Pakistan, from Lahore, Pakistan.

Sky News published the last seconds of the feed before it went dark:

The plane lost contact with air traffic control just after 2:30 p.m. (4:30 a.m. ET.)

Air Vice Marshal Arshad Malik, the chief executive of the airline, told BBC that the pilot had reported "technical difficulties."

Volunteers carry an injured person at the site of the crash in Karachi on May 22.

AP Photo/Fareed Khan

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted he was "shocked and saddened by the PIA crash" and promised an "immediate inquiry."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Toward the end of Mass on Sunday, parishioners noticed one other thing that had changed: Holy Communion. For Catholics, this means taking a wafer, transformed during the Mass into the body of Jesus  placed by the priest in the parishioners hand or on his or her tongue. Amid the outbreak, Brogi explained, the latter method would no longer be an option. Wafers would be placed only in the hand. Before he and other priests went around to distribute the wafers, he made it clear he was carefully following the rules.
Hamilton firefighters performed a rope rescue Saturday evening to save an injured man.

Eight fire units were called to Scenic Drive near Denlow Avenue just after 6 p.m. May 23 to assist a man with a leg injury.

Photos from the scene show firefighters using ropes to pull the man up to the top of the escarpment.

A young male was successfully rescued, the fire department said.

He was transported to hospital by EMS.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday accused the Shiv Sena-Congress government in Maharashtra of deceiving migrant workers who, he said, built the state with their blood and sweat.

The migrant workers who built Maharashtra with their blood and sweat only got



deceit from the the Shiv Sena-Congress government of the state. They were only deceived amid the lockdown and left to fend for themselves, forcing them to leave the state, said the chief minister in a Tweet in Hindi.

Humanity will never pardon Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for this inhuman act," Adityanath added in his tweet.

The chief minister sought to assure migrant workers returning home that their home state will take proper care of them.

All our brothers and sisters reaching home will be taken care of, said Adityanath in his Tweet while asking Thackeray not to feign concern about workers after forcing them to leave.

Had the Maharashtra government acted even as a step-mother and given workers some succor, they would not have been forced to return, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Looking on the bright side of COVID-19 self isolation, Allan Gibson of Cherrybrook saw an opportunity. "I decided to burn my past obsession of phillumeny by culling my matchbox collection. One less box in the garage!" Imagine what could have happened if the boredom of isolation hadn't allowed for a controlled-burn situation. No boxes and one less garage, perhaps?

James Moore of Kogarah has noticed "public figures often promise a fulsome report, apparently not realising that the primary meaning of the word is excessive". Noting Lincolns Gettysburg Address was only 272 words, James would prefer they opted for succinctness.

Adding to the town name song (C8) list, Sue Rose of Portland nominates Old Wallerawang by Rex Dallas as her home town song. Being a Guildford girl, Helen Lyons-Riley of Springwood offers Train trip to Guildford by John Dengate, recommending a Google search for the lyrics.

While Tommy Leonetti's soporific My City of Sydney, used so successfully as a sleep aid in the old Channel 7 sign-off, was disparaged by Coral Button (C8), Mark Berg of Caringbah South, Richard Cunieu of Ryde and Steve Castieu of Bexley all recommend the far superior version of the same song by the Sydney indie-punk band XL Capris. Mark and Richard both also wondered why no-one had mentioned Outline's The Cicada That Ate Five Dock, which Granny herself admits to being surprised about. Perhaps that line in the song about the Army Reserve dropping a giant bomb that "blew up Five Dock and most of Drummoyne" did more damage than expected?

Apparently it's all a matter of perspective. Cathy Harnack of Toormina says "My City of Sydney (C8) is riveting compared to Adelaide Youre a Lady".
100 Years Ago  1920: Fire sweeping through the large buildings on the Wawa Diary (Dairy) Farms yesterday afternoon caused a loss of approximately $150,000 in buildings, machinery and feed, according to the owners. The fire started in one of the two-story frame structures containing machinery, horses and cattle. Men employed on the farm and neighbors rescued the horses and cattle. Mrs. Charles Rice telephoned for the fire companies in Media, Lansdowne, Chester, Swarthmore and West Chester. Hundreds of automobiles parked along the roadside and in the field where their occupants watched the blaze.

75 Years Ago  1945: In case youve accidentally gulped down some of those wormy-looking little creatures that have been coming out of West End faucets with Chester water the last few days, you neednt worry too much about contracting some sort of a disease. Water company and city health officials today pronounced them absolutely harmless to the human body  although definitely bad from a psychological standpoint. According to a report to City Bacteriologist George B. Sickel from the University of Pennsylvanias Department of Zoology, they are the larvae of such insects as dragon flies, May flies and similar bugs usually found around ponds or reservoirs.

50 Years Ago  1970: The Daily Times has been named the best medium size daily newspaper in Pennsylvania for the fourth time in the past five years. Daily Times staff members compiled the 50 points by winning four first-place prizes and two second place awards in competition against entries from 28 other medium-size daily newspapers in the Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers Association competition.

25 Years Ago  1995: After some bitter debate over truck speeds and state police money, the state House on a 156-43 vote yesterday passed a Senate bill to raise the speed limit to 65 mph on some rural highways. The higher speed limit wont apply to any Delaware County highways.

10 Years Ago  2010: As more teens and younger adults are using heroin, Ridley Park Police Cpl. Robert Frazier is also noticing more and more people gathering in lines at funeral homes when they overdose. He and fellow police Cpl. James Nasella want their message to hit home: Heroin is an epidemic in our area.

 COLIN AINSWORTH
This was one rail trip Vijay Kumar says he will never forget.

IMAGE: Migrants arrive by a special train at Varanasi Cantt station. Photograph: PTI Photo

Nor will the 1,398 other passengers on the Shramik Special from Maharashtra's Vasai Road that rolled into platform number 9 in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur, taking two and half days for the journey that was supposed to be just 25 hours.

Our train was moving in all the wrong directions and went to Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha. All the stations were new and I thought I was part of some adventure movie, Vijay Kumar said.

Another passenger, Suraj Gupta from of Sahjanwa in Gorakhpur, described it as a horror journey.

At one time, Vijay Kumar thought he will never make it to his village in Siddharthnagar, where the family was returning due to the lockdown against coronavirus.

I won't forget the journey in my life, the student said.

The train left Vasai Road station outside Mumbai on Thursday, was diverted to Rourkela in Odisha and finally reached Gorakhpur on Sunday.

The Railways has dismissed suggestions that the train was a victim of a goof-up. They said it was a planned diversion because of the congestion on the usual route, clogged with trains bringing stranded people home.

But nobody appears to have told the passengers, mainly migrant workers, who ended up spending about 60 hours on the journey.

We got food twice and also water. But more than hunger or thirst we were only thinking of reaching home," said Vijay Kumar, a student.

Akhilesh, an electrican in Maharashtra, travelled home to Gagha in Gorakhpur with his father.

"I had sent my family earlier and finally we decided to return, he said.

At last, we boarded the train on May 21 but instead of taking the right route, the driver lost his way and we reached Odisha. I appeal to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath that please never let this happen again," he said.

When he asked the guard about the wrong route, he said he was only following signals, according to Akhilesh.

He said the railway staff gave passengers food at Nagpur and Mughalsarai stations.

But it was just placed in the compartment for them to pick up, and those with more muscle power grabbed more, he said.

Suraj Gupta from Sahjanwa said, "The best food was served in Gorakhpur. After the horror journey it seems that I have reached paradise. There were about 20 other people in his group.

Joint Magistrate Gaurav Singh Sohgarwal told reporters that 1,399 passengers reached Gorakhpur. Most of them are from Gorakhpur division, he said.

Passengers were baffled when they reached Rourkela instead of Gorakhpur. Some went on Twitter saying they feared that loco driver had taken the wrong route, a suggestion dismissed by railway officials.

"There is no question of the train losing its way or its driver forgetting the route. We were very much aware that it is going to pass through Rourkela station, Abhay Mishra, the station manager there, earlier said.

During its halt, the train received water and other necessary things before proceeding towards its destination," he added.
Amathole District Municipality Mayor Khanyile Maneli's wife, Matilda Beauty Nontsapho Maneli, 58, has died of Covid-19.

She died at Stutterheim Hospital at 08.30 on Saturday, said family spokesperson Sithembele Zuka.

Zuka added the mayor's results came back negative on Saturday after he took a test on Monday.

He had been in self-isolation pending the results.

Amathole, with a seat in East London, is one of the largest district municipalities in the Eastern Cape.

Zuka said: "The executive mayor is deeply shocked by the passing of his dearest wife, but he's also strong and determined to fight the pandemic. He is also relieved by the fact that his test results came back negative today."

Council speaker Nonceba Ndikinda expressed sadness over Matilda's death.

"On behalf of the council and the entire municipality family, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the executive mayor and his entire family. We plead that the family be given space to process and mourn in peace," said Ndikinda.

Source: News24
Col. Eddie Boxx, USAF (ret) is working on a book: Bayou Bombers: The Untold Story of B-17 Aircrews in East Texas. He teaches the Fundamentals of Airpower and the Evolution of Airpower at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.
Hostraygan.com scored 40 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team

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(Newser)  The US Navy says it has successfully tested a new laser weapon and has video to prove it, CNN reports. The Navy released a statement Friday with videos and images of the USS Portland, an amphibious transport dock ship, using "the first system-level implementation of a high-energy class solid-state laser" to knock out a drone in mid-air. The video shows a ship firing the laser on May 16 off Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, per USNI, then cuts to an apparent drone on fire. The Navy didn't reveal the weapon's power, but a 2018 report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies said a 150-kilowatt laser was coming.

story continues below

The Navy says it's been building so-called DEWs, or directed-energy weaponswhich turn chemical or electrical energy into radiated energysince the 1960s with the goal of using lasers, per Newsweek. Earlier tests fired a 30-kilowatt Laser Weapon System on the USS Ponce between 2014 and 2017, which an officer likened at the time to "throwing massive amounts of photons at an incoming object" so the Navy could "engage the targets at the speed of light." The Navy says the latest weapon, dubbed the Laser Weapon System Demonstrator, is "redefining war at sea for the Navy." (Read more Navy stories.)
SAN FRANCISCO - All those hours of pandemic-induced video conference calls, chats with family and hangouts with friends are straining our eyes - and, apparently, straining webcam availability.

Webcams are sold out or on weeks-long back order nearly everywhere across the Internet, and people are reporting having trouble finding them in the limited number of retail stores that are open as well. E-commerce tracking company CommerceIQ found 78% of views on webcam product pages on big online retail sites showed the items were out of stock during the week ended May 9.

People's shopping habits have shifted away from just buying bulk amounts of food during the pandemic to facing extended work-from-home periods, CommerceIQ CEO Guru Hariharan said.

"Now, I think people are slowly starting to realize this is a new normal," he said. "They realize they need to get prepared for a new operating normal."

SAVE YOUR DATA: Get a battery backup for your work-from-home desktop PC

For years, consumers have gravitated toward newer, smaller, more mobile devices for life on the move. Just three months ago, webcams were turning into relics of the past. Sure, YouTube influencers and avid workers-from-home used them, but most of us relied on our built-in laptop cameras and smartphones for the few video chats we engaged in.

But the coronavirus pandemic changed that as millions of people began to work from home and heavily rely on technology to keep in touch with family and friends.

It's not just webcams. Monitors, keyboards and even office chairs became harder to find as people flocked to the Internet to buy them in numbers that manufacturers couldn't have foreseen before the pandemic. At the same time, manufacturing plants in China and around the world have been closed intermittently because of coronavirus lockdowns.

Apple was one of the most visible tech companies affected by coronavirus supply chain disruptions. The company warned investors in mid-February that supply chain slowdowns would cause it to miss its financial expectations for the quarter. Apple said its production has resumed typical levels.

The overall laptop supply is improving, but it will take some time to get back to normal, analysts said. Laptops are one product line catching up after a shortage in March and April, said Mikako Kitagawa, an analyst with the consulting firm Gartner.

"The supply chain has been improved compared to then, but it's not really a normal supply chain yet at moment," she said.

Most laptop manufacturing is done in China, where the country was under varying stages of lockdown for months. Plus, components are often shipped on commercial airplanes, which have reduced flights. And, Kitagawa noted, even after the components get there, and enough people can get into work to assemble them, they still have to be shipped via ship around the world and face further quarantines according to different port regulations in each country.

TELECOMMUTING 101: Working from home for newbies

While the supply chain is still recovering, demand for work-from-home gear is spiking.

Logitech, one of the most popular makers of webcams, said it experienced supply constraints after demand for the video cameras suddenly shot up in March. CEO Bracken Darrell told analysts last week it took weeks for production to get "almost" back to normal, and it has returned to full speed now.

"We are in catch-up on some categories that sold out during the late March time frame, but our supply chain is working well," he said on the company's quarterly earnings conference call.

Nearly all webcams are sold out on Logitech's website, with notes that say they are "out of stock due to high demand." Logitech is limiting some webcam models to two purchases per household - much as grocery stores did with toilet paper this spring - but those are sold out as well.

On e-commerce sites such as Amazon and Best Buy, name-brand webcams are back-ordered for four or more weeks or sold out entirely. Other third-party sites are selling webcams for nearly double their original prices.

(Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.)

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Linz Stanley saw the $70 Logitech model she had her eye on for as much as $150 from third-party sellers on Amazon as she searched for it earlier this month. Stanley works in marketing and is used to in-person events, but since the onset of social distancing, much of her work has been done by video call.

Her laptop camera setup just wasn't working out, so she did her research, found the perfect camera and . . . couldn't find it for a reasonable price anywhere online. The Logitech website noted it was back-ordered until August.

Luckily, Stanley is by now a pro at finding almost-sold-out items online. She had just snagged a Nintendo Switch by constantly refreshing multiple websites until it popped up on Best Buy, and bought two computer monitors from Costco by checking the website every day until they became available.

She used a tracker to get shopping alerts for the webcam, and checked the Best Buy website and app multiple times each day. She finally managed to buy one from Best Buy online for its original price. It was scheduled to be delivered Wednesday, but she just got a notification that it was pushed back to Friday.

Still, "I got lucky," she said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 12:10:57|Editor: huaxia

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KABUL, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Taliban outfit has announced a three-day ceasefire with the Afghan government during Eid al-Fitr, the second annual religious festival holidays, starting from Sunday, a Taliban spokesman confirmed.

"In order that our countrymen may celebrate their Eid festivities in ease and comfort, the leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (name of the ousted Taliban regime) orders all the Mujahideen to adopt special preparatory measures for the safety of our countrymen and not to attack the enemy in any place but if there is attack from enemy in any place then a befitting defensive response shall be given," Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement reaching Xinhua Sunday.

The spokesman also urged the fighters not to go to areas under the control of the government.

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has welcomed the announcement.

"I welcome the ceasefire announcement by the Taliban. The Afghan government extends the offer of peace. As commander in chief I have instructed ANDSF (Afghan National Defense and Security Forces)to comply with the three days truce and to defend only if attacked," Ghani tweeted.

The three-day Eid al-Fitr is to be observed on Sunday to mark the end of Muslims fasting month of Ramadan. Enditem
A San Leandro woman was arrested Friday night on suspicion of posting racist messages on homes in the Heron Bay neighborhood of that city.

San Leandro police officers arrested Nancy Arechiga, 52, Friday night just after 7 p.m. while investigating complaints of racists notes left on the doors of at least five homes.

The notes contained various insensitive messages towards minorities, according to the San Leandro Police Department.

The handwritten notes suggested that people, not native to America, leave the country immediately. The messages were directed towards women and children as well, police said.

One resident captured the incident on his Ring security camera and gave police a full description of the suspect. Arechiga was soon spotted in the neighborhood where the racist notes had been distributed. She was carrying a backpack that contained handwritten notes similar to those that had been left on San Leandro homes, police said.

Police are also investigating whether the suspect was behind an incident on Thursday evening when a similar note was found on a local trail, stapled to an information board. That note partially read, no Asians allowed, leave immediately. That post was quickly removed by a resident and discarded.

Arechiga was arrested for distributing threatening messages that instilled fear and intimidation upon those residents, police said.

San Leandro is a community of beautifully diverse people, who share a common desire to live in harmony, and free from intimidation, said Lt. Isaac Benabou, a San Leandro police spokesman. We welcome peoples rights to express themselves, but not in a manner that infringes upon a communitys sense of security and wellbeing.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Arechiga was booked into Alameda Countys Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. However, due to the current state bail schedule, she has been cited and released from custody.

If you have information on a similar incident, please contact the San Leandro Police Department at 510-577-2740.

J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen
Mumbai, May 24 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, here on Sunday, hinted at further extension of the lockdown after May 31 and proposed restrictions on plans to resume domestic flights from May 25 as the Covid-19 situation could worsen after the onset of monsoon.

Addressing the state, Thackeray said it was not proper to impose the lockdown suddenly and now it couldn't be lifted abruptly as it would be detrimental to the people.

"We will have to study the situation carefully before moving ahead. The coming weeks are critical as the spread of coronavirus is increasing. People must exercise extreme precautions during monsoon," Thackeray said.

Hours after Home Minister Anil Deshmukh red-flagged the Centre's plans to resume domestic flights from Monday, Thackeray spoke with Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri on the issue.

"The Chief Minister has communicated that till Mumbai International Airport plans and finetunes airport operations, they (Centre) should initiate minimum possible domestic flights from Maharashtra from Monday.

"These should be purely emergent in nature, like for international transfer passengers, medical emergencies, students and cases on compassionate grounds," said an official from the CMO.
The convention industry is lobbying the state and federal governments to be exempt from COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings, arguing business events differ from crowds at a concert, theatre or sporting event.

Geoff Donaghy, the chief executive of the International Convention Centre Sydney, said business events were highly organised meetings in controlled settings - similar to a workplace than a mass gathering.

Business events such as conventions and meetings are akin to a workplace than mass gatherings, the industry says. Credit:Steven Siewert

Were asking for this distinction to be made, which will allow our industry  worth $35 billion per year  to safely and rapidly restart, he said.

Andrew Hiebl, chief executive of the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux, said gatherings are not all the same, and events that could comply with COVID-19 guidelines should be permitted.
Disturbing images of bodies of dozens of coronavirus victims awaiting burial on the streets of Ecuadors largest city Guayaquil has motivated a businessman in neighbouring Colombia to design something he hopes would prevent a similar scenario in other countries: hospital beds that can be converted to coffins.

Colombias health system so far has not been overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients - the country is coming to the end of two months of quarantine - but the pandemic has caused overcrowding at hospitals and funeral homes elsewhere.

Worried his countrys health system might at some point be over-taxed, Rodolfo Gomez, whose company ABC Displays usually produces marketing material, designed the cardboard bed-coffins.

We saw what was happening in Ecuador, that people were taking dead family members out onto the streets...whats happening also is that funeral services are collapsing with the pandemic, said Gomez, 44. So we started to develop a bed that could be converted into a coffin.

The beds have metal railings, wheels with brakes and can be inclined up and down. They can support up to 150 kg. (330 lbs.). He said the biodegradable bed-coffins cost between $92 and $132.

Gomez hopes their low cost will mean local and provincial governments can outfit rural or under-funded hospitals cheaply. Converting them to coffins if a patient dies will also reduce possible contamination, he said.

Once the bodies are prepared it is converted to a coffin and covered, said Gomez at his Bogota factory, which can produce up to 3,000 beds per month. The staff who are nearby are not exposed to biological risk.

The first bed-coffins will be donated to the hospital in Leticia, an Amazonian Colombian city which has a high number of cases and limited hospital capacity.

Gomez says he has already spoken to potential buyers in Peru, Chile, Brazil, Mexico and the United States.

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Mumbai, May 24 : Ahead of Eid on Monday, actress Gulfam Khan has shared how she is going to celebrate the festival during the lockdown.

"We will be enthusiastically celebrating Eid this year at home with the same spirit as always because it's not about what you do or where you celebrate. It is about how you feel. My family members are spread all across at the moment, and though two of my sisters are in Mumbai we won't be able to meet personally. Instead will meet virtually over video calls," she said.

As Gulfam could not shop for new clothes this time, she will pick her Eid wear from among the best in her wardrobe.

"I couldn't shop for my Eid outfit this year but I will wear my best outfit, because I love dressing up on this day," she added.

Cooking delicacies is Gulfam's priority on Eid.

"Sheer Korma is a must on the menu and it's my personal favourite, especially on the holy occasion of Eid. This year, I will even make a special delicacy that I have been planning to prepare for a long time. What I genuinely love the most about Eid is the spirit, which is just like Diwali and Christmas. It's all about positivity, and at our place we celebrate all festivals with the same fervour. This day, I would like advising everyone to keep smiling and keep spreading love and happiness," she added.

Gulfam is best known for her role in "Aladdin: Naam Toh Suna Hoga", which airs on Sony SAB.

Latest updates on Eid al-Fitr 2020

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
A pilot of the UK's track and trace app is being undermined because mainlanders are downloading it when it should only be used on the Isle of Wight.

More than 55,000 people were thought to have downloaded the app on the island - which is home to around 80,000 smartphone owners, but sources from an ethics advisory board appointed by NHSX have told The Sunday Telegraph those figures could be false.

'It's clear that some people who downloaded it were not on the Isle of Wight,' one member of the ethics committee said.

Isle of Wight Bob Seely told the Mail on Sunday he doesn't know how many alerts the app has given on the island, his girlfriend is the only person the paper found who had been notified

The Isle of Wight has been trialling a track and trace app that will be rolled out across the UK - but experts fear mainlanders have downloading it

The app works by allocating a unique code to each user's phone. Whenever you come within about two metres of someone else with the app, these codes are exchanged via Bluetooth and stored in the phone.

If one party becomes unwell and logs the fact in their phone, all those they have come into contact with will receive an alert.

This might mean them having to self-isolate and undergo tests. But it depends on the length of time spent near the symptomatic person, and their proximity.

Having spoken to dozens of islanders the only person The Mail on Sunday found who had heard of anyone receiving an alert was the Isle of Wight's MP Bob Seely.

His girlfriend, he says, was notified  told she'd been in contact with someone showing symptoms of coronavirus.

Parish councillor Darryl Pitcher says: 'This big experiment was forced upon us  we deserve to know its results. We are at the front and the generals are at the back. It doesn't mean we are leading.'

Running a Covid response team, delivering groceries and prescriptions, he says he's more 'plugged in than most' to island news and has yet to hear of an alert being issued.

'There are only 170 or so confirmed cases of coronavirus on the island,' he says.

'A fair number of those are in care homes so they won't be going anywhere. Also a lot of people will have recovered, so I would suggest there simply aren't enough cases here to trace.'

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely said around 24 people a day were using the app to report their symptoms.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, he said: 'Whether they would have reported symptoms via other means if they didn't have the app is not possible to say. Other valuable information is coming back: how people interact with it and what models of phones are unable to download it, for instance.

'How many alerts? I don't have that information.'

The government has accepted the track and tracing app will not be ready for a nationwide rollout by June 1, when lockdown measures ease with primary schools reopening.

The Sunday Telegraph reports scenes of chaos as the government scrambled to develop the app at the start of the pandemic's outbreak in Britain.

The advisory board is understood to be concerned with repeated issues obtaining information from the government, including which questions should be put to users on the app.

Professor Ross Anderson, a professor of security engingeering at Cambridge, has warned the safety of the app could be compromised as ethics boards are not being given key information.

He said: 'The problem with it is that it was perfectly reasonable to say at the start of March let's develop an app because at a time like this you just do everything. But what you have to do is also have a mechanism where people can fail fast and where people can abandon things quickly if they are not working and then try other things.'

NHSx which is responsible for developing best practice for National Health Service technology, digital and data, including data sharing and transparency has defended the trial.

Sir Jonathan Montgomery, chair of the Ethics Advisory Board, accepts the app has been built quickly, but assured the Sunday Telegraph: 'We would never let that urgency compromise or commitment to clinical safety, transparency, ethics and the law.'
Office landlords are grappling with how to reopen bathroom facilities for workers to shower after they cycle or jog to work.

Australia's largest office landlord Dexus said the challenges around physical distancing on public transport had meant it was getting lots of requests to reopen end-of-trip common shower and bathroom facilities.

Cyclists at the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway at Millers Point. Workers are calling for the reopening of office showers so they can clean up after riding or jogging to work. Credit:James Brickwood

"We'd like to see them open and are currently reviewing how we could do this in a safe way," a Dexus spokeswoman said.

Dexus said it has been working with thousands of tenants to ensure bathroom cleaning and hygiene was ramped up to meet the needs of returning workers and Safe Work Australia guidelines.
President Akufo-Addo says he will announce a roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions when stakeholder consultations on the matter conclude this week.



The restrictions have been in force since March 15 as part of measures to contain the spread of the Novel Coronavirus in the country. They included a ban on social gatherings, closure of schools, shutting of Ghana's national borders and a partial lockdown of Accra, Kumasi and Kasoa.



In a virtual address to mark the Eid celebrations today (May 24, 2020), President Akufo-Addo said safety must be a key factor in the lifting of restrictions.



He said: "Stakeholder consultations are taking place on the way forward towards the easing of restrictions, so that our social and economic lives can go back to normal. I expect these consultations to conclude this week, so that I can announce to Ghanaians a clear roadmap for easing the restrictions. We have to find a way back, but in safety, for we cannot be under these restrictions forever.



"I am fortified in this view by three (3) considerations. Firstly, sad though any premature death is, the hard fact is that the rate of deaths in Ghana amongst confirmed cases is very low  one per one million, i.e. 0.0001%, one of the lowest in Africa, and, indeed, in the world, this, despite the very high number of tests we are carrying out. This has been so since the very beginning of the outbreak over two (2) months ago. The number of positive cases stands at six thousand, six hundred and eighty-three (6,683), out of one hundred and ninety-four thousand, seven hundred and sixty-three (194,763) tests conducted, with one thousand, nine hundred and ninety-eight (1,998) recoveries. This means that our positivity rate, that is the ratio of confirmed cases to the total number of tests conducted, is 3.43%, which, again, is one of the lowest in Africa, and in the world. Furthermore, virtually all the thirty-two (32) corona-related deaths, that have so far been recorded, were of persons with, what the doctors call, comorbidity, i.e. with other underlying causes and diseases. Most of them died within twenty-four (24) hours of admission to hospital. May their souls rest in peace. It appears that, by the grace of God, Ghanaians are not dying of this virus in the numbers that were originally anticipated and feared.



"Secondly, the numbers of severe virus cases that have been hospitalised have been persistently low since the outbreak. The fear that our hospitals would be overburdened, and, indeed, overwhelmed has, so far, again by the grace of God, not materialised. As we speak, there are sixteen (16) severe cases in six (6) hospitals across the country, none of them on a ventilator. We pray for their speedy recovery.



"Thirdly, we now have a more robust mechanism for enforcing our central strategy of defeating the virus  the application of the 3Ts, tracing, testing and treating. The tracing teams are more experienced and more efficient; testing capabilities are no longer concentrated in Accra and Kumasi, but spread more evenly across the country in Ho, Tamale, Navrongo, Takoradi and Cape Coast; treating capacity has been considerably enhanced with isolation facilities better distributed across the nation".



President Akufo-Addo also urged the public to continue adhering to social distancing protocols and hygiene protocols.



"These developments, and continuing strong adherence to the social distancing and hygiene protocols, including wearing masks and strengthening our immune systems by eating our own foods, will enable us to face the future with greater confidence, as we battle to defeat the virus, and pray for our healthcare workers".









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The number of postmasters wrongfully convicted of theft could be as high as 1,000, the Post Office has admitted.

The figure emerged as the appalling treatment of a former postmistress who developed depression after being dragged to court came to light.

The Government-owned company said an additional 400 former postmasters may have been wrongfully convicted for theft, fraud and false accounting. This is on top of the 550 convictions which were known about.

The number of postmasters wrongly accused of theft could he as high as 1,000 according to the Post Office

From 2000 onwards, hundreds of former postmasters were prosecuted after unexplained shortfalls were found in their branch accounts.

The ex-workers blamed flaws in the IT system, Horizon, but the Post Office denied there was a problem.

In case after case it bullied postmasters into pleading guilty to crimes they knew they had not committed.

Many others who were not convicted were hounded out of their jobs or forced to pay back thousands of pounds of missing money.

The Post Office spent 32million to deny any fault in their IT system, before capitulating.

Over the past 20 years, postmasters have been prosecuted after shortfalls were found in their branch accounts and despite pleas from the workers there were IT problems, they were forced into pleading guilty

The shocking number of new cases emerged after bosses delved through records in an attempt to improve fractured relations with postmasters.

In March, 39 cases were sent to the Court of Appeal to be overturned and a decision will be made on 22 more cases shortly.

A crowdfunding campaign is being launched today in a bid to help more victims overturn their convictions at the Court of Appeal.

Alan Bates, of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, is backing the drive to raise an initial 25,000.

He said the alliance will keep fighting until each and every unsafe conviction has been overturned.

In another stark example of the human cost of the scandal, it emerged that a Newcastle postmistress dragged to court by the Post Office not only lost the job she loved but was also left suffering depression.

A harrowing interview, made public this week, shows how Sarah Burgess-Boyde was prosecuted despite her plea for help.

Newcastle postmistress Sarah Burgess-Boyde (pictured) was prosecuted and suspended from her job in 2009 after being accused of theft. She suffered from depression and has not worked again despite protesting her innocence

The 56-year-old was suspended in 2009 after a 40,000 shortfall appeared in her branch account.

In the interview, which will be played for the first time in a Radio 4 documentary series this week, she said: I am really proud to be a subpostmaster. I love my job and I love my customers.

Ive got no reason to do anything. If I lose my office Ill be heartbroken.

But Post Office staff refused to believe her story, even though she had made a success of her business, tripling her commission to 60,000 in just a few years.

She was threatened with prison and after a two-year ordeal ended up in court  where she was acquitted after the Post Office failed to offer any evidence.

By then she had lost all her savings and was left needing counselling for depression. She has never worked again.

Similar miscarriages of justice, with the Daily Mail leading the way in exposing the scandal as part of the Save Our Post Offices campaign, led to the Post Office capitulating in December last year and handed 550 postmasters 58million in compensation.

But in the first tranche of payments handed out last month, former staff received as little as 500 for their years of anguish.

The Post Office has hired London law firm Peters & Peters to determine how many of the 900 cases should be overturned. It said it was determined to leave no stone unturned regarding historical convictions.

A spokesman added: Following searches into the oldest cases ... the review has identified around 900 cases prosecuted since the introduction of Horizon which may have relied on Horizon data.

The detail of the cases is being examined and the proportion involving Horizon is being determined.

The Great Post Office Trial can be heard on weekdays at 1.45pm from today on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
Liberal National MP Warren Entsch said the $60 billion shortfall was an "opportunity" for new spending. Credit:AAP Labor leader Anthony Albanese called on Mr Morrison to take responsibility for the costings blunder and reveal what it would cost to include more workers in the scheme. "If they can't manage a program like JobKeeper to the tune of a mistake of $60 billion  then there has got to be a great question mark over how they'll manage the economic recovery," he said. Mr Entsch said the $60 billion shortfall was not a "sin" but an "opportunity" because workers in tourism and hospitality would need more help after the scheme was meant to end in September. "It means we're not going to borrow as much money as we thought we were, and that's fantastic," Mr Entsch said.

"But even if we don't spend the full amount, there will still be a requirement for us to support some businesses and to give them special consideration, and tourism is one of those. There's no question that they're going to require an extended period of time. This is an opportunity to do that." Other MPs had ideas about where the money could be spent but were not prepared to speak on the record. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has acknowledged the need to help some industries more than others because of the way the economic shutdowns have hurt travel and services. "There are going to be sectors of the economy that are going to come out more slowly than others. This is an issue that the government is thinking about," he told the National Press Club on May 5.

Asked on Friday about what he would do with the $60 billion, Mr Frydenberg said "this is not an invitation to spend more money" but the government would ensure payments were made to those who needed them most. Officials have begun preparing for a Treasury review of the scheme that will report at the end of June and shape any decisions on adjusting or extending the payments. Mr Frydenberg has asked for figures on the number of people who are receiving more under JobKeeper than they were paid in their jobs, a key issue yet to be quantified. Any decision on continuing the scheme, or helping industries such as tourism, would depend on economic conditions over the next few months. Liberal premiers also weighed in, with South Australian leader Steven Marshall saying there was a "really compelling" case for JobKeeper payments to be extended for some sectors, as did his Tasmanian counterpart, Peter Gutwein.

Federal Liberal MP Dave Sharma, from Sydney, said the $60 billion the government had not spent on JobKeeper was good news. "Don't borrow any more": former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "It shows the economy is in better shape than we thought and it means we have more fiscal firepower if we need it," he said. "Any further fiscal decisions will depend on the economic conditions - that's what matters." Liberal senator Andrew Bragg said Mr Frydenberg had "built the plane while he was flying it" to launch the JobKeeper scheme, while fellow Liberal Julian Leeser said the error showed Australia was doing better than expected in the crisis. Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce said the $60 billion would be borrowed money, not money which was set aside, and rubbished suggestions it should be spent.

"It's like discovering that you've got a higher limit on your credit card so your solution is to go back to the shop and buy more junk," he said. "You owe enough money to the Chinese already, don't borrow any more." But the union movement said the payments should go to up to one million more casual workers, while the Australian Industry Group said more employers should be included in the scheme. The row has cast a cloud over the governments economic forecasts, with Labor saying the shortfall shows there will be less stimulus flowing into the economy while government MPs saying it shows fewer workers need subsidies. "It means that people have been making decisions based on the wrong information," said Labor shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers. Labor is seeking crossbench support in the Senate for a motion that would strike out part of the JobKeeker rules so the money could flow to universities and state-owned businesses like dnata, which employers thousands of former Qantas workers in airport services and catering.
Porn star Ron Jeremy (pictured), is reportedly being investigated on new sexual assault accusations

Porn star Ron Jeremy, also known as The Hedgehog, is reportedly being investigated on new sexual assault accusations.

'Sexual assault allegations against Ron Jeremy are under review by our office. No filing decision has been made,' Greg Risling of the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office told The Daily Beast.

The Daily Beast did not specify what those new allegations are and neither did Risling.

It's also unclear when Jeremy allegedly committed the acts.

Jeremy is no stranger to being accused of sexual assault. Since at least 2017, women have come forward to allege the 40-year porn veteran groped them without their consent, leading to Jeremy being banned from most of the adult industry's high-profile events.

In September 2017, Jeremy was accused of inappropriately touching Kristin Brodie who asked him to sign her breast at a Washington state radio station.

At the time, Brodie told the Daily Beast: 'Our Rock Girl uniforms are just torn up T-shirts. There's not a lot of coverage so you can see the top part of your chest. There's no need to move the collar but that's what he did to all three of us.

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Jeremy, who did not achieve fame based on his good looks and earned the nickname The Hedgehog due to his hirsute, stringy hair and unkempt mustache, recently made headlines for trying to save his childhood tree in Queens, New York

'He pulled our shirts open and reached inside our bras, all the way to the bottom and squeezed hard almost pulling [our breasts] out of our bra, and for me it felt like he was squeezing an udder or appraising something. It was very unpleasant.

'I was nervous but I was a Rock Girl and knew I was being watched, so with that knowledge I tried to look unbothered and unfazed even though I was not.'

Following that incident, Jeremy was told he would not face charges over the allegations.

Police interviewed witnesses and reviewed surveillance videos but the Tacoma City Attorney's Office decided not to press charges.

In 2017, a prominent adult film actress, who wished to remain anonymous, also accused Jeremy of sexually assaulting her.

'The first time I met him on set he put his fingers in my pu**y unexpectedly. I was brand new, outside smoking a cigarette and he comes out just being Ron Jeremy. All of a sudden hes fingering me, and Im like, whoa,' the woman told Daily Beast.

'He was just there as an extra on set, he wasnt even there performing. We joke about ittheres Ron, stay five feet away from him because he does that.

'We dont think anything of it. Unfortunately, it doesnt even register. Its like, oh great, another girl got groped by Ron Jeremy, join the club.'

Sydney Leathers, who is also an adult film actress and writer, also voiced her concerns over how much praise Jeremy recently received online.

'Im personally happy Ron Jeremy has a tree to focus his attention on instead of groping women,' Leathers told the news outlet.

Jeremy, who earned the nickname The Hedgehog due to his hirsute, stringy hair and unkempt mustache, recently made headlines for trying to save his childhood tree in Queens, New York.

The 67-year-old tweeted a picture of himself hugging a tree on May 16 with the caption: 'I need your help. help me save my tree.'

According Jeremy, the tree was planted by his father on the day he was born.

The 67-year-old tweeted a picture of himself hugging a tree on May 16 with the caption: 'I need your help. help me save my tree.' According Jeremy, the tree was planted by his father on the day he was born

'Please let Con Edison know that they cannot tear down this tree,' Jeremy pleaded with his more than 109,000 followers.

In response, Con Edison tweeted: 'Hi Ron, thanks for reaching out to us; we understand your concern. However, we are not involved with this tree's pruning or removal job. Please reach out to NYC Parks department for more information.'

A few days later, Jeremy shared a video story of his tree, tweeting: 'I've been fighting to save my tree over and over it's whole life. Sadly it has run its course and needs to be torn down tomorrow. It is not City's fault. The tree is old.'

And though several of his followers view Jeremy as a sort of hometown hero, the headlines about his tree angered others. Porn star, Janice Griffith, asked on Twitter: 'Did Ron tweet this in between bouts of sexually harassing people?'

And though several of his followers view Jeremy as a sort of hometown hero, the headlines about his tree angered others.

'It's truly horrifying for me to see men who are predators glamorized,' porn actress, Tasha Reign told the Daily Beast.

Reign added: 'Men who commit these crimes of assault should be punished for their actions but unfortunately, with our current legal system, it's extremely challenging to prove sex crimes. That needs to change.'

Porn star, Janice Griffith, asked on Twitter: 'Did Ron tweet this in between bouts of sexually harassing people? He's banned from almost all industry events for groping people without consent.'
Chennai: A draft copy of the standard operating procedure for receiving flights at the Chennai international airport has suggested a 14-day home quarantine for asymptomatic fliers, and institutional isolation for those without facilities for a home quarantine, according to a copy of the draft seen by CNN News 18.

The official Twitter Handle of the Coimbatore Police force had also put out the SOPs.

Tamil Nadu has mandated that passengers pre-register on the state's specific portal for travel and obtain and e-pass before boarding the flight. Passengers would be sent a travel permit with a QR Code which needs to be produced upon arrival at the airport. After a medical screening, those without symptoms need to home quarantine themselves for 14 days, while the regular operating procedure would apply for those displaying Covid-19 symptoms.

The state government has elaborately laid out the rules for screening and crowd handling staff at the airport.

"All domestic air travellers coming into Tamil Nadu shall register themselves in TNePass portal and (if asymptomatic) shall undergo 14-day home quarantine. All persons entering the state shall remain under home quarantine for 14 days from the date of arrival. However, if the individual does not have facilities for home quarantine, he will be sent to institutional quarantine. He should indicate the same in the TNePass portal," the draft stated.

Top sources in the government said this is a draft and a few more points will be added for arrivals. An official release on the status of resumption of air services is expected by evening, the source added.

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had written to Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri requesting to avoid domestic flights into the state till May 31.

In the letter exclusively accessed by CNN News 18, EPS said: "If the domestic air services are resumed, then testing of such a large number of passengers daily on arrival will be a huge challenge. Further, all of them will have to be put on institutional quarantine till test results are obtained. With limited facilities for institutional quarantine, it is not possible to handle such a large number on a daily basis..."

However, the government did not get a response on its request till Saturday. Sources added that state cannot take a unilateral decision and said it is waiting for a word from the Centre.
picayune (noun), something of little value, paltry, trivial, trifling

While we were engaged in discussing issues of grand strategy, this irritating fellow kept bringing up picayune matters and derailing our deliberations.

Picayune is a relatively recent addition to the English language, going back to the start of the 19th century in the United States. The word picayune, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is an Anglicized version of picaillon, a southern French regional term for a small copper coin that was minted in the Savoy and Piedmont regions of France. It was applied in Louisiana in the early 1800s to refer to a Spanish medio real, or half real, a coin worth a little more than six cents, and later to a US nickel, according to the OED. (A small explanation is due here: the Louisiana Territory was ruled for decades by France and Spain before becoming an American territory in 1803. When the United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France, the area contained many French subjects and French customs. Spanish coins were legal tender in the US right up to 1857.)

Picayune soon came to be used to refer to any small coin of the least value. As a result it acquired the figurative sense of paltry or mean and by extension was applied to behaviour that was niggling, petty, or picky.

Given that anything picayune is of small value, petty or worthless, it is surprising that the word can be found on the mastheads of a few American newspapers, including the prestigious New Orleans Times-Picayune, which won national kudos and awards during Hurricane Katrina when it kept publishing amid the flooding and the resultant chaos, initially only online, but within a few days of the storm in printed form as well. This flagship newspaper of the most famous Louisiana city began life in 1837 as the New Orleans Picayune. If it seems odd to us that a serious newspaper named itself with a word that means trivial, petty or inconsequential, we are thinking more figuratively than the owners did. The proprietors of the new newspaper had a practical reason: they gave it that name because thats what a copy cost  six US cents, literally a picayune.

Thats not the only picayune of note in the US. The Beeville Bee-Picayune in Texas then took its name from the New Orleans newspaper as a tribute. There is even a town called Picayune, Mississippi, whose name was given to it by Eliza Jane Poitevent Nicholson, the owner and publisher of the New Orleans Daily Picayune, in homage to the illustrious newspaper she published.

Though the Spanish real as a monetary unit fell out of use, and the half-real with it, picayune became established as a synonym for a small amount of money (rather like the other American slang, two bits, which means the same thing and comes from similar out-of-date coins). Picayune was adopted across the U.S. in the 19th century as slang for the U.S. nickel, or five-cent coin. By the late 19th century, not worth a picayune had become a common way to say of little value, and soon enough, picayune acquired its meaning of insignificant. In a few decades, the OED says, picayune was being used as an adjective meaning of of little value; paltry, petty, trifling; unimportant, trivial; mean; contemptible. The word picky may also have been derived from picayune, in the sense of being choosy, fastidious, or fussy about small or trivial things and the most trifling details  dont be picky! is a common reaction to a pettifogging objection. It also was used in the stronger sense of contemptible, as in the Boston Journals 1892 comment about the American national legislature: Do you want another picayune Congress with all its stupidity and folly?

So picayune has plenty of uses, from the literal  Sorry, I have not a picayune to give you if you cant, or wont, pay someone whos asking you for money  to the contemptuous: This is such a picayune request that I am ashamed of you for making it! An early example of its usage can be found in an 1837 congressional debate: The hon. Senator from Kentucky  by way of ridicule, calls this a picayune bill.  By the early 20th century, picayune took on the additional sense of a worthless or contemptible person. The first OED citation is from a 1903 magazine speaking of A pack of jealous picayunes, who bickered while the army starved.

Contemporary Indian public life offers plenty of uses for this little-used word. Political party manifestoes, for instance, are full of picayune promises that the party hopes voters wont remember if they actually win. Bureaucracy saddles our governance with a host of picayune regulations that cumulatively place a huge burden on industry. The executive and the legislature tend to object when the judiciary seems to get involved in picayune administrative matters that are not, strictly speaking, judicial issues. Demonetisation traded Indias future economic growth for a picayune present gain. Criticising the Prime Ministers theatrical gestures of taalis and diyas during the coronavirus pandemic is considered too picayune to be appropriate at this time. Objecting to the creation of his PM-CARES fund when the PMNRF is already in existence may seem a picayune matter, but in reality masks a far more serious set of issues. Am I going on too long with my examples? Dont be picayune!!

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A student undergoes a temperature check before entering a classroom at Munsu High School in Ulsan, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, Thursday. /Yonhap



By Bahk Eun-ji



Concerns are growing ahead of the resumption of physical classes for younger students, scheduled this Wednesday, amid lingering woes over possible transmission of COVID-19 at schools in Korea.



According to the Ministry of Education and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE), high school second graders, middle school seniors, elementary school first and second graders and kindergarteners are to return to classrooms Wednesday. Last week, high school seniors returned to classrooms as they face a hectic academic schedule ahead of the nation's college entrance exam, which has been pushed back to Dec. 3.



Parents and educators showed their concerns when a high school student tested positive for the virus in Daegu, a southeastern city, just one day after the school's reopening. In Incheon, west of Seoul, all senior students at 66 high schools were sent home on the first day of school after two students were confirmed to have contracted the virus. In addition, about 60 students in North Gyeongsang Province, nearly 30 students in Gyeonggi Province and five in North Chungcheong Province were sent home or taken to hospitals after exhibiting symptoms of the virus, such as a fever and a sore throat, on the same day.



Parents and teachers are raising concerns that it is too early to return younger students to school. In particular, they said elementary school students and kindergarteners are not accustomed to following virus prevention measures such as wearing masks and maintaining personal space.



"It can be more dangerous for the younger students when their teachers stress that they should not take off their masks, because there is a high possibility that they will keep wearing the mask even if they have difficulty breathing," said Jung Hyun-jin, a spokesperson of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU).






(Natural News) When they first debuted in March, contact-tracing apps seemed like they would become the technological saviors in the fight against the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). However, doubts have now been raised about the apps, concerning both their effectiveness and security.

Most of the apps in question work by using Bluetooth to connect phones to each other and ultimately let people know if theyve been exposed to the virus. Instead, the apps have raised fears regarding privacy and surveillance. Some also wonder whether the technology is even effective.

Concerns have led to a low rate adoption for contact-tracing apps, limiting their effectiveness

From San Francisco to Singapore, people are now saying that they dont want to use them. They cite technical problems and skepticism that the privacy protections are real. A system developed by Google and Apple hasnt seen widespread adoption because of limitations it imposes on governments. Instead, many countries have come up with their own solutions, which usually end up being incompatible with apps used elsewhere, making them useless for travelers. (Related: Apple and Google promise to shut down their coronavirus trackers when the pandemic ends but does anyone believe them?)

Meanwhile, in India, Southeast Asia and much of Africa, smartphone use is too low for the apps to reach the threshold for contact tracing to be effective  60 percent of the population needs to be on such a system for it to work.

Given the haphazard way many of these apps have been developed, there are obvious concerns about their efficacy and privacy implications, says Samuel Woodhams, a digital rights researcher at internet research firm Top10VPN.

These contact-tracing apps are supposed to provide a technological solution for public-health officials, who would normally have to make phone calls and site visits to track down people who may have come into contact with coronavirus carriers. Given how fast the pandemic spreads, such methods are too slow.

Developers saw an opportunity for smartphone apps to assist these officials. However, putting the technology into action has not been easy.

In March, Singapore became the first country to roll out a voluntary contact-tracing app called TraceTogether. People were initially eager to try it with almost 20 percent of the island nations population rushing to download it. However, people started complaining that the app drained their phones batteries and often required restarting. They also said that the app also did nothing to stop a second wave of infections among Singapores migrant laborers, many of whom dont own a smartphone.

Now, many prominent members of Singapores tech community are calling on officials to integrate TraceTogether with a new app called SafeEntry, which records a persons name and phone number. The system works like a digital check-in and is mandatory for people looking to enter a business, such as a supermarket or a mall.

However, this still raises questions about how a users data is used and stored.

When Google and Apple announced their system, called Exposure Notification, they said that all of the information would be kept on an individuals phone and not on a central database. However, governments have complained that not having access to this data hurts their efforts to fight the pandemic. Singapores system, for one, collects user data and stores it in a central database  although Singapores government has assured the public that this data will only be used for contact-tracing.

Flaws found in the U.K.s contact-tracing app

The U.K. too has argued that its centralized system would help track outbreak patterns, do follow up testing and plan reopenings while keeping the data anonymous. However, a range of security flaws have been recently discovered that may threaten the deployment of the system.

Researchers identified several different problems with the U.K. National Health Systems app. These include weaknesses in the registration process that would allow hackers to steal encryption keys, as well as the fact that user data stored on the handsets was unencrypted.

The researchers warned that these flaws could also be exploited to monitor a users activities beyond just contact-tracing. For example, the unencrypted data makes it theoretically possible for law enforcement agencies to determine where two or more people meet.

In terms of the registration issues, its fairly low risk because it would require an attack against a well-protected server, which we dont think is particularly likely, Dr. Chris Culnane, the second author of the report, told the BBC.

But the risk about the unencrypted data is higher, because if someone was to get access to your phone, then they might be able to learn some additional information because of what is stored on that, he added.

The U.K.s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has since stated that it was aware of the issues and is working to address them.

It was always hoped that measures such as releasing the code and explaining decisions behind the app would generate meaningful discussion with the security and privacy community, an NCSC spokesman told the BBC.

We look forward to continuing to work with security and cryptography researchers to make the app the best it can be.

Sources include:

Bloomberg.com

BBC.com
Congratulations, guinet.cl got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site:

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MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 25-year-old man from Chunabhatti area of Mumbai for making a threat call to kill Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath in a bomb blast.

The man arrested by the ATS has been identified as Kamran Amin Khan, according to news agency ANI.

(Image Credit: ANI)

Kamran Amin Khan had reportedly sent a WhatsApp message to the social media helpline desk at Lucknow Police headquarters, following which he said Adityanath was a threat to a community and he was going to kill him with a bomb.

The Uttar Pradesh Police had filed an FIR against the caller under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the IT Act.

The UP Special Task Force started tracing the location of the caller and with the help of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, Khan was located and finally arrested from Chunabhatti in Mumbai.

He has been handed over to UP STF. The man will be produced before a Mumbai court for transit remand on Sunday and then taken to UP.
Well, youre not alone. Psychologist Ian Wallace reveals why so many of us are having lockdown-induced nightmares  and what we can do to chase them away

And you thought yours were terrifying The Nightmare by Henry Fuseli has intrigued since it was first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1782. The Picture Art Collection/Alamy Stock Photo

It was in January that I noticed something strange  an influx of calls and emails from China. Lots of people were finding their sleep disturbed by intense and often frightening dreams. Many of those getting in touch had rarely, if ever, remembered their dreams before. But with the coronavirus rampant, they couldnt escape them. Then, as COVID-19 spread, I began hearing from people in Italy, the US, South America and the UK. Clients both old and new were reporting dreams and nightmares which were more distressing than anything theyd ever experienced before.

In my 40-year career as a dream psychologist Ive analysed more than 300,000 dreams, but never have I encountered so many that are so vivid and turbulent, nor on such a wide scale.

WHY ARE WE DREAMING MORE IN LOCKDOWN?

With more people off work or no longer having to commute, alarm clocks have been switched off. This means waking up more naturally, and because dreams come in the final stage of any sleep cycle, we are remembering them more clearly.

Some people claim they dont dream but thats not true, everyone dreams  on average for around two hours a night. What these people are really saying is that they dont remember their dreams. When you wake to an alarm, the dream phase is interrupted. Its like walking from one room to another very suddenly, and this change of awareness means that dream memories fade quickly.

Our lockdown dreams are so vivid because it has put many of us in a heightened state of anxiety: there is no vaccine yet, we have concerns about money and no one really knows the full extent of the threat, nor for how long it might be around.

Social isolation, too, is having a profound effect on our psyches. The days drift into each other without our normal opportunities to connect and plan, which can be extremely disorientating.

WHY ARE OUR DREAMS MORE FRIGHTENING NOW?

During the day we tend to focus on one thing at a time but our brains are absorbing more detail unconsciously. A lot of what we experience emotionally is unconscious, too  we dont always recognise or dwell on our feelings even though they are complex. So dreaming is how we process these unresolved emotions from our day-to-day lives.

The stronger the emotion, the more intense the dream, which leads to people distinguishing between dreams and nightmares. A dream might be vivid but leave few lasting effects, whereas a nightmare, and the feelings it provokes, can linger  sometimes for years.

In a nightmare you start to turn up the volume, the vividness and the scariness of ordinary dreams because youre trying to get your own attention. Wed all do well to listen to those messages and accept our fears in these troubled times.

I can be a guide to interpreting those images but, ultimately, the best person to understand what is going on is you.

THE SIX MOST COMMON NIGHTMARES

Being Chased by a faceless enemy

Being chased is a common dream in normal times but these days theres a twist. Clients, many of them doctors and paramedics, report that their pursuer is faceless and they cant escape, no matter how hard they try.

Usually its a sign of some frustration in our waking lives, but now it shows how were struggling to escape from coronavirus and its effects, all of which are uncertain and unknowable. There is frustration, too, in being unable to pursue our daily lives in lockdown.

The walls are closing in

Finding yourself stuck in a restricted space that starts to contract as you move through it was an unusual dream before the pandemic  at number 90 in my ranking of the top 100 most common. It might be stairs getting narrower, or tiny holes in walls which shrink when you try to climb through them. This dream has shot to number two in part because its linked to the language we use to describe the virus  we talk of contracting it. Our dreams actually become a visual pun as the space itself contracts.

As this dream is also being reported by people who work in nonessential roles, such as web design or writing, the space getting smaller reflects concern about career options or income prospects narrowing. In lockdown were all finding it physically harder to manoeuvre in confined living spaces, too.

Interestingly, theres a gender divide: men tend to dream more of stone-walled tunnels while women see an underground river. Water is used in emotional language  take a phrase such as at a low ebb, for example  so there may be a feeling among women that theyre less able to express their emotions, or that they are being carried away by them.

You cant make a call

If youre trying to dial a phone number but cant remember it, or the numbers come out jumbled, it could be that you are struggling to communicate, arent seeing eye to eye with someone or perhaps there is a person who doesnt seem to be listening.

Its unsurprising, given families are now in lockdown together and tensions will be running high  for example, one clients elderly father was ignoring the advice to stay indoors.

It also shows a desire to clarify mixed messages and the confusion many feel about the official advice during the pandemic.

You are surrounded by rotten food

Finding all the food on the supermarket shelves is decaying might seem to have an obvious interpretation given the period of panic-buying. But its not as literal as that. In language, we use food imagery to communicate fulfilment, such as a piece of cake. Its the same in dreams. The fact that this dream has risen from 78th place to number four in my top 100 dreams reveals how many of us are feeling unsatisfied.

An empty workplace

It might involve going to work but being unable to enter  the key card or the code might not work. Even once the dreamer gets inside, the rooms might be empty or the other people might completely ignore them.

In waking life, the workplace often gives us value and purpose  without it, we feel excluded or cast adrift. This dream is usually reported by those who have recently retired but now its being experienced by a huge range of age groups  many freelancers, or those who are part of the gig economy, as well as those who fear being furloughed (or have been already). It means there may be a need to discover your value in other ways.

A battle to the death

Usually a one-on-one physical fight with an adversary. You may feel strong, but no matter how hard you kick, punch or stab you can never overpower your opponent.

They may even mock you as you try. Its a relatively common dream  58th on my list of the 100 most common dreams in normal times  especially among men in authority who feel insecure about their position. Its about a conflict within themselves, a battle to preserve the facade. But its now more far reaching.

The implication is that, no matter our resources, everyone is vulnerable to the pandemic. Those with elderly or vulnerable relatives may be particularly likely to experience this dream, but the message is that we all have to accept our own  and societys  vulnerabilities and work together to be protected.

HOW TO EASE THE NIGHT TERRORS

Try to identify from your dream what it is youre afraid of or anxious about, then talk to people about it. Be vulnerable and open up  that will reduce your fear. If youre on your own, write things in a diary. Realise there are some things you can do and other things you cant.

Look after your needs  dont do things just to keep everyone else happy. This is difficult if you are living in a busy house during lockdown, but set some boundaries. One of the easiest ways to do this is to say no. It will enable you to feel less helpless and more in control.

Sometimes during a nightmare you may find yourself becoming aware that you are dreaming. These moments of lucidity come in the space between being asleep and awake and usually happen because youre subconsciously trying to escape from the dream. Try to stay dreaming to influence whats happening. Having that power and those choices will translate into your waking life, too.

Where you sleep should be really dark, cool and calm. Ignore screens or social media for an hour before bed because it keeps your mind active and disrupts your sleep patterns and therefore your dreams. Try reading a book instead.

Have you had any bizarre lockdown dreams? Email us at you.features@mailonsunday.co.uk. Ian Wallace is the author of The Top 100 Dreams: The Dreams That We All Have And What They Really Mean
If youre a sucker for dainty, barely-there jewelry, well go ahead and guess that you love a sleek and polished look. To embellish your super-simple style just a smidge, today were sharing our favorite minimal-inspired jewelry brands for you to explore. From Insta-famous brands you probably see all over your social feeds to under-the-radar lines worth bookmarking, heres where we find the coolest simple yet stylish dainty jewels.

Whether youre looking to update your go-to T-shirtand-jeans look with a shiny gold pendant or hoping to find a new signature jewelry piece thats perhaps even monogrammed with your initials, weve got you covered with the best jewelry brands for minimalists. Keep reading to check out the items your friends are sure to covet.

1. Cinco

We recently discovered this Portugal-based jewelry brand as we were on the hunt for the perfect gold pendant necklaces. It gets better, too. Almost all of Cincos accessories ring in under $100.

Cinco Jerome Bracelet Two Tone ($150)

2. BaubleBar

You'll find everything you wantfrom unique rings to gorgeous earringsat this fashion-favorite brand.

BaubleBar Earrings ($38)

3. Stella and Bow

While everything this must-try brand stocks is beautiful, we're especially into all of the chic rings.

Stella and Bow Alexa Ring ($135)

4. Soko

Soko is known for its sleek and elegant pieces, and it also partners with artisan entrepreneurs to make the accessories using locally sourced, eco-friendly materials like recycled brass and reclaimed horn whenever possible.

Soko Nyundo Stacking Rings ($88)

5. Catbird NYC

Catbird is your stop for teeny-tiny stackable rings dainty jewelry.

Catbird + Net Sustain Dollhouse 14-Karat Gold Necklace ($296)

6. Gabriela Artigas

The sisters behind Gabriela Artigas create everyday statement jewelry you can effortlessly transition from day to night.

Gabriela Artigas Classic Infinite Tusks ($405)

7. Ariel Gordon Jewelry

Ariel Gordon creates versatile pieces that have the perfect mix of forward and fun detailing.

Story continues

Ariel Gordon Jewelry 14k Smile Charming Hoops ($345)

8. GiantLion

Each handcrafted piece is inspired by nature, history, and symbology.

GiantLion Long Bar Studs ($68)

9. Adornmonde

Adornmonde offers fashion-forward yet timeless jewelry that has gained a buzzy following among a younger generation of celebrities from Emily Ratajkowski to Gig Hadid and Hailey Beiber.

Adornmonde Juana Ear Cuffs ($96)

10. Jacquie Aiche

Jacquie Aiches mission is to create jewelry that will make every woman look and feel uniquely beautiful, according to the site. Mission accomplished!

Jacquie Aiche 14-Karat Gold Diamond Body Chain ($625)

11. Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry

Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry offers personalized necklaces that are super stylish.

Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry Penni Earrings ($132)

12. Monica Vinader

If youre looking for a simple and sleek jewelry that you can wear on a daily basis, Monica Vinader is your answer!

Monica Vinader Gaia Ring ($95)

13. Mateo

Designer Matthew Harris creates simple yet striking fine jewelry, drawing inspiration from modern art. His pieces include lustrous pearls, striking diamonds, and precious stones.

Mateo 14-Karat Gold Pearl Earrings ($625)

14. Vrai

You can easily work these beautiful jewelry basics into your office or weekend wardrobe.

Vrai Pave Huggie Hoops ($390)

15. White Space

Thoughtfully crafted with influences hailing from mid-century architecture and ancient goldsmithing to minimalist art and sculpture, White Space's sustainable pieces are elegant, delicate yet make a bold statement.

WHITE/SPACE Diamond Hug Earrings ($295)

Next: 7 Jewelry Pieces That Were Once Trends But Are Now Basics

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

This article originally appeared on Who What Wear

Read More from Who What Wear
Mr. Maisch says we dont have to worry about any nuclear plants closing, but this ignores the fact that market pressures from cheap gas and coal plants (which do not pay for using the atmosphere as a dumpster) and broken wholesale markets have resulted in an unprecedented closure of perfectly good nuclear plants. In every case, fossil fuel plants have been more than happy to fill the gap, and to fill the air with deadly pollution and warm the planet by emitting carbon dioxide. We dont want to gamble on whether any of these nuclear plants will close because if they do, they cannot be reopened. We all will suffer from a less reliable grid, more volatile electricity prices and more air pollution.
By Park Ji-won





Seen is a screen captured image from the website of the Roman Catholic diocese of Incheon. Screen capture from Diocese of Incheon
Mayank Singh By

NEW DELHI: In a proportionate response to Chinese mobilisation of troops in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army has rushed additional troops to the area. The Indian Army has mobilized reserve force to match up the Chinese deployments, said a source aware of the development, adding that the Army has factored in any future increase of troops. The decision to move forward additional troops was taken after the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army brought in a Regiment commanded by a Senior Colonel having a strength of around 5,000 soldiers. A Chinese Senior Colonel Rank is equated with a Brigadier of the Indian Army. It also comes in the wake of Indian Army Chief General M M Naravanes visit to Ladakh on Friday.

China has also moved its Border Defence Regiment close to the borders. In response, India has moved the Indo Tibetan Border Force ahead on the Indian side of Line of Actual Control. At present, in Eastern Ladakh, PLA troops are spread out on the stretch right from Galwan to Demchok. The 145 km long Pangong Tso lake lies near Galwan from where the stand-off started. Pangong Tso is a glacial lake lying at a height of about 14,000 feet and is straddled between India and China.

On May 5, the Northern Flank of the lake became the flashpoint for the stand-off when Indian troops stopped the Chinese troops near Finger 5. The finger area consists of a series of disputed mountainous spurs along the lake.The scenario turned ugly last week when PLA men reportedly attacked Indian soldiers with rods, stones and punches leading to retaliation from the Indian side.

India overlooked the heightened activity of PLA. The Chinese had been focusing on this sector for the past two years, said a strategic analyst who tracks China closely.It looks like the Chinese are prepared for a long haul similar to the Doklam stand-off, said a senior officer.
Brazils coronavirus curve steepened further a day after it overtook Russia to become the country with the second-highest number of cases.

The Latin American nation added 16,508 cases Saturday and said the death toll rose by 965. Brazil now ranks sixth in the world for fatalities.

The country now has 3,47,398 confirmed cases of Covid-19, according to the countrys health ministry.

The actual number of cases and deaths is believed to be higher than the official figures disclosed by the government, as Brazils testing capacity still lags.

President Jair Bolsonaro has been fiercely criticised for his handling of the outbreak, which has led to the exit of two health ministers amid his insistence in opposing social distancing measures while advocating the use of unproven drugs for treatment.

A video of a cabinet meeting in Brazil has emerged which has triggered outrage in the country. President Bolsonaro barely mentions the pandemic in the meeting, according to the video, which has fuelled a potentially explosive investigation.

One of the few mentions of Covid-19 in the video was when the environment minister said the government should take advantage of the distraction created by the pandemic to relax the countrys environmental protection rules.

Littered with obscenities, insults, tirades and potentially incriminating statements, the video triggered outcry in Brazil, where many questioned the governments policy-making amid the pandemic.

Brazilian media counted 39 swear words in all in the video, including 31 by the president. Bolsonaro called two state governors a piece of shit and pile of manure for defying him by imposing coronavirus stay-at-home measures, according to local media.

The videos existence emerged when popular justice minister Sergio Moro resigned two days after the meeting, accusing Bolsonaro of inappropriate political interference in the federal police.

Police are reportedly investigating multiple cases involving Bolsonaro and his inner circle, including allegations that his son Carlos, a Rio de Janeiro city councilor, oversaw a fake-news campaign to benefit his father.

Bolsonaro, meanwhile, denies trying to stifle investigations, and said the video proved the accusations against him were a farce.

Meanwhile, the overall number of global coronavirus cases has increased to over 5.3 million, while the death toll surged past 3,42,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University.
About 500 people took part in the event.

A rally dubbed "Ukraine will resist" was held in Kyiv on Sunday, May 24, as part of the No Surrender initiative; protesters demanded that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "stop the policy of surrender to Russia."

Participants in the event were holding national flags, however, one could see the flags of such parties and public organizations as the National Corps, Demokratychna Sokyra ("Democratic Axe"), Prava Sprava (the "Right Thing"), and there were several red and black flags, according to an UNIAN correspondent.

Ending the policy of surrender to Russia was one of the main demands of the rally.

"Negotiations with Moscow could only concern the issues that the invader should leave the occupied territories as soon as possible without any conditions and compensate for the damage done to Ukraine," they emphasized.

Also, protesters demanded that Zelensky release "groundlessly detained Maidan activists, military and civil volunteers, and put an end to the political persecution of patriots."

"[Viktor] Medvedchuk, [Andriy] Portnov, and other traitors rather than Ukrainian patriots should be in prison," they said.

Read alsoMedia report "blast" outside Kyiv office of Putin's political operative (Video)

In addition, protesters demanded that the Ukrainian language should not be undervalued and the language law should be observed. They urged the president to continue the decommunization policy rather than "bring Russian and Soviet symbols back to life."

Other requirements included calls to "stop sabotage of Euro-Atlantic integration and resume Ukraine's rapprochement with NATO and the EU; remove oligarchs from government; immediately dismiss Andriy Yermak from the post of the head of the Presidential Office and other "senior collaborators and corrupt officials."

They also demanded that relatives, people who previously worked on Zelensky's comedy program 'Studio Kvartal 95,' and ex-president Viktor Yanukovych's "minions" should not be appointed to high government posts.

"All appointments should be the result of honest, transparent competitions, explicit Russia advocates should be expelled from the Servant of the People parliamentary faction," says the list of the protesters' demands.

In addition, they called on Zelensky to "end the creeping usurpation of power and systematic violations of the Constitution."

The people who gathered on Kyiv's Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) said that "Zelensky was confidently moving along the path of surrender, lies and betrayal. He stubbornly follows the path of Yanukovych. This guarantees him the inglorious and early termination of powers."

The rally was organized by the Resistance to Surrender Movement, which called on Ukrainians to come to Kyiv's Independence Square and to local administrations in other district and regional centers on May 24 to express disagreement with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky's policy.

About 500 people took part in the event.
A special train carrying 992



stranded people from Maharashtra's Pune arrived at Jiribam station of Manipur on Sunday, an official said.

After the train reached Jiribam around 11 AM, the passengers were received by officials of the district administration and leaders of civil society organizations.

The police served cooked food to the people inside the stationary train, the official said.

State health department officials screened all the passengers for COVID-19 symptoms and sent them to their respective home districts in buses, he said.

As per norms, all the returnees will be placed in institutional or community quarantine centres, in their respective districts for 14 days.

The Jiribam district administration is also expecting three more special trains from Mumbai, Goa and Delhi on Monday, the official added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NEW DELHI : More talks are expected between India and China this week to resolve tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Several rounds of talks have taken place between the brigade commanders of the two countries, which have not yielded any results. Now, an intervention at the level of Indian foreign minister S. Jaishankar or national security adviser Ajit Doval, the special representative for border talks with China may be needed to resolve the deadlock.

According to officials and analysts, the recent incidents in Ladakh and Sikkim were of a more serious nature than before. In 2013, Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) had established a camp around 20km inside Indian territory in Ladakhs Depsang area. After three weeks of consultations and flag meetings, the issue was resolved. A little more than a year later, there was a second incident in Chumar sector of Ladakh when Chinese troops tried to construct a temporary 2km road in Indian territory.

In 2017, Indian and Chinese troops yet again engaged in a tense standoff at Doklam, in Bhutan, which lasted 73 days.

But this time, the incident is not restricted to one area, stretching across locations along the 3,488-km LAC, said analysts. In Ladakh alone, Indian and Chinese armies have added reinforcements in Demchok, Galwan river and Pangong Tso lake, said people familiar with the developments. The situation led to scuffles at Pangong Tso on 5-6 May and at Naku La in Sikkim on 9 May. According to one person, the PLA has pitched around 80 tents at the Galwan river. The situation was so tense that Indian Army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane paid a visit to Leh, the headquarters of the Indian Armys 14 Corps, on Friday for a review.

The immediate trigger, at least in Ladakh, seems to be Indias move to construct a link road connecting the 255km Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie road, which is key for the army to access the LAC border near Aksai Chin. In recent years, India has been pressing ahead with infrastructure construction along the LAC, both in the western (Ladakh) and eastern (Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh) sectors, though New Delhi has some way to go to match Chinese infrastructure in the border areas.

Improvement in transportation and communications have led to the two armies patrolling these border areas better, and more frequently," said former Indian ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale. Hence, the possibility of patrols coming face to face is greater. This is the dynamics we are seeing. But, there are detailed standard operating procedures to de-escalate such situations and both sides should stick to these." But this does not seem to entirely explain the current tensions between India and China.

According to Srikanth Kondapalli, a professor of Chinese Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, one explanation could be Chinas pique at seeing India back a resolution at last weeks World Health assembly that called for an examination into the origins of the SARS-CoV2 virus that causes covid-19. This may be also Chinas way of telling countries like India that there could be a cost for supply chains moving out of China" Kondapalli said, referring to countries looking to move manufacturing units out of China following the disruption caused by covid-19.

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Editors note: A change in how the Pa. Department of Health reports its death data caused an error in an internal reporting system. This has been fixed.

As of 12 p.m. May 24, 2020, the Pa. Department of Health reports that there are 67,713 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania. There are at least 5,124 reported deaths from the virus.

According to Johns Hopkins University, 39,519 of those cases recovered from the virus.

Click the image to see a data page including an interactive map for the state. (Please click the link in the previous sentence if you cant see the image.)

Click here for a ZIP code breakdown of cases provided by the Pa. Department of Health.

Out of the probable cases, 1,807 are pending based on definition and high-risk exposure. There are 531 cases pending by serology test and either symptoms or high-risk exposure.

Of the positive and confimed cases, 14,607 cases are among residents in 591 of the states nursing and personal care homes. At least 3,357 of those residents have died from the virus. A database showing these cases is below.

The state is also providing detailed hospital and respirator data here for desktop users and here for mobile users.

Below is a map of the current reopening status of Pennsylvania counties. Please click here if you cannot see that map.

Adams County

226 positive cases and 2,722 negative results with 7 deaths.

Allegheny County

1,777 positive cases and 26,461 negative results with 159 deaths.

Armstrong County

58 positive cases and 1,119 negative results with 3 deaths.

Beaver County

554 positive cases and 3,293 negative results with 72 deaths.

Bedford County

37 positive cases and 644 negative results with 2 deaths.

Berks County

3,885 positive cases and 10,311 negative results with 296 deaths.

Blair County

46 positive cases and 2,421 negative results with 1 death.

Bradford County

44 positive cases and 1,323 negative results with 3 deaths.

Bucks County

4,867 positive cases and 16,992 negative results with 461 deaths.

Butler County

219 positive cases and 3,391 negative results with 12 deaths.

Cambria County

57 positive cases and 3,220 negative results with 2 deaths.

Cameron County

2 positive cases and 118 negative results.

Carbon County

229 positive cases and 2,039 negative results with 22 deaths.

Centre County

146 positive cases and 1,879 negative results with 6 deaths.

Chester County

2,390 positive cases and 10,419 negative results with 248 deaths.

Clarion County

29 positive cases and 644 negative results with 2 deaths.

Clearfield County

34 positive cases and 943 negative results with 1 death.

Clinton County

50 positive cases and 517 negative results with 30 deaths.

Columbia County

344 positive cases and 1,204 negative results with 46 deaths.

Crawford County

22 positive cases and 979 negative results with 63 deaths.

Cumberland County

592 positive cases and 4,235 negative results with 514 deaths.

Dauphin County

1,099 positive cases and 8,910 negative results.

Delaware County

6,179 positive cases and 17,938 negative results with 4 deaths.

Elk County

6 positive cases and 287 negative results with 4 deaths.

Erie County

209 positive cases and 3,866 negative results.

Fayette County

94 positive cases and 2,914 negative results with 29 deaths.

Forest County

7 positive cases and 64 negative results with 1 death.

Franklin County

734 positive cases and 4,666 negative results.

Fulton County

14 positive cases and 192 negative results with 1 death.

Greene County

27 positive cases and 704 negative results with 5 deaths.

Huntingdon County

228 positive cases and 748 negative results with 1 death.

Indiana County

89 positive cases and 1,151 negative results with 5 deaths.

Jefferson County

7 positive cases and 471 negative results.

Juniata County

95 positive cases and 309 negative results with 4 deaths.

Lackawanna County

1,491 positive cases and 5,523 negative results with 153 deaths.

Lancaster County

2,854 positive cases and 13,987 negative results with 279 deaths.

Lawrence County

74 positive cases and 1,140 negative results with 8 deaths.

Lebanon County

909 positive cases and 4,129 negative results with 27 deaths.

Lehigh County

3,651 positive cases and 12,611 negative results with 206 deaths.

Luzerne County

2,645 positive cases and 9,679 negative results with 135 deaths.

Lycoming County

158 positive cases and 1,996 negative results with 14 deaths.

McKean County

11 positive cases and 490 negative results with 1 death.

Mercer County

104 positive cases and 1,338 negative results with 4 deaths.

Mifflin County

58 positive cases and 1,138 negative results with 1 death.

Monroe County

1,304 positive cases and 5,109 negative results with 99 deaths.

Montgomery County

6,525 positive cases and 30,605 negative results with 633 deaths.

Montour County

50 positive cases and 3,143 negative results.

Northampton County

2,911 positive cases and 11,832 negative results with 198 deaths.

Northumberland County

170 positive cases and 1,277 negative results with 3 deaths.

Perry County

47 positive cases and 623 negative results with 1 death.

Philadelphia County

17,384 positive cases and 50,067 negative results with 1221 deaths.

Pike County

477 positive cases and 1,869 negative results with 18 deaths.

Potter County

4 positive cases and 132 negative results.

Schuylkill County

585 positive cases and 4,181 negative results.

Snyder County

38 positive cases and 364 negative results with 27 deaths.

Somerset County

37 positive cases and 1,527 negative results with 1 death.

Sullivan County

2 positive cases and 84 negative results.

Susquehanna County

96 positive cases and 672 negative results with 15 deaths.

Tioga County

16 positive cases and 495 negative results with 2 deaths.

Union County

53 positive cases and 988 negative results with 1 death.

Venango County

8 positive cases and 460 negative results.

Warren County

3 positive cases and 325 negative results.

Washington County

138 positive cases and 3,823 negative results with 5 deaths.

Wayne County

117 positive cases and 884 negative results with 7 deaths.

Westmoreland County

440 positive cases and 8,275 negative results with 38 deaths.

Wyoming County

33 positive cases and 419 negative results with 7 deaths.

York County

924 positive cases and 12,103 negative results with 22 deaths.

This data is compiled from the Pa. Department of Health. The state will not be providing recovery data at this time.

Several counties have released their own data maps. Information reported at the county level may not be consistent with the state numbers. Those counties include:

Some medical systems have begun releasing discharge data. Those medical systems include:

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From Monday onward, India will start domestic flight services. While there still seems to some confusion regarding the use of Aarogya Setu app for boarding, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri on Saturday said that the app would not be compulsory for fliers and that a self-declaration form would also suffice.

The Standard Operating Procedure released by the Airports Authority of India had made the app compulsory for airline passengers. However, the minister said that those without the app could still board the flight if they could give a self-declaration form informing their COVID-negative status at the airport.

After the self-declaration, passengers need to undergo thermal screening. That part is not optional.

The issue, however, is further complicated. While the SOP had granted exemption to chiildren below the age of 14, it also said that all departing passengers must be registered on the app on their mobile phones and it will be verified by the CISF or the airport staff at the entry gate of the terminal building.

To this, the minister said that those without the app would also be able to travel on flights, adding that the SOP was just an advisory. "It is preferable to have the app but If you do not have the Aarogya Setu app, you can give a self-declaration form," he stated.

He went on to compare the app to a passport, claiming that having a clearance from the app would help passengers skip the quarantine period.

"If someone has Aarogya Setu app, it is like a passport. If you have green status, why should anybody want any quarantine," Puri said.

The app gives colour-coded designation to users as per their health status and travel history. It helps the user know if he or she is near anyone who has tested positive for the deadly virus.

The minister further clarified that those who do not the app can get tested for the virus two or three days before the flight's departure, get a medical certificate, and just fill in the form that he or she is COVID-19 negative.

However, he did urge passengers to have the app, stressing on quarantine factor: "If you have arogya Setu app, and if you have got yourself tested for COVID-19 and have been found negative, and if you do not show any symptoms, then I think there is no need for quarantine," he said.

Apart from the use of the app, the use of masks and gloves, and thermal screening of passengers will also be mandatory.

In the post-Covid world, flying is set to be an all-together different experience. With social distancing and personal sanitation norms in place, follwoing these norms will become very crucial to ensure a decent flying experience.
With the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) cracking a whip on fund houses in the last few months, mutual fund managers have become cautious on inflows and investments.

On April 23, Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund said it would wind up six schemes  Franklin India Low Duration Fund, Franklin India Dynamic Accrual Fund, Franklin India Credit Risk Fund, Franklin India Short Term Income Plan, Franklin India Ultra Short Bond Fund and Franklin India Income Opportunities Fund  citing severe illiquidity and redemption pressures caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic's impact.

The total AUM of these six schemes stood at Rs 25,856 crore.

As Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund had majority of their funds invested in instruments rated AA or lower, the fund had no option but to close these schemes after it witnessed redemption of over Rs 4,000 crore in less than a month.

On May 7, SEBI asked Franklin Templeton MF to focus on returning the money stuck in these funds to investors as soon as possible.

SEBI had allowed mutual funds to grandfather the existing investments in unlisted debt instruments till maturity of such instruments, so as to not disrupt the market.

Similarly, Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund has stopped new money inflow called subscription, in two schemes  Aditya Birla Sun Life Medium Term Plan (ABMTP) and Aditya Birla Sun Life Credit Risk Fund (ACRF). The fund house suspended new investments in these schemes from May 22, 2020.

Generally, a fund house prefers to stop fresh inflows when there is a perceived dearth of investment opportunities. Instead, it may choose to sit on the cash till the market opens up for sound investments.

Further, fund manager may not always be in a position to wait and avoid investing altogether. In such cases, restricting inflows in the scheme is the only way out.

Both these schemes of Aditya Birla Sun Life MF had exposure to debt securities of IL&FS companies, which were written down, and also of Essel Group, which were recovered.

The AMC had stated that it has taken this step to protect the interests of investors. We believe that there are substantial gains in our funds, which would be realised by the existing investors over the next few months. Since we do not wish to dilute this for existing investors by taking more money in these funds, we have stopped fresh subscriptions, said A Balasubramanian, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC.

According to MF experts, Aditya Birla Sun Life was finding less quality debt papers that suit the investment objective of these two schemes.

Aditya Birla Sun Life MF was the most-affected fund house when the debt fund crisis surfaced in September 2018 with IL&FS default as the mutual fund house had exposure in debt securities of troubled firm. Among others in September 2018, Principal Mutual Fund too had suspended all subscriptions under Principal Cash Management Fund, Principal Ultra Short Term Fund, Principal Low Duration Fund and Principal Arbitrage Fund.

In the backdrop of asset separation of non-paid debt papers of IL&FS, Essel Group, DHFL during 2018 and 2019, MFs want to invest new money only in best quality papers or debt securities.

Side-pocketing

SEBI allowed mutual funds to segregate or side-pocket assets of investments or securities that default or in some case the money can be expected money at a later date. However, segregation of bad overdue assets from regular schemes, causes multiple issues.

The first disadvantage of segregation is that net asset value (NAV) of the scheme declines by the amount that is segregated and second, the segregated bad assets present an accounting hangover that if the due payment is received, then remaining NAV has to be returned to the investors.

Marking down value of beleaguered securities led to a drop in NAV of some schemes. NAVs of certain schemes had declined as much as 80 percent.

A mutual fund deciding to halt from taking fresh money into certain schemes due to market conditions, is entirely a mutual funds perspective, according to an ex-SEBI officer who worked in its mutual fund department.

SEBI may intervene with necessary supervision to oversee that exiting investors and remaining investors are treated fairly and equally in a schemes that fund houses are winding up, he added.

Echoing similar view, a chief investment officer added: It is high time mutual funds cleanup portfolios. One should research a company well before investments. It will bring down defaults in the portfolio.
There are few better ways to while a day under the scorching sun away than on a scenic boat tour admiring the beauty of Thac Ba Lake.

Thac Ba Lake is characterised by the image of the white storks returning to their nests at sunset.

Recently, we took a two-day tour to Thac Ba Lake with some friends.

Located 180km from Hanoi, Thac Ba Lake in northwestern Yen Bai Province is one of the three largest artificial lakes in Vietnam, covering 23,400ha, of which more than 19,000ha is water area. The lake took shape after Thac Ba Hydropower Plant was built between 1964 to 1971.

The vast lake is comprised of 1331 green islands emerging on calmly blue and clear water surface of the lake, reminding one of the beauty of Ha Long Bay.

The most interesting way to discover the lake is a scenic boat tour. The boat ride was a fantastic way for us to contemplate its tranquillity and pristine beauty with stops between for photos of islands, experiencing locals fishing by net on the lake and visiting beautiful caves on some of the islands.

It is great to feel the cool air when boating on the lake and to be immersed in stunning natural landscapes of beautiful skies, mountains and countless islands.

We greatly enjoyed watching the sunset on Thac Ba Lake and when that ended, white storks returned to their nests.

It is a good chance for nice shots of the sun setting down on the lake with the image of the storks. The best time of year to capture a perfect lake sunset is from June to September at about 6pm.

Grilled fish is among well-known Yen Bai local specialities.

More than a lake

At the lake, you can also take a boat tour to visit various interesting tourism hotspots.

As we took a two-day tour, we had the opportunity to visit Thac Ba Hydroelectricity Plant from Huong Ly Port. This was the first hydro-power station of Vietnam electricity industry and was constructed from 1964 to 1971 with the support from Russia.

During construction, the plant was often bombarded by American planes, killing many of the engineers and workers. The completed plant supplied electricity to Hanoi and elsewhere in the north of Vietnam.

Our visit to the plant brought home how tough it must have been to build, and also gave us a chance to admire the majestic view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Its also worth visiting Thuy Tien Cave, a natural cave several hundred metres deep, which is home to magnificent and giant stalactites. A climb to the top of the cave offered us a beautiful view of the isolated green islands on the lake.

Thac Ba Lake is comprised of 1331 green islands emerging on the calmly blue and clear water surface of the lake.

We also had the opportunity to visit the houses of different ethnic groups living in the surrounding region, discover their traditions and customs, and enjoy their local dishes including wild banana flower salad, hill chicken cooked with lemon leaves, salad fish, shrimp and buffalo meat.

In this green and peaceful nature, we found peace by observing the simple lifestyle of local people on the lake.

The image of a small fishing boat moving on the calm waters, with the fisherman putting his traps at the end of the day or a house on stilts leaning on a mountainside, all urge one to return someday soon. VNS

Nguyen Viet Hung & Bach Lien

Assorted activities to advertise charm of Mu Cang Chai terrace fields A hive of activities praising the charm of Mu Cang Chai terraced rice fields in Yen Bai province will be held in the downtown of Mu Cang Chai district throughout this September to celebrate the National Day (September 2).
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 05/24/2020



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Presents: Listen to Your Heart couple Chris Watson and Bri Stauss are revealing their future music plans and how they're working together amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic."We've been very busy with albums, so we've had to be in business mode," Bri said during a recent interview with Access in which she and Chris participated remotely through Skype.The finale of Presents: Listen to Your Heart filmed in mid-February in Nashville, TN, and just aired Monday night on ABC.Not only did Chris and Bri win the opportunity to create and record original music and eventually tour together, but they completely fell in love, and the couple is still apparently dating and happy.Bri, a 28-year-old waitress from Provo, UT, recalled the first weekend after the show ended, she visited Chris, a 30-year-old from Los Angeles, CA, in L.A."We went to The Village recording studio with The Final Rose band from the show and District 78, the music producers. And we were able to spend all day with them while they recorded the instrumental version of the covers and had us sing along and be with everyone," Bri explained."And then the next weekend is when we met with District 78 and really started to kind of hash out album ideas and everything, and then that's when everything moved to FaceTime."Bri and Chris are now quarantining separately in different states. The couple was therefore asked if they've recorded any songs for their upcoming album via FaceTime."All of our songs were written over FaceTime," Chris replied."All of them!" Bri said simultaneously."When we kind of first started writing 'I Do,' I think it was before we even saw each other. We just realized, 'Hey, we're going to have to be writing these songs -- sometimes together and sometimes apart' -- so we were just like, 'Hey, let's try to write them over FaceTime,'" Chris explained."And that's how that song came about, and little did we know that every song was going to be just like that."Chris and Bri revealed their album will have five original songs on it, as well as the five cover songs fans already heard them sing on Presents: Listen to Your Heart.As far as what the vibe of the five original songs will be, Chris shared, "I feel like the songs we got on the show, they definitely embody us and our relationship. Stylistically, they might be a little more ballady than we would tend to sing all the time.""So we definitely have more R&B and pop sensibilities when it comes to recording music together, so I feel like we tried to show a little bit of that with the original songs, for sure."While creating music over FaceTime definitely presented challenges for the couple, Bri said the experience was "incredible.""It was just an extension of the show, so luckily we had that foundation of knowing we felt like we could do anything and had done everything. And when that happened, we were like, 'Okay, we can do even harder things,'" Bri gushed."So being able to work through it together, we've said so many times, like, I would not be able to do that alone/be able to. So we just really balanced each other out and kept each other going -- and when one is frustrated, the other is not."Bri added, "We've tried to be there for each other in that way and not be too much of the same."Chris agreed they're very lucky and "it's been nice" because on the days that he's frustrated, his girlfriend is calm and composed, and vice versa.Bri said she and Chris are looking forward to "being together" and "not separating ever again" once coronavirus concerns subside."We're always working on new music and we fully plan to tour once everything is open again and safe," Bri said."We have a lot to look forward to. We're just taking it a day at a time, but in the future, there is so much that's going to happen."Chris admitted there are "things that are on hold because of coronavirus" but they're excited about new opportunities that will present themselves down the road."If you don't listen to your heart, you're not giving yourself a chance to fall in love," Bri noted. "So I am very, very glad that we listened to our hearts."On Presents: Listen to Your Heart, Chris and Bri were the first solid couple in the mansion and they never wavered from their relationship. They had chemistry both off and on the stage, musically and physically.Chris and Bri won the show with their two final performances of "Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan and "Give Me Love" by Ed Sheeran . They defeated the runner-up couple , Trevor Holmes and Jamie Gabrielle, who have split since the show, according to Reality Steve spoiler blogger Steve Carbone. Click here to read more about Chris and Bri's relationship and how they feel each other months after filming Presents: Listen to Your Heart.Interested in more news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
New Delhi, May 24 : Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Sunday said the government is providing correct figures related to coronavirus everyday to the people, as the Delhi High Court refused to entertain a plea seeking its direction to the AAP government to come out with actual figures of Covid-19 cases and the death count.

"I am glad that the Delhi High Court has put an end to ugly politics being played by some opposition leaders on such a sensitive issue. The Delhi government is providing correct figures related to corona(virus) everyday to the people," Sisodia tweeted.

The Delhi High Court in its order suggested that the said data should be published "only after proper analysis".

A division bench of the High Court presided by Chief Justice D.N. Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan in the order said: "We expect from the Death Audit Committee and the respondents that they will publish the data only after proper analysis of the data supplied by the Central Government-run hospitals, State Government-run hospitals and Private hospitals in Delhi. The data shall be maintained properly by the aforesaid Committee of experts and by the respondent/Government." The court was hearing a petition filed by All India Lawyers' Union that sought direction to the Delhi government to publish the data relating to confirmed cases of Covid-19 and deaths through a daily bulletin.

While disposing of the said petition the court said there are no basis for the allegations to the effect that the Committee is not working properly.

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party said that after the High Court order declaring Delhi government's COVID death figures correct, BJP should apologise for playing politics over the dead.

Party National Spokesperson and MLA Raghav Chadha said that it is clear now that the Bharatiya Janata Party is playing dirty politics with the number of deaths in Delhi due to COVID-19, "after the Delhi High Court upheld the accuracy and sanctity of death figures published by AAP Government".

He told the media that the High Court has concluded that there is no arbitrariness, discrimination or fabrication of data.

Chadha slammed the BJP saying that the BJP must apologise to the people of Delhi and the government of Delhi for indulging in baseless, motivated and malicious campaign.

"The BJP must apologise to the people of Delhi and the government of Delhi for indulging in baseless, motivated and malicious campaign when the entire world is coming together to serve the people. I think this HC judgement is a tight slap on the face of the BJP and they should immediately apologize for this absolutely frivolous and politically motivated allegation." Chadha said the court has noted that the Death Audit Committee is a competent authority comprising of experts and the data published by the Delhi government is free from any discrimination and fabrication.

He added that the BJP chose to play dirty politics even at the time of such a massive health and humanitarian crisis by leveling baseless allegations against the Delhi government regarding death figures.

Chadha also said the court has upheld the sanctity of figures of deaths published by AAP Govt.

He added that Delhi has a lower death rate than other states of the country.

Talking about the increasing number of cases in Delhi Chadha explained that the focus should be on the number of deaths due to COVID-19.

"The Delhi government is working 24/7 to reduce the death rate due to the COVID-19. The Delhi government has kept the number of deaths under control and in comparison with other states, Delhi has a lower death rate due to COVID-19. The Delhi government is giving the best health care to the people, therefore, the people are getting cured and going back home," he said.

Till Sunday, 261 deaths were reported in the national capital due to coronavirus.

The total cases have crossed 13,000-mark.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Otavi town council has denied any wrongdoing in terms of the appointment of a junior staff member to the position of acting chief executive officer (CEO) for a period of three months.

Council this year created a position of human resource manager and appointed Ernst Gaoab the Human Resource officer to act in it.

Gaoab's prompt promotions raised eyebrows among employees and residents of Otavi who are now accusing the council of creating a position that was never in the structure just to pave a way for Gaoab to the acting CEO position.

An insider at the Otavi town council told The Namibian, the appointment was wrong as Gaoab is as human resource officer and there are other senior staff members that qualify to act in the position.

"A junior staff can never be a CEO even in an acting capacity. We have two senior managers (Finance and Technical) and one of them should have been the ideal person to act instead of Gaoab. This has never happened in any organisation, according to my knowledge," the insider said.

Otavi mayor, George Garab confirmed the appointment of Gaoab as acting (CEO) on 27 April this year.

"Council appointed Gaoab as an acting human resources manager on 23 January 2020 as per council resolution and further decided to appoint him as acting CEO," Garab said.

He pointed out that Gaoab is a senior employee with a proven track record of good governance and wealth of experience in human resources and senior management level.

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"He has experience of 23 years in governance at the local authority level. We must bear in mind that Gaoab was appointed as the acting town clerk after the resignation of the then town clerk in 2004 and served until 2006," Garab explained.

Gaoab, according to Garab also acted CEO of Otavi from 2008 until 2010 until council appointed Moses Matyayi to the position.

He added that after Matyayi's resignation last year, the technical manager as the most senior official was approached to act but decline due to health reasons. The current finance and asset manager was then appointed to act for a period three months from January 2020 until 21 April 2020.

On the 17th March, before leaving office, the former Minister of Urban and Rural development Dr Peya Mushelanga had instructed the Otavi town council to fill the vacant position of CEO by the end of April. Garab says they did not ignore the directive as they were pre-occupied with the COVID-19 pandemic activities.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 05:19:21|Editor: huaxia

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MACAO, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government said on Saturday that it firmly supports the decision of the central government to safeguard national security.

The Macao SAR government was responding to a draft decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to safeguard national security which has been submitted to the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) for deliberation.

The Macao SAR government said national security is the cornerstone for bringing peace and stability to the country and plays a critical role in ensuring the country's long-term peace and stability and maintaining the long-term prosperity, development and stability of the Hong Kong SAR and the Macao SAR.

Safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the sacred obligation and due responsibility of the Chinese people, including the majority of Hong Kong and Macao citizens, it said.

Since its return to the motherland, all walks of life in Macao have firmly fulfilled the constitutional responsibility of safeguarding national security stipulated in the Constitution and the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, it said.

The Macao SAR government and citizens have joined hands to ensure that the SAR enjoy social stability, economic prosperity and development, and that people live and work in peace and contentment, it said.

Facts have proven that safeguarding national security is the precondition and the foundation for Macao to maintain stability and keep developing, it added. Enditem
Electronic tags are being issued to visitors at a renowned art gallery in Italy after it reopened its doors to the public this weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Accademia Carrara Museum in Bergamo, which opened its doors on May 22 after more than ten weeks in lockdown, has asked visitors to wear electronic tags to ensure they remain at least 1.5 metres away from others while inside.

The mandatory device, which is called a Fidelitas Distance, will warn wearers if they are too close to other visitors using a vibration and a LED light and is hoped to help control the spread of the virus which has now claimed the lives of 32,735 in the country.

The Accademia Carrara Museum in Bergamo, Italy, is issuing visitors with an electronic tag (pictured is visitors wearing the tag) to ensure they remain at least 1.5 metres away from others

The mandatory device will be issued to visitors upon entrance into the building and will help the public observe social distancing guidelines

The Fidelitas Distance device will be able to detect if visitors are not abiding by the social distancing measures

The gallery, which was founded by Count Giacomo Carrara in 1796, has also asked that visitors wear a mask or covering over their nose and mouth and has reduced the number of people who can enter the building at one time.

Visitors will also have their temperatures checked upon entry to the museum and will have to place their belongings inside a bag which will then be stored inside a wardrobe at the museum.

In addition to the stringent safety measures, only those with disabilities and walking difficulties will be able to use the building's lifts.

Hand sanitising stations will also be placed at various points across the museum.

The new rules come as the Vatican Museum also prepares to open its doors from June 1.

Last week it was revealed that Italy, the first European country to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic, had seen its daily coronavirus death toll fall below 100 for the first time in more than two months.

The art gallery, which was founded by Count Giacomo Carrara in 1796, has reopened its doors after more than ten weeks in lockdown

A member of staff places the electronic bracelet onto a visitor after the museum opened on May 22

The museum has also placed hand sanitising stations across the building in an effort to control the spread of the virus

Italy recorded 119 new deaths from the Covid-19 pandemic on Saturday against 130 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said.

The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on February 21 now stands at 32,735, the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the U.S and Britain.

This weekend, Italians were seen flocking to the country's many outdoor spaces as the government set out steps to edge out of lockdown and enter 'phase two' of the lockdown.

The public came out of their homes across the nation during Phase Two of lockdown, with people seen sitting at restaurants and celebrating their first mass in Turin.

Previously, Italians were only allowed to venture within a few hundred metres of their door in order to buy essential goods or to carry out exercise.

People sit in an open seating area at a restaurant in Turin, Italy, as the country enters 'phase two' of its lockdown

In Turin today people attended mass by the parish priest Don Carlo Chiomento, of the Community of Candiolo, after more than two months of lockdown
Lucknow, May 24 : Shopping complexes in the state capital, outside the containment zones, will be allowed to reopen from May 26.

However, shopping malls and multiplexes will still remain closed.

According to the order of the Lucknow district magistrate Abhisheka Prakash, only one-third of shops in a complex will operate daily on rotational basis from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The centralized air-conditioning of the complex will remain shut, though individual shops can keep their air-conditioners on.

A maximum of three customers at a time will be allowed inside the store. All customers will have to wear masks and thermal screening of customers will be done at the entrance of the complex. Shopkeepers will have to report to health authorities immediately if they find any customer with COVID-19 symptoms.

Shop owners will have to make sanitizers available to the customer before and after transaction as well as keep record of every visitor. Shops will have to be sanitized with bleaching powder and sodium hypochlorite several times in a day.

Amarnath Mishra, senior general secretary, Lucknow Vyapar Mandal, said that the decision will help major stores of garment, electrical and electronic items and jewellery that are located in shopping complexes.

"With this decision, almost 70 per cent of the market will now remain open according to conditions laid down by the district administration," he said.
https://youtu.be/HO5Mvbz6pXE

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/28/suicide-us-gun-sales-searches-coronavirus

A surge in gun-related Google searches and estimated gun sales in the US during the worst public health emergency in modern history could lead to higher suicide rates, experts have warned.

From early March to mid-April, when the US began to experience the full force of Covid-19, its residents conducted roughly 2.1m Google searches about buying and cleaning guns, according to research conducted by Everytown for Gun Safety and shared exclusively with the Guardian.

Those numbers signaled a 158% increase from what would have been expected absent the coronavirus pandemic. Estimated gun sales also soared to 2.58m in March, Small Arms Analytics and Forecasting reported, an 85.3% jump from the same time last year. "This unprecedented spike in new guns in people's homes and this Googling about taking people's guns out of storage, combined with this drastic increase in unemployment, presents a huge risk for a collateral public health crisis, which is firearm suicide," said Sarah Burd-Sharps, director of research at Everytown.

Advertisement Suicides already account for almost two-thirds of gun-related fatalities in the US, and nearly 90% of suicide attempts using firearms end in death, compared with 4% where a gun isn't used.

Although the lion's share of suicide attempts don't include guns, research suggests those that do comprise the majority that are ultimately fatal. Now, because of Covid-19, the economy has been devastated, victims of child abuse and domestic violence are trapped at home with their perpetrators and, generally, people are physically distanced and socially isolated.

All of these phenomena pose risks for suicide, said Nadine J Kaslow, a professor at the Emory University school of medicine and a former president of the American Psychological Association. Some places are already seeing that the crisis around Covid-19 may be exacerbating suicidal tendencies. In Portland, Oregon, for example, suicidal calls to police jumped 23% in the early days of the pandemic, even as call rates dropped overall.

Coronavirus: the week explained - sign up for our email newsletter Read more "Obviously, not everybody who gets a firearm is going to use it to take their own life. People are getting these firearms for lots of different reasons. But it's [a] subgroup of people, and it's a subgroup we have to be, in my opinion, very concerned about," said Kaslow. Burd-Sharps found that when she and her team first pulled Google search data, the states with the greatest surges in gun-related searches were at that time considered to be, or be close to, Covid-19 hotspots.

Many of them, including New York, California and Connecticut, usually have low gun ownership rates, compared with the rest of the nation. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that many of the buyers were first-time gun owners. That distribution matters because, say, adding a fifth gun to an already armed household isn't the same as exposing an entire family to a new and potentially deadly weapon, explained Matt Miller, a professor of health sciences and epidemiology at Northeastern University. "To the extent that there are new gun owners, those new gun owners are now putting themselves and everyone in their home at substantially higher risk of dying by suicide," said Miller.

Before the pandemic, roughly one in three US households owned a gun, and even exponential spikes in gun sales on a temporary basis would be a "drop in the ocean with respect to the total number of guns in civilian hands", Miller countered. "To look for marginal effects of new guns or other types of exposure changes is sort of to miss the forest for the trees," he said. Others, however, are genuinely alarmed by the trend of people buying guns or bringing them out of storage during a pandemic. "There's little doubt that we're gonna see increased rates of domestic violence. There's little doubt that we're gonna see increased rates of child abuse occurring. There's little doubt that we're going to see people get into socio-economically dire situations," said Eric Fleegler, a physician and researcher at Boston children's hospital. "The presence of guns takes any toxic environment like that and puts a higher risk on things," he added. Fleegler warned in a recent analysis that the US is "primed for a suicide epidemic triggered by Covid-19", a tragedy that's both "predictable and preventable", partially by limiting gun access. And, he said, the consequences of guns being so readily available during a time of crisis could far outlast a single pandemic, a warning echoed by other experts. "Guns are a durable item," Fleegler said. "They last for years, decades. And the risk associated with them will last as well." 

In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In the UK the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Other international suicide helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org. America faces an epic choice ... ... in the coming year, and the results will define the country for a generation.

These are perilous times. Over the last three years, much of what the Guardian holds dear has been threatened  democracy, civility, truth. Science and reason are in a battle with conjecture and instinct to determine public policy in this time of a pandemic. Partisanship and economic interests are playing their part, too. Meanwhile, misinformation and falsehoods are routine.

At a time like this, an independent news organisation that fights for data over dogma, and fact over fake, is not just optional. It is essential. The Guardian has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. Like many other news organisations, we are facing an unprecedented collapse in advertising revenues.

We rely to an ever greater extent on our readers, both for the moral force to continue doing journalism at a time like this and for the financial strength to facilitate that reporting.

We believe every one of us deserves equal access to fact-based news and analysis. We've decided to keep Guardian journalism free for all readers, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay. This is made possible thanks to the support we receive from readers across America in all 50 states.
BRUNSWICK HILLS TOWNSHIP, Ohio

Illegal dumping: Marks Road

Police responded to a littering complaint at 10:23 a.m. May 11. The complainant, an employee at 880 Marks Construction, said the company has had issues with people dumping garbage in the companys dumpster.

Police reviewed security camera footage of two suspects dumping trash and were able to contact the suspects. They told officers that they had permission to use a dumpster on the property belonging to Hammers Bar and Grille. Police confirmed that this permission was given by an employee of Hammers.

There was no further information at the time of the report.

Drug possession: Marks Road

A driver was pulled over at 2:32 p.m. May 13 for traveling 57 mph in a 45 mph zone. He was later cited for marijuana possession when suspected pot was found inside the car.

Read more news from the Brunswick Sun.
New Delhi: The Chinese military is fast increasing its troops in areas around Pangong Tso lake and Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, sending a clear signal that it was not ready to end its confrontation with the Indian Army anytime soon, people familiar with the situation in the disputed region said on Saturday.

The Chinese side has particularly bolstered its presence in the Galwan Valley, erecting around 100 tents in the last two weeks and bringing in heavy equipment for construction of bunkers, notwithstanding the stiff protest by Indian troops, they said.

There have been reports of multiple incidents of transgressions by Chinese troops in several areas in Eastern Ladakh in the last one week, and soldiers from the two sides were involved in scuffles on at least two occasions, authoritative sources said.

It is learnt that the Chinese army forcefully stopped movement of Indian troops on several occasions when they were carrying out patrolling in Pangong Tso lake area this week.

In the midst of the escalating tension, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane paid a quiet visit to the headquarters of 14 Corps in Leh on Friday and reviewed with the top commanders the overall security scenario in the region including in the disputed areas along the LAC, the de-facto border between India and China.

The sources said the Indian Army has been matching up to the Chinese build-up in both Pangong Tso lake and Galwan Valley and that it is in a much advantageous position in certain other sensitive areas in the region.

The Indian troops are also resorting to "aggressive patrolling" in several sensitive areas including Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldi, they said.

The situation in Eastern Ladakh deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on the evening of May 5 which spilled over to the next day before the two sides agreed to "disengage" following a meeting at the level of local commanders.

Over 100 Indian and Chinese soldiers were injured in the violence. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in North Sikkim on May 9.

In the last one week, local commanders of both the sides held at least five meetings during which the Indian side took strong note of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) erecting a large numbers of tents in areas in Galwan Valley which India felt belonged to its side of the LAC, the sources said.

India on Thursday said the Chinese military was hindering normal patrolling by its troops and asserted that India has always taken a very responsible approach towards border management.

At a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava also strongly refuted China's contention that the tension was triggered due to trespassing by Indian forces on the Chinese side.

India's response came two days after China accused the Indian Army of trespassing into its territory, claiming that it was an "attempt to unilaterally change the status" of the LAC in Sikkim and Ladakh.

On May 5, around 250 Indian and Chinese army personnel clashed with iron rods, sticks, and even resorted to stone-pelting in the Pangong Tso lake area in which soldiers on both sides sustained injuries.

In a separate incident, nearly 150 Indian and Chinese military personnel were engaged in a face-off near Naku La Pass in the Sikkim sector on May 9. At least 10 soldiers from both sides sustained injuries.

The troops of India and China were engaged in a 73-day stand-off in Doklam tri-junction in 2017 which even triggered fears of a war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long LAC. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet while India contests it.

Both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first informal summit in April 2018 in the Chinese city of Wuhan, months after the Doklam standoff.

In the summit, the two leaders decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications so that they can build trust and understanding.

PM Modi and Xi held their second informal summit in Mamallapuram near Chennai in October last year with a focus on further broadening bilateral ties.
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By The Associated Press

Jul. 28, 2020 | CAPE CANAVERAL

By The Associated Press Jul. 28, 2020 | 12:31 PM | CAPE CANAVERAL

In ordinary times, the beaches and roads along Floridas Space Coast would be packed with hundreds of thousands of spectators, eager to witness the first astronaut launch from Florida in nine years to send two men into orbit to dock with the International Space Station.



In the age of coronavirus, local officials and NASA are split on whether thats a good idea.



NASA and SpaceX are urging spectators to stay at home next Wednesday for safety reasons. But officials in Brevard County, home to the Kennedy Space Center, are rolling out the welcome mat in an effort to jump-start a tourism industry hit hard this spring.



If people are comfortable coming and watching the launch, by all means, come. If they arent, I respect that too, said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. Im not going to tell Americans they cant watch a great piece of history. Im just not going to do it, he said.



The sheriff, who grew up in Florida watching launches, wants a new generation to be able to experience the energy, excitement and feelings of patriotism that comes from watching a U.S. launch with astronauts. He asks visitors to practice social distancing as they watch the launch of astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken on a test flight of SpaceXs Dragon crew capsule.



Around 85 deputies will be on hand to monitor crowds and ask people to comply with social distancing if they are in groups. A local chain of beach shops is distributing 20,000 masks to spectators in coordination with the sheriffs office.



After a two-day safety review, NASA and SpaceX on Friday cleared the rocket for flight next Wednesday. Liftoff time is 3:33 p.m. Central time.



Earlier this month, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine asked potential spectators to watch the launch online or on TV from home. The space agency is also offering a virtual launch experience.



NASA is doing its best to facilitate social distancing inside the Kennedy Space Center by limiting access, although it may be hosting two VIPS. Vice President Mike Pence says he plans to be there, and President Donald Trump said hes thinking of attending.



The visitor center at Kennedy, usually a prime spot for viewing launches, is closed to the public.



NASA astronauts have not launched from the U.S. since the space shuttle program ended in 2011. It will be the first attempt by a private company to fly astronauts to orbit for the space agency.



President Trump will join other spectators to witness the launch and final test flight of the Dragon spacecraft. Last year an unmanned Dragon docked at the International Space Station.
HOUSTON (AP)  A federal judge on Friday criticized the Trump administration's handling of detained immigrant children and families, ordering the government to give the court detailed information about its efforts to quickly release them in the wake of the coronavirus.

U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee on Friday ordered the U.S. government to better explain why it hasnt released some of the approximate 350 parents and children in three family detention centers.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has come under fire for allegedly asking parents in custody if they would allow their children to be released without them.

Parents at all three facilities  one in Pennsylvania and two in Texas  were called into short meetings and asked if there were sponsors available to care for their children, lawyers who represent the families reported that late last week. They were then asked to sign a form.

ICE has declined to release the form.

Gee wrote that she didnt find that ICE officially sought to get those formal waivers, but that officers conversations with detained parents caused confusion and unnecessary emotional upheaval and did not appear to serve the agencys legitimate purpose of making continuous individualized inquiries regarding efforts to release minors.

While some parents reported slightly different details, the lawyers said they broadly believed they were being asked to choose between staying in custody with their children or letting their children leave.

They were asking mothers to separate from their 1-year-old infants to go to a sponsor that perhaps had never even met or known the child, said Bridget Cambria, executive director of the group ALDEA, which represents families at the ICE detention center in Leesport, Pennsylvania.

The Trump administration again faced allegations that it is trying to separate immigrant families as part of an overall border crackdown. The separation of immigrant families drew bipartisan condemnation in 2018 when the Trump administration implemented a zero tolerance policy on southern border crossings.

Story continues

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement accused advocates of making misrepresentations and says it remains in compliance with President Donald Trumps June 2018 executive order intended to stop family separation. In a statement Thursday, the agency said the form was used as part of a routine parole review consistent with the law and Gees previous orders.

The court recognized that parents, not the government, should decide whether the juvenile should be released to a sponsor, the agency said. To comply with this order, ICE was required to check with each of the juveniles  and their parents  in custody ... to make individual parole determinations with respect to those juveniles.

In court papers filed May 15, the government noted more than 170 times that it had refused to release children currently in detention because the parent does not wish to separate. It labeled many children as flight risks without providing more specifics.

Gee wrote that she didnt find that ICE officially sought to get those formal waivers, but that officers conversations with detained parents caused confusion and unnecessary emotional upheaval and did not appear to serve the agencys legitimate purpose of making continuous individualized inquiries regarding efforts to release minors.

On Friday, Gee called on the government and advocates to devise a new process to determine whether families could be released.

Gee oversees a court settlement known as the Flores agreement, which controls how the U.S. is supposed to treat migrant children in its custody.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. government has imposed an effective ban on the entry of families and children seeking asylum. It has expelled hundreds of children within a few days of their crossing the border with Mexico instead of turning them over to government facilities designed to care for them, as normally required by federal law.

The agency says it releases most families from its detention centers within 20 days, the general limit under the Flores settlement for holding children in a secure facility.

But many families currently in custody have been detained for months, some since last year.

Advocates contend that ICE should release all families from detention especially as the coronavirus has spread rapidly through immigration detention, with more than 1,100 people contracting COVID-19 and a positive test rate of about 50%. At ICEs largest family detention center in Dilley, Texas, the detainees include a child with epilepsy, a 1-year-old with breathing problems, and several children with heart murmurs, according to Shalyn Fluharty, director of the legal group Proyecto Dilley.

ICE says it has released hundreds of people deemed to have heightened exposure to the virus, though it has contested lawsuits across the country demanding the releases of others.

The Trump administration is also currently appealing Gees order last year stopping it from terminating the Flores agreement.

___

Associated Press reporter Astrid Galvan in Phoenix contributed.
The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has asked the Civil Aviation Ministry to form a joint working group (JWG) with airlines to safeguard the interests of the travel industry as well as passengers.

Passengers and travel agents have been complaining for the last few weeks that airlines, instead of giving full refunds for flights cancelled due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, are giving credit vouchers which can be used for booking another ticket at a later date.

In a letter to Civil Aviation Secretary P S Kharola on May 13, TAAI president Jyoti Mayal said the joint working group should be headed by him only.

"This group should work like the GST council along with stakeholders which shall ensure a win-win situation for all in the interest of passengers and the travel trade," Mayal said.

The JWG should consist of representatives of the Civil Aviation Ministry, International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines and the TAAI, the letter said.

Mayal said the government should ensure that all airlines keep some financial security with the ministry against all defaults.

"Many airlines like Kingfisher, Jet Airways, US Airways, Continental, Wow Air and many more that operated in and from India have gone bust over the years and the money of customers/passengers and agents have been written off which is over billions," she said.

She said travel agents are hit the hardest whenever such an event happens and a financial security from the airlines will help them as well as the passengers.

The aviation sector in India has been hit hard as the Modi government decided to suspend all scheduled commercial flights since March 25 to curb the spread of COVID-19.

As the fourth phase of lockdown will end on May 31, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Wednesday that domestic passenger flights will restart from May 25 in a calibrated manner.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
WASHINGTON/BRASILIA (Reuters) - The White House on Sunday said it was restricting travel from Brazil to the United States, two days after the South American nation became the world's No. 2 hotspot for coronavirus cases.

The travel ban was a blow to right-wing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has followed the example of U.S. President Donald Trump in addressing the pandemic, fighting calls for social distancing and touting unproven drugs. The Brazilian president's office did not respond to a request for comment.

"The U.S. maintains a strong partnership with Brazil and we work closely to mitigate the socioeconomic and health impacts of COVID-19 in Brazil," the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia said in a statement.

The new restrictions come into force on May 28, the embassy said, prohibiting most non-U.S. citizens from traveling to the United States if they have been in Brazil in the last two weeks. Green card holders, close relatives of U.S. citizens and flight crew members, among select others, would be exempt.

Brazil's foreign ministry called it a technical decision in the context of "important bilateral collaboration" to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting U.S. donations of $6.5 million and a new White House promise of 1,000 respirators.

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the new restrictions would help ensure foreign nationals do not bring additional infections to the United States, but would not apply to the flow of commerce between the two countries.

National security adviser Robert O'Brien earlier on Sunday told CBS' "Face the Nation" he hoped the move could be reconsidered at some point.

"We hope that'll be temporary, but because of the situation in Brazil, we're going to take every step necessary to protect the American people," O'Brien said.

An advisor to Brazil's president played down Trump's move, highlighting shared views on fighting the virus with unproven anti-malarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine.

Story continues

"There is nothing specific against Brazil," tweeted Filipe Martins, an advisor on international affairs to Bolsonaro.

Two hours earlier, he wrote that Trump had "opened a direct line for the exchange of information about the protocol for using hydroxychloroquine and other treatments for the virus."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned last month about using the drug to treat the COVID-19 respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, citing "reports of serious heart rhythm problems" in patients receiving the medicine.

Bolsonaro's insistence on the drug's potential and defiance of state isolation orders pushed out two health ministers in a month, both trained doctors. The acting head of the Health Ministry, an army general, issued guidelines this week to expand use of the drug in coronavirus cases.

Brazil's Health Ministry raised its tally of confirmed cases by 15,813 on Sunday to 363,211 cases, second in the world behind the United States, with more than 1.6 million cases.

Brazil's death toll, which often slows over the weekend due to reporting delays, rose by 653 confirmed fatalities on Sunday to 22,666 dead in total, well behind nearly 100,000 U.S. deaths.

(Reporting by Alexandra Alper, Pete Schroeder, Doina Chiacu and Anthony Boadle; Additional reporting by David Shephardson, Gabriela Mello, Ricardo Brito; Editing by Brad Haynes, Lisa Shumaker, Sonya Hepinstall and Diane Craft)
The Delhi government on Sunday directed private hospitals and nursing homes with 50 beds or more to reserve 20 per cent of their total capacity for COVID-19 patients as the number of infections climbed to 13,418 with 508 new cases in a day in the national capital, while the death toll rose to 261.

With domestic flights resuming on Monday after a two-month gap due to the coronavirus lockdown, officials said asymptomatic passengers coming to Delhi through such flights will not be kept at paid quarantine or state-run centres.

In its order, the Delhi government has directed the officials concerned to ensure compliance of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in "letter and spirit".

Thermal screening at exit point shall be arranged and asymptomatic passengers will be permitted to go with the advice that they shall self-monitor their health for 14 days, the guidelines said.

Those found symptomatic will be isolated and taken to the nearest health facility and will be assessed for clinical severity at the health facility, they said.

The Centre has said that states can also develop their own protocol with regards to quarantine and isolation of air passengers on arrival as per their assessment.

The Tihar Prison reported its first coronavirus case after a 45-year Assistant Superintendent of Central Jail No 7 tested positive for the infection on Sunday.

The Assistant Superintendent is posted at Jail No 7 and is a resident of Staff Residential Complex, Tihar jail, they said.

Out of total 13,418 COVID-19 cases, 6,540 patients have recovered while 261 have died. According to an official, there are 87 containment zones in the national capital.

On Saturday, the number of coronavirus cases in the city was 12,910 with 231 fatalities.

With the number of cases rising daily, ten private hospitals in the city have been declared as COVID-19 dedicated hospitals for admitting confirmed/ suspected cases of coronavirus on payment basis.

"It has been found that in the recent past the majority of beds earmarked for COVID-19 patients in the dedicated private hospitals are occupied at any given time. Therefore, there is a need to increase the number of beds dedicated for COVID-19 patients in the private hospitals in the city," an order issued by the government said on Sunday.

To increase the bed capacity for COVID-19 patients, all 117 nursing homes/private hospitals having bed strength of 50 beds or more are directed to reserve/ earmark at least 20 per cent of their total bed strength for COVID-19 patients, it added.

On Sunday, the festive atmosphere was missing on the eve of Eid in the national capital as people preferred to stay at their homes to offer namaz and most markets wore a deserted look due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown.

The old city areas, which are usually crowded during Ramzan as people go for shopping to buy new clothes for the festival, were missing the usual hustle and bustle.

With religious places shut due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been advised by Shahi Imams of Jama Masjid and Fatehpuri Masjid to stay indoors and offer Eid namaz at their homes.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condoled the death of eminent pulmonologist Dr Jitendra Nath Pande due to the COVID-19 and said Delhi salutes him for his work.

The former head of the Department of Medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi died at his residence on Saturday. He was 79.

"Heartfelt condolences to Dr Pande's family. He retired from AIIMS after a long career of service but continued to work in another hospital until his unfortunate demise this week due to Corona. Delhi salutes you sir. RIP," Kejriwal tweeted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
British Prime Minister Boris Johnsons chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, is at the heart of yet another controversy. Earlier this week, British tabloid The Mirror broke the news that he had travelled 250 miles (400km) from London to the city of Durham to visit his parents after having been diagnosed with COVID-19 and once the lockdown had come into effect.

It was later found that not only had he travelled to his parents home but may have also visited a popular tourist town, Barnard Castle, some 40km away from Durham. Despite clear evidence of wrongdoing, including police statements, many senior Conservative politicians defended him. More surprising though was a tweet from BBCs political editor Laura Kuenssberg, who also appeared to come to his defence, claiming unconvincingly that Cummingss trip was within guidelines.

So here we are, with yet another scandal involving a prominent political actor and a prominent journalist, both at the centre of dozens of similar scandals in the United Kingdom. And another wave of outrage and condemnation: surely this is the last straw. And yet we have been here before, we will be here again and at this stage the outrage expressed by their colleagues is nothing more than performance since we all know by now this is a sham.

That outrage is both targeted and limited says a lot about the situation. They all know how bad things are and how far we have moved from basic ideas of justice, accountability and democracy, and yet they also know that they are benefitting from this very system: these rogue agents are essential for targeting outrage and misdirecting rage as with a sleight of hand.

As such, they must remain in place so that others can benefit. It is not these individuals in and of themselves who are the problem but the system that breeds them. Their removal would not change anything, as they are mostly interchangeable and soon another pundit or political elite would replace them.

Considering how bad the latest of such scandal was, the denunciation was almost unanimous. Almost, as if on cue, our most reactionary pundits (and their admittedly huge platforms and followers) still managed to argue that what was there for all to see was not.

It is fascinating that even though they know that they have nothing to lose in joining the outrage, the state of play is such that absolutely anything goes. Their contrarianism is their brand and as such must know no bounds. They are not journalists, but jesters, here to entertain and play a role we are familiar with: the shock they create with their words and position is in fact what we expect from them, it is not radical but reassuring, we remain in known territory.

Perhaps more fascinating though is that despite the unanimous denunciation beyond our court jesters, there are no unanimous calls for heads to roll. Instead, it is the usual tiptoeing: X and Y must explain their actions or apologise.

We already know too well that nothing will happen if they explain their actions, that if they did, they would simply deflect and divert, and that whether they apologise or not, there will be zero consequences.

All of this cowardice in the face of blatant injustice and corruption is couched in terms of magnanimity, tolerance and moderation: we must rise above the filth. It is clear and there is agreement that what these people are doing is wrong, their politics is elitist and nepotistic and their behaviour utterly unethical.

Where cowardice lies is in the response: instead of fighting wrong with right, elitism with democracy, nepotism with justice and unethical with ethical, the opposition to such vile practices tells us we should be objective and stand in the middle.

But there is no middle ground and you do not have to go far down the ladder to realise that the magnanimity afforded to those at the top quickly dissipates. It is for all to see that austerity politics killed thousands and made many more suffer.

It is for all to see that this tough medicine did not make us stronger: the impact of COVID-19 was made a lot worse by both cuts and the political mentality it bred.

It is for all to see that unskilled workers were in fact always essential workers, and yet remain in precarious and dangerous positions in our incredibly classist society.

It is for all to see that, with the poor more generally, migrants and ethnic minorities have borne the brunt of the current crisis, and that this government will continue to scapegoat both. As the saying goes, the poor stay poor and the rich get rich, that is how it goes.

As most of us suffered to various degrees from austerity, Brexit, neoliberalism and racism whipped up by our elite, their makers escaped any form of justice, securing portfolios, juicy contracts and deals in various milieus, with no shame, remorse and again for all to see.

It is impossible not to be outraged by this latest scandal. But this should not be mistaken with politics. While it is not some carefully planned big conspiracy, such targeted scandals, or what Australian media scholar Alex Ling calls simulacral scandals, are not additional straws building up on the camels back, which would break it and unleash some natural and inevitable justice.

In fact, their very existence, repetition and our response to them precludes real change as our imagination gets bound up in the narrow present and our political will is guided by those with the means to shape the narrative these scandals follow.

If our outrage stays solely directed towards X and Y, nothing will change, the circus will move on to the next scandal and we will be here again tomorrow, pointing our finger at some willing scapegoat, while entirely missing the very obvious culprit  a sleight of hand. The past will continue to happen again and again.

There is no easy way out of that vicious circle and our current reactionary moment. American author bell hooks once wrote that the rage of the oppressed is never the same as the rage of the privileged, and this is as true as ever.

Only by forcing ourselves to act rather than react will we be able to break away from the false outrage which currently binds us to our oppressive class and system, and instead turn this just rage directly against them.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
Indian and Chinese troops appeared heading for a long haul as their tense standoff in the disputed areas of Pangong Tso and Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh showed no signs of abating even as efforts to de-escalate the tension through talks continued.

In the midst of the flare-ups, the Indian Army on Sunday categorically rejected reports that Indian patrol teams were detained by Chinese troops in Eastern Ladakh in the last few days, but did not provide any details of the current situation in the region.

"There has been no detention of Indian soldiers at the borders. We categorically deny this. It only hurts national interests when media outlets publish unsubstantiated news," the Army said in a statement.

People familiar with the situation in the region said the two sides were engaged in trying to resolve the dispute, but there was no indication of a positive outcome yet as both the armies continued to bolster their positions in disputed areas of Pangong Tso and Galwan Valley and Demchok.

The Chinese side has particularly strengthened its presence in the Galwan Valley, erecting around 100 tents in the last two weeks and bringing in heavy equipment for construction of bunkers.

The Indian side has conveyed its strong objection to China pitching tents and bringing in heavy equipment during the meetings between local commanders of the two armies last week.

There have been reports of multiple incidents of transgressions by Chinese troops in several areas in Eastern Ladakh and soldiers from the two sides were involved in scuffles on at least two occasions, sources said.

The sources said the Indian Army has also been increasing its strength in both Pangong Tso lake, Galwan Valley and Demchok. The Indian troops are also resorting to "aggressive patrolling" in several sensitive areas including Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldi, they said.

The situation in Eastern Ladakh deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on the evening of May 5 which spilled over to the next day before the two sides agreed to "disengage" following a meeting at the level of local commanders.

Over 100 Indian and Chinese soldiers were injured in the violence.

The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in North Sikkim on May 9.

India on Thursday said the Chinese military was hindering normal patrolling by its troops and asserted that India has always taken a very responsible approach towards border management.

At a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava also strongly refuted China's contention that the tension was triggered due to trespassing by Indian forces on the Chinese side.

India's response came two days after China accused the Indian Army of trespassing into its territory, claiming that it was an "attempt to unilaterally change the status" of the LAC in Sikkim and Ladakh.

On May 5, the Indian and Chinese army personnel clashed with iron rods, sticks, and even resorted to stone-pelting in the Pangong Tso lake area in which soldiers on both sides sustained injuries.

In a separate incident, nearly 150 Indian and Chinese military personnel were engaged in a face-off near Naku La Pass in the Sikkim sector on May 9. At least 10 soldiers from both sides sustained injuries.

The troops of India and China were engaged in a 73-day stand-off in Doklam tri-junction in 2017 which even triggered fears of a war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long LAC. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet while India contests it.

Both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.

China has been critical of India's reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir, and has particularly criticised New Delhi for making Ladakh a union territory. China lays claim over several parts of Ladakh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first informal summit in April 2018 in the Chinese city of Wuhan, months after the Doklam standoff.

In the summit, the two leaders decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications so that they can build trust and understanding.

Modi and Xi held their second informal summit in Mamallapuram near Chennai in October last year with a focus on further broadening bilateral ties.
India logs over 3.17 lakh new Covid cases in last 24 hours; daily positivity rate up at 16.41 per cent

COVID-19 fatalities may be much more than what is being reported

HC questions Gujarat govt over COVID-19 testing in state

India

pti-PTI

Ahmedabad, May 24: The Gujarat High Court has questioned the state government's decision to not allow private laboratories to conduct COVID-19 tests, saying whether this is meant to "artificially control" the data of number of coronavirus cases in the state.

It has directed the state to procure maximum testing kits to enable both private and government hospitals to carry out coronavirus tests at government rates.

A division bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and I J Vora in its order on Friday also said the argument that "more number of tests will lead to 70 per cent of the population testing positive for coronavirus, thereby leading to fear psychosis," should not be a ground to refuse or restrict the testing.

It directed the government to dispel panic among the public by way of publicity, and ensure home isolation is adhered to.

The court said testing must be mandatory prior to discharge of a COVID-19 patient, as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guideline for doing away with tests for patients with mild, moderate or no symptoms for three or more days is not explained by "scientific data, or research or reasoning".

The court questioned the Gujarat government for not allowing private laboratories, even the ones earlier permitted, to conduct RT-PCT (real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests), saying it raises the issue whether the government was trying to "artificially control the data qua (in relation to) the number of cases in the state".

Wuhan lab head calls coronavirus leak claims 'pure fabrication'

Biggest single day spike in Coronavirus cases, 6,767 cases recorded in 24 hours | Oneindia News

This raises the question whether these 12 private laboratories as well as 19 government labs are "sufficient and good enough" to conduct COVID-19 tests, it said.

The court said any laboratory that fulfils the criteria related to infrastructure and can get registered with the National Accreditation Board for Laboratories (NABL) should be permitted to conduct these tests.

The rates for testing by private laboratories must have a ceiling cap, which in the present case is Rs 4,500, the high court said.

The state government earlier told the court that it has decided to conduct tests only in government laboratories free of charge, as in many instances, private laboratories were conducting "unnecessary testing making patients bear unnecessary expenditure".

"Private laboratories shall be allowed to perform the tests, if and when the capacity of government labs is exhausted," it said.

The court said "the ICMR guideline (on not conducting tests on a certain group of patients before discharging them) is absolutely contrary to its earlier guidelines. There is no scientific data or research or reasoning explained for the sudden change in the guidelines."

"Assuming that the wisdom of ICMR cannot be doubted, even in such circumstance following precaution would be required -- testing prior to discharge must be mandatory," the court observed, in a suo motu PIL filed on measures taken by the state government to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The court also said that even in the event of such a patient being permitted to be discharged, his place of residence should carry a board specifying his isolation period, and his wrist should be marked with indelible ink about the last day of isolation.

Observing that even when there is "no dearth of testing kits", prior approval from the state authorities for COVID-19 tests was making it hard for doctors to conduct tests even on patients suspected to be infected by the virus, or those who require such tests before other treatment or surgeries to avoid post-treatment complexities.

While everyone must be permitted to have a COVID-19 test done, it should be made mandatory for those who have been hospitalised for the coronavirus disease and who want to have a test done post discharge from the hospital, as well as family members of the disease patients and those with a written prescription issued by a doctor.

"Eventually, it is the patient who suffers. For a COVID-19 patient to wait for three to five days sometimes would prove fatal. For non-COVID patient requiring other medical treatments also it leads to inconvenience and sometimes may lead to a lot of problems," the court said.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 05/24/2020



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[ Spoilers Warning: This report features spoilers that reveal if Lisa and Usman are still together and spoilers that reveal whether the : Before the 90 Days couple got married].

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So are Lisa and Usman still together or did their big fight break them up? Did the : Before the 90 Days couple end up actually getting married?

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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple Lisa Hamme and Usman Umar have been shown finally ready to get married on : Before the 90 Days, however their fighting has threatened to derail the relationship, so did the couple marry or at least remain together -- or has the couple broken up?Lisa, a 52-year-old hospice caregiver from York, PA, and Usman "SojaBoy," a 30-year-old rapper from Nigeria, met on Facebook two years before filming : Before the 90 Days' fourth season.Lisa, a divorced mother of a 15-year-old daughter, fell for Usman, an entertainer in Nigeria who has over 20,000 followers on Instagram, when he wrote her a love song.Despite complaints and concerns from friends and family that Usman was scamming her to come to the United States and pursue a bigger rap career, Lisa flew to Nigeria -- her first trip out of the United States -- to meet her fiance for the first time face to face. (Usman had proposed to Lisa during their long-distance romance).Although their relationship was supposedly built on trust, Lisa couldn't stand the "thirsty" women who followed Usman on social media. She therefore asked him to tighten up his profiles after seeing some flirty comments had been left by fans, such as heart emojis."I just have to try to tolerate her," Usman said in a confessional.Lisa and Usman planned to wed during her stay in Nigeria and then apply for a spousal visa so Usman could move to the United States."If my life is one week [or] one month with this man, I've lived a full life," Lisa told her friends before she left America.Lisa gushed, "If I die in Nigeria, I'll die a happy woman because I'll be with the man I love... He's absolutely the man of my dreams. If this is a scam, it's going to break my heart and I will not recover from it."Once Lisa arrived in Nigeria, Usman told the cameras he was "in heaven" and in "paradise" holding his love, and Lisa expressed how Usman was "so damn hot."But Usman admitted Lisa had "a bit more belly" than he was expecting and he would've liked her to have a bigger chest with a little waist and big hips, but he said Lisa had a big heart and that's what mattered most.Usman admitted Lisa is not the kind of woman he's typically attracted to, and after the pair made love for the first time -- unprotected -- Usman said the encounter was "70 percent good," which was apparently good enough for him.Lisa, however, continued to be "very jealous," according to Usman, who said she was "even more controlling in person."Usman was afraid Lisa's jealousy would jeopardize his career or scare some of his fans off, and his friends and co-workers seemed to agree Lisa presented a problem and wasn't obedient enough.Lisa and Usman then flew to Sokoto to visit with his mother, whom Lisa needed approval from in order to marry her son, and the pair got into another fight about Usman leaving Lisa alone too long."You are not a god," Usman said. "You are not up to 10 days in Nigeria and how many times have I said, 'I'm sorry?' I can't even count."Lisa told Usman not to be a "drama queen," but he wasn't about to let Lisa control his life."It's better to live in prison... I can't put myself in prison just to make you happy all the time," Usman complained. "If this is how you want me to be, then I think it's better for you to just go your way and let me go my way."Lisa felt everything she did for Usman wasn't enough, and she insisted no one is perfect and Usman had to make up his mind about her quickly.Lisa claimed her behavior was a result of not sleeping well and being in a foreign country, so she asked Usman for another chance and to move on with the next chapter of their life together."I love Lisa and I want to make her happy, but if we get married, we need a plan to fix our problems," Usman said in a confessional.After Lisa dressed in traditional Nigerian attire called Hausa and bought a goat as a gift, she finally met Usman's mother Fatimatu, hoping to receive her support and blessing to marry Usman.Fatimatu initially rejected the idea of her son marrying Lisa and did not give the couple her approval or permission."I disagree with his choice to marry Lisa. It scares me because Lisa is obviously much older and also that she will take him abroad," Fatimatu told the cameras."I'm afraid of how they will treat him since the whites don't like the blacks over there."At this point, Lisa and Usman couldn't get married, and Lisa wished Usman had better prepared himself for this conversation with his mother.In a last-ditch effort to win her blessing, Lisa prayed with Fatimatu in a mosque since she's a devout Muslim. She dressed and played the part to the best of her ability.Finally, the couple won Fatimatu over once Usman assured her that he's find work in America and come back to Nigeria to visit her often."I have accepted it now," Fatimatu said."It had become clear to me she and Usman will love together in love and peace. I'm thinking he will come with Lisa here to Nigeria, and I'm happy about it."Later on, Usman picked out a wedding ring for Lisa, who wanted something simple.But Usman said he didn't want to spend his marriage fighting. Usman therefore told Lisa that a Hausa man controls the house and he wanted to be in control of their relationship. Usman was tired of Lisa commanding him to do things, saying that's the man's role.Lisa said a man telling her what to do would be "disrespectful," but Usman wanted to be in charge."If there are two kings in a kingdom, there will definitely be war," Usman said in a confessional.Lisa flipped out and insisted she would never be submissive to a man, but the couple eventually got over their fight and headed to a courthouse in Abuja to get married."If I'm going to marry Usman... I'm going to walk right beside him, not behind him. Usman needs to understand that before we're married," Lisa said in a confessional.Once Lisa and Usman met with a magistrate, they learned they may not be able to get married in Nigeria without a printed copy of Lisa's divorce decree, which she did not bring with her from the United States.Lisa was running out of time in Nigeria and was furious at Usman for not doing his research on the required documents ahead of time.Lisa feared a courthouse wedding might not even be possible, venting to the cameras, "I bent over backwards to make sure this wedding happens, and now it might not happen. I feel like I am in a nightmare."However, Lisa was able to get her divorce decree emailed to her in Nigeria, as shown in the latest episode of the series."Now this means we are getting married!" Usman said in a confessional.Lisa hoped this would be the last hurdle she and Usman would have to overcome because they were expecting his family the following day to witness their wedding.But that night, Lisa and Usman had a serious discussion because Lisa claimed to have seen his "whore" on her fiance's Facebook messenger.Lisa said she had been watching the woman for months on Facebook and saw the woman send Usman a kissing emoticon and express her love for him, to which he allegedly called her "baby.""Who the f-ck do you think you're playing with, Usman!?" Lisa vented to the cameras. "I need to make sure he's been faithful to me, because if not, there is going to be no Usman and I."Usman claimed the woman was just his friend but he had been avoiding her and wanted to stick with Lisa only. Lisa accused Usman of using her, but Usman stood by the claim the woman was just a friend.Usman said even though he calls another woman "baby" or "love," it doesn't mean he's actually in love with her or that she's his real, true love.Lisa told Usman he must scrape his social media accounts or else they weren't going to get married. She wanted to see Usman block certain women and clean up his page within hours."Do you... understand that I've been doing a favor for you to get married to you?" Usman asked Lisa. "I'm doing that."Lisa told Usman in reply that she didn't want to marry him because she had 50 men in the United States she could marry instead.Usman responded, "They're not like me," but Lisa countered, "You know what?! You're not that big of a star! You're local talent! Let's get this sh-t straight! You f-cking lied to me. I'm done!... F-ck you and the little boat you've got! Best of luck to you."Lisa threatened to leave Nigeria and give up on Usman, but she said she still loved him.Usman explained to Lisa that women talked to him whom he didn't even know because he's an entertainer and has fans. He said he had nothing to do with that woman and was telling the truth."I've been cheated on before, and there's always that fear in my mind, 'Are you going to cheat on me like the others?'" Lisa admitted to Usman.Usman asked Lisa to be patient with him and trust him, and so Lisa decided to forgive and believe him. Lisa apparently put Usman in his place, and she was proud of herself for saying Usman wouldn't be able to be able to mistreat her.Lisa and Usman are officially a married couple! However, they are still living apart and in different countries.Lisa appeared on a mid-May Interview Live session with Nigerian motivational speaker Katung Aduwak and noted Usman is her "husband" and they're still married and working through their problems. (One of their issues is that Lisa recently called Usman the N-word).Lisa also referred to herself as a Muslim woman, showing she has converted to Usman's faith since getting married.Lisa and Usman got married during Lisa's trip to Nigeria last year, and she posted a screenshot of their marriage certificate May 14 on Instagram. She had obtained the certificate from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.The marriage certificate says Lisa and Usman got married on August 29, 2019 in Abuja with Usman's brother Mohammed serving as their witness.Photos of what appeared to be Lisa and Usman's wedding ceremony leaked online last year by Starcasm and one picture showed the couple holding their Nigerian marriage certificate.Lisa reportedly chose not to wear any makeup on her wedding day at Usman's request, and Lisa changed her name to Usman's mother's name, Fatima Lisa Umar, when she got married.Lisa also previously confirmed she and Usman are married and "still together" in an early May interview with In Touch Weekly in which Lisa also said she'd be okay if Usman chose to have multiple wives."In the Islamic religion, it is acceptable for him to take four wives, BUT and I mean BUT, he must be able to provide for all four wives," Lisa said through her representative, Rocco Straz."[This includes] financially, housing, utilities, vehicles, car insurance and medical insurance. At that point, if he is able to do all of that, he may take another wife."Rocco added on Lisa's behalf, "The wives do not have to contribute their personal finances with him."Lisa was responding to public comments Usman had made during the April 21 episode of Angela Lee's Lip Service podcast.Usman revealed at the time he doesn't want to stop at just one wife, admitting, "[Lisa] is not okay with it, but she cannot stop me. Yeah, that is the truth.""She cannot give [me a] child. Even if we are going to stay together, I must get [a] child," Usman disclosed, according to In Touch."And that is to say, I have to get married to another woman. It's definitely not only Lisa, whoever I am going to stay with in my life, if you cannot give me a child, honestly I have to get another wife. That is [a] must."In late April, Lisa posted a video on Instagram of Usman dancing with her and captioned it with a kissing emoticon, and going back to April 16, Lisa hinted she and Usman were still going strong through an Instagram post.Lisa shared an image that read, "If another woman steals your man, there's no better revenge than letting her keep him. Real men can't be stolen."She captioned the image, "Since all the negative Nelly's have put me in a snarky ass mood if you think you can take my baby love @officialsojaboy just remember it will turn around and the exact same thing will happen to you but I don't think he's gonna do that to me so hate on hate on and hell yes I'm turning off the comments.""Karma's a bad ass bitch my sisters remember that BGL," she added.Not only did Lisa call Usman her "baby love," but she also insisted Usman would never leave or hurt her, which suggests they are still an item.She also posted a message to fans about staying strong during difficult times on April 1 amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and her location was tagged as Kaduna, Nigeria, implying she was visiting Usman in Nigeria.In addition, Lisa posted a collage of photos of Usman and herself on March 20 on Facebook.In terms of Lisa changing her religion, Usman shared a post on Facebook in December 2019 that showed a screenshot of a text message Lisa had sent him in which she talked about converting to Islam, Starcasm reported."Wasn't for your mom or anyone in our lives, not even you," Lisa allegedly wrote, "this was a decision that I made for myself."Lisa reportedly received her fair share of backlash on social media after revealing she's married to Usman, and some people are claiming Usman has cheated on her. But it hasn't seem to phase the feisty Lisa!When one fan reportedly wrote to Lisa, "I wish you were faithful tho," she reportedly replied, "What do you mean my husband is faithful to me. Keep moving."Lisa then went off at the online troll and, according to Starcasm, wrote, "She is a typical Nigerian b*tch an ppl from my husband area wonder why he married a WHITE AMERICAN WOMAN. FACT STANDS I AM A GOOD WOMAN SO LET MY HATERS COME @USMAN SERIOUSLY ILL F**KING MAKE HER CRY."The commenter continued to allege Usman had been "f-cking around" on her, advising Lisa to get checked for sexual transmitted diseases."Jealous much b*tch? Get in line to kiss my white a**," Lisa reportedly responded."You mad bc I married Usman Sojaboy no wonder Nigerian men are choosing to marry anyone but a Nigerian woman like you.": Before the 90 Days' Season 4 cast Tell-All reunion had reportedly been set to film at a studio in New York City in March similar to past seasons, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, those plans ended up being postponed.Instead, the show ended up filming a reunion remotely, with everyone participating via videoconference, during the first weekend of May.About 10 hours of raw footage from 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days' Season 4 reunion show leaked online, including many segments with Lisa and Usman being interviewed by host Shaun Robinson At the end of the Tell-All's filming, Shaun asked Lisa to describe the future of her relationship with Usman, but Lisa pivoted and requested the host ask Usman the same question first."The future of our relationship always depends on Lisa," Usman said, before revealing he had done everything possible to prove his love for Lisa, including convincing his mother to accept Lisa so they could get married in Nigeria."If that is not the definition of love, then I don't know what is the definition of love," Usman noted."I love her and I [got] married to her. When Lisa came down to Nigeria, the intention was for us to get married... I have [no intention] to get another wife, until -- if -- she cannot give me a child."Earlier in the leaked footage, Usman had repeatedly addressed the topic of whether he wanted multiple wives and explained he would only be interested having a second wife -- who he said would have to have a Nigerian woman from his home village -- if it turned out Lisa was unable to bear him a child.Lisa had also confirmed she would be okay with Lisa having a second wife for that purpose, also she and Usman seemed to disagree about whether the second wife would be considered equal to her (Usman said she would be, while Lisa -- unsurprisingly -- insisted the woman would not be).During is closing comments to Shaun, Usman also insisted he's going to continue his music career, which is his passion.And then Lisa said, "The future of our relationship is off-camera. Him and I discussed a lot of things... Our relationship will proceed from here because it is exactly what we've said. We're blending two people from two different countries and two different cultures."Lisa said it's "going to take time" for them to find their footing, especially since Usman is only 31 years old."He's very young and very naive in terms of what he's been exposed to by doing this show. It's been a shock to him. There's some points that inflated his head more than it should be because it is TV, but he's learning. It's a learning process," Lisa continued."We all make mistakes in life... But we continuously move forward."Lisa said if she and Usman move forward together and have patience with one another then their relationship will be "a success."Lisa may end up moving to Nigeria to live with Usman and appear on : The Other Way.Usman also repeatedly insisted during the Tell-All via videochat he's not with Lisa just to move to the United States."I have no intention to be in the States. Ask Lisa, she will tell you. A lot of people.... [say], 'This guy is young, he wants to marry an old lady from America because he wants a Green Card.' I've been with Lisa for a good three years," Usman began."If I wanted to come to the States, I would be in the States by now."Usman said he wants to stay in Africa like all the other big African rappers have done, adding that he only wants to leave Africa for concerts and shows."The only reason why I listened to Lisa about coming to the States was because we discussed the economy [is better in America]. I have not had any intention, since we got married -- it's been several months right now -- Lisa has been asking me to send my documents so she can fight for me to come to America... but [as of] today, I did not send the documents," Usman explained.The documents would enable Lisa to file for Usman's K-1 visa, but he has clearly not sent them in over eight months since they got married."So I am not desperate to come to America," Usman added. "I don't see anything special in America for my own career, but I believe America is a far better country than my country of Nigeria."Lisa therefore admitted she's considering moving to Nigeria to be with Usman, which would be the type of storyline featured on : The Other Way."That has been on the table for... The Other Way," Lisa noted.When asked when she plans to pack her bags and move to Nigeria, Lisa said, "That is something he and I will discuss when cameras are not around. That is something very personal between him and I."Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!
Were not even through with the first wave of coronavirus infections and COVID-19 deaths, and a second wave is beginning.

As signs of a second wave of coronavirus starting to appear in the United States, we still see the number of infections from the first wave increasing.

On Saturday, the number of those newly infected jumped by over 9,000. Thanks to slowing rates of infections from the first wave of pandemic deaths in New York, New Jersey, Michigan, California, Washington State, and Oregon, infection rates are slowing in the United States, but the danger is still enormous.

The number of infections remains steady in about 25 states, while in six states (North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, North Dakota, Maine, and Wyoming), there are already reported rises in newly reported cases over the last 14 days. This is in part because some have recently ramped up testing and, unfortunately, due to the partial reopening of the states.

We lost 1,036 Americans to the pandemic on Saturday. At that rate, with 163 days ahead of the general election, we will hit 263,000 dead by Election Day, November 3, 2020. If the second wave spikes the number of deaths to back over 2,000 a day as many experts are warning we could see well over 420,000 dead by the time polls close.

President Trump has been absolute in his pledge not to quarantine any part of the United States, even if the partial reopening of the United States sends the death toll skyrocketing. He and his GOP sycophants in Congress and his administration are willing to sacrifice an unlimited number of elderly people with pre-existing conditions and front line workers lives.

Trump will point out that roughly 1,264,000 American soldiers have died in the nations wars since its inception. Hes comparing the current 99,000 deaths to the 620,000 deaths in the Civil War and 644,000 in all other conflicts since then and is comparing American citizens to warriors on battlefields.

If the number of dead from COVID-19 rises to 1, 264,000 Trump will still be telling the American people he wears their deaths, and the 20 million infected as a badge of honor. The prospect of more than a million Innocent, women, children, and men dying doesnt worry him at all.

Neither does the reality of as many 60 million people being unemployed doesnt bother him.

What bothers Trump and his sycophants are former Vice President telling the truth to black voters; youre not black if you cant see the difference between Trump, a bigoted white nationalist, and him.







President Trump not going to close the United States if ...

Yahoo Finance
Amid the lessening threat of the coronavirus pandemic, Turkey and Kazakhstan have announced that passenger flights may resume between the two starting in late June. Kazakhstan, which shares a border with China ended its state of emergency last week. Meanwhile, Turkey, on May 23, re-imposed a 24-hour curfew in the view of Eid alFitr celebrations.

The decision was made on a telephonic call between the Kazak minister of foreign affairs and his Turkish counterpart earlier this week. According to reports, if successful, the flights would mark first international travel in Kazakhstan, since the nation first suspended it in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. This comes as the Asian nation is set to resume domestic flight staring form May 25.

Meanwhile, Turkey had suspended all international flights from March 27 while domestic flights were suspended on May 1. Turkey, where tourism accounts for a large share of GDP has been pacing fast towards an economic downfall. As per John Hopkins University, 1,55,686 cases have been reported in Turkey while a total of 4,308 people have died. In Kazakhstan, a total of 8,322 people have tested positive while 35 people have died due to the infection.

Read: Turkey Detains Man For Hanging British Flag-designed Towel

Read: Turkeys Senior Citizens Allowed Out For Second Sunday

Turkey eases coronavirus restrictions

Turkey eased some restrictions last week. According to reports, citizens coming from abroad were earlier being quarantined for 14 days in student dorms, they were being monitored closely for any signs of COVID-19. But due to the easing of restrictions, citizens coming from abroad will go through medical checks and be allowed to quarantine themselves for 14 days at their respective homes.

Other easing measures that have gone into effect in Turkey are the opening of malls, barbershops and hairdressers. The number of provinces under lockdown on weekends and national holidays has dropped from 31 to 15. According to reports, Turkeys Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy on May 16 claimed that he hoped that domestic tourism in the country would resume from May 28 onwards if the downward trend of COVID-19 case continued.

Read: When Is Eid Al Fitr 2020 In Turkey? Details About The Specific Day And Its Significance

Read: Turkey Eases COVID-19 Restrictions For Citizens Coming From Abroad

(Image credits: AP)
With so many events and celebrities being in the news, being a top trend on Twitter for almost the entire day is a notable feat. Sonu Sood enjoyed this honour on Saturday when not just tweets in thousands, there were memes, and celebrity reactions as the actor arranged buses for migrants to go back home. The Dabangg star has been earning the blessings of the travellers and the praises of not just netizens, but also of celebrities for the past few days.

READ: Sonu Sood Lauded By Celebs From Films, Sports & Others For Help To Needy, Termed 'maseeha'

After actors, sportspersons and even police officers, even politicians are now taking note of Sonu Soods acts. The latest to join the list was Smriti Irani. The Union Minister for Textiles and Women & Child Development wrote an appreciation post for the actor on Twitter.

She was responding to a post from Sonu, who told a netizen that there was no need to walk back home, promising the person that he will arrange the travel back home.

The former actor wrote that she had the privilege of knowing Sonu as an industry colleague for over two decades now and celebrating his rise as an actor. The Bharatiya Janata Party leader hailed his kindness in the challenging times, that made her feel prouder. Irani expressed her gratitude to the Happy New Year star for helping those in need.

Heres the post

Ive had the privilege of knowing you as a professional colleague for over 2 decades now @SonuSood & celebrated your rise as an actor ;but the kindness you have displayed in these challenging times makes me prouder still thank you for helping those in need https://t.co/JcpoZRIr8M  Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 24, 2020

READ: Sonu Sood Helps Migrant Workers To Go Home; Says 'can't See People Sleep Empty Stomach'

Sonu has been making headlines since May 11, when he arranged for buses and helped 350 migrants from Mumbai to head back to their homes in Karnataka. Later, he also arranged for similar buses to areas in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar. He also plans to arrange more such buses, even claiming that 100 more buses are already ready.

He also has been replying to those seeking help from him on Twitter, by consoling them and urging them to send details.

Pictures and videos of him seeing the delighted travellers off have been going viral. Sania Mirza, Rajkummar Rao, Kavita Kaushik, Manika Batra, and many others had praised him.

Earlier, his other initiatives like offering his six-storey Mumbai hotel as a quarantine facility and feeding the devotees during Ramadan were also praised.

READ: Maharashtra Minister, Rajkummar Rao Hail Sonu Sood For Arranging Buses For Migrants

READ: Sonu Sood Assures Help To Stranded Twitter Users, Memes Hailing His Efforts Go Viral
Medical staff members wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is seen during training of resuscitation techniques for COVID-19 coronavirus patients at the School of Military Health Enforcement in Libreville on May 13, 2020. (Photo by STEEVE JORDAN / AFP) (Photo by STEEVE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

A server brings out sweetener to patron Francesca Macartney Beale at Douro restaurant in Connecticut at outdoor seating at socially-distanced tables. Employees must wear masks. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

It is still advised to avoid all non-essential travel overseas and those who come into the country are "strongly advised" to self-isolate for 14 days. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Follow the latest coronavirus news in Ireland and across the world on the Independent.ie live blog.

22:15 24/05/2020

'Is lose-lose childcare system merely the last vestiges of the backward misogynistic Ireland of old? Yes, it probably is'

Dr Ciara Kelly

"In much the same way as the border with Northern Ireland almost scuppered Brexit, childcare - the thing no one gave any consideration to but that ultimately everything hinges on - threatens to do the same to our plans to exit lockdown.

"And it is, of course, for the exact same reasons. No one in Westminster cared enough about the North to give it a moment's thought. No one saw it as important. And that is how childcare has always been viewed here. Unimportant. Irrelevant. And something parents (mothers) need to cobble together themselves, mostly from a patchwork of grandparents, black-market childminders and hugely expensive creches, that often cost the equivalent of a second mortgage.

"And all of those things are gone at the minute: grandparents are cocooned; childminders can neither have your children in their house nor come to mind them in yours; and creches were closed en masse in March. Working parents are expected to do their often full-time jobs from home at the same time as they mind, home-school and generally entertain their children 24/7.

"But now those working parents are expected to return to their workplaces over the next few weeks. And it's quite revealing of the Government's view of the importance of childcare to the workforce that it is only fully opening creches two months after those who work in a whole host of different jobs are expected to return to them.

"That opening childcare and people returning to work were not dovetailed by the powers- that-be shows a complete lack of understanding, or possibly interest, by our politicians about how young working families live their lives."

Read More

21:15 24/05/2020

Dog grooming 'essential, not a luxury'

Alan O'Keeffe

While women and men keep longing for hairdressers and barbers during the pandemic, some dogs just cannot wait.

Dog groomer Johanna Somers has been tending to dogs which suffer badly unless they get the grooming they need.

She has been grooming dogs of all shapes and sizes for 11 years.

"A lot of groomers prefer to groom small dogs but I like the big slobbery monsters as well," said Johanna, who runs her All Dogs Great And Small business at her home in Raheny, Dublin.

The Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has advised dog groomers they can provide an emergency service for dogs which need urgent grooming to prevent welfare problems.

Dogs with curly coats, such as poodles, bichon frise, shih tzu and Maltese, are high maintenance. Matted fur can lead to skin infections, suffering and serious health problems.

These breeds must be groomed every 10 to 12 weeks or they may suffer, she said.

Normally, Johanna and two staff would tend to the dogs but the business closed in the national lockdown. It is planned to resume normal business on June 8.

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20:15 24/05/2020

The survivor: Ben Dunne holds steady at gym business ... as Covid-19 brings him closer to sister Margaret

Niamh Horan

Ben Dunne has had his share of headlines. His colourful past is the stuff of modern folklore, but perhaps the stories from days gone by can overshadow a singular feat: that he turned his father's business into one of Ireland's first empires with a billion euro turnover.

So as he surveys the considerable damage caused to his latest project - a chain of gyms that up until the pandemic was generating an annual turnover of 14m and healthy profits - he seems as good a judge as any of what Ireland's business owners need to do, if they are to survive the wreckage being caused by Covid-19. And he certainly doesn't sugar-coat the advice.

First up - don't let emotion get the better of you. "Hold your nerve," he says, while standing outside one of 10 outlets that have closed for what he predicts could be up to two years.

"If you are scared, then your thinking won't be rational. So I would get over that hurdle first. When you get rid of fear, the brain is extraordinary and it usually finds an answer. You will see how many things will start to fall in to place."

Does he think we will face an economic depression come winter? "Jesus, if you weren't thinking that way, you would want to see a psychologist."

Read More

19:45 24/05/2020

'It can feel like you are drowning in a sea of projects' - The reality of working from home with two small children - and why it can't go on

Paul Sheridan

"Five minutes is about all in which you can expect to get some work done these days. Simply because it is usually five minutes before another major crisis develops out in the back garden. Or the front room. Or in one of their bedrooms. That five minutes of silence can mean many things. They could be playing together peacefully (rare), they could be plotting against us (much more likely) or they could be doing something dangerous which needs addressing immediately (a twice daily occurrence).

"We are apparently 'all in this together' these days, but sometimes it feels like working parents are being punished for trying to raise a family and have a career.

"My wife and I spend a good 13 hours a day combining our work with full-time parenting. That's usually 7am until after 8pm Monday to Saturday.

"Those five-minute silences need addressing. Constantly. Children need to be looked after, loved, fed, entertained, educated and disciplined."

Read More





18:35 24/05/2020

Probe launched as up to 70 teens meet for mass fight during coronavirus lockdown

Ralph Riegel

GARDAI are reviewing social media footage after residents of a Cork housing estate expressed horror as up to 70 teens ignored the Covid-19 lockdown and gathered for a mass fight on Saturday evening.

Shocked residents posted video clips as gangs of teens gathered in the Mt Oval area of Rochestown for what appears to have been a planned brawl.

It was the second such incident in the area over recent weeks though the largest such group ever to gather in the plush estate.

Groups of male teens were seen gathered in groups - and then dashed forward to clash with teens in other rival groups.

Visit our Covid-19 vaccine dashboard for updates on the roll out of the vaccination program and the rate of Coronavirus cases Ireland

A large number of teenage girls were visible watching the proceedings from a distance, some of whom appeared to be recording the clashes on their mobile phones.

None of the youngsters are believed to be from Mt Oval which ranks as one of Cork's most upmarket estates.

Mt Oval residents expressed disgust at the mass brawl - and queried what the parents of the teens involved were doing in respect of social-distancing.

"It is absolutely shocking - how on earth can this be allowed in the middle of a national pandemic lockdown?" one local said.

Gardai are now investigating the incident and will be reviewing video footage of the matter harvested from social media.

It is suspected the Mt Oval incident may be linked to similar gatherings in other parts of Douglas and Rochestown last weekend.

Gardai attended the scene on Saturday evening following receipt of a number of complaints from concerned local residents including elderly people who are 'cocooning'.

However, the gathered teens immediately ran away when officers arrived.

Gardai confirmed that no arrests were made and no reports of any injuries were subsequently received.

It is suspected that the large teen gathering was organised via social media.

"Anyone who may have information in relation to these incidents is asked to contact Togher Garda Station on (021_ 494 7120 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111," a garda spokesperson said.

Gardai said they viewed the incident as "very serious" given the pandemic controls currently in place.

Read More

18:05 24/05/2020

Botox clinics planning to open from lockdown six weeks early

Niamh Horan

High-profile Botox clinics are planning to reopen from lockdown a month and a half early in spite of government warnings that close contact jobs could create a second wave of Covid-19.

One prominent chain of salons is offering clients appointments from June 8, in the second phase of reopening the economy, rather than the designated government date of July 20.

The clinic has already begun taking deposits.

But the chairperson of the Dermatology Aesthetics Nurses Association Ireland, Patricia Molloy, told the Sunday Independent: Until the Department of Health says the industry can reopen, then no clinic should do so.

Molloy said she could see the situation from both sides and had sought a meeting with the Minister for Health Simon Harris to see if it is possible for the industry to reopen, albeit safely, in early June.

I have written to Mr Harris and, if everyone else is opening up in phase two, in two weeks time, and cases continue to fall then, as medical professionals, we should be allowed to open too, she said.

Read More

17:45 24/05/2020

Boris Johnson stands by Dominic Cummings despite growing calls for him to be fired

Patrick Daly, PA

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given his backing to his de facto chief-of-staff Dominic Cummings, despite growing calls from his backbenches to sack the aide following allegations he breached lockdown restrictions.

Mr Johnson, speaking at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing, said Mr Cummings had "acted responsibly, legally and with integrity".

Conservative MPs had been baying for Mr Johnson to dispense with Mr Cummings after it emerged he had travelled 260 miles to County Durham in March to self-isolate with his family while official guidelines warned against long-distance journeys.

Further reports also suggested he took a second trip to the North East in April, having already returned to London.

Mr Cummings denied the fresh allegations, which were reported by the Observer and the Sunday Mirror, and Mr Johnson announced he would be standing by his most senior aide.

Leading the Government press conference for the third time since being discharged from hospital on April 12, Mr Johnson said he could "not mark down" Mr Cummings for the way he acted.

The PM said: "I have had extensive face-to-face conversations with Dominic Cummings and I have concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of childcare, at the moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus - and when he had no alternative - I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent.

"And I do not mark him down for that.

"Though there have been many other allegations about what happened when he was in self-isolation and thereafter, some of them palpably false, I believe that in every respect he has acted responsibly and legally and with integrity and with the overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives."

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16:55 24/05/2020

Four more people have died of coronavirus and 57 new cases have been diagnosed

Kathy Armstrong

Another four people have died of coronavirus in Ireland, the National Public Health Emergency Team has confirmed.

In total there have been 1,608 coronavirus-linked deaths here.

There have also been 57 more confirmed cases of Covid-19. There have now been 24,639 cases diagnosed in Ireland.

16:25 24/05/2020

Tory MPs tell Boris Johnson that Dominic Cummings 'must go' over lockdown rule breaking allegations

Patrick Daly, PA

Conservative MPs have ramped up pressure on Boris Johnson to dispense with his top aide amid fresh allegations that Dominic Cummings broke lockdown rules more than once.

The British Prime Minister has been urged to sack Mr Cummings after reports surfaced that the 48-year-old made a second trip to County Durham, where his family lives, despite stringent social restrictions being in place.

Backbench Tories, including prominent 1922 Committee member Steve Baker, said Mr Cummings "must go", but the senior UK government adviser has denied the fresh allegations that he returned to Durham in April, weeks after his initial time spent self-isolating in the region.

Speaking outside his London home on Sunday, after one journalist asked if he had been back to Durham in April, Mr Cummings said: "No, I did not."

He then made his way to Number 10.

The PM pledged his "full support" on Saturday to his under-fire chief adviser, who it emerged had travelled 260 miles to the North East in March to self-isolate with his family while official guidelines warned against long-distance journeys.

According to the Sunday Times, the Tory leader told allies he would not throw Mr Cummings "to the dogs" following reports he made the journey to ensure his four-year-old child could be looked after as he and his wife were ill.

But according to reports in the Observer and Sunday Mirror, the former Vote Leave campaign co-ordinator made a second trip to Durham and was seen there on April 19 - five days after being photographed on his return to Westminster.

A second witness told the papers they saw him a week earlier in Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday, a popular tourist location 30 miles from Durham, during the period he was believed to be self-isolating.

Downing Street has said it would "not waste time" replying to the fresh allegations from "campaigning newspapers".

Read More

16:00 24/05/2020

'Every generation has its own challenges. I'm caught between two recessions'

Ray Cuddihy is one of the three hosts of RTE's new Home School Hub programme, which airs on RTE2 every weekday between 11am and noon. The programme was launched in late March - shortly after the country went into lockdown - to provide primary schoolchildren with fun daily lessons from the comfort of their home.

Cuddihy, a primary school teacher from Doneraile in north Cork, has previously worked with RTEjr as an actor and puppeteer. For more information, visit rte.ie/tv/programmes.

Has the coronavirus crisis taught you anything about money?

It's taught me how much money I've spent on gigs - and on going out in general. I really want to support the musicians I'd normally support - musicians depend on gigs, but so many can't play gigs now until 2021. The crisis has made me more aware of what I need to do to support musicians.

The most expensive country you ever visited?

Switzerland - I remember going there for a snowboarding trip and everywhere was so expensive. Though I find Dublin very expensive too.

What's your favourite Irish coin or note?

The old pennies were amazing. The old 20p with the horse on it was beautiful - as was the old punt coin with the Irish elk. I love the old 10p with the salmon.

The most expensive thing you have ever bought?

My car - which isn't really an expensive car. My car wouldn't impress anyone. I'm hoping to buy a camper van some day.

What was your worst job?

Picking stones out of a field. Your work is never done with that job. I used to listen to music when doing it, but even then I think I only lasted two days.

Are you better off than your parents?

I don't think I'm any better or worse off than my parents. My parents worked a lot harder than I do - not that I'm a slacker, but they worked incredibly hard. My parents had more of an opportunity to own a house than I did. I'm caught between two recessions: the one that began in 2008 and the current one. Every generation has its own challenges. Every generation looks at the older generation without truly understanding how they've lived.

What was your biggest financial mistake?

I did what a lot of people who are passionate about underground music do. I published a lot of underground music on CD and vinyl - and out of a batch of 800, you'd sell about 100. Not a wise investment!

The best advice you ever got about money?

'Easy come, easy go' was a saying of my Dad's. It's not the most prudent advice about money, but I really loved that saying of his because it usually meant he was about to throw me 50 or something. I'm not sure if I live by that saying myself - sometimes I really love saving but at other times, I find it difficult to keep money in my pocket.

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15:00 24/05/2020

Campaign group in lockdown breach protest outside Cummings house

Emily Chudy, PA

A protest group appeared outside Dominic Cummings north London home after it emerged that the senior Government aide may have broken lockdown rules more than once.

Political campaign group Led by Donkeys drove to Mr Cummings home in a van displaying a video of Boris Johnsons speech to the country, warning the public to stay at home.

The protest on Sunday followed allegations that 48-year-old Mr Cummings made two trips to County Durham, where his family lives, despite social restrictions.

The Prime Minister defended Mr Cummings after news surfaced that he had travelled to Durham, but Downing Street said it would not waste time replying to fresh allegations from campaigning newspapers.

Mr Cummings has denied returning to Durham in April, weeks after his initial time spent self-isolating in the region.

Speaking outside his London home on Sunday, after one journalist asked if he had been back to Durham in April, Mr Cummings said: No, I did not.

14:00 24/05/2020

HSEs chief clinical officer says no immediate change to 2 metre social distancing rule

Laura Lynott

THE HSEs chief clinical officer said there will be no immediate change to the 2 metre social distancing rule which had helped Ireland not only bend that curve but reduce the infection rate to 0.5.

Though increasing pressure has been levelled at the HSE to consider reducing social distancing to 1 metres to help kickstart the economy, Colm Henry said the State would continue to be guided by best international practice - which recommends 2 metres and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) guidance.

Mr Henry recognised the impact on HSE services and businesses throughout the State but he confirmed the measure would stay in place for the foreseeable future due to the concerns regarding droplet spread of infection through the air.

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12:00 24/05/2020

'Significant increase' in hospital activity since entering phase one of Ireland's lockdown roadmap

Aoife Walsh

HSE chief operations officer Anne O'Connor has said acute hospitals are seeing " a significant increase in activity" since certain restrictions were eased on May 5.

She added that ICU's are seeing a "considerably higher" number of people admitted for non Covid-19 reasons.

There are 279 people currently in ICU, 51 of which are Covid-29 cases.

Ms O'Connor said referrals to community assessment hubs continue to be low.

She said the HSE is now looking at how the hubs could support the return to other services as restrictions are lifted.

11:50 24/05/2020

Swab test turnaround time at its fastest since testing and tracing process began



Aoife Walsh

The turnaround time for a Covid-19 swab test to be completed is now at its fastest since the testing and tracing process began, HSE chief Paul Reid has said.

A sum of 310,000 Covid-19 tests have now been completed across the country.

Mr Reid said laboratories are delivering a median turnaround time of 2.3 days from the point a person has been referred to their GP for a swab sample to the completion of the lab test.

Speaking at a briefing this morning, he said it is the fastest turnaround time achieved since the process of testing and tracing began.

Laboratories now have the capacity to deliver 100,000 tests per week, and are carrying out 85 pc appointments for swabbing on the same day or the day after.

Testing in nursing homes, mental health residential settings is complete and is 96 pc complete across the disability sector.

11:00 24/05/2020

Muslims celebrate Eid amid curfews and virus fears

Niniek Karmini and Eileen Ng, Associated Press

Muslims around the world on Sunday began celebrating Eid al-Fitr, a normally festive holiday marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, with millions under strict stay-at-home orders and many fearing renewed coronavirus outbreaks.

The three-day holiday is usually a time of travel, family get-togethers and lavish daytime feasts after weeks of dawn-to-dusk fasting.

But this year many can only celebrate at home with immediate family, with virus fears dampening the holiday spirit.

Read More

09:15 24/05/2020

Wuha n lab head calls virus leak claims pure fabrication

Associated Press Reporters

Claims promoted by the Trump administration that the global coronavirus pandemic originated at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in the central Chinese city are a pure fabrication, the institutes director said.

Wang Yanyi was quoted by state media on Sunday as saying the institute did not have any knowledge before that nor had we ever met, researched or kept the virus We didnt even know about the existence of the virus, so how could it be leaked from our lab when we didnt have it?

US president Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have repeatedly said they suspect the virus that was first detected in Wuhan was somehow released from the laboratory.

Read More

08:05 24/05/2020

Premier League reveals two more positive tests for coronavirus

Jonathan Veal, PA

Two more individuals connected to two unnamed Premier League clubs have tested positive for coronavirus.

The second round of Covid-19 tests were conducted over the last few days on 996 players and staff from clubs and confirmed two more cases, with those people now isolating for seven days.

That shows a drop in positive tests from the first round of testing, where six people were shown to have the virus, including Watford defender Adrian Mariappa and Burnley assistant manager Ian Woan.

Read More





08:05 24/05/2020

Boris Johnson defiant on calls to sack adviser after Dominic Cummings breaks lockdown rules

Patrick Daly

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday resisted calls from opposition parties to sack adviser Dominic Cummings after he travelled 400km while his wife showed Covid-19 symptoms so that their son could be looked after by his family.

Cummings, who masterminded the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union during the Brexit referendum, travelled to Durham in northern England in late March, when a strict lockdown was already in place.

Downing Street has said Cummings believed he "behaved reasonably and legally".

When asked yesterday if he would consider his position, Cummings told reporters: "Obviously not."

Read More

08:00 24/05/2020

Pubs, restaurants and schools 'could apply 1-metre rule' when re-opening

Hugh O'Connell

Pubs, restaurants and schools may be allowed to implement a one-metre physical distancing rule when they reopen under plans being discussed within Government.

Ministers will examine whether the current 2m social distancing rule could be relaxed for certain sectors where it would be difficult to apply.

It comes after some Cabinet ministers suggested Ireland should follow other European countries in reducing the distancing rule to 1m at last Friday's cabinet meeting.
The US on Sunday welcomed the announcements by the Taliban and Afghanistan's president to observe a three-day ceasefire for Eid, expressing hope that it would build trust between the two sides.

Hours before the three-day festival of Eid al-Fitr was due to begin, Taliban made the declaration that they would attack only if their positions were hit, leading President Ashraf Ghani to welcome the move shortly afterwards, and release a statement saying security and defence forces would comply.

We worked hard to achieve this moment, and I hope that this respite from conflict gives Afghan people the space and security they deserve to celebrate Eid, while allowing the Taliban and the government the opportunity to take additional steps toward a peaceful future for their country, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

Sending Eid greetings, Pompeo said that the US remains committed to the implementation of the Taliban agreement and the US-Afghanistan Joint Declaration.

The US-Taliban peace deal was signed in Doha on February 29.

The agreement with the Taliban calls for the fundamentalists to severe ties with international terrorist groups and to prevent them from using Afghanistan to carry out attacks against the US.

Under the terms of the deal, the Taliban would also participate in an intra-Afghan dialogue. While negotiations were scheduled to begin on Tuesday, they were postponed due to renewed violence and political discord at the highest levels of the government.

With the political crisis in Afghanistan resolved, I expect newly named Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Abdullah and President Ghani to seize the opportunity to remove the remaining obstacles that have delayed the start of intra-Afghan negotiations, starting with releasing prisoners, he said,



Pompeo said that he expects the Taliban to adhere to their commitment not to allow released prisoners to return to the battlefield.

Finally, I expect both leaders of the Afghan government and the Taliban not to escalate violence after Eid. This violence is counterproductive, deepens grievances, and prolongs the suffering of the Afghan people, he said.

Peace is the consistent and overwhelming desire of the Afghan people, he said hoping that this ceasefire can build trust.

Next, all sides should work together to build on the momentum of this historic Eid ceasefire to move with urgency to intra-Afghan negotiations, Pompeo said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Our nation only now is beginning to emerge from the first stifling phase of its efforts to contain the harrowing threat of a global pandemic. The pronouncements concerning what comes next for American cities, however, are already in high gear.

Depending on which supposedly omniscient source you prefer, the specter of a lethal virus that can be transmitted by air or a simple handshake signals the end to dense cities once and for all  or a chance to return to the creative, inclusive urban ideal. It proves the value of the private automobile  or the essential importance of public transit.

Just like political punditry, experts are happy to explain how the current crisis proves the point theyve been making all along. But if the past 120 years of urban history are any indication, much of what we are hearing will turn out to be irrelevant or wrong.

Look no further than San Francisco. This metropolis has been through one major earthquake and one cataclysmic one, as well as the scourge of AIDS and the demise of traditional industry. Yet it has continued to evolve, often in ways that nobody anticipated at the time.

The City of San Francisco, like every other great city in this country, faces an unpredictable future.

The statement could be made today, but the year was 1943. World War II was at its peak, though momentum was sufficiently in favor of the United States and its allies that American cities were starting to plan for postwar society.

In hindsight, we know peacetime brought decades of economic prosperity, climbing wages and fitful but real steps toward a more equal society. At the time, though, civic leaders feared that the end of hostilities and the return of millions of soldiers could uncork a second Great Depression.

So San Francisco set out to craft a postwar recovery plan  and, in a rapidly growing Bay Area, reassert the importance of the regions largest city.

Some believe that the big city as we know it today is so inefficient, wasteful and inhuman that it cannot survive in an age of technology and material progress, warned the introduction to Shoreline Development (Preliminary Report), released in September 1943 as the first installment of the master plan to come. They (critics) hold that new forms of transportation and communication, new means of production, new standards of living and other social forces are destroying its reason for existence.

Nick Otto / Special to The Chronicle

To address this challenge, the preliminary draft spelled out such visions as filling in tidelands to hold heavy industry. A shoreline freeway from Lake Merced to Candlestick Point. A yacht harbor at the Ferry Building. Plans that made sense at the time, but had no sense of what the city would need or want a few decades down the road.

Yes, 1943 is far different from 2020. But one similarity is that we, like the planners serving then-Mayor Angelo Rossi, are trying to make sense of something still going on. Which is no easy task.

As urban pundits rush to tell the future this time around, predictability reigns.

One vivid example came earlier this month, when Foreign Policy magazine asked 12 leading global experts in urban planning to offer their take on How Life in Our Cities Will Look After the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Among the excerpts:

Janette Sadik-Khan, who as the head of New York Citys Department of Transportation from 2006 to 2013 pushed to create more space for pedestrians and bicyclists, argued, We can reclaim and reset our streets to move people by foot, bike, or public transportation  and do it safely, affordably, and easily.

Richard Florida, whose 2002 book The Rise of the Creative Class was a sensation in cities seeking to replicate the tech-fueled success of San Francisco and Seattle, assured readers, Ambitious young people will continue to flock to cities in search of personal and professional opportunities.

While Joel Kotkin, who pushes suburbia with the same ardor that Florida pushes the urban core, explained to us how when cities were afflicted with pandemics in the early 20th century, society responded with de-densification  as if automobiles, white flight and federally subsidized mortgages had nothing to do with todays sprawling metropolitan regions.

Nick Otto / Special to The Chronicle

A few weeks earlier, in Fortune magazine, Kotkin announced, This crisis is the right moment for the world to reconsider the conventional wisdom that denser cities are better cities.

But how can anyone speak with confidence about what might lie ahead?

The pandemic and the uncertainties that surround it  no vaccine, no idea whether the virus might mutate or fade, no sign of a unified national response  is different from a typical disaster, where a single event turns history on its head.

Those events spawn their own apocalyptic what-ifs. That certainly was the case when terrorists destroyed the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Thousands of people died because they were inside New York Citys targeted towers. To some observers, the blow confirmed everything they disliked about what high-rise American cities had become.

This horrible event exposes an underlying malaise with the built environment, proclaimed James Kunstler, best known for the book The Geography of Nowhere, and Nikos Salingaros. We are convinced that the age of skyscrapers is at an end.

Tell that to Salesforce Tower.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Realistically, it could be six months to a year before we have any sense as to how cities will respond long term to a crisis that still is playing out.

The resilience of the American economy will partly determine the extent to which large cities can do anything beyond damage control. International travel trends will be a factor in whether San Francisco feels resurgent or hollowed out.

Past acceptance of social inequities should be a priority. The disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on Latino and African American communities throughout the Bay Area is too stark. The pervasiveness of homelessness in San Francisco is too vivid.

And how will we travel in our daily lives? I cant imagine millions of Bay Area residents  wanting to travel solo  willingly resigning themselves to the daily gridlock of an automobile commute. Its also hard to conceive any scenario where commuters settle back into BARTs pre-pandemic cattle-car conditions. Does this mean working from home becomes the norm for people who can do so?

In small ways, though, hints of a more flexible civic landscape  a willingness to alter our expectations  already have emerged.

Those spaced-out circles on the lawns of such popular San Francisco gathering places as Washington Square and Dolores Park are early stabs at testing how public spaces and social distancing can coexist. The same goes for proposals being floated about space in streets and plazas being set aside for restaurant seating: The logistics are daunting, but so are the odds that restaurants can survive with half of their tables roped off.

As for the slow streets movement pioneered by Oakland  banning through traffic on some blocks to give people more safe outdoor space  its an imperfect stab at broadening the concept of public spaces.

Its also a reminder that we need to make the neighborhoods around us more comfortable for residents. This should be a basic priority of local government. Its also less expensive than adding more parking lots at beaches and regional parks.

The biggest single blow to San Francisco came on April 18, 1906  a 7.9 temblor that leveled much of the city and killed at least 3,000 people.

Not long after, Western historian Hubert Howe Bancroft wrote the oddly effusive broadside Resurgam, expounding on why San Francisco would be rebuilt with a conscious emphasis on beauty and high culture.

Another what-if. One thread of his essay, though, is relevant to the time we live in we now. And the speculations on whether the centrality of cities like San Francisco has come to an end, once and for all.

What we can do without is demagogism, Bancroft reminded us. The simple fact remains that the city of San Francisco will be what people make of it, neither more nor less. ... The shell has been injured, but the soul of the city is immortal.

John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron
Real estate owners that are involved in Saudi Arabias Neom project will be financially compensated by the National Program for Community Development, reported Arab News.



The program, also known as Tanmia in Arabic, will compensate owners in Sharma, Qayal, Al-Khuraibah, Al-Asilah, Al-Sur, Bir Fahman, it stated.



The announcement comes after the programme said it was halting inventory work in April and compensation would be paid in record time, and before the period specified in the programs planned schedule.



This is to ensure that recipients are compensated in successive installments as soon as possible, the program added.
May 25th every year is celebrated as African Union (AU) Day to remember Africa's independence, freedom, and liberation from colonial imperialism.



It's also marked to defend Africa's sovereignty, uphold human rights and dignity of the African people.



The formation of the first regional integration body- the Organization of the African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963, which after 38 years evolved into the African Union (AU) in 2001 offered an opportunity for Africans to deepen unity and spearhead economic liberation.



The AU Day is celebrated to reflect on how far Africa has gone in building a unified identity and strides made in socio-economic development.



This year's celebration is on the theme, "Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa's Development and Intensifying the fight against COVID-19 Pandemic".



The celebrations will be conducted virtually or online due to the novel Coronavirus that has devastated many countries globally, including Africa.



Although comparatively, the African continent has not been affected too much in terms of fatalities, it is estimated that the COVID-19 crisis risks deepening inequalities, poverty, and social unrest on the continent, especially in Africa's poorest regions.



The World Bank estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic would push 49 million people globally into extreme poverty of which 23 million would be in Sub-Saharan Africa.



It said African countries already affected by social and political conditions such as instability and conflicts, food shortages, and high concentration of refugee camps are most vulnerable.



In that regard, African governments have been advised to institute stringent interventions to contain the rippling effects of the pathogen on the people.



Although some contingency measures had been put in place by some African countries to contain the spread of the virus, fear exists over healthcare system challenges, preparedness, and early detection mechanisms, and lack of confidence in the health authorities.



Therefore, African governments have been encouraged to increase public education on the contagion, build people's confidence in the healthcare system, provide emergency relief and shelters as well as expand social protection programmes to mitigate the impact of the respiratory disease.

Source: GNA









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Even if an individual is balanced, he added, once someone becomes president, how does one solve the conundrum of staying real and somewhat humble when one is surrounded by the most powerful office in the land, and from becoming overwhelmed by an at times pathological environment that treats you every day as an emperor? Here is where the true strength of the character of the person, not his past accomplishments, will determine whether his presidency ends in accomplishment or failure.
Hong Kong police fired tear gas and pepper spray to disperse thousands protesting on Sunday against Beijings plan to directly impose national security laws on the city, the biggest flare-up in the city since Covid-19 lockdowns began.

Crowds thronged the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay, where protesters chanted, "Revolution of our time. Liberate Hong Kong," "Fight for freedom, Stand with Hong Kong," and "Hong Kong independence, the only way out."

The protest was the first since Beijing proposed national security laws on Thursday and pose a fresh challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping as authorities struggle to tame public opposition to China's tightening grip over the global financial hub.

The demonstrations come amid concerns over the fate of the "one country, two systems" formula that has governed Hong Kong since the former UK colony's return to Chinese rule in 1997. The arrangement guarantees the city broad freedoms not seen on the mainland, including a free press and independent judiciary.

Sunday's rally was initially organised against a controversial national anthem bill, due for a second reading in the city's lawmaking body on Wednesday. The proposed national security laws sparked calls for more people to take to the streets.

The city government sought on Sunday to reassure the public and foreign investors over the tough security laws that sent a chill through financial markets and drew a swift rebuke from foreign governments, international human rights groups and some business lobbies.

Police conducted stop-and-search operations in Causeway Bay and warned people not to violate a ban on gatherings of more than eight, imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.

They fired tear gas and pepper spray to disperse crowds amid chaotic scenes that evoked memories of sometimes violent anti-government protests that roiled the city last year, drawing as many as two million people. Some protesters tried to set up road blocks.

"I am worried that after the implementation of the national security law, they will go after those being charged before and the police will be further out of control," said Twinnie, 16, a secondary school student who declined to give her last name. "I am afraid of being arrested but I still need to come out and protest for the future of Hong Kong."

China has dismissed other countries' complaints about the proposed legislation as "meddling," saying the proposed laws are necessary and will not harm Hong Kong autonomy or foreign investors.

"These radical claims and illegal violence are extremely worrying," Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung said in a blog post, referring to a backlash against the proposed laws as well as anti-government protests that roiled the city for months from June last year.

"EVIL LAW"

In a bold challenge to the mainland authorities, a small group of democracy activists protested outside Beijing's main representative office in the city, chanting, "National security law is destroying two systems."

Avery Ng of the League for Social Democrats pasted protest signs on a plaque outside the Liaison Office, despite warnings from police. He described the proposed legislation as an "evil law" and appealed to Hong Kong people to come out and protest against it.

"Its a moveable red line. In future they can arrest, lock up and silence anyone they want in the name of national security. We have to resist it," Ng told Reuters.

Some local commentators have described the proposal as "a nuclear option" that is part of Chinese President Xi's high-stakes power play.

A backlash intensified on Saturday as nearly 200 political figures from around the world said in a statement the proposed laws said the proposed laws are a "comprehensive assault on the city's autonomy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms".

Hong Kong has increasingly become a pawn in deteriorating relations between Washington and Beijing, and observers will be watching for any signs of resignation to defeat among the broader local community or indications that activists are gearing up for a fresh challenge.

Last year's anti-government protests plunged the city into its biggest political crisis in decades, battered the economy and posed the gravest popular challenge to President Xi since he came to power in 2012.
New York, NY - The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), a national non-profit organization whose mission is to support and advance healthy aging through biomedical research, is proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of Kali Thomas, MA, PhD, with the inaugural Terrie Fox Wetle Rising Star Award in Health Services and Aging Research.

This award honors a health services researcher in an early or middle phase of his/her career who has already made important contributions with work that respects the value of multidisciplinary health services science and that is likely to be highly influential in shaping practice and research for decades to come.

Dr. Thomas is Associate Professor of Health Services, Policy and Practice at Brown University's School of Public Health and a Research Health Science Specialist in the Center of Innovation in Long-Term Services and Supports at the Providence VA Medical Center.

Dr. Thomas is recognized for her work in applying health services research to inform policies and practices that secure better health and quality of life outcomes for individuals who are aging and disabled, particularly those who require long-term services and supports (LTSS). Her research and publications have focused on the organization and delivery of LTSS, with an emphasis on access, measurement, and quality. Funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the National Institute on Aging, and various foundations, she has led research projects examining the organization, delivery, and financing of LTSS to meet older adults' medical and non-medical needs across the LTSS continuum, ranging from in-home services to long-term care provided in institutional settings. Dr. Thomas is a devoted and effective advocate, and her work has been used to influence policy and improve services for older persons.

The award is named in honor of Terrie Fox Wetle, PhD, who has devoted her professional career to three related domains. She has been a tireless advocate for inclusion of aging-related health services research in Public Health. She has lovingly and effectively mentored hundreds of new investigators in a broad array of disciplines. As inaugural Dean, she built a thriving School of Public Health at Brown University, while leading efforts to improve aging-relevant content in public health curricula. Professor Wetle sets an example of visionary leadership, mentoring and administrative excellence. In her honor, AFAR established the Terrie Fox Wetle Rising Star Award in Health Services and Aging Research in 2019.

Nominations for the award are by invitation, and are judged by an independent panel of leading aging researchers. The award is a framed citation and carries a cash prize of $5,000. Dr. Thomas will have an opportunity to present research findings at the AFAR Symposium at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America in 2020.

"The needs of America's growing older population demand innovative health services," notes Stephanie Lederman, EdM, AFAR Executive Director. "The visionary work of Dr. Thomas and Dr. Wetle exemplify applying research to improving the wellness of seniors and communities. AFAR is proud to support the future of health services and aging research with this award."

###

About AFAR

The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) is a national non-profit organization that supports and advances pioneering biomedical research that is revolutionizing how we live healthier and longer. For nearly four decades, AFAR has served as the field's talent incubator, providing more than $181 million to more than 4,200 investigators at premier research institutions nationwide. A trusted leader and strategist, AFAR also works with public and private funders to steer high quality grant programs and interdisciplinary research networks. AFAR-funded researchers are finding that modifying basic cellular processes can delay--or even prevent--many chronic diseases, often at the same time. They are discovering that it is never too late--or too early--to improve health. This groundbreaking science is paving the way for innovative new therapies that promise to improve and extend our quality of life--at any age. Learn more at http://www.afar.org or follow AFARorg on Twitter and Facebook.
If Len Levitt had been a member of the jury in 2002, Michael Skakel might never have gone to prison for the murder of Martha Moxley.

Hows that for irony? As a journalist, Len is routinely credited with paving Skakels path to prison. He was hired by Greenwich Time and the Stamford Advocate in 1982 to investigate the case, which had gone cold seven years after 15-year-old Marthas body was found beneath a tree in her Greenwich yard on Halloween.

Seven years. Another nine before Lens story saw print. Yet another nine before Skakel was arrested. Two decades later Skakel is free from prison after his conviction was vacated in 2018 by the Connecticut Supreme Court, which ruled his defense inadequate.

Two score and five years after Marthas brutal murder, the state could still retry Michael Skakel. That wont happen. The story will end the way it began, plagued by neglect.

When new developments arose over the last decade, I would meet Len at Springdale Diner in Stamford to discuss possible stories or columns. There were two things Len always said during these summits.

One was that he didnt claim to know what really happened Oct. 30, 1975, though he was adamant Martha was killed by someone she knew.

The other was a comment I came to anticipate. One he always served with equal measures of wonderment and disgust.

This story never ends, he would marvel.

Len died at age 79 in his Stamford home Monday, deprived of an ending to the story he covered for 38 years.

He summed up his own curiosity in an email he wrote to me three years ago.

The cases greatest mystery is exactly what happened to Martha the night of her murder. What time was she killed? Was more than one person responsible? To explain our lack of knowledge, we must go back to the beginning when the Greenwich police failed to pursue early leads, reprising the law enforcement axiom: if a homicide is not solved within 48 hours, there are going to be problems.

Lens long-gestating first story about the case was already a legend in the newsroom when I joined the staff in 1986, and it hadnt even been published. He would occasionally visit to discuss gaps in the reporting and implore editors to publish it. Our papers took a lot of heat for holding off (most of it from Len). But Ive always contended that it was a huge leap to print a narrative that pointed fingers at members of a prominent local family 16 years after a crime for which none of them had been charged.

There was also the matter that most of the focus in that story is on Tommy Skakel. Michael is mentioned exactly once. Tommy is quoted as saying I didnt know her. Michael (his younger brother) liked her.

Marthas diary proved that to be untrue, as she wrote in detail about Tommy.

Police reopened the investigation shortly after the story was published in June 1991. Over the rest of that decade, Len occasionally broke news, and others trying to crack the mystery leaned on him for expertise.

His tenacity never flagged because he never forgot Martha, the girl he never met.

In January of 2000, shortly after Michaels arrest, we went to dinner at Mona Lisa in Stamford with then-Advocate/Greenwich Time Editor Joe Pisani to talk about Lens latest exclusive.

Len was wearing a hat that looked like it had been passed along by Frodo after sharing it with the other hobbits in Lord of the Rings. It was as tattered as most sources recollections of the case. I wanted to reshape Lens draft (I still have the fax), to make the narrative more dramatic. As dogged an investigator as he was, Len could be a casual writer. But he could not have been more open to editing.

We had a lovely night out. A few weeks later, Len appeared on a memorable cover of Editor & Publisher. His turtleneck was pulled over his mouth like Mort in a Bazooka Joe comic. Below his nose was the single word SILENCED, with the subhead Reporter, his story spiked, kept Kennedy kin murder case alive.

Yes, he never forgave the papers for making him wait.

Lens own story had so many more chapters than the ones about Martha. He worked as a teacher in the Peace Corps in Tanzania in the 1960s, and was so relentless in his criticisms of the New York City Police Department that they once tried to revoke his press credentials (like that would stop him).

While vacationing in Maine in 2011, my wife and I were watching the debut of a documentary on Gloria Steinem, which spotlighted a 1971 Esquire profile she found hurtful, as its approach is misogynist. I was stunned to see Lens byline on the screen.

A few days later I invited him to the diner to ask about it.

Heres the thing, he explained. I handed over my notes and an editor just wrote the whole thing the way he wanted.

Steinem never seemed to blame Len.

The Skakel family, on the other hand, resent him for the consequences of his reporting. I found myself in the awkward position in 2016 of spiking an op-ed from Robert Kennedy Jr. (who deemed Len an ink-slinger). He wrote a capsulized version of his book explaining why his cousin Michael Skakel was innocent. The problem was that he wanted to accuse people who had never been identified as suspects. Printing Kennedys accusations would be unfair, and make the papers vulnerable to a liable lawsuit.

It was a surreal echo of Lens 1991 article. But then, Len always hedged. After Michaels arrest and before his trial, Len told an audience I dont know the ending. I would like to know the ending.

Its hard for any journalist to accept, but some stories dont have endings, least of all one compromised by secrets, lies and eroding memories.

Len never really wanted an ending anyway. What remains elusive is the beginning.

John Breunig is editorial page editor. Jbreunig@scni.com; twitter.com/johnbreunig.
A woman on-board a Lucknow-bound Shramik Special trainfrom Bengaluru delivered a baby during her two-day journey back home.

A group of daily wagers had reached out to a Forest Service officer asking for help to be accommodated in the train leaving for Lucknow. The officer, Dipika Bajpai, with the help of the local police managed to arrange tickets for labourers.

However, none of the officers was aware that there was a nine-month pregnant woman among them. The woman's husband, Sandeep, a construction worker in Bengaluru, said they boarded the train on Friday.

"While on-board, the woman, named Sangeeta, had contractions and went into labour. As there was no doctor on the train, the other women in the group acted as midwives and helped her deliver a baby girl," the officer said.

The couple were on their way to their native village Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh. Sandeep said his wife gave birth to the baby girl on Friday as the

train approached Bina station in Madhya Pradesh.

It was only when the group was hours away from their destination that they informed the officer. Sandeep said his co-travellers informed Deputy Commissioner of Police (Whitefield Division) MN Anucheth and Bajpai, who are working for migrants' needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, then alerted their batch mates in Uttar Pradesh.

The couple alighted at Lucknow, after which the woman and her newborn were taken to a hospital by an ambulance. "The doctors did a medical check and gave some medicines.. We then continued with our journey on a government bus to our home town Balrampur," Sandeep said.

Hemant Nimbalkar, Inspector General of Police and Additional Commissioner of Police (Administration), Bengaluru, said the woman had boarded the Shramik Special train without informing the authorities about her condition.

"Her relatives too did not inform the authorities about her pregnancy. In fact, the pregnant woman insisted on going back to her home town," said Nimbalkar.

Sharing the joy along with the photograph of the woman, Nimbalkar wrote on Twitter, "We made it @BlrCityPolice (Bengaluru City Police)! The mother and baby are fine & healthy..."

We made it @BlrCityPolice!The mother and baby are fine & healthy..to @dcpwhitefield who made it possible to board train to UP for this pregnant lady & husband. She delivered on board and all is well. Anuchet ensured; she is taken care on board & couple shared babys photo! pic.twitter.com/dv35rpfOtl Hemant Nimbalkar IPS (@IPSHemant) May 23, 2020

Director General of Police Praveen Sood too wished the family well, tweeting, "A new dawn...wishing the newborn a healthy beginning."

(With inputs from PTI)
When are we getting more coronavirus stimulus checks from the IRS?

The IRS is still distributing the first COVID-19 relief payments to Americans  millions are just now getting their money on debit cards  but meanwhile, the suspense keeps building about a second round.

The Democratic-controlled U.S. House has passed a bill calling for a new batch of coronavirus "stimulus checks" similar to the first, though slightly more generous for some families. But Republicans who lead the Senate say the plan is no good.

There are numerous other proposals. Several observers, including the head of the Federal Reserve, say the nation is still reeling from soaring unemployment and business closures, so the government is going to have to do something more.

Will that something include another round of direct payments? How much can you expect? And when?

The House 'Heroes Act': More $1,200 payments

The legislation that the U.S. House has approved is called the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act  the "Heroes Act," for short.

Among other things, it would put as much as another $1,200 directly into the pockets of most Americans, this time including kids, to a limit of $6,000 per household.

The original payments  up to $1,200 for adults and $500 for each child under age 17  were part of a bill President Donald Trump signed on March 27.

Americans have used the money to cover basic expenses, build up emergency savings in case they're laid off, even take care of needs like buying life insurance so if they fall victim to the virus their loved ones will have financial protection.

When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduced the Heroes Act in mid-May, she made note of its $3 trillion price tag. But she said not taking action would be even more expensive.

"There are those who said, 'Lets just pause, Pelosi said. "Hunger doesnt take a pause. Rent doesnt take a pause. Bills dont take a pause."

The reaction to the Heroes Act

The House's "Heroes" didn't exactly get a ticker-tape parade.

Story continues

Both the White House and Senate Republicans declared the bill "dead on arrival"; President Trump said he would veto it if it reached his desk.

Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, decided to put off the consideration of a new relief measure until after the Senate's weeklong Memorial Day recess next week. He told Fox News on Thursday that senators are "not quite ready to intelligently" put together a new package.

But members of his own party object to the idea of waiting.

"Anyone who thinks now is the time to go on recess hasn't been listening," tweeted Republican Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado.

Other proposals include $2K monthly stimulus checks

Tom Grundy / Shutterstock

Alternate proposals would provide monthly $2,000 payments.

Several other measures have been pitched in Washington, including plans to give Americans larger stimulus checks  and more of them:

Some Senate Democrats want to give most Americans $2,000 a month , retroactive to March. Married couples would get $4,000 plus $2,000 each for up to three children. The payments wouldn't stop until three months after the Department of Health and Human Services has declared an end to the public health emergency.

A couple of Democrats in the House also have proposed giving most people $2,000 per month , for at least six months. This plan would provide $500 per child, for as many as three kids in a family.

The White House is reportedly exploring one-time payments to Americans of $5,000 . The money would be in the form of loans against future Social Security benefits. Once the time comes to claim Social Security in retirement, you wouldn't receive any benefits until the loan was paid off, with interest.

Instead of giving Americans more cash to ease their pandemic pain, some Republicans want to reduce payroll taxes for working people. Congressman Kevin Brady of Texas told The Wall Street Journal that a payroll tax cut would be a "more efficient" way of stimulating the economy.

Other Republicans want to do nothing. House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy told CNN he didn't "see the need" for another aid package, with states reopening and coronavirus testing expanding.

Why more stimulus checks are likely

When all is said and done, the government will probably provide Americans with another round of $1,200 payments, says the giant Wall Street firm Goldman Sachs.

"Our forecast assumes one more round of payments similar to what the bill proposes," writes Goldman Sachs strategist Jan Hatzius in a research note, as reported by Yahoo Finance. By "the bill," he means the House Heroes Act.

But the money won't come before the summer: "We do not expect Congress to enact the next round of fiscal measures until late June," Hatzius says.

Though the Senate has put things on hold, Sen. McConnell told Fox News that a deal on more relief is "not too far off."

President Trump sounded open to the idea of another aid package during a visit Thursday to a Ford Motor Co. factory in Michigan.

"I think we will. I think were going to be helping people out," he told reporters. "There could be one more nice shot."

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell says the U.S. economy is in danger of suffering lasting harm unless the government provides more help.

"Additional fiscal support could be costly, but worth it if it helps avoid long-term economic damage and leaves us with a stronger recovery," he said during a recent online speech.

Powell's words of warning shook financial markets so hard that he provided a bit of financial relief to some Americans, namely homebuyers and homeowners. Stocks plunged  but so did mortgage rates.
CARACAS, VenezuelaThe first of five tankers loaded with gasoline sent from Iran reached Venezuelan waters late Saturday, expected to temporarily ease the South American nations fuel crunch while defying Trump administration sanctions targeting the two U.S. foes.

The oil tanker Fortune encountered no immediate signs of U.S. interference as it eased through Caribbean waters toward the Venezuelan coast and Venezuelan officials celebrated the arrival.

Iran and Venezuela have always supported each other in times of difficulty, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza tweeted. Today, the first ship with gasoline arrives for our people.

The tanker and four behind it were finishing a high-seas journey amid a burgeoning relationship between Iran and Venezuela, both of which Washington says are ruled by repressive regimes.

Russ Dallen, head of the Miami-based investment firm Caracas Capital Markets, confirmed the Fortunes location using ship-tracking technology. He said the Clavel, the last of the five ships, was about three and a half days behind the lead tanker.

Venezuela sits atop the worlds largest oil reserves, but it must import gasoline because production has crashed in the past two decades. Critics blame corruption and mismanagement by the socialist administration amid an economic crisis that has led to huge migration by Venezuelans seeking to escape poverty, shortages of basic goods and crime.

The Iranian tankers hold what analysts estimate to be enough gasoline to supply Venezuela for two to three weeks.

Deep gasoline shortages have plagued Venezuela for years, though the problem had until recently largely spared the capital of Caracas, the largest population centre and political seat.

Drivers must wait for days in lines that snake through neighbourhoods to fill up with government-subsidized gasoline that costs less than a penny (U.S.) for a tank. Wealthier drivers with U.S. dollars turn to the black market, where gas costs up to $12 a gallon. Thats a small fortune in Venezuela, where the monthly minimum wage equals less than $5.

The U.S. accuses Iran and other nations of propping up Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Its among nearly 60 nations that back opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuelas legitimate president, contending that Maduro illegitimately won a 2018 election that banned his most popular opponents.

In a new relationship between Caracas and Tehran, Iran recently also flew shipments of a key chemical needed to help jump-start a Venezuelan oil refinery and produce gasoline.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned Saturday that the United States should not interfere with the shipment of oil bound for Venezuela. In a statement, Rouhani said that the U.S. had created unacceptable conditions in different parts of the world, but that Iran would by no means be the one to initiate conflict.

If our tankers in the Caribbean or anywhere in the world face any problems caused by the Americans, they will face problems as well, he added. We hope the Americans will not make a mistake.

U.S. officials had announced no plans to try to intercept Irans tankers. However, the Trump administration has increased pressure on Maduro, recently offering a $15-million bounty for his arrest after a U.S. court indicted him as a narcotrafficker.

The U.S. also recently deployed a force of ships, including navy destroyers and other combat ships, to patrol the Caribbean on what U.S. officials call a drug-interdiction mission. The Maduro government considers it a direct threat.

Maduro holds onto power with support from Venezuelas military and his international allies, also including Cuba, Russia and China. The U.S. says these nations are engaged in malign activities and meddling around the world.

We will not abide by their support of the illegitimate and tyrannical regime of Nicolas Maduro, the Trump administration said in a statement, citing its maximum pressure campaign against the socialist leader.

A defiant Maduro appeared on state TV days ahead of the ships arrivals, vowing a tough response to any U.S. aggression against the Iranian tankers. He showed images of soldiers firing anti-aircraft missiles across the Caribbean.

They want to enslave us, Maduro said Thursday. If you want peace, you must be prepared to defend it.

Maduros defence minister, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, said Venezuelas armed forces would welcome the five Iranian tankers, escorting them with ships and planes through the nations maritime territory and into port.

Eric Farnsworth, vice-president of the Americas Society and Council of the Americas research centre, said he didnt expect the U.S. would act against the Iranian tankers. Such an act could too easily escalate, he said, especially in the Persian Gulf where Iran could retaliate against U.S. ships.

(That) would needlessly undermine the narrative that Venezuela, with the worlds largest proven oil supply, has to import gasoline from Iran of all places because they have become such an international pariah, Farnsworth said. If they dont, Caracas claims a great victory for the fatherland and tries to portray the U.S. as impotent.
Also discussed at the enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party were important military steps and organizational and political measures to further bolster up the overall armed forces, according to Pyongyang's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided over a Central Military Commission meeting and discussed "new policies for further increasing the nuclear war deterrence of the country", state media reported Sunday.

"Set forth at the meeting were new policies for further increasing the nuclear war deterrence of the country, and putting the strategic armed forces on a high alert operation in line with the general requirements for the building and development of the armed forces of the country," the KCNA was quoted as saying by the Yonhap News Agency.

It did not elaborate what the "new policies" for nuclear deterrence were.

"Taken at the meeting were crucial measures for considerably increasing the firepower strike ability of the artillery pieces of the Korean People's Army," it added.

Kim signed seven "orders" related military measures discussed during the meeting.

The KCNA did not say when the meeting was held, but state media usually report Kim's activity a day after it happens, said the Yonhap News Agency.

The meeting marked Kim's first public event since he visited a local fertilizer plant on May 1, after ending a 20-day absence from public view that sparked a slew of speculation over his health.

Kim last presided over a Central Military Commission meeting in December 2019.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Fidan Babayeva - Trend:

The representatives of all companies having the licenses to carry out insurance activity in the non-life insurance segment may be the founders of the management company operating within the agricultural insurance in accordance with the law On Agricultural Insurance, Chairman of the board of the Azerbaijani Agricultural Insurance Fund Fuad Sadigov told Trend.

The Board of Trustees of the Agricultural Insurance Fund developed the certain requirements for the founders of the management company in April 2020, the chairman added. "The main requirements are the compliance with the prudential norms of the Azerbaijani legislation, as well as a wide branch network and rendering of insurance services at a high level.

"The agricultural insurance is a rather attractive type in the field of non-life insurance which is in a great demand, Sadigov said. First of all, this will be an access for insurance companies to the additional sales channels and a customer base. In accordance with our data, several insurance companies have already convened extraordinary shareholders meetings for holding the discussions and make the decisions on this issue."

A sufficient number of qualified independent insurance experts is a guarantee and one of the most important elements of the effective functioning of the entire agricultural insurance system, the chairman said.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on August 19, 2019 on the application of the Law on Agricultural Insurance and the establishment of the Agricultural Insurance Fund, a non-profit legal entity that ensures the organization, development and sustainability of the agricultural insurance system in Azerbaijan, as well as the formation of a governing structure and exercises control for its activity.

The Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers approved the Charter of the Agricultural Insurance Fund on December 14, 2019. The Charter includes the goals of the activity, obligations and rights of the Fund, the fundamentals of its management, authorized capital, property and financial activity, the procedure for compiling and submitting audit and accounting reports, as well as other issues.

The new mechanism of agricultural insurance is expected to be applied in Azerbaijan from the second half of 2020.

Today 21 insurance companies and one reinsurance company operate in Azerbaijan.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: Fidan_Babaeva
By Robert Barchi

The COVID-19 outbreak has elicited an extraordinary response from our nation  from the heroism of our medical workers to the bold actions of our government leaders to the diligent isolation of millions of American citizens to the creative compassion of those sewing masks, making face shields on 3D printers, or volunteering at drive-by food banks. Equally remarkable has been the response from our scientific community, a response that has brought into sharp focus the wisdom of our nations investment in science at our research universities.

Science has played a critical role in shaping our nation. Think of Thomas Jeffersons innovations in agriculture and Alexander Hamiltons interest in government-funded improvements in technology to boost industry. Abraham Lincolns signature on the Morrill Act established land-grant colleges across the country dedicated to agricultural science and engineering.

And as World War II was moving toward an Allied victory  won in part through innovations in weaponry, medicine and aviation  Franklin Roosevelt commissioned the report Science: The Endless Frontier, which recognized the depth of scientific expertise on campuses across the country and set the stage for a government-university partnership in research that continues today.

The war on coronavirus demands the best of our science and scientists, and premier research universities across America and around the world have answered the call. It is a point of pride for all New Jerseyans that Rutgers University has been recognized among the leading universities in the fight against this deadly virus.

The saliva test for COVID-19 that Rutgers researchers developed is a game-changer for having more people tested more rapidly and more safely. This test is now the first FDA-approved at-home test for the virus and does not require health care workers or PPE.

Over the past decade, Rutgers researchers have developed a diagnostic technology using molecular beacons that image RNA in living cells. This technology, which has been used around the world in testing for HIV, tuberculosis, and meningitis, is now critical to a rapid test for COVID-19 developed by Abbott Laboratories and championed by the White House.

And in record time, through the collaboration of laboratories at universities around the world, a detailed molecular picture of the COVID-19 virus has been deduced. These protein structures, which now serve as the blueprints for rapid vaccine development, are stored in, and distributed worldwide from, the national Protein Data Bank housed at Rutgers.

But were far from alone. From the start of the pandemic, Johns Hopkins University has been recognized as the definitive source for data on coronavirus cases worldwide. The University of Washingtons Institute for Health Care Metrics and Evaluations is being used by both federal and state governments to model the COVID-19 impact. Studies at the University of Nebraska and the University of Chicago, among others, have shown potential benefits of the antiviral drug remdesivir, initially developed to treat Ebola, in helping COVID patients recover.

University of Florida researchers are developing a test for the virus that would work similarly to a home pregnancy test, helping those infected by the virus to know early and self-isolate. The University of Pittsburgh has a potential vaccine now in pre-clinical evaluation that would be administered through a fingertip-sized patch. University of Southern California researchers are developing a way to conduct contact tracing through smartphones that would preserve privacy while helping identify hotspots. And these are just a few examples from a much longer list.

Just as major research universities have been vital in the response to coronavirus, they will be critical to our global recovery from the disease. This includes not only the medical research to devise effective vaccines, but also the training of a post-COVID generation of nurses, physicians, scientists, engineers, business professionals, and other workers; job-creating inventions and technologies that produce the next wave of economic growth; and studies that examine the impact of this crisis and aid in public policies to address inequities.

We all gain from a robust system of research universities dedicated to discoveries that may soon lead to advanced technologies; that provide solutions to intractable social and economic problems; and that enable testing, treatments, and cures to coronavirus and other deadly diseases.

There may have been a time when universities and their discoveries were taken for granted or their relevance questioned. And fiscally strapped governments may have justified budget cuts to higher education as a second- or third-tier priority. But the COVID-19 pandemic is a potent reminder that Americas research universities are critical drivers of public good and public health  and that federal funding for university research is in our nations best interests.

Robert Barchi is president of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

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SHATIN, HONG KONG - 2020/05/16: Demonstrators use a protest banner and gestures during the protests. Anti-government protesters gathered in a mall at the New Town Plaza after heeding to online calls to gather at four arcades across town in a series of shop with you protests, aiming to force businesses to close temporarily. This prompted riot police into the mall to disperse the protesters.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse thousands of people who rallied on Sunday to protest against Beijing's plan to impose national security laws on the city.

In a return of the unrest that roiled Hong Kong last year, crowds thronged the Causeway Bay shopping area in defiance of curbs imposed to contain the coronavirus. Chants of "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," echoed through the streets.

To Communist Party leaders, calls for independence for the semi-autonomous city are anathema and the proposed new national security framework stresses Beijing's intent "to prevent, stop and punish" such acts.

As dusk fell, police and demonstrators faced off in the nightlife district of Wan Chai.

The day's events pose a new challenge to Beijing's authority as it struggles to tame public opposition to its tightening grip over Hong Kong, a trade and business gateway for mainland China.

The security laws have also worried financial markets and drawn a rebuke from foreign governments, human rights groups and some business lobbies.

"I am worried that after the implementation of the national security law, they will go after those being charged before and the police will be further out of control," said Twinnie, 16, a secondary school student who declined to give her last name.

"I am afraid of being arrested but I still need to come out and protest for the future of Hong Kong."

The demonstrations come amid concerns over the fate of the "one country, two systems" formula that has governed Hong Kong since the former British colony's return to Chinese rule in 1997. The arrangement guarantees the city broad freedoms not seen on the mainland, including a free press and independent judiciary.

Washington said on Sunday China's proposed legislation could lead to U.S. sanctions.
CAIRO, May 2 (Reuters) - Yemen has reported three new coronavirus cases, two in Aden and one in Taiz province, the national emergency coronavirus committee said on Saturday, raising the number of diagnosed infections in the war-town country to 10 with two deaths.

The United Nations says it fears the new coronavirus could be spreading undetected among an acutely malnourished population with inadequate testing capabilities.

(Reporting by Samar Hassan; Editing by David Clarke)
Three young men charged with murdering a teenager who fell to his death from a balcony allegedly viciously assaulted him because they wanted to steal his phone.

Cian English, 19, fell from a balcony on the fourth floor of the View Pacific resort in Surfers Paradise at about 3am on Saturday as he was trying to escape a 'vicious assault', police allege.

Detectives say the Brisbane teenager was running from three men, aged 18, 20 and 22, who allegedly stormed the unit he was partying in with friends while carrying a knife.

Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith said both Mr English and another of his friends were brutally attacked and 'robbed at knifepoint' by the three men.

Cian English, 19, (right) fell to his death from a Surfers Paradise balcony after allegedly being brutally assaulted by three men

Three men have been charged with murdering the teenager after he fell from the fourth floor of the resort

The trio were staying inside another unit in the apartment complex and had been communicating with Mr English's party throughout the evening, police said.

But relations allegedly soured as the night went on and both groups binged on drugs, with things eventually turning violent between the two parties.

The robbers allegedly demanded Mr English's phone and also attempted to steal clothing from he and his friends.

'What we will be alleging is... the three main offenders have robbed the victim and his friend at knifepoint and in the course of this the victim has attempted to escape and gone over the balcony and died,' Detective Smith said.

The other alleged victim safely escaped the complex.

Police believe guests at both events 'took some illicit drugs' before things got out of hand.

Detectives said Mr English was running from three men, aged 18, 20 and 22, who allegedly stormed the unit he was partying in

'We believe that all persons in the premises were under the influence of drugs at the time,' Detective Smith said.

After Mr English's body was discovered, four other teenagers aged between 16 and 19 were found in the apartment in varying states of consciousness and were taken to Robina Hospital for treatment for drug overdoses.

Police allege some of the people who attended the party are responsible for a series of break and enters across chemists on the Gold Coast, where prescription drugs were stolen from the premises.

Mr English pictured left. After his body was discovered, four other teenagers in varying states of consciousness were found in the apartment and taken to hospital for treatment for drug overdoses

'Given the circumstances, the consequences of the robbery and the threats made to the victim the three offenders are being charged with murder,' Detective Smith said.

The 18-year-old is due to appear in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Monday while the other two men will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

A woman said she had seen the tragic night unfold via video footage on Instagram and Snapchat.

'The videos I have seen, they are sickening and so very sad,' she told the Courier-Mail.

'It's not in the best interest of this poor boy's family to see him like that.'

Four other teenagers were taken to hospital to be treated for drug overdoses following the wild party

A passer-by discovered Mr English's lifeless body on the pavement before calling emergency services who later found the stash of drugs inside the unit.

Paramedics tried to perform CPR on the 19-year-old, who was from Hawthorne in Brisbane's eastern suburbs - but they were too late.

Two other 16-year-old boys, believed to be a part of the group, were arrested at 2.20am between View Avenue and the Esplanade for possessing prescription drugs.

They were also treated by paramedics for showing symptoms associated with drug use.

One party guest told Nine News they left the gathering when someone started waving a knife around and after noticing ice pipes in the apartment.

A total of seven people were found in the unit and four taken to hospital in stable conditions. Police believe up to 12 people may have attended the party.

Up to 12 people were believed to have been at the party which ultimately resulted in the death of Mr English

Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Senior Operations Supervisor Neil Stead said the teen had 'traumatic injuries'.

The drugs involved were reportedly Diazepam or Valium.

'There was some kind of drugs involved in this situation which caused the incident to occur. Drugs are simply not safe. Even prescribed drugs taken the wrong way are not safe,' Mr Stead said.

'No one wants a deceased person, whether they are young or old.

'Especially a young male who has got his life ahead of him, to have it cut off like this.'

The emergency crews that tried to resuscitate Mr English have since been given welfare checks due to the traumatic incident.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Washington, May 23 (IANS) Democrats have denounced US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, saying it was illegal and demanded an explanation for the move.

In a letter on Friday to State Secretary Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel and Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith said that the withdrawal from the treaty without consultation with Congress violates Section 1234 of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, reports Xinhua news agency.

"This provision of law stipulates that you must notify Congress not later than 120 days before the intent to withdraw from the treaty is presented to either treaty depository... To date, this requirement has not been fulfilled," the two Democrats said in the letter, demanding an explanation for this "intended illegal action".

Engel and Smith also said that they strongly oppose the withdrawal decision, which they believe would "specifically negatively impact US leadership in NATO and the transatlantic relationship with its allies and partners".

"It appears that short-sighted interests and partisan politics prevailed over reason and good foreign policy. This is a regrettable decision that will have lasting consequences," they added.

Trump on Thursday announced that he was withdrawing from the Open Skies Treaty, saying that "Russia didn't adhere to the treaty. Until they adhere we will pull out".

He also said that there was a "very good chance we'll reach a new agreement" with Russia.

Also on Thursday, Pompeo announced that the US would submit the notice of its decision to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty to all other state parties on Friday, citing Russian non-compliance as a motivating factor for its decision.

The withdrawal would formally take place in six months, based on the treaty's withdrawal terms. Pompeo said Washington might reconsider its decision if Moscow returns to "full compliance with the Treaty".

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Friday that the country was open to dialogue with the US on the Open Skies Treaty, but only if it is based on equal rights and aimed at mutual consideration of interests and concerns.

The US and Russia have blamed each other for noncompliance with the treaty.

The Treaty on Open Skies, the implementation of which is monitored by the Vienna-based Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe, has been in force since 2002 and allows its 34 signatory nations to fly over any part of one another's territory, photographing from the air, with the aim of ensuring that other countries or rivals were not preparing military attacks.

The official notification of Washington's withdrawal from the pact will be presented on Friday, which implies that within six months, which is by November 22, the US will no longer be a party to the agreement.

Over 1,500 Open Skies flights have been conducted since the deal entered into force in 2002, according to media reports.

Ten European nations on Friday issued a joint statement regretting the US' withdrawal.

"We regret the announcement by the government of the United States of its intention to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, although we share its concerns regarding the implementation of treaty provisions by Russia," said the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Sweden in the statement.

"We will continue to implement the Open Skies Treaty which has obvious added value for our conventional arms control architecture and our common security," said the statement.

It was the latest in a string of moves by the Trump administration to withdraw from major international treaties.

Washington abandoned the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Moscow last year.

The pullout of the Open Skies Treaty further raised doubts over whether the Trump administration would extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty in force between Washington and Moscow.

The New START, which expires next February, can be extended for at most five years with the consent of the two countries.

Russia has expressed willingness to extend the treaty, while the Trump administration has yet to officially reply.

--IANS

ksk/
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE:SQM) missed earnings with its latest first-quarter results, disappointing overly-optimistic forecasters. It looks like quite a negative result overall, with both revenues and earnings falling well short of analyst predictions. Revenues of US$392m missed by 19%, and statutory earnings per share of US$0.17 fell short of forecasts by 27%. Following the result, the analysts have updated their earnings model, and it would be good to know whether they think there's been a strong change in the company's prospects, or if it's business as usual. Readers will be glad to know we've aggregated the latest statutory forecasts to see whether the analysts have changed their mind on Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile after the latest results.

View our latest analysis for Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile

NYSE:SQM Past and Future Earnings May 24th 2020

Taking into account the latest results, the consensus forecast from Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile's twelve analysts is for revenues of US$1.95b in 2020, which would reflect an okay 6.5% improvement in sales compared to the last 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are predicted to rise 8.5% to US$1.00. Before this earnings report, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of US$2.05b and earnings per share (EPS) of US$1.04 in 2020. It's pretty clear that pessimism has reared its head after the latest results, leading to a weaker revenue outlook and a minor downgrade to earnings per share estimates.

Despite the cuts to forecast earnings, there was no real change to the US$30.95 price target, showing that the analysts don't think the changes have a meaningful impact on its intrinsic value. There's another way to think about price targets though, and that's to look at the range of price targets put forward by analysts, because a wide range of estimates could suggest a diverse view on possible outcomes for the business. The most optimistic Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile analyst has a price target of US$57.00 per share, while the most pessimistic values it at US$20.00. So we wouldn't be assigning too much credibility to analyst price targets in this case, because there are clearly some widely different views on what kind of performance this business can generate. As a result it might not be a great idea to make decisions based on the consensus price target, which is after all just an average of this wide range of estimates.

Story continues

Looking at the bigger picture now, one of the ways we can make sense of these forecasts is to see how they measure up against both past performance and industry growth estimates. It's clear from the latest estimates that Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile's rate of growth is expected to accelerate meaningfully, with the forecast 6.5% revenue growth noticeably faster than its historical growth of 3.7%p.a. over the past five years. By contrast, our data suggests that other companies (with analyst coverage) in a similar industry are forecast to grow their revenue at 4.7% per year. Factoring in the forecast acceleration in revenue, it's pretty clear that Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile is expected to grow much faster than its industry.

The Bottom Line

The biggest concern is that the analysts reduced their earnings per share estimates, suggesting business headwinds could lay ahead for Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile. They also downgraded their revenue estimates, although industry data suggests that Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile's revenues are expected to grow faster than the wider industry. There was no real change to the consensus price target, suggesting that the intrinsic value of the business has not undergone any major changes with the latest estimates.

With that said, the long-term trajectory of the company's earnings is a lot more important than next year. At Simply Wall St, we have a full range of analyst estimates for Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile going out to 2023, and you can see them free on our platform here..

And what about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile you should know about.

Love or hate this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.
Police in Hong Kong fired tear gas and water cannon at thousands of pro-democracy protesters who gathered Sunday against a controversial security law proposed by China, in the most intense clashes in months. Meanwhile, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi insisted in Beijing that the proposed law must be imposed "without the slightest delay".

The planned legislation is expected to ban treason, subversion and sedition, and comes after Hong Kong was shaken last year by months of massive, often-violent protests, and repeated warnings from Beijing that it would not tolerate dissent.

With campaigners warning the proposal could spell the end of the city's treasured freedoms, thousands gathered in the busy Causeway Bay and Wan Chai districts, chanting slogans, as some masked protesters set up makeshift barricades to stop police vehicles.

Frustrated

"People may be criminalised only for words they say or publish opposing the government," 25-year-old protester Vincent told AFP.

"I think Hong Kongers are very frustrated because we didn't expect this to come so fast and so rough. But... we won't be as naive as to believe that Beijing will simply sit back and do nothing. Things will only get worse here."

Riot police were deployed after earlier warnings from authorities against unauthorised assembly and the city's current coronavirus-linked law banning public gatherings of more than eight people.

Umbrellas

As the number of protesters swelled, police fired tear gas and pepper spray to try and disperse the crowd, and later deployed water cannon and armoured vehicles.

The protest followed a similar pattern to many of last year's rallies, with police firing tear gas and pepper spray, and demonstrators pushing back. Some threw objects such as umbrellas at the police.

Police said they had arrested 40 people.

The scenes on Sunday were the most intense in months. The Hong Kong pro-democracy movement had previously fizzled at the beginning of 2020 as arrests mounted and, later, large gatherings were banned to stop the coronavirus.

More than 8,300 people have been arrested since the protests erupted last year. Around 200 were detained during small rallies at malls on Mother's Day earlier this month.

Chipping away freedoms

Hong Kong residents enjoy rights, under the One Country, Two Systems structure, agreed upon by Beijing and London when the former British crown colony was handed over to China in 1997. Hong Kong was to retain existing rights, including freedom of speech, partial democracy and its own legal system and trade status.

Critics say Beijing is chipping away at those freedoms and tightening its control on the city, and some campaigners have described the new proposal as the end of One Country, Two Systems.

(With AFP)
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has appealed to Ficksburg community journalist Paul Nthoba to contact its investigator as soon as possible as this will assist in speeding up the investigation into his alleged assault and continued intimidation by police officers.

Nthoba was forced to seek refuge at the United Nations offices in Lesotho after he became concerned about his and his family's safety, the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) said on Wednesday.

On Friday, Nthoba was snapping a picture of police officers on patrol near the Caledon River, separating South Africa and Lesotho, when he was allegedly beaten for taking the picture, News24 reported.

Nthoba, who is the editor of the Mohokare News, named after the Sesotho word for the Caledon River, told News24 after this happened, he went to the police station in Ficksburg to lay a charge of assault against the officers. He said at the station he was threatened with a Disaster Management Act infraction.

The journalist explained he was at the river on Friday because some locals had complained that policing in the area was too slack.

He said that he is known in the area, and when he saw the officers he thought: "Oh look, that's a nice shot - there are policemen."

He took the picture, planning ahead to include it in an article. "I was going to ask them, 'How are you doing?'," he said.

However, he said, one of the police officers responded with a deeply offensive swear word, and the tone changed as he told him he felt insulted. Another officer, who Nthoba regarded as the senior among them, allegedly instructed his colleagues to assault Nthoba.

"That's when I realised I was going to get a hiding," Nthoba said.

"Following this traumatic incident, Nthoba went to the Ficksburg police station to lay a charge, but instead of being assisted by the police, he faced further abuse," Sanef said.

While trying to lay a charge, it is alleged that the same officer who had assaulted him before, arrived and prevented him from opening a case. He insisted that Nthoba should be charged with contravention of the Disaster Management Act.

"We understand Nthoba was further assaulted while in the charge office. Nthoba told Sanef that he decided to cross the border into Lesotho to seek refuge at the United Nations offices because he feared for his life," Sanef said.

After the alleged assault, Nthoba told Sanef that he had seen police vehicles patrolling his street, and that another police vehicle was parked close to his home without explanation.

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"His family became extremely concerned and he decided to flee. He reached out to the United Nations office and, together with the Lesotho government, they are protecting him.

"He has been placed under quarantine due to the coronavirus restrictions."

On Wednesday, IPID said it was investigating Nthoba's criminal case against the police.

"On Monday, our investigator met with the journalist at his aunt's place and, after the meeting, an agreement was reached for a follow-up meeting... the following day or Wednesday," IPID said.

"However, when our investigator was trying to make contact, he could not reach the journalist as his mobile is always off. His relatives are not divulging the complainant's whereabouts.

"IPID is not aware of any danger on the journalist's life. It is important to state that our investigator advised the complainant to call him in case he required any form of assistance, which never happened.

"However, IPID is committed that, as soon as we find and confirm with him about any imminent danger on his life, we are willing to engage the relevant government stakeholders to arrange for his safety.

"IPID is appealing to the journalist to make contact with our investigator as soon as possible as this will assist in speeding up the investigations.

"We have not yet made any arrest as we are still gathering enough evidence which, upon completion the case, will be presented to the National Prosecutions Authority for [a] decision," IPID said.

Source: News24
A 48-year-old man was sentenced Friday in Monterey County Superior Court to 26 years and eight months in prison in connection with the molestation of a young Salinas girl that occurred years before the victim's parents went to police in January 2012.

The sentencing, the Monterey County District Attorney's office said Friday, ends a complicated case involving not just the molestation but also a family cover up, the suspect's flight to Mexico and international cooperation to return him to face charges.

Rene Cruz and his attorneys agreed to a plea deal in which he was convicted of four felonies, agreed to the 26-year-8-month prison term and waived the right to appeal. Cruz also will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

He has been in custody since May 2018.

The case began in January 2012, when an 11-year-old girl was brought in to the Salinas Police Department by her parents to report that she had been molested several years earlier by the husband of the family's babysitter. The babysitter, Nelida Gaytan, initially denied that Cruz lived with her or was the father of the children in the home. After police left, she fled the home with her children and only contacted police weeks later.

Gaytan was ultimately prosecuted for being an accessory after the fact and was convicted of obstructing or delaying a peace officer.

Meanwhile, the district attorney's office said, Cruz turned himself in to police, posted bail and was released. When Cruz failed to appear at a hearing just before his scheduled April 2012 jury trial, a warrant was issued for his arrest.

In May 2018, the FBI, in coordination with Mexican authorities, located Cruz in Mexico, and he was deported back to the U.S. The Monterey County District Attorney's Office contacted witnesses and others involved in the case, as the victim and her family were committed to seeing the prosecution proceed. Many witnesses had moved, the district attorney's office said, and at least one had died.

The victim, now 19 years old, spoke at Friday's sentencing hearing about the difficulties she has had to overcome because of Cruz's predatory behavior.

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Gov. Tony Evers said that parents and students should prepare for the school year to look different when it starts in the fall, as one topic among several in a chat with the La Crosse Tribune on Friday afternoon.

Its going to be different. Its going to be kids sitting in a row, with masks on maybe, he said, referencing a set of optional guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for schools that was recently released.

I think parents and kids actually should start to prepare for a future that might look different this fall, Evers said.

As the state reopens, Evers said he feels greatly indebted to Wisconsinites for the precautions theyve taken to save lives.

But as the state begins to reopen and more residents leave their homes and get out in their communities, a resurgence of cases is possible.

I believe going forward, even though theres more options available, that people will do things reasonably, he said.

And though Evers executive orders relating to COVID-19 efforts were recently considered an overreach of power, he said his administration still has a job to do.

If there is a second wave, or if there is a surge over the next several weeks, we have a huge role to play, Evers said of the possibility, emphasizing that the state would continue to support more testing, contact tracing and personal protective equipment.

Evers announced this week how his administration would distribute the roughly $1.9 billion the state received through the federal CARES Act, which went to things like rent assistance, nursing homes, small businesses, farmers and food banks.

But the Dairy State governor was critical about the federal governments role in pandemic efforts.

I havent had any discussion with President Trump, Ever said. Frankly, and this isnt meant as a statement of disrespect, but we need to get things done, and the presidents view of the world as it relates to this kind of waxes and wanes, and its hard to keep up.

Instead, state leaders have been working directly with Vice President Mike Pence, he said, who was appointed to lead the federal COVID-19 task force.

If we had to do it over, the federal government would ideally have complete control over the countrys materials, equipment and testing, Evers said.

They could have done better than having 50 states competing with each other, he said.

But he complimented the work that local governments have done despite skewed guidance from above.

Once the Republicans went to the Supreme Court and succeeded in what they wanted to do, Ever said, local governments have really stepped to the plate.

He said he was proud of the work counties and cities or villages have done, but that public health is a great avenue to consider how all levels of government can collaborate more.

We have many counties where the counties take the lead, and some where the cities take the lead. And I see some pretty good collaboration there, and I think it could be a model for local governments, Evers said.

The state Senate battleground

In Wisconsin, at least seven state Senators are not running for reelection in the fall, paving the way for Democrats to take back the majority or for Republicans to create a supermajority.

And Evers said the fate of the Senate is particularly important for fair maps in the state.

If indeed the Republicans get a supermajority, that would mean that they could override any veto that I do, he said, and my veto is the only thing thats standing between some fair maps and having the same gerrymandered maps for the next 10 years.

Among the seven state Senate seats being vacated is that of former Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse, who announced she wouldnt seek reelection in April, and stepped down as leader last week.

Running in Shillings place is Democrat Brad Pfaff, who is seeking a seat in the same body that denied him as Evers appointee to lead the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Evers appointed Pfaff to the position in 2018, but last November, Senate Republicans rejected the nomination over comments about mental health assistance in the dairy industry.

Brad was an outstanding person as secretary-designee of agriculture, he was doing a great job and was treated poorly by the Republicans, Ever said.

And yes, Id much rather have him working for me, but I know hell do a great job if he wins the Senate district, Evers said.

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While Western nations establish Space Force commands for their military, Iran has been more practical and realistic. In 2017 Iran established a Drone Division in its IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) to handle UAV development, production, distribution and training. An IRGC colonel, a veteran in the UAV field, was appointed to run the Drone Division. Colonel Akbar Karimloo was even allowed to give media interviews about his operation and its accomplishments. Unlike much else with the IRGC and the Iranian military in general, Karimloo had some recent and very real accomplishments to discuss. Not all of them, some of these operations were merely implied because they were officially denied. One of these was the successful use of over twenty armed drones in late 2019 to attack Saudi oil production facilities. Iran attributed this to Shia rebels in Yemen that have substantial, but unofficial, Iran backing. This enables Iran to deny responsibility for the 2019 attack because that would have been an act of war and had some very real and very destructive repercussions for Iran. Instead Iran claimed that the attack was carried out by the Yemeni Shia rebels.

The Saudis were able to collect fragments of the several UAVs involved and reconstruct them. It was obvious that most of these UAVs did not have to range to travel from Yemen to northeast Saudi Arabia. The only other launch area was in nearby Iran. Most of the UAVs involved had been around for a while and were known to be reliable and made in Iran. There are a lot of UAVs developed and manufactured in Iran because UAVs are basically low tech devices using widely available manufacturing techniques and components. UAVs are not high-tech vehicles but assembling those common components correctly can be difficult. To get around that Iran has got a large collection of foreign UAVs that have crashed or been shot down in Iran, or nations that Iran has control over (Syria, Iraq, Yemen and parts of Yemen.) Iran is also a very active buyer in the black market for weapons wreckage. Islamic terrorist and rebel groups worldwide know about this black market and go after this wreckage before the owners can recover or completely destroy it. Israeli and American stuff is particularly valuable. Such wreckage has kept hundreds of skilled Iranians employed over the decades as they pick apart the wreckage to determine what the system contained and how it was put together. This usually results in an accurate appearing mockup and, less frequently, a working copy that can be put to use.

For decades Iran has regularly announced new weapons that were designed and produced in Iran. Over the last decade a growing proportion of these announcements involve UAVs. For example back in 2011 Iran revealed a UAV described as a cruise missile with a 200 kilometer range. It was several years before this new UAV was actually available to use. If you go back and look at the many Iranian announcements of newly developed, high tech, weapons, all you find is a photo op for a prototype. Production versions of these weapons rarely shows up right away, if ever. Its all feel-good propaganda for the religious dictatorship that runs Iran, and its supporters.

But Iran has managed to develop some locally made weapons since the 1980s despite a growing list of sanctions making it difficult to legally import UAV components. As a result Iran likes to recycle older, all the way back to the 1950s military tech. For example, in 2010 Iran announced that it had developed an armed UAV, the Karar (or Karrar) with a range of 1,000 kilometers. Pictures of this new weapon showed what appeared to be a copy of 1950s era American cruise missile, or target drone. These, in turn, were based on a similar weapon, the German V-1 "buzz bomb" that was used extensively in World War II to bomb London. The Iranian Karar had the benefit of more efficient jet engines, more effective flight control hardware and software, and GPS navigation. Karar was not a wonder weapon, but the Iranians are depending on a clueless international mass media, and their own citizens, to believe it is. The Karar effort was not wasted because it was proof that Iran has teams of scientists, engineers and technicians working on UAV tech for a long time. Although touted as an armed cruise missile, Karar has been most often used as a target drone for testing air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles. Target drones were designed for that and that keeps target drones rather more expensive than actual cruise missiles. So while Iran touts Karar as a cruise missile, Iran also found that Karar was one its few UAVs that could perform well as a target drone.

In the last few years Iran has announced many similar weapons, many of them originally conceived in the 1950s. There was, for example, a UAV with a range of 2,000 kilometers. This was announced a decade ago and is now said to be in service as the Fotros. This design is based on several successful Israeli UAV models. These UAVs use simpler, slower and cheaper propeller-driven tech. While the Israeli UAV designs are simple tech, putting all those components together so that you have a capable and reliable UAV is difficult. The Americans managed to emulate the older Israeli designs to produce Predator and Reaper. A decade late China began copying Predator and Reaper and in the last five years Chinese UAVs have dominated the export market. No one gives that manufacturing knowledge away and Iran has had to figure it out. They apparently did that with Fotros, which first flew in 2013 but was not reliable enough for actual service until 2020.

One tech that makes long-range UAVS so useful still eludes Iran. This is satellite control capability, which most American UAVs have. With satellites based control operators can watch what UAVs do in real-time and make critical decisions about where to go and whether to use weapons. The Iranian long-range UAVs use GPS type guidance and are preprogrammed for a specific mission, like take photos and return or carry explosives on a one-way mission. For longer range UAV operations Iran has learned how to use some UAVs as airborne relays. In addition the IRGC can use ground-bases relay stations in areas it controls. In this way operators back in Iran can control some of these long-range operations.

For Iran the primary target for their long-range weapons has been Israel and the United States. American troops operating near Iran have learned to deal with the growing number of Iranian UAVs, often with help from Israel which has a lot more practical experience with Iranian recon and attack UAVs. These low-tech and inexpensive systems are not wonder weapons but they can be a threat if you do not develop ways to deal with them. Israel and the Americans have, Saudi Arabia, until late 2019, had downplayed the threat. No more and this is another reason why the Saudis are getting so chummy with Israel.
Pranab Mondal and Express News Service By

KOLKATA/ NEW DELHI : Three days after cyclone Amphan battered West Bengal, the state government on Saturday called for Army support to speed up restoration process of essential infrastructure and services. The state home department requested railways, port and private sectors to supply teams for the rebuild Bengal mission. The death toll went up to 86 on Saturday.Army personnel from Eastern Commands Fort William swung into action on Saturday evening and joined the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to remove uprooted trees from arterial thoroughfares in Kolkata. Meanwhile, ten fresh teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are being rushed to West Bengal in order to speed up the relief and rescue operations , officials said.

Ten additional teams have been mobilised and are being rushed at the earliest from NDRF locations outside West Bengal. Teams are likely to reach Kolkata by late night Saturday, an NDRF spokesperson said.They said the additional teams of the federal contingency force were sent after a written request was received by the Union Home Ministry from West Bengals Principal Secretary Disaster Management and Civil Defence seeking deployment of additional teams in the state.

A total of 26 NDRF teams are deployed in six cyclone affected districts of West Bengal for restoration work at present and with the addition of the fresh ones the total number of teams will be 36.Preliminary assessment by the state government assessed the extent of damage by cyclone Amphan in South 24-Parganas, the most severely-hit district in the state. The cyclone damaged more than 10 lakh houses, uprooted 41,000 electric poles, swept away 56-km river dam and affected more than six crore people, said CM Mamata Banerjee.

Banerjee undertook aerial survey of the affected areas in South 24-Parganas district on Saturday and held an administrative meeting at Kakdwip. Bengal has never faced such disaster before. I have asked to engage local men in the restoration work and pay them under the 100-day job scheme, she said.The home department said drinking water and drainage infrastructure are getting restored fast. Public Health Department have been asked to supply water pouches in affected areas. Generators are being hired where necessary, the home department tweeted.
Supervisors agreed to pay both change orders submitted for asbestos abatement, which have totaled $136,741 to date. They also learned there will be at least one more bill coming associated with asbestos removal, but Vogel said he believes he can finish the project under budget.

As members of the Board of Supervisors have done repeatedly for the last six months, they made it clear theyre tired of the ongoing charge orders that have been part of the $21 million expansion.

I have zero appetite to throw any more money into the project, Supervisor Jeff Bueche said, adding how concerned he is that builders will come across more unexpected issues before the renovation is complete. I think were going to find ourselves falling short with funding.

Theres $24,000 left in the contingency fund, which started at $680,000. Such funds are built into construction projects for unforeseen items that can crop up, especially in renovations, or to cover charges for materials and services that have gone up since the work began.
The State Library of Victoria needs more time to prepare its emergence from COVID-19 lockdown and will not re-open on June 1, its CEO Kate Torney says.

Allowing just 20 people at a time in the Domed Reading Room and having to register online before visiting are among strict rules being considered for when the library does re-open.

In the Dome, alone, for now: State Library of Victoria CEO Kate Torney. Credit:Eddie Jim

There will be more frequent cleaning of public surfaces and the 24 hour quarantining of books after users return them  a policy adopted by the State Library of New South Wales  is also being considered.
Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov has released a video calling for divine help in overcoming the pandemic after Russian media reported he had been hospitalised for suspected COVID-19 symptoms.

But the video, posted Saturday on the Telegram messaging app and marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramzan, does not show Kadyrov and uses only his voice, Russian reports said.

However, state agency Tass cited Akhmed Dudayev, the head of Chechnya's broadcasting company, as saying Kadyrov took the video himself.

Russian media last week cited unnamed medical sources as saying Kadyrov had been flown to Moscow for coronavirus treatment, but Chechen officials denied the reports.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Francistown  Minister of Basic Education (MoBE), Mr Fidelis Molao, says although there has been progress to ensure compliance to health protocols at both junior and secondary schools, primary schools needed to up game.

"The extent of preparedness is at different stages with some schools, especially primary ones lagging behind. Both junior and secondary schools have made considerable progress," he said after a visiting some schools in Shashe West and Francistown recently.

The anticipated re-opening of schools on June 2, would follow government's decision to close all schools on March 23 due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

Minister Molao said the ministry management would, as a matter of urgency, embark on a nationwide tour to get firsthand information on preparedness of the schools.

He also stated that psycho-social support was the ministry's priority during this stressful period and that total adherence to hygienic standards recommended by the Ministry of Health and Wellness was one of the many steps to take.

Francistown deputy town clerk, Mr Lawrence Mazinyane, said the council was working round the clock to make sure that all primary schools were ready by June 2.

He said unavailability of materials was the primary reason many of the primary schools were lagging behind. The city council, he stated, had since placed orders to get materials as far as Selebi Phikwe.

Other than unavailability of the raw material in question, Mr Mazinyane said all primary schools in the area had been able to procure all necessary detergents.

Source : BOPA
Unemployment Fraud

If youre one of the lucky people who still has a job, great. But someone may be collecting unemployment benefits on your behalf. A network of international hackers has been using stolen Social Security numbers to file claims for American citizens who have not actually been laid off and then siphon the money into their own pockets. In Washington State alone, impostors have used this tactic to steal hundreds of millions of dollars, according to the head of the states Employment Security Department. Federal investigators say that all states are vulnerable and that they are working to identify the thieves.

Image Credit... Giacomo Bagnara

Whats Next? (May 24-30)

Back to the Floor

The New York Stock Exchange will partially reopen its trading floor to a small number of brokers this coming Tuesday. Anyone who enters the building will be required to wear a mask, follow social-distancing rules, undergo temperature checks and abstain from using public transit. And if they cant meet those requirements, fine; no one will be required to come in, and traders and other employees can continue to work remotely, said Stacey Cunningham, president of the stock exchange.

Contact Tracing 2.0

Apple and Google released new software this past week that allows public health officials around the world to create their own contact tracing apps. It uses Bluetooth to detect people in your vicinity and keep track of who you may have interacted with. Then, if one of those people tests positive for the coronavirus and shares that information with the app, other users who were near them in the last 14 days will be notified. Sure beats cold-calling strangers on the phone all day, the way actual contact tracers do their jobs, right? Maybe not, according to critics, who say the apps pose serious privacy problems. Several states and countries are looking to harness the technology, but its unclear how many will actually create apps, or how many people will use them.

Special Delivery

Remember Carlos Ghosn, the former chief of Nissan who was relieved of his duties after being accused of financial fraud? The saga continues. Two Americans, a former Green Beret and his son, have been accused of helping to smuggle Mr. Ghosn out of Japan back in December. At the time, Mr. Ghosn was under house arrest and awaiting trial in Tokyo, but then managed to escape on a private jet (hidden in a large box) and flee to Lebanon. The two men, who were arrested in Massachusetts, are expected to be extradited to Japan to face trial. Mr. Ghosn remains at large in Beirut.
Celebrations on Eid-ul-Fitr were subdued in Kerala and Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday with no major congregational prayers and community feasts due to the coronavirus lockdown.

While Eid will be celebrated in the rest of the country on Monday, the festive buzz was missing as markets and other public places remained deserted, whether it was in Lucknow, Kolkata or the old Delhi areas as people mostly remained indoors.

Major mosques and idghas, which see tens of thousands of people offering namaz on Eid and then embracing each other, remained mostly empty perhaps for the first time on the festival as the government has prohibited all kinds of religious gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

In his message, President Ram Nath Kovind asked citizens to reaffirm their belief "in sharing with and caring for the most vulnerable sections of society".

He also asked people to resolve to adhere to social distancing norms and all other precautions to stay safe and overcome the coronavirus challenge soon.

Prominent clerics and religious organisations like Jaimiat Ulema-e-Hind have also appealed to people to adhere to social distancing and lockdown guidelines of the government and stay at home to offer Eid namaz.

In Palayam mosque in Thiruvanathapuram, the cleric live-streamed the Eid prayers for the faithful.

Many joined their families and friends on video calls as lockdown restrictions prevented them from travelling.

The Kerala government had eased the curbs on Sunday in view of Eid, but the festival was shorn of its usual gaiety and not many people ventured out.

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan greeted the people on Eid, mentioning that the world was passing through a difficult time due to the pandemic.

"May we also have the blessing to prevent and eliminate the COVID-19 disease," Khan tweeted.

Vijayan said the world is going through "an unprecedented crisis and misery" because of pandemic COVID-19.

"Usual celebration during Ramzan is not there anywhere in the world due to the pandemic. Instead of offering prayers at mosques, which is important for Muslims, this time the prayers and the feast is performed in their homes. Community leaders have taken this important decision to protect the interests of the society" he added.

The chief minister said Eid-ul-Fitr gives out a message of equality, tolerance and repentance.

No mass congregations were held in major mosques and shrines of Kashmir as police enforced restrictions in most parts of the valley including Srinagar city,officials said.

Last year too, authorities had imposed strict curfew in the wake of abrogation of Article 370 and division of Jammu and Kashmir state into two union territories.

People preferred to offer Eid prayers at home, either individually or in small groups comprising family members, on Sunday.

However, there have been reports of congregation Eid prayers being offered in mosques located in the interior parts of cities and towns.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu had urged the people to adhere to the guidelines and norms issued by the administration while celebrating the festival.

The festival is one of many examples of India's multi-dimensional culture. May this festival promote and maintain inter-religious understanding and co-existence and instill the spirit of brotherhood, harmony, and amity among the people of all faiths, he said.

Police personnel made announcements early in the morning on public address systems, appealing people not to congregate for Eid prayers as restrictions were still in place as part of the lockdown.

Eid elebrations were also muted in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in Karnataka.

The Eidgah maidan at Bavuta Gudde in Mangaluru, where thousands used to gather to offer namaz as part of the festival, was empty.

India has reported 1,31,868 COVID-19 cases till Sunday with a total of 3,867 fatalities.

The country has been under lockdown since March 25, though the restrictions have been eased for the fourth phase after May 17.

In Delhi, the old city areas, which are usually crowded during Ramzan as people go for shopping to buy new clothes for the festival, were quiet.

Mohammad Mohsin, a footwear trader in Ballimaran, said, "You cannot imagine celebrating Eid without participating in Eid namaz at a mosque. People also don't have money as commercial and business activities have been paralysed over the past two months."



With coronavirus cases increasing in the city, people have been staying at their homes and observing social distancing norms by avoiding crowded places.

"Main markets, where it would be difficult to move during normal days, more so on the occasion of Eid, are deserted. Shops are not opening because the entire supply chain has been disrupted in the country and also because people do not have money to spend," Akram Qureshi, president of Bazar Matia Mahal Traders Association, said.

However, some people in inner parts and narrow bylanes of the old city areas of Matia Mahal, Chandni Chowk, Ballimaran visited shops to buy food items and new clothes for their children to celebrate Eid.

In Lucknow, the once busy streets of Aminabad, Nazirabad, Fatehganj, La Touche Road and Kaisarbagh were also silent.

"We have asked everyone to offer Eid namaaz (prayers) at their home. Celebrate Eid at your homes. Only the 4-5 persons who stay in a mosque will be offering the prayers at the mosque. Greet people through the social media. Do not shake hands or embrace or hug anyone. Apart from this, 50 per cent of Eid budget should be given to the poor," prominent Muslim cleric Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali said.

The Zakaria street on Kolkata, which comes to life with ubiquitous haleem and kebab stalls during iftar, too was missing the hustle and bustle.

Zeeshan Ali, a 25-year old techie, said it breaks his heart to think that he would have to spend the occasion without meeting friends, and exchanging gifts.

"I will miss the usual practice of waking up early and rushing to Red Road at 6 am to offer Namaz with my father. Also, I won't get to meet my friends. That's heart-breaking... Offering prayers within the confines of the four walls on Eid, however, will be an altogether different experience," Ali, a resident of the city's Bowbazar area, said.

Vadodara-based Intekhab Sheikh said he will offer the Eid prayers at his home and exchange greetings via video chatting.

"Visiting a mosque is out of question. We will cook sewaiyanat home. At the most will offer it to our neighbours. Offering prayers and consuming sewaiyan with family members will be our mode of celebration tomorrow. And as far as greeting friends and relatives are concerned, we will do it through video calling," he said.

Eid-ul-fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramzan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The group contends that the projects mentioned above 'are set to disrupt the existing ecological balance, and effectively destroy the biological diversity' of the said sites.

A group of students' unions and civil society groups from the northeastern states has called for a "complete reversal of extractive projects" in Dehing Patkai, Dibang Valley, and Dibru Saikhowa forests.

The group, named Northeast Solidarity for Environmental Justice, has said in a press release, "In the middle of the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing lockdown, there has been a concerted effort by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of India to accord clearances to projects that stand to attack indigenous lands, forests, and resources in the Northeast region and cause grave environmental injustice."

The group specifically mentioned three projects that have recently been given clearances a coal mining project in the Dehing-Patkai Elephant Reserve, a hydroelectric project in the Dibang Valley and for drilling and testing of hydrocarbons at seven locations under the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Area.

The collective also pointed out that the environment ministry has recently released a draft of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification 2020 and said that it "aims to dilute existing rules of environmental regulations for industry."

The group contends that the projects mentioned above "are set to disrupt the existing ecological balance, and effectively destroy the biological diversity of said sites at a time when there are rising concerns about climate change and the link between biodiversity loss and zoonotic diseases like the COVID-19."

The collective includes the North East students fora in Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Post Graduate Students Union, Gauhati University and the Youth Mission for Clean River, Itanangar, among others.
As of Sunday, 46 of California's 58 counties have received clearance from the state to move deeper into Stage 2 of Gov. Gavin Newsom's reopening plan and have brought back restaurants, shopping malls and office spaces.

While rural counties were the first to move into late Stage 2, a number of larger counties such as Sacramento, Orange and San Diego have received clearance in recent days after the state softened its criteria for regional variances.

Only 12 counties  half of which are in the Bay Area  have not yet applied for or received clearance to move into late Stage 2. Here's a rundown of those 12.

Alameda

Alameda County was one of six Bay Area counties that lagged behind the rest of the state when the statewide shelter-in-place order was softened to allow for curbside-pickup retail and manufacturing on May 8. The regional consortium appears to be down to five counties with San Mateo bowing out, but Santa Clara County health officer Dr. Sara Cody has indicated the Bay Area will trail the rest of the state by at least two weeks in reopening.

It is unclear if Alameda County meets the state criteria to move into late Stage 2 because the county's health department does not report testing data.

Contra Costa

Contra Costa County is also part of the Bay Area consortium that will move slower than the rest of the state, but analysis from SFGATE shows the county comfortably meets most of the quantifiable criteria to move into late Stage 2 save for the testing requirement.

The state requires that counties have a minimum daily testing volume to test 1.5 per 1,000 residents, a mark Contra Costa County hit once on May 14. However, the seven-day testing average  a metric the state requires counties to submit  is not over that 1.5 benchmark yet. On May 7, the county announced it will offer free testing to any resident who wants it regardless of symptoms, and a county spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on if a general trend of diminishing individual demand for tests will make it difficult for Contra Costa County  or any other county  to clear the 1.5 seven-day average figure even if it has demonstrated the capacity to do so.

Imperial

Newsom specifically mentioned Imperial County as a location of concern for state officials. The county, which lies on the southern border, has seen an alarming surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in recent weeks. Local officials believe the surge is fueled by U.S citizens who live in nearby Mexicali, Mexico coming back for care.

Authorities cannot prevent U.S. citizens who live south of the border from going to Imperial County hospitals for treatment, and many people living in the area have residences on both sides of the border.

Los Angeles

The majority of the state's COVID-19 deaths have occurred in L.A. County. Public health director Barbara Ferrer said Thursday the hard-hit county does not yet meet the state criteria to move into late Stage 2.

Marin

Marin County is another member of the Bay Area consortium. Analysis shows the county meets all the quantifiable criteria to move into late Stage 2, but county officials are choosing to follow the other Bay Area counties. Next-door Sonoma County received clearance to move into late Stage 2 on Friday.

Monterey

The county hopes to finalize an application for a regional variance on Tuesday as local officials believe they meet all the criteria to move into late Stage 2.

San Bernardino

The county has formally applied for a regional variance, and local officials are optimistic the state will grant the request.

UPDATE: The county's application was granted.

San Francisco

Another member of the Bay Area consortium, San Francisco appears to meet most of the criteria to move into late Stage 2. Like Contra Costa County, the city has shown it has the ability to conduct 1.5 tests per 1,000 residents, but does not have a seven-day testing average over 1.5 yet.

San Mateo

San Mateo County was the first Bay Area county to announce it would branch off from the original shelter-in-palce order and did not sign on to a new order re-establishing the consortium.

However, the county has yet to record a single day with more that 1.5 tests per 1,000 residents, and will not pass the state criteria until it does so.

Santa Clara

Santa Clara County was the final member of the Bay Area consortium to open retail for curbside pickup. Even though it meets most of the quantifiable state criteria, health officer Dr. Sara Cody said there will be a two-week gap between modifications to the stay at home order, so the county will not move into late Stage 2 until early June at the earliest. Newsom has marked early June as a potential date the rest of the state can move into Stage 3.

Santa Cruz

The county plans to submit an application for a regional variance on June 2. Local officials have expressed concern over moving faster than other Northern California regions due to a fear of non-local crowds descending on Santa Cruz, as has already happened with the county's beaches.

Tulare

Even though Tulare has not yet received clearance from the state to move into late Stage 2, the county's board of supervisors voted last week to send the county all the way into Stage 3 and bring back high-risk businesses such as gyms and personal care services.

During a Friday press conference, Newsom said he believes the situation will "work itself out," and that city officials are opposed to the county decision.

"By the way, it's interesting, the county officials have disagreed with a lot of the city officials," he said. "So, the city officials are saying, 'Don't put this pressure on us. We don't want to go as quickly.'"

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Eric Ting is an SFGATE digital reporter. Email: eric.ting@sfgate.com | Twitter:@_ericting
The saddest thing about betrayals is that it never comes from your enemies. This popular quote sums up what the Congress must be feeling after Aditi Singh, former MLA from Raebareli, questioned the partys stand over buses for migrants returning to Uttar Pradesh.

As Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stuck to an aggressive stand that 1,000 buses sent by her to ferry migrants from Rajasthan to Uttar Pradesh were not allowed to cross the UP border forcing them to be sent back, Aditi Singh tweeted to denounce the politics over the issue as a cruel joke.

In tweets posted in Hindi, Singh said that of the 1,000 vehicles arranged by the Congress, more than half were fake. She said 297 of them were junk, 98 were three-wheelers and ambulances, while 68 buses did not have valid papers. Whats the need for such low politics at the time of a disaster? she said.

The backlash from Congress was almost immediate as Singh had hurt the party where it hurts the most with her attack on UP state in-charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

The partys social media cell ran the hashtag #jaichandini, referring to Singh as the female version of 12th century Kannauj ruler Jaichand, who is infamous for betraying warrior king Prithviraj Chauhan.

Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Deb also issued a statement to say Singh was no longer part of the Mahila Congress. Soon, Singh was expelled from the Congress though her Twitter still says INC. Rahul Gandhi, too, unfollowed her on the microblogging site.

It was in the summer of 2016 that Aditi Singh was given a ticket from Raebareli for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, taking many by surprise as her father Akhilesh Singh had fallen out with the Congress. Of the five terms he had served as MLA from the star constituency, three were as a Congress leader. After he broke ties with the Congress, he never joined any party.

Akhilesh Singh was an old warhorse and it was tough to win from Raebareli without his blessings.

The foreign-returned and educated Aditi was seen as entitled and an outsider, but she worked harder to ensure that she lived up to her father's name. In fact, both Priyanka Vadra and Rahul Gandhi had campaigned for her in the assembly polls.

Aditi Singhs split from the party was seen coming from a mile away. She defied Priyankas call for boycott of the assembly session and was served a showcause notice for attending the proceedings.

Singh had even hailed the Narendra Modi governments decision to scrap Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and called it a historic move that would help in integrating J&K into the mainstream.

Speaking to News18, Singh said she hoped for cordial ties with the Gandhis.

I never had any hard feelings. We are all working for the country. I hope I never stoop to that level. I wish Priyanka all the love and luck political equations change. At the end of the day, we are in the same political sphere," she said.

Singh went on to say that she joined the Congress at a time when she knew that the party was unlikely to come to power in the state or at the Centre. "I could have easily joined other parties like the Samajwadi Party or the BJP. But I chose the Congress, she said, adding that it was the right thing to do.

Opening up on her defiance of the assembly boycott call, Singh said, As a politician, you have to do the right thing. First and foremost, our constitutional duty is to the public. You cannot stop any legislator from going to the assembly. No one can stop me. I am elected and not selected.

Singh is married to Angad Saini Singh, the youngest MLA in Punjab. He represents Nawashahar in the Punjab assembly. When Aditi was trolled on Twitter by Congress supporters, her husband too was attacked. She was asked why she didnt ask her husband what Punjab had done for migrants. Her response was: "He's answerable to his constituents and I am to mine. Its very unbecoming to drag family members into issues."

Speaking to News18, Angad Singh said, It wont affect my position at all. I am not supposed to agree with all she says and does. She is independent and has the right to have her own opinion, and I respect her."

What has irked the Congress the most is the fact that Aditi Singh comes from the bastion of the Gandhis. It was bad enough to have lost Amethi to Smriti Irani in the general elections, but in both Amethi and Raebareli, the Congress and the Gandhis seem to losing their grip.

After the loss of Amethi came the departure of Amethi raja Sanjay Singh and wife Ameeta Singh, who joined the BJP. While they have yet to gain anything from the BJP in terms of position, their parting shot at the Gandhis was that the family is losing touch with reality.

In fact, a lacklustre campaigning by Sanjay and Ameeta Singh was seen as one of the reasons for Rahuls defeat in Amethi. Before leaving, the couple had opined that there was little future for the Congress and that it had much to redraw, a sentiment echoed by Aditi Singh. I guess they need to go back to the drawing board, she said.

The Congress has apparently moved on. Rahul Gandhi won from Wayanad in Kerala. Priyanka refuses to give up in UP, hoping that the limp stand of the SP and BSP on the migrant crisis would help the Congress recover lost ground. But the party has a long road to recovery ahead.

The bigger question is why so many in the Congress are disgruntled and leaving? Many more are said to be heading towards the exit after Jyotiraditya Scindia and Aditi Singh. Are they all opportunists as the Congress alleges? But then, isnt looking for greener pastures part of politics?

Both Rahul and Priyanka are now working at honing new bunch of leaders who are more loyal, willing to wait, and wont betray. Its easier said than done in a party which is still trying to sort the leadership issue.
The U.S. Navy has selected the design for its new FFG(X) frigate and explained why it is retiring four LCS ships early. The new frigate will be based on the Italian FREMM frigate. The American FREMM will be a modified version of the basic FREMM design and will be built by an American firm under license. The FREMM design has been in service since 2007 and is currently used by four nations. FREMM was designed to be adapted to various user specifications. FREMM is a 5,000 to 7,000 ton ship that varies in length from 132 to 142 meters with a top speed varies from 45-56 kilometers an hour. Crew size is from 145 to 199. The basic FREMM is armed with a 76mm cannon plus anti-submarine torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, CISW for anti-missile defense and dealing with small boat swarm attacks.

Fincantieri, the Italian creator and manufacturer of FREMM, will receive a $795 million contract to modify FREMM to fit American needs and build the first FFG(X) in an American shipyard. If that goes according, to plan Fincantieri will build nine more in the same U.S. yard for $534 million each. The first U.S. FREMM supposed to be in service by 2026 and the second one three months later.

It has already been decided that the 7,000 ton U.S. FREMM frigate will be 155 meters (496 feet) long and have accommodations for 200. It will have an AEGIS type AESA radar that can detect enemy ships over the horizon and attack them with NSM (Naval Strike Missiles).

The NSM is another import, from Norway. Despite the many lightweight (under a ton) anti-ship missiles on the market, NSM still gets sales because it is effective, reliable, and affordable. It is also offered for use on ships, aircraft, and on trucks (as part of a mobile coastal defense system). The 409 kg (900 pound) NSM has a 125 kg (275 pound) warhead and a range of 185 kilometers. NSM uses GPS and inertial guidance systems, as well as a heat imaging system (and a database of likely targets) for picking out and hitting the intended ship. Norwegian manufacturer Kongsberg allows buyers to easily install their own radar and control systems.

The U.S. FREMM will also have one 57mm gun and a hangar and landing pad for two helicopters or one helicopter plus UAVs. There are four Mk 53 anti-submarine torpedo launchers and 32 VLS cells for anti-aircraft or other missiles. There will also be a RAM system for anti-missile defense. Top speed of this U.S. FRREMM is about 48 kilometers an hour. Fincantieri has some leeway in meeting these specs and the U.S. Navy decided that FREMM could be adapted to satisfy FFG(X) requirements, and then some.

One popular, with the crew, feature of FREMM is the use of 4-6 person berthing spaces, each with its own shower. Most American warships have the traditional berthing spaces for enlisted crew that are basically a barracks bay approach with dozens of sailors per space with each one sleeping in bunk beds that are stacked two or three high. These large berthing spaces are notoriously noisy all the time because crew members have different schedules and some berthing spaces are the only way to reach a different part of the ship. The FREMM design eliminates or considerably reduces most of these problems. Other navies have found that it is great for crew morale and well-being because the sailors get more sleep. The smaller berthing spaces also solves the problem of accommodating a different number of female sailors.

Meanwhile the navy has also explained its January decision to retire four of its troublesome LCS (Littoral Combat Ship) frigates. One of these ships is only six years old and the oldest one has been in service for twelve years. Congress had questions about this and the navy explained that these four ships were used for testing new features and were not equipped with all the gear the regular LCS ships had. It would cost $600 million to upgrade these four ships for regular service. By retiring these four ships the navy saves about $400 million a year in operating costs, as well as the upgrade costs.

The LCS is a failed design and one of the many attempts to fix that was to try and portray LCS as a frigate. In early 2015 the U.S. Navy decided to officially reclassify the LCS as frigates. This was not unexpected as in size and function the LCS ships were very comparable to frigates. This type of ship was created during World War II as Destroyer Escorts (or DE, versus DD for destroyer). These were basically destroyers that were slower (smaller engines), smaller (fewer weapons) and meant for escorting convoys and patrolling areas where major air attacks were not expected. The DEs proved more useful than expected and were retained after the war and eventually renamed as frigates (FF) type ships. The LCS was meant to be much more than a frigate and used a very innovative design to achieve that. This did not work out as planned. Eventually, the navy decided to develop a new, more conventional Guided Missile Frigate design for the new FFG(X) type ship. The final FFG(X) design has now been selected (from among four competitors) and the navy wants to produce these quickly, at a rate of four to six ships a year once the first one is in service.

The LCS began development in 2002 and by 2012 the U.S. Navy put it into mass production. Then in 2013 one of the three LCSs in service got its first tour in a combat zone; counter-piracy duty around the Straits of Malacca. There LCSs took turns serving six month tours of counter-piracy duty and were based in Singapore. At the time the plan was to have six LCS ships based in the Western Pacific, including three in Singapore. Another seven will be based in the Persian Gulf (Bahrain).

There were numerous problems with the equipment on the LCS, crew size and organization of the ships. All these problems, both the new ones and many old ones, caused the navy to decide in early 2014 to cut the number to be built from 52 to 32. Mostly this was about shrinking budgets, but theres also the fact that the LCS has been, for many admirals and politicians, much more troublesome than expected. This was not surprising because the LCS was a radical new warship design and these always have a lot of problems at first. LCS was basically a replacement for the older frigates as well as doing several tasks frigates did not handle. The LCS has gone through the usual debugging process for a new design and that has attracted a lot of unwelcome media attention. But it was clear the end was near when the navy decided to study the possibility of developing a new frigate design, which would incorporate some of the lessons learned with the LCS. Because of the money shortage that is also stalled.

Despite all the problems, many in the navy still believe that the LCS is worth the effort, and worth keeping if only there were ways to get the design to work reliably. Costing less than a quarter of what a 9,000 ton destroyer goes for and with only a third of the crew, there were many tasks where the LCS could do a job that would otherwise require a destroyer or frigate. The navy could have originally built a new class of frigates, but the LCS design seemed a lot more flexible, making it possible for different mission packages to be quickly installed so that LCS could do what the navy needed (like assembling a lot of mine-clearing ships or anti-submarine vessels) in an emergency. This did not work out as well as expected.

The LCS has many novel features that required a lot of tweaking to get working properly. One much resisted latest tweak was to crew size, with ten personnel being added. That made a big difference because all LCSs have accommodations for only 75 personnel. Normally, a ship of this size would have a crew of about 200. The basic LCS crew was 40, with the other 35 berths occupied by operators of special equipment or special personnel (SEALs or technical specialists). In practice, the original crew was usually 55. That was 40 for running the ship and about 15 for the mission package. From now on the number of personnel running the ship increases to 50.

The navy surprised everyone in 2010 by choosing both LCS hull designs and requesting that the fifty or so LCS ships be split between the two very different looking ships. Both ships look quite different because one is a traditional monohull while the other is a broader multihull trimaran. Both type ships share many common elements. One of the most important of these is the highly automated design and a smaller crew. The two different LCS designs are from Lockheed-Martin (monohull) and General Dynamics (trimaran). The first LCS, the monohull USS Freedom, completed its sea trials and acceptance inspections in 2009. The ship did very well, with far fewer (about 90 percent fewer) problems (or "material deficiencies") than is usual with the first warship in a class. USS Independence (LCS-2) was laid down by General Dynamics in late 2005 and commissioned in January 2010.

Both LCS designs were supposed to be for ships displacing 2,500 tons, with a full load draft of under 3.3 meters (ten feet), permitting access to very shallow "green" and even "brown" coastal and riverine waters where most naval operations have taken place in the past generation. The top speed was expected to be over 80 kilometers with a range of 2,700 kilometers. Basic endurance is 21 days and final displacement was closer to 3,000 tons. For long deployments, the LCS has to resupply at sea or return to port for more fuel, food and other items.

The navy originally sought to have between 50 and 60 LCSs by 2014-18, at a cost of $460 million (after the first five) each. The USS Freedom ended up costing nearly $600 million, about twice what the first ship in the class was supposed to have cost. The navy was able to get the cost down to about $500 million each once mass production began. Because of the continued problems with the mission package modules, escalating costs for the modules and a lot of other minor problems, the navy lost faith in the design. The navy will only have about 30 LCS ships in service and most will probably be retired after about a decade of service and replaced by the new frigate design. Meanwhile the navy is still unsure about exactly what it can use LCS ships for.

The navy decision to retire four LCS ships indicates that the others would be retired as the FFG(X) came into service. Doing that will be a major test for the navy. The LCS is not the only recent failed new ship concept. The new Ford class nuclear aircraft carrier is crippled by bad design decisions and manufacturing problems. Before that there were the DDG-1000 class stealth destroyers that proved too expensive to mass-produce. Only three were built and their main weapon does not work. Similar problems inflicted the Seawolf SSN (nuclear attack sub). All these failed projects indicate that the navy has not yet fixed its fundamental inability to design and build new ships. The navy plays down how serious this problem is but that only made it look worse because of the Chinese success at building new ship classes much more quickly and on budget. The U.S. Navy used to be able to do this and the loss of that capability continues to be the most serious threat the navy faces and the one too many navy leaders are willing to take on. The FFG(X) is an opportunity for the navy to demonstrate that they can do it right. Unfortunately, its an opportunity, not a sure thing.
Wasserman West, LLC is pleased to announce that Guillermo Wasserman has been ranked as one of Latin Americas Top 100 Lawyers by Latinvex for his Corporate and M&A work in Latin America. He is also the only lawyer in the State of Georgia to be recognized by Latinvex.

Latinvex annually ranks top international lawyers and law firms for their Latin American work. The top 100 lawyers were selected among international law firms in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, based on their recent track record on major deals in Latin America and recognition by clients and colleagues in the region.

As head of the Firms Latin American Practice, Mr. Wasserman regularly advises U.S. and Latin American-based companies on complex cross-border transactions, particularly in the technology and retail industries. Mr. Wasserman, who is fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish, holds law degrees from both civil law and common law jurisdictions, and is licensed to practice in the U.S. and Argentina, is widely regarded as a leading Latin American expert.

This is very well-deserved recognition and an earned testament to Guillermos dedication to providing clients with the full benefit of his on-the-ground experience in multiple jurisdictions. We are very fortunate to have him lead our Latin American practice. His knowledge of civil and common law, as well as language and business culture, informs our practice, said Robert A. West, Wasserman Wests managing partner. Our continued presence in Latinvexs rankings reflects our Firms commitment to provide first-tier services to our clients doing business in Latin America.

Maria Farall, a member of the Firms Latin American Practice, added, Guillermos unique expertise and hands-on experience in Latin America have been instrumental in our ability to providing outstanding services to our clients across the region.

Wasserman West is a business law firm based in Atlanta focused on cross-border transactions involving a wide range of industries and business sectors in the U.S. and Latin America. For more information about Wasserman West, please visit: http://www.wassermanwest.com
Vacationers flocked to the Lake of the Ozarks over the holiday weekend, flouting social distancing guidelines as they packed into yacht clubs, outdoor bars and resort pools in the Missouri tourist hot spot.

Images of the revelry rippled across social media, showing people eating, drinking and swimming in close quarters. In one picture shared by the news station KSDK, dozens of people could be seen crammed on an outdoor patio underneath a sign reading, "Please practice social distancing."

The scenes underscored how some have interpreted the loosening of the coronavirus restrictions ahead of the Memorial Day holiday as an invitation to return to a pre-pandemic version of normal. Amid varied and sometimes conflicting orders from state and local officials, people across the country have been left to decide on their own how strictly to follow the rules.

The images elicited a barrage of criticism from people angered by the open disregard for the guidelines that public health experts have spent months promoting.

"I don't even know what to say anymore," Meghan McCain, co-host of ABC's "The View," tweeted.

Like most of the country, Missouri has allowed some businesses to reopen and rolled back pandemic-related bans on nonessential activities, even as researchers warn the virus is still spreading at epidemic rates in Missouri and 23 other states.

After Missouri's stay-at-home order expired May 3, Gov. Mike Parson. a Republican, said a range of businesses, including large venues, could resume service as long as seating was spaced out to enforce social distancing. State guidelines mirror those issued by the federal government, instructing people to stay six feet apart when they are outside their homes.

Many businesses around the Lake of the Ozarks closed in the spring when the pandemic hit. But as the state moved to reopen, they allowed guests to rebook reservations. Several hotels and resorts told local media last week that they were fully booked through the weekend.

In videos shared widely on social media, people could be seen lined up outside Backwater Jack's, waiting to enter the already packed bar and grill.

"Corona-free," one man in line shouted in as the camera panned to him.

The waterfront establishment hosted a pool party Saturday called "Zero Ducks Given" that featured DJs and live bands. A Facebook page described the event as a summer kickoff party and showed nearly 400 people had attended.

A representative from Backwater Jack's did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday. The event organizer said in a May 7 Facebook post the venue had "worked with and taken the advice of government officials and management teams and will be following social distancing guidelines," adding, "extra precautions and safety measures will be taken."

Missouri has reported more than 11,700 cases of the coronavirus and 676 deaths. A study by researchers at Imperial College London said it was one of 24 U.S. states that had yet to rein in the coronavirus and risked a second wave of infections.

Thick crowds also were seen at beaches and other attractions on the East Coast, including the Ocean City boardwalk and a beach on the reopened Jersey Shore.

- - -

The Washington Post's Meryl Kornfield contributed to this report.
The market remained under pressure for the third consecutive week that ended on May 22 with the BSE Sensex and Nifty50 falling over one percent each.

Rising tensions between the United States and China, lack of demand-boosting measures from the Centre, likely NPA pressure on banking and financials after extension in the moratorium period up to August 31, consistent FII selling and rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country, hurt market sentiment.

Yet, expectations of further easing of lockdown restrictions and hopes of more fiscal measures supported the market.

Initially, the market could see some bounce this week after falling consistently in previous three weeks. But, given the reasons mentioned above and expected delay in development of a COVID-19 vaccine, it may remain a volatile week. Experts suggest that all eyes will be on the number of COVID-19 cases being reported and on the opening of the economy.

"The firm stance taken by governments across the world against China may lead to further deterioration in economic relations which would keep markets under pressure in the medium term. Non-occurrence of good news in the horizon may take markets lower with a soft landing and market is expected to reach 8,500 levels in the near term," Jimeet Modi, Founder & CEO at SAMCO Securities & StockNote told Moneycontrol.

Vinod Nair of Geojit Financial Services advised investors to tread cautiously in the coming week. "Any news regarding the slowdown in number of infections or specific sectoral news will have an impact on the markets," Nair said.

The market will remain closed on May 25 (Monday) for Eid-Ul-Fitr.

Here are 10 key factors that will keep traders busy this week:

Lockdown easing?

As we move closer to the end of fourth lockdown phase, the market will start focussing on further re-opening of the economy. So far, essential services, some industries, railways and more recently, domestic aviation was allowed to resume.

Now, all eyes will be on what are the other segments that will be able to reopen starting from June. Yet, experts suggest that companies will not be able to work in full capacity even if measures were eased significantly in June.

Many European nations and regions in the US have already reopened, albeit with social distancing norms. Globally, there have been over 53 lakh confirmed cases of COVID-19. At least 3.42 lakh people have died so far.

Click here for Moneycontrols full coverage of the novel coronavirus pandemic

Rising COVID-19 infections

India has completed two months of the nationwide lockdown, meant to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Yet, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases have been rising.

In fact, in the week gone by, India's tally crossed the one lakh-mark (is is currently around 1.25 lakh with over 3,700 deaths).

Thus, the key factor to watch out for this week would be if we are moving closer to the peak of infections being reported.

Follow our LIVE blog for the latest updates of the novel coronavirus pandemic

US-China trade tensions

Resurgence of tensions between US and China could be real threat to global economic growth, experts suggest.

US President Donald Trump's recent comments have also raised doubts over the implementation of phase one deal between the world's two largest economies which was signed in January 2020.

Additionally, China is expected to soon impose a new national security law in Hong Kong which could irk the US and other western countries.

Earnings

Around 100 companies will report their March quarter earnings this week, including HDFC, Sun Pharma, Lupin, Dabur India, TVS Motor Company, United Spirits, Voltas, etc.

Among others, Astral Poly Technik, Bata, JSPL, Max Financial Services, Torrent Pharma, VIP Industries, KPIT Technologies, Ujjivan Financial Services, Ceat, Equitas Holdings, RCF, Amber Enterprises, Usha Martin, etc. will also release their earnings scorecard.

FII selling

FIIs' stance remained bearish on India as compared to other developed economies which attracted flow in their risky assets with large liquidity stimulus packages.

FIIs net sold Rs 6,920.28 crore worth of shares last week, in addition to Rs 5,951.15 crore of selling in the previous week  which was one of reasons for correction in equity market last week and 85 paise fall in the Indian Rupee against the US dollar in May so far.

Government's Rs 20 lakh crore financial package also seemed to have failed to lift the mood at the FII desk. So, FII flow will be closely watched in the coming days.

Crude and Rupee

The oil prices continued its run for the fourth consecutive week following easing of lockdown restriction in many parts of the world, supply cutbacks and fall in shale oil production in the US.

The international benchmark Brent crude futures climbed above $35 a barrel at the end of week gone by,which is expected to rally in coming days on further easing lockdown measures. There is hope of shale oil production back in the market, but the upside is expected to be capped as given the virus fears, the demand is unlikely to revive to pre-COVID levels soon.

The Indian rupee weakening towards April levels again, falling around 40 paise during the week to close at 75.95 against the US dollar due to consistent FII selling and lower-than-expected measures taken by the RBI to support growth. The rise in greenback amid resurgence of US-China tensions also weighed on the currency.

"Technically, 76 has been acting as a psychological resistance in USD/INR spot, a break of which can take prices towards 76.20-76.50. Otherwise, we expect the spot to trade in between 75-76 zone," Rahul Gupta, Head of Research- Currency at Emkay Global Financial Services told Moneycontrol.

Technical view

The Nifty50 fell 67 points on May 22 and formed an indecisive Doji kind of formation on daily charts, while it lost 1 percent for the week and witnessed Hammer kind of formation on the weekly scale. But the Bank Nifty lost 8 percent, which is a big concern for the Nifty50.

Hence, the overall trend could remain in favour of bears. But as it has seen a bearish candle for third consecutive week, there may be some rebound initially in the coming week, experts feel.

"Due to the recovery, Nifty index has formed a Hammer candlestick pattern with a long lower shadow which is considered as a trend reversal pattern. So, we might see some pullback towards 9,200 levels which is a major resistance level and if Nifty manages to sustain above the same, then we can expect a continuation of a current pullback towards 9,350 and then 9,500 levels. On the contrary, if Nifty breaks below 9,000, then it may retest 8,800 levels," Nilesh Ramesh Jain, Derivative and Technical Analyst - Equity Research at Anand Rathi said.

F&O expiry

This week, May series derivative contracts will expire and traders will roll over their positions to next month. The options data indicates that the maximum Put base is placed at 9,000 followed by 8,800 strikes. Fresh Put writing was also seen in 9,000 and 8,800 Put strikes, which are likely to act as a support zone.

The Call writers were active in 9,300 and 9,500 strikes, where 9,500 holds the second-highest open interest.

"So continuous Call writing at 9,500 hints that Nifty may find it difficult to surpass 9,500 in the May series. The Options data indicates a broader range of 8,800 to 9,500. Based on the data, we are expecting some broader consolidation in the coming week," Nilesh Jain said, adding with the cooling off in the volatility, he expects some stability and pullback in the coming week.

The India VIX fell 15 percent to end near 32 levels.

Corporate action and macro data

Infosys will trade ex-dividend (Rs 9.50 per share) from May 29.

On the macro front, Q1CY20 GDP data, infrastructure output & budget value for April, and foreign exchange reserves for week ended May 22 will be released on May 29.

Global cues

Here are key global data points to watch out for this week:
 Flash

The blames that certain American politicians have been trying to shift to China have all backfired on themselves, and the hardest-working blame-game player Mike Pompeo is considered by many American media and netizens as "one of the worst Secretaries of State in history."

Shifting the blame to others has eventually boomeranged against themselves. What exactly have they done to shift the blame then?

At first, the American politicians played "face change" repeatedly. They praised China's anti-virus efforts when COVID-19 first broke out in the country. Then all of a sudden, they changed their tune and began to criticize China. The U-turn in their attitude came at a subtle timing when the outbreak quickly escalated in the US. With a mentality of speculation and adventurism, the anxious and upset US politicians felt no qualms about going back on their own words. What an eye-opening farce for the world!

Later, they joined efforts to stigmatize China. As the pandemic spread ever more quickly across the US to the brink of going completely out of control, some politicians couldn't wait to stand up and collectively slam and smear China, using very tough and strong words even though they knew the accusations carried no weight. Being incompetent in controlling the pandemic at home, they have been adamant about scapegoating China and put forth all sorts of China-bashing fallacies.

But the truth always beats lies in the end. The false accusations made by those politicians were not bought even by their own people, not to mention the rest of the world. When asked if they had any evidence to prove that the virus came from China, the politicians just beat around the bush, unable to give a direct answer. Their bluffing trick, after playing for a long time, was seen through. The continuously worsening pandemic situation in the US has infuriated its media and people so much that criticisms of the government and its officials for their slow and bungled response have never stopped. Facts have proven that these politicians, failing to shift the blame, have finally shot themselves in the foot.

Now that the blame-game doesn't work, the true situation about America's pandemic prevention and control can no longer be covered up. It is exactly because of those American politicians who, instead of concentrating on bringing the outbreak under control, are only focused on smearing other countries and shifting the blame to others that the US has left the world far behind in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. As of May 23, the US has reported nearly 1.6 million confirmed cases. Closer scrutiny would show that their blame-game just revealed their incorrigible "sinophobia paranoia."

Some American politicians have been trumpeting the "end of history" theory. They don't want to see a fast-developing and strong China, much less a successful socialist country. Still, history rolls forward irrespective of personal wishes, and no force can stop China's progress. Thanks to the tremendous efforts made since the outbreak, China has achieved remarkable success in containing the virus, and resumed business operation and production across the country.

In contrast, the US has become the epicenter of the global pandemic, with the virus spreading further, and the number of infections and deaths still on the rise. Such a comparison is the last thing that those infected with "sinophobia paranoia" want to see. So, they played the blame-game to pass the buck for their poor epidemic response, and defame and throw obstacles at China's development. How insidious!

Justice lies in people's hearts. The people of the world have seen clearly that the fancy slogans like "America first" and "making America great again" should be based on "bearing responsibilities" rather than shirking them. The irresponsible and unconscionable move of shifting blame will in no way help with the anti-epidemic efforts; rather, it will only lead to an irremediable situation where the US has no choice but to eat the bitter fruit of its own making.

There is an old Chinese saying that goes "lift a rock only to drop it on one's own feet," which is similar to "shift the blame only to have it backfire." We advise those American politicians, who confuse right with wrong, cling to the past, maintain biased viewpoints and randomly shift blame, to stop making anti-China noises and face up to justice, reason, and public opinion. After all, blaming China won't cure your "disease" or make your wish to curb China's development come true. That the US insists on going its own way stubbornly and recklessly will only make itself a laughing stock and the target of disdain.
24.05.2020 LISTEN

All gratitude is to Allah, Lord of all creation, and peace and blessings on the noble Prophet, his family and Companions.

As Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Fitr, to mark the end of Ramadan, the Peoples Democratic League (PDL) offers its cordial felicitations to Muslims and Christians in Sierra Leone and worldwide on the successful completion of Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr, also called the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide and marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan .

On this occasion, we call upon all Sierra Leoneans to take advantage of the celebration to offer special prayers for the peace, unity, security and progress of our country, Sierra Leone. We call upon all Sierra Leoneans to live together in peace and unity, and avoid hate speeches, incitements and making reckless statements. Sierra Leone is greater than one tribe, or one political organ and Sierra Leoneans stand to benefit immensely from the spiritual regeneration offered by the Holy month of Ramadan.

In these festive days of unity, togetherness and respect, we should all together proceed with consolidating our fragile peace and baby democracy for the good of all citizens and build one Sierra Leone for all, an example for our future generations. We would like to emphasize the contribution of the Muslim community in fostering peace and coexistence in our multiethnic society. Our common goal is a New Sierra Leone, which would emerge out of the ashes of the old, corrupt, tribalistic and dysfunctional system or status quo.

Concluding, we pray that the experience of Ramadan, that is love, self-denial, prayers, generosity and well-being be with us all the time.

HAPPY EID-AL-FITR

Sender:

Samuel Musa Kalokoh

National Secretary for Administration

The Peoples Democratic League (PDL)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Nearly 200 political figures from around the world on Saturday decried Beijing's proposed national security laws for Hong Kong, including 17 members of the U.S. Congress, as international tensions grow over the proposal to set up Chinese government intelligence bases in the territory.

In a joint statement organized by former Hong Kong Governor Christopher Patten and former British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind, 186 law and policy leaders said the proposed laws are a "comprehensive assault on the city's autonomy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms" and "flagrant breach" of the Sino-British Joint Declaration that returned Hong Kong to China in 1997.

"If the international community cannot trust Beijing to keep its word when it comes to Hong Kong, people will be reluctant to take its word on other matters," they wrote.

The legislation comes as the relationship between Washington and Beijing frays, with U.S. President Donald Trump blaming China for the coronavirus pandemic.

U.S. officials have said the Chinese legislation would be bad for the economies of both Hong Kong and China and could jeopardize the territory's special status in U.S. law. China has dismissed other countries' complaints as meddling.

Some of Trump's fellow Republicans - Senator Marco Rubio, acting chairman of the Intelligence Committee, and Senator Ted Cruz - signed the statement. Democratic signatories included Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representatives Eliot Engel, head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Adam Schiff, chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee.

Forty-four members of Britain's House of Commons and eight members of its House of Lords also signed the statement, alongside figures from across Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; writing by Lisa Lambert; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Pete Davidson has earned quite the bad boy reputation over the span of his young career in comedy.

But those who've met the Staten Island comedian might paint a much more flattering image of him.

He's 'such a good ally' to the LGBTQ community, according to a contestant on the remote season 12 reunion special of RuPaul's Drag Race, which aired Friday on VH1.

LGBTQ ally: Pete Davidson is 'such a good ally' to the LGBTQ community, according to a contestant on the remote season 12 reunion special of RuPaul's Drag Race, which aired Friday on VH1

Serving fish: The 26-year-old got into full drag for the February 8 episode of Saturday Night Live, which was hosted by RPDR star RuPaul Charles

The 26-year-old got into full drag for the February 8 episode of Saturday Night Live, which was hosted by RPDR star RuPaul Charles.

Ru thanked contestant Nicky Doll during Friday's reunion for being on hand to beat Davidson's face 'on a moment's notice.'

When asked her opinion of Davidson, Nicky responded: 'Pete is a very loving person. He's so friendly and such a good ally.'

She previously posted a time lapse video of the makeover, writing: 'And this is how I turned @petedavidsonfanpage into CHAD aka PIETRA DOLL.'

Special thanks: Ru thanked contestant Nicky Doll during Friday's reunion for being on hand to beat Davidson's face 'on a moment's notice'

Loving person: When asked her opinion of Davidson, Nicky responded: 'Pete is a very loving person. He's so friendly and such a good ally'

Work in progress: She previously posted a time lapse video of the makeover, writing: 'And this is how I turned @petedavidsonfanpage into CHAD aka PIETRA DOLL'

Three hours later: In another post, she wrote: 'Fun fact: This cutie hates the makeup chair so props to him to handle 3 hours of intense drag surgery'

In another post, she wrote: 'Fun fact: This cutie hates the makeup chair so props to him to handle 3 hours of intense drag surgery.'

Davidson previously gave a shoutout to his gay friends in his Netflix standup special Alive From New York, which premiered in February.

He prefaced: 'I have, um, I have a lot of gay friends. I like my gay friends cause I dont think theres like a more honest relationship between, like, a gay dude and a straight dude, cause theres just like nothing to gain, you know, so its just pure honesty.'

But the King of Staten Island actor said there's always one guy that he doesn't think is gay at all.

He joked: 'Its that gay dude thatll like run up on your girlfriend, and like squeeze her boobs, and like slap her ass, and be like, "Damn girl, you look great!"

'I dont find that f***ing funny like at all, Im sorry. Like, Im all for gayness, you know. It doesnt mean Im against gayness. Its just like you just get to slap a** on a technicality?'

Gay friends: Davidson previously gave a shoutout to his gay friends in his Netflix standup special Alive From New York, which premiered in February

Gay icon: Davidson had a whirlwind engagement with gay icon Ariana Grande from June to October of 2018, before their infamous split

Running joke: Although he's made only a few recent appearances on SNL, his love life has become somewhat of a running joke on the show

Davidson had a whirlwind engagement with gay icon Ariana Grande from June to October of 2018, before their infamous split.

He's since had a very active dating life, moving on to flings with Kate Beckinsale, Margaret Qualley and Kaia Gerber.

Although he's made only a few recent appearances on SNL, his love life has become somewhat of a running joke on the show, along with his mental health struggles.

The Suicide Squad star said on Live Your Truth: 'I personally think I should be done with that show because they make fun of me on it.'

He added: 'Im like, cold open, political punchlines. Im like, weekend update jokes. When Im not there, theyll be like, "Huh huh huh, Petes a f***ing jerk face." And youre like, "Whose side are you on?"

Davidson joined the cast of the popular NBC sketch comedy show back in 2014, and he's appeared on the past six seasons.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 15:05:08|Editor: mingmei

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Sunday paid high respect to healthcare workers around the globe fighting COVID-19, and expressed deep condolences over the lives lost in the pandemic.

Wang also thanked the governments and peoples in the world that have offered understanding, care and help to China amid the coronavirus outbreak, at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual national legislative session. Enditem
London: Boris Johnson is defying demands from his own MPs to sack Downing Street's most powerful adviser, insisting Dominic Cummings will not be pushed out despite damaging allegations that the polarising staffer breached Britain's lockdown laws.

In his first public comments since the scandal exploded on Friday, the Prime Minister said Cummings acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity" in driving 400 kilometres from London to Durham in northern England even though he and his wife had coronavirus.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's most senior adviser Dominic Cummings leaves his home on Sunday. Credit:AP

Cummings claims the journey in late March was appropriate because he was worried about the welfare of his young son and wanted to be near his elderly parents and sister.

However new claims have emerged that Cummings was also spotted visiting a small town south-west of Durham in early April  something a visibly agitated Johnson refused to deny on Sunday. The Prime Minister also dodged questions about what he knew of the trip before it was revealed through a joint investigation by The Guardian and Daily Mirror newspapers.
Two teenage boys have been arrested after a man was allegedly stabbed to death at his western Sydney home.

Emergency services were called to a home on Langton Street in Riverstone just after 12.30am on Sunday following reports of a home invasion.

Witnesses told police a group of at least five men entered the home and stabbed a man before fleeing.

Two fled on foot while three others drove away in a vehicle.

The victim, 39, died at the scene, despite desperate attempts by police and paramedics to revive him.

Police launched a widespread search in Riverstone following the fatal stabbing and arrested two male teens a short time later. No charges have been laid

Two women, aged 34 and 43, at the home at the time were not injured.

Police conducted a search of the surrounding area with assistance from PolAir, the Dog Unit and the Public Order and Riot Squad arrested two males in nearby Regent Street 40 minutes later.

Two teenage boys aged 16 and 17 were taken to Riverstone Police Station, where they are assisting police with their inquiries.

No charges have yet been laid.

A manhunt continues for the three males who fled the scene in a motor vehicle.

Police conducted a search of the surrounding area with assistance from PolAir, the Dog Unit and the Public Order and Riot Squad. Two teens were later arrested in a nearby street

Police have established four separate crime scenes which were being examined by specialist forensic officers on Sunday morning.

Inquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Restricted movement due to the nationwide lockdown has underscored the importance of in-city warehousing, with tier II and III locations emerging as preferred investment destinations, say industry experts.

The warehousing sector, which was mainly concentrated in tier I cities - especially the major eight metros, had started shifting to tier II locations after certain policy initiatives, according to the experts.

"Due to various reasons of urbanisation, warehousing has been more focused in the top eight metros. Later, due to certain policy initiatives, some of the tier 2 cities also emerged as preferred locations.

"However, with lockdown being a national reality now, with movement of people becoming restricted, smaller cities or the hinterland of the country could be the mini warehousing hubs or focal points," property consultant Savills India Head of Research Arvind Nandan told PTI.

Though the supply of new warehousing space in 2020 could be merely 12 million sq ft as against the previous estimate of 45 million sq ft due to COVID-19 crisis, in the long-term, the demand for warehousing space will grow significantly and there may be capacity addition in almost 30-35 new tier II and III cities, he added.

To control the spread of deadly coronavirus, the government announced a nationwide lockdown on March 25, restricting movement of people and goods to other cities unless "essential services".

The government has now eased restrictions in the non-hotspot zones and issued guidelines for stricter implementation of safety and social distancing norms.

Also, as migrant workers are going back to their native places, the demand for products and services in those areas will also increase, which will further create a market for having warehousing in these locations, the experts said.

JLL India's Head Industrial Operations Chandranath Dey noted that due to inter state lockdown, supply chains of multiple sectors, both in production as well as stock piling have frozen.

"Restrictions on airfreight have also reduced movement of critical components of production for various industries globally. These restrictions have also limited transactions in the growth oriented e-commerce sector. Post lockdown, a change in consumer behaviour is expected towards e-commerce and e-payments. Urban logistics or in-city warehousing will gain traction due to higher



penetration of groceries e-commerce," he added.

According to the experts, sectors like e-commerce and third party logistics will largely drive the demand for warehousing followed by pharma, engineering and manufacturing, among others.

"Today, fast delivery is a crucial requirement for the seamless omnichannel strategy of e-commerce players. The fallout of the coronavirus pandemic can exceed the current lockdown and social distancing may become the new normal, at least over the mid-term. In such a market environment, retailers will be under pressure to secure warehousing locations close to their customer base," Anarock Property Vice Chairman Santhosh Kumar said.

Warburg Pincus backed ESR India country head Abhijit Malkani opined that COVID-19 has created the opportunity for warehousing industry and "we will continue to invest in the existing markets in India and also go into tier 2 areas".

"Moreover, we will continue to expand in areas where our clients want us to set up Grade A warehouses," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BRIDGEPORT  It wasnt just the rockets screaming death or the enemy lying in wait that worried Marines.

In the barracks there were the rats whose bites on your ankles would waken you from a deep sleep. Thered be the reminders to shake empty boots free of the scorpions whod seek shelter in them at night. And there were the snakes slithering across the jungle floor ready to snap at any perceived threats.

That was Vietnam 1969.

And Phil Mascendaro, fresh out of Paris Island, got a first-hand view of what life was going to be like for the next 12 months just seconds after stepping off the troop plane in Da Nang.

The first thing I hear is a group of Marines cheering us. Then theres the explosions of rockets and mortars blowing up around us, recalled Mascendaro, a retired Fairfield police lieutenant. Talk about commotion. Theyre cheering us because theyre going home. Theres explosions all around. Our officers are yelling for us to take cover inside a building which probably isnt the safest place to be. Im thinking what the (expletive) did I get myself into.

Mascendaro, a newly-minted U.S. Marine and a 1967 Andrew Warde High School graduate, spent hitches in Da Nang, Chu-Lai and An Hoi.

I went into the Marines because to me it was the most respected of the military outfits, he said. I got to enjoy the challenge of boot camp. When we landed in Da Nang, I was in the best shape of my life.

As the nation prepares to celebrate a somber, quieter Memorial Day then its used to, Mascendaro, confined to a wheelchair because of a 2016 stroke, thinks back to 1969  a year he said hell never forget.

To him Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two of the most important holidays in this country.

People dont realize the sacrifices our military personnel make every day, he said. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who gave their lives for our freedoms. Veterans Day is the time we remember those who served.

Upon arriving in Vietnam, Mascendaro was part of the 1st Marine Division. But soon he was transferred to the Marine Air Support Squadron where he helped handle supplies and walked guard duty.

Hell tell you why Marines nicknamed An Hoi rocket city.

There wasnt a day that went by without the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong hurling rockets at us, he said. They came mostly at night and youd try to remember where the closest bunker was to jump into. It was unbelievable.

Thinking about it 51 years later, Mascendaro said he can still feel the aches of being driven backwards by explosions from the rockets landing around him.

I cant tell you how many times I got up asking the guy next to me: Am I bleeding? he said. It felt like getting punched in the chest by George Foreman. I had bruises. There were probably concussions ... maybe even internal injuries. But if youre not bleeding, you just shrug it off.

Once in Da Nang a rocket landed directly in front of him and the explosion knocked him back 4 or 5 feet.

I though I was seriously hurt, but there was nothing visible, he said.

The nightly rockets and mortar attacks were just part of a routine.

There were the firefights on Hill 200 where he volunteered for a patrol and ended helping walk injured Marines to safety. There was the shoot-out in a faraway village that left some enemy troops dead.

He saw friends die and enemy soldiers tortured. He brought candy to orphanages. He remembers the scorpions, the snakes and, most of all, the rats.

One of my worse nights was when a rat jumped on a fellow Marine and bit his leg while sleeping, Mascendaro said. I stayed awake the rest of that night.

They then began using the smelly World War II surplus rations they were supposed to be eating to lure them.

These things were the size of little dogs, he said. Youd see them walking away with the cans. One night we caught and killed 13 of them.

On Jan. 31, 1970 Mascendaro finally got his ticket home.

I couldnt tell you how happy I felt, he said. After what happened on my first day there, I never though I was going to get out alive.

The troop ship took them first to Hawaii for some rest and relaxation before delivering them to San Diego.

Thats when Mascendaro experienced first hand how the war tore the country apart

When we got off the ship in San Diego, there were people calling us baby killers, he said. I couldnt believe they would say something like that. I never killed any babies. But I have to say when I got back to Connecticut, I never experienced anything like that.

I cant tell you we did the right thing by going into Vietnam, he said. I believed we were there to stop communism and that was my job.

Nowadays he wears his Marine cap proudly and enjoys the respect he gets.

So many people come up to me and say Semper Fi which means Always Faithful, he said They tell me they are a Marine or a brother is in the Marines. Its nice to feel appreciated.

As a Marine you train together, you fight together and you live together all the while building a bond of closeness and mutual respect, he said. You really are a family.

He credits the Marines with fortifying his confidence and stressing the importance of studying and being prepared.

I dont think I would have ever made lieutenant in the police department if I wasnt in the Marines, he said. They taught me so much and prepared me for life.

Mascendaro spent 37 years in the Fairfield Police Department. During that time, he was threatened with being shot, dealt with the annual Clam Jam rowdiness and even got to announce the arrest of Mel Hall, then a New York Yankee outfielder, for possessing two cougar cubs at his Fairfield home.

I enjoyed my time there, he said. I worked with a lot of good guys and under five great police chiefs.
A second hair stylist from the Great Clips at 1864 S. Glenstone Ave. in Springfield, Missouri, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.

At this time, this is the only other positive result we have had from those tested as a result of the previous exposure, health officials said in a news release.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said his government will lay down stringent conditions for ensuring social security of workers from UP who are hired by other states. Other states will also need to seek permission from his government before engaging workers from UP, he said.

If any state wants manpower, the state government will have to guarantee social security and insurance of the workers. Without our permission they will not be able to take our peoplebecause of the way they were treated in some states, he said in an interaction with journalists through video conferencing.

The CM said all migrant workers who have returned to the state were being registered and their skills mapped by his administration. Any state or entity interested in hiring them will need to take care of their social, legal and monetary rights.

Adityanath also asked called for the creation of a migration commission that will look into various factors related to the rights of migrant workers and ensure they arent exploited.

Prof Amitabh Kundu, distinguished fellow at the New Delhi-based think tank Research and Information System for Developing Countries, said requiring government permission for employing people could face a legal challenge as the Constitution guarantees the freedom of movement and residence and employment of workers.

Article 19 (1)(D) guarantees freedom to move freely, and 19(1)(e) the freedom to settled in any part of the countryso the need for permission can be legally challenged, Prof. Kundu said.

He also said the demand for labour in the southern states outstrips the employment avenues in UP. UP does not have the capacity to absorb all the returnees, as the population growth is higher than the national average, he said.

Out-of-work migrant workers who are returning to the state has emerged as a big challenge for the government. Though the UP CM was among the first to send buses to bring back stranded workers and students, which out pressure on other state to follow suit; the government was criticised for not providing organised transport to the workers during the lockdown, which forced thousands to walk.

Acknowledging that workers trying to get back home on foot was a big challenge, Adityanath said once the government had made arrangements for buses, it had to also face a second challenge of screening and quarantining the returnees.

He said state ministers were divided into groups to make policies.  One committee was assigned to look for policies for livelihood options for workers in urban and rural areas...Second committee was to deal with business sector; to provide for the workers, and the chief secretary was tasked to coordinate with the Centre and other states, he said.

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HONG KONG  Hong Kong police fired tear gas and a water cannon at protesters in a popular shopping district Sunday, as thousands took to the streets to march against Chinas move to impose national security legislation on the city.

Pro-democracy supporters have sharply criticized a proposal, set to be approved by Chinas rubber-stamp parliament this week, that would ban secessionist and subversive activity, as well as foreign interference, in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

The pro-democracy camp says the proposal goes against the one country, two systems framework that promises Hong Kong freedoms not found in mainland China.

Crowds of demonstrators dressed in black gathered in the Causeway Bay district on Sunday, chanting slogans such as Stand with Hong Kong, Liberate Hong Kong and Revolution of our times.

The protest was a continuation of a monthslong pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong that began last year and has at times descended into violence between police and protesters.

Police raised blue flags, warning protesters to disperse, before firing multiple rounds of tear gas. They later fired a water cannon at the demonstrators.

At least 180 people were arrested, mostly on charges of unlawful assembly, police said.

They also said that some of the protesters threw bricks and splashed unidentified liquid at officers, injuring at least four members of the police media liaison team. They warned that such behavior is against the law and that police would pursue the matter.

Earlier in the afternoon, prominent activist Tam Tak-chi was arrested during the protest for what police said was unauthorized assembly. Tam said he was giving a health talk and was exempt from social-distancing measures that prohibit gatherings of more than eight people.

The bill that triggered Sundays rally was submitted at the opening of Chinas national legislative session on Friday. It would bypass Hong Kongs legislature and could allow mainland agencies to be set up in the city, sparking concern that Chinese agents could arbitrarily arrest people for activities deemed to be pro-democracy.

Speaking at an annual news conference during the legislative session, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday that Hong Kong affairs were an internal matter for China, and that no external interference will be tolerated.

Excessive unlawful foreign meddling in Hong Kong affairs has placed Chinas national security in serious jeopardy, Wang said, adding that the proposed legislation does not affect the high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong.

It does not affect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents. And it does not affect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors in Hong Kong, he said.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called the proposal a death knell for the high degree of autonomy that Beijing promised the former British colony when it was returned to China in 1997.

Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong prior to its handover to China, lamented what he called a new Chinese dictatorship.

I think the Hong Kong people have been betrayed by China, which has proved once again that you cant trust it further than you can throw it, Patten said in an interview with The Times of London.

Patten is leading a coalition of at least 204 international lawmakers and policymakers who are decrying the proposed legislation. In a statement, the coalition called it a flagrant breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a 1984 treaty that promised Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy even after the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997.

President Donald Trumps national security adviser, Robert OBrien, said it appeared that China was violating the 1984 treaty.

And I cant see how Hong Kong remains the Asian financial center if the Chinese Communist Party goes through and implements this national security law and takes over Hong Kong, OBrien said Sunday on CBSs Face the Nation.

That would be a tragedy for the people of Hong Kong, but it will also be very bad for China, he said.

Bernard Chan, a top-level Hong Kong politician and delegate to the National Peoples Congress in Beijing, defended the national security legislation pushed by China, saying it was written into Hong Kongs Basic Law  the citys mini-constitution  but never enacted.

Chan expressed concern that Hong Kong would inevitably face economic hardship given trade frictions between the U.S. and China.

I think we are definitely the collateral damage being dragged into this thing. But then, I dont think theres any alternatives, he said.

But with or without this law, honestly, the U.S. and China are always going to be continuing this loggerhead for quite some time to come, Chan said. China will remain as a threat to the U.S. in terms of the  world economic dominance.

___

Associated Press journalist Dake Kang in Beijing contributed to this report.
New Delhi: Rejecting reports about the detention of a joint patrol party detained by the Chinese forces in Ladakh, the Indian Army on Sunday said that these were "inaccurate".

Indian Army Spokesperson issued a statement saying, ''There has been no detention of Indian soldiers at the borders. We categorically deny this. It only hurts national interests when media outlets publish unsubstantiated news.''

It was claimed that an Indian patrol party comprising Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel were detained by the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) last week after skirmishes in Ladakh near the Line of Actual Control. Reports claimed that the Indian patrol party was briefly detained and their firearms snatched by the Chinese and they were only released after talks between both sides at the local level.

Chinese forces were alleged to have intruded the Indian territory and were also carrying out aggressive patrols with motorboats in the Pangong lake. On this, the Indian Army sources maintained that the reports on detention are inaccurate.

The Ministry of External Affairs had last week said the Chinese side is "hindering Indias normal patrolling patterns" after China alleged that the Indian side had tried to build a structure in the Galwan Valley. The location of present India-China face-off is in Galwan Valley, in China-occupied-Ladakh.

The MEA explained, "Any suggestion that Indian troops had undertaken activity across the LAC in the Western Sector or the Sikkim sector is not accurate" and the "Indian troops are fully familiar with the alignment of the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas and abide by it scrupulously. "

Earlier this month, speaking on India-China Faceoffs in Ladakh and Sikkim, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane said, "I would rather say it is face-offs and these faces-offs have been happening in the past also, nothing new about it."

While explaining "different perceptions on where the Line of Actual Control (LAC) runs in these areas'', Army Chief said, ''we patrol up to where we believe the LAC is, PLA comes were they think the LAC comes. When we come face-to-face, when we come to the same place at the same time, that is when such face-offs occur."

Amid tension at the Line of Actual Control, both the armies have increased deployment of men and assets at the forward locations. Both are on high alert on the forward locations where tensions and skirmishes took place.

The Indian Army has clarified that they will not allow any kind of Chinese transgression in India territory and would patrol in those areas. The PLA has been clashing with Indian forces on patrol after entering the Indian side.

On Friday, General Manoj Mukund Naravane visited Leh, the headquarters of 14 Corps in Ladakh, and reviewed deployment of forces along the Line of Actual Control with China.

He held a meeting with Northern Command chief Lieutenant General Y K Joshi and 14 Corps Commander Lieutenant General Harinder Singh and other officers to know the ground situation on the forward locations along the Line of Actual Control. Late in the day, he returned to Delhi.
The Alameda County district attorneys office charged a 32-year-old transient man with burglary and arson after he allegedly broke into a Fremont home and started a fire, police said Sunday.

Authorities say Hector Molina of Fremont broke into a home in the Brookvale neighborhood on Wednesday by kicking in a garage door and setting a box on fire inside the garage.

The fire burned out on its own before anything else caught fire.

When one of the residents returned home, the womans grandmother told her she had heard noises in the garage, Fremont police said.

The woman reviewed the homes surveillance footage and saw Molina walking toward the side garage door shortly before noon, police said. The footage also captured him leaving the driveway on a bike.

The victim recognized Molina as the same person who vandalized her front door with a hatchet and broke a window a few days earlier, which was also captured by surveillance video, police said. Molina was wearing the same clothing in both incidents and was seen riding a bike to and from the victims home in both cases.

Fremont police arrested Molina on Thursday in an unrelated incident, authorities said. Officers were responding to an arson and found Molina nearby. Police are investigating these incidents.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Molina was booked into Santa Rita Jail on three felony charges, one misdemeanor charge and a felony probation violation, authorities said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective T. MacDonald at tmacdonald@fremont.gov or call 510-790-6900.

Tatiana Sanchez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tatiana.sanchez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TatianaYSanchez
Lucknow, May 24 : The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, announced the setting up of a Migration Commission for the welfare of migrants.

The Commission will look into the emergent issues of the skill mapping of these workers and provide them with jobs and social security.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to prepare the roadmap of constituting the Migration Commission and taking forward the agenda of providing jobs to the incoming migrants.

He said that 23 lakh migrant workers have returned to UP from industrialized states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand etc. About 1.5 lakh workers are returning every day on an average.

UP additional chief secretary Avanish Kumar Awasthi said here on Sunday that, "The Commission will take steps for providing employment to the migrants, so that they could be integrated into the state's economy." He said the state is looking to harnessing the workmanship and skills of migrants by mapping their skills.

"Interestingly, several of these workers are trained paramedics and the chief minister has suggested their services should be utilized to overcome the current shortage in the state," he added.

Earlier, Chief Minister had instructed officials to create more than 20 lakh local level employment opportunities for migrants.

The government has planned to energize the rural sector industries viz. micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), agriculture, one district one product (ODOP) scheme, dairy and animal husbandry to generate fresh employment.
By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 23, 2020 | 04:27 PM | FRANKFORT

Beshear reminds everyone to be safe, and to take time to honor those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. He then reminded Kentuckians to keep gatherings to ten people or less, wear masks, maintain social distancing, gather outside rather than inside, wash your hands frequently, and to keep your food covered.





"I am urging Kentuckians to please be safe this weekend," Beshear said. "As we recover, we are depending on Kentuckians to take the steps necessary to protect one another this weekend and every day and weekend moving forward."





As of Saturday there were 148 new cases of the virus in the Commonwealth, bringing the total number of cases to 8,571. There were no new deaths associated with the virus, while 3,102 Kentuckians have recovered.





To see more information about the impact of COVID-19 in Kentucky, visit the link below.

During his Saturday update, Governor Andy Beshear urged all Kentuckians to be safe over the holiday weekend.

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Grassley has declined to name the Democrat he has been working with, but aides said it is Sen. Gary Peters (Mich.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. That panel would probably have jurisdiction over any hearings on the firings, but that appears unlikely; its chairman, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.)  like most other GOP senators  has not opposed the dismissals.
Memorial Day weekend kicked off with another 452 COVID-19 cases reported in Michigan on Saturday, May 23, bringing the states total to 54,365 since the pandemic began.

That includes 5,223 deaths, counting 65 more reported on Saturday.

The good news: The state reports more than 33,000 people have recovered.

Though there are relaxed restrictions now  for instance, group gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed as long as participants practice social distancing and more in-person work and activities are resuming  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended her orders directing residents to stay home and stay safe through June 12, with continued closure of places such as theaters, gyms, salons and non-tribal casinos.

We must move with care, patience and vigilance, recognizing the grave harm that this virus continues to inflict on our state and how quickly our progress in suppressing it can be undone, Whitmer wrote in her latest orders, saying the pandemic still constitutes a disaster and emergency throughout the state.

However, in northern Michigan, which hasnt been hit nearly as hard as more populated parts of the state, shops and restaurants were allowed to reopen Friday.

Here are the latest updates surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in Michigan:

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If people are willing to behave, we have a chance: A view of reopening day in northern Michigan

A little boy with a mask around his neck scurried toward a storefront Friday afternoon in downtown Traverse City.

"Mask!" his mother yelled, from behind.

He paused. He raised the black mask over his face. And then ran into the store.

Up the street, a woman walked into the Cherry Republic store to an unfamiliar sight.

Instead of the smattering of cherry-themed free samples, ice cream cones and wine tasting, customers were greeted with a table of hand sanitizer, gloves and an employee making sure people wore masks.

This is a peek into the new normal, as Traverse City and other northern Michigan towns reopened restaurants and shops for the first time since the pandemic hit in March.

Travel survey shows 80% of Michiganders ready to hit the road when restrictions lift

Coronavirus-fueled travel restrictions have many people in Michigan feeling a little pent-up and dreaming about their next vacation.

As Michigans stay-home orders begin to loosen, its no surprise a recent survey showed 80% of people polled plan to hit the road for a little adventure in the coming months.

Many of those say they plan to take their next vacations in Michigan.

Taking a vacation in Michigan this year will be more important than ever, said Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan. Keeping our leisure spending close to home will get Michiganders back to work and will fuel our economic comeback.

Michigan tests every state prisoner for coronavirus in less than 15 days

In a span of less than 15 days, the state tested 38,130 prisoners at 29 prisons for COVID-19.

Of those, 3,263 tested positive and 18,316 tested negative as of Friday, with results pending for 16,551.

It wasnt the first COVID-19 test for many prisoners. Some have been tested multiple times to make sure it was safe for them to return to their prisons general population.

The vast majority of the prisoners we found who tested positive had no symptoms and were making it more challenging to control the spread of this illness. Heidi Washington, MDOC director, said in a statement.

Stringent CDC suggestions come into play as Michigan schools contemplate reopening in fall

Desks six feet apart, lunches eaten in classrooms, deep cleanings of every heavily touched surface and only one student per seat on school buses.

Those are some of the suggestions made by the Centers for Disease Control in a newly released guide on how schools should begin to approach reopening this fall.

But as school districts begin trying to process the CDCs suggestions and how they can be implemented locally, its clear a uniform approach is unlikely.

Michigan community colleges look ahead to fall enrollment, consider hybrid course strategies

Community colleges across the state are preparing for how classes might be handled this fall.

At Oakland Community College, over 600 faculty members already converted more than 1,500 classes to a remote environment, according to OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano.

OCC plans to add more online classes and mostly remote instruction in the fall to limit activity on campus, because theres uncertainty about where things are headed, he said.

Washtenaw Community College offers over 25 programs with more than 100 courses online, according to the colleges website. However, WCC President Rose Bellanca said skilled trades courses will need to be held in person when the fall semester rolls around, some in a hybrid model similar to what Provenzano described.

Maybe you take a class and it meets online one day and another day on ground, and you split the class up like that, Bellanca said.

Flint bar to open next week in defiance of governors order

A Flint bar is set to open on May 28 in defiance of Whitmers orders.

Tim and Paula Stanek have owned Chillys Bar for nine years and theyre concerned holding off on opening back up their business could mean losing it.

We cant take it anymore, we just cant, Paula Stanek said.

League of Women Voters sues Michigan over absentee ballot access, deadline

While Michigans Secretary of States latest effort to expand access to absentee ballots was met with criticism from the president and others, the League of Women Voters has filed a lawsuit saying the efforts havent gone far enough.

The lawsuit calls for the state to require local clerks to count absentee ballots postmarked by or on Election Day, regardless of when the local office actually receives the ballot.

State Rep. Yousef Rabhi, D-Ann Arbor, also has introduced legislation on the topic, saying current law discards otherwise valid ballots delayed in the mail. House Bill 5807 would require counting ballots mailed on or before Election Day, if received within six days of the election.

Michigan now reporting coronavirus antibody testing results separately

State health officials will now report test results of statewide diagnostic and antibody testing separately for COVID-19, after previously reporting the data cumulatively.

Diagnostic tests show whether the virus is active in a person, while antibody tests show if a person has ever had COVID-19.

The change in reporting methods comes as antibody testing becomes more widely available around the state. Antibody tests make up about 12 percent of all COVID-19 tests that have been conducted in Michigan, and 60 percent of those were from the past nine days, health officials told MLive.

Health officials emphasized the change in reporting will not affect the percentage of positive tests that are reported statewide.

Michigan National Guard helps ramp up COVID-19 testing efforts

Members of the Michigan National Guard are spending Memorial Day Weekend helping Michigan residents get tested for the coronavirus.

The Guard is offering testing in Muskegon Heights, one of Muskegon Countys hardest-hit cities, Saturday and Sunday. Testing is free and residents do not need to show symptoms to be testing.

Guard members will move to Flint Sunday and Monday to conduct testing for Genessee County residents.

Upton: Michigan still needs help. Congress must deliver (opinion)

In a Saturday op-ed, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, said many everyday Americans still need help and its time for Congress to deliver on providing more aid.

As the coronavirus crisis continues to unfold, our nations families and communities are facing extraordinary challenges that require an extraordinary response, the congressman wrote. Unemployment is at historic highs, the state of Michigan is facing a $3 billion budget deficit, and thousands of lives have been lost to this vicious virus.

In addition to providing $500 billion in emergency funding for local communities and states, Upton said Congress must continue to support small businesses and the auto industry and hes working with Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, to urge Congressional leadership to work with us to protect auto jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and support domestic auto manufacturing, especially now as we rethink our reliance on foreign production and global supply chains.

Hoadley: States are working, Washington must step up (opinion)

Jon Hoadley, a Democrat who represents Kalamazoo in the state House and is challenging Upton in this years election, also wrote an op-ed.

Record high unemployment has caused many families to draw down personal and retirement savings and some have had to decide between paying their bills and getting their prescriptions, because their savings have been depleted, he wrote, arguing Congress has shown its priority is corporations, rather than working families, small businesses and state governments.

Measures taken to stem the spread of the pandemic, although necessary, have slashed local and state government revenues, he wrote, pointing to a potential $6 billion state revenue shortfall over the next two years.

Our states spending is concentrated largely in public health, education, public safety, and funding local governments. We face deep cuts to those core government functions given the projected magnitude of lost revenue."

Mayor vetoes part of Ann Arbors COVID-19 recovery plan

Ann Arbor isnt immune to the economic impacts of the pandemic, facing a potentially $10 million budget shortfall for the coming fiscal year, and theres some political debate over how City Council should deal with the crisis.

After a majority of City Council members decided to loosen restrictions on use of some city funds, Mayor Christopher Taylor exercised his veto power on Friday to block part of the citys COVID-19 financial recovery plan in an effort to protect future funding guarantees for affordable housing, climate action and pedestrian/bicycle safety.

We should not look here, of all places, for savings. We need to deepen our commitments in these vital areas, not walk them back, Taylor wrote in his veto letter.

Council Member Ali Ramlawi, D-5th Ward, called the mayors veto disheartening and said Taylor is contributing to dysfunction in city government.

Read more MLive coronavirus coverage.

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

MLive Reporter Melissa Frick contributed to this article.
Memorial Day 2020 will be different than any other year in history.

With Delaware County and most of Southeastern Pennsylvania still in the states red phase of minimizing the spread of COVID-19 through stay-at-home orders, the closure of schools, the temporary shut-down of non-essential businesses, and the prohibition of large gatherings, this years local Memorial Day plans on Monday, May 25, will be void of the typical parades, department store sales, picnics and well-attended memorial observations and ceremonies.

However, like with other important events that have occurred during the red phase of the pandemic, including graduations, weddings, milestone birthdays, church services, and more, Memorial Day has forced local residents to rely on their creativity and ingenuity to uphold tradition by thinking outside of the box, in order to keep a sense of normalcy during not-so-normal times.

Originally known as Decoration Day, the annual holiday originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971 to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Memorial Day, which occurs each year on the last Monday in May, unofficially marks the beginning of the summer season.

In lieu of parades and crowded community ceremonies, most events this year will be solemn, low key and quiet.

American Legion Post 777 will not be hosting our annual Memorial Day parade and activities due to COVID, Commander George Casey stated. However, a small group of us will meet at St. Michaels Cemetery in Chester at 10 a.m. Monday, to do a Memorial Day visit to the grave of Fredrick A. Scott, for whom our post is named.

Casey said the small group will fire their weapons, do a short reading and head to the veterans memorial, located in the Crum Lynne section of Ridley Township to do another short reading and firing of weapons, paying tribute to their fallen brothers-in-arms, and that will wrap up the commemoration services for the day. Most of the other posts and veterans groups around the county are following a similar pattern.

Its not going to be a normal celebration this year, thats for sure, said VFW 928 Post Commander Gene Taylor. Its going to be soft and silent.

Taylor, a Vietnam War Army veteran, said he isnt going to advertise the small, low-key ceremony that the post will hold to honor their fallen comrades at noon on Monday. Only a few members of the post, along with a few members of Stars and Stripes, Bars and Pipes, will participate in the ceremony at the post in the Folsom section of Ridley Township. As commander, Taylor said that he will say a few words and post Chaplain Phil Atwood, a World War II Navy veteran, will say some prayers, as well as play Taps.

With the posts front lawn decorated with tiny white crosses to honor the 450 deceased members of Post #928, the VFWs small ceremony will be in stark contrast to former years when the Memorial Day ceremony drew a large number of participants to the post on MacDade Boulevard, as well as a social gathering afterward.

Because of the way things are, I am sure some people are still going to come, but we are not encouraging it, the commander said.

A small quiet ceremony is also planned over at the Harold Paul Saks Amvets Post #118 in Morton. Commander Charles Dougherty, as well as post members Harry Mirra, Bill Neuland, Mark Hines, Jeff Elliot and a few others will attend to say a few prayers and place the flag at half staff.

Mirra, a past state commander of AMVETS, explained this years added importance of having a ceremony, even if its smaller than previous years.

We had a few people who died this past year, so we want to mention their names at our service, Mirra said. They are Commander Lyn Byron and Robert Simpson.

The post sponsors an annual Americanism program for students, with art and essay contests. In past years, the prizes were awarded at the annual Memorial Day ceremony, with the children and their families in attendance.

We recently selected the winners and have contacted all the parents, but this year, we just sent the awards to the children, Mirra shared.

For the 21st year, the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Brigade will attend and serve as honor guard at the Memorial Day ceremonies in Collingdale and Darby. The Darby Memorial Service is 9 a.m., followed by the Collingdale Memorial service at 10 a.m. To encourage people to attend virtually while sheltered in place in their home, the Collingdale event will be broadcast on Facebook live for anyone who will feel safer viewing from a distance.

The Collingdale Memorial Day ceremony on Monday morning will be held at the Collingdale Community Center, 800 MacDade Blvd., and feature a flag raising, firing squad, bagpiper, and music. The main speaker will be Collingdale resident and Navy veteran George Kaiser, Collingdale fire marshal, emergency management coordinator and local business owner. Collingdale Police and Fire Chaplain Rev. Perry Messick will also participate and Police Cpl. William Carter will serve as bagpiper. The All Wars Memorial will be decorated with wreaths representing all previous wars and borough organizations. The wreaths will be placed by First Responders from Collingdale Fire Co. and EMS, along with the Collingdale Police Department.

Social distancing and face masks will be required for all attendees.

Besides honoring our veterans, this service will include the additional 95,000 Americans taken down by this ugly monster, including one of our own from our firing team, Billy Rides Ostland, stated Jack Corcoran, commander of Cpl. Wm. Greifzu VFW #598, located on Main Street in Darby. Billy died of COVID-19 at the age of 64 on May 8. This years Memorial Day service is needed more than any service we have done in our 21-year history. Usually we do six services but this year, due to the pandemic, we are only doing two. Our post continues to be closed until further notice because of the current situation.

The Upper Darby Marine Corps League Detachment ordinarily would hold eight or nine flag ceremonies and salutes to departed Marines and their family members at various cemeteries, followed by a barbecue. But with the pandemic this year, members will hold a brief ceremony on their front lawn on Providence Road in Secane, raising and then lowering the flag to half mast, and playing Taps.

In what has been a 20-year tradition, Marine Corps members also placed about 1,000 flags on the graves of veterans at Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill Friday evening.

Over in Springfield, the pandemic has altered the format of the townships annual ceremony of honoring and remembering local fallen soldiers in a ceremony led by the Springfield American Legion Post 227, but it hasnt changed the tradition or the spirit.

Due to COVID-19, Springfield will not host a parade. Instead, a remembrance ceremony will be conducted on Monday, May 25, and live streamed at 10:15 a.m. on community channels Comcast Channel 5 and Verizon Channel 30 and on the American Legion Post 227 Facebook page.

The live-streamed memorial service will include a prayer for all Springfield residents who gave their lives in service to the country, the ringing of a bell as each name is called, a rifle volley salute with taps played, and special recognition to Private First Class George Talbot, United States Army.

PFC George P. Talbot was killed in action at age 19 during World War II on March 12, 1945, near the town of Fechingen, Germany, while serving with the 63rd Infantry Division. He was a 1944 graduate of Springfield High School.

If preferred, Springfield residents are invited to respectfully view the memorial service beginning at 10 a.m., by driving by slowly and quietly in a procession. Cars can begin lining up at 9:45 a.m. People can also wave American flags, decorate their vehicles in red, white and blue and display signs, in a show of patriotism and support.

Cars should enter the Springfield Township Building parking lot from Powell Road and exit onto Fairview Road. In respect for the ceremony, drivers are asked to refrain from horn blowing, playing music and other loud noises. All Memorial Day service participants must adhere to social distancing at least 6 feet apart and wear face masks. For the most current information, check the townships website (SpringfieldDelco.org) or the Springfield Police Department website (Springfieldpd.com).

Springfield American Legion Post 227 Vice Commander William Smeck said, We are very grateful for the help of the Springfield Township commissioners, the Springfield Police Department, the Springfield Fire Department and Springfield Ambulance Corps. Without their assistance, the upcoming event would not have been possible.

Over in the county seat of Media, safety is paramount to this years Memorial Day observation. Rather than the annual parade that would normally march down State Street on Monday and draw crowds of spectators, this years observation will be prerecorded on Saturday so that residents and others can watch a special Memorial Day ceremony safely in the comfort of their homes.

Because of all the rules this year, we cannot have any gatherings with more than ten people, Media Mayor Bob McMahon explained. This didnt leave us too many options.

The ceremony will be filmed at the Media Veterans Memorial in front of Spasso Italian Grill, 1 W. State St. In honor of deceased veterans, the flag will be lowered to half staff until noon on Sunday and Monday.

Dave Sibley, owner of On Video, will film the 15-minute ceremony that will include brief remarks by McMahon, aU.S. Army Vietnam War veteran, the Pledge of Allegiance by 98-year-old Navy World War II vet Wave Gladys Martin and a mini-concert by Kevin Pierce, chief of police of the borough of South Coatesville. Pierce, an accomplished vocalist, will sing the National Anthem, America the Beautiful, and God Bless the USA. The ceremony will conclude with Ray Stankus of the Vietnam Veterans of America who will play Taps on his bugle.

Although filmed on Sunday, the video will not be released until 10 a.m. Monday, the exact time and day in previous years when the parade kicked off. According to McMahon and Sibley, people can watch the ceremony on various Media websites: mediaborough.com/, veteranslegacy.org, mediabusinessauthority.com and visitmediapa.com. They will also be able to view the short film through social media, such as the Facebook pages of Visit Media Pa, Media, Pa Everybodys Hometown, Media Business Authority and Veterans Legacy Project.

McMahon said they also hope to mail a link to the film to everyone on the Media Borough and Veterans Legacy email data bases, so that as many people as possible can watch to honor and pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for everyones freedom.

Media VFW Post 3460 will hold three Honor Guard activities on Memorial Day 2020, none of which are open to the public due to the current situation. Members of the Honor Guard will drive separately and stand distanced from each other, wearing black face masks, BDUs, boots, berets and jackets. Shots will be fired and Taps will be played at the Media War Memorial on Providence Road and at the Media Veterans Memorial on State Street, followed by a flag lowering and raising at the post on Hilltop Road.

In Havertown, American Legion Post 338 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 113 will also alter their traditional Memorial Day observance. Although not open to public attendance, Haverford will conduct Memorial Day observances to live stream on its website (haverfordtownship.org) for viewing. American Legion Post 338 and DAV Post 113 will provide the township with wreaths as they have done in the past, as well as provide them with the names of members who have passed away so far this year.

Although there will be social distancing and masks required, some veterans groups will scale back ceremonies somewhat from previous years, but still allow the public to attend them. Boothwyn American Legion #951 has opted to go ahead with its annual ceremonies, but use extra caution with distancing and face masks.

According to Post Commander Neil Cuerden, members of the post will perform the annual flag replacement at Lawncroft Cemetery on Ridge Road in Linwood on Saturday, May 23. Members will assemble at the post at 9 a.m. to load the flags, and then proceed to Lawncroft Cemetery at 10 a.m., where they will be joined by local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, along with members of Boothwyn, Ogden, and Reliance Fire Companies.

On Monday, May 25, Ogden Post #951 members will lead ceremonies at various local memorials in Lower and Upper Chichester. They will gather at the post by 9 a.m. and caravan in separate vehicles to the Chichester Friends Quaker Cemetery on Meetinghouse Road, Boothwyn Elementary School, Trainer Municipal Building, and back to the American Legion Post on Ogden Avenue. A short ceremony featuring the laying of wreaths and meaningful readings will be held at all locations where honors will be rendered in memory of all those who paid the ultimate price for freedom.

There may be social distancing and a little altering of our usual plans this year, Cuerden remarked, But the meaning of Memorial Day is the same. We must never forget those who died in service to our country and the sacrifices made by all veterans.
Passengers board an American Airlines flight to Charlotte, North Carolina at San Diego International Airport on May 20, 2020 in San Diego, California. Sandy Huffaker | Getty Images

Airline passengers this summer will face a host of new policies and procedures, and possibly a few packed flights, because of the coronavirus pandemic. Memorial Day kicks off what is normally the busiest season for airlines, when airports are bustling and flights are often sold out. An uptick is occurring again this year, but the impact of the virus continues to keep demand far from usual levels. The Transportation Security Administration said 348,673 people passed through security checkpoints at U.S. airports on Friday. That's the highest in just over two months and more than three times the number of people from a month ago, but down 88% compared with the same day last year. Airlines have scrambled to adapt to the new environment. The plunge in demand sapped them of revenue. Losing money for the first time in years, U.S. airlines have idled thousands of planes and slashed flights, in some destinations by around 90% of the norm, in a bid to reduce their cash burn. That means more connecting flights for many travelers used to the convenience of non-stops. They have also implemented a number of new measures aimed at reducing contact between travelers, crews and other airport workers, an effort to ease concerns about the spread of Covid-19 during travel. Even aircraft manufacturer Boeing earlier this month announced a "Confident Travel" initiative to weigh new technology like ultraviolet light disinfecting systems that can help reduce the transmission of pathogens on board.

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At the airport

The TSA last week issued new guidelines for passenger screenings this spring and summer to limit contact between its officers and travelers. For example, travelers will scan their own paper or electronic boarding passes instead of handing them to a TSA officer. TSA also asks travelers to put food they're bringing along into a clear plastic bag and remove that from their carry-on bags, so officers don't have to remove it from a passenger's bag if it sets off an alarm in the X-ray scanner. Phones, keys and wallets should go right into carry-on bags to "reduce touch-points during the screening process." TSA officers are required to wear face masks on the job and the agency encourages travelers to do the same. Airlines are also making some changes before travelers reach their seats to try to protect travelers and crews. United Airlines has started using sneeze guards at check-in counters and other customer service areas. It has started rolling out touchless kiosks to print bag tags using a smartphone at some airports and expects to put more of them at airports around the U.S. in the coming weeks. One of the biggest challenges of the Covid-19 crisis for air travel is that the authority over traveler health screenings isn't clear. Frontier Airlines says it plans to start taking travelers' temperatures starting June 1 but most airlines have said it is the responsibility of the government to perform health screenings. Airline workers' labor unions and some lawmakers have pushed for federal mandates  not just guidelines  for health precautions in air travel The Department of Homeland Security, which includes TSA and customs, is exploring temperature checks and thermal scanning at airports "to see what we can do to provide some layer of security," acting Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf told the Dallas Morning News during a trip to Texas on Thursday. While Wolf said such measures won't eliminate risks entirely, it can help "make sure that folks perhaps with elevated temperatures, perhaps they're at the beginning of feeling sick, we can identify those individuals and not have them fly. But ... it's certainly not going to be a panacea." The union that represents TSA screeners has bristled at the possibility of passenger health checks, such as Covid-19 testing at the airport, telling CNBC last month that such exams would be "far from their duties and responsibilities."

American Airlines passenger planes crowd a runway where they are parked due to flight reductions at Tulsa International Airport in Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. March 23, 2020. Nick Oxford | Reuters

On board

Airlines say their on-board air filters are highly effective at removing pathogens and that they have stepped up cleaning of aircraft, disinfecting surfaces and using devices like foggers to disinfect cabins. Last week, United said it will work with Clorox and the Cleveland Clinic to determine the best guidelines to disinfect surfaces on aircraft and in the airport. Masks are becoming the norm, a trend that could last for months before a vaccine or treatment for Covid-19 is determined. Major U.S. airlines this month have started requiring that not only crew members but travelers also wear masks on board. They're encouraging them to wear them in common spaces like departure halls and gate areas as well, in light of federal recommendations about reducing the spread of the disease. But airline crews won't force travelers to wear the masks, CNBC reported last week. A plane isn't likely to divert if a passenger doesn't comply. For example, JetBlue Airways told crew members that they should alert their colleagues on arrival if a passenger refuses to wear a mask and told flight attendants to "use your best judgement to uphold our service standards in order to minimize disruptions." Social distancing is extremely difficult on board in normal circumstances, but planes are flying emptier. The number of passengers last month fell to the lowest levels since the 1950s, before the jet age, according to Airlines for America, a trade group that represents carriers including American, Delta, United, Southwest and others. A4A estimates 73% of U.S. flights are less than half full. tweet But the surprise of seeing the occasional packed plane has angered travelers who were expecting more social distancing on board. A tweet from a passenger on a crowded United flight to San Francisco from Newark, New Jersey, earlier this month was shared thousands of times. It prompted United to introduce a new policy that informs travelers if their flight is more than 70% full, but spokesman Charlie Hobart said 85% of the airline's flights are less than half full. Delta, for its part, said it plans to add 100 flights next month and will keep planes no more than 60% full. American also said it limits capacity and on Friday, its flights were an average of two-thirds full, an internal document showed. JetBlue says it will block middle seats on its Airbus planes, with the exception of parties traveling together, through at least July 6, while Southwest will also limit capacity on its flights through the middle of the summer. "So you won't see full flights on Southwest, at least through the end of July," CEO Gary Kelly told investors last week. "And if we do have more demand for that flight, we'll also add additional flights to meet that demand." There is no bulletproof method, however, experts have warned. Traveling now is an "intensely personal decision," said Brett Snyder, a former airline manager, who runs an air travel assistance company, Cranky Concierge, and writes the Cranky Flier blog. "Ultimately, you'll never be able to socially distance if you're traveling by air."
The government is targeting 1,200 technical collaborations between Japanese companies and Indian investors for over Rs 42,000 crore, 200 joint ventures with overseas investors for Rs 14,000 crore, and another Rs 14,000-crore investment from about 50 multinational companies.

Image used for representational purpose. Photograph: Babu / Reuters.

As India shifts its focus to the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries amid the Covid-19 pandemic, it is actively reaching out to several countries, including Japan, seeking to attract investments in manufacturing and joint venture projects, according to officials and industry executives.

India sees an investment potential of Rs 70,000 crore in the medical devices industry alone over the next five years.

The government is targeting 1,200 technical collaborations between Japanese companies and Indian investors for over Rs 42,000 crore, 200 joint ventures with overseas investors for Rs 14,000 crore, and another Rs 14,000-crore investment from about 50 multinational companies.

This was discussed during a webinar organised by the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, along with the Department of Pharmaceuticals, and it had over 150 participants from both countries.

P D Vaghela, secretary, department of pharmaceuticals , who was also present in the webinar, said Japanese companies were interested in investing in the API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) space, and could also explore joint ventures in the medical devices segment.

Speaking to Business Standard, Sudarshan Jain, secretary general of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), said companies like Eisai Pharmaceuticals had been operating in the country since the early 2000s and their experience had been good.

India can be a low-cost manufacturing base for Japan. We have skilled manpower and at lower costs. India is one of the largest suppliers of generic medicines to the US; it can do the same for Japan, Jain said.

He said partnerships or investments could be in different kinds of projects. One is where a Japanese company sets up a manufacturing base here for exporting to other countries, or it can export to Japan. Secondly, they can also invest in Indian companies that make drugs.

Moreover, with Indias renewed focus on growing its API production, there are a lot of investment opportunities for Japanese majors. Eisai, for example, makes APIs.

The Indian government is now offering production-linked incentives for large API production units and this can be an area of collaboration, Jain said.

The DoP secretary has asked the Japanese industry to get in touch with the pharma bureau, set up to guide potential investors. Last month, the medical devices industry here had requested the Indian ambassador to invite the Japanese to shift factories from China to India, informed Rajiv Nath, forum coordinator of the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD).

Pharma majors like Sun Pharma, Wockhardt, and Panacea Biotech were present in the webinar.
Trentons week of violence and death continued Saturday afternoon when a 58-year-old man was shot and killed, authorities said.

Watson Cogdell, 58, was shot multiple times on the 100 block of Brunswick Avenue around 1:40 p.m. and was pronounced dead at a local hospital, a Mercer County Prosecutors Office spokeswoman told NJ Advance Media on Saturday night.

No other details of the killing were released and no suspects were named.

Since last Saturday, five people have been killed across the city, with one shooting a week ago, two more on Monday and another on Thursday.

The rash of killings began when three people were shot on Daymond Street in South Trenton. One of those victims, 38-year-old Robert Smith, did not survive.

On Monday morning, on the same street, homicide detectives investigated the shooting death of Antwuan Bowens, 44, who had been shot dead at around 9 a.m.

About three and a half hours later, Tayvion Jones, 18, was shot and killed outside his Oakland Street home. Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri said a murder charge had been filed against Horace Jones, 34, for allegedly killing Jones.

Trenton police arrested the suspect in the area shortly after the shooting, the prosecutors office said. The suspect and victim are not related.

At 4:17 p.m. Thursday, Raheen McKinnon, 19, of Hamilton, was shot and killed on the 900 block of Parkside Avenue, Trenton Police Lt. Jason Kmiec told NJ Advance Media.

A 17-year-old Trenton boy suffered gunshot wounds to the neck and thigh in that incident and was taken to the hospital where he was in critical condition Friday morning. The prosecutors office did not have an update on his condition Saturday evening.

Mayor Reed Gusciora announced earlier this week that an 8 p.m. curfew, that began on April 6, would continue, after violence continued to pervade the city streets. It was instituted by the city after one night of shootings that left three dead and four wounded.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
Lucknow:

A suspected ISI agent was arrested on Tuesday here by a joint team of Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Rajasthan CID. "Jamaluddin, a resident of Ghazipur, has been arrested from Trans-Gomti area here.

He used to distribute money to other agents on directives of ISI after receiving it from the UAE," Additional Director General, Law and Order, Daljeet Singh Chowdhury said.

The accused had transferred money to Gordhan Singh, who was arrested on December 27, 2015 from Pokhran in Rajasthan, he said.

Singh had allegedly leaked military information to Pakistani spy agency ISI.

"The probe is on and besides ATS, Rajasthan CID and intelligence agencies are interrogating him," he said. The officer, however, did not divulge more details about the arrested agent.

ATS is likely to hold a press conference tomorrow to brief about the arrest.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Every retiree would get at least a part pension under a plan being considered by seniors' groups amid concerns the coronavirus pandemic's effect on key income streams is leaving many older Australians cash poor and increasing the number living in poverty.

Seniors organisations are pressing the Morrison government to look at a massive overhaul to the pension system that would also take into account possible changes to tax concessions, such as franking credits, as a way to pay for any reforms.

Retiree groups are pushing for consideration of a universal pension in a bid to end means testing and help those hurt by the current virus shutdown.

The federal government is reviewing the retirement income system although its reporting date has been pushed back to July 24 due to the pandemic's impact on agencies.

The COVID-19 crisis, and measures to stop its spread, has created havoc with equity and investment markets while also leading to a huge fall in global interest rates. Economic shutdowns have hit jobs and seen a sharp increase in the number of renters - private and commercial - unable to pay rent.
Press Release

May 24, 2020 Bong Go seeks creation of a medical reserves corps to enhance country's capability to respond to national health emergencies As the country's need for medical personnel grows due to the increasing number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go filed a bill seeking to assemble a group of medical and health-related professionals who will help the government respond to medical and health care needs during national emergencies. Senate Bill No. 1451, also known as the "Medical Reserve Corps Act of 2020," seeks to establish a Medical Reserve Corps composed of all persons who have degrees in the field of medicine, nursing, medical technology, and other health-related fields but have yet to have their respective licenses to practice for reasons such as, but not limited to, not having taken and/or passed the licensure examinations in their respective professions. In his explanatory note, Go states that the increasing COVID-19 cases "overwhelmed both private and public hospitals in the country and their medical personnel are strained by the number of COVID-19 patients and Persons Under Investigations in their facilities." He adds that "the lack of medical personnel in the midst of pandemic disease hinders the State's capacity to combat the disease immediately and effectively." Invoking the patriotism of Filipino healthcare workers, the Senator hopes for the bill to uphold the role of medical and health-related personnel in nation-building; promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being; further inculcate in them patriotism and nationalism; and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs. If passed into law, the members of the Medical Reserve Corps may be called upon and mobilized to assist the national government and the local government units when addressing the medical needs of the public in times of national emergencies. The mobilization will be initiated by the Secretary of Health, in coordination with the Secretaries of of National Defense, Education, and Interior and Local Government. To maintain and enhance the level of competence and have them ready for mobilization, the bill likewise provides for retraining the members of the Corps. In case of a declaration of a state of war, state of lawless violence or state of calamity, the DOH may also recommend to the President the mobilization of the Corps. The President of the Philippines also has the power to order the mobilization of the Corps to respond to national or local contingencies related to external and territorial defense, internal security and peace and order and/or disaster risk reduction management. The members of the Corps may be called upon and mobilized to assist the national government, its agencies and instrumentalities, and the local government units in their functions related to addressing the medical needs of the public through requests for deployment by the heads of such national government agencies or local government units submitted to the DOH. In case of mobilization, the equipment of the Corps will be supplied in close coordination with the DOH and other national agencies and offices, with the end in view of achieving rapid mobilization. There will also be established mobilization centers in each province and city as many as needed according to the number and geographical distribution of the Corps, where they will report in case of deployment. Meanwhile, the DOH will be tasked to regularly publish an annual report containing a list of its accomplishments, status of its operations, number and demography of the Medical Reserve Corps, assessment of readiness for mobilization and the incidence and details of each mobilization for the year concerned. As for members of the Corps already employed upon deployment, such deployment will not be a ground for dismissal or diminution of any benefit enjoyed by such graduates prior to their deployment. The members of the Corps will also be entitled to their regular wage or salary during the period of their deployment, should they be employed at the time of deployment. Under the proposed measure, a Medical Reserve Corps Fund will also be established exclusively for the implementation of the objectives and purposes of the bill. The Office of the President will be tasked to monitor and evaluate the activities and the balances of the Fund. The Senator then mentioned that the proposed measure will complement the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program of the government as the proposed Medical Reserve Corps will be designed to become responsive to the needs of all Filipinos, wherever in the country they may be. "This measure seeks to help local government units all over the country in need of assistance. Kaya naman po the bill proposes for the creation of mobilization centers in each province and city as many as needed based on the number and geographical distribution of the Corps, where they will report in case of deployment," he said. Emphasizing the need for the military and health sector to collaborate in times of global pandemics, Go said, "Sa mga large-scale health emergencies gaya ng COVID-19, malaking bagay po na magtulungan ang military at health sector upang mas maging epektibo ang ating efforts para makapagserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan." "Bibigyan din po nito ng oportunidad ang mga Pilipino, lalo na ang ating mga healthcare professionals, na magserbisyo sa kanilang kapwa Pilipino at makapagsilbi sa kanilang bayan," he ended.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The feast of Mary, help of Christians, to which the Marian shrine of Sheshan, near Shanghai, is dedicated in China, takes place today. In 2007, with his Letter to Chinese Catholics, Pope Benedict XVI established that a World Day of Prayer for the Church in China be celebrated on May 24, also composing a special prayer, which we publish below.

Sheshan Shrine is a continuous destination for visits and prayers from all over China. But this year, because of the pandemic, all pilgrimages were prohibited and hospitality to individuals and groups is also prohibited. The diocese of Shanghai invited the faithful to pray to Our Lady from home, with the prayer composed by Benedict XVI.

Prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan

Virgin Most Holy, Mother of the Incarnate Word and our Mother,

venerated in the Shrine of Sheshan under the title "Help of Christians",

the entire Church in China looks to you with devout affection.

We come before you today to implore your protection.

Look upon the People of God and, with a mothers care, guide them

along the paths of truth and love, so that they may always be

a leaven of harmonious coexistence among all citizens.

When you obediently said "yes" in the house of Nazareth,

you allowed Gods eternal Son to take flesh in your virginal womb

and thus to begin in history the work of our redemption.

You willingly and generously cooperated in that work,

allowing the sword of pain to pierce your soul,

until the supreme hour of the Cross, when you kept watch on Calvary,

standing beside your Son, who died that we might live.

From that moment, you became, in a new way,

the Mother of all those who receive your Son Jesus in faith

and choose to follow in his footsteps by taking up his Cross.

Mother of hope, in the darkness of Holy Saturday you journeyed

with unfailing trust towards the dawn of Easter.

Grant that your children may discern at all times,

even those that are darkest, the signs of Gods loving presence.

Our Lady of Sheshan, sustain all those in China,

who, amid their daily trials, continue to believe, to hope, to love.

May they never be afraid to speak of Jesus to the world,

and of the world to Jesus.

In the statue overlooking the Shrine you lift your Son on high,

offering him to the world with open arms in a gesture of love.

Help Catholics always to be credible witnesses to this love,

ever clinging to the rock of Peter on which the Church is built.

Mother of China and all Asia, pray for us, now and for ever. Amen!
London: A fake stamp that led to the capture of leading Nazi Heinrich Himmler has been unearthed 75 years after his death.

The SS leader was detained at a checkpoint in Bremervorde, northern Germany, a few weeks after the Second World War had ended in May 1945.

Heinrich Himmler (left) stands with Adolf Hitler to observe a parade of Nazi Stormtroopers in 1940. Credit:Reuters/Corbis

Himmler handed over an A4 identity document German soldiers were given at the end of the conflict, with his rank recorded as sergeant and his name as Heinrich Hizinger - an attempt to conceal his true identity as a key architect of the Holocaust and one of the most wanted Nazis still alive.

But after being sent to the British forces' 31st Civilian Interrogation Camp near Luneburg, an official stamp on his document was recognised by the soldiers as the same one used by members of the SS who had been trying to evade capture. The whereabouts of the incriminating papers has remained hidden ever since Himmler was finally caught.
Is Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE:CBU) a good dividend stock? How can we tell? Dividend paying companies with growing earnings can be highly rewarding in the long term. On the other hand, investors have been known to buy a stock because of its yield, and then lose money if the company's dividend doesn't live up to expectations.

While Community Bank System's 2.9% dividend yield is not the highest, we think its lengthy payment history is quite interesting. Before you buy any stock for its dividend however, you should always remember Warren Buffett's two rules: 1) Don't lose money, and 2) Remember rule #1. We'll run through some checks below to help with this.

Explore this interactive chart for our latest analysis on Community Bank System!

NYSE:CBU Historical Dividend Yield May 24th 2020

Payout ratios

Dividends are usually paid out of company earnings. If a company is paying more than it earns, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. As a result, we should always investigate whether a company can afford its dividend, measured as a percentage of a company's net income after tax. Community Bank System paid out 50% of its profit as dividends, over the trailing twelve month period. This is a fairly normal payout ratio among most businesses. It allows a higher dividend to be paid to shareholders, but does limit the capital retained in the business - which could be good or bad.

We update our data on Community Bank System every 24 hours, so you can always get our latest analysis of its financial health, here.

Dividend Volatility

One of the major risks of relying on dividend income, is the potential for a company to struggle financially and cut its dividend. Not only is your income cut, but the value of your investment declines as well - nasty. For the purpose of this article, we only scrutinise the last decade of Community Bank System's dividend payments. During this period the dividend has been stable, which could imply the business could have relatively consistent earnings power. During the past ten-year period, the first annual payment was US$0.88 in 2010, compared to US$1.64 last year. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6.4% a year over that time.

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Companies like this, growing their dividend at a decent rate, can be very valuable over the long term, if the rate of growth can be maintained.

Dividend Growth Potential

While dividend payments have been relatively reliable, it would also be nice if earnings per share (EPS) were growing, as this is essential to maintaining the dividend's purchasing power over the long term. Community Bank System has grown its earnings per share at 7.5% per annum over the past five years. Earnings per share are growing at an acceptable rate, although the company is paying out more than half of its profits, which we think could constrain its ability to reinvest in its business.

Conclusion

When we look at a dividend stock, we need to form a judgement on whether the dividend will grow, if the company is able to maintain it in a wide range of economic circumstances, and if the dividend payout is sustainable. First, we think Community Bank System has an acceptable payout ratio. Earnings growth has been limited, but we like that the dividend payments have been fairly consistent. In summary, we're unenthused by Community Bank System as a dividend stock. It's not that we think it is a bad company; it simply falls short of our criteria in some key areas.

It's important to note that companies having a consistent dividend policy will generate greater investor confidence than those having an erratic one. At the same time, there are other factors our readers should be conscious of before pouring capital into a stock. For example, we've identified 2 warning signs for Community Bank System (1 can't be ignored!) that you should be aware of before investing.

If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of dividend stocks yielding above 3%.

Love or hate this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 23:35:42|Editor: huaxia

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JUBA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's Ministry of Health on Sunday confirmed 10 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of infections to 665.

Angok Gordon Kuol, an official with the Ministry of Health of South Sudan, said the latest cases are from 218 samples which were tested in the last 24 hours.

"The Ministry of Health is conducting tracing of individuals who had contact with COVID-19 cases," Kuol told reporters in Juba.

The official reiterated that South Sudan so far registered six recovery cases and eight fatalities.

He urged the public to strictly observe the rules of social distancing and other public health measures that were declared by the government as a means to manage the spread of the disease.

Kuol called on the public to report any suspected case to the nearest public health facility.

The spike in COVID-19 cases came after the government eased the restrictions that were imposed as part of measures to help control the spread of the virus in the country. Enditem
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hosted a meeting to discuss the country's nuclear capabilities, state media said on Sunday, marking his first appearance in three weeks after a previous absence sparked global speculation about his health.

Ruling Workers' Party officials wore face masks to greet Kim as he entered the meeting of the party's powerful Central Military Commission, state television showed, but no one including Kim was seen wearing a mask during the meeting.

Amid stalled denuclearisation talks with the United States, the meeting discussed measures to bolster North Korea's armed forces and "reliably contain the persistent big or small military threats from the hostile forces," state news agency KCNA said.

The meeting discussed "increasing the nuclear war deterrence of the country and putting the strategic armed forces on a high alert operation," adopting "crucial measures for considerably increasing the firepower strike ability of the artillery pieces," it said.

Kim has made an unusually small number of outings in the past two months, with his absence from a key anniversary prompting speculation about his condition, as Pyongyang has stepped up measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.

North Korea says it has no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, but South Korea's intelligence agency has said it cannot rule out that the North has had an outbreak. [L4N2CO0OL]

U.S.-led negotiations aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes have made little progress since late last year, especially after a global battle on the virus began.

The Chinese government's top diplomat, Wang Yi, expressed hope on Sunday that the United States and North Korea could resume meaningful dialogue as soon as possible, "and not squander away the hard-earned results of (previous) engagement."

North Korea's pledge to boost its nuclear capabilities coincides with news reports that the United States might conduct its first full-fledged nuclear test since 1992, noted Leif-Eric Easley, who teaches international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

"The intention in Washington for pondering such a move may be to pressure Russia and China to improve arms-control commitments and enforcement," Easley said. "But not only might this tack encourage more nuclear risk-taking by those countries, it could provide Pyongyang an excuse for its next provocation."
eid festival italy

Pacific Press/Contributor via Getty Images

The Islamic holiday of Eid Al-Fitr starts on Sunday May 24, and many Muslims in the US are still unable to gather to celebrate.

The holiday is a social one, where communities pack into Mosques or rented facilities to offer prayer, catch up, and congratulate each other on the new year.

While we'll be spending the holiday isolated, my friends and I reflected on what we can take away from having to reimagine how we spend it.

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The coronavirus pandemic has canceled a myriad of important events for people across the world. From postponed weddings and canceled graduations to gathering for religious celebrations.

As the Islamic holiday of Eid Al-Fitr approaches, my friends and I reflected on how isolation will impact our celebrations. Eid, is a social holiday, especially for those of us in the diaspora. It's a time for us to get together and in the case of Eid Al-Fitr, a chance to celebrate after spending the month of Ramadan, fasting, worshipping, and spiritually connecting with God.

So for many of us, there's a lot of excitement around waking up early and enjoying that first cup of coffee we can drink in the morning after a month-long withdrawal. There's joy in getting ready and putting on fresh new clothes and rushing to the Mosque or a rented out high school gym or whatever facility your community managed to get to fit hundreds or thousands of people for the Eid prayer.

Kids are running around playing, friends are catching up, and the exchange of "Eid Mubarak" or "Kul sana wa inti tayiba" (an Arabic phrase for Happy New Year) fills the room. At some point in the madness, people file into rows to offer the Eid prayer. After the prayer, while everyone has their own traditions, most usually spend the day visiting friends and relatives and participating in some sort of large organized event in their community.

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People celebrate at a mosque called the Masjid at-Taqwa after the Eid al-Fitr prayer on June 4, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

(Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Eid this year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to social distance, will look different

As my friend Yasmine K. put it: "Eid this year in simple words has challenged Muslims to be creative in the way we approach and celebrate it this year. We have learned to communicate our love for one another in a completely different way."

To be fair, large gatherings are not always the case for everyone. Some may not have family or friends to celebrate with and experience a more isolated Eid  even outside of the pandemic. However, if there's anything I've have learned in the midst of the time of the coronavirus, it's to reach out to those among us who may have not experienced this joy that we feel is now missing.

"It's definitely a different feeling this year not being with the community. I really feel for those that don't have family they live with or that celebrate. Alhamdulilah [Thanks to God], I live with my mom and younger siblings," my other friend, Sarah Z. told me.

My previous roommate, Mariam H., is now living by herself in Los Angeles and told me her mentality was to roll with the punches. She hasn't let the isolation bring her down and said she'd probably find a nice park to sit in while socially distancing to celebrate the day.

However, as Mosques remain closed, and gatherings are limited, many of us have to had to make sense of how to celebrate.

Another friend Nadda told me: "My family was thinking of waking up early or sort of early like we would normally to get the vibes going, and we would still dress up and take pictures. Then we might make brunch and call up friends and family. Basically, Eid will be very different and a little boring but at least we're still able to stay connected with friends and family online, and I'm sure we're all grateful for that."

Having already ordered my Eid outfit three months in advance, I also look forward to waking up early, enjoying my cup of coffee, and getting ready. I offered to help my mom cook for the occasion, but she kindly told me that my terrible cooking skills were not needed for the day. Despite, the minor set back of my vision for an Eid where we cook together, my family plans to enjoy nice meals together, and to spend the day reaching out and talking to family and friends.

Yasmine K. said her family has made Eid gifts for each other, and she also plans to have a socially distanced picnic with friends who were stuck on their college campus alone.

"We'll come together with our favorite foods and snacks. Play the Eid chant/Nasheed. Play games that are from a healthy safe distance. And lastly take some amazing photos of each other," Yasmine K. said. "Just a small way to cheer their hearts as they are saddened by being away from their families."

Her mom has organized a drive-by gift exchange, with more than 40 goodie bags for kids in their neighborhood.

"It's honestly been a blessing to see what we can achieve through creativity and love for one another. It's sad that we can't celebrate like we normally due but maybe Allah [God] wanted us to find new ways we can reach other hearts. I feel that during this Eid we have learned to be more empathetic and loving towards our fellow brothers and sisters," she said.

The isolation has especially been hard for some kids. My friend Mariam K.'s 10-year-old sister taped a list of "What I Want for Eid" to her parent's door.

Mariam K. said without the Eid prayer and gatherings, it doesn't feel like Eid. While her family plans to make breakfast together, she's really just waiting on the next Eid.

But while we may have had to get creative for this year's holidays, Sarah Z. sees it as a time to slow down and "soak it all in."

"Usually they're super busy and filled with iftar parties, fundraisers, gatherings, etc. It has actually been nice to take it slow with family all at home Alhamdulilah," she said.

While unusual and sudden, the isolation has made many of us, myself included extremely grateful to have a chance to celebrate another Eid.

As my friend Reem Z. put it: "We'll make the most of it though because that's what Muslims do  we're grateful for what we have and we thank Allah for giving it to us."

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As the wave of coronavirus infections broke over Europe in March, causing reserves of medical supplies to disappear, German authorities made a nationwide appeal: more safety masks were urgently needed.

At Melitta, the company that pioneered the paper coffee filter, inspiration was close at hand.

The ergonomics of the thing, the fact that the filter fits exactly over mouth, nose and chin is so unbelievable that you might call it a gift from heaven, says Katharina Roehrig, a managing director at Melitta, which is based in a small city in northwestern Germany.

Melitta has a 112-year history with coffee filters that began in the kitchen of the woman who invented them, Melitta Bentz. The company also owns Wolf PVG, which has produced air filters and vacuum cleaner bags for decades, providing valuable knowledge and a supply of the three-ply microfiber needed to make masks to a hospital standard.

Facing this particular challenge, we realised that we could produce the needed quantities at an insane speed, says Roehrig  in other words, as many as one million masks a day. That is what differentiates us from the competition.

As Germany scrambles to find enough face masks to reopen the economy and public life while keeping the coronavirus at bay, a number of serious and not-so-serious businesses have jumped into the fray with masks.

They have tried to produce and sell the bizarre (masks made from bras), the unexpected (the Playmobil mask), the hip (an upcycled cotton mask by a Berlin designer) and the customisable (why not advertise while protecting yourself?).

Many countries around the world are making it mandatory to wear masks when leaving the house (Getty) (Getty Images)

But as Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, has frequently acknowledged, the crucial problem is ensuring that Germans have a sufficient number of quality masks.

The pandemic teaches us that it is not good if protective equipment is sourced exclusively from distant countries, Merkel told parliament. Masks that cost a few cents can become a strategic factor in a pandemic. The minister of economy, Peter Altmaier, estimates that the country needs up to 12 billion masks a year.

Many masks that filter small particles using microfibre rely on material whose production has mostly moved to Asia. In the mad rush to secure the raw materials, politicians and businesspeople have made it their business to find a source.

Medical masks and coffee filters use some of the same materials (Getty/iStock) (GettyiStock)

Its been a long time since the textile materials sector has gotten so much attention, says Dr David Schmelzeisen, a textile engineer who runs need-mask.com, which connects suppliers with customers.

The essential ingredient in many medical-grade masks  what separates them from simple homemade versions  is a filter made of non-woven super-thin fibres, formed in a process known as melt-blown extrusion. Since the pandemic, demand for so-called melt-blown fibre has skyrocketed.

The idea that the shape of filter bags for breathing masks could serve as a model was absurd to many

For Melitta, melt-blown fibre is readily available: it makes its own, mainly for use in vacuum cleaner bags. A truck drives big rolls of it from the vacuum and filter factory in Spenge 30 miles to Minden, where Melitta has been based since its founding in 1908. (Melitta also makes coffee filters in the United States, but not face masks.)

The coffee-filter-shaped masks are produced on the same machine as the filters found in grocery store aisles. Although they physically resemble a normal coffee filter, the masks are made from different material (making them unsuitable for brewing coffee).

The material, a triple layer of melt-blown and spun-blown microfibre, has a Bacterial Filtration Efficiency certification of above 98 per cent, a value comparable to simple medical masks.

A worker in Melittas factory (Melitta)

The company has now produced about 10 million masks over the first month, packing them in unmarked boxes, with separate rubber bands to hold the masks in place and assembly instructions.

The first one million went to Melitta workers and retirees and their families. Most of the second million have already been donated locally.

Once the mask is approved by the government as a medical product, the company plans to supply those most in need in their region and eventually sell the product to a broader market. The company has not yet announced a price.

What is important for us is that we can supply quality masks produced in Germany at prices that are competitive with masks produced in Asia before the pandemic, says Rene Korte, who oversaw the retooling of one of the coffee filter lines at Melitta.

Korte and his team are working on designs with foldout ear loops, eliminating the need for rubber bands.

The company is now looking at ways of replacing the rubber bands that hold the mask in place (Melitta)

This initiative is not the first time Melitta has considered getting into the face mask business. About a decade ago, it looked into manufacturing masks because the process fit with the companys expertise.

But this was before the coronavirus.

The idea that the shape of filter bags for breathing masks could serve as a model was absurd to many, Korte says. The production of breathing masks was then still a niche topic for us and was therefore rejected.

 The New York Times
Head of the Armenian town of Kajaran Manvel Paramazyan has issued the following statement:

Dear citizens, as the truly elected and legitimate head of Kajaran town, I consider it my moral duty and power to address you and tell you that, first of all, you all have the right to know the details about the infamous events of the past few days from me and that, most importantly, I am capable of standing up for the rights and dignity of each and every resident.

As you know, a few days ago, the police conducted searches in my apartment and my close ones apartments, and they obviously didnt find anything suspicious. Afterwards, the police began to detain our fellow citizens through the use of violence for no reason.

This is, in essence, political persecution. It is no secret that I have never been engaged in political intrigues and have only been involved in the development of our community.

However, as you can see, some state officials cant tolerate my popularity, reputation and political neutrality. I call on those responsible for these disgraceful acts to put an end to the unlawful repressions against the residents of Syunik Province. Destabilization of the situation in Syunik, the gateway to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), is not in any Armenians favor and will lead to grave consequences.
The Delhi government has directed state-run liquor shops in the national capital to ensure 100 per cent sale of alcohol through proper scanning.

The excise department issued the directive after observing that only 10 to 15 per cent of liquor being sold at vends was being scanned, which was a blatant violation of the order.

In the direction to the four state-run corporations, the department said this practice is likely to result in the submission of "inaccurate daily sales" information sought by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia after imposition of 70 per cent 'Special Corona Fee' on the MRP of each bottle and also creation of Monthly Stock Record (MSR) gap.

Also, complaints of overcharging from the customers are being received at various levels, it said.

Recently, the government ordered reopening of 66 private liquor stores that sell foreign and Indian-made foreign liquor in the capital.

This was in addition to about 172 shops, run by government agencies, which were allowed to operate from May 4. Another 300-odd government-run liquor stores spread across the city will reopen soon.

Of 863 liquor shops in Delhi, 475 are run by four government corporations Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation and Delhi Consumer's Cooperative Wholesale Store while 389 are owned by private individuals.

Of these 389, about 150 are located in shopping malls and not allowed to open during the fourth phase of lockdown which ends on May 31.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Publicly speaking for the first time via an interview, a public statement she emailed to the news organization, Florida Today, and posted on her blog, Rebekah Jones, the fired Florida Department of Health scientist, on Friday night, defended herself and revealed bare allegations of corrupt meddling in the COVID-19 data of the state by top officials.

While she precisely does not insinuate that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was involved in initiatives to message or conceal information on the COVID-19 dashboard of the state, Jones illustrated an image of senior officials of the FDOH excessively eager to pacify the governor, as well as his plans of reopening Florida.

Allegedly Asked to Manipulate COVID-19 Data

The former FDOH scientist, news reports said, is attributed to constructing, designing, and handling the COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard of the state, which researchers, including a White House scientist, commend as a "shining example of transparency."

However, last week, Jones said via an email, she was taken out of the controls of the dashboard as of early May due to her commitment to what she called, "accessibility and transparency."

After the story came out in Florida Today, Jones alleged further that she was fired because she refused to "manually change data" to favor the plan to reopen.

Few days after she was fired, Jones said, DeSantis, as well as the other so-called conservative voices, attacked her credibility, credentials, and character. She added that the importance of the role she played in the department was downplayed, as well.

The Governor's Stance

According to reports, Governor DeSantis, said, the ouster of Jones during a roundtable on Wednesday with Vice President Mike Pence "was a nonissue."

The state's Deputy Secretary of Health, Shamarial Roberson, on the other hand, said via a statement sent to the Times that it is blatantly false to say that the FDOH "has manipulated any data."

In addition, a spokeswoman for the governor explained to the Miami Herald that the former health department scientist was ousted from her position due to "a repeated course of insubordination."

The spokesperson also said this included modification of the COVID-19 dashboard of the department. Jones did not specify though, what particular data in the dashboard had been manipulated.

She did not specify either, how she was asked to change the said data. She said though, that she had no knowledge about the" identity of the outside vendor" that, she said, provided the data.

As the official records show, as of this writing, Florida has reported only more than 50,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, based on data from John Hopkins. In addition, more than 2,200 deaths from the virus have been reported, according to FDOH.

Florida started Phase 1 of its reopening in early May as Jones alleged she was instructed to remove the COVID-19 data.

Meanwhile, restaurants in the state started to allow dine-in customers without more than half the capacity earlier this week, along with museums, gyms, and stores.

Check these out!
Domestic airlines might be resuming services on Monday after being grounded for two months but scores of pilots and first officers seem to be concerned over lack of clarity on quarantine requirements for them.

Several cockpit and cabin crew members have moved to their home towns from their base stations in the wake of the nationwide lockdown imposed on March 25. Now, many of them are returning to their base stations to report for duty.

On May 20, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri announced that domestic passenger flights would resume in a calibrated manner from May 25, two months after the services were suspended due to the lockdown to curb spreading of coronavirus infections.

PTI spoke to many captains and first officers from different airlines, including IndiGo, Vistara and SpiceJet, about preparations for resumption of flights. Many of them raised concerns over issues like quarantine procedures, personal and family safety, and flying into regions badly hit by the pandemic.

"There is no clarity on whether I need to go into home quarantine for 14 days after returning to my base or show up for duty on Monday," a pilot said, requesting anonymity.

He said several others like him had left their base stations, undertaking inter-state travel amid the lockdown.

"(What happens) if someone is returning from Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal or Rajasthan or going from Delhi to Hyderabad, or Haryana to Gujarat. My airline has sent me a mail stating that I need to be ready for duty but did not say anything about the quarantine procedure," the pilot said.

He noted that several states have a rule that any outsider has to go for a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

"So does that mean I have to go for a 14-day quarantine after every flight? If that is the system, then I find it illogical. There is no clarity on this from the civil aviation ministry nor from my airline," he added.

A woman pilot said that before all operations were suspended in March, there have been incidents of flight and cabin crew being harassed by neighbours and residential societies.

"People have only grown more concerned about the COVID-19 and there is still fear among crew about how are people in their neighbourhood going to react even though the crew are ready to work," she said, wishing not to be identified.

Some airlines have told their employees to abide by the rules laid down by local authorities of their city or district and follow guidelines given by their respective Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs).

"In Noida, RWAs have a strict rule. If you were onboard a flight, you have to quarantine yourself for 14 days," a pilot from a full-service carrier said.

A leading budget carrier, however, has told its crew that anyone living in a containment zone -- place having positive cases -- would not be put on duty.

A ground handling staff of an airline said companies are relying on the Aarogya Setu app and anyone with a 'safe status' on it can get onboard a flight, be it a passenger or a crew.

"My airline is not even asking for any COVID-19 test or report from the crew and is relying on the Aarogya Setu app.

"I don't know how accurate the app would be in case the crew has travelled far and wide. Not taking their COVID-19 test could put passengers as well as their own crew members at safety risk," the Delhi-based staffer said.

Against the backdrop of rising coronavirus cases, many states have restrictions in place to prevent spreading of the infections.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Celebrities tend to have a lot of money, and that means that they sometimes spend it in bizarre ways. While plenty of celebrities spend money frivolously as a way of flaunting their wealth, others are savvy investors who make their financial decisions with an eye to the future.

George Clooney is among the stars who turn heads with their investment decisions, and one particular endeavor has definitely caught peoples attention.

George Clooneys commercial endorsement deal with Nespresso has definitely been a lucrative one, but it has also been controversial.

George Clooney has a history with Nespresso

George Clooney | Franco Origlia/Getty Images

RELATED: George Clooney and Other Movie Stars Reveal The Films They Hated Making The Most

Clooney is a celebrated movie star with decades of acting experience and accolades under his belt. He is also a noted humanitarian, so an endorsement from Clooney carries some extra weight for companies trying to improve their image.

His endorsement of Nespresso, a luxury coffee brand, was definitely a high-end deal that netted Clooney an impressive paycheck.

Clooney first partnered with the coffee company in 2006. In the past, Clooney expressed excitement about the chance to work with the Swiss company and saw it as a way to combine his philanthropic and commercial endeavors.

In 2013, according to The Richest, he commented about the companys plan to develop plantations in Sudan: I am excited for the opportunity to bring together my role as an ambassador for Nespresso and an advocate for a better future for the people of South Sudan.

Since then, he has appeared in a variety of advertisements ranging from social media posts, print ads, and commercials. Their long-running deal has netted Clooney millions of dollars and boosted Nespressos visibility and audience. However, the partnership has recently come under scrutiny as some of Nespressos business practices run against Clooneys own public persona.

Nespresso has faced accusations of child labor violations

RELATED: The Office: John Krasinskis Prank on Jenna Fischer Was Stolen From George Clooney

Recently, the partnership between Clooney and Nespresso has been thrown into chaos. An episode of the British documentary series Dispatches featured Nespresso and revealed that their business practices were not quite as humanitarian as the company had led the world to believe.

A journalist who toured the Nespresso facilities in Guatemala found child labor as a widespread practice. Footage of children picking and hauling heavy beans as they worked six days a week led to public outcry.

Clooney has come forward to denounce the practices. He has expressed dedication to making sure fair labor practices are a part of the companys policies.

He said in a statement, reported by E! News: Thats why I joined the Sustainability advisory board of Nespresso seven years ago along with the Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade International, and the Fair Labour Association among many others with the goal then, as it remains to this day to improve the lives of farmers.

For their part, Nespressos parent company, Nestle, has also expressed disapproval and has vowed to put more regulations and oversight in place to ensure the practices are ended.

George Clooney spent some of his Nespresso money on a satellite

I was the manager of this project at Harvard and let this be the first time anyone notes publicly, none of what your tweet implies is accurate. While Clooney put up the initial money to start the project all the satellite imagery was donated by DG & we only saw $700K from Clooney  Benjamin Davies (@BenjaminDavies3) November 28, 2019

While Clooney and Nespresso navigate the next steps of both their partnership and the business practices, the renewed attention on the brand has brought up a different topic: Clooneys use of his endorsement money. Back in 2013, Clooney spoke with The Guardian and explained that some of the money he earned from the deal with Nespresso was invested in a surveillance satellite, according to NME.

When discussing his Nespresso profits, Clooney said, most of the money I make on the commercials I spend keeping a satellite over the border of North and South Sudan to keep an eye on Omar al-Bashir.

Omar al-Bashir is a former Sudanese dictator, and he has been accused of war crimes. Since Clooney has made at least $40 million in his partnership with Nespresso, people began to wonder just how much Clooney invested in the surveillance project.

Benjamin Davies, the manager of the project, came forward on Twitter to explain that Clooney invested about $700k, which helped to start the project. It continued to run with donations from other funders.
The Black Death, the Spanish Flu, and other widespread disease outbreaks have transformed how people live. Here's everything you need to know:

Will Covid-19 change the world?

Yes, if it's similar to the pandemics of the past. Plagues and viral contagions have regularly blighted the course of human civilization, killing millions of people and wreaking economic devastation. But as each pandemic receded, it left cultural, political, and social changes that lasted far beyond the disease itself. The great outbreaks of history  including the Athenian Plague, the Black Death, and the Spanish Flu  transformed health care, economics, religion, the way we socialize, and the way we work. "Things are never the same after a pandemic as they were before," said Dr. Liam Fox, a former U.K. defense secretary who's studied these outbreaks for a forthcoming book. "The current outbreak will be no exception."

When was the first pandemic?

The earliest on record occurred during the Peloponnesian War in 430 B.C. Now believed to have been a form of typhoid fever, that particular "plague" passed through Libya, Ethiopia, and Egypt before striking the city of Athens, then under siege by Sparta. Thucydides chronicled Athens' misery in lucid detail, writing of sufferers' lesions, red skin, and bloody throats and tongues, and the apocalyptic scenes within the city's walls as "dying men lay tumbling one upon another in the streets." The plague would ultimately play a large part in Athens' eventual defeat by Sparta, and the sense of despair led to a surge in licentiousness among the population. In many pandemics across the ages, people have taken refuge in sex and drinking, as well as in increased religiosity. The Justinian Plague of A.D. 541 fueled the rapid rise of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean.

What caused the Justinian Plague?

Yersinia pestis, a bacterium spread by fleas on rodents  the same culprit behind one of the worst pandemics in human history: the Black Death. Arriving in Sicily on a trading ship in 1347, the Black Death eventually spread throughout Europe and wiped out about 200 million people  up to 60 percent of the global population. People died horribly, afflicted with terrible aches, vomiting, and pus-and-blood-filled "buboes" in their armpits and groins. As the Black Death swept through Europe, it did, however, force authorities to institute health measures that remain in place today. Fourteenth-century Venice ordered mandated isolation periods, named quaranta giorni  or "quarantine" in English  to signify the 40 days of isolation imposed on incoming ships. Routine medical inspections became customary, and hospitals were built throughout Europe to treat the sick.

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What other impact did it have?

The Black Death's biggest socioeconomic legacy was its role in ending feudalism. Feudalism was a medieval system that empowered wealthy nobles to grant the use of their land to peasants in exchange for their labor  with rent, wages, and other terms determined by the lords. By wiping out a huge swath of the working population, the Black Death created a labor shortage that gave peasants the leverage to negotiate new working terms  effectively bringing about the end of serfdom and paving the way for modern capitalism.

What about other epidemics?

In 1802, an outbreak of yellow fever in the French colony of St. Domingue (now Haiti) triggered a chain of events that led to the vast expansion of the United States. The epidemic, caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, killed an estimated 50,000 French troops trying to control Haiti, forcing France to withdraw. The loss of this key Caribbean outpost was so economically damaging to France that Napoleon sold off 828,000 square miles of French territory in North America, extending from New Orleans to Canada, to President Thomas Jefferson for a mere $15 million: the Louisiana Purchase. That may have been the most consequential outbreak in the history of the Americas until the Spanish Flu erupted in 1918.

What was the Spanish Flu?

It was a virulent strain of H1N1 influenza that may have actually originated on a Kansas poultry farm. One of its first victims was a U.S. soldier stationed in Kansas. Unlike the bacterial plagues of the past, the Spanish Flu was a virus, which became more deadly when it picked up some genetic material from a virus infecting birds. Spreading like wildfire among soldiers in the trenches of France and Belgium and then around the globe, the pandemic "influenced the course of the First World War and, arguably, contributed to the Second," says science journalist Laura Spinney, author of a book on the Spanish Flu. The virus killed approximately 50 million worldwide, including 675,000 Americans. Among those struck down were a number of American delegates to the Paris Peace Conference in 1919  many of whom were opposed to making German reparations a condition of the Treaty of Versailles. With the Americans missing, delegates approved the punishing reparations, and the humiliation Germans felt was a key contributor to Hitler's rise. Like the Black Death, the Spanish Flu revolutionized public health, spawning the new fields of epidemiology and virology. It led several Western European countries to adopt universal health-care systems that are still in operation. "The Spanish Flu," says Spinney, "resculpted human populations."

COVID-19's possible legacy

The coronavirus has already had a huge and potentially enduring impact on everyday life. Our work and social lives have gone virtual, with even G-7 leaders conducting their meetings via videoconferencing. Movie studios, gyms, musicians, and karaoke bars are streaming their content straight into our homes. The outbreak has revived impassioned debates about the U.S. health-care system, possibly offering a boon for those in favor of universal coverage. And it may have an even wider geopolitical legacy. The Spanish Flu and the economic depression that followed led to a wave of nationalism, authoritarianism, and another world war. Spinney says the same could happen in the aftermath of the coronavirus, reversing the tide of globalization and fueling xenophobia at a time when countries should be united against a common viral enemy. "We've forgotten a lot of the lessons that we learned after the Spanish Flu and other pandemics," Spinney says. "We may be about to learn them again."

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 04:08:14|Editor: huaxia

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DAMASCUS, May 23 (Xinhua) -- At least seven Syrian rebels were killed on Saturday in battles in Libya, a Syrian war monitor reported.

The rebels were killed on several battlefields in Libya, as many more have been captivated, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The UK-based watchdog group said over 318 Syrian rebels have so far been killed in battles in Libya.

In an earlier report, the Observatory said as many as 13,000 rebels from Syria have so far reached Libya to fight against the east-based army led by Khalifa Haftar.

The rebels were moved from Syria to Libya through the Turkish territory under the supervision of Turkey, according to the Observatory.

The Turkey-backed rebels opened four centers in the northern Syrian city of Afrin to recruit fighters to be sent to Libya.

Turkey offers a monthly salary of 2,000 U.S. dollars for those who agree to go to Libya on contracts between three and six months, said the observatory. Enditem
The Chinese virology institute at the centre of US allegations as the possible source of Covid-19 has three live strains of bat coronavirus on-site, but none of them match the pathogen behind the new pandemic, its director has said.

Scientists think Covid-19 -- which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan and has killed more than 340,000 people worldwide -- originated in bats and could have been transmitted to people via another mammal.

But the director of the Wuhan Institute of Virology told state broadcaster CGTN that claims made by US President Donald Trump and others that the virus could have leaked from the facility were pure fabrication.

In the interview filmed on May 13 but broadcast Saturday night, Wang Yanyi said the centre has isolated and obtained some coronaviruses from bats.

Now we have three strains of live viruses... But their highest similarity to SARS-CoV-2 only reaches 79.8 %, she said.

At a media briefing Sunday, Chinese foreign minister rejected Americas lies over the coronavirus.

A political virus is spreading in the US, causing politicians there to take very opportunity to attack and discredit China, Wang Yi said, speaking at his annual news conference on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the National Peoples Conference (NCP), Chinas legislature.

This political virus uses every opportunity to attack and discredit China. Some politicians have ignored the most basic facts and created too many lies and plotted too many conspiracies against China, Wang said.

China is open to international cooperation to identify the source of Covid-19 but any probe should be free of political interference, Yi further added.

China, he said, was open to the international scientific communitys cooperation in virus tracing research. At the same time, we believe that this process should adhere to professionalism, fairness and constructiveness.

Wang said China and the US need to start coordinating macro policies for their respective economies as well as the world economy.The US should stop wasting precious time, he added.

China remains prepared to work with the US in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, he said.

The investigation should be led by scientists of the World Health Organization, he said.
London, May 24 : Bowing to pressure from his own party members, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has asked officials to draw up plans to reduce Huawei' involvement in the nation's 5G networks to zero by 2023, the media reported.

The UK's original plans, as recently as in January, was to allow considerable involvement of Huawei in the country's 5G network as Britain's intelligence agencies suggested that any possible misuse of the Chinese telecom giant's equipment for mass surveillance could be contained, according to both The Guardian and The Telegraph.

The British PM wanted to cap Huawei's share in the country's telecommunications infrastructure market at 35 per cent.

But the assurance of the intelligence agencies failed to stop political concerns in the country as many Conservative members continued to favour a reduced role for Huawei.

The new plan to reduce Huawei's involvement in the UK's 5G network brings the country in alignment with a position that the US has championed for quite some time now.

The decision comes ahead of Johnson's scheduled visit to the US for the G7 summit next month, The Telegraph reported on Saturday.

The US government alleged that China could use Huawei technology for spying purposes and added the company to the Entity List on May 16, 2019 in a bid to block the company's access to US technology.

Alleging that Huawei and its foreign affiliates stepped-up efforts to undermine the Entity list restrictions, the US government last week rolled out new export controls aimed at limiting the Chinese technology giant's access to semiconductor technology .

Huawei called the new export rule "arbitrary and pernicious" which "threatens to undermine the entire industry worldwide".
Vietnam will have to compete with many rivals to attract foreign investors who are considering relocating their production bases out of China.

Soon after the US-China trade war broke out, multi-national groups began thinking of leaving China for other countries to ease reliance on Chinese materials. They have accelerated the process because of Covid-19.





Apple has recruited Vietnamese workers recently, a move to reportedly prepare for the establishment of a factory in Vietnam. Samsung has reportedly thought of relocating production lines of some high-end smartphones to Vietnam.



However, according to Nguyen Mai, chair of the Vietnam Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises (VAFIEs), Vietnam is just a runner in the race to attract foreign investors and has to compete with many competitors from Asia.

Soon after the US-China trade war broke out, multi-national groups began thinking of leaving China for other countries to ease reliance on Chinese materials. They have accelerated the process because of Covid-19.

India has launched policies with attractive incentives to lure 1,000 US companies which have production activities in China. India prioritizes medical equipment, food processing, textile and garment, and car part manufacturing companies.



Indian officials said though the total cost in India is higher than China, it is still lower than in the US and Japan, if considering land and skilled workers.



Thailand has also turned a green light on for foreign investors by setting a series of new investment attraction policies.



Malaysia in mid-2019 launched a 1 billion ringgit ($240 million) investment support program, committing tax and financial support to foreign investors who choose the country as the destination.



JLL, in its recent report which analyzes policies on attracting foreign investment in the new normal period, pointed out that Vietnam is not the most attractive destination.



The wages in China are triple those in Vietnam, but the skills of Chinese workers are better than Vietnamese. The number of migrant industrial workers in China is even higher than the Vietnamese population. A large volume of manufactured goods are reserved to serve the Chinese market.



Meanwhile, not all production fields in Vietnam are prepared to receive the new foreign investment flow. These include supporting industries which are believed to receive little optimistic information from the new opportunities.



Truong Thi Chi Binh, deputy chair of the Vietnam Supporting Industries Association, also said other regional countries have greater advantages. Vietnams enterprises are small with under 200 workers, and they can only fulfill small orders. Most of them just make separate devices and only a few can make sets of components.



Therefore, Mai said Vietnam needs to take action quickly to become more competitive in the race to lure investors  improving infrastructure, technology and labor force, simplifying procedures and shortening licensing formalities, and supporting investors to implement projects quickly.

Thanh Mai

When Apple comes to Vietnam and FDI flow starts moving Apple is making clearer signals in the production of components and products in Vietnam, opening up opportunities for Vietnam to participate more deeply in the global value chain.
Egypt's Prisons Authority ordered on Sunday the release of 5,532 inmates on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.

The prisoners were released with a presidential pardon in accordance with presidential decrees 231 and 232 for the year 2020.

A list of those released was not immediately available.

Sunday is the first day of the Islamic Eid Al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide.

According to the Egyptian constitution, the president can issue pardons for prisoners who had received final court rulings that cannot be further appealed.

Egyptian presidents traditionally issue pardons several times a year, usually on major national and religious holidays.

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*All photos are handouts from the interior ministry
The Southern African People's Solidarity Network (SAPSN), a non-governmental organisation representing the interests of SADC citizens, has called on the regional body to address the militarisation of the Covid-19 restrictions by member states and the shrinking of the democratic space.

In a communique sent to SADC Friday, SAPSN said there was need for the regional body to add its voice and resolve undemocratic decisions and actions being taken in Malawi, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.

"We call upon SADC member states and governments to address the following; to respect constitutions, the rule of law and ensure safety and protection of citizens in different jurisdictions," the communique reads.

"Uphold the rights of citizens, ensuring a safe space for the media environment for journalists to operate freely without harassment, freedom of expression and ensure access to information to citizens should be guaranteed.

"Demilitarising lockdowns and ensuring that law enforcement agencies uphold human rights-based principles of policing."

In Zimbabwe, three MDC female youth leaders were recently abducted in Harare on their way from a demonstration, protesting against severe food shortages during the current lockdown.

They were found a day later dumped in a village in Musana area, Bindura badly bruised from alleged severe assault and sexual abuse by suspected state security agents.

Two journalists, Frank Chikowore and Samuel Takawira, were Saturday sent to remand prison after they were arrested at a private hospital where the three female activists are admitted.

"On the troubled hotspots namely, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Lesotho, SADC must support and guarantee dialogue to resolve the impasses in the respective countries to ensure peace and stability in the region," SAPSN said.

It also called on SADC to call for the suspension of debt repayments to international financiers to enable governments in the region to finance their ongoing fight against Covid-19.
Donald Trump's presidential mask: REUTERS

Pictures showing Donald Trump wearing a mask in public have emerged after MSNBC news aired one photo of a masked president during his Ford factory tour in Michigan.

President Trump denied calls on Thursday to wear a protective mask during the tour despite admitting he had briefly worn one.

I wore one in the back area, but I didnt want to press to get the pleasure of seeing it, the president said, surrounded by Ford executives and workers wearing masks at the Ypsilanti plant producing ventilators to beat the coronavirus.

Mr Trump could be seen wearing a dark coloured mask adorned with the presidential seal in one corner, in an image aired on national television on Thursday night.

The same photo was later shown on The Last Word with Lawrence ODonnell hours later but MSNBC did not credit the source.

It is possible that an employee at the Ford plant captured the picture that was taken in private on Thursday.

At the same time, NBC news said it could confirm the photos authenticity through a source.

MSNBC host Bill Ritter deleted a tweet with the picture, and later said that ABC put it out and then ruled that they werent yet able to confirm the photo.

Ford said in a statement that Bill Ford encouraged President Trump to wear a mask when he arrived, in line company policy.

Trump does NOT want you to share this picture of him wearing a mask pic.twitter.com/vCO06D0Ud6  William LeGate (@williamlegate) May 22, 2020

It continued: He wore a mask during a private viewing of three Ford GTs from over the years. The President later removed the mask for the remainder of the visit.

Mr Trump added that whilst he looked better in the mask he had stopped wearing one because he was making a speech.

Still, some supporters were critical of Thursdays tour, with pro-Trump Nevada attorney Joey Gilbert writing on Twitter that Michigans state governor and attorney were freaks because they demanded Mr Trump wear a mask.

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Holy s**t the attorney general in Michigan lost her mind and has complete and total Trump derangement syndrome; Ive never seen anything like it, wrote Mr Gilbert.

Hey NUTJOB, hes tested daily, is on HDC (look it up crazy) & YOU KNOW DAMN WELL YOU TAKE OFF YOUR MASK!! FREAKS!

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.

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Hong Kong: Rioters extreme violence condemned

The Government today strongly condemned rioters' unlawful assemblies and extremely violent and illegal acts in the vicinity of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, and Hong Kong independence advocates.

In a statement, the Government said rioters have launched activities to breach the public peace for months on end on the pretext of protesting against the Fugitive Offenders Bill legislative exercise since June last year, bringing about tremendous harm to Hong Kong.

Although the violent and illegal acts subsided amid the COVID-19 epidemic, the rioters have all along been eyeing opportunities to act.

As the epidemic eases, the rioters once again, on the pretext of opposing the legislation on national security, took part in unlawful assemblies and engaged in violent and illegal acts in the vicinity of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai today.

They blocked roads with miscellaneous objects, set fires, vandalised shops and public facilities from dismantling railings and trashing traffic lights to prying up drainage covers and bricks as well as assaulting people with different views.

While some rioters invaded a flyover to disrupt traffic, some even threw glass bottles from building rooftops and assaulted police officers with a large number of bricks and splashed them with an unknown liquid, injuring at least four officers who had to be sent to hospital.

It pointed out that these violent acts, which abounded in the second half of last year, pose a serious threat to public safety and are outrageous.

Police, as a law enforcement agency, are duty-bound to use appropriate force to conduct dispersal and arrest operations.

Noting that some people waved Hong Kong independence flags, the Government said they flagrantly disregarded the city's constitutional order and undermined the overall and long-term interests of Hong Kong society.

The National People's Congress (NPC) will deliberate the draft decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to safeguard national security.

The Government pointed out that the decisions fundamental objective is to safeguard national security and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, thereby better protecting the legitimate rights and freedoms of all members of the public in Hong Kong.

The violent acts in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai today showed that advocates of Hong Kong independence and rioters remain rampant, reinforcing the need and urgency for the legislation on national security.

It added given that the epidemic is not over and while the economic situation has been severe, Hong Kong cannot withstand further blows.

The Government said rioters acts were extremely irresponsible and it supported Police to take resolute enforcement action.

It also urged the public to dissociate from the rioters and abide by the law, as well as condemn these violent acts together.

Police today also strongly condemned the rioters for injuring others and causing violent disruption, and emphasised that it will spare no effort in the investigation.

Up to 9.30pm, the force has arrested at least 180 people, mainly for offences such as participating in an unauthorised assembly, unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct in a public place.

This story has been published on: 2020-05-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Filmmaker Kunal Kohli lost his maternal aunt in Chicago to the coronavirus. In a series of tweets, he lamented the fact that their close-knit family could not be together at this time of grief but said that the deadly virus wont break our love and memories.

Lost my Masi to Covid after an 8 week struggle. In Chicago. Were a large family thats really close. We cant be together at this time. This is as painful as the loss. Seeing my Mom Masis & Mamas not being able to be together at this time is really hard, he wrote.

Kunal said that his cousin, the daughter of his deceased aunt, was not allowed inside the hospital premises due to risk of infection and would pray from the car park. Her daughter (my cousin sister) would go to the hospital, sit in her car in the car park & pray for her mother. As she wasnt allowed inside the hospital. Said she felt close to her as she couldnt see her. This is how harsh Covid is. This isnt the way to go, he said.

Also read: Nawazuddin Siddiquis wife Aaliya told him not to write controversial autobiography, says he thought he was being mahan

Kunals aunt was one of five sisters and three brothers, and he said that their bond was so strong that only death could break it. He added that the love and memories will remain with them forever.

5 sisters. 3 brothers too, but sisters are diff.Their bond unbreakable. Only death could break it. They taught a family & everyone they touched the meaning of love,family,giving. Covid has been harsh to our family. Wont break our love & memories. Miss you Masi, he wrote.

The US is the hardest-hit in the global coronavirus pandemic, with the death toll nearing 1,00,000. As of now, at least 16,45,094 cases have been reported in the country.

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The United States has always been a key preference of foreigners moving to a different country. While most of the world struggles with instability issues, The United states of America offer great grounds for settling in and making a lucrative life. This is the reason that more and more immigrants are interested in establishing US Residency.

Moving APT a moving service platform dedicated to offer successful moving experiences to customers state that there is a significant surge in the clients looking for online moving quotes to move to America. People are looking for living opportunities in America and the search results are scattered. For example, Florida is the state where high-net worth individuals are very interested. Besides being rich in culture, offering an amazing climate and several job opportunities, what makes Florida more desirable is that there is no state or local income tax on individuals.

Tax planning a critical aspect

Yes, tax remains a key determiner for deciding the best place to move. There are different states in America and each imposes a different tax slab or nothing at all. As we just quoted Florida for being tax free, New York on the other hand imposes income tax on individuals at rates of up to almost 9 percent. When you move a little further, New York City has additional income tax on individuals at rates of up to almost 4 percent and then there is California where the income tax rates are as high as 13.3 percent on individuals.

Tax planning thus is very imperative for anyone moving from a distant country to America, In fact, Americans moving from one state to another too understand the critical nature of tax planning and plan accordingly. Honestly, a move can be successful with pre-tax planning, however, for how long the tax consequences won't be visible, is a matter of debate.

While the tax slabs remain as challenging, with proper planning, the introduction to the taxation system in the US and its different states does not remain as intimidating as it is without planning.

How can the best tax planning be achieved?

People change countries for various reasons personal to them. However, tax planning is something that applies to one and all if you are moving to a foreign country, especially the United States. To achieve best tax planning before you move to America one must:

Know the taxation in the respective state:

The first step towards tax planning is research about all the taxation rules and regulation in the preferred state. You can reach out to the official tax website of America and find out what tax can be imposed on you based on your net worth.

Making a list of assets:

For high-net worth individuals, making a list of assets can be a tough task. The assets here comprises all types of properties, investments and more. Having a handy list can help you have a clear understanding about your taxable income.

Engage with a tax planner:

The best way to ensure proper tax planning is to engage a professional tax planner. The experienced tax planner would guide you for tax planning matters and suggest ways to save taxes as you make a permanent home somewhere in America.

Stay compliant to the rules and regulations:

Never do you ever step outside the legal line of tax planning. Hiding your income or net worth is not the solution to saving taxes. In fact, it is a way to get more troubles and monetary fines on yourself. A proficient tax planner would never suggest you to hide or misrepresent your income and investments.

There are a lot of planning that you need to do before moving to a foreign country and tax planning is one of it. While you focus your attention on planning your taxation, our must make sure you have professional movers engaged in taking care of your moving process. Taxation is important if you want to enjoy a happy and stress free life in America. Whether you are moving from a different country to America of changing states, make sure you'd proper tax planning and enjoy a happy ad lucrative life in the US.
For stranded migrant workers and people living in containment zones, Eid preparations have been limited to making do with essentials as the lockdown to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic has dampened the fervour of the festival.

Some migrants are dependent on government and NGOs for food to observe the festive traditions, while others have borrowed money from friends and relatives to buy sweetmeats.

Mohammad Yusuf, 32, resident of a shelter home in central Delhi, who could not register for a Shramik Special train, said that this would be the first time that he is not celebrating Eid at home. Every year, I would get my children new clothes and gifts for the festival. They have been waiting for me to reach home, but my registration has still not been done. What does the festival mean without family and friends? Here, we get some food to live by. I have run out of money to get them anything at all when I do go back, said Yusuf, who used to work at a toy-making unit in Sadar Bazar.

He had left his rented room to head back to his village in Bihars Muzaffarpur and when he could not get on a bus, was brought to the shelter by civil defence volunteers.

According to the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) officials, the number of migrants at the shelters has reduced to just about 10-15% since the Shramik Special trains started on May 1. The NGOs roped in to run the shelters have been providing a basket of fruit and cold drinks for iftar, for those fasting during Ramzan. They will also be distributing sweets and dry snacks on Eid, on Monday, said a senior DUSIB official, on the condition of anonymity.

The official said that the DUSIB runs 223 permanent shelters for the homeless, while the Delhi government had converted 256 school buildings to house migrants.

Among those stranded, at south Delhis Shahpur Jat, is a group of around 1,000 hand embroidery from West Bengal. Earlier, we were waiting for our turn for train registration and now, the trains have been cancelled because of the cyclone. There is no money to even buy fruits or milk for children. Every year, we would buy new clothes, but this is the first time that there is no such thing for Eid. We make do with rice and lentils every day, said Mafizul Mallick, of the group.

Abdul Salaam, the president, Centre for Holistic Development, an NGO working for the homeless, said, People have been out of work and have run out of savings. They had hoped to return home, but have been stuck. We will be distributing sevaiyan (a vermicelli-based dessert) and food for the workers here so that they at least have something to celebrate.

In Delhis 87 containment zones, especially in central, east, northeast and south-east districts that house a sizeable Muslim population, the festivities will be limited to the households.

Prominent markets at Sadar Bazar, Nabi Karim, Chandni Mahal and Bara Hindu Rao, which are generally abuzz with activity during Ramzan, have been deserted this year.

Anwar Ullah, general secretary Chandni Mahal residents welfare association, said, The lanes are empty, there is no sound. It doesnt feel like its Eid tomorrow. The sweets shops have not been opened. We have got sevaiyan to cook but dont know if other snacks will be available tomorrow. It has been really tough on the children.

Nizamuddin Basti, located just behind the Hazrat Nizamuddin dargah, which used to be a hub of activity during the festival has been locked down for almost two months, after the Tablighi Jamaat-related cases emerged.

Abdur Rahman, general secretary of the Bastis RWA, said, There are not even enough lights put up for decorations in a place that dazzled not just during Eid, but throughout the year. The lanes used to be full of people shopping and gathering to exchange greetings in the days leading to the festival. The lockdown has been the longest for us. Even though there has been no new positive case, the area has not been opened. We have procured food and other decorative material for houses from Bhogal. That is all we can do now.

Ali Rehman, 32, who owns a garments store in Vivek Vihar, which is part of a containment zone, said there is little to celebrate due to the losses suffered during the lockdown. For small-scale businessmen, there has been no reprieve. Many people have lost their jobs. I have never seen such calm around the festival. Since we cannot go even to the masjids, which have been closed, or to relatives houses, we will just cook and pray at home, he said.

In southeast Delhis Zakir Nagar, home to a large number of Muslims, Irshad Alam, who owns a footwear store, said that the usual fervour is missing due to safety concerns on peoples minds. Even if one wishes to, there is so much apprehension that one wouldnt go out to meet their relatives. Being in a confined area, that is not even a prospect. Its like celebrating Eid inside a prison-like complex, said Alam.

In nearby containment zones of Shaheen Bagh and Okhla too, people said safety is first and that they can celebrate Eid next year once the country emerges from the shadow of this pandemic.

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Apples iMessage has always offered end-to-end encryption and it looks like Googles RCS is next in line.

Google has been rolling out its RCS (Rich Communication Services) to limited users around the globe. While we already know the features of RCS, this time APK Mirror has found what is called an internal dogfood build of app that reveals an upcoming feature (and an important one).

While the internal build has several changes as per 9to5Google, one of the key features found is the end-to-end encryption support, which for now, is missing from it. Called as Googles answer to Apple iMessage, RCS is assumed as the successor to the SMS and MMS that most of us use for now. However, Apples iMessage has always offered end-to-end encryption and it looks like Googles RCS is next in line.

Also read: Zoom hack: We asked Microsoft, Google, AnyDesk about their encryption models

For those unaware, end-to-end encryption means that the messages that you send are first encrypted in your device and can only be decrypted on the receivers device so nobody can snoop in to reach your texts.

The new build found by APK Mirror however indicates in a total of 12 strings of codes that end-to-end encryption is well underway. The codes sometimes shorten its mention by using e2ee. However, there arent enough details as to when this feature will be rolled out to users or what are its exact requirements. It might be possible that both the sender and receiver must use RCS for encryption to work.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy A Quantum launched with quantum encryption technology

It has also been reported that at least the user would require a good, stable internet connection to get this feature. In case you dont know, Googles RCS sends the messages as a (non-encrypted) SMS or a MMS if the internet network is not good. But before sending, it will remind you that SMS or MMS does not support end-to-end encryption and will ask for your consent.

However, end-to-end encryption may get another layer of security as per the RCS build. Report states that it could let users set whether other Android apps can access your encrypted messages or not. We are yet to see how this will work.
New Delhi: Appealing people to put an end to debates over the Tablighi Jamaat controversy, Union health minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that he feels "pained to raise the matter repeatedly".

"Look, the truth is the matter has become old. Enough debates have been conducted over it. I feel pained to raise the matter over and over again," Harsh Vardhan responded to a question by BJP's Rajya Sabha MP GVL Narasimha Rao.

He further said that that there was no point in discussing the issue as most of the 'super spreader' had been "traced, quarantined and treated".

#WATCH: Enough has been discussed & debated about it. I feel bad to raise this issue every now & then: Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan on being asked by BJP's GVL Narasimha Rao, "If Tablighi Jamaat event was a take of point for corona in India?" pic.twitter.com/yqsP33JhIb ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2020

About 8,000 people in the Tablighi Jamaat congregation met for three days in March at the group's compound in the crowded Nizamuddin area of New Delhi, shortly before the Indian government banned large gatherings. The compound stayed open, later giving shelter to people stranded in a 21-day lockdown imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24.

The government later blamed the Islamic missionary meeting for a surge in coronavirus cases, triggering a wave of violence, business boycotts and hate speech toward Muslims.

Politicians in Bharatiya Janata Party were quoted on TV and in newspapers describing the Jamaat incident as "corona terrorism". False news targeting Muslims began to circulate, including video clips purportedly showing congregation members spitting on authorities. The clips were quickly proven to be fake, yet by April 1, the hashtag "CoronaJihad" was trending on Twitter in India.

Lav Aggarwal, joint secretary of India's health ministry, repeatedly called out the congregation by name in daily news briefings. On April 5, he said the number of virus cases was doubling in just 4.1 days, and would have been a slower 7.4 days "if the additional...cases due to the Tablighi Jamaat meeting would not have arisen."

'4 Covid-19 Vaccines May Soon Enter Clinical Trial Stage in India'

Talking further about the development of Covid-19 vaccines, the minister said that at least four of the 14 candidate vaccines for the virus in the country may enter the clinical trial stage very soon.

"The whole world is trying to develop a vaccine for Covid-19. There are over 100 candidate vaccines which are at different levels of development. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is coordinating the efforts. India is also actively contributing in it. There are 14 candidates in India also which are at different levels..." Vardhan said.

He said the Department of Biotechnology of the Ministry of Science and Technology is helping the academic world and industry in all manners such as giving regulatory clearances, grants or financial support, among other things. "As far as I know, four of our fourteen vaccines will soon be in the clinical trial stage, within 4 to 5 months. All the 14 are right now at the pre-clinical trial stage."

'Covid-19 Cases to Surge from Migrant Influx, but We are Ready'

Vardhan also said that coronavirus cases will increase in different parts of the country till the migrant influx continues. However, he assured that the situation is being closely monitored and the country's health infrastructure is ready to handle the situation.

"If we have relaxed the lockdown and are sending lakhs of migrant workers to their destinations with confidence, that clearly indicates that we know our situation and are closely monitoring it. Our strategies are ready. We are testing migrant workers and quarantining them. I think for one to two weeks, the cases will increase till all of them reach their states. However, I want to say to people of this country that if the relaxations are used optimally with discipline, by following social distancing and hygiene, using masks etc, we will be able to restore normal life," the health minister said.

(With inputs from IANS)
A little over three months ago, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wasn't even on the radar for most Americans. It was simply another serious illness that was expected to be contained and dealt with, as we'd previously seen happen with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, and Ebola.

But COVID-19 proved different. It wound up taking just weeks for the coronavirus pandemic to shut down nonessential businesses across most states, as well as put more than 36 million people out of work. All told, up to a quarter of U.S. workers might be unemployed before the economy officially hits its trough.

The CARES Act was a good start, but it doesn't do nearly enough for most Americans

Knowing full-well the implications of shutting down large swaths of the economy to slow disease transmission, Congress passed and the president signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law on March 27. This $2.2 trillion relief package is the largest in U.S. history, and it aimed to support multiple facets of the economy.

For example, the CARES Act provided $500 billion for distressed industry loans, close to $350 billion for small business loans, $100 billion for hospitals, and apportioned $260 billion to expand the unemployment benefits program through July. This expansion allows approved unemployed beneficiaries to receive an extra $600 per week for up to four months.

But the hallmark component of the CARES Act is the $300 billion set aside for direct stimulus payments. All told, the Treasury Department expects more than 150 million Americans to be eligible for an Economic Impact Payment (as these stimulus payouts are officially known), with more than 140 million Americans already being dispersed $239 billion, as of May 18.

The issue is that, for many stimulus recipients, a maximum payout of $1,200 per individual or $2,400 per married couple filing jointly, along with $500 per qualifying dependent child, was simply not enough. A 2,200-person Money/Morning Consult survey from April found that 74% of survey-takers had spent their stimulus money in four weeks or less.

Thus, it's not a matter of whether additional financial assistance is needed at this point, but what that next round of stimulus should look like.

A wild new stimulus proposal is making its rounds on social media

On Capitol Hill, more than a half-dozen second stimulus proposals have been put on the table since the beginning of April. These proposals include everything from stimulus payouts that could reach as much as $10,000 per household on a monthly basis to rent and mortgage forgiveness for up to one year.

However, the newest stimulus proposal that's gaining steam comes from billionaire entrepreneur and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. In a series of tweets on May 17, Cuban laid out his vision for what stimulus 2.0 should look like.

While noting that the Paycheck Protection Program (i.e., the aforementioned small business loan program) was a "great plan" with "difficult execution," Cuban doesn't view the PPP as a success. Rather, he believes the best way to help America and businesses is with "trickle-up economics."

First, Cuban called for a federal jobs program that would train and hire millions of workers to test, track, and trace COVID-19, as well as support the at-risk population, including those who would need long-term care. In Cuban's view, guaranteeing federal jobs would put a dent into the currently ballooning unemployment rate.

Secondly, Cuban is calling for an interim spending program whereby 128 million households would get a $1,000 check every two weeks. The catch, though, is that these checks would need to be spent within 10 days or the payout expires. Cuban called it a "use it or lose it" program in his tweets and suggests it would cost approximately $500 billion.

Here's the full series of tweets from Cuban:

It's time to face the fact that PPP didn't work. Great plan, difficult execution. No one's fault. The only thing that will save businesses is consumer demand. No amount of loans to businesses will save them or jobs if their customers aren't buying.  Mark Cuban (@mcuban) May 17, 2020

In addition, because this will take time, we need to consider an interim spending stimulus program. All 128m households could get a $1k check every 2 weeks for the next 2 months that MUST BE SPENT WITHIN 10 DAYS OF RECEIPT OR IT EXPIRES. This "use it or lose it" prog will  Mark Cuban (@mcuban) May 17, 2020

There is certainly a lot of risk in this use it or lose it approach. A lot to be considered. But it could be patterned after @USDirectExpress. Let me know your thoughts  Mark Cuban (@mcuban) May 17, 2020

Would this actually work?

Of course, the real question that needs to be asked is whether Cuban's unorthodox stimulus approach would actually bear fruit.

In one respect, examining stimulus from the demand-side of the equation does make sense. In other words, the Federal Reserve has done everything in its power to keep lending rates low and credit accessible for businesses that need it. But this does little good if consumers are too scared to spend their money. Under a use it or lose it program, consumers would have no choice but to put this capital to work, otherwise they'd lose their temporary stimulus. This should lead to a rise in durable and non-durable good consumption.

But as Cuban notes, there are a lot of questions with such an idea. Perhaps the biggest of all is how the federal government would track spending. I'm not going to lie, it sounds like a logistical nightmare. Even if the federal government issued prepaid cards as opposed to checks, I'm not exactly certain how they'd ensure that the stimulus funds are being spent and not just withdrawn for personal use at a later time.

Another point of contention is the 10-day spending period mandated by Cuban. Spending data would suggest that those who need stimulus money the most (i.e., low-and middle-income individuals and families) are spending what they receive and not stuffing it under the mattress. Forcing spending within a very short period of time might prove unnecessary.

Lastly, it's uncertain if Cuban's program would really save small businesses. Obviously, consumers should have the right to spend their money as they see fit. But during this pandemic we've seen large retailers like Amazon and Walmart flourish, with small businesses taking it on the chin (since many are closed). There's nothing within Cuban's argument that offers confidence that these dollars would wind up being spent locally in small businesses.

Keep in mind that what Cuban has proposed is far from official. But it's certainly garnering attention on social media, and even among some members of Congress. It could be only a matter of time before a demand-side stimulus package is put on the table for discussion.
Geek Pride Day is a festival celebrated to promote geek culture in society. The day is annually celebrated every year on May 25. The initiative of Geek Pride Day initially originated in Spain in the year 2006. The event took the internet by storm as it honoured those who are perceived to be overly intellectual, boring or socially awkward.

The word 'geek' is a slang that is mostly used to describe eccentric or non-mainstream people. It also describes people who are experts or enthusiastic and obsessed with a hobby. On this day, here is a collection of Geek Pride Day images for you.

Geek Pride Day Images

ALSO READ| Vicky Kaushal Starrers Like 'Zubaan' And 'Geek Out' That Went Unnoticed

A Brief Timeline of the Geek Pride Day:

Tim McEachern organised unconnected events called Geek Pride Festival and/or Geek Pride Day 1998 to 2000 at a bar in Albany, New York, which are sometimes seen as a prelude to Geek Pride Day

In 2006, the Spanish blogger German Martinez known online as senor Buebo organized the first celebration, the day was celebrated for the first time in Spain and on the Internet. The biggest concentration took place in Madrid, where 300 Geeks demonstrated their pride together with a human PacMan. A manifesto was created to celebrate the first Geek Pride Day, which included a list of the basic rights and responsibilities of geeks.

In 2008, Geek Pride Day was officially celebrated in the U.S., where it was heralded by numerous bloggers, coalescing around the launch of the Geek Pride Day website.

ALSO READ| Sanya Malhotra Opens Up About Her Geeky Look In 'Shakuntala Devi'; Read

By 2009, acknowledgement of the day had reached the Science Channel, with special programming on May 25 to celebrate and events took place to commemorate the day in Ottawa, home to the Canada Science and Technology Museum and a notable research centre in Canada.

While in 2010 the festival spread further, taking in cities as diverse as Halifax, Nova Scotia; Budapest, Hungary; Tel Aviv, Romania and San Diego, California

In 2013, a Geek Pride parade was held in Gothenburg, Sweden, and it was decided that it would be an annual event.

In 2013, and annually since, a Meetup group in the New York City suburbs called Westchester Geeks has held a Geek Pride Day celebration on or around May 25.

ALSO READ| French Secret Agency Looking To Recruit 'geeks' & Not 'James Bonds', Says Tech Director
Los Angeles, May 24 : Tippi Hedren would today perhaps be introduced as "Fifty Shades" actress Dakota Johnsons grandmother, but Hollywood buffs would know her as Alfred Hitchcocks heroine in the classic thrillers "The Birds" (1963) and "Marnie" (1964).

Those who really prize their Hollywood trivia would also know of Hedren's 'collection' of big cats.

Even today at 90, she lives with "13 or 14 lions and tigers", it was revealed by Dakota during an appearance in an at-home edition of "The Graham Norton Show". The actress opened up about her family's love for cats, reports dailymail.co.uk.

Dakota, 30, said her grandmother currently has "13 or 14 lions and tigers" at her home, adding that there was a time when she had many big cats wandering free around her home.

Dakota's grandmother along with her mother, actress Melanie Griffith, 62, appeared with many of their cats in the 1981 film "Roar".

Dakota began by confirming that her grandmother was doing good.

When Norton asked about her big cats, Dakota said: "She has 13 or 14 lions and tigers. There used to be 60 cats, but now there're just a couple." Norton then went on to share a photograph of her mother as a teenager. It showed her jumping into her swimming pool and a male lion grabbing at her leg to bite it.

"Oh yeah, with the leg and the mouth," said Dakota, going on to joke: "She didn't lose the leg." Dakota has spent time with the big cats at her grandmother's home, but she never experienced the thrill and danger of having the wild animals.

"By the time I was born they were all in huge compounds and it was a lot safer, and it wasn't as totally psycho as it was when they first started," she said.
The World Health Organization and United States have been connected since the very beginning, and a U.S. departure from the international body would be unimaginable, a WHO official said Sunday.

The United States, since at least 1902, has been the leader in global public health, and I cannot imagine an environment where the United States would not be in WHO and contributing to WHO as it does today, Stewart Simonson, WHOs assistant director-general of general management, said in an interview on CNNs Fareed Zakaria GPS.

WHO was founded by the United States and other member states, Simonson added. WHO has benefited from enormous generosity from the people of the United States and almost incalculable technical support.

The officials comments come nearly a week after President Donald Trump sent a letter to the WHO threatening to permanently halt funding and pull out of the international body if the agency does not commit to major substantive improvements within the next 30 days.

It is the latest escalation after Trump last month implemented a temporary freeze on WHO funding based on accusations that the agency mismanaged the onset of the pandemic and failed to hold China accountable on transparency.

In response to charges that the WHO sat on information coming out of China about coronavirus and did not act quickly enough, Simonson said: Both assertions are wrong on their face.

There is no conceivable reason WHO would sit on information. No interest of ours is served by doing so, he said. Our interest is in sounding the alarm when the evidence is indicates the alarm should be sounded and that is exactly what Dr. Tedros did.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said the agency is looking into the contents of Trump's letter. Simonson acknowledged he wouldnt make conclusions on Chinas transparency until an independent review by the World Health Organization occurs.

Simonson, a former aide to Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson, served in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in different roles during the administration of President George W. Bush.

Story continues

China has repeatedly bashed the U.S. allegations as a cover-up for Trumps own mishandling of the outbreak in the United States.

Trumps letter has received some partial nods of support, however. Germanys health minister, Jens Spahn, urged the U.S. not to leave the organization, but acknowledged that Trump does have a point  the WHO needs to reform its governance and accountability."

The U.S. contributes roughly $400 million per year to the WHO, making it by far the biggest donor out of 194 member states. The organization was founded in 1948 and has played a leading role in public health crises, from smallpox to Ebola, which Simonson argued could not be done without support from its members, notably the U.S.

Trump has frequently resorted to ending or limiting U.S. involvement in international organizations under his America First approach. Earlier in his presidency, he withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear agreement.

Besides the WHO, Trump also recently revealed plans to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, an agreement signed by more than 30 nations that permits open surveillance over military activities. The move has drawn backlash from Democrats as well as European countries.
Connecticut State Police

The FBI and police in three states are hunting for a University of Connecticut student suspected in a terrifying three-day crime spree that included two murders, a home-invasion robbery, and a kidnapping.

Peter Manfredonia, 23, was last spotted on foot in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, carrying a large duffel bag that may contain weapons stolen from one of the victims.

We know that he is armed and dangerous, Connecticut State Trooper Christine Jeltema said at a press conference. Do not approach him.

Manfredonia, 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, is a former high school football player from the Sandy Hook section of Newtown, Connecticut, the community devastated by a 2012 school massacre.

His Facebook page contained posts about the need to reduce gun violence and fundraisers for Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit created after the mass shooting. But the page had not been updated since last year.

Authorities have been looking for Manfredonia since Friday, when he was seen leaving the scene of a brutal assault on two older men in Willington, Connecticut.

Cynthia DeMers, whose husband, Theodore, was killed, told the Hartford Courant that Manfredonia had been walking down their road and needed a ride to his motorcycle.

It could have been anybody who offered him a ride, she told the newspaper. It could have been any of my neighbors husbands. It just happened to be mine.

Minutes after her husband and neighbor left with the suspect, her husband and the other man were found gravely wounded by what was described only as an edged instrument. DeMers, a woodworker, could not be revived, and police said the second victims injuries were extremely serious.

Its believed that late Friday night, while on the run, Manfredonia broke into a house in Willington and held the owner captive for a day before leaving with food, long guns, a pistol, and a carwhich was later found abandoned after a crash near Osbornedale State Park in Derby.

SWAT teams and K-9 units swarmed the park Sunday morning, as Derby police warned on Facebook: Residents are asked to remain vigilant as this suspect is considered armed and highly dangerous.

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But Manfredonia wasnt in the park. As police would soon reveal, he had headed to a Derby home where he allegedly killed an acquaintance, 23-year-old Nicholas J. Eisele, stole a black Volkwagen Jetta, and abducted Eiseles girlfriend.

Later Sunday, police said, Manfredonia abandoned the car and the woman in New Jersey, near the Pennsylvania border. He was then spotted in East Stroudsburg in dark shorts and a white shirt.

Pennsylvania State Police

UConn confirmed Manfredonia is enrolled in its School of Engineering/School of Business program but said he was not living on campus.

In an August 2019 Facebook post following several mass shootings, Manfredonia wrote: An irrefutable factor in this plague of violence effecting the nation MUST be attributed extremist views brought about by an environment that promotes toxic masculinity while enabling individuals with a dangerously severe lack of sympathy/remorse to freely acquire firearms. How much more will it take for people to understand SOMETHING in our system isnt working and action needs to be taken? Remember the victims, not the shooters or their ideology.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The Governor has repeatedly encouraged wearing face coverings inside or when social distancing is impossible, spokeswoman Alena Yarmosky said Sunday. He was outside yesterday and not expecting to be within six feet of anyone. This is an important reminder to always have face coverings in case situations change  we are all learning how to operate in this new normal, and its important to be prepared.
A week or so into May, Alison Willis called her parents with a bold idea: What if they came over for dinner on Mothers Day?

Dont answer right away, she told them on the phone. Just think about it. Later, when theyd agreed to the visit, the family negotiated terms: Her parents, ages 69 and 70, would wear N95 masks except while eating. Everyone would stay 6 feet apart. Theyd order in dinner, so everyones food came in separate containers.

No, GG couldnt hug her 6- and 9-year-old granddaughters.

My dad said no, thats crossing a line, Willis said.

Her father would know  hes Warner Greene, a virologist and senior investigator at the Gladstone Institutes whos studied HIV for decades and recently shifted to the coronavirus thats infected 5 million people globally.

The Mothers Day dinner, at the Willis home in San Mateo, was a little awkward, but it was wonderful just to be in the same space again, father and daughter said. There was lots of joking, Greene said. It wasnt completely normal, but it was good.

As the Bay Area gradually reopens the economy and slips out of its collective isolation, these kinds of encounters are expected to become more common, not just for Willis and Greene but for families all over the region. Public health officials talk of how people may safely return to work and to school in the near future, but many residents want to know: When can I see my loved ones again?

There is no official answer yet. Formally, public health authorities say that current shelter-in-place orders dont allow people to spend time with others outside their household. On Friday, Santa Cruz County announced four new clusters of cases associated with family gatherings, including Mothers Day celebrations.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, when asked at a news briefing Friday when people could socialize again, reiterated that the state is still experiencing widespread disease and people need to keep sheltering in place.

I have a very personal struggle with this right now, said Dr. Erica Pan, the health officer for Alameda County. My parents live in San Francisco, and they usually spend a lot of time with our kids. And its really hard for everyone. But right now we want peoples bubbles to be their household unit. We still want to minimize the number of people that we are in contact with.

Authorities have noted repeatedly that older people and those with health problems that put them at risk may be discouraged from venturing far outside their homes for many more months  perhaps not until there is a vaccine or robust treatment for COVID-19.

Nick Otto / Special to The Chronicle

But experts say they also recognize that many people, regardless of age and health status, may not be able to abstain from seeing friends and family for the duration of this pandemic. Eventually, people are going to need to make difficult risk assessments for themselves and others as they re-engage  beyond Zoom and FaceTime  in those relationships.

Its an unknown calculus, Greene said. You desperately want the social interaction with your family. Its particularly important after what weve gone through. But the personal risk  can you imagine how bad the family would feel if we had that interaction and then someone got infected? I certainly dont have the answer to this one.

Many public health experts are taking a harm reduction approach to talking about connecting with friends and family again. The idea is that social activities are always going to be risky as long as the coronavirus is circulating. But abstinence isnt an option for many people when it comes to seeing loved ones, so they need to find ways to do that with the least amount of risk.

Other elements of reopening society, from resuming retail and restaurants, to safely conducting outdoor activities, have been closely monitored by public health officials. Theyve issued detailed guidelines and directives. But evaluating the risks around socializing may lie largely on individuals and families, experts said.

There are certain things that are just not wise to do under any circumstances now  not wearing a mask, not washing hands. The obvious things, said John Swartzberg, an infectious disease expert with UC Berkeley. Its the nibbling at the edges where people will have different opinions. Im coming to think we should be tolerant of how people act at those edges. Where the risk is very small, its open for reasonable people to make reasonable judgments.

Swartzberg said that he and his wife decided they werent willing to stop seeing their son and daughter-in-law and grandchildren, who live only 10 minutes away in the East Bay. So we meet them outside, at least once a week, he said. And the 10-year-old draws a line where 6 feet is, and we stay outside the line.

Any movement toward reconnecting with family and friends should start with a conversation, said Jei Africa, behavioral health director for Marin County. Start by asking if the other people are open to meeting in person at all  as Willis did with her parents. Make it clear that no is an acceptable answer, Africa said.

Next, families should agree on boundaries: Will everyone wear face coverings the entire time? Will the gathering happen inside or outside? Should everyone bring their own food? Is any physical contact allowed?

The answer should depend on science, and what is known about how the virus spreads  outside is better than inside, for example, and yes, people should wear face coverings when they can. But its also up to individuals risk tolerance. A grandparent may decide that a quick hug around the knees from a small grandchild is acceptable, but not a kiss on the cheek, for example.

Do not assume that people want to hug you or kiss you or shake your hand, Africa said. And do not be hurt by people asking to change their usual routines and behaviors. Were really social beings. And sometimes its not the holding hands or hugging. Its the proximity, just being next to to somebody, that matters.

Nick Otto / Special to The Chronicle

Getting that message across to children may be especially complicated. Greene said the first time he saw his granddaughters was at the end of a driveway, when everyone was wearing masks, and the 6-year-old had a tough time understanding why she couldnt get close to her grandparents.

A Stanford emergency physician has even written a childrens book on the topic, called I Love You When Youre Close and When Youre Far Away. He wrote it with his 2-year-old daughter in mind.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

If families are considering an in-person meeting, Africa suggested explaining to young children, Just for now, we can be in the same space but keep a distance. I know it will be hard, but it means we keep each other healthy.

Its not just close family members who are talking about reconnecting, but friends too. Infectious disease experts say that can get into dicier territory, because boundaries may be less clearly defined. And the more people begin to socialize, the more likely they are to get lazy about social distancing, experts worry.

But especially for people who dont have family nearby, or who have been isolating alone, expanding that quarantine bubble will happen eventually. Some families are talking about blending households, if only so their children have playmates again.

Often, theyre finding that requires careful, complicated negotiations.

The families need to agree on hygiene protocols around handwashing and physical contact and mask-wearing. They need to disclose who is in their bubble already, and whether they have other family or friends beyond the household. And perhaps most important: They need to agree to not see other families.

Willis has talked with a family down the street about coming together. Their children are friends, and for the past two months they have been relegated to seeing each other only through windows or from behind masks.

The girls just yearn to be together, Willis said. So weve discussed, would they be the family to expand the bubble, to double up? But you have to tread that conversation carefully. Who else are you going to see? Is your bubble going to expand in the other direction with more people? Do I put my parents at risk if I include my neighbors in our bubble?

It all starts to get a little blurrier as it gets bigger, she said.

Some people arent yet ready to move beyond their household contacts, which is certainly preferable, most public health officials say. Shannon Bennett, chief of science for the California Academy of Sciences, said she and her mother agreed in early March that her mom should remain in Vancouver, British Columbia, during the outbreak, and they have no immediate plans to reunite.

She has family members in the Bay Area, but they are older relatives who dont yet feel safe interacting with people outside their home, Bennett said. So for a while longer its just the three of them: Bennett, her husband, and her 15-year-old daughter.

We miss them all, my mom and them, but its better  youre investing in the long term, Bennett said. Lets keep them alive a long, long time and not put them at risk, just because we would love to share hugs.

But the Bennetts did extend their family bubble a little over the weekend, she said. They adopted a puppy.

Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com Twitter: erinallday
Tony Blair's favourite banker is set to leave one of the City's most powerful firms.

City sources said Russell Chambers will leave Credit Suisse next month. He joined in 2007 to become chief executive of its UK investment bank but has recently been working as a senior adviser to the Zurich-based firm.

Chambers is one of the best connected bankers in the Square Mile  in 2004 the then Prime Minister Blair was pictured on his yacht off Barbados  and has advised on some of the biggest deals.

Russel Chambers is one of the best connected bankers in the Square Mile  in 2004 the then Prime Minister Blair (pictured) was pictured on his yacht off Barbados

Chambers, 58, still takes a big interest in politics and led the fund-raising for the short-lived Independent Group, the centrist party set up last year by rebel Labour and Conservative MPs.

Insiders said Chambers  who also works at US private equity firm Bain Capital  has no immediate plans to join a rival bank but may join a company board as a non-executive director or chairman.

Chambers has been a prolific investor in restaurant companies. He owns a stake in the British franchise of American burger chain Five Guys alongside Carphone Warehouse founder Sir Charles Dunstone.

Credit Suisse and Russell Chambers declined to comment.
Parents are split over whether it is safe to send their children back to school, with some fearing that it is too early to do so amid the coronavirus pandemic, a new poll has shown.

Meanwhile, parent groups have warned that mixed messages from the government and public health bodies have caused widespread confusion and anxiety over the reopening of schools.

The opinion poll conducted by The Observer found that 43 per cent of primary school parents and 54 per cent of secondary school parents felt anxiety over sending their children back to school.

With just one week before some year groups are set to resume, school authorities are still determining the practicalities of doing so.

Primary schools have been told to reopen year one and year six classes, as well as their early years offerings, by June 1, despite the government's SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) group releasing a report saying that the date would be too early.

Some councils, represented by all parties, have said that they cannot guarantee primaries will reopen by this date, according to the BBC.

There were suggestions on Friday that the UK's largest teaching union, the NEU, may be prepared to negotiate a general re-opening of schools from June 15, and have highlighted SAGE's findings that two week delay would be safer.

Welsh and Scottish school will wait longer before reopening.

Pictured: An empty playground at Milton St. John's Primary School which has been forced to close for a risk assessment by Public Health England after a confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported on May 22

Some people fear that chaos surrounding the issue of schools returning could widen the attainment gap between well-off and poor areas and families.

John Jolly, chief executive of the parent group Parentkind told The Observer that parents are asking for certainty, and said there was confusion among parents about the messaging from the government.

Some parents want the peace of mind of knowing schools are safe and reopening, he said, while others 'want the certainty of keeping children out of school until there is a vaccine, which may reflect families with underlying conditions,' he said. 'Then you have other parents that want a clear timeline.'

Jolly added that parents are not convinced about the messaging from the government about schools being safe, and that the evidence the government is basing that claim on is not being communicated fully.

It has also been suggested by teaching unions that families of more vulnerable children are more anxious about sending their children back to school over safety fears.

The former education minister David Laws, who now oversees the Education Policy Institute, said that a worsening of the divide was a 'significant risk', according to The Observer.

Joint general secretary of the National Education Union, Mary Bousted, told the newspaper that the the situation on the ground was now 'chaotic and increasingly untenable', saying that uncertainty among schools extends to how to convince parents to send their children back, and over how many staff will be available.

With the belief that children are less likely to be affected by coronavirus, professor Russell Viner, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, told BBC Radio 4's today programme that schools should be allowed to reopen.

'Covid-19 generally barely affects children and young people and actually we've shown that they are about half as susceptible,' he said on air. 'There is no doubt in my mind for children themselves, the balances are clearly in favour of going back to school.'

He added that the risks posed to children's families and the wider community would be manageable with an effective track and trace network, and a phased return.

Picrured: Notices advising staff and pupils to maintain 2m of separation to create an environment safe from coronavirus are displayed at Slaithwaite C of E Junior and Infant School in Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, May 22

Meanwhile, education secretary Gavin Williamson has scrapped plans to end the 'out-dated' long school summer holidays.

According to Mail on Sunday sources, the minister told friends that strong opposition from the unions had forced him to bury his hopes of using the coronavirus crisis as a way to reform school holidays.

The Mail on Sunday understands that Williamson will instead back summer camps for children of all ages that can be used to provide catch-up teaching.

Speaking last week, Williamson said that the Department for Education had been doing 'an enormous amount of work' on initiatives to make 'sure people do not miss out as a result of this crisis, looking at how we can make the interventions to support children'.

'We are looking at different initiatives that we could maybe look at rolling out during the summer period,' he added.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has quietly ditched plans to end the out-dated long summer school holidays. Pictured: Williamson gives the government's daily news conference on May 16

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has also urged primary schools to reopen in England as soon as possible as he revealed that his own children have attended lessons throughout lockdown.

The Labour leader said his 11-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter were still going to state school in north London as his wife Victoria is an NHS key worker.

He said he hoped children across England would be able to return to school next month but added that 'its got to be safe'.

However Starmer said it was important for Prime Minister Boris Johnson and those resisting the reopening, led by the National Education Union, to reach a consensus on how to get pupils back in the classroom.
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A teen who died after plummeting from a Gold Coast apartment building was trying to escape an armed robbery, police say.

The man, 19, was among a group of people staying at the View Avenue building at Southport and his body was found at the bottom of the building on Saturday about 3.15am.

Police allege three men aged 18, 20 and 22, went to the unit the man was staying in armed with a knife and committed a robbery.

On Sunday, three men were charged with one count of murder and two counts of armed robbery. They will face court on Monday.

Police said the teen fell from this building while trying to flee three men armed with a knife. Source: 7News

Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith told reporters the mans death was tragic.

The family is shattered and rightly so, Det Supt Smith said.

He added police believe the three men were among two separate groups in the building staying in two different rooms along with the dead teen.

They all attended a party where illicit drugs had been taken, he said.

Police have charged three men with murder. Source: 7News

During the course of the evening the three main offenders have robbed the victim and his friend at knifepoint, Det Supt Smith said.

And during the course of that the victim has attempted to escape and gone over the balcony and died.

Det Supt Smith said police are also investigating some linked break and enters at a number of chemists during the week in Gold Coasts northern suburbs including Pimpama.

We believe the drugs used came from those break and enters and that all persons in the premises were under the influence of drugs at the time, he said.

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Indian Hills will require 6 feet between families, will not distribute bulletins and will not collect an offering. There will be songs, Horn said, but no hymnals will be used. As a result, the service will likely feel a little different to churchgoers than it did before.

Indian Hills began streaming its services long before the pandemic hit, he said, and will continue to do so. While officials recommend that the vulnerable stay home for now, Horn said the church is looking forward to gathering again.

"Part of being part of the church is coming together," he said.

Other churches across the state, however, will wait to open their doors. The Episcopalian Diocese of Nebraska will keep its churches closed until at least June 28, citing concerns of increased spread of the virus in a news release from Bishop J. Scott Barker.

"We will continue on the conservative path of refraining from re-opening for that purpose until COVID-19 is well in retreat in our Nebraska communities," Barker said. "This approach has surely saved many of our members from sickness if not from death."

Faith Lutheran Church in York also plans to wait to open its doors. Head Elder Kevin Stuhr said the church may reopen sometime next month.
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and foreign relations via video link on the sidelines of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Li He)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday reiterated Chinas stance on the reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, noting that it is the trend of history which no individual or force can stop.

We have closely followed the COVID-19 developments in Taiwan, and we send our best wishes for the health of our Taiwan compatriots, said Wang.

According to Wang, its the Taiwan authorities who have turned a blind eye to their peoples well-being, and its them who have shut the door to cross-Strait consultation on Taiwans external activities.

Wang also criticized the United States for meddling with Taiwan question, advising the United States to ditch its illusions and political calculations.
Chemuta Divine Banda Archives

According to The Guardian Post, the family of late Dr. Chemuta Divine Banda has initiated court action against the Cameroon Radio Television, CRTV, for falsely announcing that the human rights activist died of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

The lone English language daily authoritatively quotes a close family member of the late chairman of the National Human Rights Commission as saying that both CRTV and the 8:30 p.m. TV news presenter, Adele Mbala Atangana, have been sued jointly and severally.

When Dr. Chemuta Banda died of an illness at a medical facility in Yaounde Monday, May 18, 2020, the 8:30 p.m. news presenter, The Guardian Post reports, was categorical in attributing the death to the novel coronavirus.

Even after it emerged from a death certificate which the family is brandishing, that the man did not die of COVID-19, the state-owned broadcaster still went ahead to post the story on YouTube and CRTV website, the paper reports in its issue N 1890 of Friday May 22, 2020, adding that the remains of Dr. Chemuta Banda were preserved at the mortuary of the Yaounde General Hospital mortuary, long before the CRTV 8:30 p.m. newscast of that day linking his death to coronavirus.

Barrister Ndong Christopher told The Guardian Post that the deceaseds family could claim damages of up to even half a billion francs FCFA given that by linking the late Dr. Chemuta Bandas death to COVID-19, CRTV has caused untold damage not only on the deceased but especially on his family memberseven a dead man has and maintains his dignity.

Barrister Ndong tells the paper that the CRTV announcement has brought shame, dishonour, moral and psychological damages to the family of the diseased which no amount of damages paid can compensate for.

Family members of the late Dr. Chemuta Banda are vehement that responsibility for another report on Tuesdays edition of the French language daily newspaper, Mutations, and on so many social media platforms, linking his death to COVID-19, should be dumped squarely at the doorsteps of CRTV, the paper furthers.

Cameroon-Info.Net recalls that on May 15, 2017 journalist Adele Mbala, while anchoring the 8:30 p.m. newscast on state television, read names of ministers and other officials presumed to have been named into the government of Frances President Emmanuel Macron. At the time she reportedly got the unfounded information from social media, President Macron was yet to name his government.

The diplomatic row that followed between Paris and Yaounde caused an extraordinary session of the Board of Directors of CRTV to removed Adele Mbala from her then position  Director of TV information.
Questioning the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to prohibit coronavirus patients from using mobile phones inside isolation wards of COVID-19 hospitals, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said the ban was put in place to hide the "poor condition" of hospitals in the state.

In a tweet in hindi, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said: "If infection spreads through mobile phones, then they should be banned across the country. Mobile phones provide mental support and help cope with loneliness.

In fact, the ban has been put in place, so that the truth about the poor condition of hospitals does reach the common public. The need is to sanitise mobile phones and not impose a ban on them," he said.

Director General Medical Education K K Gupta has directed all the medical universities, institutes, private and government hospitals to ban the use of mobile phones by COVID-19 patients admitted in L-2 and L-3 COVID-19 hospitals.

He also directed in-charge of COVID-19 hospitals be provided two mobile phones, so that patients admitted there could speak to there family members and vice-versa.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As coronavirus lockdowns loosen and some Americans flock to restaurants, beaches and other outdoor spaces for Memorial Day weekend, the question of reopening too quickly is striking an eerily familiar echo.

The global flu epidemic of 1918 remains the deadliest on record. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the pandemic killed an estimated 50 million worldwide and over half a million in the United States. J. Alexander Navarro of the University of Michigan's Center for History of Medicine is one of the organizers of the "Influenza Archive," a collection of information cataloguing and studying the effects of the 1918 pandemic in 43 major U.S. cities.

The research sought an answer to a key question: Was social distancing effective in 1918 as a way of slowing the spread of the disease and saving lives?

Navarro said cities that closed schools and banned public gatherings fared better against the flu. "They had both lower peak and total overall morbidity and mortality cases and deaths," he said.

In fact, statewide orders making masks mandatory and shuttering nonessential business were widespread in 1918. San Francisco, for example, imposed fines on individuals failing to wear a mask in public, prompting protests.

Current research tracking the success of social distancing efforts to ease the spread of the novel coronavirus point to the same conclusion.

But varying levels of enforcement combined with World War I created a variety of outcomes in 1918. That fall marked the disease's second and deadliest wave in the United States.

"The pandemic started in military camps first and foremost. So the military worked to try and control those epidemics in the camps," Navarro said. "The average Joe in the fall of 1918 was very much preoccupied with things like the Liberty Loan drives."

Philadelphia's infamous decision not to cancel its Liberty Loan parade in late September resulted in 1,000 deaths in the span of 10 days, making the city one of the hardest hit by the epidemic.

Other cities such as Denver lifted restrictions that November on Armistice Day to celebrate the end of the war, only to experience a deadlier spike.

"Pretty much every city that we examined reported on huge crowds immediately congregating downtown in stores and cafes and theaters and bowling alleys," Navarro said, adding that the crowding happened on the very day social distancing orders were lifted.

Navarro notes that the main difference between 1918 and the current coronavirus pandemic is the vastly different economic landscape - particularly the role of retail, restaurants, movie theaters and other small businesses. "They could shut down places of public amusement and not have the same type of impact on the local economy in 1918 because the manufacturing sector was so dominant," Navarro said. "This is an economy that's built on the service sector. So I think we're in for a much greater and more severe economic impact today than we were in 1918."

As states continue to grapple with the pandemic, many are easing restrictions and pushing to revive lagging economies. But leading health experts warn of a second wave of infection. Navarro is cautious about which lessons to draw from the past, noting advances in medical science and technology, but points to a worrying parallel in human behavior.

"Even though the historical context changes, there's going to be a great clamoring to get back to life as normal," he said. "There could be really terrible public health consequences as a result."
T wo police officers have been seen knocking on the front door of Dominic Cummings' home in north London.

The officers were pictured outside the top aide's address in Islington on Sunday afternoon.

The townhouse has been a hive of media attention all day as Boris Johnson faces mounting pressure to sack Mr Cummings over his alleged breach of lockdown rules with a 260-mile trip to County Durham.

The Met confirmed it was called to an address in Islington following reports of a crowd of people outside.

A Scotland Yard spokesman told the Standard: Police were called to an address in Islington at 2.49pm on Sunday, May 24. It was reported that a large crowd of people were outside the address.

There is no explanation for why the officers visited / PA

Officers attended the location. The call was not treated as an emergency. The officers knocked on the door of the property. There was no reply.

Media present were reminded of social distancing guidance. A number of members of the public were asked to move on, without issue.

No other action was taken by police. The caller was advised that police had attended the location.

The force would not confirm who had called the police.

Campaign group Led By Donkeys turned up outside Dominic Cummings' with a video of the PM / PA

Earlier, activists Led By Donkeys arrived at the street with a billboard that played clips of the PM urging Brits to follow lockdown rules.

Fresh allegations surfaced on Saturday night of Mr Cummings reportedly making a second trip to Durham, which he denies.

The Prime Minister stood by Mr Cummings at this afternoon's press briefing, insisting "he acted with integrity".

It follows a growing Tory rebellion on Sunday that has seen eight Conservative MPs break ranks and demand the advisor quits, with prominent 1922 Committee member Steve Baker saying he "must go" and "no one is indispensable".

The PM pledged his full support on Saturday to his under-fire chief adviser, who it emerged had travelled 260 miles to the North East in March to self-isolate with his family while official guidelines warned against long-distance journeys.

According to reports in the Observer and Sunday Mirror, the former Vote Leave campaign co-ordinator made a second trip to Durham and was seen there on April 19  five days after being photographed on his return to Westminster.

A second witness told the papers they saw him a week earlier in Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday, a popular tourist location 30 miles from Durham, during the period he was believed to be self-isolating.

Downing Street has defended Mr Cummings' actions, insisting he "acted in line with guidelines".

Dominic Cummings is under pressure to resign / AFP via Getty Images

Ex-Durham Police chief constable Mike Barton launched a scathing attack on Mr Cummings on Sunday and insisted he "broke the rules".

He told the BBC: "I was really quite surprised to learn that somebody who has made the rules that are very clear that if youre suffering from coronavirus, you have to stay at home, youre in lockdown, you do not leave your home under any circumstances.

"Not only did they do that and travel 260 miles, but also have then tried to justify it and evade their responsibility through the use of weasel words. I find it quite shocking really."

Number 10 initially said in a statement on Saturday that "at no stage was he [Mr Cummings] or his family spoken to by the police" in Durham.

But confirming they did speak to Mr Cummings' family, a Durham Police spokesperson said "an officer made contact" with Mr Cummings' father by phone after officers "were made aware" the top aide was in the city.
An expert panel on nursing homes appointed by the Minister for Health should be widened to examine the growing concerns of families and health workers over the deaths of residents.

The panel, announced yesterday, has been tasked by Health Minister Simon Harris to "safeguard" residents by examining the measures in place to protect them from Covid-19.

The panel was set up following recommendations made by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet). It will also report to the minister on the international response and "lessons learned" from Ireland's response to date.

Stephen McMahon, director of the Irish Patients' Association, said it was not clear from the terms of reference that the concerns of families and health workers would be included.

"Rather than comparing ourselves to other countries, the issue is we have had an unprecedented number of deaths in nursing homes," he said. "It would seem that the damage to nursing homes seems to have occurred in the first few weeks of the pandemic in Ireland. Residents themselves and the families of deceased residents need to know was any of this preventable."

He said the expert group should also be asked by the minister to consider whether any further inquiry into the State's response is necessary.

"The expert group has to be transparent in its findings, and there has to be clarity around whether a full independent inquiry is warranted or not warranted."

Ireland had the second highest death rates from Covid-19 in the world, according to a study published last week. The report by the International Long Term Care Policy Network said that 62pc of all Covid-19 deaths occurred in care homes. This figure compared with 82pc in Canada and 51pc in France. The report pointed out limitations of the data because countries record Covid deaths differently.

The Department of Health said last weekend that the death rate of residents in nursing homes was 55pc and it was 63pc across all long-term care centres.

Health officials have defended Ireland's attempts to protect nursing home residents from the spread of the virus, pointing to the international experience.

The health regulator, Hiqa, has received almost 300 "concerns" about Covid-19 infection in nursing homes, from families, health workers and others. Some families have called for inquiries into deaths of loved ones, including Jane Carrigan, whose aunt, Rose Hegarty, died after contracting the virus in St Mary's Hospital nursing home in Dublin, one of the worst affected by the virus.

Ms Carrigan has called for a statutory inquiry into the State's response.

Commenting on the expert panel yesterday, Ms Carrigan said it was important to ensure protections were in place for residents "given that the evidence seems to suggest that more waves are coming".

"I do feel an inquiry might explain why it happened, and how it can be prevented in the future," she said. "It struck me that some nursing homes were able to minimise an outbreak and some were not. Some were public nursing homes. Some were private ones. It raises lots of questions and I am not sure an expert panel will be able to answer these questions."

The expert panel will report to Mr Harris by the end of June 2020. He said it was a "crucial aspect of good planning to support Ireland's navigation through the Covid-19 landscape and ensure the best possible safeguards are in place".

The members of the panel are Professor Cecily Kelleher of UCD; retired geriatrician Professor Cillian Twomey; Petrina Donnelly, group director of nursing RCSI Hospital Group; and Bridget Doherty, a patient advocate.

An Oireachtas Committee on Covid-19 meets this week.
The state is bypassing normal purchasing procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to pay for no-bid, sole-source purchases of masks, broadband services, coronavirus testing and even attorneys to defend Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams public health orders that have closed businesses.

The emergency procurement process isnt unusual, and its also used by local governments.

But when the state Department of Health filed notice of an emergency procurement for $200 million, it rattled cages in Santa Fe.

Emergency requests, under state law, are required to name the amount of each purchase or contract, the name and address of the vendor, the nature of goods or services purchased and the nature of the emergency.

The DOH, in its emergency procurement filing with the Department of Finance and Administration, does none of that.

We posted the emergency declaration, earmarking the $200 million to demonstrate there is sufficient budget available over the course of the pandemic, spokesman David Morgan said. He said individual expenditures will be detailed and posted on the state Sunshine Portal when the department has time and sufficient people power.

The emergency spending money comes from the more than $1 billion the state received from the federal CARES Act as part of the financial packages approved by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the lack of transparency and involvement of the Legislature in the way the Lujan Grisham administration is spending the money has drawn the ire of Republicans and the Democratic-controlled Legislative Finance Committee.

Were supposed to have a say on how the state spends this money. It is better to do it on the front end, said Rep. Patricia Lundstrom, D-Gallup and LFC co-chair. I dont think it takes that much more time to let the Legislature know where the money is going.

Public health first

Typically, the emergency procurement laws are used for one-time purchases by state agencies for items such as emergency repairs of sewer lines and broken backup generators. Detailed accounting of how the money is spent is required.

That hasnt happened with the current spending.

The pandemic is the justification listed for the $200 million emergency procurement posted by the Department of Health and approved by DFA.

According to the departments emergency application, The goods and services being procured under this emergency determination will vary widely. Some of the goods and services that may be included under this emergency are:

Personal protective equipment and supplies, medical providers, temporary labor, janitorial services and supplies, decontamination equipment and services, portable equipment, medical supplies, food, rent of facilities necessary to quarantine, IT services for tracking and reporting, and other goods and services necessary to manage, mitigate and contain this deadly virus.

Make no mistake, Morgan said. The Department of Health is committed to following procurement laws. However, given the priorities of all the items needed, we needed to prioritize purchasing in order to put public health first.

The emergency procurement will also pay for testing, tracing, telemedicine and treatment.

No question the pandemic is costing money. The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, a trade organization, estimates that testing New Mexico nursing home residents and staff each week costs almost $2 million.

That estimate doesnt include residents and staff at assisted living or other long-term care facilities.

Other procurements

The Department of Health isnt alone in posting emergency procurements.

Cities, including Farmington and Roswell, have made emergency procurements for masks and personal protective gear for first responders.

School districts have rented tents and purchased other materials to provide meals to students being taught at home.

State agencies use the procedure for getting broken sewer lines fixed at state buildings such as the State Veterans Home in Truth or Consequences.

Those emergency procurements are more typical of emergency purchases.

The General Services Department used a separate emergency procurement to hire the Albuquerque law firm of Freedman Boyd Hollander Goldberg Urias and Ward to represent the state against legal challenges to the public health emergency orders issued by Lujan Grisham.

The initial contract is for $40,000, but it is for the duration of the cases the firm is asked to handle.

The request says the governors staff lawyers are overwhelmed dealing with a large number of legal issues created by the pandemic and dont have the time to respond to the high volume of complaints the Governor has received pertaining to the lawful executive orders.

Spending on technology

The Department of Information Technology issued an emergency procurement for broadband connectivity to rural parts of Sierra County at a cost of more than $2 million.

Sierra County has one case of COVID-19 out of more than 500 tests, according to the state Department of Health.

The posted application says Sacred Wind Communications of Albuquerque received the contract.

However, the documentation for emergency procurement refers to a $300,000 contract with Carahsoft Technology for subscription services to use a two-way texting system to monitor disease symptoms in at-risk individuals.

Fiscal planning

Legislative Finance Committee Director David Abbey has raised a number of issues on how the CARES Act money is being spent and how it could affect the states looming budget crunch caused by the pandemic and crashing oil prices.

He said in a letter to Department of Finance Secretary Olivia Padilla-Jackson that to avoid draconian reductions in the states next fiscal year, which begins July 1, the Legislature and the executive need to ensure that initiatives to fight the pandemic reflect good fiscal planning and budget practices.

Abbey, whose department has to approve emergency procurements, said that he was concerned that there was no overall plan for spending the money from the CARES Act and that the Legislature was being excluded from any decision-making process on how the money is being spent.

Instead of using emergency procurements, Abbey said, the correct course was for the administration to file Budget Adjustment Requests with the LFC for legislative oversight.

The LFC chairman, Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, was conciliatory toward the administration in a telephone interview but was still concerned that the federal money was being spent without consultation with legislators.

I wouldnt want to be in the executives shoes, Smith said. We, the governor and the Legislature are in territory none of us has been before.

Smith said the Legislature needs to know what the executive agencies are doing with the federal money so they can make better decisions on the states budget during Junes special session.

State Auditor Brian Colon said emergency procurements can be necessary and adjustments to procedure may be required, but not at the risk of waste, fraud or abuse.

He said his office would be testing the purchases made under emergency procurements, which means auditing the purchases made by departments under the emergency declarations.

Past problems

Emergency and sole-source procurements that get around the state public bidding laws have concerned legislators and state auditors in the past.

In 2016, both went after the administration of then-Gov. Susana Martinez for the use of emergency and sole-source purchases, and an LFC report found that state agencies were often paying too much by using sole-source or emergency purchases.

They recommended consolidated contract reviews under the Department of Finance and Administration.

Then-State Auditor Tim Kellers office reached similar conclusions when an extensive audit found that state agencies used the emergency exemptions in the state Procurement Code to purchase more than $105 million in goods and services.

The auditors found emergency justifications that were not permitted by law, including a desire for convenience.

Both reports noted that the problem was somewhat reduced by requiring agencies to post on the states public Sunshine Portal each request for emergency or sole-source purchasing for 30 days.

In 2019, the Legislature consolidated the oversight for emergency and sole-source purchasing under the DFA and narrowed the provisions for making such purchases.

The Lujan Grisham administration has set up some internal controls for tracking the CARES Act money flowing out of various state departments, and the DFA has set up accounts to track COVID-19 spending by each department that should provide a paper or electronic trail for purchases and contracts.

But it isnt transparent to the public on the states Sunshine Portal.

Morgan said the Health Department will fix that by posting individual transactions in the near future.

Given the volume of transactions per day it was, and still is, challenging to keep all individual transactions posted on the State Purchasing Division portal and subsequently the (public) Sunshine Portal, he said.

Morgan said it would take people power to get the transactions posted.
Amazon may be improving safety measures in warehouses to protect against COVID-19, but its also accused of being less than forthcoming with vital data. The health officer for Kenosha County in Wisconsin, Jen Freiheit, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (via Gizmodo) that Amazon was uncooperative with public staff trying to track COVID-19 cases at its facilities. If it didnt help out, Freiheit said she might push to shut down the Kenosha location.

A company spokesperson told Gizmodo that it had started testing some workers across its warehouses for COVID-19, and that this would soon include Kenosha. It said that noting is more important than the health of its, staff, and that it would welcome a visit from county health staff to see what it had done to improve safety, such as mandatory mask use and temperature checks.

This doesnt address the exact figures, however, leaving it unclear just how safe employees really are. The Journal Sentinel determined that there were at least 32 cases at the Kenosha facilities, and Amazon workers have unofficially estimated 1,374 cases across the US as of this writing. Those arent necessarily dire numbers, but they do suggest that Amazon has faced challenges preventing infections among workers.
Dear Africans resident in Taiwan and Taiwanese friends,

Today is 24th May, 2020 more than 1.6 billion Muslims throughout the world, in every continent, celebrate the successful completion of fasting of the month of Ramadan. We are always happy to welcome the Eid-al-Fitr following immediately the end of the Holy month of Ramadan. It is in the Holy month of Ramadan that Muslims experienced the loftiness of solidarity and friendship, and the golden opportunity to renew the spiritual life.

On this auspicious occasion, the Africans United for Taiwan (AUT) salutes Muslim communities in Taiwan and around the world as they observe Eid-al-Fitr, the holiday to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The Eid-al-Fitr comes after a month of fasting and reflections, and its a fitting opportunity to strengthen our solidarity and unity, through which we feel surrounded by feelings of compassion, peace, brotherhood and friendship.

This year's Ramadan as well as the Eid-al-Fitr falls amidst the devastating Corona virus pandemic otherwise referred to as COVID-19. In this way, Muslims will have to practice social distancing during the occasion just like they did in the month of fasting. While this is far from the normal Islamic activity, it is the surest way to keep everyone safe.

In spite of this, as we welcome Eid-al-Fitr this year, unfortunately, we experience and share the pain of our Muslim brothers and sisters who have spent the Holy Month of Ramadan in challenging circumstances in many areas around the world.

The Africans United for Taiwan (AUT) salutes and commends the Muslim community for meeting the challenge and for keeping the spirit of Ramadan strong and alive amidst the deadly COVID-19. This pandemic unfortunately, has created a psychological warfare, frustration and economic hardships for humankind, and Islamic centers had to face up to the challenge by offering distributions throughout the month of Ramadan. We are hoping that this occasion of Eid-al-Fitr brings them happiness and peace of mind in spite of the harsh conditions they are experiencing due to COVID-19.

Despite the sadness and concern over COVID-19, Muslims, like other faith communities, did not let the pandemic prevent them from observing their religious traditions. People will sustain the joy and will continue to celebrate in good spirits the Eid-al-Fitr holidays despite all the necessary restrictions of living in the world of COVID-19. Despite everything, the AUT remains optimistic.

We conclude by extending warmest congratulations to the members of the African community in Taiwan, the Taiwanese brothers and sisters, and Muslims all over the world on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr, and ask God Almighty that we receive peace and well-being and happiness of all mankind in this blessed holiday.

Sender:

James Baimba Fofanah

Acting Executive Director

Africans United for Taiwan (AUT)
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NEW DELHI: In what can be described as a major goof-up, in an advertisement printed by the AAP government for the enrollment of volunteers to the Civil Defence Corps, the state of Sikkim was clubbed with neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bhutan. The Delhi government has since then suspended the officer responsible for the blunder.

A huge controversy erupted after the commercial went viral on social media. The chief secretary of Sikkim, SC Gupta in a letter, written to Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev, asked to immediately withdraw the advertisement. Later in the day, terming this as gross misconduct the Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal said, A senior officer of Directorate of Civil Defence (HQ) has been suspended with immediate effect for publishing an advertisement which disrespects the territorial integrity of India by making incorrect reference to Sikkim on the same lines as some neighbouring countries, in a tweet.

Politics over the printed ad also began with opponents BJP and Congress demanding an apology from the Aam Aadmi Party government. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is so busy spreading his propaganda that he does not even know whether Sikkim is part of India or outside India! For his memory, let me tell that Sikkim is a part of India, said Anil Kumar Chaudhary, president of Delhi Congress.

Similarly, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said, I was shocked to see the advertisement... Did the Delhi government send such a big advertisement without investigation or Kejriwal deliberately wants to do divisive politics through advertisement? This act of Delhi government has hurt the sentiments of the people of Sikkim as well as the people of the country. Kejriwal should apologise.
May 24, Donbas militants violated the ceasefire seven times and attacked the positions of Ukrainian Armed Forces with the prohibited large-caliber weapons. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense press service. The enemy used the 122-mm artillery systems to attack the outskirts of Kamyanka village in the Donetsk region. Near Avdiivka, militants used weapons of 82 calibers and also used hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers and small arms.In the vicinity of Krasnohorivka, they fired from 82-mm mortars, automatic grenade launchers, and heavy machine guns, and Starognativka defenders were attacked twice from grenade launchers of various systems and small arms.Ukrainian soldiers performing missions near Orikhove were attacked twice by militants using 120-mm mortars, as well as grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns, and small arms.No losses among Ukrainian soldiers reported. Losses of the opponent are being clarified.

Ukraine offered occupied areas of Donbas to provide them with humanitarian aid to fight against Covid-19 but the so-called local authorities refused from the proposal as 112 Ukraine TV channel reported citing President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The president stated he is familiarized with real rates of incidence with coronavirus in the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and the difficult situation there.

We offered humanitarian aid to common people. They do not get it hiding behind the fact that they have everything to fight Covid-19. There is nothing. There are no infectious hospitals, sufficient beds, or protective means, the president said.

He stated he succeeded to agree on the entry permit for the humanitarian freight through Red Cross.

I have agreed directly with the Red Cross and then they admitted and agreed to get the humanitarian aid from the Red Cross, Zelensky said.
In contrast, in 1999 and 2000, the Triad had a record nine in the Fortune 1000, including four in the Fortune 500.

Its sobering and bittersweet to look back at those at 1999 and 2000 considering the companies that are no longer based in the Triad (VF, BB&T), no longer exist in that form (R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings Inc., Wachovia Corp., Jefferson-Pilot Corp., Lifestyle Furnishings International, Burlington Industries Inc., and Oakwood Homes Corp.), or revenues dont qualify by Fortune 1000 ranking (Unifi Inc.).

In fact, with the departures of BB&T and VF, the lone Fortune 1000 constant over the past 25 years has been, you guessed it, LabCorp.

With the sale in March of Primo Water Corp. to Cott Corp., Winston-Salem, home to as many as 10 publicly traded corporate headquarters in the latter part of the 2000s, is now down to just Hanesbrands.

We are in an era now where just a handful of superstar cities capture a disproportionate share of the quality jobs and corporate headquarters; places like San Francisco, Boston and Seattle, said Keith Debbage, a joint professor of geography and sustainable tourism and hospitality at UNC Greensboro.
Private hospital operators in Pune in Maharashtra have said a large number of nurses, mostly from Kerala, were resigning amid the coronavirus pandemic, in the process putting extreme pressure on combat efforts.

They said the issue was raised in a meeting with the district and civic administration on Saturday, with the latter suggesting nurses be told that Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) was in force which allowed hospital managements to reject "non-genuine" resignations.

"Since special trains for migrants started, we are seeing at least seven nurses putting in their papers per day. Some 100 nurses, mostly from Kerala, have already left," said Dr H K Sale, executive director at Noble Hospital, one of the private COVID-19 facilities in Maharashtra's second largest city.

"The issue was raised in the meeting with district officials on Saturday. I have instructed not to accept the resignations during this time when we are fighting a pandemic, that too at a time when the state government has regulated 80 per cent of beds in private hospitals," he added.

Kale said the state government should give incentives to staff at private facilities to keep them motivated.

Noble Hospital's chief nursing officer Trupti Nanda said the facility had some 450 nurses, of which 80-90 per cent are from Kerala, and 100 nurses have gone back since the outbreak began.

"The main concern for them is safety. Moreover, they believe the COVID-19 situation in Kerala is better. So the profession versus panic scenario is playing out. We have spoken to their families as well to assure them there is nothing to worry here," she added.

Sanjay Pathare, Director, Medical Services, Ruby Hall Clinic said the phenomenon of nurses resigning was common and motivation, safety and care were the key.

"In Saturday's meeting, the district administration said hospitals should tell nurses and paramedical staff that MESMA was in force and so they cannot resign. The state government should give us in writing that during such times of pandemic, resignations, barring genuine ones, cannot be accepted," Pathare said.

District Collector Naval Kishore Ram said the issue was discussed in Saturday's meeting and the need was to give nurses, paramedics, sanitation and housekeeping staff etc in the frontline a sense of security.
Paul Barabani knows well the grounds of the state Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. He also knows well the meaning of Memorial Day.

His father, World War II Army veteran Delfo Barabani, is buried there. The elder Barabani died in October 2015 at the age of 92.

So, too, is one of Paul Barabanis students from his time teaching at Chicopee High School, Luis Deleon-Figueroa. Army Special Forces Master Sgt. Deleon-Figueroa, along with a fellow Green Beret, Master Sgt. Jay Gonzalez, was killed in action on Aug. 21 in Faryab Province, Afghanistan, dead at the age of 31.

This will mark the cemeterys 20th Memorial Day. It will mark the first Memorial Day for Deleon-Figueroas family and friends since he died in combat during his sixth deployment in a 13-year military career.

Individual American flags stand sentinels today at the graves of those buried in Agawam, but the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic will mean there will be no public ceremony tomorrow to mark the nations honoring of its war dead.

Barabani had just finished a walk among the tombstones before sharing his thoughts this week. Himself an Army veteran, Barabani, who once was superintendent of the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, is now president of the Friends of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Agawam.

If this were a normal year, he and other members of the volunteer group would have placed the commemorative flags at the graves. The pandemic changed that, but still, accompanied by a teenaged grandson, he did place the flag at his fathers headstone.

Barabani also visited the grave of Deleon-Figueroa, remembering the young soldier as having been a little bit rambunctious in high school. Luis had a spirit and went on to devote his energy in service to our nation, he added. He died, giving his life for our country to provide for what we are able to enjoy as citizens.

27 Funeral for Green Beret Luis DeLeon-Figueroa

Del Barabani, long an activist on behalf of veterans, had actively participated back in the 1990s when the plans were being laid for the cemetery. On the eve of its dedication in 2001, he told columnist Tom Shea for The Republican during a tour, This is what veterans do for veterans.

Opened in the fall of 2000, it was the first such state-run facility for Massachusetts. It was created on 60-plus acres of what was once farmland where Edward Squazza had raised potatoes and other vegetables for a half century. Squazza was 83 in 1997 when he donated the land to the state. Assessments put its value at nearly $1 million.

Squazza was there to witness the cemeterys dedication. To see something like this is absolutely unbelievable, he said at the time. He died in 2008 at the age of 93.

It was estimated the cemetery would have space for 35,000 to 40,000 graves. Before it even opened, more than 3,000 people had submitted applications for burials. A later expansion increased the number of burial sites to in excess of 50,000 graves.

To date, according to Barabani, there have been 14,000 burials, 10,000 of which are veterans and only seven of which are service members who were killed in action. (Spouses and dependents of veterans may also be buried with those who have served, and families must pay an additional fee for those burials.)

The cremated remains of World War II veteran Robert L. LaRue, of Chicopee, who died in August 1999, were the first placed in a brick wall on the hill that overlooks the cemetery gate. Officials chose to inter LaRue first because he had lit a candle in memory of prisoners of war at the cemetery groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 8, 1997. LaRue had been shot down over Italy and spent two years in a German prison camp before being liberated in 1945. He returned home to work for the U.S. Postal Service.

Along with the seven killed in action, the cemetery is also the final resting place for some World War II soldiers and sailors whose remains have been found and identified in recent years.

When you think about 19 years of time, and of all those veterans buried in Agawam, only seven were killed in action, says Barabani. I think we are fortunate. They all hold a special place in our hearts.

Barabani and his older brother, Delfo Barabani Jr., followed in their late fathers footsteps to volunteer in support of the cemetery. His brother is vice president of the friends organization.

Delfo Barabani Jr., left, and his brother, Paul Barabani, both of Chicopee, are the vice president and president, respectively, of the Friends of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

I think we have an obligation to honor and respect those who serve, Paul Barabani says. Just by chance I wound up in a leadership role. Our goal is to help enhance the cemetery grounds and the experience for the families whose loved ones are buried there.

Over the past year, the friends organization has grown to almost 160 members, a good cross-section, he says of veterans and family members of veterans. Quarterly meetings had been drawing around 30 people before the virus struck. Their next meeting will be held on July 8 at the Agawam Senior Center, provided it is reopened by then. Details of all events are tracked on the groups active Facebook page and its website, agawamfriends.org.

The friends group helps raise funds with a memorial brick pathway at the cemetery. An annual scrapbooking event has helped with fundraising, and a motorcycle run is in the works, Barabani added. The group also helped coordinate the annual Wreathes Across America event each December, working with Six Flags New England to get off-site parking for hundreds of participants and King-Ward Bus to provide shuttle service from the park to the cemetery. (He notes that moving forward donations to Wreathes Across America for orders made to commemorate veterans graves at Agawam will see $5 from each sponsorship going to the friends group.)

So successful was last winters wreath event, drawing between 800 and 100 people despite heavy rains, that Barabani says hes convinced there are many people who want to do things to honor veterans and military service to the nation.

These are unusual times, and if we dont instill that respect for service to the younger generation, it soon will be departed, he says. As Ronald Reagan said about freedom, we are only one generation away from its extinction.

Cynthia G. Simison is executive editor of The Republican. She may be reached by email to csimison@repub.com.
As Oregon begins to reopen, residents are increasingly going to have the opportunity to shop in-person. The Oregonian/OregonLive asked experts about the safety of going out in Oregon today. Heres what they -- and the latest body of scientific studies -- say:

The governor as of May 15 allowed all retail stores -- with the exception of cosmetic stores -- to resume operations in every county in the state. That includes the entire Portland area.

But experts caution that walking into a retail store is a lot like entering a restaurant or workplace: Theyre all enclosed spaces.

Although the governor isnt requiring shoppers to wear masks, experts say they absolutely should.

Gov. Kate Brown has, however, said employees of certain businesses -- grocery stores, restaurants and retailers among them -- must wear face coverings.

Some stores that have opened are leaving doors or windows open to create cross-ventilation as well as limiting the number of customers inside and wiping down keypads.

Additionally, the Oregon Health Authority has given the OK for customers to try on clothes in fitting rooms.

If retailers are worried about germs on clothes left behind, they can set them aside for a day or longer before putting them back out on the rack, the health authority said.

Not all retailers are planning to open anytime soon. Powells Books CEO Emily Powell said in a letter to the community this past week that the company just didnt feel it was safe yet for its business model.

Our aisles are meant for browsing, lingering, sharing with friends and family and strangers alike, Powell wrote. And our books are meant to be pulled from their shelves, opened, examined, considered, replaced. All of these experiences are hard to imagine in our current reality.

If youre going to shop inside a store, one piece of advice experts agree on: Get what you need and dont linger.

Mask-wearing, good ventilation with outside air and staying as far away as you can from others  ideally well over the 6 feet recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- are all crucial, says Richard Corsi, a Portland State University dean who has been researching airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus.

Nine feet is a lot better than 6 feet, 12 feet is better than 9 feet. Theres no magic shield that goes up when you get 6 feet away from a person, said Corsi, who also is president of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate.

Read The Oregonian/OregonLives full guide to reopening.
By Trend

Compensation for secured deposits in AGBank OJSC and NBC Bank OJSC will be paid in cashless form, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund (ADIF).

The compensation for protected deposits will be returned in two stages in order to avoid queues and for the systematic payment of compensations and ensuring the satisfaction of citizens.

According to the ADIF, compensation for deposits worth up to 30,000 manat ($17,647) in AGBank and NBC Bank inclusively in manat equivalent will be made from June 16, 2020, while compensation for deposits over 30,000 manat in manat equivalent will start from July 15, 2020.

In accordance with article 28.3 of the Law of Azerbaijan on deposit insurance, the ADIF accepts applications from depositors within one year from the date of the first publication of the notification of compensation. In accordance with the law, the date of the insured case in the mentioned banks is April 28, 2020. Deposits will also be refunded in accordance with the law.

Information on the process of returning deposits to citizens will further be provided, the message said.

By the decision of the Board of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) dated May 12, 2020, licenses issued for AGBank and NBC Bank for banking activities were revoked.

(1 USD = 1.7 manat on May 23)
Dear readers,

Thank you for the past three years.

Friday was my last day as a reporter with The Daily News. After careful consideration, Ive accepted an investigative reporting position covering coronavirus response and recovery for a nonprofit news outlet in Maine called Pine Tree Watch.

While Im excited for this new challenge, leaving Cowlitz County will be bittersweet. When I moved here from Minnesota three years ago, I was shy and wide-eyed. This community welcomed me with warmth and kindness.

And, in many ways, this community has taught me everything I know as a journalist.

TDN was my first job out of college. I knew how to string together some words, but I quickly realized that I knew nothing about budgets or bonds; culverts or ports; Mount St. Helens or Squirrel Fests.

I didnt know the local newspaper could be a place for neighbors to cheer each others success or for families to grieve a lost one.

I didnt know that my integrity would be questioned by some who didnt like what they read. But I also didnt know that the kind and supportive voices would far outweigh the loud yet few negative ones. Ive always tried to be thorough and fair in everything I wrote.

So many people in this community have taken time to teach me about their jobs and their lives  from city council members, city officials and state legislators to parks employees, business owners and people Ive stopped on the street at various events. Im sincerely grateful to all of them.

After working so hard to embed myself throughout this community, it is difficult to suddenly uproot these connections.

The hardest part will be leaving my TDN family. I didnt know anyone in Washington or Oregon when I moved here, but my colleagues quickly adopted me. One even let me sleep on her couch during my first week when my new apartment came with a surprise flea infestation.

Andre Stepankowsky, TDN city editor, made me feel at home. He and his family invited me to Thanksgiving dinners so I wouldnt be alone. He gave me advice on how to fix my car. And he guided me into the journalist I am today. Andre is the heartbeat of TDN and I owe him everything.

As journalists, we often try to keep our mouths shut in public. So let me say what my friends at TDN cannot: They work harder than anyone I know. They stay late at night meetings. They sacrifice Saturdays to take turns covering the news. They work through lunch breaks. Theyre hard on themselves when they get things wrong. Theyve had to develop thick skins over time, but still are sensitive to hurtful comments. And they are some of the funniest people around.

I am so grateful for the time Ive got to spend in this community. Im sad to leave but I will be watching Cowlitz County from afar and wishing you all much success.

Love 33 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 23 Angry 0
By PTI

PUNE: A 22-year-old youth was killed in Wadgaon Maval area of Pune district on Friday night for having a "provocative" WhatsApp status message, police said on Sunday.

Yash Awale was killed in Takwe village while out on a walk and seven people have been arrested in connection with the crime, an official said.

"At around 10:15pm, seven to eight people came on three motorcycles and four of them attacked Awale on the head with a sharp-edged weapon. We have arrested seven people in the 19-23 age group for the crime on Saturday," he said.

The Wadgaon Maval police station official said the accused and the deceased have previous enmity.

"Apparently, the deceased kept a provocative status message on WhatsApp which irked the accused and the murder could be a result of this. We are probing all angles including this one,' he added.
Hong Kong police fired tear gas and a water cannon at protesters in a popular shopping district on Sunday, as thousands took to the streets to march against China's proposed tough national security legislation for the city.

Pro-democracy supporters in Hong Kong have sharply criticised the proposal last week to enact a national security law that would ban secessionist and subversive activity, as well as foreign interference, in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

Critics say it goes against the one country, two systems framework that promises the city freedoms not found in mainland China.

Crowds of demonstrators dressed in black gathered Sunday afternoon in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay district to protest the proposed legislation.

Protesters chanted slogans including Stand with Hong Kong," Liberate Hong Kong and Revolution of our times.

The protest was a continuation of a monthslong pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong that began last year and has at times descended into violence between police and protesters.

Police raised blue flags, warning protesters to disperse, before firing multiple rounds of tear gas. They later fired a water cannon at the protesters.

At least 120 people were arrested, mostly on charges of unlawful assembly, police said in a Facebook post.

They also said in a separate post that protesters threw bricks and splashed unidentified liquid at officers, injuring at least four members of the police's media liaison team. They warned that such behavior is against the law and that police would pursue the matter.

Earlier in the afternoon, prominent activist Tam Tak-chi was arrested during the protest for what police said was unauthorized assembly. Tam said he was giving a health talk and was exempt from social-distancing measures that prohibit gatherings of more than eight people.

The bill that triggered Sunday's rally was submitted at China's national legislative session on Friday and is expected to be passed on May 28. It would bypass Hong Kong's legislature and allow the city's government to set up mainland agencies in the city that would make it possible for Chinese agents to arbitrarily arrest people for activities deemed to be pro-democracy.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called the move a death knell for the high degree of autonomy that Beijing promised the former British colony when it was returned to China in 1997.

The erosion of Hong Kong's freedoms prompted Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong prior to its handover to China, to condemn what he called a new Chinese dictatorship.

I think the Hong Kong people have been betrayed by China, which has proved once again that you can't trust it further than you can throw it, Patten said in an interview with The Times of London.

Bernard Chan, a top-level Hong Kong politician and delegate to the National People's Congress in Beijing, defended the national security legislation pushed by China, saying it was written into Hong Kong's Basic Law the city's mini-constitution but never enacted.

Chan expressed concern that Hong Kong would inevitably face economic hardship given trade frictions between the US and China.

I think we are definitely the collateral damage being dragged into this thing. But then, I don't think there's any alternatives," Chan said.

But with or without this law, honestly, the US and China are always going to be continuing this loggerhead for quite some time to come, he said. "China will remain as a threat to the US in terms of the...world economic dominance.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
He's an acclaimed Hollywood actor, script-writer and novelist.

But Jesse Eisenberg, 36, prefers to work on his award-winning projects in the company of every-day civilians.

'I write in one place. In one library in New York,' the Now You See Me star told The Herald Sun on Sunday.

Celebrities, they're just like us! Now You See Me star Jesse Eisenberg, 36, has revealed the surprising public location where he always goes to work on creative projects

'I sit next to a friend of mine who writes his own things and I am incredibly prolific in that exact circumstance,' he said, before jokingly adding: 'Outside of that exact chair I am useless.'

While libraries in America have closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jesse is spending his free time volunteering at an Indiana domestic abuse shelter that was started by his late mother-in-law.

When the pandemic started, the Social Network star and his wife, Anna Strout, packed up their belongings in Los Angeles and headed to Indiana in an RV.

Fancy that! 'I write in one place. In one library in New York,' the Now You See Me star told The Herald Sun on Sunday

There, they self-quarantined for two weeks before beginning work at the shelter.

'My wife and I are very involved on a day-to-day level -- painting and cleaning and mopping,' Jesse told CNN earlier this month.

'I married a person who is a walking saint and so she has not spent a day in her life not doing something to help those most in need. So, for her, it was kind of without hesitancy that we should come here and figure out ways to help.'

Giving back: While libraries in America have closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jesse is spending his free time volunteering at an Indiana domestic abuse shelter that was started by his late mother-in-law

Philanthropic couple: When the pandemic started, the Social Network star and his wife, Anna Strout, packed up their belongings in Los Angeles and headed to Indiana in an RV. Pictured: Jesse and Anna in 2005

Meanwhile, Jesse is gearing up to appear in the third movie of the Now You See It franchise.

The first Now You See Me debuted in 2013, following a group of magicians known as The Four Horsemen (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco and Isla Fisher).

The story follows these illusionists as they pull off daring feats around the world, all while eluding an FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo), Interpol and their former financier (Michael Caine).
As summer approaches and temperatures rise in Europe, people cant wait to hit the beaches to spend their vacations after months of lockdown. Their plans, however, remain affected due to the pandemic.

Last week, the European Union revealed a plan to allow people to get some well-needed rest, relaxation, and fresh air which included recommendations to open internal borders, revive rail, road, air, and sea connections and strengthen its hospitality sector to boost tourism. But authorities are already struggling to control the flow of tourists and locals to the beach.

On Wednesday, just days after lockdown restrictions were relaxed in France to open hundreds of beaches, Brittany's Morbihan closed five beaches following "unacceptable behaviour" and failure to comply with social distancing measures. Officials in Barcelona, Spain have advised citizens to follow the timeslots when visiting the beach and in the UK, councils for seaside towns and cities have issued pleas for crowds to stay away from beaches.

READ | Beaches, Nightclubs? Europe Mulls How To Get Tourists Back

Summer comes with more rules

As people are bound to visit beaches during summer, authorities are trying to come up with effective strategies to deal with the flow of tourists and overcrowding. The problem is expected to crop up again as the weather clears up.

Instead of imposing a straight ban on tourism, travel experts have asked authorities to encourage good behaviour on the beach. Local authorities in some European countries have already laid out guidelines on the reopening of busy beaches.

READ | Beachgoers Pack Texas Seafront As Lockdown Eased

As countries begin to ease lockdown in Europe, Spain's tourism minister Reyes Maroto said that the country was "defining different scenarios" for beachgoers. Officials in the Mediterranean town of Canet d'en Berenguer will only allow 5,000 daily sunbathers on its local beach, which is around half the usual number.

In Sanxenxo, Galicia, cleaning machines will be reportedly used frequently at the beaches, and public bathrooms and shower areas will be disinfected regularly. Authorities in France's Nouvelle Aquitaine region have so far committed to opening beaches only for "dynamic individual physical activities."

READ | US Beaches To Have Police To Enforce Social Distancing Measures On Memorial Day

READ | Puerto Rico To Reopen Businesses, Beaches With New Rules
A Green Party MEP has said he would not be in favour of a change in the party's leadership at this time.

Nominations for the role opened last week, with Catherine Martin saying it is something she will "seriously consider", after being backed by a number of councillors.

The Greens are currently taking part in government formation talks with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.

MEP for Dublin, Ciaran Cuffe, said it means replacing Eamonn Ryan now would not be wise.

He said: "I don't believe we should be changing horses in mid-stream.

"I think we need continuity at this time, so I think it is best for the moment for Eamon to continue."

The Dublin MEP Ciaran Cuffe told On The Record that the party constitution dictates that the Green Party has a leadership selection after each general election.

Mr Cuffe said: "I think the date for when the ballots will be issued is cast in stone on the 22nd or 23rd of June.

"I'm lucky that we've so many great people who could lead the party - both Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin would make excellent leaders.

"I think the opening for nominations and the final call for nominations was up to the executive council of the party.

"And I would prefer it if that had been pushed back towards the end of June.

"But these are decisions that I wasn't party to, and I think with hindsight there may have been better ways of choosing the dates".

"I think it's all about teamwork, it's not just about Eamon or all about Catherine, I think it's about some extraordinary constituency chairs and elected representatives from county councils through to the Seanad, the Dail and certainly Grace O'Sullivan and myself are working hard in Europe".
Boris Johnson was facing a furious Tory backlash at all levels of his party last night after he attempted to mount an extraordinary defence of Dominic Cummings.

At a dramatic press conference in Downing Street, the Prime Minister claimed his chief aide had acted 'responsibly, legally and with integrity' while making a controversial 260-mile trip from London to Durham during lockdown.

Mr Johnson insisted Mr Cummings had 'followed the instincts of every father' by driving to his parents' farm after his wife developed symptoms of coronavirus.

But he refused to deny that while in the North East, Mr Cummings had also driven 30 miles to go for a walk in the countryside in an apparent second lockdown breach.

And he failed to say whether he had given Mr Cummings permission for the Durham trip  or offer any apology for his most senior aide's behaviour.

The Prime Minister's unscheduled appearance at the press conference came after crisis talks in Downing Street lasting two hours. This morning the under-pressure PM was spotted jogging with his dog Dilyn near Lambeth Palace.

Boris Johnson was seen jogging with his dog Dilyn near Lambeth Palace in central London this morning

Boris Johnson (pictured) was facing a furious Tory backlash at all levels of his party last night after he attempted to mount an extraordinary defence of Dominic Cummings

Eleven Conservative MPs have broken ranks and publicly called for Mr Cummings to be forced to depart the government machine.

However, it became clear last night that Mr Johnson's comments had only fuelled Tory anger over the affair, which critics fear will damage the reputation of the government and wreck public support for the lockdown rules.

That anger reached Cabinet level yesterday, with ministers - some of whom were ordered to publicly support for Mr Cummings on Saturday - growing uneasy over the mounting allegations.

One ministerial source said the affair risked torpedoing public trust in the government at a time of national crisis. 'You can lose popularity, you cannot lose trust,' the minister said.

Another warned the PM was 'bleeding credibility' to protect an aide who had delivered both the Brexit referendum result and his stunning election win last year.

One senior minister branded Mr Cummings an 'arrogant idiot', adding: 'The fact that he is still there just shows how dysfunctional No 10 is. I am being bombarded with emails from constituents who are angry that while they have been making these incredible sacrifices and not seeing family, he's just done whatever he wants. It is breathtaking that the PM is defending him.'

At a dramatic press conference in Downing Street, the Prime Minister claimed his chief aide (pictured) had acted 'responsibly, legally and with integrity' while making a controversial 260-mile trip from London to Durham during lockdown

A big screen plays a clip from Boris Johnson's March 23 address to the nation where he explained the stay-at-home coronavirus lockdown rules outside the home of Mr Cummings

THE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS 1. How many ministers, including the PM, knew Mr Cummings had travelled to Durham and was self-isolating there? 2. Did Mr Cummings ask for advice or permission from No 10 before he travelled? 3. Why did Mr Cummings insist neither he nor his family had been spoken to by Durham Police, when his father had contacted the force himself? 4. Can Mr Cummings explain where he was on April 12, when he was allegedly spotted at Barnard Castle? 5. Can Mr Cummings provide details of his whereabouts on April 19, when he was allegedly seen in Houghall Woods? 6. What reason can Mr Cummings provide for allegedly travelling to Durham for a second time after his return to London, given he and his wife had recovered from their symptoms? 7. Why didnt another family member near Mr Cummingss London home care for their child when his wife displayed virus symptoms? 8. How many times did Mr Cummings travel between London and the North East during lockdown? Advertisement

The senior Tory MP Simon Hoare, who had earlier called for Mr Cummings to go, said after the press conference: 'The PM's performance posed more questions than it answered. Any residual hope that this might die away in the next 24 hours is lost.'

New Tory MP David Warburton added: 'As much as I despise any baying pitchfork-led trials by social media, I'm unconvinced by the PM's defence of Cummings.'

Blackpool North MP Paul Maynard said: 'It is a classic case of 'do as I say, not as I do'- and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with guidance he himself helped draw up. It seems to me to be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable.' Veteran Tory Sir Roger Gale said: 'I'm very disappointed, I think it was an opportunity to put this to bed and I fear that now the story is simply going to run and run.'

Some of the government's scientific advisors also weighed in last night, with Professor Stephen Reicher saying: 'In a few short minutes tonight, Boris Johnson has trashed all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control COVID-19.'

And in a fresh blow last night, Mr Cummings was facing the possibility of a police inquiry into his 30-mile trip to Barnard Castle to take a family walk on his wife's birthday on April 12.

Mr Cummings (pictured today in London) has been accused of repeatedly travelling 270 miles from London to Durham (above) to see his parents, while the public were told to stay at home

Mr Cummings' wife Mary Wakefield (pictured outside their home today) was ill with coronavirus when they travelled north

Retired chemistry teacher Robin Lees, who spotted him, last night told the Guardian he had reported the matter to Durham Police.

Earlier, Durham's former chief constable Mike Barton said Mr Cummings 'broke the law' by travelling to stay in the area during lockdown.

On a traumatic day for Downing Street:

The Prime Minister announced that some primary school classes will return on June 1, despite opposition from teaching unions - but said that schools with concerns will be given more time to prepare.

Ministers prepared for a rare Bank Holiday meeting of the Cabinet which is expected to focus on the next stage of easing the lockdown.

Official figures showed 118 deaths were recorded on Saturday - the lowest number since March. The total death toll has now risen to 36,793.

Officials were investigating a tweet from the account of the Civil Service after the PM's press conference which read: 'Arrogant and offensive. Can you imagine having to work with these truth twisters?'

It emerged that a new review will be conducted into Huawei's involvement in the UK's 5G network as Tory anger over China's role in the pandemic intensifies.

Ministers came under mounting pressure to ease the new quarantine procedures at ports and airports by agreeing 'travel corridors' with holiday favourites like Spain.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak prepared to unveil cost-cutting reforms of the job retention scheme which could see employers asked to pay one quarter of their furloughed staff's wages from August.

Timeline of Cummings' lockdown row March 23: As the coronavirus crisis escalates, the UK is placed into lockdown with strict limitations on travel. The Government guidelines state: 'You should not be visiting family members who do not live in your home.' Those in a household with symptoms must 'stay at home and not leave the house' for up to 14 days. March 27: Both Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock test positive for coronavirus, while chief medical officer Chris Whitty says he has symptoms of the disease and is self-isolating. March 30: Downing Street confirms Mr Cummings is suffering from coronavirus symptoms and is self-isolating. March 31: Durham police are 'made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city'. The force said officers 'made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house. 'In line with national policing guidance, officers explained to the family the arrangements around self-isolation guidelines and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel.' April 5: An unnamed neighbour tells the Mirror and the Guardian Mr Cummings was seen in his parents' garden. 'I got the shock of my life as I looked over to the gates and saw him,' they said. March 30 - April 6: The period Mr Cummings' wife Mary Wakefield describes the family's battle with coronavirus in the April 25 issue of the Spectator. She makes no mention of the trip to Durham and describes the challenges of caring for their son while suffering the symptoms of Covid-19. She says their small son nursed Mr Cummings with Ribena. April 12: Robert Lees, a retired chemistry teacher, claims to have seen Mr Cummings 30 miles away from his parents home in Barnard Castle. April 14: Mr Cummings returns to work for the first time since news he was suffering from Coronavirus emerged. Questions are raised about his adherence to social distancing advice as he is photographed walking down Downing Street with fellow aide Cleo Watson. April 19: A passer-by claims to have spotted Mr Cummings and his family admiring bluebells with his wife, back in Durham. May 22: News breaks in the Mirror and the Guardian of Mr Cummings' trip to Durham. May 23: Downing Street stands by the PM's chief aide, saying in a statement: 'Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for.' That evening, a joint Sunday Mirror and Observer investigation reveals the two new eyewitness claims. Advertisement

The PM decided to throw a protective arm around Mr Cummings after crisis talks with his mercurial adviser, in Number.

Attempting to draw a line under the affair, the PM said Mr Cummings had acted 'with the overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives'.

Mr Johnson said his adviser had 'followed the instincts of every father and every parent' in travelling to a place where he could get help caring for his four-year-old son if he and wife came down with the virus at the same time.

The row comes at the start of a critical week for the PM in which he is expected to announce plans for easing the lockdown.

On Wednesday he is due to face a grilling from senior MPs, which now looks set to be dominated by questions about his judgment over his aide's behaviour.

Mr Johnson last night denied that Mr Cummings was guilty of double standards, saying he had faced 'very severe child care difficulties' that could only be resolved by leaving his home in London and taking his family to Durham.

His wife Mary developed symptoms of the virus in late March and the couple feared they might be unable to care for their young son if Mr Cummings also came down with the illness, which he later did.

The family stayed on a property at the farm owned by Mr Cummings parents. In the event they did not need help with child care but did receive food deliveries from his sister while they were isolating for 14 days.

The decision to travel hundreds of miles while his wife was ill appeared to break government rules telling families they must stay at home for 14 days as soon as a member of the household develops symptoms.

Mr Johnson said: 'I have concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of childcare, at the moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus - and when he had no alternative - I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent.

And I do not mark him down for that.' No 10 yesterday denied claims in the Mirror that Mr Cummings had made a second visit to Durham after returning to work in No 10.

Mr Johnson said 'some' of the allegations made about Mr Cummings in recent days were 'palpably false' But sources did not deny that the family had driven 30 miles to walk at Castle Barnard on Easter Sunday when ministers were telling people to stay at home to save lives.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called for an inquiry, and warned that failure to sack him would 'undermine confidence' in the lockdown.

'It is an insult to sacrifices made by the British people that Boris Johnson has chosen to take no action against Dominic Cummings,' he said.

'The public will be forgiven for thinking there is one rule for the Prime Minister's closest adviser and another for the British people.'

Nicola Sturgeon, who forced out her chief scientific adviser for breaking lockdown rules, said: 'I know it is tough to lose a trusted adviser at the height of crisis, but when it's a choice of that or integrity of vital public health advice, the latter must come first.'

Tory fury explodes: In the biggest rebellion the PM has faced, MPs from all wings of party line up to tell him Cummings MUST go now

By Larisa Brown and Jason Groves for the Daily Mail

Tory MPs staged an extraordinary public revolt yesterday to demand that the Prime Minister sack his most senior aide.

In the biggest open rebellion of Boris Johnson's premiership, a dozen defied party whips and called for Dominic Cummings' departure from Downing Street.

Former Brexit minister Steve Baker was the first to break ranks as he toured the TV studios and said that Mr Cummings 'must go' for driving 260 miles from London to County Durham during the lockdown.

He told Sky's Sophy Ridge programme that Mr Cummings 'holds in contempt any effort to hold him accountable to others' and that 'no one is indispensable'.

Tory MPs staged an extraordinary public revolt yesterday to demand that the Prime Minister sack his most senior aide Dominic Cummings (pictured today)

Former Brexit minister Steve Baker (left) was the first to break ranks as he toured the TV studios and said that Mr Cummings 'must go' for driving 260 miles from London to County Durham during the lockdown (Pictured right: Julian Sturdy)

Although the pair have a notoriously fraught relationship  with Mr Cummings previously branding a Tory group which Mr Baker chaired a 'tumour'  other MPs on all sides of the party then followed suit and demanded Mr Johnson act.

North Dorset MP Simon Hoare became the second Tory MP to call for Mr Cummings' departure, saying he was 'wounding' the Government.

He tweeted: 'With the damage Mr Cummings is doing to the Government's reputation he must consider his position. Lockdown has had its challenges for everyone.

'It's his cavalier 'I don't care; I'm cleverer than you' tone that infuriates people. He is now wounding the PM/Govt & I don't like that.'

The official account for the UK's Civil Service was seemingly used to take a swipe at the government in a tweet which featured the phrase 'truth twisters'

MP for Folkestone and Hythe Damian Collins (left) and MP for Wellingborough Peter Bone (right) also spoke out after the accusations against Mr Cummings

Tory MP Robert Halfon, chairman of the Commons education committee, even apologised for tweeting his support of Mr Cummings on Saturday. He said the PM's aide should 'face the consequences of breaking the law'.

In a statement on his Facebook page, the MP for Harlow said: 'I would first like to make it clear to residents that I regret writing the tweet yesterday in the way I did about the Number 10 political adviser and his movements.

'I am really sorry for it. I do not support or condone anyone who has broken the law or regulations. Anyone who has done so should face the consequences.'

In his original tweet, Mr Halfon had written: 'Ill couple drive 260+ miles to ensure that their small child can be looked after properly. In some quarters this is regarded as crime of the century. Is this really the kind of country we are?'

Tobias Ellwood (left) said 'the ship is being blown off course' as Caroline Noakes (right) said her inbox was 'rammed' with angry messages

But yesterday he said: 'The tweet was wrong because many thousands of people in Harlow and across the country have suffered and struggled enormously during the coronavirus. I am sorry.'

Former minister Caroline Nokes also waded in, saying: 'I made my views clear to my whip yesterday. There cannot be one rule for most of us and wriggle room for others.

'My inbox is rammed with very angry constituents and I do not blame them. They have made difficult sacrifices over the course of the last nine weeks.'

Is cabinet now rewriting the rules with hindsight? Ministers appeared to rewrite the lockdown rules yesterday as they rallied around Dominic Cummings. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps suggested restrictions on staying at home for 14 days after developing virus symptoms did not necessarily apply if children were involved. He also indicated Mr Cummings was entitled to drive 30 miles from Durham to Barnard Castle for a walk on his wife's birthday on Easter Sunday. This was despite the public being told only to exercise locally. The walk, which No 10 did not deny, was a month before rules changed to let people drive to the countryside. 'The key thing is not to continue moving around,' Mr Shapps added. On Saturday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was 'entirely right for Dom Cummings to find childcare for his toddler, when both he and his wife were getting ill'. This was despite rules making it clear anyone with symptoms should stay at home. Advertisement

Sir Roger Gale, the Conservative MP for North Thanet, tweeted: 'While as a father and as a grandfather I fully appreciate Mr Cummings' desire to protect his child, there cannot be one law for the Prime Minister's staff and another for everyone else.

'He has sent out completely the wrong message and his position is no longer tenable.'

As Mr Cummings came under fire from MPs, a big screen mounted on a van appeared outside his London home and played a clip from Mr Johnson's March 23 address to the nation where he explained the stay-at-home coronavirus lockdown rules. It was organised by the campaign group Led By Donkeys.

Meanwhile, Mr Cummings' wife, Mary Wakefield, a columnist and editor for The Spectator magazine, was seen leaving the family home yesterday.

At an extraordinary press briefing, Mr Johnson defended his aide and said he had concluded that Mr Cummings had 'no alternative' but to travel to the North East for childcare 'when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus'.

He said: 'In every respect, he has acted responsibly, legally and with integrity.'

After the press briefing, other Tory MPs came forward to criticise the PM's handling of Mr Cummings. David Warburton, the MP for Somerton and Frome, tweeted: 'I'm unconvinced by the PM's defence of Cummings.

'We've all been tasked with tempering our parental, and other, instincts by strictly adhering to the Govt guidance.' Mr Cummings left Number 10 Downing Street just after 6pm, and gave no response to reporters' questions as he drove away, six hours after first arriving.

Latest coronavirus video news, views and expert advice at mailplus.co.uk/coronavirus
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a middle-aged woman, whose n.a.k.e.d body was on Friday morning found dumped on the banks of Tiva River in Tanganyika Sub-Location, Lower Yatta Sub-County in Kitui County,Kenya.

Lower Yatta Deputy County Commissioner, Gerald Mutuku, told K24 Digital that the unidentified womans body was spotted by locals, who informed his office.

Mutuku said when he and his team rushed to the scene, they found police officers had already arrived and put the deceased in a body bag.



Based on preliminary investigations, it appears that the woman was brutally tortured. She had bruises on her neck, marks on her back and scars on other parts of her body, she must have died a slow, painful death, said Mutuku.

Police have asked area residents to come forward and assist in identification of the deceased.

The womans body was taken to Kitui County Referral Hospital mortuary as further investigations into her death continue.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Laurent Feniou, Managing Director of Cartier, LVMH group and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Global Artistic Director of United Colors of Benetton initiated a 'Rainbow Challenge' as a creative ray of hope and positive pillar across the globe.

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac tells IANSlife: "In 1997, I have been committed by the Vatican to dress Pope John Paul II, 500 bishops, 5000 priests and 1 million of kids. I choose to dress them with the colors of the rainbow. At the end of this magic ceremony, the Pope told me "you have used colors as cement of faith". For brands all over the world, today, only colours can united people in peace and no other brand can do it better than United Colors of Benetton".

The Italian brand, which is known for its colourful outfits, is sending out the message of unity through its posts on Instagram featuring its rainbow-inspired collection.

The brand posted pictures of its stores in Italy and other places with a rainbow overhead to celebrate its re-opening after being closed for months due to the lockdown. "Our stores are open again, in Italy too. Enjoy shopping and let's all respect the rules we already know," read one of the captions.

Laurent Feniou, Managing Director of Cartier, posted a picture of the Cartier building with rainbow shade in solidarity of the National Health Service of the UK and the healthcare workers who are at the forefront of the global battle against the pandemic COVID-19. "Whether it be by painting, writing, singing, dancing, photography, objects or any multi-media platform of your choice, this colourful show of appreciation will uplift and unite friends of the Maison during this global fight," he captioned the picture.

Adding: "All Friends of the Maison and their family are invited. Do not hesitate to post your artwork on #CartierOverTheRainbow...This art challenge will accompany our local charitable initiative for NHS Charities Together."

Louis Vuitton has also posted several pictures and videos that depict its interpretation of the seven colours. The French fashion house posted an animated video in which it has defined rainbow as "a stretch of the imagination".

"The rainbow, a stretch of the imagination. In 1925, Gaston-Louis Vuitton wrote "Let's turn the street into a cheerful space". Today, #LouisVuitton's tradition of creative shop windows ensures as a perpetual invitation for the spirit of travel. As select stores begin to re-open around the world, hand-drawn rainbows by children and employees serve as welcoming beacons of hope during this uncertain time. #LV," read the caption.

While another video posted by LV features pictures of rainbows painted by the children of Louis Vuitton's employees. The caption read: "A symbol of hope. Rainbows drawn by the children of #LouisVuitton employees have appeared across store windows worldwide as colourful beacons of joy during these challenging times."

It also posted a picture of Maison Louis Vuitton, Milano, Italy with rainbows drawn of its entry to celebrate the opening of its store. "Embarking on a new adventure. As select stores begin to re-open around the world, hand-drawn rainbows by children and employees serve as welcoming beacons of hope during this uncertain time. In a collaborative effort, all participants were encouraged to awaken their inner child and draw their own version of a rainbow. #LV #LouisVuitton," the brand captioned the picture.

Picture Source: Instagram

(Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in)

--IANS

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A band of guest workers from Bengaluru reach the Maddilapalem junction in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. They are walking to their native villages in Odisha. (DC Photo: Muralikrishna)

Amaravati (AP): Andhra Pradeshs coronavirus incidence is now being fed by returning migrants. With 66 fresh infections reported up to 9 am Sunday, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Andhra Pradesh climbed to 2780, the states health department said. However, the death in the state remained at 56.

Of the fresh cases reported in the past 24 hours, five were linked to the Koyambedu market in Chennai. On Saturday, 12 positives were found among people who returned from Kuwait to Kadapa district.

These 12 were from a batch of 110 persons who returned from Kuwait two days ago. Thousands of people from Kadapa district work in Kuwait as drivers, domestic help and construction workers.

Last week, the Kuwait government gave them permission to go back home and the centre government started flying them back in repatriation flights. This group of 110 reached Tirupati airport were sent to a quarantine centre at the Rajampeta Engineering College.

With Andhra Pradesh stepping up testing to a rate of 5610 per million, the infection is still growing at an average rate of 2 per day. The mortality rate remains at 2 per cent.

While Kurnool and Guntur remain the top two districts in terms of coronavirus infection, the spread has been more vigorous in Nellore and East Godavari in the past two days. Nellore district reported 16 new cases on Saturday, mainly from Sullurpeta and Kotamitta in Nellore city, Gudur, Kavali and Nallagondla in Vinjamur mandal. In East Godavari, 20 new infections were reported by late Saturday evening. Of them, 12 were from Gollalamamidada village of Pedapudi mandal, seven from Bikkavolu and one was from Ramachandrapuram.

The states chief secretary Nilam Sawhney held a video conference with district collectors on Saturday and emphasized the need to take up awareness programmes on coronavirus symptoms, tests and treatment and preventive measures.

The fifth phase of a door-to-door survey on the coronavirus incidence is to be taken up from Monday May 25.
Bengaluru, May 24 : With 130 new positive cases, Karnataka's COVID-19 tally rose to 2,089-mark, while 46 were discharged from hospitals taking the number of cured persons to 654, said an official, here on Sunday.

"The total number of COVID-19 cases across the state is 2,089, with 130 more testing positive during the past 24 hours," said a state health official.

The number of active cases in the state is 1,391 and COVID-19 deaths 42, including two for non-COVID cause.

No death was reported during the last 24 hours in the southern state.

Of the 46 discharged, 20 were in Uttara Kannada district, 18 in Davangere, four in Chitradurga, three in Bagalkote and one in Haveri across the state.

A significant proportion of the new cases comprise women and children. The new cases on Sunday include 57 women and 28 children below 20 years.

"Of the new cases, 100 are returnees from Maharashtra, the worst affected Covid-hit state in the country, with 47,190 cases till Saturday," said the official.

Among the 30 Karnataka districts, Chikkaballapura recorded the highest cases with 27 new cases, followed by Yadigir (24), Udupi (23), Mandya (15) and Hassan (14).

Chikkaballapura, about 70 km northeast of Bengaluru, is the home district of Medical Education Minister K. Sudhakar, a doctor by profession, who is spearheading the fight against the pandemic.

From a total of 749 foreign returnees who were tested at the airport on landing on Saturday, 214 are from Jakarta in Indonesia, 148 from Singapore, 207 from Melbourne in Australia and 180 from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

With 10,117 people tested on Sunday across the state, 9,851 were found negative and 130 positive.

So far, 2,06,313 tests have been conducted since March 10 in the state, with 2,01,978 reported negative and 2,080 positive.

On Saturday, the state's tally shot up to 1,959 due to 196 new cases, the highest single-day rise, with 195 of them crossing over from Maharashtra through the inter-state border, which has been opened up as part of partial relaxation of the extended lockdown.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Bankers and tech employees are in danger from expensive mortgage rates when their current deals come to an end (Getty)

A drop in bonuses for some workers from an impending recession could spell trouble for high income mortgage-holders, according to a report by The Sunday Times.

Workers that rely on bonuses as part of their pay, such as bankers and tech employees, are in danger from expensive mortgage rates when their current deals come to an end.

Experts say those at risk are workers who were well-paid before COVID-19 and have loans upwards of 500,000 ($608,302).

They could be stuck on lenders default standard variable rates, which average almost 5%. Fixed-rate two-year mortgages start at 1.19%.



Large companies using the UK governments COVID-19 bailout scheme are currently banned from paying cash bonuses to executives and dividends.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Employers face uphill battle to get workers back in the office

The ONS says that corporate managers and directors had the highest average annual payments, averaging 7,878 in 2018.

Chris Sykes from the broker Private Finance told The Sunday Times: COVID-19 has created a situation where a large number of people due to remortgage have mortgages that were previously granted with the help of their bonus and commission - and they are now temporary mortgage prisoners.

They may struggle to remortgage at all for the time being and may be forced onto the standard variable rate [...] It is likely those most affected are those with higher historic incomes and, thus, bigger mortgages and properties.

The landscape for mortgages has changed since the 2008 financial crisis.

Those that were hit hardest were low and middle-income borrowers. Regulation has become tighter since, meaning fewer people qualify for deals.

READ MORE: Number of mortgage approvals made to home buyers plunges to seven-year low

On the 22 May, those already struggling to pay mortgages have been offered a further three-month respite.

Borrowers who have already had three months payments deferred will be able to extend their mortgage holiday and the application deadline for those who have not has been extended to 31 October.
NEW YORK, May 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Con Edison Chairman and CEO John McAvoy told shareholders today the company is committed to clean energy alternatives and an aggressive expansion of energy efficiency programs.

Con Edison will triple its energy efficiency programs with an investment of more than $1.5 billion by 2025, help customers reduce their reliance on natural gas with incentives for ground and air-source heat pumps, and continue its support of electric vehicle adoption, McAvoy said during the companys first virtual-only annual meeting.

I believe one of the keys to rebuilding our communities and boosting the economy is maintaining our focus on clean energy, he said. Were building tomorrows grid so that it stands up to climate change and so that it can integrate renewable energy resources like solar and wind.

McAvoy affirmed Con Edisons Clean Energy Commitment to aggressively pursue reductions in overall energy use.

McAvoy said letting utilities own large-scale solar and wind farms would help New York City and State achieve their ambitious climate goals. He noted that Con Edison is already the second largest solar producer in North America and seventh largest in the world.

McAvoy said its workforce is the companys most enduring strength and acknowledged members of Local 1-2, Local 3 and Local 503 and the supervisors, engineers and managers, who routinely leave their homes during the outbreak.

In the best and worst of times, our successes stem from the extraordinary women and men of Con Edison, he said. They are the drivers of our achievement and accomplishments.

With safety as its highest priority, Con Edison responded to the pandemic by protecting its workers and customers. Employees are wearing face coverings, working remotely and practicing social distancing . Some control room employees were sequestered.

Con Edison is committed to making sure customers have the energy they need to get through this crisis by powering satellite hospitals and drive-through testing sites. Workers at a machine shop in the Bronx made 40,000 plexiglass face shields for health-care workers. In addition, employees have contributed more than $100,000 to various groups since March 1, and those donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by Con Edison.

Story continues

Con Edison has contributed more than $300,000 to nonprofit organizations dedicated to feeding New Yorkers; $50,000 to the NYC Healthcare Heroes Fund; more than $40,000 to assist local police and fire departments and USO foundations; and donated nearly 100,000 N95 masks for health-care workers.

The company also realized the impacts the health emergency would bring and is trying to help customers.

This is the time to build better and deeper relationships with our customers and assure them we will help them through this crisis, McAvoy said. We are alleviating some of their anxieties about the economic fallout of the pandemic. Weve promised our customers that no one will lose service for failure to pay now, offered tips to conserve energy, and alerted them of COVID-related scams.

Consolidated Edison, Inc. is one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy-delivery companies, with approximately $13 billion in annual revenues and $59 billion in assets. The company provides a wide range of energy-related products and services to its customers through the following subsidiaries: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., a regulated utility providing electric, gas and steam service in New York City and Westchester County, New York; Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., a regulated utility serving customers in a 1,300-square-mile-area in southeastern New York State and northern New Jersey; Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses, Inc., which through its subsidiaries develops, owns and operates renewable and energy infrastructure projects and provides energy-related products and services to wholesale and retail customers; and Con Edison Transmission, Inc., which through its subsidiaries invests in electric and natural gas transmission projects.

CONNECT WITH US:

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B oris Johnson has defended Dominic Cummings after he faced allegations of breaking the lockdown.

The Prime Minister said he believed the top aide "followed the instincts of every parent", adding: "I believe that in every respect he has acted responsibly and legally and with integrity."

Conservative MPs had been baying for Mr Johnson to dispense with Mr Cummings after it emerged he had travelled 260 miles to County Durham in March to self-isolate with his family while official guidelines warned against long-distance journeys.

Further reports also suggested he took a second trip to the North East in April, having already returned to London.

Speaking at the Downing Street press briefing, Mr Johnson said he has had "extensive face-to-face conversations with Dominic Cummings" after the reports emerged.

He added: "I have concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of childcare, at the moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus  and when he had no alternative  I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent. And I do not mark him down for that.

Mr Johnson said that some of the allegations about his top aides behaviour during self-isolation were palpably false.

Though there have been many other allegations about what happened when he was in self-isolation and thereafter, some of them palpably false, I believe that in every respect he has acted responsibly and legally and with integrity and with the overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives," he said.

When asked why Mr Cummings needed to travel to Durham when he has now said that his family did not care for his son, Mr Johnson said: The guidance makes it very clear that where you have particular childcare needs that has got to be taken into account.

Boris Johnson in Downing Street / PA

He added: I have seen a lot of stuff in the last few days about this episode of self-isolation by Mr Cummings that does not seem to correspond remotely with reality.

As far as I can see he stuck to the rules and he acted legally and responsibly with the sole objective of avoiding such contact as would spread the virus.

His object was to stop the spread of the virus and he behaved in such a way as to do that.

A number of MPs criticised the Prime Minister's decision to defend Mr Cummings, with the SNP's Ian Blackford saying the decision "displays a failure of leadership and undermines his own public health messages".

Green Party co-leader Jonathan Bartley accused Mr Johnson of being dismissive and arrogant.

He tweeted: Dismissive and arrogant from the Prime Minister. Cummings did have an alternative.

No acknowledgement whatsoever that this is undermining confidence in the Governments Covid-19 response and will cost lives. Cummings must go.

While former Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron tweeted: Politically, BJ has just caused colossal, possibly fatal, damage to his Conservative administration. but he has also undone any attempt to save lives by effective public health messaging.

More follows
Many university students are being threatened with legal action from letting agents and private landlords unless they pay for accommodation they signed up to until the end of the academic year.

Others have hit a brick wall in trying to get refunds for rent already paid on digs for the summer term  sums typically ranging from 1,000 to 3,000.

This is despite most students being urged by their universities to go home in late March  as campuses closed  and complete their studies remotely. Many have not put a foot inside their rented digs since the final term started.

Standing firm: Jack Clarke, with his father Phil, has lodged a complaint

Pleas from some universities calling for private landlords to compromise on final term rental payments have largely been ignored.

Other universities, acting as agents for private landlords, have flatly refused to offer students any refund of their agent's fees  or to provide students with details of their landlords so they can appeal to their better side. The universities say release of such information would be in breach of data protection rules.

Not all student accommodation providers or their agents have played hardball. Some nationwide operators of student accommodation have agreed to waive all or some of the payments for this term while most universities have waived fees on campus accommodation they provide themselves.

The hard-nosed attitude of a majority of letting agents and landlords appears to be in defiance of guidance issued by the Competition & Markets Authority on 'consumer contracts' impacted by the corona-virus pandemic.

Late last month, the authority, responsible for protecting consumers from unfair trading practices, said that businesses should offer refunds where a consumer was not allowed to use a service as a result of lockdown restrictions.

Although its finger was pointed at providers of wedding events, holiday accommodation and childcare nurseries, it confirmed to The Mail on Sunday that its guidance also applied to suppliers of student accommodation.

Some nationwide operators of student accommodation have agreed to waive all or some of the payments for this term while most universities have waived fees on campus accommodation

It said: 'CMA's statement on consumer contracts, cancellations and refunds, which aims to help consumers understand their rights, would also apply to students. In most cases, the CMA would expect businesses to offer refunds where they cancel bookings or don't provide any services  or where consumers are not allowed to use them because of lockdown restrictions.'

Ella Smithyman, 21, has just received a final warning over the non-payment of rent for the summer term on the digs she was living in before she headed home to Middlesbrough the weekend before the country went into lockdown in March.

She was in a house with six other students and was in the final year of a degree in biomedical research at Chester University. The property is managed by Abbey Rentals.

The warning states: 'Abbey Rentals is about to start legal proceedings to recover your current rent arrears. Costs will also be added to the principal debt as per your tenancy agreement signed before you moved in.' It has given her seven days to pay.

Ella's father Paul says: 'Abbey Rentals has been inflexible and unhelpful and the only concession it has offered is a delayed payment plan.' He adds: 'Ella emailed Abbey stating she had to give up her part-time job in Chester and return home due to the campus being shut. But requests for a rent discount have been ignored.'

Paul, an operational manager for a logistics company, says the debt will fall on his shoulders because he agreed to act as Ella's guarantor. He says: 'I would reluctantly agree to pay 50 per cent. But then I might go to the small claims court, cite the exceptional circumstances, and argue the contract from Abbey has not been fulfilled.'

His argument appears to dovetail with the guidance issued by the CMA on services not provided because of lockdown  namely that suppliers should offer refunds where payment has been made or discounts where it hasn't.

On Friday, Abbey said: 'We have followed Government guidelines and offered any student who has financial difficulties a payment plan  although this has not been an issue as most students have received their Government loans which are intended for living expenses.'

Like Ella Smithyman, Jack Clarke also believes his landlord should offer a discount on the third term rent due on the digs he vacated in March. But unlike Ella he has not been able to contact the landlord because his university, through which he arranged his accommodation, will not provide him with their details.

Parents rage... but agents stay silent on clamour for refunds Parents have contacted The Mail on Sunday in their hundreds to express their anger at the reticence of landlords  both big companies and private  to waive student accommodation fees this term. By way of contrast, only a handful of landlords, or their agents, have been prepared to defend their taking of rents despite the fact that most student tenants have long gone home to continue their studies. Paul Parker, from Northampton, has only just paid the rent due on his daughter's third term accommodation at the University of Liverpool, provided by Student Cribs. He paid because he did not want any adverse credit black mark against her name. Parents have contacted The Mail on Sunday in their hundreds to express their anger at the reticence of landlords to waive student accommodation fees this term Yet it doesn't mean he is happy with the way Student Cribs has behaved. Paul says: 'My daughter was told she had an obligation to pay the outstanding rent even though there was no chance of her returning to Liverpool to complete her academic year's studies. 'There is a right way of doing business and a wrong way  and Student Cribs has not played ball.' Paul now fears that his daughter will be paying fees for new accommodation in September  with another provider  that she is again unable to use because of continued coronavirus issues. 'It's all rather unsatisfactory,' he says. Student Cribs did not respond to The Mail on Sunday's request for an explanation of why it was not prepared to waive a slice of tenants' third term rents. But its silence was not a lone one. Other accommodation providers including Campus Living Villages, Host and Mansion House refused to say anything. One private landlord did email, saying: 'Don't demonise us landlords.'

Jack, 22, from Sevenoaks in Kent, is in the final year of a business management degree at Warwick University and until lockdown was living with six other students in Leamington Spa. Jack arranged his tenancy through Warwick Accommodation, an arm of the university that acts as a facilitator between students and private landlords.

Although the university has waived accommodation fees for students living on campus, it has not offered any concessions for those who arranged tenancies through it for off-campus digs provided by private landlords. This is despite Warwick Accommodation making a healthy income from its role as an agent.

Jack has lodged online a three-pronged complaint. First, he wants to know whether it has actually ap-proached his landlord over a possible rental reduction. Second, he has asked whether he could have direct contact with the landlord  something it has so far declined to agree to on data protection grounds.

Finally, he has asked Warwick Accommodation to provide him with the amount of his rent that it takes in fees before passing on the rest to the landlord  and whether it would return a slice of its fees to students like him as a 'gesture of goodwill'.

Although it has yet to respond to these requests, Warwick Accommodation previously told Jack that it had asked landlords 'if they may be willing to forgo payments owing to them'. Yet the response it had received was that a 'great many' landlords were reluctant to do so.

On Friday, Jack's father Phil said: 'While the financial assistance given to businesses and employees in response to the coronavirus crisis has been fantastic, the financial difficulties facing students have fallen through the cracks.'
The mother of a grammar school boy who was stabbed to death in an affluent Cheshire village has died, her family said.

Yousef Makki, 17, a scholarship boy at Manchester Grammar School, was knifed in the heart by his friend, former public schoolboy Joshua Molnar, 18, during a fight in upmarket Hale Barns on March 2 last year.

His mother Debbie Makki - who tested negative for coronavirus - died of suspected sepsis this morning aged 55.

She was rushed to hospital on Friday after she was unable to move.

Debbie Makki (right, at a vigil against knife crime) has died 15 months after Yousef (left) was stabbed to death

Yousef's sister Jade Akoum told Manchester Evening News: 'She started getting unwell on Wednesday. She has arthritis and we thought it was a flare up, but by Friday she couldn't move and was taken to hospital.'

She added: 'She tested negative for Covid-19 and they think she had an infection which developed into sepsis.'

Pictured: Joshua Molnar outside court

She died early this morning in intensive care, Ms Akoum added.

She told how said lockdown had 'isolated' her mother from her beloved grandchildren, who had 'kept her going' as she grieved for her son.

The Makki and Akoum families said their worlds had 'fallen apart all over again' following her 'sudden' death.

A statement read: 'It is with a broken heart that we have to share this devastating news.

'Our beloved mum and nana, so loved by everyone who knew her, died in the early hours of this morning.

'She was rushed to hospital via ambulance two days ago after struggling at home. The doctors told us she was critical. She was not strong enough to fight.

'Lockdown isolated my mum from her grandchildren, who kept her going and she had too much time to think about the loss of Yousef.

Yousef's mother Debbie Makki (pictured together) - who tested negative for coronavirus - died of suspected sepsis this morning aged 55

'We were unable to be with her in her last moments, just as we were unable to be with Yousef, but they are together now, which brings us some comfort.

'Our world has fallen apart all over again and we are all in complete shock.'

A post on the Facebook page Justice for Yousef Makki, written by Ms Akoum, announced her death.

It said: '24th of May at 4am my beautiful strong mum Debbie Makki peacefully passed away.

'God rest your soul, at least you are with Yousef now, we told him we needed you here a bit longer but you had to be together!

A post on the Facebook page Justice for Yousef Makki, written by Ms Akoum, announced her death

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham was among those to pay tribute to Ms Makki

Bosses at Manchester Grammar School, where Yousef was a pupil, wrote on Twitter: 'It is with great sadness that we have heard the tragic news that Debbie Makki, Yousef's Makki's mother, has sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning.' They also shared this picture of Ms Makki planting a tree in Yousef's memory

'I seen you over the fence twice in 12 weeks because I was worried about you with corona and we said we would all have a big party once it was all over.

'We love you so so much, I didn't think my heart could take any more pain and loss and grief.

'Please say a prayer for her soul today and pray for my little brother who has lost two of the closest people to him in the space of a year and all of us that have been left behind.

'Mum died with a broken heart and we knew she wanted justice for Yousef and I promise you mum we wont give up until we get it for you.'

Molnar, from a wealthy Cheshire family, was cleared of Yousef's murder and manslaughter following a trial at Manchester Crown Court last July when he claimed he acted in self-defence.

Yousef's sister Jade said her mother (pictured) 'died with a broken heart'. Ms Makki and the family have been calling for a full inquest into Yousef's death

He admitted possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice and was given 16 months in custody.

Adam Chowdhary, 18, was convicted of possession of a knife and sentenced to a four-month detention order.

He was cleared of perverting the course of justice and, along with Molnar, was found not guilty of a single charge of conspiracy to robbery.

Ms Makki and the family have been calling for a full inquest into Yousef's death, and at a pre-inquest hearing in February their legal representative Matthew Stanbury said matters surrounding the teenager's death 'have not been sufficiently aired'.

In October, Ms Makki gave a speech at an anti-knife crime summit in Manchester. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham was among those to pay tribute to her.

He wrote on Twitter: 'So so sorry to hear this news. And after everything the family has been through. Debbie was such a lovely person and deserved so much more. My love to them all.'

As news of Debbie's death broke on Sunday morning, scores of people took to social media to pay tribute.

Debbie, Jade, Yousef's brother Mazen and his father Ghaleb taking part in a peaceful protest last year

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said: 'So, so sorry to hear this news. And after everything the family has been through.

'Debbie was such a lovely person and deserved so much more. My love to them all.'

Bosses at Manchester Grammar School, where Yousef was a pupil, wrote on Twitter: 'It is with great sadness that we have heard the tragic news that Debbie Makki, Yousef's Makki's mother, has sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning.

'Our thoughts go out to Debbie's family and friends at this difficult time.'

Maria Webster wrote: 'So heartbroken to wake up to this news. A beautiful and kind lady who did everything she could for her family to make sure they were well loved, well-raised and well-educated. They are a credit to her.'
An employee at Maruti Suzukis Manesar plant has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a company spokesperson.

The company is also looking at a possibility of a second case of infection at the facility but has ruled out any impact on the business part due to the situation.

The countrys largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) had re-opened the Manesar facility earlier this month after around 50 days of closure due to coronavirus-led lockdown.

One employee of the companys Manesar plant tested positive on May 22, 2020 for COVID-19, the spokesperson told PTI on Saturday when contacted over the matter.

The said employee had last attended the plant on May 15 with normal health after which his residence area came under containment zone and he did not join work thereafter, he said.

The district administration was informed about the employee who has since been admitted in the hospital and his condition is stable, he added.

MSI is providing all medical help and assistance to the infected employee as per government guidelines, the spokesperson said.

On the status of another employee possibly infected with the virus, the spokesperson said: There may be a possibility of a second case of infection that has just been reported. More information is being sought.

The automaker, in the confirmed case, has undertaken a contact tracing exercise and out of abundant caution, all employees who could have come in contact are advised to stay in home isolation, he said. The company has in place a robust and carefully designed standard operating procedure (SOP) for maximum safety against infection spread at the workplace and transit, which goes well beyond compliance requirement, the spokesperson said.

In addition, there is also a COVID-19 Task Force that closely monitors adherence to the SOP in the company, the spokesperson added.

MSI had resumed production at its Gurugram plant from May 18.

Both Manesar and Gurugram plants have an installed capacity to churn out over 15.5 lakh vehicles per annum.

The Gurugram facility rolls out models like S-Cross, Vitara Brezza, Ignis and Super Carry light commercial vehicle.

The Manesar plant, on the other hand, produces high selling models like Alto, Swift, Dzire, S-Presso, Ertiga and Baleno.
Chhattisgarh witnessed the biggest single-day spike in the number of Covid-19 cases on Saturday as per the medical bulletin released by the health department.

Total 44 people were found coronavirus positive in Chhattisgarh on Saturday, including a woman junior doctor posted in a government hospital in Bilaspur.

On Friday, the state had reported 40 fresh coronavirus patients, most of them were migrant labourers.

The total Covid-19 tally in Chhattisgarh has jumped to 216 in the state, of which 152 are active cases. Total 64 patients have been discharged after recovery.

Also read: States can develop their quarantine protocol - Govt on domestic travel

Most of the cases, which were detected in the last two days, were migrants labourers because they are returning back from all parts of the country. More than 4 lakh labourers are about to return to Chhattisgarh in the next one month, hence cases will definitely increase. We are all prepared for it, health minister TS Singh Deo told Hindustan Times.

On Saturday, ten cases were reported from Rajnandgaon district, nine each from Mungeli and Bilaspur districts, four each from Raigarh and Koriya districts and three each from Surguja and

Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM) districts, the state medical bulletin released on Saturday night claimed.

The rest of the cases were found in Balodabazar and Jashpur districts.

A junior doctor at Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) Bilaspur was also found Covid-19 positive on Saturday, officials said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 23:36:23|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has strongly condemned rioters' unlawful assemblies and violent illegal acts in the vicinity of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai on Sunday, and supported the police to take resolute enforcement actions.

The rioters' acts ranged from dismantling railings, trashing traffic lights to prying up drainage covers and bricks and assaulting people with different views. While some rioters invaded into a flyover to disrupt the traffic, some even threw glass bottles from the rooftop of buildings and assaulted police officers with a large number of bricks and splashed them with unknown liquid, injuring at least four police officers who had to be sent to hospital, a spokesman of the HKSAR government said.

Some people waved flags of "Hong Kong independence", flagrantly disregarding the constitutional order of Hong Kong and undermining the overall and long-term interests of Hong Kong society, said the spokesman. "The HKSAR government strongly condemns the acts of the rioters and advocates of 'Hong Kong independence'."

The spokesman pointed out that the National People's Congress (NPC) will deliberate the draft decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security. The fundamental objective of the decision is to safeguard national security and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, thereby better protecting the legitimate rights and freedoms of all members of the public in Hong Kong.

"The violent acts in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai today show that advocates of 'Hong Kong independence' and rioters remain rampant, reinforcing the need and urgency of the legislation on national security," he said.

Given that the epidemic has not been over, the restrictions on group gatherings in public places are still in effect to safeguard public health, the spokesman noted.

"Hong Kong, whose economic situation has been severe amid the epidemic, cannot withstand further blows," he said, adding that the unlawful assemblies and the very violent and illegal acts on Sunday are extremely irresponsible, as they not only affected the commercial activities nearby, but also might increase the risk of the spread of the virus.

"The HKSAR government urges members of the public to dissociate themselves from the rioters and abide by the law, and the majority of residents who treasure Hong Kong should also condemn these violent acts together," he said. Enditem
Wearing a mask could literally save someone elses life, he said last week.

Northam also said last Friday that his homework for Virginians was to procure face coverings for themselves and their families over the weekend.

***

The number of people across Virginia who have contracted COVID-19 rose to 36,244 Sunday, an increase of 495 from a day earlier, according to the latest figures made available through the Virginia Department of Health.

The number of people who have died from the coronavirus across the state rose to 1,171 in the new figures, an increase of 12 from Saturday.

Since March, 1,012 people in Richmond have tested positive for the virus, 130 have been hospitalized and 19 have died.

In Chesterfield County, 1,193 people have tested positive, 73 have been hospitalized and 29 have died.

In Henrico County, 1,146 people have tested positive, 176 have been hospitalized and 118 have died.

In Hanover County, 252 people have tested positive, 46 have been hospitalized and 19 have died.
Three employees at Hyundai Motor Co's Indian plant have tested positive for the coronavirus, the company said on Sunday, days after the South Korean automaker resumed operations after a near two-month lockdown.

Test results of sixteen more workers who possibly came into contact with the infected employees are expected over the next two days, a senior government official told Reuters.

"The state's policy is to not let the industry stall," said P Ponniah, the top bureaucrat in the Kancheepuram district of southern India where Hyundai's plant is located.

"We will ensure the areas inside the plant visited by the COVID positive employees are sanitised," he said, adding that until such time workers would be barred from working in those areas.

Hyundai, which restarted operations at the plant on May 8, said the three employees started showing mild symptoms of coughs and colds in the first week of restarting and were tested positive. They are being treated, Hyundai's India spokesman said in a statement.

"All the necessary measures are being taken for contact tracing, self-isolation and complete sanitation," he said, adding the well-being of employees was a priority.

The cases at Hyundai, India's second largest carmaker by market share, come as bigger rival Maruti Suzuki India said late on Saturday that one employee at its plant in the northern city of Manesar tested positive and there may be the possibility of a second case.

The cases expose the risks and challenges Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government faces in restarting automobile production in an effort to kickstart the economy after a near two-month lockdown to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) on Sunday said its three employees at Chennai-based manufacturing plant have tested positive for COVID-19.

The second largest carmaker in the country had resumed operations at Irungattukottai-based plant (near Chennai) on May 8.

"In the first week of our plant operations, three of our employees have shown mild symptoms of cough and cold and were immediately asked to meet medical expert team for further evaluation. They subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 and immediate medical attention was provided to them," HMIL said in a statement.

All three employees are recovering fast towards normalcy and as per the safety protocol, essential information was shared with the district health authorities, it added.

In addition to that all the necessary measures are being taken for contact tracing, self-isolation and complete sanitation, the South Korean firm said.

Well-being of employees is of utmost priority to the company and as a responsible brand it is adhering to all the guidelines set by the Centre, state and district health authorities, HMIL said.

On Saturday, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) had stated that an employee at its Manesar-based manufacturing plant has tested positive for COVID-19.

The company is also investigating a second case of infection at the facility.

MSI had re-opened Manesar facility earlier this month after around 50 days of closure due to coronavirus-led lockdown.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Citizens of Kajaran have been standing in front of the police station in Kapan for more than eight hours with the demand for the release of the young citizens of Kajaran who were apprehended today.

Mayor of Kajaran Manvel Paramazyan entered the police building, exited and declared that he had seen the young people and that they had been exposed to violence. He also called on all citizens to stand in front of the building until their demands are met.

Currently, everyone is tense as they wait to see how the situation in Kapan will be solved.

There are videos on the Internet showing how police troops are being transported to Kapan, and this serves as a ground to assume that police might disperse the crowd through force.

Several public and political figures have called on the police to not use force.
Photo-messaging app Snapchat has seen significant growth in India business, and its daily active user base (DAU) in the country has jumped 120 per cent year-on-year in March 2020, a senior company executive said.

Speaking to PTI, Snap Inc Managing Director (International Markets) Nana Murugesan said the company has been expanding its team in India, which is focussing on developing culturally relevant products, community engagement, and partnerships.

"We have seen significant user growth in India with a 120 per cent increase of our daily active users, comparing March last year to March this year. We have added new functions to the India team in our Mumbai office, with our first employees hired in the strategy and partnership team, sales and creative strategy team, as well as currently recruiting for our content team," he said.

Snap is the parent company of Snapchat. The app allows users to share photos with friends for a specific time period after which the content disappears. It offers filters and lenses, many of which are augmented reality-enabled. More than an average of 4 billion Snaps were created by its users each day in March 2020 quarter.

It had 229 million daily active users at the end of March 2020 quarter, an increase of 39 million or 20 per cent year-over-year. The company doesn't disclose country-specific user base.

"Our team in India continues to focus on culturally relevant product developments, creative tools, community engagement, and partnerships. Over the past six months, we have launched support in five more languages, introduced creative tools to celebrate cultural moments and festivals, onboarded celebrities such as Taapsee Pannu as a Snap Star, added more Official Lens Creators and partnered with local media brands, advertisers, OEMs and Telcos," Murugesan said.

Across all its initiatives, augmented reality remains a fundamental way it engages its users in India, he added.

"We're especially excited to be hosting our first Lensathon in partnership with Skillenza to reach over five lakh developers developers in India. We see this as a big step forward in democratising creativity, building the future of AR alongside our community and making available even more compelling, relevant experiences for Snapchatters," he noted.

Lensathon is an online hackathon by Snapchat in partnership with Skillenza, where participants create eye-catching lenses and AR experiences using Lens Studio by Snap. They will stand a chance to be a part of the Official Lens Creator programme along with other cash prizes, Snap Spectacles etc.

Last year, the company hosted 11 Lens Studio workshops in colleges and universities in India. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, these sessions are being hosted virtually with the Pearl Academy, ISDI, Symbiosis Pune, Thapar Institute of Technology, Manipal Institute of Technology, SRM Institute, and Deviprasad Goenka Management College Of Media Studies.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Himachal Pradesh as a quarantine destination?



Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur's recent idea to promote the hill state as a place where people from elsewhere can spend their days in coronavirus quarantine has not gone down well with many.

The Congress on Sunday criticised the proposal that the CM suggested could help revive tourism. Even the local hoteliers' association is not too keen, saying it will put off regular tourists.

Himachal can be a destination for quarantine in these times, Thakur said in Hindi during a television show.

Thakur said if in the coming days the impact of coronavirus lessens a bit in the entire country and people are advised quarantine for 14-15 days, they could choose Himachal Pradesh.

We are also considering this, he said, adding that the suggestion has come from many people who felt that it could boost tourism.

Compared to many other states, Himachal Pradesh has been less severely hit by COVID-19. Up to early Sunday afternoon, 193 cases, including four deaths, were reported in the state. Some districts have just one or two active cases right now.

But with people returning home to Himachal, there are concerns that the cases may increase at a faster rate.

The Congress was prompt to reject the CM's idea.

It is not only wrong to present Himachal as a quarantine destination but it may also prove dangerous for the state. The Congress would not accept this decision to give an open invitation to the pandemic, state Congress president Kuldeep Singh Rathore said in a statement on Sunday.

It has already become difficult to control coronavirus in Himachal due to the recent spurt in cases and if the state is turned into a quarantine destination, the situation might get out of hand, he said.

Instead, he suggested, the state should seek a financial package from the Centre.

Shimla Hotel and Restaurant Association (SHRA) president Sanjay Sood said regular tourists would stop coming to the state if its hotels are developed as quarantine centres.

The government should act on the lines of Goa by allowing entry to tourists only after a proper medical check-up, he told PTI.

It should make the state coronavirus-free, declare it as such and invite tourists, he advised.

Sood also suggested that hotels and restaurants with adequate space should be allowed to run as normal serving customers on their premises itself -- while maintaining social distancing.

According to one estimate, hotels in Himachal Pradesh have already lost around Rs 800 crore due to the nationwide lockdown ordered to combat coronavirus.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A top economic adviser to Donald Trump has predicted that the unemployment rate could still be in double digits by the 2020 presidential election in November, as the number of unemployed Americans continues to creep upward due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump administration officials expect the unemployment rate to eclipse 20 per cent by the end of May, the highest such figure since the Great Depression, senior White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said in an interview with CNN on Sunday.

"Unemployment will be something that moves back slower," Mr Hassett said.

Mr Hassett said while he expects the unemployment rate to reach an inflection point in the coming weeks and that it could improve more rapidly than current projections, "you're going to be starting at a number in the twenties and working your way down," which will be a slow process.

"If there were a vaccine in July, then I'd be way more optimistic" about getting the unemployment rate back below 10 per cent, Mr Hassett said.

The unemployment rate reached 14.7 per cent in April as businesses continued to shutter over health concerns related to Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Republicans and Democrats do not appear on the same page  or even reading from the same book  for how to proceed legislatively to help stem the economic fallout from the pandemic.

Congress passed roughly $2.7trn over four coronavirus relief bills in the first two months after the health crisis picked up in March. But while House Democrats passed a fifth bill worth north of $3trn earlier this month, Senate Republicans have adopted a wait-and-see approach, dismissing the House bill as a liberal "wish list."

Mr Hassett indicated that one of the White House's top priorities with regard to unemployment will be addressing the recent expansion of the unemployment insurance policy, which pays some recently laid off people more than people who are still working.

"There's a lot of Republicans concerned that the benefit makes it so that people get more for not working than for working. And so we look forward to, you know, working with people on potentially reforming that," Mr Hassett said.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has also made passing liability law reform one of his party's chief concerns in any subsequent coronavirus legislation, arguing that businesses won't want to re-open if it means they could get swamped by lawsuits from patrons who later contracted Covid-19.

"for our team here, the Republican Senate majority, if theres any red line, its on litigation," Mr McConnell told reporters earlier this month.
London, May 24 : Amid growing calls for him to resign for travelling during the COVID-19 restrictions, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's chief aide Dominic Cummings was now facing fresh allegations that he breached lockdown rules, the media reported on Sunday.

Cummings, the former Vote Leave chief who was the architect of Johnson's Brexit strategy, and the government had said he acted "reasonably and legally" by driving from London to County Durham while his wife had coronavirus symptoms, reports the BBC.

But The Observer and Sunday Mirror newspapers have reported that he was seen in the North East on two more occasions, after recovering from his own COVID-19 symptoms and returning to work in London.

Cummings is yet to publicly respond to the new claims, but the Sunday Telegraph reported that he told Downing Street he left Durham on April 13, and that the claim he made a second trip from London was "totally false".

In response to the fresh claims, Downing Street said on Sunday: "Yesterday the Mirror and Guardian wrote inaccurate stories about Cummings.

"Today they are writing more inaccurate stories including claims that Cummings returned to Durham after returning to work in Downing Street on April 14.

"We will not waste our time answering a stream of false allegations about Cummings from campaigning newspapers." But Durham Police insist their officers spoke to Cummings' father, who confirmed that his son had travelled with his family from London.

Opposition parties renewed their calls for Cummings to resign.

The SNP's Ian Blackford said Cummings "has to leave office", while acting Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey told the BBCe: "If Dominic Cummings has not been sacked by tomorrow, I think the prime minister's judgement is in serious doubt." The Labour has called for an urgent inquiry into the allegations.
Moroccan King Mohammed VI granted pardon to 483 prisoners on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr holiday, said a statement from the Moroccan Justice ministry Saturday, Trend reports citing Xinhua.

Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Muslim holy month of Ramadan, is celebrated on Sunday in Morocco.

On April 5, a pardon was granted for 5,654 prisoners in Morocco, as part of measures to strengthen the protection of the detainees in prisons, particularly against the spread of the coronavirus epidemic.
New Delhi, May 24 : Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that at least four of the 14 candidate vaccines for novel coronavirus in the country may enter the clinical trial stage very soon.

In a social media interaction with BJP leader G.V.L. Narasimha Rao, the Minister said within five months, four of the vaccine candidates in the country may enter the clinical trial stage.

Rao asked the Health Minister about the status of the development of the vaccines in the country. The Minister said, "The whole world is trying to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. There are over 100 candidate vaccines which are at different levels of development. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is coordinating the efforts. India is also actively contributing in it. There are 14 candidates in India also which are at different levels..." Vardhan said.

He said the Department of Biotechnology of the Ministry of Science and Technology is helping the academic world and industry in all manners such as giving regulatory clearances, grants or financial support, among other things. "As far as I know, four of our fourteen vaccines will soon be in the clinical trial stage, within 4 to 5 months. All the 14 are right now at the pre-clinical trial stage." However, the Minister cautioned that it is too early to expect any vaccine against the disease because there is a long due procedure involved in its development. "It will take minimum one year for the development of any vaccine even if it is developed earliest. Therefore use social distancing, masks and follow hand and physical hygiene -- the biggest safeguard against the disease -- till any vaccine or cure is found," said the Minister.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has intensified its public education on the specifications and registration requirements for home-made nose masks in the fight against the COVID-19.



It said it was also doing more education to sensitize the public on what to look out for when they go to buy the nose masks.



Mr Albert Ankomah, the Upper West Regional Head for the FDA, said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Wa.



He said it was necessary to educate the producers of the nose masks on the FDA requirements as some of them did not know the requirements to adhere to.



Per the Public Health Act 2012, once your product is not registered, it is illegal, but the FDA is currently educating the public to comply with the requirements for registration of the home-made nose masks, he said.



He explained that as part of the education, his outfit had met with the leadership of the Ghana Tailors and Dressmakers Association in the region to sensitize them on the need to follow the FDA requirements to produce safe and quality home-made nose masks for public use.



Mr Ankomah noted that as part of the specifications, people who wished to produce the home-made nose masks and sell to the public must register with the FDA before they could do so.



He, thus, entreated the general public and any person who would want to produce home-made nose masks to follow the FDA specification to effectively fight against the COVID-19.



He said, currently, about 147 companies have registered to produce the nose masks in Ghana, but there was no individual or a group in the region who had registered to produce the home-made nose masks.



The FDA Regional Head explained that producers were required to pay annual registration fees of GH250.00 while those producing for non-commercial purposes were also required to pay listing fees of GH150.00.



Mr Ankomah added that registration requirements included submission of twelve samples of the home-made nose masks with specifications of three layers of Calico-Stiff (hard/medium)-Calico or Calico-Calico-Calico, application letter and completed application form for Class One Medical Device.

Face or nose mask should cover the nose, mouth and chin area with a three-layer thickness of not less than 0.759mm, Mr Ankomah explained.



He also urged the public to buy registered and quality nose masks, which were effective in fighting the deadly COVID-19.



Mr Ankomah said buyers should look out for the three-layer Calico-Stiff (hard/medium)-Calico or Calico-Calico-Calico when purchasing the home-made nose masks.



Mr Ankomah said reducing the spread of the CVID-19 was paramount and that the FDA led by its Chief Executive, Mrs Delese A. A Darko had intensified public sensitization on the specification for production and use of the home-made nose masks.

Source: GNA









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Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee president Kuldeep Rathore on Sunday lashed out at chief minister Jai Ram Thakur over his recent statement of exploring ways to promote the hill state as a quarantine destination to boost tourism.

In a statement issued here, Rathore asked the chief minister to take practical decisions after due consideration for reviving the states economy. It is not only wrong to present Himachal as a quarantine destination but it may also prove dangerous for the state The Congress would not accept this decision to give an open invitation to the pandemic, Rathore said.

He said that the state government is not able to control the situation and this decision will be an open invitation for the pandemic as making the state a quarantine destination will increase coronavirus cases.

While expressing concern over increasing Covid-19 cases in the state, Rathore said that state government is not able to prevent the coronavirus pandemic and amid such a situation, CMs efforts of reviving the economy of tourism and hotel industry by making Himachal a quarantine destination will prove to be an anti-people decision.

Thakur had recently told a private news channel that the state government might promote Himachal Pradesh as a quarantine destination by converting its hotels into quarantine centres.
A hairstylist from Missouri potentially exposed more than 90 customers and colleagues to coronavirus after going to work for a week with symptoms of the disease, officials have warned.

Health officials in Springfield, 200 miles southwest of St Louis, issued a warning advising people that they may been exposed to Covid19 if they visited Great Clips salon between 12 May and last Wednesday.

They said the stylist, who has not been named, had tested positive for coronavirus and was thought to have become infected while travelling.

The individual and their clients were wearing face coverings. The 84 clients potentially directly exposed will be notified by the health department and be offered testing, as will seven coworkers, the Springfield-Greene County health department said in a statement.

It is the hope of the department that because face coverings were worn throughout this exposure timeline, no additional cases will result.

At a subsequent press conference, the departments director Clay Goddard said he was worried about the implications of what had taken place. Officials said staff and customers who were potentially directly exposed will be notified by the health department and offered testing.

Im gong to be honest with you, we cant have many more of these, he said, according to CNN. We cant make this a regular habit or our capabilities as a community will be strained.

The incident underscored the challenges and pitfalls faced by businesses worldwide as nations seek to emerge from lockdowns imposed during the pandemic.

In the US, Donald Trump led the push for reopening, even though he has left it to individual states to make the final decision. With unemployment already at about 20 per cent as a result of the lockdown and shuttering of businesses the president is desperate for them to reopen, having pinned his re-election hopes on the strength of the economy. Critics say he is pushing too quickly, and that he risks incidents such as the Missouri one and a second wave of infections.

 Which surfaces are spreading Covid-19?

Hair and nail salons are among a number of businesses that several states have permitted to reopen, including Missouri. Officials said staff at the salon, along with the customers, had been wearing masks.

They said the stylist who tested positive had provided details of their movements to help the department trace people they may have come into contact with.

Nobody from the salon on Saturday immediately responded to enquiries from The Independent.

However, in a statement provided to the KYTV television channel, owners Brittany Hager and Jennifer Small said that keeping clients safe was their top priority.

Weve closed the salon where the employee works and its currently undergoing additional sanitising and deep cleaning consistent with guidance from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and the CDC, they said. We will reopen the salon based on guidance from the health department.
A man charged with criminal damage in a local housing estate has been ordered to come up with 500 in compensation for his neighbour, whose car he damaged in July last year.

George Casey 20 Divine Crescent, Edgeworthstown, appeared before last Fridays sitting of Granard District Court.

Sgt Paddy McGirl explained to the court that gardai received a call on July 12, 2019, at approximately 7.15pm to attend an incident at Divine Crescent, where the defendant resides.

The neighbours motor vehicle was damaged during the incident, he said.

Mr Casey was in the estate, extremely intoxicated. He was shouting and roaring. A neighbour heard a crashing, banging noise and went out to see Mr Casey walking into his home.

Mr Casey had allegedly smashed in the window of a car with a rock, causing 500 worth of damage to the vehicle, including damage to the paintwork.

He arrived on his way home, intoxicated, explained defence solicitor, Frank Gearty.

There was an exchange between himself and the injured party. She told him to go away and he reacted by doing what he did.

He seems rather chilled out and relaxed in himself. Hes chewing gum, Judge Hughes noted, observing Mr Casey.

Mr Gearty replied that the form that his client has displayed in recent times is due to significant depression.

Have you 500 for me? Judge Hughes asked Mr Casey.

No. When do you want it? Mr Casey replied.

Today, said Judge Hughes. Do you remember the day you smashed the window? Youve had a year to pay 500.

I have a year? said Mr Casey, mishearing him.

You had a year. Shes been out of pocket for a year, Judge Hughes shot back.

She had insurance, said Mr Casey.

It doesnt matter. You owe her 500, said Judge Hughes, giving Mr Casey until June 19 to come up with the compensation.

The matter will thereafter be finalised by way of a small fine.
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A patrol party of the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetian Border Police (ITBP) were detained and released by the Chinese forces earlier this week, NDTV has reported quoting sources.

According to the report, the situation was defused after a border meeting of commanders from both sides.

"The situation became very volatile last Wednesday when a scuffle between Indian jawans and the Chinese resulted in detention of some of our jawans but later they were released," a senior bureaucrat told the news channel.

The report suggests that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has been appraised about the situation and the Indian forces have also briefed the PMO regarding the sequence of events.

According to the senior official quoted above by the news channel, the Chinese forces had also snatched the weapons of the ITBP jawans. They were, however, returned later.

The Chinese, according to the report, had managed to enter Indian territory and were conducting patrols with motor boats in Pangong lake.

"It was a massive build up but now things have calmed down a bit. But it's not over yet," a senior officer said.

Reports adds that the Chinese military is fast increasing its troops in areas around Pangong Tso and Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, sending a clear signal that it was not ready to end its confrontation with the Indian Army yet.

Also read | China deploys more patrol boats on Ladakh's Pangong lake, objects to road work by India: Report

According to the NDTV report, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is getting daily briefings on the situation, and it was only after one such review that the decision to increase security set up in that region was taken.

Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report.

The Chinese side has particularly bolstered its presence in the Galwan Valley, erecting around 100 tents in the last two weeks and bringing in heavy equipment for construction of bunkers, notwithstanding the stiff protest by Indian troops, reports suggest.

The situation in Eastern Ladakh deteriorated after around 150 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on the evening of May 5 which spilled over to the next day before the two sides agreed to "disengage" following a meeting at the level of local commanders.
Seen is Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Watch Active 2. Users of the smartwatch will be able to check their electrocardiogram (ECG) soon as the firm said Sunday it received an approval for the function from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics



By Baek Byung-yeul



Samsung Electronics has received an approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring function in its smartwatch, paving the way for the tech giant to advance into the lucrative digital healthcare business, the company said Sunday.



With the approval, users of Samsung's smartwatch and healthcare app Samsung Health Monitor will be able to take an ECG reading. Among Samsung's devices, the Galaxy Watch Active 2, released last August, is capable of monitoring the ECG of its users, but the feature was unable to be used because of the local regulation.



In Korea where telemedicine service is not still active, reading an ECG with a smartwatch has been regarded as a remote medical activity but the drug safety ministry has eased the regulation.



Samsung said the updated feature on the Galaxy Watch Active 2 will be available within the July-September period and the ECG measurement function will be also be applied to its upcoming smartwatches.



To take an ECG, users are required to open the app first when they are seated comfortably and place their fingertip on the top button on the Galaxy Watch Active 2 for 30 seconds. Then, the health monitoring app will measure their heart rate and rhythm.



The Samsung Health Monitor app also received approval from the ministry for its blood pressure measuring function, which means Samsung smartwatch users will be able to stay fit and get instant feedback on their health status.



Samsung said its ECG and blood pressure technology will "help users manage and improve their health by providing on-demand measurements."



"This recording will provide insight into a user's health, enabling them to share results with their doctor to help make more informed decisions and live healthier, especially when combined with the blood pressure measurement," the company said.



IT device manufacturers are trying to find more business opportunities by integrating electronics into healthcare services as part of their moves to diversify business portfolios. Apple is also making a deeper push into healthcare business as it already introduced an ECG feature in the Apple Watch Series 4, which was released in 2018.


A couple who were so excited for their forthcoming wedding that they had matching tattoos of the date in Roman numerals while 'tipsy' on holiday have had their big day cancelled because of the pandemic.

Bride and groom-to-be Francis Donald, 26, and Fionnuala Kearney, 24, from Newcastle, Northern Ireland, have been engaged since December 2017, and were due to marry on October 16th this year.

The couple decided to forever etch that date on their skin after strolling into a tattoo salon while on the final day of their holiday to Turkey last year.

However, last month the couple were told by their venue, Hugh McCanns hotel in Newcastle, County Down, that they would have to postpone their wedding until April 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, instantly rendering their tattoos incorrect.

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A date to remember, for the wrong reasons: Bride and groom-to-be Francis Donald, 26, and Fionnuala Kearney, 24, from Newcastle, Northern Ireland, were due to wed on October 16th this year but their big day has been cancelled because of the pandemic

After hearing that they would no longer be getting married in October the couple said they both looked down at their matching body art in shock

Fionnuala and Francis say there were devastated - but had the shock of their lives when they looked down at their arms and remembered their tattoos.

The couple have decided to stay positive, moving their wedding date to April 2021, and have started to think of ideas about what they can do to keep the tattoos meaningful - including a charity skydive.

Fionnuala, a social worker from Belfast, Ireland, said: 'Ever since Francis and I got together, I knew I wanted to marry him - so when he proposed on New Year's Eve in 2017, I was thrilled. I had always dreamed of my wedding day, so started planning it straight away.'

She explains how they decided to get the body art on a whim, saying: 'We were in Turkey and had checked out of our hotel at 9am, but had to wait until the evening for our flight home - so we decided to go on a bar crawl.

'We strolled past a tattoo salon and we were tipsy, so thought it was a great idea to get matching tattoos.

'It's funny because we were being extra careful to make sure we got the roman numerals correct, and the staff were teasing us, saying: 'Are you sure that's the right date?'

Fionnuala and Francis met whilst studying at Ulster University in 2015, when they both worked as residential assistants in student halls.

On holiday in Turkey last year, the pair decided to have the date of their planned big day etched on their skin in a tattoo parlour

Francis, who was studying IT, asked Fionnuala to be his girlfriend whilst still in their first year of university. The pair went on a romantic getaway to spend New Year 2017 in Inch Island, in County Donegal, Ireland, where they stayed in a library-themed private lodge.

Fionnuala said: 'Francis knows how much I love Beauty and the Beast, and the lodge looked like something straight out of the film.

'We spent an amazing few days wandering around Inch Island, and on New Year's Eve we walked around and watched the fireworks.

'Little did I know, Francis had been making plans with the owners of the lodge - I walked through the door to find it transformed.

'It had been set up like a scene from Beauty and the Beast - complete with the rose in the glass case. Then, Francis asked me to marry him.'

They're now thinking of doing a charity skydive on October 16th to make the day memorable

Fionnuala accepted, and the pair started planning their wedding immediately.

She said: 'We knew that things were going to be hectic as I was due to start my master's degree in September 2018 - so we decided to arrange the wedding for after I graduated.

'We picked the date two months later - 16th October 2020 - and then we started arranging.

'I bought my dress in September 2018, and arranged our band, picked our guests, everything.'

Fionnuala and Francis were thankful for the wait until their big day, as in May 2019, Fionnuala was diagnosed with Crohn's disease - a condition which causes parts of the digestive system to become inflamed.

Staying positive: the young couple are trying to think of a way to make their tattoos still relevant despite now getting married on a different day

Speaking about her disease, Fionnuala said: 'We were really nervous because we had plans to go on holiday the next month. Thankfully we were allowed to go.'

The duo were joined by their friends Bethany Corbett, 23, and Owen Nolan, 25, on the couple's holiday to Icmeler, Turkey, in June 2019.

Fionnuala said: 'We had an amazing holiday, and on the last day we did something crazy. We got suitably tipsy, and then we walked past a tattoo parlour.

I have a few small funny tattoos that I've got on drunken holidays, so I wasn't too fussed, but it was the cherry on top of the cake... Bride-to-be Fionnuala Kearney

'Francis and I often make spur of the moment decisions - we're quite spontaneous - so we decided to go for it and get matching tattoos.

'We walked into the shop without even knowing what we wanted, until I had the idea of getting our wedding date.'

Francis, who works as a software developer, said: 'I had the idea to get the date in roman numerals, and we were extra careful to make sure that we got them exactly right - we didn't want to make any mistakes!'

In April 2020, with the coronavirus lockdown measures in full force, Fionnuala decided to contact the wedding venue to find out what was going to happen to their big day.

She said: 'We were supposed to have our six month review before the wedding, to make sure that everything was going to plan. Of course, I had considered the virus and the effects it might have, but with our wedding being quite far away in October, I didn't think we would be affected.'

Fionnuala was told that their wedding day would have to be postponed.

'I was devastated,' she said. 'It was a nightmare trying to reorganise a date which worked for our band, guests, the hotel, everything. I eventually had to pick a weekday, which wasn't ideal but there was no other choice.'

With Francis working full-time, and having just graduated from her master's degree, making her a qualified social worker, Fionnuala was juggling a lot at once.

She said: 'I was on the phone to my family all the time, seeing if they agreed with all the changes. It was so stressful, but I was glad to finally set our date and have everything arranged.'

'If you don't laugh, you'll cry!' The pair say there's an irony because they were super careful that the tattoo artist wrote the correct date while getting the etchings done

With their wedding scheduled for 22nd April 2021, the couple could relax - until they looked at their arms.

Fionnuala said: 'We looked down at our arms one day and realised - they said the wrong date.

'I have a few small funny tattoos that I've got on drunken holidays, so I wasn't too fussed, but it was the cherry on top of the cake. All you can do is laugh at situations like this!'

The couple saw the humour in the situation, and have been asking their family and friends for ideas about what they can do on the original date of the wedding.

Fionnuala said: 'Somebody suggested that we do a skydive, other people have said we should lie and tell people the tattoos say the right date.

'I love the skydive idea and would like to use it to raise money for the Crohn's disease charity, as they have really helped me.

'Whatever we do, we're going to make it memorable.'
- Kim Chiu recently took to social media to call out DJ Loonyos attention for the possibility of working with the dancing sensation

- The actress wants DJ Loonyo to create original dance steps for her Bawal Lumabas song

- She came up with this idea after she received comments from netizens asking if DJ Loonyo can work for the choreography of the said song

- DJ Loonyo, who seemed surprised for Kims request, shortly reacted to the Kapamilya actress request

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Kim Chiu recently took to social media to call out DJ Loonyos attention for the possibility of working with the dancing sensation to create original dance steps for her Bawal Lumabas song.

KAMI learned that instead of becoming bitter, Kim decided to record and release a full song based on her viral classroom statement which now garnered millions of views across online platforms.

PAY ATTENTION: Shop with KAMI! The best offers and discounts on the market, product reviews and feedback

After the songs release, Kim received comments from netizens asking the Kapamilya actress if DJ Loonyo can come up with a choreography for the said song.

Hi classmates! Lagi kong nababasa na sana gawan daw ng steps ni DJ Loonyo yung #BawalLumabas #theclassroomsong, Kim wrote in an Instagram story recently, tagging the internet celebrity.

CLASSMATE DJ LOONYO GAME KA BA GAWAN NATIN TO NG OG STEPS? she added.

DJ Loonyo, who seemed surprised for Kims request, shortly reacted through an Instagram story as well.

OH SNAAPP!! OG STEPS? A Callout from @chinitaprincess? DJ Loonyo said.

Kim Chiu reaches out to DJ Loonyo for Bawal Lumabas choreography; DJ Loonyo reacts

Source: Instagram

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In a previous report by KAMI, a man who allegedly threatened the lives of Kim Chiu, Coco Martin, and Angel Locsin has surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Kim Chiu, born Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu on April 19, 1990, is one of the most well-known actresses in the Philippines. She broke through in showbiz by joining Pinoy Big Brother. The 30-year-old Kapamilya star is in a relationship with actor Xian Lim.

Rhemuel Lunio or DJ Loonyo, who is currently in China, became an internet celebrity when his video lecturing Filipinos to 'stay at home or else the country will become the next Wuhan,' went viral.

Please like and share our amazing Facebook posts to support the KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinions about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts and views on different matters!

Source: KAMI.com.gh
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Kano state governor, Umar Ganduje has implored clerics to deliver short sermons during the Eid-el-Fitr Congregational prayers on Sunday because of the coronavirus pandemic ravaging nations.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Abba Anwar, Ganduje reiterated that the congregation prayers would hold across the 44 local government in the state.

As counselled by the congregation of our learned Islamic scholars, alongside Imams, it is advised that short sermons are to be read during this Eid prayer because of the COVID-19 challenges we are being faced with.

Read Also: Kano Islamic Leaders Oppose Gandujes Decision To Allow Mosques, Churches To Reopen

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People should quickly disperse to their homes immediately after the Prayer and continue to observe all the protocols.
Notable industrialist and real estate mogul, Nana Kwame Bediako aka Cheddar has become known as one of the richest business titans in and outside Ghana.

Our manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

The popular CEO, also known as Freedom Jacob is famous for making elaborate fashion statements to A-list events and on social media to engage his fans.

Nana Cheddar Bediako's style consists of high-end designer wears, expensive shoes and luxury leather bags.

While his favorite designers are not readily known, Cheddar has been sighted in the same mirror jacket owned by his American pal Floyd Mayweather which is reportedly worth millions of cedis.

The boss of Wonda World Estate loves his roots and everything made in Africa especially Ghanaian attires.

Aside from showing off his expensive cars online, Cheddar has also been treating his fans to a number of eye-popping images in stunning regal African prints on his Instagram handle.

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Recently, YEN.com.gh reported that Nana Kwame Bediako was captured showing off his Rezvani Tank bulletproof vehicle reportedly worth about $350,000 (GHC 2million).

On Sunday, May 10, 2020, Cheddar surprised his wife who celebrated her birthday with a huge mansion and a luxurious car.

In spite of his enormous wealth which affords him the luxury to rock notable global brands, Cheddar often wears African attires to promote the continent.

YEN.com.gh takes a look at Nana Cheddar Bediako in five stunning African regal attires.

1. Cheddar styled in expensive African attire with matching designer bag.

2. The CEO of Wonda World Estate rocks similar design in a different colour with matching luxury bag.

3. Freedom Jacob rocks African themed regal attire.

4. Cheddar glows in stunning wear as he posed for the camera.

5. Photo of Cheddar in his royal outfit as he owns the moment like a true African king.

In other stories, YEN.com.ghpreviously reported that Ghanaian dancehall star Samini is among many who are unable to return into the country due to the imposition of a lockdown in Canada because of the dreaded coronavirus pandemic.

The prominent dancehall musician flew to hold a concert in the city of Calgary in Canada. Samnini stopped by his family residence in the North American country to bond with his family. However, in what was supposed to be a quick two to three weeks visit has turned into a three-month vacation following the imposition of a lockdown.

READ ALSO: Nana Cheddar Bediako shows off customised bulletproof Rezvani Tank worth over GHC2m (video)

Ghanaian female accounting graduate and mushroom farmer recounts her experience | #Yencomgh

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Superintendent of Police Vijaykumar Magar said sadhu Shivacharya Nirnay Rudrapratap Maharaj (33) and a 50-year-old man identified as Bhagwan Shinde were killed around 4 am in Nagthana under Umri police station limits.

Aurangabad: A sadhu residing in his ashram in Nagthana in Maharashtra's Nanded district, some 250 kilometres from Aurangabad, and another person were killed on Sunday morning, with police stating that robbery may have been the motive.

The suspect, a history-sheeter with a 10-year-old murder case against his name, was held a few hours later from Tanur police station limits along the Telangana state border, police added.

Superintendent of Police Vijaykumar Magar said sadhu Shivacharya Nirnay Rudrapratap Maharaj (33) and a 50-year-old man identified as Bhagwan Shinde were killed around 4 am in Nagthana under Umri police station limits.

The SP said Sainath Lingade, a resident of the same village, is a history-sheeter and was known to Shinde, who is a resident of Chinchala village.

"There is a possibility Sainath and Shinde met each other at a Zilla Parishad school some 750 metres away from the ashram where the deceased sadhu stayed. Lingade killed Shinde first, kept his body in a bathroom, and then went to where the sadhu resided, killed him," the SP said.

He kept the body of the sadhu in the car and tried to escape but the vehicle dashed into the gate of the ashram, which woke up residents nearby, the SP said.

"As the residents came out, in the melee, the accused fled on a two-wheeler. The body of the sadhu was found in the car. Lingade has a murder case against his name, which was registered at Dharmabad police station some 10 years ago," the SP said.

He said evidence of substance abuse by the suspect has also been found near the ZP school here.

After the arrest of Lingade, Magar said robbery was the motive as the former had fled with Rs 70,000 and a laptop.

Tweeting about the double murder, senior BJP leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "Incident of brutal murder of a sadhu and other sevekari in Nanded district is shocking and painful. My heartfelt tributes."

"It is my request to the state government that all the accused must be immediately arrested and to ensure that they are severely punished," he added in the tweet
It was supposed to be Basma's big year: a degree, language certification and maybe a master's abroad. But local protests and a global pandemic threw the Iraqi student's plans off-course.

"I've been dreaming of graduation since my first day at university. I even bought a coral pink graduation dress -- and I never wear dresses," said Basma, who studies at Baghdad's Mustansariyah University.

"Now I don't know when I can wear it."

Nearly 150,000 Iraqis may not graduate as planned this spring, according to the higher education ministry's spokesman Haider Al-Abboudi, as their universities were shut down first by mass anti-government protests, then the spreading coronavirus.

That will delay their hunt for jobs in a country where youth unemployment is already a staggering 36 percent and is likely to spike much higher as the country faces a financial crisis.

Basma Haitham, 23, had meticulously planned her studies so she could secure a rare private sector job in Iraq.

Once armed with a degree in English literature, she hoped to take two language certifications then pursue a master's in either business administration or interpretation.

But then the protests erupted.

A student protester during an anti-government demonstration in Iraq's southern city of Nasiriyah in early March /  AFP

The rallies demanding the overhaul of a political class seen as corrupt, inept and beholden to neighbouring Iran broke out in Baghdad and the country's Shiite-majority south on October 1 -- the first week of class.

Leaving their classrooms behind, students took a leading role by organising strikes, erecting protest tents named after their academic departments and staging marches to buoy the movement when it dwindled.

"Sometimes I'd go without my parents knowing," Basma said.

- 'It's all Netflix' -

With so few students attending class, most universities rescheduled first semester exams for late February or March and implemented online learning modules.

But something else had been bubbling: the coronavirus.

Just as students prepared to take the rescheduled exams, the government shut down all major gathering places -- including universities -- to forestall the spread of the virus.

Some classes have continued online, but with no exams or final projects, long-awaited graduation ceremonies have been put off, as have international scholarships.

According to the US embassy in Baghdad, between 200 and 250 students who were meant to study in the US this year will not be able to travel, due to coronavirus movement restrictions.

Iraqi protesters in the capital Baghdad earlier this month, when demonstrations flared again, despite coronavirus social distancing pleas /  AFP

"The whole atmosphere of graduation, of farewell -- we won't live any of it," said Raneen al-Khalili, 25, who studies telecommunication engineering at Al Mamoun University College in Baghdad.

The higher education ministry will announce a schedule for final exams "soon," including logistical guidelines to keep students healthy, its spokesman Abboudi said.

But for Mayyada Mohammad, 23, it is already too late.

To graduate, the Baghdad University fine arts student must complete a final sculpting project in the university studio, closed for more than two months now.

"The latest thing we heard was that we'd start projects next year, so we'd graduate a year late. But some of us can't afford that. We need to start working," she said.

She joined the anti-government protests last year but admitted the weak turnout lately had discouraged her from returning to the streets.

"This whole year slipped through our fingers. It's like it never happened," she told AFP from her home in Baghdad.

"Now it's all Netflix, all the time."

- 'I've lost all hope' -

More than 60 percent of Iraq's population of 40 million is under 25 and it is estimated there will be another 10 million by 2030.

Most senior students rely on the government's socialist-era programme of mass hiring, where recent graduates are allocated jobs in the country's bloated public sector.

But the government has struggled to absorb the new waves of graduates in recent years, which has worried 22-year-old medical student Sajad Matar.

"I was supposed to graduate this year but my heart is telling me it's not going to happen," he lamented.

Iraqi protesters carry a wounded peer amid clashes with security forces in the southern city of Nasiriyah earlier this month /  AFP

The class of 2019 from the private university he attends had yet to be appointed to government jobs, making it unlikely he would get selected before the end of 2021.

That means he will stay at home with his parents in Nasiriyah, another protest hotspot, without the 700,000 Iraqi dinars (about $600) monthly salary he had expected.

"On top of that, the university still wants us to pay the 1,750,000 Iraqi dinars ($1,500) of tuition for the spring semester," Matar added bitterly.

"But there's no work in Nasiriyah for me. Of course I'm afraid for my future -- I've lost all hope."
The six Taiwanese used a software to create fake phone numbers and contacted the victims. Illustration photo by Shutterstock.

Six Taiwanese were among 12 people jailed for swindling over VND5.5 billion ($236,000) from Vietnamese citizens in a phone scam.

The Quang Nam People's Court in central Vietnam Saturday found the 12 guilty of participating in a swindling scheme that involved people masquerading as officials on the phone.

Among the Taiwanese, Chung Shao Teng and Bian Zong Xun were sentenced to 12 years each, while Lo Yo Hsuan and Chang Fu Lung got 11 years each for obtaining property by fraud. Chang Sheng Ping and Chang Chia Pin were sentenced to two years for misprision, the offence of concealing a crime.

The six Vietnamese citizens who participated in the scam were sentenced to 5-12 years for obtaining property by fraud.

The 12 defendants must also financially compensate their victims with VND2 billion ($86,000), the court ruled.

The Taiwanese and their Vietnamese accomplices first opened several bank accounts. They then look on the Internet for the personal info of Vietnamese who have bank accounts, then used a software to create fake phone numbers and contacted the victims.

They masqueraded as authoritative figures, for example officials from the Ministry of Public Security, saying they were investigating criminal cases like drug trafficking, and demanded that the victims send money into the bank accounts they had prepared earlier to "assist with the investigation," the court heard.
Hit hard by the coronavirus lockdown, the Himachal Pradesh tourism industry is working on the economic revival of the state by planning to cash in on people who want to spend their quarantine period in the hill stations serenity. A special task force has been constituted to work out a plan to turn Himachal into a quarantine hub.

Sources say that the proposal has been made by the special task force headed by the Additional Chief Secretary, Ram Subhag Singh, who is also in charge of tourism and the matter would be taken up for discussion in the forthcoming Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The task force has also given a presentation to the Cabinet sub-committee, which found the suggestion good enough for serious consideration.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that the government had received a proposal to convert some destinations into special quarantine centres to help the tourism sector recover from the losses incurred due to the pandemic adding that protocol in this regard is being chalked out.

The CM added that the state has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases with the return of people who were stuck in other states. Returnees have been quarantined at the state and district borders to control any possible spread, said the Thakur.

However, the proposal of turning the state into a quarantine hub has met objection from Congress leader Mukesh Agnihotri. The Opposition said that it will oppose any move to turn the state into a COVID-19 hub of India.

(Inputs from Pradeep Thakur, News18 Himachal)
Reliance Jio has launched its new e-commerce portal, JioMart, and started accepting orders in dozens of metropolitan cities amid the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown to control the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Damodar Mall, the chief executive officer of Reliance Retails grocery retail business, said in a tweet the website had gone live and that consumers could place orders on it.

JioMart is now delivering in more than 200 cities, Mall said.

This comes after a month Reliance Retails venture JioMart began taking orders on WhatsApp in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan.

Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Pune, Bokaro, Bathinda, Ahmedabad, Gurgaon and Dehradun are among the tier 1 and tier 2 metros are among the serviceable pin codes where consumers can order products from the JioMart site.

Customers can log on to the newly-launched website to place their order. An app has not yet been made live.

The e-commerce website will sell essential grocery items as well as farm produce, which will be sourced directly from farmers who have collaborated with the brand. It claims to be selling certain products at a minimum of 5% below the MRP.

Packaged food, dairy and bakery items, frozen, pet food, household cleaning items and personal care, home care and baby care products are among others being sold on JioMart.

The website will ask for the six-digit pin code to inform whether they are delivering in that area or not. It currently accepts payments through net-banking and credit or debit cards.

Customers will have to pay a delivery fee of Rs 25 if their order value is less than Rs 750.

The launch comes Facebooks April announcement that it will invest $5.7 billion in Reliances Jio Platforms. According to experts, the US social media companys WhatsApp platform will extend Reliances reach to its user base of around 400 million in India.

It also comes after Amazon and Walmart-backed Flipkart ramped up their grocery services.

(With agency inputs)
Simon Kwabena, a 42-year-old farmer who allegedly butchered his eight months old pregnant wife to death at Kankyekura, a farming community in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti region has been arrested by the police.



He was arrested after he was found lying in a pool of blood under a tree in a bush, with multiple wounds on his abdomen and his intestines gushing out.



Mr Daniel Kunyowu, former Assemblyman of the electoral area told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the community members found the suspect lying in the bush and rushed him to the St. Joseph Hospital after making a report to the police.



The former Assemblyman said the suspect was later referred to the Kpando Hospital for treatment due to the severity of his condition.



He said on May 20, 2020, about 1700 hours, he had a call from the community that a pregnant woman butchered by her husband was found in a pool of blood.



Mr Kunyowu said the pregnant woman was also rushed to St. Joseph Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.



He said it was later found out that the pregnant woman was butchered by Simon Kwabena, who after the act tried to commit suicide.



Mr. Lawson Lartey, Nkwanta South Municipal Police Commander confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency and said investigations were on-going.

Source: GNA









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Police at scene on Oakley Street in May 2020. Photo by Pacemaker

A 34-year-old man has been arrested after the body of a man was discovered at a house in north Belfast on Saturday night.

The man's body was discovered at a house in Oakley Street shortly before 11pm.

A post mortem examination is set to take place to determine the man's exact cause of death, however police are treating it as suspicious at this time.

The 34-year-old man remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Darren McCartney said the investigation was still at a "very early stage" and that no further details were available at this time.
Last month, the National Board of Wild Life (NBWL) recommended coal mining to be allowed in a portion of the Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve in Assam. But a right to information (RTI) query has revealed mining in the area was already underway even before the approval came.

NBWL allowed Coal India Limited (CIL) to conduct opencast coal mining in 98.59 hectares of the reserve forest. CIL had been carrying out mining in 57 hectares of the reserve forest and the fresh recommendation allowed it to do mining in another 41 hectares, which was unbroken.

But reply to a RTI query by environment activist Rohit Choudhury has revealed mining related work has already begun in 17 hectares (or nearly 39% area) of the 41 hectares claimed by CIL to be unbroken.

It was confirmed that about a 9 hectare area out of 41.39 hectares has already been broken up and operated and another approximately 7 hectare area has been cleared, mentions a November, 2019 site inspection report by Shillong office of union ministry for environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC).

North Eastern Coalfields, a subsidiary of CIL had got lease for coal mining over an area of 4 sq miles in the Saleki area of Dehing Patkai for a period of 30 years from 1973.

Though the said lease expired in 2003, CIL applied for lease/diversion of forest land only in 2012 seeking permission for coal extraction in 98.59 hectares.

CIL mentioned that 12.93 hectares of the total area had been broken up till 2003, 44.27 hectares broken between 2003 and 2012 and 41.39 hectares to be broken for coal mining after seeking approval.

Prior to site visit by MoEFCC team in October 2019, CIL admitted it was already conducting mining in 57.20 hectares (12.93 till 2003 and another 44.27 till 2012) of the total area without obtaining mandatory approval from the Centre and in violation of both state and central laws.

Site inspection revealed that besides illegal coal mining by CIL, local residents were also illegally extracting coal in the area through rat-hole mines. According to CIL figures, nearly 12500 tonnes of coal was being extracted from the area on an average every month during 2019-20.

The inspection report by WI Yatbon, deputy inspector general of forests, Shillong office of MoEFCC concluded that the North Eastern Coalfields of CIL had done illegal mining in the areas, which had been broken, for years and also in areas it claimed to be unbroken.

The decision to allow mining taken by NBWLs standing committee, chaired by union environment minister Prakash Javadekar, on April 17 through video conference (because of the lockdown) has irked activists and environmentalists.

The clearance was given hurriedly via video conference without proper discussion. The Assam government should have objected to the move, but it seems they are adamant on destroying the environment and forests of the state, said Rohit Choudhury, a RTI and environment activist.

An online campaign opposing NBWLs decision and proposed coal mining is underway now with hashtags #SAVEDEHINGPATKAI and #IAMDEHINGPATKAI trending on Facebook and Twitter.

In view of the campaign and the opposition to the mining move, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya on May 20 to visit the area and take stock of the ground situation.

The Assam government is committed to protect the environment and biodiversity of the state and will not compromise on its stand in the name of development initiatives, the CM said in a statement.

Fresh coal mining is expected to have a negative effect on flora and fauna in Dehing Patkai elephant reserve, which is part of Dehing Patkai wildlife sanctuary spread across 111 sq km in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts. It is said to be the largest tropical lowland rainforest in India.

Besides elephants, leopards, hoolock gibbons, pangolins and bears, Dehing Patkai is also home to over 200 species of birds, various replies and many species of butterflies and orchids. The habitats of these species as well as foraging routes of elephants are expected to be affected by the coal mining.
Supporters of outgoing Senegalese President Macky Sall cheer during a rally ahead of presidential elections in 2019. - Source: Seyllou/AFP via Getty Images

24.05.2020 LISTEN

Africa Day celebrates the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963. It's all about recognising , as the First Congress of Independent African States held in 1958 in Ghana put it, the determination of the people of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation. Indeed, it was previously called African Liberation Day.

The continent is now formally free of colonial rule. Nevertheless, the aim of remembering and furthering the fight for self determination remains relevant as ever. This year has seen Africa  once again  characterised as a set of helpless states that face devastation by the coronavirus pandemic.

Such lifeless and homogenising depictions fail to recognise the ability of African communities and governments to overcome major health challenges such as Ebola . They also ignore the remarkably varied and dynamic  and in many cases effective  response of different groups and individuals to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Kenyan writer and political analyst Nanjala Nyabola recently put it :

Africa is not waiting to be saved from the coronavirus.

A new major publication  the Oxford Encyclopaedia of African Politics  contains many important chapters that make the same point on a wide variety of topics. With 122 authors, 109 articles and more than a million words, it is one of the largest volumes on African politics ever published.

Chapter after chapter shows the ability of leaders, intellectuals and activists to find their own solutions to national and global problems.

Recognising African agency

All too often, the achievements of African countries are overlooked. Conflict and controversy make for more attention-grabbing headlines than peace and democracy. Yet, while the continent features more than its fair share of authoritarian repression , in some respects African countries are leading the way.

As political scientist Mamoudou Gazibo points out, countries like Ghana and Senegal became democracies despite the fact that they faced a particularly challenging context . They lacked the kind of national wealth, strong state and large middle class that many theories suggest are necessary for a smooth transition out of authoritarian rule. Yet they have proved that democracy is feasible in Africa .

Similarly, Liberia and Sierra Leone should also be seen as remarkable  but not, as is usually the case, because they had horrific civil wars. Instead they should be recognised for overcoming extreme and prolonged violence to forge a pathway back to democracy. In addition to maintaining political stability, both countries have experienced peaceful transfers of power via the ballot box.

In all these cases a combination of good leadership, institution building, and the support of ordinary people for democratic values has enabled African states to change their futures for the better.

Yet this story is rarely told.

One reason is that stories like this don't fit with the popular narrative that democracy is somehow unAfrican. In other words, that modern governance was introduced to the continent by the West.

This is not only untrue. It also turns history on its head.

As political scientist Kidane Mengisteab shows in one of the chapters of the book, in many countries traditional institutions of governance featured important checks and balances on how power could be exercised. These measures were typically destroyed, eroded, or radically transformed by colonial rule. This paved the way for the emergence of authoritarian regimes after independence.

Similarly, multiparty elections were not reintroduced in Africa in the early 1990s simply because the UK and the US decided this was a good idea. These freedoms and rights were fought for by activists, opposition leaders, trade unionists, religious leaders and ordinary citizens who risked their personal safety to bring down authoritarian governments. Some paid with their lives.

Recognising African genius

A major casualty of the tendency to overlook the creativity and contributions of African leaders and intellectuals is the neglect of African political thought. Africa has produced some of the most thoughtful and articulate leaders in the world on how political systems can best be designed. These have included Kwame Nkrumah, Tom Mboya and Leopold Senghor . Yet the continent is often treated as if it is devoid of interesting political ideas and ideologies.

Read more: How Kwame Nkrumah used metaphor as a political weapon against colonialism

This is one reason why many African intellectuals have been attracted to the idea of the African renaissance. In his chapter Sabelo J. Ndlovu-Gatsheni describes this as:

a 're-membering' of a continent and a people who have suffered from 'dismembering' effects of colonialism and 'coloniality'.

This concept continues to inspire both ideas and action, and fed into the #rhodesmustfall and decolonize the university campaigns that began in South Africa and had ripple effects across the world.

Yet despite this, African contributions continue to be downplayed  even within intellectual movements that are supposed to be all about breaking down racist assumptions and hierarchies. Take post-colonial theory, which analyses the enduring legacies of colonialism and disavows Eurocentric master-narratives. It is often said that African intellectuals have played a minor role in developing post-colonial critiques. Yet Grace Adeniyi Ogunyankin , an expert in gender studies and critical race theory identifies

African thinkers and activists who are intellectual antecedents to the post-colonial thought that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s.

This is often overlooked, she points out, because some  though by no means all  of those working in these frameworks have been dismissive of African theorising.

Recognising African leadership

The path-breaking leadership shown by many African countries has also been criminally overlooked. When asked to name two of the most advanced and progressive constitutions in the world, how many people would say Kenya and South Africa? Outside of the continent, my guess would be almost no one. Yet as legal and constitutional expert Muno Ndulo argues , the constitutions introduced in these countries over the last years 30 years enshrine democratic norms and values. They also go well beyond their European and North American counterparts by institutionalising socio-economic rights (South Africa) and the principle of citizen participation in the budget making process (Kenya).

While including a clause in a constitution doesn't mean that it is automatically respected, historically marginalised groups have mobilised creatively to demand the rights they are supposed to enjoy under the law. African women, for example, are not waiting for others to save them from patriarchy. They are mobilising across the continent to claim their rights. According to Robtel Pailey , an activist, academic and author,

African women have simultaneously embraced and challenged cultural and socio-economic norms to claim and secure citizenship rights, resources and representation.

Recognising African diversity

These are, of course, just a small number of the stories that deserve to be told. The encyclopaedia includes articles on everything from political parties and elections to the role of China and migration, oil and religion. But despite featuring a chapter on every sub-region, political institution, and major trend, there is still so much more that needs to be said about a continent that is remarkably diverse.

That is one reason why we should celebrate the showcasing of the voices of African journalists and researchers, and share them far and wide.

As Nelson Mandela once said ,

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Nic Cheeseman is the editor of the volume discussed in this article.

By Nic Cheeseman, Professor of Democracy, University of Birmingham
In March, staff at Willowdale Welcome Centre, which would become the site of the largest COVID-19 outbreak in the citys shelter system, grew concerned about infection control at the facility.

The refugee centre had opened in the fall. It housed about 200 men and women on separate floors, many of them professionals from Uganda and Nigeria seeking a better life in Canada.

It was soon operating seamlessly and clients quickly found housing and jobs.

Once the shelter had its roots in place, it was pretty well-run. I was impressed, said an employee who is not being named because he is worried about his future employment.

As March progressed, concerns about COVID-19 transmission grew  concerns which the employee and others at Homes First Society, the registered charity that operates Willowdale, felt were not being heard by management.

This account is based on interviews with staff at Willowdale and other shelters at Homes First; on e-mails between employees and management and official complaints made to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

Staff at the shelter were being told not to wear masks  not unusual in the early days of the pandemic, when the focus was on preserving supply for front-line workers and as research suggested masks provided limited defence against the virus outside of health-care settings.

Staff were told to focus on proper handwashing and increased cleaning with disinfectants. But Lysol wipes, used to clean tables in the cafeteria between services, quickly went missing and were not replaced.

Responding to questions from the Star, Patricia Mueller, Homes Firsts chief executive officer, said the charity followed public health guidelines at all times when it came to infection control measures, including personal protective equipment for employees.

Meanwhile, the outbreak is now over at the shelter, Mueller said, as no active cases remain.

In the beginning, the Willowdale employee said, it was difficult to get the shelters clientele  most of them 40 or younger  to consistently abide by the rules of social distancing and to follow the detailed recommendations related to handwashing and other measures.

Younger ones said, Im not going to die, said the employee.

Many clients were diligent. Others were not.

The employee had heard, for example, that even after the city banned gatherings of more than five people, some refugees at the centre continued to attend church services  meeting in private residences.

We have a friends house that is running it, one of them told the employee.

It was while he was watching a newscast from New York City, fast becoming an international hot spot for the virus, that the employee made his decision.

It made me realize we were on the same trajectory and I didnt want to be a part of it, said the employee. He quit soon thereafter and hasnt been back.

He remains healthy. Meanwhile, more than two dozen of his former co-workers and more than 180 clients at Willowdale have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

I have really close friends who got it. My heart breaks for them, he said.

The Willowdale outbreak highlights the challenges of fighting COVID-19 in a congregate setting  anywhere people are grouped together indoors  and how a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach can go awry.

The refugee centre became the location with the highest number of infections in the citys shelter system, which includes 72 locations. As of Wednesday, 185 clients had tested positive for COVID-19, and more than a dozen staff. No one has died.

At one point, the large number of clients at Willowdale being moved into COVID-19 recovery sites set up by the city raised concerns that there would be no room for clients from other shelters at the recovery centres.

So Willowdale was itself turned into a recovery centre, and medical personnel were brought to the shelter to attend to clients there, Mueller said.

Four Homes First workers who were interviewed for this story, including two who worked at Willowdale, say things would not have gotten so bad if their early concerns had been addressed in a timely fashion.

They are not being identified because they are fearful of being fired or not being rehired.

Homes First dropped the ball on guarding against the disease, according to a statement from Warren (Smokey) Thomas, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union representing workers there.

Homes First Society lists 18 properties on its website, offering shelter ranging from single rooms for single men to townhouses for families.

According to an email exchange provided to the Star, union representatives at Homes First shelters began discussing the need to talk to management about safer working conditions on March 15. They spoke to human resources on March 19 and Mueller on March 23.

Their fears proved prescient: After scanning the news and medical literature for what was going on in other parts of the world, they asked for measures that would soon come to be regarded as routine, including maintaining a two-metre distance in shelters, ending the practice of allowing staff to work at more than one location, and face masks.

They tried to escalate their concerns in some cases, taking their complaints to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

A spokesperson for the ministry said it investigated complaints regarding PPE at three Homes First locations in March and April, including Willowdale.

A ministry inspector investigated by phone and no orders or requirements were issued.

It was determined that all appropriate guidelines were being followed and no orders were issued, according to the ministry.

An employee at Willowdale who spoke to the Star was diagnosed with COVID-19 and became so ill she thought she would die.

In the early days of the pandemic, she said she was told by management that she could wear a mask if she liked, but she had to provide them herself  and at that time, masks were impossible to buy in stores.

Initially, there were Lysol wipes on the lunch tables to keep the surfaces clean between shifts, but they were removed because management said they were being stolen.

After that, the wipes were locked in offices, the employee said.

There were sinks with soap and paper towels, where people could wash their hands before sitting down to eat, but theyd sometimes run out of paper towels, she added.

Staying the recommended two metres away from clients was difficult because of the layout of the shelter, she added. The lobby is where the intake office is located and the security desk, and its where people would line up for the cafeteria. People were constantly criss-crossing paths.

Its a pretty small bottleneck, she said.

Mueller agrees there were issues around supplies, including Lysol and paper towels  in some cases they were being stolen, in some cases overused, she said, and it took a while to figure out how to address that.

Another concern for staff at Homes First was the high rotation among staff between homes, according to a third employee, who asked to remain nameless.

Homes First employs about 300 people, including about 175 relief staff who used to move between facilities, Mueller said.

She said that after the meeting between staff and management on March 23, Homes First began taking steps to end the practice, but it took several weeks to accomplish.

Im with them, I would have wanted it done faster, Mueller said. She added that it simply wasnt possible to manage the change more quickly.

Before the pandemic began, there were more than 7,000 people in Torontos shelter system, including nearly 3,000 in hotels and family settings, according to the citys Shelter, Support and Housing Administration.

The city operates 11 shelter and respite locations; 61 are operated by community non-profit agencies like Homes First.

In order to increase social distancing, SSHA began moving people within existing programs on March 18, according to SSHA general manager Mary-Anne Bedard.

By the end of April, 1,400 shelter clients had been moved. The figure now tops 2,000, Bedard said in an interview.

Activists have criticized the city for not moving enough clients quickly enough, and for moving some to community centres, which dont provide enough opportunities for social distancing or isolating people who begin showing symptoms.

A group of activists sued the city, which, as part of an interim settlement, agreed to meet physical distancing targets at all homeless shelters.

Bedard said community centres were chosen because they were easy to convert quickly.

I know there is criticism out there, but I am confident that weve done everything as quickly as we could, Bedard said.

While masks were provided to shelter staff in March, there was significant concern about the availability of PPE, and the pressure was on not to use valuable stock if it didnt have to be used, she added.

She said SSHA doesnt yet understand why there were outbreaks at some shelters and not others.

She warned that the numbers of infected at shelters will continue to rise.

Theres good reason for that  because we are doing more testing, she said.

If all the recommendations put forth by Willowdale staff early in the pandemic had been put into place, would the outcome have been different?

Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Toronto and Toronto General Hospital, who has also worked with Willowdale, said masks may have made a small difference.

The masks arent perfect  its not like youre sealing the secretions from leaving your face  these are porous masks and you can still contaminate surfaces around you. Masks are helpful in these settings, but they arent the saviour, he said.

Listening to front-line workers is critical, according to Tiziana Casciaro, professor of organizational behaviour at the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management.

While drafting policies at the top  like the public health policies that informed decisions at Willowdale and other institutions  is the most efficient way to meet challenges, it has drawbacks.

It allows top-down directives to take over the life of an organization without any opportunity for the bottom-up loop to ever close. This is something that I think applied in this particular case, Casciaro said.

Bedard and Mueller meanwhile, say they did the best they could with the information at hand.

There is always going to be, in retrospect, things that you look back on and say I wish, I could have, and we will learn from that for sure, but I dont think we can second-guess the things that we did, Bedard said.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Karnataka saw another record spike of 216 Covid-positive cases for a single day on Saturday. Of them, 185 are returnees from Maharashtra, and with this, the tally stands at 1,959 cases. The state also recorded two deaths, one from Bengaluru and another non-Covid-related demise in Dakshina Kannada. In Bengaluru, a 32- year-old man (P1270) was admitted to a designated hospital with Influenza Like Illness, breathing difficulty and comorbid conditions.

He died of a cardiac arrest on Saturday. By far, he was the youngest patient to die of coronavirus in the city. In Dakshina Kannada, a 55-year-old man and a Maharashtra- returnee, committed suicide while in institutional quarantine on Friday. His reports came positive on Saturday. Yadgir recorded the highest number of 72 patients, all returnees from Maharashtra. Raichur was the second highest with 40 cases, and 37 from Maharashtra.

Twenty-eight patients from Mandya and 26 from Chikkabalapura too have returned from Maharashtra. In Gadag, which reported 15 cases, three are returnees from Maharashtra and two from Gujarat. Bengaluru Urban, Hassan and Dharwad districts recorded four cases each. In Bengaluru, one of the infected is a fourmonth- old child, who has returned from Delhi, one is with ILI and two others have come back from Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

In Hassan and Dharwad, all the patients are returnees from Maharashtra. Davanagere, Dakshina Kannada, Ballari, Udupi, Bidar and Kolar district reported three cases each. In Dakshina Kannada and Bidar, two patients each have returned from Maharashtra. In Ballari, two have returned from Maharashtra and one from Tamil Nadu. In Udupi, one is a Maharashtra returnee. Uttara Kannada recorded two cases, while Belagavi and Kalaburagi had one each.
Nairobi  Kenyans living abroad sent home Sh22.3 billion during the month of April, a 9.0 percent decline compared to Sh24.5 billion that was dispatched in March.

However, the cumulative inflows in the 12 months to April were higher Sh299 billion compared to Sh294 billion over a similar period last year.

Data from the Central Bank of Kenya reveals that United States was amongst the top contributors to the diaspora remittances despite it being the region that has reported the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths.

"Remittance flows from the US and Canada contributing about 58 percent of all remittances in April remained largely unchanged from March," reads CBK weekly bulletin.

However, inflows from UK, Germany, South Africa, EAC region, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia declined, reflecting the impact of COVID-19.

This is currently the lowest monthly remittance since February last year when Kenyans overseas sent back home Sh21.2 billion.

The report comes at a time when World Bank had warned that global remittances were projected to decline sharply by about 20 per cent this year due to the economic crisis induced by the virus.

There has also been an increase in remittance cost, with the global average cost of sending Sh21,393 remaining at a high of 6.8 percent in the first quarter of 2020, with sub-Sahara Africa having the highest average cost of nine percent.

"Quick actions that make it easier to send and receive remittances can provide much-needed support to the lives of migrants and their families. These include treating remittance services as essential and making them more accessible to migrants," said lead author of the study Dilip Rathe.

The projected decline has been linked to loss of wages as many workers in foreign countries have been laid off or put on unpaid leave, with many source countries imposing total lockdowns.

Last year, Kenyans abroad sent Sh280 billion which was, a 3.7 percent rise compared to Sh269.7 billion dispatched in 2018.

Remittances in Kenya has become the biggest source of foreign exchange, with tourism, tea, coffee, and horticultural exports, following in second, third, fourth, and fifth position respectively.
New Delhi, May 24 : The brain continues growing for 2-3 years after birth, for which thyroid hormones are critical. If a newborn's thyroid doesn't work normally for any reason - not formed properly (called dysgenesis) or cannot function properly (dyshormonogenesis), then the brain and body do not get enough hormone (hypothyroidism) and cannot grow normally.

In womb, the mother's thyroid hormones may help, but after birth the deficiency is disastrous, causing loss of 5 IQ points every month of life. The result - permanent mental retardation! On World Thyroid Day, IANSlife spoke to Dr Anju Virmani, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist, Madhukar Rainbow Children's Hospital, with over three decades of experience to know more about thyroid disorder in children.

She says: "The difficulty is the baby usually seems normal at birth; by the time problems are noticed, the irreversible damage can be quite severe. Every single baby must have a TSH test at birth." "If hypothyroidism occurs in older children, the ill effects are easier to reverse if detected in time. Hypothyroidism stunts brain development, physical growth, and puberty. In the most severe form - a cretin - is a short, dull, slow, heavy child, with a pale puffy face, hoarse voice, doughy skin, tired and lethargic; maybe constipated, maybe with a neck swelling. Usually all the signs and symptoms are not present - it has to be suspected and tested for. Children with autoimmune diseases like diabetes and wheat allergy are more prone to hypothyroidism, and need regular testing," Dr Virmani points out.

She adds: "Hyperthyroidism, rare in children, is the opposite. The child is hungry but losing weight, hot, sweaty, irritable, hyperactive, anxious, unable to concentrate; with prominent eyes. Diagnosing is easy, but the treatment is more complicated. Hyper or hypo, school performance suffers." So, what are the take home messages? She replies: "Please remember that everyone deserves a thyroid test at birth, with early treatment if needed. In older children and adolescents, if there are any suggestive symptoms as briefly listed above, think of the thyroid - easy to test for, easy to diagnose, easy to treat! Why be a cretin?" (Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Former News Corp executive Peter Tonagh is leading a large group of investors and philanthropists in the fight to save Australian Associated Press.

Samuel Terry Asset Management managing director Fred Woollard and Australian Impact Investments managing director Kylie Charlton are among a group of more than 10 high profile philanthropists and investors looking to buy the newswire and fact-checking divisions of AAP.

Peter Tonagh is working with investors and philanthropists on a deal. Credit:Photo: Andrew Quilty

Publishing sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the consortium had been working closely with consultancy TMT Partners and discussions over the price of AAP had already occurred, but that no deal has been made.

The price of the newswire, which was considered loss-making by major shareholders Nine Entertainment Co (owner of this masthead) and News Corp, is estimated in the low millions. The consortium considers most of the value of the investment is to be derived from restructuring the operation, which will not operate with the $10 million it currently receives from Nine and News Corp annually.
Districts with long lag times between in-person and online learning and those that educate large numbers of students living in poverty have generally struggled more in engaging students during the pandemic. Read more

Rudecina Garcia rises at 4 a.m. to cook meals her three boys will eat while she works long hours as a home-health aide. While Garcia is away, a friend watches the children in the familys North Kensington home.

The caregiver is loving, but cannot read or write in English or Spanish, leaving the 13-, 12-, and 10-year-olds to fend for themselves when it comes to schoolwork. The children got Chromebooks from Lewis Elkin Elementary, their neighborhood school, but the internet connection is spotty, so Garcia pays $125 monthly for phones with data plans so the boys can complete assignments.

Still, she knows her children, especially the younger two, frequently skip logging in.

Ive tried everything I can to be responsible with them and for them to be responsible with their teachers," Garcia said, "but its hard for a single mother to guarantee my kids education under these circumstances.

Ten weeks into distance learning forced by the pandemic, the Philadelphia School District registers just 61% of students attending school on an average day, with 53% of elementary school children making daily contact and 74% of middle and high schoolers logging on, officials said Friday. Thats well short of the 92% attendance rate the district had during the 2018-19 school year.

 READ MORE: Whos showing up for school during the pandemic? In Philly, its just over half of students.

The reasons behind the spotty participation are complicated: In families like Garcias, parents might be essential workers or students themselves, or have child-care and technology challenges. Another factor is the districts grading policy  students final grades for the year wont be lower than they were earning on March 13, the last day before the coronavirus abruptly closed schools. Then theres the stress and disruption that came with the loss of the routine and social interaction in classrooms and school buildings.

The school systems priority during the pandemic has been making sure children are safe. But as Philadelphia and districts nationwide grapple with how and when to start the next school year, officials say identifying solutions to the engagement problem are critical.

Starting a year with this is going to be very different than switching to it in the middle of the year, Philadelphia School Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. said in an interview. He said he hopes to give staff and families concrete answers by mid-July about what the 2020-21 school year will look like but said the district is definitely going to have to continue our training and development.

 ASK US: Do you have a question about the coronavirus and how it affects your health, work and life? Ask our reporters.

Experts say theres no one way to track attendance or national data, and other big city districts contacted by The Inquirer provided varying measures: Boston reported average daily attendance last week of 84%, while Baltimore said that its numbers have fluctuated but that it had seen participation as high as 85%. New York reports a 93% average daily interaction rate since it began remote instruction, and Miami-Dades average daily attendance typically sits between 91% and 93%.

 READ MORE: When coronavirus hit, schools moved online. Some students didnt.

Districts like Seattle and Los Angeles said they were not taking attendance, but said the share of students logging on to online platforms had been increasing.

One challenge in Philadelphia: the amount of time it took to prepare a remote-learning plan and equip students. The district first had to buy and distribute laptops to 81,000 students. New teacher-led instruction didnt begin until May 4, roughly six weeks after Gov. Tom Wolf ordered schools statewide to close.

The greater the lag in the time off, the harder it is to engage students, said Caroline Watts, director of school and community engagement at the University of Pennsylvanias Graduate School of Education.

Stephen Flemming sees that firsthand. An English teacher at Martin Luther King High School, Flemming says about 25 of his 90 students have participated regularly during the shutdown. Many who dont participate cite the challenges of working essential jobs themselves, or taking care of siblings while parents are working.

Others students dont see the sense in logging on when they wont be penalized for no-shows.

One came straight out and told me: He hates school and he doesnt care about participating, Flemming said.

There is pressure to improve attendance, Flemming said, so some teachers encourage students just to log into Google Classroom, the districts online platform, even if they never turn in an assignment. Students in middle and high schools record their own participation; at the elementary level, teachers are responsible for attendance.

One Northwest Philadelphia elementary schoolteacher, who spoke on the condition she not be identified for fear of reprisal, said only about a third of her students have been participating. She said one student who does not log on or complete paper packets has no reliable internet access. The parent of another that told her she simply wasnt going to have her child do the work.

 READ MORE: Philly schools chief says internet providers refuse to open their networks so students can access education

The Northwest teacher tries to keep things as normal as possible for students who do participate. She is reviewing past lessons, not teaching any new material.

She said she took advantage of the districts optional professional development but like 85% of teachers in the system had not regularly used online instruction tools before the pandemic.

She also said shes talked with other district teachers about the quality of education, and all agree: None of us think this is meaningful.

Hite has said the remote instruction this spring will not measure up to what educators would have been able to deliver if the school year had not been interrupted. The online learning occurring now cannot replace face-to-face teaching.

Success is if we can reduce the amount of regression that will occur because children have been out of school this long, he told The Inquirer. What were trying to do is balance a set of unique circumstances with trying to keep children engaged in learning for as long as we possibly can.

(Hite also said that no directives should be going out to have students mark themselves present, regardless of work completion; meaningful interaction is the goal.)

In a virtual meeting this month with his student advisory board, Hite was struck, he said, by students describing large gaps in the kinds of assignments they were getting. One young man was spellbound by an art assignment; a young woman was turned off by worksheets that seemed like busywork.

One of the things that were going to have to get a lot better at is what are we asking our young people to do to increase their level of engagement, the superintendent said.

Milagros Rodriguez, the mother of a fourth grader at Elkin Elementary, is hopeful that in-school classes will resume in the fall for her daughter and 5-year-old son, who will enter kindergarten. But if risks persist, Rodriguez prefers virtual sessions.

The pandemic is very real for Rodriguez, who reluctantly left her children in North Philadelphia with her mother to fly to their native Dominican Republic, where Rodriguez is caring for a sister with COVID-19. Her daughter is an eager student, and Rodriguez keeps track of the girls work remotely, but computer and internet problems kept her from connecting for two weeks.

We are not doing well," Rodriguez said, because there is too much to deal with and very few who can take responsibility for it.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 19:22:47|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Asia-Pacific countries are still fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, as India witnessed the biggest one-day jump and Bangladesh reported the highest daily death toll.

India's federal health ministry on Sunday morning reported 147 new deaths and 6,767 positive cases since Saturday in the country, taking the death toll to 3,867 and total cases to 131,868.

This is the highest one day spike so far in the country, showed the data.

Bangladesh recorded 28 new fatalities, the highest daily death toll since the pandemic began in the country on March 8.

The number of confirmed infections increased to 33,610, with the daily rise of 1,532 cases reported in the last 24 hours as of 8:00 a.m. local time on Sunday.

In Indonesia, the total number rose by 526 within one day to 22,271, and the death toll increased by 21 to 1,372.

The Philippines announced 258 positive cases, pushing the total number of cases to 14,035 since the outbreak in the country in January.

The Department of Health said in a daily bulletin that the number of recoveries now has reached 3,249 after 72 more patients have recovered. The daily death toll also increased to 868 after five more deaths have been recorded.

Malaysia reported 60 new infections, with 33 of them traced to two immigration detention facilities, the Health Ministry said on Sunday.

The new cases pushed the total cases nationwide to 7,245, of which 1,185 are active cases, with nine currently being held in intensive care and four of those in need of assisted breathing.

South Korea confirmed 25 more cases compared to 24 hours ago as of 0:00 a.m. Sunday local time, raising the total number of infections to 11,190.

The daily caseload stayed above 20 for the third straight day. Of the new cases, eight were imported from overseas, lifting the combined figure to 1,212.

There are 27 active cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand as the country reported no new case on Sunday, said a statement of the Ministry of Health.

This means New Zealand's combined total number of confirmed and probable cases stays at 1,504, of which 1,154 are confirmed, it said.

New Zealand currently has 1,456 people reported as having recovered, an increase of one on Saturday. Enditem
Himachal Pradesh recorded six more cases of COVID-19, taking the virus tally in the state to 192, officials said on Sunday.

Three of the fresh cases were reported from Una and one each from Kangra, Hamirpur and Solan districts, they added.

All of them had recently returned from other states. While three of them had returned from Mumbai, two returned from Delhi and one from West Bengal, they added.

Una Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar told PTI that a woman and her two sons tested positive for novel coronavirus. All of them had returned from Mumbai recently, he added.

Solan District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. NK Gupta said that a West Bengal returnee tested positive for COVID-19.

In Kangra, a man from Palampur's Panchrukhi tested positive for COVID-19, Superintendent of Police Vimukt Ranjan said.

He had recently returned from Delhi and was kept under quarantine at a facility at Baijnath, he added.

Hamirpur Deputy Commissioner, Hairkesh Meena, said that a 20-year-old woman also tested positivefor COVID-19.

A resident of Baragram in Badsar area, the woman had returned from Delhi along with her relatives on May 18 and was quarantined at government high school, Baragram, he added.

The number of active COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh now stands at 127 and 61 people have recovered so far, according to the officials.

Hamirpur has the maximum number of active cases in the state at 55 followed by 36 in Kangra, 11 in Solan, eight in Mandi, six in Una, five in Bilaspur, two each in Sirmaur and Chamba and one each in Kullu and Shimla, they said.

Four people have died due to COVID-19 in the state so far.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Syracuse, N.Y.  The Amur tiger statue, a favorite for kids to play on, is covered with a blue tarp. Colorful paw prints dot the pavement every 6 feet, reminding visitors to keep their distance from one another. There are no demonstrations. No petting zoo. No food for sale.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park made a carefully calculated move Saturday and reopened  by appointment only  following the coronavirus shutdown. The zoo is limiting groups to 30 people every half hour, with a maximum of 500 per day.

The first sign that somethings different? Every person must have their temperature taken at the front entrance. Kids included.

Director Ted Fox said he believes theyre the first zoo to reopen in New York State after careful consideration of safety measures not only for staff and guests, but for the animals, too.

In April, a tiger at the Bronx Zoo tested positive for the coronavirus. Many zoos at that point, including Syracuses, had already been closed to the public amid growing coronavirus concerns.

We have to be really cautious about the animals that live here. Many of the species at the zoo, there are only a handful left in the wild. Because we dont know everything about this disease at this point, we have to be extra cautious about that, he said.

That means some things are off-limits for the time being. The contact barn where the domestic animals live is closed, and some animals are being positioned farther away from the main walkways. For the safety of patrons, interactive exhibits like the baby elephant and tiger statues are covered, along with indoor spaces closed.

Once you enter the zoo, you can stay as long as youd like, Fox said. Even if the zoo reaches the 500-person capacity, theres enough space for those 500 people to safely spread out.

Its a great way to get outside, have a little fun, enjoy this beautiful weather. Although its not the experience weve always offered before, were really happy to be offering this, said Fox.

Aside from the restricted areas, and the mask-wearing, a walk around the zoo on this gorgeous Saturday morning felt  refreshing.

Almost normal.

Weve been cooped up for a while. Weve been hiking a little bit. This is our first kind of ... adventure! Theyre so excited, said Alisandra Bertram, of Clay.

Three-year-old Annarose wasnt so sure about putting the mask on at first, but was thrilled once they got inside.

Mila Shah, 2, of Fairmount, enjoys watching the Humboldt penguins swim on the reopening day of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo Saturday May 23, 2020. She was there with her parents, Shekhar and Carolynne, and baby Evie, 2 months. Lauren Long | llong@syracuse.com

Were a little nervous but very happy to be back, said Carolynne Shah, of Fairmount.

Were excited to let Mila get back to a little normalcy, she said of her 2-year-old daughter.

Her dad, Shekhar, pulled out a travel hand sanitizer and helped her put it on, after she finished watching the Humboldt penguins, pressed up to the glass for a closer look.

A sign reads, Warning, high touch zone.

The zoos done a phenomenal job making sure people are separated. Enforcing the masks makes people feel a little better. Shows that people are aware, thats comforting, said Carolynne Shah.

IF YOU GO:

Patrons can make reservations online on the county parks website

Visitors must wear masks while at the zoo (including children over the age of 2) and will have their temperatures checked when they arrive.

Indoor exhibits will remain closed for the time being. Visitors will walk through the lobby directly to the courtyard and tour the outdoor Wildlife Trail in one direction. Restrooms are available.

Staff will be on hand to make sure visitors stay far enough apart from each other.

Admission prices will remain at their regular levels.

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Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com
Less tourism activities and waste around the Cham Islands  a world biodiversity reserve site  would help the marine ecosystem in waters off the islands recover after the two-month social distancing order due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A diver from the Cham Island Maritime Protected Area completes a check on coral reefs in waters off the islands.  VNS Photo Cong Thanh

Experts and staff from the Cham Island Maritime Protected Area (MPA) have made the statement after returning from a regular inspection on coral reefs and ecosystems at eight sites off the islands last week.

They said over-tourism resulted in degradation of the ecosystem off the islands in recent years.

During the two-month social distancing order, the islands, a popular attraction welcoming 2,000 tourists each day, did not record any diving tours or boat trips.

Coral reef coverage was well developed, but we have been collecting detailed information for a final report on coral reefs. However, many bottom feeders were recorded in coral reefs, especially holothurian and sea urchins, said Nguyen Thi Thao, a worker at the MPA.

The number of fish species living in the coral reefs was less than in previous checks.

Coral is well developed in waters off the Cham Islands. Limited human activities have helped the marine ecosystem recover.  Photo courtesy of Cham Islands MPA

Vice director of the MPA, Nguyen Van Vu suggested that the islands reduce the number of visitors from a maximum of 3,000 to 1,000 each day to reduce pressure on the marine ecosystem.

He said the islands need a break for marine species and seafood resources to recover.

The islands often receive 5 tonnes of waste each day, which mostly was in-organic waste from tourists, not including waste water and fresh water consumption as well as seafood and forestry products.

According to the MPA, more than 2,700 groups of coral species had been planted at 10 sites off the islands, and an area of 2,000sq.m of coral reef was developed following a coral reef restoration project in 2015-17.

The reserve covers more than 33,000ha, including 1,500ha of tropical forests and 6,700ha of sea, featuring a wide range of marine fauna and flora.

The islands are already overloaded, with a fleet of 152 boats including 145 speed boats travelling between Cua Dai Port in Hoi An and the Islands.

A report said the rapid increase of speed boats and fishing vessels was the main reason for 66 per cent of sea grass off the islands being destroyed between 2009-18.

The islands, 20km off the coast of Hoi An, which was recognised as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2009, is one of few places in Vietnam successfully campaigning against plastic bags. VNS

Vietnam urged to take prompt action to protect biodiversity Biodiversity in Vietnam is facing serious challenges, especially in the context of climate change.
WATERLOO  Former University of Waterloo president and its first dean of engineering, Douglas Wright, has passed away at 92.

Wright was the universitys third president and vice-chancellor from 1981 to 1993. He was the founding dean of the faculty of engineering at just 32.

A UW documentary on the schools early days called Wright one of the original disrupters.

He thought that, in addition to co-operative education, theoretical research could be another way for the university to distinguish itself.

When Wright joined the fledgling institution in 1958 as the first chair of civil engineering, it was just one building  which bears Wrights name in recognition of his profound and lasting impact on the universitys development.

Wright saw a unique opportunity to re-envision how engineering was taught. He wholeheartedly embraced the challenge.

When he came to Waterloo, it was because it was a blank slate, said Ken McLaughlin, Waterloo alumnus, professor emeritus and historian. Its Dougs vision and Dougs ideas that really put Waterloo on the map as a real university.

Wright was full of ideas, and always focused on looking to the future rather than the past, McLaughlin said.

He recruited other young professors to help propel the university forward by embracing new ideas and new ways of doing things.

He was always pushing the boundaries, McLaughlin said. Theres so much he did that people arent even aware of.

With Wright at the helm, the university attracted the support of major computer companies like IBM Canada. A major fundraising campaign led to construction beginning in 1984 on would become known as the William G. Davis Centre for Computer Research.

Wright embraced the culture of startups that encouraged university-based research to be spun off into viable companies, McLaughlin said, and that culture of innovation and entrepreneurship became a Waterloo tradition.

Wright studied civil engineering at the universities of Toronto, Illinois and Cambridge, where he received a PhD. He taught for a few years at Queens University, until 1958 when he joined Waterloo.

He started as the first chair of civil engineering before becoming dean. During his tenure, Waterloo developed the largest undergraduate school of engineering in Canada.

Doug played a formative role in the establishment and growth of the University of Waterloo throughout his career, Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor, said in a post on UWs website honouring Wright.

His keen intellect, leadership and dedication to excellence were extraordinary. All of Canada has lost a true leader, but we remain better for having Doug Wright part of it.

Wright was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1991 and received 12 honorary degrees.

After leaving the university, Wright continued to be involved in engineering as a member of technical committees, and as an adviser on the SkyDome (now Rogers Centre) in Toronto which was the first stadium at the time to have a fully retractable roof.

His other roles included: advising the governments of Ontario and Canada; posts as deputy minister at Queens Park; and director of a number of corporations including COM-DEV, Electrohome, and BlackBerry maker Research In Motion.

Born in 1927 in Toronto, Wright passed away Thursday at home with his wife and family at his side. He is survived by five children and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His obituary says a celebration of life will be planned after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. His family asks that, if desired, donations in his memory be made to the University of Waterloo.
Jaguar Land Rover Limited is a British multinational automotive company. Photo: Getty.

Speculation continues to mount over a 1bn ($1.22bn) government rescue deal for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

The Sunday Times and Guardian have reported the carmaker has approached Whitehall for a support package as the COVID-19 pandemic has decimated sales.

Britain's biggest car manufacturer has been unable to access funds from the governments corporate paper scheme, which is restricted to companies with an investment-grade credit rating.

Jaguar, which is owned by Indian conglomerate Tata, has reportedly been in emergency loan talks with ministers in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy for several weeks.

The department has refused to comment directly and JLR will only confirm it is in regular discussion with the government "on a whole range of matters" which remain confidential. The company has also refuted the amount of money being sought is closer to 2bn, calling this figure inaccurate and speculative.

READ MORE: Bonus rout spells trouble for high income mortgage-holders

JLR retail sales fell by more than 30% in the first three months of 2020 to 110,000 vehicles. The Midlands-based employer was forced to temporarily halt UK production as the coronavirus pandemic took hold, putting many workers on furlough.

But the company tentatively started up again last week by opening its Solihull factory.

Automotive industry analyst Tim Lawrence told the Guardian returning demand in China had encourage JLR to restart production: Most carmakers are burning through large amounts of cash every day, primarily because of the cost of maintaining and running their operations, despite furloughing a lot of people.

Demand in China is whats encouraging JLR to restart production but they have to look at this in terms of the next one to two years, and models show demand is not going to come back to pre-pandemic levels."
By Anna J. Park





Korea Securities Depository (KSD) plans to jointly inject 6.2 billion won ($5 million) over the next five years, along with seven other state and private institutions including the metropolitan city of Busan and BNK Financial Group, in support of local venture startup businesses in the nation's southern city of Busan.







The eight institutions will be taking part in creating and operating a co-working space called the Busan Innovation Ground for Startups (BIGS) for selected venture companies. The co-working office space of about 1,342.15 square meters is slated to officially open at around September or later this year.







The launch of the co-working office center is only part of a comprehensive supporting initiative for local venture startups  dubbed "K-Camp"  jointly participated by both the public and the private financial sector in Busan.







The KSD and other partnering institutions aim to stimulate solid growth of the nation's venture startup sector by offering selected innovative businesses what are generally regarded as the most needed at the burgeoning phase of a business  working space, investment opportunities, global networking chances, and more.







Under the banner of "K-Camp," venture businesses from other major cities like Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju, are also eligible for applying for receiving a range of supports, such as management consulting, crowdfunding consulting and global investment networking events.







The initiative designed to foster innovative firms is in line with the Financial Services Commission's (FSC) policy direction announced in March this year, aiming to spur growth in innovative startups in the nation. The plan is also in conjunction with Busan Metropolitan City's plan to create the city's startup innovative town set out back in August 2018.







Earlier this year, the KSD announced its policy goal that it would assume a larger corporate social responsibility by strengthening efforts to create more jobs and build a sustainable and inclusive business model.


A cabinet minister should lose her job over a picture she sent to colleagues that used a fortune cookie as a Covid-19 testing kit, one MP has claimed.

International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan, 51, sent a WhatsApp message to fellow MPs in a discussing concerns over China potentially exploiting the global pandemic.

The picture, shared by the Sunday Mirror, showed an opened fortune cookie with the note inside reading: 'You not have coronavirus.' A caption underneath read: 'Just received my Covid-19 rapid test kit from China! soooooo relieved! Thanks Beijing!'

International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan has come under fire for an image she shared with MPs that called a fortune cookie a Chinese Covid-19 testing kit

Sarah Owen, the first British Chinese woman MP, told the paper: 'If Anne-Marie Trevelyan doesn't understand why this sort of humour was left in the 1970s, I would be happy to explain it to her.

'In recent weeks we've seen East Asians spat at, beaten up, verbally attacked and had their businesses targeted.'

Another MP shared the image with the Sunday Mirror, telling the paper the image should cost the cabinet minister her job.

Underneath the image, Mrs Trevelyan wrote: 'Just for Bob.' with a winking emoji.

She was referring to Bob Seely, the MP for Isle of Wight.

Mr Seely told the paper it was a 'well-meaning joke at my expense'.

The MP has been a vocal critic of Huawei - the Chinese tech giant involved in the development of 5G in the UK.

Mrs Owen later tweeted: 'I appreciate the government isnt doing apologies right now but if doesnt understand why sinophobia or her outdated joke are wrong, Im happy to explain why its c*** like this that fuels the recent spike in hate crimes against East Asians.'

The Labour MP was referring to revelations that senior adviser Dominic Cummings allegedly broke lockdown rules, up to three times.

MailOnline has approached Mrs Trevelyan for a comment.

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely said the message was a 'well-meaning joke' at his expense

In late February and early March, East Asians in Britain reported being targeted in the street as the coronavirus began to spread across the country.

A student from Singapore was left with a fractured face after he confronted thugs in London who punched him after they said 'coronavirus' to him.

Jonathan Mok had been walking through Oxford Street on February 24 when he passed a group of men.

The 23-year-old said one man told him he 'didn't want coronavirus in our country' before kicking him on the ground.

Jonathan Mok was left with a swollen eye and a bloodied nose after he was attacked on Oxford Street in March

A woman in Birmingham was attacked after she confronted a man who racially-abused her friend, telling her to 'take your f****** coronavirus back home'.

Meera Solanki stood up for Mandy Huang but the man pushed her in the head and she was knocked unconscious, The Independent reported.

Another student Wenbin Wu, was also targeted in Kent because of his race.

Mr Wu who is studying at university in London, was on a day-trip to Margate in Kent when three teens fake sneezed and shouted 'coronavirus' as he walked past.
The proliferation of todays social media has affected many industries, including the beauty market. New products come out faster than we can try them out, and we see beauty photos and videos in magazines, television, Instagram, Facebook, you name it. The beauty-obsessed have more to choose from than ever before, with foundations, bronzers, eyebrow makeup, lip gloss, salt scrubs, hair gels, and so forth. Cosmetic surgeries are also more popular than ever, with celebrities flaunting their upgraded bodies everywhere you look.

This trend can be seen all over the globe, but not in every country. To see which countries take beauty the most seriously, one can look at which ones spend the most on their vanity. Here is what we found out:

Top Spenders

Western Europeans spend about 748 billion USD on beauty products every year. Photo by Charisse Kenion on Unsplash

Expat.com posted some spending numbers that include beauty goods plus other vanity products, like designer handbags, expensive cars, and beauty services. They found that Western Europe led with an expenditure of 748 billion US dollars (USD) per year on beauty products. The United States came in second, with 663 USD, and China was third with 661 billion USD.

Theculturetrip.com ran different research and concluded that the top five most beauty-obsessed countries on earth are the United States, Brazil, Japan, Italy, and Mexico, as these five countries account for 41.4% of the worlds expenditures on surgical procedures. Coming in next were Russia, India, Turkey, Germany, and France. Thelondoneconomic.com also weighed in, claiming that in the United States, Asian-Americans spent the most on skincare, cosmetics, fragrances, and hair products.

Korea

Plastic surgery is a big business in beauty-obsessed countries. Photo by Olga Guryanova on Unsplash

Korea also makes some of the lists of beauty-obsessed countries, and in recent years their beauty industry has really come into its own. In 2018, its beauty market had an estimated worth of more than $13.1 billion. Out of this, facial skincare products (including beauty masks), counted for half of the sales.

This countrys beauty products approach consumers from a different angle, referred to as "skin-tertainment," by Christine Chang, co-creator of the Glow Recipe brand. For example, her company manufactures a watermelon-scented moisturizer; another sells lip pencils that look like bunny rabbits. The new-found popularity of these products is part of the hallyu, or the Korean wave, which has been spreading South Korean pop culture and encompasses their makeup, K-pop music, food, and movies. It is very popular with younger beauty-obsessed consumers.

The Global Cosmetics Market

According to finder.com, Oceania and Asia are the biggest consumers of cosmetics, making up 39% of the market. Next was North America at 25%, and Europe at 24%. Two-fifths of the market consists of skincare, such as exfoliators and moisturizers. Makeup and haircare are also part of this market. The biggest companies in the world include LOreal, Unilever, Estee Lauder, Procter & Gamble, and Coty.

Hair Care

The hair care industry is growing at a fast rate. Photo by Taisiia Shestopal on Unsplash

The hair care industry is also growing, as new shampoos, conditioners, sprays, oils, serums, dyes, and other products arrive in markets. S-schwartz.com posted that the global haircare market is estimated to grow to $87 billion USD by 2023. Trends include more eco-friendly, natural, and organic products; those designed to eliminate frizz, increase volume, add shine, and make hair look younger are also big sellers.

In 2019, the U.S. has generated more than $12 million USD in haircare market revenues.

That same year, Japan came in second, spending over $7 million.

The African-American haircare industry is projected to exceed $2.5 billion, and includes wigs, extensions, and hair accessories. Products that enhance moisture and smoothness while maintaining natural textures are also in high demand.

Plastic Surgeries

It is no surprise that breast augmentations are the most common cosmetic surgery procedures, and account for almost 16% of all surgeries. Others include liposuction, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), eyelid surgery, and tummy tucks. Non-invasive procedures are also common, with 15.9 million performed in the U.S. in 2018. Number one was Botox, followed by soft tissue fillers (injectable implants), chemical peels, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion.

Cosmetic surgery is most often performed on women, with 86.2% of patients being female and 13.8 male. Men sign up for procedures like liposuction, rhinoplasty, hair transplants, gynecomastia (breast tissue reduction), and eyelid surgery.
The US government is expected to announce a ban on travel from Brazil due to the spread of coronavirus in Latin America's hardest-hit country.

National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien says the US wants to take every step necessary to protect the American people. President Donald Trump already has banned travel from the United Kingdom, Europe and China, all of which have been hit hard by the virus. On Wednesday, Trump said he was considering barring entry to flights from Brazil.

O'Brien said Sunday on CBS' Face the Nation that he expects any ban would be temporary.

Brazil reported more than 347,000 COVID-19 cases as of Friday, second behind the US in the number of infections, according to a Johns Hopkins University count.

Brazil also has recorded more than 22,000 deaths, fifth-most in the world. There have been more than 96,000 US deaths.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ashraf Ghanis statement comes after welcoming announcement by armed group of a three-day ceasefire during Eid al-Fitr.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has pledged to speed up the release of Taliban prisoners after welcoming an announcement by the armed group of a three-day ceasefire during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

As a responsible government we take one more step forward  I announce that I will expedite the Taliban prisoner releases, Ghani said in his Eid message on Sunday.

Speaking at the presidential palace in the capital, Kabul, Ghani also called on the Taliban to press on with the release of Afghan security personnel they are holding as soon as possible.

The release of up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners and 1,000 detained Afghan security personnel was mentioned as a confidence-building measure in an agreement signed between the Taliban and the United States in late February in Qatars capital, Doha, touted as the deal that will end the USs longest war.

It was also a precondition set by the Taliban for joining intra-Afghan talks, but efforts stalled over a disagreement on the prisoner exchange.

The Taliban wants 5,000 of its prisoners released in one go  a demand Kabul has so far refused to oblige.





A positive development came on Saturday when the Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire for Eid, the holiday marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

The Taliban statement also instructed its fighters to refrain from entering government areas and said Kabul forces were not allowed to enter territories under their control.

Following the announcement, Ghani welcomed the groups ceasefire offer and ordered his forces to comply.

In a similar holiday truce in 2018, there were unprecedented scenes of fighters from opposite sides embracing and taking selfies.

US Special Representative to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, who brokered the February 29 agreement, said on Twitter on Saturday that Washington welcomed the Talibans decision to observe a ceasefire during Eid, as well as the Afghan government announcement reciprocating and announcing its own ceasefire.

He urged the Taliban to continue to abide by the agreement, calling the halt in violence a momentous opportunity that should not be missed while pledging that the US would do its part to help.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed Saturdays announcement and urged all parties to seize the opportunity and embrace an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
Residents of Offa in Ilorin are having a low key Eid-el Fitri celebration to mark the end of the Ramadan as they desert praying grounds due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who went round the town on Sunday observed that the bubbling and fanfare that usually characterise the Eid-el Fitri celebration were absent.

The praying grounds that were normally besieged by residents to observe the two rakah or voluntary prayers were under lock and key as there was no sign of worshippers.

NAN reports that there are seven Eid praying grounds apart from the major praying ground attended by the Chief Imam of Offa and Olofa of Offa. All were deserted.

People were, however, seen going about their daily activities with few people wearing face masks as directed by the state government.

Some of the residents, who spoke with NAN, said that the singular act of not observing congregational Eid prayer had made the celebration short of its usual euphoria.

Taiwo Adeniran said that he had never witnessed a low key Sallah of this nature since he was born.

He said that he found it difficult to believe that there would be Sallah with no congregational Eid prayers.

Mariam Asekun said though she was thankful for the gift of life although this is an abnormal Eid celebration.

I have been answering questions from my kids as to why we will observe Eid prayers at home as against the normal practice of congregating.

I just pray there is an end to this before Eid-l Kabir celebration, Mrs Asekun said.

On her part, Fatima Olagoke said the low key celebration saved her the cost of buying Sallah clothes for her kids since there were no congregational Eid prayers.

NAN reports that the state government had eased lockdown in the state but banned all forms of religious or social gathering to control the spread of the pandemic.

According to the state government, as at 11 p.m. on May 23, Kwara has 45 active cases, 34 discharged and one death from COVID-19. (NAN)
Advertisement

A real estate listing has gone viral because of hilarious photos which show Bigfoot enjoying the inside of the property.

The Coldwell Banker listing for the $999,000 home in Felton, California has been viewed nearly half a million times since it was posted last Friday thanks to images of the elusive ape-like creature reading, baking and doing yoga inside the residence.

Photographs of the exterior of the five-bedroom property do not appear out of the ordinary, until the Sasquatch suddenly appears in one snap sitting on the home's wooden deck.

A real estate listing has gone viral after photos of the property showed Bigfoot enjoying its interior. The home, located in Felton, California, is for sale for $999,000

Photographs of the exterior of the five-bedroom property - which is set among lush green forestry - do not appear out of the ordinary

Some viewers were startled to see Bigfoot relaxing on the home's wooden deck whilst reading a newspaper

A photograph taken in the home's kitchen shows the domesticated Bigfoot baking cookies in the stainless steel oven

Room to zoom! In one clever image Bigfoot was seen sitting at a dinging table while on a video chat

The unusual idea to include pictures of Bigfoot came courtesy of agent Daniel Oster, who believed it would help drum up interest in the sale.

Oster also believed the tactic could help brighten the spirits of Americans amid the coronavirus crisis.

'During our initial photoshoot, the Bigfoot idea popped into my mind. The sellers immediately supported the idea, and we all hoped that it would bring a bit of levity to people on their home buying adventure,' the inventive agent told Bored Panda.

'A lot of folks are under a lot of stress now, and we were hoping to lighten people's day and make them smile. '

Oster said he has had 'an overwhelming amount of interest in folks calling to schedule appointments' and he is 'anticipating offers soon.'

Room to move! The new buyer will be able to stretch out and practice yoga just as Bigfoot does in this real estate listing photo

Bigfoot is seen inside one of the property's five spacious bedrooms. Agent Daniel Oster stated: 'The sellers immediately supported the idea, and we all hoped that it would bring a bit of levity to people on their home buying adventure'

'A lot of folks are under a lot of stress now, and we were hoping to lighten people's day and make them smile,' Oster said of the images

The listing also features photos without the Bigfoot so prospective buyers can see how the property will look if they are not interested in sharing the space with the unusual house guest

While viewers have praised the listing for its originality, its not the first time a person dressed as Bigfoot has appeared in listing photos.

Last year, Ohio realtor Shauna Bailey decided to put an old Bigfoot Halloween costume to use by having a man dress up as the creature and pose for pictures inside one of the homes she was selling.
MP CM brings Tablighi back into COVID-19 narrative

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, May 24: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said Tablighi Jamaat members aided in the spread of coronavirus infection in the state particularly in Indore and Bhopal, and chided them for not acting "responsibly".

Chouhan told PTI in an interview, "Initially the members of Tablighi Jamaat contributed in spreading this virus. The people, who came back from this event to cities like Indore and Bhopal, transmitted this virus to others also."

Bhopal Police arrest over 60 Tablighi Jamaat members for holding religious programmes

Further, they added to it by not cooperating with government personnel. They stayed hidden, let this spread to persons who directly or indirectly came in contact with them, he said.

A large congregation organised in March by the Tablighi Jamaat in the Nizamuddin area of the national capital significantly contributed to the increase of coronavirus cases in India. Some of the participants, who were later tested positive for coronavirus, had travelled to their home states and other areas.

Madhya Pradesh has so far reported 6,170 coronavirus cases, including 2,850 in its commercial city Indore, 1,153 in state capital Bhopal and 504 in the religious town of Ujjain, according to the official data updated as on Friday. Cases in these cities have been increasing steadily.

Of the total of 272 COVID-19 deaths, 109 people have died in Indore, 40 in Bhopal and 51 in Ujjain, the data said.

To a question on the increase in COVID-19 cases in Bhopal and Indore, Chouhan said these places are "under special care" of the state administration.

"We are continuously monitoring the situations of these regions. Situation seems to be improving and stable now. More than 1,500 patients of Indore, Bhopal and Ujjain have recovered and are well now," the chief minister said.

He said, the state administration is continuously trying its best to ensure availability of necessary medical facilities in these regions.

Maharashtra reports highest single-day COVID-19 spike as cases cross 50,000-mark

"All hospitals and medical centres of these regions have been equipped fully to counter the emergency situations," Chouhan said.

In a stern message, the chief minister also said that persons indulging in attacking COVID-19 frontline workers "will not be spared at all".

"These are shameful acts of violating the laws and not co-operating with the government which is working for their safety. The Central government has also amended the penal provisions for such acts. Such accused persons have been arrested under provisions of the National Security Act," he said.

On the Congress' charge that the state government was not doing enough to fight the pandemic, Chouhan said it is time for all of us to put a check on the spread of the disease unitedly.

"It is a time, we all need to fight this pandemic together and the Congress is busy in accusing us. It shows their concerns and priorities. They are accusing us to hide their failure. They could have taken the preventive measures regarding this at much early stages that we did as soon as we took charge of the state," he said hitting out at the previous Kamal Nath-led Congress government in the state.

Chouhan said when he took over as the chief minister, medical facilities were less in number in the state.

"Today, we are in a far better condition than before. If the previous government was aware of these facts why didn't they take measures to overcome these things? They could have done a lot earlier, but they were involved in their internal party conflicts," he said.

The chief minister appealed everyone to follow the lockdown sincerely for their own safety.

"Keep maintaining the social distancing norms even after the lockdown. Stay at home, stay safe. I request everyone to have patience; we will soon overcome this pandemic," Chouhan added.
The rationale behind the deluge of dollars flooding into billionaire Mukesh Ambanis Reliance Jio Platforms is beginning to become more clear as his e-commerce venture JioMart starts rolling out to more people across India.

An e-commerce venture between the nations top telecom operator Jio Platforms and top retail chain Jio Retail, JioMart just launched its new website and started accepting orders in dozens of metro, tier 1 and tier 2 cities including Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Bokaro, Bathinda, Ahmedabad, Gurgaon, and Dehradun. A Reliance executive said JioMart is live and delivering across 200 cities and towns across India.

Before the expansion on Saturday, the service was available in three suburbs of Mumbai. The service now includes perishables such as fruits and vegetables, and dairy items in addition to staples and other grocery products as it makes its pitch to Indian households across the country. On its website, JioMart says it also offers farm produce that are directly sourced from farmers.

Ambani's Reliance Jio Platforms, which has raised more than $10 billion in the last month by selling a roughly 17% stake, has amassed over 388 million subscribers, more than any other telecom operator in the country.

The money comes as Ambani's various companies begin entering a market already teeming with fierce competitors like Amazon, Walmart's Flipkart, BigBasket, MilkBasket, and Grofers.

Earlier this week the American e-commerce giant entered Indias food delivery market to challenge the duopoly of Prosus Ventures-backed Swiggy and Ant Financial-backed Zomato. Amazon is making a massive hiring push in India, and is looking to hire close to 50,000 seasonal workers to keep up with the growing demand on its platform.

Meanwhile, Ambani's Reliance Retail, founded in 2006, remains the largest retailer in India by revenue. It serves more than 3.5 million customers each week through its nearly 10,000 physical stores in more than 6,500 cities and towns.

Story continues

JioMart may have Amazon and Flipkart in its sights, but in its current form, however, the company is going to be more of a headache for Grofers and BigBasket, the top grocery delivery startups in India.

Reliance Industries, the most valued firm in India and parent entity of Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail, plans to expand JioMart to more than a thousand districts in a year and also widen its catalog to include electronics and office supplies among a variety of other categories, a person familiar with the matter told TechCrunch. A Reliance Jio spokesperson declined to comment.

The expansion to more cities comes a month after JioMart launched its WhatsApp business account, enabling people to easily track their order and invoice on Facebook -owned service.

Facebook announced it would invest $5.7 billion in Indias Reliance Jio Platforms last month and pledged to work with the Indian firm to help small businesses across the country. JioMarts WhatsApp account currently does not support the expanded regions.

Mukesh Ambani, Indias richest man and the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, first unveiled his plan to launch an e-commerce platform last year. In a speech then, Ambani invoked Mahatma Gandhis work and said India needed to fight another fresh battle.

A handful of firms have attempted -- and failed -- to launch their e-commerce websites over the years in India, where more than 95% of sales still occur through brick and mortar stores. But Ambani is uniquely positioned to fight the duopoly of Amazon and Walmarts Flipkart -- thanks in part to the more than $10 billion in investment dollars the company recently raised from KKR, Facebook, Silver Lake, Vista Equity Partners, and General Atlantic. In addition to scaling JioMart, the fresh capital should also help Ambani repay some of Reliance Industries' $21 billion debt.

We have to collectively launch a new movement against data colonization. For India to succeed in this data-driven revolution, we will have to migrate the control and ownership of Indian data back to India -- in other words, Indian wealth back to every Indian, Ambani said at an event attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi .

Updated at 5:00PM IST on May 24: The story was updated to add that JioMart is delivering in 200 cities and towns, citing a tweet from Damodar Mall, the chief executive officer of Reliance Retail's grocery business.
Confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona topped 16,300 on Sunday, according to new state figures.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across Arizona is 16,339, the Arizona Department of Health Services said Sunday morning in its daily tally. The total number includes people who have recovered.

The state said 800 people in Arizona have died from COVID-19. There was 1 new death reported today.

Across Pima County, 2,027 cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed, up 25 cases from the day before.

Among the 2,027 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pima County:

 585 people ages 65 and older;

 284 people between 55 and 64 years old;

 352 people between 45 and 54 years old;

 712 people between 20 and 44 years old;

 93 people 19 years old and younger.

No age was available for one coronavirus patient in the county.

There have been 172 known COVID-19 deaths in the Tucson-metro area, according to the state health department.

There have been 260,660 coronavirus tests given across Arizona, with 5.6% of them showing positive for COVID-19, the state says.

The 800 confirmed COVID-19 deaths in Arizona include:

 628 people 65 years old and older;

 95 people between 55 and 64 years old;

 41 people between 45 and 54 years old;
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss has been accused of being willing to sacrifice British agriculture to reach a trade deal with the US.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is concerned she will give way on vital areas of environmental and animal rights standards to sign a deal with Donald Trumps government by the end of the year.

This is despite the fact that the 2019 Conservative manifesto stated such standards would not be sacrificed.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss is pictured above. Insiders say there is a row in Government between purist ideologues who want to open up trade in the most liberal way, and those who want to maintain Britains high environmental standards

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is accused of blocking plans for a commission to investigate future trade deals and whether they protect the needs of British agriculture.

Critics say Miss Truss wants to turn the UK into a pariah state by allowing the import of cheap foods pumped with antibiotics and hormones which could drive British farmers out of business.

But insiders say ministers including Boris Johnson and Environment Secretary George Eustice are insisting the manifesto is adhered to.

The two sides are seen starting the trade talks earlier this month. The National Farmers Union (NFU) is concerned she will give way on vital areas of environmental and animal rights standards to sign a deal with Donald Trumps government by the end of the year

Last night the Government denied that Miss Trusss department was willing to sell British farmers down the river.

Minette Batters, the president of the NFU, said there may be only 60 days to save family farmers.

She added: I have nothing against a UK-US trade deal as long as the imports into this country are produced to the same legal standards that we require from our farmers.

While Defra ministers refuse to have that compromised, we do not have the same assurances from DIT. I hope Liz Truss will start listening to her fellow Cabinet members ...

Brexit was meant to be about the creation of a bigger, better Britain, not turning us into a pariah state.

In the US, farmers can give cattle growth hormone and antibiotics  a practice that has a big impact on antimicrobial resistance. Chlorine-washed chicken is also sold. Farmers say lowering standards would open the market to US agricultural giants which could put UK family-run farms out of business [File photo]

Insiders say there is a row in Government between purist ideologues who want to open up trade in the most liberal way, and those who want to maintain Britains high environmental standards.

Agricultural industry leaders have accused those on the Right of the party of trying to use an upcoming trade Bill to weaken Britains standards in advance of a deal with the US  even if that means putting farmers out of business.

Britain has very high standards of animal welfare, such as the quality of food fed to livestock, restrictions on chemicals that can be used and a ban on spraying them near waterways.

In the US, farmers can give cattle growth hormone and antibiotics  a practice that has a big impact on antimicrobial resistance. Chlorine-washed chicken is also sold.

Farmers say lowering standards would open the market to US agricultural giants which could put UK family-run farms out of business.

Environmentalists fear that US-style factory farming could also impact Britains ability to meet its net zero carbon target and reverse the decline in species. It could also decrease the quality of the soil, making flooding more likely.

The Troutbeck Valley in the Lake District is pictured above. Agricultural industry leaders have accused those on the Right of the party of trying to use an upcoming trade Bill to weaken Britains standards in advance of a deal with the US  even if that means putting farmers out of business

Conservative MP Simon Hoare said: Nobody is being a protectionist here, it is just a disagreement about shades of free trade.

If you reduce the tariff on American sugar cane, then you open up our sugar beet farmers to unfair competition. These issues have to be considered.

But Andrew Bowie, also a Tory MP, said: Liz has been very clear from the get go, we are not about to sell British farmers down the river. We are proud of our standards  we are not about to undercut farmers by doing a deal that will harm them.

A Government spokesman said: We have been clear that in all of our trade negotiations  including with the US in our first round of negotiations  that we will not undermine our high domestic environmental protection, animal welfare and food safety standards by ensuring in any agreement British farmers are always able to compete.
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during a media briefing on CCP virus in Downing Street, London, UK, on May 24, 2020. (Andrew Parsons/10 Downing Street via AP)

UKs Boris Johnson Stands by Aide Over 250-Mile Lockdown Trip

LONDONPrime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday he wouldnt fire his chief aide for allegedly violating the national lockdown rules that he helped to create by driving the length of England to his parents house while he was infected with the CCP virus.

Defying a growing clamor from public and politicians, Johnson said Dominic Cummings had acted responsibly, legally and with integrity when he drove 250 miles from London to Durham, in northeast England, with his wife and son at the end of March.

Britains lockdown, which began March 23, stipulated that people should remain at their primary residence, leaving only for essential local errands and exercise. Anyone with the symptoms of CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus, was told to completely isolate themselves.

Britains Prime Minister Boris Johnsons senior aid Dominic Cummings arrives back at his home, in London, UK, on May 23, 2020. (Alberto Pezzali/AP photo)

Cummings says he traveled to be near extended family because his wife was showing COVID-19 symptoms, he correctly thought he was also infected and he wanted to ensure that his 4-year-old son was looked after.

Johnson told a news conference that Cummings had followed the instincts of every father and every parent. He said Cummings, his wife, and son followed the rules by self-isolating for 14 days once they reached Durham.

But critics of the government expressed outrage that Cummings had broken strict rules that for two months have prevented Britons from visiting elderly relatives, comforting dying friends, or even attending the funerals of loved ones. The opposition Labour Party has called for an official investigation.

Labour leader Keir Starmer said Johnsons defense of Cummings was an insult to sacrifices made by the British people.

The prime ministers actions have undermined confidence in his own public health message at this crucial time, he said .

Former Labour lawmaker Helen Goodman, whose father died in a nursing home during the outbreak, said Cummingss behavior was repellent.

What was the point of the sacrifice that we all made? What was the point of the miserable, lonely death that my father had? she told the BBC.

Political campaign group Led By Donkeys transport a screen showing a prerecorded video link of Britains Boris Johnson delivering a statement, outside the home of his senior aide Dominic Cummings, in London, UK, on May 24, 2020. (Victoria Jones/PA via AP)

Speaking inside the prime ministers 10 Downing St. residence, Johnson said I can totally get why people might feel so confused and  so offended by the idea that it was one thing for the people here and one thing for others.

But he said Cummingss particular childcare needs left him no alternative but to make the 250-mile trip.

Government ministers have denied a claim that Cummings was spotted again in Durham on April 19, after he had recovered and returned to work in London. But they have not confirmed or denied report that Cummings visited a scenic area 30 miles from Durham on April 12.

Cummings is a key but contentious figure in Johnsons administration. A self-styled political disrupter who disdains the media and civil service, he was one of the architects of the successful campaign to take Britain out of the European Union, and orchestrated the Conservatives decisive election victory in December.

The CCP virus cut a swath through the top ranks of Britains government in March and April, infecting people including Cummings, Health Secretary Matt Hancock, and Johnson himself, who has said that the medical staff at a London hospital saved his life.

Despite the governments support for Cummings, several lawmakers from Johnsons Conservative Party joined the opposition in calling for the aide to be sacked.

Dominic Cummings has a track record of believing that the rules dont apply to him and treating the scrutiny that should come to anyone in a position of authority with contempt, tweeted Conservative lawmaker Damian Collins. The government would be better without him.

Another Tory legislator, Steve Baker, said Cummings must resign for not abiding by the spirit, at least, of the slogans which he has enforced on the rest of the country.

Johnsons government is already facing criticism for its response to a pandemic that has hit Britain harder than any other European country. Britains official CCP virus death toll stands at 36,793, one of the highest in the world. Statistics that include suspected as well as confirmed virus cases put the toll well over 40,000.

The UK is gradually easing its lockdown, allowing more outdoor recreation and letting some shops and businesses reopen.

Johnson confirmed Sunday that primary schools can start reopening in June, though many parents and teachers worry that it isnt yet safe to do so.

Johnson said the government was still aiming to have pupils in the first and final years of primary school back in classrooms on June 1, though he acknowledged that may not be possible for all schools.

Cummings is one of several senior UK officials to be accused of flouting the lockdown rules.

Epidemiologist Neil Ferguson stepped down as government scientific adviser earlier this month after a newspaper disclosed that his girlfriend had crossed London to stay with him during the lockdown. In April, Catherine Calderwood resigned as Scotlands chief medical officer after twice traveling from Edinburgh to her second home.

By Jill Lawless

Epoch Times staff contributed to this report
Get the latest on coronavirus. Sign up to the Daily Brief for news, explainers, how-tos, opinion and more.

A Tory MP has said the Dominic Cummings must go after fresh allegations of the senior aide taking multiple trips from London to Durham during lockdown surfaced on Sunday morning.

According to the latest figures from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), 36,675 people have died of coronavirus in the UK and 257,154 have tested positive.

Heres the latest:

PM faces growing pressure to sack top aide as Tory MP says Dominic Cummings must go

Dominic Cummings, pictured outside his home on Saturday.

A Conservative MP has called for Dominic Cummings to resign after fresh allegations emerged that the senior advisor may have travelled from London to Durham three times during lockdown to visit family.

Boris Johnson is now facing intense pressure to dismiss his top aide after fresh allegations were made against Cummings on Saturday evening, sparking further outrage from politicians and the public alike.

Tory MP Steve Baker, speaking on the Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme, said, it was time for Dominic Cummings to go.

If he doesnt resign, well just keep burning through Boriss political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis, he said.

It is very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominics slogans to mean stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

And I think mums and dads who very much care about their children and who have been forgoing the childcare of their extended family will wonder why he has been allowed to do this.

I really just dont see, as we approach the Prime Minister (appearing) at the liaison committee on Wednesday, how this is going to go away unless Dominic goes.

Writing in The Critic Magazine, Baker also said that Cummings must go, adding Time is up. It is time for Dom to resign so Boris can govern within the conventions and norms which will see us through.

Damian Collins, the...

Continue reading on HuffPost
The next negative prices in energy contracts could soon be seen in European natural gas prices as lockdowns batter demand while storage capacity for the commodity is running out, analysts and traders told Reuters on Friday. If it will happen today or next week, its hard to say. This weekend we have very low demand and strong supply, so weekend prices might go close to negative, a European gas trader told Reuters.

Prices at the Dutch TTF hub and the prompt UK wholesale gas prices have recently slumped by 20-30 percent to low single-digits, and there is a risk that they may go negative because gas demand in Europe is still very weak while storage is close to capacity.

UK prices once turned negative in October 2006, when the new Langeled pipeline from Norway boosted supply at a time when UK gas storage capacity was 96 percent full.

Earlier this month, ENN Energy Holdings, one of Chinas largest natural gas distributors, said it was not ruling out the possibility that natural gas prices could follow last months WTI Crude move and flip to negative because of insufficient storage.

For natural gas, I have heard about the possibility of negative prices. I also think it could happen, Wang Yusuo, chairman at ENN Energy Holdings, said at the companys online shareholders meeting, without specifying which natural gas benchmark in which region could turn negative.

The demand and storage situation in the UK looks particularly weak, according to Wood Mackenzie.

Related: Ukraines Port Odessa Welcomes First U.S. WTI Crude Cargo

The industry and power sectors account for most of the UKs summer gas demand. And both of those sectors have been hit hard by the lockdown, said Hadrien Collineau, a senior analyst with Wood Mackenzies gas team.

UK gas storage could be full by early June, Collineau says.

With UK summer demand expected to be lower than average and with limits on storage capacity, its clear that there is very little space for any additional supplies. LNG exporters hoping to place cargoes into the UK market have the most to lose. There simply wont be any more space.



By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Getty

On Sunday, just days after Donald Trump encouraged houses of worship to reopen even in states under coronavirus lockdowns, churches from Maine to California defied the law and welcomed worshippers at live services.

In Washington Statethe early ground zero of COVID-19 in AmericaCovenant Christian Church in Spokane welcomed a sizeable, mask-less crowd for morning prayers, according to the local Spokesman-Review. The Reverend Ken Peters, who claims hed been holding in-person services since May 3, blasted the satanic agenda of Governor Jay Inslees stay-at-home order and vowed to start offering a second in-person service each Sunday evening.

And in California, where in-person services also remain banned and where officials say more than 180 people were exposed to the virus at an illicit church gathering on Mothers Day, News Channel 3 reported that Church Unlimited in Indio flouted state rules by reopening its doors this weekend. On Saturday, a Pentecostal church in Chula Vista also filed an emergency motion with the U.S. Supreme Court in hopes of forcing Governor Gavin Newsom to allow churches to open.

Meanwhile, an independent Baptist church in southern New Jersey defied that states lockdown to hold Sunday services in a challenge to Governor Phil Murphywhose executive order has kept churches closed since March, and who on Friday announced hed allow gatherings of up to 25 people, but only outdoors. The Solid Rock Baptist Church in Berlin, along with the nearby Bible Baptist Church in Clementon, invited their members to the first in-person services since March, when those initial stay-at-home orders went into effect.

Pastor Ken Graves preaches during an indoor service at Calvary Chapel in Orrington, Maine, May 24. The service was held in defiance of Maine Gov. Janet Mills order that churches not reopen until May 29 and then only if they limit gatherings to 50 people or less and everyone wears a face mask. Johanna S. Billings

Both of the Solid Rock pastors, Charles Clark Jr. and Charles Clark III, couched their reopening as a First Amendment right. They insisted that it was a patriotic act, and during their Sunday sermons, they repeatedly invoked Memorial Day, reminding congregants that men and women died to give Americans their freedom. And that freedom, they said, included the right to assemble and practice religion inside their church.

Story continues

Out of precaution, coronavirus restrictions in New Jersey have kept church members worshipping via livestreams or limited to drive-in services. But many seemed eager to return, like the Clarks, who downplayed the risks of transmission by arguing that people were allowed in all sorts of places not protected by the Constitution, like Walmart and Starbucks.

I was just in town, it was hopping, Pastor Andrew Reese of the Clementon Bible Baptist Church told The Daily Beast on Saturday night. He had reopened last Sunday, and already has a court date in June for breaking Murphys executive order. That wont stop him though, he said, even if he isnt certain what the legal consequences might be.

Nor did it seem to be stopping Solid Rock members. The scene at the church Sunday morning looked less like the start of prayer and more like the beginning of a professional sporting event, as hundreds of congregantsmany dressed in their church finestflooded in to attend the 10 AM service.

Alex Norcia for The Daily Beast

During a fiery press conference before the service, the elder Pastor Clark delivered a sermon of sorts to the news cameras, calling Governor Murphy a tyrant and going so far as to read out the Merriam-Webster definition of the word in full. At one point, he even compared New Jersey to Nazi Germany, emphasizing that the U.S. Constitution was at stake. This is not North Korea, he said. This is not China.

That much was clear. American flags were everywhereadorning the lawn, plopped next to the podium, draped behind the altar. Music blared from a pair of speakers. People carried signs and posters that read Church Is Essential.

A group of men and women in orange vests greeted members as they drove into the parking lot and led them to socially distanced spaces. At the entrance to the building, an usher directed church-goers through propped open doors, where they had their temperatures checked.

This is so stupid, a man murmured to church staff.

Inside, members had to sit at least six feet away from each other in the pews. Nobody could attend without a mask eithereven if they disagreed.

Personally, I cant stand the masks, said Andrew Heier, who has been a member of Solid Rock for five years and identified himself as a supporter of President Trump. Ill wear them if I have to. If this was on a scale, though, Id fall somewhere in the middle: States need to reopen, but they need to do it carefully. Just because I want to go to church doesnt mean I dont care about other people.

Its not, like, church is open, and then everybodys sitting on each others laps and licking door handles, he continued.

The younger Clark, who led Sunday mornings service, said that Solid Rock and Clementon Bible Baptist were prepared to file a lawsuit should the governor not change his executive order and deem churches essential by the end of the week. Solid Rock already sent a letter directly to Murphy last week, and dozens of other pastors together recently signed a separate letter, urging the governor to reopen churches in New Jersey and threatening him with legal action should he not concede.

This week, with or without permission, churches will be open, the elder Clark promised during the service.

Jesus, he later said, is essential.

Alex Norcia for The Daily Beast

A similar vibe emanated from in-person services in Orrington, Maine on Sunday, where between 200 and 400 people gathered inside an old gym that now serves as Calvary Chapel. They were there not only to worship God but also to defy a state order that churches not reopen until May 29.

Governor Janet Mills announced May 22 that churches in Maine could reopen a week later for in-person services only if certain rules are followed. These include a 50-person limit, the wearing of face masks and maintaining six feet of space between attendees unless they are members of the same household.

Also on May 22, President Donald Trump declared he was identifying houses of worship as essential places that provide essential services and called upon state governors to allow them to reopen immediately.

The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now, for this weekend, Trump said. If they dont do it, I will override the governors.

During the 8 a.m. service, Calvary pastor Ken Graves thanked Trump for his support. Im very grateful to the chief executive for speaking up for our churches, he told those gathered for the service, none of whom were wearing masks. Outside, a handful of people were wearing them but only intermittently.

Graves encouraged worshippers to resist the police state. Earlier this month, the church filed a complaint in U.S. District Court alleging that Mills decision to limit gatherings to 10 or fewer people violates religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. The church lost but has appealed the decision. During a prayer, Graves asked God to open the eyes of the state and cause people to recognize what is being done.

Speaking to the Daily Beast after the service, Graves said the church has been in a state of defiance against Maine for the past month.

Well continue to meet in person in greater numbers than the state will allow, he said. The state has no authority to ban people from going to church.

A woman carries a Trump campaign sign following indoor services held at Calvary Chapel May 24 in Orrington, Maine. The signs and other campaign literature were available in the parking lot of the church before and after services May 24, which were held in defiance of state mandates. Johanna S. Billings

Calvary Chapel has been holding outdoor services every Sunday for the past month to demonstrate that what really matters to us is being able to gather, Graves said. On Sunday, two days after Trumps announcement, the 8 a.m. service moved indoors. Two additional services took place outside as they had previously. The church will continue this schedule.

Graves maintains congregation members are just as safe attending church services indoors as they are going to Walmart.

We can do a better job [of keeping people safe] than Walmart can, he said. Were motivated by love.

We still recognize that its a highly contagious virus, said Eric Meyerson, who serves as an assistant pastor. Attendees were advised not to shake hands and to make use of the hand sanitizer that was provided. Stacie Haverlock, who heads the churchs school ministry, regularly sanitized surfaces including door handles, and cleaned the restrooms between uses.

The church removed some of the seating on the gym floor to create physical distance. In the bleachers on either side of the room, people sat in small groups presumably with close family members. A few people sat outside the gym, watching the service on a TV screens. When services were over, people crowded around a table in the parking lot to get Trump campaign signs.

People are allowed to address their physical health during the pandemic and should be able to address their spiritual health, said Haverlock.

Theres just nothing like getting together with fellow believers and worshipping our god, she said.

Jade Dileonardi, who attended the indoor service with her husband, Michael, agreed.

It strengthens our faith having other believers around, she said.

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This court decision adds another remarkable chapter in our fight as returning citizens to participate in our democracy, said Desmond Meade, executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. We will remain vigilant in our commitment to place people over politics, and ensure that all returning citizens, no matter how they may vote, have an opportunity to possess what we believe to be the most endearing sign of citizenship, the right to vote.
Editors note: This story has been updated since the paper version was published.

More than two months after the virus killed its first victim at a nursing home in New Jersey, and with more than 5,400 now dead, the survivors in these homes are still vulnerable, with cases in South Jersey on the rise, and many of the homes still without sufficient stores of equipment to protect their staffs and stop the carnage.

It is happening across the country, but New Jersey has done worse than most. The virus has killed 1 in 13 nursing residents in the state. Those deaths make up 40 percent of the total, above the national average. And with experts warning of a surge in cases this fall as states begin to reopen, the urgent task is to learn from the mistakes during this first round so we can do better next time.

A scorching investigation published last week by NJ Advance Media has caused a storm in Trenton, a week before a respected outside firm is expected to complete its review for the Murphy administration. Immediately after that report is released, a special committee of the Senate will open hearings on all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, and nursing homes will be the first topic.

Lets learn from this awful experience, says Sen. Joe Vitale, chairman of the Health Committee, who will sit on the special committee. Both hospitals and nursing homes, and the state, were hit with the overnight tsunami of this virus. No one could have predicted it. And even the experts didnt know in the beginning that someone who was asymptomatic could be shedding the virus at a rate as great, or even greater, than when youre full-blown symptomatic sick.

The investigation by NJ Advance Media revealed a pattern of mistakes and delays by the Murphy administration, many them stemming from the core decision to focus first on hospitals, rather than nursing homes, reflecting a reasonable fear that the hospitals would be overrun as they were in Italy. Still, the investigation turned up disturbing facts:

--The state Department of Health didnt inspect a single nursing home until April 16, more than a month after the first death, and long after it was clear that the virus was mowing down vulnerable patients with horrifying efficiency. The department moved only after 17 dead bodies were discovered in a makeshift morgue behind a nursing home in Andover. Even now, only 1 in 8 nursing homes has been inspected.

--Gov. Phil Murphy was tragically late in calling for help from the National Guard as nursing homes struggled to retain staff. At some homes, more than half the staff was missing at the height of the crisis, some sick and some refusing to risk their lives for low-wage jobs where they were put in harms way without protection. So far, at least 89 staff members have died.

It wasnt until May 7 that the National Guard arrived to help at private nursing homes in New Jersey, two months after the first death. Six other states were weeks ahead of New Jersey. It wasnt until May 12 that New Jersey ordered testing of all residents and staff at the nursing home, behind eight other states.

--Beginning on March 31, nursing homes were required to re-admit patients who had been hospitalized for Covid-19 and were still recovering, adding to the challenge as the virus tore through nursing homes. They were supposed to follow strict protocols, like using adequate protective gear and segregating those who were infected. But with no inspections, and a known shortage of protective gear, that order likely added to the carnage, something Vitales committee will investigate. Again, the state seemed to favor hospitals over nursing homes, as it did in the distribution of protective gear.

Vitales committee will also take a hard look at the role played by the nursing homes themselves. Murphy has criticized them over the failure to follow state directives and communicate with family members.

Were there good apples? You betcha, the governor said Thursday. But there are other who just did not get the job done.

This is a business with many slippery operators who pay their staff poorly, and earlier this year fought legislative attempts to require adequate staffing levels with a vigorous lobbying campaign in Trenton. Time to revisit that bill, for starters.

But even well-intentioned operators face daunting challenges. Nursing homes depend heavily on Medicaid payments to survive, and New Jerseys Medicaid reimbursement rate is among the lowest in the nation. And if bad actors are to blame, Murphy will need to explain why the two state-run Veterans Homes, in Paramus and Menlo Park, have been among the hardest hit.

Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Bill Pascrell wrote a letter to the VA expressing alarm over the 80 people who have died at the Paramus home, 79 of them veterans. Bill and I were alarmed at the number of vets lose in such a short period, Gottheimer said, adding that more than 90 percent of the vets in Paramus had been infected.

It is deeply disturbing, in the face of such a serious challenge, that politics has already intruded. Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester) on Friday took this unusual step of moving the examination of nursing homes from Vitales health committee, and moving it to the special committee chaired by Sen. Troy Singleton (D-Burlington), saying he wanted to consolidate all topics in one committee.

That is a demotion for Vitale, who will now lose the gavel and the powers that go with being chairman, like cutting off witnesses who off topic. Vitale is unquestionably the top expert on health policy in the Legislature. Equally important, he is a bridge between the warring Democratic factions in Trenton -- one led by Murphy and the other by Sweeney and his political patron, George Norcross. Singleton is from South Jersey and is firmly in the Sweeney/Norcross camp.

So, while Sweeney was the first to ask for an investigation of nursing homes, he has now kneecapped the effort by diminishing Vitales role and increasing the risk of political games aimed at discrediting the governor. In addition, Sweeney is not moving to give this committee subpoena power, to ensure that nursing homes and others cooperate fully.

Still, the internal investigation ordered by Murphy, and Senate hearings, should help New Jersey build new defenses against this virus before the expected second wave hits. One hopes that it leads to a larger discussion about the rotten state of care for too many of our seniors who rely on Medicaid, about the low reimbursement rate, about the poverty wages paid to nursing home workers, who must be counted among the heroes of this crisis.

Nursing homes are forgotten institutions in good times and their reputation is horrible, says Arthur Caplan, professor of bioethics at NYU Langone Health. They have turned into death traps.

We can do better. One hopes this crisis will spark the will to do so.

More: Tom Moran columns

Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.
This Memorial Day, Americans pause to remember the military men and women who have given their lives for their country. Many commemorations will be smaller or different due to the coronavirus.

Editorial cartoonists also used the imagery of death and remembrance to comment on the toll of the pandemic on veterans and civilians in nursing homes, on businesses shut down by the virus and on civil liberties curtailed during the crisis.

Tensions over the pace of reopening the economy flared over houses of worship, hair stylists and restaurants. In Wisconsin, some bars and restaurants were packed with people hours after the states Supreme Court struck down Gov. Tony Evers stay-at-home order.

President Donald Trump said hed been taking the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to protect himself from the coronavirus, igniting controversy over the drugs efficacy and side effects.

Other topics on the cartoonists minds included New York Gov. Andrew Cuomos demand for federal relief and Cuomos handling of nursing homes during the crisis; unemployment snafus as states cope with a record number of claims; former President Barack Obamas public criticism of Trump in a graduation speech; the role of the Obama White House in investigating the Trump campaigns contacts with Russia; presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Bidens basement campaign; U.S.-made bombs falling on Yemen; and Trumps criticism of voting by mail.

Cartoons were drawn by Bill Bramhall, Dan Wasserman, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Scott Stantis, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Phil Hands, Joel Pett and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and A.F. Branco, Mike Luckovich and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate.

View more editorial cartoon galleries.
A 19th coronavirus-related death was reported Sunday in Laredo.

A man in his 60s with underlying health conditions had tested positive for COVID-19 and was being treated at Laredo Medical Center when he died Saturday.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Dozens of officials in posts of Deputy Director, Joint Director, Deputy Secretary and Joint Secretary in various departments deputed from the Cooperation Department may have to do a ghar wapsi soon at minister ST Somashekhar's behest.

The minister was left perplexed in a recent meeting with department officials on learning that there were no vacancies, but also few officials to carry out works too. The minister was told that many officials had been deputed to other departments in different districts across the state on their requests. The minister has now asked that they be sent back to the parent department.

Although previously hired for the Department of Cooperation and Audit, many officials have sought transfers to other departments for various reasons, leaving the cooperation department with no vacancies, but little workforce too. Officials who have sought deputations are currently working in various departments like Minority Welfare Directorate, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, and Department of Skills Development in various districts among others.

These officials, the minister said, have been working in those deputed posts for years together. Somashekhar has now started the process of bringing them back to the parent department of cooperation. In a review meeting of officials of the cooperation department, the minister was apprised of the staff crunch. The minister immediately sought a list of officials deputed elsewhere and a parallel list of posts that require deputation within the department.

"I dont understand how these officials were sent on deputation to other departments when our own departments works are piling up. I have asked for them to be returned to the parent department which the Chief Minister has agreed to," said Somashekhar.
Last week, coronavirus cases in Nigeria increased while fewer persons recovered, according to official data.

A PREMIUM TIMES review of data by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) showed that the country recorded 1,905 new cases in the past week, a 22 per cent increase from the 1,470 cases reported in the previous week (May 10- May 16).

Also, a total of 707 patients recovered and were discharged last week, which represents a 3.4 per cent drop when compared to the 727 patients discharged in the previous week.

However, 45 new deaths were recorded across the country last week as against the 47 reported in the previous week.

Lagos State remains the epicentre of the pandemic in Nigeria with 984 new cases after it recorded the highest daily figure for the week (133) on Saturday.

Cases in Lagos also increased when compared to the 606 new cases recorded in the state in the previous week.

Also, the cases in Oyo State rose from 107 to 233 cases last week. Out of the 126 new cases, over 67 were reported to be workers at a customer experience management firm in Ibadan, iSON Xperiences.

The Oyo State Government said it has fumigated and shut down the firms office located on the third floor of Kingsway Building, Dugbe, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Meanwhile, Cross River and Kogi states are yet to report a single case of the infection since Nigerias index case was announced in February.

The governors of the two states with zero cases have discouraged the residents from testing, a move opposed by the ministry of health and the NCDC.

The Minister for Health, Osagie Ehanire, on Tuesday, announced that the ministry has successfully engaged the Cross River State governor and is planning another visit to Kogi State.

Nigeria so far

According to data from the NCDC, 7,526 cases have been confirmed in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

A breakdown of the 7,526 confirmed cases shows that Lagos State has so far reported 3,357 cases, followed by Kano  883, FCT  468, Katsina  308, Borno  250, Jigawa  241,Bauchi  232, Oyo  233, Ogun  219, Kaduna  184, Gombe  145, Edo  172, Sokoto  116, Rivers  89, Zamfara  76, Kwara  75, Plateau  77, Yobe  47, Osun  42, Nasarawa  38, Kebbi  32, Delta  31, Adamawa  27, Niger  26, Ondo  23, Ebonyi  22, Akwa Ibom  21, Ekiti  20, Taraba  18, Enugu  18 Bayelsa  8, Imo  7, Abia  7, Anambra  8, and Benue  5.

So far, 2,174 persons have recovered and have been discharged while 221 have lost their lives to the infection.

Timeline last week

Last Sunday, 338 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the country.

On Monday, 216 new cases of the virus were reported across the country. This brought the tally of confirmed cases to 6,175 as of 11:55 p.m. on May 18.

On Tuesday, 226 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded.

A total of 284 new cases of the virus were reported on Wednesday which brought the number of confirmed cases to 6,677.

On Thursday, 339 new cases of COVID-19 were reported across the country.

On Friday, 245 new cases were reported in Nigeria, hence bringing the tally of confirmed cases to 7,261 as of 11:55 pm on May 22.

On Saturday, 265 new cases of the virus were recorded.

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Therefore, a total of 7,526 cases have been reported, out of which 2,174 have recovered and 221 have died.

Testing

Nigeria has so far tested 43,328 persons since the beginning of the pandemic. A PREMIUM TIMES analysis showed that the testing rate increased by 23.9 per cent last week compared to the previous week.

However, if the NCDC continues to test at this rate, its target of testing two million people in three months may not be realistic.

For the health agency to meet up its target, it has to conduct not less than 166,000 tests on a weekly basis.

The Director General of NCDC, Chikwe Ihekweazu, at a national briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 last week, promised that Nigeria will receive a consignment of reagents this week.

Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) [PHOTO: PMNEWS]

A reagent is a substance or mixture for use in chemical analysis.

The reagents will be distributed across the molecular laboratories in different parts of the country to increase the testing capacity, he said.

Early relaxation?

Despite the increasing coronavirus figures in Nigeria, some state governors have lifted the ban on public gathering, which they imposed at the outset of the pandemic to reduce the risk of transmission by physical contacts among people.

At the COVID-19 task force briefing on Thursday, NCDC boss, Chikwe Ihekweazu, reiterated that COVID-19 is transmitted by droplets or contact with infected persons.

The susceptibility of people in large gatherings to these modes of transmission is high, experts say. This is why federal authorities and the global health agency, WHO, have advised that social and religious gatherings be discouraged.

Due to the Eid-ul-Fitri festival, many state governors have lifted the ban on social gatherings, with alarmed observers saying the development could draw back the fight against the pandemic in Nigeria.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Bauchi, Taraba, Kastina and Borno state governors have relaxed the lockdown restriction for the people in their states.

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 have urged the governors to support the national response by adhering to stipulated guidelines.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) denounced the partisanship that has infiltrated the debate over face masks in the U.S., telling NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday: "This is not about politics. ... It's about helping other people."

Why it matters: Face masks have become a political symbol for some Americans in the brewing culture war over containing the coronavirus, AP reports. 76% of Democrats say they wear a mask when leaving home, compared to 59% of Republicans, according to a poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

What he's saying: "This is not about whether you're liberal or conservative," DeWine said. "Left or right. Republican, Democrat. ... It's been very clear what the studies have shown. You wear the mask, not to protect yourself so much as to protect others."

"This is one time when we truly are all in this together. What we do directly impacts others," he added.

Between the lines: DeWine, a Republican governor who has received praise for his aggressive early response to the coronavirus, has faced controversy himself over mandatory mask policy.

Earlier this month, he reversed a decision requiring face masks in Ohio stores, stating that it "became clear to [him] that that was just a bridge too far. People were not going to accept the government telling them what to do."

But DeWine maintained at the time that wearing masks while in public is the "kind thing" to do.

The big picture: While President Trump continues to refuse to wear a mask in public, his public health officials are urging Americans to do so as the country gathers to celebrate Memorial Day weekend.
SPRINGFIELD 

The removed measures would have temporarily delayed Freedom of Information Act law requirements and allowed the General Assembly to meet remotely during a pandemic.

Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Evergreen Park, sponsored Senate Bill 2135, which passed the House by a 66-44 vote shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday. It failed by one vote hours earlier before the controversial measures were removed. The measure was passed by the Senate, 36-19 on partisan lines, shortly before midnight and needs only a signature by the governor to become law.

The measure as passed would create a Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission to participate in and provide input on plans to revive the various sectors of the state's economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Restore Illinois is Gov. JB Pritzkers five-phase plan to reopen the states economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and Republicans have long been asking for more legislative input on the plan.

But Republicans called the commission as written in the bill window dressing that wouldnt give lawmakers input in the reopening process.

I am certainly interested in further collaboration with the governor, I think thats important, Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria, said during a lengthy floor debate. But I think it is an abdication of our duty as a Legislature to leave this special session with only creating a collaborative commission or what would essentially be a task force for recommendations.

In the Senate, Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, said the measure fell wildly short of actual oversight of the governor and his wide-reaching executive orders.

Per the bill, the commission would consist of appointed lawmakers in collaboration with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which may request meetings be convened to address revitalization efforts for the various sectors of the state's economy.

Those meetings may include public participation as determined by the commission.

DCEO would also be required to provide monthly reports to the General Assembly and members of the commission regarding current and proposed revitalization efforts. The first report would be due July 1 and include applicable metrics that demonstrate progress on recovery efforts and any other information requested by the commission.

The commission would consist of 14 members, with four House members appointed by the House speaker and four senators appointed by the Senate president. The Republican minority leaders in each chamber could each approve three members.

A controversial facet that was removed from the bill would have allowed, for the first time in state history, lawmakers to meet and vote remotely in times of pestilence or an emergency resulting from the effects of enemy attack or threatened enemy attack.

While Burke said the measure would be in effect only until June 2022 and would be applied only to preserve the continuity of government should disease or an attack make meeting impossible, she faced heated questioning, even from members of her own party.

Rep. Tim Butler, of Springfield, took particular exception, noting the body has met during the Civil War and any other number of obstacles. Having face-to-face back-and-forth makes this whole process better, and enables lawmakers to come together on difficult bills, he said.

This is in my mind a very dangerous precedent to set when we start allowing remote voting for us, Butler said.

After the measure was stripped, Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, said the current pandemic demonstrated that lawmakers needed the flexibility to meet remotely in such a situation.

We have failed to prepare ourselves, she said.

The other provision that was removed would have extended deadlines for public bodies to respond to a Freedom of Information Act request until 30 days after the bill became law.

Burke said it was a measure to balance the publics right to information with practical difficulties of understaffed public bodies during the pandemic.

Opponents argued some public information is now more important than ever as governments take unprecedented actions to fight the spread of disease.

During the earlier debate, the governors office released a statement saying it did not ask for such a measure, was opposed to it and would like it to be removed from the bill. They apparently got their wish, as it was ultimately removed.

There were a number of other changes contained in the sprawling bill, including changes to the Park District Aquarium and Museum Act affecting how many days a zoological park or museum must be open to the public without charge.

Another notable facet gives the secretary of states office emergency authority to extend deadlines for the remainder of any health-related declaration of disaster and up to 120 days after. The law would be on the books until Jan. 1, 2021.

Those deadlines include expiration dates of driver's licenses, driving permits, identification cards, disabled parking placards and decals and vehicle registrations. It would also include expiration dates of professional licenses, registrations, certifications and commissions issued by the secretary.

The bill would also create a 10-person task force of members representing the Department of Insurance and the insurance industry to study business interruption insurance policies.

The group would study the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses and the need for changes to business interruption insurance policies based on those impacts, including recommendations for legislation. The task force members would be unpaid and deliver a report to the governor and General Assembly by Dec. 31, 2020.

The bill also amended the Broadband Advisory Council Act, stating the council shall study the goal of providing free access to all residents of this state to broadband service through the expansion of the state broadband competitive matching grant program. An alternative goal is to study affordable access.

It would be due to report its findings on affordability and funding streams by January 2021.

The bill also would put into statute measures allowing remote notarization that were included in an executive order signed by Pritzker in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures would be in place until 30 days after the governors disaster declaration is ended.

PHOTOS: Social distancing and face masks in the Illinois Capitol

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HAMMOND  Military units were not there, nor were ROTC students or bagpipers.

But even COVID-19 could not keep relatives and loved ones from sprucing up grave sites at St. John-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Even cancellation of the annual Memorial Day Mass under a tent did not deter visitors, who arrived as early as Friday for the holiday weekend. By Saturday, visitors took advantage of 70-degree temperatures to continue what for many is a family tradition.

Karen Talenco, a Highland resident, visited and decorated the graves of her father, Jacob Talenco, and uncles John Flint, Americo Bruno and Donald Frain, all military veterans.

This is something Ive been doing ever since my mom died, Talenco. Its a way to say thank you and recognize their service.

Talenco said her late father taught her family was everything. Whenever he was called upon to help someone, he would do it.

Siblings Chris Stompor, of Naperville, and Rosann Prosser, of Elmwood Park, came to honor their great-grandparents, Steve and Anna Kocsis, along with relatives from the Linko family. Steve Kocsis served in the Army.
Its what were all dreaming about these daysa truly great adventure.

As travel restrictions stretch into a third month, wanderlust grows within us, and we long for trips that go beyond our daily walks and weekly trek to the grocery store. And while a journey anywhere might be welcome, its true that some are truly surpassing, epic adventures, from safaris to submarines, that create stories youll tell for a lifetime.

Here are some of the best youll find anywhere on earth.

Cruising is a unique way of seeing the Amazon rainforest.the earths greatest wilderness Above, the Aria Amazon at sunset. (Courtesy of Aqua Expeditions)

The Amazon river, like a highway cutting the through dense jungle, connects villages and towns. (Courtesy of Aqua Expeditions)

Cruising the Amazon

Spanning nine countries and more than 2.7 million square miles, the Amazon rainforest is the worlds greatest wilderness. Here, the biggest river on earth is a highway, connecting cities and villages and curving under dark canopy, and through a jungle dense enough to swallow you whole. And the best way to see it? On-board a boat. You can swing in a hammock on a simple vessel steaming out of places like Brazils Manaus (the worlds largest city unconnected by road to the outside world, a former rubber boomtown thats home to one of the finest opera houses on the continent), curling down the big river and up tiny tributaries to places rarely explored.



Or, sail in style, with a company like Aqua Expeditions, whose Aria Amazon (and, launching later this year, the Aqua Nera) sails through a vast Peruvian nature preserve. Swim with pink dolphins and hike through the jungle during the day, then retreat, with a glass of champagne, to the top-deck jacuzzi, while the sun sets over the dark water of the river.

Walking safari, such as those offered at andBeyonds Ngala Safari Lodge in South Africas famed Kruger National Park, are a thrill. (Courtesy of andBeyond)

Spotting a rhino on a walking safari. (Courtesy of andBeyond)

Walking With Lions, Elephants, Rhinos (and More)

Going on safariand getting up close and personal with some of Africas most amazing animalsis a thrill. Riding around in a jeep, guides can give you unbelievable photo opportunities, as they drive through a dazzle of zebras, or take you under a tree occupied by a leopard, its tail lazily swaying below the branch. But theres nothing like taking a walk on the savannah. At certain lodges, including andBeyonds Ngala Safari Lodge in South Africas famed Kruger National Park, you can actually stroll among the wildlife. Out on the grassland, everything slows downuntil it speeds up. Follow specially trained trackers (armed with rifles, for safety) past giraffes and wildebeest and comical little warthogs, listening closely for the warning calls of other animals, which can alert you to the presence of a predator, including big cats. If you get lucky, you can find an elephantor a lion. The first rule? Never run.

Sled dogs whisk visitors into the wilderness on Colony Glacier, in Alaska. (Tim Johnson)

Dogsledding on a Glacier

Less than an hour outside Alaskas largest city sits a winter wonderlandeven in the summer. Based near the Knik River Lodge, youll board a helicopter that quickly lifts you out of a dense boreal forest, swooping up to the soaring majesty of the Chugach Mountains, a land of white and blue, passing over vibrant glacial ponds and rivers and, if youre lucky, maybe a couple of grizzly bears. And within minutes, youll land on Colony Glacier, in the land of dogs. Stationed on the snow throughout the summer, some 40 huskies, some of them veterans of the famed Iditarod, wait to swoop you across the snow. Standing on a sled behind eight of the friendly dogs, you become a musherskimming along and holding the reins while little paws kick up a flurry of flakes before you, the sky endless above, the city, and lifes cares, seemingly very far away.

According to experts, there may be as few as 3,500 tigers left in the wild. (AG/Unsplash)

The Land of Tigers

Seeing a tiger in the wild is a rare and thrilling experienceexperts estimate that there may be as few as 3,500 left in the wild. Proud and strong, these big cats patrol their territory, heads back, light on their feet despite their massive size, and their roardeep, gutturalwill send chills down your back. And your best chance to spot one? Bandhavgarh National Park, in central India, which has one of the largest concentrations of these big cats in the world. Stay in a private villa, roll out in a Jeep while the sun rises, and trace paths into the forest, lookingand listeningfor the Royal Bengals that make this their home.

Exploring Antarctica with the luxury discovery yacht Scenic Eclipse gives you the options of perspectives from belowvia the Scenic Neptune submarineand abovevia its helicopters. (Courtesy of Scenic)

Deep Dives in Antarctica

A trip to Antarctica, the worlds darkest, coldest, driest, windiest continent and home to millions of penguins and seals and birds, and nobody else, is a thrill in itself. With no hotels, or towns (just research stations), almost all tourist trips are taken on board a shipand the Scenic Eclipse, a handsome and luxurious sailing yacht launched last year, sails there in style. Daily excursions include Zodiac cruises, helicopter tripsand submarine dives. A first in Antarctica, as many as six guests climb into the Scenic Neptune, in seats surrounded by glass, and descend as far as 600 feet, into waters likely unexplored by anyone else. Youll see weird and wonderful things, including creepy sea spiders and translucent ice fish, and maybe one of the 16,000 species down there that dont yet have a name.

A scenic flight over Tasmania. (Courtesy of Tourism Australia)

Flying to the Edge of Oz

An island sitting off the southern shores of Australia, Tasmania is known for its beauty and remoteness, home to rare and (literally) cartoonish wildlife (see: the Tasmanian devil). But even here, you can go further. Boarding a 10-seat Britten-Norman Islander plane in the capital, Hobart, fly with a company called Par Avion over honey-colored sea cliffs and beaches that stretch to the horizon, the deep blue of the Southern Ocean unfolding below, the pilot tipping his wings to hikers tracing the South Coast Track. Keep your eyes peeled for the Tasmanian tigerthough extinct for decades, some locals suspect a few may still be out there, hiding. Then land on a dirt airstrip in Melaleuca-Southwest National Park and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, board a small boat, and roll out onto Bathurst Harbour, watching for dolphins and sea eagles, and holding out your cup to drink as you cruise past pure waterfalls.

Churchill, Canada, is located on polar bears migration route. (Robert Postma/Churchill Wild)

Churchill, Canada, is known as the polar bear capital of the world. (Courtesy of Ian Johnson/Churchill Wild)

Sleep Among Wild Polar Bears

Set on the frigid shores of Hudson Bay, the subarctic town of Churchill sits directly on the migration route for the largest land-based predator on earthand is known as the polar bear capital of the world. Especially in the late summer, autumn, and early winter, you can spot these beasts in various wayson short hikes (with a certified guide), or while zipping out on the Churchill River on a Zodiac, or by riding in a big tundra buggy. But perhaps the best, and closest youll get, is by boarding a short flight on a Twin Otter to Seal River Heritage Lodge, run by a company called Churchill Wild, and staying a couple of nights. Just beyond the fence, wild bears regularly wander by, meaning you can watch them saunter onto the ice outside while eating breakfast, or rush out for very close photos when the curious creatures approach the lodge. And you can go beyond the wire, toowell-trained guides take guests for walks, where you can encounter the bears, sometimes just a few dozen feet away, with no filter, a heart-stopping and unforgettable experience.

Toronto-based writer Tim Johnson is always traveling, in search of the next great story. Having visited 140 countries across all seven continents, hes tracked lions on foot in Botswana, dug for dinosaur bones in Mongolia, and walked among a half-million penguins on South Georgia Island. He contributes to some of North Americas largest publications, including CNN Travel, Bloomberg, and The Globe and Mail.
The Albany Telugu Association started a GoFundMe effort to raise money for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for frontline workers at area hospitals and nursing home and first responders. Telugu is the language widely spoken in two southern states of India. The association members include many Indian Americans and Indians who are working in the Capital Region.
Around 200 demonstrators, including teachers and families with their children, gathered Saturday near the Education Ministry in Rome as well as in other Italian cities to demand the safe reopening of schools in September.

Playing percussion instruments and carrying signs reading "Let us go back to school," demonstrators protested not only to return to normal but also for more investment in the education system.

"(We cannot accept) hen house (crowded) classes, we cannot accept starting again in September with distance learning. We need more investments in schools," said Francesco Gori, a support teacher.

Schools in Italy have been closed since March 5 due to a nationwide coronavirus lockdown and are still awaiting instructions on how to reopen in September.

Schools have continued teaching with online lessons during the lockdown, but with difficulties; many teachers have found it challenging to adapt, and some families have not had the resources to join the online classes - particularly children with disabilities who need the constant help of a support teacher.

The protesters were on Saturday also calling for greater investment in the education sector and the hiring of more teachers so that classes from September can be smaller and safer.

Italy on Saturday registered 669 new cases of COVID-19, two-thirds of them in the northern region of Lombardy, which has been the hardest-hit since the outbreak began.

Figures from the most recent 24-hour period since Friday evening saw 119 deaths registered.

Officially, Italy has 32,735 deaths from COVID-19.
Drivers should get bigger car insurance discounts, consumer advocates argue, citing the drop of miles driven and accident claims during the coronavirus pandemic.

Though auto insurers give customers average premium refunds of about 15%, advocates argue drivers are owed much more  twice as much.

A 30% discount would reflect a roughly 50% decline in miles driven and accident claims during the crisis while tempered by some higher insurer costs, such as a likely rise in unpaid policies, says Birny Birnbaum, an economist and executive director of the Center for Economic Justice, which analyzed pandemic driving and claims in a study this month. Given the change in driving patterns, auto insurers rates became excessive overnight, Birnbaum says.

The pandemic upended daily patterns for the nations more than 220 million licensed drivers. For many, the typical commute of 55 minutes behind the wheel has disappeared as they work from home. Thats prompted some consumers to hope for a price break from their insurers. The typical consumer pays about $1,400 annually to insure a car, so its not an insignificant financial issue.

While most states are under stay-at-home orders from governors, traffic is down almost everywhere, and that means lower crash rates and fewer insurance claims. As a result, many auto insurance companies are cutting rates, sending checks or offering credits on monthly bills.

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One of those drivers is John Johnston, a computational specialist from Perry, Michigan, who largely works at home during the pandemic. He no longer makes a 30-mile daily commute to his office or takes frequent family trips to Canada or drives to restaurants and theaters with his wife.

Im barely driving, he says.

When his auto insurer emailed him to say hed receive a refund for April and May, he says he expected about $100 off his annual bill of about $1,800. Instead, he was given a refund of $35.11  less than 10% of the cost of insurance over two months.

I expected it to be underwhelming, but not that underwhelming, he says.

Story continues

Other drivers say they are confused by the refunds offered by their insurers. Shauna Dillenbeck of Boise, Idaho, says her insurer, State Farm, told her it earmarked billions in refunds for customers  but she has yet to see a reduction in her monthly $160 insurance bill.

I would like to have seen maybe 50% off, Dillenbeck says, noting that she drives about 10 miles a month compared with 500 miles a month before the pandemic.

Take a breath: 5 reasons why you shouldn't freak out about 20.5M job losses

State Farm says Dillenbeck and other customers will probably see refunds on their June statements. Those credits will reflect a 25% discount for premiums from March 20 through May 31. The company is reducing its auto rates by an average of 11%, although the rate reduction will go into effect when the customer renews the policy.

State Farm offered one of the better responses to consumers, according to Birnbaum. His group gave the insurer an A rating for its response. Other insurers earned a poor grade, including GEICO, which scored a D-. GEICO offers a 15% credit to customers who renew their polices from April 8 to Oct. 7, which means some customers may wait for months to see a refund.

GEICO says in a statement that its refund policy is geared to relief based on the full policy term. The company says it wont cancel policies for nonpayment. It says its actions should allow our customers a smoother transition to normalcy.

Here are steps you can take if you arent happy with the refund or response from your auto insurer.

Call to ask for an adjustment

The first step is to call your insurance company to ask for a refund on your policy, Birnbaum says. You may be unlikely to see a refund of more than 15%, but consumers who are driving less in the pandemic should ask for a rate reduction based on their lower mileage, he recommends.

Drivers who log less than 5,000 miles a year could save as much as 30% compared with those who drive 15,000 miles a year, according to a study in 2016 from Insurance.com.

Can these 13 retailers survive coronavirus? Permanent store closings, bankruptcies coming

Shop around for a new policy

If you dont think your insurer provides enough relief, you could shop around for a new policy, Birnbaum says. Though the typical refund is 15%, some insurers offer more, such as State Farms 25% refund.

Complain to the state

Because insurance is regulated on the state level, you should take your complaints to your state insurance department, Birnbaum says. Only California and New Jersey have ordered auto insurers to provide premium refunds to their customers, Birnbaum says. Consumer complaints could spark additional state insurance regulators to take action.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus: With less driving, should insurers give bigger discounts?
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They've inspired four award-winning books, blockbuster movies and a global fan following. But many of the key scenes in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and Hobbit are based on little-known places in the British countryside.

Expert John Garth spent years retracing the esteemed author's footsteps and painstakingly studying influences on him during the 20th century before making revealing the hidden sites.

Saruman's fearsome tower in Isengard, he argues, draws its roots from the Faringdon Folly in Berkshire, which sparked an epic planning row in the 1930s.

He proposes the stunning Elven forests have been mixed with the romantic woodlands surrounding Warwick castle, which the author visited with his wife-to-be Edith Bratt.

And the moment the black riders are swept away by raging waters is based on the river Cole's Greet weir, near Birmingham, where several people were swept to their deaths during his childhood.

 Slide me  The Faringdon Folly in Berkshire inspired Saruman's tower, said expert John Garth. Tolkien would have been aware of the building near Oxford, which had sparked a massive planning row

 Slide me  The river Cole near Birmingham provided the roots for the scene where black riders are swept away by a torrent of raging water. It is known to suddenly burst its banks

 Slide me  The peaceful woodlands surrounding Warwick castle are thought to have given Tolkien inspiration for the Elven woods. He visited them regularly with his wife-to-be Edith Bratt

'I have concentrated on the places that inspired Tolkein and though that may seem a trivial subject, I hope I have brought some rigour to it,' Garth told The Observer.

'I have a fascination for the workings of the creative process and in finding those moments of creative epiphany for a genius like Tolkein.'

His study into the author's books, The Worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien: The Places that Inspired Middle-earth, will be published next month by Frances Lincoln in nine languages.

The Faringdon Folly, which was built on a hill used as a defensive location in both civil wars and the Second World War, faced major local opposition.

When its backer Lord Berners was asked by a planning subcommittee why he wanted the tower, he is meant to have replied: 'The great point of the tower is that it will be entirely useless.'

Despite the local muck-slinging planning permission was eventually given, but with a proviso that it could not tower more than three feet above the surrounding trees.

Garth argues that the row outside Oxford would have been familiar to Tolkien, and quickly found its way into the Middle-earth fiction culminating in two rival towers.

'Faringdon Folly isn't a complete physical model for Orthanc,' he said. 'It's the controversy surrounding its building that filtered into Tolkein's writings and can be traced all the way to echoes in the scene where Gandalf is held captive in Saruman's tower.'

He also linked Rivendell to Latuterbruunen valley in Switzerland, which has a village surrounded by snow-capped mountains

 Slide me  Perhaps his most important discovery is the Maiden castle earthworks in Dorset, which he links to the Barrow-downs

Pictured is the river Cole during winter, partially covered over by ice and with snow-speckled banks

The Elven forests also draw a link to the woods around Warwick and Warwick Castle, he argues, which were familiar to Tolkien, along with a picturesque location in the Alps.

Tolkien married his partner Edith at St Mary's Immaculate Roman Catholic Church in the city. And his principal biographer Humphrey Carpenter also remarked that the author 'found Warwick, its trees, its hills and its castle, to be a place of remarkable beauty'.

Previous studies have suggested the Rivendell and the Elven forests are linked to Latuterbruunen, a valley in Switzerland where a quaint village sits amid snow-capped mountains.

Tolkien acknowledged the link in 1950, writing to his son: 'From Rivendell to the other side of the Misty Mountains the journey... including the glissdale down the slithering stones into the pine woods... is based on my adventures in Switzerland in 1911.'

Perhaps Garth's most major discovery are the large earthworks at Maiden Castle in Dorset, which he now believes are best known as the atmospheric Barrow-Downs.

A former place of a battle, it's a location used by Tolkien where swords and spears clash once again.

A year before Tolkien wrote this passage, Garth argued, major excavations at the castle had been written about in a newspaper column by his friend REM Wheeler, meaning it is likely he was also aware of the work.

The Malvern hills are meant to be the inspiration for the border between Rohan and Gondor, according to previous research

Roman ruins at Lydney Park, Gloucestershire, helped provide the inspiration for Hobbiton. Tolkien was invited to excavate near them, and they are near a hill with two-foot high by four-foot wide holes carved into it. Folklore says they were once inhabited by a race of small people

Previous research has suggested a number of other sites in Britain are also linked to the imagined Middle Earth.

Matthew Lyons linked the border between Rohan and Gondor, known as the white mountains, with the mist-soaked uplands of the Malvern hills near the England-Wales border.

He visited them often during the 1930s, he told Countryfile, arriving on the early train from Oxford and spending the day there.

Hobbit Holes are also supposedly based on two-foot high by four-foot wide holes cut into the side of Camp Hill near Lydney Park, Gloucestershire, where he undertook an archaeological dig at nearby Roman ruins. Local folklore claims the holes were once inhabited by a race of small people.
The Congress on Sunday demanded that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath withdraws "false" and "politically motivated" cases against the party's state unit president Ajay Kumar Lallu and release him from jail.

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief was arrested twice on May 20 -- first in Agra for sitting on a dharna to protest against UP government not granting permission to allow buses arranged for migrants by the Congress enter the state.

He was granted bail by an Agra court and released, before being rearrested by a team of Lucknow police in a second case filed here in connection with the Congress' standoff with the state government.

Party leader Rajeev Shukla said Lallu was booked for helping migrant workers and labourers coming returning to the state and putting him in jail was "high-handedness" on the part of the Adityanath government.

Congress Legislative Party leader in the UP Assembly Aradhna Misra said such "misconduct" by the state government with a two-time MLA is undemocratic and uncalled for.

"We urge Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to immediately release our UPPCC president Ajay Kumar Lallu, who was only helping migrants," Shukla said.

Misra said it was unfortunate that Lallu has been put in jail and quarantined, and the UP authorities have set new rules to take his phone away on the pretext that mobile phones can help in spreading of the novel coronavirus.

"The quarantine centres in Uttar Pradesh have become torture cells and this is the reason why UP is not allowing mobile phones inside them, as it does not want the truth and their shortcomings out," she said.

"The Uttar Pradesh government has fallen so low that they have lodged Lallu in a cell with criminals and is being tortured. He has been slapped with such charges that are punishable up to life imprisonment and all this for helping migrants," she said.

She added that Lallu is not being allowed to meet his lawyer or his family members and this was a violation of his fundamental rights.

UP Congress leaders Ajay Rai and Pankaj Malik said "false cases" were being registered against Congress leaders in the state so that they are unable to offer the help to migrants. They claimed that five such FIRs have already been registered.

Misra said a party like the Congress which has fought the Freedom Struggle will not be cowed down by "false cases" and will fight it out legally.

She also alleged that the alacrity with which the UP police found and arrested Lallu, they do not do the same to nab criminals who are roaming around freely in the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
HONG KONG, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Saturday urged relevant countries to respect China's sovereignty and security, and stop meddling with Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs as a whole.

After it was announced that establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security would be on the agenda of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), some countries have lashed out with furious accusations and even threats. The spokesperson of the commissioner's office refuted and firmly opposed such unwarranted remarks.

The spokesperson said that in recent years, especially since the unrest following the proposed amendment bill last year, "Hong Kong independence" and other radical separatist activities have grown increasingly rampant, and violent terrorism ramped up. Some external forces have colluded with the anti-China troublemakers in Hong Kong, openly meddled with Hong Kong affairs, and used Hong Kong to commit acts undermining China's national security. Such attempts have posed a grave challenge to the red line of the "one country, two systems" principle and an imminent threat to China's national security, and must be prevented, prohibited and punished in accordance with the law.

The spokesperson pointed out that the NPC draft decision targets only attempts at secession, subversion, terrorism and external interference in Hong Kong affairs. The legitimate rights and freedoms of the majority of Hong Kong citizens will only be better guaranteed in a safe environment, instead of being prejudiced by the decision. The "one country, two systems" policy and the high degree of autonomy of the HKSAR will remain unchanged, and the interests of foreign investors in Hong Kong will continue to be protected under the law. When national security is safeguarded, both "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong will embrace brighter prospects, which is also in the common interests of the international community.

The spokesperson reiterated that a country is simply exercising its sovereignty and legitimate right in safeguarding national security, and that enacting national security legislation falls within the state's legislative power. It is typical double standard and gangster logic when some countries persistently obstruct China's efforts to uphold sovereignty and security even as they make a generalization of the "national security" concept at home.

"No matter how many rumors and lies you (the meddling politicians) may churn out, they will not alter the will of the majority of Hong Kong citizens who love China and Hong Kong and want stability and peace. No matter how venomously you smear, provoke, coerce or blackmail us, the Chinese people will remain rock-firm in safeguarding national sovereignty and security. Doomed is your plot to undermine China's sovereignty and security by exploiting the troublemakers in Hong Kong as pawns and the city as a frontier for secession, subversion, infiltration and sabotage activities against China," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson urged relevant countries to respect China's sovereignty, abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, which are purely China's internal affairs. "We also call on the international community to correctly understand China's just efforts to safeguard national security and bring Hong Kong back to the right track, support China's endeavor to fully and faithfully implement 'one country, two systems,' and work together with the Chinese people, including Hong Kong residents, for a prosperous and stable Hong Kong."
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After Sprinklr, its app plan to sell liquor is turning out to be a political hot potato for the LDF government. The opposition Congress, which claimed a victory when the US company was removed from the Covid data-sharing deal, alleged major corruption in developing the app, named BevQ, for sale of liquor, citing the contract was awarded to a CPM sympathiser. However, Excise Minister T P Ramakrishnan said that CPM has no relation with the startup company and that it was the IT department that zeroed in on the app developer.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala demanded a comprehensive probe into the governments decision to award the contract to a startup company. The contract should be cancelled and a comprehensive probe should be initiated. Why did the government favour a private company over public sector agencies? I have already sent a letter to the minister seeking clarification on the issue.

Only `10 lakh is required to make an app. But here, the startup company would walk away with a whopping `3 crore. Also, 50 paisa goes to the app developer for each token being generated, Chennithala said. He claimed that the delay in launching the app is because of the private companys inexperience.

App will be launched after getting Google nod

KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran also alleged that there was corruption behind BevQ. A total of 27 companies had submitted tenders. But they were all were sidelined and the contract was awarded to Kochi-based Fair Code. IT Secretary S Sivasankar, who was behind the Sprinklr deal, took the decision to award the contract to the startup, said Mullappally. Meanwhile, talking to reporters in Kozhikode, the excise minister said the app will be launched after receiving technical sanction from Google. To avoid a long queue following the lockdown, a system was required to reduce rush. This is why the government decided to go for an app to launch the virtual queue system.

The app has to be foolproof. This is why there is a delay in launching the app, Ramakrishnan said. There has been no loss to the exchequer due of the delay in the launch of BevQ. So far, we have not received any complaint on the delay. The oppositions allegation is just rubbish, he said. Finance minister Thomas Isaac also said there was nothing wrong in giving the contract to a startup company. The minister, however, said that the state doesnt need liquor shops to be opened to earn income. Thomas said he was more worried about people consuming spurious liquor due to the closure of Bevco outlets.

BEVCO OUTLETS TO STAY OPEN FROM 9AM-5PM

TPuram: Once opened, the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) outlets, bars and beer parlours will be able to sell liquor between 9am and 5pm, as per the guidelines issued by the Corporation here on Saturday. According to the communique, a person will be eligible for further purchase only five days after his previous transaction. Such buys will be strictly restricted to those obtaining an e-token through the virtual queue management (VQM) system. The mobile app for this will be launched soon, Bevco said.

EXCISE MINISTER DISMISSES ALLEGATIONS

Kozhikode: Excise Minister T P Ramakrishnan on Saturday dismissed the Oppositions allegation of connections between the CPM and the much-awaited BevQ app. This is a baseless allegation. The company that developed the app was selected by the IT department, the minister told media persons. He added that there was no revenue loss due to the delay in the apps launch and they had received no plaints in this regard so far.
You cant blame people for thinking the worst of the pandemic was behind them. When Natrona County residents woke on the morning of May 13, three weeks had passed since health officials here had confirmed a positive case. Hair salons, gyms and restaurants had reopened. Life might not have felt normal, but the tide of suffering and concern seemed to finally be receding.

Since then, weve been hit with a new flood of distressing news. Testing has confirmed 17 news cases in Natrona County. Four nurses at Wyoming Medical Center contracted COVID-19, prompting major testing in the states largest hospital. A child at a daycare center in Natrona County also became infected, causing the closure of that center and the quarantining of 58 workers and children.

On Tuesday, six days after the spike in new cases began, county health officer Dr. Mark Dowell called a press conference. During that event, he told reporters that the recent influx of cases correlates really well with people not taking seriously the recommendations that officials have put in place to limit the virus spread. At first, the community had done a good job of following guidelines to wear face coverings in public and practice social distancing, Dowell continued. But as local cases dwindled and businesses reopened, fewer people kept up those practices. At one local restaurant, the doctor noted, multiple employees werent wearing required masks. At an area gym, employees ignored state-imposed requirements to wear face coverings or clean equipment.

Its as if people dont think its real or dont think they should have to do it, Dowell said. ... I think the families of the 90,000 Americans that have died in the last two and a half months would appreciate if we did what we needed to do, even in Wyoming.

As Wyomingites, weve avoided the level of suffering that has occurred in more populated places. But this pandemic is real, and people should take it seriously. As of Thursday, the virus had killed 93,000 Americans in only a matter of a few months. In comparison, 34,000 Americans died during the most recent flu season for which the CDC has data. Unfortunately, the decision on whether to follow public health guidelines has too often been viewed as a political one. But its not. Wearing a mask and practicing social distancing are decisions to protect our neighbors, our friends and our community. Its an act of empathy and compassion: Im doing my part to keep my fellow Wyomingites, especially those who are older or have underlying health conditions, from getting sick and possibly dying from a highly contagious virus.

Consider a grocery store checker. How many strangers will she interact with during an eight-hour shift? Dozens? Hundreds? Imagine what it might feel like to work during a pandemic, knowing that some customers are likely infected with the virus and unaware. The least we can do is put on a mask, showing her that were doing our part to help keep her healthy and safe.

Others have made masks a referendum on bravery. To wear one is to live in fear, this argument goes. Nonsense. We wouldnt call an antler hunter a coward for bringing bear spray into the back country. We wouldnt say someone is living in fear if they bring extra cold weather gear with them on a winter road trip. Thats merely being smart and sensible.We all want this to be over. We want to go out to dinner, attend sporting events and just go to the grocery store without having to worry about masks and hand sanitizer and a virus. But ignoring guidelines only increases the distance between us and that reality.

And so our message here is simple. Do the right thing. Take care of your neighbors, your friends and your community. Put on a mask at the grocery store. Respect social distancing. We can get through this, but we need to work together. And everyone has to do their part.
Air travel across the country was set to resume on Monday, with all states finally agreeing to accept at least some flights but announcing varied quarantine and self-isolation rules for arriving passengers to address misgivings about infections being brought in from other cities.

Instead of following the national guidelines issued by the Union government for all departing and disembarking passengers, many of the states chose to set their own rules: Karnataka, for instance, requires mandatory institutional quarantine for passengers from worst-affected states, while Punjab and Meghalaya have made a swab test mandatory for arrivals.

Several states said passengers will be taken to a facility only if they show symptoms of fever or cough  in line with Union government guidelines released on Sunday  while several among them decided to additionally mandate or suggest self-isolation for either 14 or 28 days, even if a traveller is asymptomatic.

Some other states, such as Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh, said that only state residents will be allowed to enter the city from the airports.

The announcements came a day after three states  Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu  requested the Union government to reconsider the decision to allow domestic flight operations to resume as it could lead to a spike in infections. On Sunday, the ministry held several discussions with these states and airline representatives.

It has been a long day of hard negotiations with various state governments to recommence civil aviation operations in the country. Except Andhra Pradesh which will start on 26/5 and West Bengal on 28/5, domestic flights will recommence across the country from tomorrow, civil aviation minister Hardeep Puri said in a tweet on Sunday evening..

In the morning, he spoke to Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray over video to convince the state to allow some flights to resume.

Shortly after, Thackeray, in a press conference, said: I spoke to civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri today and told him that the Mumbai international airport needs more time to resume its operations. Till the time the airport plans and fine-tunes operations, aviation ministry should initiate minimum possible domestic flights from Maharashtra from May 25.

On Sunday evening, the ministry announced that some 50 flights will operate from Mumbai. Its extremely ill-advised to reopen airports in red zone. Mere thermal scanning of passengers, inadequate without swabs. Impossible to have autos/cabs/buses ply in current circumstances. Adding positive passenger will add Covid stress to red zone. #MaharashtraGovtCares, Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh said in a tweet before the two administrations came to an agreement.

Several discussions also took place between officials of other states, civil aviation ministry and airline representatives. The meetings covered the quarantine rules for flyers as well as standard operating procedures for airports, according to officials aware of the discussions.

Negotiations were held with the state governments and they all came on board, as we also agreed to certain terms and conditions. A state like Maharashtra had genuine concerns as it has the most number of cases. We agreed to run fewer flights  only 25 will operate to Mumbai. West Bengal, too, had concerns due to the damage caused by cyclone Amphan and we agreed to delay flight operations, said an official, asking not to be named.

Also read: No quarantine for asymptomatic passengers landing at IGI airport

Flights to and from West Bengal will resume on May 28. After initially seeking time till May 31, Tamil Nadu came on board with the Union governments plan early on Sunday.

The Union health ministry separately released guidelines for travellers on domestic and international flights. In both types of flights, airlines have been advised not to board anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19. All passengers will need to wear masks while on board.

The federal guidelines lay down that anyone showing symptoms when they land will need to be taken to a facility for isolation where they will be assessed. Passengers will also be advised to download the Aarogya Setu mobile application.

These guidelines are an extension of our earlier travel advisories with modifications made as per the current Covid-19 situation. Now that travel restrictions are being eased, it will be our aim to ensure disease transmission stays under check. These guidelines can be modified as per what the latest situation demands, said a senior government official, who asked not to be identified.

The government is yet to allow international flights, but the SOPs for when they resume say that all passengers will need to go into a week-long quarantine at a facility for which they will need to pay.

According to PTI, Saujanya Shrivastava, chief operating officer - flights, MakeMyTrip and Goibibo, said: With domestic flights taking off after 61 days of lockdown, there is an understandable apprehension amongst flyers. That said, we expect the situation to smoothen out as flyers gradually get attuned to the new safety protocols.
The Congress on Sunday described BSP chief Mayawati as a "Twitter behanji" and undeclared spokesperson of the BJP, angry with the grand old party's proactive efforts to mitigate migrant workers' miseries amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Congress leader PL Punia hit back at Mayawati a day after the BSP described Rahul Gandhi's meeting with migrant workers a drama, in a language allegedly similar to that of the BJP.

"The language and the tweets, which the 'Twitter behanji' is using clearly indicates that she makes the press note for the BJP and sends it, Punia told reporters.

She feels angry over the proactive efforts of the Congress and its general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (in mitigating the poor's plight amid the lockdown), he added.

Punia also accused the BSP of having a tacit understanding with the BJP while the Congress' SC cell chairman Brijlal Khabri said, Mayawati is the undeclared spokesperson of the BJP.

There seems to be a tacit understanding between the BSP and BJP, as the both have termed Rahul Gandhi's meeting with poor labourers as drama, said Punia.

Punia also accused Mayawati of being silent amid alleged rise in incidents of attacks on Dalits during the Yogi Adityanath government's tenure in Uttar Pradesh.

"The list of attacks on Dalits is long, and it is taking place under the patronage of the government. We have been raising questions and fighting on this. But why is the self-proclaimed leader of Dalits silent?" he asked.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Three men have been arrested following the death of an Irish teenager in Australia.

19-year-old Cian English, originally from Carlow, died after falling from an apartment balcony.
India logs over 3.17 lakh new Covid cases in last 24 hours; daily positivity rate up at 16.41 per cent

COVID-19 fatalities may be much more than what is being reported

Health infrastructure must be ramped up to ensure preparedness for next 2 months: Govt

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, May 24: Health infrastructure should be ramped up to ensure preparedness for the next two months in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has conveyed to authorities of 11 municipal areas that have accounted for 70 per cent of the country's coronavirus case load.

Eleven municipal areas from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan account for 70 per cent of the active caseload, the Union health ministry said in a statement.

Health Ministry issues guidelines for domestic and international travel

Biggest single day spike in Coronavirus cases, 6,767 cases recorded in 24 hours | Oneindia News

The government has asked the 11 municipal areas to step up monitoring in old cities, urban slums and other high density pockets like camps and clusters for migrant workers for management of COVID-19 cases.

Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan, who held a high-level meeting on Saturday through video conferencing with principal health secretaries and municipal commissioners along with other officials from the 11 municipal areas, urged them to focus on prevention through active screening of high risk and vulnerable population along with effective and sturdy clinical management of the admitted cases to reduce fatality rate.

COVID-19 cases in India saw the biggest spike for the third consecutive day on Sunday with 6,767 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 1,31,868, while the death toll due to the disease rose to 3,867 after 147 more fatalities, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

'Age, male sex, underlying illness validated as risk factors for death due to COVID-19'

The active cases of the coronavirus disease rose to 73,560. While 54,440 people have recovered, one patient has migrated to another country, according to the ministry's bulletin.

"Thus, around 41.28 per cent patients have recovered so far," a Health Ministry official said. During the meeting on Saturday, a presentation was made to highlight the trend in case trajectory with respect to the total confirmed cases, case fatality rate, doubling time, tests per million and confirmation percentage, the ministry said. "It was told that a major challenge lies in those corporations having shorter doubling time, higher mortality rate and a higher confirmation rate than the national average," the ministry said in its statement.

The officials were briefed about the factors to be considered while mapping the containment and buffer zones and the activities mandated in containment zones like perimeter control, active search for cases through house to house surveillance, contact tracing, clinical management of the active cases. They were also asked to undertake surveillance activities in the buffer zone like monitoring of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and influenza like illness (ILI) cases and promoting social distancing and hand hygiene among others. It was pointed out that testing needs to be stepped up in some municipal areas to ensure early detection of cases, timely clinical management and a reduction in fatality rate.

"They also need to be mindful of ramping up the health infrastructure to ensure preparedness for the next two months with special focus on isolation beds with oxygen, ventilators and ICU beds," the health ministry statement said.

Other issues that need focused attention include active coordination with government and private labs to address delays in sample collection, partnership with private hospitals to augment the health/bed capacity, waste disposal and disinfection of COVID positive areas, management of camps for migrant labourers, creating awareness regarding issues such as stigmatization of patients and medical professionals in local languages, actively involving community leaders, youth groups, NGOs and SHGs in accompanying surveillance teams for awareness and confidence building measures, it said.

"Maintaining high vigilance and monitoring in areas of old cities, urban slums and other high density pockets along with the camps/clusters for migrant workers are important steps in COVID-19 management in the urban areas," Sudan said at the meeting.

The officials were also urged to focus on prevention through active screening of high risk and vulnerable population and groups, and effective and sturdy clinical management of the admitted cases to reduce fatality rate.

Muslims celebrate Eid inside homes, mosques empty

While many have operationalised 24x7 state control rooms, others could also follow the lead and start such units which shall not only provide assistance to the people regarding various facilities and services for COVID-19 management, but also have a panel of domain experts and doctors to provide round the clock support and mentoring for clinical issues, the statement said.

The measures taken and best practices followed by the municipal corporations for the management of COVID-19 cases were also discussed at the meeting.

Mumbai Municipal Commissioner briefed about establishing close cooperation between private hospitals and municipal authorities to pool the health infrastructure like ICU beds/ oxygen beds etc. They shall also soon make public the online portal displaying the bed availability with unique ID numbers for each bed, and also set up a GPS-backed online ambulance tracking system. Indore authorities have focused on contact tracing and active house to house surveys, the statement said.
Quiz

Monday-Wednesday, ITV

Rating:

Killing Eve

Monday, BBC iPlayer

Rating:

Oh Lord, just what we needed right now: a three-parter over three nights with the focus on coughing. Great. Thanks. Like I dont want a break from having to think about coughing. But Quiz, which told the story of Charles Ingram (the Coughing Major) and his wife Diana, who were convicted of cheating the prize money from Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? in 2001, was a joy and a hoot. And also deeply fascinating. That underground army of quiz nerds. Who knew? And could the Ingrams have been innocent, in fact? This asked us to look again. This asked us to ask: when is a cough just a cough, and when is it a meaningful cough? So there was no break from that either. Damn.

Michael Sheen as Chris Tarrant. Sheen performs his usual mimicking wizardry as Tarrant. (How does he do it? Its miraculous)

This was adapted by James Graham from his stage play and directed by Stephen Frears, who came at it with the same verve and wit and feel for dark comedy he brought to A Very English Scandal. (The awkward Gilbert & Sullivan scene in Quizs first episode is one of the best, darkly comic scenes of all time.) The acting was also uniformly wonderful, with Matthew Macfadyen as Charles, Sian Clifford as Diana, and Michael Sheen performing his usual mimicking wizardry as Chris Tarrant. (How does he do it? Its miraculous.) Framed by the court case, this took us from the creation of the show  Celador boss Paul Smith (Mark Bonnar) based it on the pub quiz as it combined the two favourite pastimes of Brits, drinking and being right  to the verdict we know is coming. But was it the right one?

Certainly, this humanised all the main players, particularly Ingram, who is touchingly bumbling, and the kind of man who not only wears tri-colour polo shirts but also says Bum! whenever he cocks up. (A Tim-nice-but-dim army type is how the production manager refers to him.) Diana is colder, more uptight, and was dubbed Lady Macbeth by the press, although why a woman who happens to be more ambitious than her husband always gets it in the neck, I dont know.

But just as this was about them and their relationship  they have always protested their innocence and are still together  it was as much about Millionaire as a TV phenomenon, and the fanatical fans who cracked how to be chosen for the show. And that army of quiz nerds. Also, there was The Syndicate and that secret room in London, and Dianas brother Adrian (Trystan Gravelle), who was so obsessed with becoming a contestant he spent hours in his garage assembling a fastest-finger contraption to practise on. And later we moved on to mobile phones, pagers, unscrambled signals and Tecwen Whittock (Michael Jibson), the college lecturer who was in one of the Fastest Finger chairs the night Charles won and was convicted of being an accomplice.

Jodie Comer and Harriet Walter in Killing Eve. I thought Id given up on Killing Eve after series two, as it had become repetitive and exhausted, but somehow Im back

The dramatisation of the trial was also fascinating, throwing you one way and then the other. In the recording that ITV presented as evidence, it had isolated 19 coughs when, in fact, 192 were originally picked up. Coming from all parts of the audience. Also, how did Whittock know how not to cough when Charles knew the answer? On the other hand, Ingrams sudden about-turns  Im going to say Berlin no, Paris!  did seem deeply suspicious, as did Dianas calls to Whittock.

However, this is four stars rather than five because, by leaving the Ingrams guilt or innocence hanging in the balance, it felt as if it was missing certain scenes. We saw plenty of the couple in private, but at no point did we see them talking about whether or not they had cheated, and while you understood how this served what Graham was trying to say about showbusiness as justice, it still seemed like an omission. The nearest we came to it was when the police were first involved and Diana said the accusations were ridiculous as Were from Wiltshire! But this was otherwise wholly gripping, as well as peculiarly nostalgic. Once upon a time, people coughed and everyone else didnt immediately scarper. Imagine!

I thought Id given up on Killing Eve after series two, as it had become repetitive and exhausted, but somehow Im back. The first series ended with Villanelle (Jodie Comer) dead, except she wasnt, and the second series ended with Eve (Sandra Oh) dead, except she isnt  shes now making dumplings in a Korean restaurant. But how often can a show do this? As often as Homeland did?

That said, for this third series theyve drafted in Harriet Walter as a Russian assassin trainer, possibly in the belief that Walter can rescue anything, even if thats not strictly the case (see ITVs Belgravia). But, most interestingly, the focus has shifted more on to Fiona Shaws character, MI6 spy boss Carolyn, and already we are seeing something that both earlier series never really bothered with: depth. Which isnt to say its no longer visually compelling. Ive watched ahead to episode two, and the clowns, my God! So its back, and Im back. For now.
The creation of a 25 billion sovereign wealth fund is being actively considered by ministers to reboot regional companies in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Government would buy shares in key private firms outside London  and could bring in private investors  to support those with the potential to gain international success after the crisis.

The shares would be sold to the companies' owners at a later date, allowing the Treasury to recoup its investment.

Planning ahead: The Government would buy shares in key private firms outside London  and could bring in private investors

Sovereign wealth funds are popular around the world including in Norway, where a profit of 26,000 per citizen was generated last year, and Saudi Arabia, which uses its fund to invest oil revenues.

Lord O'Neill, a peer and former Goldman Sachs chief economist who devised the idea, told The Mail on Sunday: 'You should never let a crisis go to waste. Why not use this mess to invest in British businesses while helping manage our debt?'

The Treasury declined to comment.
Entering the Jerusalem District Court today for the opening of his trial, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed corruption charges against him and attacked elements within Israels political left, the police and state prosecution. Netanyahu described the charges he faces as "slanderous and delusional,' stating that "the objective is to topple a strong prime minister from the rightist camp and thus to remove the right wing from leadership for many years.' He also demanded that the court sessions be broadcast live.

Israels prime minister was indicted last January in three separate cases for fraud, bribery and breach of trust, almost four years after the start of police investigations against him in June 2016. His trial was originally set to open on March 17, shortly after the March 2 elections, but was delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak and the ensuing restrictions on the operation of the courts.

Facing his three judges in courtroom 317, Netanyahu was read the letter of indictment. He then had to confirm verbally that he understood the charges against him. All in all, the procedure lasted for about 1 hours.

Netanyahu was formally indicted in January 2020 in three cases: Case 1000 involving allegations of receiving gifts from businesspeople in exchange for favors; Case 2000 about allegedly plotting with Yedioth Ahronoth owner Arnon Mozes for a positive coverage deal; and Case 4000 that relates to his contacts with telecommunications tycoon Shaul Elovitch. Elovitch and his wife Iris, as well as Mozes, are also accused in this trial, and were present today in the courtroom.

Because of the coronavirus threat, each of the four accused appeared in the courtroom with one lawyer only at his side. A limited number of journalists were allowed in an adjacent room in the courthouse building to follow along with the proceedings on a screen. Netanyahu had asked last week to skip his court appearance at the opening of the trial, arguing that the procedure was technical in nature and the cost of security for his arrival in person would be enormous, but the court rejected his demand.

Several hours before the opening of the trial, hundreds of demonstrators for and against Netanyahu faced each other in two locations  outside the prime ministers official Jerusalem residence and outside the Jerusalem courthouse. Some Likud ministers, including Public Security Minister (and former Justice Minister) Amir Ohana, also arrived to the courthouse in a show of support for the prime minister. Netanyahu himself has repeatedly accused the legal system and the media of persecuting him. He is now the first premier in Israel's history to stand trial while in office.

After the court session ended, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Netanyahus ally in the unity government, tweeted, "As any other citizen, the prime minister is also entitled to be presumed innocent, and I am sure that he will receive a fair and just trial from the legal system. I hereby repeat and emphasize that me and my friends trust fully the legal and law enforcement system."
Boats docked at the wharf on a beautiful summer's day in Nova Scotia's iconic fishing community of Peggy's Cove. (Getty Images)

The future of Canadians being asked to stay at home as much as possible is still unknown, but as different regions battle different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the outlook for summer weather across the country is expected to be equally as varied.

According to AccuWeather, much of the west is expected to be hot and dry, while significant storms head for Ontario and people in the Maritimes can prepare for a pleasant summer this year.

AccuWeather

British Columbia, Alberta and the Prairies

So far, the wildfire season has been off to a slow start but higher than normal temperatures and low precipitation this summer could become increasingly problematic.

A hotter, drier summer in the west, thats probably going to lead to...more fires, more smoke, during the summertime into the early fall, Brett Anderson, senior meteorologist with AccuWeather told Yahoo Canada. Well really have a good clue probably sometime in June what the fire season is going to look like.

AccuWeather is forecasting the Prairies will be drier and warmer than normal this summer as well, with concerns about expanding drought conditions that are particularly problematic for farmers.

The ground is dry in Saskatchewan especially and southeastern Alberta, Anderson said. What Im afraid of is that there are pockets of drought already, that may expand and we may be getting into a severe drought situation.

AccuWeather

Ontario

While the west manages dry conditions, Ontarios summer will be on the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of precipitation.

AccuWeather is predicting much of the province will see the stormiest summer in Canada this year, particularly around the Great Lakes region. This will also bring more humidity than usual to the area.

I think well see a lot of thunderstorms, increased threat of severe weather including tornadoes during the course of the summer, Anderson said. Thats going to keep the heat down during the day but the night is probably going to be warm and muggy.

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AccuWeathers senior meteorologist added that water lake levels in Ontario remain near record highs, which means there is an increased threat for immediate lakeshore flooding this summer.

AccuWeather

Atlantic Canada

People living in the Maritimes will likely be particularly compelled to get outside this summer with the region expected to have the best seasonal weather.

I think it looks warmer than usual up in that area,...it doesnt get that hot up there, so it looks fairly pleasant up across Atlantic Canada, Anderson said. Below normal precipitation across a good part of Atlantic Canada.

Warmer temperatures shouldnt be too extreme throughout much of the region but there is a threat of an active hurricane season. Although there are concerns for when the tropical season starts heating up, AccuWeathers senior meteorologist said it is too early to predict the frequency of any storm activity in the Maritimes.

Its a little bit too early to tell if theres going to be any threats across Atlantic Canada in terms of tropical activity but we are predicting an active hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin this year, Anderson said. That does increase the risk of seeing something coming up into that area late this summer into the early fall.

Quebec

Quebec is expected to be less stormy than Ontario but will be hotter than most Atlantic provinces., which may make anyone working from home without air conditioning this summer a bit uncomfortable, even around the Montreal region.

The area to keep an eye on is in the northern part of Quebec, which will likely see some fires later in the summer season.

I would not be surprised if by late summer we get into a significant fire threat there as well, Anderson said. It might get worse than usual.
A neuroscientist stopped from seeing his dying father by the coronavirus lockdown says he is 'mind-sappingly enraged,' at Dominic Cummings' repeated breaches of government rules.

Mr Cummings is accused of breaking lockdown rules on several occasions - the first came as he drove 264 miles from London to to his parents' home in Durham at the end of March.

Two more witnesses have come forward to say Mr Cummings was seen on Easter Sunday in a town 30 miles away from his parents' Durham farm, where he was self-isolating wih his wife and son, the second witness said they sighted Mr Cummings back in Durham on April 19, five days after he had returned to work in Westminster - suggesting he made a second 264-mile trip to the North East.

The public has been outraged by the revelations, on Friday scientist Dean Burnett, 37, said: 'I wasnt there for MY FATHERS DEATH from #Covid19! And havent seen any friends or family since. Because of #Lockdown. I could never live with inflicting this pain on others.'

Dean Burnett couldn't be at his dying father's side due to lockdown rules, he has now slammed Dominc Cummings' 'vile selfishness' for reportedly breaching lockdown

Special adviser Dominic Cummings responded to journalists 'who cares,' when asked if his actions look bad

Speaking to The Mirror, Mr Burnett slammed the 'vile selfishness' of Mr Cummings, he added: When my dad Peter contracted Covid-19, I couldnt see him. When he went to hospital, I couldnt visit him. And when he passed away, I couldnt be there.

Pressure is mounting against the government to sack Mr Cummings, a growing number of Tory MPs have gone against cabinet ministers' opinions in calling for the aide to lose his job.

Yesterday Mr Cummings responded 'who cares' when reporters outside his home asked if his actions looked bad.

'It's a question of doing the right thing. It's not about what you guys think,' he said.

More than two-thirds of Brits think Dominic Cummings broke lockdown rules by driving to Durham while in self-isolation, with more than half believing he should resign, a snap poll has found tonight.

The survey of 3,707 adults, carried out by YouGov today, found just 28 per cent think he should stay on, and another 20 per cent on the fence.

Families kept apart since lockdown began toward the end of March have also shared their fury at the reports.

Radio host and journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer wrote on Friday: 'My 77-year-old mum, who lvies on her own, had a heart attack in December &, thanks to the coronavirus & lockdown, I hadn't seen her since late January until two days ago.

'So excuse me if I am beyond b***** incandescent at what Dominic Cummings did. Absolutely f****** furious.'

Journalist Sathnam Sanghera tweeted: 'I spoke to the brother of a doctor who died of Covid who was not, under the rules, even allowed to physically comfort his own grieving mother at the funeral. You degrade and demean yourself.'

Nat Reed said she hasn't seen her parents since February, despite negative coronavirus tests

Katie Hall was one of many to describe having to remain distant from parents, which she said made her 'blood boil'

Another user described how her husband, who works as a doctor, hasn't held his baby for nine weeks

A new mother told of how she had to be induced into labour alone without her mother

One social media user revealed he couldn't hug his father at his mother's funeral due to lockdown rules

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps attempted to defend Mr Cummings, telling Sky's Sophy Ridge he was 'trying to do his best' for his four-year-old son.

He later admitted to the BBC's Andrew Marr that he had not spoken to Mr Cummings before being sent out to defend him on television.

Asked directly if Mr Cummings would resign, Mr Shapps said: 'No.'
A woman allegedly shot and killed her common-law husband, possibly in self-defense, just after midnight Sunday at their west Houston home, police said.

During an argument, the woman grabbed a handgun and opened fire on the man, killing him around 12:30 a.m. in the 6300 block of Richmond Ave. She told officers she feared for her and her young sons safety, police said.
After a two-month break due to Covid-19 outbreak, the Kangra airport at Gaggal and the Kullu-Manali airport at Bhuntar are ready to resume operations with domestic flights from Monday.

Kangra will see three flights daily from Delhi and Chandigarh and one flight from Delhi to Bhuntar.

The flights to Shimla airport are likely to resume in the first week of June.

Kangra airport director Kamal Kishor Sharma said that Air India will operate two flights while private airliner Spice Jet will operate one.

The first flight by Spicejet will land in Kangra at 12:20 pm. It will take off from Delhi at 11 am. The second flight by Air India that flies at 11 am from Delhi will land at 12:45 pm in Kangra. It will depart at 4:45 pm and will arrive in Delhi at 6:30 pm, said Sharma.

One flight by Air India will operate on Dharamshala-Chandigarh route. It will depart at 1:25 pm from Kangra and reach Chandigarh at 2:25pm. The return flight will depart from Chandigarh at 3:05 pm and land in Kangra at 4:05 pm.

Operations at Kangra airport were suspended on March 22, two days before the countrywide lockdown was imposed.

VALID ADDRESS PROOF, PASS MUST

Meanwhile, Kangra district administration has issued few guidelines for flyers coming to the district.

Deputy commissioner Rakesh Kumar Prajapati said that only persons with a valid address proof of Himachal should book flights coming to Kangra.

The incoming Himachal residents will have to obtain an entry pass from the deputy commissioner of the district. It has to be produced at the airport after landing. So, plan your travel accordingly, he said.

People coming from red zones and those having influenza-like symptoms will be placed under institutional quarantine, Prajapati said.

Any other person, who is not resident of Himachal or is a tourist, will not be allowed to enter. They shall be immediately put under institutional quarantine and sent back on their own expenses.

Prajapati said that the airport staff has been directed to maintain social distancing. The premises will be sanitised and there will be arrangements for thermal screening of the passengers.

ONE AIR INDIA FLIGHT TO BHUTAR

Meanwhile, Air India will also operate one flight to Kullu-Manali airport in Kullu district daily. Kullu-Manali airport director Neeraj Kumar Shrivastav said that the flight will depart from Delhi at 7:10 am and arrive at Bhuntar at 8:30 am.

Return flight will take off at 9:10 am and will reach Delhi at 10:30 am.

Before lockdown, Kangra airport used to receive four flights a day while Kullu had one.
As the West Australian coast is set to get hammered by dangerous and damaging waves, an experienced surfer is warning that no one should be out in these conditions.

Tom Walker, who has surfed the WA coast and international waves his entire 22 years of life, said that while there will be places to get waves as the storm brews, even the most experienced surfers may want to reconsider heading out in coming days.

Tom Walker surfing off a Perth beach. Credit:Tom Walker Instagram

From Sunday, the Bureau of Meteorology predicts the highest waves will be up to seven metres high along the Gascoyne to Geraldton coast before the South West gets hit with waves up to 10 metres by Monday morning.

Tom, whose father taught him to surf before he could even walk, on Sunday said the conditions were good in Margaret River where he lives and thered be some fun waves to catch but conditions were going to dangerously change.
McDonald''s in Chelmsford Westway re-opens for a Drive-Thru service after being closed due to the Coronavirus crisis - Shutterstock

The coronavirus is primarily spread from person-to-person and not easily from surfaces or objects, the USs government health agency has said in revised guidance.

Catching the virus from delivery boxes or takeout food bags, for example, is highly unlikely "because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) writes.

The virus travels mostly through the droplets a person produces when talking or coughing, its website says.

"It may be possible that a person can get Covid-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes," it adds. "This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus."

While this information is not new, the new phrasing calls more attention to how the disease is not likely to spread.

Donald Trump is seen wearing a mask during a private viewing at the Ford plant in Michigan.

The update from the CDC came despite past research suggesting the virus can live on surfaces for several hours, and expert guidance on how to disinfect various objects.

Dr John Whyte, chief medical officer for the healthcare website WebMD, said he thought that the CDC's update brought clarity and would help to reduce the publics fears.

Many people were concerned that by simply touching an object they may get coronavirus, and thats simply not the case. Even when a virus may stay on a surface, it doesnt mean that its actually infectious, Dr Whyte said.

I think this new guideline helps people understand more about what does and doesnt increase risk. It doesnt mean we stop washing hands and disinfecting surfaces. But it does allow us to be practical and realistic as we try to return to a sense of normalcy."

However, the change to the CDC website, without formal announcement or explanation, concerned some virologists.

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Catching the virus from delivery boxes or takeout food bags is highly unlikely "because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces," CDC says - Getty

A persistent problem in this pandemic has been lack of clear messaging from governmental leadership, and this is another unfortunate example of that trend, Angela Rasmussen, from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, told the Washington Post.

It could even have a detrimental effect on hand hygiene and encourage complacency about physical distancing or other measures, she said.

As states across the start to open schools again, the CDC this week put out new considerations to guide their safe reopening.

The agency suggested that classrooms should be well-ventilated and outdoor air circulated as much as possible.

Students' desks should be at least six feet apart and they should be facing the same direction or students should only sit on one side of tables, spaced apart.

Staggered arrival and drop-off times or locations could help limit contact among different student groups, health officials said.
JERUSALEM  Three electoral challenges by a popular former army chief could not unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A clear majority of Israeli lawmakers could not set aside their differences long enough to oust him.

But one thing still threatens to end Mr. Netanyahus career as Israels longest-serving prime minister: his trial on felony corruption charges.

On Sunday afternoon, hours after presiding over a meeting of his expanded new cabinet, Mr. Netanyahu left the seat of power in Jerusalem, rode a short distance to an East Jerusalem courthouse and settled into a very different government chair: the hard wooden bench reserved for a criminal defendant.

The long-awaited opening of proceedings in the matter of the State of Israel v. Benjamin Netanyahu took the prime minister and the country into uncharted and dangerous territory. Few sitting national leaders since Charles I of England have stood trial on criminal charges brought over their official acts. Mr. Netanyahu, who broke with tradition by not resigning to defend himself, is Israels first.
All crews have been pulled from the site of a brush fire in the Porters Lake area of Nova Scotia Saturday night, but Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency will leave a few engines on site as a precaution.

In an update just after 9 p.m. AT, district Chief Brad Connors said the people who were ordered to evacuate earlier Saturday will have to stay away.

Connors said 174 households in the area were asked to leave as crews battled the large brush fire east of Halifax. Whether they can go back home tomorrow will depend on the state of the fire, Connors said.

The fire is still considered out of control, Connors said, but because it's night, "due to the atmosphere and the weather conditions, the fire will diminish quite substantially overnight."

He said crews will be back first thing in the morning to put out hot spots and flare-ups.

Connors said Nova Scotia's Department of Lands and Forestry will be in command of the fire on Sunday with the assistance of Halifax Fire.

Pascale Salvatore remembers the dramatic Porters Lake fire in June 2008, and she and her family were ready for the evacuation order when RCMP showed up at her door.

She was "a little bit" nervous to have to leave, Salvatore said, but they knew they needed to go.

Nadya-Lyse Pare, Halifax Fire assistant chief, said in an update at 5:30 p.m. AT that the smoke has gone down slightly, which was a "very good" sign. However, they would likely not be able to call it under control "for a while yet."

As of 9 p.m., the fire had grown to 40 hectares, but no homes had been affected.

"The fire has not come closer than about half a kilometre to any houses, but we do have crews that are on standby in those areas just in case it gets near any home," she said.

Jeorge Sadi/CBC

Halifax Fire said 174 homes along West Porters Lake Road from Highway 107 to Marjorie Drive and Capri Drive were evacuated.

Houses south of that line were on standby.

Earlier in the day, both RCMP and Halifax Search and Rescue went door to door in the area to warn people of the evacuation order.

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Elizabeth Chiu/CBC

Jim Rudderham, acting manager for forest protection in Nova Scotia, said Lands and Forestry staff responded to the brush fire, which began just north of Highway 107, around 12:30 p.m. AT.

The fire then hopped across Highway 107 and headed south toward the Atlantic coast, but "there's a lot of land in between there," he said.

Pare said the situation would have been "quite dangerous," but no one was in harm's way at the time since the area was blocked off.

Helicopters brought in to help fight blaze

Highway 107 between exits 18 to 20 were closed much of Saturday due to the fire. Those roads will remain closed overnight.

Rudderham said the dry and windy conditions made fighting the blaze quite challenging, and they requested more resources.

Late Saturday afternoon, Rudderham said three helicopters from the Department of Lands and Forestry were helping pour water on the blaze. Fifteen provincial staff as well as crews from eight Halifax Fire detachments were on scene, he said.

People from HRM's Emergency Management Office, RCMP, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and other supporting partners were also on the scene.

Area Coun. David Hendsbee said people are concerned "of course," noting this is the third fire in the Porters Lake area in recent years.

In the 2008 blaze, the fire burned about 1,925 hectares through a wooded area between Lake Echo and Porters Lake and forced 5,000 people to leave their homes.

CBC

If the wind continues south, Hendsbee said, Saturday's brush fire might follow the same woodland path and stay away from most homes in the communities of West Porters Lake and Mineville.

But if it shifts southeast or southwest, "we have a problem," he said.

There was another small fire in West Porters Lake in 2016 when a home collapsed.

The Lake Echo Community Centre on Highway 7 has been set up as a comfort centre for evacuees to drop in for a hot drink, charge their devices and stay safe, Hendsbee said. It is closed overnight but will reopen at 8.a.m on Sunday for residents to check in again and receive updates on the fire.

If people need a place to stay overnight, the Red Cross can provide beds and further support, he said.

Environment Canada put out a special air quality statement just after 2 p.m. for those in Halifax Metro and Halifax County West due to smoke in the area.

This is the second large fire crews had to fight in Nova Scotia on Saturday.

A forest fire near Chester Grant, N.S., that erupted Friday evening covered about 27 hectares and razed at least two buildings.

Crews returned to the area at first light on Saturday to continue their work on the fire, which had slowed down to the point where there were no open flames and only hot spots were being put out.

MORE TOP STORIES
A man wearing a face mask walks past a sign "Now Hiring" in front of a store amid the coronavirus pandemic on May 14, 2020 in Arlington, Virginia. Olivier Douliery | AFP | Getty Images

With a record 36.5 million Americans now unemployed and roughly 16% of the country's workforce currently sidelined in the wake of coronavirus-related concerns, finding full-time work remains elusive for many. But even as financial markets remain volatile and 95% of the population remains under stay-at-home orders, companies in many fields such as technology, telecom and health care continue to engage in mass hiring. To meet explosive growth in demand across these sectors due to the virus, corporate recruiters are increasingly turning to new technologies to court and engage prospective hires in an age of remote work and social distancing. Modern-day job seekers looking to find open positions, ace interviews and stand out to potential employers would do well to adapt to their strategies.

"Today's recruiting environment has never been more challenging," notes Aman Brar, CEO of talent recruitment platform Jobvite. "As a result, recruiters are leveraging a variety of methods and tactics to connect with prospective candidates. The current climate has forced many companies to step up their use of new technologies. While many of the platforms being used to facilitate [hiring] have been available for years, use of them has increased tremendously in recent weeks."

Recruiting reimagined through crisis

According to research by Jobvite, 84% of recruiters are currently adapting their hiring processes to facilitate remote exchanges. Of them, 58% are now using social media networks like LinkedIn, Facebook, and even Instagram to connect with potential hires, while nearly half are increasing the number of postings that they make on these services to advertise open positions. A growing army of recruiters are likewise turning to videoconferencing solutions to screen and interview candidates as well, with as many as 8 in 10 now making it a key part of the hiring process. Digital communications tools such as artificially intelligent job outreach programs and text messaging are also increasingly being implemented as a means of connecting with candidates, even as 55% of recruiters are also falling back on phone calls to source potential hires. In addition, more and more firms are looking to leverage analytics tools (which can scan resumes and data that you've input to automatically surface key insights and information at a glance) with each passing day as well. "This crisis has led us to reimagine recruiting," admits Michael Wright, Global Head of Talent Acquisition for media investment company GroupM, who says the firm has been moving towards digital recruitment processes for years. "We immediately adapted our [artificial intelligence]-driven video interview tools to be more empathetic and more contextually aware than they were pre-COVID. We've also set up what we're calling 'video handshakes,' which are more focused on discovering what people can be and become, rather than what they do and have done [previously in their career.]"

As a result of these shifts, job seekers shouldn't just expect video interviews to be a de facto standard and the hiring process to take much longer lately, says Abby Kohut, president of recruitment firm AbsolutelyAbby.com. They should also expect to interact with AI-driven tools (i.e. chatbots, or software programs smart enough to pass for human), which can screen candidates, ask interview questions, and answer questions that they may have on the fly more frequently. Talent acquisition platforms, which automate the applications process by scanning applicants' resumes for specific skills and experience, and smart texting tools (capable of conducting recruitment outreach and facilitating communications throughout the hiring process) are also on the rise.

The new norm

These shifts in hiring practices may continue to resonate with recruiters long after Covid-19's impact begins to trail off as well. New data from Aptitude Research Partners shows that the amount of companies who have invested or plan to invest in chatbot solutions has jumped by over 500% in the last year alone, and 80% of users are happy with the technology. Likewise, more than 9 in 10 organizations who've turned to text-based recruiting methods have chosen to stick with them, with nearly two-thirds of workers preferring this type of communication to an email or phone call, according to the 2019 Job Seeker Nation Report. "Many companies with partial or no remote work policies are now having to grapple with the shift to working from home, which means that the way companies recruit and hire has been forced to evolve," suggests Darren Murph, Head of Remote for software development platform GitLab. "Companies that are still able to hire in the current economic climate are looking to virtual tactics to grow their teams."

filadendron

Utilizing traditional job-seeking strategies  i.e. creating simply-formatted resumes so a computer can easily read them and peppering popular search-term keywords throughout these documents  when applying for positions can still serve prospective hires well, says Marc Mencher, founder of GameRecruiter.com. Likewise, numerous firms still continue to conduct personalized interviews and screenings, at which it pays to exercise traditional communications and leadership skills. "Although there are benefits to using AI, there are so many attributes such as critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving that are also super important to us that we'd rather take our time getting to know candidates," admits Rebecca Bowsher, head of people at health-food provider Huel. But ultimately, as Mencher reminds, numerous changes continue to impact the hiring process as a result of growing high-tech adoption, necessitating that job seekers make some fundamental changes to their tactical approach. "Nowadays it's more important than ever to stand out on video, and communicate your value proposition at a glance." According to recruiters, potential hires looking to land a position would do well to keep the following hints and tips in mind.

Get creative with tech

"Be memorable," advises Huel's Bowsher. "In addition to ensuring that your application is relevant and writing a cover letter explaining why you'd be a good fit for a role, make sure your application is creative." For instance, you might use colorful visuals and charts to present your career experience in the form of an infographic; ask a graphic designer to make your resume look like a potential employer's product packaging or submit a catchy audio recording or video snippet. "I recently received an email message with the subject line "quarantine and chill" including book and movie recommendations as well as a call-to-action to help the application find a job  it was very clever," chuckles GroupM's Wright. "We look for people who are comfortable with taking initiative [and who display] great self-awareness and expert communication skills," agrees GitLab's Murph. "I recently uploaded a video outlining the scope and expectations for a recent role I hired for. Many candidates recorded videos of their own to respond and reply, linking to their YouTube page in a cover letter."

Embrace the art of video interviews

In addition to dressing and comporting yourself professionally when conducting interviews, as well as utilizing a clean, simple background with minimal distractions, take time to prepare and practice fielding sample questions you expect to be queried about. What's more, you'll also want to ensure that popular software programs such as Zoom, Houseparty, and Google Hangouts are preinstalled and working on your devices properly prior to interview sessions, and test that your videocamera and microphone are functioning as anticipated. Similarly, if you have a fear of public speaking, ask friends and family to put you through test runs, and ask sample questions so that you can get comfortable with being put on the spot. "Being afraid of being on camera is old news," cautions AbsolutelyAbby.com's Kohut. "You have to get over your fears and do it." Communication skills are more important than ever, she and others note, as is learning to quickly and succinctly summarize your thoughts. To maximize your talents here, practice answering questions with 20- to 30-second quick-hit responses, using three or four sentences maximum to get your thoughts across. When speaking, be sure to look at the camera, and maintain (virtual) eye contact with your interviewer as well. Similarly, you can't let the occasional photobomb freak you out. "Employers understand that many workers are getting used to operating from home," laughs Jobvite's Brar. "Candidates should be up-front about if kids or barking dogs may cause temporary interruptions." You can even turn these disruptions into positives, he says, as unexpected happenings offer a chance for prospective job candidates to explain how they're able to work effectively around distractions.

Become a wizard at text messaging

"Candidates need to be ready for interviews to occur via this medium," notes Brar. "When this happens, you'll want to focus on providing well thought-out and succinct responses, and be clear and direct about what really drives you, rather than just reiterate what's on your resume. Likewise, he says, it's also important to keep additional files  i.e. certifications, writing samples, and reference letters  ready to share via text if a recruiter requests them. In addition, you'll also want to take time to check and recheck spelling, grammar, and punctuation (keeping an especial eye out for auto-correct-generated errors) before sending messages. Furthermore, as much conversational nuance and emotion can be lost in the translation to digital, be sure to read over and double-check responses to ensure they sound upbeat and energic. Most of all, don't be afraid to be yourself. "The use of text-based recruiting also offers the opportunity to showcase your personality by using emojis, Bitmojis, pictures, and GIFs where relevant," says Brar. But before doing so, he cautions, also take time to think about how doing so may be perceived, and be certain that playful approaches such as this align with the company's brand and culture.

Do your homework

In addition to researching positions that would be a good fit for you on company websites and career portals such as Monster, Indeed and Glassdoor, it pays to familiarize yourself with the philosophies that prospective employers' embrace and champion. "Remote work forces companies to hire for values fit, not culture fit [since you're working largely independently and not in-office among colleagues]," explains GitLab's Murph. Accordingly, he says, you should research firms to ensure that the attributes you prize  e.g. self-reliance, empathy, a focus on customer service over cost-efficiency, etc.  align with potential employers' values. Similarly, when you do find a prospective employer and position that you'd like to apply for, it's important to position yourself to quickly relay how specific skills and experience you possess best align with companies' specific needs. The more concrete information and real-world examples you provide, the more successful you'll be. In addition, when you submit a resume, it should include targeted keywords  specific phrases denoting in-demand job titles and descriptions, professional experience, and technical terms  that artificially-intelligent analytics programs are seeking. Many times you can find clues as to which keywords to insert (e.g. "network administrator" vs. "IT expert") contained in the job description itself. Note that many computer programs also start at the top of documents and read left to right  ergo, the sooner you include these keywords up-front, the more successful you'll be.

Don't be afraid to ask for help
As the ongoing lockdown has severely impacted infrastructure activities across the country, liquidity starved engineering and construction industry is seeking immediate release of long pending dues from the central and state government agencies.

According to industry players, release of these dues, most of which are stuck in arbitration and run into thousands of crores of rupees, would bring in immediate liquidity in the current COVID crisis scenario, rather than the Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package announced recently.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently announced a stimulus package of Rs 20 lakh crore, or 10 per cent of the GDP, in five tranches to give a boost to the economy which will be in the negative territory for the current fiscal.

"Funding of construction projects will be instrumental in helping revive the economy as infrastructure investment has the highest GDP multiplier factor, almost 2.0x, and our industry is among the largest employment generators impacting seven crore households. Risk aversion by financial institutions to infrastructure was prevalent pre-COVID, and has now worsened," HCC Director and Group CEO Arjun Dhawan told PTI.

He further said that contract enforcement and timely dispute resolution is the bedrock of free enterprise and while we all hope for swifter conciliation or court proceedings, an immediate solution is the unqualified payment of arbitration dues without repeated challenge in courts or the onerous requirement of bank guarantees.

"This immediate liquidity will repay lenders, unlock supply chains, protect thousands of MSMEs including migrant labour while restarting the profit cycle that will trigger our economic revival," he added.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) alone has at least 180 cases in arbitration involving a sum of about Rs 80,000 crore. The agency has been holding dialogues (with contractors and industry players) to find resolution to disputes through reconciliation.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India has also slashed the repo rate by 40 basis points in eighth straight cut and also allowed lenders to extend an ongoing moratorium on loan repayment, which was due to end on May 31, by another three months till August 31, a move intended at easing liquidity pressure.

"These initiatives will boost liquidity subsequently as the clients or customers can avail credit, but eventually it would be spent on project execution. The policy announced relaxation in time limits for infra projects, but is silent on who would bear the cost implications of lockdown. Once lockdown ends, we expect more clarity and that would put to rest this debate," Tata Projects Chief Strategy Officer Himanshu Chaturvedi said.

Echoing similar views, global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal Managing Director Venkataraman Renganathan opined that the stimulus package is a step in the right direction and is intended to infuse liquidity into the system, however, it is a credit line.

"In a way, the stimulus package will get in the liquidity for projects which have been stranded for money. However, we need to understand that this is a credit line and not a bailout package. So, the contractors will have to repay the money.

"The issue of non-settlement of dues by the authorities has been there in the pre-COVID period. However, in the current scenario, the money which they owe to the contractors, if paid, will provide the much needed liquidity to them," he added.

Another industry expert, who did not wish to be named said, "while lending, banks will lend only to those players whose credit scores are good. However, companies which are already under stress due to various reasons, will not get the credit. Many of these players have thousands of crores of rupees pending under arbitration with the government agencies or yet to be paid".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
This country faces its worst crisis since World War II. Tens of thousands have died, and although the pandemic is being brought under control there will be many more deaths.

Our economy is in freefall, and even the most optimistic observers believe we face years of pain and slog just to get back to where this country was before Covid-19 struck.

Amid all these enormous challenges, the argument over whether Dominic Cummings breached the terms of the lockdown, which he had helped to engineer, has suddenly become centre-stage.

The Prime Minister yesterday appeared oddly disconnected from public anger, which is being reflected by a growing number of Tory MPs. He should be concerned when his own supporters are turning on him

Im afraid Boris Johnsons vehement, though unconvincing, endorsement of his wayward adviser at yesterday afternoons media briefing will have done nothing to dampen down the fires.

His blustering declaration that Mr Cummings had behaved responsibly, legally and with integrity will have struck many people  including loyal Tories  as preposterous. His refusal to address specific charges against his adviser left me feeling profoundly depressed.

What Mr Johnson seems not to understand is that Mr Cummingss apparent infringements bear on the trust, reliability and reputation of this increasingly troubled administration.

No 10 apparently has no sense of how his irresponsible behaviour could undermine the already weakened lockdown. Why should people bother to observe it if one of its architects doesnt, and gets off scot-free?

Amid all these enormous challenges, the argument over whether Dominic Cummings breached the terms of the lockdown, which he had helped to engineer, has suddenly become centre-stage. He is pictured above leaving Downing Street

Now I happily concede that some of those ganging up against the Prime Ministers chief adviser are not acting from the purest of motives. They hate Mr Cummings because they regard him as the man who made Brexit happen.

But while we are right to be wary of the rationale of his would-be assassins, we shouldnt make the mistake of defending Mr Cummings just because we dont like some of his critics. The times are too grave for such shallow partisanship.

So WHAT are the facts? Despite Mr Johnsons generalised defence of him last night, it is very hard to conclude that he didnt breach the lockdown on at least two separate occasions.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove, an old friend of Mr Cummings, tweeted on Saturday: Caring for your wife and child is not a crime. Indeed not

First there was the 260-mile car journey from London with his wife Mary Wakefield and four-year-old son on March 31. Mr Cummingss justification is that his wife already had the virus, and he feared he was about to catch it, as he did. They wanted their son to be in a safe place.

It sounds reasonable. Children come first. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove, an old friend of Mr Cummings, tweeted on Saturday: Caring for your wife and child is not a crime. Indeed not.

The PM yesterday declared that his adviser had followed the instincts of every father and parent. Yes, but during the lockdown many parents have been unable to see, or to care for, their children in circumstances far more dire than Mr Cummingss.

Neither Mr Cummings, nor Mr Gove, nor Mr Johnson has explained why it was necessary to undertake this journey. The couple have relatives and friends in London. Couldnt they have brought food, and left it outside their front door, as appears to have happened in Durham?

Many people were put in even more unenviable positions by the lockdown  forbidden to visit sick relatives or prevented from attending the funerals of loved ones  but couldnt bend the rules to suit their predicament. Why should an exception be made for Mr Cummings?

Nor did the hapless Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who was roped in to appear on television programmes yesterday morning without being briefed, answer the question as to whether Mr Cummings, his wife and child broke their long car journey, and possibly infected others.

Slippery politicians are often adept at using their children to deflect criticism. Back in 1990, the then Agriculture Secretary John Selwyn Gummer got his four-year-old daughter to eat a beef burger during the mad cow disease epidemic. Disregard the child, and look at the facts, is my recommendation.

A few generous souls may nonetheless be inclined to give Mr Cummings the benefit of the doubt so far as the March 31 journey is concerned. But it is surely impossible to mount any defence against a second accusation.

Im not referring to the allegation made yesterday by the Sunday Mirror and Observer that Mr Cummings made a subsequent visit from London to Durham on April 19. That has been rejected by No 10 spin doctors, and for the time being I am prepared to believe them.

No, I am thinking of the other allegation, not denied by No 10, that on April 12 Dominic Cummings and Mary Wakefield, both of them now recovered, travelled 30 miles from Durham to Barnard Castle for a walk.

This was undoubtedly in contravention of the rules then in force, which permitted a one-hour walk in the vicinity of ones own home. The outing took place over the Easter weekend, when we were enjoined by ministers not to stray from home to enjoy the weather.

Under questioning at the media briefing, Mr Johnson refused to address the stroll at Barnard Castle. After all their sacrifices, the British people have the right to expect better than that.

A few generous souls may nonetheless be inclined to give Mr Cummings the benefit of the doubt so far as the March 31 journey is concerned. But it is surely impossible to mount any defence against a second accusation. He is pictured leaving 10 Downing Street on Sunday

Of course, the walk wasnt the greatest sin in the world. The point is that Mr Cummings is the Prime Ministers chief adviser  arguably the second most powerful political figure in the land  and helped to draw up the rules. If anyone was honour bound to observe them, he was.

Moreover, he and his wife knew they were at fault. When Ms Wakefield came to write an account of their illnesses in the Spectator magazine, she suggested they had been in London for the duration. She realised the truth might damage both of them.

Mr Cummings has arrogantly conveyed his belief that this is a non-story, and chided journalists outside his house for presuming to question him. It would be easier to be sympathetic towards him if he had the grace to show some contrition, or a simple awareness that he broke the rules.

As it is, people may discern an elitist assumption in No 10 that there is one law for people like him and his wife and other privileged members of Boris Johnsons inner circle  and another for the rest of us.

Under questioning at the media briefing, Mr Johnson refused to address the stroll at Barnard Castle. After all their sacrifices, the British people have the right to expect better than that

The Prime Minister yesterday appeared oddly disconnected from public anger, which is being reflected by a growing number of Tory MPs. He should be concerned when his own supporters are turning on him.

I do understand that he likes Mr Cummings, and treasures his formidable analytical mind. The PM knows that without his original and iconoclastic adviser by his side, he might not have seen off Jeremy Corbyn so triumphantly in last Decembers election.

But none of this justifies the way in which he exculpated his friend and eminence grise  without apology or, seemingly, any sense of the offence that may exist among millions of reasonable people.

There are some laws in politics that cant be defied. One of them is that rulers should not elevate themselves above the ruled. That has been Mr Cummingss unpardonable mistake at a time of national crisis.

The danger for the PM is that in blindly protecting his adviser, he will damage himself and the Government. Its hard to see how he can climb down after yesterdays atrocious performance, though Mr Cummings could still save him by falling on his sword.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- With the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, some Staten Islanders remain out of work and others are working in hazardous conditions.

In an attempt to help, locals continue to put all of their efforts into supporting those in need. Whether its handing out flowers or starting a clothing drive, the community continues to raise spirits for each other.

PS 69 GIVES ROSES FOR TEACHER APPRECIATION

Staff members from P.S. 69 were given flowers in appreciation of all their hard work. (Courtesy Danielle Balistreno, Leila Miniaci and Joanna Kaplan)

Teachers and other school staff are putting in a lot of work to keep educational institutions running effectively, and Principal Doreen Murphy of P.S. 69 wanted to make sure they all knew how appreciated they were.

Murphy and her administrative cabinet paired up to hand deliver more than 200 single long-stemmed roses to each staff members doorstep in Staten Island and New Jersey. The list of staff included teachers, service providers, paraprofessionals and secretaries.

They distributed 200 roses to the school staff. (Courtesy Danielle Balistreno)

The roses were accompanied by a message: Thank you for all you do each & every day! May your Mothers Day be rewarding, restful, & remote free!

NURSE FINISHES FINAL SHIFT WITH SURPRISE FROM FAMILY

Nurse Lauren Encarnacion is surrounded by her family in her driveway. (Courtesy Ariana Induddi)

Lauren Encarnacion was planning to leave her job at Weill-Cornell Medical Center on April 19. Due to COVID-19, she ended up extending her stay through May 12.

After her last shift on May 12 - incidentally, also International Nurses Day - the registered nurse was met with a huge surprise from her family, boyfriend and friends.

When she got home after her shift, her friends were gathered in her driveway holding signs and cheering for her. The driveway was lit with candles lining each side, a table with drinks was set up, and a huge banner hung over the driveway to congratulate her. Her father gave a speech and they all toasted her.

A sign on Encarnacion's driveway says "Retired! Congratulations on your new journey. We believe in you." (Courtesy Ariana Induddi)

The nurse was brought to tears as she pulled in, and friend Ariana Induddi said Encarnacion was speechless and beyond surprised.

Encarnacion will now start her journey of becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist at Quinnipiac University.

BROOKLYN RESTAURANT DONATES TO RUMC

Food from Ponte Vecchio in Brooklyn was donated to both SIUH campuses and RUMC. (Courtesy Jeremy Miller)

Jeremy Miller was born and raised on Staten Island, and now runs an Italian restaurant, Ponte Vecchio, in Brooklyn,

With everything going on, Miller knew he wanted to give back to his community. The past few weeks hes spent doing exactly that.

Miller and a group of friends got together to donate food from his restaurant to hospitals in both Staten Island and Brooklyn. So far, he has been able to donate to both Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) campuses more than once and Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC).

He isnt done yet, though. He promises that hell be back to all of them real soon again.

#GIVEASHIRTBACK RAISES MONEY FOR PPE

Leandra Tirro is shown with orders of shirts for her #GiveAShirtBack fundraiser. (Courtesy Leandra Tirro)

When Castleton Corners resident Leandra Tirro heard from the hospitals that they were in desperate need of personal protection equipment (PPE), she sprung into action.

Tirro began the #GiveAShirtBack project to raise money and donate masks to the local hospitals. Initially, she had been planning to donate food, but upon calling the hospitals, she learned the PPE was more important to them.

She fundraised money to buy masks by selling shirts. Anyone can buy a shirt to say thank you to someone, and the funds go directly to the Staten Island hospitals. The t-shirts are being sold for $20 each.

The shirts have simple designs with phrases such as Thank you hero and Im essential. She also takes requests for specific designs, which shes made for DSNY and MTA workers.

Tirro has been making contactless door-to-door deliveries on Staten Island and shipping to states all along the northeast corridor. Each shirt comes wrapped in tissue paper, packed in a gift bag, and ready with a thank you note attached.

So far, the #GiveAShirtBack fundraiser has gathered enough money for Tirro to purchase $1,600 masks. On May 12, those masks were donated to RUMC. Her second wave of masks will be donated to SIUH.

S.I. TECH ALUMS CREATE CHILDRENS MASKS

Laila Collins (L) and Adewumi Oluwapelumi (R) sport face masks donated by Masks for Minors. (Courtesy RUMC)

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been numerous efforts to make face coverings for adults, but few have focused on masks for children. Seeing this issue, two Staten Island Technical High School alums joined forces to donate handmade masks to children at RUMCs pediatric ambulatory clinic.

The Masks for Minors team creates masks in different sizes, colors, and patterns for kids from 2 to 6 years of age.

Dr. Sonya Bakshi, psychiatry resident at NYU Langone Medical Center, and Winnie Huang, strategy advisor with the New York City Department of Education and their families started the task force. The 2010 graduates have been best friends since their days in high school.

Huang recruited her mom, Cindy He, a designer seamstress who had already been making adult masks for her family and friends. Bakshi asked her brothers, Michael and Steven Mantello, who are both high school students, to fundraise for and purchase kid-friendly fabrics for the masks.

Masks for Minors is using GoFundMe as their primary fundraising effort.

Within one week, Masks for Minors designed, created and delivered 100 masks to the RUMC location. Their goal is to create and donate over 1,000 masks to RUMC pediatric patients. The site currently is caring for 3,000 children from the community.

Before we started giving out these child-size masks, many children were wearing the adult-size ones on their neck and plenty of others had none, Dr. Ana Mendez, director of the pediatric ambulatory clinic, said. We at the clinic are thankful for this effort and the families we serve are pleased their children are better protected.

NANA TO ALL DONATES MASKS TO RUMC

Members of Jenn Garritano's RUMC unit wear masks made by Claire LaMantia-Cupo. (Courtesy Jenn Garritano)

When this Staten Island nana sees a community in need, she does what she can to help.

Claire LaMantia-Cupo has two grandchildren that work at Richmond University Medical Center. However, she has always acted like a nana to everyone there.

In the past, she has created pins, key chains, earrings and more for breast cancer awareness and holidays. This year, she used her skills to make PPE for her family at RUMC.

First, she started making masks for some members of the hospital. Suddenly, that turned into more than 400 surgical caps, and she will certainly be contributing more.

We have been giving her fabric and elastic, and she just keeps going, says RUMC employee Jenn Garritano. Quite amazing!

JAR OF HOPE DONATES CLOTHES AND MORE

JAR of Hope volunteers helped donate bags of clothing to sites across New Jersey and Staten Island. (Courtesy Jim Raffone)

JAR of Hope is an organization that raises funds to find a cure for the fatal childhood disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Given the current pandemic, theyve switched gears to help the community in any way necessary.

JAR of Hope was founded by Jim and Karen Raffone, a couple who grew up and met on Staten Island, after their son James Anthony was diagnosed with the life-altering disease.

Were grateful for the support weve received from Central Jersey and Staten Island residents in our search for a cure, Jim Raffone said. So, we feel its only right that we give back to the community and to organizations doing their best to make sure people are adequately fed and clothed, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.

The clothing drive was co-sponsored by The Moving Guys and The Junk Guys. JAR of Hope collected clothing, shoes, hats, belts, stuffed animals and more to be distributed to the community.

The drive started on May 15 at CKO Great Kills, along with other locations in New Jersey. The goal is to donate 100,000 pounds of clothing.

JAR of Hope members prepare to drop off a truckload of clothing to Staten Island and New Jersey locations. (Courtesy Jim Raffone)

JAR of Hope didnt stop there, however.

The organization recently received a gift of 6,000 N95 respirator masks from J&J Medical Supply in New Jersey. On May 22, those masks were donated to the Detectives Endowment Association of NYPD in Manhattan during a ceremonial lunch by Jim Raffone.

Raffone noted that the donation to the NYPD was particularly important to him and his wife as NYC natives. His father was also a worker for DSNY, which showed him the importance of protecting the citys civil servants.

This has been a trying time for New York City detectives in more ways than just the Coronavirus, says Paul DiGiacomo, president of the Detectives Endowment Association. Five of us have died while performing their duties recently, four of whom have young children, and theres one more in critical condition. We all thank JAR of Hope from the bottom of our hearts for their kindness and support at this very difficult time.

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS DONATE PPE TO RUMC

RUMC President and CEO Dr. Daniel J. Messina, left, Rhonda Roland Shearer, founder of Cut Red Tape 4 Heroes, and Mayank Parikh, owner of Super Health Pharmacy on Staten Island, take a break as PPE kits are donated to RUMC staff. (Courtesy RUMC)

On May 12, volunteers from CutRedTape4Heroes.org, Housing Works, and Super Health Pharmacy donated PPE to staff at Richmond University Medical Center.

Among the donation was more than 1,600 PPE kits containing KN95 masks, face shields, gowns, surgical masks, and more amounting to over $86,000.

We are extremely grateful for the show of support, said RUMC President and CEO, Dr. Daniel J. Messina. Our staff, like so many others, has been on the front lines for weeks now and to know that organizations around our city and around Staten Island are still thinking of us is very humbling and means more to us than words can express."

This distribution was funded by Cut Red Tape 4 Heroes, donations through the organizations GoFundMe, and part of the $650k of home equity credit that founder Cut Red Tape 4 Heroes founder Rhonda Roland Shearer took out to support frontline workers.

The donation event is a project of Art Science Research Laboratory in partnership with Housing Works. It was also sponsored by Indian Business Association, Inc. and Overseas Volunteer for a Better India.

Super Health Pharmacy is located on Staten Island, so what better way to say thank you than to come here and help our neighbors, said Mayank Parikh, owner of Super Health Pharmacy. Whatever they need to protect themselves, we have their backs.

More good news:

Have an uplifting story to share? Email rhumbrecht@siadvance.com.
Essential workers continue to produce vegetables and other agricultural products in local greenhouses as employers respond proactively to the unprecedented pandemic for the health of their workers.

The greenhouse industry leads agriculture in Culpeper County.

Greenhouses are the largest source of farm income in the county, said Carl Stafford, senior extension agent in the Culpeper office of Virginia Cooperative Extension.

In fact, he said, greenhouse income exceeds the rest of local agricultural commodities put together. Stafford sees greenhouses as the future of local agriculture, an industry that like most others has seen challenges amid COVID-19. At the same time, many local agricultural products are in high demand, as global supply networks stagnate and people look to their local farmers for produce and meat.

Prevention policies at local greenhousesThe Star-Exponent recently reported that local Hispanic advocates believed greenhouse workers were not being provided adequate PPE and were being forced to work if they wanted to get paid, even though they were sick.

Joe Van Wingerden, who runs Fresh2o Growers and Color Orchids greenhouses in the Stevensburg area with his son, disagreed with the claims.

He wrote a letter to the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors about the article that he felt cast a negative light on his business. The greenhouse owner, contacted by the Star-Exponent, agreed to be quoted from the letter for this article.

The truth is  our companies were ahead of most businesses in the area with the implementation of COVID-19 prevention policies, Van Wingerden said.

His greenhouses, like at BrightFarms, implemented similar policies the week of March 12.

From the beginning, my son and I met with all our employees and explained to them how to prevent the spread of coronavirus outside of work. We stopped visitors from entering the building and canceled all meetings. At both companies we mandated masks and the usage of hand sanitizer and/or gloves, Van Wingerden said.

Employee breaks were staggered, sanitation efforts increased, face masks distributed and employee temperature checks implemented, he said.

We put prevention policies in place quickly and they have been extremely effective. We have prevented the spread of coronavirus at our businesses and the few employees that have tested positive contracted the virus from outside of the company, Van Wingerden said.

Fresh2o Growers grows and sells 100,000 heads of organic lettuce every week while Color Orchids grows and sells 40,000 orchids every week, he said.

At the beginning of the outbreak our lettuce was the only lettuce that was making it through the overburdened and stressed supply chain for our supermarket customers, Van Wingerden said. Our orchids were made available at supermarkets this Mothers Day. We have shown up to work every day along with our employees, risking our health and the health of our families to make sure these essential products made it to the supermarkets.

Anthony and Bobby van Hoven, owners of Battlefield Farms in Orange County, the states largest greenhouse operation, wrote a letter to the Star-Exponent, published on Wednesday, May 20, Battlefield Farms workers are front-line heroes, too.

In the letter, the company outlined measures taken to prevent spreading the new coronavirus, including extra sanitation efforts started as early as March 5, information posted in English and Spanish about COVID-19 that included urging employees to stay home when sick, and spacing workers apart and installing plexiglass partitions between them.

We implemented frequent sanitizing and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, bathrooms, break rooms and work areas, the letter said. In addition to our own increase in cleaning frequency, we spray surfaces and equipment with sanitizer after each shift ends and hired a cleaning company to come in every evening and clean after hours.

The van Hovens said they have invited officials from the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District to provide masks for workers and train them about COVID-19 and how to prevent it from spreading.

We have also implemented a special pay increase of $2/hour for the heroes working in this time of stress, the van Hovens said. Our greenhouse workers are essential and appreciated.

Record sales of greens In the BrightFarms greenhouse in Elkwood in northern Culpeper County, demand for its baby greens has been brisk in recent weeks.

Our orders are the highest theyve ever been, said company president and founder Paul Lightfoot in a recent phone interview with the Star-Exponent. He founded BrightFarms in 2011 and it has since grown to include three other greenhouses.

The mission from the beginning, Lightfoot said, has been growing healthy food in a healthier manner by distributing products locally, reducing fuel consumption and pollution. BrightFarms in Elkwood grows year-round, employing 37 people and on average, producing 216,000 packages of salad per month.

The local greenhouse generally competes with greens grown in California and Arizona, operations that rely heavily on a large migrant workforce, Lightfoot said. This workforce often has density of housing, transportation and in the fields, he added, commenting that such density can lead to higher rates of COVID-19.

Theyre being hit hard by not getting the labor they need right now, Lightfoot said. Their supply chain is not secure right now and were sort of stepping in and generating more products for our customers because of it.

The pandemic has stretched various parts of the food supply chain, he said, commenting on the value of his workers, including many Spanish speakers.

We feel its our patriotic duty to supply Americans with fresh, healthy foods. I am super proud of all my colleagues in the greenhouse who have risen to the challenge with a super positive, can-do attitude. We talk about their role feeding America healthy foods. Its good for your immune systemand an essential role were playing in the economy, Lightfoot said.

Paid sick leaveThe greenhouse president added he was pleased to have a conversation about what steps they have taken to protect their workers from the novel coronavirus. The week of March 12, the same week schools closed in Virginia, BrightFarms implemented a policy whereby no one was allowed in the greenhouse who wasnt required to be there to produce food, Lightfoot said.

Social distancing measures were employed and sanitation procedures heightened in the already food safe environment. Employee breaks were staggered.

The most important thing we did, we immediately changed our sick leave policy and said if anybody is either symptomatic or been exposed to the virus, we would give them paid sick leave without an end date. We didnt question the cost and we think thats been crucial to the health and safety of our workers, Lightfoot said.

We never wanted to have an employee decide whether they should get paid or they should stay home and get better and keep their colleagues safe, he added.

In April, BrightFarms started conducting daily wellness checks for all employees, including taking their temperature before entering the greenhouse. PPE was increased to include face masks in addition to gloves and hairnets already being worn by workers.

Today we still have the same measures in all of our greenhouses. Weve had no disruptions to our work anywhere, Lightfoot said.

Going forward, he added, the plan is to start testing Virginia greenhouse workers twice a month for the novel coronavirus as an additional safety measure. Two employees of the Elkwood greenhouse have tested positive since March, Lightfoot said, including an early case in which a worker self-quarantined after a potential exposure outside of work.

Because we paid them to stay away we think that was a pretty effective measure, he said. More recently, a second person tested positive. It was someone who was getting daily health checksthat person was symptomatic and was sent on paid sick leave, sent to get tested [with] doctors.

Contact tracing was done, resulting in unlikely exposure to anyone else.

Our measures most likely prevented what could have been outbreaks if we werent being as careful, Lightfoot said, and when we hear about hot spot outbreaks at employers it is probably because theyre not taking those sorts of measures.

Meat and other products

Another agricultural sector supplementing dinner tables has been local meat, Stafford said. Though there have been interruptions in meat processing due to COVID-19, local producers have seen a hot business, he said.

Meanwhile, grains are suffering, Stafford said, mentioning corn, used to make ethanol. But with fuel usage and prices significantly lower, a ripple effect has been lower prices for corn. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture recently launched a relief program for corn farmers and others in agriculture suffering economically because of COVID-19. Information on the program is at https://www.farmers.gov/cfap .

When it comes to maintaining the health of agricultural workers, its ultimately up to the individual, Stafford said.

We are looking to the owners for answers, but ultimately it comes back to the individual to take action to protect their own interests, he said. We are learning every day. The people in our community know how to do business.

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Viewers may know her as the kind and quiet Marta Cabrera. The actress behind this character, Ana De Armas, has reportedly been acting since she was 14-years-old, even appearing in the upcoming James Bond film, No Time to Die. How old is the Knives Out star, Ana De Armas? Heres what we know about this actor and her future and past projects.

Ana De Armas appeared in Rian Johnsons murder mystery film, Knives Out

Hot off the heels of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Rian Johnson created the Academy-award nominated murder mystery film, titled Knives Out. This film takes viewers on a journey to figure out what actually happened to the best-selling author, Harlan Thrombey, after he supposedly dies of suicide and a detective is hired to investigate.

Ana De Armas acted as a nurse and family-friend to Harlan Thrombey, named Marta Cabrera. Knives Out featured Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, in addition to Ana De Armas and others.

Although this isnt Ana De Armas first time in a film, this was one of her largest roles. The actress even earned the Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress  Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for her portrayal of Marta Cabrera.

[Im] still trying to take it minute by minute, she said during an interview with ET on the red carpet at the Golden Globes. Im very proud and humbled. I cant believe that this movie has received so much love from the audience and now the nomination was so unexpected, its incredible.

Ana De Armas was born during April 1988

Although Marta Cabrera appears very young, some viewers are wondering just how old the actress behind this character is. Ana De Armas was born on April 30, 1988, making her zodiac sign Taurus. According to IMDb, she first started acting at 14-years-old. She was born in Cuba, though later moved to Spain and then the United States to pursue her career in acting.

Before Knives Out, Ana De Armas worked on projects including Blade Runner 2049, War Dogs, and Knock Knock. First acting in Cuba, the actress also starred in multiple television shows, including Hispania, la Leyenda and The Boarding School.

Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas | BG004/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Ana De Armas is, reportedly, dating Ben Affleck

Aside from her professional life, Ana De Armas spends time with her partner. After starring in Knives Out, Ana De Armas went on to work on the thriller, Deep Water, with Ben Affleck. Shortly after, the co-stars started dating and have appeared spending time together and taking walks together outside.

Soon, Ana De Armas will appear in films like No Time to Die and Blonde, although both have been postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Fans can learn more about Ana De Armas from her social media accounts. That includes her Instagram, where she often updates fans regarding her latest adventures.

Knives Out is available for purchase digitally and physically on platforms like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. More information regarding No Time to Die will presumably be announced in the coming weeks.
Its pretty clear Donald Trump believes Barack Obama was a time traveler.

Lets start with his birthergate obsession, long ago preceding the mysterious Obamagate conspiracy hes now promoting with his Fox News entourage.

Trump claimed Obama was born in Kenya, not Hawaii as recorded in state archives and a Honolulu Star-Bulletin birth notice. Trump contended Obamas grandparents devised the fraud.

But time travel is just as delusional. Consider Trumps April 30 statement.

After declaring on March 6, Anybody that wants a (coronavirus) test can get a test, that still hadnt happened. Why? Blame Obama!

The last administration left us nothing, Trump said. We started off with bad, broken tests, and obsolete tests.

Because COVID-19 didnt exist during Obamas presidency, he would have had to travel back in time and returned to alert epidemiologists about a potential pandemic.

On March 6, Trump also blamed Obama for swine flu deaths in 2009.

If you go back to the swine flu, it was nothing like this, they didnt do testing like this, and they lost approximately 14,000 people. They started thinking about testing when it was far too late, Trump said.

It was akin to paraphrasing Joni Mitchells Both Sides Now: Its facts illusions that I recall, I really dont know facts at all.

Ron Klain  later Obamas Ebola outbreak response coordinator in 2014  responded, The Obama administration tested 1 million people for H1N1 in the first month after the first U.S. diagnosed case. The first US coronavirus case was 50+ days ago. And we havent even tested 10,000 people yet.

During the Ebola epidemic, Obama dispatched medical and military personnel to West Africa to try to contain it after 28,000 cases and 11,000 deaths. Granted, he only did so after a traveler from Libera landed in Dallas with the affliction.

Congress allocated $5.6 million to fight the disease and the U.S. worked with international partners to prevent, prepare for, and respond to it  instead of going it alone, Trumps preference. A vaccine was developed. That outbreak ended in 2016.

Public health crisis testing protocols had been established during the Bush administration with the 2004 Project BioShield Act. Predating Trumps supposedly innovative Project Warp Speed, the Food and Drug Administration was empowered to fast track approval of any promising new treatment.

In 2016, Pentagon aide Christopher Kirchhoff wrote a report about lessons learned from the Ebola outbreak. He said this about the Trump administrations preparedness for COVID-19:

The increased budgets that we had established to expand the number of testing sites, to try to pick up novel pathogens, were cut.  And the next tranche of payments to strengthen our domestic preparedness was not made. So those failures I noticed and worried about greatly. And then it was shortly after that that the (National Security Councils Global Health Security and Biodefense directorate) was disbanded.

Not able to travel back in time like his predecessor, Trump asserted on March 6, I dont take responsibility at all.

Saul Shapiro is the retired editor of The Courier, living in Cedar Falls.
While apps for video-conferencing and online courses have flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic, so have something rather more contentious: lawsuits. More than 1,300 complaints linked to the coronavirus have already been filed in US courts, according to a daily tally kept by the law firm of Hunton Andrews Kurth. "COVID has divided America and it has vast political implications," Lawrence Gostin, a professor of public health law at Georgetown University, told AFP. "There is a conflict between public health and freedom -- all kinds of freedoms, like the right to work, to liberty, to protest, to buy a firearm..." And since the United States is a "highly litigious society," he added, these conflicts often end up in court. A first wave of lawsuits has come from prisons and immigration centers, said Torston Kracht, a litigation partner with Hunton Andrews Kurth: prisoners have demanded to be paroled early, arguing that sanitary conditions in their facilities are poor and in some cases are aggravating detainees' existing health problems. Some prisoners, including former Donald Trump campaign director Paul Manafort and former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, have won early release. Others have found themselves caught up in epic legal battles: the US government has just asked the Supreme Court to block the early release of 800 inmates from the Elkton Federal Correctional Institution in eastern Ohio. A federal judge in Cleveland had ordered the men liberated after nine of those infected died. Meantime, several employees' groups have sued their employers to demand better protection against the virus. Thus, a union representing New York nurses filed suit to demand more masks, gloves and other protective equipment. - 'Force majeure' - And in cases where protective measures were too little or too late, victims' relatives have filed suits charging negligence. Employers including the big-box Walmart stores and the JBS meat-processing company have been targeted, as have some nursing homes. These complaints, however, have prompted legislative pushback: several states have moved to introduce laws to protect healthcare providers from suits, and Republicans in the US Congress want to provide similar protection for companies. "The COVID-19 pandemic will definitely have an effect on legal relationships in the future," Kracht said. Beyond legislative changes, he said, "I think in the future you will see that newly negotiated force majeure clauses will directly deal with the issue of pandemic." A second big category of lawsuits deals with efforts to seek compensation for financial losses. Ticket-buyers who saw events canceled have filed a class-action suit against the online reservation site Ticketmaster, while others are seeking compensation for lost hotel or airline reservations, or even for memberships in gyms that have been closed for months. Since early May, demands from students seeking to recover tuition expenses and fees have surged. And business and shop owners, forced to remain closed, have sued various governmental entities to challenge confinement orders. - Court fights for years - Politicians have jumped into the thorny debate: several Republican officials, mirroring President Donald Trump's aggressive push for a rapid reopening of the country, have contested lockdown orders issued by the Democratic governors of their states. Up to now, the courts' responses have been mixed. The Wisconsin Supreme Court declared that state's lockdown extension order illegal, even as judges in neighboring Michigan confirmed the legality of similar measures ordered by the governor there. Judges have also split over some of the most divisive issues in the country: the right of churches to again hold religious services -- Trump wants governors to deem these services "essential" -- and of specialized clinics to provide abortions. As the country gradually reopens, some of these suits will be rendered moot. But the courts surely have not heard the last of the coronavirus. "We will continue to see COVID-19 related complaints being filed, certainly for the duration of the pandemic designation, and probably for some time thereafter," said Kracht. That will be especially true in the commercial sector, he added, noting that "businesses have not been able to identify their real claims yet." Kracht said he expects to see virus-related issues "being litigated in the courts for many years to come." The flag of the US Justice Department, photographed on July 22, 2019 in Washington An inmate in a Chicago prison put a message pleading for help on a window on April 9, 2020; some prisons have been hotbeds of COVID-19 infection Some clients are demanding reimbursement for their memberships in gyms like this one, in New York, photographed on May 13, 2020 Among the thorniest issues facing the country is when to reopen churches, like this one, the Friendship Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, photographed on April 12, 2020
A two-faced cat was born on a farm east of Albany Wednesday morning.

Not that the kitten is cunning and deceitful. It literally has two faces on one head.

We didnt know it was anything that cool at first, said Kyla King, who looks after the barn cats that frequent her Stutzman Drive property.

A 1-year-old cat started giving birth to a litter of kittens around 5 a.m. Wednesday in a makeshift kennel in Kings backyard. King periodically checked on the mother, seeing four newborns around 7 a.m., then five, and finally six little ones appearing.

But the last one confused her.

I came back out and looked again, she said, and I was like, Ah!

The gray, tabby-coated fuzzball had two mouths, two noses and four sets of eyes atop one head.

Kylas husband, BJ, broke the interesting news to Facebook that afternoon on Albany Happenings, a private group run by city residents. The post garnered around 1,700 reactions and over 800 comments in less than a day.

His photos and videos showed the kitty, whom the Kings named Biscuits and Gravy, eating from both mouths and breathing from both noses. Biscuits is the right face and Gravy, evidently the stronger of the two, is the left.

To make things simple, the King family has been referring to it  the sex is unknown  as Biscuit.

The birth defect Biscuit is believed to have is called diprosopus, or craniofacial duplication. Its very rare, according to Oregon State University veterinarian Jennifer Warnock. Cats with this condition are often referred to as Janus cats, named for a Roman god with two faces.

The disorder is believed to be caused by an overactive developmental protein known as sonic hedgehog (or SHH), named after the popular video game character. The gene responsible for SHH controls the width and placement of facial features. Too much SHH can result in duplicate or larger-than-usual features.

We don't know why these happen, Warnock wrote to the Gazette-Times,  but in veterinary medicine we see it most in cattle and sheep. Normal development in the uterus is a very complex process and sometimes that process can go awry due to chance.

That chance can be caused by genetics, environmental pollutants, infections and more.

Those did not include COVID-19 or 5G radiation, as some Facebook group members suggested or joked in the posts comments. Much like Biscuits faces, there were two sides to group members responses.

Positive comments ranged from Biscuit being strangely the most adorable kitten I've ever seen to having more faces to love and being a gift from God to remind us that we are all special and different, but still deserve love.

More critical notes included Biscuit being a poor little one whos too creepy looking or suggesting that the two-faced enigma must be a politician.

Either way, many commenters asked if Biscuit was going up for sale. One person even offered $500 for the kitten. The Kings said their family is too attached to let Biscuit go, but theyll be giving away its brothers and sisters once theyre big enough.

I was excited, said their 9-year-old son, Owen.

Many Janus cats dont live past a few days, which the Kings said theyve explained to Owen and their 4-year-old daughter, Finley. Either way, the Kings agreed, theyll care for Biscuit as long as they can.

The oldest known cat with the same congenital disorder was Guinness World Record-holder Frank and Louie. The Massachusetts cat died after a full life of 15 years. He was lucky, though, because the condition did not badly alter his vital organs.

Biscuit has not been seen by a vet just yet, but Warnock said a physical exam would be crucial if Biscuit lives longer than expected.

It's important to identify if this little guy has anything like that that would make him sick or cause him suffering, she said. How many brains? How many working airways? Does he have a cleft palate? That will tell us a lot about which functions each (face) can do.

Until they can get Biscuit to a vet, Kyla King said, shell be facing some sleepless nights to make sure the kitten is properly cared for. Biscuits mom has already begun rejecting her deformed offspring; in the wild its normal for the weakest baby to fall by the wayside. So King has been snuggling with and tube-feeding Biscuit.

Warnock said people shouldnt be too quick to judge Biscuits book by its cover. Biscuit has a bit of a bobblehead because its faces are too heavy and its body is growing a bit more slowly than those of its brothers and sisters. Other than that, Biscuit seems to be doing just fine.

If a two-headed kitten wants to eat, nap and play, even if hes not as coordinated or pretty as a standard model cat, Warnock said, why shouldnt he be given the opportunity to do so?

-- Albany Democrat-Herald
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has requested India to provide a special USD 1.1 billion currency swap facility to boost the country's draining foreign exchange reserves in view of the economic slowdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Rajapaksa's office said that the new request is in addition to the USD 400 million amount Sri Lanka has sought from the Indian government under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) framework.

The Sri Lankan President made the request during his telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, it said.

Modi discussed the situation arising out of the COVID-19 crisis with Rajapaksa and said that India will continue to support our close maritime neighbour in dealing with the pandemic and its economic impact.

The two leaders agreed to accelerate Indian-assisted development projects in the country and also strengthen investment links.

Rajapaksa's office said: If the government of India could provide USD 1.1 billion special SWAP facility to top up USD 400 million under the SAARC facility, it would enormously help Sri Lanka in dealing with our foreign exchange issues.

Sri Lanka had previously asked India for a 400 million dollar foreign exchange swap under the SAARC arrangements.

Rajapaksa also asked the prime minister to expedite investments in Colombo port's east terminal.

According to the Sri Lankan president's office, Rajapaksa asked Modi to "direct those responsible from India's side to expedite construction of the east terminal of the Colombo port as soon as possible".

Facing issues in its foreign exchange during the coronavirus pandemic, Sri Lanka has taken drastic measures to keep its foreign reserves and currency stability.

Import restrictions announced are meant to stop the flow of foreign reserves.

The Opposition has accused the government of printing money to create liquidity in markets.

The deadly coronavirus has claimed nine lives and infected 1,068 people in the country.

India has sent four consignments of essential life-saving medicines and medical supplies weighing over 25 tonnes to Sri Lanka in the last few weeks as a goodwill gesture.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
MBABANE  Adding flavour to local content. Local viewers of the nations leading channel, Eswatini TV have expressed their excitement about the upcoming telenovela titled Ekhaya.



The production revealed last week Wednesday that the series would make its debut on the channel on June 2, 2020.

Much to the anticipation of local viewers, the series has been running adverts that it would be coming soon to television. The drama series, set against the backdrop of a rural community beset with challenges that set a hotshot lawyer on a journey to restore order, is Eswatini Televisions first commissioned drama series and premieres next month.



Response



Ekhaya features notable local actors with celebrated seasoned actor Thembinkosi Mthethwa in the leading role as lawyer Mandla Manyatsi.

The nation will also witness other veteran actors such as Nqaba Tsela of Mad Buddies, Fikile Ngobese from Bloodline, Mathokoza Sibiya and Gina Khumalo of Insika in action.



The series has received a resounding response from the public.

While most people were praising the job well executed by the production team, some extended their worry on how they would access the series since they did not have the Eswatini TV channel, which is the station the series will be airing on.



Shared on the pages social media, the production team said the series promised to keep local viewers entertained while also getting to understand the nuances of Eswatini culture.



The synopsis of the story is that the leading role of Manyatsi is trapped between two worlds which are the modern and the traditional and he is constantly trying to harmonise the two.

Eswatini TVs Communications and Brand Officer Celiwe Dlamini confirmed that the channel commissioned Bumba Media, a local TV and film production house with the view of bringing its audiences something new on the local filmmaking scene.
The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China, which serves as the constitutional document of Hong Kong in keeping with the "one country, two systems" policy, has given it legislative power to draft laws for preventing actions detrimental to national security.

Article 23 of the charter stipulates that Hong Kong shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central Government, or theft of state secrets; and to prohibit foreign political organizations or bodies from conducting political activities in the SAR. Political organizations or bodies in the SAR are also prohibited from establishing ties with their foreign counterparts.

It is Hong Kong's constitutional responsibility to establish laws to implement Article 23 and ensure that residents do their civic duties. The local society of Hong Kong has a fundamental consensus on supporting the establishment of laws to implement Article 23. However, due to obstruction by the opposition, such laws have always been delayed.

Many of Hong Kong's current laws to deter the crime of harming national security, such as certain provisions in the Crime Ordinance, Official Secrets Ordinance, Society Ordinance and Public Security Ordinance, derive from regulations under British rule and have long been dormant. Because of the lack of legal support, there is no specialized agency under the SAR Government to collect intelligence on national security and prevent external interference.

Hong Kong has become defenseless in terms of guarding national security. It's probably no exaggeration to say that it has the worst legislation and enforcement mechanisms on safeguarding national security in the world. This is a major factor behind the increasingly rampant activities damaging national security.

It is urgent to establish laws and enforcement mechanisms for national security in the SAR, as required by the Constitution and the Basic Law. The Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Committee last year called for setting up and improving legislation and enforcement mechanisms for the two SARs, Hong Kong and Macao, to safeguard national security, and supporting the SARs in enhancing their law enforcement capabilities.

It also underlined the need to prevent and contain external interference in Hong Kong and Macao affairs and separatist, subversive, infiltration and sabotage activities conducted by external forces.

When national security is under serious threat and yet Hong Kong is powerless to establish the required laws, it's necessary and urgent that they be established at the state level. This has to be done to consolidate the fence of national security in Hong Kong and deter hostile forces.




Wilson Borough officers seized methamphetamine, a loaded handgun and cash in a stop, which led to a raid on a borough home, police said.

An officer stopped Constantine Glicas, 39, of Bethlehem, for driving with a suspended license at about 2:30 p.m. Friday along South 25th Street, authorities said.

A police K-9 checked the vehicle for narcotics and indicated an odor of illegal drugs inside, police said. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of approximately 20 grams of methamphetamine, scales, drug paraphernalia and $3,000 in cash, as well as the loaded gun, according to police.

Police then obtained a search warrant for a home at 946 S. 25th St., in the borough. Borough officers as well as members of the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Lehigh Township Police Department seized an AR-15 rifle, an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine, psychedelic mushrooms, marijuana and fentanyl patches, police said.

Glicas faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, persons not to possess firearms, possession of drug paraphernalia, and DUI. He was taken to Northampton County Central Booking, where he is awaiting to be arraigned on the charges.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
A woman who blocked a California freeway on Wednesday told police she was the daughter of a Texas serial killer.

The unidentified driver had a handwritten sign on the back of her car which read: 'TX 45 killer is my dad'.

Since the 1970s, more than 30 young women have mysteriously disappeared or been found murdered along Texas Interstate 45, in what has become the states most notorious killing spree.

A mile from I-45, lies the 25-acre patch known as 'The Killing Fields', where the bodies of several young women have been found. It is thought the murders may have been carried out by multiple serial killers.

The unidentified driver had a sign on the back of her car making the claims. She blocked the southbound 55 in Costa Mesa for an hour Wednesday

Since the 1970s, more than 30 women have disappeared or been found murdered along Texas Interstate 45, in the states most notorious killing spree

Detectives have described the remote area as a perfect dumping ground for a serial killer, which has made investigating the cases so difficult.

The California Highway Patrol in Orange County were called on Wednesday morning after the woman, who had a flare gun, stopped on the southbound 55 in Costa Mesa, ABC7 reports.

Her actions closed the freeway for more than hour. The woman was taken into custody and police were reported to be investigating her claims.

CHP Officer Florentino Olivera told The LA Times: 'She was telling the [CHP] she wanted her story to be told that her father was the Texas serial killer.'

Police identified the two women as Audrey Lee Cook, right, from Memphis, Tennessee, and Donna Prudhomme, from Port Arthur, Texas, left

Since the 1970s, more than 30 young women have mysteriously disappeared or been found murdered along Texas Interstate 45. A mile from I-45, lies the 25-acre patch known as 'The Killing Fields', where the bodies of several young women have been found

In April last year the bodies of two young women who were found dead in the 'Texas Killing Field' were identified after 30 years following a breakthrough in forensic DNA analysis.

Police identified the two women as Audrey Lee Cook, from Memphis, Tennessee, and Donna Prudhomme, from Port Arthur, Texas.

Cook was found in 1986 and Prudhomme was discovered in 1991.

The identification of their bodies comes decades after their grisly remains were discovered in the oil field along Calder Road in League City just outside Houston.

Their bodies were uncovered in the same location where two other previously identified women were murdered and dumped.

Thirty bodies have been found in the Killing Fields since the 1970s.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 23:33:29|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

TUNIS, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese medical experts in Algeria on Sunday held a video conference with Chinese people in Tunisia for the prevention of the COVID-19.

Organized by the Chinese embassy in Tunisia, workers from Chinese companies and Chinese people living in Tunisia participated in the video conference.

During the conference, Chinese medical experts answered questions related to the COVID-19, including the prospect for the resumption of the work of Chinese companies in Tunisia and personal protection measures against the COVID-19.

Chinese Ambassador to Tunisia Wang Wenbin said that Chinese people in Tunisia strengthened their confidence in the prevention of the COVID-19 through the training event.

Zhou Lin, the expert team leader and the deputy director of Chongqing Municipal Health Commission, said the expert team is willing to provide support and professional consulting for Chinese people in Tunisia to fight against the epidemic at any time.

At the invitation of the Algerian government, the Chinese medical expert team arrived in Algeria on May 14.

During their stay in Algeria, they have already carried out extensive and in-depth exchanges with their Algerian counterparts on the prevention and control measures of the COVID-19.

They also held several video conferences with Chinese companies and Chinese people in Algeria for the prevention and control of the COVID-19. Enditem
Gesturing while speaking or 'talking with your hands' actually makes the voice louder, researchers have found.

Anyone who uses their arms and hands during a conversation enhances their voice and amplifies the volume.

A new study examining the use of gestures suggested that by altering the size and shape of the chest affects a person's speech.

Using such gestures with the hands while speaking has long been a common human behaviour and has become synonymous with certain cultures.

Gesturing while speaking or 'talking with your hands' actually makes the voice louder, researchers have found. Pictured: Peter Capaldi as Malcom Tucker in the BBC's The Thick Of It

But experts still do not know why humans use their limbs to accentuate verbal communications.

Now scientists say that although this type of body language adds emphasis to speech, it is not in the way researchers first thought.

Many communications researchers believe that gesturing is either done to emphasise important points or to elucidate specific ideas.

But there are other possibilities, that researchers say could show that gesturing, by altering the size and shape of the chest, lungs and vocal muscles, affects the sound of a person's speech.

The study examining the use of gestures suggested that by altering the size and shape of the chest affects a person's speech. Pictured: Sofia Vergara on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon May 21, 2020

A team of University of Connecticut researchers led by former postdoctoral researcher Wim Pouw - currently at Radboud University in the Netherlands - decided to test whether this idea was true.

The team had volunteers move their dominant hand as if they were chopping wood, while continuously saying 'a' as in 'cinema'.

They were instructed to keep the 'a' sound as steady as they could.

Despite that instruction, when the team played audio recordings of this to other people, they found the listener could hear the speaker's gestures.

When the listener was asked to move their arms to the rhythm, their movements matched perfectly with those of the original speaker.

Many communications researchers believe that gesturing is either done to emphasise important points or to elucidate specific ideas. Pictured: President George Bush gestures during remarks about border security and immigration reform at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in 2005

Because of the way the human body is constructed, hand movements influence torso and throat muscles and gestures are tightly tied to amplitude.

Rather than just using the chest muscles to produce air flow for speech, moving your arms while you speak can add acoustic emphasis. And you can hear someone's motions, even when they're trying not to let you, researchers said.

James Dixon, one of the authors of the paper and UConn psychologist and director of the Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action, said: 'Some language researchers don't like this idea, because they want language to be all about communicating the contents of your mind, rather than the state of your body.

'But we think that gestures are allowing the acoustic signal to carry additional information about bodily tension and motion. It's information of another kind.'
By PTI

PESHAWAR: A police constable was shot dead and a 16-year-old girl was left grievously hurt in a suspected honour killing incident in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday, officials said.

Shafi Muhammad indiscriminately shot at his sister's lover after he found them in a 'compromising position' at their home in Cherat Palosai Payan in Nowshera district, officials said.

Muhammad is currently on the run.

His 16-year-old sister (name withheld) is in critical condition at the hospital after receiving eight bullet injuries during the firing.

The police have recorded the girl's statement and investigation is underway.
Incredible photos show the moment a stricken yachtsman stranded 500 miles off the Cornish coast was rescued by a supertanker in 13 foot swells.

A commercial ship coordinated with the French sea patrol and the RAF to rescue a yachtsman and his yacht.

The French sea patrol and the RAF were able to get to the unharmed yachtsman 500 miles off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean after he registered an emergency alert.

The Seaways Reymar, a 229-metre supertanker, was 20 hours away from Helena (pictured) when it diverted to help save the stricken yachtsman in 13 foot swells

But his yacht, Helena, was disabled and without a mast and the man needed to be safely removed from the boat.

The Seaways Reymar, a 229-metre supertanker, was 20 hours away from Helena and reached the yacht the day after the emergency signal was registered.

In 13 foot swells the ship's crew and master worked for eight hours to get the yachtsman to safety.

Seaways Reymar's (pictured) crew and master worked for eight hours to get the stranded yachtsman to safety

HM Coastguard's Matthew West said: 'This long distance rescue has involved coordination with the French Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre and support from the RAF because at 500 miles offshore it is well beyond the range of rescue helicopters.

'The yachtsman was rescued by tremendous seamanship demonstrated by the master and crew of the 'Seaways Reymar', who diverted their course and remained on scene for eight hours to ensure the safe recovery of the sailor.

'As well as the skipper's EPIRB satellite beacon which first alerted us to the situation on Friday, we were also aided by the fact that the vessel was transmitting on AIS which was very helpful in pinpointing the position of the yacht'
The level of coronavirus incidence continues increasing TASS

As of May 24, 62 cases of infection with the Covid-19 were recorded among the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This was reported by the press service of the Medical Forces Command.



In particular, four members of the Kharkiv garrison are in the isolation cell of the military unit. Eight more soldiers of the Ternopil garrison are now isolated and will soon be evacuated to the Rivne military hospital.



"The health status of patients is satisfactory. They are receiving the necessary treatment," the report said.



It is known that one member of the Zhytomyr garrison is hospitalized at the National Military Medical Clinical Center. The patient's condition is of moderate severity.



The one soldier (Kyiv garrison) is being on treatment at home, under the supervision of doctors. His health condition is satisfactory, there are no symptoms of the disease.

Related: Motor Sich refused to perform domestic and international flights due to coronavirus



We recall that in Ukraine on May 24, the number of Covid-19 infected with the coronavirus increased to 20,986 (+406 during the day).



In total, 617 people died in the country as a result of complications, caused by the disease, 7,108 patients recovered (repeated laboratory examination did not reveal the virus in the body).

As we reported, in Ukraine, nine regions were not ready to move to the second stage of quarantine exit

According to them, Volyn, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zakarpatia, Kyiv, Luhansk, Lviv, Rivne, and Chernivtsi regions were not yet ready to remove restrictions.

Also, Kyiv is ready to proceed to the second stage of mitigation of restrictive measures, in connection with which from 12 noon on Saturday, May 23, ground-based public transport will start operating in the city, and from Monday, May 25, the subway would resume its work.
He was his country's most powerful man. Time magazine crowned him "king of Israel." But he couldn't win over Israel's unforgiving free press. So he is accused of buying his way inside the newsroom of a leading news site, secretly dictating flattering coverage that helped him win reelection twice. That allegation is at the center of an unprecedented courtroom drama that kicks off Sunday in Jerusalem: the State of Israel v. Benjamin Netanyahu. As NPR writes, the longest-serving prime minister in Israel's history, after 11 uninterrupted years in office, will enter the courtroom charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust. If convicted, he could spend several years behind bars.

It's the first time in Israel  and much of the world  that a sitting leader will go on trial. Usually, senior Israeli officials step down when they face corruption charges, as did Netanyahu's predecessor, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

But Netanyahu is not required by law to step down after being indicted and has refused to resign. The conservative leader denies wrongdoing and alleges there is a left-wing witch hunt against him, a claim that has sparked an ugly culture war against Israel's judiciary, law enforcement and media.

The saga plunged the country into political turmoil for more than 500 days. Israel held three national elections, each serving as a referendum on Netanyahu, but producing no clear winner. Finally this week, with Supreme Court approval, Netanyahu sealed a deal with his opposition rival and formed a new unity government.

"It's terrible. It's the first time that an acting prime minister is on trial, criminal trial, indicted by very, very serious offenses," said Emanuel Gross, professor emeritus of law at Haifa University. "This is a crucial moment."

What are the allegations against Netanyahu?

The most serious one carries the charge of bribery. Prosecutors accuse Netanyahu of offering regulatory favors worth hundreds of millions of dollars to a telecommunications executive, and in return gaining secret editorial control over Walla! News, Israel's second biggest news site. For nearly five years, including during his 2013 and 2015 reelection campaigns, Netanyahu and his wife Sara allegedly made hundreds of editorial demands of the executive and his wife, placed stories and photos, killed unflattering coverage and wielded influence over the hiring of editors and reporters.

"Generally, in criminal charges of bribery, it's hard to have good evidence between the quid and the pro," said Amir Fuchs of the nonpartisan Israel Democracy Institute. "In the indictment, you see a lot of evidence of the link."

But it's not a classic bribery case where the interest is money or sex. Never before has an Israeli official been indicted of bribery for securing positive press.

Netanyahu also faces lesser charges of fraud and breach of trust in two other cases. He's accused of discussing a secret proposal with the owner of Israel's biggest news site, YNet, and its related paper Yediot Ahronot, to promote legislation undercutting the owner's biggest competitor in exchange for the owner reversing his critical editorial line against Netanyahu.

The prime minister is also accused of pulling strings with U.S. and Israeli officials to benefit a Hollywood producer who provided the Netanyahus with a constant supply of expensive jewelry, cigars and champagne. Netanyahu also accepted a regular supply of cigars and champagne from an Australian businessman.

What will the trial look like?

Considering the significance of the moment, the opening hearing could be anticlimactic.

At 3 p.m. local time (8 a.m. ET) Sunday, Netanyahu will appear before a three-judge panel at the district court in East Jerusalem for a hearing expected to last about half an hour. Netanyahu will only be asked to say a few words  whether he understands the charges. He will not yet need to enter a plea.

The telecom executive and his wife and the newspaper owner also face bribery charges.

Each defendant is permitted one defense attorney in the courtroom, due to coronavirus rules limiting attendance, and all must wear face masks. The state prosecutor has been assigned bodyguards to protect her from threats. Reporters will fill overflow rooms to watch the hearing on screens, but the trial will not be televised to the public as is customary.

The opening session was scheduled for March but the government's coronavirus stay-at-home orders led the judges to postpone it  an extension that gave the leader more time to build a coalition government and secure his new term in office. Now he comes to the trial from a position of power.

Netanyahu asked the court to exempt him from attending the opening hearing, arguing that he is already aware of the allegations and that his bodyguards would exceed coronavirus limits on courtroom attendance. But the court rejected his request, saying there is room for his bodyguards and he needs to be present for the reading of his allegations. As the trial progresses, Netanyahu could be asked to appear in court three or four times a week, while still serving as prime minister.

It could take months to a year to process preliminary arguments before witnesses are called to the stand. The prosecution's star witnesses are three of Netanyahu's former close aides who agreed to testify against their ex-boss and escape prosecution. The court is likely to grant Netanyahu an exemption from personally attending every hearing. It could be several years before a verdict is handed down.

If the judges find Netanyahu guilty, he can appeal the verdict at the Supreme Court. If he lost that appeal he would be required to leave office.
Over 160 contestants have appeared on MTVs Are You the One in hopes of finding their perfect match. While most of them didnt find love on the show, they continued their reality television career or found success in other ways. Which single became the most successful after appearing on the dating show?

The logo of music television is seen displayed on a smartphone | Alvin Chan

Contestants who competed on The Challenge after AYTO

After appearing on Are You the One, several former contestants joined the cast of MTVs reality competition series, The Challenge. Season 3s Amanda Garcia (117,000 Instagram followers) competed on five seasons but never made it to the finals.

She recently got engaged and welcomed a baby into the world. Garcia has already stated she will not return to the series. Nelson Thomas (131,000 followers) earned a little over $36,000 throughout his five seasons on The Challenge and was in a high profile relationship with Bad Girls Club star, Angela Babicz.

Go back on Dr. Phil is the burn I never knew I needed in my life. #TheChallenge35 pic.twitter.com/RDUeS8f51h  challengemtv (@ChallengeMTV) May 21, 2020

RELATED: The Challenge 35: Are Jordan Wiseley and Tori Deal Becoming the New Cara Maria Sorbello and Paulie Calafiore?

The two had a toxic relationship and went to Dr. Phil for advice. However, they broke up around five months later. Tori Deal (564,000 followers) from Season 4 and the AYTO spinoff, Second Chances, has earned $15,000, and Season 5s Kam Williams (224,000 followers) made it to the finals twice but didnt win any money.

However, the exposure from the show has helped grow her hair business, Kam Kollection.

Contestants who became successful in other ways after AYTO

Other AYTO stars pursued different avenues after the show, including Season 7s Maria Elizondo (240,000 followers), who nearly stole Vinny Guadagninos heart on Double Shot at Love. Season 8s Remy Duran (70,000) has gotten coverage from popular outlets, including Out Magazine and Grindr.

Additionally, Season 4s Tel Aviv-born dancer Asaf Goren competed on Fox dance reality series, So You Think You Can Dance 12, Food Network series Worst Cooks in America, and Celebrity Big Brother Israel 3. He won the latter, taking home 250,000 ILS or around $70,000.

Season 3s Devin Walker-Molaghan (114,000 followers) and Cheyenne Floyd (1.2 million followers) both won $12,500 together competing on The Challenge. Devin also currently operates a successful OnlyFans account from which he allegedly brings in around $125,000 annually.

RELATED: Double Shot at Love: Meet Fan-Favorite Maria Elizondo

Finally, Cheyenne and fellow Challenger Cory Wharton welcomed a baby into the world, earning them a spot on MTVs long-running series, Teen Mom.

Its unclear exactly how much she makes per episode, but her net worth is an estimated $100,000. She also has an active YouTube channel with her daughter, with around 89,000 subscribers.

Julia Rose most successful after AYTO

Many people consider Season 4s Julia Rose the most successful because of her infamous stunts and public relationship with YouTuber Jake Paul. A Reddit user calculated she makes around $180,000 a month from her exclusive Patreon account, based on the 13,100 monthly subscribers at the $15 lowest tier minus the likely 9% fee from the platform.

She also founded ShagMag, a $15 monthly online magazine featuring Instagram models, which is estimated to bring in around $125,000 a month. Additionally, the AYTO star has a whopping 4.6 million Instagram followers and could demand at least $100,000 per advertisement on her account.

Julia receives continual exposure as Jake Pauls girlfriend, and hes tagged in her pictures that have gotten millions of likes. The ShagMag owner has also planned several topless stunts, including one at the 2019 MLB World Series, which received coverage from mainstream outlets such as USA Today.

RELATED: Which Are You the One? Couples Are Still Together?

Finally, the model has a YouTube channel with nearly 300,000 subscribers and a popular TikTok account with 200,000 followers. As of 2019, she had an estimated net worth of $480,000.

Julia can be considered the contestant who became the most successful after appearing on the MTV show due to her impressive Instagram following, successful online magazine, and multiple streams of revenue.
New Delhi, May 24 : Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam, here on Sunday, expressed anguish over murder of a saint in Nanded, Maharashtra. "Is being saint in India a crime? After killing of two saints in Palghar, murder of a saint is very sad," he tweeted.

The Congress leader tagged his tweet to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Congress is part of the ruling coalition in Maharashtra.

According to Nanded Superintendent of Police Vijaykumar Magar, two unidentified persons sneaked into Shivacharya Nirvanarudra Pashupatinath Maharaj's ashram on Saturday and threw chilli powder in his eyes, blinding him.

When Shivacharya tried to grapple with them, they killed him and decamped with cash and valuables worth Rs 1.50 lakh, which included a laptop. They also tried to take his car away, but it crashed into the ashram's main gate.

Earlier, two sadhus -- Kalpavrukshagiri Maharaj, 70, and his assistant Sushilgiri Maharaj, 35 -- and their driver Nilesh Telgade, 30, were lynched near Gadchinchale village in Palghar on April 16, causing a political storm.

They were killed by around 350-man mob mistaking them as child kidnappers.
A little over a month ago, Webb County sent out a press release from Tax Assessor Rosie Cuellar announcing that property values in the county would be freezing at last years assessed value.

The taxpayers of Webb County need some tax relief, and I believe this is a responsible step in the right direction to get them some relief, Cuellar said in the statement.

Chief Appraiser Martin Villarreal confirmed that based on property values conducted by the Texas comptroller, the county has reached 100% market value. A value freeze would apply only to residential and commercial properties; and new improvements would still have to be appraised at market value, he said.

However, this has turned out to be not quite right. Villarreal told LMT last week that for most properties in Webb County the values have remained the same or decreased.

However, due to certain provisions of the Texas Property Tax Code, the District is required to reflect the market value of a property as of January 1st of the current tax year, he wrote.

This stipulation has in fact led to enormous value spikes for several Webb County properties, such as two ranches near the city limits off U.S. Highway 59.

Local farmer George Mapus owns around six acres here, where he and his wife keep bees, grow produce, raise chickens and live.

Last year, their two tracts were valued at a combined $565,000. This year, the land has been assessed at over $1 million, with no improvements made that would justify the change.

I dont even know how they could do that, Mapus said. ... This is my home. This is not a real estate venture or something like that. I dont understand this. This is nuts.

The land adjacent to his is a 4.5 acre ranch belonging to Martha Haynes. This is raw brush land. A bit of it was cleared last year, but no actual improvements were made to the property.

And yet the property value has skyrocketed, from $90,000 to over $538,000.

READ MORE: Laredo official: Retiring health director, city 'going in different directions'

Former City Councilman Poncho Casso is representing Haynes and a few other property owners in their protests to the Appraisal District. He said that nothing has been done to the property that would constitute an increase such as this.

The property hasnt been improved at all. Removing mesquite and brush land requires a 600% increase? Thats ridiculous, he said.

Chief Appraiser Villarreal said that these property values increased due to a review of land values along the Highway 59 corridor. Appraisal inequities existed here, he said, and both of these properties were well under the appropriate market value.

Their updated appraisals are equal and uniform with neighboring properties (and are) a much better representation of current market conditions, Villarreal said.

A few other properties in the Highway 59 area have also seen their values go up this year: one ranchs value increased 20% to $245,000, another 21% to $548,000. In the case of most of the smaller lots in the area, values stayed the same or decreased slightly, as Villarreal said they would.

However, other property owners with land outside of this part of the city have also seen their values go up this year, in particular, if the value was protested with the appraisal district last year.

They will have until this Friday to protest the increase again. Villarreal notes that it is ultimately Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature who have the authority to freeze property values.

Last week, 10 members of Texas Democratic Congressional delegation, including Rep. Henry Cuellar, wrote a letter to Abbott encouraging him to freeze property values as citizens face widespread unemployment and economic insecurity during the pandemic. The Laredo City Council passed a resolution in support of a valuation freeze last week.

Abbott, in turn, has called oncities, counties, school districts and all other taxing entities to cut property tax rates in order to provide economic relief to property owners this year.

But as sales tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, and  in the City of Laredos case  bridge revenue continues to collapse this year, property taxes remain the one revenue source that the city and county can depend on right now. Even with a healthy real estate market, they are still facing multi-million dollar budget shortfalls this year.
opinion

May 25 is celebrated annually in Uganda and elsewhere on the African continent as Africa Day to commemorate the day on which the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was founded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1963 by 32 sovereign states. On this auspicious occasion we celebrate and rededicate ourselves to African unity which is the primary and ultimate goal of pan-Africanism.

The first OAU Summit, chaired by Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, was attended, inter alia, by president Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, president Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, president Sekou Toure of Guinea, president Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, president Leopold Senghor of Senegal and president Modibo Keita of Mali.

Uganda was ably represented by then prime minister Milton Obote. Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe did not attend because they had not yet achieved independence.

For the record, at the end of the deliberations of the 32 African Heads of State and Government who met in Addis Ababa in 1963, only two African leaders stood up courageously to support a proposal for the immediate establishment of a continental government for Africa, there and then. The two great pan-Africanists were Nkrumah of Ghana and Obote of Uganda. I believe history will accord them a distinguished status as heroes of pan-Africanism.

Today, it's fashionable for all manner of dishonest, mediocre and power-hungry politicians, who are hard-core tribalists and political opportunists, to invoke pan-Africanism as their ideology and masquerade as pan-Africanists when they have, in fact, done enormous damage to the cause of pan-Africanism, by their aggressive, reactionary and counter-revolutionary actions.

The roots of modern pan-Africanism can be traced to a meeting held in Manchester, England, in 1945. Decisions adopted at that 5th Pan-African Congress which was attended, inter alia, by Kwame Nkrumah, Jomo Kenyatta and renowned Black American scholar W.E.B Du Bois, played a significant role and accelerated the legitimate, protracted and heroic struggle of Africans for self-determination and independence.

Barely 12 years after the congress, the British colony of Gold Coast became the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence on March 6, 1957, and the country was renamed Ghana by its first prime minister, Nkrumah.

From OAU to African Union

The OAU was disbanded on July 9, 2002, and its last chairman was president Thabo Mbeki of South Africa. A lot of credit for the transformation of OAU into African Union (AU) must go to former Libyan president Muammar Gaddafi.

Like Nkrumah and Obote, history will pay glowing tribute to Gaddafi as another genuine hero of pan-Africanism, unlike pseudo pan-Africanists who shamelessly practise tribalism and politics of divide and rule at national level instead of uniting the people of Africa.

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Like the OAU, the primary objective of the AU is to promote economic and political integration of Africa and ultimately establishment of a united states of Africa. Given good, effective, selfless and visionary leadership, I believe it can be done and for the sake of millions of Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora, it must be done.

This year's celebrations will, for obvious reasons, be low key because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Thank God, Africa has so far been spared the dire consequences of this deadly disease. The AU must urge all African countries to prepare for a worst case scenario.

I believe the pandemic is a wake-up call to all African countries, including Uganda, to invest a lot more resources in the health sector, at least 15 per cent of national budgets must be allocated to the health sector, in accordance with a unanimous AU Summit decision.

In this connection, it's regrettable, indefensible and unacceptable that the military continues to be the top priority of the NRM regime. Military expenditure for the 2020/2021FY is a whopping Shs4.5 trillion! It's mindboggling! Who, for goodness sake, is the enemy of Uganda which the regime is preparing to fight? In all fairness Uganda's taxpayers should know.

Ugandans must not accept this extravagant and outrageous waste of taxpayers' hard-earned money, especially when over Shs2.8 trillion of the Budget is so-called "classified expenditure" and hence unaccountable to the people. Uganda deserves a lot better.

I wish the people of Uganda a Happy Africa Day.

Mr Acemah is a political scientist and retired career diplomat.
Janelle Monae is well-known for her Grammy-nominated music and flourishing acting career. However, it is her activism during this crisis that has become the star of the show. Monae, like many, has not been shy about her displeasure with how the federal government has handled the coronavirus pandemic, which she expressed in an interview to go with her Vanity Fair cover.





The way our government is handling thingsespecially this administrationis evil, she told Vanity Fair. We cant trust this administration to tell us the truth, to protect us. Its always going to be power first. Its always going to be capitalism first.

KC's own Janelle Monae gets political in this month's Vanity Fair cover story Janelle Monae performs at the Oscars/ScreenshotIn this new reality we are living in, celebrities left and right are doing all they can to give back to their communities. From donating their time as frontline workers to creating internet shows to keep us smiling, our favorite TV stars and athletes are trying their best to keep the world spinning.

The pop diva from KCK cries foul in her latest publicity blitz . . . Take a peek:Read more:
Jakarta: Everyone is troubled in today's time due to the problem of Coronavirus continuously increasing for the past several days. Due to the rising outbreak of this virus and the pandemic, many people lost their lives. Due to the grip of this virus, millions of people are getting infected everyday. While the death rate due to coronavirus is increasing continuously, due to which the whole human aspect has come to the end of destruction. Today, more than 3 lakh 44 thousand people have lost their lives due to the virus. Even now, it cannot be said openly how long the virus will get rid of and when the situation will improve.

The total number of infected in Indonesia was 17,025: Corona epidemic continues in South East Asian country Indonesia. In Jakarta on Saturday, the total number has increased to 17,025 with 529 new Corona infected. While the total number of dead has reached 1,089. An Indonesian health ministry official said that 1,35,726 people have been tested for coronavirus in the country.

Iran opens trade borders: Iran has reopened the border of Mahiroud and Dograun connecting Afghanistan. Sistan and Baluchistan border on Iran-Pakistan border has also been opened. The number of infected in Iran has reduced, so preparations are on to open the economy soon.

Slovenia declared itself Corona-free: Slovenia became the first European country to declare itself Corona-free. The government said that the coronavirus is completely under control in the country and now extraordinary health measures are not required. The government here has opened its borders to the people of European Union countries.

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The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is a lifesaver to Canadians who have lost work because of COVID-19. But there is a big problem. It does not recognize that in Toronto and other high-demand places, rents are much higher than in smaller communities.

As a result, after paying rent, the amount of assistance CERB delivers varies immensely across Canada.

Even before the pandemic, rental affordability was a headline problem. CMHC declares that households can afford to spend 30 per cent of their income on housing. But four years ago the census found that about one out of four renters in Toronto and Vancouver paid more than half their income in rent.

Rents have increased markedly since then and severe affordability problems have worsened.

With $2,000 every four weeks from CERB, many Toronto renters have too little cash left after paying rent for food and other necessities. The need for a rent top-up  an add-on to CERB to make shelter costs more affordable  is urgent in Toronto and other expensive places.

Based on average one-bedroom unit rents, Toronto and Vancouver renters who receive CERB would spend most of it on rent and have little more than $600 left over for other basic necessities.

But average rents dont tell the whole story. The situation is much worse for those who pay market rent  people who have moved recently and are paying the asking rent for vacant units. In Toronto the remaining amount after that is barely enough for groceries, at under $280.

Renters facing this situation may appeal to landlords. But while some mom-and-pops may grant discounts, others are in an impossible position because of mortgage payments, property taxes and other running expenses. And corporate and REIT landlords put their shareholders first.

Deferring rents may be the most they will do, and this only pushes the problem down the road. Once the no-eviction period ends, renters who were able to get deferrals will face the buildup of debt for unpaid rent. A rent top-up would help prevent this and stave off evictions down the road.

The ideal way to deliver a top-up would be by adding it to the CERB payment  it would show up in recipients bank accounts along with CERB. But its too late for that for the 4-week periods starting in April and May. The top-ups for those periods should be lumped together and deposited separately.

The top-up should cover a share of the gap between actual rent and $600. A renter paying the average rent in Toronto and getting CERB would get about $450.

The application process would be simple. Renters would report their rent or, in the case of roommates, their share of unit rent. They would retain evidence  such as bank records of e-transfers to landlords, notice of a rent increase, or a lease  for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to examine in any future audit.

Beneficiaries could find out the amount of their top-up, by using an online calculator or by checking their bank balances a few days after application. Applying must be easy. A simple process would ensure that the program has high participation. CRA would administer the program, just as it does CERB. It has access to addresses, income tax and benefit returns and other information. Ontario renters already state their rent on their tax returns.

The rent top-up should be funded by the federal government. On one hand, they are the funders of CERB which is currently profoundly unfair because it takes no account of huge variations in rent. On the other hand, the feds are the chief beneficiaries of high rents because they get most of Canadas income tax revenue.

This revenue comes in many forms. When units are sold, especially by mom-and-pops, the huge taxes they pay go mainly into federal coffers. The increase in the net rent of landlords when their mortgages are mostly paid off also goes mainly to the feds. Landlords pay more tax when rents increase. Rents are high when investors pay high prices for apartments  and banks pay more tax when high-priced units are financed by big mortgages.

Might landlords increase rents because of the top-up? This is unlikely because landlords would know the measure is only temporary. Furthermore, existing regulations, such as those limiting rent increases to a single one annually, would protect tenants.

While this program would be temporary and available to only some low- and modest-income renters, a rent top-up should be considered for the long term, with broader applicability. In the meantime, the rent top-up proposed here would transform the CERB from an essential helping hand that is nonetheless sending some recipients to food banks anyhow into a benefit that would ensure adequate support for all renters who get it.

Marion Steele is a housing economist and an associate professor emeritus at the University of Guelph.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-25 00:44:06|Editor: Wang Yamei

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisory body on Sunday held its second plenary meeting of the annual session.

Wang Yang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, attended the meeting.

Twelve members of the CPPCC National Committee spoke at the meeting.

Nyima Tashi said by the end of 2019, the 628,000 poverty-stricken people in Tibet Autonomous Region had all shaken off poverty, hailing that Tibet is marching toward a moderately prosperous society in all respects along with the rest of the country.

Yang Weimin said that the COVID-19 epidemic has caused lots of changes, but has never changed the basic trend of Chinese economy with a sound momentum in the long term.

Huang Li called for implementation of policies aiming to benefit enterprises as private firms are facing unprecedented difficulties and pressure.

Noting that the global pandemic is far from over, Margaret Chan Fung Fu-chun said the international community should, under the direction and coordination of the World Health Organization, further enhance cooperation.

Tu Haiming called for efforts to strengthen the confidence in the policy of "one country, two systems" and never allow Hong Kong to become a risk to national security.

Qi Jianguo said that obeying the Party's command is the eternal soul of the people's armed forces. Enditem
Extraordinary footage has emerged of a man pushing a police officer before complaining the handcuffs placed on him were too tight.

The dramatic incident unfolded in the middle of a busy road in Greenacre in Sydney's south-west after a car ploughed into a nearby hijab shop on Thursday, leaving 14 people injured.

NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia the man had been asked to move away from the scene when the incident unfolded.

The footage shows a policeman trying to restrain a man in the middle of the road before the man grabs hold of him and shoves him into a vehicle.

Extraordinary footage has emerged of a man pushing a police officer before complaining the handcuffs were too tight on him during his arrest

Another officer rushes in to help his colleague by grabbing the man in a headlock and after a brief struggle, the pair manage to get him on the ground.

As police struggle to detain him, the man can be heard in footage complaining that the handcuffs were too tight on him.

'My wrist is killing me. I want to get up but I can't get up,' the man screams.

The officers then struggle to help the man stand up as he continues to complain the handcuffs are on too tight.

'Give me instructions, I'm listening... I'm listening, whatever you want,' he says as the police officers are trying to lift him off the ground.

The officers instruct him on how to stand up but the man struggles and yells: 'What am I... f***ing Arnold Schwarzenegger?'

'How am I going to get up? On one toe?'

NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia the man was asked to move on following the crash on Thursday but he allegedly refused.

The footage shows a police officer trying to restrain a man in the middle of the road before the man grabs hold of him and shoves him into a vehicle

The van (pictured) had to be removed from the Hijab House store in Greenacre, following hours of police investigations

The footage emerged online three days after Sabry Moustafa Nassar, 51, allegedly crashed his car into a nearby hijab shop on Thursday, which injured 14 people.

He was initially released without charge before being re-arrested on Friday and charged with a string of offences.

Charges included driving furiously in motor vehicle do/cause bodily harm, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm), proceed through red traffic light, and fail to notify authority of change of residential address.

The man was also charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, and not give particulars to other driver in relation to an unrelated traffic incident at Lakemba in January.

Nassar will remain bars until his next court appearance on June 9.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat has started donating Rs 50,000 from his salary to be deducted every month for the next one year to the PM CARES fund created to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

In March, the CDS had written to the authorities concerned that for the next one year, Rs 50,000 be deducted from his salary and be deposited in the PM-CARES fund, defence sources told ANI.

After the letter was written, the first deduction of Rs 50,000 was done from the salary of April and deposited in the fund created for the fight against Coronavirus, they said.

The CDS had also donated one-day salary for the PM CARES fund along with all other defence services personnel who had donated in March soon after the fund was started.

Now the Defence Ministry employees have been given an option of donating one-day salary every month for the next one year and this would be done voluntarily.

Sources said the decision to donate Rs. 50,000 every month to the PM CARES fund by the CDS is likely to encourage other senior officers also to make their contribution towards the fight against coronavirus.

National Disaster Management Authority member and former Coast Guard Chief Rajendra Singh has also donated 30 per cent of his salary to the PM CARES fund.

A number of senior officers in Army Headquarters have contributed for the PM fund.

The CDS is also leading from the front in the armed forces fight against COVID-19 as he attends all meetings with the Health Ministry and is also working with the services in preparing them for fight against the pandemic.

The CDS had also visited the Narela quarantine centre and other facilities to assess the preparations there to tackle the spread of the deadly virus which originated from China.

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A day after HT had reported that a Ghatkopar physician was issued a show-cause notice for prescribing a coronavirus swab test to an asymptomatic patient, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Sunday has withdrawn the notice amid widespread criticism from the medical fraternity.

As per the notice issued by Ajit Ambi, the assistant municipal commissioner of N ward, Dr Chetan Velani was found violating the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; the Disaster Management Act, 2005, as well as the guidelines issued by BMC over Covid-19 testing. Stating that prescribing the swab test to an asymptomatic patient was in violation of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the civic body notice said Dr Velanis licence would be cancelled if he failed to respond within 24 hours of receiving the letter. Ambi did not respond to HTs calls.

Dr Velani has refuted BMCs allegations. On Sunday, when I asked BMC to provide the details of the asymptomatic patient [who was allegedly prescribed the swab test], they couldnt give me any information. Why would I waste the governments resources if the patient is not a Covid suspect?

The physician himself was quarantined for 14 days, after he had been exposed to an asymptomatic Covid-19 patient.

The government should give some freedom to doctors on identifying the Covid patients. What if I dont prescribe a swab test to a suspected patient and he dies owing to health complications? Then they will impose a medico-legal case on us, said Dr Velani.

Other doctors, too have come out in Dr Velanis support. Dr Deepak Baid, president of Association of Medical Consultants, said that the physician did not violate any rule, as he prescribed the swab test after physically examining the patient.

ICMR wants us to wait until the patient shows symptoms. In the meantime, their health conditions keep deteriorating and the virus is transmitted to others, too. Instead of threatening us for doing our duty, the government should do theirs and provide us with PPE [personal protective equipment] to work, he said.

According to the rules of the Indian Medical Council (IMC), only the apex body holds the power to cancel the licence of a doctor. The corporation cant cancel the registration of any doctor registered with the medical council. We are the only authorised body, said Dr Shivkumar Utture, president of Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC).
The Enugu State Government has provided more information on the two new COVID-19 cases in the state.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced two new cases for Enugu late on Saturday, bringing the total in the state to 18.

The NCDC did not, however, provide any details of the two new cases.

The Enugu Commissioner for Health, Ikechukwu Obi, provided the details in a statement on Sunday.

Mr Obi said that the first new case was a 45-year-old man who came into Enugu on May 21 from Lagos while the second was a 62-year-old mother-in-law of the 16th positive patient.

The total number of cases for Enugu State is now 18, with 10 active cases and eight discharged.

The first new case (Case 17) is a 45-year-old male who hails from Igbo-Eze North LGA of Enugu State and lives in Lagos State but still managed to make his way to Enugu State on the 21st of May, 2020 in spite of restrictions on inter-state movement.

Concerned members of his community alerted the health authorities since he was already ill, leading to his assessment and testing and his result returned positive for COVID-19 on the 23rd of May 2020.

The second new case (Case 18) is the 62-year-old mother-in-law of Case 16 who has become a positive contact.

Case 16 as earlier reported evaded the inter-state boundary restriction, all the way from Lagos state and across several other states, obviously assisted by unscrupulous individuals to bury her recently deceased husband in their community in Igbo-Etiti LGA of Enugu State, he said.

He said evading or assisting anyone to evade the inter-state movement restriction was unlawful and of no benefit, while also contributing to the rising number of COVID-19 positive cases in the state.

Mr Obi added that such actions were militating against the measures put in place by the state government to prevent the spread of the virus.

He urged residents to comply with the public health advisory of the Federal Ministry of Health, the NCDC and the Enugu State Ministry of Health.

Nigeria has so far recorded 7,526 cases including 2,174 recoveries and 221 deaths.
Even as markets across the city were allowed to open up in a staggered fashion last week, Delhis street vendors said a lack of clarity on the state governments part has kept them from resuming weekly markets. While Delhi government officials said weekly markets could reopen, provided they ensured social distancing, police said civic agencies would need to give them permission.

With social distancing now obligatory in view of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, street vendors associations, some resident welfare associations (RWAs) and market associations demand that the government demarcate dedicated vending zones, in accordance with the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.

Usually, vendors in weekly markets usually line up their carts and shops in packed lanes, right next to each other, and attract large crowds, making ensuring social distancing a task.

The exact number of weekly markets in the Capital and vendors associated with them is not known. In fact, civic agencies are yet to begin surveys to identify genuine vendors in Delhi as per the Street Vendors Act.

Street vendors are still to reopen their shops even in popular markets like Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Sarojini, Lajpat Nagar. While some vendors in smaller local markets have reopened businesses, confusion is still writ large.

Rajiv Kumar Gupta (45), head of a weekly market in east Delhis Madhu Vihar, said local authorities have asked them to wait till at least May 31. There are 100-odd vendors in the weekly market we used to set up in Madhu Vihar, Mandawali, Vinod Nagar and other places across the week. We have now been told to wait till May-end, Gupta said.

While the Delhi governments order regarding relaxation in lockdown norms in the fourth phase explicitly mentions that markets can open, following an odd-even arrangement, it does not mention weekly markets and street vending.

However, the order also reads that all commercial and industrial activities that are not specifically prohibited by the guidelines will be allowed in the city.

Everyone is interpreting the order differently. As there is no mention of a ban on street vending or weekly markets, we thought we are allowed to operate. But we have been asked by the police not to start work. The government should have clearly stated the rules for street vending and weekly markets like it has done for markets areas, said Satish Kumar, a street vendor in Karol Bagh market and a member of the areas Town Vending Committee.

Vendors in Karol Bagh said they are unsure whether they can set the weekly market up on Monday or not. Likewise, vendors in Narela are yet to restart weekly markets.

Senior police officers meanwhile said civic agencies needed to permit the operation of weekly markets, and added that the daily restriction on movement between 7pm and 7am would be a hurdle.

Deepak Purohit, DCP (west), said, They havent got permission from civic agencies yet. So, only the main shops are opening right now in the manner ordered by the government. But vendors providing essential products like vegetables and fruits were never stopped in the first place.

Monika Bhardwaj, DCP (north), said it is not possible to allow weekly markets since they generally operate in the evening, when complete restrictions on movement, except essential services, are in effect. They are unable to operate because the lockdown comes into effect at 7pm everyday, which is around the time weekly markets open, she said.

A senior Delhi government official aware of the matter said street vendors can start work, but have to ensure social distancing, and adhere to the odd-even sequence. As for weekly markets, civic agencies have to devise a mechanism to ensure social distancing, the official said.

Another senior government official said there weekly markets can operate provided social distancing is ensured, but also said it was up to civic bodies to ensure a social distancing mechanism.

The National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) said municipal agencies should start work at developing dedicated vending zones.

Arbind Singh, national coordinator, NASVI, said, The creation of dedicated vending zones in the National Capital is long-pending demand. It should have been done immediately after the Street Vendors Act was passed in 2014, but it is even more important now as social distancing has to be ensured.

The New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) in Connaught Place has also requested the Delhi government to relocate vendors from the market as it is impossible to ensure social distancing, said Atul Bhargava, president, NDTA.

RWAs in the city, too, said vendors and weekly markets are important in residential areas, but agreed there was a need to regulate them to prevent the spread of the disease.

We are all interdependent. Weekly markets cater to a large population, but there is a need to regulate them and provide dedicated space, said Atul Goyal, president of URJA, an association of RWAs in Delhi.

Civic agencies, meanwhile, said they are yet to decide on the matter.

The North Delhi Municipal Corporation has called a meeting next week to discuss the issue. Vendors are important and cater to a large population. We have called a meeting to discuss how we can streamline vending in our jurisdiction and ensure social distancing, especially in weekly markets, Jai Prakash, standing committee chairman, north corporation.

The South Delhi Municipal Corporations mayor Sunita Kangra said, It is difficult to maintain social distancing in weekly markets. We are not planning to give permission to weekly markets immediately. But we are trying to work out a way so that these markets can operate while ensuring social distancing.

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courtesy of the Montgomery County Police Reporter

The body of a 46-year old Houston man who on Saturday drowned at Lake Conroe has been recovered and identified.

Robert O. Walker jumped off a boat near East Beach to try to swim the rest of the way to shore. After he became distressed, nearby boaters unsuccessfully tried rescuing him. Lake patrol deputies responded around 4:40 p.m., according to the Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constables Office.
An employee at Maruti Suzuki's Manesar plant has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a company spokesperson.

The company is also looking at "a possibility of a second case" of infection at the facility but has ruled out any impact on the business part due to the situation.

The country's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) had re-opened the Manesar facility earlier this month after around 50 days of closure due to coronavirus-led lockdown.

Also read: Coronavirus India Live Tracker: Delhi registers 508 new cases in 24 hours; tally over 13,400

"One employee of the company's Manesar plant tested positive on May 22, 2020 for COVID-19," the spokesperson told PTI when contacted over the matter.

The said employee had last attended the plant on May 15 with normal health after which his residence area came into a containment zone and he did not join work thereafter, he said.

The district administration was informed about the employee who has since been admitted in the hospital and his condition is stable, he added.

MSI is providing all medical help and assistance to the infected employee as per government guidelines, the spokesperson said.

On the status of another employee possibly infected with the virus, the spokesperson said: "There may be a possibility of a second case of infection that has just been reported. More information is being sought."

The automaker, in the confirmed case, has undertaken a contact tracing exercise and out of abundant caution, all employees who could have come in contact are advised to stay in home isolation, he said.

The company has in place a robust and carefully designed standard operating procedure (SOP) for maximum safety against infection spread at the workplace and transit, which goes well beyond compliance requirement, the spokesperson said.

In addition, there is also a COVID-19 Task Force that closely monitors adherence to the SOP in the company, the spokesperson added.

MSI had resumed production at its Gurugram plant from May 18.

Both Manesar and Gurugram plants have an installed capacity to churn out over 15.5 lakh vehicles per annum.

The Gurugram facility rolls out models like S-Cross, Vitara Brezza, Ignis and Super Carry light commercial vehicle.

The Manesar plant, on the other hand, produces high selling models like Alto, Swift, Dzire, S-Presso, Ertiga and Baleno.

Also read: Odisha allows home delivery of alcohol with 50% 'Special COVID Fee'; all you need to know

Also read: Coronavirus vaccine: 6 Indian firms race against time to develop cure but patience only option
Consistent with national policy, Gov. Wolfs stated shutdown goal was to flatten the curve, keeping health care resources from being overwhelmed. By every measure that goal has been achieved. But with unemployment at Depression levels, its time to get Pennsylvanias citizens back to work.

Interpreted within the context of Wolfs shutdown goal, his rules for (closing and) re-opening businesses are bewildering. Examples: Most auto dealers were forced to close while a select few were granted waivers to remain open. Walmart can open because of its grocery section and sell clothes, but a smaller clothing store cant. Micro distilleries remain open to produce and sell alcohol on-premises while many other manufacturers and retailers were forced to close.

Wolf seems unconcerned about the economic fallout of these actions. When asked if unemployment benefits would be revoked for employees who refuse to return to work, Wolfs flippant response (summarized): No, you need to pay them more.

At this critical time, he should be doing everything possible to support the survival of businesses who complied with the shutdown, rather than pushing his own political agenda. Hes even threatening legal action against businesses who open in defiance of his orders.

This lays bare Gov. Wolfs true motives: auditioning for his political party. His lack of attention to the collateral damage caused by his actions is stunning. Private citizens and businesses understand the threat locally. They are most capable of making decisions that balance minimizing the spread of COVID against the economic devastation currently taking place within our Commonwealth.

Please Gov. Wolf, provide transparent guidelines and trust those you govern to do the right thing.

Bradley D. Fetrow, president, Fetrow Electric Service Company, Mechanicsburg
There has been a debate in sections of the news media in America as to whether they should describe some of Donald Trump's statements as falsehoods or lies.

Most of us who have watched and listened to his verbal contortions and contradictions will have made up our own minds. But to be accused by the media of lying - that'd be something else.

Not that he would be the first president to face such an accusation. Remember President Nixon? He wasn't known as Tricky Dicky for nothing. A man who served with him in his earlier years said he was the only person he ever knew who could lie out of both sides of his mouth at the same time.

And lie he did, denying any involvement in the Watergate affair, a scandal that started with a break-in at the Democratic Committee headquarters in Washington's Watergate complex in 1972.

But even before then, Nixon's need to survive seemed to exercise his mind. For when he greeted Jack Lynch in the White House in 1971 following the Arms Crisis it was the fact that the Taoiseach had managed to survive that impressed him. Hard to believe, but as a journalist I was fortunate enough to be in the Oval Office when he said so.

The Arms Crisis occurred when Jack Lynch sacked two of his ministers whom he suspected of being involved in a plot to import arms and ammunition. The weapons were ostensibly to help defence committees in Northern Ireland fend off attacks by loyalists - but as it turned out, would have armed the emerging Provisional IRA.

A district court judge ruled that there wasn't enough evidence against one of the ministers, Neil Blaney - but the second one, Charles Haughey, former Minister for Finance and three other people were sent forward to be tried by a jury in the Central Criminal Court.

The trial took place in the Four Courts and I was assigned to cover it. After a mistrial and another lengthy trial, all four accused were acquitted. Immediately afterwards, Haughey did a TV interview with me in which he threw out a challenge to the Taoiseach to resign. This Mr Lynch refused to do - and in March of the following year he paid a visit to the US, accompanied by his wife, Maureen, and two officials.

Because of my reporting of the Arms Crisis I was assigned to cover the visit, as was Chris Glennon of the Irish Independent, and as it was such a small group we all travelled together.

On arrival we were immediately taken in hand by the secret service. This is one of the oldest federal law enforcement agencies in the US, dating from the American Civil War when it was founded to combat widespread counterfeiting of US currency. From tracking down forgers, its functions have been expanded to cope with the financial and cyber crimes that come with today's highly inventive technologies. It also has the job of protecting the president, a job given to it in 1901 following the assassination of President William McKinley.

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But the responsibilities of the secret service don't end there. It protects the US president's family, the vice-president and his family and many others including visiting heads of state. As a result, a number of secret service men were detailed to protect Jack Lynch and his party. All of us were immediately issued with lapel pins, or as we would call them, badges - and while this might seem trivial, we later learned that our lives could depend on whether we wore them.

The secret service men made no secret of the fact that they still felt very badly about not being able to prevent the assassination of JFK. Whether a president might or might not survive by the way he acted in office was one thing, but their job was to try as far as possible to make sure he, and indeed, all in their care survived the assassin's bullet. As a result, we discovered, they, and indeed all agencies in the US have a strange obsession with badges. The president wears one in the shape of the stars and stripes. Everyone in the White House and everywhere else where there is a need for identification wears one. Bomb disposal men who came to check out our venues wore them, sheriffs wore them, detectives wore them.

In fact, if you didn't have an invitation or you didn't have a badge you didn't get it in.

The logo of the secret service is a five-pointed star, each star tipped with gold. In the centre is the Treasury Building encircled with the words "United States Secret Service" , though the designs have changed with time

However, this was not the badge worn by its members. At that time, their lapel pin was in the shape of a triangle, or perhaps more like an arrow and was the subject of much mystique.

It was said, for example, that they turned it around to certain positions at certain times by way of some sort of code - and judging by what I have read since about the type of badges they wear I have no reason to doubt that.

The small lapel badges the secret service gave to Chris Glennon and myself were in the shape of a shield, half white, half green. They were greatly envied by the wives of the millionaires and multi- millionaires the Taoiseach met in exclusive clubs in an effort to entice them to invest in Ireland. As far as we could make out the women wanted to make them into cufflinks, probably so that they could boast to their friends that they had come from the "Irish prime minister's party".

I suppose we were tempted to part with them because of the warm welcome we got from these people. However, we quickly changed our minds when we consulted the secret service officer in charge of our detail. While we were accompanying the Taoiseach as members of the press, they may have thought that we were really on under-cover protective duty.

"Look guys," he said, "if shooting starts and you pull a gun, as long as you're wearing that pin we won't shoot you."

It was then I realised why the secret service insisted during Kennedy's visit to Ireland in 1963 that the Irish Special Branch should wear lapel badges. They didn't like it, but had to do it. Anyway, enough said. We weren't going to part with our badges after that.

The Taoiseach's visit to the White House was a very special occasion, of course. Chris and I waited for a moment outside the door of the Oval Office. I was then told to leave my tape recorder outside and we were ushered in.

Nixon was not as tall as I expected. In fact, my memory of him is of a small man. The second thing I noticed was that his face was heavily made up, probably for television.

As soon as we went in Nixon walked over to the Taoiseach and shook his hand warmly, saying: "You are very welcome prime minister." Then he added, "I must say I admire your ability to survive."

And that was it. Chris and I left them to it, but with that strange greeting ringing in our ears. Before we left the White House, we were each given a memento of our visit - a box with the US presidential seal of office embossed in gold. Inside was a Parker pen bearing Nixon's signature. Before we took leave of the secret service men, they also gave us a memento. Some of us got cufflinks, I got a tie pin. Each bore the secret service logo on a circular blue background.

I treasure both gifts to this day - but now as I look at them, I think of the man in the Oval Office who lied and lied until he could lie no more and had to resign.

Tom McCaughren is a journalist, broadcaster, and award-winning author
Police fired tear gas at protesters in one of Hong Kongs busiest shopping districts on Sunday as growing numbers took to the street in opposition to Beijings plans to impose a national security law that bypasses the local legislature.

Water cannon and armoured trucks were deployed across the city before protests even kicked off, as police prepared for mass protests, the first of their kind since the city got COVID-19 under control.

While some protesters dug up bricks from walkways, scenes largely included dozens of riot police moving people on or blocking roads in line formations and determined to keep traffic moving for as long as possible.

The demonstrations are expected to intensify throughout the day.

The police issued two statements in quick succession, condemning protesters for turning up and flouting social distancing laws, after calls to gather were advertised online, despite not having the official go-ahead.

The police also appealed to the public to get out of the area and stay safe, as they undertake enforcement actions against rioters.

Widespread outrage has engulfed the city as new laws concerning national security led the discussions on Friday at the National Peoples Congress rubber-stamp parliament in Beijing.

Many Hong Kong citizens feel the new laws would infringe on the freedoms widely enjoyed by the semi-autonomous city as it would allow Chinese companies to set up security agencies.

Protesters, who can currently be arrested and fined for flouting social distancing laws and for illegal assembly, may also be charged with local terrorism under the new national security law if it is passed by Beijing.

International human rights organisations say the laws would mean the end of the One Country, Two Systems principle, the 1997 understanding implemented when Britain handed control of the city back to China, which left Hong Kong a degree of autonomy.

Hong Kongs Chief Executive, Carrie Lam and Andrew Leung, the President of the territorys Legislative Council (Legco), welcomed the move.

Both politicians have been embroiled in a political stalemate between pro-establishment and pro-democratic camps in the local parliament, amid ongoing anti-government protests.

Tensions came to a peak last week in the Legco when opposing sides battled it out during an election for Chair of the House Committee, which reviews bills.

Some pro-democracy legislators were carried out of the chamber by security guards during the hour-long debacle.

The coronavirus pandemic temporarily shut down protests, but now that there are no new COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong, some have accused the government of keeping social distancing measures in place to quash the return of protests.

A heavy police presence could be seen throughout the day on Sunday, with the Police stopping and searching individuals, while groups of riot police could be seen loading weaponry with tear gas canisters and rubber bullets.

The police came under fire during the protests last year for their use of tear gas as a dispersal weapon in densely populated areas.

(dpa/NAN)

AIB
The Afghan Taliban announced a three-day cease-fire on May 23 to mark Eid al-Fitr, the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Shortly afterward, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani ordered security forces to abide by cease-fire as well.

In a post on Twitter, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the movement's leadership has ordered all fighters to "conduct no offensive operation against the enemy anywhere." In addition, they have been told to ensure "the security of fellow citizens."

The cease-fire is set to begin on May 24.

Ghani posted on Twitter that government forces would reciprocate.

"As commander in chief, I have instructed [Afghan security forces] to comply with the three-day truce and to defend only if attacked," Ghani wrote.

U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalizad, described the cease-fire as a momentous opportunity to accelerate a stalled U.S.-Taliban peace process.

Other positive steps should immediately follow: the release of remaining prisoners as specified in the US-Taliban agreement by both sides, no returning to high levels of violence, and an agreement on a new date for the start of intra-Afghan negotiations, Khalizad wrote on Twitter.

In February, the United States and the Taliban signed an agreement aimed at ending the longest military action in U.S. history. The deal lays out a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in return for security commitments from the Taliban.

A deadline for the Taliban to hold talks with the Afghan government passed in March amid a spike in violence and disagreements between the two sides over prisoner swaps.

The prospect of direct talks between Kabul and the Taliban gained a boost on May 17 when Ghani and his political rival, Abdullah Abdullah, reached a power-sharing agreement nearly eight months after disputed elections that led to a parallel government and hampered efforts to broker a peace deal.

The United States has about 12,000 troops in Afghanistan. Washington pays about $4 billion a year to maintain the Afghan military.

Taliban militants control about half of Afghanistan's territory and have continued to carry out attacks since the deal was signed.

More than 85 percent of Afghans have no sympathy for the Taliban, according to a 2019 survey by the Asia Foundation.

In April, the Taliban rejected a government call for a Ramadan cease-fire, saying it was "not rational."

Afghan intelligence service spokesman Javid Faisal said on May 23 that at least 146 civilians were killed and 430 wounded in Taliban attacks during Ramadan.



With reporting by AFP and AP
The suspect in the officer-involved shooting in Rowan County has been identified.

Ronald Edward Earnhardt, 62, of Dunns Mill Road in Salisbury was in serious condition at Atrium Healths Carolinas Medical Center as of late Saturday.

Earnhardt was injured in an officer-involved shooting overnight Friday, according to the Rowan County Sheriffs Office.

The incident came after Rowan County deputies responded to a call on that road in response to a reported domestic disturbance. A caller said that a man, who was later identified as Earnhardt, was angry and had fired several shots inside the residence. He had reportedly threatened to kill people at the residence.

Once deputies arrived, they formed a perimeter as the suspect continued firing shots and made contact with him, according to a news release. Deputies were told the suspect had at least five firearms, including three pistols. They helped six people escape the residence and four more escape from a shed on the property.

A warrant was issued for communicating threats and the RCSO Negotiator Team and RCSO Special Response Team took over at the scene.
Jerusalem (AFP) - A combative Benjamin Netanyahu stood in court Sunday for the start of his long-anticipated corruption trial, after lashing out at the "fabricated" charges against him.

The veteran Israeli Prime Minister, who has just forged a new unity government after more than a year of political turmoil, is the country's first premier to face criminal charges while in office.

Flanked by ministers from his right-wing Likud party, Netanyahu addressed the public in a live Facebook broadcast before entering the Jerusalem District Court to face charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

"I'm here with a straight back and my head held high," Netanyahu said, labelling the charges "fabricated and ludicrous".

The longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history has claimed to be the victim of a witch-hunt and again suggested the charges were trumped up to drive him from office.

"When you need to take me down, a strong prime minister from the right, everything is possible," he said.

The trial, officially called the State of Israel vs Benjamin Netanyahu, is expected to last for months, if not years.

During Sunday's session Netanyahu spoke only to identify himself and confirm he had read and understood the charges, with his lawyers spending most of the hour that the court was in session to request more time to study the case's material.

- 'Ridiculous' attack -

The judges set July 19 as the date for the next session, which will take place without Netanyahu, and deal with technical issues.

The prime minister will be asked to enter his plea during a later session.

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit dismissed Netanyahu's allegations of a flawed process.

"We'll continue to act fearlessly, even in the face of the ridiculous attempt to attribute invalid considerations to the prosecution, an attempt that should be firmly rejected," he said in a written statement following the court session.

Story continues

70-year-old Netanyahu was indicted in January after several years of police investigations.

Among the charges he faces is seeking to illegally trade favours in exchange for positive media coverage.

He is also accused of accepting cigars, champagne and jewellery worth 700,000 shekels (180,000 euros) from wealthy personalities in exchange for favours.

Wearing a facemask to limit the spread of the new coronavirus, like the judges and lawyers, Netanyahu sat silently through much of the court session, occasionally exchanging whispers and nods with his legal team.

His lawyers immediately argued they had not received timely access to all the relevant documents and requested a delay of several months to the next hearing.

Other defendants, including media moguls Shaul Elovitch and Arnon Mozes, both accused of seeking illegal deals with Netanyahu, were also in court.

Outside on the streets of Jerusalem, Netanyahu supporters and opponents gathered to raise their voices.

"I came to demonstrate against the accused prime minister who uses his power to destroy the foundations of democracy," said Yoav Eitan, 39, at a rally of around 800 people outside Netanyahu's residence.

Elsewhere, Mali, an elderly woman in a pro-Netanyanu protest of more than 200 people outside the courtroom, said "Benjamin Netanyahu is pure and clean. We will fight to ensure a just trial."

Among the most serious allegations against Netanyahu is the claim that he offered media mogul Elovitch regulatory changes worth millions of dollars to his telecom giant Bezeq in exchange for favourable reporting on the Walla! news website.

That charge is also the most complex, said Amir Fuchs, a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, who argued it differs from "classic" bribery cases where money changes hands.

In this case, Fuchs said, the allegation is that Netanyahu "is getting only media coverage" rather than cash.

"It is unprecedented," he told reporters.

In the Bezeq case, Fuchs added, Netanyahu is accused of seeking overwhelming editorial influence.

"It was actually complete editorial control of this site even on the specifics of which posts to make, or which pictures."

- Comeback victory -

When Mandelblit filed charges against the premier back in January, many commentators considered it the premier's political death warrant.

But he retained the Likud party leadership and won the most seats in a March general election.

After two inconclusive elections in a year, the third left him able to hammer out a power-sharing deal with his chief election rival Benny Gantz.

Under the agreement, Netanyahu will continue to lead the government for 18 months before handing over the premiership to Gantz.

Netanyahu's trial had been due to open in mid-March, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to a postponement.

Under Israeli law, a sitting prime minister does not have automatic immunity from prosecution but also is not obliged to resign when charged, only when convicted and after all avenues of appeal have been exhausted.
An Olympic legend was part of a failed drug smuggling attempt which resulted in tens of millions of dollars worth of cocaine washing up on beaches along the east coast of Australia, police allege.

Dual Olympic silver medallist Nathan Baggaley, 44, is accused of working with an international drug syndicate to help bring $176million worth of cocaine into Australia in July, 2018.

Court documents state Baggaley's brother Dru was also allegedly involved in the plan, along with skipper Anthony Trevor Draper, 53.

Police allege Dru and Draper met up with about 20 gun-wielding South Americans out at sea to exchange the cocaine.

The men allegedly threw packages of cocaine into the ocean, while Dru and Draper fished them out and transferred them to an inflatable boat.

As the duo were making their way back to shore, water police intercepted them off the coast of Byron Bay, court documents seen by The Sunday Mail revealed.

Dru allegedly dumped 652kg of cocaine overboard. While the navy managed to secure some of the packages, dozens more washed up on beaches across the east coast in the seven months to follow.

Olympic silver medallist, Nathan Baggaley, 44, is accused of working for an international cocaine syndicate to help smuggle $176million worth of cocaine into Australia in July, 2018

Millions of dollars worth of cocaine has since been found washed up on shore in beaches in NSW and Queensland

Nine packages worth $18.5million were found by residents from Curtis Island in Queensland to Port Kembla, south of Sydney, while tourists on Fraser Island found another $5.2million package.

Kayakers found $7million in NSW's South West Rocks and $289,000 was found by beach goers in Bargara, Queensland.

A Queensland mother and son found another package in Elliot Heads in December, 2018, which was crucial in linking the washed up parcels to those confiscated by the navy, according to court documents.

Police allege the packages were almost identical to the 76 per cent pure cocaine found in the ocean.

Dru was ultimately caught because officers had video footage of him handling the drugs near a 55-metre red 'mother' ship in international waters.

Nathan's brother Dru allegedly threw 652kg of cocaine overboard during the botched drug smuggle

Police arrested the men before they were able to successfully smuggle the drugs

Police allege Dru and Draper spent an hour loading the cocaine onto the inflatable boat which they believe was purchased for $106,700 by Baggaley.

The Olympian also named the boat 'Medellin' - the cocaine capital of Columbia - and covered the license plates, police allege.

Officers allege Baggaley was waiting for his brother and Draper to come back to a boat ramp in Brunswick Heads, NSW.

He hadn't yet realised they were arrested by water police as they raced to shore.

Court documents reveal Baggaley had also tried to ring the boat's satellite phone under a fake name.

It took a year before Baggaley was charged with aiding or abetting the importation of a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.

Baggaley was refused bail and is due to appear in court on Thursday. He could face a maximum of life in prison over the charges.

Dru will face court next month.
The House began 2019 divided along party lines on whether to reopen the federal government without spending taxpayer money on a southern border wall President Donald Trump promised Mexico would pay for.

Members ended the year by making Trump only the third president ever to be impeached, also along along party lines.

In between, some lawmakers were able to find common ground with members of the other political party.

No House Democrat, for example, worked with Republicans on legislation more often than North Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer. Just three Republicans worked with Democrats more often than Rep. Chris Smith.

And 2nd District Rep. Jeff Van Drew was the 20th most bipartisan lawmaker as a Democrat before switching parties after opposing Trumps impeachment.

Thats according to the annual report on bipartisanship recently released by the Lugar Center, a public policy group headed by former U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and by Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policy.

Gottheimer and Smith were in the top 20 a year ago but found themselves in the top 10 in the latest rankings, which measure how often a Republican sponsors a Democrats bill and vice versa.

Now more than ever, we see the importance of putting country and governing over partisan politics and gridlock," said Gottheimer, D-5th Dist. "Thats the only way youll solve problems in a divided government.

Gottheimer last voted against a majority of his own party and with a majority of Republicans 12.4% of the time, seventh highest among House Democrats, according to Congressional Quarterly.

Gottheimer, the co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, faces a primary challenge July 7 from Glen Rock Council member Arati Kreibich.

Kreibich has the support of several leading progressive groups, including the Working Families Party; Indivisible, which helped Democrats take back the House in 2018; the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, which endorsed Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren for president; and Our Revolution New Jersey, founded by supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Smith bucked his party in co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation to restore the full federal deduction for state and local taxes, which Republicans capped in their 2017 tax law. A similar bill passed the House in December, with Smith one of only five Republicans voting yes, but failed in the Senate.

This year, Smith voted against the House Democrats $3 trillion stimulus legislation that restored the full deduction for two years.

Bipartisanship is about respect for others even when there are fundamental disagreements," said Smith, R-4th Dist. "Bipartisanship is not an end unto itself, but can be a practical, good faith way of understanding different views in order to achieve fair, equitable and sustainable solutions to problems. More often than not, bipartisanship helps build support and consensus for effective policies.

Next to Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Smith was the House Republican least likely to support Trump and most often to buck his party and side with the Democratic majority, according to Congressional Quarterly.

Fitzpatrick also scored highest on the Lugar Center report, followed by two New York Republicans, John Katko and Peter King.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-12th Dist., had the lowest bipartisan score among the New Jersey congressional delegation, ranking 395th. She voted against Trump 98.4% of the time last year, one of 15 House Democrats who opposed the president most often, according to Congressional Quarterly.

Among New Jerseys Democratic senators, Robert Menendez ranked 59th and Cory Booker ranked 92nd.

Only Kamala Harris (93rd) and Bernie Sanders (98th) ranked lower than Booker among the U.S. senators who vied for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com.
Now that Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has lifted the worst of the states lockdown restrictions, Queenslands over 65s emerging from self-isolation have to cope with a new worry  bugger, we have to be nice to people again.

As one of the vulnerable immunity-compromised oldies confined to our homes for a goodly chunk of 2020 so far, its been quite reassuring living in a bubble protected from annoying young pests at the door trying to sell me solar panels or dodgy window cleaning services.

Oldies are time-wasting experts. But now we have to deal with door-to-door salespeople again. Credit:iStock

Oldies have been quietly amused by Millennials who agonised over having to stay home for a few days to avoid the invisible plague and then melted down because they had nothing to do when their Netflix and internet went down. Hey, we lived through the 1950s, before the invention of colour.

Your nana and grandad had a whole decade to train for this year. We were force-fed porridge for dinner and fought with the dog for any meat scraps from the table. Usually, the dog won. Our home entertainment was a radio and maybe a jigsaw puzzle. A second-hand one at that.
HOLYOKE, Mass.  In 1945, James Leach Miller returned from the war and said nothing.

He said nothing about it to his wife, not for 64 years of marriage. He folded up his Army uniform, with the medals still pinned to it, and put it in the basement, where his older boy would sometimes take it out to play soldiers.

He joined the fire department. He went to church on Sundays. He never complained.

That generation, they didnt air their problems, said his younger son, Michael. He would say, It was not a good time. Ive had better times. He would not embellish.

Mr. Miller was already in his 70s when he began to tell Michael, an Air Force flight engineer, little bits about landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Fragments would come out, his son said. The deafening roar as they waited for the beach to clear, crowded into a landing ship with other 21-year-olds. A blur that lasted 24 hours. The buzz-drone of Messerschmitts. Dust clouds. Mud.

Michael once offered to take him back to Normandy  World War II veterans were making the journey  but his father shook his head and said, Ive been there once.
2008-2010 was a difficult time for Sony Ericsson. In late 2008, it released its first Windows Mobile device, the Xperia X1. A year later, its first non-UIQ Symbian phone came out, the Idou. Another year and the Xperia brand underwent a brain swap and it was now a series of Android phones.

The first was the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10. It made its debut on April 1 2010, launching on the NTT DoCoMo network and it became the fastest-selling smartphone in the carriers history  reports from the time indicate that the X10 sold 120,000 units in three weeks, beating even the iPhone 3GS (32GB). Stores were sold out and Sony Ericsson was rushing to ship more units, everything looked rosy (in Japan, anyway).

The phone ditched the triangular motifs of the original Xperia as well as the slide-out keyboard. Instead, its design drew inspiration from the Vivaz, SEs second Symbian S60 phone.



Sony Ericsson Xperia X10  SE Vivaz  Xperia X1

The Idou and Vivaz were camera-focused phones  the former was part of the 12MP camera phone elite, the latter was among the first to record 720p video. The Xperia X10 was less ambitious, settling for an 8MP camera with 480p video capture.

However, that would later be bumped up to 720p and at 30fps with an update (whereas the Vivaz topped out at 720p @ 24fps). This update also enabled DLNA.



The camera interface

The phone actually had a good life, as far as updates are concerned. It came with Android 1.6 Donut out of the box, then got up to 2.1 Eclair and thats as far as it was planned to go. But then the company changed its mind and pushed it all the way up to Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It did take its sweet time doing it, however.

The Xperia X10 was powered by the original Qualcomm Snapdragon with a single Scorpion core running at 1.0GHz. This was a fairly powerful platform for early 2010, though the phone was low on memory.

It came with only 384MB of RAM and even worse, 1GB of storage (only half of which was available to the user). For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S that launched around the same time had 512MB of RAM and 8GB storage (with a 16GB option). Yes, the Xperia had a microSD slot, but so did most phones back then.

The company didnt learn its lesson either and tried to base its 2011 models, the Xperia arc, neo and ray, on more or less the same hardware (with 512MB of RAM, and a pitiful 320MB of user-available storage). Also remember that 2011 was when the first dual core CPUs arrived on mobile. But thats a story for another time.

Going back the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, it had a 4.0 screen with 480 x 854px resolution, that was fairly large for the day. And while the screen was originally displayed only 65K colors (due to a limitation of 1.6 Donut), it shone with 16M hues after it was updated to 2.1 Eclair. However, multi-touch could not be enabled  the hardware did not support it (and to be fair, neither did early Android versions).



Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 next to the X10 mini and Apple iPhone 3G

The Android interface was customized with two major additions, Timescape and Mediascape. Both clearly had a peek at the PlayStation 3 interface for inspiration, though they werent a 1:1 copy of the XrossMediaBar.

Timescape combined your call log, SMS, MMS, email, Facebook and Twitter updates into a single stream, presented with a stack of cards flying through 3D space. Tabs could be used to filter the stream and view only the SMS messages, for example. If you liked it well enough, you could set Timescape to be your home screen.



The Timescape in action

Mediascape was just the gallery app, dividing music, videos and photos into tabs. It dropped the 3D cards in favor of the more traditional list of files approach. It wasnt the best at its job, but the Infinite button was interesting. It automatically found related content, e.g. all photos taken on the same day or music videos on YouTube, depending on the file you were viewing.



Mediascape

Ultimately, we praised the Xperia X10s fast chipset, gorgeous screen and capable camera, but while Timescape and Mediascape were neat, the phone was lagging behind other Android flagships with OS updates.

It wasnt smooth sailing the entire way, but overall the X10 was quite successful given that it was the first of its kind. The Xperia arc would replace it in early 2011 (that was even more troubled). At that point the writing was on the wall  the Sony Ericsson partnership was falling apart and it would soon be Sony alone.

Early 2012 brought the first just Sony Xperia and while that showed a tighter focus and boasted more Sony trademarks (which the X10 mostly lacked), the Xperia lineup could not match the golden days of Sony Ericsson.

At least President and CEO of Sony Ericsson, Bert Nordberg, was right  Android was better than WP7. He called Android the best choice we could have made and said his company should have taken the iPhone more seriously when it arrived in 2007.
China on Sunday accused the US of pushing the bilateral ties to the brink of a "new Cold War" by spreading "lies" about the coronavirus and said it was open to international efforts to identify the source of the deadly virus.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also said the lawsuits filed against China in the US demanding compensation for COVID-19 is an attempt to blackmail a victim with fabricated evidence.

Under constant attack from US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over the origin of the coronavirus and failure to provide timely information, Wang launched a broadside against Washington in his annual press conference.

He accused American politicians of spreading political virus to smear China.

It is the most regrettable that while the coronavirus is still out there, a 'political virus' is also spreading in the US and jumping at any opportunity to attack and slander China," he said in a video media conference on the sidelines of China's annual session of the National People's Conference (NPC).

"Some political forces in the US are taking China-US relations hostage and pushing our two countries to the brink of a new Cold War," Wang said.

Some politicians ignored the basic facts and made up countless lies and conspiracy theories concerning China.

"The longer the list, the more it says about how low the rumour-mongers are willing to go and the more stains they will leave in history," Wang, who is also the State Councillor, said.

He was scathingly critical of especially the lawsuits against China.

A lawsuit was filed by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt against the Chinese government, the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), and other Chinese officials and institutions in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

It alleges that during the critical weeks of the initial coronavirus outbreak, the Chinese authorities deceived the public, suppressed crucial information, arrested whistle-blowers, destroyed critical medical research and permitted millions of people to be exposed to the virus, causing a global pandemic that was unnecessary and preventable.

Observers say the Missouri lawsuit could pose a problem to China given the US courts' claim of universal jurisdiction.

Asked whether Beijing is concerned that China's overseas assets could be seized, Wang said "some people are clamouring for so-called accountability and compensation from a victim of COVID-19.

"They are fabricating so-called evidence for frivolous lawsuits. These people are tramping on international rule of law and betraying human conscience," he said.

"If anybody thought they could use some ludicrous lawsuits to undermine China's sovereignty and dignity to deprive the Chinese people their hard-won gains they will be daydreaming and bring disgrace to themselves," he said.

He also struck a reconciliatory note saying that both the US and China should work together.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the common enemy of China and the US and it is the shared wish of the people of the two nations to support and help each other.

China and the US should share the experience of the epidemic fight and learn from each other to boost their respective responses, Wang said.

He said China is open to joint efforts by the international science community to identify the source of the virus, and the process must be professional, impartial and constructive.

By being "professional," it means that the process should be based on science, led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and conducted on a global scale by scientists and medical experts.

By being "impartial," Wang said source-identification should be free from political interference, respect the sovereign equality of nations and oppose any presumption of guilt.

The research should cover all countries closely related to the virus. The whole process should be open, transparent, objective and rational, he said.

Wang put-up a staunch defence of the WHO and its beleaguered Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whom Trump termed as a puppet of China.

"As for the WHO's international standing and its place in history, I'm sure clear-eyed people around the world will reach a fair conclusion, one that will not be altered just because some country doesn't like it," Wang added.

Those who throw mud at the WHO will only leave a stain on themselves, Wang said.

Facts have shown that those countries that heeded and followed the WHO's advice are more successful in bringing the virus under control, while those that ignored or rejected its advice are paying a heavy price, he said.

The overall number of global coronavirus cases has increased to over 5.3 million, while the death toll surged past 342,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

As of Sunday morning, the total number of cases stood at 5,309,698, while the death toll increased to 342,078, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in the US is nearing 100,000 --more than double the number of reported deaths as any other nation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Police of Armenia have launched an official investigation into the violence against a citizen at the police station in the Armenian town of Kapan, as reported Head of the Department of Public Relations and Media of the Police of Armenia Ashot Aharonyan.

By the assignment of Chief of Police Arman Sargsyan, the Internal Security Department of the Police is conducting an official investigation into the incident that took place at the police station in Kapan, Aharonyan informed.

As reported earlier, according to 168.am newspaper, Nver Khachatryan, resident of Kajaran town, was taken to a police station by mistake and exposed to violence.

The editorial staff of 168.am newspaper received from the citizens close ones photos showing how the citizen had been treated at the police station.

At dawn, masked and armed police officers detained four people from the close circle of the head of Kajaran town who are currently at the police station in Kapan town.
Ghana, today joined the rest of the world to mark the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula with a call for a national dialogue on the ailment.



Dr Gabriel Yao-Kumah Ganyaglo, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and a Fistula Repairer, said it was unfortunate that Obstetric Fistula, which could be eliminated if all hands were on deck, was not being given the needed attention.



Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, to mark the day in Ghana, Dr Ganyaglo said it was unfortunate that budget was not allocated to run activities in the quest to create awareness about Obstetric Fistula and called on the Ghana Health Service, Ministries of Finance, Gender Children and Social Protection, Chieftancy and Religious Affairs and Local Government and Rural Development to come together to help to address the condition in Ghana.



He called on the country and for that matter communities, to own the programme to eliminate obstetric fistula, adding, "Together, we can end fistula in Ghana.



International Obstetric Fistula Day is observed globally every year on May 23 to significantly raise awareness and intensify actions towards ending obstetric fistula and urge post-surgery follow-up and tracking of fistula patients.



This years theme is: End Gender Inequality! End Health Inequities! End Fistula Now!.



Dr Ganyaglo said many women and girls who suffered from obstetric fistula, an injury of the birth canal after prolonged and obstructed delivery were subjected to isolation, shame and segregation.



He explained that due to poverty, they were unable to receive prompt medical treatment and that deprived them of their health and dignity, describing that as a violation of their human rights.



No woman or girl should be deprived of her dignity, hopes and dreams. It is their right. We should not hide them or stigmatize them since the stigma and shame alone can kill them. They need our love and assistance to have the fistula repaired and be integrated back into society, Dr Ganyaglo added.



He said the average cost of fistula treatment including surgery and post-operative care in Ghana was approximately $700, which was well beyond the reach of most women with the condition.



Obstetric Fistula is a distressing complication of prolonged, obstructed labour, resulting in the leakage of urine or faeces or both through the vagina.



The smell of the leaking urine, faeces or both is constant and humiliating. This, if left untreated, could lead to chronic medical problems including ulcerations and kidney diseases.



A study, carried out by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in 2015, estimated that about 1,300 new cases of fistula occurred every year and yet, less than 100 cases are repaired each year leaving 1, 200 cases without care.



Dr Ganyaglo noted that women suffering from obstetric fistula were in all regions of the country and urged individuals and corporate bodies to support the Government to repair, restore, and empower women with the challenge.



He said the COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped women from going into labour, rather, it has worsened the case of women in these obstetric fistula prevalent areas as hospital visits decrease for fear of contracting the virus.



Dr Ganyaglo advised women who suffer from fistula conditions to report to the health facility and urged families with such patients to take them to the health facility for the necessary assistance.



Each year, between 50,000 to 100,000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula, with an estimation of more than two million young women living with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub- Saharan Africa.



The menace is a historical issue in the developed world. However, it is still prevalent in poor resource countries like Ghana. This is based on the fact that about two million women in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia are still suffering from the disorder.



Meanwhile, it has been eliminated in Europe and America whiles women in developing countries continue to suffer in silence.

Source: GNA









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Two of Indias top automakers have reported first cases of coronavirus among their workers in less than two weeks of opening up after the government relaxed nationwide lockdown rules. Maruti Suzuki India, which sells one in every two cars in the country, has said one worker at Manesar plant had tested positive and there was the possibility of a second case.

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Specialised disaster management teams of the NDRF are rendering help in the massive clean-up operation in cyclone-hit West Bengal.

The NDRF personnel, dressed in bright-orange outfits, are working round the clock to restore normalcy in the state, where Cyclone Amphan has thrown life out of gear, flattening houses, uprooting trees and snapping power cables, senior officials of the force said.

A total of 38 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in various parts of the state, 19 alone in Kolkata, with sophisticated tools and equipment to speed up the rehabilitation work, said Nisheeth Upadhyay, an NDRF commandant.

"The cyclone has caused huge devastation in Bengal, not just in the coastal areas but in the state capital too. In the city, we are working alongside Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials, who are helping us with directions to the affected areas.

"In the districts, too, our teams have shifted people from low-lying areas to safety, provided them with necessary medical aid," Upadhayay, the commandant of NDRF second battalion, told PTI.

The battalion commandant also said that advance deployment of personnel in six districts of the state helped ensure minimal loss of lives.

"We carried out the evacuation operation on time. Not just that, we used public address systems to carry out an awareness programme in local languages in rural areas before the cyclone struck. Fishermen in the coastal areas were told not to venture out into the sea," he noted.

Upadhayay contended that almost all arterial roads in Kolkata and its adjoining districts have been cleared, and felled trees removed.

"The NDRF personnel are working all night with light-mounted helmets. The teams are equipped with modern tools and equipment, such as gasoline cutters, to carry out the relief work. We will do everything possible to ensure people are not inconvenienced. That's our job," he said.

Vijay Sinha, the commandant of NDRF first battalion, said five teams from Patna, each consisting of 25-30 personnel, are undertaking restoration work on a war footing in Bengal with state-of-the-art equipment such as life detectors and victim location camera.

"Upon suspicion that somebody is lying under debris, the personnel use life detector instruments which can detect the heart beat of a person. After detection, a two or three-inch hole is made in the heap and the VLC is inserted to locate and rescue a person lying under the rubble.

"These instruments had helped a lot while carrying rescue operation after a massive earthquake shook Nepal and Bihar in 2015," he told PTI.

Sinha also said his team members are carrying MFR (medical first responder) kits with them to provide immediate medical assistance to pregnant women, or those suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

Asked about the major challenges encountered by the NDRF in its operation, Upadhayay said, "We are exercising caution to ensure that our personnel, or for that matter the common people, do not get exposed to COVID-19.

"Some people were initially reluctant to move to cyclone shelters, partly because they were scared of contracting COVID-19. We successfully convinced them to shift to the camps, while also ensuring sanitisers and masks were available for their safety," he explained.

Over 80 people died and lakhs were rendered homeless as cyclone Amphan cut a path of destruction through half-a- dozen districts of West Bengal, including state capital Kolkata, on Wednesday night, blowing away shanties, and swamping low-lying areas.

The NDRF commandant further said that the state government lent all possible help and support to the force to carry out the clean-up operation.

"We have specialised vehicles to reach the remotest corners. For Sagar island, however, the state provided us with vessels. The NDRF and the state administration are working together to tide over the crisis," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Canada announced salary hikes. France pledged bonuses for doctors and nurses as part of its $120 billion rescue package. Russia made a similar promise  though some emergency responders have not seen the cash. An Iraqi governor said public health employees would be rewarded with free land. The United Kingdom is paying families of medical workers who die of covid-19, the disease the virus causes, a lump sum of 60,000 euros, or about $65,000.
Several people who attended a high school pool party in Arkansas have contracted the CCP virus, also known as the novel coronavirus, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) told reporters during his COVID-19 briefing May 23.

There were positive cases coming out of a high school swim party. A high school swim party that Im sure everybody thought was harmless, the governor told reporters Saturday, adding, Theyre young, theyre swimming, theyre just having activity and positive cases resulted from that.

Hutchinson said that the outbreak was just an encouragement for us to be disciplined in our activities, but did not provide further details on the swim party.

During this Memorial (Day) weekend, we want to be out and we want to enjoy ourselves, we want to remember this holiday and those that have served our country and given their lives in service of our country. But lets be safe and lets be disciplined at the same time, Hutchinson added.

The governor also told reporters Saturday that Arkansas is seeing an increase of CCP cases in the state, calling it a second peak of the pandemic, the first of which took place around April 25.

Its clear and evident to me that we have one peak, and then weve had a deep dip, and then were having a second peak right now, and theyre really about 30 days apart, he said. Hutchinson said that increased testing across the state has allowed health officials to find more cases, adding that the increased testing mirrors the increase in cases in the state. The governor also said that Arkansas hospitals are in good shape, despite the increases in coronavirus infections, The Hill reports.

Health officials reported 163 new cases of the virus on Saturday and as of May 24, Arkansas has seen a total of 5,612 cases of the CCP virus while 113 deaths have been attributed to the disease, which originated in Wuhan, China last year.

However, the Arkansas governor never issued a stay-at-home order in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus in the state, and in April, cited the low hospitalization rate as one of the reasons for not enacting such an order.

As you can see, weall the projections show that were beating the projections, were flattening that curve. And our hospitalization rate is one of the lowest, particularly in our region, he told PBS Newshour reporter Judy Woodruff April 8.

We have a very targeted response to this. We have closed schools. We have closed bars and restaurants, tattoo parlors, barber shops, hair salons, and down the list, a very targeted approach to it, in addition, enforcing social distancing, he said, adding that as long as Arkansas citizens,do what theyre supposed to do, which is social distance, wear a mask when youre out, this accomplishes the purpose, without doing something that really doesnt make a difference, which is acting like youre going to be doing something with a shelter-in-place, when, in fact, everybody can still go out.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 16:19:05|Editor: huaxia

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- China's government work report is both a report card and a roadmap



- It is a way for the central government to report back to the people and for it to be subject to supervision.

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) --The government work report is one of the highlights of China's Two Sessions.

It is both a report card and a roadmap.

It is a way for the central government to report back to the people and for it to be subject to supervision.

The 10,000-Chinese-character report is translated into different languages, and draws worldwide attention.

Drafting of the report starts at the end of the previous year.



The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee offers guidance and opinions.

The draft report is based on research and often revised dozens of times.

Symposiums are held to gather advice from academics, entrepreneurs, non-communist parties, and people from all walks of life. Foreign experts are also invited to offer opinions.

The report represents the voices of the people.

It was drafted in plain language and connected to the people.

After hearing the report, NPC deputies will attend panel deliberations on the report.



CPPCC members will hold panel discussions about the report.

Feedback will be sent to the government.

The final report, a result of consensus reaching after being voted through, reflects the will of the country and the people.





2020 Government Work Report

2019 report card:

GDP reached 99.1 trillion yuan (about 13.9 trillion U.S. dollars), up 6.1 percent.

Around 13.52 million new urban jobs added.

Surveyed unemployment rate below 5.3 percent.

Grain output above 650 million metric tons.

Permanent urban residents exceeded 60 percent of the population.

Rural poor population reduced by 11.09 million.

Poverty headcount ratio fell to 0.6 percent.

While continuing to advance epidemic control, China has also promoted economic and social development.

The Chinese economy has shown great resilience and enormous potential.

2020 roadmap:

Give priority to stabilizing employment and ensuring living standards.

Win the battle against poverty.

Achieve the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects.

Concentrate on ensuring stability on the six fronts and security in the six areas.

Over 9 million new urban jobs.

A registered urban unemployment rate of around 5.5 percent.

CPI increase of around 3.5 percent.

Growth in personal income basically in step with economic growth.

Lift all rural residents living below poverty line out of poverty.

Work for good harvests and growth in rural income.

Boost the consumption of products from poor areas.

Support businesses involved in poverty alleviation.

A more proactive and impactful fiscal policy.

A prudent monetary policy in a more flexible and appropriate way.

The deficit-to-GDP ratio projected at above 3.6 percent.

A deficit increase of one trillion yuan over last year.

One-trillion-yuan government bonds for covid-19 control will be issued.

The two trillion yuan will go straight to prefecture and county governments and directly benefit businesses and people.

Instill confidence in over one hundred million market entities.

Help enterprises, particularly micro, small, and medium businesses, and self-employed individuals get through this challenging time.

Make further tax and fee cuts of about 500 billion yuan.

These measures are expected to see additional savings of over 2.5 trillion yuan for enterprises throughout the year.

Make sure the businesses can sustain themselves and assure success for the future.

Stay committed to opening our door wider to the world.

Make opening up a catalyst for reform and development.

Negative list for foreign investment to be significantly shortened.

A negative list is to be drawn up for cross-border trade in services.







The Chinese nation has never been daunted in the face of difficulties or obstacles, and it will stick to its path and march forward.


The 12th Sean Mac Diarmada annual Summer School take places this year on Saturday, June 6  but in a different manner.

It is being organised in a different way to suit a a different time.

The selected theme for 2020 is 'Healthcare in Ireland  A New Reality'. It is prescient that this theme was selected by the committee for 2020, having been chosen in September 2019, many months before the Covid-19 emergency became a reality.

It examines the new reality facing healthcare and its providers in Ireland; coping with the challenges already present, while learning how to address those now being introduced due to the presence of the Coronavirus.

This year, due to the health emergency of Covid-19, and supported by Leitrim County Council, the event will be implemented online, ensuring that it is accessible to all and inviting a wider, and more widespread, audience, through the merits of information and communication technology.

The Sean Mac Diarmada Summer School is now becoming a firmly established event in the annual calendar of summer schools being held nationwide, and continues to offer to its audience, the very best of contribution in the context of academic expertise and public interest issues.

Thanks to the hard work, dedication and commitment of the summer school committee, the local community, and Leitrim County Council, Kiltyclogher has established a summer school that bridges the gap between the historical and the contemporary, linking the past to the most pertinent of current issues and topics, thus making it an event that embraces many interests, and appeals to a wide spectrum of people.

The theme for 2020 very accurately reflects what is now one of the most critical and relevant issues facing Irish society going forward - how our healthcare in Ireland operates, the difficulties it faces, and how, confronted by new realities, it will proceed to meet the healthcare needs of the Irish population.

The 2020 Summer School opens with the Orla Parkinson Memorial Lecture which will be given by Professor Margaret Kelleher, Professor and Chair of Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama (UCD).

Taking the topic Liberation, Tribulation: an Exploration of Modern Female Relationships in Irish Womens Poetry, this lecture is delivered in memory of Orla Parkinson, a major contributor in the contexts of history and literature to a number of local communities in the North Leitrim area.

Following on, virtual attendees may look forward to engaging and provocative presentations from Professor John Crown (Consultant Medical Oncologist  St. Vincents University Hospital, Dublin), Professor Patricia Casey (Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Lead for the Self Harm Service), Ms Phil Ni Sheaghdha (General Secretary , Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation) and Dr Padraig Mc Garty (Senior Lecturer in Public Policy at the Institute of Technology, Tralee.)

The day promises to be one of interest and insight generated by a group of expert speakers who stand pivotal at the centre of healthcare and public policy in contemporary Ireland.

The event will examine one of the most important issues of the day, a topic that has now, more than ever, moved centre stage and forward, due to the onslaught of novel Coronavirus.

Join the Sean Mac Diarmada Summer School 2020 and consider, 'Healthcare in Ireland  A New Reality.'

More information and registration online at www.seanmacdiarmada.ie

Email: infosean

macdiarmada@gmail.com

Times: 10.30  4.30pm.

This is a free event.
Donald Trump has issued an order to restrict travel to Brazil, as the South American nation has emerged as the latest coronavirus hotspots.

As the number of cases of infection in Brazils passed 350,000  second only to the US  Mr Trump said he was preventing foreign citizens entering the US if they had visited that nation in the last two weeks.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the new restrictions would help ensure foreign nationals did not bring additional infections to the US, but would not apply to the flow of commerce between the new countries.

Mr Trump has already banned travel from the United Kingdom, Europe and China. He said last week that he was considering similar restrictions for Brazil, with whose leader, Jair Bolsonaro, he has developed a close friendship.

Mr Bolsonaro was at Mr Trumps Florida estate on the weekend 8 March. The Brazilian leaders press secretary later tested positive for the virus.

Several White House employees who had been in contact with the press aide went into quarantine afterwards but none tested positive.

Mr Bolsonaro has been widely criticised for his handling of the pandemic. For months he suggested social distancing measures were not required and underplayed the threat the virus posed.

Earlier this month, the nations health minister quit after just a month in the job.

Nelson Teich had criticised a decree issued by Mr Bolsonaro that had allowed gyms and beauty parlours to reopen. In doing so, he becomes the second health minister to leave the post.

Luiz Henrique Mandetta was fired in April after Mr Bolsonaro criticised him when he asked people to observe social distancing and remain in their homes.

Additional reporting by agencies
Celebrations on Eid-ul-Fitr were subdued in Kerala and Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday with no major congregational prayers and community feasts due to the coronavirus lockdown.

While Eid will be celebrated in the rest of the country on Monday, the festive buzz was missing as markets and other public places remained deserted, whether it was in Lucknow, Kolkata or the old Delhi areas as people mostly remained indoors.

Major mosques and idghas, which see tens of thousands of people offering namaz on Eid and then embracing each other, remained mostly empty perhaps for the first time on the festival as the government has prohibited all kinds of religious gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

In his message, President Ram Nath Kovind asked citizens to reaffirm their belief "in sharing with and caring for the most vulnerable sections of society".

He also asked people to resolve to adhere to social distancing norms and all other precautions to stay safe and overcome the coronavirus challenge soon.

Prominent clerics and religious organisations like Jaimiat Ulema-e-Hind have also appealed to people to adhere to social distancing and lockdown guidelines of the government and stay at home to offer Eid namaz.

In Palayam mosque in Thiruvanathapuram, the cleric live-streamed the Eid prayers for the faithful.

Many joined their families and friends on video calls as lockdown restrictions prevented them from travelling.

The Kerala government had eased the curbs on Sunday in view of Eid, but the festival was shorn of its usual gaiety and not many people ventured out.

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan greeted the people on Eid, mentioning that the world was passing through a difficult time due to the pandemic.

"May we also have the blessing to prevent and eliminate the COVID-19 disease," Khan tweeted.

Vijayan said the world is going through "an unprecedented crisis and misery" because of pandemic COVID-19.

"Usual celebration during Ramzan is not there anywhere in the world due to the pandemic. Instead of offering prayers at mosques, which is important for Muslims, this time the prayers and the feast is performed in their homes. Community leaders have taken this important decision to protect the interests of the society" he added.

The chief minister said Eid-ul-Fitr gives out a message of equality, tolerance and repentance.

"No mass congregations were held in major mosques and shrines of Kashmir as police enforced restrictions in most parts of the valley including Srinagar city," officials said.

Last year too, authorities had imposed strict curfew in the wake of abrogation of Article 370 and division of Jammu and Kashmir state into two union territories.

People preferred to offer Eid prayers at home, either individually or in small groups comprising family members, on Sunday.

However, there have been reports of congregation Eid prayers being offered in mosques located in the interior parts of cities and towns.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu had urged the people to adhere to the guidelines and norms issued by the administration while celebrating the festival.

"The festival is one of many examples of India's multi-dimensional culture. May this festival promote and maintain inter-religious understanding and co-existence and instill the spirit of brotherhood, harmony, and amity among the people of all faiths," he said.

Police personnel made announcements early in the morning on public address systems, appealing people not to congregate for Eid prayers as restrictions were still in place as part of the lockdown.

Eid celebrations were also muted in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in Karnataka.

The Eidgah maidan at Bavuta Gudde in Mangaluru, where thousands used to gather to offer namaz as part of the festival, was empty.

India has reported 1,31,868 COVID-19 cases till Sunday with a total of 3,867 fatalities.

The country has been under lockdown since March 25, though the restrictions have been eased for the fourth phase after May 17.

In Delhi, the old city areas, which are usually crowded during Ramzan as people go for shopping to buy new clothes for the festival, were quiet.

Mohammad Mohsin, a footwear trader in Ballimaran, said, "You cannot imagine celebrating Eid without participating in Eid namaz at a mosque. People also don't have money as commercial and business activities have been paralysed over the past two months."

With coronavirus cases increasing in the city, people have been staying at their homes and observing social distancing norms by avoiding crowded places.

"Main markets, where it would be difficult to move during normal days, more so on the occasion of Eid, are deserted. Shops are not opening because the entire supply chain has been disrupted in the country and also because people do not have money to spend," Akram Qureshi, president of Bazar Matia Mahal Traders Association, said.

However, some people in inner parts and narrow bylanes of the old city areas of Matia Mahal, Chandni Chowk, Ballimaran visited shops to buy food items and new clothes for their children to celebrate Eid.

In Lucknow, the once busy streets of Aminabad, Nazirabad, Fatehganj, La Touche Road and Kaisarbagh were also silent.

"We have asked everyone to offer Eid namaaz (prayers) at their home. Celebrate Eid at your homes. Only the 4-5 persons who stay in a mosque will be offering the prayers at the mosque. Greet people through the social media. Do not shake hands or embrace or hug anyone. Apart from this, 50 per cent of Eid budget should be given to the poor," prominent Muslim cleric Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali said.

The Zakaria street on Kolkata, which comes to life with ubiquitous haleem and kebab stalls during iftar, too was missing the hustle and bustle.

Zeeshan Ali, a 25-year old techie, said it breaks his heart to think that he would have to spend the occasion without meeting friends, and exchanging gifts.

"I will miss the usual practice of waking up early and rushing to Red Road at 6 am to offer Namaz with my father. Also, I won't get to meet my friends. That's heart-breaking... Offering prayers within the confines of the four walls on Eid, however, will be an altogether different experience," Ali, a resident of the city's Bowbazar area, said.

Vadodara-based Intekhab Sheikh said he will offer the Eid prayers at his home and exchange greetings via video chatting.

"Visiting a mosque is out of question. We will cook sewaiyanat home. At the most will offer it to our neighbours. Offering prayers and consuming sewaiyan with family members will be our mode of celebration tomorrow. And as far as greeting friends and relatives are concerned, we will do it through video calling," he said.

Eid-ul-fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramzan.
Another week has come and gone, now it's time to look back at the major events from it.

Last week Xiaomi detailed its MIUI 12 for global audiences. The OS will start seeding to devices at the end of June, starting with the Mi 9, Mi 9T, Mi 9T Pro, and the K20 and K20 Pro. MIUI 12 has stock Android 10 navigation gestures, new quick reply feature, floating windows and a new universal casting feature.

We learned that the Samsung Galaxy Note20 will likely have a 4,500mAh battery and a 108MP main camera. Reports claim that Samsung's Fall flagship won't adopt the 4x periscope camera of the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, but rather only its main 108MP camera.

The Galaxy Note20 also appeared in renders - both very crude and highly refined. The renders depict a squarish phone with tiny bezels, a centered punch-hole selfie camera and a triple or quad camera, depending on who you believe.

In more official news, Samsung unveiled the super-tough Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition - basically a Galaxy S20 with special software, tailored for the needs of operators in the federal government and Department of Defense, tucked inside a rugged case. The limited edition phone is due to arrive sometime in Q3.

MediaTek unveiled the new Dimensity 820 chipset with higher CPU clock speeds, an extra GPU core and support for dual SIM 5G. The chip will be a direct competitor to the upper-midrange Snapdragon 765G and 768G, and will also power the upcoming Redmi X10.

The Redmi 10X is expected to be the first phone with support for the aforementioned dual SIM 5G support and an AMOLED display with an always-on mode.

Not to be confused with the Redmi 10X, the Honor X10 5G debuted this week with a Kirin 820 chipset, a 4,300mAh battery, 40MP main camera and a notchless screen.

Speaking of Huawei, it's recent $700 million order to TSMC for 5nm and 7nm chips was stopped in its tracks by the US Commerce Department, until TSMC gets a license to continue supplying Huawei.

Finally the Sony's Xperia 1 II went on sale in Japan, while the the US and Europe saw pre-orders open at a rather high 1,199 price. The US listing was later pulled down, so the price might not have been correct.

Those were the key stories of last week. See you next one!



Samsung announces Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition The handset is coming sometime in Q3, but available through select IT channels. It isnt intended for consumers.





YouTuber livestreams with Pixel 4a in hand, reveals dimensions and strong haptic motor Related reports corroborated with Julio Lusson confirm there is no Active Edge on the Pixel 4a.





AnTuTu's new chart compares the true performance of Android chipsets Only the CPU and GPU are considered, avoiding variation from the storage and screens that manufacturers use.





MediaTek Dimensity 820 unveiled: higher CPU clock speeds, extra GPU core and dual SIM 5G It's the same base hardware as the Dimensity 800, but the four Cortex-A76 cores run at 2.6GHz (up from 2.0GHz). Also, the GPU now has five cores.





Redmi 10X teasers promise flagship performance and cutting edge 5G The new X-series phones will sit just below the K-series flagships, but will be just as enthusiastic about new tech.





The Pixel 5 may have to settle for a Snapdragon 765, new evidence suggests This has been rumored for months now, but an XDA member found concrete proof in a leaked Google Camera APK.





Redmi 10X with Dimensity 820 benchmarked, edges out Snapdragon 765G phones It was officially confirmed that the 10X will use the new 820 chip. It's ahead of the Snapdragon 765G in performance (based on AnTuTu scores).





Samsung Galaxy Note20 design revealed by sketches What appear to be case renders show a standard Samsung flagship design.


The head of Russia's consumer protection and well-being agency, Anna Popova, warned on May 24 of increased COVID-19 death rates even as official figures show a slight easing in daily infections since peak counts around two weeks ago.

Her statements, on state television's Voskresny Vecher (Sunday Evening) program, followed news of Russia's highest one-day coronavirus death toll, 153, but also the lowest number of new infections in three weeks.

"The number of coronavirus-related deaths will go up and, regrettably, it is evident today," TASS quoted Popova, who heads Rosptrebnadzor, the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Well-Being, as saying. "It is a typical situation for all countries: the peak of coronavirus fatalities follows the peak of daily incidence; it comes after."

Russias comparatively low mortality rate has been questioned by experts, with some suggesting the countrys government may be underreporting virus-related deaths and manipulating the statistics.

Russia has the third-largest number of registered coronavirus infections at almost 344,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, behind only the United States (1.6 million) and Brazil (more than 347,000).

The national coronavirus task force said on May 24 that 3,541 people in Russia have died from the virus, an increase of 153. The previous high was 150.

The number of new infection cases was 8,599. Daily infection tallies of more than 11,000 were reported for several days in May.

There have been a number of prominent cases of Russians dying of "pneumonia," a frequent symptom of COVID-19.

More than one-third of doctors working with coronavirus patients in Russia have received instructions to manipulate statistics on the COVID-19 outbreak, a poll conducted in the first half of May suggested.

The results showed that nearly 36 percent of the doctors involved answered yes to the question: Are you given instructions to code cases of confirmed COVID-induced pneumonia with codes that will allow you to adjust the rates of infection and death?

The coding system is used to attribute the cause of a patient's death.

On Russian TV on May 24, Popova rejected reports that Russia was underreporting its fatality figures during the pandemic.

"We are among the few country, the only country making diagnosis on the basis of autopsy results of all fatalities. This is our rule. It excludes any possible errors," she said.

Popova added that the country had "managed to prevent an overloading of medical groups and the public health system."

Three doctors who complained of inadequate personal protection equipment or other crises for medical professionals were reported to have fallen from building windows in April and May, at least two of them fatally.

Russian medical professionals who distrust the official tallies launched a list online of colleagues who have died during the pandemic that now has more than 250 names.

President Vladimir Putin this week acknowledged an acute coronavirus problem facing the southern Republic of Daghestan, where a local religious leader recently described the situation as a "catastrophe."

The speaker of the local parliament in another southern Russian republic, Chechnya, on May 23 rejected Russian media reports that republican leader Ramzan Kadyrov had been taken to a Moscow clinic with suspected COVID-19 symptoms.

With reporting by TASS
New Delhi: An employee at Maruti Suzuki's Manesar plant has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a company spokesperson.

The company is also looking at "a possibility of a second case" of infection at the facility but has ruled out any impact on the business part due to the situation.

The country's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) had re-opened the Manesar facility earlier this month after around 50 days of closure due to coronavirus-led lockdown.

"One employee of the company's Manesar plant tested positive on May 22, 2020 for COVID-19," the spokesperson told PTI when contacted over the matter.

The said employee had last attended the plant on May 15 with normal health after which his residence area came into a containment zone and he did not join work thereafter, he said.

The district administration was informed about the employee who has since been admitted in the hospital and his condition is stable, he added.

MSI is providing all medical help and assistance to the infected employee as per government guidelines, the spokesperson said.

On the status of another employee possibly infected with the virus, the spokesperson said: "There may be a possibility of a second case of infection that has just been reported. More information is being sought."

The automaker, in the confirmed case, has undertaken a contact tracing exercise and out of abundant caution, all employees who could have come in contact are advised to stay in home isolation, he said.

The company has in place a robust and carefully designed standard operating procedure (SOP) for maximum safety against infection spread at the workplace and transit, which goes well beyond compliance requirement, the spokesperson said.

In addition, there is also a COVID-19 Task Force that closely monitors adherence to the SOP in the company, the spokesperson added.

MSI had resumed production at its Gurugram plant from May 18.

Both Manesar and Gurugram plants have an installed capacity to churn out over 15.5 lakh vehicles per annum.

The Gurugram facility rolls out models like S-Cross, Vitara Brezza, Ignis and Super Carry light commercial vehicle.

The Manesar plant, on the other hand, produces high selling models like Alto, Swift, Dzire, S-Presso, Ertiga and Baleno. PTI MSS MKJ MKJ

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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There will be no delay in delivery of 36 Rafale jets to India as the timeline finalised for the supply of the fighter jets will be strictly respected, French ambassador Emmanuel Lenain has said.

France is reeling under swelling cases of coronavirus infection and there were apprehensions that the delivery of Rafale jets could be delayed due to the pandemic.

Over 1,45,000 people were infected by the virus there, while the death toll stood at 28,330.

However, Lenain asserted that the original timeline for the delivery of the jets will be adhered to.

"The contractual delivery schedule of the Rafale jets has been perfectly respected till now, and, in fact, a new aircraft was handed over to the Indian Air Force in end-April in France, in keeping with the contract," Lenain said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh received the first Rafale jet at an airbase in France on October 8.

"We are helping the Indian Air Force in arranging for the ferry flight of their first four Rafales from France to India as soon as possible. So there's no reason today to speculate that the schedule will not be maintained," the envoy said.

India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore.

The IAF has been maintaining that the Rafale jets would significantly enhance its combat capability.

The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile and Scalp cruise missile will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets.

Meteor is the next generation of BVR air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat. The weapon has been developed by MBDA to combat common threats facing the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Sweden.

Guided by an advanced active radar seeker, Meteor provides all weather capability to engage a wide variety of targets from fast jets to small unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.

Besides the missile systems, the Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems.

The IAF has already completed preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft.

The first squadron of the aircraft will be stationed at Ambala air force station, considered one of the most strategically located bases of the IAF.

The Indo-Pak border is around 220 km from there.

The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal.

The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangars and maintenance facilities at the two bases.

Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers. The trainer jets will be twin-seater with almost all the features of the fighter jets.

The Congress raised questions about the deal, including on rates of the aircraft, and alleged corruption, but the government has rejected the charges.
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Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, May 24, 2020 11:03 606 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd9dd636 1 News virtual-tour,virtual-trip,Jakarta-Good-Guide,Atourin,tourism,travel,coronavirus,COVID-19 Free

Bonjour, comment ca va? [hello, how are you?] our tour leader, Idfi Pancani, greeted us in French before we began our art, culinary and shopping tour in France.

After marveling at the interior of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Central Paris as our first destination, we crossed the street and walked for around 10 minutes to La Petite Hostellerie, known for its delicious yet affordable three-course meals. Idfi, who works for trip organizer Jakarta Good Guide, urged us to taste the cheese fondue.

That day, we also traveled to the legendary Galeries Lafayette, which hosts high-end fashion brands; the La Vallee Village shopping center, around 40-minute away from Paris; and the legendary cafe Les Deux Magots, which is frequented by famous people like feminist Simone de Beauvoir, philosopher Jean Paul Sartre and artist Pablo Picasso.

In reality, it is impossible to visit the aforementioned places in a two-hour trip. However, in virtual tour, nothing is impossible as it utilizes Google Maps with the addition of videos, images and slides. The tour leader communicates with the participants via a video conference app.

Read also: Coronavirus: Take in some of France's museums without leaving your couch

Virtual pedestrians: Participants of A Virtual Trip to Paris: Shopping and Culinary Experience with Idfi Pancani take an online walk to Galeries Lafayette in Paris. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira)

Virtual tours have become popular amid the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as a teaser for travelers who are still saving money for their trip and an informative platform for people to plan travel itineraries.

Ancol Dreamland Park in North Jakarta and Ragunan zoo in East Jakarta are among the popular destinations in the capital city that are currently offering virtual tours via Instagram Live.

Travalal, a Muslim-friendly tourist marketplace and platform, recently launched virtual reality tourism, which includes Virtual Umroh (minor haj) and allows participants to visit Medina and Mecca in Saudi Arabia using the internet and 360-degree videos.

Aside from virtually visiting tourist destinations, participants of the online trip to Paris also learn about the language and culture, such as the difference between a bistro, restaurant, cafe and brasserie. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira)

The Jakarta Good Guide is among the country's trip organizers that offer tours to different destinations in Indonesia and abroad, such as France and Italy. The founder, Farid Mardhiyanto, said it had been preparing the virtual tours since mid-March as it is now unable to conduct physical tours.

The company's first virtual tour in early April took participants to Menteng district in Central Jakarta.

According to Farid, preparing a virtual tour took around one to two weeks.

People are highly interested in such tours, Farid told The Jakarta Post on May 15. A number of the participants came from different cities, such as Semarang [in Central Java]. Once we also guided participants from France, the United States and Japan.

In average, the organizer attracts between five to 10 people on weekdays. The number usually doubles during weekends.

For international virtual tours, we can have more than 100 people, Farid said.

Following the positive response, the Jakarta Good Guide plans to make virtual tours a permanent program even when the pandemic recedes as such an activity is not restricted by weather or distance.

Plans are in store to hold Jakarta urban legend and coffee tours that can be enjoyed from home.

Were not trying to replace the real experience of traveling; [we want to] enhance the experience itself, Farid said. It can also be a marketing tool for our physical tours.

Slow internet connection, minimum interaction between the guide and participants and gadgets are among the challenges faced by the organizer when conducting virtual tours, especially as not all tour leaders know how to operate laptops, let alone use Google Street View and YouTube in their presentations.

For Idfi, who leads virtual tours to France (Paris) and Italy (Rome and Siena) for the Jakarta Good Guide, another challenge is understanding the plot when explaining the information to the participants.

We have to do well in gesturing and showing our expressions, intonations and articulations. We also have to communicate well verbally and non-verbally, he said, adding that he planned to hold virtual tours to other cities in Indonesia, as well as the US and Europe.

For Idfi, leading virtual tours requires thorough preparation and practice in order to make them more engaging than just explaining the slides. For his Paris virtual tour, aside from his experience, he also sharpened his presentations by explaining to four different groups a week before the tour started what he named a trial and improve process.

We also need to prepare backups, he said. If the videos, slides and Google Maps can run smoothly and our voice can be clearly heard, its going to be a good package.

Idfi previously joined training on virtual tours organized by one-stop tourism service Atourin as part of his preparation.

Established in mid-2018, Atourin has held two virtual tour training workshops for licensed tour guides in Indonesia since late April. The program aims to inspire participants to adapt to the current situation, so they can conduct virtual tours independently in their respective areas.

Read also: Online tour sites for stay-at-home wanderlust

Atourin chief financial and partnership officer Muchdlir Johar Zauhariy said travelers, communities and educational institutions were among those highly interested in taking part in the training.

We have 80 participants on average."

Included in the training are basic knowledge and understanding about producing and organizing virtual tours, as well as information about the platforms and ways to market them.

Virtual tours can be an alternative tourism activity during this pandemic, but they can also to be held when the outbreak subsides, Johar said, adding that the company had plans to hold Libur Lebaran Festival (Idul Fitri Vacation Festival) from May 26 to June 7, offering virtual tours to provinces across Indonesia. (kes)
Native: Life In A Vanishing Landscape

Patrick Laurie Birlinn 14.99

Rating:

A few years ago Patrick Laurie bought a tumbledown smallholding in his native Galloway, and set about turning it into a paying prospect. So far, so cliched. But Laurie isnt a townie in search of the Good Life.

He was raised in Scotlands Southern Uplands and watched while both his grandfather and father worked around the clock on the family farm. In the end, economics forced his dad to give up and become a solicitor.

Now Laurie and his wife want to see if they can reverse the trend, by returning to the area and finding a new ecologically sustainable way of making their living from this tucked-away corner of the British Isles.

Patrick Laurie dedicates himself to rearing an archaic hyper-local breed of cattle called Riggit Galloway. These hardy little creatures are bred for all weathers and their meat tastes delicious

The result is this beautifully written memoir, a mesmerising account of a year of back-breaking labour, personal despair and piercing moments of joy. The labour involves Laurie repairing drystane dykes (as drystone walls are known there), fixing a rusty tractor and threshing oats by hand.

The personal despair comes when he and his wife are obliged to spend soulless hours in a Glasgow fertility clinic, unable to get pregnant with the same ease as their cattle, who casually produce calves like clockwork.

The piercing moments of joy arise when curlews, birds that have almost vanished from the area since Lauries childhood, start to make a tentative return.

The reason the curlews have gone is that in the past few decades, the hilly parts of South West Scotland have been planted with dense forest, which is no good for a bird that gets its food by wading in soft mud.

Here, suggests Laurie, is an example of a well-meaning attempt to radically intervene in nature ending by throwing the whole ecosystem out of whack. His philosophy, by contrast, is to look to the old ways for the answers.

With that in mind, he dedicates himself to rearing an archaic hyper-local breed of cattle called Riggit Galloway. Unlike commercially bred animals, these hardy little creatures are bred for all weathers and their meat tastes delicious.

They look cuddly, with a pretty white stripe down their back, but, as Laurie finds to his cost, they kick and buck like wild beasts.

Although he can go for days without seeing anyone in winter, theres no shortage of human company once the weather softens. He is particularly good at describing the old-timers  elderly men who still run their smallholdings in ways handed down from their grandfathers more than 100 years ago.

They turn up for a cup of tea, eat all the biscuits, and tell tall tales about the diabolically clever things that foxes get up to when no one is looking.

There has been such a boom in nature writing over the past decade that you could be forgiven for feeling a bit meh over yet another nicely written book about the British landscape.

How many more lyrical descriptions of trees, mountains and leaping trout do we really need? But Lauries book stands out. He is not a poet who likes to go walking at the weekends, or an intellectual who insists on telling us what other, older writers have said about his native patch of land.

Nor is he writing a semi-comical memoir about the funny things that happened to him on the way to the cattle auction. Instead, what we get is something that feels unforced and utterly authentic.

Wine Girl

Victoria James Fleet 16.99

Rating:

At 21, Victoria James became Americas youngest sommelier in a Michelin-starred restaurant. It was an achievement she preferred to keep quiet. In the macho world of fine dining, being female was disadvantage enough without emphasising her youth as well.

Despite her training and a growing list of accolades, she would still be dismissed as a mere wine girl, and this was hardly the worst of it. Sexual harassment is rife in the industry and James was subject to harrowing violence from men in the course of her work.

Her female peers were often keener to protect their own precarious status than support a potential rival.

Sexual harassment is rife in the fine dining industry and Victoria James (above) was subject to harrowing violence from men in the course of her work

For James to make it in this environment is impressive in itself, but even more so when you know her chaotic childhood. Between a domineering father and a remote, depressed mother, James and her siblings grew up in a household of manipulation and neglect.

Though the family was poor, food offered an occasional escape into pleasure  and, when James started working in diners as a teenager, it gave independence. In restaurants, I finally found people who accepted me, she writes.

Greasy-spoon dives taught her the art of hospitality that would take her to the peak of New Yorks restaurant world.

Wine Girl is a memoir, but James comes to life as a writer when her subject is not herself but wine. She has an infectious joy in the pleasures of drink and the ability of wine to convey a sense of place and people.

She also preaches accessibility: wine, she says, is like art and music something everyone deserves to experience. A $600 bottle and the obscure product of an unfashionable vineyard inspire her to equal delight.

This is an uplifting story of grit and resilience that will leave you with an appetite for the pleasures that James so vividly describes.

Sarah Ditum
With the closure of the states largest power plant and coal mine a certainty in 2022, North Dakota is forced to accept the realities facing a coal industry that has existed since settlement days.

Green River Energy, a Minnesota company, announced recently that it was closing its Coal Creek Station and Falkirk Mine near Underwood in 2022, short notice for a move that will have significant impact on the city of Underwood and surrounding area.

This closure may be only the first domino to go and sweep away the remaining four plants and six mines working at excavating the 400-billion ton bed of coal underlying western North Dakota.

State has a role

Several weeks ago this column predicted that the North Dakota coal industry would be gone in 50 years. At the time, hopeful advocates of coal mining failed to understand that the prediction was not advocating the closure of the coal industry but suggested that the state government should play a lead role in helping communities and employees through any closures.

We can lament leaving 400 billion tons of coal in the ground; the loss of high-paying jobs; dying Main Streets and absorbing the fiscal shocks involved. But the coal industry is doomed by forces beyond our control.

According to comments from a Green River official, reported by The Forum's April Baumgarten energy produced from coal has been unable to compete with low-priced wind and natural gas. North Dakota has no voice in the energy market.

Capitalism doesnt mourn

Even though Green River Energy is making efforts to soften the closure blow in the affected communities, the profit-motivated capitalistic system has little room for mourning the social implications and economic consequences of its actions.

For decades we have refused to believe in the science of earth warming, using quack science to buttress our cause, the realities of its consequences are becoming more clear as each day passes. But because we have a strong economic motive and believe what we want to believe, we will deny its reality until we are on the edge of the abyss.

While North Dakotans have a motive to deny earth warming, the rest of the states dont and are beginning to deal with the environmental crisis. And outside forces hold most of the cards.

Outsiders hold cards

Oregon and Washington are ruling out the inclusion of coal in their energy mixes. Minnesota is planning to shut lignite out by 2050. The environmentally friendly states in the west and New England have also been moving to curtail coal-generated power. Eventually, Congress will act.

If governments move too slowly for environmentalists, almost half of the states provide for placement of issues on general election ballots. We have already seen some healthy state ballot fights over environmental issues.

As earth warming becomes more apparent, public opinion will support more aggressive action.

New opinions coming

In our previous column, we cited the shift in public opinion that will occur when younger people move into government and places of influence. Polls tell us that the younger generation is more concerned about earth warming than the older generation. That trend is relentless and unchangeable.

Since the '60s, energy companies and the state and federal governments have poured millions and millions of dollars to make coal clean. To suggest the organization of a method by which state and local leaders plan for the worst does not mean that we need to abandon efforts to make coal clean. But if we dont find that silver bullet to make coal clean, the state should be prepared to make the crash less painful.

Lloyd Omdahl is a political scientist and former North Dakota lieutenant governor. His column appears Sundays.

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Former Supreme Court judge Justice A K Sikri has inaugurated the Indian Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC), which provides a paperless dispute resolution environment, an official release said on Sunday.

The e-inauguration of IDRC took place on Friday, the official said, adding that the centre offers offline as well as e-alternate dispute resolution (ADR) facility through its state-of-the-art e-arbitration, e-meditation and e-conciliation software portal.

It provides a completely paperless dispute resolution environment. Its arbitration panel has former judges of the Supreme Court, High Courts, district courts apart from senior advocates, former bureaucrats, chartered accountants, architects, corporate leaders among others, the release said.

The e-inauguration was followed by a panel discussion on 'Adhoc v. Institutional Dispute Resolution'.

Justice Sikri, who is also the International Judge, Singapore International Commercial Court, while e-inaugurating the IDRC said: This dispute resolution centre has been established by young enthusiasts, young blood coming in with new approach.

Much more technology savvy, IDRC will be able to go a long way.

They have provided certain facilities which are certainly out of box like end-to-end digitisation and completely paperless hearings. I see a great scope in Indian Dispute Resolution Centre, he said. Senior Advocate Ciccu Mukhopadhaya during the discussion said transparency in functioning of arbitration institutions is essential.

It is integral part of success of any institution, like in case of challenge to arbitrator, there is usually lack of reasoning given on such decisions. I hope IDRC will be successful in functioning in a transparent manner to make it a world class centre, he said.

Divyansh Hanu Rathi, Managing Partner, Lexidem & Rathi said India has improved its ranking in World Band EoDB Report, 2020 in ease of doing business from 164 to 6 but raised the issue of slack performance in enforcement of contract where the country's position is still 161 out of 191 Nations.

Justice Sikri said: Solution lies in creating Institutional arbitration centres like IDRC, popularising ADR mechanisms and also making our Commercial Courts more efficient.

The IDRCs are located at strategic commercial places in the country with its head office in Connaught Place in New Delhi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Authorities in Connecticut and Pennsylvania are searching for an "armed and dangerous suspect Sunday after the man was tied to two possible murders.

Peter Manfredonia, 23, is the primary suspect in an attack that killed one man and injured another on Friday in Willington, Connecticut, according to Connecticut State Police. He was allegedly seen leaving the residence where the attack took place.

Image: Peter Manfredonia. (Connecticut State Police)

Police in Newtown, Connecticut, asked residents to be vigilant even though there was not an immediate danger to the area because Manfredonia had very strong ties to Newtown. Authorities describe him as a white male about 6-foot, 3-inches tall with disheveled black hair and brown eyes.

The man who died in the Willington attack was identified as Theodore Demers, 62, NBC Connecticut reported.

Authorities believe the 23-year-old held a homeowner against his will in Willington, state police said in a press conference Sunday. Manfredonia allegedly stole firearms and supplies as well as a truck, and later abandoned the vehicle in Derby, where it was found. The homeowner was not harmed.

An acquaintance known to Manfredonia was found dead Sunday in Derby, according to NBC Connecticut.

Connecticut State Police said Sunday that a 2016 black Volkswagen Jetta tied to Manfredonia had been spotted in Pennsylvania. Authorities said earlier in the day they believed him to be armed with pistols and long guns in the area of Osbornedale State Park, Derby.

The public is warned to steer clear of Manfredonia and alert local authorities if he's seen.

Manfredonia was a senior at the University of Connecticut but was not living on campus at the time of the attack in Willington, spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz confirmed to NBC News. The school could not discuss specific details on Manfredonia but was working with law enforcement.

"The university expresses its deepest, most heartfelt sympathies to the victims and their families in this horrible, incomprehensible tragedy. They are all in our thoughts," Reitz said.
On the outskirts of the nations capital, some of Washington D.C.s poorest residents say they were suffering long before the coronavirus hit.

We are a tale of two cities, Beverly Wheeler, D.C. Hunger Solutions director told ABC News.

Welcome to Washington. It is the last colony, or the last plantation dependent on your orientation, Wheeler said.

Affluent areas in Northwest D.C., known for its neighborhoods with national monuments and historic universities where many policy-makers live, have grocery stores, top medical hospitals, and multiple coronavirus testing sites available.

However, low-income areas of the city have fewer resources. In Ward 8, a predominantly black community located in southeast Washington D.C.--one of the poorest areas of the city with a median income of roughly $34,000--there is only one major supermarket for more than 80,000 residents. In Ward 3, which is predominantly white and is D.C. 's wealthiest area, there are 10 grocery stores for approximately the same amount of residents.

Ward 8 resident Rahnikka Byrd, treks to Maryland to purchase better quality food at more affordable prices. A trip to the supermarket could take an hour by bus, making grocery shopping both difficult and inconvenient.

Between the actual transportation to get to the store, then the waiting in the line to get in the store...Its pretty much a half a day effort just to come to the grocery store, Byrd said. She joined the more than 38 million Americans who have filed for unemployment during the pandemic.

Experts say the lack of access to quality food is costing lives. During a Harvard University forum on vulnerable communities and health inequality amid the COVID-19 pandemic, held on April 28, Dr. Mary Bassett, Director of the FXB Center for Health and Human Services, said food deserts contribute to the underlying health conditions that make poor Americans more vulnerable to COVID-19.

(MORE: Black Americans and Latinos nearly 3 times as likely to know someone who died of COVID-19: POLL )

Story continues

"The availability of healthy food is a serious problem because many of these communities constitute what are known as food deserts, the only place that people can buy food or fast food outlets either run by chains or mom and pop type fast foods or corner stores where fruits and vegetables typically aren't stocked. So there's a difficulty, not only in people being able to afford food that we would consider healthy, it's simply not available. All these have a role in the avalanche of obesity that precedes the COVID pandemic and has placed us at risk and is driving the high rates of diabetes and our population." Dr. Bassett said.

Healthcare workers at United Medical Center, the only hospital in Ward 8, say the high number of patients with co-morbidities compounds challenges they face in the emergency room, as a lack of support staff in the medical facility, contributes to the delay in COVID-19 treatment.

In our population, we have a lot of co-morbidities that are high blood pressure, diabetes, the, you know, cancer, get gunshots. If you don't have the staff to address the number of patients that are coming in at the very best the patient is going to receive a delay in care. At the very worst. The patient will not do so well, said Roberta LeNoir, UMC Unit president for the District of Columbia Nursing Association.

If you don't have the staff in order to address the number of patients that are coming in at the very best the patient is going to receive a delay in care. At the very worst. The patient will not do so well. she continued.

African Americans, the largest racial group in D.C., make up 46% of the population, according to the U.S. Census, and 77% off all coronavirus deaths in the district, according the D.C department of health.

PHOTO: Beverly Wheeler, D.C. Hunger Solutions director, speaks of the disparities in low-income areas of the nation's capital. (ABC News)

Black and Latino residents in the poorest pockets of Washington D.C. plead to be seen as the deadly coronavirus pandemic sweeps the area, leaving them with the highest infection rates in the district.

What does it take for someone to actually come over here to see something like this has happened for so many years, and something needs to be done about it. And we shouldn't have to wait for certain people to move into the community. It should be done for us, Byrd said.

As the number of COVID-19 pandemic surge in the capitol, the pandemic reveals stark disparities in healthcare, COVID-19 testing, and access to food -- problems exacerbating the underlying conditions that leave thousands of low-income residents more vulnerable to the deadly infectious disease.

If they dont have to wear masks, they gotta run from bullets, they gotta run from violence. They have to live in what we call food deserts, Dionne Bussey-Reede the executive director of The Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative said.

Residents like Beatrice Evans who have lived in the community for 50 years have seen little change for the better.

We are always treated like second class citizens, you know, the playing field is not level, never has been and dont like look like it will be, Evans said.

Without access to the internet or computers in her senior living center, Evans said its difficult for messaging to trickle in during the pandemic.

That's where the information is coming. We don't get all that opportunity thats out there. The DC government has all the programs -- it doesn't get over here, because no one has a computer., Evans said.

PHOTO: Beatrice Evans, a Washington D.C. Ward 8 resident who has lived in the community for 50 years, says she has no access to transportation and relies on food drop-offs at her nursing home following the coronavirus-related shutdowns. (ABC News)

This report is part of "Pandemic  A Nation Divided," ABC News' special coverage of the heightened racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune into "Nightline" for the last of a three-day series this week, 12 a.m. ET on ABC.

Community leaders step up to provide free meals, Howard University offers free testing

The Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative is working with local organizations to provide 1,000 free meals a day, in addition to supermarket gift cards for local residents.

In addition to providing food, we give out masks, we give gloves, cleaning supplies, just to make sure that the home is safe and free from the germs, Bussey-Reede said.

(MORE: Large majority of Americans say country lags in testing availability: POLL )

After realizing many residents in DCs poorest neighborhoods were traveling miles to get access to health care and testing, Howard University has opened up a free testing clinic in the area.

The historically black university received private funding from Bank of America to provide a free test to any resident who wants one.

It may also save a whole lot of lives... You cant treat what you dont know you have, Sherry Freeman told ABC News after receiving a test at the clinic.

The majority of the patients who have tested positive were not showing any symptoms, according to the university, which reports all positive cases back to the Department of Health so the process of contact tracing can begin.

Washington D.C. has partnered with the private sector to attract businesses to Ward 7 and 8 as well as plans for two new hospitals in the area. Still, advocates warn it could come at the cost of rising gentrification and are fearful the disparities will remain.

They're not going to say this as an opportunity to improve healthcare, to improve healthy food access to improve jobs, to make sure people are no longer living in poverty, they're going to use it as an opportunity to say, Oh, well, those people are just gonna have to die, Wheeler said.

Coronavirus cases in the nation's capital reveal a tale of two cities originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A complaint has been filed against Anushka Sharmas production Paatal Lok with the National Human Right Commission (NHRC) for an alleged racial and sexist slur. Headlined by Jaideep Ahlawat, the series is produced by Anushkas Clean Slate Films and also stars Abhishek Bannerjee, Gul Panag and Swastika Mukherjee.

An NDTV report said that the complaint was filed recently by All Arunachal Pradesh Gorkha Youth Association for alleged use of sexist and racist slur in the series. It quoted Bharatiya Gorkha Yuva Parisangh president Nanda Kirati Dewan as saying, Such stereotyping not only maligns the as a whole normalizes racism a standard practice for the people. It sets a distorted image among people regarding a certain community, the brunt of which, the people living there have to face.

Also read: Veteran actor Kiran Kumar tests positive for coronavirus, quarantined: Theres no fever, no cough or breathlessness

Earlier this week, Viren Sri Gurung, a member of the Lawyers Guild sent a legal notice to Anushka Sharma for an alleged casteist slur on the show. Gurung had said in his legal notice that the word is insulting towards the Nepali community. There is a clip wherein during an interrogation a lady police officer uses a casteist slur on a Nepali character. There wouldnt have been any problem had only Nepali been used. But the word that follows it is unacceptable. Since Anushka Sharma is one of the producers of the show, we have served her a notice, Gurung said. He added that he is yet to receive a response from her, and that he will take the matter up with Amazon next.

Paatal Lok was launched last week on Amazon Prime and has is being widely appreciated for its layered and incisive look at caste, class and religious equations in the country. Jaideep had opened up about his role, ahead of the release, told IANS, When I heard the story for the first time I found the basic premise very interesting. When I read the full show, I felt my character was written with a lot of interest. It was a very intriguing role with many shades.

(With inputs from PTI)

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(CNN)  Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong Sunday to oppose the Chinese government's move to impose a controversial national security law, which threatens the city's autonomy and civil liberties.

Police fired tear gas at the crowds less than an hour after the start of the march, which did not receive official authorization and went against coronavirus social distancing restrictions, which ban groups of more than eight people meeting. An online stream showed protesters throwing objects at police.

Protesters had begun gathering around midday in Causeway Bay, a busy shopping district, despite a heavy police presence across Hong Kong Island. Attempts to claim the march was a permitted "health talk" were unsuccessful, and police quickly declared the protest illegal and ordered people to disperse.

Several thousand people marched nevertheless, chanting slogans which became a familiar refrain in the city during the over six-months of anti-government unrest, including "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times."

Others chanted "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," and others flew blue, pro-independence flags. Such activity could likely be illegal under the proposed security law. Beijing has often expressed outrage over separatist sentiment in the city, which remains a niche issue but gained influence during last year's unrest.

Asked if she was worried about the potential repercussions of chanting such slogans, Macy Wong, 26, said that she was comfortable doing so, as others were doing the same.

"Independence is Hong Kong's long-term goal," Wong said. "Maybe it's not feasible in the near future, but that's ultimately what we want."

Anti-sedition law

China announced Thursday that it plans to introduce a new national security law in Hong Kong -- bypassing the city's legislature -- which is expected to ban sedition, secession and subversion against Beijing. It will also enable mainland Chinese national security agencies to operate in the city for the first time.

The announcement sparked immediate outcry from opposition lawmakers in Hong Kong, human rights groups and multiple international governments.

It also sent chills through the city's financial markets with Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index plummeting more than 5% on Friday, its worst one-day percentage drop since July 2015.

Beijing's move implies much greater intervention in the city, which has largely been allowed to manage its own affairs since the former British colony became a semi-autonomous region of China more than 20 years ago.

"It is the end of 'one country, two systems'," said Dennis Kwok, a pro-democracy lawmaker, referring to the principle by which Hong Kong has retained limited democracy and civil liberties since coming under Chinese control. "(They are) completely destroying Hong Kong."

The move is likely to fuel further anger and protests in the city, which was rocked by over six months of increasingly violent anti-government unrest last year.

Those protests began over proposed law that would allow for extradition to mainland China, but expanded to include calls for an independent inquiry into police brutality and greater democracy.

The legislation, expected to be passed by china's National People's Congress (NPC) later this month, is set to be introduced in Hong Kong through a rarely used constitutional method that will bypass Hong Kong's legislature.

The law will have drastic effects on large swathes of Hong Kong society, from the city's political sphere to media, education and international business.

Chinese officials and state media defended the law as vital to protecting national security in the wake of last year's protests and a 17-year failure by the Hong Kong government to pass similar legislation, since the last effort was met with mass protests in 2003.

"National security is the bedrock underpinning a country's stability. Safeguarding national security serves the fundamental interests of all Chinese people, including our HK compatriots," NPC spokesman Zhang Yesui told a news conference in Beijing on Thursday.

Biggest blow since handover

Hong Kong has always prided itself on following the rule of law, with an independent judiciary and civil liberties far beyond what is allowed across the border in mainland China.

These rights are enshrined within the Basic Law -- the city's de facto constitution -- and guaranteed (in theory) by an agreement between China and the United Kingdom when Hong Kong was handed over to Chinese rule in 1997. Hong Kong, unlike China, is also party to international treaties guaranteeing various civil liberties.

The new law challenges all of this. By criminalizing such a broad swath of ill-defined acts, it could give the authorities leeway to go after the city's opposition as they see fit.

In China, sweeping national security laws have been used to target human rights activists, lawyers, journalists and pro-democracy campaigners. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, who died in 2017 after more than a decade behind bars, was convicted of "inciting subversion of state power."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the proposed national security law, warning that the passage of the legislation would be a "death knell" for Hong Kong's autonomy.

"The United States strongly urges Beijing to reconsider its disastrous proposal, abide by its international obligations, and respect Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, democratic institutions, and civil liberties, which are key to preserving its special status under US law," he said, adding that the US stands "with the people of Hong Kong."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Hong Kong protest over proposed national security law met with tear gas."
24.05.2020 LISTEN

The Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has urged the Muslim communities across the country to use the ocassion of Eid-ul-Fitr to foster peace ahead of the December elections.

This years month long fasting by Muslims started on April 23 and ended on Saturday, May 23.

As Muslims mark the celebration of the Eid al-Fitr today, the Executives of the PRINPAG congratulated and wish all Muslims brothers and sisters Eid Mubarak.

We thank Allah for guiding all of you safely and peacefully throughout these thirty days of fasting and prayers, whose purpose was to enable you go through a process of spiritual renewal with its attendant blessings and breakthroughs.

May the celebration of this day to climax the period and particularly the spiritual renewal the world is experiencing today and the days ahead, as a result of this spiritual exercise, help us to unite more as a people to fight against all forms of injustices, corruption, media tyranny and oppression, unemployment and any form of utterances and conducts that can serve as a recipe for chaos in this country, part of the PRINPAG statement signed by its President Andrew Edwin Arthur.

In the same statement, the Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana has advised the citizenry to adhere to all the safety measures against the Coronavirus (Covid-19) disease as directed by the government and health experts.

Read the full statement from PRINPAG below:
The economy is staring at a recession that the country has never seen in a century. After a spate of negative growth projections by various research houses, now the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has stated that the gross domestic product (GDP) growth will remain in the negative territory for the financial year 2020-21. Discussing the current state of economy post the government's Rs 20 lakh crore economic package and the RBI's latest policy measures, Navneet Munot, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer, SBI Mutual Fund, says that even as the central bank has delivered more than what is expected out of it, it will have to do a lot more so that the profit and loss (P&L) recession, which is certain, doesn't turn into a balance sheet recession. A balance sheet recession happens when highly indebted companies collectively focus on reducing debt instead of growth, causing rut in the economy.

"We need to think about creative ways to revive different industries, which will be in deepest trouble over the next few quarters. There will be P&L recession for sure due to several businesses recording a decline in profit. We need to ensure that it does not become a balance sheet recession, because if that happens, repairing it will take a much longer time. Our potential growth rate will also come down in that case," he says in a conversation with Rahul Arora, CEO, Nirmal Bang Institutional Equities, in a webinar.

Munot points out that the RBI has been doing the heavy lifting so far from announcing loan moratorium to extending it, restructuring of loans in sectors like real estate and so on. But more efforts are needed. He notes the RBI is in a better position compared to other central banks in the world to support the economy.

"Philosophically, I am against any sort of loan relief because credit culture has to be maintained. But, at the same time, one-time restructuring will be required for a lot of businesses. The RBI will have to take a lot of borrowing by the Centre and state governments on its own book. If you look at the size of the RBI balance sheet compared to that in several other states, our central bank still has some space. We might record current account surplus as our forex reserves are strong. We should find creative ways to use it," says Munot. The country's foreign exchange reserves increased by $1.73 billion to $487.04 billion in the week to May 15, which is equivalent to 12 months of imports, according to the RBI data.

Further, on the government's economic package, he says increasing the allocation for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was one of the good measures. "We need to see if we can employ migrant labourers to build long-term capital assets."

Keeping in view the collapse in oil prices, one of the creative ways, he says, is to build oil reserves in India with the help of migrant labourers. It will not only generate employment, but also create a capital asset that will stay for a long time.

"We should create a massive oil storage capacity at a war scale. Then we should buy oil from the futures markets and create reserves for several months," he says.

At the same time, he advises to look beyond fossil fuel. "What if something so bad happens in the world that ships just don't come to India. You never know! That is why we should think beyond fossil fuel now. Can we use technology to replace fossil fuel usage with renewable energy, natural gas, solar and wind energy? We need to prepare ourselves to live without oil over the next 10-20 years," he says.

The crux of his logic is to focus on both - having enough oil reserves and life beyond fossil fuel.

Also read: Coronavirus India Live Tracker: Delhi registers 508 new cases in 24 hours; tally over 13,400

Also read: Eid-ul-Fitr: Is the Indian stock market open or closed for trading tomorrow?
A petty argument over the use of a 100 watt bulb between a homeowner and his tenant took a violent turn on Friday when an e-rickshaw driver died after he was allegedly slapped by his landlord and, while reeling from the impact, his head hit the wooden armrest of a sofa, police said.

The e-rickshaw driver, 35-year-old Jagdesh from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, lived in the house for the last two years with his wife, Varsha, and their eight-year-old daughter.

The homeowner, Amit, has been booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code, and has been arrested, said Ved Prakash Surya, deputy commissioner of police (north-east).

Jagdesh would drive a rented e-rickshaw to make a living. His wife is a homemaker. During the lockdown, they had not been earning anything, but they didnt go back to Aligarh as we have no work back home. Jagdesh was expecting work to resume soon, said a second senior police officer familiar with the case who asked not to be named.

They paid a monthly rent of 5,000, which included the electricity bill. Their owner of the house is a blacksmith, and he too hadnt been earning anything either during the lockdown. He wanted to keep the electricity bills low to save money, the second officer said.

According to the police complaint, at around 7pm on Friday, Amit walked up to Jagdeshs flat and found his wife using a 100 watt bulb. He got angry with me for using that bulb. I tried to tell him that I needed more light for cooking, but he removed the bulb and left, Varsha said to the police in her statement. She also alleged that Amit was drunk at that time, but police could not substantiate this allegation.

According to Varsha, Amit returned with a bulb that consumed less power sometime later but began scolding her again. My husband who was lying down on a broken sofa placed on the terrace at that time asked him not to scream. That made Amit angry. He walked to the terrace and slapped my husband hard, she alleged.

As per the allegations made by Varsha, the slap caused Jagdesh to fall, and his head to hit the wooden armrest of the broken sofa. He fell unconscious. I sought help from a relative to take him to GTB hospital in his e-rickshaw, said Varsha in her complaint.

Jagdesh succumbed to his injuries on Saturday at the hospital. The police quoted a doctor as saying that he died of head injuries. Amit was arrested shortly afterwards and his statement recorded. According to the police, he said that he wanted to lower power consumption, as he was financially distressed due to slowdown in business.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said travelers from Europe spread the virus in the early days of the state's outbreak.

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo via AP

Gov. Andrew Cuomo during a press conference on Sunday said travelers from Europe "brought the virus to New York."

The state, Cuomo said, "did not have the facts" early on to indicate that the virus had already spread to Europe.

Cuomo cited reporting from The Washington Post suggesting that President Trump's European travel ban, which had been instituted in March, caused "one final viral infusion" as Americans fled some of the initial pandemic epicenters outside of China, like Italy and Spain.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday said that travelers coming to the US from Europe were to blame for spreading the virus widely in the state in the initial days of its outbreak.

"People came from Europe to New York and to New Jersey and to Connecticut and 3 million European travelers came [to the US in] January, February, March before we did the European travel ban and they brought the virus to New York," Cuomo said during a press conference Sunday.

Cuomo said Europe had already become the epicenter of the outbreak by the time the US banned travel from the continent in mid-March, though people weren't aware at the time.

"Everybody said the facts were the virus was coming from China, those were not the facts. The virus had left China. The virus went to Europe and nobody told us," he said.

"We didn't have the facts. We were not informed," Cuomo said, blaming New York's early surge in COVID-19 cases on the lack of accurate data about where the virus was spreading.

He cited a report from The Washington Post published on Saturday that suggested President Donald Trump's announcement in March restricting travel from Europe  which initially excluded the UK and Ireland  triggered a rush of Americans who brought the virus back home with them when they fled the country.

Story continues

"Epidemiologists contend the U.S. outbreak was driven overwhelmingly by viral strains from Europe rather than China," the report read. "More than 1.8 million travelers entered the United States from Europe in February alone as that continent became the center of the pandemic. Infections reached critical mass in New York and other cities well before the White House took action, according to studies mapping the virus's spread. The crush of travelers triggered by Trump's announcement only added to that viral load."

The New York Times reported in April that the virus was likely spreading in New York as early as mid-February and that multiple teams of epidemiologists found that most of the cases had been brought from Europe rather than Asia.

Cuomo has suggested as much previously, citing research in April that also reached a similar conclusion, Reuters reported.

"We closed the front door with the China travel ban, which was right," Cuomo said, according to Reuters. "But we left the back door open because the virus had left China by the time we did the China travel ban."

The office of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has become a household name as a member of the White House coronavirus task force, made an appearance during a virtual commencement celebration for the College of the Holy Cross class of 2020, telling graduates that now is the time to "care selflessly about one another.

We are currently living through an unprecedented global pandemic, truly one for the history books," Fauci told the graduates. Fauci said he understood that its difficult to graduate without being able to celebrate the milestone with friends, classmates and teachers.

I deeply empathize with the situation in which you find yourselves, however, I encourage you to stay strong and unflinching, he said. The country and the world need your talent, your energy, your resolve and your character.

Reflecting on his own time at Holy Cross, Fauci said the college holds a very special place in his heart. He recalled the Jesuit spirit that was part of his Holy Cross education.

The education that you and I have received at Holy Cross, steeped in Jesuit traditions, should suit us well to confront and ultimately overcome this historic pandemic, Fauci said.

Thinking about the Jesuit emphasis on social justice and service to others, Fauci said, now is the time, if ever there was one, for us to care selflessly about one another.

Other speakers during the virtual celebration included Holy Cross President Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, Marialena Bevilacqua 20, the senior class president, Rev. Keith Maczkiewicz, the class chaplain, Sara Dilbarian 20, the 2020 commencement committee chair and Margaret N. Freije, the provost and dean of the college. Videos of their remarks are online.

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Meghan Markle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful women in the world. She came into the global spotlight with her role in the hit legal TV series "Suits" wherein she played the love interest of the main protagonist.

Markle, however, gained true international fame when she dated and eventually married Prince Harry, son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and one of the heirs to the British throne.

Put simply, Meghan lived what others thought was only a fairy tale: a woman from humble backgrounds marring a real-life prince and becoming royalty.

The former B-list actress, however, was more than an ordinary woman. She is a visionary, and she has worked her way up to change the lives of others through her actions.

Meghan's Beauty

Amid all her works though, Meghan is still largely known for her stunning beauty. After all, she managed to capture the heart of a prince with her beauty and brain.

Interestingly though, some think she underwent plastic surgery. Of course, nothing is wrong with it. Nonetheless, it is interesting to note that the Duchess of Sussex might have actually underwent some procedures to fix some minor imperfections.

A social media influencer by the name of Lorry Hill explained in detail why she believes that Meghan went under the knife, particulalry highlighting key changes on her teeth, chin and nose.

Oh, and Kate Middleton was also discussed in the video!

Watch the video below and let us know in the comments what you think!
GOVERNMENT should look to invest money in bus rapid transport in Limerick, rather than put it into a hole in the ground in Dublin.

Thats the view of the general secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union Dermot OLeary, who believes in a post-pandemic world, spend on public transport should be spread more evenly across the country.

He said its time to take stock, and instead of government only focusing on Metro North in the capital, it should look at guided bus routes in Limerick, Cork and other regional cities.

Also known as a busway or tranway, bus rapid transit includes roadways which are dedicated to buses and gives priority to buses at intersections where buses interact with other traffic.

Mr OLearys comments come with passengers on Bus Eireann services, for the time being, down by 90% due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It's surely time to take stock, to look at how we can, as a country, use our resources to the betterment of many transport projects, rather than place all our money, roulette style on red and hope the wheel will stop at our choice. We should look at ways of ensuring sustainable transport can be provided across the country, Mr OLeary wrote in a letter to the leaders of all the parties in Dail Eireann.

Bus rapid transport, with Park and Ride offers the opportunity to solve severe congestion issues in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway at a fraction of the price of one unintegrated metro line, he added, Popular wisdom has it that Metro North is going to cost 5bn to 6bn. Why spend that kind of money on one project in Dublin, when that money could be used on several projects around the country including bus rapid transit in Limerick, Cork, Galway and Waterford.

With a downturn likely following this pandemic, borrowing is likely, with rates at a low level.

Mr OLeary said with this in mind, the whole country should benefit, as opposed to just Dublin.

If we're going to borrow billions of euro for transport infrastructure, why are we putting it into a hole in the ground in Dublin with one line when we can balance it around the country, he asked.

All this comes at a time when numbers on Bus Eireann services has dropped off completely, as people continue to follow advice to remain at home.

A Bus Eireann spokesperson confirmed a drop in local passenger numbers in the order of 90%, as timetables have been changed from normal workday schedules to what were more likely to see at weekends.

In order to ensure the safety of our staff and customers, Bus Eireann has introduced a significantly enhanced cleaning regime on board our vehicles and in our bus stations. We have also ensured physical distancing is observed by restricting seating capacity on our vehicles while also introducing revised queuing in bus stations around the country, the spokesperson advised.

Supplies of hand sanitizing gels and wipes continue to be distributed to all employees. As a further measure, we have also made face visors available to our drivers, they added.

Bus Eireann and Irish Rail are the only operators currently running public transport services in and out of Limerick.

Following the onset of the pandemic, private providers have temporarily halted routes serving the city.
Eid ho, Holi ho ya Diwali (Be it Eid, Holi or Diwali) we work on all festivals, begins 41-year-old Syed Gulab. These poor folk outside hospitals shouldve been celebrating Eid with their families too but here they sit... waiting for their loved ones, he adds. Having cared for the attendants and relatives of the hospitalised for almost four years now, Gulab is used to feeding nearly 300 people, two meals a day in Bengaluru. And this Eid, he says, he is going to prepare a meal for approximately 250 people. The menu is carefully thought out. We will probably make egg curry, a vegetable pulav, and a mithai  maybe Kheer Seviyan which we serve at home. For the kids, we take bananas and biscuits, he says.

While Gulabs own Eid will probably not be that extravagant an affair owing to the lockdown, the father of three says, Namaz will be read at home as we cant gather at mosques. My kids will want to wear something new, so I will see what I can do sirf bacho ke liye (only for the kids).

Syed Gulab

Gulab began the Roti Charity Trust NGO in 2016 when after visiting his friends daughter in the hospital he saw those who couldnt afford meals, as they were paying for the treatment of their loved ones. A former spray painter working in the Gulf, he began cooking food for nearly 200 people himself and would distribute it every Sunday at the junction of four hospitals in Bengaluru  Enhanced Health Care, Indira Gandhi Institute Of Child Health, SDS Tuberculosis Research Center & Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases and Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Trauma & Orthopaedics. Within six months, his feat became a daily affair as he began to serve the people breakfast along with lunch, and thereafter he registered his NGO with the citys municipal corporation.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Gulab says the NGOs funds dried up as donors stopped funding. Migrant workers used to call me saying they dont have food. Even the association for labourers here asked me to help out. So, we began making ration kits of dal, rice and atta for them. So far, we have distributed 8,000 ration kits, he says, adding that he has raised over 72 lakhs in less than a month, through a fundraiser with Milaap, a crowdfunding platform. It was Milaap that had got in touch with Gulab two years ago. Some of our users had pointed out media coverage about his initiative and asked for a way to help him. So, we reached out to him and helped him start a fundraiser, says a Milaap spokesperson. The goal of the fundraiser is to raise 10,000,000 to feed daily wage earners in Bengaluru but Gulab adds, Upar wale ki marzi ho toh hum pure India ki seva kar sakte hain (God willing, we will one day be able to serve all Indians not just Bengaloreans).

Ask him how he managed to get supplies during the 60-day lockdown and he says, When the lockdown began, we had a months worth of vegetables with us. But mirchi (chillies), onions, potatoes were not available. We had to apply for an NGO pass to travel around the city to get these vegetables. Every morning, the vendors would sell their produce from 8am to 9am. So, we stalked our freezer with a weeks ration. He further adds, At the hospitals, we spoke to the people and asked them to maintain social distancing but as soon as we brought out the food, crowds would gather. So now we distribute parcels.

But is he scared of the coronavirus? Im always scared but if we NGO people dont do anything then how will it work? Sirf upar wale ki rehm hai aur logo ki dua hai (By Gods grace and the prayers of the people I feed, I am surviving), he concludes.
This week in Christian history: England tolerates Protestants, Edict of Worms, Archbishop of Canterbury

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Christianity is a faith with a long and detailed history, with numerous events of lasting significance occurring throughout the ages.

Each week brings the anniversaries of great milestones, horrid tragedies, amazing triumphs, telling tribulations, inspirational progress, and everything in between.

Here are just a few things that happened this week, May 24-30, in Church history. They include England passing measures to tolerate Protestant groups, an edict condemning Martin Luther, and Archbishop of Canterbury recognizing King Henry VIII's second marriage as valid.

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Linkedin Robert S Clagett (The Jakarta Post) The Conversation  Sun, May 24, 2020 15:45 606 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd9e25d6 3 Lifestyle The-Conversation,students,university,Education,gap-year,COVID-19,pandemic,online-learning Free

With many colleges and universities still deciding when to re-open their campuses after they were shuttered due to COVID-19, many high school seniors are thinking about taking a gap year. Putting off college during the pandemic might enable them to get the on-campus experience they desire in 2021 instead of going to school remotely this fall.

Traditionally, a gap year is a semester or year of learning through experience. It is typically taken after high school and before college or starting a career. However, some college students choose to take a gap year while theyre still in college or before going to graduate school.

As the coordinator of a research group that examines the impact of taking a gap year, here are five ways that students will benefit from the gap year experience.

1. Avoid burnout

Perhaps most importantly, given the pressure in many high schools to excel in school and extracurricular activities to gain admission to college, a gap year gives students the opportunity to do something completely different. Just taking that step off the treadmill can lead to new growth and self-discovery.

2. Gain maturity

Taking a break from your formal education can contribute to a deeper appreciation of what the purpose of school is really all about. This, in turn, allows students to begin college with a more mature and focused mindset.

A gap year can provide the opportunity to discover new areas of interest and even to completely reinvent yourself. One good example was a student who spent his gap year working as a fishing guide in Alaska. That experience led him to major in environmental resource management. Ultimately, he embarked on a career in nature conservation.

3. Boost academic performance

Could taking a break slow down a students academic momentum? Actually, research conducted by an economist at Middlebury College  and replicated at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill  found the opposite is true. Not only did students who took a gap year perform, on average, better than those who did not, they actually performed better than would have been predicted, based on their academic credentials when they applied to college. For instance, the study found that the students who took a gap year earned GPAs that were .15 to .25 points higher than predicted.

4. Earn academic credit

At least one gap year program also provides the opportunity to be admitted to and earn academic credit at a variety of colleges. Other schools, such as Florida State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Princeton and Tufts University offer their own gap year programs for students who want to postpone their on-campus enrollment for a year, but not always for academic credit. These college-based programs can also include financial assistance when needed.

5. Gain independence

Its not necessary to stick with a formal gap year program or limit yourself to just one activity. In my 45 years of working with gap year students, Ive found that some of the best gap year experiences are those that are self-designed.

If you create your own gap year experience, the most important thing to figure out is what you want to get out of it  be that work experience in a career you intend to pursue, learning a foreign language, doing community service or gaining greater cultural or environmental awareness. Then its a matter of creating experiences that lead to that goal.

One memorable example was a student from Oklahoma who spent the first four months of her gap year tending llamas at a monastery in North Dakota, the next four months working for a lawyer in Tulsa and the last four volunteering at an orphanage in the Dominican Republic.

Resources available

While taking a gap year can often cost a lot of money, that doesnt mean the gap year experience is limited only to those who can afford it. Many of the more expensive gap year programs offer need-based financial aid.

It is also important to remember that many self-designed gap year experiences can cost very little, or even provide the opportunity to earn money through jobs or paid internships. Alternatively, it could involve doing volunteer work while living at home. For volunteer experiences away from home, sometimes students get their travel and living expenses covered. Service opportunities are often voluntary and therefore unpaid, but programs such as AmeriCorps City Year provide stipends to cover room and board expenses.

For those who want to join an existing gap year program, there are plenty of opportunities that provide students with a wide range of domestic and international experiences, leadership opportunities, and less formal learning environments. For example, you could check with the Gap Year Association for lists of accredited programs and its own research on the impact of taking a gap year. In addition, USA Gap Year Fairs sponsors fairs around the country in late winter where gap year programs provide information about their opportunities. There are also a number of accredited independent gap year consultants around the country who can provide expert advice on gap year experiences.

For high school seniors contemplating deferring enrollment in college until they can be assured of having the on-campus experience they envisioned, May and early June is the time to consider gap year opportunities and to inform the college admissions office of their desire to delay their enrollment. Not all colleges have the same gap year policies, however, and some are reviewing them in the context of the current pandemic. For these reasons, it is important to learn what a particular colleges or universitys policies are and to make sure you meet the deadlines to inform the institution of your plans.

***

Robert S Clagett is Coordinator of the Gap Year Research Consortium at Colorado College, Colorado College.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
This obituary is part of a series about people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Read about others here.

The Rousers, a rock band formed by a couple of high school buddies from Connecticut, once veered close to stardom when a young Madonna opened for them at Maxs Kansas City in 1981, right before that incubator of downtown Manhattan cool closed.

That same year, the band released a single, Party Boy. Psychedelic rockabilly is how the critic Robert Palmer of The New York Times described it.

After the release the band switched out their drummer for Sal King  born Salvatore Michael Capozucca  a handsome, powerful player with a sparkly 1960s-era Ludwig drum kit and a florid, swing-inspired style. Like his new bandmates, Tom Milmore, the lead guitarist, and Bill Dickson, the bass player, Sal had been playing since he was a child. In his case, since age 3, when an uncle gave him a drum set.
Colombian actress Danna Garcia has tested positive for coronavirus three times after recovering from tropical diseases Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya.

She said that every time she thought she had recovered from COVID-19, she was tested again and then discovered that she still had it.

The 43-year-old actress is best known for playing main roles in telenovelas in Colombia, Mexico and the US, including the internationally known Hidden Passion.

During an interview, the actress describes how she was hospitalised with Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness for five days in January, and just six weeks after she recovered she was tested positive for coronavirus.

She says whilst pregnant she also got another tropical disease called Zika, a mosquito-borne flavivirus which causes fever, rash and conjunctivitis, among other symptoms.

Colombian actress Danna Garcia has tested positive for coronavirus three times. Source: CEN/Australscope

The actress goes on to say she also recently recovered from Chikungunya, another virus spread by mosquito bites which causes fever and joint pain.

I know, it sounds like a joke, she said in the interview.

I think all these illnesses attack your immune system and I just havent been able to recover because my immune system is still weak.

Danna has a three-year-old son called Dante with Spanish journalist Ivan Gonzalez, who has stayed with family members since the actress was tested positive after a business trip in Spain where she was initially quarantined in a hotel.

The actress suffered complications and was rushed to hospital, and she told local media that she thought her death was inevitable and communicated with her family her last wishes.

When I was tested positive the first time I spoke to my family to give them instructions as to what I wanted them to do with my son and who should take care of him, what my wishes were, she said.

Danna Garcia feared she was going to die. Source: CEN/Australscope

I am again positive for coronavirus. I am lost for words. Thanks to all who have supported me.

She spoke in an interview about the first month being the worst, during which she constantly had an accelerated heart rate, her jaw was numb and she couldn't feel her arm.

Story continues

The actress rented a flat to self isolate away from her family and husband and despite never leaving the property, describes receiving nasty letters from neighbours who said that if anyone in the block got infected it would be her fault.

Colombian doctor Fernanda Hernandez spoke to local media about possible reasons the actress might not have overcome the virus.

We are learning new things about this virus everyday and therefore we are unable to make definitive conclusions with the information we have available. With these kinds of cases which keep on testing positive  we think it is not a re-infection, rather a reactivation of the virus or a prolonged recuperation without symptoms, Dr Hernandez said.

The doctor went on to say that a patient can feel recovered from an infection before the body has completely eliminated the virus.

 Australscope

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
Former President of Ghana, Flt. Lt JJ Rawlings and his wife Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, has congratulated Muslims in the country for a successful Ramadan.



In a solidarity message, the Rawlingses said: "Todays celebration is devoid of the usual congregation of Muslims at various communities to offer prayers and later to celebrate the successful conclusion of the month of fasting with get-togethers, because of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and its social distancing protocols."



We commend the Muslim community for their commitment to the protocols instituted by government to stem the spread of Covid-19 and urge that as we offer our prayers to Allah today, we seek his grace to heal us of the afflictions of the virus.



Below is the full message:



It is an honour once again for Nana and I to join the Muslim community to celebrate Eid ul Fitr.



Todays celebration is devoid of the usual congregation of Muslims at various communities to offer prayers and later to celebrate the successful conclusion of the month of fasting with get-togethers, because of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and its social distancing protocols.



We commend the Muslim community for their commitment to the protocols instituted by government to stem the spread of Covid-19 and urge that as we offer our prayers to Allah today, we seek his grace to heal us of the afflictions of the virus.



We also urge all Muslims to endeavour to adhere strictly to the social distancing and hygiene protocols as we celebrate, so we can combat this crises together.



Nana and I congratulate National Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu and the entire Muslim community on the successful conclusion of the sacrificial month of fasting.



Eid Mubarak!









































Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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CAIRO (Reuters) - Russian fighters in Libya were flow out a town south of Tripoli by their Libyan allies after retreating from frontlines at the capital, the town's mayor said.

The reported departure of the Russians is another blow to the Libya National Army (LNA) of eastern Libyan military leader Khalifa Haftar, and his foreign allies.

Haftar's forces, backed by Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, have been trying to capture the capital for 13 months, but suffered a string of defeats in recent weeks in fighting against Turkey-backed forces of the Tripoli government.

In the past two days, LNA forces have withdrawn from some positions in southern Tripoli in what they described as a humanitarian gesture. Forces allied to the internationally recognised government re-entered some of those areas.

Libya has been without central government control for nine years, and since 2014 it has been divided between two main rival governments in the east and the west. The conflict has turned into a proxy war between the foreign allies of the two sides.

The Russian fighters allied to the LNA retreated with their heavy equipment from the capital to the airport of Bani Walid, a town some 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Tripoli, said Salem Alaywan, Bani Walid's mayor.

He told Reuters the Russians had now been flown out of western Libya to Jufra, a remote central district and LNA stronghold.

"They (the Russians) were flown in three military planes to Jufra and their military vehicles were driven there," he said.

LNA spokesman Ahmed Mismari denied any foreigners were fighting with his force. But the Russians' presence has been widely documented by diplomats and journalists. Pictures purportedly showing Russians, some sitting on trucks, in Bani Walid were posted on social media.

The Tripoli government, known as the GNA, has with Turkish help made sudden strides, seizing a string of towns from the LNA, capturing the strategically important Watiya airbase and destroying several Russian-made air defence systems.

Story continues

"The withdrawal (of the Russians) from the greater Tripoli area is a very meaningful event because it deprives the LNA of its most effective, best-equipped foreign fighting forces on that key front," said Jalel Harchaoui, research fellow at the Clingendael Institute said.

The GNA has deployed Syrian fighters allied to Turkey, while Haftar is also using Sudanese. The LNA still holds the town of Tarhouna south of Tripoli with the help of a local armed group.

(Reporting by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Peter Graff)
A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has now killed more than 342,000 people worldwide.

More than 5.3 million people across the globe have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new respiratory virus, according to data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. The actual numbers are believed to be much higher due to testing shortages, many unreported cases and suspicions that some governments are hiding the scope of their nations' outbreaks.

The United States is the worst-affected country in the world, with more than 1.6 million diagnosed cases and at least 97,599 deaths.

PHOTO: Nurses clean personal protective equipment (PPE) after being part of a team that performed a procedure on a coronavirus COVID-19 patient in the intensive care unit at Regional Medical Center on May 21, 2020 in San Jose, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Sunday's biggest developments:

US nears 100,000 deaths Trump announces ban on travel from Brazil Wuhan lab director calls virus leak claims 'pure fabrication' Michigan, Missouri announce change in reporting of COVID-19 testing data Scientist claims Oxford vaccine has 'only 50% chance of working'

Here's how the news is developing today. All times Eastern.

9:47 p.m.: Churches continue to reopen under new guidelines

Churches across the country are continuing to reopen as states relax their stay-at-home guidelines.

In New Hampshire, the Diocese of Manchester resumed holy communion at some churches this weekend, though mass continues to be livestreamed. At St. Joseph Cathedral, attendees followed social distancing rules and priests sanitized their hands in between delivering communion.

"We're doing everything we can to be as responsible and to be in union with the wisest decisions that are being made," Bishop Peter Libasci told Manchester ABC affiliate WMUR.

Some Kentucky parishioners had to register to attend church this weekend, with clear-cut social distancing guidelines. Capacity at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Shively, Kentucky, was limited to 125 worshipers.

Churches are also set to reopen soon in Jefferson County, Alabama, but concerns about the virus remain.

Story continues

"There have been a number of pastors that have died, a number of individuals who have come to church innocently just wanting to worship and contracting the virus, and so we are really airing in the side of safety," Bishop Van Moody told Birmingham ABC affiliate WBMA. "The health and safety of our community and our spiritual family is the most important."

6:17 p.m.: Trump announces Brazil travel ban

As cases in Brazil continue to rise, President Donald Trump has announced a new ban on travel from Brazil to the United States.

"I have determined that it is in the interests of the United States to take action to restrict and suspend the entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of all aliens who were physically present within the Federative Republic of Brazil during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States," Trump said in making the proclamation.

Earlier Sunday Brazil surpassed Russia in the total number of COVID-19 cases. John Hopkins University reports that cases in Brazil have reached 347,398, topping Russia's total of 344,481.

The jump gives Brazil the second-highest number of confirmed cases globally, behind only the United States.

5:42 p.m.: Chinese foreign minister warns of 'political virus' in US

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday there was a "political virus" in the United States, and called on the two world powers to work together to fight the coronavirus.

Yi made the comments at a news conference during the National People's Congress in Beijing.

"This political virus is using every opportunity to attack and discredit China," Yi said, according to a transcript of the press briefing provided by CCTV. "Some politicians have ignored the most basic facts and made too many lies, while plotting too many conspiracies against China."

PHOTO: In this photo taken Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, researchers work in a lab of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province. (AP)

Yi said that the U.S. and China need to learn from each other and "help each other in the fight" against COVID-19.

Yi's comments come as tensions related to the pandemic continue to build between the two countries. Last week, Peter Navarro, one of President Donald Trump's top economic advisers, accused China of hiding the coronavirus from the world.

Trump also threatened to reconsider the U.S.'s membership in the World Health Organization last week over the organization's handling of the virus in China.

2:30 p.m.: 107 COVID-19 cases linked to Frankfurt church

At least 107 COVID-19 cases have been traced to a Frankfurt church, German officials said Sunday.

The cases are linked to the Baptist congregation and health authorities are looking to identify people who may be asked to quarantine to stop further transmission, the health minister for the German state of Hesse, Kai Klose, said in a statement.

Germany has more than 180,000 cases of COVID-19 and at least 8,283 deaths. The country started loosening restrictions about a month ago and churches in several states reopened in early May.

12:50 p.m.: New York sports teams can train again

New York professional sports leagues can begin spring training, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Sunday.

That includes teams and athletes part of MLB, the NBA, WNBA, NFL, NHL, U.S. Tennis Association and Major League Soccer.

The teams must follow appropriate health protocols, the governor said.

Last week, Cuomo encouraged major sports teams in the state to reopen without fans, a point he repeated at Sunday's daily press briefing.

"I believe sports can come back without having people in the stadium and in the arena," Cuomo said. "Work out the economics if you can. We want people to be able to watch sports, to the extent people are staying home. It gives people something to do and is a return to normalcy."

Most live sports have been shut down since March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Last Sunday, NASCAR held its first race since lockdown measures began in South Carolina.

New York continues to reopen its economy this week. Campgrounds can reopen on Monday, followed by veterinarian offices on Tuesday, Cuomo said.

The mid-Hudson region and Long Island are still on track to reopen Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, the governor said.

There were 109 daily deaths in the state from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, Cuomo said Sunday.

9:20 a.m.: Reopening success will depend on following guidance, Birx says

Dr. Deborah Birx, one of the leaders of the government's response to the virus, pinned the success of reopening efforts on the public's ability to follow the direction of public health experts.

"I think it's our job as public health officials, every day to be informing the public that what puts them at risk," said Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, in an interview on ABC's "This Week" Sunday. "We've learned a lot about this virus, but we now need to translate that learning into real change behavior that stays with us so we can continue to drive down the number of cases."

"This only works if we all follow the guidelines and protect one another," Birx continued.

PHOTO: Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus response coordinator, speaks with reporters about the coronavirus in the James Brady Briefing Room of the White House, Friday, May 22, 2020, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo)

Despite the U.S. death toll approaching 100,000, Birx struck a cautiously optimistic tone on Friday during a White House press conference -- her first in several weeks -- sharing approval of increased public activity over Memorial Day weekend, provided precautionary measures, like social distancing, continue to be adhered to.

MORE: Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus response coordinator, pressed on Memorial Day reopening guidance

"You can go to the beaches if you stay 6 feet apart," she said. "But remember that is your space, and that is the space you need to protect to ensure you are socially distancing for others."

9:05 a.m.: Coronavirus 'is not yet contained,' FDA commissioner says

As states begin to open up during Memorial Day weekend, the FDA commissioner reminded the public to continue to protect themselves from exposure to the coronavirus.

"I again remind everyone that the coronavirus is not yet contained," Dr. Stephen Hahn said in a Twitter post on Sunday morning. "It is up to every individual to protect themselves and their community. Social distancing, hand washing and wearing masks protect us all."

With the country starting to open up this holiday weekend, I again remind everyone that the coronavirus is not yet contained. It is up to every individual to protect themselves and their community. Social distancing, hand washing and wearing masks protect us all.  Dr. Stephen M. Hahn (@SteveFDA) May 24, 2020

6:15 a.m.: Scientist claims COVID-19 'disappearing' so fast, Oxford vaccine has 'only 50% chance of working'

The professor co-leading the vaccine development says the virus is disappearing so quickly in Britain, the vaccine trial being run by Oxford University only has a 50% chance of success.

The trial depends on having enough vaccinated people to essentially go out into the wild and catch the virus in order for the vaccine to be tested.

Earlier in the year when the infection rate was much higher, researchers expected an 80% chance of an effective vaccine. That's now dropped to 50% according to Professor Adrian Hill.

"It's a race against the virus disappearing, and against time", Hill told the Telegraph newspaper in the U.K. "At the moment, there's a 50% chance that we get no result at all."

The experimental vaccine, known as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, is one of the front-runners in the global race to provide protection against the new coronavirus causing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hill's team began early-stage human trials of the vaccine in April, making it one of only a handful to have reached that milestone.

6:00 a.m.: Brazil passes Russia, now has second most confirmed cases globally

Brazil has now surpassed Russia with a total number of confirmed cases standing at 347, 398. That's up 16,508 from the previous figure, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Russia on Sunday reported their updated figure at a total of 344,481.

Brazil now stands as having the second most confirmed cases globally, with the current number likely to rise even higher once newer figures are reported.

4:51 a.m.: Michigan and Missouri announce change in reporting of COVID-19 testing data

The state of Michigan announced that they would be changing the way they report COVID-19 testing data by separating the results of diagnostic tests and serology tests.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement that "the change makes the data more accurate and relevant as the state continues to expand diagnostic testing to help slow and contain the spread of COVID-19. The update to the website separates out the results of two different types of tests  serology and diagnostic. Michigan  along with some other states  has not separated data for diagnostic and serology tests. Data on serology testing  also known as antibody testing  is separated from the other testing numbers. Currently, serology testing can be used to help determine whether someone has ever had COVID-19, while traditional viral diagnostic tests determine if someone has active disease."

"Diagnostic tests are most helpful in tracking the spread of COVID-19 since they can show the number of people who currently have the COVID-19 virus. Serology tests are still being studied regarding their utility. They are currently most helpful in understanding how much a community may have been exposed to the disease. However, it is unknown if the presence of an antibody truly means someone is immune to COVID-19, and if so, for how long. Results of antibody tests should not change decisions on whether an individual should return to work, or if they should quarantine based on exposure to someone with the disease. Approximately 12 percent of Michigan's tests overall have been serology tests; about 60 percent of those have been from the past nine days," the statement read.

Meanwhile, Missouri also announced their own changes regarding their reporting of COVID-19 cases.

"The Governor calls on us as public servants to get better every day," said Dr. Randall Williams, director of Missouri's DHSS. "As we continue to learn more about this virus and new tests emerge, we will continue providing better data with greater clarity and transparency to help Missourians make the best decisions for their health care possible."

According to a statement released by Missouri's DHSS, some key changes in the data will include:

A change in the percent positivity rate. The percent positivity rate was previously calculated as the number of positive COVID-19 cases divided by the total number of tests completed. The new calculation is the number of positive cases divided by the number of people tested (not the number of tests done). These changes will increase the rate of positive cases as reported through the dashboard. This is because each positive individual may have multiple tests done, increasing the size of the denominator (the number of tests) but not the numerator (number of confirmed COVID-19 cases). The previously-reported rate cannot be compared to the current rate.

The tests performed by day will include PCR tests only, which indicates only if a person has an active COVID-19 case. Numbers will have decreased from previous days' reporting because DHSS is no longer including people who received only serology tests.

Given the marked increase in serology testing, DHSS is now reporting separate information on serology which is collected through a blood test to determine if a person has previously been infected and has formed antibodies against the virus.

2:37 a.m.: Wuhan lab director calls virus leak claims 'pure fabrication'

Claims that the global coronavirus pandemic originated at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in the central Chinese city are a "pure fabrication," the institute's director said.

Wang Yanyi said the institute did not have any knowledge before that "nor had we ever encountered, researched or kept the virus. In fact, like everyone else, we didn't even know the virus existed. How could it have leaked from our lab when we never had it?"

Wang Yanyi continued: "Many people might misunderstand that since our institute reported the RaTG-13's genome similarity to SARS-CoV-2, we must have the RaTG-13 virus in our lab. In fact, that's not the case. When we were sequencing the genes of this bat virus sample, we got the genome sequence of the RaTG-13 but we didn't isolate nor obtain the live virus of RaTG-13. Thus, there is no possibility of us leaking RaTG-13."

8:58 p.m.: Minnesota's governor allows places of worship to open

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced that starting Wednesday, he will allow places of worship to reopen at 25% capacity if they adhere to social distancing and other public health guidelines.

Walz also announced that COVID-19 cases are still climbing and may not reach the peak until summer.

The state's health commissioner said there was an increase of 847 positive coronavirus cases Friday -- the highest daily total. There have been 19,845 positive cases in the state thus far.

ABC News' Rashid Haddou-Riffi, Adam Kelsey and Christine Theodorou contributed to this report

Trump issues Brazil travel ban due to COVID-19 originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
WASHINGTON  In October, President Donald Trump declares a state of emergency in major cities in battleground states, like Milwaukee and Detroit, banning polling places from opening.

A week before the election, Attorney General William Barr announces a criminal investigation into the Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden.

After Biden wins a narrow Electoral College victory, Trump refuses to accept the results, wont leave the White House and declines to allow the Biden transition team customary access to agencies before the Jan. 20 inauguration.

Far-fetched conspiracy theories? Not to a group of worst-case scenario planners  mostly Democrats, but some anti-Trump Republicans as well  who have been gaming out various doomsday options for the 2020 presidential election. Outraged by Trump and fearful that he might try to disrupt the campaign before, during and after Election Day, they are engaged in a process that began in the realm of science fiction but has nudged closer to reality as Trump and his administration abandon long-standing political norms.

The anxiety has intensified in recent weeks as the president continues to attack the integrity of mail voting and insinuate that the election system is rigged, while his Republican allies ramp up efforts to control who can vote and how. Just last week, Trump threatened to withhold funding from states that defy his wishes on expanding mail voting, while also amplifying unfounded claims of voter fraud in battleground states.

ALSO Trump promotes posts from racist Twitter feed

In the eight to 10 months Ive been yapping at people about this stuff, the reactions have gone from, Dont be silly, that wont happen, to an increasing sense of, You know, that could happen, said Rosa Brooks, a Georgetown University law professor. Earlier this year, Brooks convened an informal group of Democrats and never-Trump Republicans to brainstorm about ways the Trump administration could disrupt the election and to think about ways to prevent it.

But the anxiety is hardly limited to outside groups.

Marc Elias, a Washington lawyer who leads the Democratic National Committees legal efforts to fight voter suppression measures, said not a day goes by when he doesnt field a question from senior Democratic officials about whether Trump could postpone or cancel the election. Prodded by allies to explain why not, Elias wrote a column on the subject in late March for his website  and it drew more traffic than anything hed ever published.

But changing the date of the election is not what worries Elias. The bigger threat in his mind is the possibility that the Trump administration could act in October to make it harder for people to vote in urban centers in battleground states  possibilities, he said, that include declaring a state of emergency, deploying the National Guard or forbidding gatherings of more than 10 people.

Such events could serve to depress or discourage turnout in pockets of the country that reliably vote for Democrats.

That to me is that frame from which all doomsday scenarios then go, he said.

To ward off such a scenario, Elias is engaged in multiple lawsuits aimed at making it easier to cast absentee ballots by mail and making in-person voting more available, either on Election Day or in the preceding weeks.

Biden, for his part, has suggested more than once that Trump might try to disrupt or delay the election. And his campaign grew very concerned this month when it was announced that election security briefings, which in past cycles had been delivered to candidates by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, would now be the province of the director of national intelligence. That post is currently held by John Ratcliffe, a Trump ally who was confirmed to the position Thursday. Ratcliffe was among the presidents chief Fox News defenders during the Russia investigation and has been a sharp critic of the FBI.

Since 2016, Donald Trump has shown that he is always ready to sacrifice our basic democratic norms for his personal and political interests, said Bob Bauer, a Biden senior adviser who is the campaigns chief lawyer. We assume he may well resort to any kind of trick, ploy or scheme he can in order to hold onto his presidency. We have built a strong program to plan for and address every possibility to ensure that he does not succeed.

Trump has said he expects the election to be held Nov. 3 as scheduled, and under federal law he does not have the power to unilaterally postpone it. But a recent comment by the presidents son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner about whether the election would be held as scheduled  Im not sure I can commit one way or another, he said  renewed fears that Trump would try to move the election or discredit the balloting process if he thought he was going to lose.

Trumps campaign derided the anxiety over the election as irrational hand-wringing driven by Democrats inability to accept his victory four years ago.

Hillary Clinton, Stacey Abrams and the entire Democratic Party refused to accept the results of their elections and pushed the Russia collusion conspiracy theory for years, said Tim Murtaugh, communications director for Trumps reelection campaign. Now Joe Bidens allies have formed actual conspiracy committees where theyll work up new hoaxes to further undermine our democracy. They are wasting their time. As President Trump has repeatedly said, the election will happen on Nov. 3.

The president attacked mail balloting again Sunday morning, with a baseless claim that it would lead to the greatest Rigged Election in history.

Some Democrats have been cautious about voicing their warnings about potential electoral calamities too loudly, for fear that even the suggestion of a tainted election would depress turnout.

You dont want to set up a perception based on the theory that elections dont matter, said Ari Rabin-Havt, who was a deputy campaign manager for Sen. Bernie Sanders. You dont want to tell supporters that nothing you do matters because this guy is going to screw it up.

Brooks group at Georgetown is not the only one forecasting doomsday scenarios for the election. Ian Bassin, executive director of Protect Democracy, a nonprofit group dedicated to resisting authoritarian government, last year convened the National Task Force on Election Crises, a bipartisan 51-member group that includes Republicans such as Michael Chertoff, the former homeland security secretary. The group is dedicated to envisioning and presenting plans for scenarios that could wreck the 2020 presidential election.

The task force began with 65 possibilities before narrowing the list early this year to eight potential calamities, including natural disasters, a successful foreign hack of voting machines, a major candidates challenging the election and seeking to delegitimize the results, and a president who refuses to participate in a peaceful transfer of power.

Among the scenarios they eliminated when making final cuts in January, ironically, was a killer pandemic that ravaged the country and kept people homebound before Election Day. After the coronavirus struck, the group reconstituted to publish pandemic-related recommendations for state governments to follow.

The group also produced a 200-page document, which has not been made public. Several members said they had worked on specific scenarios but had not seen the complete draft. They said that while many of the possibilities envisioned an incumbent president using the forces of government to his advantage, the reports authors had been careful not to make the document explicitly about Trump.

We hope there are safeguards in place, said Norman Ornstein, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute who participated in the task force. Lets face it, those safeguards ought to include the Senate of the United States and the Justice Department. Theres reason to be nervous.

Edward Foley, a law professor at Ohio State University who participated in the task force, said the 2020 election could resemble the contest of 1876, which nearly split the country a decade after the Civil War.

That election was not decided until Gov. Samuel Tilden of New York conceded to Gov. Rutherford Hayes of Ohio two days before the inauguration. The outgoing president, Ulysses Grant, had made contingency plans for martial law because he was concerned there would be simultaneous competing inaugurations.

Were setting ourselves up for an election where neither side can concede defeat, Foley said. That suggests that the desire to dispute the outcome is going to be higher than ever.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
One need look no further than the campuses of colleges and universities and at elementary and high schools across Western Massachusetts to see the impact Lester E. Fontaine and his family have had on our region.

Chicopee Comprehensive, Pope Francis and Minnechaug Regional high schools. The Center for the Sciences and Pharmacy at Western New England University. The Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College.

For nearly 90 years, Fontaine Brothers has been building schools and university buildings, working on landmark projects like the renovation of the Springfield Civic Center and its recreation as the MassMutual Center and building all kinds of housing, commercial and retail buildings.

Born amid the Great Depression, Fontaine Brothers was founded in 1933 by brothers Eudore and George Fontaine, immigrants from Canada who found their way to Chicopee. Today, it is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company.

Lester Fontaine, who was Eudores son, began working at the firm in 1955, fresh from service in the US Navy. He would labor as a carpenter and serve as a job superintendent before taking over as president in 1982, six years before the company passed the $1 billion threshold of construction placed in service and arguably one of the companys most challenging times.

Mr. Fontaines legacy to our region, though, extends far beyond the brick-and-mortar of the buildings constructed by his familys company. His generosity and philanthropy to causes about which he cared came straight from his heart. In December, Fontaine made a $5,000 gift to the 97th annual Toy for Joy fund, telling us, Every child should have the joy of Christmas.

Fontaine was a strong believer in charitable causes. Each year, he explained, he took a sum of money from his retirement account and gave back to the community. Weve donated to different charities. Weve supported colleges and the (Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield) and other causes, he said.

Lester Fontaine, who died on May 15 at the age of 87, lived a life of generosity on many levels, professionally, philanthropically and personally. In a quiet, unassuming way, he helped make life better for others here in Western Massachusetts.
FAIRFIELD  Spirits were high during the week as the first phase of softening of COVID-19 restrictions came to town.

And while traditions like the Memorial Day parade cant occur in 2020, residents are at least getting some motivation to get out and about, enjoy a little taste of normalcy and also help the many small local businesses that have been hamstrung by the closures of early spring.

I think this will not only help us, but the stores as well, said Karen Ulloa of Fairfield, who was out shopping on Friday with her daughter, Emily, 11. Its great for both of us.

She was excited to go out and make a run, she said of her daughter, who helped her discover the Post Road store Ciao Bello through Instagram. Its our first time here.

Its been a tough couple of months with our doors closed, said owner Janice Briguglio, who encourages everyone to remember their local shops in the days ahead.

I know people are cautious, she said, and were taking every precaution to maintain a healthy environment for our customers.

This is liberating, said Jeff Lovanio of Fairfield, who was out for lunch at Geronimos Bar & Grill on Friday with Tara Arnold, also of Fairfield. Its been three months and were done cooking.

And theyve been great, Arnold said, noting she felt safe with the precautions being taken by this and other establishments.

Still, some people want to take it slow, like Rose Mary Cordaro of Westport, who has a weekly standing outdoor lunch on Sherman Green with her friend Peg Carbone of Fairfield.

I feel like you cant flip a switch, Cordaro said. Were both cautious. We dont know if were likely to hit a restaurant.

Im still going to be more cautious, (but) Im trying to stay positive and follow directions, Carbone said.

Id like to be optimistic, but I have a feeling people are going to let their guard down, said Larry Smith of Norwalk, a wine merchant who has suffered through the troubles in Italy and now in the U.S. in terms of his supply line drying up.

A lot of restaurants are just shutting their doors, he said, while others fight to stay afloat.

Still, he and others are hoping that this first phase of reopening is not taken for granted and only leads to better things for everyone.
600 Indian nationals stranded in Nepal will return via Banbasa. These include 25 residents of Uttarakhand. All these citizens will return on the 29th and 30th after talks with the Government of Nepal. Meanwhile, 200 people from the state stranded abroad have reached Delhi. Out of which three people have returned to the state after completing institutional quarantine. Apart from these, 197 people are institutional quarantine in Delhi itself. State Disaster Management Authority CEO Riddhim Agarwal told in a press briefing held at the state secretariat that so far 2.45 lakh people have registered online to come to Uttarakhand from different states. Of these, more than one and a half lakh people have got buses, trains and private vehicles.

Corona: Recovery rate increases in country, 54 thousand people recovered so far

So far, 55 thousand have been brought from Delhi, 24 thousand from UP, 24 thousand from Haryana, 9 thousand from Punjab, 9 thousand from Chandigarh and also from other states. So far, 1.10 lakh people have traveled from one district to another. According to Agrawal, on Saturday, a train has left for migrants from Chennai. This special train will reach Haridwar on Sunday. A train from West Bengal is proposed to Haridwar. One train each from Dehradun, Haridwar and US Nagar has been sought for Bihar. In 10 days, these proposals will be agreed. So far, 40,200 people have been sent to their states due to the efforts of the state government. So far, 47 thousand people have registered to go out of the state. Maximum 17 thousand people have been sent to UP and 10 thousand people to Bihar.

Corona wreaks havoc across the country, number of cases crosses 1 lakh

Two and a half thousand people have been sent to Jammu and so on. People have been sent to other states. Continuation of the arrival of migrants from labor special trains continues. On Saturday, the Shramik Special train from Vasai in Mumbai, carrying 1423 passengers, reached Lalkuan Junction at 3 pm, two and a half hours late from its scheduled time. After the screening, passengers were flown to their districts by 49 roadways buses. RM Yashpal Singh and ARM Surendra Bisht of Roadways told that 291 passengers from eight buses to Pithoragarh, 146 from five buses to Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar 33 passengers from one bus, 202 from six buses to Almora, 577 from 23 buses to Bageshwar, 121 from four buses to Nainital and 53 from two buses to Garhwal were dispatched.

Couple tied knot in Karnataka amid lockdown
The Air Corps is on standby to start making daily flights delivering swabs for testing to a German laboratory.

The defence force's fleet, first deployed in the national testing effort on the May bank holiday weekend, has since completed four "missions" to Germany.

With plans under way to increase testing of people in the community, the Defence Forces said it is prepared to fly to Germany on a daily basis to facilitate the delivery of test samples.

The Defence Forces said the Air Corps has been tasked by the Government to be on standby for deliveries on weekends and bank holidays and will make daily trips to Germany if required.

At present, a courier company delivers swabs to Germany for testing on weekdays only. It said it has been "advised that the frequency of missions, and number of tests to be delivered, will increase considerably as the national testing criteria has changed.

"As testing increases in the coming weeks, we are prepared to facilitate delivery of test samples to Germany on a daily basis, in order to supplement weekday courier operations".

Many of the missions will be carried out in the new Pilatus PC-12NG aircraft, recently purchased by the Defence Forces.

The Health Service Executive said it had reached a target set by public health experts of processing 15,000 tests a day by mid-May.

It is using 40 labs, most of which are hospital labs to test health workers and patients, and the German lab.

The HSE originally contracted the German laboratory, Eurofins Biomnis, to clear a backlog of untested swabs caused by delays in the system. The arrangement continues now that the backlog is cleared and as public health experts push for wider testing in the community.

Many of the missions will be carried out in the new Pilatus PC-12NG aircraft, recently purchased by the Defence Forces.

The HSE said the success of the restrictions in containing the spread of the virus has seen fewer people coming forward for testing.

The other laboratory used for large-scale community testing by the HSE, Enfer, in Co Kildare, is carrying out far fewer tests than it is capable of performing.

"Enfer currently provides approximately 6,500 tests per day capacity for Covid-19 testing, with the potential to expand.

"We have been operating well below capacity for the past week, with 4,500 tests per day due to the effectiveness of the current restrictions."

The HSE wants to have as much testing capacity as possible available in the event of any increase in infections.

The HSE has published a roadmap to improve its testing and contact-tracing process for Covid-19, increasing testing and capacity, and reducing turnaround times.
Djibouti has reported a seven-fold increase in Covid-19 cases over a two-week period, according to Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With 98.6 cases per 100,000 people, the country has the highest prevalence on the African continent, attributed to residents ignoring the measures put in place by the government.

"The confinement has not been respected by everyone, and unfortunately many of our compatriots still take this disease lightly," said President Ismail Omar Guelleh in a televised appearance this week.

"You continue to circulate, not observing minimum distances, not isolating yourselves, and spreading the disease," he added.

"The epidemic is getting worse," conceded the health ministry last week.

Although Djibouti is a small country, some 999 people have contracted coronavirus and two have died.

But Guelleh, a president with no term limits, has come under fire for his handling of the pandemic.

In Balbala, two Egyptian doctors returned to Djibouti to work at the Al-Rahma hospital, and then those with Covid-19 were sent to a hospital in the south of the country, which infected more people.

Others felt that the lockdown mandate came without warning on 23 March. Only those working in essential industries were allowed outside. Public transport was banned, schools and house of worship closed and only necessary shops allowed to remain open.

France is a 'respectful' partner, Macron boasts during Djibouti visit

IOM calls for halt of Ethiopia repatriations amid Covid-19 concerns

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'Even tougher measures'

The strategic coastal Horn of Africa country hosts US, French, and Chinese military bases in addition to its one million population. The country has conducted 11,000 tests so far.

People still continue to walk and shop at crowded markets in Djibouti, also the name of the capital city, and few are wearing masks, according to Agence France Presse.

In normal times, Guelleh has ruled with an iron fist, trying to crush opposition to his rule, quashing freedom of the press and civil society. And he appears to be applying the same policy to the coronavirus crisis: "If behaviour doesn't change I will take even tougher measures," he said.

But the average Djiboutian makes less than 3 euros a day and nearly half the country is unemployed. Those who live hand-to mouth will find it tough to ride out the extended lockdown until 28 April.

The president created an emergency fund this month to feed the poor worth 5.2 million euros, and thousands of families have reportedly been fed. But the distribution of aid is reportedly based on favouritism.

Some are suspicious of the government edict to close mosques, especially during Ramadan, which started on Thursday.
Democratic National Convention organizers are preparing for the possibility presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden will not accept the nomination in-person at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

"Well, it all depends on what happens," Biden said in an interview with sister station WISN 12 News Wednesday. "I think it is possible, but it remains to be seen. I wish I had a crystal ball what it was likely to be."
This is an editorial from the Bulletin in Bend, republished with permission.

Gov. Kate Brown said when she first took office that throughout her career she has sought to promote transparency and trust in government, working to build confidence that our public dollars are spent wisely. As governor, this will not change.

As governor, it has changed.

She issued an executive order that allows local governments to post required public notices about their budgets only on their own websites. Thats like the fox guarding the henhouse.

It has nothing to do with protecting public health during the pandemic. Its an attack on government transparency.

You have probably seen public notices in newspapers. They are those long, wordy, technical and dry ads usually in the classifieds. They can make your eyes glaze over faster than a parking spot is scooped up on Wall Street in Bend  at least in the downtown before the pandemic.

Public notices, though, have information that is important to people, such as how the government plans to spend taxes. And they are required by law. They exist so the public knows what their government is doing, so government is transparent and open.

Public notices are reported to have begun in English newspapers in 1665 with what was later renamed as The London Gazette. It published notices from the Kings Court, from London officials and so on. The practice later spread to the United States. Congress made it a requirement in 1789 for the federal government to publish similar notices in newspapers.

So much has changed. The internet makes it much easier to share information and to find it. State and local governments across the country have pushed for the freedom to only publish such notices on their own websites.

The biggest argument for that is: Its free. It costs money to run legal notices in newspapers. And The Bulletin is no different. This newspaper makes money from legal notices.

But the important issue is getting information to the public. Where does the public look for such information? In newspapers. Remove it from newspapers and bury it on a website and who will see it? That precisely could be the goal.

The internet is available almost everywhere. But as we all know, and politicians and school officials say again and again, not everybody has access to it. Why would the governor make a move to secrete more information on the wrong side of the digital divide?

The other issue is the absence of connection between the change and the pandemic. We asked the governors office about that. We were told that the change was made at the request of local governments who were concerned about completing their budget processes on time.

That argument just does not make sense. Publishing legal notices is part of the routine. Its not an onerous requirement. Where is the danger to public health and safety? Whats the problem? There isnt one.

Gov. Brown has done her best during the pandemic to balance public health, the economy and keeping government operating and open. When theres a threat like COVID-19, politicians can use it to make changes with less public scrutiny. Never let a good crisis go to waste, as the saying goes. Gov. Brown chose this crisis to undermine public access to information about how tax dollars are spent. She has changed.
New Delhi, May 24 : Authorities in Gautam Buddh Nagar in adjoining Delhi have emphasised on not allowing unhindered movement of people on the Delhi-Noida border, pointing out that it will increase the risk of spread of coronavirus.

"The unregulated movement of people will increase the risk of disease spread in Gautam Buddh Nagar. Therefore, the transit between the two cities should be regulated," District Surveillance Officer Sunil Dohare said.

An epidemiological report dated May 20, prepared by Noida officials, says that the corona burden in the national capital is "much higher" than in Gautam Buddh Nagar district.

To substantiate the point, officials said that Delhi was one of the sources of infections in the district. "Out of 293 cases, 50 cases can be attributed to Delhi." The report said that Delhi had more population, higher positive and active cases, corona deaths, and containment zones than the Gautam Buddh Nagar district.

"Sample positivity rate in Delhi is 7.3 per 100 cases compared with 24 in GB Nagar. This clearly shows that the burden of the disease in Delhi is much higher than GB Nagar," it added.

The cure rate in Delhi is 47 per cent compared with 70 per cent in the Uttar Pradesh district which, it said, is an indicator of its effective strategic approach.

"The national figure of samples taken is 1,820 per million population. In GB Nagar, 4,512 samples per million population have been taken for corona testing. Thus the testing done in GB Nagar is much higher than the national figure." The Delhi-Noida border was sealed amid the coronavirus scare, with authorities allowing movement of only those performing essential services.

Only those with valid identity cards or movement passes are allowed through the inter-state border.
While countries including the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada expressed deep concern over Chinas move to impose the controversial security bill limiting Hong Kongs autonomy, Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi on May 24 said that the law must be imposed without slightest delay. According to the Chinese diplomat, Hong Kong can not be separated from China and in light of new circumstances and need. The National Peoples Congress (NPC) said that they have to exercise its power in the constitution for the new proposal which is highly necessary.

However, the legislation which was introduced in Chinas ceremonial parliament on May 22 was expected to draw criticism. While the UK, Australia and Canada said that the law proposed by China would clearly undermine the principle of One Country, Two Systems under which the former British colony comes under Chinese rule, the United States also voiced its concern over the bill and called it disastrous.

READ: Hong Kong Police Fire Tear Gas As Thousands Protest Against China's New Security Law

However, the spokesperson of the National Peoples Congress (NPC) Zhang Yesui said that this years Chinese parliament session would review the proposal titled, Establishment and Improvement of the Legal System and Implementation Mechanism for the Safeguarding of National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Chinese officials and delegates from Hong Kong even met with the NPC.

READ: Police Make More Arrests During Hong Kong Protest

Highly necessary legislation

The new plan has been introduced owing to months of violent protests in Hong Kong which left the semi-autonomous region in turmoil. Since the former British colony came under China's rule in 1997, the move of sidelining Hong Kongs semi-autonomous nature has been long under consideration and was last introduced in 2003. The same legislation was proposed under Article 23 of the Basic Law of mini-constitution in Hong Kong that fueled demonstrations.

Meanwhile, Zhang has even said that new situation and demands require new measures and calls for necessary action on the national level.

(Image credit: ANI) (With inputs from AFP)

READ: More Heat On China; 200 Global Netas Pen Letter Panning Beijing's Proposed Hong Kong Laws

READ: Hong Kong Protest Against China Security Law Move
Debjani Dutta By

Express News Service

PUDUCHERRY: After two months, liquor shops in Puducherry and Karaikal will reopen from Monday with enhanced rates equal to Tamil Nadu.

The government has levied a Special Excise Duty of 25 percent on the MRP of 766 IMFL (India Made Foreign Liquor) brands which are exclusively sold in Puducherry and Karaikal, to keep tipplers from Tamil Nadu away.

On the remaining 154 brands sold in Puducherry, the difference in the existing MRP and the revised MRP is the Special Excise duty levied. The Special Excise duty is variable for these brands, depending on the products. For arrack, 20 percent Special Excise duty has been levied on the ex-distillery price for a period of three months from the start of the sale .

The shops will function from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m and only takeaway would be allowed, said PWD minister A Namassivayam holding the Excise portfolio.

Each buyer can buy a maximum of 4.5 litres of IMFL and 7.5 litres of beer. The shops will display the price of the liquor of all brands according to the quantity. The bars have not been granted the permission to sell liquor. In addition, 20 liquor licences which have been cancelled and the 82 licences which have been suspended, would not be allowed to sell liquor.

In view of Covid-19 pandemic, the Special Excise duty has been levied to ensure that people from adjoining districts of neighboring states do not come to Puducherry to purchase liquor, said Namassivayam. The additional police force has been deployed on the borders and there would be strict vigil on by a team of Excise and police personnel, he said.

For restarting liquor sale in Yanam region, a proposal by levying special excise duty to match the rates in Andhra Pradesh is being processed. Meanwhile, for Mahe, reopening liquor shops will depend on starting liquor sale in Kerala, said Namassivayam.
Rajesh Kumar Thakur By

Express News Service

PATNA: An Air India flight flew back 133 passengers from Muscat under the Vande Bharat Mission drive to bring back Indians stranded in other countries. The AI974 flight landed in Gaya from where 117 passengers were placed on paid quarantine in hotels.

According to Dileep Kumar, director of Bodhgaya airport, all those who belonged to Bihar have been quarantined in Bodh Gaya while 16 natives of Jharkhand were sent to their homes in a vehicle escorted by officials.

"All SOP norms were followed while landing. The passengers were screened and each of them was given a kit each of masks, hand sanitisers and a booklet with details on how to maintain social distancing and remain safe along with other valuable information," Kumar said., further adding that the 133 passengers included a child too.

"Two chartered flight operations are also expected on May 27 and 28 from Yangon and Dhaka with officials awaiting approval from the DGCA and the MEA," he said.

Apart from these, the Gaya airport had successfully handled three international flights on April 24, 25 and May 13 to Thailand ferrying a total of 471 passengers.

"On April 22, two flights took off to Myanmar to ferry 258 passengers as well," he said.
Kerala Chief Minister and CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan ushered in his 76th birthday on Sunday. Born on May 24, 1944, in Pinarayi, Malabar district of Madras Presidency under British India, Vijayan has a led an extensive political career and was the longest-serving secretary of the Kerala State Committee of the CPI(M) from the year 1998 to 2015.

Vijayan also served as the state minister of Electric Power and Co-operatives from 1996 to 1998. In the year 2016, Vijayan won the Dharmadom constituency as a CPI(M) candidate during the state elections and was selected as the leader of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to take charge as Keralas 12th chief minister.

Under Vijayans leadership, the state of Kerala has set many milestones. One of the most notable milestones attained by the state under Vijayans leadership has been the management of devastating Kerala floods of 2018.

Also read: With 6,767 new Covid-19 cases, India records another highest single-day spike

Then, he created a storm by talking with a bloodstained shirt. Now, he has made his state the object of adulation in the country. The CM of Kerala emphasised our bond, calling us brothers, keeping the borders open. Our Heartfelt birthday wishes to our comrade @vijayanpinarayi  Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) May 24, 2020

Vijayans leadership is also being praised for the effective control and mitigation of Covid-19 cases in the state.

Scores of eminent personalities and leaders wished Vijayan on his birthday today.

Actor and politician Kamal Haasan took to Twitter and said that Vijayan has made his state the object of adulation in the country

Also read: 67% of Indias Covid-19 cases come from 4 states

Birthday wishes to our Honourable Chief Minister, Shri @vijayanpinarayi sir pic.twitter.com/TWTQyrQi9s  Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) May 24, 2020

Then, he created a storm by talking with a bloodstained shirt. Now, he has made his state the object of adulation in the country. The CM of Kerala emphasised our bond, calling us brothers, keeping the borders open. Our Heartfelt birthday wishes to our comrade @vijayanpinarayi, Haasan tweeted out.

Malayalam cinema superstar Mohanlal also extended his wishes on Vijayans birthday Birthday wishes to our Honourable Chief Minister, Shri @vijayanpinarayi sir, Mohanlal tweeted on Sunday.

On Saturday, Vijayan said that after the coronavirus pandemic, Kerala will be able to overcome any crisis.

Kerala is at the forefront of developing innovative ways to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic and will be able to overcome any crisis which might come. Most of the cases currently being reported in Kerala have come from outside the state. We must not alienate them. This land belongs to them too, Vijayan said during the first edition of #AskTheCM organized by Twitter India.

In #AskTheCM series in partnership with Twitter, India, CM Vijayan will answer queries on Covid-19 efforts in the Kerala.
MELBOURNE, May 24 (Reuters) - The U.S. ambassador to Australia said on Sunday that his country was confident its ally would be able to protect the security of its telecommunications networks and those of its partners.

The assurance from Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr comes after remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo seemed to suggest that America would "simply disconnect" from any country whose telecom services had been compromised by China's involvement.

Pompeo made the comments in an interview with Sky News that discussed the southern Australian state Victoria's investment in China's Belt and Road initiative (BRI).

"The United States has absolute confidence in the Australian government's ability to protect the security of its telecommunications networks and those of its Five Eyes partners," Culvahouse said in a statement.

The Five Eyes refers to the intelligence alliance that also includes Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom

"We have made no secret of our concerns about 5G, and we commend Australia for its leadership on the issue. The Secretary was asked to address a hypothetical, and he carefully noted he was not familiar with the State of Victoria's BRI discussions."

Victoria has signed a deal thought to be worth more than a billion dollars to work with the China strategy that prioritises infrastructure investment.

"Every citizen of Australia should know that every one of those Belt and Road projects needs to be looked at incredibly closely," Pompeo told Sky News.

"Some of them may just be straight up commercial transactions ... But nearly each one has some cost to it", such as conditions placed in debt documents or concessions to the Chinese Communist Party to get projects built, he said.

"To the extent they have an adverse impact on our ability to protect telecommunications from our private citizens or security networks for our defence and intelligence communities, we will simply disconnect. We will simply separate."

Australia was one of the first countries to raise security concerns around China's 5G telecommunications network.

Trade tensions have recently worsened between the countries after Australia called for an independent investigation into the origin of the coronavirus outbreak, and China raised duties on Australian barley by 80%.

U.S.-China ties are also on a weak footing, with Washington accusing Beijing of mishandling the outbreak and adding dozens of Chinese companies to an economic blacklist. (Reporting by Melanie Burton; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
Toilet experts say urinals may be consigned to history as part of measures to make public conveniences safe for the post-coronavirus world.

Raymond Martin, managing director of the British Toilet Association, says business and governments need to adapt public toilets to make them infection-resistant, adding technology such as foot-operated flushes and sensor-activated taps.

Hospitality industry groups in Britain have also proposed replacing rows of urinals with cubicle-only washrooms for both men and women.

Martin told the Sunday Times that transforming toilets would be expensive, but we want to bring back life to this country, and toilets are a vital part of that.

He said tourist offices all over the country should be telling visitors: 'Come see our castle, come see our beaches, come see our state-of-the-art toilets.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Let's hark back to a rosier time. It's not that long ago but it seems a world away. Malcolm Turnbull's prime ministership was in its early bloom. His upbeat pronouncement that this was an exciting moment to be alive, with innovative, digitally savvy businesses about to burst forth, was something some of us still wanted to believe.

Just before Christmas 2015, a mere three months after Turnbull had seen off Tony Abbott, Australia and China finalised a free-trade agreement. From this, Australians were told, our economy would head inexorably towards the sunlit uplands. The riches of our biggest trading partner, hungry for what we had to offer, could now be easily accessed.

Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit:

A taxpayer-funded advertising campaign was launched, showing primary producers and all manner of providers of services and manufactured goods extolling the virtues of the agreement, which would provide opportunities galore. The campaign dovetailed neatly with the government's plans for a mid-2016 election on which it would go on to campaign, memorably, with the slogan "jobs and growth".

China was  our friend? Maybe not a friend but certainly a partner, a burgeoning economic power to which we had already yoked a large part of our economic future.
Andhra Pradesh High Court has ordered the state government to seize premises of LG Polymers chemical plant located at Visakhapatnam from where the leakage of the styrene chemical occurred, leaving 12 persons dead and injuring hundreds early this month.

The court also restrained the directors of the company from leaving the country without its permission. It ordered authorities not to release their surrendered passports.

The two-member bench of High Court, comprising justices Jitendra Kumar Maheshwari and Lalitha Kenneganti, also ordered not to allow any person to enter into the factory premises including the directors of the company. Besides, the court directed not to allow the shifting of the company's assets and machinery.

Also Read: Vizag gas leak: All you need to know about LG Polymers plant

The accident occurred some 14 km away from the east coast city of Visakhapatnam, in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, at a plant operated by LG Polymers where the gas leaked on May 7 killing 12 people and leaving over 800 hospitalised. As per reports, gas started leaking in the early hours of May 7 when the workers were preparing for the reopening of the plant.

Also Read: Vizag gas tragedy occurred due to human error, says forensic team

According to forensic experts, the leakage at the Vizag gas leak site occurred due to human error. The experts who probed the leak at LG Polymers reportedly said that the styrene gas leak happened due to human error and negligence during the coronavirus lockdown. The experts added that TBC or tertiary butyl catechol must be added with styrene to prevent self-polymerisation, which was not done during the lockdown period. The investigators stated that whatever TBC was left was rendered ineffective. Once the self-polymerisation started, a chemical reaction followed shooting up the temperature to around 150 degrees centigrade.

By Chitranjan Kumar
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  The sand along the coast of Grayton Beach State Park is so unique, some say it speaks to you.

It's compared to sugar, and is so white it's almost blinding in bright sunlight. And people who have been cooped up because of stay at home orders can once again go walk along it and hear the unique sound the beach makes when bare feet sink in the sand.

"It's that fine powdery sand that talks to you," said Dave Rauschkolb, a restaurant owner, surfer and beach enthusiast who lives nearby. "The 'squeak,' 'squeak,' 'squeak' of the sand when you walk in it."

It's a large reason the beach was picked as the best in the United States by Stephen "Dr. Beach" Leatherman, a coastal scientist and professor at Florida International University, who has been ranking the nation's beaches for 30 years.

"It's some of the finest white sand in the world. The first time I saw it I felt like I had to put on sunglasses it was so bright. Some people thought it was snow. I said, 'No that's not snow!'" Leatherman said with a laugh. "The sand is the highest quality in the world. It's pure quartz crystal."

It is one of two Florida beaches that were on the 2020 list released Thursday, along with Caladesi Island State Park at No. 6. The other beaches on the list, in order, are Lifeguarded Beach on Ocrakoke Island, North Carolina; Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York; Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Oahu, Hawaii; Lighthouse Beach in Buxton, North Carolina; Hapuna Beach on Big Island, Hawaii; Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Coronado Beach in San Diego, California; and Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

Leatherman says he gives bonus points for beaches where smoking is banned and that are staffed with lifeguards, which elevated the North Carolina beaches.

"Beaches are not big, giant ashtrays, and that's what some people use them for, which is really disgusting," Leatherman said.

Grayton Beach State Park won the list's top spot  even without a smoking ban  based on its sheer beauty. Beyond the sand, it has crystal clear emerald water, fresh water ponds that are a geological rarity and towering dunes that are unique along Florida's 1,350 miles of coastline.

Even the walk from the parking lot is special, said Rauschkolb.

"You have to take what I call the tree tunnel trail," he said. "You can just walk in this little wonderland under the canopy of the scrub oak and poke your head out and suddenly see the Gulf."

While there are currently some restrictions at the nearly 2,000-acre (809- hectare) park because of the coronavirus outbreak, it is open. Groups larger than 10 are not allowed and the park is controlling capacity to allow for social distancing. Cabins and camping are temporarily closed.

In normal times, the park attracts 500 to 1,000 people during peak summer days. But with 1.5 miles of beach and plenty of trails, it doesn't get overcrowded, said Ben Faure, who manages 37 state parks in the Panhandle for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

"Grayton Beach is one of the gems along the Emerald Coast of Florida," Faure said. "We like to call it a desert oasis. It really is a unique place with the sugar-white sands that are almost 99.9% pure quartz. Your feet squeak as you walk on the beach, it's so pure."

Lynn Cherry, a board member of the nonprofit support group Florida Parks Foundation, lives about an hour from the park and has visited many times.

"Oh, the fishing is great at Grayton Beach! I have caught lots of fish at Grayton Beach State Park," Cherry said.

And the Gulf of Mexico tends to have calmer surf than Florida's Atlantic Ocean beaches.

"On a typical day, it's a nice surf and very enjoyable swimming," she said.

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Philip Larkin's 'painful' romance with his muse Monica Jones have been read for the first time - and have been described as 'the last great exchange of letters in literary history'.

Larkin is one of Britain's most renowned poets, best known for his darkly humorous prose and tangled relationships with women - once juggling three affairs at the same time.

A confirmed bachelor who never married, although he did once propose to a girlfriend, Larkin's personal life and attitude towards monogamy and relationships has long fascinated fans and academics.

Now, 54 boxes of 2,400 previously unpublished letters reveal the torturous relationship he shared with Monica Jones, a lecturer in English at the then University College Leicester, where he worked as a librarian.

She was his mistress from 1947 until his death in 1985 and has been described as Larkin's 'soul mate' - despite him having relations with two other women during their partnership.

Philip Larkin's painful four-decade-long partnership with his one true love has been laid bare in 'the last great exchange of letters in literary history'. Pictured: The poet with lover Monica Jones in 1984

Larkin is one of Britain's most loved poets, best known for his darkly humorous prose and tangled relationships with women - once juggling three at the same time. Pictured: Larkin and his mistress Monica

Monica, who died in 2001, aged 78, left her heart-wrenching letters to the Bodleian Library, Oxford, with the strict rule that they were to remain closed until decades after her death.

Now Professor John Sutherland, a leading scholar and Monica's close friend, has been granted unrestricted access to the remarkable collection.

Larkin and Monica, who were both born in 1922 and studied at Oxford, met in Leicester in 1946 and wrote to each other until the early 1970s, when they got telephones.

'He lied to me, the bugger, but I loved him,' Monica describes the poet in her letters, according to The Observer. And despite knowing he was unfaithful, she continued: 'I am so blessed to have you in my life.'

But the notes aren't all love letters, with Monica's fury and frustrations made clear in many of the texts.

A confirmed bachelor who never married, although he did once propose to a girlfriend, Larkin's (pictured in 1973) personal life and attitude towards monogamy and relationships has long fascinated fans and academics

'I don't want to be and I won't be an object of pity like a beggar's sore,' she wrote to Larkin in one letter. 'I know you just think of me as a situation, something to be fixed.'

She also spoke frequently of feeling terribly lonely and 'so frightened' - with Monica even referring to a bruised shoulder as a 'kind of company'.

Professor Sutherland, who was taught by Monica, said the letters were 'explosive in their nature' and described them as 'the last great exchange of letters in literary history'.

In 1955, Larkin eventually moved to the University of Hull, where he pursued relationships with two other women.

Sutherland claimed Monica knew of the other ladies but would still live for Larkins visits, with the poet fitting in the lecturer when he was visiting his mother in nearby Loughborough.

Now, 54 boxes of 2,400 previously unpublished letters reveal the torturous relationship he shared with Monica Jones (pictured together in 1984)

The couple (pictured together in 1984 in London) eventually moved in together in the 1980s when Monica's health deteriorated

He added that their once-passionate relationship was blighted by their heavy drinking, and although Larkin once tried to break up with Monica, they needed each other as they were both very unhappy people.

The couple eventually moved in together in the 1980s when Monica's health deteriorated - with the University lecturer turning the home into a 'shine' for her love upon his death.

Larkin dedicated his breakthrough collection, The Less Deceived, to Monica - even though it includes poems about his other intimate relationships - and he also bequeathed the bulk of his estate to her.

The poet's three 'main' mistresses were said to have each appealed to different aspects of his nature.

Along with Monica, there was also Maeve Brennan, a devout and deeply romantic Roman Catholic, who was one of Larkin's library staff in Hull. They were together from 1961, on and off, for about 17 years.

Betty Mackereth, his secretary, was his third mistress and the relationship lasted for five years. Astonishingly, all three remained unfailingly loyal to him, despite his infidelities.
A 65-year-old man, who was injured along with three other people when a wall of a house collapsed near an encounter site in Nawakadal area of Srinagar, died at a hospital here on Sunday, police said.

Manzoor Ahmad, a resident of Hawal, succumbed to burn injuries at a hospital here this morning, a police officer said.

This has taken the death toll in the house collapse incident to two.

Basim Aijaz, a resident of Chota Bazar in Karan Nagar area of the city, succumbed to the injuries at SMHS hospital late Wednesday night.

Four people, including Aijaz, were injured on Tuesday at the encounter site at Kanemazar in Nawakadal area of the city where two militants including a top Hizbul commander Junaid Sehrai were killed.

The wall had collapsed when people were clearing the debris of one of the houses destroyed in the encounter, leaving four people injured.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
All of the residents of a Northampton borough apartment building that caught fire Sunday morning safely escaped.

Around 6:49 a.m., the fire department was dispatched to 2006 Washington Ave., said Northampton Borough Fire Department Chief Keith Knoblach.

It was a pretty significant fire, he said.

It took several hours to get the fire under control with the assistance of eight surrounding departments. Seven people lived in the apartments and everyone was able to get out without injuries.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The house is uninhabitable.

A fire broke out in an apartment building, 2006 Washington Ave. in Northampton borough, Sunday, May 24, 2020. All of the residents escaped without injury.Mike Nester | For lehighvalleylive.com

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley is assisting the displaced residents.

The following departments also responded: North Catasauqua, East Allen Township, Allen Township, Coplay, Nancy Run, Walnutport, Lehigh Township and Egypt.

Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 10:54:21|Editor: huaxia

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LIMA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Peru and Lokomotiv Moscow forward Jefferson Farfan has taken to social media to thank fans for their support as he battles COVID-19.

The 35-year-old was diagnosed with the virus on May 16 and has been recovering at his home in the Russian capital.

"I'm feeling stronger and better every day, and keeping a positive mentality," Farfan said on social media.

"Today was a good day but tomorrow will be even better. It helps knowing that I have people who support me and always offer encouragement."

Farfan, who has been capped 95 times for Peru, has yet to play a match for his club this season after suffering a serious knee injury during last year's Copa America in Brazil.

The Russian Premier League is due to restart on June 21 after it was suspended in mid-March because of the global coronavirus outbreak. Lokomotiv are currently second in the 16-team standings with eight games remaining. Enditem
Consider the predicament members of the Obama administration were in after Donald John Trump won the 2016 election. Their undertaking to destroy and stop the Republican nominee for the presidency had failed. The powerful criminal and intelligence agencies of the federal government had engaged in behavior we would expect from corrupt third-world countries. They abused the FISA court system to spy on Trump campaign associates and hence Trump himself. They listened in on phone calls. They arranged baited meetings using foreigners in attempted set-ups. They leaked to the press.

But none of their manifold efforts produced any evidence that Trump or any member of his campaign team had colluded with the Russians to influence the election.

When we stand back and look at the manner in which the Obama administration went after the Trump campaign, it is truly bizarre. For the government to take such unprecedented action against a political opponent, you would expect to see a credible, verifiable tip as the catalyst. You would expect the tip to be really, really credible and specific, considering the gravity of making the entire Trump campaign team criminal suspects of the opposition party government.

Judicial Watch recently published the document the FBI used to justify the Crossfire Hurricane counterintelligence investigation of the Trump campaign. The tip the FBI relied on was from "Alexander Downer, the former Australian high commissioner to the United Kingdom, [who] has publicly acknowledged providing a memo to the FBI about Papadopoulos." George Papadopoulos was a young, low-level volunteer to the Trump campaign who was set up by the FBI. Papadopoulos never met or communicated with anyone from the Russian government; he met with U.S. government informants orchestrated by the FBI.

The accusations against Papadopoulos were vague, suggestive, and circular. It appears that the FBI was at the center of the involvement of Alexander Downer, Joseph Mifsud, Stefan Halper, and Azra Turk in creating the flimsy appearance that Papadopoulos was a colluder with Russia for the Trump campaign.

At this point, we know there was never an articulable, actionable tip about any collusion. After the so-called tip, what existed was a handful of Trump campaign people, and Trump himself, who previously had some level of legitimate business dealings with Russia. Carter Page had even been an informant for the FBI, a fact that was hidden from the FISA court.

Lawful contacts with Russia, however, was enough for the Obama administration to run with. After Hillary/DNC emails had been breached, the reset-button Russians were blamed. To this day, the allegation has not been substantiated. The DNC refused to turn over its computer servers for law enforcement investigation  even to its pals running the FBI. Was Guccifer responsible? Did Seth Rich deliver the emails to Julian Assange of WikiLeaks? Who knows? In our context, it doesn't matter. What matters is unsubstantiated Russian claims were made, and Trump and some of his team had actually been to Russia. Imagine that.

Hillary Clinton and the DNC paying millions for an opposition-research dossier put together by a foreigner with unsubstantiated and fanciful claims by, take a breath, Russians! is the stuff of novels. Paid-for claims against Trump by Trump-haters (including dossier author Christopher Steele) from Russian sources to be used to prove that Trump is the colluder is so far-fetched that it couldn't possibly be true  except it happened in real life. Add to the mix our FBI deceitfully used the unverified and now discredited political dossier to obtain not one, but several warrants to spy on Carter Page in the most intrusive way the law allows  essentially viewing Page as a traitor to the United States (but not informing the Republican nominee that he might have a traitor in his midst).

With the combination of the information-age overload and the Democrat Party news media controlling what's the news and narrative, major stories go unnoticed as a blip on the radar screen when red nuclear warning lights should be flashing. The Clinton/DNC paid-for dossier and FBI's involvement should shock the conscience of every American. But does the average American even know what happened?

Just reporting the facts, the Epoch Times presents the clearest summation I have heard or read:

The dossier, a collection of allegations of collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign designed to sway the 2016 election, was produced by [Christopher] Steele under a contract from Fusion GPS, an opposition research firm hired in 2016 by Perkins Coie, which was, in turn, paid for the job by the Democratic National Committee and the campaign of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The FBI used the dossier to obtain an intrusive spying warrant on former Trump campaign aide Carter Page. As a result, Page was subjected to at least six months of illegal surveillance.

People should be going to prison for a long time for that alone.

So, after the results of November 8, 2016 were finalized, the guilty actors in the Obama administration were in full-on panic mode. Even with full-press cover by their reliable friends in the news media, the facts could still make their way to the light of day.

Hence, we have former NSA Susan Rice's inexplicable email to herself on Trump's inauguration day, reiterating a White House meeting three weeks prior on January 5, 2017. Rice uses the email to justify her deceit and suppression of secrets to the incoming national security adviser, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. We are supposed to believe that Flynn couldn't be trusted with knowledge of the Obama administration's Trump/Russia collusion fantasy because Flynn was possibly a traitor and Russian agent himself  even though not a scintilla of evidence existed to support the conspiracy theory.

In the recently unredacted email, Rice asserts:

Director [James] Comey affirmed that he is proceeding 'by the book' as it relates to law enforcement. From a national security perspective, Comey said he does have some concerns that incoming NSA Flynn is speaking frequently with Russian Ambassador Kislyak. Comey said that could be an issue as it relates to sharing sensitive information [with Flynn]. President Obama asked if Comey was saying that the NSC should not pass sensitive information related to Russia to Flynn. Comey replied 'potentially.' He added that he has no indication thus far that Flynn has passed classified information to Kislyak, but he noted that 'the level of communication is unusual.'

Susan Rice conspicuously writes that FBI director James Comey affirmed that he had been doing everything by the book just as Obama wanted. Nice words, but we know they are not true. Incidentally, if everything had been done "by the book," there would not have been a brainstorming meeting in the White House on January 5, 2017 with the cast of unsavory players.

James Comey expressed concerns to Obama about Flynn's frequent conversations with the Russian ambassador. But we know of only one call, and it was routine  and the FBI had been listening to Flynn's phone calls nonetheless, so Comey knew exactly what was said by Flynn to Kislyak.

As others have noted, Gen. Flynn was the person in the campaign and new administration most likely to discover and connect the dots of the Obama administration's unprecedented corruption.

They couldn't just tell Flynn about what they had been up to.

In fact, in the summer before the 2016 election, Flynn had become a target. The Daily Caller reports that in the weeks before the election, the FBI offered to pay the infamous Christopher Steele "significantly" to dig up dirt on Gen. Flynn.

The James Comey perjury trap was set for Flynn just days after the inauguration without any predicate for a criminal interview. Prior to the set-up, in a meeting between FBI director Comey, counterintelligence director Bill Priestap, and Dep. Director Andrew McCabe, we get a little window into their motives. The notes released by the Justice Department show Bill Priestap asking, "What's our goal? Truth/Admission or to get [Flynn] to lie, so we can prosecute him or get him fired?"

So, yes, the disgraced former FBI director did proceed by the book  the book of illegality and dirty tricks.

Monte Kuligowski is a Virginia attorney.
The ban on the sale of tobacco, tobacco products, e-cigarettes and related products is one of the most controversial lockdown restrictions in South Africa.

If an unverified Draft Level 3 Regulations document is to be trusted, the ban on cigarette sales may continue when the country moves to level 3.

The Sunday Times reported that the sale of tobacco product was a heavily debated issue in the National Command Council (NCC) and that a final decision on the issue has not been reached.

According to the article the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has, however, tabled these draft regulations where cigarette sales remain banned.

The continued ban on cigarettes is a departure from both the Draft Framework for Sectors, published on 25 April and a previous statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa said in his address to the nation on 23 April that when the country moves to level 4 on 1 May, the sale of cigarettes will be permitted.

This did not happen, and Dlamini-Zuma and Ramaphosa later said the about-turn on cigarette sales was a collective decision.

The continued ban on cigarettes has been criticized for being counterproductive as it does not prevent people from smoking. Instead, it is fueling the sale of illicit cigarette sales.

A survey conducted by the University of Cape Town revealed that around 90% of smokers had purchased cigarettes during the lockdown.

It further found that the average price of cigarettes increased by 90% during the lockdown period.

The bad news for South Africa is that all these sales happen on the black market, which means the government is not collecting any tax revenue from these sales.

SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter revealed that R300 million in duties from cigarettes were lost in April alone.

Clarification on what is allowed and what not

While it is clear that the sale of cigarettes is not allowed, recent comments by Police Minister Bheki Cele have created confusion among many smokers.

Cele reiterated that it is not illegal to smoke cigarettes in your house, but hinted at potential issues when travelling with cigarettes.

The only problem is when we find it in a car and you fail to show us where you did you get the cigarette and when, Cele said.

If you say you have bought the cigarette, here is the receipt, weve got two options there: to get you, and go and get the person who sold the cigarette to you.

But if the cigarette was there in your thousand loose and youre smoking in your home, really, were not coming into your house and arrest you.

Cele comments raised questions as to whether people can travel with cigarettes and where they are allowed to smoke.

MyBroadband asked legal expert and Bowmans partner, Daniel Pretorius for legal comment on these issues. His answers are provided below.

Are you allowed to smoke in your car?

The lockdown regulations prohibit the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products. They do not say anything about smoking in ones car.

Are you allowed to have cigarettes with you in your car or when walking around?

Yes. But if somebody were to be found driving around with numerous cartons of cigarettes in their car, they may be in breach of the transportation restrictions (and the restrictions on movement), as opposed to the tobacco restrictions.

Is there is a limit on the number of cigarettes which you can have in your car or on your person?

The lockdown regulations do not impose any particular restriction in this regard. But if somebody were to be found driving around with fifty cartons of cigarettes, that would presumably give rise to questions.

Do the lockdown regulations change anything regarding where you can smoke?

No, the lockdown regulations do not say anything in this regard, so the usual laws (restricting smoking in public places) would apply.

What is the penalty when you are caught buying cigarettes on the black market?
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 18:22:35|Editor: huaxia

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JERUSALEM, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that he has talked with the leaders of Sudan and Chad, countries with which Israel has no bilateral ties until recently.

The remark was made at the start of the first weekly cabinet meeting of the new power-sharing government between Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, leader of the Blue and White party, a week after the unity government was sworn-in in the parliament.

The meeting was held a few hours before the opening of the first hearing of Netanyahu's criminal trial over corruption charges at the Jerusalem District Court.

Netanyahu told the cabinet he had spoken with the leaders of Sudan and Chad over the past two days, and wished them happy Eid al-Fitr, a holiday marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

He said he wishes the ties between the countries would "strengthen further," noting new diplomatic ties with "more Muslim countries" are "on the way."

Netanyahu and Sudan's leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met in Uganda in February and agreed to move toward the normalization of their relations.

In January 2019, during Netanyahu's visit to Chad, he and Chadian President Idriss Deby announced the resumption of diplomatic ties for the first time since 1972.

Forming new relations with Muslim countries is a key part of Netanyahu's foreign policy, according to which the Israelis can normalize ties with their Arab neighbors and the Muslim world without inking a peace deal with the Palestinians. Enditem
A 20-year-old Springfield man is being held in lieu of $100,000 cash bail after he was arrested Friday with a large capacity handgun and 650 bags of heroin.

Springfield Police spokesperson Ryan Walsh said in a release that Kenen Monsanto-Maldonado was out on bail when he was arrested after a short chase. He had been arrested five times by Springfield police, including two heroin trafficking arrests in 2019 involving over 4,000 bags of heroin.

Maldonado was arrested Friday just after noon when narcotics detectives attempted to make a traffic stop on his car on Carew Street. Maldonado drove his car into the unmarked cruiser detectives were driving, then sped away, throwing his handgun from the vehicle as he fled. Police said he abandoned the car on Portland Street, and he was chased down by police and taken into custody on Main Street in the North End.

A search of Maldonados car turned up $8,740 in cash and 650 bags of heroin. A stolen cell phone was found in the suspects possession after his arrest, police said.

He was arraigned in Springfield District Court on charges of carrying a loaded, large-capacity firearm on a public way, possession of a firearm without an FID card, possession with the intent to distribute a Class A substance, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, improper storage of a firearm, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, negligent operation of a motor vehicle larceny from a person and failure to stop for police., assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

He is being held at the Hampden County Jail in Ludlow pending hearings.
Mayu Ino was 24 when she first came to Vietnam and decided to stay back despite her mothers pleas.

Now 47, she is visiting Nguyen Ngoc Giau's farm in the southern province of Dong Thap on the morning of May 20. She has a jacket and conical hat.

"Aunt May," Giau and his family call out at seeing the Japanese woman. They stop their work on the vegetable farm, walk toward her and hug her warmly. Ino visits his place several times a month.

Giau, 48, has been farming since he was a child. In 2018 he was excited to hear about sustainable and healthy farming methods while on a visit to a farm managed by Ino in nearby Ben Tre Province.

She was also running a non-profit called "Seed to Table", which sought to link consumers with farmers rowing eco-friendly crops, and after linking up with it, Giau started growing organic vegetables on his 1,300-meter plot of land.

He began to use green manure, which refers to a crop plowed into the soil as a fertilizer. After two years he discovered his soil had improved and without much cost, while his vegetables began to fetch higher prices.

"Organic farming means saying no to fertilizers and chemicals," he said. "Since adopting this, we do have to worry about our health."

He is one of three farmers in Cao Lanh Town to work with "Seed to Table".

Mayu Ino at work. Photo by Minh Quoc Ho.

Ino, who grew up in a place where natural resources are limited, knows Vietnamese farmers are blessed with fertile soil and ideal weather for farming.

But she feels this day they use too many chemicals and imported non-native seeds, which she fears harms the environment and affects the quality of their crops.

"I want to help them get rid of poverty by using their own resources."

She studied history at the National University in Hanoi, and after graduation worked for a Japanese NGO in Vietnam until 2009.

She turned down her mothers plea to return to Japan and get married, and instead stayed back in Vietnam and set up "Seed to Table".

Bringing an ancient rice back from the brink

Earlier this month farmers in several northern provinces harvested their paddy crop. But in Nam Son Commune in Hoa Binh Provinces Tan Lac District, the harvest is three months away.

Local farmers grow "Dai Bac Tam", an ancient variety of rice originally grown by the ethnic Muong and whose growing time is double that of normal varieties. It contains more nutrition and fetches double the price of most rice varieties.

Not many people know that "Dai Bac Tam" rice was on the verge of extinction more than a decade ago.

Ino had visited the area while working for the NGO, knew the sad story and somehow wanted to conserve it.

She thought to herself: "This kind of rice is good because it has adapted to local conditions. Chasing after imported seeds will make farmers lose a valuable genome that many people in the world are scouring for."

Ino (third left) in Hoa Binh Province in 2015. Photo courtesy of Mayu Ino.

She spoke with local elders and authorities and managed to collect more than 20 varieties of ancient rice including "Dai Bac Tam".

She grew them in an isolated area to see if they could be grown productively.

During this time she traveled regularly to the villages and stayed with locals to understand their life and work.

"I wanted to work, eat and sleep with them. Every night, by the light of oil lamps, we ate corn and spoke about everything," she recalled.

Ino and the others efforts helped Chien Village revive "Dai Bac Tam" rice within three years, when they began to grow five tons per hectare.

Soon 350 households in Nam Son Commune started growing the rice with little chemical or fertilizer use.

Dinh Van Lung, president of Nam Son, said over the last 17 years, "Mayu helped change the countryside by changing our behaviors. Villages now ban farmers from using fertilizers to protect their water resources."

Most of them have adopted organic farming, he added.

In 2011 Ino visited the southern part of the country and convinced farmers in Ben Tre Province to take up organic farming. It took time for her to show them how to adopt green manure and grow vegetables based on new modules such as rice-duck and rice-fish.

She founded duck and not cattle banks to support poor farmers. Each is given 25 ducks and a cow to breed ducklings and calves. After that the farmers can use their waste as manure and use the newborns to repay the bank.

Inos organization has changed the lives of hundreds of households in Hoa Binh Province and more than 1,000 in Ben Tre Province by helping them overcome poverty, and is starting to help farmers in Dong Thap adopt sustainable agriculture.

She knows farmers are afraid of change.

"I encourage them to try again if they do it incorrectly. But if they leave the group and then ask to join again, I do not agree. I get angry sometimes."

"What can I do to make farmers think about long-term profits instead of short-term ones?" she has asked herself many times.

Another problem is red tape. In 2018 she helped build a coconut processing plant and a vegetable packaging plant in Ben Tre. But the procedures to get approval took more than four months.

Later, when people in other districts in the province asked to build more plants, she refused to help because during the four months of waiting there had been "too much pressure."

After more than two decades she now knows how to make farmers stick to long-term goals. Since 2017 she has been taking her organic agriculture campaign to secondary and high school students in Ben Tre and Dong Thap provinces. The vegetables these young people grow have been sold to consumers.

"They are real seeds, they will continue what I am doing in future," she said contentedly.

Stay in Vietnam

It is the sincerity and warmth of the people that keeps her in Vietnam. The Nung ethnic people in Cao Bang Province in the far north call her every year before the Lunar New Year holiday and tell her to return.

The Muong in Hoa Binh call her whenever they have a party. In the Mekong Delta, they try to cook her favorite dishes and give her the sweetest coconuts they have.

Tu Thi Viet Nhung, a specialist at the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association, was very impressed by Inos work and personality during a trip to Ben Tre.

"She has spent her youth for Vietnamese farmers. She lives with Vietnamese culture, speaking Vietnamese and ethnic Muong, drinking Vietnamese wine, loving Trinh Cong Sons music, and enjoying noodles with shrimp paste."

But it could all be coming to an end. Inos campaign in Dong Thap will finish in 2023. Her mother, now in her seventies, is looking forward to seeing her daughter back home, but Ino is not sure.

"If I am not in Vietnam, I will travel to other countries to help poor people."
ANZ economists expect a significant housing market downturn ahead, which would most likely push investors out of the market.

ANZ's latest Property Focus report pointed out that the COVID-19 lockdown resulted in fewer property listings and market activity across the country. Despite New Zealand making a gradual exit from the lockdown, ANZ economists still expect house prices to drop by 10% to 15% this year.

With the virus in retreat in New Zealand, downside risks have receded slightly, particularly if the Reserve Bank [could] provide more stimulus than previously assumed, the economists wrote on the report.
Nairobi  Catholic Bishops on Sunday expressed concern over the ongoing political bickering occasioned by the 2022 succession race.

In a statement issued by Bishop of Eldoret Diocese Dominic Kimengich, the clergy under the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) called on the political leaders to commit themselves to serving Kenyans and shun divisive politics which he noted risk sinking the country into instability.

"Our people are confused and are unable to understand, what is really happening to our politicians, the promises they had made. People are still hurt, the wounds of the 2007/8 post-election violence are still not healed."

"Please I beg you do not open these wounds. Please see the good of this country and put aside the political games and the jostling for political positioning regarding the 2022 elections," the Bishop pleaded.

Kenyans have been treated to heightened political activity over the last two weeks which was sparked off by the signing of a post-election coalition pact between Jubilee Party under President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Gideon Moi-led independent party KANU which gave way to the replacement the ruling party's Senate leadership.

Those axed, mainly Senators loyal to Deputy President William Ruto, include Elegyo-Marakwet's Kipchumba Murkomen, Nakuru's Susan Kihika and Tharaka-Nithi's Kithure Kindiki as the Majority Leader, Majority Whip and Senate Deputy Speaker respectively.

The ongoing purge in Parliament is meant to push out perceived allies of DP Ruto who are seen as possible threats to government plans to amend the Constitution through the Building Bridges Initiative championed by Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Changes are also expected to be effected in the National Assembly where the DP is said to have stronghold.

The Catholic Bishops stressed on the need for political leaders to focus their efforts on eliminating the spread coronavirus from the country.

"Indeed this is not the time for politics, this is the time that all our leaders should unite to fight all our enemy. We have a big problem ahead of us and if we do not put all our energies in eradicating COVID-19, there may be no people to rule in 2022," the Eldoret Diocese Bishop said in a statement on behalf of his colleagues in the KCCB.
Unless families get more support, religions in America could face continuing decline: AEI fellow

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Unless families get more support and fertility rates are increased among the faithful, religious communities in America could continue on a path toward terminal decline, says economist and researcher Lyman Stone.

If this is about household dynamics, if this is about families, if this is about babies, as I am arguing it is, could society support parents more? Could we change this? And could we do something that would be justifiable in a pluralist and liberal society? As were not just going to force people to pray in public schools or something, the researcher said.

Stone, who is an adjunct fellow at American Enterprise Institute, a Washington D.C.-based think tank, and a research fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, made the argument during a webinar Thursday, billed Religiosity in America: Trends of the past and options for the future.

At the beginning of his presentation, Stone made it clear that while current indicators point toward a terminal decline of religion in America, it doesnt have to continue on that path.

Its rapidly heading into terminal decline,  a kind of death, Stone said of religion to webinar participants, including panelists Daniel Cox, a research fellow in polling and public opinion at AEI, and Ross Douthat, a conservative political analyst, author and New York Times columnist.

Certainly there is plenty  I have written that can feed into that narrative, but by the time I get to the end I actually want to challenge this view that religiosity in America is necessarily going to follow this terminal downward slope, he said.

Stone, who is a former international economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, highlighted research showing that even though the share of Americans who say they are affiliated with some kind of religion or attend church weekly are all trending downward, America is still more religious today than during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

More Americans today, however, identify with no particular religion than at any period in the nations history. Only 65% of Americans now identify as Christian, while those who identify as religiously unaffiliated swelled to 26%, a recent study from the Pew Research Center noted.

The biggest changes in religious behavior, said Stone, is not coming from adults turning their back on faith but differences in religious outlook between generations that are largely influenced by the family life of those generations.

In older generations, Stone argued, data show that families tended to be more religious. He also pointed to studies showing that households that have more at home religious family activities tend to have children who are more likely to remain religious later in life.

The reverse is also true.

And younger generations, he said, are losing faith as teenagers and dont seem to be returning to it as previous generations did.

There is still no evidence of continuing adult secularization. Rather, people are at their least religious between the ages of 18 and 22, and on average they either stay the same or get slightly more religious over the rest of their life, he said.

Declining religion is not about adults making a decision to leave religion. Its not about the deeply considered rational choices of people whove decided to leave the Church. The vast majority of declining religiosity in America is happening to 13-year-old's, 14-year-old's, 16-year-old's. Its happening to minors while they are at home, Stone argued.

Research published by the Barna Group last fall from Ryan Burge, an assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University and pastor of First Baptist Church of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, pointed to related struggles among younger generations raised in the church who arent typically returning to church when compared with members of the Baby boomer generation born between 1945 and 1964.

In Burges analysis of the boomer generation, four different five-year cohorts reflected the trademark hump supported by traditional social science when each birth cohort moves into the 36-45 age range. Thats exactly what the life cycle effect would predict: People settle down, they have kids, and they return to church.

When he examined data for the younger cohorts, 1965-1969, 1975-1979 and 1980-1984, the data show a fading of the life cycle effect. While the hump is still there in the cohort measured from 1965-1969, a shift in the life cycle effect begins to emerge by around 1970.

That trend line is completely flatthose people didnt return to church when they moved into their 30s. You can see the beginnings of a hump among those born between 1975 and 1979, but in the next birth cohort the hump is actually inverted. That trademark return to churchwhich pastors and church leaders have relied on for decadesmight be fading, Burge said.

For anyone concerned with church growth, Burge says this should sound an alarm.

In his presentation, Stone noted that across all generations, religiosity tended to dip during the secondary years but because older generations were more religious than later generations, it could account for their higher reports of continued religiosity.

He suggested that a secondary school education system that is more supportive of religion was found to be important factors in maintaining religiosity as well as having two parents of the same religion.

He also argued that low fertility rates have resulted in a significant impact on the growth of Americas religious community.

For virtually all religious groups the fertility is the overwhelming source of growth, he said.

A share of people born into any religious tradition is going to leave it, Stone said, and if fewer people are born into that tradition the population that is left in that community will naturally grow smaller.

Ultimately, what we see is as the absolute size of a religious community shrinks, the household environment for transmission becomes more difficult which means the only small religions that survive are those with very aggressive norms for household transmission. That is with very strong practices of household religious faith, he said.

As a result, he said the data suggest that churches could continue to hemorrhage followers unless steps are taken to support families.

Policy positions he said that could help are child allowances that would encourage people to have more children and ending marriage penalties.

Right now we have massive marriage penalties baked into the welfare code particularly for working class households, Stone said.

He also recommended support for school choice that would help parents find schools for their children that support their values and would also help because parents find it harder to find schools that support their values.

Zoning laws that allow easier establishment of churches and the lowering of housing costs could also help, Stone said.
A Ukrainian lawmaker was found shot dead in his office on Saturday, the deputy interior minister Anton Gerashchenko said.

"The body of lawmaker Valerii Davydenko was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head," Gerashchenko wrote in a Facebook post, adding that police and prosecutors would investigate all possible reasons behind the death.

The body was found in the toilet of Davydenko's office.

From May 2013 to March 2014, Davydenko was Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. He ran as an independent in last year's parliamentary election.
Health officials issue warnings after some revellers did not follow precautions while marking the beginning of summer.

The Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start of summer in the United States brought big crowds to some beaches, parks and other destinations across the country, and warnings from experts about people disregarding the coronavirus social-distancing rules.

The outbreak in the US, the hardest-hit country in the world, has killed nearly 100,000 people and infected 1,626,000. As all 50 states have begun to ease restrictions in some capacity, experts have warned citizens to stay vigilant and continue to take precautions to avoid a resurgence.

On beaches in the southern state of Florida over the weekend, sheriffs deputies and beach patrols tried to make sure people kept their distance from others as they soaked up the rays on the sand and at parks.

In the Tampa area, along Floridas Gulf Coast, the crowds were so big that authorities took the extraordinary step of closing parking lots. The countys sheriff, Bob Gualtieri, said about 300 deputies were patrolling the beaches to ensure people did not get too close.

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In the state of Missouri, people packed bars and restaurants at the Lake of the Ozarks, a vacation hot spot popular with Chicagoans, over the weekend.

One video showed a crammed pool where vacationers lounged close together without masks, St Louis station KMOV-TV reported.

In West Virginia, ATV riders jammed the vast, 700-mile Hatfield-McCoy network of all-terrain vehicle trails on the first weekend it was allowed to reopen since the outbreak took hold. Campgrounds and cabins were opened, as well.

We truly appreciate getting to reopen, Jeff Lusk, executive director of the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority, told the Charleston Gazette-Mail. Being able to open now will help our trail businesses recover.

Warnings from health officials

But the joys of being outside were met with warnings from health experts.

On the Sunday talk shows, Dr Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus taskforce, said she was very concerned about scenes of people crowding together over the weekend.

People gather on the beach for the Memorial Day weekend in Port Aransas, Texas [Eric Gay/The Associated Press]

We really want to be clear all the time that social distancing is absolutely critical. And if you cant social distance and youre outside, you must wear a mask, she said on ABCs This Week programme.

The US is expected to surpass the 100,000 coronavirus death mark in the next few days.

The New York Times marked the grim milestone by devoting Sundays entire front page to a list of 1,000 names of those who have died in the US. The headline: An Incalculable Loss.

Some precautions impossible to enforce

Authorities at some destinations drawing summer-ready revellers acknowledged they could not enforce the recommended precautions, which have been met with hostility by groups of protesters across the country throughout the outbreak.

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and other national parks across the country, which were coming off of a two-month shutdown before the holiday weekend, asked visitors to take simple precautions: wash hands, keep a safe distance apart, wear protective face coverings.

We cant keep the public away from bison and bears every year at full staffing levels. So the notion that were going to keep every human being 6 feet apart is ridiculous, Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly told The Associated Press news agency.





At the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina officials recommended visitors arrive early at popular spots and keep their distance.

There is plenty of space for visitors to spread out, park spokesperson Dana Soehn said. But where they arent, were not asking our volunteers and employees to enforce it.

Meanwhile, at Arizonas Grand Canyon, officials are leaning on an unenforced overnight closure to thin out visitor numbers, but are not limiting access to the canyons cliff-hugging trails.

Were expecting there to be less people on the trails than being open all day, said Grand Canyon spokesperson Lily Daniels. A lot of it is self-governance.
New Delhi:

Ten more teams of the NDRF were on Tuesday deployed for rescue and relief operations in flood-hit Bihar and Uttar Pradesh even as the force rescued over 33,000 marooned people from various states.



Witnessing continuous rains and with people not wanting to leave their homes, the force has also deployed a number of boat ambulances in these states on which the personnel of the force provide pre-hospitalisation treatment and medicines to the affected.



The 10 teams that were airlifted yesterday for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been deployed. We are intensifying our operations, National Disaster Response Force chief O P Singh told PTI.



A special control room at the forces headquarter here is monitoring the situation 24X7, he said.



As per reports coming from the flood-affected areas of UP, the water level is increasing by 1 cm per hour in areas around Varanasi and about 15 cm rise in the water level has been seen in the day till now, a senior official said.



There are reports of waterlogging in Varanasi and Ghazipur, the official said.



So far, NDRF teams have evacuated/rescued 33,210 people and provided medicine assistance to 9,197 needy people, the national contingency force said, adding rescue operations in four other states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Assam are in full swing.



Apart from the 10 fresh teams, 17 rescue teams of the NDRF are operational in Bihar.



As per data, while 650 people were rescued from Patna, 1,580 from Didarganj, 450 from Sonepur, 65 from Vaisali, 780 people from Bakhtiyarpur and 300 people and 10 cattles were rescued from Digaghat Danapur to safer locations.



Thus, NDRF has rescued a total of 14,178 people in last four days in Bihar, it said.



Similarly, 19 teams of NDRF are deployed in different parts of Uttar Pradesh.



In order to launch massive operations in the two worst-affected states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the NDRF has created on-ground control rooms in these two states and deputed two senior Deputy Inspector General-rank officers (DIG) to take control of the situation.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
In sixth grade, Julia Stephenson would not have guessed the thing she would miss most about her final quarter of high school was competing in a state trap shooting competition.

Stephenson grew up in a farm family that had rifles in the house and because of that, her mom insisted that Julia and her sisters take hunter safety courses and a year of trap shooting.

I actually did not want to shoot trap at all. I dreaded it, she said. She made me do it for a year. I loved it. I couldnt stop.

Now a straight-A student at Norris High School, shes part of the trap team at one of the only schools in the state with a trap range. She loves it because its different, not something one gets to do every day.

She plays trumpet in band, competes in quiz bowl and mock trials and plans to go to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study psychology and probably philosophy and eventually go to law school.

But when asked what she missed most about the final quarter of high school being interrupted by a pandemic, trap shooting was the first thing that came to mind.
The Chilean food distribution program 'Food for Chile' began its pilot stage on Friday, delivering the first 500,000 boxes of food across 38 municipalities of Santiago's metropolitan area.

According to Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, 2.5 million boxes of food are expected to be distributed among the country's most vulnerable population affected by the pandemic.

The food boxes will include rice, legumes, mashed potatoes, oil, tuna, flour, pasta, as well as cleaning products such as soap and detergent, announced the Chilean president on national streaming last Thursday.

The program implementation came after protests demanding food aid clashed with police on the outskirts of Santiago on Monday.

As of Friday Chile has reported more than 61,000 coronavirus cases and 630 deaths so far, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

(Representative Image)
US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell is planning to step down in the coming weeks after little more than two years in the job, German news agency dpa reported on Sunday, without saying where it obtained the information.

Robin Quinville, deputy chief of mission at the embassy, is expected to replace Grenell on an interim basis, the report said.

The news comes only days after the US Senate confirmed Representative John Ratcliffe, like Grenell a staunch political ally of President Donald Trump, as the permanent director of national intelligence (DNI).

In February, Trump had named 53-year old Grenell as acting DNI.

An embassy spokesperson declined to comment on dpa report.

"It is our policy not to comment on travel or schedules, but Ambassador Grenell has continued to actively engage on Administration priorities on Germany while serving as the Acting Director of National Intelligence," the spokesperson said.

"As we said when he was appointed to that role, we continue to aggressively pursue key policy objectives as part of a whole-of-government approach."

Grenell, who also serves as special envoy for peace talks between Kosovo and Serbia, did not immediately respond to a separate email sent by Reuters.

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Hapur (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: Three people, including one police constable and a driver, died on the spot after a police vehicle overturned at National Highway-9 of Simbhaoli police station area, Hapur on Sunday.

The police team had come to Ghaziabad from Lakhimpur Kheri in connection with a kidnapping case. The incident occurred while they were returning from Ghaziabad.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 24)  Some Metro Manila mayors are proposing to ease lockdown restrictions in the region after May 31 in order to prop up the ailing economy.

With one week left before the modified enhanced community quarantine ends, Paranaque mayor and chairman of the Metro Manila Council Edwin Olivarez said the capital is now ready to be placed under general community quarantine.

According to Olivarez, the national governments efforts against the coronavirus disease have already helped slow the rate of infection, allowing local government units to better handle the situation should restrictions be eased.

The Metro Manila Council is set to meet on May 27, Wednesday, to come up with a single recommendation on whether or not to downgrade the community quarantine status in the area.

The council is composed of all mayors of the capitals 16 cities and the municipality of Pateros.

Ibabalanse natin eh. Mai-open natin ang economy, at the same time, hindi natin nape-prejudice ang ating healthcare, Olivarez said. Yung sa aming report ng aming city health office, itong past 10 days halos nagfa-flatten kami.

[Translation: We will balance it. We will open our economy, while at the same time ensuring that it will not prejudice our healthcare. In our city health offices report, our (COVID-19 curve) is almost flattening these past 10 days.]

Both Valenzuela mayor Rex Gatchalian and Navotas mayor Toby Tiangco echoed this view, adding that theyre already preparing for Metro Manilas possible transition to GCQ.

Gatchalian also said that with constant testing, tracing and isolating, local chief executives can reopen the economy while at the same time stem the spread of the virus.

However, San Juan City mayor Francis Zamora expressed caution, noting it might be better for the modified ECQ to be extended for another two weeks to see if the downward trend in COVID-19 cases is sustained.

Im in favor of doing this slowly but surely, he said. In short, wag na muna agad agad GCQ sana. Sana we can observe first the trend of the number of cases.

[Translation: Im in favor of doing this slowly but surely. In short, lets not place Metro Manila under GCQ right away. Hopefully, we can observe first the trend of the number of cases.]

We also have to consider the data and statistics of other cities, Zamora added.

Targeted lockdown?

COVID-19 response chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier mentioned the possibility of targeted lockdowns after May 31, with only certain zones  instead of whole cities  being placed under community quarantine.

Olivarez is in favor of this proposal, saying: Hindi dapat yung buong city mag-sacrifice kasi wala nang cases doon sa iba-iba nating barangays sa area. Kung saan na lang merong cases at clustering, yun na lang ang ating i-ECQ.

[Translation: The whole city should not be sacrificed, because there are no more cases in other barangays in the area. Where there remains to be cases and clustering, thats only where we should implement the ECQ.]

Placing specific zones on quarantine may also be more practical, said Tiangco.

While Zamora and Gatchalian expressed support for the targeted lockdown plan, they said there might not be any need for select areas in their cities to be placed under lockdown, as the spread of COVID-19 in San Juan and Valenzuela has been contained.

Metro Manila, along with Bataan, Bulacan, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, has been placed under the modified ECQ until the end of May. Meanwhile, Cebu City and Mandaue City continue to be under the stricter ECQ.

The rest of the country is now under general community quarantine.

To date, there are over 14,000 confirmed cases of the viral disease in the Philippines, with over 800 deaths and more than 3,000 recoveries.

CNN Philippines' Xianne Arcangel and Kristel Limpot contributed to this report.
Sinduja Jane By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The death of a discharged Covid-19 patient has sparked fresh concerns about the revised ICMR guidelines on discharge of infected people. The deceased, a 54-year-old resident of Mannady, had tested positive on May 9.

Subsequently, he was admitted to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital. Ten days after admission, hospital authorities discharged him without an exit test and advised him to undergo home quarantine. On May 21, the man, who was a worker at Kothwal Chavadi market, was rushed back with breathing troubles to the hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

ALSO READ| Overcrowded COVID-19 testing centres in Chennai allegedly turning away people

Sources said the victims body was kept in the mortuary for another two days before being cremated on May 23. "Meanwhile, his samples were lifted and they tested positive," added the sources. The ICMR had on May 9 revised the discharge policy, allowing discharge of patients with little or mild symptoms after they spent 10 days in healthcare facilities. The apex body had also done away with mandatory exit tests for such patients. Several health experts had questioned the rationale behind the revised protocol.

Stating that they followed only the ICMR guidelines, the Dean of Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, Dr Balaji, said, "The patient was examined by doctors before he was discharged and he was doing well then. He was advised to be on medication. But, when we analysed the death, hypoxia was found to be an issue." Hypoxia is the absence of enough oxygen in the tissues to sustain body functions and can turn fatal if immediate medical care is not given.

Dr Balaji, however, denied that samples were taken from the deceased. "We didnt take samples after death. The body was kept for three days because we were waiting for his son to come," he added. A Health Department official said they were yet to fully understand the disease.

"Some are turning negative in 10 days and some take a longer time. It is totally a new disease to understand. Co-morbid conditions are also a risk factor," he said. However, he declined to say if the deceased had any co-morbidities. Earlier, the State used to discharge confirmed cases only after two consecutive tests returned negative.

ALSO READ| Now Chennai alone has over 10,000 COVID-19 cases; nearly 80% of state death toll from here

Man flees hospital

CHENNAI: A 45-year-old man who tested positive for coronavirus escaped from the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital on Friday. An official source said the man got himself admitted with a fake address and he did not give his phone number. This is the second time a COVID-19 patient has fled from the hospital.
Nearly half of Americans say they would not get in a self-driving taxi, according to a poll commissioned by the advocacy group Partners for Automated Vehicle Education. The poll, conducted online in February and March by SurveyUSA, found widespread skepticism and confusion about autonomous vehicles.

Of the 1,200 adults surveyed, 48% said they would never get in a taxi or ride-share vehicle that was being driven autonomously, while 21% said they were unsure about it. A fifth of respondents said that AVs would never be safe, and another fifth stated incorrectly that it is possible to own a completely driverless vehicle today.

Americans have a lack of trust and a lack of knowledge about AVs, said PAVE executive director Tara Andringa.

A coalition of autonomous vehicle developers and road safety groups, PAVE was founded in 2019 with the goal of informing the pubic about self-driving cars. Its members include Waymo, Cruise, and Argo  three of the leaders on Hyperdrives recently published Self-Driving Scorecard  as well as the National Safety Council, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and the National Federation of the Blind.

The latest survey results echo previous polls that suggest a potential problem regarding consumer acceptance of self-driving cars. Companies are putting huge investment into the development of AVs, but public opinion polls like this one show great skepticism, concern and distrust, said Andringa. The point of PAVE is to help bridge that gap.

This is the first time that PAVE has surveyed public sentiment around AVs. The group plans to use the poll as a baseline to measure changes in sentiment and to help judge the efficacy of its education campaign, which includes holding driverless car demonstrations for the general public. The poll results, said Andringa, bolster her belief that giving people access to the technology is the best way to change opinions. Sixty% of those surveyed said they would have greater trust in AVs if they knew more about how the technology works.

Oliver Cameron, chief executive officer of Voyage, a self-driving car startup and PAVE member, said the poll conforms with his experience providing autonomous rides to residents in private retirement communities in Florida and California.

Weve had a few residents who are excited, and they dont really care about the fact its a self-driving car because they saw the birth of flight, said Cameron. But for many others, he said, the first ride is like being on a roller coaster. Theres fear, followed by relief.

Its like Oh, that wasnt so bad, said Cameron. I think that is going to be most Americans experience. It will be an exciting technology  maybe even a scary technology  until you try it. And then it will just become normal.

Perhaps surprisingly, drivers who said they were aware of bad publicity around automated driving  including the case of the Uber self-driving car that killed a pedestrian in Arizona in 2018 and crashes involving Teslas Autopilot  were more likely to say AVs are safe. Drivers who reported having advanced-driver assistance systems, or ADAS, on their own cars were also more likely to be optimistic about self-driving cars.

Seventy-three percent of drivers with a forward collision alert system on their own cars, for instance, said that safe AVs would be available within 10 years, compared to 58% of those without. Yet drivers who say they own vehicles with ADAS are also more likely to be mistaken about the availability of completely driverless vehicles; 59% of drivers who reported having a remote parking system, for instance, mistakenly stated that they can buy a self-driving car today.

The way that some companies advertise their current products leads people to believe that cars are capable of more than they are, said Andringa.



Ira Boudway of Bloomberg News wrote this story.

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(Newser)  Sen. Amy Klobuchar has many qualities Joe Biden is looking for in a running mate. She's experienced and aligned with the former vice president on the issues. They get along and didn't have any ugly clashes during the primaries and debates. But she won't help him beat President Trump, black and Latino political leaders say. Klobuchar didn't attract the support of minority voters in the primaries, Politico reports. The sentiment that the Minnesota Democrat has ignored black voters is so strong that after a speech in South Carolina in February, the Rev. Al Sharpton publicly told her to address it. "Y'all need to talk to the black press," he told Klobuchar in front of the audience, per the Washington Post, pointing to a journalist in the crowd. In Nevada, just 4% of the Latino votes went to Klobuchar.

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Putting her on the Democratic ticket would "risk losing the very base the Democrats need to win," said Aimee Allison of She the People. An op-ed in the Post by a group of black activists and strategists argued that picking Klobuchar would "only alienate black voters." Many see Klobuchar as embodying the party's larger dilemma: whether to focus on getting voters of color to the polls who sat out the 2016 election, or on the white voters in the Midwest who went for Trump. She "represents that tension," Sharpton said. The senator recently has taken steps, working to pass legislation sought by black and Latino groups. And Klobuchar took part in an NAACP town hall about the pandemic's toll on minority Americans. But one activist cautioned that building such relationships takes time. "It isnt something you can do in a matter of weeks," she said. (Biden's comments on black support didn't go well.)
CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico - Officials in a Mexican border city are tightening checks on travellers coming from Texas, saying they fear U.S. visitors may be helping feed a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Municipal and state officials in Matamoros, together with Mexicos National Guard began setting up checkpoints Saturday at the three border crossings to question U.S. citizens and residents coming from Brownsville, Texas. City official Jorge Mora Solaldine said only one person will be allowed per vehicle and people will have to prove they have essential business, such as work or medical care.

At least 180 people were turrned back at a single point on Saturday, according to city officials.

Mexico and the U.S. announced in March that they were closing the border to non-essential business, but enforcement has been spotty in some places and there were few if any checks on those coming into Matamoros. Commercial traffic, critical to the economy on both sides of the border, has continued on a large scale.

The municipality of Matamoros, with a population of roughly 500,000, has reported 323 confirmed infections of the new coronavirus and 29 deaths, while Cameron County on the other side of the border has recorded about 700 cases and 32 deaths among its roughly 420,000 people.

The U.S.-Mexico border is the most transited in the world, with many people normally crossing almost daily for work or school. Residents and officials on both sides have asserted that travellers from across the border were bringing the infection.

In Nogales, Sonora, some people temporarily blocked the crossing from Arizona with their vehicles in March, accusing the Mexican government of failing to screen people coming from the U.S.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and lead to death.
The Army was deployed in Kolkata and neighbouring districts on Saturday for restoration of essential infrastructure and services in the wake of the destruction caused by Cyclone Amphan, a defence official said.

Five columns of the Army were deployed in different parts of the city and North and South 24 Parganas districts, he said.

These three parts of the state reported the maximum damage due to the cyclone which claimed 86 lives, flattened homes and damaged crops.

The deployment comes hours after the state government sought the Army's help and other support for immediate restoration of essential infrastructure and services.

"The Indian Army has provided three columns to assist the Kolkata city administration in the aftermath of Cyclone Amphan," the defence official said.

Army personnel equipped with road and tree clearance equipment were deployed at Tollygunge, Ballygunge and Behala in south Kolkata, he said.

Army columns were also deployed for restoration work at New Town in North 24 Parganas district and at Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district, he added.

An Army column has 35 men, including officers and junior commissioned officers.

In a series of tweets earlier in the day, the home department said the state government has mobilised maximum strength in a unified command mode for immediate restoration of essential infrastructure and services.

"Army support has been called for; NDRF and SDRF teams deployed; Rlys, Port & private sector too requested to supply teams and equipment," it said.

It added drinking water and drainage infrastructure is being restored fast and the Public Health Engineering Department has been asked to supply water pouches in areas facing a scarcity.

Packing heavy rain and winds with speeds of up to 190 kmph, Cyclone Amphan barrelled through coastal districts of West Bengal and Odisha on Wednesday, unleashing copious rain and windstorm.

Amphan was the fiercest cyclone to hit West Bengal in 100 years.
Normally, Memorial Day weekend is the first sign thats summer is coming, with backyard barbecues and gatherings.

This years not going to measure up to our normal expectations.

But the Lehigh Valley IronPigs are trying to give us something to enjoy -- a welcomed distraction during the coronavirus pandemic that has infected 1.64 million Americans and left more than 5,000 Pennsylvanians dead.

Saturday night, the IronPigs hosted a "Drive-In Fireworks" show at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, presented by Service Electric Cable TV, Capital BlueCross, Lehigh Valley Health Network and Provident Bank.

This has been a time where everyone in the Lehigh Valley is looking for ways to still have fun while responsibly staying safe, IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes said in a statement. Our goals remain the same, to support our community and entertain our fans.

Everyone who showed up bought tickets in advance and were instructed to stay in their vehicles during the show, in order to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. Some people didnt stay in their vehicles. A few were spotted watching the show from the bed of pickup trucks or standing up through sunroofs.

Tickets were sold out as of Friday, but a second Drive-in Fireworks event has been scheduled for Saturday, June 6; visit CocaColaParkEvents.com for tickets.

As fans watched the brilliant fireworks show, the display was paired with music broadcast on listened to fireworks music on WLEV-FM 100.7.

Check out photos above from Saturday night's Memorial Day fireworks event at Coca-Cola Park.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Saed Hindash may be reached at shindash@lehighvalleylive.com.
New Delhi, May 24 : President Ram Nath Kovind, here on Sunday, advised people to follow the social distancing norms and all other precautions while celebrating Eid ul-Fitr to stay safe from coronavirus.

The President greeted fellow Indians, including those settled abroad, on the festival that marks the end of the fast of Ramadan.

Noting that the festival is an expression of love, peace, brotherhood and harmony, the President urged people to reaffirm their belief in sharing and caring for the most vulnerable sections of society on the occasion.

"Let us carry the spirit of giving (zakaat) more vigorously at a time when we are faced with an unprecedented crisis created by Covid-19," the President said in a message.

"Let us also resolve to adhere to social distancing norms and all other precautions to stay safe and overcome this challenge soon. May this Eid ul-Fitr usher in universal values of mercy, charity and hope in the world!," he said.

Latest updates on Eid al-Fitr 2020

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The tap-and-pay method of making payments is growing substantially in South Africa.

With new payment methods, however, comes trepidation from customers in terms of their banking security.

This was heightened in 2018 when a video was posted showing a man tapping another persons back pocket  in which they had their wallet  with a POS card machine.

SABRIC responded to the video by highlighting that such theft was very unlikely, and to get a POS device you would need to deal with a financial institution as a business.

Additionally, a percentage of all sales made using the POS device goes to the provider of the machine  meaning it would be easy to track these transactions through the machines provider.

The growth of tap-and-pay locally is evidence of its security, and FNB reported it processed about 66 million contactless payments in the 2018/19 financial year  nearly three times the 25.7 million payments recorded in the previous year.

The value of these payments increased from R4.5 billion to R14 billion over this period, FNB said.

Chief Executive for FNB Retail, Raj Makanjee, said that the inclusion of NFC (near-field communication) in its cards has benefited customers in various ways.

All our customers have contactless-enabled cards, and this contributes significantly to our efforts to empower customers with convenient and safer ways to pay.

Our goal is to minimise reliance on cash by ensuring that customers have access to payment options that accommodate their day to day needs, said Makanjee.

To find out more about the security of the payment method, MyBroadband asked Nedbank and FNB what their experience has been regarding tap-and-pay fraud in South Africa.

Tap-and-pay fraud is negligible

Deon Louw, Head of Card and Merchant Fraud at Nedbank, told MyBroadband that issues with tap-and-pay in the fraud environment have been extremely rare.

Tapping to pay is a faster and a more convenient payment method. It reduces the risk of the card being compromised as the card does not have to leave the customers hand, said Louw.

For safety, consumers are encouraged to follow the same level of precautions used with other methods of payment, i.e. keep their card safe and PIN secret, Louw added.

However, he warned that customers who lose or have their card stolen should immediately block the card.

Customers are reminded that some tap-and-pay transactions may be performed without a PIN, should a customer misplace, lose or have their card stolen they should utilise the Money App or contact their bank immediately to block the card.

Tap-and-pay fraud trends are as expected

FNBs Head of Card Fraud Senzo Nsibande said the bank has witnessed an increase in the adoption of tap-and-pay transactions that is in line with the international adoption trends for contactless card payments.

He said that current contactless card fraud trends are also in line with expectations.

Card payments, including contactless payments, are much safer and more convenient forms of payment, said Nsibande.

We continue to improve our technology and processes on an ongoing basis to protect our customers against all forms of fraud, including providing them with educational content via our banking platform.
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with his cabinet in the East Room of the White House on May 19, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Trump Executive Order Aims to Boost Economy by Reining in Regulatory Abuse

President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week aimed to boost the pandemic-weakened economy and strengthen basic due process protections for Americans involved in agency regulatory proceedings as part of what the administration calls the Regulatory Bill of Rights.

To protect our people and defeat the virus, we must also defend the health of our nations economy, the president said at a cabinet meeting on May 19. To achieve this goal, weve slashed red tape and bureaucracy and unleashed the largest industrial mobilization since World War Two.

The document, known as Executive Order 13924, instructs federal agencies to look at regulatory actions they could take to encourage growth in the economy. The order instructs federal agencies to use any and all authority to waive, suspend, and eliminate unnecessary regulations that impede economic recovery.

Just as we continue to battle COVID-19 itself, so too must we now join together to overcome the effects the virus has had on our economy, the order states.

The libertarian Cato Institute advocated a Citizens Regulatory Bill of Rights in 1995. It called for the federal government to, among other things, provide people with written notice of the legal basis for an inspection or search when one is conducted. Years later, Trump moved forward with his own attempt at combating the so-called administrative state, as his administration early on made a focus of slashing regulations.

Critics say officials in the administrative state are unaccountable to voters and allow unelected bureaucrats to usurp the functions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Congress, they say, is supposed to make the laws of the land, but lawmakers have steadily ceded that bodys constitutional powers to the administrative state, to the overall detriment of society.

Two months before the president unveiled his order, the Sacramento, California-based Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF), a nonprofit and public interest law firm, submitted a 46-page comment to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The document offered examples from PLFs portfolio of public interest litigation regarding regulatory due process violations and recommending due process principles that included each of the 10 regulatory reform-related items the president listed.

Among the complaints against regulators raised by PLF are that agencies fail to provide notice of the scope or content of investigations, use biased and unreliable evidence, and withhold exculpatory evidence, as they presume the other sides guilt instead of bearing the burden of proof.

Other complaints are that agencies threaten excessive penalties to force people into settlements, that cases are tried before biased agency adjudicators instead of independent courts, and that rules are issued by mere agency employees, rather than by properly appointed officers overseen by the elected president.

While we are excited that the administration took our recommendations seriously, it now falls on the individual agencies and the OMB to change their current practices to conform to the principles the president has reaffirmed, said Todd Gaziano, director of the Center for the Separation of Powers at PLF, in a statement.

PLF will continue to fight until the aspirational goals of the Regulatory Bill of Rights become a reality.

A new report released by the group, The Regulatory States Due Process Deficits, relates the stories of nine PLF clients who faced shortfalls in their due process rights from regulatory agency investigations and other actions.

The president explained the purpose of his order at the cabinet meeting.

Im directing agencies to review the hundreds of regulations weve already suspended in response to the virus and make these suspensions permanent where possible, Trump said.

Im also instructing agencies to use the emergency authorities to speed up regulation cuts or new rules that will create jobs and prosperity and get rid of unnecessary rules and regulations.

We had cases where it would take 20 years to build a highway. Youd have to go through various agencies to get the same permit. I lived with it in the private sector, so I know it better than anybody, where youd go years and years and years to build a simple roadway or a simple building, and it would end up costing an absolute fortunemany, many times what it should cost.

Kay Coles James, president of the conservative Heritage Foundation, praised Trumps order in a statement.

Freeing our economy from unnecessary government regulation will play a critical role in speeding up our nations recovery from COVID-19, she said.

Lisa Gilbert, vice president of legislative affairs at the left-leaning Public Citizen, a watchdog group, gave the order a thumbs-down, saying it was vague.

It feels like a blank check, she said. Its encouraging agencies to do sort of an internal dive and decide if they can enforce things. I think they are formalizing whats been an informal mandate.
Ray Cuddihy is one of the three hosts of RTE's new Home School Hub programme, which airs on RTE2 every weekday between 11am and noon. The programme was launched in late March - shortly after the country went into lockdown - to provide primary schoolchildren with fun daily lessons from the comfort of their home.

Cuddihy, a primary school teacher from Doneraile in north Cork, has previously worked with RTEjr as an actor and puppeteer. For more information, visit rte.ie/tv/programmes.

Has the coronavirus crisis taught you anything about money?

It's taught me how much money I've spent on gigs - and on going out in general. I really want to support the musicians I'd normally support - musicians depend on gigs, but so many can't play gigs now until 2021. The crisis has made me more aware of what I need to do to support musicians.

The most expensive country you ever visited?

Switzerland - I remember going there for a snowboarding trip and everywhere was so expensive. Though I find Dublin very expensive too.

What's your favourite Irish coin or note?

The old pennies were amazing. The old 20p with the horse on it was beautiful - as was the old punt coin with the Irish elk. I love the old 10p with the salmon.

The most expensive thing you have ever bought?

My car - which isn't really an expensive car. My car wouldn't impress anyone. I'm hoping to buy a camper van some day.

What was your worst job?

Picking stones out of a field. Your work is never done with that job. I used to listen to music when doing it, but even then I think I only lasted two days.

Are you better off than your parents?

I don't think I'm any better or worse off than my parents. My parents worked a lot harder than I do - not that I'm a slacker, but they worked incredibly hard. My parents had more of an opportunity to own a house than I did. I'm caught between two recessions: the one that began in 2008 and the current one. Every generation has its own challenges. Every generation looks at the older generation without truly understanding how they've lived.

What was your biggest financial mistake?

I did what a lot of people who are passionate about underground music do. I published a lot of underground music on CD and vinyl - and out of a batch of 800, you'd sell about 100. Not a wise investment!

The best advice you ever got about money?

'Easy come, easy go' was a saying of my Dad's. It's not the most prudent advice about money, but I really loved that saying of his because it usually meant he was about to throw me 50 or something. I'm not sure if I live by that saying myself - sometimes I really love saving but at other times, I find it difficult to keep money in my pocket.

If you won the EuroMillions, what would you do with the money?

I don't think money would buy happiness - but it could make things a lot easier. If I won the EuroMillions, I'd look after the people around me and the people I care for - and I'd figure out a way to use it as wisely as I can. I'd go on a lot more holidays.

iTunes or Spotify?

I'm really not into Spotify. I don't think Spotify rewards musicians - or that musicians make a lot of money out of Spotify. I use Bandcamp instead - and I also buy from traditional record shops such as Plugd Records in Cork and All City Records in Dublin.

What was the last thing you bought online?

A book: Ireland's Animals by Niall Mac Coitir.

Would you buy Irish property if you had the money?

Yes - it is my dream to own a place.

What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt?

My phone - because I listen to so many podcasts. My bike - as I adore my bike. Sports gear - as I love training and the outdoors.
A Portland police officers patrol car collided with a gray Acura TL in Southeast Portlands Lents neighborhood Saturday afternoon, sending occupants of both cars to the hospital and closing the site of the crash, an intersection, for hours.

The officer was driving westbound on Southeast Flavel Street to assist another officer when he entered the intersection at the same time a woman approached, driving the Acura southbound on Southeast 112th Avenue, according to a Portland Police Bureau news release.

The collision in the intersection caused the police vehicle to flip several times and land on its roof, say police. The officer was transported to a nearby hospital and has been released.

The woman in the Acura was taken by a Portland police officer to receive medical care. Her car has front-end damage.

Portland Police Bureaus Major Crash Team continues to investigate the collision, which took place before 3:40 p.m. on May 23.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Chris Johnson at 503-823-2213 or chris.johnson@portlandoregon.gov

 Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories
A barber in Atlanta, Georgia cuts his customer's hair while wearing a face mask on May 15, 2020.

Paras Griffin/Getty Images

Georgia was among the first states to start reopening its economy at the end of April.

In the three weeks since the state has eased back into normal life, unemployment has stayed high.

According to Labor Department statistics, 40.3% of Georgia's workforce has applied for unemployment assistance since the pandemic began.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Unemployment in Georgia has continued to climb, despite its controversial decision to push ahead with reopening, according to a new Politico report.

The outlet analyzed Labor Department data which shows that two-fifths of Georgia workers have filed unemployment claims, the highest proportion in the US.

More than 40% have filed for unemployment insurance payments since the pandemic began to take hold in mid-March, Politico said.

While its reopening has allowed some people to go back to work, there have also been several waves of new unemployment applications which came after the restrictions began to lift.

Georgia's restrictions began to lift on April 24, with its official stay-at-home order expiring on April 30.

However, according to Politico's figures the state had 243,000 jobless claims two weeks ago, and another 177,000 last week.

The new job losses have been clustered in the retail, social assistance, and health care industries.

In total, more than two million Georgia workers have filed for unemployment in the last nine weeks, compared to 39 million in the US as a whole.

Georgia ended its stay-at-home order on April 24, and began reopening businesses in the state, starting with gyms, bowling alleys, and personal care businesses.

The only businesses still shut there are bars, nightclubs, theaters, live music venues, and amusement parks, which will remain closed for the rest of May.

Many worried that the early reopening would cause a resurgence of coronavirus cases in the state, but so far the results are unclear. There has also been a debate on how to interpret the data.

Story continues

Georgia's Department of Public Health has published data showing what appears to be a significant decline in new cases and deaths, but other experts say experts say the information is both preliminary and incomplete.

An independent analysis by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper suggested that the outbreak appears to be in a plateau  not a decline.

With additional reporting from Michelle Mark.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc has held phone talks with US Congressman Ami Bera, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committees Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation,

on the comprehensive partnership between the two countries and bilateral cooperation in the fight against COVID-19.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc

During the talks on May 21, the two sides rejoiced at the strong developments of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership and expressed their hope that the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic ties will mark new milestones and determination to advance the relationship.

Ngoc thanked the US administration and Congress for their support to Vietnam in the pandemic combat, saying recent medical cooperation activities have reflected the spirit of effective partnership and collaboration in the hardest time.

Bera, who had work in health care for more than two decades before becoming a congressman, lauded and congratulated the Vietnamese Government and people on well containing the disease.

He said he wants to visit some countries in the region, including Vietnam, after the pandemic is put under control.

One of the priorities of the Subcommittee and the congressman is promoting multifaceted cooperation with regional countries, covering economy-trade, national defence-security, and maritime security and safety, Bera said.

The two sides also exchanged views on the East Sea situation and the Mekong-US cooperation.

Regarding the East Sea, Bera said he and the US Congress are always interested in and keep a close watch on developments in the East Sea and oppose acts that infringe upon sovereignty and run counter to international law, causing regional disorder.

On this occasion, Ngoc and Bera discussed enhancing multifaceted collaboration between Vietnam and California, including the implementation of a letter of intention in this regard signed by representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in the US and Los Angeles city in May 2019.

Ngoc called on the California side to create more favourable conditions for Vietnamese in the state to live, work and study.

He also appealed to the US Congress and administration to take measures to protect the Vietnamese community given the recent wave of discrimination against Asians in the country due to COVID-19 concern./.
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China for the first on Sunday admitted that its multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, but said that the impact is "temporary and limited".

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that from an overall long term perspective the coronavirus will "strengthen and reenergise" BRI cooperation and open-up new possibilities.

He said the demand for public health expansion in view of the COVID-19 all over the world will give a new impetus to project expansion.

Indeed COVID-19 has affected Belt and Road cooperation to some extent but the impact is temporary and limited," Wang told media here answering a question on the impact of the coronavirus on BRI.

Outlining the progress made by BRI, Wang said over the past seven years China has signed BRI cooperation documents with 138 countries, more than 2,000 projects have been launched and thousands of jobs have been created in partner countries.

During the same period China's trading goods with BRI partner countries has exceeded USD 7.8 trillion while direct Chinese investments have topped USD 110 billion, he said.

The BRI was launched by President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes.

The Trump administration has been extremely critical of the BRI, in which USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project, and is of the view that China's "predatory" financing is leaving smaller counties under huge debt endangering their sovereignty.

The US' top diplomat for South and Central Asia Alice Wells on Wednesday said that at a time when the world is reeling from the economic consequences of having shut parts of the economy due to the coronavirus, it is really incumbent upon China to take steps to alleviate the burden this "predatory, unsustainable and unfair" lending is going to cause to Pakistan.

India which had protested to China over the CPEC being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has also aired concerns over the BRI financing, saying that connectivity initiatives must follow principles of financial responsibility to avoid projects that would create an unsustainable debt burden for communities.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
N early 200 political figures from around the world have denounced Beijing's proposed national security laws for Hong Kong.

Earlier this week, China's ruling Communist Party announced it wants to clamp down on dissent in Hong Kong by introducing a national security law.

Pro-democracy activists say the move to ban "treason, secession, sedition and subversion" will destroy Hong Kongs autonomy.

In a joint statement organised by former Hong Kong Governor Christopher Patten and former British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind, 186 law and policy leaders said the proposed laws are a "comprehensive assault on the city's autonomy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms" and a "flagrant breach" of the Sino-British Joint Declaration that returned Hong Kong to China in 1997.

"If the international community cannot trust Beijing to keep its word when it comes to Hong Kong, people will be reluctant to take its word on other matters," they wrote.

Human Rights Day march in Hong Kong - In pictures 1 /32 Human Rights Day march in Hong Kong - In pictures The crowd makes way for an ambulance during a Human Rights Day march REUTERS Protesters wear masks and hold umbrellas to defend themselves from police tear gas. Getty Images Pro-democracy protesters flash their smartphones AP Pro-democracy protesters gather on a street AP People march during a pro-democracy rally from Victoria Park to Chater Road AFP via Getty Images Protesters form a frontline during a standoff with police Getty Images Crowds raise their phone lights AFP via Getty Images A protestor dressed as Captain America REUTERS A statue on Statue Square is plastered with protest posters AP Pro-democracy protesters carry a building material on a street AP Pro-democracy protesters flash their smartphones lights AP A protester wearing a Guy Fawkes REUTERS A protester spray-paints on a wall AP Crowds raise their phone lights AP Crowds raise their phone lights REUTERS Protesters form a frontline with umbrellas during a standoff with police Getty Images Pro-democracy protesters march into the night in Hong Kong AP Protesters sit in front of a advertisement Getty Images A protester wearing a Guy Fawkes REUTERS A man leans over as he takes a photo of graffiti left by protesters on the old Bank of China AFP via Getty Images A road is blocked following a Human Rights Day march REUTERS Protesters form a frontline with umbrellas during a standoff with police AFP via Getty Images A woman watches protesters as they attend a Human Rights Day march REUTERS People gather at Victoria Park for a pro-democracy rally in Hong Kong AFP via Getty Images

The legislation comes as the relationship between Washington and Beijing frays, with US President Donald Trump blaming China for the coronavirus pandemic.

US officials said the Chinese legislation would be bad for both Hong Kong's and China's economies and could jeopardise the territory's special status in US law.

China has dismissed other countries' complaints as meddling.

Some of Trump's fellow Republicans - Senator Marco Rubio, acting chair of the Intelligence Committee, and Senator Ted Cruz - signed the statement.

Democratic signatories included Representative Eliot Engel, head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Adam Schiff, chairman of the US House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

In the UK, 44 members of the House of Commons and eight members of the House of Lords also signed the statement, alongside figures from across Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.

Leaders Donald Trump and Xi Jinping / REUTERS

It follows a joint statement from Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Australian foreign affairs minister Marise Payne and Canadian foreign minister Francois-Philippe Champagne on Friday, which said: We are deeply concerned at proposals for introducing legislation related to national security in Hong Kong.

The legally-binding joint declaration, signed by China and the UK, sets out that Hong Kong will have a high degree of autonomy.

It also provides that rights and freedoms, including those of the person, of the press, of assembly, of association and others, will be ensured by law in Hong Kong, and that the provisions of the two UN covenants on human rights (the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) shall remain in force.

Making such a law on Hong Kongs behalf without the direct participation of its people, legislature or judiciary would clearly undermine the principle of one country, two systems, under which Hong Kong is guaranteed a high degree of autonomy.

Downing Street has also urged China to respect Hong Kongs rights amid concerns Beijing is tightening its grip on the city.

Boris Johnsons official spokesman said: We are monitoring the situation closely. We expect China to respect Hong Kongs rights and freedoms and high degree of autonomy.

As a party to the joint declaration, the UK is committed to upholding Hong Kongs autonomy and respecting the one country two systems model.

Asked if the proposed law met the one country two system principle, he replied: We are monitoring this closely and our immediate priority is to clarify the details of what is being suggested.
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Copenhagen, Denmark  Sun, May 24, 2020 09:04 606 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd9d5b14 2 Environment Siberia,Greenland,ice-loss,climate,climate-crisis,environment,denmark,Arctic Free

A Siberian heatwave and an early melting season in Greenland are worrying developments as summer approaches in the Arctic, researchers said Friday.

The start of the melting season in Greenland -- defined as when the melting extends over five percent of the ice sheet -- was registered on May 13, according to the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI).

"That's almost two weeks early," compared to the median date over the 40 years of data, Martin Stendel, a researcher at DMI, told AFP.

Last year, the melting season started even earlier, on April 30, but this year's early start is still a cause for concern, according to Stendel.

Greenland will be heading into the ablation season, when snowfall no longer offsets melting causing the ice sheet to shrink, with an already low level of ice since there wasn't much snow during the winter.

Western Siberia has also experienced a record heatwave during May, the DMI researchers say.

Read also: Greenland ice sheet shrinks by record amount: Climate study

Although heatwaves are increasingly seen in the Arctic, Stendel said they had not observed such a heatwave in "the last about 60 years" for this time of the year.

Keeping a close eye on Siberia is important as "there are huge amounts of greenhouse gases which are trapped under the ice" of the permafrost, which if released could further accelerate climate change, Stendel added.

Average temperatures in the Arctic region have risen by two degrees Celsius since the mid-19th century, almost twice the global average.

The melting glaciers of Greenland are having an impact on global sea levels.

According to DMI, Greenland's melting ice has contributed to one centimetre of sea-level rises since 2002.

Ice losses in Greenland accounted for 40 percent of sea-level rises last year, according to a report in peer-reviewed journal The Cryosphere in April.
London  In the race for a vaccine against the deadly coronavirus, U.S. taxpayers have placed a $1 billion bet on Oxford University. The investment announced this week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services comes just as Oxford's vaccine team enters a crucial phase in its human trials: expanding testing with the enrollment of more than 10,000 people, including children age 5 to 12, and people over 70.

"The main reason why that is important is that the immune responses [in the older group] tend to be less strong, particularly in the over 70's, so we want to study that in great detail in that age group," explained Oxford team leader Professor Andrew Pollard, who added that the study was also intended to show "any differences in vaccine safety in that group."

U.K.-based pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, which has partnered with Oxford's Jenner Institute for vaccine research, has gained access to the $1.2 billion cash injection from the U.S. government to produce at least 300 million doses of their still-unapproved vaccine as soon as this fall.

AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot told CBS News on Thursday that the trial "AZD1222" vaccine shows more promise than most of the dozens of others in development around the world.

"What we know is that we have a vaccine that has a good chance to work. It uses a technology that has been validated before with other vaccines, so we know a lot about it," he said. "Of course it may fail, but there is a good chance it will work, and essentially the [Trump] administration is saying, 'we're going to make a bet.' The only way to get a vaccine ready for patients in September and October is to start manufacturing it now."

Soriot said his company was preparing to produce 1 billion doses of the vaccine by the end of 2021.

The funding for AstraZeneca's work comes via the U.S. program dubbed "Operation Warp Speed," the White House initiative aimed at accelerating the development and distribution of vaccines - and to ensure U.S. citizens stay at the front of the line - through investments in and partnerships with various projects around the globe. The investment in the U.K. vaccine is the biggest to date, however, by a significant margin.

Story continues

"I've never seen anything move that fast," Soriot said about the push from Washington. "We have to move fast: It's a question of getting these vaccines to the American people as soon as possible. It's been a fantastic experience."

A vital part of the Oxford team's next phase in trials includes testing the vaccine on health care workers.

"We want individuals who are at more risk of infection with COVID-19, because that allows us to tell just how well the vaccine performs," Pollard said. "We will get lots and lots of information about the immune response to the vaccine, but at this moment, we don't know exactly how much of an immune response you need for protection. In this trial it's all about natural exposure in the real world to see whether or not the vaccine can prevent infection."

The "real world" right now presents researchers something of a paradox: Their goal is to prevent people becoming infected, but they also need people to be exposed to the virus to make sure their vaccine works. The more people adhere to social distancing guidelines and strict hygiene, the more the infection rate among the general population goes down.

That makes it more difficult to know for certain whether those participating in the trials who have been given the vaccine have truly developed immunity, or whether they simply haven't been exposed.

It's an added challenge in the quest for reliable data - especially on the shorter-than-ever timescale laid out for their work, and it's a big reason the next phase will include health workers.

With economies crippled under coronavirus lockdowns across the globe, a vaccine can't come too soon.

Soriot said that for him, the mission is personal, too: He's been unable to visit his 92-year-old mother for months.

"We have to restart the economy and we have to go back to a normal life; not worry about going to a restaurant and mixing with people, not worried about visiting our parents," he said. "We need a solution."

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Photo editor

Rick Wiley is the photo editor of the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson. From 1995-2004, he was director of photography at the East Valley Tribune in Mesa. From 1988-94 he was a photographer at the Tucson Citizen. He is a graduate of ASU (yes, that ASU).
The beer, wine and spirits industry has suffered its worst month in history as a result of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus pandemic, with a loss of $8.5 (US $5.5) billion in revenue in April.

The shutdown of pubs, clubs and bars to spare Australias from the worst of the deadly virus also cost the industry almost half a million in hospitality jobs, Alcohol Beverages Australia says.

Despite some initial pantry filling in March, April has been the worst month on record for sales of beer, wine and spirit, its chief executive officer Andrew Wilsmore said in a statement on May 24.

The biggest category, beer saw a 44 percent drop in April and cider saw the biggest decline at 61 percent due to the loss of social occasions.

Small and medium-sized wine produces who rely on restaurants as their main route to market also reported losses of up to 70 percent.

Meanwhile, local distillers witnessed revenue declines of up to 80 percent, with the shut down of regional tourism adding to the tale of woe.

We knew that the total loss of trade from pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants was never going to be made up for by a brief, small surge in panic buying during the week people were concerned bottleshops would also close, Wilsmore said.

Faced with the crippling loss of jobs and revenue, Wilsmore is calling on the nations political leaders to have a laser-like focus on job creation and minimizing regulatory and tax burdens coming out of the crisis.

This will be vital to our successful revival so that we can continue to provide employment opportunities and future careers for young Australians, Wilsmore said.
Uncertainty prevailed over



resumption of domestic flight services in Tamil Nadu effective Monday as the state government, which has opposed allowing the operations till May 31, was yet to announce its final decision and notify the Standard Operating Procedure.

As the nationwide domestic passenger flights are set to resume after a gap of two months amid the fourth phase lockdown, airport sources here said "We are ready to operate, the airlines are also ready; but the state's final nod is awaited."



The state government's nod signifying concurrence on operation of flights and the SoP on handling passengers were being awaited, they told PTI.

Besides Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and West Bengal have also opposed allowing domestic flights in view of the rising number of coronavirus cases in these states.

The Tamil Nadu government, which had shown inclination recently to allow departures rather than arrivals was, however, yet to announce its final stand and also has to clarify on "quarantine" aspects as well (in the SOP), the sources said.

Citing increasing COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister K Palaniswami had on May 11 came out against resumption of passenger train and air services till May 31 and the stand was reiterated later as well by the government.

The state on Sunday recorded eight deaths due to COVID-19, taking the death toll to 111 while 765 fresh cases saw it's total infections breaching the 16,000 mark.

Meanwhile, when asked about an "SoP," that was circulated on the social media for air passengers arriving in Tamil Nadu, a senior state government official said it was "incorrect, not official."



However, the official did not elaborate if the government will notify the SoP and extend support for passenger movement.

Officials of the Greater Chennai Corporation, which coordinated logistics and quarantine of passengers who arrived here as part of the Vande Bharat Mission also declined to comment.

"We are ready to coordinate and work. But the word go has to come from the state government," an official said.

While purported "flight schedule," to and from Tamil Nadu was being shared in social media, the official said airport authorities have not officially communicated about it to anyone.

Adding to the uncertainty, there were several comments about resumption of flights in micro blogging site Twitter.

While Congress MP Manickam Tagore tweeted #Madurai Airport will resume operations from tomorrow, DMK MP S Senthilkumar, replying to a twitter user said "June first week can expect operation of flights to TN."



Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Twitter on Sunday that it is "extremely ill-advised" to reopen airports in red zones.

Echoing similar sentiments, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she will urge the Centre to postpone the resumption of domestic flight services at Kolkata and Bagdogra airports by a few days.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
opinion

Recently, Senator Kipchumba Murkomen was booted from his lofty perch as Senate majority leader.

He quickly rushed to court to stop his defrocking by Jubilee's Uhuru Kenyatta. Mr Kenyatta tore off Mr Murkomen's frock-like Senate vestments - staff, ornate office, security guards, allowances and gas-guzzlers - in an act of public whipping.

I am told his ostentatious cars were forcibly repossessed as he drove along Mombasa Road. There's a heavy price for conspicuous consumption when one is publicly disgraced, dumped and humiliated.

But the search for justice under the rubric of the courts by Mr Murkomen and his acolytes is foolish, or a public relations gimmick. His problems aren't legal. They are political because that's what the law is - political.

Scholars of the law, like myself, understand that law is politics. That in fact law is a servant of politics, and not the other way round.

This point should be completely uncontroversial because it's Jurisprudence 101.

Today, I want to give Mr Murkomen the tutorial about the law that he apparently missed in law school.

If you think of the law as an instrument for organising, changing, regulating, perpetuating, governing and preserving a society and its basic civilisation, then your heart won't be broken by this column.

But if you think of the law as some kind of church doctrine that's pure, neutral, unbiased, apolitical, and beyond fallibility, then you are going to end up in tears.

CLASS IMPOSITION

The law doesn't exist, or live, in a vacuum. Nor does it materialise out of thin air. The law is based on a society's norms, which are drawn from its dominant civilisation.

Norms are fountains of knowledge and wisdom in which the law is sheathed. In some societies, for example, twins were regarded as evil. This was a norm.

As such, the law authorised the killing of twins. The law is always based on a norm. But the law itself, and the norm on which the law is based, is a product of the politics in the particular society.

The law can protect you, or harm you. Like a sword, it's double-edged and cuts both ways. It's indeterminate.

That's why laws and norms are end products of political processes. They are the distillation of social, ethical, religious or class-based interests of elites.

Often, laws are a class imposition by a hegemonic group, or elites in a society over subordinate, or subaltern, strata. Some examples are blatant.

Colonial laws were openly racist to preserve and perpetuate the exploitation and exclusion of blacks from the goods of society.

Laws are often gender-discriminatory. For instance, girls are often denied the right to inherit property.

In some countries, a woman citizen cannot by law pass her citizenship to a child with a non-citizen man, while the man can. Under versions of sharia law, a woman isn't fully human with all rights.

PROCEDURE

In a modern society, even a democratic one, laws are made by the political branches of the state.

Laws are passed by the legislature through elected representatives or by factotums in the executive, which is also a political arm of the state.

Thus politicians or executive bureaucrats known as civil servants make, or interpret, the law. Legislatively, all laws are products of compromises among contending social forces in society.

If you doubt me, try to introduce legislation to permit same-sex relationships, or marriage, in Kenya. You will be lucky to exit the chamber alive.

The elite in Kenya is united in denying sexual minorities equal protection. That's the opposite in America, the European Union, Ireland, and South Africa.

There's a misunderstanding about what courts do. The notion of judicial independence - where the courts are the guardians of legality - doesn't mean that judges aren't political.

Nor does the principle of the rule of law remove politics from the judicial process. The rule of law means that laws must have a basic core minimum of fairness to safeguard basic human rights and due process protections.

Crucially, the rule of law requires that courts not be subject to executive fiat, arbitrariness, discrimination and opacity.

THE BENCH

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But the rule of law doesn't mean that judges leave their political biases, religious bigotries and political ideologies at the door. No - that's not humanly possible when judges interpret the law.

Judges are inherently political beings. That's why courts are political institutions. Courts are an arm of the state, which is a political institution.

That's why good lawyers often predict how certain judges will rule based on their ideology and political philosophy.

In the Supreme Court of the United States, like all other courts, judges harbour ideological biases.

There's never a doubt how Justice Clarence Thomas, a staunch Christian conservative, is likely to rule on most cases.

That's why the SCOTUS is often split 5-4 based on the political ideologies of judges.

Mr Murkomen and his acolytes should realise courts are highly fallible and inherently political instruments. Like the law, courts can be a shield or a sword.

Makau Mutua is SUNY distinguished professor at SUNY Buffalo Law School and chair of KHRC; @makaumutua.
THE Bishop of Limerick is appealing to church-goers to adhere to public health guidelines following the re-opening of churches

While Masses and other religious ceremonies remain closed to the public, churches have been open for private prayer and reflection since the Covid-19 restrictions were eased at the weekend.

If anything, recent weeks have reaffirmed just how important the Church is in so many peoples lives as it has been closed to them. While we wont be able to gather for Mass for some time, having our churches open again is a really good thing as some people really missed their personal visits for a moment of prayer in the stillness of the church. Churches have been getting ready mindful of the guidelines, said Brendan Leahy.

It is important to stress that people will still to observe social distancing and hygiene guidelines at churches. Use the sanitizer as you enter, keep two metres from anyone who is not from your family, and, if you see fit, wear a mask, he added.
This week is set to be a historic one for SpaceX and the entire saga of privatisation of space. On May 27, SpaceX's first manned space flight is set to take off for the International Space Station at 4:33PM EDT (2:03AM IST on May 28), from Pad 39a of NASA's Kennedy Space Center. After an exhaustive set of tests undertaken recently by SpaceX, the Elon Musk-backed company will launch its first manned spacecraft, the Crew Dragon, in a mission that has been named Demo-2.

The mission will carry NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the ISS as the first trial mission. If everything goes well, SpaceX's Crew Dragon and the Falcon 9 rocket will receive validation and get cleared for future crew missions, the first of which will commence from later this year. With this in mind, May 27 is set to be a big day  not just for SpaceX and Musk, but also for the history of private space flights. With a rehearsed schedule, here's how the launch day is expected to pan out.

Pre-launch operations

Five hours ahead of launch, astronauts Behnken and Hurley are set to arrive at the NASA crew quarters about 14km from the launch site in a shiny Tesla Model X. At around the same time, the US Air Force's Weather Squadron will explore the weather conditions in hope of a good weather launch.

If the conditions are not favourable, the launch will be aborted, and the next slot is reserved for May 30. Post a heavy breakfast, the astronauts will suit up and arrive at the historic launch pad 39a at the NASA Kennedy Space Center three hours ahead of launch.

With 2 hours and 15 minutes left on the timer, Behnken and Hurley will enter the Crew Dragon spacecraft through a new elevated access arm, taking them to the small human module atop the tall SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

After 25 minutes of setting everything in order, the transit hatch of the Crew Dragon spacecraft will be locked. The next time it will open is once the craft reaches the ISS docking station.

Lift-off and separation

After lift-off at 4:33PM EDT from the Kennedy Space Center, it will take 2 minutes and 30 seconds for the Falcon 9's first stage booster to separate from the rocket's second stage. Post separation, the first stage booster will prepare to land back on Earth  a crucial step for SpaceX's promise of reusable rockets in making space travel more affordable.

The return phase of the booster will involve a flip manoeuvre, following which it will fire its engines for a back and re-entry burn. The trajectory it will follow will bring it down to an autonomous drone ship called 'Of course I still love you'  famous in its own right for being witness to almost all of SpaceX's successful and failed flight trials.

Meanwhile, up in space, the second stage will fire its engines post separation and continue to do so for about six minutes, following which it too will separate from the Crew Dragon, therefore leaving it alone in space for the first time. The Crew Dragon's spaceflight energy will be drawn from solar panels which are integrated directly into the rocket's body.

ISS approach and docking

Following this, Crew Dragon will continue a number of manoeuvres on its own to raise its elevation up to 400km from Earth, and enter the ISS 'Keep-out sphere'  a periphery around the ISS.

At this altitude, it will then begin its approach towards Pressurised Mating Adapter-2, or PMA-2 on the ISS' Harmony module, which is designated as the Crew Dragon's docking station. The entire docking procedure is fully autonomous, and will be manoeuvred slowly for obvious reasons.

The entire elevation, approach and docking procedure will take the longest duration, and is scheduled to take place at 11:29AM EDT on May 28 (8:59PM IST), which is precisely 18 hours and 56 minutes after lift-off.

Once the docking procedure is complete, Crew Dragon's hatch will be opened at 1:55PM EDT (11:25PM IST), 2 hours and 26 minutes after docking. Behnken and Hurley will join NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy and Russian cosmonauts Ivan Vagner and Anatoly Ivanishin, who are already at the ISS as part of Expedition 63.

Schedule courtesy: Space.com
RTHK: Brazilian leader joins rally despite virus worries

President Jair Bolsonaro hit the streets Sunday for a rally with his supporters, ditching his face mask and breaking social distancing measures even as coronavirus cases surged in Brazil.

The far-right president arrived at the rally outside the presidential palace in Brasilia in a white surgical mask, but soon took it off to greet the cheering crowd, shake hands and embrace supporters, at one point even hoisting a young boy onto his shoulders.

The rally came as Brazil emerged as a new flashpoint in the pandemic. With nearly 350,000 confirmed cases, Brazil now has the second-biggest caseload in the world, after the United States. It has registered more than 22,000 deaths.

Experts say under-testing means the real figures are likely far higher.

Bolsonaro has famously compared the virus to a "little flu" and argues that stay-at-home measures are unnecessarily hurting the economy.

He grinned as flag-waving supporters shouted "Legend!" and "The people support you, Bolsonaro!"

But although Bolsonaro has a solid core of support  about 30 percent of voters, according to recent polls  he faces mounting criticism for his handling of the coronavirus crisis, as well as a potentially explosive probe into whether he obstructed justice to protect his family from police investigations.

The probe took a shocking twist Friday when the Supreme Court judge who ordered it, Celso de Mello, released a video of an April 22 cabinet meeting that investigators have been analysing for evidence.

In the expletive-laced video, Bolsonaro and his ministers sling insults at state governors, talk of jailing Supreme Court judges and barely mention the coronavirus pandemic at a moment when it was snowballing in Brazil. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2020-05-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Youve seen the thank you events before.

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, there have been events staged outside hospitals across the state to welcome frontline health care workers at change of shift and show outward signs of appreciation and support from people like firefighters and police officers, with a few even dressed as superhero characters to hand out free pizza.

And the front line medical workers have been appreciative.

But if you really want to get a response from the nurses, especially those who have left their home states to come here to help us, bring furry, four-footed friends along.

Traveling nurse Anna Sade has her camera ready.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

They are so beautiful! beamed traveling nurse Anna Sade after a dog from The Golden Halo Outreach smothered her with kisses while she crouched down on her way into RWJ Hamilton on a recent Friday night to take a selfie with the dog.

Anna Sade snaps another selfie with one of the dogs.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Mary Theresa Weil, right, head of the program, holds Golden Retriever puppy Shannon Rose. Weil's husband, Larry Weil is with Golden Retriever, Kimiko. Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Golden Halo Outreach is a ministry formed at St. Gregory The Great Church by Fr. McClane and Mary Theresa Weil, along with her husband Larrys Golden Retriever, Kimiko, in March 2015.

The group of about 12 dogs and their owners regularly bring comfort to the sick and grieving and make stops at local nursing homes. When one of the members of the group asked Weil about the possibility of coming to RWJ Hamilton during the coronavirus pandemic, it didnt take long for the idea to come to fruition.

So what we do here is we just stand along the walkway during shift change and we thank them," Weil said. And thats what we do. And we come here every Friday, so as long as this is still going on, we will be here every Friday.

The dogs aren't camera shy.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

On the ground at right, Jennifer Williams, a traveling nurse from Texas, gets a hug from a dog.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Another traveling nurse, Kala Jeanneret, came all the way from California to lend a hand in New Jersey.

We didnt see the surge we thought we were going to see in California, so I said Im going to go help out (New Jersey)," Jeanneret said.

This is just amazing, said Jennifer Williams, a traveling nurse from Texas. I have a dog at home whos like my baby in Texas. I miss my dog so, so much.

Kari Nickels, RN, pets a dog on her way into work. Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

There were about a dozen dogs on hand on this particular Friday.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

A healthcare worker on the inside snaps a photo.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

One of the dogs is petted by traveling nurse Anna Sade.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Get more stories like this every week with the #TogetherNJ newsletter.

Michael Mancuso may be reached at mmancuso@njadvancemedia.com.
'Are you still bothering with the home-schooling?" That's one way the question is delivered, though how it is phrased depends on who's asking. If it's someone who is, themselves, still bothering with the distance learning, they'll make it sound less like you're making an ass of yourself and wasting your time.

The thing is that I am still bothering with the home-schooling. I'm bothering out of fear that if I let my elder daughter off the hook on what's being sent home by the school, she will start secondary woefully ill-prepared.

I'm bothering because I'm scared that if I don't keep the younger daughter, who has Down syndrome, at the desk every day, reading, writing, doing her maths, she might never manage mainstream school again. I'm bothering so that Covid won't finish off her so far successful experience of mainstream education. I'm bothering because it feels like it is only me, her father and her handful of teachers all pushing to keep this kid on course, keeping her capable of reintegrating into the world.

And we are not the only ones.

Leo Varadkar says he has read letters from parents of children with special needs, pleading for the supports, the special schools, the respite they rely on just to cope to be reinstated. Leo seems sincerely to care and yet, nothing.

On May 2, he said on the Late Late that they were aware of struggling families with children with special needs. He said it again on Newstalk with Pat Kenny last Thursday, and that support measures were to be discussed last Friday. We all hoped he knew it was a matter of urgency, because, to date, it feels like no one in charge is that bothered.

And then, last Friday, nothing.

At last Friday's briefing, Dr Tony Holohan said that measures were discussed with Nphet to ease the pressure on children and their families - which could mean anything - but that it wouldn't be ''helpful'' to reveal specifics.

Do you know what? It would be helpful, indeed, to get some indication that something real is going to be done. Not just talk, not just sympathy, not just wringing of hands. If Leo really understands the work and effort that these families put into keeping their kids on track, he'd do more than tell them he sympathises.

Ten weeks of silence since schools closed and families feeling increasingly invisible, scared their kids won't be able to go back to the structures that made life work, scared the structures won't even exist.

In this past week alone, I have heard of parents whose children attend special school, who are finding behavioural issues so difficult and supports so scant that they are considering seeking a residential-care situation. They are at the truly heartbreaking end of things, but even for kids attending mainstream school, the supports are arbitrary and random, according to the goodwill of the establishment.

Last week in the Dail, some TDs raised the issue of July provision and whether it would occur. July provision annually offers extra teaching hours to some children with special needs - but, inexplicably, not those with Down syndrome - in the month after school finishes, providing continuity and support over the long summer months.

Last week, as it remained unclear if July provision would go ahead at all, it was suggested that children with special needs have been ignored. Education Minister Joe McHugh insisted they had not, and that he was open to the idea of expanding July provision, but that was it. No further information, just reassurance with nothing behind it.

It's like a pat on the head and being told to be on your way.

But never mind, sure we're used to being fobbed off. That's why we have to bother so much to keep things going ourselves.

There seems to be no guidelines on how to help our children through this time, and despite promises, no sign of them. It will be hard enough to return our typically developing children to school in September, but how on earth will we get our kids with special needs back there, with no rhyme or reason to their support during this time at home?

I have heard, in recent weeks, about kids with special needs being sent the exact same work as their typically developing peers and no more. I have heard of resource teachers sending a single social story that explains Covid, or a mindfulness exercise to occupy a child for a full week.

I have heard of schools that send nothing. And, on the flip side, I have heard of schools sending everything they can think of to support a child with special needs in a way that will allow them to slot back in come September.

Across the country, experiences have been good, experiences have been bad, and very little of it speaks of a supportive framework from the highest level. It speaks instead of random acts of kindness and compassion, which, unfortunately, as parents of children with special needs, we're accustomed to.

Lockdown has only heightened a sense of being adrift and the mercy of individuals' goodwill, however. Plenty of parents with children with special needs report that through lockdown, their child has loved the insulating orderliness of staying at home with their nearest and dearest, removed from the cacophony of the world. My own child has, in some areas, blossomed in this time.

There is the worry, however, that the more she becomes accustomed to this bubble, the more difficult she will find it to re-adapt to socialising with her peers, settling in a room full of people, sitting at a desk, concentrating for prolonged periods.

Now she's existing as my little shadow, sitting beside me while I work, reliant on me for schoolwork and exercise, will it be a struggle for her to detach? Will she listen to a teacher? Will she follow the rules?

Fourth class, which she is expected to join in September, is often a turning point for children with Down syndrome, particularly socially, as their peers suddenly mature at a greater speed. There's no amount of effort I can put in at home that can help to make that easier for her, but outside the family, who else really cares?

Leo has talked a good game about how much he cares and understands about the difficulties suffered by children with special needs and their families. He has seemed committed and sounded like he's doing something soon, at the start of this month and, again, last week, but, unfortunately, we're used to people saying they're bothered about us and then doing nothing. It happens all the time, not just in lockdown.

Last week, I saw a letter received by SNAs, informing them that they would be given training and support to provide personal, educational and therapeutic resources to children with special needs. It read like the dream remoulding of the SNA model, well-rounded, compassionate and comprehensive.

This letter was sent out to SNAs in April, almost a month ago now, and no sign of it happening.

This is what we're used to. This is what's just not good enough right now. It's why we keep bothering, because we want our kids with special needs to go back to school some time, because we want the world to work for them again, because we don't have any choice.

Because there are few enough others who are really, truly bothered.
FILE PHOTO: Meet the women who scavenge for gold at the top of the world

By Marco Aquino

LIMA (Reuters) - Peruvian miners are set to restart operations in coming days and ramp up to around 80% of normal production levels within a month, a senior official at the country's mining industry group told Reuters, as the world's No. 2 copper producing country looks to rebound from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Pablo de la Flor, executive director of the National Society of Mining, Petroleum and Energy (SNMPE), said around 20 mining companies were ready to resume operations that were scaled back sharply during a nationwide lockdown since mid-March.

He said miners were currently operating at between 35% and 40% of capacity due to the impact of the virus.

"We are talking about 39 operations by 22 large mining companies," De la Flor told Reuters by phone later on Wednesday.

"These represent approximately 95% of (local) copper production, 65% of silver production, 62% of zinc production and 26% of gold production," he added.

Peru's mining companies, which make up 60% of the country's exports, have been carrying out limited operations on essential or maintenance areas, according to government restrictions to avoid contagion of coronavirus.

Peru's government has said it wants to gradually restart key activities in May, to reduce the impact on the economy. The county has registered 54,817 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, one of the highest in the region.

IMPACT ON EXPORTS

De la Flor said the energy ministry had approved a "sanitary protocol" that each firm in the sector will have to design and present for official approval, before resuming the exploitation, storage and transport of minerals.

"I would estimate that in the next 24 hours a good portion of companies will start presenting their plans," he added, adding they should then begin operating this week or next.

Major global miners including Aluminum Corp of China <601600.SS>, MMG Ltd <1208.HK>, Freeport-McMoRan <FCX.N>, Newmont Corp <NEM.N>, Barrick Gold <ABX.TO> and Southern Copper <SCCO.N> operate in Peru among others.

Story continues

The pandemic has directly hit some firms including Peruvian copper miner Antamina, controlled by BHP and Glencore <GLEN.L>, which saw hundreds of workers test positive for COVID-19.

De la Flor said the almost paralysis of mining production and the fall in metal prices globally have had a "worrying" impact on local companies in the sector.

"The combination of these factors is leading us to project a drop in the value of mining exports for the year of between 15% to 20%," he said.

(Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Adam Jourdan; Editing by David Gregorio)
The government on Sunday issued a fresh Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the return of Indians stranded abroad due to the coronavirus lockdown, saying it will be a paid service and preference will be given to people in distress including those who have lost their jobs and pregnant women.

A similar SOP was also issued by the government for those who are stranded in India and desire to travel abroad.

As per the latest SOP, all travellers will have to give an undertaking that they would undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days. It will be a seven-day paid institutional quarantine at their own cost, followed by seven days of isolation at home with self-monitoring of health.

Only for exceptional and compelling reasons such as cases of human distress, pregnancy, death in family, serious illness and parent(s) accompanied by children below 10 years, as assessed by the receiving states, home quarantine may be permitted for 14 days and use of 'Aarogya Setu' app shall be mandatory in such cases, it said.

According to the SOP issued earlier by the home ministry on May 5, the institutional quarantine period was 14 days and another 14 days was for home quarantine while 'Aarogya Setu' app was mandatory for all international arrivals.

The fresh SOP said that the states and UTs can also develop their own protocol with regards to quarantine and isolation as per their assessment.

The government is currently undertaking a special operation under the name of 'Vande Bharat Mission' to bring back stranded Indians from more than 40 countries.

According to the fresh SOP, issued by the Union Home Ministry, those who wish to return to India will have to register themselves with the Indian missions in that country, along with necessary details as prescribed by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Priority will be given to compelling cases in distress, including migrant workers, labourers who have been laid off, short-term visa-holders facing expiry of visas, persons with medical emergency, pregnant women, elderly, those required to return to India due to death of family member, and students, the SOP said.

The cost of travel, as specified by the carrier, will be borne by such travellers, it said.

All those who will arrive from abroad will have to follow the guidelines for quarantine arrangements issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the SOP said.

As per the Health Ministry guidelines, on arrival, thermal screening would be carried out in respect of all the passengers by the health officials present at the airport, seaport and landport.

The passengers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated and taken to medical facility as per health protocol.

The remaining passengers shall be taken to suitable institutional quarantine facilities, to be arranged by the respective State and UT governments.

These passengers shall be kept under institutional quarantine for a minimum period of seven days. They shall be tested as per ICMR protocol. If they test positive, they shall be assessed clinically.

If they are assessed as mild cases, they will be allowed home isolation or isolated in the Covid Care Centre (both public and private facilities) as appropriate. Those having moderate or severe symptoms will be admitted to dedicated COVID Health facilities and managed accordingly.

If found negative, they shall be advised to further isolate themselves at home and self-monitor their health for seven days.

In case, any symptoms develop they shall inform the district surveillance officer or the state/national call center (1075).

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said the SOP was issued as many Indians who had travelled to different countries before the nationwide lockdown for various purposes such as employment, studies, internships, tourism or business are stranded abroad.

He said due to their prolonged stay abroad, they are facing distress and wish to return. Besides, there are other Indian nationals who need to visit India due to medical emergencies or death of a family member.

The returnees will travel to India by non-scheduled commercial flights as allowed by Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) and ships as allowed by Department of Military Affairs (DMA) and Ministry of Shipping (MOS).

Only those crew and staff, who are tested COVID-19 negative, will be allowed to operate these flights and ships.

Based on the registrations received, the MEA will prepare flight and ship wise database of all such travellers, including details such as name, age, gender, mobile phone number, place of residence, place of final destination and information on RT-PCR test taken and its result.

This data base will be shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) with the respective state and UT in advance.

The MEA will display with at least two days notice, the schedule (day, place and time of arrival) of the incoming flight and ship, on their online digital platform.

All travellers will also be required to give an undertaking that they are making the journey at their own risk.

Passengers arriving through the land borders will also have to undergo the same protocol as above, and only those who are asymptomatic will be enabled to cross the border into India.

According to the SOP for movement of persons stranded in India who wish to travel abroad, such persons will have to apply to Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) or to any agency designated by MoCA along with necessary details, including the places of departure and arrival, as prescribed by MoCA.

Persons shall be allowed to travel to the destination countries only if they are citizens of that country or hold visa of at least one year duration of that country or are green card or OCI card holder.

In cases of medical emergency or a death in the family, Indian nationals holding six-month visa can also be allowed.

The travel from India shall be by on the non-scheduled commercial flights that are allowed by MoCA for bringing back stranded Indian nationals from abroad.

Indian seafarers and crew seeking to accept contracts to serve on vessels abroad, can travel on the non-scheduled commercial flights departing from India under the 'Vande Bharat Mission' or other flights arranged by their employers subject to clearance given by the Ministry of Shipping.

Before the tickets of such persons are confirmed, the MoCA will ensure that the destination country allows entry of such persons in that country.

The conditions, if any, imposed by the destination country, will have to be fulfilled by the person intending to travel.

The cost of travel, as specified by the carrier, will be borne by such travellers.

A nationwide lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for 21 days in a bid to combat the coronavirus pandemic. It was first extended till May 3 and again till May 17. The lockdown has now been extended till May 31.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 52-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly writing a racist letter ordering residents of a San Francisco Bay Area town to vacate their homes so 'a white person can move in.'

Nancy Arechiga, a resident of San Leandro, is alleged to have left the notes at five different homes in the Heron Bay section of the Oakland suburb on Friday evening.

The letter generated significant attention on social media after it was circulated by one of the residents who received it, Trinny Wynn.

The letter, which was dated May 22, reads: 'We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, inspire domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

'If you are a woman or man and was born in other country, return, go back, to your land immediately, fast, with urgency.

A Ring security camera captured an image on May 22 showing a woman leave a note at the door in the San Francisco Bay Area town of San Leandro, California

Local police have identified the woman as Nancy Arechiga, a resident of San Leandro

The letter, which was dated May 22, reads: 'If you are a woman or man and was born in other country, return, go back, to your land immediately, fast, with urgency'

San Leandro Police say that similar notes were found in other parts of town on Thursday

'If you are a woman was born in other Country takes your children with you, under 21 years old. Consider a Bless of God.'

In conclusion, the note reads that residents of the home should move out so a white person could move in their place.

'Do ordain to you to leave this house,' the letter reads.

'One American, white, brace, that serves the Nation of USA is going to live here.'

Door-cam images show a woman who appears to be in her fifties leaving the note in one of the homes.

The woman who left the note was photographed by a Ring security camera installed at the home of Trinny Wynn (pictured)

Wynn posted the images of the woman and the letter on her Facebook page, where it went viral

The woman is wearing sunglasses and a white beanie.

San Leandro, an Alameda County town which borders Oakland, is a diverse suburb with large clusters of Latinos, Asians, and African-Americans.

According to the San Leandro Police Department, they arrested Arechiga while she was carrying a backpack that contained copies of the same note.

Investigators said they found a similar note on Thursday attached to a local information board.

The note read 'no Asians allowed, leave immediately.'

'San Leandro is a community of beautifully diverse people, who share a common desire to live in harmony, and free from intimidation,' said San Leandro Police Lieutenant Isaac Benabou.

'We welcome people's rights to express themselves, but not in a manner that infringes upon a community's sense of security and wellbeing.'

Arechiga was booked into Alameda County's Santa Rita Jail in Dublin.

Stephen Cassidy, the former mayor of San Leandro, tweeted on Saturday that he was informed the woman was arrested

However, due to the current state bail schedule, she has been cited and released from custody.

California has set bail at $0 for low-level crimes and misdemeanors in an effort to keep jails empty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Facebook, Wynn wrote on Friday: 'This happened today, a white woman wearing a USA beanie targeted People of color homes with this letter at their front doors.

'This occurred in a quiet and well diverse middle-class community in San Leandro.

'My family's house was also targeted We were able to capture all this on camera.

'There is no room for this hateful and despicable behavior in this society.

'If you recognize this woman, please report it to the police.'

San Leandro's mayor, Pauline Cutter, released a statement which read: 'I am aware of reports that a woman was posting flyers containing anti-Asian message at residences and public places in our community yesterday.

'I'd like to commend our Police Department for taking this situation extremely seriously.

'They were able to identify the person responsible within a matter of hours and take appropriate action right away.

'The City of San Leandro is committed to being a welcoming place for everyone.

'There is no place for hate in our community.'
Buoyed by the decision of a German footwear firm to shift production from China to Uttar Pradesh, the state government on Sunday said it was in touch with "a few more" leather units in China and Brazil to bring them to the state.

"There are a few more leather units in China and Brazil with which the Uttar Pradesh government is in touch," the state's MSME, Investment and Export and Textile Minister Sidharth Nath Singh said.

His remarks came in the wake of the decision by Casa Everz GmbH to shift from China to Uttar Pradesh in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I welcome it (the decision) and congratulate my MSME team for helping in bringing Von Wellx German shoe brand... from China to UP. This will give employment to 10,000 people and also fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call of attracting investments moving away from China," Singh told PTI.

He further said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is of the view that such an environment should be created where entrepreneurs can say that Uttar Pradesh is the best state for investment.

Casa Everz GmbH, the owner of Germany-based healthy footwear brand Von Wellx, will be shifting its entire shoe production of over three million pairs annually in China to India with an initial investment of Rs 110 crore.

Hit by the coronavirus crisis, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, companies globally are looking for other geographies to move their operations out from China.
New Delhi, May 24 : The Congress on Sunday lashed out at the Gujarat government over the state's "sick healthcare system" and also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue.

"Today, we don't have a healthcare system (in the state); we have a sick system. The inefficiency of the Gujarat government in handling Covid crisis shows that it is undermining, under-confident, and under-achieving," Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said.

"It is my sad duty to bring to the country's attention the deplorable and indefensible plight of medical and health facilities in Modi's home state and in part of Shah's constituency (4 assembly segments of Ahmadabad fall in Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency)." The Congress leader said: "We would respectfully ask the PM, HM, GOI, and Gujarat CM -- Are you even aware of what is happening in your own home state? If so, have you ever intervened, chastised or punished the Gujarat government or does the latter have Covid immunity vaccine because they belong to the BJP?"

Singhvi said if such powerful people who control the levers of power were unable to provide justice on their home ground to the poor and needy, what could the rest of India's teeming millions expect from them.

The Congress leader referred to Gujarat High Court observations on the "lack of PPE, shortage of ventilators, ICUs and isolating wards..." and "pathetic" conditions at the Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad.

He said that even the High Court had observed that state Health Minister "does not seem to be aware of what is going on, nor appears to have ever visited the hospital".

The party also questioned why private testing of coronavirus suspected cases, even by authorised private institutions, was stopped by the Gujarat government which ordered that cornan tests can be conducted only at government hospitals.

Singhvi pointed to "proactive" role of the Bengal Governor but the "silence" of the Gujarat Governor on coronavirus situtations in their respective states.
The Queen has been looking after her own hair while isolating at Windsor Castle, according to a royal source.

Her Majesty, 94, impressed royal fans with how good her locks looked during her two recent televised addresses to the nation - including her coronavirus-related speech in April and her VE address on May 8.

And now a royal insider has revealed that the monarch has styled her own hair since a hairdresser isn't available - and has been doing it for decades, according to The Sun on Sunday.

The Queen is staying at the Berkshire estate with her husband Prince Philip, 98, and a devoted team of 22 staff amid the UK's lockdown.

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The Queen, pictured during her address to the nation on the 75th anniversary of VE Day, has been looking after her own hair while isolating at Windsor Castle, according to a royal source

The Queen out riding at Windsor Castle in 2019. She is staying at the Berkshire estate with her husband Prince Philip, 98, and a devoted team of 22 staff amid the UK's lockdown

'[Her Majesty] has done her own hair for years at Balmoral during her summer holidays and so she's used to it,' said the source.

'She washes, drys and sets it herself - and she's very good at it! She has had lots of practice and so she knows exactly what to do. It is typical of her that she just keeps calm and makes the best of things.

'She has been carrying on at Windsor because no outsiders are allowed into the Castle to protect her and Prince Philip, who's 99 next month.'

For 23 years the Queen's hairdresser has been London-based Ian Carmichael, who normally goes to Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle at least once a week to attend to the royal's hair.

Her Majesty, 94, impressed royal fans with how good her locks looked during her two recent televised addresses to the nation - including her coronavirus-related speech in April (pictured) and her VE address on May 8

He has also accompanied Her Majesty on overseas visits to make sure she looks the part when appearing with foreign leaders and dignitaries.

After being awarded a Royal Warrant in 2012, he was then made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order in 2017, a honour which recognises personal service to the Queen.

Mr Carmichael has previously said: 'Of all my clients, the Queen is by far my favourite, she has wonderful hair.'

However, he remains discreet about the monarch and refuses to gossip about her or reveal what they talk about.

For 23 years the Queen's hairdresser has been London-based Ian Carmichael (pictured). Mr Carmichael was made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order to recognise his service in 2017

'I have done her hair for a very long time and I remain loyal to her,' he said in 2013.

Mr Carmichael previously told how the Queen is reluctant to change her hairstyle, and insisted that older women shouldn't rush to have a shorter cut.

Speaking in 2013, he said: 'Women in their mid-40s and 50s at one time would rush to cut their hair off. It was like they became wives, mothers, a "certain age" and they cut it all off.

'But actually hundreds of women, as long as their hair is healthy and in good condition, look much better with soft long hair.'

The Queen stopped dyeing her hair in 1990 and gracefully went grey within a few months.
After the Civil War, Logan headed up the organization of former Union soldiers known as the Grand Army of the Republic. It was in this capacity that he issued General Orders No. 11, decreeing that The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.
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New Delhi: A new report by Equality Labs has found that Islamophobia (both online and offline) in India is more prominent than ever, saying, India is in the midst of a disturbing escalation of Islamophobic hate campaign on social media, as the world is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Equality Labs is a South Asian Community Technology Organization dedicated to ending Caste apartheid, gender-based violence, Islamophobia, White Supremacy and Religious Intolerance.

In their new report titled Coronajihad: An analysis of Islamophobic COVID-19 hatespeech and disinformation and its implications on content moderation and social media policy  a copy of which lies with TwoCircles.net reveals a disturbing increase in Islamophobia and hate speech against Muslims in India.

The report notes that the weeks following Tablighi Jamaat event in New Delhis Nizamuddin Markaz saw national headlines filled with visuals and sweeping narratives of how Muslims have been actively spreading Coronavirus, giving rise to the massive Twitter campaign with the hashtag #Coronajihad. Hateful hashtags and comments against Muslims had first appeared in the first week of March with tags like #Quranovirus and #BanTheBook appearing as soon as the news spread that the annual international gathering of Tablighi Jamaat had taken place despite the virus infection rising rapidly, the report reads.

Surprisingly, the report adds that the Jamaat gathering was held between March 10-13, when no lockdown or social distancing measures were either announced or anywhere observed in the country.

In fact, a week before that, US President Donald Trump had visited Indian Prime Ministers home state of Gujarat while a massive pogrom against Muslims was unfolding in northeast Delhi, Indias Capital. The Indian Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal on March 13, had spoken on Coronavirus stating it is not a health emergency insisting that there was no need to panic, it adds.

While the advisory by Indian Health Ministry proved to be an absolute contradiction of WHOs guideline against the virus, many religious gatherings in the country continued, it says.

The report noted that there were dozens of examples of governments, political parties and other religious groups who also flouted the coronavirus restrictions and gathered in large numbers at the same time of the Tablighi Jamaat gathering, and that millions of Hindus also congregated for religious ceremonies, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convening temple runs hours after the Prime Minister declared the first lockdown on March 25. But the disparity between huge frequency of national gatherings across faiths and that of the one Tablighi gathering saw huge media coverage in mainstream channels with political and local actors specifically targeting only Muslims.

The report traces that exactly at this time hate campaign originated in Indian Twitter with hashtags like #SuperSpreaders referring to Tabligh congregation attendees. It took only a few hours for the tag to trend over other platforms with claims like Muslims are terrorists, intentionally spreading the virus as an act of bioterrorism. As a consequence, the Jamaat event came to be known as a super spreader while various leaders from the BJP were seen retweeting posts demonizing Muslims, followed by innumerable Hindu nationalists living abroad who engaged in a large scale relentless dehumanization of Indian Muslims. An ongoing police action and false charges against Muslim scholars and activists who were involved in citizenship protests further insinuated the #Coronajihad campaign with an increase in hate speech and disinformation across all social media platforms, especially in the Arab media.

Dr Zafarul Islam Khan, chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission had been vocal about the whole focus being directed only on Muslims as a wave of attacks including the social boycott of Muslim businesses and harassment of Muslim vendors by Hindutva groups spread in the country. With that, #Coronajihad went viral and increasingly dangerous conspiracy narratives trended on Twitter and Facebook. Soon after, these posts saw Hindutva agents equating Muslims with the virus, labelling them as bioterrorists. News outlets like ANI, Zee News, Republic TV and others normalized the stigmatization of minorities and amplified the polarization through unequivocal facts.

The Disinformation Team of Equality Labs revealed that hashtag #Coronajihad was backtracked with over 293,000 conversations on Twitter, recording more than 700,000 points of engagement. Overall, including likes, clicks, shares, comments and mentions, these conversations mapped at least 15 hate comments per post, in relation to the number of followers and by the end of the last week of March, islamophobic content within only this hashtag had reached 170 million users across Twitter. Users like AjayPandey, AAOLion, shakthigj, vaakpathi, hellmadhu and others among the Indian Twitter posted 250 tweets a day coupled with the sheer large number of accounts pushing out #coronojihad content both on YouTube and Facebook.

While a YouTube video Panchjanya explained that Muslims have purposely infected others with coronavirus, another website also featured Twitter content to demonstrate the continued cross-pollination of Twitter hate speech on other social media platforms. Right-wing influencer Payal Rohatgi had also been frequently spreading misinformation and hate on YouTube and in her latest video where she called Corona a Chinese virus, falsely claiming that the Tablighi Jamaat organized their congregation in the Nizamuddin Markaz in New Delhi after the lockdown orders by the Central government.

Similarly, Hindu religious leader, Narsingh Vani, popular as Indias Virathu, contributed more to the anti-Muslim rhetoric with his YouTube channel of 229k subscribers calling to boycott Muslims through a Hindu holy war. Vani had also appeared on Sudarshan TV on April 1 where he claimed: Muslims were spreading Corona Jihad by spitting on people. He also linked the Tablighi Jamaat to ISIS, Taliban and Al Qaeda.

However, the Islamophobic campaign that started with Tablighi incident received tremendous global reactions too, disclosing that the hate speech against Muslims extends beyond India. Despite multiple fact-checking institutions to debunk the fake news and hate speech against Muslims, nothing substantial was done on either Facebook or Twitter, states the report. It added that India being the largest market for Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Instagram, the Indian disinformation networks quickly disseminated disinformation into the global discourse, covering a greater geographic expanse across the globe. While accounts like Act for America, Pamela Gellar, Jihad Watch, Neal Boortz, Andy Ngo, Katie Hopkins, Tommy Robinson, and others noted for their notorious Islamophobic posts propagated hate online; a major network of Hindu nationalists spread across predominantly India and US were revealed to have an upper hand in anti-Muslim activity beyond the Indian subcontinent. All of these were seen to be most active during the period #Coronajihad was trending, and according to the report, the hashtag invoked 23.1 billion conversations.

Based on the above stats, the Equality team of researchers reported a problem of censorship by noise which occurs when high volumes of content are pushed by active users through its algorithm. The researchers have subsequently recommended Twitter to investigate these handles for more insight into how the users are manipulating algorithm through human or potential bot behaviour. It has suggested that rather than relying on one-off takedowns of bad actors or bad users, Twitter must regulate its algorithm if this problem is to be realistically addressed.

In another significant finding, the report states that this hate campaign that gained traction with Tablighi incident had actually begun on December 23, 2019, with #CAA2019 #CAA hashtags. Soon after the anti-CAA protests were reported nationwide, pro-CAA protestors and major Hindutva groups had started trending hashtag #Virathu, calling on monk Ashin Wirathu from Myanmar for a potential genocide of Muslims. Wirathu who had led the genocide against Rohingya Muslims was gradually seen to be trending on Twitter from December 23 onwards, being lauded by Hindu nationalists by deliberately misspelling it as #Virathu so that posts celebrating him and his policies of genocide avoid detection by the AI hate speech algorithms.

The hashtag continued evolving as Shaheen Bagh style sit-ins were organized in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ranchi and elsewhere; taking forms like #ShaheenBaghjihadi #ShaheenBaghProtests #IslamicTerrorism #IslamicStateOfShaheenBagh. All of this ultimately got connected with the Delhi pogrom a day after BJPs Kapil Mishra released a video demanding the killing of Muslims in February 2020. The trending campaigns around this time that saw maximum traction were #BoycottMuslimShops #IslamicJihad #DelhiRiots #DelhiPolice #DelhiIsBurning with hashtags turning into #Shahrukh #IStandWithKapilMishra #HarHinduKapilMishra, #ISupportKapilMishra by February end.

As social media got flooded with anti-Muslim cartoons, mainstream media also amplified the hate campaign against Muslims. Vir Sanghvi, a well-known Indian journalist working in the English-language media, described the Tablighi members as having committed attempted murder, while the reputed national daily, The Hindu was quick to issue an apology for its display of an insensitive graphic showing Coronavirus dressed in the traditional Pathan suit worn by Muslims in the subcontinent. The cartoon was attributed to Deepak Harichandran. Top ten major national media outlets targeted Muslims during the first week of April in the wake of the hashtag #Coronajihad and the Tablighi Jamaat gathering. In this regard, the report mentions Alt news as one fact-checking organization for diligently tracking each claim, helping the Lab to have a public record of the Islamophobic COVID-19 hate speech and disinformation that appeared between February  April 2020.

Meanwhile, government-backed resources and politically charged pages on Facebook, including the official BJP national page, Narendra Modi, Congress Mukt Bharat, BJP for 2024 continued spewing venom through cartoons, graphics and videos reflecting bearded Muslims as carriers of the virus  dressed in Pathan suits and caps, loaded with rifles and guns  often shown bombarding public property.

With its tenacious coverage of post details on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, the Lab has revealed a shocking connection between these posts and resultant on ground instances of daily violence perpetrated on Muslims within the period. As hate hashtags circulated online media, Indian Muslims were reported to face threats and afflicted with violence in real life. Hospitals were allegedly separating Hindu and Muslim wards, denying treatment to Muslim patients, and profiling Muslim victims of the pandemic. The gravest incident was recorded on April 5 when a man had committed suicide in Una district of Himachal Pradesh because villagers had targeted and bullied him over the spread of Coronavirus following the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi. In the south, a Muslim activist from Bengaluru, Zeerin, while distributing relief material under lockdown was questioned for spitting on food to spread the diseases to everyone.

Globally too, these online hate comments were seen converting into actions as Islamophobic slurs, shootings and discrimination hit international headlines. Among the recent incidents is from the UK where a Muslim woman wearing a hijab and a mask overheard a man in a supermarket refer to her as a bomb as he pointed at her. Furthermore, in the US, continued attacks against Muslims, including a mosque destroyed by arson in Missouri, ravages the community. The report also highlighted that while the BJP is running a full-fledged anti-Muslim campaign in India, Donald Trump was stoking Islamophobia elsewhere. Hence the need to stop more Islamophobic attacks in the US is now more urgent than ever.

In light of the online and offline hate speech against Muslims, Equality Labs report warned that anti-Muslim hatred and conspiracy theories were penetrating common-sense thinking and the consumers of news globally, were seeing this fake news and absorbing it therefore Immediate action is needed.

The report, in its conclusion, pointed that this is not an accident of an overworked editorial room, but a reflection of the deep biases of newsrooms lacking cultural competencies and self-or awareness of their caste and religious biases.

Highlighting the deep-rooted cultural biases within Indian newsrooms, the report blamed Indian national news outlets of prioritizing islamophobia as opposed to evidence-based reporting that could have helped unify and build community during a frightening time for the Indian public.
Ministry of Justice recently proposed rule changes for the F-2-7- visa which is drawing outcries from expats in Korea. Korea Times file



By Kim Se-jeong



Jennifer Strout is an English teacher in Korea and has been working to found a nonprofit school for low-income families.



She said her hopes are to contribute to the community which she now calls home and to become a Korean citizen in the future.



Yet, her plan is likely to become a distant dream with the Ministry of Justice's recent proposal for rule changes for the F-2-7 visa. The changes are not yet final as the government is still collecting opinions. Yet, Strout, along with many expats in Korea, are worried that the proposal would cut short their time in Korea.



According to the proposal, the visa which is run on a points system would allocate the most points to annual income. For example, under the current system, 10 points are allocated for those who earn 100 million won or more, but that will change to 60 points.



Age, education level and Korean language proficiency are other criteria, and the points allocated for each would also be redistributed so that more points could be allocated to people with money.



For Strout, she has to get at least 30 million won per year until next May to get her visa renewed and because of the struggling economy due to the coronavirus pandemic, she will have to find more ways to satisfy their criteria.



Because of her voluntary work, her present job, and struggling to make a living during the pandemic crisis, this maybe more difficult to achieve, while for other F-2-7 visa holders, it would be next to impossible.



"I don't understand why they are making the changes to the laws now unless they genuinely don't want me here anymore. Is it always about the money? I only recently got my F-2-7 visa and I was going to use this visa to help build my business so I could switch to an F-5 visa and then eventually get my citizenship," Strout said.



She questions the government's intention for pushing for the change in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.



"Why are they making these proposals in the midst of a pandemic where no one is making hardly enough money to survive, whether Korean or foreigner, unless they just wanted to get rid of us without a second thought?" she asked.



The proposed changes aren't only about money and that would also shatter the dream of Samsuzzaman.






I am 71 years old and have asthma. The threat of COVID-19 is more real to me than most.

It is as potentially lethal as being confronted by an armed assailant.

I shuddered when I read retired New York attorney Stan Neustadters quote in the May 3 Post and Courier about the gradual reopening: Why live like a rabbit? Plus Im approaching 78. Ive had a good run.

The young have been relatively unscathed by this virus except, perhaps, in losing a grandparent. Heaven forbid. The old have begun to calculate their odds and the level of fear they can tolerate.

At my age and with my chronic lung condition, I have to protect myself against COVID-19 and guard against the thoughtless and selfish acts of those who diminish or dismiss the real risks of this virus.

They dont wear gloves. They dont wear masks. They dont practice social distancing. They arent the primary target of this virus; I am.

I have had a good run, too, but its not over yet. I will live like a rabbit as long as it takes.

Sadly, that may be longer than need be if the government moves too quickly to reopen and the majority neither understands nor respects the risks they pose as asymptomatic carriers.

Ive had a good run, but I am not yet past my sell-by date. I intend to enjoy several more laps.

TISH LYNN

Ashley Avenue

Charleston

No empathy

Recently Ive been yelled at by a fellow shopper at Publix who called me stupid for wearing a mask and run off a walking path while walking my dog by four middle-age women who werent practicing social distancing and refused the common courtesy of sharing the path.

In the second case, I stood flabbergasted as the women ran through pairs and solo walkers alike, completely uncaring as others jumped out of their way.

This is why, as other countries watch their death toll slowly slide toward zero, the U.S. bungles its response and our death toll continues to rise.

Weve forgotten how to show empathy. Our national emotion  selfishness  allows us to care about others only if it doesnt cost us anything.

And that mistake is, in this case, the difference between life and death.

Id say were better than this because many people are. But we as a nation, Im not so sure anymore.

JAY SHIFMAN

Seven Farms Drive

Daniel Island

Wake up, America

Its time to hold China accountable. More than 90,000 people have died in the United States, and many more will die from COVID-19. Why? Because the Communist Party will lie, cheat and kill to keep their people under control through a failed system of government.

I was astonished to learn the United States handed over 80% of our pharmaceutical manufacturing and crucial health care materials to this nation.

We cant even trust the Chinese to make dog food without it killing some of our beloved pets. So why we would trust the Chinese to produce the vital drugs we need for our families?

Money.

This allows the Chinese government to abuse their people and continue to be bad actors on the world stage. As a military officer, I have heard it said many times that the United States was funding its own demise. If you need proof, just look at how our country has been brought to its knees. And the worst is yet to come.

Why did our Congress allow the U.S. supply chain to be controlled by a group of Communists? Cheap labor and greed.

Its time to stop giving away our intellectual property for a fast buck and bring the jobs home.

Make no mistake, Chinas goal is to become the worlds superpower, surpassing the military might of the United States. If we dont wake up, this will happen by our own hands.

MITCH WITHERSPOON

Retired Air Force lieutenant colonel

Willow Branch Way

Mount Pleasant

Watch your wake

Now that the boat ramps in South Carolina have reopened, a few thoughts on the Folly River may be appropriate.

Folly Beach has a great boat launch with multiple ramps, floating docks and a large parking lot. If one goes west (left) on the river, it opens into the Stono River. Another left turn takes you into the ocean.

Going east (right) from the boat ramp allows you to go, if you do it carefully, toward the Morris Island Lighthouse and into the ocean.

There are many good fishing and shrimping spots along the river. It seems that many boaters havent taken the time to read the S.C. Department of Natural Resources regulations or to study the Folly River.

One must go headway speed (the minimum speed necessary to maintain steerage) within 50 feet of a dock, anchored boats or people in the water.

The Folly River is deep enough that boats can pass in the middle of the river.

Now, for a personal request: If while traveling east on the river you see a bald man working on his floating dock, perhaps fishing, shrimping or pulling a crab trap, that would be me. Im 83 and not as agile as I used to be, so please slow down and move to the middle of the river.

CHARLES MITCHUM

Seacrest Lane

Folly Beach

Kudos to workers

This coronavirus period has been very difficult for all of us.

My family would like to especially thank all the first responders who have done an outstanding job.

We also want to include the newspaper delivery person who had our paper in the box every day on time.

The postal carrier never wavered and continued the excellent service.

The sanitation workers never missed a beat and continued to provide us excellent service.

Sometimes we take too much for granted.

MARY JANE REISS

Linsley Drive

North Charleston

Double graduation?

As most people know, its common for class reunions to include previous years. Five years or 10 years are common.

Why doesnt the high school Class of 2021 offer to share their graduation with the Class of 2020?

Juniors are familiar with many of the graduating seniors so it wouldnt be like inviting strangers.

What a super act of kindness this would be.

NOEL ISON

Chamblee Road

Walterboro
September 11, 1949-May 21, 2020

MASON CITY -- Julie K. Holding, 70 of Mason City passed away Thursday, May 21, 2020 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.

A Celebration of her life will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE, Mason City, IA 50401. The Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Julie Kay Henaman was born September 11, 1949 in Spencer, IA, the daughter of Earl and Shirley (Hively) Henaman. Growing up around Spirit Lake, she attended the Spirit Lake Schools as well as Spencer High School. Julie was blessed with two children, Anthony and Conni. On July 30, 2000 she married Joseph Holding in Mason City, and two families became one. Julie was a supervisor at Risto for 19 years and continued this position for numerous years after the company was sold.

Trips with family and traveling with Joe brought Julie joy. Memorable times in the Black Hills, Yellowstone, Disney World and Florida were cherished. Julie enjoyed watching a good movie or spending time with her two cats. Knickknacks and ornaments of tigers, horses, fairies and Indians adorned her home. Most of all Julie cherished her family and time spent together. She was a devoted wife, mother, and beloved grandmother.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Joseph Holding; children, Anthony (Pam Haugen) Sorensen and Conni Sorensen both of Mason City; Joe's son, Chad (Beth) Holding; grandchildren, Noah Ziemann, Kaylub Mugan, Marissa Westfall, and Anthony Holding; a brother, John Henaman; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Shirley; siblings, Barbara Jo, Kathy, Lori, Lynne, Earl, and Jeff; a grandson, Bryce Sorensen; and a sister-in-law, Linda Smith.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel. 126 3rd St. NE, Mason City, IA 50401. (641) 423-2372. ColonialChapels.com
LAYTON, Utah - A Utah man was arrested Sunday on suspicion of murder after police say he told authorities he killed a 25-year-old woman he had met on the popular dating app Tinder.

Ethan Hunsaker, 24, called 911 early Sunday to report hed killed someone inside a home in Layton, the Layton Police Department said in a prepared statement. When officers responded to the home, they found a woman lying on the floor with multiple stab wounds to her torso. Emergency workers tried to resuscitate her, but she died of her injuries at the scene. The womans name was not immediately released.

The police department said the man who called 911 reported that he had met the woman on the dating application Tinder late Saturday night. Officials said the motive is still under investigation, but the attack appears to have been unprovoked.

Police arrested Hunsaker on suspicion of first degree murder. He was being held in the Davis County Jail. It wasnt immediately clear if Hunsaker has obtained an attorney and he could not be reached for comment.
The central government has prepared the infrastructure (dedicated hospitals) to treat 10 lakh coronavirus disease patients in the country, Hindustan Times Hindi language publication Hindustan reported. The milestone has been achieved in the two months of lockdown with the help of state governments.

These dedicated hospitals have wherewithal to treat about three lakh serious cases of Covid-19, Hindustan reported.

Niti Aayog member Dr VK Pal said that two months ago, when the pandemic broke out in the country, the country did not have a separate, dedicated hospital for the disease. Today, 1,093 such hospitals exist in the country, Dr Pal told Hindustan.

These hospitals have 1,85,306 beds out of this, 31,250 are for intensive care. The dedicated hospitals also have ventilators for acute cases. Similarly, there are 2,402 Covid-19 healthcare centres. Patients who are not in a serious condition, and do not require oxygen support are treated here.

The country also has 7,013 Covid-19 care centres which have around 6.5 lakh beds. These facilities are used to treat patients with mild symptoms, or to keep them in isolation to prevent the spread of the disease. Together, these three categories of healthcare facilities account for 9.74 lakh beds. And if Covid-19 facilities provided by the armed forces if added to it, the number reaches 10 lakh, Hindustan reported.

According to the Union health ministry, patients who need oxygen support, ventilator of treatment in ICU are less than five per cent. Out of the treat 95 per cent, only those patients who have co-morbidity need to be admitted to a hospital. Around 80 per cent of the patients need to be in isolation.

The ministry further said that the percentage of recovered patients will increase in the coming days. Today, 41 per cent patients have recovered and 59 per cent are active patients.

Though the government has relaxed lockdown in the fourth phase to revive the economy, the fear of the disease is still there. But the government has made it clear that lockdown cant continue forever.

The government has said that Covid-19 is here to stay, and that we have to learn wo live with it.
New Delhi: A teenaged first-year graduate student, admitted at an ICU of a private nursing home in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, left the state police baffled after she alleged gangrape by ward boys of the hospital, through a hand-written note.

The victim's father approached the Civil Line police station in Bilaspur after which the police registered a complaint under section 376 of the Indian Penal Code. Taking cognizance of the matter, the state Health Minister TS Singh Dev formed a high-level team to investigate the matter.

On May 18, the 18-year-old girl student was admitted to the Bilaspur hospital. According to the report, she had developed an allergy with some medicine due to which her health had deteriorated.

The victim's family members informed the police that the girl told them about the incident on Saturday afternoon in a sign language. According to them, the girl was unable to speak due to Oxygen mask and weakness, and gestured asking for a pen and paper. They said she expressed through words giving sketchy description on the alleged rape by ward boys inside the ICU.

According to the report, initially, the police did not take the matter seriously. However, when the report started circulating in media, the police registered a rape case against unknown persons and reached the hospital to begin an investigation.

The girl, meanwhile, has been shifted to the Apollo Hospital.
Angry over their cousin not getting himself tested for coronavirus after returning home to Malakpur village in Bijnor from Delhi, two men beat the 23-year-old to death.

Manjeet Singh, a daily wage worker, had undergone thermal screening when he reached Bijnor on May 19 from Delhi and after his report came negative, he was not tested for Covid-19, Indian Express reported.

Suspecting him to be infected with the virus, Manjeets cousins Kapil and Manoj asked him to get his test done and, after a heated argument, thrashed him brutally with lathis. Manjeet was rushed to a hospital in Meerut with injuries to his shoulders and head, where he later died.

An FIR has been registered against Kapil and Manoj, their mother and Manojs wife at the Nahtaur police station. No arrests have been made yet.
Cara Romeros The Last Indian Market beckons part parody, myth and homage, an assemblage of 12 disciples framing a Buffalo Man as its magnetic centerpiece.

The Santa Fe-based Chemehuevi photographer directed this playful take on both the Santa Fe Indian Market and Leonardo Da Vinci at the Coyote Cafe in 2015.

The figural lineup incorporates a dozen whos who of Native artists. Theres famed film director Chris Eyre, Romeros husband; the celebrated Cochiti Pueblo potter Diego Romero, self-cast as Judas; and bead and performance artist Marcus Amerman in the central role of a furry Christ figure. Indian Market groupies can also spot jeweler Kenneth Johnson; painter Darrell Vigil Gray; Jemez Pueblo potter Kathleen Wall; printmaker/painter Linda Lomahafetewa; designer Pilar Agoyo; and painter America Meredith.

Romero stitched the print together from five photographs.

It was a parody, she acknowledged. I really wanted to portray the people of our time. It was an artistic statement that we understand pop culture.

A Santa Fe Indian Market artist since 2009, Romero has won multiple awards and has exhibited at the National Museum of the American Indian; the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture; and in Britains American Museum.

Her great break came when the Smithsonian Institution bought her 30-by-30-inch mounted archival pigment photograph Water Memory at the 2015 Santa Fe Indian Market.

Shot in the swimming pool at Santa Fes El Rey Inn, its turquoise water surges around two figures dress in Santa Clara Pueblo corn dance finery. The viewer is left to interpret its meaning. Is the liquid abode a womb-like reference? Or are the figures drowning as they float to the floor? Are they immersed, yet still breathing thanks to some oceanic deity?

The photo straddles twin histories: the flooding of tribal lands to build U.S. dams and the pumping of resources from Native soils by extractive industry.

In 1940, the Army Corps of Engineers removed the Chemehuevi people from their homes to create Lake Havasu.

Romero says to this day the lake feels haunted. She grew up on the Chemehuevi Valley Indian Reservation in California.

It was a pivotal piece, she acknowledged. It was a way to express our catastrophic idea of climate change. It became about life cycles and the protection of Mother Earth.

She shot the piece underwater next to a scuba diving instructor, taking thousands of images across two days.

I worked with friends and families who had been similarly affected by flooding, she said.

In a sense, Romeros photography is rooted in a kind of cultural archaeology.

She pursued a degree in cultural anthropology at the University of Houston before shifting her focus when she realized photographs could express more than words.

I think I was just made for the medium, she said. I was delving into a lot of Native studies. I was very disheartened that it was all taught in historical context.

Born into poverty, she could only afford a disposable camera. But a single black and white college photography class cemented her future.

I realized early on I had an eye for content, she said. Others may have been greater technically, but I had a lot to say. I had no shortage of ideas. I took all the classes that I could.

At 22, she ran off to art school in Santa Fe, landing at the Institute of American Indian Arts.

I think at the beginning the (Edward) Curtis print defined what Native photography was, Romero said. Even in IAIA, we were really checking that style. I realized I needed to tell my own story.

Coyote Tales No. 1 poses the trickster as the devil between two young women as they linger before Espanolas Saints and Sinners bar.

We learn vicariously through his mistakes, Romero said. Its definitely about painting the town red and being young in New Mexico.

She still sketches out her ideas on paper before picking up her camera, a storyteller sans words.

Naomi sprang from her desire to create her own Native American Girl dolls representing various tribes.

We have very little accurate representation, she said.

Romero earns about half her income from her website cararomerophotography.com, the other half comes from the now-shuttered Indian Market.

I think it was a little bit of a shock she said of its coronavirus closure. But I really dont have a problem with it. Our elders are way more important than our economy. Well use our resilience and resourcefulness to endure.

Since Romero is self-isolating because of the pandemic, she cant ask her friends to pose for her theatrical compositions. She says her three children are her current models.

I can use my Team Quarantine.
Around 3300 Jammu and Kashmir



residents including 1200 students who were stranded in various parts of Maharashtra have been evacuated by four Shramik special trains during the past 10 days, an official said.

This is the highest number of trains deployed in any single state for the evacuation of J&K residents facilitating return of 97 per cent of the stranded residents, he said.

The process for evacuating J&K residents from Maharashtra by Shramik trains began on May 14 with the first such train leaving Nagpur for Udhampur railway station with around 1000 stranded persons on board.

The train carried J&K residents stranded in Nagpur and adjoin districts of Akola, Wardha, Aurangabad, Yavatmal, Amravati, Raigad, Gondia, Nashik, Washim, Bhandara, Palghar, Buldhana, Akola and Latur, an official statement said.

It was followed by another such train carrying 1000 J&K residents, including 500 students. It left Pune for Udhampur on May 19. The train carried J&K residents stranded in Pune and adjoining districts of Satara, Kolhapur, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Dhule, Nanded, Buldhana and Jalgaon.

Another 700 J&K residents, including 100 students, left for Udhampur from Thane railway station by a Shramik train on May 22. The train carried J&K residents who were stranded in Navi Mumbai, Raigad and other adjoining areas.

The fourth Shramik train carrying around 600 stranded persons from J&K including 200 students, left for Udhampur railway station from Bandra Terminus, Mumbai on May 23. The train carried the J&K residents stranded in Mumbai.

The stranded persons evacuated by the trains included patients, students, traders, handicraft vendors, labourers, private security guards and employees from banks, private sector and the government, the statement said.

Around 30 cancer patients from J&K, who were in Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai for treatment, and their attendants who got stranded in Mumbai due to the lockdown were also evacuated.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Biden said: "I shouldn't have been such a wise guy" - REUTERS

Joe Biden declared he "should not have been so cavalier" on Friday after he told a prominent black radio host that African-Americans who back President Donald Trump "ain't black".

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee quickly moved to address the fallout from his remark, which was interpreted by some as presuming that black Americans would vote for him.

In a call with the US Black Chamber of Commerce, Mr Biden said he would never "take the African-American community for granted".

"I shouldn't have been such a wise guy," Mr Biden said. "No one should have to vote for any party based on their race or religion or background."

That was an acknowledgement of the stinging criticism he received in response to his comments, which he made earlier in the day on The Breakfast Club, a radio program that is popular in the black community.

The rebukes included allies of Mr Trump's re-election campaign and some activists who warned that Mr Biden must still court black voters, even if African-Americans overwhelmingly oppose the president.

"None of us can afford for the party or for this campaign to mess this election up, and comments like these are the kinds that frankly either make black voters feel like we're not really valued and people don't care if we show up or not," said Alicia Garza, a Black Lives Matter co-founder and principal of Black Futures Lab.

Near the end of Mr Biden's appearance on the radio program, host Charlamagne Tha God pressed him on reports that he is considering Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, who is white, to be his vice presidential running mate. The host told Mr Biden that black voters "saved your political life in the primaries" and "have things they want from you".

Mr Biden said: "I guarantee you there are multiple black women being considered. Multiple."

Story continues

A Biden aide then sought to end the interview, prompting the host to say, "You can't do that to black media".

Mr Biden responded, "I do that to black media and white media," and said his wife needed to use the television studio.

He then added: "If you've got a problem figuring out whether you're for me or for Trump, then you ain't black."

Read more: US poll tracker - who will win, Biden or Trump?

Mr Trump's campaign and his allies immediately seized on Mr Biden's comments. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, a Trump supporter and the Senate's sole black Republican, said he was "shocked and surprised" by Mr Biden's remarks.

"I was struck by the condescension and the arrogance in his comments," Mr Scott said in a conference call arranged by the Trump campaign. "I could not believe my ears that he would stoop so low to tell folks what they should do, how they should think and what it means to be black."

Black voters helped resurrect Mr Biden's campaign in this year's primaries with a second-place finish in the Nevada caucuses and a resounding win in the South Carolina primary after he had started with embarrassing finishes in overwhelmingly white Iowa and New Hampshire. Sixty-one percent of black voters supported Mr Biden during the primary season, according to AP VoteCast surveys across 17 states that voted in February and March.

Mr Biden is now seeking to maintain his standing with black voters while building the type of multiracial and multigenerational coalition that twice elected Barack Obama, whom he served as vice president. He has already committed to picking a woman as his running mate and is considering several African-American contenders who could energise black voters. But Mr Biden is also considering candidates such as Klobuchar, who could appeal to white moderates.

There is little chance of a sudden shift in support for Trump among black voters. A recent Fox News poll shows just 14 per cent of African-Americans who are registered to vote have a favorable opinion of Trump, compared with 84 per cent who view him unfavorably.

Seventy-five per cent of African-American registered voters say they have a favourable view of Mr Biden; 21 per cent hold an unfavourable opinion.

Mr Biden's selection of a running mate, along with his pledge to appoint the first black female Supreme Court justice, could help motivate voters. Several black women are among those under consideration, including California Senator Kamala Harris, Georgia voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Florida Representative Val Demings, Ohio Representative Marcia Fudge and Susan Rice, Obama's former US ambassador to the UN.
China's Communist Party has set in motion a controversial national security law for Hong Kong, a move that is seen as a major blow to the freedoms enjoyed by the city for the past two decades--and also another salvo in the brewing cold war between Washington and Beijing. Chinas National People's Congress (NPC) put forward plans to introduce a national security and anti-sedition law on behalf of Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

In Washington, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo urging Beijing to reconsider its disastrous proposal", while US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would react very strongly.

Hong Kong holds a special economic status under US export and trade regulations. China's new proposal threatens some $38 billion of trade between the US and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong--a longtime safe haven for critics of the Chinese government--has enjoyed liberties that dont exist in mainland China.

That would come to an end if the NPCs plans are enforced.

Article 23 of Hong Kongs mini-constitution says the city must enact national security laws to prohibit treason, secession, sedition [and] subversion against the Chinese government. That clause, however, has never been implemented.

Hong Kongs first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, attempted to pass national security legislation in 2003 but withdrew it after it triggered a mass protest. His three successors refrained from even attempting to reintroduce national security laws.

Critics fear the law will be used against anyone objecting to the central government or the Beijing-backed Hong Kong government, which said today it would cooperate fully with the Chinese authorities to enact the law.

Related: COVID-19 Could Spark A Global Food Crisis

In China, sweeping national security laws have been used to target human rights activists, lawyers, journalists and pro-democracy campaigners.

The law to ban "treason, secession, sedition and subversion" could bypass Hong Kong's Legislative Council, or Legco.

Pro-Beijing legislators still command a majority in Legco, but Chinese officials are worried that it could lose its majority at the next round of parliamentary elections in September. Last November, pro-democracy candidates swept lower-level district council elections.

The protests were sparked last summer by opposition to a controversial bill that would have allowed extradition from Hong Kong to China. Nearly two million people have taken part in a mass protest in Hong Kong against this controversial extradition bill.

After months of protests, often descending into violence, the bill was officially withdrawn, but that has failed to stop the unrest.



But the protests subsided only after coronavirus brought a halt to public gatherings in February. With COVID-19 waning, this second attempt by Beijing to harness critics in Hong Kong could meet with an even more intense round of protest and violence.

Amid the global pandemic, protests evolved to include calls for greater democracy, an independent investigation into alleged police brutality and the resignation of the city's leader, Carrie Lam.

Meanwhile, quite a few anti-China activists from Hong Kong decided to move to Taiwan, even though the country didnt officially welcome them in an effort to avoid further upsetting already fragile relations with China.

The number of people moving to Taiwan from Hong Kong has risen rapidly - it's up 28% over the first seven months of this year compared with the same period a year earlier. Those who have been making the move, typically wealthier entrepreneurs, salespeople and managers, have cited a better quality of life.

Hong Kong protests wiped some $19 billion from Hong Kongs 10 wealthiest people, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Hong Kongs richest man, Li Ka-Shing is down about $2.7 billion alone.

Hong Kong retail sales, a key part of the citys economy, were already feeling the heat back in June, dropping 6.7% from a year earlier. The protests, along with uncertainties such as the US-China trade war, sent the Hong Kong economy into a recession for the first time in a decade.

By David Craggen for Safehaven.com

More Top Reads From Safehaven.com:
Mayor Ron Nirenberg on Saturday said he plans to push for the city to provide a living stipend for people who take part in the citys worker retraining initiative.

Nirenberg and County Judge Nelson Wolff offered details during the city-county COVID-19 briefing on their plans to provide training and living expenses for thousands of unemployed workers in San Antonio, suburban cities and unincorporated areas.

During Saturdays briefing, Nirenberg reported 26 new cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the total number in Bexar County to 2,418.

No new deaths were reported; the death toll stood at 66.

In talking about the worker training plans, which will be funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, officials noted Bexar County will offer a $450 weekly stipend for an estimated 5,000 workers.

Nirenberg said the city may offer a similar stipend.

I think the county is doing it the right way, and I hope our council and I believe our council will be following in a very similar manner, Nirenberg said.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio looking to retrain 15,000 unemployed workers

The CARES Act money has to be spent by the end of this year  a timeline Wolff suggested was too brief. He said Congress should allow local governments more time to disburse the money.

Were working really hard to try to put together these pieces of job training, Wolff said. We're hoping that were able to get more time that would give us the ability to go beyond December the 31st. Because its going to take a little longer to do the right job training.

Improving numbers

Nirenberg said the hospital numbers are improving again; there were 70 people with the virus in the hospital, down from 73 Friday. Of those, 38 were in intensive care and 19 were on ventilators to help them breathe.

That left 76 percent of ventilators and 32 percent of staffed hospital beds available citywide.

Thats a good indicator that its stable, Nirenberg said. Wed love to see the numbers keep going down.

On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases

Testing continued at sites across the city, Nirenberg said, as well as at nursing homes, in accordance with Metro Healths plan and Gov. Greg Abbotts directive.

As of Friday night, public, private and government labs had tested 52,581 people in Bexar County since the pandemic began here in mid-March. Overall, the positivity rate is at 5.2 percent.

Metro Health and the San Antonio Fire Department have tested 100 percent of the residents and staff at 38 of the areas 65 nursing homes, Nirenberg said. Most of the tests have turned out to be negative for the virus.

Nine nursing homes, however, have had at least one resident or staff member who tested positive. Overall, 23 residents and one employee of local nursing homes who were infected with the virus have died.

Nirenberg said testing was up at the citys two walk-up testing facilities. At Palo Alto College, 200 tests were administered Saturday. Another 141 people were tested at the Nellie Redix Center on the Northwest Side, below the sites capacity of 175 daily tests.

Also at Saturdays briefing, Nirenberg said the city received several complaints about businesses not following reopening guidelines after Gov. Greg Abbott allowed bars in Texas to reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday morning.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonians toast reopened Texas bars all day long

We did definitely see reports of some bars that were not adhering to the 25 percent occupancy limits or physical distancing measures, Nirenberg said. I want to be very clear: that 25 percent occupancy limit is an order of the governor, and its enforced here at the local level.

Residents can report violations by calling 210-207-7273.

Nirenberg stressed the importance of wearing a mask and following other Metro Health guidelines during the Memorial Day weekend such as maintaining the 6-foot social distance from others not of the same household and washing hands frequently to ensure theres no resurgence of the virus locally.

If those folks who are very anxious about getting this community back open again and enjoying all those activities, if thats our interest, then we need to pay double attention to the guidelines of our Metro Health department and our public health officials, Nirenberg said, holding up his mask.

diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net
New Delhi:

The Justice (retd.) A K Roopanwal Commission, which was constituted by the HRD Ministry to look into the circumstances leading to the death of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula in Hyderabad Central University, is learnt to have submitted its report.

Sources said the one-member Commission has submitted its report to UGC officials, though there was no official confirmation.

Top officials in the HRD Ministry, when contacted, remained mum on the development.

Higher Education Secretary V S Oberoi refused to either confirm or deny that the report has been submitted. HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar, when contacted, said that the report has not reached him yet.

The Roopanwal Commission had been formed by the HRD Ministry to look into the circumstances leading to the death of Vemula.

He had committed suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling of a hostel room in the university.

The suicide by Vemula had triggered a huge political storm with opposition parties launching a massive attack on the Union Government over the issue.

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Los Angeles, May 24 : Hollywood star Ben Affleck recently took a walk with his girlfriend, Ana de Armas, and his three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner.

In photos posted by TMZ, the actor and de Armas were accompanied by his three children -- Violet, 14, Seraphina, 11, and Samuel, 8 -- as they walked the Cuban actress's dog, Elvis, along with Garner's dog, Birdie, and Affleck's German shepherd in Brentwood, California, reports usmagazine.com.

All five wore masks as they stepped out amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The outing came days after a source told Us Weekly that Affleck and Garner, who split in June 2005 after 10 years of marriage, "have worked hard to get in a good place with each other".

In March, it was reported that Affleck is dating the "Knives Out" actress after meeting on the set of their upcoming erotic thriller, "Deep Water", in New Orleans.

The pair made their relationship Instagram official in April while celebrating de Armas' birthday at Joshua Tree National Park in California.

Meanwhile, a source said that de Armas admires how Affleck and Garner work together to coparent their children.
File image: Portugal

Portugals doors are open to tourists, the countrys Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva said on May 22. It is one of the first European countries to welcome back visitors from elsewhere in the continent.

Tourists are welcome in Portugal, Santos Silva told newspaper Observador, explaining that some health checks will be introduced at airports but there will be no compulsory quarantine for those flying in.

Portugal, which has so far recorded 30,200 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,289 deaths, is slowly easing restrictions in place since it locked down in mid-March.

It has been less affected than its neighbour Spain or Italy, which both plan to reopen next month.

Many shops and restaurants in Portugal have already reopened under strict restrictions as part of an effort to revive the countrys export-oriented, tourism-dependent economy.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

Portugals health system responds well, and this is very important for us to be able to welcome people, Santos Silva said.

The ministers comments came a day after British low-cost airline easyJet, which operates in various Portuguese cities, said it would restart a small number of flights next month.

Earlier this month Portugals flag carrier TAP resumed some of its international operations, with flights to London and Paris.

Flights to and from outside the European Union are still temporarily suspended until June 15, with some exceptions, including some routes to and from Portuguese-speaking nations like Brazil.

The Spain-Portugal land border, which has been closed to tourists since March, will also remain shut until then.

We are gradually going to start looking at easing border controls, Internal Affairs Minister Eduardo Cabrita said on May 22.

The tourism industry, one of the hardest hit by the outbreak, contributed 14.6 percent to gross domestic product in 2018, according to the latest official data, and helped Portugal to recover from a severe debt crisis.

The sector registered a 62 percent slump in the number of people staying in holiday accommodation in March from a year ago and total hotel revenues fell by over 57 percent.

Unemployment in the Algarve region more than doubled in April compared with the same month last year as the lockdown kept foreign visitors away and wiped out seasonal jobs.

(With inputs from Reuters)
Syracuse, N.Y.  For schoolteachers Sandy and Kevin Schulz, 2020 seemed like the perfect year to retire. Their daughter, Krista, was graduating high school. They had each put in the 30 years to maximize their pensions.

The Schulzes love to travel and anticipated being able to roam the globe without consulting the school calendar. Trips would be less expensive, they reasoned. And it was time to end long, satisfying careers in the classroom and explore the rest of their lives.

They planned a celebratory July trip to Italy and the Greek islands with Krista and their son Dan, 25.

And then the coronavirus intervened.

Sandy Schulz remembers the surreal final moments in her third grade classroom at Allen Road Elementary. Over the weekend, Onondaga County executive Ryan McMahon announced schools would close by the following Friday. But then, at 10 oclock Monday morning came the stunning news that Onondaga County had its first coronavirus case and schools would shut down by the end of the day.

Schulz compared the shock of the quick closure to the way she felt on September 11, 2001.

Fear was her initial reaction.

Still, Schulz believed classes would one day resume this year. So when Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced May 1 that schools were shuttered for good, she suddenly felt the full weight of retirement.

I have been a lot more emotional about it, she said during a phone conversation. Sorry, now Im going to get ready to cry. I have been more emotional because now I know that this is it. Its over.

Retiring teachers across Central New York know how Schulz feels.

They, too, believed the hurried final moments of March 16 would be temporary, that at some point this spring, they would abandon the improvised, impersonal Zoom sessions for customary contact with children. Cuomos proclamation, though widely anticipated, solidified their sorrow.

Their teaching careers were over.

Just like that.

When he made that final announcement, it was opening day for fishing on that Saturday and I fish with 18 guys, said Ciro Frontale, who is retiring after 31 years as a physical education teacher, now at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central. Many of them are retired and I said, Fellas, guess what? Im joining your ranks. They all congratulate me. They cant hug me. They cant shake my hand. Thats when it really hit me, when he made that final announcement that we werent going back. I said, Wow. Im done. Im done!

About 6,800 teachers retired from schools outside New York City for a period stretching from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019. Tallies are still being taken for the new class of retirees.

Here are the stories of seven retiring teachers, counselors or administrators from Central New York:

Ciro Frontale, physical education, ITC

Ciro Frontale, retiring physical education teacher at Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central, Syracuse, N.Y., Thursday May 21, 2020. Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.

In his last period each day, Frontale gets to teach his special needs kids. Its his favorite class. On what turned out to be the final in-person teaching day of his career, he spent time with those kids. He looked forward, every day, to seeing one particular boy.

We jump up and down together, he counts to three, he grabs your arm and jumps into the air, Frontale said. I remember saying, I really hope I get to see Delvoughn and Erick and the rest of the group again and if I dont, Im going to be so disappointed.

Frontale never in my wildest dreams imagined the end of the school year, the end of his career would look like this. Hes been Zooming with students, but for a guy who teaches physical education, its not the same. Frontale opens his locker room door and kids come by all day to high-five, knock knuckles. He appreciates the physical gestures, something video chats cant provide.

He planned to retire this year because his daughter was graduating from college, releasing him of that financial obligation. Frontale also believed it was time to surrender the job to younger, more technology-savvy teachers.

Frontale will see some of his students again when seniors stop by to hand in borrowed laptops or return track uniforms. He hated to end his career without interacting with the kids one last time.

Oh God, yes, I was sad, he said. I love teaching. I taught because I like being with kids. I was really hoping, especially for the seniors, that I could have some closure with them. Its just not right, but what are you gonna do?

Jill Zerrillo, principal, Tecumseh Elementary

Jill Zerrillo, of Romulus, is retiring this year after serving as principal at Tecumseh Elementary in the Jamesville-DeWitt School District.Lauren Long | llong@syracuse.com

Zerrillo held a meeting with staff at 8 a.m. on March 16 to outline a plan for teachers to prepare for the gradual end of school that week. Two hours later, she learned school would be shutting down indefinitely that afternoon.

I certainly understand the decision, she said, but it was kind of like having the children ripped out of your arms, if you will.

Like everybody else, Zerrillo believed she would see staff and students again. She looked forward every day to watching kids run off the bus excited to be at school. Theyd hug her on the sidewalk. On days when the drudgery of planning and paperwork weighed on her, she would wander down the hall to a first-grade classroom and surround herself with kids who always said the sweetest things.

She decided to retire, after a 32-year career in education, for financial reasons and because the time had simply come to leave. She looked forward to Tecumsehs last day of school, when buses filled with kids circled the parking lot and teachers went outside to wave a final goodbye. She looked forward to spending precious final moments with teachers with whom shed mourned passing parents and celebrated new babies. She had hoped to say her goodbyes in small groups, in individual doses.

I had it planned so I would have these last few months to really be with the kids, really be with the teachers, she said. I had all the administrative work done so I would have time to be with the people and then all of a sudden, that was ground to a halt. And so now, the emotional part of it is a little harder to deal with.

Melissa Ahern, school counselor, Camillus Middle School

Ahern spent 20 years in the West Genesee School District. She decided to retire because of her 30 years and because at age 56, shes longing to try something new.

Oh my God, I loved my job, she said, but Im also someone who seeks change.

The school shutdown happened so quickly and its aftermath has been so hectic, shes hardly had time to process the finality. Shes been working to maintain relationships with students and parents who are struggling to make sense of new technologies, new norms. She is talking to students who miss their teachers, their classmates.

Its been incredibly busy, she said. A lot of screen time, which is not really what Im built for although Im grateful we have that option. Has it impacted my ability to really counsel? Yeah, absolutely it has. But we do the best we can.

Ahern had hoped to avoid overly sentimental final interactions with faculty and kids. She much preferred sneaking out the door without anybody noticing. The pandemic, too, has provided something of a retirement parachute. Shes still counseling, but the dynamics are so different, it feels like shes easing into the end.

I think the one thing its done is it has given us all perspective, she said, on just how important the in-person relationships are and how fragile they are, too, in terms of how quickly they can change when youre no longer able to maintain them.

Gwendolyn Raeford, forensic science teacher, Nottingham High School

Gwendolyn Raeford, retiring Nottingham High School Forensic Science teacher, with the Nottingham Bulldog, Syracuse, N.Y., Thursday May 21, 2020. Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.

Construction work at Nottingham meant teachers had to return to school to collect their belongings. As Raeford sifted through the remains of her 23-year teaching career, she unearthed gloves she used to clean up her classroom, a gift from a Fowler wrestling team and photographs she will cherish.

Raeford came to teaching from the private sector and was so thrilled to finally land a job at Fowler, she invited her mother along for the first day of school.

It was a standing joke, Raeford said. I was so excited to have my own classroom I brought my mom in and said, Look at that! My first class!

She dreamed about being a teacher from the time she was a little girl and viewed her job as a sort of stage career. She taught forensic science, a class that drew swarms of curious kids. The Zoom classes, while helpful, could not substitute for the way Raeford prefers to teach.

She describes herself as a hugger, a woman who loved her students but also got on their butts when they strayed.

Ive missed it. Ive missed not teaching, she said. Theres things like blood spatter and fingerprinting that the kids missed out on because we werent able to finish out the year. My final is always a crime scene. Staff gives me hair, if they have animals, they give me animal hair. They give me fingerprints and footprints and the kids have to process the crime scene and question staff. And were not going to be able to do that this year. I feel bad thats not going to happen for the kids.

She put in her retirement papers last February and planned to teach through summer school. Her husband wants to move south to avoid the snow. She knew it was time to go, but dreaded signing those papers. Two teaching friends clicked the final electronic button for her. She couldnt bear to do it.

Its not easy to give up something you love, she said. The kids, no matter how much they get on your nerves, you just loved them and they respected you as a teacher and as an individual. Its been really tough.

Paul Muench, Fayetteville-Manlius High School social studies teacher

Paul Muench, retiring Fayetteville-Manlius High School Social Studies teacher, with his signature podium. For his final twenty years teaching students he had them sign their names on the last day of school, Manlius, N.Y., Thursday May 21, 2020. Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.

Muench and Jeff Hammond, a fellow social studies teacher at F-M, happily attended plenty of retirement parties over the years. Both decided to end their teaching careers and Muench said the two talked about going out together this year.

Instead, Muench is left wondering when he might get together with colleagues.

Those relationships will still be there, Muench said, but you wanted that to be a special moment. You look forward to sharing it with everyone. You know its your last year. The students know and theyve kind of enjoyed the last go-around. Ive worked with great people for 20 years at F-M and you figure youre going to go out and bring some closure to a career Ive loved. This was not one of the choices I thought of.

Muench loved teaching. The frantic final moments in March made him resolve to provide every possible outlet for his students these past few weeks, that he would finish this thing properly. He misses the relationships hes built with students over the years, the easy camaraderie in the halls and classrooms. He feels badly for the senior class. And he misses the rhythm of the final moments with colleagues.

We dont teach together, we teach alongside each other. Then we work very closely on our courses and our ideas, he said. During finals week or test weeks, you usually grade side-by-side. Lunch is huge for us in terms of touching base with each other. Who do I have lunch with this year? I swear to God, adults say that. And that ended abruptly. One day were here and this has all been a blur in between.

The Schulzes

Sandy and Kevin Schulz teachers who will retire at the end of this academic year. Kevin is a high school teacher at CNS and Sandy a third grade teacher. They're saddened because the coronavirus outbreak has closed schools and they will not get a chance to say goodbye to their students.

Kevin and Sandy Schulz canceled their summer trip. These days, they sit side-by-side at their computers, replying to emails, setting up assignments. They alternate times to Zoom with students. They both prefer standing in front of students to trying to reach them through a computer screen.

The students are working so hard and some of them are actually enjoying not having to come to class, said Kevin Schulz, who teaches math at Cicero-North Syracuse High School. The staff is a little different. We have a harder time. The day that we closed, somebody said, Just think, this could be our last lunch with Kevin. And that kind of hit hard. They were all like, awwww.

Sandy has read about a return to school that would demand 6-foot spacing, with prohibitions on hugging and closeness, things her young students crave. She cant imagine it. Her third graders often sat smushed together on a rug during class time. To have to police them, to pull them apart from their friends, she said, would be heartbreaking. So maybe shes retiring at the right time.

She returned to school for a half-hour one day during the lockdown to retrieve supplies and bumped into a fellow teacher who took her photo.

Shes like, I hope this isnt the last time Im seeing you in your classroom, Sandy said. And unfortunately, it was. And I think thats the oddest thing  to think Im never going to stand in front of a class and teach again.

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With the country witnessing record single-day spike in coronavirus cases for three days in a row, Chief Ministers of Punjab and Chhattisgarh said movement of migrants and their management was the biggest challenge in the containment of the infection.

While Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in his state was due to incoming migrants testing positive, his Punjab counterpart Amarinder Singh said it was expected that the states from where workers were returning would test them before allowing them to go home.

"The biggest challenge right now is the large influx of people from other states and from outside India," Amarinder Singh told PTI, adding that these home-bound people included a large number of migrants who had gone outside the state in search of work.

"We don't really know how dependable that is," he said, adding that in the case of Nanded pilgrims the Maharashtra government failed to conduct necessary tests.

A large chunk of the 4,000 pilgrims who returned to Punjab from Hazur Sahib gurdwara in Maharashtra's Nanded have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Baghel told PTI, "Managing and handling incoming migrants is the biggest challenge for the state at present. There are concerns over them sneaking into villages."



He said 16,449 quarantine centres have been set up in villages of Chhattisgarh.

Around one lakh migrant workers have come back to the state, and another one lakh were expected to return soon. An estimated 15,000 migrants were returning to the state every day, the chief minister said.

Baghel reiterated that Chhattisgarh, which is surrounded by seven states, will keep its borders shut till the COVID-19 situation improves in the country. Currently, the state borders are opened only for the migrants to return home, he said.

Amarinder Singh said his state has made extensive arrangements for quarantining and testing all those entering the state.

"This is huge pressure on our limited resources. Testing and providing medical facilities are also major challenges for us, like I believe it is for all states at present," he said.

Singh said as of the last count before the coronavirus outbreak, Punjab had 13 lakh migrant labourers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and other states working in industries and in the agricultural sector.

"Of these, 10 lakh had registered to go back to their native places after the Centre allowed such movement amid the lockdown and trains were arranged for their transportation," he said.

The Punjab chief minister, however, said around 35 per cent of the migrants were not returning, as was seen when they did not turn up when the first Shramik Special train left.

"Fortunately, with industries now opening up, many of these migrants are opting to stay back. They need the work and the wages, which they are now hoping to get. In fact, on the very first day of the train movement from Punjab, 35 pc of the registered labourers chose to stay back," Singh said.

"I believe that more will choose not to leave as more and more industries become operational which is bound to happen over the next few days. My government is facilitating industries to start operating with all protocols in place by giving them quick permissions and approvals. Nevertheless, we do expect a shortfall in the labour, at least in the short term," Singh said.

COVID-19 cases in India saw the biggest spike for the third consecutive day on Sunday with 6,767 new infections and 147 more fatalities reported in the last 24 hours. The country has been under lockdown since March 25 to curb the spread of coronavirus, which has infected 1,31,868, people and killed 3,867 people till now.

A large number of migrant workers from major urban industrial centres in the country have been moving with their families towards their home states, often walking and also in cramped trucks and other vehicles, during the nearly two-month-long lockdown.

The Centre has said around four crore migrants are engaged in various works in different parts of the country and so far 75 lakh of them have returned home in trains and buses since the nationwide lockdown was imposed.

The railways has engaged over 2,600 Shramik Special trains since May 1 to transport migrant workers from different parts of the country to their destinations.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Participants in the rally demand an end to the political course of Ukraine, which they call surrendering national interests, stopping the course on membership in the EU and NATO and connivance to pro-Russian forces.The year of Zelenskys presidency was remembered not only by surrender policy but also by repressions against patriots, participants in the Revolution of Dignity and the Russian-Ukrainian war, volunteers: Yana Dugar, Andriy Antonenko, Marusia Zvirobiy, Tetyana Chornovol, said Levus.The announcement of the event says that "Zelensky, his MPs and the government are not able to protect the country's citizens from any challenges of Russia's economic, geopolitical, hybrid attacks, which means we must remind the authorities that there are still citizens in this country."The action takes place in other major cities of Ukraine.
Britain could be poised to launch its first ever sovereign wealth fund under plans being examined by the Government, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Officials are understood to be 'actively considering' a 25billion taxpayer-backed fund to reboot struggling regional firms in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

Under the plan, the Government would buy shares in key businesses outside of London as part of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's agenda to strive to 'level up' the entire country after lockdown ends.

The Government would buy shares in key businesses outside of London as part of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's agenda to strive to 'level up' the entire country after lockdown ends

Eventually the shares would be returned to the original owners  typically families which founded the businesses  meaning the taxpayer would recoup the initial investment.

Deep-pocketed City investors are understood to have expressed an interest in the scheme, raising the prospect of the private sector putting in money alongside the taxpayer.

Sovereign wealth funds are popular around the world, but the planned fund would be the first of its kind in Britain if Ministers give it the go-ahead.

In many nations across the Middle East such funds invest state money in companies and other assets to generate income and returns for their home economies. Sovereign wealth funds in that region also invest vast amounts of money generated from oil fields into global stock markets and assets.

Norway's sovereign wealth fund is the biggest in the world, boasting 900billion worth of investments in shares, bonds and property. It earned a record 140billion in 2019, which is equivalent to 26,400 for every Norwegian citizen.

Britain's more localised plans are based on a proposal made by Jim O'Neill  an ally of former Chancellor George Osborne  calling for sweeping public investments

Britain's more localised plans are based on a proposal made by Jim O'Neill  an ally of former Chancellor George Osborne  calling for sweeping public investments.

The peer has outlined a plan for the Treasury to set up a 25billion fund to invest in struggling family-owned firms that have the potential to become world-class companies.

The Government might take so-called preference shares in the businesses, meaning that taxpayers would be first in line for dividend payouts and proceeds which could be funnelled into public spending projects.

Lord O'Neill said companies could also use the taxpayer funding to convert any onerous debt incurred during the crisis into an equity stake.

He proposed that the Government should try to sell its shareholdings back to the original owners within ten years.

Lord O'Neill said the scheme could help spur entrepreneurial companies to lift the country out of recession.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak predicted last week that there would be no 'immediate bounceback' from the economic meltdown triggered by coronavirus.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said that investing in different regions throughout the UK is a 'critical part' of returning the economy to normal after the crisis

Lord O'Neill told The Mail on Sunday: 'My feeling is you should never let a crisis go to waste. Why not use this mess to invest in British businesses while also helping manage our debt coming out of this?' The former Goldman Sachs chief economist is now the vice chair of Osborne's Northern Powerhouse initiative.

He thinks the North could benefit from taxpayer funding into companies specialising in advanced engineering, life sciences and green energy.

'There are plenty of good ideas and innovations coming out of universities, but we are not great at turning them into businesses that then create loads of jobs and wealth inside the UK,' he said.

'The start-ups are often acquired really quickly from overseas or they fail to grow. Something like this would help in the areas where the North has world-class potential and I'm sure you could do something similar in the Midlands too.'

Britain's sovereign wealth fund could also support investments into companies that have the ability to help the Government meet net-zero climate ambitions for 2030.

Sunak has said that investing in different regions throughout the UK is a 'critical part' of returning the economy to normal after the crisis.

The Government's budget deficit is poised to soar to 300billion this year, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility, while the Bank of England has warned of the worst recession in 300 years.

Unemployment claims rose by more than 800,000 last month and Rolls-Royce, British Airways, P&O Ferries and JCB have already announced significant job cuts.

Yesterday, Sky News reported that Jaguar Land Rover had entered talks about a 1billion state support package. It has been suggested that the Government could take an equity stake in JLR as it seeks to prop up key industries.

The Treasury declined to comment.
Actor and beauty queen Sushmita Sen celebrated 26 years of her Miss Universe win last week. Sushmita was the first Indian to wear the crown in 1994.

However, did you know she almost lost the opportunity to participate in the pageant? Speaking to journalist Rajeev Masand last year, Sushmita had said that she lost her passport right before she was supposed to leave. It was given to Anupama Verma, then a very famous model and she was also a co-ordinator for events. She had my passport for a show in Bangladesh. She needed it for some ID proofing. So I very confidently told Miss India, Dont worry my passport is very safely with Anupama Verma. She couldnt find it. So she did take responsibility for it and she said I dont know what I have done but the timing of it was scary, she said.

Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai after winning Miss Universe and Miss World.

Then came the big shock. Organisers of Miss India suggested that the Miss India pageants runner-up, actor Aishwarya Rai be sent in her place instead to the Miss Universe pageant. Meanwhile, Sushmita could go for the Miss World pageant. Of course, the proposal made her very angry.

Because when you win something, rightfully so, youre not requesting it. So we now have to come together and ensure that this gets done. Its easy to say Yea, well now we cant find it. The passport is lost. Miss World is in November. You go later, well figure out your passport till then.

Sushmita then talked to her father about it and said she would go for no other pageant than Miss Universe. I only cried in front of my father and I said, Baba, Im not going for anything else. I rightfully deserve to go for this. If I cant go, nobody else will go for it, she said.

Also see: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai fans cant keep calm as Archana Puran Singh aka Miss Braganza shares message for Anupam Khers Malhotra

The issue was resolved when her father got help from late union minister Rajesh Pilot. He said that Sushmita needs all the help as she is representing the country.

As is now history, both Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen ended up winning their crowns of Miss World and Miss Universe.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Evacuations a major setback for commander Haftar, depriving LNA of its most potent foreign fighting force near Tripoli.

Hundreds of Russian military contractors in Libya were evacuated on Monday after retreating from fighting on the capitals front lines, forces backing the unity government said.

The claim comes after a series of setbacks for eastern-based military commander Khalifa Haftars year-long offensive to seize Tripoli from the UN-supported Government of National Accord (GNA).

An Antonov 32 military cargo plane landed at Bani Walid airport to resume the evacuation of Wagner [Group] mercenaries who had fled southern Tripoli to an as-yet unconfirmed destination, pro-GNA forces wrote on Twitter.

Pro-GNA forces said Monday some 1,500 to 1,600 mercenaries had fled from the front lines to Bani Walid, a city 150km (93 miles) southeast of Tripoli. They said the previous day seven cargo planes had landed at the citys airport, bringing in munitions and weaponry and evacuating the fleeing fighters.

A video broadcast on the Tripoli-based Libya al-Ahrar television channel showed armed men boarding an Antonov 23-type military cargo plane. A Russian-made Pantsir air defence missile system could be seen in the background.

The departure of the Russians first reported on Sunday was another blow to Haftars Libyan National Army (LNA) and his foreign allies.





Russian fighters allied to the LNA retreated with their heavy equipment from the capital to Bani Walids airport, said its Mayor Salem Alaywan.

He told Reuters news agency the Russians were then flown out of western Libya to Jufra, a remote central district and LNA stronghold. They [the Russians] were flown in three military planes to Jufra, and their military vehicles were driven there, said Alaywan.

LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mesmari denied any foreigners were fighting with his forces.

The year-long battle for Tripoli has left hundreds dead, including dozens of civilians, and displaced more than 200,000 people.

Muhammad Qanunu, a GNA military spokesman, said in an address on local television those fighting with the LNA would be captured or killed and the areas they previously held made safe for the return of civilians.

As of yesterday, we started combing the liberated areas to ensure the safety and return of everyone who was displaced. We are still closely monitoring the movement of the remnant militias and mercenaries who are trying to reorganise their fragmented ranks. We are fully prepared to crush them, Qanunu said.

Al-Mesmari has said his fighters would pull back from some positions south of Tripoli as part of a redeployment.





1,200 mercenaries

The presence of the Russian fighters has been widely documented by diplomats and journalists, and photographs purporting to show Russians in Bani Walid have been posted on social media.

According to a leaked United Nations report, Russian private military contractor Wagner Group deployed about 1,200 mercenaries to Libya to strengthen Haftars forces. They have been identified by their equipment, typically reserved for Russias armed forces.

UN monitors identified more than two dozen flights between Russia and eastern Libya from August 2018 to August 2019 by civilian aircraft strongly linked to or owned by Wagner Group  a shadowy Russian paramilitary organisation seen as close to President Vladimir Putin  or related companies.

The Kremlin has always denied involvement.

Across the Wagner Group, personnel are predominantly Russian but also include citizens of Belarus, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine, the UN report said.

Al Jazeeras Mahmoud Abdelwahed, reporting from Tripoli, said Alaywan, Bani Walids mayor, reported residents were upset that foreign fighters were in their town.

The Russian mercenaries are not welcome. The [city] council is protesting the presence because they have taken part in attacking Libyan cities and also killing and wounding innocent civilians, said Abdelwahed.

Haftars forces are backed by Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. The GNA is supported by Syrian fighters allied to Turkey, while Haftar is also using Sudanese fighters.

People gather in Martyrs Square in Tripoli to inspect a Russian-made air defence system used by Haftars militias [Hazem Turkia/Anadolu]

Meaningful event

The GNA has, with Turkish help, made sudden strides in recent weeks, seizing a string of towns from the LNA, capturing the strategically important al-Watiya airbase, and destroying several Russian-made air defence systems.

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The withdrawal [of the Russians] from the greater Tripoli area is a very meaningful event because it deprives the LNA of its most effective, best-equipped foreign fighting forces on that key front, said Jalel Harchaoui, research fellow at the Clingendael Institute.

Emad Badi, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council with a research focus on Libya, agreed the departure of the Russian mercenaries was a major setback for Haftar.

Why they pulled out now is a subject of speculation, but you have to take into account that during the past week Turkey has really upgraded its aerial capabilities in Libya and has significantly weakened the strategic advantage that the Russian mercenaries provided.

Badi said it was obvious that there was some form of backdoor deal between Turkey and Libya in terms of allowing these mercenaries to pull out.

He noted the move had major consequences for the battle of Tripoli.

Since late August, its actually the Russian mercenaries that have enabled the ground offensive to not only continue but for Haftars troops to actually make territorial headway, he added.

As soon as they pulled out in roughly, I would say, eight hours, Haftar lost the territory that hes gained in eight months  thats how much of a strategic military advantage these Russian groups provided. That doesnt mean that the war has ended but it does mean that in terms of capturing Tripoli, I dont think its realistic to assume that that would be possible if the backers of Haftar do not significantly escalate against Turkey.

The LNA still holds the town of Tarhouna south of Tripoli with the help of a local armed group.

In the past two days, LNA forces have withdrawn from some positions in southern Tripoli in what they described as a humanitarian gesture. Forces allied to the GNA re-entered some of those areas.

Libya has been without central government control for nine years, and since 2014 it has been divided between two main rival governments in the east and the west. The conflict has turned into a proxy war between the foreign allies of the two sides.
The Chinese virology institute at the centre of US allegations it may have been the source of the COVID-19 pandemic has three live strains of bat coronavirus on-site, but none match the new global contagion, its director has said. Scientists think COVID-19 -- which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan and has killed more than 340,000 people worldwide -- originated in bats and could have been transmitted to people via another mammal. But the director of the Wuhan Institute of Virology told state broadcaster CGTN that claims made by US President Donald Trump and others the virus could have leaked from the facility were "pure fabrication". In the interview filmed on May 13 but broadcast Saturday night, Wang Yanyi said the centre has "isolated and obtained some coronaviruses from bats". "Now we have three strains of live viruses... But their highest similarity to SARS-CoV-2 only reaches 79.8 percent," she said, referring to the coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19. One of their research teams, led by Professor Shi Zhengli, has been researching bat coronaviruses since 2004 and focused on the "source tracing of SARS", the strain behind another virus outbreak nearly two decades ago. "We know that the whole genome of SARS-CoV-2 is only 80 percent similar to that of SARS. It's an obvious difference," she said. "So, in Professor Shi's past research, they didn't pay attention to such viruses which are less similar to the SARS virus." - Plans for more labs - Conspiracy rumours that the biosafety lab was involved in the outbreak swirled online for months before Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo brought the theory into the mainstream by claiming that there is evidence the pathogen came from the institute. The United States and Australia have called in recent weeks for an investigation into the origins of the pandemic. Chinese scientists have said that the virus first emerged at a market selling live animals in Wuhan, though officials in Beijing more recently cast doubt about its origins. Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi on Sunday blasted what he called efforts by US politicians to "fabricate rumours" about the pathogen's origins and "stigmatise China". He said China would be "open" to international cooperation to identify the source of the novel coronavirus, as long as any investigation is "free of political interference". The World Health Organization has said Washington offered no evidence to support the "speculative" claims about the Wuhan lab. The Wuhan lab has said it received samples of the then-unknown virus on December 30, determined the viral genome sequence on January 2 and submitted information on the pathogen to the WHO on January 11. Wang Yanyi said in the interview that before it received samples in December, their team had never "encountered, researched or kept the virus". "In fact, like everyone else, we didn't even know the virus existed," she said. "How could it have leaked from our lab when we never had it?" At a press conference Sunday, Zhao Chenxin, deputy secretary-general of the National Development and Reform Commission, said every Chinese prefecture must have its own P3 laboratory to ramp up preparations against infectious diseases. Apart from the P3 lab plans -- the second-highest biosafety classification for labs handling pathogens -- Zhao said each city should also have a lower-level P2 laboratory so they could "quickly respond in a major epidemic". The Wuhan institute has both P3 and P4 labs. The director of the Wuhan Institute of Virology told a Chinese state broadcaster that the lab has three live strains of bat coronavirus on-site, but that claims the coronavirus could have leaked from the facility were 'pure fabrication'
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 19:38:26|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on May 23, 2020 shows the entrance of a food market where people buy their groceries for Eid al-Fitr in Dakar, Senegal. Senegalese Ministry of Health and Social Action reported on Sunday 71 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 3,047 in the country. (Photo by Eddy Peters/Xinhua)

DAKAR, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Senegalese Ministry of Health and Social Action reported on Sunday 71 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 3,047 in the country.

These 71 new infections came from 889 tests done in the past 24 hours, health ministry Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr said.

For the second consecutive days, there is an imported case detected by the ministry, while the number of new community transmission cases are dropping to 4.

He also announced that 40 more patients were cured, bringing the total number of recovery cases to 1,456.

The ministry also confirmed the death toll rose to 35 in the country.

Senegal is celebrating the end of the Ramadan month this weekend. The government and some spiritual leaders have invited the population to unite with their families through phones and internet in order to avoid travelling between regions, given the serious situation of community transmission spreading.

Senegal is in state of emergency until June 2, with a curfew imposed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. It is also mandatory to wear masks at all public places.
Just Because It's in Popular Science Magazine That Doesn't Mean It's True







An open letter to Jennifer Lu and Popular Science Magazine

By Marc J. Rauch

Author of THE ETHANOL PAPERS

Exec. Vice President/Co-Publisher

THE AUTO CHANNEL

Hi Jennifer -







Regarding the article you wrote for Popular Science magazine in October 2018, "Ethanol is renewable, but that doesn't mean it's good for us", I'm confused as to why you chose to do so. If you did it because you were assigned to it, then you should have done some real research into the issues. If you did it because you felt you had some valuable information to share, then you should have made certain that you had some valuable information to share. If you did it because you were offered some money by an oil industry entity, then you didn't do yourself any favor since it may ultimately cost you more in reputation.

The reason I'm contacting you today, in 2020, is because yesterday I received a message from a reader who disagrees with my advocacy of ethanol based upon your article. In my reply to this reader, I said that I could appreciate why he would cite your article, after all, it's in Popular Science magazine...a publication that many of us grew up with thinking that they know what they're talking about.

Unfortunately, this is another sad case of bursting the perception bubble, like finding out that the New York Times isn't fit to wipe your... um, to wrap fish in. I rate the level of information in your article to be somewhere around junior high school (now known as middle school).

Your main complaint with ethanol fuel is the issue of summertime smog and the claim that E10 somehow causes more low-level ozone to form than E0 (gasoline with no ethanol blended in). We know positively that E0 causes smog (proven by the decades of terrible smog in cities like Los Angeles and New York in the years preceding the use of E10). Moreover, we know that gasoline causes many other safety and health problems due to carbon monoxide, benzene, and the other junk added to the formula.

Ethanol burns so clean that people could be in a closed room burning ethanol (without any extraneous type of equipment to clean the fumes' emissions) and survive the experience quite handily. As I'm sure you know, ethanol is used safely for indoor lighting, heating, and cooking.

Therefore, the question is: What makes E10 hazardous (that it can create low level ozone smog)? There is only one answer: The cause is the 90% gasoline and aromatics that are contained in the E10 blend. The burning of all petroleum oil fuels produce nitrogen dioxide (NO2). This includes natural gas, which is a primary gas used for cooking and heating in the U.S. and in some other countries. (EPA's Basic Information about NO2)

"The Asthma Handbook" written by Jenny Lewis with The National Asthma Campaign (published by Vermilion Press 1995, Random House 2012), states this about nitrogen dioxide:



"...one of the pollutants that is causing the most concern these days is nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) which is produced by car exhaust fumes...This is particularly dangerous for people with asthma, since it adds to the problems of already reduced lung function and scarred lung tissue by clogging the lungs further. ...Nevertheless, nitrogen dioxide exposure is greatest indoors. In homes with gas fires and gas cookers, it is produced as a by-product of burning natural gas...Out on the street high levels of nitrogen dioxide can give rise to further pollution. In the presence of ultraviolet, which is part of sunlight, the gas is broken down to form low-level ozone." (this passage can be found in chapter 5 TRIGGERS, sub-section POLLUTION.) This was written in 1995, prior to any measurable ethanol-gasoline fuel use in the United States. It's also worth noting that the passage makes no mention whatsoever of ethanol (or any alcohol) being a contributory factor in creating NO2.

Moreover, if E10 was discontinued, in order for oil companies to produce a fuel to power the newest internal combustion engine vehicles (which require greater octane), they will have to add more oxygenates (benzene, toluene, xylene, etc.) to the finished gasoline. This would increase - not decrease - the amount of poison emissions in the air. This would not be beneficial to anyone.

Is it possible that the combination of clean burning ethanol with gasoline and aromatics in an E10 blend can produce more NO2 than just gasoline and aromatics (E0)? I don't see how, but for the moment let's say it does. In that case, the solution to the problem is to skip E10 altogether and go straight to E15 and higher blends. Studies show that E15 causes less ozone than E10, and the ozone continues to decrease as the ethanol level increases to E85 and beyond (proof that the problem is caused by gasoline and aromatics). And, we know from tests conducted by the EPA and U.S. national labs, as well as decades of ethanol-gasoline blend use in Brazil and Europe, that E15 and higher blends have no negative effects on internal combustion engines (despite irresponsible claims that ethanol causes greater damage 1 to ICE parts and components than gasoline and aromatics).

The following are some links to studies that relate to higher ethanol-gasoline levels reducing E10 ozone:



Jennifer, you go on to write that ethanol contains only two-thirds of the energy content of gasoline. While this is true from a statistical perspective, the energy content comparison of the two fuels is entirely irrelevant. I provide all the reasons (and proof) why this is irrelevant in the these two reports:



You wrote "While all cars can run on E10, only specially designed vehicles and passenger cars that are model year 2001 or newer can use E15." This is untrue. Every internal combustion engine vehicle that can run on E10 can also safely, efficiently, and economically run on E15 and higher ethanol-gasoline blends. This is proven by Brazil's mandated use of E27 on ALL vehicles (regardless of model year), and by the six-plus decades of use of ethanol-gasoline blends in Great Britain and other European countries. SEE:



You may be confusing the issue of "warranty" with "ability," and therefore you may think that pre-2001 vehicles can't use E15 from a technical or mechanical perspective. If so, forget about it. Automobiles and boats that are only warrantied for E10 in America are warrantied for E27 in Brazil. Manufacturers typically only warranty their products for no more than is legally necessary in any given country. Since the fuel mandate in Brazil is a minimum E27, they warranty the vehicles/engines for E27. In the U.S., they can get away with E10, so they mostly draw the line at E10.

You then wrote, "Although ethanol was used to power the Model T Ford at the turn of the last century, gasoline soon replaced ethanol as the fuel of choice. However, after the additive used to improve octane ratings in gasoline was found to contaminate the drinking water supply, ethanol emerged as a cheap replacement to increase octane ratings, which is important for controlling combustion speeds. When blended, ethanol helps prevent the gasoline and air in the cylinders from burning too quickly and damaging the engine."

This is a horrible mish-mash of information; perhaps the single dumbest paragraph I've ever read about the engine fuels issue. The Ford Model T was designed to run on multiple fuels (I published a definitive report of this subject), and it is true that the first internal combustion engines were powered by alcohol fuels. However, the primary internal combustion engine fuel from the late 1800's until today was gasoline, not ethanol - so gasoline never "replaced ethanol as the fuel of choice." The reasons for all this are set forth in these two reports:



The additive added to gasoline in the 1920's to mitigate engine knock in high compression engines was tetraethyl lead (TEL). TEL may indeed contaminate water, but then it is a terrible poison so it contaminates everything. But the bigger problems caused by TEL was as an airborne poison that then falls to the ground and remains for long periods of time until it is disturbed and again circulates into the air. On top of TEL's poisonous characteristics, in order to mitigate the horrendous corrosiveness of TEL, ethylene bromide was added to the mix. Ethylene bromide is another poison. So if you're going to write about fuel additives that are poisonous, this is where you should have concentrated. Regarding water contamination, you should be referring to MTBE, but this wasn't used until after TEL was finally banned from use in most fuels (mid 1990's). Ethanol should have been the original ICE fuel, or at least the additive added to gasoline to stop engine knock 100 years ago, and then the exclusive additive once TEL was banned. Instead, the oil industry convinced governing politicians to let them use MTBE. The "convincing" was by way of bribing the politicians with campaign donations and other inducements. Ethanol finally emerged as the oxygenate solution because it is the safest, cleanest, most powerful, healthiest, and least expensive option. Ethanol doesn't help engines by slowing down the speed of gasoline's burn rate, it helps because it burns clean with no carbon debris and it helps to remove the debris that is caused by gasoline and aromatics.

You wrote, "In 2007, the US produced about 8.4 billion gallons of ethanol. Since then, production has almost doubled to 15.7 billion gallons in the 2016-2017 year, according to Department of Agriculture data." Yes, there has been a remarkable increase, but unfortunately you turn this wonderful achievement into a negative by claiming that the increase was due to excessively bad use of land, water, and fertilizer. In fact, the increase was due to innovations in agriculture that have provided far better results with less land, less water, and less fertilizer.







Lastly, you have the absolute effrontery to end on the food vs. fuel issue with the closing sentence: "...corn producers might be better off using the land to grow foodnot fuel." The overwhelming majority of corn grown to make ethanol is grown specifically for this purpose. However all of the corn used to make ethanol can also be used to feed animals...the animals that we eat. Only the starch of the corn is used for ethanol, the protein remnants are used for dry distillers grains (ddgs) and fed to cows and pigs. In case you haven't noticed, there is no shortage of corn for humans to eat: Corn on the cob, canned corn, corn tortillas, corn chips, and popcorn are as plentiful as ever.

You should be ashamed at yourself for writing that article for Popular Science, and Popular Science magazine should have been ashamed to publish it.

In any event, I hope you have a great memorial Day Weekend.

1 Regarding engine damage, READ:

 Every Spark-Ignited Internal Combustion Engine Ever Produced Has Been Damaged By Gasoline

 Why Do Small Engines Suffer From Ethanol Problems?
A young woman with Downs Syndrome is launching a legal bid to change the countrys abortion law, which she says is downright discriminatory to people like her.

The legislation allows terminations after 24 weeks if severe foetal abnormality is detected.

The only other circumstances in which abortions are legal after the 24-week point is if there is a mortal risk to the mother.

Heidi Crowter, 24, told The Mail on Sunday that the difference in the way unborn babies with Downs are treated under the law makes me feel upset and sad.

Heidi Crowter, 24, (left) pictured with her younger sister Susie, 22, (right) is launching a legal bid to change the countrys abortion law

She went on: It makes me feel that I should not be alive. I feel like crying inside.

Her case is being presented by solicitor Paul Conrathe of Sinclairslaw, who will lodge papers at the High Court this week.

He argues the lack of legal protection afforded to foetuses with serious abnormalities after 24 weeks has real consequences for how people with Downs are viewed by others  and how they view themselves.

Mr Conrathe said Ms Crowters human rights have been severely negatively impacted by the clause of the 1967 Abortion Act which allows late abortion on the grounds of disability.

Allowing such abortions infringes Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, he insisted, which is designed to protect a right to identity and personal development.

Ms Crowter, from Coventry, said of the current law: It makes other people think that we should not be here. And it makes people think that we have fewer rights. But we should have the same rights.

We are still human beings. We have feelings.

She continued: I would like the abortion law changed, because it is downright discrimination in the womb.

Downs Syndrome is a genetic condition resulting from abnormal cell division of the parents sperm or egg, which causes the child to have too many copies of chromosome 21.

This extra genetic material triggers heart and gastro-intestinal disorders which often require surgery, and intellectual impairment.

It has more severe effects in some than others, both physically and mentally. In 2018, there were 618 abortions carried out in England and Wales because the foetus had Downs.

Heidis mother Liz Crowter said her daughter had been assessed by a doctor as being fit to litigate, adding: Its quite clear she understands whats being talked about and how she feels about it.

Heidi works in a hairdressers salon, lives on her own  supported by carers  and has a fiance, who himself has Downs. She said: I love my life.

Ms Crowter is joined in her legal bid by mother-of-two Maire Lea-Wilson, who claims she was placed under intense pressure to abort her child when a 34-week scan revealed Downs.

Maire Lea-Wilson claims she was put 'under intense pressure' to have an abortion when she found out her son Aidan had Down's Syndrome at her 34-week scan

Ms Lea-Wilson, 30, an accountant from Brentford, West London, said: At a time when I was scared and vulnerable, if felt like the assumption was that we would abort our baby.

She and husband Simon, 33, did not and she delivered Aidan last June. Aidan is a little ray of sunshine. I would not change him for the world, she added.

Aidan has an older brother, Tom, who is three. Ms Lea-Wilson said: I love and value them equally, so I dont see why they are not valued equally by the law.

Our case is not about the rights and wrongs of abortion. Its about the specific instance of inequality in the law, whereby for a child without disability the legal limit is 24 weeks, but you can have an abortion right up to full term with a child that does have a disability. That just feels wrong.
24.05.2020 LISTEN

Knowing the truth is an essential element in Christianity. Over the years, one thing I have observed in Christian Ministry is that, many Christians I interact with, do not seek to know the truth about certain words and things we say and do. It is not in vain that Jesus charges believers: You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free (John 8:32). Our liberty as believers depends on our knowledge of the truth. The danger is that, if we fail to know the truth, then we are likely to be enslaved by deceivers. For many of us, our very existence depends only on what our Pastor, our Prophet, our Apostle our Bishop says. Unfortunately, we ourselves have not even examined the truth or otherwise of what they tell us. The time has come for us to search the scriptures ourselves too as espoused in Acts 17:11.

Hardly a day passes without the word Church being talked about in recent times, but unfortunately, not many of us have grasped the scriptural understanding of what it is. Very often, peoples usage of the term Church in certain context, creates a sense that, the church is a physical building standing somewhere. Thus, for some of us, the building in which believers gather in worship is the church. Surely the church is not and cannot be a physical building. Matthew 18: 15-18 clearly shows that an offence can be referred to the church for settlement. The question is, can a physical building settle dispute? Surely not, a matter cannot be referred to a physical building for adjudication.

What then is the church? The word, Church was derived from the Greek word Eklesia which means an out-calling (Matthew 16:18- Recovery Version Bible foot 5). Thus, the English equivalence of Eklesia simply put, means the assembly of the called-out ones. Who are the called-out ones then? They are the people Christ called or saved out of the world in any given locality; village, city or state. The church, therefore, refers to the children of God; people who were born again and gather as such as believers in a certain locality. In a given locality; be it a village or city, when even two or three persons truly believe in the Lord Jesus, they automatically become the church in that locality. The only requirement sufficient to constitute the two or three persons into church is being truly saved or born again based upon the word of God. This is the clear teaching of the scriptures. I hope that, from today, having understood what the church is, we will even stop saying Am going to church since the church is not a physical building standing somewhere. If anything at all, we should rather say that, we are going to church meeting or simply you are going to meeting (1 Corinthians 14: 26).

Thank you and I am grateful to you for reading the write-up.

You may direct your contribution, questions and any other comments to:

Brother Sampson Obed Mensah

The Church in Sogakofe

P.O Box SG 173

Contact: 0208305858

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Location of Meeting Hall: Between Sogakofe Circuit Court and the Ghana National Fire Service




Haiti - Petit-Goave : Arrest of 18 members of the Foyer Spirituel des Consciences Unies





Saturday, May 23 in the morning, the Petit-Goave Police arrested 18 members of the Foyer Spirituel des Consciences Unies (FOSCU) who were doing physical exercises of relaxation and meditation at their premises without wearing masks.



Justice of the Peace Me Valembrun Jasmin, hearded the people arrested at the Petit-Goave Police Station, in the presence of the Deputy of the Government Commissioner, Me Franck Beneche.



In the minutes, the Magistrate Jasmin took over the presidential decree setting the general rules for the protection of the population and the sanctions https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30843-haiti-flash-presidential-decree-setting-the-general-rules-for-protecting-the-population-from-covid-19.html and condemned, in accordance with the prescriptions of the said decree, the 3 "leaders" of the Group to pay a collective fine of 9,000 gourdes.



Judge Valembrun Jasmin released the 18 people while asking them to report to the Town Hall next Monday, which in turn will determine the work of general interest to do. Note that each of these people received a mask at the police station.



Me Franck Beneche, declared on the microphone of Radio preference "As soon as we were informed of the meeting of this Group, we quickly intervened. We arrested and took 18 people to the police station. We have appealed to the Justice of the Peace in order to constitute a simple police tribunal. The court rendered its decision and condemned only the 3 leaders of the Group to pay 3,000 Gourdes each as a fine. The other members were exempted from this sanction. We thus acted in order to protect them and at the same time protect those around them from the Covid-19 [...]"



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30849-haiti-flash-53-new-cases-and-136-suspected-cases-in-24-hours.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30847-haiti-covid-19-daily-report-may-23-2020.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30843-haiti-flash-presidential-decree-setting-the-general-rules-for-protecting-the-population-from-covid-19.html



HL/ HaitiLibre / Guyto Mathieu (Petit-Goave Correspondent)


















Now that the immediate crisis posed by the coronavirus has eased, we can look back at the decisions public officials made in the heat of the moment, analyze them and learn from them. This exercise is called accountability.

Recent reporting by Syracuse.com, ProPublica, the Associated Press and others are shining a harsh light on decisions Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker made in the months since the states first Covid-19 case was reported March 1 and its first death was reported March 14.

The states confused handling of nursing homes is one area that deserves deep scrutiny.

From the start of the pandemic, nursing homes were of particular concern because they house people most vulnerable to the disease, living in close proximity, sharing meals and being cared for by workers living in the community, where the virus is circulating. The coronavirus tore through nursing homes in Italy and in Washington State with deadly efficiency  an early indicator of the trouble ahead for eldercare facilities in New York.

In response, the state did order nursing home to take precautions. Visitors were banned. Residents were isolated in their rooms. Yet the coronavirus continued to infiltrate nursing homes.

A shortage of tests meant that workers could not routinely get tested to see if they were asymptomatic carriers. Even residents who were sick couldnt get a test, staff writers James T. Mulder and Elizabeth Doran reported. This led to a severe undercount of confirmed coronavirus infections and deaths in nursing homes.

Nothing sums up the confusion at the top better than this: On May 5, the state announced 1,700 previously unreported nursing home deaths that were found after the health department ordered a retrospective count April 18. Among them were 19 deaths in Onondaga County that surprised Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. Staff writer Tim Knauss reported that the state wasnt asking nursing homes for daily death totals until mid-April.

One health department decision, in particular, has been roundly criticized. On March 25, the state ordered nursing homes to take recovering coronavirus patients back from the hospital, to free up beds for new patients. Nursing homes felt they had no choice but to comply. On April 29, the state clarified its policy, saying nursing homes could refuse patients if they couldnt care for them properly. The state reversed its directive on May 10. In that time, more than 4,300 Covid-19 patients were returned to nursing homes, according to a count of hospital discharges by the Associated Press.

Doctors and advocates for nursing home residents say it stands to reason that bringing Covid-19 patients back into nursing homes introduced new infections and worsened the death toll inside the homes. We may never know for sure.

Heres what we do know: As of May 20, New York state has counted 3,178 confirmed deaths and 2,698 presumed deaths from Covid-19 at nursing homes and adult care facilities. The total of 5,876 does not include nursing home residents who died at hospitals  a hair-splitting distinction that masks the true number of nursing home and adult care residents who have died from this disease. At least one in five of Covid-19 deaths in New York have occurred in nursing homes.

Knowing the dangers, we owed nursing home residents better.

Instead of admitting error, Cuomo continues to deflect responsibility and shift the blame. Whenever he is questioned about nursing homes, the governor recites a litany of excuses: They didnt tell us the virus would come from Europe. We were just following guidance from the Trump administration and the Centers for Disease Control. The nursing homes should have told us they were not equipped to care for these patients.

None of that excuses New Yorks failure to heed warnings from medical groups and families that putting Covid-19 patients back into nursing homes posed a clear and present danger to otherwise healthy residents and people rehabilitating from surgery. Cuomo and Zucker should just own that.

Thats hindsight. Looking forward, New York has more problems to solve in its nursing homes.

Under another state directive  and a welcome one  nursing homes are supposed to test their workers twice a week. If they comply, that should help public health authorities stamp out new infections. However, it is still unclear who will pay for it, as the state, nursing home operators and insurance companies point at each other for a solution.

For years, the states 600-plus nursing homes have rolled from one crisis to the next: staffing shortages, Medicaid reimbursements that barely cover costs, substandard care, poor infection control, lax oversight. Now that the coronavirus crisis in nursing homes has grabbed the publics attention, New Yorkers need to put pressure on elected officials and policymakers to address the systemic failures it laid bare.

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European oil supermajors are slashing costs but sparing their renewable energy business. U.S. giants are cutting across the board and focusing on their core business above all else. Both are preparing for the future, but who's doing it right?

A recent Reuters analysis into European and U.S. supermajors' approach confirms what is becoming increasingly obvious: the Europeans are pushing strongly into renewables while the Americans are sticking with oil and gas.

Of course, the European supermajors are subjected to more pressure to clean up their fossil fuel act than their American peers. European governments are dead set on a green future, and the environmentalist lobby is stronger than it is in the United States, where the federal government is an open and quite vocal supporter of the fossil fuel industry.

But is this all there is?

The big question is whether peak oil will come sooner rather than later and, following this, is it wise to start preparing for a post-oil world sooner rather than later. Shell, BP, Total, Eni, and Equinor appear to belong to the former camp: peak oil will be here earlier than we previously expected, so now is the time to start diversifying into alternative energy sources and revenue streams.

Exxon, Chevron and Conoco, on the other hand, seem to have a different opinion, expressed succinctly by the chief executive of Exxon, Darren Woods, on the conference call for the company's first-quarter financial results.

"I know that there are a lot of different views on what the future holds," Woods said, "but I want to be clear on how we see it: The long-term fundamentals that drive our business have not changed."

Many would disagree. The drive to clean up economies that started in Europe has spread to some of the biggest oil consumers, notably China and India, with both drafting ambitious emissions-cutting plans that would inevitably slash oil demand. But that was before the coronavirus pandemic struck. Now, oil demand has been hurt in both countries, although it is now beginning to recover. Still, ambitiousand costly emissions-cutting plans might need to wait as the economic recovery takes priority. Related: U.S. Cuts Royalty Rates For Oil Firms

This is not the case with Europe, which has already tied its recovery from the pandemic to its green targets. But is Europe enough of a factor in oil demand to use it as a weathervane for what's coming elsewhere? It might not be a bad idea because the clean energy drive is spreading as the costs of renewable energy fall. And now, it's supermajors that will be actively promoting this renewable energy to a greater extent. They are investing in it, after all, even if it is only a small portion compared with what they are spending on their core business.

The green lobby regularly criticizes Big Oil for this, demanding that it spend more on clean energy. And Big Oil will oblige, at least on the European side of the Atlantic. With activist investors making it their lives' mission to wean Big Oil off the business that made it big, and with governments determined that there is only one way forward--and that way does not emit CO2--it's only a matter of time.

Meanwhile, activist investors are not sparing U.S. supermajors either. One of Exxon's larger investors, Legal & General Investment Management, earlier this month said it would push a more climate-change-responsible agenda at the company's next shareholder meeting as Exxon was "falling behind" its peers on acting against changes in the climate of the planet.

Chevron is being pressured into disclosing how its lobbying activity aligns with climate change goals by a couple of its big shareholders, including BNP Paribas Asset Management and CalPERS.

"The company has failed to provide shareowners with the needed information to adequately assess their climate-related lobbying objectives," CalPERS said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Related: Oil May Never Fully Recover From This Crisis



At the same time, banks are beginning to curb their lending exposure to the oil and gas industry, albeit modestly, and in what you might call a non-risky area, namely Arctic drilling. Few companies are interested in costly, uncertain Arctic oil exploration, so the grand statements of Barclays, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan, among many others, are little more than just that, grand statements. But they may point to an emerging trend, resulting from environmentalist pressure on the energy industry.

In the context of these developments, it seems that the Europeans have the winning strategy. They are positioning themselves for a lot less carbon-intense future, in which Shell, for example, plans to be the largest global power utility. But does this mean oil will die--and with it, Exxon and Chevron?

Hardly.

"Despite what a lot of activists say, it is entirely legitimate to invest in oil and gas because the world demands it," Shell's CEO Ben Van Beurden said last year. "We have no choice."

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Oh beautiful, for heroes proved

In liberating strife

Who more than self their country loved

And mercy more than life.  America The Beautiful, by Katharine Lee Bates

And Memorial Day comes around once more.

Gateway to the summer, to beaches, beer and barbecue, yes. But gateway, too, to reminders of all that was given, taken, lost, to make America. And is it fanciful to think maybe the reminder is needed more this year than in many years past? Perhaps. After all, previous generations have needed reminding, too.

That was true even in October of 1862, when photographer Matthew Brady opened an exhibit at his New York gallery. The Dead of Antietam depicted the bodies of American boys who had been killed in a pivotal Civil War battle the month before. It was the first time most Americans had seen with their own eyes the carnage and cost of war. The New York Times was stunned.

The dead of the battlefield come up to us very rarely, even in dreams, it editorialized. We see the list in the morning paper at breakfast, but dismiss this recollection with the coffee. There is a confused mass of names, but they are all strangers; we forget the horrible significance that dwells amid the jumble of type. . . . Mr. Brady has done something to bring home to us the terrible reality and earnestness of war. If he has not brought bodies and laid them in our dooryards and along our streets, he has done something very like it.

Here, then, was a reminder of how much it took.

So that America might once again be made imperfectly whole.

So that Edison might one day turn on the lights and Bell pick up the phone.

So that we might escape to the ball field on a perfect summers day.

So that Mae West might invite us to come up and see her.

So that boys might plunk down their dimes for the latest Superman.

So that Franklin Roosevelt might thunder against an infamous day.

Just over 80 years after Brady opened his exhibit, another photographer, George Strock, snapped a picture of three American soldiers sprawled dead on the shore of Buna Beach in New Guinea, victims of a Japanese ambush. It was the better part of a year before military censors, fearing the effect on the nations morale, allowed Life magazine to publish it. The question was kicked all the way up to President Roosevelt, who decided this was something Americans needed to see.

Because here again was a reminder of what it cost.

So that free people might smash a reign of tyranny.

So that girls might someday shriek for Ricky, Pat or Elvis.

So that Martin Luther King might speak his dream.

So that Aretha Franklin  and Gloria Steinem  might demand respect.

So that kids might play astronaut.

So that we might learn to use microwaves, fax machines and computers.

Buna Beach and Antietam Creek are just two battlefields from two of the wars that defined America. On this Memorial Day weekend, let them stand in for San Juan Hill and Breeds Hill, for Hue and Takur Ghar, for Inchon and the Argonne and all the other places lives have been taken, given, lost, to make America. And keep America. Here at the gateway of summer, in a season of vitriol and face masks, of guns and hydroxychloroquine, a season when keeping America feels like a shaky bet, let them stand as reminders of the awful price once paid.

All so that this country might now pull itself apart. Or make itself imperfectly whole again.

Leonard Pitts is a columnist for The Miami Herald, 3511 NW 91st Ave., Miami, Fla., 33172. Readers may contact him via e-mail at lpitts@miamiherald.com.
Uplifting humanity through the power of traditional art

The founding father of Renaissance architecture, Florentine architect Filippo Brunelleschi, crowned Florences skyline forever when he built the dome for Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (St. Mary of the Flower Cathedral), commonly known as the Duomo. On Aug. 7, 1420, Brunelleschi began the incredible engineering feat of creating an octagonal dome about 108 feet high with no external support. On Aug. 30, 1436, the dome was complete, and a symbol of the Italian Renaissance spirit was forever set in stone.

The Duomo, a new documentary, focuses on how Brunelleschi came to imagine, design, and build Florences iconic cathedral dome. The recently released documentary, just under nine minutes, is the first in a planned series of inspiring short films by the New York-based team of filmmakers Inspired Original. The aim of each film is to honor the achievements of the worlds great artists who stayed true to traditional art and values.

The Inspired Original team cherishes the universal values inherent in traditional art. The team consists of filmmakers, producers, writers, artists, and designers dedicated to creating content that reinvigorates those virtues to support traditional arts, culture, and education. Inspired Original believes that creating such content can instill hope and faith for future generations.

Inspired Original has succeeded with this effort. The filmmakers have done just what the Renaissance masters did when they looked to ancient Rome: They have sought out the best examples of art to show to the world.

In this first documentary, American narrator Monsignor Timothy Verdon takes us into the heart of Brunelleschis Florence to the Duomo. Verdon is the perfect guide: Not only has he lived in Italy for some 50 years, but hes also an art historian, Roman Catholic priest, and canon of the Florence cathedral. He also directs the diocesan office of sacred art and church cultural heritage, and the cathedral museum.

Monsignor Timothy Verdon, Roman Catholic priest and canon of Florence Cathedral narrates The Duomo, a new short film by Inspired Original. (Inspired Original)

As he narrates, Verdons voice quietly commands us to contemplate the majesty of the great cathedral and look up to Brunelleschis greatest artistic achievement. Verdons impassioned storytelling is interspersed with beautiful shots of both the inside and outside of the Duomo as he walks through the cathedral or looks up in awe into the dome.

Brunelleschis story of making his glorious dome is a tale full of perseverance, confidence, and above all, faith in God. The documentary begins with the artists defeat: He decided to become an architect after he lost a sculpture competition to make the doors for Florences Baptistery. Brunelleschi lost to Lorenzo Ghiberti, and the pair became lifelong rivals.

Actors in Renaissance dress delightfully portray Brunelleschi and those in his life as he studies the buildings and monuments of ancient Rome, and show how he entered (and won) the biggest architectural competition with an eggyoull have to see the documentary to find out how!

Florentine architect Filippo Brunelleschis strong faith and perseverance conquered the criticism he encountered while building the dome for Florence Cathedral. (Inspired Original)

The lessons Brunelleschi learns are not just about art but also life. Verdon says that Brunelleschi endured scathing criticism throughout his career and many times wanted to give up, but he kept going. Although not quoted in the film, Brunelleschi, in an exchange of sonnets, wrote: When hope is given us by Heaven, . . . we rise above corruptible matter/and gain the strength of clearest sight.  

The Duomo is a thoughtful and thought-provoking documentary, in which the beauty of Brunelleschis architecture is perfectly balanced with appropriate storytelling alongside stunning cinematography. It may just be a hymn to traditional architecture.

To watch The Duomo, or to find out more about Inspired Original, visit InspiredOriginal.org
Sikkim Government has asked Delhi government to remove the offensive advertisement for recruiting civil defence volunteers where Sikkim was mentioned as a separate country along with Bhutan and Nepal.

Map row: In a letter to Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Dev, his counterpart in #Sikkim S.C. Gupta demanded that the #Kejriwal govt withdraw the controversial and erroneous advertisement and also issue a "suitable communique to assuage the feelings of the people of Sikkim". pic.twitter.com/IS7A04bSyd  IANS Tweets (@ians_india) May 23, 2020

The letter was written by S C Gupta, Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, to Vijay Kumar Dev, Chief Secretary, Govt of NCT, Delhi on 23rd May 2020. This is immensely hurtful to the people of Sikkim who take pride in being the citizens of our great country, ever since it became 22nd state of the Indian Union on 16th May 1975, Sikkim CS said. He further requested immediate withdrawal of the offensive advertisement.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang too took to Twitter to condemn the advertisement by Delhi government and requested the Delhi government to rectify the same.

Sikkim is a part of India and should not be sethis is condemnable and I would request the Delhi Government to rectify this issue.@CMODelhi @AamAadmiParty pic.twitter.com/VmLiGPqOew  Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) (@GolayPs) May 23, 2020

Delhi governments offensive advertisement

On 23rd May 2020, the Delhi government issued an advertisement to recruit Civil Defence Volunteers in most of the daily newspapers. In its ad, however, the state of Sikkim was identified as a separate entity and placed alongside sovereign nations like Bhutan and Nepal.

Action taken against concerned Delhi Govt officer

Delhi CM has informed that action has been taken against concerned Delhi Govt officer.
As the world fixes its attention on the novel coronavirus pandemic, one man worries it may once again forget Sweetrest Cemetery.

On Saturday morning, about 14 people stood in a sloped field by the cemetery, which is now completely inaccessible, as they prepared for a trimmed down, quiet Memorial Day tribute.

Where nearly 260 tombstones dating back to the 1870s peeked beneath only about a foot or two of water in 2018, now sits what appears to be a thick, murky, green swamp.

Not a single headstone of the former slaves, Native Americans, military veterans, law enforcement officials, or original settlers of the Tamina communitya post-Civil War Freedmans settlementare visible now in the high-standing water.

We know that this pandemic is going on and that of course has everyones attention, but this is not going away, said Elijah Easley, Nonprofit Tamina Cemetery and Community Development Corp. chairman and event coordinator.

Easleym 54, wearing a mask as he battled the heat to set up the event, handed out large flash cards to a group of volunteers who walked across a stage holding up the sign, some ringing the bell to represent and remember those buried in the cemetery.

A living descendant and resident of the community, Veronda McGowen, 55, held a photo of her mother Odessa Walker, 94. Walkers grandmother, mother, aunt, and brother are buried in the cemetery.

I think it is awesome. I think it is something that should have been done years ago, McGowen said. Im just glad to be a part of it now.

Victor Price, associate minister with City Cathedral Church in Oak Ridge North, said he has grandparents, great grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other relatives buried in the cemetery as well. He said the group wants to restore the cemetery to its rightful place so the community can once again be placed among their loved ones.

The state of the cemetery is an unrecognizable state from previously to what it was, Price said. I think there are some genuine supporters, such as from an individual level, but we also need the generosity to flow from a more state and local governing official level.

Its very difficult to see it in the state it is in, Price said. I remember growing up where we would take times to come out and on these specific events, such as Memorial Day, and go out, manicure the graves of our loved ones and things of that nature. But since it has been unrecognizable to come down here. Those types of events have not been able to be allowed based on the circumstance and condition of the cemetery.

The stagnant water, beneath where McGowen and Prices family members are buried, has prompted health concerns from Easley who addressed the state of the cemetery that he confirmed is worse than it was only two years ago.

After the floods, again of Hurricane Harvey, and weve still been impacted by that, for whatever reason flood mitigation has not been addressed out in this area and unfortunately, the cemetery is like a bowl, Easley said. It just catches whatever runoff water.

Over the past couple of years, Easley said the corporation has put together a strategic plan to get the improve the cemetary. The corporation has been working with engineer firms and developing partnerships to raise money to get the water removed.

He said the corporation is depending on the Montgomery County commissioners to help address the issue. He said the county official wanted to look at some further studies. Then, the pandemic hit. The corporation has not been able to follow up yet due to the global crisis.

The corporation cannot restore the cemetery until the water has been removed from the cemetery, Easley said.

We are having to rely upon again our county government, our state government, our federal government to assist us in trying to get that corrected, Easley said. That is our primary need right now is that of getting the water out of the cemetery  we cant even catalog the graves. We cant do anything yet.

Bob Bagley, a Montgomery County Hospital District board member member, participated in uniform representing veterans. Bagley is a Vietnam, Gulf War, and disabled veteran who retired from the Air Force and is also a former peace officer.

Weve tried to make an effort to get this taken care of but we keep running into road blocks from the county and the state and not getting a lot of help over the years in getting this done, Bagley, a former candidate for Precinct 4 commissioner.

Easley remains focused not only on remembrance but on the goal to restore the historical cemetery.

We will not stop until that cemetery will be restored, Easley said. Again, in 100 years none of us will be here. But this part of history, having former slaves that have become freed men that are buried down here, veterans that are buried down here, and law enforcement  those people cannot be forgotten.

The sacrifices they made for this country, for this community, it cannot be forgotten, he said.

He plans to document Saturdays event and add it to a time capsule.

Everyone who has assisted us with trying to get Sweetrest cemetery restored, their name and their contribution that they have made to this project will go to this time capsule that will be opened up in 100 years, Easley said.

None of us will be here but we will have left a footprint that we have come down through here and done the right thing by restoring again this part of Montgomery County history, Texas history, he added.

mellsworth@hcnonline.com
Smart people from the investing world, with years of experience, were waiting for the government to deliver a financial package, which would support businesses  like the governments of the US and Japan have done. Their hopes were belied  once again  and the markets sank in disappointment. And yet, the next time there is a similarly gloomy scenario, you can bet that the same people will have the same expectations.

The Indian state has been weak, and remains weak. But our expectations from it remain strong. If we misjudge the states capacity in an area (economy) ...
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Sunday welcomed the announcement by the Taliban and the Afghanistan government of a ceasefire to enable the Afghan people to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in peace, urging all parties concerned to seize this opportunity and embrace an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.

Hours before the three-day festival of Eid al-Fitr was due to begin, Taliban made the declaration that they would attack only if their positions were hit, leading President Ashraf Ghani to welcome the move shortly afterwards, and release a statement saying security and defence forces would comply.

"The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement by the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban of a ceasefire to enable the Afghan people to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr holiday in peace," a statement issued by Stephane Dujarric, the Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said.

It added that Guterres urges all parties concerned to seize this opportunity and embrace an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. Only a peace settlement can bring an end to the suffering in Afghanistan, and the UN is committed to supporting the people and Government of Afghanistan in this important endeavour.

The development comes after an escalation in attacks in recent weeks by the Taliban against the backdrop of stalled peace efforts, and violence from other extremist elements, including the ISIS.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), also welcomed the move, saying on Twitter that the Afghan people deserve a respite from violence. The UN urges parties to respect the halt to fighting and urgently look to make it permanent. Intra-Afghan peace negotiations need to start.

The head of the mission, and UN Special Representative, Deborah Lyons, who took up the top job just last month, declared the announced a reason to hope and a welcome move.

She noted that it also echoed the call from the UN Secretary-General for a ceasefire to focus on the new enemy, the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Cases in Afghan, according to latest World Health Organization figures, stand at more than 9,860, with 211 recorded deaths.

Let wisdom and compassion during Eid, convince all to make this permanent and move to peace talks, she tweeted.

Just on Friday, she conveyed the UN's warm wishes to all Afghans on the occasion of Eid, hoping that every family can celebrate this auspicious and important time in peace.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Advertisement

Thousands of Hong Kong protesters have been tear-gassed by police in the first clash since Beijing announced a new law to 'take full control'.

Pro-democracy supporters in Hong Kong have sharply criticized China's proposal to enact a national security law on Thursday that would ban secessionist and subversive activity, as well as foreign interference and terrorism in the semi-autonomous territory.

They say it goes against the 'one country, two systems' framework that promises the city freedoms not found on the mainland.

Anti-government protesters march again Beijing's plans to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong today where police teargassed the demonstration

Pictured: A man runs away from the tear gas with his child has the police dispersed crowds in Hong Kong today in the first clash over the bill

Pictured: Police warn crowds of protesters to disperse and threaten to use fore if they do not do so in Causeway Bay today

Riot Police use pepper spray on protesters during a protest against Beijing's national security legislation in Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, Sunday, May 24

Members of the media take cover as police fire tear gas during a protest against Beijing's national security legislation in Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, Sunday, May 24

Riot Police detain a man during a protest against Beijing's national security legislation in Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, Sunday, May 24

Riot police detain a protester during a demonstration against Beijing's national security legislation in Causeway Bay in Hong Kong today

Riot police detain protesters during a demonstration against Beijing's national security legislation in Causeway Bay in Hong Kong today

On Sunday afternoon, crowds of protesters dressed in black gathered in Causeway Bay, a popular shopping district, to protest the proposed legislation.

Protesters chanted slogans 'Stand with Hong Kong,' 'Liberate Hong Kong' and 'Revolution of our times.'

Police raised blue flags, warning protesters to disperse, before firing multiple rounds of tear gas. They later fired a water cannon at the protesters.

Activitist Tam Tak-chi was arrested during the protests for what police said was an unauthorized assembly. Tam said he was giving a 'health talk' and was exempt from social-distancing measures that prohibit gatherings of more than eight people.

At least 180 people were arrested, mostly on charges of unlawful assembly, police said.

They claimed in a separate post that protesters had thrown bricks and splashed unidentified liquid at officers, injuring at least four members of their media liaison team.

The protesters were marching between the busy districts of Wan Chai and Causeway Bay when the tear gas was fired, after earlier police warnings against the assembly.

Pictured: Police in the Causeway Bay shopping district in Hong Kong today which has seen clashes over the Beijing bill

Civilians and protestors take cover as police try to disperse crowds using tear gas during a rally against the implementation of a new national security law in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, today

A protester runs through tear gas fired by police in Hong Kong on May 24. As many as 180 arrests have been made

Protesters run as police fire tear gas in Hong Kong on May 24 in response to pro-democracy protests

Riot police clear away debris left by protesters attending a pro-democracy rally in Hong Kong

Riot police are pictured covering themselves with shields as they tackled protesters in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, today

Protesters are being detained in Hong Kong today (pictured) as they oppose the introduction of a bill that will criminalise sedition and secessionist activity

Beijing's bill is a direct response to Hong Kong's anti-government mass protests which started last June and lasted for months. Demonstrators pressed for five demands, including choosing their own leaders and democratic reforms.

The proposed decree would block secession, foreign interference, terrorism and all seditious activities aimed at toppling the central government and any external interference in the former British colony, said the South China Morning Post newspaper on Thursday, citing unnamed sources.

Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam, who is in Beijing for the National People's Congress, voiced her support for the Communist Party's decision on Friday.

She said in a statement that 'to maintain national sovereignty, safety and development interests are the constitutional requirements of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region'.

In contrast, Hong Kong's former pro-democracy lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan said: 'Xi Jinping has torn away the whole pretence of "one country, two systems".'

He said at a press briefing by opposition parties and activists that the move shows Beijing is 'directly taking control'.

'They're trying to ban every organisation in Hong Kong who dares to speak out against the Communist Party,' he said, describing it as a challenge to global values such as freedom and liberty.

Pro-democracy protesters (pictured in Causeway Bay today) say the bill from Beijing is a death sentence for their freedoms

Riot police gather on a street as protesters take part in a pro-democracy rally against a proposed new security law in Hong Kong today. The proposed legislation is expected to ban treason, subversion and sedition, and follows repeated warnings from Beijing that it will no longer tolerate dissent in Hong Kong

Speaking on the sidelines of the annual session of China's ceremonial parliament in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that Hong Kong affairs were an internal matter for China, and that 'no external interference will be tolerated'.

'Excessive unlawful foreign meddling in Hong Kong affairs has placed China's national security in serious jeopardy,' Mr Wang said, adding that the proposed legislation 'does not affect the high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong'.

'It does not affect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents. And it does not affect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors in Hong Kong,' he said.

China's national legislative assembly is expected to pass the bill on Thursday. It would bypass Hong Kong's legislature and allow the city's government to set up mainland agencies in the city that would make it possible for Chinese agents to arbitrarily arrest people for activities deemed to be pro-democracy.

Hong Kong is ruled under a special arrangement, called the 'One Country, Two Systems', which was agreed upon by China and the UK before the city's handover in 1997 and is supposed to provide for a level of independence for the city that other cities in China do not have.

Protesters wearing face masks climb onto metal railings in Hong Kong on May 24. China is proposing a new law for the territory which has triggered major opposition

Armed riot police march through the streets in Hong Kong as Beijing prepares to force a new security law on the city

Protesters walked through the road bringing traffic to a standstill as they marched against a new law proposed by China

And Hong Kong's long-running pro-democracy movement has pleaded to Downing Street to stand up to Beijing and provide 'sanctuary' to those caught in the China debate.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called the move 'a death knell for the high degree of autonomy' that Beijing had promised Hong Kong.

Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong prior to its handover to China in 1997, condemned what he called 'a new Chinese dictatorship'.

'I think the Hong Kong people have been betrayed by China, which has proved once again that you can't trust it further than you can throw it,' he said in an interview with The Times.

Police say that protestors threw unidentified liquid at officers, with four members of the media liaison team injured

As well as using tear gas, police used water cannons to disperse crowds and quash the protests

Against the protestors' wishes, the new legislation is set to be passed on Thursday May 28

Officers also needed to watch out for flying bricks which protestors threw in order to show their disapproval of the new law

Former foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind has, alongside Mr Patten, collected 200 signatories from around the world including, 44 MPs eight members of the House of Lords and 17 members of the US congress, to oppose the backlash.

Sir Malcolm said: 'This is the most serious threat to the people of Hong Kong from the Chinese government since 1997. The people of Hong Kong need, and deserve, our support.

US president Donald Trump's national security adviser, Robert O'Brien, said it appeared China was violating the 1984 treaty.

'And I can't see how Hong Kong remains the Asian financial centre if the Chinese Communist Party goes through and implements this national security law and takes over Hong Kong,' Mr O'Brien said on CBS's Face The Nation programme.

'That would be a tragedy for the people of Hong Kong, but it will also be very bad for China.'

A woman gestures her hand in support for the police as they stand guard before a pro-democracy protest in the city

Protesters gather and gesture the five demands and not one less symbol as they attend a pro-democracy rally

Bernard Chan, a top-level Hong Kong politician and delegate to the National People's Congress in Beijing, defended national security legislation pushed by China, saying it was written into Hong Kong's Basic Law - the city's mini-constitution - but never enacted.

Mr Chan expressed concern that Hong Kong will inevitably face economic hardship given trade frictions between the US and China.

'I think we are definitely the collateral damage being dragged into this thing. But then, I don't think there's any alternatives,' Mr Chan said.

'But with or without this law, honestly, the US and China will always going to be continuing this loggerhead for quite some time to come,' he said.

'China will remain as a threat to the US in terms of the ... world economic dominance.'
The U.S. Air Force has finally decided to keep its popular, at least with pilots and infantry, A-10 attack aircraft. Nicknamed "Warthog" or just "hog", the A-10 never got much respect from air force leaders. The new plan reduces the A-10 force by 44 aircraft, to 237. These will equip seven squadrons. Three are active duty and four operated by part-time National Guard and reserve personnel. The reserve units would be available within 30 days for use in an emergency. The reserve pilots are largely retired fighter pilots and tend to have more experience in the A-10 than the active duty pilots. The reservists fly regularly and their aircraft are kept in shape for regular operations.

Retiring 44 of the older A-10s makes it easier for the air force to afford continuing upgrades for the A-10s so they have the same new tech other warplanes have. This policy has seen the A-10s undergoing regular upgrades over the last two decades. These included new wings, a project that was finally completed in 2019. The air force now plans to keep the A-10s in service until 2040. One catch is that the air force will not allow A-10s to operate in airspace threatened by modern enemy air defense systems. Once these threats have been eliminated the A-10s can enter. Meanwhile the A-10s will get plenty of work dealing with Islamic terrorists and irregulars.

This new agreement comes after six years of uncertainly and enormous pressure from the ground forces and Congress to keep the A-10 around as long as possible. Back in 2014 the air force announced plans to retire all 340 remaining A-10s and 70 F-15Cs. The reasons were budget shortages and the enormous costs of developing and building the new F-35 stealth fighter. The air force planned to retire these 410 combat aircraft and about a hundred support planes by 2020. By 2020 over a hundred new F-35s would enter service leaving the air force with about 300 fewer combat aircraft. Since the United States currently has about 2,700 combat aircraft in the air force and navy that would be a decline of about 11 percent in combat aircraft.

There was not a lot of protest over retiring the elderly F-15Cs and support aircraft. The A-10 was a different matter. In 2016 the air force agreed the A-10 would not be retired and came up with another plan, which was recently announced. The new plans will also retire 29 older air refueling aircraft, 24 older C-130Hs, 24 Global Hawk UAVs and 17 B-1B bombers.

One thing that kept the A-10 in service was that close air support tech had rapidly evolved since the 1990s. Now A-10s use smart bombs or missiles most of the time. The upgrades included targeting pods that enable A-10s to spot targets while at higher (over 3,000 meters) altitudes. That puts them out of range of small arms and many anti-aircraft weapons. Although the A-10 was built for ground support, armed with a 30mm rotary cannon for shooting up Russian tanks during a potential World War 3 in Europe. That war never happened and in 2013 the last A-10 left Europe. But in Iraq and Afghanistan troops appreciated the ability to call in an A-10 for a strafing run. A few hundred 30mm rounds not only did a lot of damage but it also tended to demoralize the enemy and make it easier to capture them alive or drive them away. Smart bombs and missiles tended to leave fewer prisoners and were not as scary as the roar and loud buzz of a low-flying A-10 using its 30mm autocannon.

A-10 proved to be a formidable combat aircraft in post-Cold War conflicts, first in the 1991 liberation of Kuwait and later in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since 2004 the most requested ground support aircraft in Afghanistan has been the A-10. There was similar A-10 affection in Iraq. Troops from all nations quickly came to appreciate the unique abilities of this 1970s era aircraft that the U.S. Air Force has several times tried to eliminate. In 2011 the air force announced that it was retiring 102 A-10s, leaving 243 in service. Opposition from the army and Congress halted that. That was not the first, nor the last retirement effort. Until 2020, the air force kept at it.

At the same time the air force tried to retire A-10s it accelerated the upgrading of the remaining A-10s to the A-10C standard. Also called the PE (for precision engagement) model, the refurbished A-10s were supposed to remain in service until 2028, meaning most A-10Cs would have served over 40 years and as many as 16,000 flight hours. The upgrade effort has been underway soon after A-10s began seeing much heavier use after 2003. The upgrades included new electronics as well as engine refurbishment. The A-10C provides the pilot with the same targeting and fire control gadgets the latest fighters have. The new A-10C cockpit has all the spiffy color displays and easy to use controls. Because it is a single-seat aircraft that flies close to the ground (something that requires a lot more concentration), all the automation in the cockpit allows the pilot to do a lot more with less stress, exertion, and danger.

The basic A-10 is a 1960s design, so the new additions are quite spectacular in comparison. New communications gear has also been added, allowing A-10 pilots to share pictures and videos with troops on the ground. The A-10 pilot also has access to the Blue Force Tracker system, so that the nearest friendly ground forces show up on the HUD (Head-Up Display) when coming in low to use the 30mm cannon. The A-10C can use smart bombs, making it a do-it-all aircraft for ground support.

A-10s were worked hard in Afghanistan. For example, an A-10 squadron has a dozen aircraft and 18 pilots. Pilots often average about a hundred hours a month in the air. That's about twenty sorties, as each sortie averages about five hours. The aircraft range all over southern Afghanistan, waiting for troops below to call for some air support. The A-10 could always fly low and slow and were designed, and armored, to survive a lot of ground fire. The troops trust the A-10 more than the F-16 or any other aircraft used for ground support.

The A-10 is a 23 ton, twin-engine, single-seat aircraft whose primary weapon is a multi-barrel 30mm cannon originally designed to fire armored piercing shells at Russian tanks. These days the 1,174 30mm rounds are mostly high explosives. The 30mm cannon fires 363 gram (12.7 ounce) rounds at the rate of about 65 a second. The cannon usually fires in one or two-second bursts. In addition, the A-10 can carry seven tons of bombs and missiles. These days the A-10 goes out with smart bombs (GPS and laser-guided) and Maverick missiles. It can also carry a targeting pod, enabling the pilot to use high magnification day/night cameras to scour the area for enemy activity. Cruising speed is 560 kilometers an hour and the A-10 can slow down to about 230 kilometers an hour. In Afghanistan two drop tanks are usually carried, to give the aircraft more fuel and maximum time over the battlefield.

If there is another major war in some place like Korea or with Iran, the A-10s would once more be one of the most popular warplane with the ground troops, if they are still around. Otherwise the troops on the ground will have to make do with smart bombs and a growing number of GPS guided mortar shells, artillery shells and rockets.

At one point the air force argued that the F-35 could replace the A-10 as a ground attack aircraft. One of the problems with using F-35s is that these cost $45,000 an hour to operate, more than twice what A-10s need. Moreover, only the A-10 can regularly go low and strafe enemy forces. F-16s and F-35s are too fast and unarmored to get away with that. The A-10 was designed to take a lot of hits and keep flying. A-10s have regularly demonstrated this reliability. Finally the air force admitted it would take fifteen years and a lot of money to develop an A-10 replacement. The current plan is to eventually turn that dangerous duty to a new generation of UAVs. This is something Predator and Reaper UAVs have already been handling, except for the low altitude strafing duty. This is often used to intimidate a stubborn foe and that still works. The A-10 makes a lot of noise when coming in low, with part of the racket coming from its 30mm autocannon. Again, this has been proven time and again. It is not a theoretical capability but very real and still in demand. No aircraft will ever duplicate that. When the A-10 finally retires in 2040 it will have been service 73 years, fifty of them after it was declared obsolete at the end of the Cold War and the threat from huge Russian armored forces.
Out of the 130 new cases recorded on Sunday evening, 105 are cases of people with interstate travel, majorly from Maharashtra. Photo: Satish B

Bengaluru: It's now looking increasingly unlikely that Karnataka will be spared the deep coronavirus trauma of the kind Maharashtra is currently undergoing. After seeming to have slowed the virus in the early days of May, the state is now hurtling towards a full-blown epidemic.

New cases of coronavirus infection again topped 100 on Sunday, 130 to be precise, which took the total number past the 2,000 mark. It stood at 2089 on Sunday evening.

In mid-May, Karnataka had seemed to have succeeded in containing the virus, a feat only Kerala can claim in the country. Coronavirus cases in Karnataka were the second lowest in the south, and far lower than Mahararashtra and lower even than Telangana whose low numbers are due to limited testing.

But the influx of workers from Maharashtra in the past week or so has blown open Karnataka's complacency. Out of the 130 new cases recorded on Sunday evening, 105 are cases of people with interstate travel, majorly from Maharashtra.

The fresh cases have been reported from Chikkaballapura (27, Yadagiri (24), Udupi (23), Mandya (15), Hassan (14), Bidar (6) and Kalburgi (6), Davangere (4), Shivamogga, Tumkur and Dakshin Kannada (2 each) and one each from Dakshin Kannada, Vijayapura, Dharwad, Bengaluru and Kodagu.

Inter-state cases from Maharashtra are recorded from Chikkaballapura, Udupi, Mandya, Hassan, Yadagiri, Kalburgi, Uttara Kannada, Tumkur and Kodagu.

In four out of 15 cases from Mandya, a positive patient with a travel history to Maharashtra infected 4 of his primary contacts.

Three cases from Udupi are from its containment zones and in three cases officials have not been able to identify the source of infection yet. Udupi has one case of an international traveller from Dubai.

Four cases from Hassan is reported from its containment zone.

One case from Kalburgi and Dharwad has a travel history to Andhra Pradesh.

The case from Vijayapura has a history of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection.

The case from Bengaluru is a international traveller with a history of travel to UK. He has been shifted from quarantine facility to designated Covid 19 hospital.

While there is only one case from Bengaluru, health officials have not yet traced the source of infection of a head constable attached to Pulikeshinagar traffic station. He tested positive on Thursday and some of his primary contacts were quarantined. Just to reaffirm his results, his samples are sent to Covid 19 test and the results are awaited. Sources claimed that the cop was posted on duty at different points to enforce curfew and he could have got infected during vehicle checking.
BAARLE-HERTOG-NASSAU  How do you enforce social distancing rules in a town divided between two countries with different rules, with one of the most complex international borders in the world?

As the residents of Baarle-Hertog-Nassau have discovered, with great difficulty.

People living on some streets have been ordered to stay home, while their neighbors have been free to go out.

Baarle-Hertog-Nassau sits between Belgium and the Netherlands and is renowned for its intricate border. The town is geographically in the Netherlands, but there are 22 Belgian enclaves completely surrounded by Dutch territory.

Within those enclaves are eight Dutch enclaves, together known as Baarle-Nassau, seven of which are sub-enclaves in the two largest Belgian enclaves

A relic of feudal land swaps in medieval times, this complex situation is not usually a problem: both countries membership of the European Union means there is a frictionless border and no barriers to trade.

In this town, of course you have the Dutch part and the Belgium part, said Sarah Bakker, a 19-year-old university student who is quarantining with her family in Baarle-Hertog-Nassau. It's weird, but I'm used to it.

Image: The Sylvia Reijbroek Galerie or Gallery on the street of Baarle Nassau which is unique as it has many cross points with Baarle-Hertog in Belgium allowing some businesses, like this one, and some private properties to be in both Holland and Belgium (Dean Mouhtaropoulos / Getty Images)

But Belgium and the Netherlands enforced drastically different lockdown rules, meaning that shops on the Dutch side of the border could stay open, while just yards away in Belgium, some shops had to close.

The towns thousands of physical markers  from painted white crosses on the pavement, to the colors of the flag of either country on street signs and house numbers  suddenly became vitally important.

Because we have the situation that Belgium has chosen the complete lockdown, in the Netherlands they have chosen the intelligent lockdown which gives differences in thinking and acting. Well, there we have a problem, said Willem van Gool, chairman of Tourism Baarle-Hertog-Nassau.

Van Gool explained there were already two schools, two city halls and two police forces for the people of each country. But there's just one tourism office and we have a single fire brigade because that's more clever.

Story continues

Some of the towns shops actually straddle the border. Before Belgium lifted restrictions on shops opening May 11, only half of a branch of a Dutch chain store, Zeeman, was accessible to customers, ensuring a unique shopping experience.

Its really weird, Bakker said with a laugh. Only one half of the store is open, so youre only able to get half of the products. The same goes for seeing friends. The Dutch part, the friends who live there, I can see. But, the Belgian part I cant because I will get a fine.

Image: The access and permissions sticker for Cross-border commuting which is allowed for vital sectors and crucial professions on the street of Baarle Nassau which is unique as it has many cross points with Baarle-Hertog in Belgium allowing some business (Dean Mouhtaropoulos / Getty Images)

In another strange example, Belgium requires everyone to wear masks on public transportation, but the Netherlands will only start imposing this rule June 1. So if passengers take a bus on the Dutch side of Baarle-Hertog-Nassau, they can get on mask-free, but just a little distance down the road, they have to put one on.

Local residents have long been used to the quirks of living in a town that borders two countries, but some admit the differing lockdown rules have caused real problems.

Artist Sylvia Reybroek, whose gallery sits right on the border, had a firsthand taste of how strange life has become. in their little town. The white painted crosses dividing the two countries run across the street and through her shop's front door and into the gallery. Because her business is registered in Belgium, she decided to follow its stricter rules.

After a few weeks, you see a big difference, Reybroek lamented. I closed my shop, I have a Belgian company, so I was closed. Meanwhile, the rest of the shops [on the street] were open.

Like many countries in Europe, both Belgium and the Netherlands have started lifting their restrictions and Reybroek has since reopened.

But, she said, her shop is a microcosm of Europe's problems and she suggests a simpler way to handle the crisis.

I think Europe should have had one rule, she said. We are Europe.
The New York Times has identified the names of 1,000 people who have died from coronavirus during the global crisis as Americas death toll continues to soar to almost 100,000.

America, where Covid-19 has claimed more lives than any other country in the world, is easing lockdown restrictions despite the fact experts have predicted such reopenings will lead to thousands of further deaths.

The New York Times splashed a list of almost 1,000 names and memorable pieces of information extracted from obituaries on its Sunday front page. Its story is headlined US deaths near 100,000, an incalculable loss.

In an explicit bid to convey the gravity of the situation, the prestigious paper adds: They were not simply names on a list. They were us.

According to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, Americas death toll currently sits at more than 97,000.

The 1,000 people here reflect just 1 per cent of the toll, says the paper. None were mere numbers.

Experts argue the amount of people who have died from the virus is in fact far higher than official figures due to the fact some have died at home or were not included in the tally for other reasons.

Armed protests against stay-at-home coronavirus measures in Michigan Show all 11 1 /11 Armed protests against stay-at-home coronavirus measures in Michigan Armed protests against stay-at-home coronavirus measures in Michigan A demonstrator shouts next to two masked security guards at the state Capitol in Lansing, Michigan during a protest against stay-at-home orders AFP via Getty Images Armed protests against stay-at-home coronavirus measures in Michigan Armed members of a milita group at the state Capitol building in Lansing, Michiga, during a protest against coronavirus lockdown measures REUTERS Armed protests against stay-at-home coronavirus measures in Michigan A protester at the state Capitol in Lansing holds a sign comparing Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer to Adolf Hitler during a demonstration against coronavirus lockdown measures AFP via Getty Images Armed protests against stay-at-home coronavirus measures in Michigan An armed protester takes part in a demonstation against lockdown measures at the state Capitol in Lansing, Michigan AP Armed protests against stay-at-home coronavirus measures in Michigan A protester holds a sign saying 'Bill Gates is evil' at a demonstration against stay-at-home orders at the state Capitol in Lansing, Michigan. Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and a billionaire philanthropist, has warned of the dangers of viral pandemics AFP via Getty Images Armed protests against stay-at-home coronavirus measures in Michigan Protesters take part in a demonstration at the state Capitol in Lansing, Michigan against stay-at-home orders AFP/Getty Armed protests against stay-at-home coronavirus measures in Michigan A protester holds a pro-Trump sign at a demonstration against lockdown measures outside the state Capitol in Lansing, Michigan AFP via Getty Images Armed protests against stay-at-home coronavirus measures in Michigan Armed protesters take part in a demonstration at the state Capitol in Lansing, Michigan against lockdown measures during the coronavirus pandemic AFP via Getty Images Armed protests against stay-at-home coronavirus measures in Michigan A protester holds a sign reading 'Every job is essential, get workers back to work safely now' during a demonstration at the state Capitol in Lansing, Michigan over lockdown measures AFP via Getty Images Armed protests against stay-at-home coronavirus measures in Michigan A protester with a US flag painted on her face takes part in a demonstration at the state Capitol in Lansing, Michigan against lockdown measures during the coronavirus pandemic AFP via Getty Images Armed protests against stay-at-home coronavirus measures in Michigan A protester wearing a Guy Fawkes mask holds up a sign reading 'Stay Free' during a demonstration against lockdown measures at the state Capitol in Lansing, Michigan AP

Lila Fenwick, 87, the first black woman to graduate from Harvard Law and Romi Cohn, 91, saved 56 Jewish families from the Gestapo are just some of the names the paper lists.

Critics are warning America will be hit by another highly fatal second wave of Covid-19 as lockdown eases.

A recent report by Harvard University discovered only nine states out of 50 total US states were carrying out, or near to doing so, the minimum advised testing.
They call it commencement because it's supposed to be a new beginning. College graduation is one of life's last clean transitions, a final passage from adolescence to adulthood that is predictable in ways other transitions rarely are.
Pennsylvania State Police charged 26-year-old Wyatt Lee Rickrode with shooting and killing another man Saturday in Franklin Township.

Police allege Rickrode shot 29-year-old Jessie Glenn Carbaugh around 4:15 p.m. after getting into a verbal altercation with him on the 3500 block of Chambersburg Road.

Carbaugh died of his injuries at Holy Spirit Hospital.

Rickrode was charged with criminal homicide and is being held at the Adams County Prison.

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Dramatic photos have revealed the full extent of damage from a fire that engulfed a warehouse on San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf early Saturday morning.

Pictures taken after the blaze was extinguished show the structure destroyed by the fire, with its walls and roof collapsed.

The blaze broke out shortly before dawn, sending a thick plume of orange smoke out across San Francisco Bay.

Later in the morning, dozens of firefighters were seen surveying the smoldering building as smoke continued to billow across the city.

Despite the enormity of the fire, there were no reports of injury. Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the blaze.

Dramatic daytime photos have revealed the full extent of damage from a fire that engulfed a warehouse on San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf early Saturday morning

After dawn broke, aerial images revealed the roof and walls of the large warehouse had collapsed

Firefighters were seen after dawn surveying the damage. The fire ripped through the warehouse, causing its walls to collapse

The cause of the blaze has not been determined, but the warehouse, which holds fish processing equipment and a few offices, is typically unoccupied at night

Smoke continued to billow out of the smoldering wreck as the sun rose over San Francisco Bay

More than 100 firefighters descended on the scene before dawn Saturday. Dozens were still seen in the area around midday

Fire crews responded to the scene at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf around 4am on Saturday

The warehouse, which holds fish processing equipment and a few offices, is typically unoccupied at night.

However, homeless people reportedly congregate in the area at night and build fires for cooking and warmth.

'That is something of grave concern, that is why we're actively trying to confirm if anybody saw anybody in this building,' he told KGO-TV.

'To our knowledge ... nobody is supposed to be in the building and we are hoping ... that there is no victim,' Baxter said.

Fire officials carry a hose in front of The Grotto restaurant after a fire broke out before dawn at Fisherman's Wharf

Fire officials work in front of a sign for Musee Mecanique early Saturday morning

The collapsed, roofless warehouse is seen after the fire was brought under control

The SS Jeremiah O'Brien, one of two functional WWII Liberty ships, was saved after firefighters intervened

The flames raged in a warehouse, threatening a historic WWII Liberty ship docked next to the fire

More than 130 firefighters fought the flames, with some using ladder trucks to drench the warehouse from above.

The fire threatened to spread to a historic World War II-era ship located in water close to the warehouse, but firefighters brought the flames under control.

A fire boat was used to protect the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, a Liberty ship that stormed Normandy on D-Day in 1944.

The ship docks by Pier 45 as a floating museum and is a popular tourist attraction.

Photos of the inferno were shared online by Dan Whaley, the founder of educational startup Hypothes.is.

A fire engulfed a warehouse on San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf early Saturday

First responders battle a massive fire that erupted at a warehouse early Saturday, May 23, 2020 in San Francisco. Arriving crews were confronted with towering flames engulfing the warehouse

A runner passes over hoses after a fire broke out before dawn at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. A warehouse was destroyed. Fire officials said no injuries have been reported Saturday morning and firefighters are making multiple searches

Eighteen American shipyards built 2,710 Liberty ships between 1941 and 1945, but the O'Brien is one of only two of the wartime cargo transports that is still functional.

'We can confirm the O'Brien remains intact and doing well. This is only because of the rapid response of our amazing SF Firefighters & Fire boats,' the National Liberty Ship Memorial said in a statement.

'Our firefighters absolutely saved the SS Jeremiah O'Brien during this fire as flames were pinching on the side of this vessel,' Baxter said.

Coast Guard crew members and police assisted by keeping other vessels away from the pier.

A firefighter sprays onto lingering hotspots in the collapsed warehouse after a fire broke out before dawn

More than 100 San Francisco Firefighters battle a four-alarm fire on Pier 45 on Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco

Fire officials said no injuries have been reported Saturday morning and firefighters are making multiple searches to ensure no one was inside the building on Pier 45

Firefighters douse hotspots after containing the fire on Fisherman's Wharf on Saturday morning
State-owned HIL Ltd will supply 25 tonnes of pesticides to Iran to control locust, the government said on Sunday.

"HIL is now in the process of production and supply of 25 tonnes Malathion Technical for supply to locust control programme to Iran under Government to Government arrangement," an official statement said.

The External Affairs ministry has approached HIL for manufacturing and supply of this commodity to Iran.

Despite logistics and other challenges posed by COVID-19 lockdown, HIL (india) Ltd, a PSU under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertlizers, ensured timely production and supply of pesticides for farming community.

The company has exported 10 tonnes of fungicide Mancozeb to Latin American country Peru and another 12 tonnes will be exported in the next one week.

HIL has also signed an agreement with the agriculture ministry for the supply of Malathion Technical to Rajasthan and Gujarat for locust control programme. HIL had manufactured and supplied 67 tonnes of Malathion Technical till last week.

HIL supplied malathion technical to municipal corporations for dengue and chikungunya control programme.

During the lockdown period till May 15, 2020, HIL produced 120 tonnes of Malathion Technical, 120.40 tonnes of DDT Technical, 288 tonnes of DDT 50 per cent, 21 tonnes of HILGOLD (water soluble fertiliser), 12 tonnes of Mancozeb Fungicide for exports and 35 tonnes of different agrochemical formulations.

These are used in the agriculture and health sectors.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Western Australia battened down for its worst storm in 10 years on Sunday as the remnants of a tropical cyclone met a cold front with heavy rains and storm surges expected across the state's coast, officials said on Sunday.

Winds gusting up to 210km per hour (130 miles per hour), were expected on Sunday near the country's iron ore producing heartland of the Pilbara, moving south towards the state capital of Perth overnight and Monday.

"Really strong winds are already being felt and they are whipping up a lot of dust. Those conditions are moving southward and are expected to hit Perth later today," said Bureau of Meteorology WA state manager James Ashley.

"We are expecting peak wave heights, particularly on Monday of over eight metres (26 feet)...It's unlikely to significantly ease in Perth until Monday afternoon," he told a press briefing.

Spokespeople for miners BHP Group and Rio Tinto, which use the world's biggest iron ore export hub of Port Hedland, were not immediately able to comment. The Pilbara Ports Authority, which operates the port, did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Jon Broomhall, acting assistant commissioner at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said the "once-in-a-decade" storm would bring flooding and dangerous seas.

"Don't go out on the water on Sunday or Monday. You'll be risking not only your life, but also those of the marine volunteers who will be called out to rescue you," Broomhall said.

(Reporting by Melanie Burton; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: Despite a ban, single-use plastics, such as carry bags and tea cups, continue to plague the city as traders, especially street vendors, actively use them after they were allowed to resume business. Some cite lack of sufficient biodegradable bags the reason for violating the ban.

G Bhanu, a trader, says, We are aware of the ban on single-use plastic bags in the city. However, due to non-availability of biodegradable bags, we are forced to sell groceries in plastic bags. Meanwhile, municipal officials maintain that they are not in a position to carry out surprise checks due to Covid-19 situation. Vijayawada Municipal Corporation chief V Prasanna Venkatesh told TNIE that the civic body would crack the whip on the violators when the Covid-19 situation is under control.
London: Boris Johnson has been engulfed by a scandal that threatens to claim the scalp of his most-trusted political lieutenant and undermine public confidence in Britain's coronavirus lockdown.

Dominic Cummings, a key architect of Brexit and Johnson's rise to power who now wields enormous influence as the Prime Minister's chief adviser, is under pressure to resign after he and his wife drove 400 kilometres from London to northern England in apparent breach of strict social-distancing rules.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson's senior aide Dominic Cummings outside his home in London. Credit:AP

Durham's acting police chief described the decision as "most unwise" and "frustrating and concerning" given other members of the public had sacrificed so much to comply with the unprecedented national lockdown.

But asked by reporters on Saturday whether the trip was a good look, Cummings replied: "I behaved reasonably and legally. Who cares about good looks. Its a question of doing the right thing. Its not about what you guys think."
The former housekeeper for a New York socialite dubbed 'the Peoples Princess' and her partner film producer is suing the couple, saying she was wrongfully fired after she became pregnant and they bullied her over her weight, saying she 'must be having twins'.

Sara E. Rodriguez filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday against Lilly Fallah Lawrence and Douglas Banker alleging wrongful termination, discrimination, failure to prevent discrimination, retaliation and failure to provide meal and rest periods.

Lawrence, 80, is the daughter of former Iranian oil minister Reza Fallah and goddaughter of the late Aristotle Onassis, the billionaire shipping businessman who married Jacqueline Kennedy following President John F. Kennedys death.

She used to live in New York, where she was nicknamed the 'Peoples Princess' and the 'Rose of Shiraz' by the media.

The former housekeeper of New York socialite Lilly Lawrence, 80, the daughter of oil magnate Reza Fallah, and partner film producer Douglas Banker has sued the couple for firing her after she became pregnant and making fun of her weight. Pictured together in September 2013

Lawrence is the daughter of Iranian oil magnate Reza Fallah and goddaughter of the late Aristotle Onassis, the billionaire shipping businessman who married Jacqueline Kennedy following the death of President John F. Kennedy. She used to live in New York where she was nicknamed the 'Peoples Princess' and the 'Rose of Shiraz' by the media. Pictured left and right in 1959 at the age of 20

Rodriguez was hired as a housekeeper by Lawrence and Banker, a US Marine Corporal and producer, in April 2018 and her hourly wage was $15, according to the lawsuit as per NBC.

She said that in December 2018 she told the couple she was pregnant and her doctor told her to be careful in lifting heavy items.

She said Banker responded to her baby news by making fun of her and joking she 'must be having twins' given her weight.

Banker also reportedly became upset when Rodriguez asked for time off for medical appointments.

He fired her in January 2019 after accusing her of poisoning their dog.

Lawrence pictured at Mossadegh Hall at Northeastern Illinois University in October 2019 where she delivered a presentation to students, faculty and staff speaking about her close relationship with the Kennedy brothers and Jackie Onassis

Lawrence pictured with Banker following her speech on the nationalization of oil while living in Abadan, Iran as a young person followed by the 1953 coup

Lawrence and Banker pictured strolling through the campus in October 2019

Rodriguez states she believes she was actually fired because she was pregnant and asked for accommodations for her condition.

The lawsuit states that Banker and Lawrence failed to tell Rodriguez she was entitled to 10-minute work breaks for every four hours worked and she missed such rest periods about five times weekly.

She alleged she was not given all of the uninterrupted 30-minute meal periods she could have received.

Rodriguez is seeking unspecified damages in the case.

Lawrence is the goddaughter of Aristotle Onassis. Onassis and Jacqueline Onassis pictured at a party hosted by Dr. Reza Fallah (not pictured) in Tehran, Iran in May 1972

Dr. Reza Fallah through a glamorous party for Aristotle Onassis' visit to Iran. Onassis pictured with guests as a dancer does a typical Persian cabaret dance in May 1972

Lawrence is one of three daughters Reza Fallah, who served as deputy chairman of the National Iranian Oil Company from 1974 to 1979. Lilly Lawrence pictured in 1959

Lawrence is one of three daughters of Reza Fallah, who served as deputy chairman of the National Iranian Oil Company from 1974 to 1979.

Lawrence grew up in Abadan, Iran and later lived at the posh Essex House in Manhattan and later moved to Los Angeles. Today she dedicates her life to charity work.

Banker and Lawrence have been seen at glamorous bashes over the year in Beverly Hills.

In 2013 she threw a lavish fete for Douglas birthday where his military service was celebrated.

In 2007, Lawrences $17million Scottish castle-style mansion called Castle Kashan in Malibu burned down in a string of Southern California wildfires

Castle Kashan pictured engulfed in flames during a brush fire in Malibu in October 2007

He served as commander of the reactionary guard force that secured 66 percent of the countrys nuclear weapons at the Naval Submarine Base in Bangor Washington, according to the Beverly Hills Courier.

He was later assigned to a Tactical Recovery of Airline Pilots platoon and later deployed as a first responder to evacuate personnel aboard the USS Cole following the bombing of the ship by Al Qaeda in Yemen.

In 2007, Lawrences $17million Scottish castle-style mansion in Malibu called Castle Kashan was burned down in a string of Southern California wildfires.
New Delhi:

Samsung has launched a new handset 'Z2', it is available in the market at Rs 4,590. The device, which is also aimed at first time smartphone buyers, is powered by Samsung's own Tizen operating system.



"About 55 crore people in the country are still using feature phones and about 10 million feature phones get sold each month. With Z2, we want to help people transition to smartphones," Samsung India Vice President Mobile Business Manu Sharma told PTI.



He added that the Z2 is the most affordable 4G-VoLTE device in Samsung's current portfolio.



The handset, which will go on sale offline and through Paytm (online) from , will come bundled with Reliance Jio's free voice and data service for 90 days.



This is the third handset powered by Tizen OS. The first smartphone, Z1 in January last year, followed by Z3 in October.



Sharma declined to comment on the sales numbers of Tizen devices but said the one million Z1 devices were sold within six months of launch.



Most of Samsung's mobile phones are Android-based.



As per IDC data, 27.5 million units of smartphones were shipped in the April-June quarter of 2016. Samsung led with 25.1 per cent market share followed by Micromax (12.9 per cent), Lenovo (7.7 per cent), Intex (7.1 per cent) and Reliance Jio (6.8 per cent).



The Z2 comes with 4-inch display, 1.5 GHz quadcore processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB internal memory (expandable up to 128GB), 5MP rear and 0.3MP front camera and 1500 mAh battery.





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The hampering of routine immunisation of children against 'old enemies' like diphtheria, measles, tetanus and polio during the two-month coronavirus lockdown has triggered serious concerns about a possible resurgence of such vaccine-preventable diseases among them, according to experts.

A report brought out by the World Health Organisation said that world over at least 80 million children under the age of one year are at risk of diseases like diphtheria, measles and polio as COVID-19 outbreak disrupted routine vaccination efforts.

An estimated 20-22 lakh children across the country under the age of one are targeted for vaccination under national programmes every month which translates into approximately 260 lakh children per year, according to official sources.

In the first two phases of the lockdown that spanned 40 days, people could not reach immunisation camps due to unavailability of transport facilities while several states themselves had temporarily suspended vaccination sessions as they were busy in preparations to deal with the pandemic.

According to sources, when the lockdown was announced, states like UP and Bihar, which constitute almost 30 per cent of the national birth cohort (under one year), had stopped vaccination programmes including sessions held in villages, while states like Odisha, Rajasthan, Kerala and Delhi also had paused such drives for a few days.

"Several states had stopped the routine healthcare activities, including immunisation, and the disruption may have led to over 15 lakh children missing out on vaccination completely or partially. States have resumed their services, but have a huge backlog to cover," Chhaya Pachauli, member of the Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA), a national platform that co-ordinates activities on healthcare across the country, said.

"With its routine immunisation programmes, India has made significant strides in terms of protecting its children from infectious diseases like polio, measles, tetanus and diphtheria over the years and a delay in vaccination may lead to disastrous results," she said.

However, no official figure was available on how many children missed vaccination during the lockdown period.

According to government sources, many children may have missed immunisation in the initial days of the lockdown but all the states have subsequently resumed the immunisation programmes following talks with the Union health ministry which asked them not to halt vaccination especially in green zones and outside the buffer zones.

"While many other countries stopped immunisation totally due to lockdown and non-supply of vaccines to the session sites, India was able to tide over the situation because of the continuous push from the Centre and the supply chain was also steadily maintained," an official source said.

"After the Union health ministry issued guidelines on carrying out immunisation during COVID-19 outbreak, the states are geared up not only to resume the drive but also to cover the huge backlog," the source said.

According to Dr Yogesh Jain, public health physician at NGO Jan Swasthya Sahayog, the number of children who may have missed vaccination could be way over 15 lakh.

"And the bigger point here is that this missing of vaccine dose is not only a process indicator of how our health systems have failed in the setting of COVID-19, but it actually means a major impact on the outcomes on childhood survival," Jain said.

"Because the vaccines we presently give look at old enemies like diptheria, tetanus, measles and polio and bring back home the greatest fear we had regarding impact of COVID-19 on the health systems. Yes, we will lose some people due to COVID-19 but the much larger impact would be the non-COVID causes of death of which the vaccine-preventable will be one major group," Jain said.

A recent online study conducted by Child Rights and You about understanding the effects of COVID- 19 on children' found that 49 per cent of parents or primary caregivers of children aged 0-5 years stated that they could not get access to basic child healthcare such as immunisation during the lockdown.

The impact of non-immunization will be aggravated with the compromised immune system, especially in the vulnerable populations, and push many children towards life-threatening diseases and infections, the CRY said in a statement.

"Global fraternity of science and research is trying to develop the vaccine for COVID-19 and in the meantime, the entire world is struggling with the spread and impact of the virus, including India. The irony is we are not even able to provide the already available vaccination to life-threatening diseases in the lockdown situation," it said.

India needs to be ready to fight back with equipped and adequate frontline health workers, availability of vaccination supply chain, supplementary nutrition packages, improved food and nutrition system, PPE gears for frontline staff and quality improvement of community-based health services like Primary Health Centers, it said.

Anindit Roy-Chowdhury, Director for Programme, Policy and Impact, at child rights NGO Save the Children said access to essential health services in India has become a tremendous concern along with the availability of nutritious food for children.

Quoting WHO's figures that 80 million children have missed their regular immunisation cycle world over, Chowdhury said though the exact numbers are hard to estimate in India, the fact remains that a large proportion of children in the country will be missing their immunisation cycles.

"This is even more true for the most marginalised, the urban and the rural poor. Also, migrant labourer families who have now moved back to their villages have unfortunately not been able to prioritise their children's immunisation... because food and shelter have become the greatest concern," Chowdhury said.

The Union health ministry on May 21 issued guidelines stating birth dose vaccinations at health facilities would continue irrespective of the categorisation of zones amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In other cases, providing vaccination doses will only be allowed outside the containment and buffer zones, and in green zones.

An area enlisted as a ''containment or buffer zone'' should stop health facility-based sessions and outreach sessions, but someone who walks into a health facility to get their child vaccinated should not be turned away.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Firefighters battled high-water levels and low clearance under bridges to rescue a kayaker from the Grand River near downtown Grand Rapids.

Firefighters responded about 1 p.m. Saturday, May 23 to an area near the train trestle over the Grand River, between Fulton and Wealthy streets, for the rescue.

They found a woman in a kayak hanging onto an overhanging tree branch.

Grand Rapids Battalion Chief Mark Noorman said three kayakers were on the river and realized they could not make it underneath a bridge because of high-water levels.

Two of the kayakers went into the water and made it to shore. The third person hung onto the tree branch.

Firefighters used jet skis to reach the woman because of difficulty getting other watercraft underneath bridges.

Noorman said the woman and the two other kayakers were cold because of the water, but otherwise appeared to be fine. They were being checked by medical personnel.

He advised kayakers and others looking to recreate on the river to avoid it for now.

The water is moving very fast. Its unpredictable. Theres a lot of debris that can knock you over. Its very dangerous with the high water.
(Newser)  Amid the coronavirus pandemic, reality star Bethenny Frankel has helped donate more than two million masks to groups across the country through her BStrong disaster relief charity. That's the upside of a case that shows how "crises breed corruption," Jack Nicas writes at the New York Times. New York officials had asked Frankel to find much-needed masks in early March, after she contacted the governor's office about a publicist's offer of access to 500 million medical masks. She was put in touch with Jake Uhlenkott, the former field director for Rick Santorum's 2012 presidential campaign, who informed her the masks were on another continent. But he said he knew of 5 million masks in Canada and 10 million more in New York. Frankel's team responded with an $82.5 million purchase order, dependent on inspection.

story continues below

Uhlenkott failed to provide an address, though he eventually provided footage of boxes in a warehouse. The deal was ended soon after, with Uhlenkott putting Frankel in touch with his source, Ralph Frengel, a salesman for a company called Astoria Enterprises. New York City soon agreed to buy 10 million masks for $66.5 million, if they passed inspection. But officials at Astoria complained that inspections were a bother. It turns out Astoria, registered in the money-laundering haven of Cyprus and run by two ex-convicts, is involved with Internet gambling and foreign-currency speculation. "Were [the masks] real? Weren't they? Who knows? It's an absolute jungle out there," Frankel told BuzzFeed in April. But Courtney Enloe, 3M's head of litigation, believes it was a typical fraud. Even "I have been solicited," she tells the Times. Click for the full article. (Read more Bethenny Frankel stories.)
Benjamin Netanyahu professed his innocence at the start of his corruption trial on Sunday (May 24), describing the country's first criminal prosecution of a serving prime minister as "tainted" and "stitched up".

Flanked by members of his Likud party, Netanyahu appealed to public opinion, addressing the cameras as he called the allegations against him "hallucinatory" and an attempt to bring down a strong right wing prime minister - and adding that he would stand tall, with his head high.

Netanyahu was indicted in November in cases involving gifts from millionaire friends and for allegedly granting favors to media tycoons in exchange for favorable coverage.

He arrived at court after chairing the first session of his new "unity cabinet" - sworn in a week ago after a surprise power-sharing deal with his main opponent Benny Gantz.

But outside the court crowds of protesters showed how divided public opinion is over Netanyahu's trial.

Some, like Leoni Amedi there to show their support.

"I hope he will be strong, very strong for us, for all of us, for all Israel, we love him very much."

Others like Rafael Malinovitz, their anger.

"Hopefully the court is going to make justice and is going to send him to jail."

Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving leader, now in office for more than 11 straight years, plus three in the 1990s.
Reuters

BERLIN (Reuters) -Western countries insisted on Thursday they would be unified in responding strongly to any Russian assault on Ukraine, shifting into damage control after U.S. President Joe Biden suggested divisions about how to react to a "minor incursion". Russia has massed tens of thousands of troops on its borders with Ukraine, and Western states fear Moscow is planning a new assault on a country it invaded in 2014. Russia denies it is planning an attack, but says it could take unspecified military action if a list of demands are not met, including a promise from NATO never to admit Kyiv as a member.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged people in areas hit by Cyclone Amphan to have patience as the administration is working tirelessly to restore water and power supply. She maded the remarks after protests erupted in state capital Kolkata and other cyclone-hit areas.

This is huge disaster. Our teams are working very seriously. At least 1,000 teams are working in the state. Along with them local youths are also working, she said on Saturday evening.

The police, besides maintaining lockdown and law and order, are also helping in the restoration process, Banerjee said at the state secretariat.

Cyclone Amphan has claimed 86 lives in West Bengal and caused havoc in at least 14 districts, mainly in South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, North 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts.

Many areas in south Kolkata are without power since the cyclone ravaged the state. So, there were protests in many parts of the city - from Behala in the south to Belgharia in north Kolkata. The protests continued for the second consecutive day on Saturday. The protesters, many of whom were women, said they are under extreme hardship as there was no electricity and water for the past three days and repeated calls to power utilities CESC and WBSEDCL went unanswered.

In a few places, clashes between the police and angry protesters were also reported.

When asked about the situation of electricity in Kolkata, Banerjee said, I know you are inconvenienced, I can apologise to you, or you can cut off my head. We are also human, we are working very hard. We are staying awake all night. 1 crore people are homeless. How are those people enduring who have no drinking water? she said.

People should understand the ground reality and have patience, the chief minister said.

I have called up the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) at least 10 times. Even I do not have proper phone network... I cannot watch television at home, Banerjee said.

Scores of Army personnel were deployed in Kolkata and neighbouring districts of West Bengal on Saturday to help the authorities restore normalcy in the wake of the protests.

The West Bengal government had asked the Centre to deply Army in the state for restoration of essential infrastructure and services in the wake of the destruction caused by Cyclone Amphan.

Five columns of the Army were deployed in different parts of the city and North and South 24 Parganas districts - the three worst-hit districts of the state.
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The official Twitter account of the UK Civil Service has branded the government arrogant and offensive in a remarkable tweet just moments after the Downing Street daily press briefing.

The message was swiftly deleted but not before it had been retweeted over 30,000 times.

It read: Arrogant and offensive. Can you imagine having to work with these truth twisters?

This has just been tweeted from the UK Civil Service account.



This is the craziest political weekend for a long time. pic.twitter.com/u4x0i6plHL  Lewis Goodall (@lewis_goodall) May 24, 2020

The tweet appears to have been sent in reaction to Boris Johnson confirming that Dominic Cummings will keep his job despite claims he twice defied the PMs Covid-19 stay at home restrictions and travelled 260 miles to Durham to self-isolate at his parents home in March.

The PM said he had extensive face to face discussions with the former Vote Leave boss and that Cummings acted responsibly, legally and with integrity.

He added: I have concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of childcare, at the moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus  and when he had no alternative  I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent.

RIP to the bravest civil service intern of them all pic.twitter.com/24CfJ6MQFW   k a t i e  (@supermathskid) May 24, 2020

Has anyone seen the civil service twitter account log-ins? I put them down by a fruit machine at Thurrock services and haven't seen them since.  Mark ne-Francois-pas MP (@MarkFrancois12) May 24, 2020

yeah that civil service tweet is good, but its even better when its being read out slowly on BBC News pic.twitter.com/dxiRvN9MJZ  Jon Stone (@joncstone) May 24, 2020

The UK Civil Service is the body of workers that carry...

Continue reading on HuffPost
Multilateralism reached a new stage when the Western countries agreed that collective military action is legitimate if the international community is confronted with genocides (the example being the massacre in Srebrenica) or collective political action is much needed under global threats like climate change. The collective NATO action (bombardments) in January 1999 targeted against the Milosevic regime institutions was among the very few that eventually succeeded. Milosevic was defeated by a popular vote in favour of the democratic leader Kostunica, without any internal violence.

But the world economic order associated to the multilateralist approach was not really a system. It was neither stable, nor always rational and it was not intentionally a fair design. There was a set of arrangements, as the right track syntagma used by the Western leaders talking to the new democratic leaders of the Central and Eastern Europe. Marilynne Robinson[1] recently characterized those arrangements as highly profitable for some (countries and) people but gravely damaging the world.

Fortunately, for the former European Communist countries the perspective of joining the European Union, strongly supported by the American administrations of those years, ensured the development of democracy and the integration of their economies into the European single market.

Multilateralism could be positively understood in light of the JCPA agreement with Iran or the Paris Agreement on climate change. In the meantime the non-collective international intervention in Syria is a failure of epic proportions and horrendous consequences,

Today, the American administration and an increasing number of other governments prone to a nationalist attitude are ignoring multilateralism if not treating it with contempt. De facto, they are breaking up the post-World War II and post-Cold War arrangements. The political domestic reasons prevail and even worse: those reasons are well-served by the leaders posturing as true national leaders when the international bodies like the UN, WTO, WHO are attacked. It doesnt matter that in many cases those attacks are not well-founded, if not simply irrational. They are hostile to the past, impatient of the present and cheated of the future. True, in years weve accumulated many griefs and we are frustrated by the inability of the UN Security Council, for example, to stop terrible situations occurring in many places in the world. But lets imagine our world without the UN. The world would be a place with no recourse for the vast majority of militarily weak countries and an excellent aggressive play field for the powerful.

Paraphrasing Konrad Adenauer, global problems can only be solved under a multilateralist roof. I replaced German for Global and European for Multilateralist.

Cooperation is vital for the worlds collective ability to deal with climate change, mass-migration, disease and famine, genocide and massive movements of refugees. In fact, cooperation is the only solution. In the meantime, a faithless cooperation is doomed to failure. There should be faith in common purpose, there should be faith in a future for all. The Covid-19 pandemic is an agent for the renewal of faith, a wake-up call to the global community. [2] We love to pronounce and repeat these phrases but we cannot ignore that to many leaders around the world, they are maybe nice, but useless words. Nevertheless, if we have faith we have to keep up tenaciously with our endeavour to build a more effective multilateralism. There is already a tremendous commitment of the people in the whole world to find an appropriate cultural expression of the global problems which in turn could support the political one. I found an interesting example in a recent survey realized by Oxford University. To the question: Has migration had a positive or negative impact on Britain? in 2015 the answer was 43% negative and 34% positive. Today, after the Brexit, the answer is shockingly 48% positive and only 27% negative and an overwhelming majority want the number of migrants coming to Britain to work in care homes. This reverse of the cultural expression was certainly influenced by the fact that 93% of the doctors who have died of Coronavirus in the United Kingdom have been ethnic minorities, mostly from overseas. The executioners of the immigration in UK became victims (of the COVID-19) saved by immigrants who died saving them. That fact sets an example: if we cannot tame global turbulences we can at least humanise them. Man is capable of great deeds. But if he isnt capable of a great emotion, he leaves me cold, said Albert Camus. That makes me wonder: is globalism shaping up multilateralism or multilateralism will tame the excesses of globalism? Globalism as a new form of monopolist capitalism generally prevailed while multilateralism is in dire mood. But the underlying anarchy of global governance[3] indicates that both multilateralism and globalism are in reverse.

Economic self-reliance is a l`ordre du jour in America, China, India, Japan and also inside the European Union. Strategic autonomy is the new concept. The open system of trade that dominated the world economy is obviously in trouble. And the most vulnerable, the poorer countries will suffer in this more expensive and less free world trade. The result could be a fractured world.

The glue that holds financial order together is made of capitalisms ability to guarantee global prosperity. And that glue continues to be the American economy strongly intertwined with the Chinese economy. But the surge of the animosity between the two countries, the emergence of a new, ideologically rooted, Cold War, could reach a dangerous critical threshold, a threshold behaviour, beyond which something radically different and negative might occur. Under the American no-guidance, cooperation (and knowledgeable politics) has stretched itself to the point where neither the world nor our intelligence can find a real foothold. Moreover, preventing extremely negative or plainly horrendous situations in the world (from genocides to climate change) are not as popular as they should be, not clearly aligned with national interests, in many countries and first of all in the United States.

And its true that the voters who count are still as national ever.

Right now we are still more distant from the passion for the common destiny of humanity and closer to indifference. The explanation could lie in the Samuel Moyn analysis of liberalism falling prey to an economic libertarianism in practice that produces more conformity and hierarchy than choice and individuality.[4]

Globalism, as a new form of capitalism, is not only a social reality; it is a reality of our civilization due to its facility for adaptation and reconversion. Fernand Braudel, who demonstrated that capitalism is a creation of the worlds inequality, also acknowledged that: The advantage and superiority of capitalism resides in the possibility of choice. A corporation disappears? Well, a new one will emerge! It is about the death of capitalism, the one of the grandfather and of the father, not the one of the son and of the grandson.[5]

Differentiating multilateralism from globalism these days means, as a perfect example, that multilateralism would promote a vaccine against the COVID-19 available for all people and free, while globalism will be much more about profits.

The cost of doing big business is often associated with hostility to collective action. The hyper-ambitious multinationals have a long record of abusing the authorities which have a mandatory job of protecting the working force and the consumers. Its a pattern of behaviour not just an intent to get more profit. The common good, although not clearly defined in many cases, is easily sensed. To delete the difference between truth and false ultimately beggars belief. Otherwise all will be true and right because it is stated so. Humanity exists and didnt fell apart because common good is what it is.

The dignity of human beings and the beauty of the natural world are unrelativisable, using the Camus word.

John F. Kennedy is still guiding us: If we cannot end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity...and direct attention to our common interests.

Multilateralism and globalism are challenges that will continue to shape our future. We have to try thoroughly to understand them.



[1] Marilynne Robinson, What have we done with America?, NYRB, June 11, 2020 [2] Gordon Brown, Letter to G20 leaders, 22nd of May, 2020 [3] Goodbye globalization, The Economist, May 16th  22nd 2020, page 8 [4] Samuel Moyn, The Trouble with Comparisons, NYRB, May 21st 2020 [5] Fernand Braudel, Une lecon d'histoire, Arthaud-Flammarion, 1986, page 142

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As of 4:15 p.m. Sunday, May 24, the Tittabawassee River level was 17.52 feet and receding. This is below the flood stage of 24 feet.

Midland County Damage Assessment

Midland County Emergency Management is taking damage reports for the recent flooding in Midland County. If you are a homeowner, business, or non-profit organization that has sustained any damage or loss as a result of the flood, please visit the Flood Damage Assessment Tool link at the following locations:

Top of the County of Midland website: www.co.midland.mi.us

Top of the City of Midland website: www.cityofmidlandmi.gov

Via the direct link: https://arcg.is/1H00aG

Residents and businesses are reminded to thoroughly document damage prior to demolition and restoration projects using written documentation, receipts, photos, and videos. This step is extremely important to assist in possibly receiving federal funding for Midland County.

Once you click the link, you will be directed to a map. Enter the property address and search for the damaged property. When the property is found, a pop-up box will appear. Click the link Click here to fill out a damage report to be directed to the online form to report flood damage. The form takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete and includes a section to provide photos of flood damage. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact 2-1-1 for assistance in completing the form.

Volunteer Information

All volunteers wanting to assist with flood cleanup in the greater Sanford area should report each day to one of two United Way volunteer check-in locations: Sanford Family Pharmacy parking lot, 28 West Saginaw Road; or at the intersection of W. Center and Oak streets. Each volunteer will be assigned a clean-up site based upon their ability. Both volunteer check-in sites are open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities in Midland County or to find resources available for those affected by flooding, text UWS to 31996.

Donation Information

In collaboration with Dow and the Midland Emergency Operations Center (EOC), United Way of Midland County has created a process for those who wish to donate and those in need of items for flood relief. The Supplies Donations Plan provides a framework to collect and distribute donated items to those in need.

The current list of items needed includes:

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Cleaning supplies

Food

Water

Personal care items

Household goods

Clothing donations will not be accepted at this time.

Beginning Wednesday, May 27, the following locations will serve as both drop-off sites for individuals who wish to donate the items listed above and pick-up sites for individuals who need access to these supplies. These sites will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:

West Midland Family Center, 4011 W. Isabella Road

Coleman High School, 4951 N. Lewis Road

Sanford Senior Center, 3243 N. West River Road

Meridian Elementary School, 3343 N. Meridian Road

North Family Center, 2601 E. Shearer Road

Gladwin  Parking lot behind Forge Fitness, 237 W. Cedar Avenue, Gladwin (Parking lot is at the corner of Arcade Street and Grout Street)

Midland High School, 1301 Eastlawn Drive

Bullock Creek High School, 1420 S. Badour Road

Businesses or organizations who wish to donate items must first fill out the Supplies Donations Survey online at www.reliefmidland.org and click the link under Corporate Supplies Donations to complete a donation survey. United Way will be in contact with all survey submissions within 72 hours to discuss next steps. Urgent donations needs will be processed as soon as possible.

Individuals should drop off donations only at the locations listed above. Businesses and organizations should complete the Supplies Donation Survey and should not simply show up at locations with donations. While well-intended, doing so can create confusion and ultimately cause more harm than good. The Supplies Donations Plan exists in order to get much-need items in the hands of those who need it most.

Ongoing Safety Concerns for Dams, Lakes



Due to imminent danger of flash flooding and further dam erosion and collapse, persons should not be in, on, or around the Edenville and Sanford Dams or walking and recreating in the Wixom and Sanford Lake beds. Rapid changes in water levels and ongoing flows from Beaverton Dam, the Tobacco River, and other tributaries are creating significant amounts of erosion to the dam structures still remaining.

Health Information for Flood Clean-up

Displaced residents who have not yet returned to their homes may do so, taking into consideration the safety of the structure and condition of utilities. The Midland County Department of Public Health urges residents to take precautions to protect themselves from the dangers of floodwater. Floodwaters contain many things that harm human health, so it is important to take all precautions possible during cleanup activities to protect from injury or disease. There are many resources available to help guide residents through this difficult process safely. Please visit the following sites for more detailed information on flood clean-up:

https://www.co.midland.mi.us/HealthDepartment.aspx

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/floodsafety.html

https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/flooding

Road Closures

A number of street closures remain in effect throughout Midland County and a few in the City of Midland. Visit www.midland911.org for a full list of street closures. Residents are advised to continue to obey all road closure signs and to stay clear of standing water, flooded areas, and debris left in the roadway. Do not attempt to drive or walk through standing water. Residents should take extra precaution where electrical items may be submerged.

Debris Disposal Information

The Midland Sanitary Landfill will be open to residential customers from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, May 25, to dispose of trash, flood debris, and yard waste. The landfill will then resume its regular operating hours, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. thereafter. Customers accessing the landfill will be required to show proof of Midland County residency. Debris generated outside of Midland County will not be accepted. Due to the high anticipated volume of customers accessing the Landfill, wait times may be significant.

In the City of Midland, residents may set flood debris and brush at the curb for collection. Crews will be working through Memorial Day weekend to provide collection to all areas of the city. Any debris at the curb should be considered contaminated with flood waters and a potential hazard.

The Village of Sanford has dumpsters available downtown and volunteers available to assist with removal of items from residents vehicles. Curbside collection of flood debris will also be provided for village residents. Residents with flood debris should place their items at the curb for collection. Residents in other areas of Midland County should take flood debris and other items to the Midland Sanitary Landfill for disposal.

Continue to monitor updates and conditions via the following resources:
New Delhi: Amid the coronavirus lockdown, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in the country on May 25 except Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala, clerics said on Saturday. Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid Ahmed Shah Bukhari said as the moon could not be sighted on Saturday, Muslims will celebrate Eid on Monday.

However, the festival heralding the end of the fasting month of Ramzan will be celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala on Sunday.

"Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow (Sunday) as the moon has been sighted," Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Nasir-ul-Islam said in Srinagar.

He asked people in red zones to pray at home and, those in green zones to offer namaz at some designated places and not mosques.

"But, the people should wear masks, maintain social distance and pray in small numbers - around 10 to 20 persons," he added.

In Kerala, clerics had Friday said that Eid will be celebrated on Sunday. Bukhari also appealed to people to offer Eid namaz at their homes.

A meeting of Ruyat-e-Hilal Committee, Imarat-e-Sharaiyah-Hind, was held here during the day in Delhi. After the meeting it was announced that the moon was not sighted in Delhi and there was also no report from any part of the country, a statement from Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind said.

Maulana Muizuddin, secretary of Ruyat-e-Hilal Committee, declared that the first Shawwal falls on May 25, therefore Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Monday.

Jaimiat Ulema-e-Hind appealed to people to adhere to social distancing and lockdown guidelines of the governments and stay at home to offer Eid namaz.

This will be perhaps the first time that there will no mass namaz at mosques and idgahs across the country as the government has prohibited all kinds of religious gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Eid marks the end of the fasting month of Ramzan.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani began a process Sunday to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a goodwill gesture after the insurgents proposed a surprise ceasefire during the Eid holiday. The ceasefire appeared to hold as there were no reports of fighting between the insurgents and Afghan forces by the end of the first day on Sunday. Ghani also said the government was ready to hold peace talks with the Taliban after accepting their offer of a three-day truce over the Eid al-Fitr holiday that marks the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. The decision to release the prisoners was a "goodwill gesture" and was taken "to ensure success of the peace process", Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on Twitter. A US-Taliban deal signed in February stipulated that the Afghan government would release up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners while the insurgents would free about 1,000 Afghan security force personnel. The prisoner swap is seen as a confidence-building move ahead of long-awaited peace talks between the government and Taliban. Before Sunday's announcement, Kabul had already released about 1,000 Taliban inmates while the insurgents had freed roughly 300 members of the Afghan security forces. The insurgents said they were committed to free prisoners, but reminded Kabul that the deal was to "release 5,000" of their members as agreed with the US in Doha. "This process should be completed in order to remove hurdles in the way of commencement of intra-Afghan negotiations," a Taliban spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, said on Twitter. Ghani said a government delegation was "ready to immediately start the peace talks" with the insurgents. Government negotiators would be headed by Ghani's former bitter rival Abdullah Abdullah after the two signed a power-sharing deal last week that ended a months-long political crisis. - Freed Taliban must not fight - "We have not received a single report of clash or fighting among our Mujahideen and the enemy forces," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP late Sunday. Police spokesmen from provinces including Kunduz, Baghlan and Takhar where regular clashes have occurred also told AFP that they had received no reports of fighting during the day. The militants' offer of a truce came just days after leader Haibatullah Akhundzada urged Washington "not to waste" the opportunity offered by the deal with the US that set the stage for the withdrawal of foreign troops from the country after more than 18 years. US Special Representative to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, who brokered the deal, said on Twitter Saturday that the ceasefire was "a momentous opportunity that should not be missed" while pledging that the United States would "do its part to help". US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also hailed the ceasefire, but said in a statement Sunday that he expected "the Taliban to adhere to their commitment not to allow released prisoners to return to the battlefield". He also urged the two sides to avoid escalating violence after Eid. US President Donald Trump's administration has made it a priority to end America's longest war, and in a bid to pull out foreign forces US officials have been pushing the Taliban and government leaders to hold peace talks. Analysts, however, say the Taliban have been emboldened by the deal with the US. Afghan government officials have reported more than 3,800 attacks since it was signed, killing 420 civilians and wounding 906. - War-weary - Khalilzad has maintained that the insurgents have kept up their end of the bargain by not attacking the US-led coalition forces -- even if recent violence violated the spirit of the accord. His remarks came after an attack against a maternity hospital in Kabul killed dozens -- including mothers and infants -- and a suicide bombing at a funeral. The Taliban denied involvement in the attacks, but Ghani blamed them and the Islamic State group for the violence. War-weary Kabul residents expressed relief after the truce was announced. Since the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 there has only been one other ceasefire -- a three-day pause between the Taliban and Kabul, also marking the end of Eid, in 2018. That ceasefire was initiated by Ghani.
Some time ago, I wrote on Rifftides, The Czech Frantisek Uhlir is one of the greatest bassists in the world. He works frequently in the trio of his countryman pianist Emil Viklicky, another great European player about whom most Americans know little. I just ran across a brief note I made when I was in Prague twelve years ago (now, more like 25 years ago), helping American economists teach market economics to Czech journalists newly released from communism.

June 10, 1993: Went to Agartha last night to hear Frantisek Uhlir, the wonderful bassist. Earlier in the day one of his fans told me he is better than George Mraz. Maybe, maybe not, but he is superb, world class. Uhlir is a short, powerful, chubby man with a pleasant round face. His tone is round, too, and centered, and he is fast, agile and swinging.

There is nothing about Uhlirs new album, Story of my life, to alter that assessment. Leading his septet, he is as powerful as when I first heard him in Prague with Viklicky at the storied club called Agartha. In a recent video, we are treated to Uhlir leading his seven-piece ensemble at another fine Prague club, Reduta. At the end of the long clip, well give you the names of the players.

Frantisek Tomsicek, trumpet; Premek Tomsicek, trombone; Andy Schofield, alto saxophone (UK); Suzanne Higins, tenor saxophone (UK); Standa Macha, piano; Marek Urbanek, drums; Frantisek Uhlir, bassist and leader.
New Delhi:

Kannada actor-politician Ramya (Divya Spandana) is facing sedition case for praising Pakistan after attending a SAARC Young Parliamentarians Conference in Islamabad recently.A

Ramya, 33, who is a member of Congress since 2011, was referring to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's statement that "going to Pakistan is like going to hell" as she said, "Pakistan is not hell. People there are just like us. They treated us very well."



Ramya has drawn flak from political activists, who are calling her "anti-national". Moreover, a sedition case has also been filed by a lawyer against Ramya in a court in Kodagu in southern Karnataka.



The lawyer, Katnamane Vittal Gowda, has reportedly said that he was "appalled" by Ramyaas praise for Pakistan. Ramya has also been trolled on Twitter for her controversial remarks.

Meanwhile,A industrialist and Chairman of Steel major Jindal Steel & Power Ltd (JSPL) Naveen Jindal has come out in support of Ramya on Twitter, saying "they are more hospitable than us."

"Have myself experienced the hospitality of Pak shopkeepers as member of Indian shooting team for SAF games; they are more hospitable than us," Mr Jindal wrote on Twitter.

"This is absurd. Why should one not praise the hospitality of neighbouring countries?" he wrote.

This is absurd. Why should one not praise the hospitality of neighbouring countries? https://t.co/ZSglhmaFUJ a Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) August 23, 2016

Have myself experienced the hospitality of Pak shopkeepers as member of Indian shooting team for SAF games; they are more hospitable than us a Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) August 23, 2016

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A rat on the Times Square subway platform in New York on Jan. 27, 2015. (Richard Drew/AP Photo)

CDC Warns of Unusual or Aggressive Rodent Behavior Amid Pandemic

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that rodents such as mice and rats are becoming more aggressive as they scavenge for food after restaurants have been closed across the United States.

The agency said in a website update that rodents rely on food and waste generated by restaurants, and pandemic-related closures have prompted the animals to find new sources of food.

Some jurisdictions have reported an increase in rodent activity as rodents search for new sources of food. Environmental health and rodent control programs may see an increase in service requests related to rodents and reports of unusual or aggressive rodent behavior, the CDC wrote.

The health agency said that business owners and restaurants can prevent attracting mice and rats by sealing up their homes or buildings, removing heavy vegetation or debris, removing pet food, and keeping garbage in well-secured bins.

Rodent bait stations may become a more attractive food source for rodents, so stations may need to be serviced more often, the CDC said. It is important to monitor rodent activity during this time and develop indicators to help inform rodent control strategies.

Those businesses should also follow proper protocols to clean up after rodent infestations so as to prevent diseases from emerging.

As they look for food, people are noticing them more, Robert Villamil, owner of Chicago-based Crow Pest Control Inc., said in a Chicago Tribune report. Rats carry disease and theyre very unsightly, so its a big thing. People are wanting to take steps to keep rats away from their homes.

According to some reports, rats have resorted to infanticide or even cannibalism in New York City, which has seen a huge number of restaurants and eating establishments close during the pandemic.

Theyre mammals just like you and I, and so when youre really, really hungry, youre not going to act the same. Youre going to act very bad, usually, Bobby Corrigan, an urban rodentologist, told NBC News. So these rats are fighting with one another, now the adults are killing the young in the nest and cannibalizing the pups.

In New Orleans, rats have displayed unusual behavior.

I turn the corner, theres about 30 rats at the corner, feasting on something in the middle of the street, Charles Marsala of New Orleans Insider Tours and AWE News told CBS News.

According to the CDC, rats and mice directly or indirectly carry more than 35 different diseases.
Karen Ducey

The health and well-being of our nation has never been more uncertain, especially here in New York where COVID-19 spread at an alarming rate.

Now more than ever, it is critical that we support every facet of our health care community  from doctors and pharmacists to manufacturers and first responders  to ensure we can overcome this viral outbreak.
In a major success, Jammu and Kashmir police along with the Indian Army have arrested four overground workers of banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba from the Beerwah area of Budgam district of Kashmir Valley.

Based on specific inputs Jammu and Kashmir police and 53 Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian Army launched a joint operation in the midnight in Beerwah area of central Kashmirs Budgam district. This comes as a big success for the security forces as these terror associates have been providing active support to the terrorist and were harbouring many terrorists by providing them food and shelter.

READ | 'Pakistan Rattled By Anti-terror Success In Kashmir': Lt. General BS Raju Of Chinar Corps

Budgam Police and Army 53RR arrested a top Lashkar-e-Taiba terror associate Wasim Ganie of Beerwah along with 03 other OGWs during a cordon and search operations. The terror associates have been identified as Waseem Ganie S/O- Abdul Aziz Ganie r/o Hardulatina Beerwah and Faruk Ahmad Dar S/O- Mohd Sultan dar, Mohd Yasin S/O- Bashir Ahmad and Azharuddin Mir S/O- Ali Mohd Mir all residents of Kandoora Beerwah, officials told Republic Media Network.

He further added that arms, ammunition, and other incriminating material has been recovered from their possession. This group was involved in providing shelter and logistic support to terrorists in the area. Case FIR No 126/2020 under relevant sections of UAPA and Arms act registered in PS Beerwah, he added.

READ | Terrorists Fire Rifles, Hurl Grenades At CRPF, Police Personnel In Pulwama

Terror attack averted

While in another success, Security forces have thwarted the attempt of terror outfits to carry out a major attack on the eve of Eid in Jammu and Kashmir. During the quarter and search operation security forces have recovered Improvised explosive device material from a Nalah in Mitrigam area of Pulwama.

Security forces in Kashmir Valley have been hitting hard on the overground network of terror outfits as they are acting as the oxygen for the survival of terrorists in the Valley.

READ | J&K: Awantipora Police Holds Wreath-laying Ceremony For Prichoo Terror Attack Martyr

In the last one-month security forces have managed to crash down the head of terror outfits in Kashmir Valley as well as in Jammu forces have managed to neutralize Lashkar-e-Taiba top commander Haider in Handwara and counter whereas Hizbul Mujahideen Kashmir chief Riyaz Naikoo in Pulwama encounter. Security forces have also managed to gun down Hizbul commander in Doda district of Jammu Tahir Ahmad Bhat who was responsible for carrying out multiple attacks in the Jammu region.

READ | Al Qaeda Terror Convict Deported To India, Agencies To Probe Radicalisation Angle
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality may soon be pushed to allow higher limits for radioactive waste from the Bakken oil fields and other states, for areas near Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, Great Falls, Helena and the rest of our state. These high limits are being pushed by the Environmental Quality Council.

The radiation limit 30 picocuries (pCi) per gram was set in 2015. The EQC is pushing it to 200 pCi per gram, the absolute highest radioactive waste limit allowed in every state in the U.S. The state limit was increased to 50 pCi per gram in 2017, raised to 200 in 2019, put back to 50 by the DEQ in January 2020. It may soon be raised again to 200 unless the public wakes up, writes emails and calls the DEQ and EQC.

Note: It is the EQC that is pushing for 200. Wyoming, Colorado and Michigan have limits of 50. Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi have limits of 30. A limit of 5 has been set for 19 other states. Montana could very well be the dumping ground for the rest of the nation.

The 16 members of the EQC objected to the DEQ's limit of 50 pCi per gram. They want 200.
Age, male sex, and underlying illnesses like diabetes have emerged as risk factors for death due to novel coronavirus infection, according to a large cohort study which can help health professionals learn more about how the COVID-19 illness progresses.

According to the study, published in the BMJ, the risk of death increases in people above the age of 50, as does being being male, obese, or having underlying heart, lung, liver and kidney disease.

In this largest prospective observational study reported to date, the scientists, including those from the University of Liverpool in the UK, noted the characteristics of patients hospitalised in the UK with COVID-19, and their outcomes.

At the time of publishing the study, the scientists said the study had recruited over 43,000 patients.

While earlier studies had reported the risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 based on reports from China, the researchers said an understanding of features of patients in other parts of the world are lacking.

To address this knowledge gap, the scientists said they analysed data from 20,133 patients with COVID-19 admitted to 208 acute care hospitals in England, Wales, and Scotland between 6 February and 19 April 2020.

This data, they said, represents around a third of all patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 in the UK at the time of publishing the study.

The patients, according to the researchers, had an average age of 73 years, with more men admitted to hospitals than women.

Besides age, and underlying heart, lung, liver and kidney disease, the study noted that factors already known to cause poor outcomes like obesity and gender were key factors associated with higher risk of death in hospital.

The scientists said the outcomes were poorer for those requiring mechanical ventilation.

In this category, they said 37 per cent of the patients had died, and 17 per cent had been discharged alive, while 46 per cent remained in hospital.

According to the scientists, reduced lung function or inflammation associated with obesity may play a role in morbidity due to COVID-19.

But since the study was only observational, they cautioned that a cause cannot be established.

"Our study identifies sectors of the population that are at greatest risk of a poor outcome, and shows the importance of forward planning and investment in preparedness studies," the scientists wrote in the study.

They said the results have been shared with the World Health Organisation, and are being compared with data from other countries around the world.

If countries are going to be managing COVID-19 for the next several years, the researchers said "we need to understand and optimise care before, during, and beyond the hospital.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Sofia Menchu

GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei criticized the United States on Thursday for sending back migrants infected with the novel coronavirus to his Central American country and straining its weak health system.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, and Giammattei's attempts to curb deportation flights from the United States, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has been sending Guatemalan migrants back to their home country.

Of the deportees, 119 have tested positive for the virus, 5% of the country's 2,512 cases.

"We understand that the United States wants to deport people, but what we do not understand is why they send us flights full of infection," Giammattei said in an online talk hosted by the Atlantic Council's Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center.

"We've had serious problems with deported people," he said. "We haven't been treated by the United States in a way that I'd say is kind, in relation to the deportees."

Giammattei, 64, a retired doctor who walks with crutches because of multiple sclerosis, also said the United States had sent not "even a mask" during the pandemic.

The U.S. Embassy issued a statement giving details of the economic aid it has designated recently for Guatemala, including supplies, training and assistance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and $2.4 million in aid committed last month through USAID.

"The United States is committed to the health and prosperity of the Guatemalan people," Ambassador Luis Arreaga said in the statement.

Mexico, Colombia, Haiti and Jamaica have also registered infections among deportees.

This week, the U.S. Border Patrol said it would begin deporting Mexicans on flights as a way to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The Mexican government said eight flights were planned for May that would send up to 133 people to Mexico City.

(Reporting by Sofia Menchu; Writing by Daina Beth Solomon; Editing by Robert Birsel)
WASHINGTON  When the history of the COVID-19 pandemic is written, there will be more than a few words devoted to the retailers the virus decimated as it pounded the economy. The last month, in particular, has brought bankruptcies from well-known brands with deep roots around the country. This weekend, Hertz, the rental car giant, joined the list.

But the impacts of the coronavirus are only half the story. In some cases, such as restaurants and travel companies, the virus is undoubtedly the primary cause of trouble, but in others it looks more like an accelerant  gas on a retail fire that has been burning for quite some time.

The last month has been particularly noteworthy. In the space of just two weeks, some of the best-known brands in America declared they were entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closing outlets across the country.

Back on May 4, Golds Gym, the national chain of exercise facilities, announced it was headed to Chapter 11, a move affecting roughly 4,000 employees and 700 locations in more than 20 states. The company said it was planning to permanently shutter 30 locations. And J. Crew, the well-known purveyor of preppy attire, also filed for Chapter 11, a move affecting 500 locations and 13,000 employees in 44 states.

On May 7, Neiman Marcus said it was entering Chapter 11, directly affecting roughly 13,000 employees at 68 stores in 18 states. And on May 14, JC Penney, the long-beleaguered legacy retail giant with 850 stores in 49 states said the same thing, a move affecting some 90,000 employees.

Those are some well-known names, but in some ways their bankruptcies may not be shocking. Gyms and clothing stores are exactly the kinds of businesses that the coronavirus lockdown seems designed to damage. Raising ones heart rate and sweating are at-home activities these days and apparel shopping is done with a few clicks of a mouse.

But even before May, there were signs of trouble for the brick-and-mortar commerce world this year.

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Back in mid-February, Pier One entered Chapter 11, a move that affected roughly 970 locations and 18,000 employees scattered around the United States with some in Canada. Art Van Furniture, said it would be shuttering on March 8, affecting 3,000 employees and 169 locations around the Midwest. And on March 11, Modells, which claimed to be the oldest sporting goods store in America said it was entering Chapter 11, closing the doors of about 140 locations with 3,600 employees on the East Coast.

And even beyond retail, there were signs of trouble elsewhere in the economy. In January, Bar Louie, the trendy upscale chain of bar/bistros, announced it would begin a bankruptcy restructuring hitting 90 locations and 1,500 employees.

In other words, even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, there were signs that 2020 might not be shaping up to be a great year for merchants with real-world physical locations. Part of that may have been economic exhaustion. The post-Great Recession expansion had been unfolding for more than 10 years (since 2009) when 2020 arrived. Some retrenching may have been inevitable.

But on the retail side there was also the steady march of e-commerce, which has been battering brick-and-mortar stores especially hard for a decade now. Consider the numbers from recent years.

In 2018, retailers closed nearly 6,000 brick-and-mortar locations permanently, according to Coresight Research. In 2019, the figure was even higher, 9,300 locations were shuttered. And, of course, all of those closures had nothing to do with the coronavirus pandemic.

For months now, much of the COVID conversation has centered on how the pandemic might change the nation. How deep will the changes be? What will the post-pandemic United States look like, particularly economically?

But even before the virus, the nation and its economy were going through major changes. Keep in mind all those closures in 2018 and 2019 came as the economy was booming.

There is no question that the coronavirus is hammering the U.S. economy and that it is taking a toll on some healthy businesses and employers. But the biggest economic impact from COVID-19 may be that it is pushing the economy into the future much faster than before, striking hard at businesses that were already weak from other challenges.

It all serves as a reminder that even after the pandemic is controlled, the road back to normal is not going to be easy, and normal may look very different.
Kevin Hassett, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington on Sept. 10, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

White House Economic Adviser: Unemployment Rate Could Be Double Digits in Fall

Rate might be above 20 percent in May

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said high unemployment rates triggered by the CCP virus pandemic could stay in the double digits until the election in November.

Hassett said he thinks the joblessness rate could rise above 20 percent sometime this month, adding that it might not drop to single digits until the end of the year.

Unemployment will be something that moves back slower, he told CNNs State of the Union on May 24. He noted that it could be in the single digits by November, but that seems unlikely.

I think it could be better than that. But youre going to be starting at a number in the 20s and working your way down. And so, of course, you could still not be back to full employment by September or October.

Should a vaccine for the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus become available in July, Hassett said hes more optimistic about falling unemployment rates.

Nearly 40 million Americans have filed for unemployment claims in the past two months or so, triggered by business closures related to the pandemic. The grim economic numbers have increased the pressure on governors to ease restrictions on social gatherings and what businesses can be open.

People who lost their jobs wait in line to file for unemployment at an Arkansas Workforce Center in Fayetteville, Ark., on April 6, 2020. (Nick Oxford/Reuters)

The jobless rate in three statesHawaii, Michigan, and Nevadatopped 20 percent in April, according to data released by the Department of Labor. The data also showed that dozens of states have seen record-high unemployment numbers.

On May 22, Hassett said that unemployment rates could reach 22 percent or 23 percent in May, and June will see higher unemployment numbers. However, he stressed that it will be the turning point in the U.S. economy, predicting that President Donald Trump will approve a fourth stimulus package to release funds to businesses and Americans.

As a result, furloughed and unemployed Americans may return to the labor force more quickly than he previously expected.

This was the biggest negative shock ever, but we also had the biggest policy response ever, Hassett told CNN.

His comments come days after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that people who receive an offer from their company to return to work after they have been laid off amid the pandemic are no longer considered eligible for unemployment benefits.

If you offer a person a job  and that person does not take the job  then that person would not be allowed to get unemployment, Mnuchin said last week during a Senate Banking Committee hearing.

If the employee turns down the job offer, they are considered ineligible to receive unemployment benefits, which were expanded under the CARES Act.
NAUGATUCK  The states first female career firefighter was celebrated by her colleagues Friday ahead of her retirement in June.

Ellen Murray was honored by her fellow firefighters during a ceremony on Friday that featured banners, photos and a cake.
Photo credit: Ben Anders

From ELLE Decoration

We asked some of our favourite photographers to share a memorable shoot which they love, whether from a house or a styled location or studio. Here are the inspiring results...

Photo credit: Ben Anders

Jake Curtis

My favourite shoot that springs to mind is our cover story shoot from the Feb issue, styled by Despina Curtis. I totally love that shoot from the location to the props and us exploring the compositions. It really is my favourite. benanders.co.uk

Photo credit: Beth Evans

Beth Evans

This is probably my favourite ever picture and room for ELLE Decoration that I have shot, I enjoyed this whole shoot especially creating this atmosphere. I love the scale and the crack of light through the windows. bethevans.com/

Photo credit: Matthew Williams

Matthew Williams

This bedroom is actually part of the Future Perfect showroom in Manhattan called Casa Perfect New York. The word showroom' really does not do it justice. It is housed in a stunning private residence and is curated with unique and beautiful work of contemporary designers from around the globe in a true home environment. Its a real treat to visit. This image is one of the bedrooms. Its a bold and happy palette that I thought evoked joy, adventure and style the moment I walked in. Magic.  matthewwilliamsphotographer.com

Photo credit: photographer

Taran Wilkhu

The Lost House has to be one of the most challenging yet uplifting shoots from my favourite unique London homes. It really does feel a little lost amidst the bustle of the train station and the canal once you enter, its like opening a door into a hidden world, pre and post lockdown, I can imagine this being the perfect London pad to host amazing parties and entertain guests.

Designed by the internationally renowned architect Sir David Adjaye, Lost House is one of the most significant domestic projects of recent times. With only one external window the main space space is lit by the three lightwells that run through the central living area. The home is designed in such a way that the light is endlessly reflected through mirrors and reflective black resin surfaces that are set within the floor and walls. A unique urban living space in every way. taranwilkhu.com

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Photo credit: photographer

Rich Stapleton

The room is the bathroom inside the apartment of Graanmarkt 13 in Antwerp, Belgium. This image was photographed for the book A white facade, five floors and an open door, in the summer of 2018. The room is particularly memorable for me  I spent two weeks in the apartment for the project.

This was the view that greeted me as I walked out into the hallway from the bedroom each morning. The space was designed by Vincent van Duysen. A bathtub sits at the centre of the room, like a low concave marble sculpture. It is framed by warm plaster walls and supported by dark wooden floorboards. Inside the bath, the clear water appears to glow in a light blue hue... Outside, a Ginkgo Biloba tree stands in the courtyard. richstapleton.com

Photo credit: photographer

Michael Sinclair

This is the living room in the Weavers House by design duo Chan & Eayrs. Its a modern take on the original Huguenots homes who were a community of French Protestants who escaped prosecution by fleeing to London.



When they arrived, they used their wealth from their dealings in the silk trade to build these beautiful houses, the only ones in London to have outward facing shutters  a French tradition. I absolutely love the Danish banana sofa (reupholstered in Cream Pierre Frey velvet) and the way the brass floor lamp intersects with the church window across the street. michael-sinclair.com

Photo credit: photographer



Paul Raeside

I shot this image at Chateau Engalin. I like the picture because of its scale and the clients good taste. The furniture has been beautifully curated and the stylist and I had such a lovely week shooting here. They are perfect hosts. paulraeside.com

Photo credit: photographer

Jake Curtis



I love this image of the table and chair. I shot this in collaboration with the talented stylist, Hannah Bort. I have a vivid memory of a multitude of products and beautiful pieces filling every available space in the location and the ELLE Decoration team unpacking objects for hours.

The space was surrounded by walls of glass at various angles which was stunning. For this project I wanted the light to be soft and welcoming, this meant that my assistant and I had to move quickly with diffusing material to soften the ever moving sharp sunlight which illuminated the modern angular structure.

I remember coveting the table and chair on the shoot, as they are beautifully designed pieces of furniture. I find it really helps with the creative process and the end result if the objects that you are photographing really appeal to your aesthetic, like all of the pieces do in this shot. jakecurtis.co.uk

Photo credit: Photography: Anna Batchelor

Anna Batchelor

We created this image for a recent campaign for the paint company Craig and Rose. It showcases one of their new colours, Fleurie. We loved designing a room around such a bold colour, imagining the person who lives there. annabatchelor.com

Photo credit: Sharyn Cairns

Sharyn Cairns

In this Australian house, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects, tone, texture and mood are all elements that I am drawn too. They evoke a sense of calmness and serenity. sharyncairns.com.au



Photo credit: Rory Gardiner





Rory Gardiner

I shot this in the US. The chairs are ancient birthing chairs from Africa. Ive never sat in anything so comfortable! The project is by architect Vincent Appel.  rory-gardiner.com

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Buoyed by the decision of a German footwear firm to shift production from China to Uttar Pradesh, the state government on Sunday said it was in touch with "a few more" leather units in China and Brazil to bring them to the state.

"There are a few more leather units in China and Brazil with which the Uttar Pradesh government is in touch," the state's MSME, Investment and Export and Textile Minister Sidharth Nath Singh said.

His remarks came in the wake of the decision by Casa Everz GmbH to shift from China to Uttar Pradesh in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I welcome it (the decision) and congratulate my MSME team for helping in bringing Von Wellx German shoe brand... from China to UP. This will give employment to 10,000 people and also fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call of attracting investments moving away from China," Singh told PTI.

He further said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is of the view that such an environment should be created where entrepreneurs can say that Uttar Pradesh is the best state for investment.

Casa Everz GmbH, the owner of Germany-based healthy footwear brand Von Wellx, will be shifting its entire shoe production of over three million pairs annually in China to India with an initial investment of Rs 110 crore.

Hit by the coronavirus crisis, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, companies globally are looking for other geographies to move their operations out from China.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Scott Morrison says he never supported the trade deal between Victoria and China as he urged state leaders to follow his lead on foreign policy.

Premier Daniel Andrews signed up to the controversial Belt and Road Initiative that provides loans and investment in infrastructure projects.

Victoria is the only Australian state to sign the agreement and has been widely criticised for doing so.

'We didn't support that decision at the time they made it,' Mr Morrison said in Murrumbateman on Sunday.

'National interest issues on foreign affairs are determined by the federal government.

Scott Morrison said he never supported the trade deal between Victoria and China that prompted a threat from the US claiming it would disconnect with Australia

'I respect their jurisdiction when it comes to the issues they are responsible for and it's always been the usual practice for states to respect and recognise the role of the federal government in setting foreign policy.

'And I think that's been a good practice.'

Mr Morrison's comments came after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened to cut Australia off from vital intelligence sharing if the deal compromised telecommunications.

'We will not take any risks to our telecommunications infrastructure, any risk to the national security elements of what we need to do with our Five Eyes partners,' he said on Sky News.

'I don't know the nature of those projects precisely. To the extent they have an adverse impact on our ability to protect telecommunications from our private citizens, or security networks for our defence and intelligence communities  we simply disconnect, we will simply separate.

'We are going to preserve trust in networks we hope our friends and allies, especially our Five Eyes partners like Australia, do the same.'

Premier Daniel Andrews signed up to the controversial Belt and Road Initiative that provides loans and investment in infrastructure projects

The Five Eyes is an intelligence sharing alliance between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Britain, and the U.S.

The Belt and Road scheme is a non-legally binding agreement to mutually beneficial trade, investment and infrastructure.

Victoria went ahead with the agreement against the position of the federal government and security agencies.

'Every citizen of Australia that should know that everyone of those Belt and Road projects need to be looked at incredibly closely,' Mr Pompeo said.

'It is the case, some of them may just be straight up commercial transactions, if so, fine, but nearly each one of them has some cost to it.

'There is often money loaned at concessional rates, or conditions placed on the debt documents, or concessions that have to be made to the Chinese communist party in order to get those Belt and Road Initiatives projects built.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened to cut Australia off from vital intelligence sharing if Victoria's deal with China compromised telecommunications

'Those present real risk, real risk to the people in that region, real risk to country and frankly they build up the capacity of the Chinese communist party to do harm elsewhere.'

But US ambassador to Australia, Arthur Culvahouse, hosed down the warning on Sunday and said his country was confident Australia would protect the security of its telecommunication networks.

'We have made no secret of our concerns about 5G, and we commend Australia for its leadership on the issue,' Mr Culvahouse said.

'We are not aware that Victoria has engaged in any concrete projects under BRI, let alone projects impinging on telecommunications networks, which we understand are a federal matter.

'We have every confidence that Australia, as a close ally and Five Eyes partner, would take every measure necessary to ensure the security of its telecommunications networks, as it has repeatedly done in the past.

Premier Daniel Andrews refused to respond to the comments from Mr Pompeo and claimed he had not seen them.

'With the greatest of respect, I'm not in the habit of commenting on what people tell me other people have said.

'I would want to see Secretary Pompeo's comments out of respect for him and his office before I make any comment on that.'

Mr Andrews defended the deal and said it was about the people of Victoria and securing jobs.

'On the broader issue, my position on these matters is very well known, very well understood: it is all about Victorian jobs,' he said.

'We will continue to work at a strong partnership. It doesn't mean we agree on everything, there are many things we don't agree on.

'But what I think all of us here and indeed both parts of our relationship  Victoria, Australia and China  surely we all have to concede and we all have to recognise that a strong partnership is in everybody's interests.'
On behalf of the government, Minister To Lam told the National Assembly on May 23 that Vietnamese citizens residence will soon be managed using electronic data, specifically their identity numbers.

A personal ID number can be used to access and update a citizens information on the national demographic database, which is shared between various government agencies.

Commenting on the proposed changes to the residential legislation, Chairman of the parliaments legal committee Hoang Thanh Tung stated that the committee agreed with the overall content of the governments report on the need to overhaul the law.

However, the committee asked the government to clarify a number of issues to ensure the feasibility of the new regulations, notably the issuance of ID numbers to nearly 80 million people.

Currently only 18 million citizens have been granted ID numbers while the deadline for the issuance process is scheduled for December 2020.

According to the legal committee, scrapping household registration books will have a tremendous impact on a wide range of procedures and policies, as appropriate measures such as these are needed to avoid disruption and to protect citizens legitimate rights and interests.

On May 23, the National Assembly also discussed a draft resolution on special mechanisms for the development of Da Nang and revisions to the law on construction.
Aden: At a cemetery in Yemen's largest southern city, dozens of fresh graves were a testament to a spike in deaths amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The cemetery workers who bury them don't know what killed the newly deceased. But there's no denying that there's been an increasing number of people getting sick in the port city of Aden - likely from the coronavirus.

Many are buried with few precautions and only a small number of attendees. Workers wear masks or cover their faces with a cloth.

Grave diggers bury a body at Radwan Cemetery in Aden, Yemen. Credit:AP

Mohammed Ebeid, a gravedigger in Aden, said there's been five times the normal traffic, with 51 burials in the last week at the cemetery where he works.
LONDON -- Lawmakers from Britains ruling Conservatives Party on Sunday called for the resignation of Dominic Cummings, the senior adviser to Prime Minister Boris Johnson who travelled 400 km (250 miles) to northern England during the coronavirus lockdown.

Cummings, who masterminded the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union, travelled from London to Durham in late March while his wife showed COVID-19 symptoms, when measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus were in place.

Johnson had ordered Britons to mostly stay at home and shut down large parts of the economy to curb the outbreak which has left the United Kingdom with one of the worlds highest official death tolls.

Johnsons office said Cummings made the journey to ensure his 4-year-old son could be properly cared for as his wife was ill with COVID-19 and there was a high likelihood that Cummings would himself become unwell.

A number of cabinet ministers and the attorney general have also said that the journey was justified. Transport minister Grant Shapps reiterated the governments support on Sunday, saying the advisor would not be quitting.

Perfectly legitimate questions to ask about these things...Straightforward answers have been forthcoming, Shapps told Sky News.

However, high profile Brexit campaigner Steve Baker, was the first of a number of Conservative lawmakers who said Johnsons adviser should now quit.

I just see this rattling on now for day after day, wasting the publics time, consuming political capital and diverting from the real issues we need to deal with, he told Sky News. No-one is indispensable.

Baker has long opposed Cummings taking a role in Downing Street.

Opposition politicians have called for Cummings, who wields huge influence on the government, to go, saying his actions were hypocritical at a time when millions of Britons were staying in their homes.

The number of confirmed UK deaths from COVID-19 has reached 36,675, the government said on Saturday.

The Daily Mirror newspaper on Saturday reported that the advisor made a second trip from London during the lockdown and was spotted near Durham on April 19, days after returning to London from his first trip.

Johnsons Downing Street office described the newspaper reports as false allegations.

Other prominent British figures have resigned after breaking lockdown rules.

Epidemiologist Neil Ferguson quit as a member of the governments scientific advisory group after he was visited at home by his girlfriend.

Scotlands chief medical officer, Catherine Calderwood, stepped down after she was caught making two trips to her second home.
Repatriation From Morocco

In the early hours of Saturday morning, an FRS Ferry berthed in Gibraltar after bringing 57 Gibraltar residents (and 11 cars) and 25 UK nationals, across the Strait, following an operation in which they had been collected from seven different cities around Morocco.

All those being repatriated had been stranded in Morocco for the past 2 months. There are now just 6 Gibraltarians in Morocco awaiting repatriation, several of whom wish to stay longer for welfare reasons.

The UK nationals will fly out to London over the next few days. All were tested on arrival and they will remain in quarantine until they leave the Rock.

The operation, which involved the British Embassy Rabat, the Convent and the Moroccan Community Association, was led by the Governments Civil Contingencies team.

FRS Ferries, Berthing and Unberthing and the Gibraltar Pilots all waived their fees in order to assist with the repatriation.
Heres the phrase we keep using: Use your own judgment, Dr. Cruise said. If you want to come back, come back. If you dont want to wear a mask, dont wear a mask. Weve tried to empower people. Youre a grown adult. You know whats best for you.

Even so, there were fears of grave consequences. Houses of worship have the potential to help the virus spread widely through a community, given the close quarters, robust choirs and rituals like communion. Many churches, including mainline Protestant denominations, have congregations that skew older, a demographic especially vulnerable to the virus.

In March, the first confirmed coronavirus case in Washington, D.C., was an Episcopal pastor who had celebrated communion for hundreds of worshipers before his diagnosis was confirmed. In May, health officials reported a high Covid-19 rate at a church in Arkansas where two people had attended services and Bible study sessions in March. Thirty-five of the 92 people who attended the same events caught the virus, and three died; they in turn were linked to at least 26 more cases and one death in the community.

A Catholic church in Houston reopened on May 2 for limited Mass, but closed again after five leaders tested positive for the virus last weekend, following the death of a priest who had received a diagnosis of pneumonia.

The moral, safe choice is to wait, said Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., who presides over the Church of God in Christ, a historically black denomination with about six million members worldwide. The denomination has urged pastors to not begin to reopen until at least July. We dont think now is the time, and neither do the scientists and doctors we consult with, Bishop Blake said.

About half a dozen of the denominations 200 bishops have died of the coronavirus, he said, adding, The black pastors seem to have a heavier responsibility now, since our statistics are so much higher.

Many houses of worship are pushing ahead with reopening. They have been mapping out new seating arrangements or foot traffic flow, and canceling fellowship hours and other events where congregants might have been tempted to mingle in enclosed spaces.
An interesting spectacle unfolded in a court in Kumasi, Ghana, on Friday when a man whose wife plotted with her lover to kill him gave money to his wife for her upkeep in custody, the Daily Guide of Ghana reported on Saturday.

The suspects were being led away on remand when the man, David Gator, 55, handed the money to his wife, Mavis Brepo aka Maa Adwoa, who is currently on trial with her lover, Patrick Asare.

Mr. Gator was seen in court giving money to Mavis, who allegedly plotted with her lover to have him (Gator) killed. He gave the money to her ostensibly for her upkeep while in custody.



The Asokwa District Court in Kumasi had remanded Mavis and Asare in police custody for the second time for attempted murder.

Mr. Gator even assured Mavis of his unflinching support and undying love in spite of her plot to kill him.

He has even said that his wife was under a spell by Asare to commit the crime and was seen comforting Mavis who sobbed as she was being led away.

Mavis and Asare were arrested after they had mistakenly contacted the Manhyia Divisional Police Commander. They were reaching out to the would-be assassin, but they mistakenly telephoned the police officer instead.

The two made their first appearance in court on Friday, May 8 and are expected in court on June 3.

Mr. Gator, a father of three, who lives at Pamen near Kwaben in the Eastern Region, has asked for the charge to be dropped against Mavis because he has long forgiven her and is ready to take her back.

Unknown to the husband, Mavis had secretly been having an amorous affair with Asare for many years.

At a point, the cheating wife and her boyfriend allegedly planned to eliminate Mavis husband so that they could have their peace and enjoy their intimate relationship.

Unfortunately, they mistakenly called a number of a police officer, whom they thought was the person they were planning to use to kill the husband and that led to their arrests.

ACP Kwaku Buah, the Manhyia Divisional Police Commander, upon receiving a phone call from the wicked wife and her boyfriend, who had offered to pay GH100,000 to get Mr. Gator killed, pretended he was the assassin and followed every step of the accused persons.

With the help of undercover police investigators, ACP Buah told the cheating wife and lover that he lived in Sefwi in the Western North Region.

He constantly talked to the suspects on mobile phone, giving them an assurance that he would easily eliminate Mr. Gator for them.

After negotiations on phone, which lasted for about four weeks, had been successfully concluded, the ACP supposed assassin lured Asare to meet him in Kumasi, so that he could lead him to the exact location of Mr. Gator in the Eastern Region to kill him.

Asare, who was bent on making sure that Mr. Gator was killed, proceeded to Kumasi where he was nabbed. Later on, the suspect led the police to arrest Mavis. In their caution statement, the suspects admitted conspiring to kill Mr. Gator.

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Its hard to overstate the health catastrophes that were expected and that, until now, have been avoided. Some experts predicted up to 100,000 deaths in Idlib province, where 3 million Syrians, half of them displaced, are crammed into a territory where hospitals have been systematically destroyed by Russian bombing. But there have been no deaths reported so far. The same is true in Gaza, where nearly 2 million Palestinians are served by 40 intensive care beds; and in the densely packed camps, where some 1 million Rohingya have precariously sheltered since being driven out of neighboring Myanmar.
His Lordship is the archaic, anachronistic and pompous jargon that the British have left with us.





by Helasingha Bandara





The January 8, 2019 edition of The Conversation featured an article entitled Whats behind our appetite for self-destruction?





Edgar Allan Poe, one of Americas greatest  and most self-destructive  writers, had some thoughts on the subject.





His Lordship tradition

Poe argues that knowing something is wrong can be the one unconquerable force that makes us do it.





A half-century after Poes death, Sigmund Freud wrote of a universal and innate death drive in humans, which he called Thanatos and first introduced in his landmark 1919 essay Beyond the Pleasure Principle.





Many believe Thanatos refers to unconscious psychological urges toward self-destruction, manifested in the kinds of inexplicable behaviour shown by Poe.





The purpose of this article is to relate the concept of Thanatos or self-destruction to two most prestigious institutions in Sri Lanka: The Judiciary and the third Gem, the Maha Sanga. Chronicling the self-destructive behaviour of any of those institutions is beyond the scope of this article. This would only highlight a couple of instances to stress the point.





Discipline





In 1997, when Ravaya newspaper challenged a certain magistrate for gross misconduct, a group of Buddhist monks belonging to the Bikkhu Force of the North Western province, burnt an effigy of the then editor of Ravaya, Victor Ivan in protest. Taken the legitimacy of the protest out of context, the burning of an effigy of a human being falls onto a symbolic act of murder. Abstaining from taking life of any sort is the first of the major five precepts on which the entire Buddha Dharma is based. Dharma says people can sin through Sitha (mind), Kaya (body) and Wachanaya (word). The Buddha preached that people can sin not only bodily but in mind and word too. In this particular instance the group of monks meditated murder in mind, manifested the intention to murder in a symbolic bodily act of burning an effigy and expressed the ferocity of opposition in words. Inadvertently they set an unruly example for their followers who they were supposed to educate on the teachings of the Buddha to create a righteous society.





More than twenty years ago communication revolution had not reached Sri Lanka. Thus this unwarranted act of the monks escaped analytical scrutiny. However, unaware of the monks involved and the whole priest population, similar incidents have escalated to the point of no return. The gradual erosion of respect for the monks, among the people, went unnoticed. It was very unusual to hear a Buddhist monk called by any other name than Swamini (your lordship) twenty years ago even by anyone belonging to another faith. It is hard to mention the names by which they are called today in a public forum. Is that Thanatos- the self-destruction? In the past when a monk was in disarray he was not punished but corrected by other means. If it applied to a group of monks it was corrected by a Dhamma Sanjayana. If the venerated, disciplined, educated and wise leaders of the monk population do not grasp this as a destructive trend, there wont be any respect left for the monks after the next twenty years, Thanatos!





Judiciary





This writer noticed that one of Kalyananda Thiranagamas letters addressed the chief justice His Lordship, The Chief Justice. People used to treat the judiciary with such reverence. Sugandika Fernando, the rebel lawyer in an interview said that the lawyers and the judges are now called Kakko (crows). Crows are known to eat any dirt indiscriminately. Even two decades ago the possibility of bribing a judge was unheard of and unthinkable. Today we hear many stories about the actions of the people involved in the judiciary much worse than taking a bribe. Has the Judiciary fallen to that level because of Thanatos?





His Lordship is the archaic, anachronistic and pompous jargon that the British have left with us. Even after seventy-three years of independence we still show servitude by respecting such language while the British judiciary itself has dropped your lordship and replaced it with your honour. The Americans have dropped it altogether and a judge is addressed by both the accused and the plaintiff as just judge!





Since independence, governance of Sri Lanka was held by the legal professionals and they desired to create and establish an elite class for themselves. As a result, the titles Mudliyar instead of an interpreter or a translator and Aarachchi were retained while incorrectly translating your lordship into Swamini. Swamini in Singhala is used to address a priest or the king in the kingdom in the context that the king owned everything including the subjects and so becomes the provider. Swamini for a judge is inappropriate in every sense. Winischaya Kara thumani is respectful enough to address a judge by any standard.





The educated, rational and foresighted leaders of the judiciary should contemplate reforms to safeguard the respect of the judiciary before people starting to call lawyers and judges kakko in public. Stop Thanatos!
The Royal foam factory at Asokore Mampong in the Asawase constituency was on Friday night gutted by fire destroying items worth several thousands of Ghana cedis.



The cause of the fire was not immediately known as at the time of filing this report but eyewitnesses suspected it might have started from a nearby production room at the factory and quickly spread to parts of the factory.



When GNA got to the scene at about 1700 hours, residents around the factory were seen splashing water to support personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service to put the fire off.



It took the firefighters and some residents hours before they managed to douse the blazing flames.



Mr Francis Darko-Kono, the Ashanti regional operating officer of GNFS, told the Ghana News Agency that the absence of fire hydrant within the premises of the factory, made it difficult to put off the fire promptly since they had to travel long distances to fetch water.



He said the production of foam materials was highly inflammable because it had a petrol-chemical base substance that easily caught fire, adding that the company did not put into consideration to install a hydrant.



Mr Darko-Kono, said his outfit was conducting investigations into the cause of fire outbreak.

Source: GNA









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BOSKY KHANNA By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: There are apprehensions among medical professionals and even the government on how to handle a Covid-19 dead body and whether autopsy should be done. But some doctors say autopsy is a must as it will help know how the virus has affected the body and the cause of death. Prof Dr Dinesh Rao, Head of Department, Forensic Medicine, Oxford Medical College in Bengaluru, told The New Sunday Express that he had a technique where after post-mortem, the body can be cremated with all religious last rites without fear of the spread of Covid-19.

Through the Cover-On technique, the risk of spread of infection can be reduced and last rites can be conducted. Here, the deceased is disinfected first with hypochloride solution and then chlorine or bleaching powder is applied to the body. Next, all the oral orifices (like the nose and ears) are stuffed with cotton dipped in hypochloride solution  they should be made airtight. Then wrap the body with foil or cling wrap. The face can be left open for the family to see, the forehead and scalp will be sealed with duct tape, he said.

He added that its a simple technique which every State can adopt, but the government should ensure that the bodies are cremated and not buried. In case of contagious virus infections, it is advisable to cremate because when the body starts to decompose, the fluids released contaminate the underground water leading to more infections.

He said that he has handled many high-risk cases like HIV, TB and H1N1 and this method has been found ideal as it ensures there is no spread of the virus from one person to the other. He also said that he was willing to conduct autopsy of those who died due to Covid-19 and was awaiting permission from the State Government. Dr Rao had approached the government on March 23 and sought permission, but till date there has been no response.

He stressed that autopsy is essential as it helps understand how the virus had affected the person and what impact it had. Autopsy is a norm and a must in case of every death. What are the immediate causes, the antecedent causes and the underlying causes can only be ascertained after an autopsy. It is being done in Italy and the USA. India and Karnataka should take the lead and take the decision, he said.
New Delhi, May 24 : Upset over the arrest of state party president Ajay Kumar Lallu and registration of cases against its leaders, the Congress has warned the UP government that this "high-handedness" will not be "tolerated".

Congress working committee member Jitin Prasada, talking to IANS, alleged that the government is misusing the lockdown as opposition parties can't assemble and agitate at the moment. But as and when the lockdown is lifted, the Congress and its workers will not leave any stone "unturned".

The Congress and the UP government are at loggerheads since the state government refused to allow buses provided by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, on pretext of not providing the 'appropriate list'. The Congress has alleged that the government is insensitive towards the plight of the migrants who are walking towards their home.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Kumar Lallu was brought to Lucknow, late on Wednesday night from Agra, and produced before a magistrate. He was taken for medical examination at the Civil Hospital and then taken to a temporary jail.

He was arrested in a case of fraud and forgery, related to bungling in the list of buses submitted by the Congress to the Uttar Pradesh government for bringing migrant workers.

Lallu was arrested immediately after he was granted bail in another case by the court in Agra on Wednesday. He had been arrested in Agra on Tuesday for protesting against the government's refusal to allow movement of buses in the state.

Meanwhile, talking to reporters in Lucknow during his medical examination, Lallu said, "Such cases and jail sentences are a reward for a political worker. The government can heap cases on me and keep me in jail but they should provide immediate relief to migrant workers."
Jaguar Land Rover unveils new Jaguar F-Type model during its world premiere in Munich

(Reuters) - Jaguar Land Rover is in talks with the British government about a request for temporary state funding of more than 1 billion pounds ($1.22 billion), Sky News said on Saturday, a report the company said was inaccurate.

The loan request had been lodged with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Sky News report said, citing a source close to Jaguar Land Rover, whose parent company is Tata Motors.

"The claim is inaccurate and speculative," Jaguar Land Rover said in an emailed statement to Reuters. The statement said the company was in "regular discussion with government on a whole range of matters and the content of our private discussions remains confidential."

The company recently restarted operations at Solihull plant in UK. "Manufacturing will resume at Halewood factory on 8 June, starting with one shift," it said https://bit.ly/2zs6Wl8 in a statement on Wednesday.

Sky News, citing a spokesman, said about 20,000 of its employees had been furloughed under the government's emergency wage subsidy programme.

On May 1, rating agency Fitch downgraded its credit rating to the company, saying that "risks of the COVID-19 pandemic to both demand in JLR's end-markets and disruption to operations has increased further".

Sky News said the government's position on JLR's latest loan request was unclear this weekend.

Tata Motors did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

($1 = 0.8217 pounds)

(Reporting by Roshan Abraham in Bengaluru; Additional Reporting by Aishwarya Nair. Editing by Jane Merriman and David Evans)
By Ellen Bakalian

I am a college professor sequestered at home with two college-age daughters who usually attend different universities in different states.

Back in mid-March, when the reality of the pandemic first hit, my daughters, l ike college kids the world over, had to very quickly pack up, one from a dorm room, and the other from an apartment, and get off their college campuses. My hallway and my living room were filled with their boxes for weeks. There are two plastic crates still stacked up in my living room; Ive gotten so used to seeing them there that Ive been known to put my coffee cup on the top.

I was actually savoring empty nesting, but I am glad my daughters are home and grateful that we have our good health. There is not much we can do about the present situation but continue to social distance and Zoom  something I now recognize as an intricate dance rather than a communications tool.

When my daughters first got home, they had about a week of doing absolutely nothing, but that was the week my own university told us to shift to online teaching. I was busy. I remember reading in wonder about all the extra time people seemed to have to sort through photos on their phones or to clean out their closets. Any teacher I know, whether shes a college professor or a second-grade teacher, simply did not have that time. Its been a true push to get up to speed, even for those of us who were computer proficient. My Mythology syllabus had to be revamped, something that sounds straightforward, but rewriting lectures involves work if one is going to do it right, and most professors I know are perfectionists.

House projects I briefly fantasized about -- Ill paint my bathroom! Ill work on the family history project! -- are destined to remain on that ever-present, ever-growing to-do list. I can laugh about all this only because no one in my immediate family is ill. I think about the coronavirus threat each morning when I am still in bed, mulling over which professorial task I need to accomplish that day.

I learned how to Zoom teach  creating waiting rooms and private conference rooms, setting passwords, muting microphones, sharing multiple screens, showing videos, the works -- before my 21-year-old, whose online learning began later than mine, had to download it onto her laptop. Imagine that.

Teaching on camera is something I dont think any teacher wants to do. A good friend teaches seventh- grade U.S. history and she records and posts some lesson plans. She tells me she is so afraid of parental criticism that she ends up taping herself doing one lesson over and over and over before she publishes it. Pretend the camera is your classroom, I tell her, and push on.

Even with password-protected waiting rooms, there is a big difference between my live lecture hall with its closed door and known participants, and my live Zoom. I sure hope no one but my students, who were just beginning to get to know me when real-time teaching was canceled, hear my missteps, or my inventive connections from an ancient myth to a show on Netflix or to a video on TikTok.

Ive discovered that our 1920s speakeasy bar in the basement is the perfect place for me to Zoom teach because I teach on my feet: I can make expansive gestures with my arms  gestures my students know represent particular Greek gods. I do not stand still in my classroom so I am certainly not going to sit down on a couch while quarantine teaching.

Although I am in my basement, to my students it appears as if I am standing in a balcony above the Great Hall at the Metropolitan Museum of Art , an apt background for my class. During my lectures we look at sculptures, pottery, and paintings from the Mets collection that illustrate the myths we study. In pre-lockdown days, my students would visit the museum, and if possible, Id meet and take them on a tour.

Zoom teaching is not ideal, but at least I get to see my students. I miss catching a students eye, and directing a comment just to them, and watching it click. It is almost impossible to see all my students faces while lecturing and navigating PowerPoint slides via Zoom, but I like to believe they are with me, and are learning. And after the lecture is over, I often get to chit chat with the students who hang around the Zoom room. Ive met students parents, siblings, several dogs, two cats, and a rescue parrot named Cuba.

Teaching my 2:30 Zoom class is tricky because both my daughters are busy Zooming at this time, too. Weve had a few occasions when the person who is out of class first forgets that others are still online, and exhales a loud OMG, or tells Alexa to blast Justin Bieber. Last week, the front doorbell rang during one of my lectures. I assumed it was UPS delivering an Amazon package  and it was -- but there was a lot of excitement and yelling, and some running loudly down the stairs. I had the most difficult time concentrating on my lecture while simultaneously wondering if the shouting and the stomping footsteps were picked up by my microphone, why my daughters deemed this package so important that they cavalierly walked away from their Zoom classrooms to examine it, and what the package was that caused so much excitement. (I later found out it was my long-awaited surprise birthday present.)

Although Zoom teaching is now ubiquitous, the switch from real-time to online teaching has taken its toll: yesterday I only had 14 out of 35 students online during my morning class; 18 showed up for the afternoon session. These are the same kids who have been showing up since March 24th. I worry about the other ones, the students who are sending in their assignments, but who do not Zoom. They might just be skipping class, true, but its more likely they do not have unlimited WIFI or do not own a computer that can Zoom -- or they are coping with a loved one who is sick.

Ive thought about recording and posting my lectures, thinking that perhaps more students will see them, but the students who show up tell me they prefer Zoom classes; one student went so far as to tell me that its the highlight of her week, and I understand that because it might just be mine, too.

We are all craving our old schedules. My students are mourning what they had: the hustle and bustle of a college campus, the cafeteria with its plentiful and prepared food for the taking, the live lectures, the privilege of walking across the quad with friends. Many miss their dorms, and the sweet independence campus living affords. My students are sad, my daughters are melancholy, and I am wistful -- even though we all are fully aware that right now is the time to be mindful of each new day.

As this Zoom dance in my home moves into finals week for all three of us, I am surprised to realize how quickly this semester has gone by. When my daughters and I finally close our laptops and meet around the kitchen island for dinner, I am reminded that while they would rather be hundreds of miles away on their campuses, it certainly is wonderful to fully share this Zoom dance with them. I know enough about them, however, not to breathe a word about my joy. Thats part of the Zoom dance, too: knowing when to just smile, and mute ones microphone.

Ellen Bakalian, Ph.D., is an adjunct professor in the Classics and General Humanities Department at Montclair State University.

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KINDE  Charlotte Ignash, owner of the Kinde One Stop, has taken the pandemic in stride and works hard to provide high quality service while keeping her employees safe.

Since its opening in 2013, the Kinde location, an addition to her Caseville Clark gas station, has truly turned into an essential business in the community.

People in Huron County know and trust each other, especially now you see people who are willing to help someone without hesitation, Charlotte said. People come in and buy things for their neighbors or friends in need.

Due to the pandemic, Charlotte has had to cut hours and close My Sons Sub Shack, which was previously Chesters Chicken, located in the Kinde gas station. Along with so many other community businesses, Charlotte is implementing changes that could possibly stay in place even after the precautions are lifted.

With schools being closed and many people unable to go to work, the stay-at-home order has decreased store traffic, Charlotte said. For safety, aside from adding plexiglass partitions, every employee is provided a mask to wear at their discretion.

Upon arrival to work, each employee needs to answer a questionnaire and take their temperature, she added. If there are any changes in their health, they need to report it to myself.

Along with limiting the number of people in the store, disinfecting surfaces, and marking the floor to demonstrate social distancing, both Clark locations have had to deal with staffing changes due to the coronavirus precautions. Charlotte commended her employees for stepping up and rallying together amid the chaos.

Hopefully as the stay-at-home order is lifted and the economy opens back up people will be cautiously traveling, Charlotte said. Changes are likely to include wearing face masks, social distancing, canceled festivals, and limited group activities.

Summertime is very important to seasonal businesses of Huron County, she added. With common sense, Im hopeful that businesses will be able to salvage what they can from the coming months.
HONG KONG - The last British governor of Hong Kong said China has betrayed the semi-autonomous territory by tightening control over the city it had promised could keep freedoms not found on the mainland.

What we are seeing is a new Chinese dictatorship, Chris Patten told an interview with The Times of London. I think the Hong Kong people have been betrayed by China, which has proved once again that you cant trust it further than you can throw it.

He said the British government should make it clear that what we are seeing is a complete destruction of the Joint Declaration, a legal document under which the former British colony was returned to China in 1997 under a one country, two systems framework.

It gives Hong Kong its own legal system and Western-style freedoms until 2047. But many fear those are being chipped away after authorities clamped down on massive pro-democracy protests that rocked the city last year.

Last week, Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers sharply criticized Chinas move to enact national security legislation in the territory, which was submitted on the opening day of Chinas national legislative session. It would forbid secessionist and subversive activity, as well as foreign interference and terrorism.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the move a death knell for the high degree of autonomy that Beijing had promised Hong Kong.

Patten told Times he believed that one country, two systems, the treaty logged at the United Nations, would be enough to protect Hong Kongs capitalist economy and its way of life.

China cheats, it tries to screw things in its own favour, and if you ever point this out their wolf warrior diplomats try to bully and hector you into submission, he said. Its got to stop otherwise the world is going to be a much less safe place and liberal democracy around the world is going to be destabilized.

He called on Britain to do more to stand up to China and protect Hong Kong under its legal obligations.

Britain has a moral, economic and legal duty to stand up for Hong Kong, he said. The real danger is that we are entirely limp on this. We have obligations because we signed the agreement  If we dont have any responsibilities for the people of Hong Kong and their way of life, who do we have responsibility for?

China has criticized Pattens comments before. Chinas foreign ministry said last week Hong Kong is Chinas internal affair and no foreign country has the right to intervene.
Guardian, the dog, stood next to its sister, who got hit by a car. It won't let anyone come near them at first. (Photo : Kingsville Kleberg Health Department Animal Control & Care Center)

Authorities recently found a Catahoula mix on the side of a road in Texas, where the dog was seen guarding another dog's body. The Kingsville-Kleberg Health Department Animal Control & Care Center reported that the dog, who they named 'Guardian,' was standing beside the dead body as though it was protecting it.



Guardian is an Over Protective Dog

When Animal Control Officers tried to approach the two, they were stopped as Guardian wasn't letting anyone near at first. Being faced with different situations every day, this one was particularly heartbreaking for the team.

"This was the scene our Animal Control Officers drove up to. This boy wasn't going to let anyone mess with his sister. Our ACOs had a hard time convincing him everything was going to be alright, and they were there to help him," the agency said. "This call was one of the most heart wrenching for our staff, but we thought we'd share some behind-the-scene images of situations they are faced with on a regular basis."

CHECK THIS OUT: 6-Year-Old Goes Magnet Fishing, Reopens Robbery Case Instead

After a while of convincing, Guardian allowed humans to take care of its sister pup. Now, Guardian, who's just about 6 to 12 months old, is under the care of the authorities and will be up for adoption if not claimed after a week.

Kingsville posted on Facebook some photos of a seemingly more relaxed Guardian.

This is Guardian! He's still a little confused about what happened, but at least he is now in a safe place with fresh... Posted by Kingsville Kleberg Health Department Animal Control & Care Center on Friday, May 22, 2020



Not long after, some honchos in Kingsville already expressed their plans to adopt Guardian--that is, after the one week grace period.

WATCH THIS VIDEO: Snow Turns Green in Antarctica and Climate Change is the Culprit
By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 23, 2020 | 09:26 PM | GRAVES COUNTY

Graves County authorities are warning residents of another scam.

The Graves County Sheriff's Office has received reports of someone calling residents and saying they are with the Social Security Administration. The caller is asking for residents' personal information and location.

Sheriff's deputies say they called the number and received a recording that said the number is no longer in service or has been disconnected.

Deputies say residents should never give personal information over the phone. They say if you have given your personal information over the phone, you need to contact your banking institution and the credit bureau to put an alert on your information.

Residents can also contact the Kentucky Attorney General's Office.
All the 17 persons who came in



contact with the state's lone COVID-19 patient has tested negative for coronavirus infection, health officials said on Sunday.

Sikkim reported its first coronavirus case on Saturday as a 25-year-old student who recently returned from Delhi tested positive.

The samples of the 17 persons, including the driver of the state transport bus in which the student returned from Siliguri, tested by TruNat machines have come out as negative, officials said.

However, they have been kept in institutional quarantine and their health parameters are being monitored, officials said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BILLINGS, Mont. - Yellowstone National Park has opened its North Entrance at Gardiner, but only for motorists travelling to Silver Gate or Cooke City, which are at the parks Northeast Entrance.

Park Superintendent Cam Sholly said Saturday that Cooke City has been isolated because of the parks closure in late March due to the coronavirus and the fact that the scenic Beartooth Highway hasnt been plowed on the Wyoming side. The National Park Service is responsible for the Beartooth Highway in Wyoming and in Yellowstone.

Sholly said the opening for through traffic that began Thursday offers a chance to help Cooke City get back on its feet as the expected June 1 opening of Montanas three entrances to Yellowstone nears. The third entrance is at West Yellowstone.

Until then, people travelling from Gardiner to Cooke City are not allowed to stop or recreate in the park and must follow posted speed limits, or they could be cited, The Billings Gazette reported.

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has said he hopes to move the state to the second phase of reopening on June 1, which would also include lifting a 14-day quarantine for visitors and expanding allowed capacity at bars and restaurants.

The two entrances to Yellowstone from Wyoming opened on May 18 for day use.
Coffee and cola are undoubtedly two of the most popular choices of drink if you're hankering after a caffeine hit.

While many will be a fan of both, few will have thought to mix the pair - until now.

Drinks giant Jimmy's Iced Coffee have launched a new carbonated soft drink, Jimmy's Coffee Cola, which sells for 8 for four bottles and promises a flavour of both espresso and coke.

The dairy-free drink combines the Dorset company's cola recipe with a shot of iced black coffee and was set to launch in bars and pubs before the they shut because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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A marriage of cola and coffee: Jimmy's Iced Coffee have launched a-new carbonated soft drink, Jimmy's Coffee Cola, which sells for 8 for four bottles

How do you take your coffee? In a bottle of cola! The product sells at 2 a bottle making it cheaper than a high-street coffee

Co-founder, Jim Cregan told FEMAIL: 'Coffee Cola is gonna be a cracking addition to the family.

'We've strayed from any form of milk here and it's about as refreshing as a drink can get. We can sometimes hit a wall in the afternoon and our coffee cola will help you smash through it.

'It's sparkling, it's cola, it's got a shot of espresso in it and it tastes absolutely mega'.

While the Christchurch-based company's main range is available in Tesco, Waitrose, BP and other stores, the Coffee Cola is solely available through Jimmy's website, where it's currently their top-selling product.

Jimmy added the unusual concoction is designed to be an breakthrough into the alcohol-free market, responding to rising demand for more exciting soft drinks as Brits drink less.

Since sharing the news of the launch on Instagram, caffeine feeds have been quick to share their excitement.

'Oh damn this looks interesting!' one barista wrote.

'Just ordered 2 cases. Cant wait to try it' added another.

Jimmy added the unusual concoction is designed to be an breakthrough into the alcohol-free market, responding to rising demand for more exciting soft drinks as Brits drink less.

Since sharing the news of the launch on Instagram, caffeine feeds have been quick to share their excitement.

'I drank a whole case of these and these just get better and better!' added another.

The drink uses single-origin Arabica, Rainforest Alliance certified coffee and has less than 5g of sugar per 100ml.

Suzie Owen, co-founder of the brand, added: 'The new addition is critical for moving the brand forward into the carbonated soft drinks market and is a perfect non-alcoholic soft drink.

'A super refreshing pick-me-up made with craft cola and cold brew coffee, paired with our awesome branded glassware it's pretty special indeed'

The drink is 19 calories per 100ml, which is less than most sugary fizzy drinks

Jimmy's started ten years ago after it's founder, Jimmy Creagan, became hooked on iced coffee during a trip to Australia.

When he returned to the UK, he struggled to find any on supermarket shelves and founded his own brand with his sister.

Today, the siblings have built up a nationally-recognised and celebrity-endorsed brand with sales set to exceed 5million units this year.
The Sunday Times has reported on draft level 3 regulations for South Africas COVID-19 lockdown, which will see the ban on cigarettes continue.

The newspaper reported that cooperative governance minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma wants to extend the ban on cigarettes sales, adding that a government insider said the plan was getting traction within the lockdowns National Command Council (NCC).

The news comes after Free Market Foundation (FMF) CEO Leon Louw said he believes the cigarette ban in South Africa may last until 2021.

Smokers should be prepared to pay R20 for a single cigarette or R200 a box for many months to come, said Louw.

The pandemic will be with us in some form until next year, so dont expect tobacco sales to be unbanned before 2021.

Louw told MyBroadband that Dlamini-Zuma has said the sale of tobacco and alcohol should remain banned until South Africa reaches level 1 of lockdown.

According to Louw, the rushed and ill-conceived ban on cigarette sales has caused a variety of unintended consequences.

As at the end of April, Treasury has lost in excess R300 million in excise duty from tobacco products, and the illicit trade has been handed the market on a plate and is charging extortionate prices, said Louw.

Ban a mistake

A recent report on the behaviour of smokers in South Africa shows that the cigarette ban is not having its desired effect.

The ban has been reported as a spectacular failure, with more than 90% of 12,000 smokers who responded to an online questionnaire stating they had purchased cigarettes during the lockdown.

A study conducted by the University of Cape Town found that the ban has resulted in an average daily increase in the price of cigarettes of 4.4%, as well as the creation of a large black market.

Additionally, many South Africans continue to buy and sell cigarettes over platforms such as WhatsApp.

Legal experts have warned people that, independent of their feeling towards the ban, it is currently law and people who break this law face penalties.

Alcohol to be sold

According to the latest report, the proposed extension of the ban on cigarettes has caused a split in the countrys NCC  and it has been debated at length.

Other matters which were discussed by the NCC included lifting the ban on alcohol sales and reopening more of the countrys economy.

Hotels, restaurants, bars, gyms, and other recreational facilities are set to remain closed, however.

The view of the NCC was to reopen liquor outlets under strict conditions in level 3, but theres been opposition to that from political parties, said the insider.

The continued ban on cigarettes is a departure from both the Draft Framework for Sectors, published on 25 April, and a previous statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa said in an address to the nation on 23 April that when the country moves to level 4 on 1 May, the sale of cigarettes will be permitted.

This did not happen, however, and Dlamini-Zuma and Ramaphosa later said the about turn on cigarette sales was a collective decision.

Moving to level 3 soon

Ramaphosa announced on 13 May that South Africas COVID-19 alert level will be lowered from level 4 to level 3 in most parts of the country by the end of May.

In his speech, Ramaphosa also said in the coming days changes to level 4 regulations will be announced.

Ramaphosa is set to address the nation at 19:00 today, 24 May, on the latest developments in South Africas risk-adjusted strategy to manage the spread of COVID-19.

This address follows recent meetings of Cabinet, the National Coronavirus Command Council, and the Presidents Coordinating Council, which considered the prospects for the countrys progression from level 4 to level 3 of the national lockdown.

Now read: Good news for software developers in South Africa
Protest took place as the US mulls a ban on travellers from Brazil after a surge in coronavirus cases.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Sunday hailed supporters rallying in the countrys capital to back his administration as an unfolding political scandal adds to the public health crisis driven by the coronavirus outbreak.

Surrounded by security guards wearing masks, but not wearing one himself, Bolsonaro was shown in a live streaming video on his Facebook page greeting protesters waving Brazilian flags and calling him a Legend, days after Brazil topped Russia to become the worlds second-worst virus hot spot after the United States.

The rally, one of several such demonstrations Bolsonaro has encouraged in recent weeks, came as the administration of US President Donald Trump, a close ally of the far-right Bolsonaro, mulls a ban on travel from Brazil because of the worsening outbreak there.

Health ministry figures released on Saturday showed 16,508 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours, bringing the total above 347,000, while the death toll increased by 965 to 22,013.

The demonstrations follow a decision by Brazils Federal Supreme Court late last week to release a video recording of an April 22 ministerial meeting, in which Bolsonaro said he wanted to change security officials, their bosses, or even ministers to stop his family and friends from getting screwed.





The political scandal revolves around an accusation by former justice minister Sergio Moro, a popular anti-graft crusader, that Bolsonaro aimed to interfere in police investigations.

Bolsonaro was seen posing for photographs, shaking peoples hands, and even carrying a young boy on his shoulders, part of a pattern of flouting and discouraging social isolation measures advised by health professionals to curb the pandemic.

More pro-Bolsonaro rallies were expected to take place in Sao Paulo, Brazils most populous city and the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Potential US ban

US National Security Adviser Robert OBrien told CBS Face the Nation on Sunday there will likely be a decision to suspend entry for travellers arriving from Brazil.

We hope thatll be temporary, but because of the situation in Brazil, were going to take every step necessary to protect the American people, OBrien said.

Were concerned about the people of the Southern Hemisphere, and certainly the people of Brazil. Theyre having a rough go of it.

Trump said on Tuesday that he was considering imposing a ban on travel from Brazil.

I dont want people coming over here and infecting our people. I dont want people over there sick either. Were helping Brazil with ventilators  Brazil is having some trouble, no question about it, Trump told reporters at the White House.

OBrien said the US would look at restrictions for other countries in the Southern Hemisphere on a country-by-country basis.




Beneficiaries of the social intervention scheme of the federal government, N-Power have reasons to be happy as the payment of their outstanding stipend has commenced.

It will be recalled the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Farouq, under whose ministry the scheme is domiciled announced last week that the processing of their payment was already at the final stage and beneficiaries will get their money this week.

N-Power beneficiaries had been lamenting the delay in the payment of their April stipends and have been calling on the authorities to effect the payment.

However, the Minister in a statement on Saturday disclosed that payment has now been made to beneficiaries of the scheme.

I can now announce that all N-Power beneficiaries from Batch A and B have been paid their April stipends, the statement reads.

However, a quick check on the official Twitter account of the N-Power scheme reveals some beneficiaries are yet to receive payment alerts and have taken to the social media platform to lament while others have received theirs with screenshots of their bank alerts as evidence.

Administrators of the N-Power scheme have however appealed to those yet to receive payment alert to exercise patience as all beneficiaries have been paid and would soon get alerts.

All other bank holders will also get sir. https://t.co/FdvCHBw8th  N-Power (@npower_ng) May 23, 2020

The N-Power scheme is a social intervention scheme introduced in 2016 by President Muhammadu Buhari, as a two-year programme for graduate and non-graduate Nigerians between the ages of 18-35.

The beneficiaries enjoy N30, 000 monthly stipend, and devices during the duration of their stay in the scheme in exchange for services offered including teaching, agric extension services, health, etc.

N-Power has enrolled 500,000 beneficiaries.

200,000 from Batch A, which started in September 2016, and 300,000 from Batch B that kicked off in August 2018.

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The Delhi government has directed private hospitals and nursing homes with 50 beds or more to reserve 20 per cent of their total capacity for novel coronavirus patients, Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Sunday.

"The Delhi govt felt an imperative need to increase the no. of beds, dedicated to COVID19 patients," Jain tweeted.

"Hence, all 117 pvt hospitals/nursing homes with a capacity of 50 beds or more have been directed to reserve 20% of their total bed strength for COVID19 patients," the minister said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Second Missouri Hairstylist Tests Positive for Virus, 147 People Exposed: Officials

Two hairstylists at the same salon in Springfield, Missouri, potentially directly exposed around 147 people to the CCP virus after working with clients while displaying symptoms of COVID-19, officials said.

The Springfield-Greene Health Department announced Saturday that a second worker at Great Clips tested positive for the virus.

That stylist, who was not named, potentially exposed 56 people to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus while working between May 16 to May 20, said the local health agency. She was experiencing very mild symptoms but potentially infectious, officials said.

At this time, this is the only other positive result we have had from those tested as a result of the previous exposure, the Springfield-Greene Health Department added in the news release.

A day earlier, authorities said that another stylist at the same Great Clips, located at 1864 Glenstone Ave., tested positive for COVID-19, the disease the CCP virus causes. That person was symptomatic and worked between May 12 and May 20, possibly exposing 91 people to the virus, the health department said.

The stylists and their clients all wore protective masks, authorities said. The agency now hopes that because face coverings were worn throughout this exposure timeline, no additional cases will result.

We are hopeful that their strictly enforced policy of masking will prevent any future spread from this case. They also kept detailed records that have made contact tracing a speedy process, Springfield-Greene County Health Department Director Clay Goddard stated on May 22.

Investigators are now going to trace the workers contacts and find customers who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Customers who went into the salon are being advised to watch for potential symptoms but health authorities added theres no need to self-quarantine.

A police officer mans the entrance to a COVID-19 testing center in Hansen Dam Park in Pacoima, Calif., on March 25, 2020. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

Goddard said the first stylist went to a high-intensity area of Missouri before working at Great Clips.

If you have a summer cold or you have allergies, dont make assumptions, Goddard said, according to the Springfield News-Leader. We have testing in this community. Get tested.

Im going to be honest with you. We cant have many more of these, he said. We cant make this a regular habit or our capability as a community will be strained and we will have to re-evaluate what things look like going forward.

Missouri hair salons and other businesses that were shuttered during a state-mandated stay-at-home order were cleared to reopen on May 4.

Missouri, as of Sunday, recorded around 11,000 CCP virus cases and 671 deaths, according to figures posted by Johns Hopkins University researchers.
<! Obasa and Sahara Reporters >

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has denounced report by Sahara Reporters that he has 64 bank accounts linked to his Bank Verification Number, BVN.

Sahara Reporters, in its reports on Saturday claimed that 64 bank accounts have been discovered to be linked to the Bank Verification Number of Obasa and registered with various names, allegedly being used to siphon public funds in Lagos.

But the speaker told PM News on Saturday night that the story was all fabricated and that he did not have such accounts linked to BVN, as claimed by Sahara Reporters.

Obasa said he did not want to react to every story written by the online news platform as he had done previously.

We have debunked several of its publication and we dont want to reply him again, he said.

The speaker said most of the numbers and names being published by Sahara Reporters were duplicated and that the owner of the online platform was being sponsored to do some hatchet jobs for his pay master.

On whether he would institute a legal action against the online platform, he said grounds were being prepared for that, but said he would not be reacting to Sahara Reporters stories again.

Earlier, Sahara Reporters alleged that the BVN: 2296663231, reveals that Obasa operated accounts with multiple names in Polaris Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Ecobank Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa, First City Monument Bank and Wema Bank.

The online platform further alleged that to conceal his identity, the Speaker changed his name and date of birth in some of the accounts and that aside from using Ajayi Mudashiru Obasa, he also used Obasa Abdulrahman Gbadunola and Gabriel Adedoyin Savage to register some of the bank accounts.
In a meeting chaired by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the country discussed new policies for ramping-up its war-deterrence. According to state media reports, during the military meeting, the North Korean ministers also discussed putting the strategic armed forces on a high-alert operation.

This comes after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reaffirmed Washingtons goal to denuclearise North Korea. Soon after Kim Jong Un made his public appearance after being away for nearly 20 days, Pompeo said that the US wants to create a bright future for North Korean people, international media reported.

Amid already tense relations between North Korea and the US, Pompeo said that the United States' goals for Pyongyang still remained the same. According to US Secretary of State, urging North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons has been a focus of US President Donald Trump since he began his tenure.

Read - Kim Jong Un Initially Wanted Michael Jordan To Visit North Korea, Claims Dennis Rodman

Read - North Korea's Fertilizer Factory Event Was Put Together In Two Days: Report

North Korea slammed Pompeo

Days before the world was rocked by the coronavirus pandemic, Pyongyang had warned Washington that it would end all negotiations and even slammed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Pompeo had reportedly told other nations to remain committed to applying diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea over its policy of nuclear weapons.

An unnamed official called Pompeos remarks ludicrous in a statement released by North Korean Central News Agency. According to reports, the official also accused US President Donald Trump of trying to forge good relationship by sending a letter to North Korea leader Kim Jong Un and offering assistance over the COVID-19 crisis back in March.

"Listening to Pompeo's ludicrous language made us give up on any hopes for dialogue," the official said in the statement, adding, "We will walk our way." The American diplomat had "unleashed insult at a country with which his president was willing to forge a good relationship", the official continued, referring to Donald Trump's letter.

Read - China Offers Support To North Korea In COVID-19 Fight After Kim Jong-Uns Message

Read - North Korea Intensifies COVID-19 Response, Pushes For Vaccine Development: Report

Image Source: AP
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 04:47:30|Editor: huaxia

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ROME, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Italy's blockbuster exhibition marking the 500th anniversary of the death of Renaissance icon Raphael -- shuttered only days after opening due to the national coronavirus lockdown -- is now set to reopen on the date when it was originally scheduled to close.

Planned for years, Rome's celebration of the short, brilliant career of Raphael had originally been scheduled to run from March 5 to June 2. Instead, it closed as part of Italy's national lockdown, which entered into force on March 10.

The fate of the exhibition had been cast in doubt ever since. By far the largest and most comprehensive collection of Raphael's work ever gathered, the exhibition featured works on loan from 55 different institutions around the world, according to Matteo Lafranconi, co-curator of the event. Having the loans extended at first seemed impossible.

"In the end, it was a great show of solidarity," Lafranconi told Xinhua. "Many of the museums that loaned pieces were in other countries hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak, including France, Spain, the United States, and Britain. There was a great deal of empathy for what we have been going through and in the end, all the loans were extended."

Now the exhibition -- which will examine the artist's life in reverse, from his death in 1520 to his birth in 1483 -- will reopen on June 2 and run through Aug. 30.

"We have a second chance to conduct this important exhibition," Lafranconi said.

Still, the new exhibition won't exactly reproduce the original plan. Continued precautions related to the coronavirus outbreak mean visitors will have to use social distancing precautions. That means six people will be let in every five minutes, and visitors will be limited to the amount of time they will be able to gaze upon Raphael's masterpieces.

Even though he died at age 37, Raphael is considered one of the top three artists from the Italian Renaissance, along with Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Organizers said they would extend the hours of the exhibition to allow more people to enter, but there is no doubt that fewer people will see the exhibition under the new rules.

Lafranconi said the second run for the exhibition represents "a great victory" that will be appreciated by those who attend.

"In addition to its cultural value, there's a new symbolic value to this exhibition," Lafranconi said. "It shows that even amid a tragedy like this pandemic, we can be resilient."
What we are seeing is that the general public now favour increased regulation of essential sectors of the economy such as healthcare, food supply and energy sectors.





by Victor Cherubim





One of Britains most prominent scientists, Nobel Prize winner Sir Paul Nurse, no pun on him nursing the pandemic, has launched a scathing attack on the handling of the Coronavirus crisis asking, who is actually making all the key decisions. He said, the country had been rather too much on the back foot, increasingly playing catch up, firefighting us through successive crises.





He has cast doubts on whether there was a proper strategy to combat not only the killer virus, also about how to come out of it.





Life after Pandemic

Who really is in charge of decisions, he asked? is it ministers? Is it public Health England, The National Health Service? The Office of Life Scientists, Sage? I dont know, but more importantly, do they know?.





He added: I think you are quite right to say that everybodys involved  not just the politicians, the scientists and the doctors  we are all making mistakes.





Every government, every national Task Force around the world we note, is having a Fall Guy to blame it on, for not developing the strategy and the operation and the implementation of that strategy, as echoed in the wise words of the scientist.





We can have as many Task Forces to get the best advice, but in my opinion, it is the Prime Minister or the President of the country, or both who are ultimately responsible.





How about business?





Of course, business cannot make decisions on health of a nation, but they can prepare the nation, the government, and its people to navigate the human and particularly the business impact of the pandemic. Businesses are thus rapidly adjusting to the changing needs of the customers and suppliers while navigating the financial and operational challenges.





Out of necessity, business will have to be agile to stabilise revenues and take care of their customers, particularly to reshape their business purpose. Deferred decisions, delayed actions have immediate and long-term business continuity impact.





Some ways business is coping with the shutdown





There is not one way that business around the world is coping with the consequences of Covid-19.A variety of organisations are working with key workers and have adapted to respond to the urgent needs of people of not only different parts of the globe, but also different parts, say of United Kingdom, as well as different sectors of business.





With billions of Sterling Pounds of retail stock currently in in ships in the high seas on its way to the UK, analysts predict there is going to be a sales bonanza sooner or later. Shoppers are in for a treat as there is going to be a tidal wave of bargains as retailers try to flog stock since shutdown 23 March 2020. We are likely to see the best deals in spring and summer clothes throughout July, August, and September 2020.Some shops have already started their sales on the internet and H & M, a UK clothes retailer is offering as much as 70% discount.

In the hospitality sector, travel firms are planning after June 8th to exploit a loophole in the 14 day quarantine period by flying holiday makers into U.K via Ireland (which is exempt from new isolation rules). Dublin has become the air bridge named as the Dublin dodge.





Is Profit the purpose of business today?





You and I may think, that business is all about profit, that business people are unethical and business is all guile and greed.





Milton Friedman of the Chicago School of Economics in 1970 defined business as maximising profit for shareholders.





According to Peter Drucker: there is only one valid purpose for a business, that is to create a customer. The customer is the foundation of a business and keeps it in existence.





We now need to recast the very way we think about business after Coronavirus.





Of course, profit is the reward for risk taken in business. Every business operates in order to earn a profit. But the purpose of business today has changed along with the other new normal.





A sense of perspective, some of it unconventional,l is setting over global commerce. At the 50 World Economic Forum at Davos in February 2020, a month before the spread of Covid-19, the high minded discussion centred on Climate Change, Global Trade and Artificial Intelligence (A.I) rather than business Purpose just for profit.





People and businesses too are thinking of a social conscience in business. How you behave, rather how business behave, not solely to provide dividends for shareholders, has been spotlighted. How you behave towards your employees, customers, suppliers will have a long lasting effect on reputation and the licence to operate.





The bail out of business by Governments





The public agree with additional economic support in these difficult times for business, there is perhaps, a cost for all business support. The public seems to want strings attached for its support.





What we are seeing is that the general public now favour increased regulation of essential sectors of the economy such as healthcare, food supply and energy sectors.





Unless business can assert their purpose to provide solutions for peoples lives, there may be a risk of a powerful shift in peoples attitudes towards the role of the State and literally against the solely profit motive of business.





Business must respond in a way that meets the moment and the expectations of the people.





Cash was king and Profit was queen. Today, Purpose is both King and Queen.
Help India!

By Ram Puniyani

Lately, when India is undergoing the massive crisis of the Coronavirus epidemic and the offshoots of its mishandling, we have also seen the pandemic being used to demonise a particular community in India. These hate mongers, operating through the powerful medium of TV social media and frequently resorting to fake news has intensified the hate campaign against the religious minority. In this hate filled environment, it seemed that all is lost as far as amity between people of different religions is concerned. Despite this broad generalisation one feels happy when one comes to know of a few incidents where religious communities came forward to help each other.

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The most touching incident of amity came forward in the story of two workers Amrit and Farooq. The duo was travelling in a truck from Surat to UP. On the way, Amrit fell sick and most other travelers asked him to leave the truck in the middle of the night. As he was offloaded, he was not alone. His friend Farooq also came down with him. Farooq put the sick Amrit in his lap and cried for help which caught the attention of others and an ambulance finally arrived to take Amrit to the hospital.

On another occasion, one worker, who had a differently abled child, took the bicycle of another person, leaving a touching letter of apology, saying that he was helpless as he had to travel with his children and he had no other means. Many people reported it as a theft of the bicycle but the owner of the bicycle, Prabhu Dayal took it in his stride. The one who took away the bicycle was Mohammad Iqbal Khan. In Sewri Mumbai, Pandurang Ubale, a senior citizen died due to old age and other related problems. Due to lockdown, his immediate relatives could not organize the funeral. His Muslim neighbours came forward and performed his last rites as per the Hindu customs. Similar cases are reported from Bangalore and Rajasthan. In Tihar jail, the Hindu inmates joined the Muslims in keeping the Roza (fasting). In Pune, (Azam Campus) a Mosque and a Church in Manipur has been offered as a place for quarantine. In another heartwarming incident, a Muslim girl took shelter in a Hindu home and the host would get early in the morning to prepare and give her food for Sehri, a pre-morning meal taken before the fast begins.

One can go on and on.

Surely what is reported is just a tip of the iceberg as many such incidents of harmony usually go unnoticed and unreported. Following the reporting in a section of Indian media who jumped to communalise the spread of Coronavirus and coined words like Corona bomb, Corona jihad, one thought that the efforts to break the mutual trust between Hindus and Muslims may succeed after all. The deeper inherent humanism of communities has ensured that despite the manufactured hate and propagated by communal forces for their political agenda, the centuries-old amity and the fraternity promoted by the freedom movement will sustain itself  although it is clear that the amity has deep wounds caused by religious nationalists.

Indias culture has been inherently syncretic, synthesising the diversity in various forms. The medieval period  which is most demonized, and as many of the sectarian ideologies are presenting it as a period of suffering of Hindus, the fact is that it is during this period that Bhakti tradition flourished and literature in Indian languages progressed during this period. Even Persian, which was a court language, interacted with Awadhi and produced the Urdu, which is an Indian language. It is in this period when the most popular story of Lord Ram was written by Goswami Tulsidas. Tulsidas himself in his autobiography Kavaitavali writes that he sleeps in a mosque. As far literature is concerned, many outstanding Muslim poets wrote wonderful poetry in praise of Hindu Gods. One remembers Rahim and Raskhans brilliant outpourings in praise of Lord Shri Krishna.

The food habits, the dress habits and social life emerged having components from these two major religions. The sprinkling of Christianity in different aspects of Indian life is as much visible. It was the symbol of deep interaction of Hindus and Muslims that Muslims followed the Bhakti saints like Kabir and many Hindus visited the Sufi Saint Dargahs (Shrines). This interactive element is vibrantly visible in Hindi films. Here one can see the outstanding devotional songs in praise of Hindu gods composed by Muslims. One of my favourites remains, Man Tarpat hari Darshan ko Aaj (My soul is longing to see Hari). This song was written by Shakil Badayuni, composed by Naushad Ali and sung by Mohammad Rafi. The latter must have sung innumerable devotional songs.

Our freedom movement, despite the divisive role of British, the Muslim communalists and Hindu communalists, brought together people of all religions, in the struggle against colonial powers. Many literary people painted the beautiful interaction of diverse communities. During the freedom movement, and in the aftermath as communal violence flared up, the likes of Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, and the towering figure of Mahatma Gandhi tried to douse the fire of violence through exemplary efforts  in which Muslims and Hindus both reciprocated despite the hate campaign by the communal forces.

One recalls here the efforts of those friends, who laid down their lives to combat the fire of hate.

In Gujarat the names of Vasant Rao Hegiste and Rajab Ali will always be remembered as they laid down their lives, as a team, to restore sanity. This interaction is very deep and the present government cannot tolerate the impact of Islamic-Muslim component in our culture. Thats precisely the reason that attempts are on to change the names of cities (Faizabad to Ayodhya, Mughal Sarai to Deen Dayal Upadhyay etc).

The deeper interaction of communities is present in all facets of our society. The examples during the coronavirus pandemic have again brought to fore the fact that Indian culture is essentially a product of the synthesis of different aspects of many religions prevalent and practiced here.
New coronavirus cases in Mendocino and Butte counties tied churches have emerged, just days before Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to loosen restrictions on religious gatherings.

In a video update Friday, Mendocino County health officer Dr. Noemi Doohan said the countys six most recent confirmed cases were all connected to an outbreak at Redwood Valley Assembly of God.

The county had previously reported that three people  including the pastor  who participated in a live-streamed Mothers Day service at the church had contracted the virus. Most parishioners did not attend the service in person.

When we have an outbreak of such a large magnitude, its very concerning because we know that these individuals have had other contacts since contracting the disease, Doohan said. We now have to do the very time consuming and difficult work of the case investigation contact tracing.

In addition, a second case out of a Butte County Mothers Day church service has emerged, according to the Chico Enterprise-Record. More than 180 people attended the service, which was held in violation of the states shelter-in-place orders. One attendee had tested positive not long after the service. On Thursday, county Public Information Office Lisa Almaguer said a second person tested positive, the Enterprise-Record reported.

Butte County has 34 coronavirus cases. Dr. Andy Miller, the county health officer, said in a video update on Friday that Butte officials have seen a pretty dramatic increase in cases, which he called disturbing news. There were seven cases in Oroville in the last few days, he said. He did not mention whether any additional cases were connected with the church, but he did say that the county had expected an uptick in cases  albeit more gradual  when it began reopening.

Church closures have become a political flashpoint in California and nationwide. President Trump has told governors to reopen churches  though his authority to do that is disputed  and the federal Department of Justice specifically told California this past week to ease restrictions more quickly. On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom indicated that he would release guidelines this weekend for a partial reopening of houses of worship, which currently are banned from holding in-person services.

A legal challenge to Californias ban was not successful: The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco denied the request by a San Diego church for a preliminary injunction that would have let services continue.

Singing, which may release relatively high amounts of viral particles if the coronavirus is present, is believed to be among the factors that makes churches higher-risk. A choir practice in Washington State early on in the pandemic resulted in dozens of people falling ill. Mendocino County officials say that singing was recorded at the livestream session of the Redwood Valley Assembly of God.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Doohan said that the timing of the Mendocino County outbreak is cause for additional concern. The county recently got approval from the state to move forward with the next phase of Californias reopening plan.

I ask you Mendocino County  I know this is a challenging time when we have on the one hand outbreaks, and on the other hand we have limited re-openings, Doohan said. I ask you to comply with the orders. I ask to cooperate with your neighbors so that we can stay safe.

Carmel Angelo, Mendocino Countys chief executive officer, echoed Doohans pleas to county residents on Friday, saying that just because the county is loosening some restrictions, That doesnt mean the virus is gone, it doesnt mean the pandemic is over.

Lauren Hernandez and Kate Galbraith are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com kgalbraith@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez @kategalbraith
Austria plans a hefty expansion of its coronavirus testing just to screen hotel staff, in the hope of luring Germans and other tourists this summer and banishing the uncomfortable memory of a massive outbreak at a fashionable ski resort.

Like Germany, Austria introduced a lockdown to stem contagion early in its outbreak, and it has now been gradually easing restrictions for over a month. Shops, restaurants, bars and some museums have reopened and hotels will follow from May 29.

We will invest a great deal ... to test as many staff as possible who are in contact with guests as often as possible, to prevent them becoming multi-spreaders, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz told a news conference on Thursday.

Tourism accounts directly for 8% of Austrias economic output, or about 15% including related sectors. Neighbouring Germany is the biggest source of foreign visitors, and the shared border will open fully next month.

Memories are still fresh in Germany of Austrias biggest coronavirus cluster, at the hard-partying winter resort of Ischgl, where the virus spread through crowded apres-ski bars for a month before the town was quarantined in March. Hundreds of tourists from Germany, Norway, Iceland and elsewhere were believed to have been infected.

Austrian Chamber of Commerce chief Harald Mahrer said a consortium of private labs was being assembled to test 65,000 hotel workers a week from July 1. Currently, the Alpine nation tests 6,000 to 8,000 people a day.

Kurz added: In which country in the world can you go on holiday and say the staff you come into contact with, the waiters, are tested regularly? ... It will be very few countries.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)

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Conditions at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, where 377 COVID-19 patients have died till Friday, is 'as good as a dungeon, may be even worse', the Gujarat High Court observed

Ahmedabad: Conditions at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, where 377 COVID-19 patients have died till Friday, is "pathetic" and the hospital is "as good as a dungeon, may be even worse", the Gujarat High Court observed in an order made available on Saturday.

In an order passed in a suo motu PIL on coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown, a division bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and IJ Vora came down hard on the state government on conditions prevailing in Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital, and said it was "distressing and painful".

The facility has seen 377 COVID-19 deaths till Friday, which is a sizable portion of the 638 deaths reported in all hospitals during this period.

"It is very distressing and painful to note that the condition prevailing, as on date, in the Civil Hospital, is pathetic... We are very sorry to state that the Civil Hospital Ahmedabad, as on date, appears to be in an extremely bad shape" the court observed.

"As we said earlier that the Civil Hospital is meant to treat the patients. However, it appears that as on date, it is as good as a dungeon. May be even worse than a dungeon. Unfortunately, the poor and helpless patients have no option," it said.

The HC issued a host of directions to the state government to improve conditions for treatment of patients at Asia's largest hospital.

The court also asked if the state health minister and senior health department officials had any idea what was going on at the hospital.

"Does the health minister of the state of Gujarat have any idea about the problems which patients, doctors, nursing staff and other employees are facing as on date? How many times the health minister has interacted with the medical officers and other staff members in person so as to understand their difficulties and problems?" it said.

"Is the state government aware of the hard fact that the patients at the Civil Hospital are dying because of lack of adequate number of ventilators? How does the state government propose to tackle this problem of ventilators?" the court further asked.

The HC directed the state government to "immediately transfer" non-performing doctors and bring in senior and experienced doctors from other hospitals "who are ready and willing to render better services in the Civil Hospital".

It sought improvement in the working conditions of resident doctors and fix accountability of senior officers "who have failed to improve health care in the Civil Hospital leading to massive loss of human lives".

To tackle the issue of lack of ventilators at the Civil Hospital, the court told authorities to admit patients at the Institute of Kidney Diseases and UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology where adequate number of ventilators are available.

The court further directed the state government to ask general physicians to run their own clinics or serve in the government's COVID hospitals, in line with the policy adopted by the neighbouring Maharashtra.

To reduce co-morbid COVID-19 deaths, the court directed the government "to ensure all the private clinics / hospitals / nursing homes, which have been closed by their owners /management for the past two months, are immediately opened so as to make supplement health facilities available to the noncorona patients at large".

It also directed private hospitals not to charge fees in advance and only seek details of people's Aadhaar card and PAN, and recover fees only if patients are capable as per their PAN card details.

The court sought creation of a computerised COVID control centre with real-time information on each facility, adherence to treatment protocol and strict discharge policy, transfer of excess staff to other facilities, regular testing of healthcare workers, and conversion of government hospitals with over 50 beds and ICU into community health centres and hospitals, with 20 per cent beds kept for emergency work.
Sudhir Bisht remembers how he was looked down upon for greeting a potential customer with a Namaste many years ago and how the tables seem to have turned during the pandemic.

IMAGE: Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik sends out a powerful message for the times with his latest sculpture. Photograph: ANI Photo

Many years ago, I was consulting for a very reputed company that works in the field of information technology. The company has operations in over 15 countries and is a much-respected organisation in India and abroad.

I once had an opportunity to visit a large infrastructure company in Gurgaon that may arguably be considered as the biggest company in the world in its domain.

The company happens to a 100% Indian entity and its people take legitimate pride in being a world leader.

Therefore, my heart swelled with pride when I entered the resplendent reception area of the company for the first time.

There were dispenser type bottles of hand sanitisers neatly arranged at various sofa tables. Cold water bottles and many glasses filled with energy giving fluids were laid out in the waiting area. The central air conditioning worked fine and the overall ambience was like Wow!

I had to visit the company for a presentation by our team and had an appointment with the company's procurement general manager and his team of deputy and assistant managers.

The presentation session was arranged in a meeting room titled Venice.

I looked around and saw many more meeting rooms with foreign names -- Rome, Madrid, Paris, Lisbon and a few more.

My inquisitive eyes were looking for Indian names like Madurai, Patliputra, Kurukshetra, Prayag, Mumbai and Dilli, but I found none.

During the course of the meeting, a CXO level person came to meet us. I stood up, folded my hands and did a Namaste.

The host team looked at me as if I was a bus driver who had entered the elite club of fighter pilots. The high priest nodded a little and looking away from me said, "Hi" and after a few minutes left us.

A few minutes later while the presentation was still ongoing, another person, also a visitor like me, popped his head inside after opening the door room slightly.

One of the hosts got up and asked him to come in. The man had distinctive Japanese features and I gathered that he had mistakenly left behind some papers in the room. It was apparent that he had a meeting in this very room before our own started.

The Japanese bent at a 45 degree angle and said "Singhi-san, very terribly sorry to disturb. I just wanted to collect my papers."

The host team rose in unison and said, "No problem Hata-san. Most welcome. Do visit again."

I was so impressed. San in Japanese culture is an honorific title after one's name and means a Mr or a Mrs or a Miss.

I liked the Japanese courtesy and I liked how our hosts responded to that.

Courtesy begets courtesy, as they say.

When the meeting was over, I bid Namaste to all the hosts. None of them responded likewise. Everyone said, "Ok, bye!"

On my way out, I met the Japanese gentleman in the lift. Pleasantries were exchanged and so were business cards and a quick coffee followed at Barista.

I asked him the importance of the word 'San' in his country and he explained that it is about giving respect to others.

He also said that whenever the Indian company (the one we visited) wrote him an e-mail, they always added the suffix 'san' after his name.

"Wonderful guys. They appreciate their vendor's culture. I really respect them for this," said the Japanese gent.

Upon my return to my office, I wrote an e-mail to the infrastructure company to thank them for their kind courtesies. I addressed the recipient as 'Shri' and started the message with a 'Namaste'.

I swear to God that I got an e-mail within 15 minutes from their assistant manager that I should be professional in my e-mails with respect to the way I addressed company officials and the way I greeted them in my e-mails.

The e-mail was an affront to me of course, but more than that it was an assault on our Indian tradition.

I was fuming in anger, but when you are eyeing a million dollar business, you can only fume in the privacy of your chambers.

As I said in my opening para that this happened many year ago. We did business and all was well.

I shifted from 'Shri' to 'Mr' and soon to 'Sir'.

Namaste was replaced by 'Greetings of the Day!'

Folding of hands was replaced by an occasional handshake.

However, one thing kept coming up in my head again and again. Like an obstinate housefly that keeps buzzing near the ear, irritating and frustrating. Why did that young assistant manager write such an e-mail to me?

It was a strange e-mail and I can never fathom as to what any organisation would achieve by telling me what I was told. I think the e-mail was more a reflection of the mindset of the sender than that of the organisation.

On May 20, 2020, I had occasion to visit the same place again, though not the same company.

And I saw the same young assistant manager getting down from his car and, of course, we met. He must have gone up the ladder by now as he was driving a Rs 15 lakh-plus sedan. I am guessing, of course.

He looked at me and it took him a few seconds to recognise me and before I could say 'Hi', he folded his hands in a neat Namaste!

I followed suit, also making a 25-degree angle between my upper body and Mother Earth beneath my feet.

The person was in a hurry and I too had an appointment to keep so we didn't stop to make polite conversation. I felt positive vibes between us in that short interaction and we went our separate ways.

I wanted to ask him if he was folding his hands in a real show of respect or because the new office order entailed that. COVID-19 induced protocol, maybe.

I also wanted to know if they had changed the name of any of their meeting rooms, say from Paris to Patliputra or from Madrid to Mahabaleshwar.

I left it for another day. That day I was happy that the Indian-style greeting had finally arrived

Namaste!

Dr Sudhir Bisht, author and columnist, tweets @sudhir_bisht. He can be reached at Sudhir_bisht@rediffmail.com
Renewable Energy Firms Must Contribute to Grid Backup: Mexicos CFE Chief

MEXICO CITYPrivate renewable energy firms in Mexico should pay for part of the baseload power underpinning the flow of electricity on the grid, the head of the state power company said on Friday, as a dispute on the future of the local industry roils the market.

Manuel Bartlett, director of the Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE), told Reuters he favors more clean energy and wants to reduce Mexicos use of fuel oil as a major source of power generation.

But he said renewable operators had not been pulling their weight in contributing to the infrastructure that sustains them.

Wind and photovoltaic (plants) dont pay the CFE for the backup, said Bartlett, referring to the cost of power generation from fossil fuels, mostly natural gas, to guarantee uninterrupted flow.

Do you think its fair for the CFE to subsidize these companies that dont produce power all day? he asked.

The firms should also start helping to pay transmission costs, he said.

Thats not a free market, its theft, said Bartlett, a close ally of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has pledged to hold down electricity rates.

Renewable companies argue they can produce more efficiently than the CFE and help Mexico reduce its emissions.

Last month, Mexicos power grid regulator CENACE issued a ruling supported by Bartlett that prevented several dozen new renewable energy plants from connecting to the network.

CENACE cited the coronavirus pandemic as a justification, arguing that intermittent wind and solar power is not consistent with ensuring constant electricity supply.

Business associations said the move put more than $6 billion in renewable power plants scheduled to begin operating this year or next in limbo.

In a provisional ruling this week, a judge ordered CENACE to allow the renewable firms to continue with tests needed to bring plants online.

Bartlett, an 84-year-old former interior minister who has been a force in Mexican politics for decades, said he is not seeking to restore CFEs decades-long monopoly that was ended by the previous government.

But he said Lopez Obrador has instructed him to ensure the CFE generates at least 54 percent of power output, its current level.

Last Friday, the energy ministry moved aggressively to give the government more control over power supplies by seeking fast-tracked regulatory approval for a ruling designed to give the state more say over who can generate electricity and how much, again citing the pandemic as a rationale.

The move promoted the head of a government regulatory commission to abruptly resign.

Bartlett described the notion that the government is resisting more renewable energy as a lie.

We are not troglodytes, were serious people, he said, adding that he favors cleaner-burning natural gas.

Nevertheless, the government last year canceled a planned auction to purchase renewable energy via long-term contracts, another policy promoted by the last government.

It also sought to disincentivize a renewable energy certificate scheme, arguing it put the CFE at a disadvantage.

By David Alire Garcia
The Union Health Ministry of Sunday issued travel guidelines for passengers taking the the air route to travel across states, a day before the country resumes its domestic flight services, barring a few states.

The Centre has decided to open up the skies for domestic passenger flights after a gap of two months and left the decision up to states to issue their own set of guidelines for their respective regions. This led to a confusion among the states as several of them were at odds with each other.

Many states like Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu opposed the decision of opening up their airports in view of rising Covid-19 cases, making it difficult for the airlines as well as the civil aviation ministry to resume services.

Civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday evening announced that all domestic flights will recommence across the country from Monday onward barring two states - Andhra Pradesh which will start on Tuesday, May 26 and West Bengal will begin on Thursday, May 28.

The Maharashtra government agreed for limited operations from Mumbai. However, for other airports in the state, flights will operate as in other parts of the country. Starting Monday, limited flights will depart from Mumbai airport and as per approved, one-third schedule from other airports in the state.

Limited operations to West Bengal will commence on May 28. As requested by the Andhra Pradesh government, operations in the state will recommence on limited scale from May 26. In Tamil Nadu, there will be maximum 25 arrivals in Chennai but there's no limit on number of departures. For other airports in Tamil Nadu, flights will operate as in other parts of country.

It has been a long day of hard negotiations with various state govts to recommence civil aviation operations in the country. Except Andhra Pradesh which will start on 26/5 & West Bengal on 28/5, domestic flights will recommence across the country from tomorrow. Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) May 24, 2020

Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam airports will also not operate any domestic flights on Monday, officials said. Services on these airports will begin from Tuesday, May 26.

Echoing similar sentiments, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she will urge the Centre to postpone the resumption of domestic flight services at Kolkata and Bagdogra airports by a few days. The state government on Friday had said that domestic flights will not resume in the state from Monday, adding that the state machinery was still involved in the relief and restoration work in the aftermath of super cyclone Amphan.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) spokesperson on Sunday announced a list of standard operating procedure (SOP) for the movement of Indians stranded abroad and those stranded in India who are desirous to travel abroad. The guidelines issued by the ministry said that all stranded persons will have to register themselves with Indian Missions and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will prepare a flight/ship wise database of the travellers.

SOP for Movement of Indian Nationals stranded abroad & for those stranded in India desirous to travel abroad Stranded persons to register with Indian Missions MEA to prepare flight/ship wise database of travellers Travel on non-sched flights by @MoCA_GoI/ ships#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/UTYGzxWAw7  Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) May 24, 2020

However, the Ministry of Health along with a few other states issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) and guidelines to be followed by passengers boarding the flights resuming on Monday.

Some of the important guidelines issued by the health ministry include mandatory face masks thermal screening at all entry and exit points for all travellers. However, downloading the Aarogya Setu app on mobile phones have been made optional by the ministry, which added that only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to board the flight.

The GVK-led Mumbai International Airport on Sunday announced that it all set to welcome passengers on board starting Monday, May 25. To begin with, the airport will resume 50 flights on Monday - 25 departure flights and 25 for arrival. The announcement comes after a state minister gave nod to resume domestic flight services to and from Mumbai.

The guidelines for travel include contact-less payment methods for passengers and adopting eco-friendly methods, amongst others. Passengers above the age of 14 have to download the Aarogya Setu app on their phones. Those above 80 years as well as pregnant women and those undergoing any health issues will have to restrict travelling. All passengers arriving at the airport will be screened by the state government and expected to undergo home quarantine for 14 days.

Delhi

The Delhi government's guidelines for air travellers include no mandatory quarantine and asymptomatic flyers will be allowed to exit the airport with self monitor advice. Those with mild symptoms will be allowed to opt for either home isolation or government/private isolation facility, and will later be tested for Covid-19. Those found with moderate or severe symptoms of the coronavirus infections will be immediately admitted to the hospital.

Also, the Gautam Buddha Nagar police on Sunday said that people belonging to Noida and Greater Noida, travelling from other states, will not require a pass to cross the Delhi-Noida border. The passengers with a confirmed flight or train ticket will be allowed to cross the border by just showing their tickets to the police. All police personnel have been asked to ensure that those with a confirmed flight or train ticket should be permitted to travel to the airport or railway stations from the district.

Karnataka

The Karnataka government announced that all domestic air passengers would have to undergo a week-long institutional quarantine after arriving in the state from seven particular states, including Maharashtra, Delhi and Tamil Nadu, where Covid-19 cases are high. The state government also issued an order deleting domestic air travel from the list of prohibited activities with effect from Monday and allowed unhindered movement of passengers, airport staff and the crew. The airport administration also said that it would ensure taxis, to be used by passengers, were sanitised and all taxi drivers weere screened before every trip to eliminate the chances of an infection. Face mask will be mandatory for both passengers and drivers for taxi travel. In addition to it, staff who manage taxi services at airport, including Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), Ola, Uber and other car rental operators, will also be screened.

Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government announced that air travellers to the state will be sent on a 14-day home quarantine period unless their visit to the state is for less than a week or if they clear the coronavirus test. The state government said that passengers will have to follow the laid-down home quarantine protocol. However, they can get themselves tested on the sixth day from their arrival and end their quarantine if the results come out negative. All passengers travelling to UP have to register themselves on http://reg.upcovid.in and furnish details of themselves and family members travelling with them. All passengers will be advised to maintain social distancing, wear masks, wash hands and not gather under any circumstances.

Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday issued the standard operating procedure for incoming flights to the state. The guidelines include a 14-day home quarantine for all asymptomatic fliers, and institutional isolation for those without facilities for a home quarantine. The passengers will have to undergo screening of Covid-19 symptoms at the airport and if found symptomatic, they will undergo the test for Covid-19. All passengers will be be stamped with indelible ink on quarantine date before exiting the airport. The home isolation option has been extended for Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms too. All air passengers have to pre-register themselves on the state's specific portal for travel and obtain and the e-pass before boarding a flight. Passengers would be sent a travel permit with a QR Code which needs to be produced upon arrival at the airport.

Punjab

The Punjab government ruled out that all passengers coming to the state have to go through a mandatory 14-day home quarantine. All passengers will be screened at the airport and those found symptomatic would be sent to institutional quarantine. Rapid testing teams would monitor the home quarantined people and the symptomatic passengers would be tested at hospitals and isolation centres.

Jammu and Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday announced that all inbound passengers would have to undergo a compulsory Covid-19 test and administrative quarantine till the time their report is declared. If the test result comes out to be negative, the passengers would be released for home quarantine and if found positive, they would be sent to Covid-19 hospital for treatment.

Goa

In its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for domestic air passengers, the Goa government said that all those arriving in Goa would have to undergo thermal screening upon their arrival. The passengers would also have to fill up a self declaration form. Those found symptomatic will be tested and sent to quarantine and those found asymptomatic would have to either give swab tests by spending Rs 2,000 and would have to stay in self isolation till the results come.

Kerala

The Kerala government ruled that all domestic travellers coming to the state have to register themselves on the COVID19 Jagratha portal in order to obtain a travel permit. The travel permit issued to them would have to be shown at the airport before the boarding passes are issued. In case more one person is travelling on a single ticket, then the details of all persons should be entered by them on the portal. Mandatory medical screening will be held for all at the airport and if passengers are found to be symptomatic, they would be sent to a Covid-19 care centre. The SOP also stated that all passengers can use private/rented vehicles to travel to their homes. If a person comes to receive a passenger and comes in physical contact with the passenger, he/she will also have to undergo a 14-day home quarantine.

Assam

The government of Assam, in its standard operating procedure (SOP), made it mandatory for all air travellers coming to Assam to stay in quarantine for 14 days. However, the pilot and crew members and other engineering staff of a flight will not be quarantined.

Meghalaya

The Meghalaya government ordered that all passengers travelling to the state will be tested for Covid-19 and would have to undergo a 48-hour institutional quarantine.

Chhattisgarh

The Chhattisgarh government issued the standard operating procedure (SOP) for medical screening and quarantining of people arriving in the state on domestic flights, starting Monday. Passengers are required to register themselves with the state portal. Facilitation centres for passengers will be set up at the Swami Vivekanand Airport. Health desks will be available in these facilitation centres, and passengers will be subjected to a medical check-up, including thermal screening. Symptomatic passengers will be admitted in the airport's isolation kiosk and asymptomatic travellers would be placed in 14-day quarantine at government centres, homes or paid facilities. Passengers will also have to submit a written undertaking they will strictly follow isolation norms.

Telangana

The Telangana government decided against home quarantine for incoming passengers to the state, starting Monday. The state government said that only those displaying symptoms at airports after screening will be taken to government centres. The rest will be asked to 'self-monitor' themselves.
Two days after Jubilee Party leader Uhuru Kenyatta carried out a brutal purge in the Senate that saw him sack high-ranking members, including the deputy speaker Kithure Kindiki, ODM leader Raila Odinga is this week set to de-whip a number of legislators from committees in the National Assembly.

Facing the axe are those who have publicly declared support for Deputy President William Ruto or those whose party loyalty is seen as not "steadfast".

Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa (Ford Kenya), who became the deputy minority whip courtesy of Nasa, the coalition of Ford-Kenya, Wiper, ANC and ODM in the last polls, is likely to be removed at the Parliamentary Group Meeting (PG) on Thursday chaired by Minority Leader and ODM Chairman John Mbadi.

"We have serious work ahead of us, and we cannot afford to be bogged down by sell-outs," Minority Whip Junet Mohamed told the Sunday Nation on Saturday.

"As the whip, I've done loyalty tests and the results are negative. All those affected will be quarantined for at least six months. The time is up for the excess baggage in our midst."

Mr Mohamed confirmed he had sent out the invites to all Nasa MPs, as it emerged the decision was approved by a Central Management Committee meeting chaired by Mr Odinga at his private offices at Capitol Hill on Friday.

"We expect a full house on Thursday. You cannot enjoy being a member of a committee and still fight the appointing authority," said the whip.

REWARDING LOYALISTS

Those likely to lose their posts in committees include Kaloleni MP Paul Katana (ODM), Tindi Mwale (ANC, Butere), Aisha Jumwa (ODM, Malindi), Silvanus Osoro (KNC, South Mugirango) and Bady Twalib (ODM, Jomvu).

The party will also be making another attempt to kick Ms Jumwa out of the Parliamentary Service Commission.

The first such attempt, on account of working with "enemies of the party", flopped after the Jubilee side of the House blocked it.

Things may, however, be different this time round, as the two sides are now working together.

Since the invites were sent out, three lawmakers have been frantically trying to secure appointments with Mr Odinga to iron things out.

Mr Mbadi told the Sunday Nation that the changes are "normal" and no one is being targeted, adding that the party will only make minimal changes in the reorganisation of the committees to put the best foot soldiers in key committees.

The teams targeted in the reorganisation are the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, the Delegated Legislation Committee and the Constitution Implementation and Oversight Committee (CIOC).

"We want to bring in our strong and best legal minds into these committees," Mr Mbadi said.

The three committees are seen as major players and most crucial in House business, which will take place when Parliament resumes on June 2.

DP SUPPORTERS

The Justice and Legal Affairs Committee is currently under firm grip of DP Ruto's allies, as it is chaired by Baringo North lawmaker William Cheptumo, with the vice-chairperson being Kandara MP Alice Wahome.

The Delegated Legislation team is headed by another Ruto ally, Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Shollei, while the CIOC is chaired by a President Kenyatta ally, Jeremiah Kioni.

The CIOC drafted the Referendum Bill, 2020 - which will be tabled when lawmakers resume sittings.

The bill seeks to have a referendum held together with the 2022 General Election to minimise costs. It also proposes measures to bridge the existing legal gaps.

The Sunday Nation has learnt that the Orange party is considering bringing on board Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo and Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang' into the Justice Legal Affairs Committee and CIOC.

Currently, the two ODM members in the Legal Affairs Committee are Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town) and his Mathare counterpart Anthony Oluoch.

ANC nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi's open support for Mr Odinga has spared him the purge.

During the meeting, Mr Odinga is said to have asked one of his lieutenants to remove the MP's name from the list, saying he has at critical times risked his seat by supporting positions taken by the former prime minister.

With reports of looming Cabinet changes, the President does not want a situation where a nominee fails to get parliamentary nod.

He and Mr Odinga have told their allies that they expect total party discipline in the House and will stop at nothing to achieve it.

EMASCULATE RUTO

The President's men reportedly had a celebratory dinner hosted by Nancy Gitau on Friday after the successful removal of Prof Kindiki as deputy speaker.

It is the last-minute "defection" of the likes of Senator Millicent Omanga to support the motion to kick out Prof Kindiki that is said to have impressed the "war council".

Now emboldened by the success, the council, who expected the forces loyal to the DP to mount a spirited fight, will likely escalate their activities to enforce the President's desires in the political arena.

Parliament will have a crucial role to play in the event the country goes to a referendum to change the Constitution, as the Building Bridges task force is expected to recommend that route and the ongoing purge could be part of the push to make the road smoother.

Sources at the Jubilee Party headquarters intimate that the National Assembly is the next stop and Ruto allies will be purged.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa is expected to lose his plum position in the Budget Committee.

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Already, politicians loyal to the DP, such as senators Kipchumba Murkomen and Susan Kihika, have been relieved of their roles as majority leader and whip, respectively.

Observers say all these are meant to clip Dr Ruto's political wings so much so that by the time the elections are called, his influence will have diminished to a point of not posing any serious challenge to the candidate fronted by the Handshake side.

ERRANT MEMBERS

In what looks like a coordinated exercise, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has also ordered a purge of errant members of his party as he worms him way into the envisaged government of national unity.

Deputy minority leader Robert Mbui of Wiper said they will de-whip members who have been acting contrary to party ideals.

"Party loyalty is what we are interested in. Some members have been acting as if they are independent," Mr Mbui told the Sunday Nation.

"If members behave badly, they are de-whipped. Consultations are still going on within Wiper to figure out members who can work with the government because that is what our party leader wants," Mr Mbui added.

He, however, said the names of those targeted will be revealed in three weeks' time.

But in what will further aggravate the frosty relations in Nasa, Ford Kenya secretary-general Eseli Simiyu said no one has consulted them on the pending changes in House leadership and committee membership.
The latest:

President Donald Trump booked back-to-back Memorial Day appearances despite the coronavirus pandemic, at Arlington National Cemetery and at a historic fort in Baltimore. Trump recently called Baltimore a rat and rodent infested mess and its mayor has suggested Trump stay home.

Presidents typically honor fallen military members by laying a wreath and delivering a speech at the hallowed burial ground in Virginia. But the pandemic, which is expected to claim its 100,000th American this week, has led to changes this year. Trump will only lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

He is expected to speak later at Baltimore's Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. It's where a poem, written after a huge American flag was hoisted to celebrate an important victory over the British during the War of 1812, became the  The Star-Spangled Banner.

Trump has been steadily ramping up his schedule in an effort to portray the nation as returning to its pre-pandemic ways as it emerges from a devastating economic shutdown intended to slow the virus.

Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. Jack Young has criticized Trump's visit, saying the trip sends the wrong message about stay-at-home directives and that the city cannot afford the added cost of a presidential visit at a time when it is losing $20 million a month because of the pandemic.

That President Trump is deciding to pursue nonessential travel sends the wrong message to our residents," Young, a Democrat, said in a statement last week. He referenced the disproportionate effect the virus has had on his city and called on Trump to set a positive example" by not traveling during the holiday weekend.

The White House sounded unmoved.

The brave men and women who have preserved our freedoms for generations did not stay home and the president will not either as he honors their sacrifice by visiting such a historic landmark in our nations history, White House spokesman Judd Deere said in an emailed statement Sunday.



White House goal on testing nursing homes unmet

Nearly two weeks ago the White House urged governors to ensure that every nursing home resident and staff member be tested for the coronavirus within 14 days.



Its not going to happen.

A review by The Associated Press found that at least half of the states are not going to meet White Houses deadline and some arent even bothering to try.

Only a handful of states, including West Virginia and Rhode Island, have said theyve already tested every nursing home resident.

Many states said the logistics, costs and manpower needs are too great to test all residents and staff in a two-week window. Some say they need another week or so, while others say they need much more time. California, the most populous state, said it is still working to release a plan that would ensure testing capacity for all residents and staff at skilled nursing facilities statewide.

And still other states are questioning whether testing every nursing home resident and staff, regardless of any other factors, is a good use of time and money.



White House announces new travel restrictions on Brazil

President Donald Trump on Sunday issued a proclamation suspending entry to the U.S. for any individual who has been in Brazil within the 14 days immediately prior to their arrival.



"I have determined that it is in the interests of the United States to take action to restrict and suspend the entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of all aliens who were physically present within the Federative Republic of Brazil during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States," the proclamation reads in part.

The policy is aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus. As of Sunday evening, Brazil had more than 347,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, the second most worldwide, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

"Today's action will help ensure foreign nationals who have been in Brazil do not become a source of additional infections in our country," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Sunday. "These new restrictions do not apply to the flow of commerce between the United States and Brazil."

Coronavirus has yet to peak in Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest and worst-infected city, but the health care system is already beginning to break down.

As the crisis deepens and the number of deaths continues to rise, President Jair Bolsonaro is urging businesses to reopen. He opposes many governors who are stressing social distancing measures to slow the spread.

Far from hospitals, Brazil's indigenous people are dying at an alarming rate. The death toll is double that of the rest of Brazil's population, according to the advocacy group Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil.



FDA commissioner issues Memorial Day warning

The commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Sunday urged Americans observing Memorial Day weekend to follow federal guidelines aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus, saying the deadly virus "is not yet contained."

"With the country starting to open up this holiday weekend, I again remind everyone that the coronavirus is not yet contained. It is up to every individual to protect themselves and their community. Social distancing, hand washing and wearing masks protect us all," Dr. Stephen Hahn wrote in a tweet.

The commissioner's Memorial Day warning comes as some states begin to reopen, allowing people to go to beaches, cookouts and bars as they observe one of the more popular holidays that's to take place amid the pandemic. But as social activities increase, health experts like Hahn warn the U.S. is still not out of the woods.

"Even as states and some state officials rush to reopen it's on us to make smart and safe decisions," Dr. Seema Yasmin, a former disease detective at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told CNN Saturday night.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, told the public last week that going outside was fine, with cautious measures.

"Go out, wear a mask, stay 6 feet away from anyone so you can have the physical distancing," he told a CNN coronavirus town hall. "Go for a run. Go for a walk. Go fishing. As long as you're not in a crowd and you're not in a situation where you can physically transmit the virus."



Experts worry about case spikes as Americans try to go back to normal

With more sweeping reopenings, many Americans gathered to celebrate Memorial Day weekend in parks, backyards, restaurants and beaches after weeks of staying inside.



"It looks like America's opening up," beachgoer Steve Ricks in Alabama's Gulf Shores told WPMI. "There are literally thousands of people out here on the beach, and what I'm really pleased to see is that many of these folks, almost all of them, are doing a great job with social distancing."

On the same beach, Patricia Patton said she felt safe and she didn't have to wear a mask.

"There's nobody that has been near me or in my space at all," she told the affiliate.

Others flocked to Georgia and Florida beaches to kick off the weekend. Farther north, beaches in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware also began welcoming visitors Friday.

But while snapshots from across the country may look like a return to normal, experts warn the U.S. is still not out of the woods. So far, more than 1.6 million Americans have been infected and over 97,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University.

"Even as states and some state officials rush to reopen it's on us to make smart and safe decisions," Dr. Seema Yasmin, a former disease detective at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told CNN Saturday night. "If you ... look at the numbers, you'll see that on Thursday more than 20,000 Americans were infected ... Just yesterday, that number went up and there were more than 24,000 Americans newly diagnosed with Covid-19."

States such as North Carolina and Arkansas are seeing major spikes, Yasmin said.







The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Australias eastern seaboard boasts three hugely successful cities. The output of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane was just over $1000 billion last financial year, equivalent to 53 per cent of Australias gross domestic product.

The trio is consistently ranked among the worlds most liveable cities and their residents report high levels of wellbeing. The latest World Happiness Report, which analysed life evaluation data across 186 cities, found Brisbane to be the 10th happiest city in the world with Melbourne 15th and Sydney 20th.

Connecting the population centres of the eastern seaboard makes sense. Credit:Wayne Taylor

Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are routinely cast as rivals. But it's time for them to become more connected and collaborative.

An eastern seaboard megaregion that links our three biggest cities more effectively would deliver major social and economic benefits. Theres growing global evidence that when large regional economies become more integrated and co-ordinated they become more productive.
By Express News Service

TIRUPATI: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has decided to auction 23 immovable properties, including house sites and agriculture land, at different places in Tamil Nadu. The total upset value (bidding value) of the 23 properties has been fixed at a little over Rs 1.54 crore.

The TTD Board of Trustees, which met on February 29, resolved to dispose of the immovable properties, which are unviable and not maintainable by the TTD, through public auction. Though the proceedings for the auction of 23 properties were issued by TTD Estate Officer V Devendra Reddy on April 30, the issue came to light on Saturday. The resolution was communicated to the department concerned on March 17 only and thereafter, proceedings were issued on April 30 and two teams were constituted for conducting the auction.

One team is headed by TTD assistant executive officer (revenue) S Udaya Bhaskar Reddy, with senior assistant P Muneendra, surveyor P Mohan Rao, and chainman M Balaji as members. The other team is headed by TTD tahsildar (properties cell) G Gowri Shankar Rao, with senior assistant Y Subbarayudu, surveyor P Harinath and chainman E Guravaiah as members.

The two teams have been entrusted the task of conducting the auction of properties, finalisation of successful bidders and remitting the sale proceeds to the TTD account. The two teams have been asked to prepare a plan of action (route plan, date of publication/auction, date of registration etc.) for conducting auction by dividing the properties between them. The two teams will submit the plan of action to the TTD estate officer before proceeding with the auction. According to TTD officials, disposal of unviable properties is a routine matter. Now, the two teams will be sent for physical verification of the properties before finalising the date of auction.

Sale of unviable assets happening since 1974, 129 sold till date: TTD

In a press release, TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy said as per GO MS No 311 issued by the Revenue Department (Endowments) on April 9, 1990, it was clearly mentioned that the TTD Board is empowered to sell or lease TTD properties if they are advantageous to Devasthanams. Further, sale of such unviable and unmanageable assets has been happening since 1974 and till 2014, a total 129 such properties were auctioned. Based on recommendations of the Sub-Committee constituted with TTD Board members, the TTD on January 30, 2016 resolved to dispose of 50 unviable properties in other parts of the country. Accordingly, a report documenting the value of 23 properties in Tamil Nadu was submitted to the board.

It is not a new decision. It was taken by the previous Board of Trustees and we only reiterated it in the board meeting held in February. Small land holdings or house sites of 50 cents to 1 acre donated to the temple, mostly in Tamil Nadu and a few places in Rishikesh are being encroached upon. Hence, the TTD Board decided to liquidate them through auction, Subba Reddy said. The State government is no way connected to it, he clarified.

The TTD over the years has been receiving such properties donated to the Lord by different methods. One way is donation of the property to Lord Venkateswara and the other way is to register the property in the name of Lord or TTD. Yet another way of donating land is through the will. The TTD has been trying to dispose of 23 properties in Tamil Nadu since 2014-15. BJP State president Kanna Lakshminarayana shot off a letter to Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy describing it as most disastrous and demanded that the move be withdrawn immediately. The BJP State chief said it is very clearly evident that the YSRC government will liquidate all the assets of Hindu temples in the State and ruin Hinduism.

Our party is not going to allow this anti-Hindu acts of your government. I also warn you that crores of Hindus in the world will raise their voice, he said. Former TTD Trust Board member and TDP leader Bonda Umamaheswara Rao alleged that the government was trying to dispose of the valuable lands of the TTD at cheaper prices to YSRC henchmen.

Previous board decided on it: YV Subba Reddy

It is not a new decision. It was taken by the previous Board. We only reiterated it in the meeting held in Feb. Small land holdings or house sites of 50 cents to 1 acre donated to the temple, mostly in Tamil Nadu and a few places in Rishikesh are being encroached upon. Hence, the TTD Board decided to liquidate them through auction, YV Subba Reddy, TTD Board Chairman, told TNIE.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 24

Trend:

The number of coronavirus tests conducted in Azerbaijan has been revealed, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Management Union of Medical Territorial Units (TABIB).

As of May 24, 5,672 tests were conducted to detect new cases of infection.

In accordance with the data, in general, 270,739 tests were conducted throughout the country.
Army Ranger Chaplain Maj. Jon Knoedler walks across a narrow beam 35 feet above Victory Pond at Fort Benning, Georgia, to offer perspective to soldiers wrestling with the uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During one of his Midweek Minute videos, he compares the height of the beam to the stress that the virus has injected into the lives of troops and their families.

Read Next: 'She's Doing Well:' Esper Discusses Young Sailor Who Took Down Corpus Christi Gunman

"Whenever you raise something that high off the ground, caution, fear, angst, stress, tension and body shakes can wreak havoc," said the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade chaplain. "Even the toughest person, given abnormal circumstances, can freeze under pressure."

But in a steady, guiding voice, Knoedler reminds listeners to remember past tests that have shaped them as soldiers.

"Be confident in your abilities; you can do this," he said. "When you get to the point where you are about to break, take a deep breath and take one more step, even a small one."

Knoedler has made seven weekly videos so far, each presented in a nonsecular tone designed to relate the challenges of living under the restrictions of the pandemic to mental hurdles that many soldiers have experienced.

One is set on a land navigation course to drive home the experience of being lost in the woods, while another features Knoedler with a snake wrapped around his hand as he emphasizes the importance of "taming the tongue" to avoid the temptation to say hurtful things to loved ones during this time of heightened stress.

"A lot of my job is just walking around and being with soldiers and being with people. But during this time, it has been harder because there are so many restrictions," he told Military.com this month. "I think this is one way that kind of opens the envelope for more conversations."

Knoedler, 48, joined the Army as a chaplain in 2005 after working as a pastor for 10 years in Oregon. Over the past 15 years, he has embraced struggle and grappled with doubt, he said.

Knoedler experienced many low moments when navigating Ranger School at age 36. But he earned his tab, completing the punishing 62-day course on his first attempt -- a feat that eludes most younger students.

"Every person who goes to Ranger School has their low times, and I had my fair share," he said. "Especially when a commander tells me, 'You have one shot to get through' ... so every phase my back was against the wall, and there was some, you call them 'come-to-Jesus meetings.' I had few of those."

Knoedler also spent 2007 to 2009 in Iraq during the surge and deployed to Afghanistan multiple times between 2011 and 2019 with the 75th Ranger Regiment.

These are challenges that soldiers experience in everyday military life. But it's the unknowns of COVID-19 -- the constraints that have put many lives on hold -- that seem to affect soldiers the most, he said.

"In a very short amount of time, our world changed very rapidly," he said. "It makes us realize that we really don't have that much control."

So, with the help of some creative sergeants, Knoedler set out to put his message on Facebook, using familiar military training settings to get soldiers' attention.

"There are so many props around this brigade -- it's airborne, it's Ranger; there are so many life lessons that can be [conveyed] with some cool props that we have," he said.

One brainstorming session led to a trip out to Ranger School's 35-foot log walk at Victory Pond.

"Then, someone says, 'Don't just show it, get up there,' and I'm like, 'Ah man, come on,'" Knoedler said with a chuckle. "And all of the sudden, it kind of morphs into more good ideas."

So far, the videos have reached around 25,000 viewers, many of whom have a connection to the training brigade, said Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Billings, a spokesman for the brigade who edits the videos.

"It's just the message that they are really liking," Billings said.

Knoedler hopes the videos "give people another perspective, maybe a breath of fresh air."

"We try to make them no more than three minutes," he said. "I don't want to hear myself for that long, and other people don't want to hear me that long."

The Pentagon's global stop-movement order and strict social distancing rules have forced many soldiers to remain in assignments, and even in their homes, much longer than they have in the past.

"And that brings tension; it brings tension in relationships, it brings tension at home and at work," Knoedler said, who admits that he is not above allowing life's frustrations to get to him.

He remembers the time he spent longer than he expected to in a remote outpost in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province during the winter of 2011.

"It was my first deployment with the Rangers," said Knoedler, describing how he couldn't remember the codes to get into the locked buildings, even the latrine.

"I couldn't remember the codes, and I was freezing and feeling sorry for myself. So I went back to my hooch ... and I was like, 'This is stupid.'"

After a brief chat with God, he said he realized it was another challenge he was meant to go through.

"From that point on, I just realized that, 'OK, every room I go in, every person I talk to is the person I am supposed to talk to at that moment,' and it changed my view," Knoedler said. "And if I am stuck in place longer than I want to -- like that place, which was bitter cold and just not fun -- I realized, 'OK, I am supposed to be here, and so the lesson ... is wherever I'm at and whomever I'm with is exactly the place I am supposed to be.'"

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Related: SecDef 'Absolutely Confident' US Will Have a COVID-19 Vaccine by Year's End
The original version of this column was published April 30, 2015, the 40th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon. And while The Times Herald doesnt typically rerun previously published columns, this is the exception.

Because the names of the 22 young men  boys really  who never returned from that war should never, ever be forgotten.

And the countless young men who were injured, or who returned home physically whole but emotionally and mentally scarred, should never, ever be forgotten. Even though it was almost a half of a century ago, the pain and loss felt by the family of Cpl. Daniel Brady and all families who give the ultimate sacrifice for our country  are still real, still raw. Yes, time helps you cope with loss, but it doesnt allow you to forget. And nor should we.

And I know other families who have lost sons and daughters  Sgt. Ashly Moyer in Iraq and Petty Officer Jake Moletzsky  that will never heal  not completely. The loss is too great.

Time may have blurred the names of those brave soldiers who gave their lives in the countrys earliest wars  Revolutionary, Civil, World War I, World War II, Koreabut in some cases, history has recorded those names so that they live forever. For instance:

Walter H. Cooke of Norristown was a captain in Company K, 4th Pennsylvania Infantry Militia. Capt. Cooke was awarded the Medal of Honor (established by joint resolution of Congress, 12 July 1862 is awarded in the name of Congress to a person who, while a member of the Armed Services, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty) on May 19, 1887. In the Battle of Bull Run, Capt. Cooke voluntarily served as an aide on the staff of Col. David Hunter and participated in the battle, his term of service having expired on the previous day. According to various town records, Cooke mustered out of the army, and subsequently went on to serve on the Norristown school board for three years. He participated in charity work with the Associated Charities, being one of the incorporators of the Norristown Charity Hospital and served as president of the association at the time of his death in 1909.

David C. Dolby of Norristown was a specialist four with Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, in the Vietnam War when, according to military records, on May 21, 1966, his platoon came under heavy fire which killed six soldiers and wounded a number of others, including the platoon leader. During a four-hour battle Dolby led his platoon in its defense, organized the extraction of the wounded, and directed artillery fire despite close-range attacks from enemy snipers and automatic weapons. He single-handedly attacked the hostile positions and silenced three machine guns, allowing a friendly force to execute a flank attack, according to reports. Dolby completed an addition four tours in Vietnam. He was awarded the Medal of Honor as well as a Silver Star. Staff Sergeant Dolby died in 2010. He was 64.

So our hope is that by republishing the names of these young men who gave the ultimate sacrifice that we honor all those men and women who fought, died, or returned home forever impacted by war.

To all veterans  and their families  we thank you.

* * *

I dont much remember anything from Vietnam  my family was spared any direct involvement. But 22 men and boys from Norristown were killed in the war, and the people in this town, whether they knew these heroes or not, were affected.

My mom knew of a few boys who were either drafted or enlisted, and she prayed every day for their safe return.

And every night, my mom and grandmother watched the news, sometimes my grandmother wrapped her rosary beads around her hands, as scenes from Vietnam invaded our living room. To me, they were just flashing images from a world far, far removed from Norristown  not realizing that for some of my neighbors it was way too close to home.

I wish now I had paid more attention. I wish I had paid attention to the heartaches and the chaos and the nightmare that was the Vietnam War. Later, through movies and books and newspapers, I learned about that war. And about the difficulties veterans faced trying to return to their lives.

And I learned about men who didnt return.

In March 1984, Times Herald staff writer Peter King submitted a six-part series the newspaper ran on the 22 men (some really just boys) who gave their lives for their country during their service in South Vietnam.

This was Kings introduction: We call wives who have lost husbands widows, and husbands who have lost wives widowers. We say children who have lost parents are orphans.

But there is no word in the English language for parents who have lost a son.

Likewise, there is no word in English to express the special, terrible grief these men and women feel

 In the week that marks the 11th anniversary of the March 29th pullout of the last U.S. troops from Vietnam, they (mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, uncles and aunts) remember the men who didnt come back  their likes and dislikes, hopes and fears, virtues and flaws.

They share their beliefs, and their lost relatives beliefs, about the war we fought in Southeast Asia.

They tell how the young men lived, and died.

For that day and five days after, The Times Herald dedicated its first several pages to these heroes and the families they left behind. The series led up the dedication of the Vietnam monument in the Public Square at Main and Swede streets. Peter King did a remarkable job interviewing the families of Cpl. Michael A. Baronowski; Spc. Walter Bartasch; Cpl. Daniel Brady; Spc. Anthony J. Cabot; Spc. Wallace S. Carter; Pfc. Robert M. Childress; Pfc. Nils A. Drennen; Pfc. John R. Foley; Spc. Nicholas J. Fulmer; Lt. Richard L. Giambrone; Pfc. Stephen A. Guardino; Sgt. Dennis W. Hippo; Sgt. Joseph R. Hudson Jr.; Spc. Willie L. Jones Jr.; Cpl. David B. LeFever; Pfc. Gregory Littlejohn; Pfc. Jimmy L. McMorris; Pfc. William Reese; Pfc. Fred L. Ricard Jr.; Maj. Robert F. Ronca; Pfc. John E. Scheetz and Pfc. James A. Watson Jr.

As they say, times change, and so do newspapers. Sadly, The Times Herald print edition just doesnt have the amount of space it did in 1984, so my original plan to rerun this series in full was an impossible dream. But while our ability to fully honor these men is limited, our admiration is not. And it should be noted, our deepest gratitude is extended to all military men and women for their service to the country.

One Vietnam veteran, who did return, retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert M. Reed, was also featured in the series. It should be noted that this hero was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Navy Cross, the Army Commendation with Combat V, the Navy Achievement with Combat V and 12 Purple Hearts.

If you would like to revisit Kings series in its entirety, the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library (http://mnl.mclinc.org/) at Powell and Swede streets has most of the editions of The Times Herald on microfilm.

Lance Cpl. Michael Baronowski: A promising journalism student, Michael was 20 on Nov. 29, 1966, when he died of a gunshot wound to the chest while participating in an operation against a hostile force near Quang Tri.

Spc. Walter Bartasch: The Norristown High graduate was 21 when he was killed on the morning of Oct. 5, 1969, near the Cambodian border. His ship came under anti-aircraft fire, and according to Walters father, he manned the copters .50-caliber machine gun after the gunner was hit. He was awarded the Bronze Star.

Cpl. Daniel W. Brady: The Jeffersonville native was attending night school at La Salle College in 1966 and hoped to be a history teacher. He joined the Marines, and volunteered for duty in Vietnam. Danny was killed on July 2, 1967 in Khe Sanh, Hill 861.

Spc. Anthony J. Cabot: Anthony had reached the end of the normal 12-month tour of duty after enlisting and was expecting to be back in the States around July 6, 1969. On June 30 the Bishop Kenrick High School graduate, who was a communications specialist with an Army artillery unit, was killed. He was 21.

Spc. Wallace S. Carter: Wallace enlisted in the Army in 1967. He was a 22-year-old specialist 4 when he was killed in Vietnam on Sept. 18, 1969. Wallace was the son of Mrs. Gladys Durham, who said her son lay critically wounded for days before dying. The tank he was riding in, according to Wallaces mother, was blown up.

Pfc. Robert M. Childress: According to his brother Barry, the soldier had a tryout with the Dodgers one spring and was a quiet guy. Robert Childress was in Vietnam only two or three months, according to his brother, and was riding in a personnel carrier when he was ambushed by mortar fire and died on July 26, 1968. He was 20.

Pfc. Nils A. Drennen: Nils was 18 when he died on March 12, 1967.

Pfc. John R. Foley: John was 19, the son of a soldier, when he died in a hospital on Aug. 29, 1968 after he was struck by fragments from an enemy mine.

Spc. Nicholas J. Fulmer: The Airy Street native sent home many photographs to his family before he died on Nov. 12, 1966 after stepping on a land mine.

Lt. Richard Giambrone: During his last battle, Richard, according to his aunt, used a machine gun to get all his men out, and he was riddled, on March 25, 1968. On March 31 he was promoted to first lieutenant, and he died the next day.

Pfc. Stephen Guardino: The only child of Eva and Anthony, Stephen Guardino enlisted, along with three of his friends, in the Marines on April 23, 1967. Prior to enlisting, he was an auto mechanic at Sears. He was on patrol in the jungle on Jan, 20, 1968, when his squad was hit. Stephen was killed instantly. He was 19.

Sgt. Dennis W. Hippo: Dennis, a graduate of Norristown High School and Penn State University, was first reported missing in action, and then killed in action on Jan. 17, 1969. He was 21.

Sgt. Joseph Hudson: Joseph enlisted in the army before his 17th birthday. He was killed when the supply truck he was driving was ambushed on Dec. 24, 1968, shortly before he was to return home on emergency leave to visit his sister, who was gravely ill. He was 22.

Spc. 4 Willie L. Jones Jr.: The fourth of 11 children, who grew up on Moore Street, Willie, according to his mother, knew he was going to die. In a letter home he wrote, Its rough over here, Mom. Im still living for now  you can tell by my handwriting  but I dont know for how long. Willie led a mortar team, and on Sept. 5, 1967, he and seven of his men were ambushed and all were killed. He was 20.

Cpl. David B. LeFever: A Marine draftee, David saved the life of his commanding officer and was awarded the Bronze Star, but on Sept. 6, 1967, when he was 21, he was killed by either mortar fire or rifle fire (his mother received conflicting telegrams). David, who grew up on Swede Street, had five months remaining on his tour.

Pfc. Gregory Littlejohn: Greg was 17 years old when he left Norristown High School to enlist. He was an Army paratrooper, and on Dec. 7, 1967, according to the letter to his mother written by his commanding officer, Gregory exposed himself to the deadly enemy fire to cover the other members of his squad while they moved to safety  Death came quickly and he did not suffer. Greg Littlejohn was 20 years old.

Pfc. Jimmy McMorris: It was explained to the family by an officer who escorted the body home that Jimmy was killed on Nov. 15, 1967 by an American-aimed bomb or shell.

Pfc. William R. Reese Jr.: Drafted in to the Army in 1965 and deployed to Vietnam in 1966, William was killed on June 25, 1966, as the result of mortar fragment wounds to the head received in hostile ground action, according to the official telegram.  He was 19.

Pfc. Fred L. Ricard Jr.: Fred was good friends with Greg Littlejohn, and according to his mother, was greatly affected by his death in 1967, which was one of the reasons Fred enlisted in the Marines. According to a newspaper account, on Feb. 25, 1969, when Fred was 21, he died of gunshot wounds of the head and body, from hostile rifle fire while on patrol.

Maj. Robert F. Ronca: Robert was a career military man, enlisting in the Air Force in 1942. He fought in the South Pacific, flying P-38 and P-51 fighter planes, and the C-47 transport, and in Korea, flying an F-80 jet. Robert led the first American air strike in Vietnam. Robert, then 41, was flying over Laos on Feb. 19, 1965, on a bombing mission when he was killed. Robert, the father of six children, was the first man from Norristown to die in Vietnam.

Pfc. John E. Scheetz: Elwood, as he was known, was 22 when he was drafted. He received the Purple Heart when he stepped on a punji stake, but returned to action. On May 10, 1967, Elwood, the father of two sons, was killed defending Hill 54, DaNang province.

Pfc. James A. Watson: Arthur, as he was known, was drafted in June of 1967 and was sent to Vietnam in October of that year. Elvenia Ficklin, James mother, said she got word that Arthur was sick, and three weeks later, on Nov. 21, 1967, she got word that he died. She was never told what disease. He was 21.
New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall and U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt have differing views on whether the Trump administration is living up to its commitment to Indian Country during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Trump administration has failed to live up to its trust responsibility, Udall told the Journal, mentioning the delay in the distribution of the $8 billion in funding Congress appropriated in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and the release of sensitive tribal data by the executive branch that was meant to aid their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bernhardt said it was the U.S. Treasurys responsibility to distribute the $8 billion, which he called the biggest investment for Indian Country in modern history. He acknowledged the delay in funding, which was tied in court over the eligibility of Alaska Native corporations to receive aid.

He said 60% has now been distributed. Bernhardt expects the remaining 40% to be distributed soon, but that depends on the Treasury Department.

Congress gave us about $450 million for Indian Country, Bernhardt said of the Department of the Interior. We got that out the door very quickly. Weve also provided resources like command centers and decontamination facilities. On top of that, were intimately involved with FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency).

He held meetings with the All Pueblo Council of Governors and Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez on Wednesday about challenges they are facing in combating the coronavirus.

We had some positive conversations, Bernhardt said. Were expecting to continue the discussions in the next couple of weeks.

But Udall, a Democrat, has called for inspector general investigations by the Treasury Department and Interior over the rollout of the $8 billion and the release of sensitive tribal information.

The data was submitted to the Treasury Departments Coronavirus Relief Fund Web portal, and meant to be confidential, he said.

I actually asked the inspector general to look into that breach, Bernhardt said, as soon as I saw the distribution numbers had been released. I take this very seriously. We have a trust responsibility.

Udall has also asked for the inspector general to look into a potential conflict of interest by Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Tara Sweeney, who is from Alaska, in the distribution of CARES Act funds for Native American tribes.

Bernhardt defended Sweeney during his interview with the Journal.

I have a great deal of confidence in her ethical compliance, he said. Ive hired more ethics officials (for DOI) than the prior administration did in their entire tenure. I have dramatically improved the ethics compliance program. Im confident in the culture of compliance that I have instituted within that department.

Udall also questions why almost $50 million in funding approved by Congress for education in Indian Country from the CARES Act has not been distributed.

Children in BIE (Bureau of Indian Education) schools have to have resources they need during this crisis, the Democratic senator said.

Bernhardt said the money had to be spent wisely.

We want to spend it effectively, he said. We want to make sure every dollar that is spent  thats from the department  is spent on COVID-related items.

He said there are times when proposals are brought to his department that need more refinement before funding is obligated.

We are very committed to making sure that we have the resources to get these schools in a good place, Bernhardt said. I take nothing more seriously than our responsibility to educate these kids.

Scott Turner: sturner@abqjournal.com
Australian universities are facing an income crisis which may have unintended consequences for the sector's unusual superannuation system including reduced pension payments for retired academics.

Central Queensland University became the first tertiary institution to lose 180 staff via redundancies last week and Deakin University has signalled it will follow suit. The collapse of the Chinese student market has led to salary cuts and revenue losses across the sector and has forced a rethink on its reliance on international fees.

The crisis could also have ramifications for the university's unique superannuation system.

UniSuper is the only defined benefit fund in the country that remains open to new members and permanent university employees are defaulted into the fund. However, unlike British DB schemes, where liabilities are guaranteed by employers, the income stream of retired academics and professors has no such backing.
Manchester United are willing to gift a first-team chance to midfield starlet Hannibal Mejbri next season, according to reports.

The curly-haired wonderkid arrived at Old Trafford from Monaco for 9million last year and has already made his mark at the club, showing maturity in his displays for the youth teams and convincing staff that he will soon be ready for the next step.

And even at the tender age of 17, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is considering a move to bring him into the first-team fold after being impressed by his early progress, MEN claims. In 13 games for United's junior teams, he was fouled 26 times.

Wonderkid Hannibal Mejbri is showing his class for Man United's youth sides, even at age of 17

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be impressed with his progress and ready to give him a chance

Officials at the club were even ready to introduce him this season as they sought a new creative outlet in midfield, before striking a deal with Sporting Lisbon to sign Bruno Fernandes for 68m.

Mejbri has played once for the Under 23 side this season having featured mostly for the U18 side and playing in all four of the club's FA Youth Cup ties - although his development has been halted by the coronavirus after all youth competitions were called off.

But there could be hope for him next season, as the club are set to send the likes of James Garner and Ethan Laird on loan, who have both been given chances to train and play with the first team.

The French midfielder was fouled 26 times in just 13 games for the club's junior teams

Solskjaer has shown he is not afraid to promote youth to the first team and give talent a chance

Solksjaer could call up Mejbri to the first team to fill the void and continue his policy of bleeding through young talent, the report adds, with the Frenchman set to be joined by fellow prospects Charlie McCann and Mark Helm.

The Norwegian boss has shown he is not afraid to give youth a chance with the introduction of 18-year-old Mason Greenwood to the first team, with plenty more talent allowed to exhibit their quality.

At a Europa League away tie at Astana in November, he opted to take nearly an entire team of academy players with United already qualified for the next round. While 'Solskjaer's Saplings' lost 2-1, it proved to be a valuable experience for the likes of Garner, Laird, Dylan Levitt, Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes.
New York Life Insurance has leased a 1,417-square foot office space on the 15th floor of the Waterman-Smith building at 61 St. Joseph St., in downtown Mobile, according to Josh W. Hall of NAI Mobile. He handles leasing for the circa 1947 landmark building. The 15th floor has not been available for years but has been renovated by the current owner. New York Life also has an office in Montlimar Place off Montlimar Drive in west Mobile.

Dells Ice Cream has leased 2,400 square feet of space at 25637 Canal Road in the Wolf Bay Shopping Center in Orange Beach, according to Chris Harle of White-Spunner Realty. Dells will be the exclusive seller of Cammies Old Dutch brand ice cream in Orange Beach.

The architectural and signage elevations for a new Tom Thumb convenience store planned for the northeast corner of Canal Road and Wharf Parkway East at The Wharf in Orange Beach are under review by the Orange Beach City Council. The project includes a gas station, food store, car wash and Burger King, according to city records.

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The former Food for Less grocery store at 2260 St. Stephens Road in Mobile will be offered for sale at auction at a date to be determined yet, according to Coastal Auction Company. The equipment and fixtures will also be auctioned.

Construction is under way on OWAs indoor water park, which will feature a 65,000-square-foot indoor retractable roof, according to OpenAire, a retractable roofing company. The indoor water park is scheduled to open next year in OWA, an entertainment destination off Baldwin County 20 in Foley. OpenAire, is based in Canada and Cedarburg, Wisc., and designs custom retractable roofs worldwide. The water park will also feature a 26-foot tall, retractable wall that opens from the indoor waterpark to the adjacent outdoor park. The wall is 128 feet wide.
The Supreme Court should not require President Trump to release his tax returns on several grounds. There is not one good reason for his tax return to be released, and far too many why they should not. In addition, the Supreme Court should not vote along party lines on this issue. This should be a unanimous vote in order to send a message that the release of these documents would set a dangerous precedent.

Without getting into whether it is unconstitutional or not; for sake of argument lets just assume it is not. All the problems that can occur cannot be foreseen. The Democratic Partys constant attempts to reveal the president's tax returns could be the opening of the proverbial Pandoras Box.

Pandoras Box  A present which seems valuable, but which in reality is a curse.

The Democratic Party has attempted to get the presidents accountants and bankers to release his records. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has a code of ethics which expressly prohibits the releasing of a clients records. Doing so could result in the loss of a CPA license. Bankers have similar rules. Will those standards be compromised forever? What happens to other professions? Will lawyers be required to violate their attorney-client privilege? Will the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA law) be rewritten or eliminated? And how about journalists? Will they still be able to protect their sources?

President Trump acquired his wealth in the private sector. As President Harry S. Truman once said: "You can't get rich in politics unless you're a crook." Which brings us to an important question. Without mentioning any names, shouldnt a United States citizen be allowed to ask to see the financial records of politicians? At least their own representatives. Lets be honest, we know of many career politicians that became very wealthy while serving in politics their entire life. They would have more trouble hiding their sources of income than Al Capone had. We know how that turned out.

It appears that members of Congress, especially those pointing a finger at President Trump, are right out of George Orwells Animal Farm. To paraphrase, All citizens are created equal, except some are more equal than others. From the recent favorability ratings of Congress, constituents must rate them on par with Orwells pigs.

What is it that the Democratic Party expects to find in those returns? Personally, I believe they would need to have the contents explained to them. But that is a whole other topic. If the president has any adverse information in them, the Internal Revenue Service would know and have the responsibility to pursue legal action.

We all know why the Democratic Party leaders want to see President Trump's tax returns. Its the old heads we win, tails he loses scam. Regardless of what is contained in the returns, it will only be used to attack the president even if they must fabricate something in it that is not there. They have repeatedly done this since the day he announced his candidacy.

A perfect example happened on the Rachel Maddow show when she had a guest that mysteriously received a copy of President Trump's tax return in his email. Keep in mind, he received only the first two pages of the tax return. That person was David Cay Johnston, a well-known critic of Donald Trump going back decades. He has written disparagingly about him in numerous articles and books. It appears he has an obsession.

Johnstons background appears more impressive than it actually is. He received the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Beat Reporting for his reporting that exposed loopholes and inequities in the U.S. tax code. That body of work may be entirely based solely on his opinion. Mr. Johnston does not have a college degree, yet he was a lecturer at Syracuse University College of Law. What his actual knowledge of the tax law is questionable, especially judging from his performance of Rachel Maddows show.

Mr. Johnston made assertions on the tax returns which could not be made from the first two pages of a 1040. Any CPA, Attorney, or first year tax preparer at your local H&R Block, will tell you that the first two pages of a 1040 are nothing more than the summary of the following pages. The calculations are made on other forms of the return. Among the many claims made by Mr. Johnston was that Trump pushed the tax laws to their furthest limits, implying that it was at least unethical.

This is a prime example of what you can expect if the Democrats have their way. If this expert in tax law could make up conclusions without having any evidence, imagine what could happen if they have the hundreds, possibly thousands, of pages and supporting schedules that a billionaires tax return contains. This is in addition to the legal reasons why the tax returns shouldnt be disclosed, mind you. Therefore, the Supreme Court should send a clear message by denying the release of the Trump tax returns.

Michael A. Bertolone, MS is a freelance writer in Rochester, NY.

Image credit: Pixabay public domain.
New Delhi, May 24 : A group of migrant workers travelling back to Bihar's Gaya from Punjab's Amritsar looted snacks and water bottles meant for distribution among Sharmik Special passengers, official sources said on Sunday.

According to northern railway officials, the incident occurred around 5.30 pm on Friday.

The official said that the group looted four cartons of snacks as these were being carted in for train passengers by IRCTC staff. The migrants carried as many packets of chips, biscuits and water bottles as they could carry and fled the spot immediately.

There was no railway police or other officials to intervene and restore order.

Only Shramik trains for migrant workers are operational from the Old Delhi station.
The US should give up its wishful thinking of changing China, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, warning that some in America were pushing relations to a new Cold War. China has no intention to change the US, nor to replace the US. It is also wishful thinking for the US to change China, Wang said during his annual news briefing on the sidelines of National Peoples Congress meetings in Beijing.

He also criticised the US for slowing its nuclear negotiations with North Korea and warned it not to cross Beijings red line on Taiwan.

The US-China relationship has worsened dramatically in the past few months as America became one of the countries worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic, which was first discovered in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

The worlds two biggest economies have clashed on a range of issues from trade to human rights, with Beijings latest move to tighten its grip on Hong Kong setting up another showdown between US President Donald Trump and Chinas Xi Jinping.

Some US political forces are taking hostage of China-US relations, attempting to push the ties to the brink of so-called new Cold War, Wang said. This is dangerous and will endanger global peace.

Wang cautioned the US not to challenge Chinas red line on Taiwan, after Secretary of State Michael Pompeo broke with tradition last week and congratulated the islands President Tsai Ing-wen on her second-term inauguration. Beijing considers Taiwan a province.

Reunification between the two sides of the Strait is an inevitable trend of history, no one and no force can stop it, Wang said.

And he blamed Washington for the stall in historic negotiations between the US and North Korea, saying China hoped to see continued interaction between the two sides.

The comments came after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un -- who has faced questions about his health -- made his first public statement in three weeks, ordering military leaders to increase the countrys nuclear war deterrence.

We have seen some positive steps taken by the DPRK [North Korea] in the last few years towards de-escalation and denuclearisation, Wang said. Regrettably, these steps have not been reciprocated in a substantive way by the US side. This is the main reason for the ongoing stalemate in the DPRK-US dialogue.

Tensions spiked last week after China announced the NPC would write sweeping legislation into Hong Kong law to criminalise the harshest criticism of China and the ruling party.

The move drew swift condemnation from pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, who defied virus-related social-distancing measures and rallied in the city centre even as Wang spoke.

Mr Pompeo called the measure a disastrous proposal and indicated that it could lead the US to reconsider Hong Kongs special trade status.

Wang repeated Chinas stance that Hong Kong affairs were an internal matter and said the principle of non-interference must be upheld by all countries. He didnt directly address potential US retaliation over the legislation.

He also argued that the coronavirus pandemic showed how the world was a global village and needed to work together, while repeatedly rejecting foreign criticism of Chinas internal affairs.

US politicians have advanced several pieces of legislation targeting China in recent weeks with bipartisan support amid mounting calls for Beijing to be punished for its alleged failure to disclose information early on about the spread of Covid-19.

The virus has cost almost 100,000 American lives and tens of millions of jobs.

Xi said, on Saturday, he wont let China return to its days as a planned economy, pushing back against US criticism that the nation has failed to deliver on promised reforms.

Weve come to the understanding that we should not ignore the blindness of the market, nor should we return to the old path of a planned economy, he told political advisers gathered in Beijing, the official Xinhua news agency said.
NIH head Francis Collins wins $1.3M Templeton Prize for his witness to faith and science

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U.S. National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins, a devout Christian geneticist, is the 2020 winner of the Templeton Prize, a financial award of $1.3 million that honors his storied career of using science to advocate for the integration of faith and reason.

It is a distinct honor, and one which is particularly appropriate in these challenging times, to announce the winner of the 2020 Templeton Prize, Dr. Francis Collins  geneticist, physician, director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and one of the most prominent and respected scientists in the world, Heather Templeton Dill, president of the John Templeton Foundation and granddaughter of the late philanthropist Sir John Templeton, said in a statement Wednesday.

Throughout his long career, Dr. Collins has advocated for the integration of faith and reason, demonstrating how religious faith can inform and inspire a rigorous quest for knowledge of the natural world through the sciences.

The Templeton Prize is one of the worlds largest annual individual awards. The award honors individuals whose exemplary achievements advance Templetons philanthropic vision: harnessing the power of the sciences to explore the deepest questions of the universe and humankinds place and purpose within it.

Collins, 70, has advanced that vision throughout his career as he led the Human Genome Project to its successful completion in 2003. The project resulted in the mapping and sequencing of the 3 billion DNA letters that make up the human genetic instruction book.

Before his work at the NIH, he also served as a professor of internal medicine and human genetics at the University of Michigan. At the university, he was known as the gene hunter for pioneering the technique of positional cloning to pinpoint disease-related genes the foundation noted.

His research helped lead to the discovery of the genes responsible for cystic fibrosis and neurofibromatosis.

Motivated by his own sincere Christian belief, Dr. Collins regards his scientific vocation as a geneticist not only as a means to decipher what he calls the language of God, but also as an act of worship of the divine, Templeton Dill said. Francis Collins embodies the ideals and core convictions that inspired my grandfather, Sir John Templeton, to establish the Templeton Prize in 1972: that rigorous research, especially in the sciences, can help humanity confront the deepest and most challenging questions of existence.

Born April 14, 1950 in Staunton, Virginia to secular parents, Collins is the youngest of four sons, according to a fact sheet on Collins provided by the foundation.

In 1966 after he graduated high school at age 16, Collins enrolled at the University of Virginia where his rather superficial personal exploration of various religions led him to find comfort in the noncommittal nature of agnosticism.

After he graduated from the University of Virginia in 1970, however, he began a Ph.D. program in physical chemistry at Yale University, where he became an unapologetic atheist.

Collins, at the time, equated belief in God with intellectual suicide, according to the foundation.

His turning point with God came in 1976 while he was a third-year medical student at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Collins found himself deeply touched by how often his patients looked to their faiths to provide solace in the face of death.

He began searching for God after one of his patients asked him about his faith and he was unable to give an honest answer despite his atheism.

A Methodist minister, who was also his neighbor, would later loan him a book called Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis during a visit. Seeing the faith through the lens of a former atheist like Lewis helped shape Collins journey to Christianity over the next several decades.

When I transitioned from quantum mechanics to medical school, I found these questions hard to ignore while sitting next to the beds of the sick and dying, and science wasnt much use in tackling them," Collins explained in a statement. "People of faith seemed to claim wisdom in that domain, but I assumed those insights were based on superstition and fundamental misunderstanding of nature. Seeking to dismiss the faith perspective, I was stunned to discover a rich vein of philosophical and theological thinking."

Atheism, the denial of the possibility of anything that science couldnt measure, emerged as the most irrational and impoverished worldview," Collins added. "And to my amazement, pointers to a Creator began to appear in all sorts of places, even including scientific observations about the universe. Most importantly, the person of Jesus emerged as the most profound truth-teller I had ever encountered, and called on me to make a decision about my own belief. I held off the Hound of Heaven as long as I could, but ultimately resistance was impossible.

Collins wrote his 2006 New York Times bestseller, The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, to recount his journey from agnosticism to atheism to Christian belief.

The book explains why science is not in conflict with the Bible. The book also outlines how modern science and robust personal faith can intersect. It became an instant New York Times bestseller and stayed on the bestseller list for 16 weeks.

A year later, inspired by the response to his book and seeing the need to create a platform for further dialogue about science and religion, Collins and his wife founded the non-profit BioLogos. BioLogos exists to foster discussions about the harmony between science and biblical faith.

That same year, 2007, Collins was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, by President George W. Bush.

In addition to being confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 16th director of the NIH in 2009, he went on to receive numerous other awards for his work as he continued writing.

I certainly never expected to have a leading voice in the science-faith debates, Collins said in his statement.

But to his surprise, The Language of God seems to have found a resonance with many seekers.

It is truly gratifying to see and celebrate the community of scientists and believers that have rallied around this joyful synthesis, he said. In Matthew 22:36-37, Jesus is asked by the disciples to name the greatest commandment in the Law. He responded, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind. Our minds were supposed to be involved in this! That means that science is not only a stimulating intellectual exercise, not only an amazing detective story  it can also be a form of worship.
Driven by poverty and lack of work during the lockdown, a migrant couple in Hyderabad tried to sell their two-month-old baby boy for Rs 22,000 through a mediator on Sunday.

The Jeedimetla police arrested the couple Madan Kumar Singh (32) and Saritha (30) from Uttar Pradesh, who came to Hyderabad a few years ago to work as construction labourers and have been staying at Bathukamma Banda near Jagadgirigutta.

Another woman identified as Seshu, who was brokering the deal, was also taken into custody. The child was the couples second son, the first one is seven-years old.

We have rescued the child and shifted him to Sishu Vihar being run by the Women and Child Welfare Department authorities, P V Padmaja Reddy, Deputy Commissioner of Police of Balanagar, told Hindustan Times.

She said enquiries revealed that the couple was facing acute poverty conditions. We are investigating as to whether there were any other reasons for the sale of the child, the DCP said.

The police said the couple had apparently thought they would not be able to raise the second child due to lack of resources. The childs mother, however, told the police that her husband was also addicted to alcohol and was pestering her for money to buy liquor.

The couple managed to find a broker Seshu, who reportedly found a childless couple who agreed to buy the child for Rs 22,000. On receiving a tip off, we caught Seshu who was taking the child for a medical examination, police said.

Andhra Pradesh Balala Hakkula Sangham president P Achyuta Rao said it was the responsibility of the state government to come to the rescue of daily wage workers who were suffering from poverty due to lockdown. The department of women and child welfare should launch an awareness campaign about the Cradle Scheme among the poor people who were resorting to selling of new-born babies, he said.
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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state has felicitated with the Muslim faithful on the occasion of their Eid-el-Fitr celebration and for successfully completing their Ramadan Fast.

In his message to the Muslim community in the country on Saturday, Governor Uzodimma commended them for their resilience, dedication, patience and self-sacrifice in the face of the coronavirus pandemic challenge ravaging the global community, and urged the Muslims to depend solely on God in all situation.

Governor Uzodimma said God has been merciful to Nigeria and Nigerians and advised the Muslim faithful to remain steadfast in their prayer for a one united, peaceful and prosperous country.

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The Governor said this years Eid-el-Fitr ceremony which seemed marred by the Covid-19 has provided an opportunity for the Muslim faithful to reflect deeply on the awesomeness of God in the face of predicament and the need for mankind to subject themselves to the sovereignty of God Almighty.

Governor Uzodimma, therefore, advised the Muslim faithful to use this period of Eid-el-Fitr to remember the vulnerable, weak, and needy in our midst and show them love.

He also encouraged the Muslim faithful to pray for the leadership in our country so that they will be God-fearing and work in the interest of the society.
This was supposed to be the week Roman Baca finally brought his life's work back home.

Baca, a former Marine Corps reservist, trained as a ballet dancer before he shouldered a machine gun in the Iraqi city of Fallujah in 2005. He then found a way to combine those two disparate worlds.

He co-founded a group in New York that depicts the experiences of war and trauma through dance. His company had never performed in his native New Mexico, and a slated visit was going to be the moment his vision reached new heights.

"I see the time blocked off on my calendar for it, and I get kind of depressed," Baca said.

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed nearly every facet of daily life. Now that includes Memorial Day events and traditions, as social distancing, closures and restrictions have disrupted the rituals of grief for those who have died in uniform.

Public events, such as wreath laying ceremonies at national cemeteries, have either been altered or roped off from the public.

The virus has also made quieter rituals of grief challenging or impossible.

For Richard Allen Smith and two Army veteran friends who served together in Afghanistan, an annual pilgrimage to Arlington National Cemetery is part of a new tradition. At least one of them has made the trip in the past six years or so to visit comrades killed in action.

They include Sgt. Charles E. Wyckoff Jr. On June 6, 2007, Smith's task on base was to help coordinate surveillance drones for soldiers in enemy contact. Wyckoff's patrol was attacked in Helmand province, and as he killed two Taliban militants in defense of his soldiers, Wyckoff was shot dead.

But such visits are barred this year. The cemetery will be closed to visitors over the weekend; only family members of the interred may enter if they present passes and masks.

Baca's now canceled trip was organized through his dance company. The group planned a weeklong trip to New Mexico, including a stop Albuquerque, his hometown, to hold dance workshops with local veterans and teach steps to disadvantaged kids.

Instead, Baca will hold a remote workshop for veterans in the United Kingdom. It will enable them to express their experiences through creative arts and learn new skills to help them find jobs in the field, Baca said.

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, a group that provides resources and care for those who have lost spouses and family members in uniform, has shifted its annual conference in Virginia to Zoom. That has allowed grieving families to find comfort among others even in a time of social isolation, founder Bonnie Carroll said.

Carroll recognized similar feelings of grief among survivors of those who died of infections: a sense of isolation and the burden of not saying goodbye, she said, that military families have historically experienced. The group stepped in to offer resources to help COVID-ravaged families navigate their loss.

Others have not allowed restrictions to impede their observations. Josh Holubz, an Army veteran wounded in Iraq, lives a couple hours from the White County, Ga., gravesite of Sgt. Jason Harkins, who was killed alongside five other soldiers and a Russian photojournalist in a massive IED blast in 2007.

Holubz said he will avoid the holiday crowds but next week will leave some moonshine at his friend's headstone and visit Harkins' family, who live nearby.

"You can't live in fear," Holubz said. "I think we learned that better than anybody."
Between the lockdown and the Corona crisis, a plane carrying 177 passengers from Muscat, Oman, landed at Cochin International Airport under the Vanda India Mission. The Indian Embassy in Oman said that the first part of the second phase of the Vande Bharat Mission has been successfully completed. 1970 passengers have arrived by 11 aircraft. These travelers are from 18 states and union territories.

China doing anti-India work on border, increases troops

On Thursday, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said in a press conference that more than 20,000 Indian citizens have been brought back so far. The second phase of Vande Bharat started from 16 May, which will continue till 13 June.

Customers can get bumper discount after launch of JioMart

The cases of coronavirus in India are increasing rapidly. The number of people caught in the coronavirus in the country has crossed 1.25 million. According to the data released by the Union Health Ministry, in the last 24 hours, 6,654 new cases have been reported and 137 people have died. Out of this, more than 51 thousand people have become healthy, while a total of more than 3700 people have lost their lives so far. There are 69,597 active cases of coronavirus in the country.

This leader gives unique statement amid Corona crisis
COVID-19 cases in India saw the biggest spike for the third consecutive day on Sunday with 6,767 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 1,31,868, while the death toll due to the disease rose to 3,867 after 147 more fatalities, according to the Union health ministry.

The active cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rose to 73,560, while 54,440 people have recovered and a patient has migrated to another country, according to the ministry's bulletin.

"Thus, around 41.28 per cent patients have recovered so far," a Health Ministry official said.

The total number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus includes foreigners.

Of the 147 deaths reported since Saturday morning, 60 were in Maharashtra, 27 in Gujarat, 23 in Delhi, nine in Madhya Pradesh, seven in Rajasthan, five in Tamil Nadu, four each in West Bengal and Telangana, three in Uttar Pradesh, and one each in Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand.

Of the total death toll of 3,867, Maharashtra tops the tally with 1,577 deaths, followed by Gujarat at 829, Madhya Pradesh at 281, West Bengal at 269 and Delhi at 231.

The number of deaths due to the contagion in Rajasthan is 160, while 155 people died in Uttar Pradesh, 103 in Tamil Nadu and 56 in Andhra Pradesh.

The COVID-19 death toll reached 49 in Telangana, 42 in Karnataka and 39 in Punjab. There are 21 fatalities in Jammu and Kashmir, 16 in Haryana and 11 in Bihar.

Seven people have succumbed to the disease in Odisha, and four each in Kerala, Jharkhand and Assam so far.

Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh have recorded three deaths each, while Uttarakhand has recorded two deaths due to the virus. One fatality has been recorded in Meghalaya, the ministry said.

More than 70 per cent of the deaths are due to comorbidities, according to the ministry's website.

The highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra at 47,190 followed by Tamil Nadu at 15,512, Gujarat at 13,664 and Delhi at 12,910.

There are 6,742 coronavirus cases in Rajasthan, 6,371 in Madhya Pradesh and 6,017 in Uttar Pradesh. The number of infections has gone up to 3,459 in West Bengal, 2,757 in Andhra Pradesh and 2,380 in Bihar.

As many as 2,045 people have been infected with the virus in Punjab, 1,959 in Karnataka, 1,813 in Telangana, 1,569 in Jammu and Kashmir and 1,269 in Odisha.

In Haryana, 1,132 people are afflicted with the deadly disease, while Kerala has 795 cases, followed by Jharkhand with 350 and 329 in Assam.

As many as 244 cases have been reported in Uttarakhand, Chandigarh has reported 225 cases, while 214 people have tested positive for the virus in Chhattisgarh.

A total of 189 people have tested positive in Tripura, while there are 185 cases of the pathogen in Himachal Pradesh, and 55 in Goa. Ladakh has reported 49 COVID-19 cases, while Andaman and Nicobar Islands has registered 33 infections.

Manipur has registered 29 cases and Puducherry has recorded 26 cases. Meghalaya has 14 cases. Dadar and Nagar Haveli has reported two cases, while Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim have recorded one case each.

As many as '2,338 cases are being reassigned to states', the ministry said on its website, adding that, 'Our figures are being reconciled with the ICMR'.

Statewide distribution is subject to further verification and reconciliation, it said.
A man and his relative were



killed in the early hours of Sunday in Latur in Maharashtra in a mob attack after they asked a Gujarat-returnee truck driver to get quarantined amid the coronavirus outbreak, police said.

The incident happened in Bolegaon village in Nilanga tehsil, over 275 kilometres from here, at around 2:30am, a Kasar Shirshi police station official said.

"Driver Vidyaman Baramde, who lives in Mumbai, returned to Bolegaon from Gujarat and deceased Shahaji Patil asked him to get home quarantined. However, Baramde went to his sister's place in Chandori village and returned with a mob which thrashed Patil (50) and his relative Vaibhav (24), both of whom died in the attack," he said.

The official said a murder case had been registered and eight people have been detained.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The coronavirus disease (Covid-19)-induced pandemic has thrown up several socioeconomic challenges for India, the most critical being how to revive the economy. To cross this hurdle, India needs to re-engineer and reconfigure its socioeconomic set-up. One of the key drivers of this reconfiguration would be the behaviour of migrant labourers. This will be crucial because the proportion of the labour-dependent informal sector in the economy is high.

India has an estimated 497 million workers, of which about 94% work in the unorganised sector. A large percentage of this population has been severely hit by Covid-19.

During the lockdown, despite severe restrictions, many returned to their villages by whichever means available. The less-adventurous workers stayed back, but without any income. With uncertainty about the lockdown and no cash left, most remain desperate to get back to their homes, even though the Union government has now allowed several businesses and industries to open in some zones.

The reasons behind this desire to return home are not far to seek. They feel that the village ecosystem provides them emotional security, and to a large extent, food security.

Now the crucial question is: What will be the behaviour pattern of migrant labourers once the lockdown is completely or substantially lifted, and after things start returning to normal?

There is a strong belief that many migrant labourers may not return to their workplaces due to uncertainties, apart from the requirements for the harvest season in rural areas. The memories of the hardships they faced during the lockdown and the difficulties they experienced during their return to their villages will not fade from their minds soon.

This is an unprecedented situation. But this also provides an unprecedented opportunity for the nation. Over the years, India has witnessed a phenomenal increase in rural-to-urban migration, due to declining opportunities in rural areas, dwindling returns from agriculture, and rapid urbanisation/industrialisation in cities.

This has led to a mushrooming of slum-clusters in cities, resulting in a severe strain on the urban infrastructure such as water, sewage, transport, and on social resources. It seems like the coronavirus has pushed a reset button to ensure seamless reverse migration from urban cities to rural areas, and we, if we so desire, have an opportunity to capitalise on this situation.

In the effort to jump-start the economy, mainly the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector, we could try and integrate these reluctant-to-return migrant workers into India's rural economy. This may also be an occasion to realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi, by making his concept of gram swaraj a reality.

It is well-known that people in many districts have certain skill sets, which have been inherited, evolved and nurtured through successive generations. When a labourer, skilled or otherwise, migrates to a big city, he subsequently pulls in a few more of his village folk to that city for employment.

After this reverse migration, these skilled migrants are available in a cluster in rural areas. This can be leveraged to set up an MSME unit and provide it with credit, technical know-how, and market support. For example, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath mooted a plan of setting up one type of industry in one district in Uttar Pradesh. This could be an ideal time to give such plans a functional shape.

It is time for the Union ministry of MSME and the state governments to come up with a workable plan to encourage a cluster of the cottage, small and medium enterprises in villages and mofussil towns.

These enterprises may take a while to come up. In the interregnum, an action plan could be drawn to expand the scope of development works under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

The educated among the skilled labourers could lead this MSME effort, especially in the food and fruit processing sectors. The Centres Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency bank could be a big help here.

Desh Deepak Verma is secretary-general, Rajya Sabha, and former secretary, Government of India

The views expressed are personal
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with his cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House on May 19, 2020. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump Says Vote-By-Mail Supporters Are Trying to Exploit Pandemic

President Donald Trump said that mail-in voting shouldnt be conducted in the United States, saying that supporters of vote-by-mail are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to push for the policy.

The United States cannot have all Mail In Ballots. It will be the greatest Rigged Election in history, Trump wrote on Twitter, expressing concern that people might commit voter fraud by retrieving mailed ballots, duplicating them by the thousands, and forging signatures.

The United States cannot have all Mail In Ballots. It will be the greatest Rigged Election in history. People grab them from mailboxes, print thousands of forgeries and force people to sign. Also, forge names. Some absentee OK, when necessary. Trying to use Covid for this Scam!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 24, 2020

Trying to use Covid for this Scam! Trump wrote.

Since winning the election in 2016, Trump has been an opponent of mail-in voting. But as more states and authorities consider vote-by-mail to limit the spread of COVID-19, the president has ramped up his criticism.

Last week, the president said he could withhold funding to states that allow voting in that manner.

Mail-in ballots are very dangerous. There is tremendous fraud involved and tremendous illegality, Trump told reporters as he met with Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat. On Twitter at around the same time, he said that funding could be withheld to Nevada and Michigan.

When you send out 7.7 million mail-in ballots, theres forgeries, theres frankly duplication where they print ballots on the same kind of paper with the same kind of machinery, and you cant tell the difference and then send in thousands and thousands of fake ballots, Trump said.

Disinfecting wipes stand at the ready at the Lancaster County Election Committee offices in Lincoln, Neb., on April 14, 2020. (Nati Harnik/AP Photo)

Amid the CCP virus pandemic, more Americans have expressed a willingness to vote by mail, according to several polls.

A USA TodaySuffolk University poll in early May found that 65 percent of respondents endorsed mail-in voting. Only 32 percent opposed it, and 3 percent said they were undecided.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick last week lashed out at the efforts to expand vote-by-mail in the state, saying its an attempt to sway the election.

There is no reasoncapital N, capital Ono reason that anyone under 65 should be able to say I am afraid to go vote, Patrick told Fox News. Have they been to a grocery store? Have they been to Walmart? Have they been to Lowes? Have they been to Home Depot? Have they been anywhere? Have they been afraid to go out of their house?

This is a scam by the Democrats to steal the election.
The airports in Kolkata and Bagdogra in West Bengal and Vizag and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh will not handle any domestic flights on Monday while the ones at Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad will deal with reduced number of domestic services, senior government officials said on Sunday.

A day before resumption of domestic commercial passenger flights across India, multiple meetings were held at the Civil Aviation Ministry among various stakeholders as states expressed their reluctance to deal with so many incoming flyers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Therefore, it was decided on Sunday evening that Kolkata and Bagdogra will each handle just 20 flights per day from Thursday, the officials said, adding that these two airports in West Bengal will not handle any flights between Monday and Wednesday.

"It has been a long day of hard negotiations with various state govts to recommence civil aviation operations in the country," said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Twitter on Sunday night.

"Except Andhra Pradesh which will start on 26/5 & West Bengal on 28/5, domestic flightswill recommence across the country from tomorrow (Monday)," he added.

The Hyderabad airport will deal with only 30 domestic flights per day from Monday, the government officials said, adding that 50 per cent of these will be departures and remaining would be arrivals.

There will be no domestic services at the Vijaywada and the Vizag airports on Monday, and they will be handling only 20 per cent of the pre-lockdown flights from Tuesday onwards, the officials said.

"As per request of the state govt, operations in Andhra Pradesh will recommence on a limited scale from 26 May," Puri said.

"For Tamil Nadu there will be max 25 arrivals in Chennai but there's no limit on the number of departures. For other airports in Tamil Nadu flights will operate as in other parts of the country," he added.

Indian airlines, who had opened their bookings on domestic services 2-3 days ago, will have to cancel a significant number of flights to these cities where the central government curtailed operations on Sunday.

The Mumbai airport, India's second busiest airpo rt, will handle only 50 flights per day from Monday, said officials, adding that all other airports in Maharashtra will deal with just one-third of the pre-lockdown domestic air traffic.

The Mumbai airport's operator MIAL on Sunday said it will "resume 25 commercial passenger flight movements on departure and 25 on arrival".

Indian skies will open up for domestic passenger flights from Monday after a gap of two months. It was announced last Thursday that one-third of the pre-lockdown domestic flights will operate from Monday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Saturday said she will urge the Centre to postpone the resumption of domestic flight services at the Kolkata and the Bagdogra airports by a few days.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Twitter on Sunday that it is "extremely ill-advised" to reopen airports in red zones.

International commercial passenger flight services remain suspended in India.

"Starting tomorrow, there will be limited flights from Mumbai & as per approved one-third schedule from other airports in the state. Limited operations to West Bengal will commence on 28th May 2020," Puri said on Twitter on Sunday night.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Self-serve options, from buffets to drink stations to salad bars, arent part of reopening plans for restaurants muddling through the COVID-19 pandemic. The thought of diners moving around the dining room, hovering over trays of food, grabbing plates from the same pile and sharing serving utensils is unfathomable, especially in Ontario, where the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, notwithstanding a phased plan to end the lockdown. Plus, with food waste and insecurity on peoples minds, many are taking time to rethink the whole idea of all-you-can eat in the traditional sense.

Shraey Gulati and his family own Tandoori Flame, a small empire of Indian buffet restaurants in Brampton, Mississauga and Surrey, B.C. They tout Tandoori as North Americas largest Indian buffet with more than 150 items. Gulati is in Surrey to oversee the partial reopening of that location on June 1, as British Columbia allowed dining rooms to reopen at limited capacity earlier this month. Buffets still arent allowed, so Gulati is reformatting the restaurant. It will be a test run for the other two restaurants in Ontario.

We tried to search what other cities have been doing, but there hasnt been a clear indication yet, so we have to essentially brainstorm ourselves, Gulati says over the phone.

He says management came up with two possibilities: one being cafeteria service, in which diners are handed a plate and go up to one of the 12 food stations, where an attendant serves them food. The drawback to that is how to ensure guests will be able to stand two metres apart without intruding on others in the dining room.

The other more likely scenario is to have diners order unlimited food from their table, a format diners would already be familiar with at all-you-can-eat sushi spots. Guests order from a pared down menu, likely between 50-70 items, from their table and a server brings the food to them on platters. Gulati says theyre also working to enable diners to get the menu as well as pay from their phones to minimize contact.

Still, the common sentiment from restaurant owners is that reopening a dining room at half capacity wont generate enough revenue. Thats especially true for buffets that occupy massive spaces (and with that, have massive operating costs). Tandoori Flames locations are around 10,000 square feet. The buffet stations occupy around 40 to 45 per cent of that.

Since a buffet charges a flat rate, it relies on having a full room and a high turnover. For every voracious diner that tries to game the system by only eating high-cost items such as seafood, there needs to be people that dont eat as much or fill up on bread and pasta.

We probably wont be going back to the traditional format until the end of 2020 or next year, but the most vital thing is to have our 450-seat capacity back, says Gulati. He adds that while the new format will reduce food costs and waste, the money saved would be going to additional staff to bring food to the table.

Anthony Matiya, whose family runs the two locations of Jerusalem Middle Eastern restaurants, the one in North York being a buffet operation since 2000, is also considering a similar model of having diners ordering from the table.

I always liked the model at dim sum and sushi restaurants because it helps control waste, he says. Serving as you go helps lower the costs, which helps considering everything else is going up. Its the only way I can see it working.

Despite already spending thousands last summer to renovate the buffet area, changes are necessary when they reopen, Matiya says.

The traditional buffet model is done, not because it didnt work in the past. The guidelines they want to put in place doesnt allow for it to operate, he says. Will people wear masks and gloves at the buffet? Are sneeze guards enough? Can we change the utensils every time someone uses it? All it takes is one person to ruin it, especially if a person is asymptomatic. No matter what steps you put in place, there is always uncertainty.

As for Ontarios most popular buffet chain, Mandarin, a spokesperson says its too early to announce what it plans to do when the dining room reopens, and that the restaurants are focusing on takeout right now.

Switching to an order-as-you-go model could be a good thing. After all, who amongst us hasnt tried to create a metre-tall mountain of soft serve just because we could? With food costs rising and the public being more aware of food insecurity, some restaurant owners are wondering if the old buffet is worth bringing back at all.

Youll be shocked at how much goes uneaten, says Ling Lees Chinese Cuisine owner Norina Karschti, whose parents opened the restaurant atop a curling club in Thunder Bay in 1973. Youll see someone take five egg rolls but only eat two, or know that the price of pork loin went up but you cant charge people more for it. Its sad to see, because we make things from scratch.

She estimates about a third of the food at the buffet goes uneaten and with the ingredients costing 38 per cent of what she charges, she doesnt see it as a money-maker. Last year, she cut down lunchtime buffet service from four days a week down to two, relying more on takeout, catering and a-la-carte service. When restaurants are allowed to reopen in Ontario, shes not sure if its worth starting the buffet again.

I dont see my buffet opening up in the near future without a vaccine (for COVID-19) . I think theres a handful of us being happy that its being done. There is less labour and staffing with buffets, but the food costs are huge.

Its hard to shake the gluttonous image of the modern buffet considering its origins.

The Las Vegas Sun credits the late publicist Herb McDonald with coming up with the idea of the all-you-can-eat buffet back in 1946 when he was working for the El Rancho Vegas hotel. McDonald brought out cheese and meats from the kitchen and laid them out on the bar to make a sandwich, catching the attention of hungry gamblers who wanted in on the spread.

Other casinos followed. At first, it was a way to lure gamblers with unlimited cheap food (hello, $1-Salisbury steaks!) but as Vegas became more family-friendly, the buffets became attractions themselves. The 600-seat, aptly named Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace opened in 2012 with a budget of $100 million and served a million people within its first year.

A few buffets tried to curb the all-you-can-eat mantra in recent years. An executive chef of the American buffet chain Sizzlers told the defunct food magazine Lucky Peach in 2014 that they prefer to call it all-you-care-to-eat so that diners dont see it as a challenge to overeat.

But the buffet represents more than flashy excess. In her 2019 book Chop Suey Nation, journalist Ann Hui writes about the Chinese restaurant-turned-buffet her parents owned in Abbotsford as well as places such as Ling Lees Chinese Cuisine in Thunder Bay.

For a lot of Canadians, the buffet was the introduction of Chinese food, says Hui, adding that in Canada, it was Montreal restaurateur Bill Wong who popularized the all-you-can-eat concept with his namesake restaurant in 1963. At that time, going out to eat was a special occasion and restaurants offered an experience. Thats why Chinese restaurants were popular: it was a new experience that people couldnt have at home.

The buffet in particular was an extra novelty, says Hui. Just as my first time trying Indian food was at a buffet, diners unfamiliar with Chinese food first got their taste at these restaurants. You approach the buffet and pick what looked good, she says. You didnt have to ask questions or know what it was on the menu. It was a perfect entry point for people and made the food more approachable.

As for the birthplace of the modern buffet, casino owners in Las Vegas dont see them as part of the early stages of reopening either. Two casino CEOs, Frank Fertitta III and Tom Reeg, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that buffets arent traditionally money-makers for casinos and the costs of running them, in addition to the increased sanitation costs, arent worth it.

While traditional buffets arent as common in the GTA as they once were , they continue to exist in another form as salad bars and hot tables at supermarkets.

Longos salad bars have been turned into spaces that sell packaged meals and produce, says Joey Bernaudo, senior director of merchandising for the supermarket chain. Hes hesitant to say whether this is the end of buffet-style service, and says the company will follow whatever health experts dictate.
Cummings' house where police visited - Police say Dominic Cummings controversy will make lockdown impossible to enforce - REUTERS

The police will no longer be able to enforce lockdown because Dominic Cummings actions have completely undermined their authority with the public, it was claimed last night.

Senior policing figures and frontline officers said they feared people would no longer be willing to adhere to the Governments guidance, making their job virtually impossible.

Many senior officers had already admitted they were struggling to explain the rules to an increasingly confused public.

But after the Prime Ministers most senior aide travelled 260 miles from London to Durham to self-isolate at his parents home, one former Chief Constable said the Governments guidelines were dead in the water.

Mike Barton, the former Chief Constable of Durham Police, told the Telegraph: How on earth are the police supposed to enforce the rules now? What has happened has completely holed the legislation that was introduced to keep people safe, below the waterline. It is dead in the water.

It was already difficult for the police to get right because there were these strident messages coming from the Government. In a few minor cases some forces made a few mistakes, but generally the public was very receptive to the message. That has now gone.

Brian Booth, West Yorkshire Police Federation Rep, also said enforcement would now become impossible.

He said: Throughout the lockdown the vast majority of the public have abided by the rules for the greater good. For many it has come at great personal sacrifice.

But when they see a senior government aide appearing to breach the lockdown what are they supposed to think?

It really does undermine what we are trying to achieve. We already have it hard with smart alecs who think they know the law better than us and this just plays into their hands.

It is not the Government who will be left picking up the pieces from this, but all the frontline officers who are trying to keep the public safe.

Story continues

Relations between the police and Downing Street have also been further undermined by a row over the Durham forces handling of the situation.

Despite initial denials from Number 10 that the police had spoken to anyone in the Cummings family over an alleged breach of the lockdown, it has now emerged that officers actually spoke to his father twice.

On Friday evening, a spokesman for Durham Police issued a statement which did not name Mr Cummings, but confirmed that officers had been made aware of reports that a person had travelled from London to an address in Durham in breach of the lockdown rules.

The statement said: Officers made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house.

In line with national policing guidance, officers explained to the family the guidelines around self-isolation and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel.

But on Saturday morning, Downing Street directly contradicted that statement when a spokesman said: At no stage was he [Mr Cummings] or his family spoken to about this matter, as is being reported.

The statement from Number 10 was said to have caused genuine anger among senior officers at Durham, with one source saying: It called into doubt our integrity and honesty.

A short time later, the force issued a second statement, which despite College of Policing guidance recommending suspects are not named before charge, identified Mr Cummings.

The statement said: On Tuesday, March 31, our officers were made aware that Dominic Cummings had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city.

At the request of Mr Cummings' father, an officer made contact the following morning by telephone.

During that conversation, Mr Cummings' father confirmed that his son had travelled with his family from London to the North East and was self-isolating in part of the property.

Durham Constabulary deemed that no further action was required. However, the officer did provide advice in relation to security issues.

It is understood that it was in fact Mr Cummings father who had contacted the police to alert them of his presence in the area and discuss any necessary security arrangements.

During that conversation, officers reminded Mr Cummings senior that his sons journey from London to the North East was in breach of the Governments lockdown rules.

However a source said: It was decided, in line with the way Durham Police have chosen to deal with the lockdown, to offer advice and guidance, rather than take the matter any further.

The Telegraph can reveal that Durham Police spoke to Mr Cummings senior for a second time earlier this month, after a journalist contacted the force alerting them to allegations that his son was once again in the area.

A source said: Officers spoke to Mr Cummings senior to check if there was any truth in claims that his son was staying with him again and they were reassured it was not the case. The rumours had been circulating on social media and had been flagged up by a journalist. The officers were reassured it was not true and did not take the matter any further.
A kind-hearted 11 year-old, with a flare for design, has started her own lockdown project - making masks for family and friends.

Roisin Clark, daughter of Maria and Gary Clark and grand daughter of Pauline and Peter Flannery from the Waterford Road, Kilkenny, is making the masks at her home in Rathfarnham, Dublin.



Roisin has always been very creative and has her own style, her proud aunt Louise Flannery told the Kilkenny People.

She is very kindhearted and this has always been evident with her visits to her grandparents.

Roisin started off making the masks for her family and friends, but is now spreading her kindness and making them for her neighbours.



Above: Aisling's facemasks.

She is using material she had at home and asking family and neighbours for donations of old bra straps to use as the straps on the masks.

As she makes more masks Roisins designs have evolved, and she has now moved on to a design with pipe cleaners to pinch around the nose so it can fit all shape faces.

Well done Roisin!
By Brian Dashew

We are already aware that the economic repercussions of the present public health crisis will be unprecedented. Businesses have shuttered or drastically reduced their workforces as a result of the disruptions needed to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

In New Jersey, more than 1.1 million workers have filed claims for unemployment benefits since the pandemic started. The federal government has infused trillions of dollars into the economy to address the fallout. But to truly address this economic crisis, we must begin thinking now about what comes next: the most significant workforce training and development challenge since at least World War II.

It would be a mistake to assume it will be business as usual when the economy turns back on. Millions of people have been displaced from their jobs and will need to be introduced to new organizations and job roles. Those still employed will likely need to approach their work differently. We do not yet know what other impacts this crisis will yield, but the fact that our economy was so ill-prepared to address this pandemic may signal additional changes in how organizations and their workforces operate.

In adult education, we have witnessed the way that workplace learning has transformed to meet global trends. The industrial revolution led to programmed instruction and a focus on behaviorist education; the rise of the knowledge economy has led to increased attention on learning networks and communities of practice. At the same time, most of these prior shifts were incremental evolutions. The need for retraining and upskilling that we can expect when the U.S. economy reopens will be extensive and immediate, and radical action is therefore needed.

We must think of this challenge from both the perspective of adult educators and learners. Standard models of training will be insufficient to face this challenge because there will not be sufficient expertise for training all people. And simply trying to increase the scale of traditional trainer roles through train-the-trainer programs will take time and human resources that render it economically unviable. The key to our preparation will be developing new competencies and skills for designing job training that is based on our understanding of how people learn in the 21st century. There are clues embedded in recent educational innovations that we should be considering for the large-scale learning projects we will need to think about in the next few months.

For example, organizations should immediately begin thinking about competency-based learning. Competency-based learning programs tie workplace learning to the performance that employees will need to exhibit in new or revised roles. These programs allow learners to focus only on the specific training components that are directly related to their needs, reducing redundancy in training and increasing the training capacity of an organization. Organizations should look to alternative credentialing  either through formal channels or of their own design  to ensure people are prepared for new roles and functions.

The massive open online course (MOOC) movement also provides clues into how we might reconceive of workplace education as we move forward. MOOCs address the issues of scale we will need to think about, but they also emphasize the community-oriented aspects of learning we will need to build into learning programs.

The original intent of MOOCs was not for a single voice or authority to communicate ideas to a large audience; rather, it was to open up discussion and idea exchange across geography and technical platform. Knowledge exists everywhere within and across organizations, and the exchange of tacit knowledge across organizational networks must be encouraged. It is only by capitalizing on this existing knowledge that we will be able to address the massive reskilling effort ahead of us.

These are only two illustrations of how we must rethink education over the coming months. For individuals, developing knowledge of adult education may provide a skill set that will make you a vital contributor to the economic recovery efforts.

In higher education, we must follow what we are now learning about what constitutes essential work, and we must develop programs and approaches that enable skill development to address these community needs. Within organizations, increasing a capacity for education now may mean the difference between success or failure when the public health crisis subsides.

Brian Dashew has over a decade of experience in program development and training design. He is currently an assistant professor of practice in Adult and Continuing Education at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education.

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Richard and Lorraine in 2017, a year before his diagnosis

For 30 years doctors dismissed Richard Meads worries about a lump in his chest  and when at last he was taken seriously, it was too late. He tells Anna Moore how the devastating diagnosis could have been avoided

When Richard Mead was 11 years old, he noticed a lump under his right nipple. It felt like a hard bean and seemed to come from nowhere, he says. My father took me to our GP who examined it and said it was hormonal. I was told it might go away after puberty.

But it didnt go away and the lump bothered him for years. At school, changing for PE, boys teased him about it. Im lean  Ive always had low body fat  and the lump protruded sideways, says Richard, now 41, a marine engineer. Through his 20s and 30s, he consulted several doctors. Id always use the opportunity to ask about it, even if it was for an unrelated appointment  and even though it was embarrassing to bring it up. Their attitude was, Its always been there  whats the problem? I couldnt have it removed under the NHS as it was only cosmetic, so I resigned myself to living with it. In my mid-30s, the last GP to see it said, I can categorically tell you it will never turn to cancer!

Tragically that GP, and all the others before him, were wrong. In October 2018, shortly after Richards 40th birthday, the lump had become painful  and that pain was radiating into his armpit, causing it to swell. He showed his partner, Lorraine Milligan, who insisted they see his GP immediately. Richard was concerned that hed be fobbed off so I went with him, says Lorraine, a make-up artist and photographer. We needed some answers.

This time, Richards GP  not the one who said it would never turn to cancer  took one look and referred him as an emergency appointment to a Breast Care Unit. After a whirlwind of tests, Richard was diagnosed with metastatic (secondary) breast cancer. It had already spread to his lymph nodes, lungs and liver. What may have begun as a benign growth had at some point turned malignant.

I felt total shock, bewilderment, resentment, he says. All those years in doctors surgeries, Id been dismissed. Breast cancer had never been mentioned as a risk and thats unforgivable. I didnt even know men could get it.

Its possible that his doctors didnt know, either. Breast cancer awareness and support is one of the biggest success stories in cancer care. Every woman understands the importance of checking her breasts, we all know the pink ribbon symbol and breast cancer research receives more funding than any other form of cancer. Yet male breast cancer remains overlooked, under-researched and barely recognised.

Last autumn, Beyonces father Mathew Knowles, 68, spoke on Good Morning America about his own breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. (Talk about it, he urged viewers. Speak up. Speak out.

Sooner, faster, quicker) This is because the current silence costs lives. Male breast cancer may be rare  the UK sees about 370 cases a year  but its typically diagnosed at a much later stage than womens.

Lorraine took this photo of Richard as part of the #bluegetittoo campaign

Professor Valerie Speirs is a cancer biologist who specialises in male breast cancer at the University of Aberdeen. Theres a lack of awareness in the general population but also the medical profession, she says. GPs tend to be a bit more dismissive of men who present with symptoms, so the diagnosis can come too late.

For Lorraine and Richard, this has meant letting go of the life they had planned together. The couple had met only two years before his diagnosis  Lorraine was in the Wargrave marina in Berkshire when she first saw Richard fixing a hole in the hull of a boat. (He was tall, dark, handsome and mysterious. My introductory line was, Thats a big hull! she recalls.) Their relationship bloomed. They shared a dream of living on a boat and, just a year later, theyd made an offer on a beautiful barge in Amsterdam, which they sailed to England in October 2017. Both have children from previous relationships  Richard is a father of three and Lorraine has one son  and they imagined a blended family living on the water.

It was a home and holiday combined, and the next year we were blessed with that hot summer which we spent exploring the local waterways, says Lorraine. Little did we know that Richard most likely already had secondary breast cancer. That November brought the diagnosis.

The lump  5.5cm in diameter  was not removed. The doctors decided there was no point since the secondary tumours were so advanced, says Lorraine. Now he has to live with the reminder daily. For the next eight months, Richard received seven rounds of chemotherapy. He was signed off long-term from the career he loved because the stagnant water, rust and dirt could expose him to too many potential infections. He is now taking Tamoxifen, an oestrogen suppressant, and receiving an antibody treatment every three weeks. Hes also awaiting a new targeted combined antibody/chemo to extend his life  its not safe to take in the current COVID-19 pandemic because it reduces immunity. Now, he is in isolation on their boat, where he has suffered depression, anxiety and panic attacks. He finds his cancer hard to talk about. The last scan showed some tumour progression.

After the diagnosis, I organised all his healthcare and appointments, says Lorraine.

I was determined to make everything work: to stick to my job commitments, be a good mum to my nine-year-old son, but also care for Richard. Watching your loved one suffer like this is horrific.

Blue get it too. See the campaign here

In the midst of everything, Lorraine couldnt shake the feeling that if Richard was a woman, hed be embraced by a huge support network, have multiple ways to connect with people in similar situations  and, most crucially, would have caught his cancer at an earlier stage.

The danger of the sea-of-pink approach to breast cancer campaigning is that the pink ribbon, the images of bras and female-led coffee mornings make breast cancer look like an exclusive club for women only, she says.

(In fact the high-profile, all-pink fundraiser Race for Life allowed men to participate only last year for the first time in its 25-year history.) As a result, people assume breast cancer is a disease that only women get.

On 1 October 2019, to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lorraine launched her own #bluegetittoo awareness campaign starting on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. She has made a short film for people to watch and share, and created a photographic campaign of real, raw portraits of breast cancer patients  women and Richard  scars and all.

Richard aged 11  the year the lump first appeared

The response from men has been incredible. Ive been contacted by men who have been asked to leave breast unit waiting rooms because other patients thought it was a female-only space, she says. We know men who have been turned away from breast cancer forums in case they deter women from feeling able to speak freely. Men have told us that they felt alone in a pink, female world and when they told friends about the diagnosis, the reaction was always, Men get breast cancer too? Mathew Knowles described similar experiences in the US, where, he said, having a breast exam required walking into a building that says female breast clinic, and answering questions that included When was the last time you had your cycle? Have you ever had a pregnancy?

Jane Murphy, a clinical nurse specialist with Breast Cancer Now, says that men with breast cancer often speak of embarrassment and isolation. The most common reaction at first is shock, she says. Then theres the stigma of having something thats so associated with women. Its harder to get support, to connect with other men  especially as many find it difficult to talk about. Breast Cancer Now has a helpline and online forum which welcomes men, as well as a telephone and email service  Someone Like Me  to put them in touch with each other.

Professor Speirs believes that when it comes to research, things are slowly improving. A decade ago, research came from a handful of cases in single hospital settings, she says. Now people are waking up to the fact that male breast cancer does exist. Professor Speirs helped establish the Male Breast Cancer Consortium: a collaboration with pathologists to gather samples from hundreds of men with breast cancer. Its now known that male breast cancer is likely to be oestrogen-receptor positive (ER+), thought to account for 92 per cent of male breast cancer, as opposed to 70 per cent of female breast cancer. Theres some evidence that men most at risk have higher than normal oestrogen levels because of certain genetic conditions, obesity or long-term liver damage.

The treatment is the same that we give to women, and ER+ is a cancer with a better outcome  so long as its diagnosed in time, it has a better chance of responding to Tamoxifen, says Professor Speirs. However, Tamoxifen has different side effects for male patients, including impotence, which can cause men to stop taking it.

Research also shows that male breast cancer is more common in men over 60, as well as men with a strong history of female breast cancer in their family. Around ten per cent of all breast cancer cases involve mutations to the BRCA2 gene. Mathew Knowles  whose aunt and cousins died of breast cancer  was found to be a BRCA2 carrier and as a result of his diagnosis, Beyonce and her sister Solange Knowles were also tested for the gene.

The expanding body of knowledge might be too late for Richard, but both he and Lorraine are determined that #bluegetittoo helps bring lasting change. I wouldnt be around if it wasnt for Lorraine and her care, says Richard. And if the campaign she has created helps others, that brings me some comfort.

In the meantime, the couple remain in isolation on their boat, counting down the days until COVID-19 passes and Richard is able to begin his new treatment.

If men realise theyre at risk, theyll talk about it, share facts, look for symptoms, says Lorraine. The message needs to be about unity. I dont want anyone else to go through this.

Symptoms of male breast cancer

For more information on Breast Cancer Nows campaign, go to bit.ly/2z8ejho or call a Breast Cancer Now nurse on 0808 800 6000

To follow the Blue Get It Too campaign, visit lorrainemilligan.co.uk/bluegetittoo . To watch Lorraines film, visit bit.ly/2xBxDmC

For more information on Breast Cancer Nows campaign, go to bit.ly/2z8ejho or call a Breast Cancer Now nurse on 0808 800 6000.
Member of Parliament for the Sekondi Constituency, Andrew Mercer says the Electoral Commission (EC) decision to exclude voters' ID card in the compilation of the new register is not a big deal.

He believes criticisms against the Electoral Commission's move to make the Ghana Card and Passports the only forms of identification for registration onto the yet to be compiled new voters' register is unfounded.

The EC has come under intense criticism following its decision to present the Public Election (Amendment) regulation, 2020 (C.I. 126) to Parliament to amend C.I 91 in order to change the identification requirements passed in 2016.

Mr. Mercer on Citi TV/FM's The Big Issue said the proposed amendment was not problematic as being suggested.

He further stated that the compilation of a new register is not a new exercise that should merit intense criticism from various groups and individuals.

Is it not the first time we have had a new register in the country. We have compiled lists of Ghanaians who are eligible to contest elections not once, not twice, not thrice. Four times. What is the big deal? Why the threat of violence and mayhem?

In any event, prior to us issuing our first voter ID cards, we did not have IDs but we registered. At the time, less than 1.5 million people had passports in the country but we registered. Did hell break loose then? So what is the big deal if the Electoral Commission in their wisdom decides to exclude the Voters ID cards just so they can produce a new document, he asked.

Mr. Mercer also wondered why the Minority side in Parliament had suddenly backtracked on its support of the amendment to make Ghana Card and Passports the only forms of identification.

Read the Hansard and look at the contributions of Inusah Fuseini, Mahama Ayariga and Armah Kofi Buah in support of the amendment to take out the voter ID card and NHIS card. NDC members of Parliament were vociferous in their support because it made sense.

His comment follows Member of Parliament for Bawku, Mahama Ayarigas rejection of the Electoral Commission's move to make the Ghana Card and Passports the only forms of identification before one could be registered onto to the yet to compiled new voters' register.

Mahama Ayariga is pushing for Parliament to reject the EC's request for such amendments to be made to the laws governing elections in Ghana.

The EC has presented the Public Election (Amendment) regulation, 2020 (C.I. 126) to Parliament to amend C.I 91 in order to change the identification requirements passed in 2016.

According to a Notice of Motion filed by Mr. Ayariga, and sighted by Citi News, the Bawku Central legislator wants Parliament to reject the Public Election (Registration of Voters) (Amendments) Regulations 2020 (C.I. 126) pursuant to Article 11 (7) (c) of the Constitution of Ghana 1992.

---citinewsroom
Lifeguards for Ventnor City Beach Patrol stand watch on their stands at Ventnor City Beach on Saturday, May 23, 2020. This is the first day the lifeguards are back and working since the pandemic started. Read more

I hope everybody is having a happy (and safe) Memorial Day weekend. The Philly area is still under a stay-at-home order, but theres finally some movement on the restrictions. Gov. Tom Wolf announced Friday that counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania can begin to reopen on June 5.

And, we talked to Inquirer columnist Helen Ubinas about the reunion between a Philly police officer and a boy he saved years ago.

 Lauren Aguirre (@laurencaguirre, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

The week ahead

This weeks most popular stories

Behind the story with Helen Ubinas

Each week we go behind the scenes with one of our reporters or editors to discuss their work and the challenges they face along the way. This week we chat with Helen Ubinas about a reunion between a Philly police officer and the boy he saved after a brutal accident in 1996.

What first inspired you to write about Shareif Reef Hall and recount his story?

Id love to say it was my idea, but if Im remembering correctly, (staff photographer) Tim Tai took the idea to Ronnie Polaneczky for The UpSide (The Inquirers section designated for positive news stories), and she asked me if I had any interest in pursuing it. Of course the answer was yes. While I wasnt in Philly in 1996, after reading the stories I also wanted to know what happened to the little boy who lost his foot on a broken SEPTA escalator.

What was your response like when Curtis Ghees wife, Falesha, connected you with Curtis and you learned more about the backstory of that traumatic day involving him and Reef?

I knew that lots of people had helped, or tried to help, Reef and his mom that day. It was a chaotic scene, from everything I read. And I knew  I knew!  that if I wrote about Officer Ghee I would probably be hearing from other Good Samaritans and police officers and medics who probably helped that day. (And I did. There is absolutely a bigger reunion to be had.) But after talking to Officer Ghee I was so taken by how he and his career were impacted after this incident. When I talked to Reef, he wanted more than anything to impact others with his story and with his efforts in modeling. But here was a man who was telling me that without Reef even realizing he had already impacted someones life all those years ago. I had to tell that story.

This isnt the first time youve connected people whove been involved, or impacted, by your reporting. Why are these types of stories important to you?

I live for these stories because I know that way before I became a journalist or even knew that journalism was a possibility for some kid from the Bronx, I would read stories and often wonder: And then what happened?

As much as I can, I dont want my readers wondering that. I want to take them from beginning to end. So when I write about men and women paralyzed by gun violence  I want to tell you what happened to them, what their journey is like, how they formed a still-going-strong support group. I want my readers to be my copilots, my Ride-or-Dies, if you will, as I pop into all sorts of places to meet people and find stories and introduce myself (and The Inquirer) to people whose stories I want to tell and share and amplify. I want readers to see how journalism can impact lives. That often means connecting one subject of my column to another... Im not building a portfolio, Im trying to build a community. The more I write, the more I realize how few degrees of separation there are between the people I write about because I try to find ways to connect them all, to help amplify their struggles and triumphs so they can help the next group.

In the age of the coronavirus pandemic where theres a lot of doom and gloom stories, how are you trying to stay positive, and what stories have lifted your spirits recently?

Im currently eating way too much ice cream. But it makes me happy. My dogs are the biggest bright spot in my life right now. Im trying to exercise and be grateful for what I have, and what I can control. There have been so many stories that have lifted my spirits recently, many written by my colleagues at The Inquirer. Most recently it was a story by Barbara Laker about a tight-knit neighborhood that has become even more bonded during the virus. It was just a lovely reminder that even in the darkest of times, humanity can be that flicker of light that promises us a better day is ahead  if we just keep moving forward together.

What do you think are some critical issues that Philadelphians should be paying attention to right now?

Now, more than ever, we have to pay attention to who is being impacted the most by the virus, and how  and its been proven that its people of color. Black people. Latinos. Native Americans. Its about lack of access, to health care, to testing, to technology  to the services and respect that they were already fighting so hard for. So many Philadelphians are living in poverty. This has impacted all of us, but it has, and will continue, to impact them most.

Email Helen Ubinas at hubinas@inquirer.com and follow her on Twitter at @NotesFromHel.

Through Your Eyes | #OurPhilly

Love some positivity while we deal with rain. Thanks for sharing, @phillyphotoculture.

Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and well pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout-out!

Where to get a cocktail to go in Philadelphia this weekend

Finally, cocktails to go are legal in Pennsylvania. Rather than contemplate why it took this long, how its going to be implemented, or why its so difficult to buy booze in the state to begin with, why not celebrate with a to-go drink? This law is temporary. Itll stay in place only until businesses are able to seat at 60% of capacity. Heres a list of places in Philly where you can grab a cocktail. Remember, calling a restaurant to place an order directly might help the business avoid fees from third-party delivery services.

Inside The Inquirer

The Philadelphia Inquirer is here to keep you informed about your community. But you may not know exactly how we work. For the next six editions of this newsletter, were taking you behind the scenes to learn more about what we do and how we do it.

Today, were looking at The Inquirer as a whole. Our newsroom staff  which includes reporters, photographers, producers, editors, and more  works every day to make sure youre informed. Right now, were all working remotely. We live in the same communities that were covering, so we care just as much about whats happening in them as you do. We want to connect you to information that helps you make the best decisions for you and your family. Watch this video to learn more about who we are.

Check this out: To stay connected with our reporting, download our app for iPhone or Android. Customize your settings to make sure you see the news you care about.

Tomorrow, well tell you a little bit about Curious Philly, a service where we answer your questions.

If you have a question or comment about this weeklong section in the newsletter, send us an email at morningnewsletter@inquirer.com.

Comment of the week

A true athlete! And creating his own path! I would travel to see him on the big waves! Gotta get his board! Amazing!  jkramp, on Suburban Philadelphia bodyboarder Andrew Karr takes big-wave world by storm.

Your Daily Dose of | Philly treehouses

No playground? No problem. Philly architect Alex Gilliam built one in his backyard. The treehouse began with a few scraps of lumber fashioned into a seesaw, then he added a swing. And then, with permission from his neighbors, he built a crude platform on top of the fence that separates their yards. Children from both families were delighted. The ever-growing treehouse  now at eye level with his homes second-floor windows  is on the verge of forming a canopy over the two yards.
As officials allowed some Connecticut businesses to reopen last week with restrictions, deaths attributed to the coronavirus at senior homes throughout the state continued to mount, data released by the state shows.

State officials reported 2,190 residents of nursing homes died after contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus  or were suspected to have been killed by the disease, data compiled Wednesday shows.

Another 306 residents of assisted living facilites had died or were suspected to have died from COVID-19, the data shows.

Together, deaths at both types of senior care facilities now make up nearly 69 percent of the 3,637 deaths reported throughout the state on Friday.

Look the nursing homes have been an incredible tragedy, theres no doubt about it  and thats across the country, Gov. Ned Lamont said Thursday when asked whether he felt hed done enough on the nursing homes during his daily briefing.

We were one of very the first to go out and test everybody, which were doing right now. My biggest regret is when we started doing that early testing, as youve heard me say it took us four or five days to get the results back, and by then it was too late, the governor added.

The number of infections reported at nursing homes rose by 13 percent to 7,875 cases since the numbers were published the week before. Infections at assisted living facilities grew by 11 percent to 973.

The new deaths and infections come as state officials allowed some businesses to reopen last Wednesday, with restrictions in place intended to prevent the disease from spreading. Restaurants were allowed to open up outdoor dining, and retailers were allowed to reopen  so long as staff and patrons wore masks.

As those businesses began reopening last week, state officials repeatedly pointed to a steady decline in the number of people hospitalized for COVID-19.

The drop in hospitalizations has also meant four nursing facilities originally set up as recovery sites for patients recuperating from the disease have seen a lack of use. On Wednesday, after the parent company of the four recovery sites suggested one or two of them might close, the Department of Public Health released new guidelines allowing residents who test positive for the disease to be sent to one of the facilities.

Asked about the recovery centers Thursday, Lamont said he believed that was because theres enough quarantine space in some of those nursing homes.

Later that day, the agency released findings from 19 nursing home inspections spurred on by the pandemic. The inspections cited four facilities for how they separated sick and healthy residents, according to a press release from the governors office.

At one home, The Suffield House in Suffield, a staff member continued to come to work despite testing positive for COVID-19, the inspection reports show.

Other inspections released last week included instances where staff failed to change gloves when moving from an area reserved for COVID-19 patients to helping healthy residents.

The findings were released as staff from the Department of Public Health and National Guard are working to test the residents of all 215 nursing homes in the state, an undertaking state officials have said they want to finish by the beginning of June.

Ideally wed also be testing our nursing home staff, Josh Geballe, Lamonts chief operating officer, said last Monday during the governors daily briefing. He said efforts to test nursing home staff were being delayed by union-related concerns, including questions about where the testing would take place and whether workers would be compensated for the time it takes to be tested.

That plan is in line with new guidelines put out by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which recommend states hold off on allowing families to visit nursing home residents until they have the capacity to test both residents and staff on a weekly basis.

On Wednesday, the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted living published one estimate that showed testing every nursing home resident and staff member in the U.S. once would involve nearly 3 million tests and cost $440 million. In Connecticut, 54,706 tests would be needed at a cost of about $8.2 million, the estimate shows.
Anti-government protesters run away from tear gas during a march against plans to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong - Reuters

Hong Kong police fired tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters on Sunday, as thousands thronged the streets to protest against Beijings plan to directly impose national security laws on the city.

The rally came as the city's government sought to reassure the public and foreign investors over the tough security laws proposed by Beijing that sent a chill through financial markets and drew a swift rebuke from foreign governments, international human rights groups and some business lobbies.

Protesters gathered in the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay where police conducted stop-and-search operations and warned people not to violate a ban on gatherings of more than eight people, imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The protesters were marching between the busy districts of Wan Chai and Causeway Bay when the tear gas was fired, after earlier police warnings against the assembly.

"Now is the beginning of the end and time is really running out in Hong Kong, and that's the reason for us, even under the outbreak of Covid-19. We still need to gather our strength to protest," said democracy activist Joshua Wong.

Anti-government protesters march again Beijing's plans to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong - Reuters

In drafting the legislation, which could see the setting up of Chinese government intelligence agencies in the global financial centre, Beijing plans to circumvent Hong Kong's lawmaking body, the Legislative Council.

The move has sparked concerns over the fate of the "one country, two systems" formula that has governed Hong Kong since the former UK colony's return to Chinese rule in 1997. The arrangement guarantees the city broad freedoms not seen on the mainland, including a free press and independent judiciary.

Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have said the proposed laws are necessary and will not harm the city's autonomy.

"These radical claims and illegal violence are extremely worrying," Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung said in a blog post, referring to a backlash against the proposed laws as well as anti-government protests that roiled the city for months from June last year.

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"We must face (this issue) squarely. If the situation is not effectively contained, it may be elevated to the level of endangering national security."

Secretary for Security John Lee said the laws will help maintain Hong Kong's long-term prosperity.

A small group of democracy activists protested outside Beijing's Liaison Office, chanting, "National security law is destroying two systems."

A water-cannon truck was parked outside, while dozens of riot police were deployed across the city.

Avery Ng of the League for Social Democrats pasted protest signs on a plaque outside the Liaison Office, despite warnings from police.

He described it as an "evil law" and appealed to Hong Kong people to come out and protest against it.

A pro-democracy activist places a placard on the wall during a protest against a proposed new security law outside the Chinese Liaison Office in Hong Kong - AFP

"Its a moveable red line. In future they can arrest, lock up and silence anyone they want in the name of national security. We have to resist it," Ng said.

Some local commentators have described the proposal as "a nuclear option" that is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's high-stakes power play.

A backlash intensified on Saturday as nearly 200 political figures from around the world said in a statement the proposed laws said the proposed laws are a "comprehensive assault on the city's autonomy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms".

China has dismissed other countries' complaints as "meddling" and rejected concerns the proposed laws would harm foreign investors.

Hong Kong riot police fire tear gas as protesters march along a downtown street - AP

Protest organisers initially planned a rally for Saturday against a controversial national anthem bill, which is due for a second reading at the Legislative Council on Wednesday. The proposed national security laws sparked calls for more people to take to the streets.

Hong Kong has increasingly become a pawn in deteriorating relations between Washington and Beijing, and observers will be watching for any signs of resignation to defeat among the broader local community or indications that activists are gearing up for a fresh challenge.

Anti-government protests that escalated in June last year plunged the city into its biggest political crisis in decades, battered the economy and posed the gravest popular challenge to President Xi since he came to power in 2012.

The sometimes violent clashes that roiled the city saw a relative lull in recent months as the government imposed measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Outraged by the subtle support that the ruling BJP extended to the democratically elected government of Taiwan, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime has asked India to "refrain from such acts."

On Wednesday, in an unprecedented move, two parliamentarians of the BJP, Meenakshi Lekhi and Rahul Kaswan, 'virtually attended' the swearing-in ceremony of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen and sent her congratulations. Tsai was sworn in for her second term.

As most of the international travel remains suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic which originated in Wuhan city of Hubei province in China, Lekhi and Kaswan were among the 92 dignitaries, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, representing 41 countries, who virtually participated in the ceremony.

Though the Indian government did not officially participate in the event, the presence of two well-known BJP MPs miffed China so much that its Foreign Ministry without naming anyone on the same day objected and hoped everyone would "support the just cause of Chinese people to oppose the secessionist activities for 'Taiwan independence' and realise national reunification."

Now a counsellor (parliament) of the embassy of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in New Delhi, Liu Bing has registered CCP's protest against India's participation in the ceremony by writing to both Lekhi and Kaswan. Liu Bing shared a copy of the letter with the IANS.

In his complaint, Liu called Lekhi and Kaswan's congratulatory message to President Tsai "utterly wrong" which needs to be "corrected".

"The one-China principle, enshrined by the UN Charter and its relevant resolutions, is a generally recognized norm in international relations and a general consensus of the international community," he claimed.

Liu Bing reminded the parliamentarians that "the Indian governments have pledged to adhere to one-China principle since the bilateral ties were established seventy years ago."

"Any wrong signals" including the message of congratulation to President Tsai, Liu warned, "will encourage those separatists to go even farther on the wrong and dangerous track, which would ultimately undermine the peace and prosperity of the region."

He strongly urged the BJP parliamentarians to "refrain from such acts and instead do good to support China's great cause of unification."

Describing President Tsai as "the locally elected leader in China's Taiwan Province", Liu said that "unfortunately, the authority led by her in Taiwan province has refused to accept the '1992 consensus' that both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China and will work together towards national unification."

"On the contrary, Madam Tsai has never renounced to seek 'Taiwan Independence' and kept engaged in separatist activities in one way or the other," he wrote in the letter.

Since the Communist Party of China gained control of the mainland China in 1949, pushing out the Republic of China (ROC) government to the island state of Taiwan, the political status of Taiwan has remained uncertain. The ROC was replaced by the PRC's membership at the UN in 1971. The PRC refuses diplomatic ties with countries that recognize Taiwan as an independent state.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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Shimla, May 24 : The Himachal Pradesh government on Sunday said there was no decision to bar the entry of stranded residents into the state from May 31 and those who are coming would be kept in institutional quarantine at borders.

An official spokesman for the government said here the state is committed for the safety of the people of the stranded in different parts of the country due to the lockdown in wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

He said there would be no sealing of interstate borders but passes would be required as per rules.
New Delhi, May 24 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday praised Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and his wife Anita Singh for providing food and transportation to the migrants amid the lockdown.

"Our Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and his wife Anita are offering food to the poor every day. Singh also helped hundreds of migrant labourers to return to their homes. Salute to his spirit and service," Kejriwal said in a tweet in Hindi.

Thousands of migrants are stuck in big cities with no money or job after the sudden announcement of the lockdown in March.

Anita Singh in a tweet said after providing food to 25,000 people, they are now sending about 550 migrants in 21 buses to their hometown.
The festive atmosphere was missing on the eve of Eid in the national capital on Sunday as people preferred to stay at their homes to offer namaz and most shops wore a deserted due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown.

Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramzan, will be celebrated across the country on Monday.

The old city areas, which are usually crowded during Ramzan as people go for shopping to buy new clothes for the festival, wore a deserted look.

With religious places shut due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been advised by Shahi Imams of Jama Masjid and Fatehpuri Masjid to stay indoors and offer Eid namaz at their homes.

Mohammad Mohsin, a footwear trader in Ballimaran, said, "You cannot imagine celebrating Eid without participating in Eid namaz at a mosque. Besides, people also don't have money due to paralysed commercial and business activities in the past two months."



With coronavirus cases increasing in the city, people have been staying at their homes and observing social distancing norms by avoiding crowded places.

"Main markets, where it would be difficult to move during normal days, more so on the occasion of Eid, are deserted. Shops are not opening because the entire supply chain has been disrupted in the country and also because people do not have money to spend," Akram Qureshi, president of Bazar Matia Mahal Traders Association, said.

However, some people in inner parts and narrow bylanes of the old city areas of Matia Mahal, Chandni Chowk, Ballimaran visited shops to buy food items and new clothes for their children to celebrate Eid.

In Shaheen Bagh, which was a protest venue for a section of people opposed to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) earlier this year, a few shops were open as per the guidelines of the Delhi government in view of the lockdown.

Similarly, in areas such as Jamia Nagar and Batla House, only a few shops were opened and less activity was witnessed in markets on the eve of Eid.

"We have decided to spend less on this Eid and help the needy and poor hit by the pandemic and the lockdown," Jamia Nagar-based social activist Muslim Mohammad said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Express News Service By

NEW DELHI: Daati Maharaj, a rape accused, was booked by Delhi Police on Saturday for violating social distancing norms and lockdown rules by organising a religious congregation and performing a ceremony in Shanidam Temple in South Delhis Asola Village.

As per officials, videos and pictures of Daati Maharaj and more than ten others, including children went viral on social media, following which, South Delhi district magistrate (DM) BM Mishra asked Delhi Police to investigate and set up an enquiry in to the matter. In the preliminary enquiry, police found that the chief pujari of Shanidham mandir, Daati Maharaj, along with others had performed a ceremony at the mandir on May 22 around 7:30 pm.

In the video, no one is seen wearing a mask or maintaining social distancing norms. Today it came to our notice that some photographs of a ceremony at Shanidham mandir, Asola are being circulated on social media, wherein the social distancing norms were not being followed and a religious congregation was organised in contravention of the lockdown guidelines, said a senior police official. They people at the congregation are found to have committed an offence u/s 188/34 IPC, 54 B of DDMA Act and section 3 of Epidemic Diseases Act, said the police official.
Paul Buckowski

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, nothing has become more apparent to poor, working and middle-class families than the gross inequity that exists in the state of New York.

As our Republican members of the U.S. Senate push for tax breaks for wealthy corporations, everybody else is paying for it. The wealth is certainly not trickling down." An average middle class family can no longer cover a $400 emergency without seeking assistance.
Hollywood star Salma Hayek says her daughter Valentina Pinault is a talented 12 year old who wants to be a director and star as a lead in a film one day.

The Oscar-nominated actor shares Valentina with husband, French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault.

Hayek said she has confidence in her daughter's abilities and believes she has a long way to go.

"She has so many talents. She draws, she wants to shoot movies - both as a director and as the lead - and she writes great pieces. Sometimes when I read her work, I have an urge to produce these stories.

"But she tells me that she will do it by herself when she's older. I don't know what's coming next for her but it seems that she has a lot of ways to go," the actor told HELLO! magazine.

Hayek, 53, added she is concerned about Valentina who has always lived a sheltered life.

"Valentina has always done what she wanted, I've never made her do anything and this means she hasn't yet learned how to oppose pressure, how to overcome obstacles.

"I know by experience that only the overcoming of some difficulties can lead you in the right direction," she said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hong Kong: Hong Kong police fired tear gas and pepper spray to disperse thousands protesting on Sunday against Beijings plan to directly impose national security laws on the city, the biggest flare-up in the city since COVID-19 lockdowns began.

Crowds thronged the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay, where protesters chanted, "Revolution of our time. Liberate Hong Kong," "Fight for freedom, Stand with Hong Kong," and "Hong Kong independence, the only way out".

Tam Tak-chi, vice-chairman of Hong Kong's People Power party, is led away by riot police during a protest against Beijing's plans for tough new security laws in the former British colony. Credit:Bloomberg

The protest was the first since Beijing proposed national security laws on Thursday and pose a fresh challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping as authorities struggle to tame public opposition to China's tightening grip over the global financial hub.

The demonstrations come amid concerns over the fate of the "one country, two systems" formula that has governed Hong Kong since the former British colony's return to Chinese rule in 1997. The arrangement guarantees the city broad freedoms not seen on the mainland, including a free press and independent judiciary.
A volunteer at Oxford University is injected with either an experimental coronavirus vaccine or a comparison shot as part of the first human trials of a potential jab in the UK - Oxford University

Oxford University scientists leading the global search for a coronavirus vaccine are to recruit "very healthy" over-55s to help with clinical trials.

The next phase of testing will focus on how older adults' immune systems respond, the Oxford vaccine group said on Friday.

Scientists are looking for 10,260 people from across the UK to take the jab, considered a front-runner in the world race for a vaccine.

The Government has said that, if the treatment proves successful in human trials, up to 30 million doses could be available for the UK by September.

But Professor Andrew Pollard, the head of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said it was "very difficult" to know when scientists will have proof that it is effective.

Work began in January on the vaccine, which uses a virus taken from chimpanzees and has been developed by the University of Oxford's Jenner Institute and the Oxford Vaccine Group.

The first phase of trialling involved 160 healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 55.

Now scientists want to recruit more than 10,000 people across the country for phases two and three, which involve vastly increasing the number of volunteers and expanding the age range to include older adults and children.

Adult participants in the phase two and three groups will be randomised to receive one or two doses of either a vaccine known as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, or a licensed vaccine (MenACWY) that will be used as a "control" for comparison.

ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus from chimpanzees that has been genetically changed to make it impossible for it to grow in humans.

This has been combined with genes that make proteins from the Covid-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) which play a key role in the infection pathway of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Prof Pollard said the next phase of vaccine testing will focus on the immune response in older adults, adding: "Now we are looking at whether older adults have a similar immune response, then looking at those in the front line.

Story continues

"There are two groups  the first are those over the age of 55, and they are divided into those being 55 and 70, and those who are over 70. And in that group we are looking very closely at immune responses, particularly in the oldest adults where often immune responses are a bit weaker [than] in younger adults."

He said a second group of 10,000 frontline workers will also participate in the study.

Asked who should come forward to take part, Prof Pollard said "very healthy individuals" will initially be selected, adding that clinical studies were progressing "very well".

Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at the Jenner Institute, said: "We have had a lot of interest already from people over the age of 55 years who were not eligible to take part in the phase one study, and we will now be able to include older age groups to continue the vaccine assessment.

"We will also be including more study sites in different parts of the country."

Production of the vaccine has already been scaled up ahead of the trial to prepare as early as possible for potential future deployment.

AstraZeneca said this week that it had the capacity to manufacture one billion doses of the University of Oxford's potential Covid-19 vaccine and could begin supply in September.
A species of parasitic wasp discovered by chance could provide growers with a chemical-free way of controlling a major pest.

Researchers made the discovery when the wasps appeared mysteriously in colonies of cabbage stem flea beetles (CSFB) they were studying to test feeding preferences on oilseed rape.

The wasps appeared even though the beetles were confined to potted oilseed rape plants inside micro-perforated bags.

Further exploration revealed that the colonies of around 3000 beetles collected from three sites around Norfolk had been infected by a parasitic wasp that lays eggs within the beetle's body.

Genetic sequencing and enquiries by the Natural History Museum, UK, and the Swedish Museum of Natural History identified the wasp as an obscure species called Microctonus brassicae which was first reported in 2008 with no further identifications until now.

The study carried out by researchers at the John Innes Centre is the first English published description of this parasitoid of the adult CSFB.

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Experiments showed that within controlled conditions the presence of wasps in sufficient numbers led to the collapse of CSFB colonies.

Beetle hosts are rendered sterile and die after the wasp larvae emerge from the body after passing through its digestive system. The short generation time of 43.5 days from egg to adult means it would be possible to rapidly rear multiple generations in controlled conditions.

The study raises the possibility of employing Microctonus Brassicae and other species of genetically similar parasitic wasps as a biocontrol to protect oilseed rape and a range of commercially important crops prone to attack by CSFB.

The beetle is a major threat to oilseed rape, particularly the winter crop, throughout the UK and Europe. It causes characteristic damage known as "shot-holing" to leaves often resulting in crop failure or poor crop establishment.

The beetle has become a prominent pest in the UK, particularly in East Anglia, and surrounding counties following the European ban on neonicotinoid seed treatment use in flowering crops.

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The ban on these and other systemic pesticides followed research linking their use to decline in pollinators. Further legislation in 2019 upgraded the ban to include other broad-spectrum pesticides.

With the removal of seed treatments for oilseed rape the numbers of CSFB and the damage they cause have increased. Figures for 2014 value damage at 23million with an approximate loss of 3.5% of the national crop area of winter oilseed rape to CSFB.

The estimated best-case crop production for 2020/21 is 1.26 million tonnes, a year on year decline of 489,000 tonnes, putting the future of the valuable UK rapeseed crop in doubt.

Using beneficial insects for biocontrol has been investigated in the past with five species of parasitoid wasps found to target CSFB. But these have demonstrated limited effectiveness and found to be economically unnecessary while the now banned pesticides were in use.

Under captivity in this study M. brassicae rate of parasitism was greater than 44%. The research suggests that the wasp may have the potential to deliver positive effects under field conditions.

Further research has been performed by Rothamsted Research to look at wasp presence and parasitism levels across the UK. Agricultural practices such as promotion of field margins, beetle banks and conservation headland may provide habitats to support the beneficial parasitoids.

"Something that was initially very annoying leading to the collapse of our research colonies has turned out to be fortunate," says lead author Dr Rachel Wells of the John Innes Centre. "It offers the possibility of using parasitoid wasps as bio-controls for farmers and growers of oilseed rape and brassica vegetables against cabbage stem flea beetle as part of an integrated pest management approach."

The research: The potential of the solitary parasitoid Microctonus brassicae for the biological control of the adult cabbage stem flea beetle, Psylliodes chrysocephala is in the journal Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata.
LOS ANGELES  The notion of the federal government handing out free money used to be a liberal dream and a conservative nightmare. No more.

The coronavirus outbreak, which plunged the nation into an economic free fall, has created an opening for governments and nonprofits to experiment with giving money directly to Americans, with no strings attached.

In Los Angeles, thousands have been handed Angeleno cards  no-fee debit cards loaded with $700 to $1,500. Across the nation, food stamp recipients are getting a $1,000 check from a private effort whose leaders include former presidential candidate Andrew Yang.

The federal government, with near-unanimous support from Democrats and Republicans, is sending up to $1,200 to most people to blunt unprecedented job losses. Democrats in the Senate and the House have proposed even larger monthly payments.

During the 2020 presidential campaign, Yang proposed a universal basic income, with the U.S. providing $1,000 every month to every American adult. It seemed an unlikely proposal, but now leading Democrats have warmed to the idea.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said last month on MSNBC that a guaranteed income may be worthy of attention now.

Yang described the recent cash infusions as a common-sense solution when the nations economy is experiencing 10 years worth of change in 10 weeks. These payments, he said, are laying the groundwork for broader, more ambitious programs.

Millions of Americans have already got that $1,200 stimulus check in their bank account and they felt this sense of relief and security, he said. Were going to remember this feeling, and I think universal basic income is going to become a huge part of the solutions we implement not just to get through this crisis but also to help rebuild our economy and country as we start to emerge.

The bipartisan support for the coronavirus stimulus checks shows how quickly attitudes have evolved. Not so long ago, government assistance was viewed by many as benefits that discouraged recipients from seeking work.

The poor have been denigrated for a long time. (Take) the image of the welfare queen, said Michael Faye, co-founder of GiveDirectly, which has provided more than $160 million to the poor around the world since 2009.

The COVID-19 pandemic is making people realize their shared vulnerabilities, he said, because of the widespread impact.

No one said if you got COVID and lost your job, its because youre naive or uneducated, Faye said. Everyone is affected and everyone knows someone that was affected economically. When that happens, we ask ourselves, how should we help my neighbor who lost his job and how would I like to be helped myself?

GiveDirectly partnered with Yang, former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and others to launch an effort to give $1,000 each to 100,000 families receiving food stamps. The group has raised $82 million of its $100 million goal.

In Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti helped put together a privately funded $20 million program to provide 20,000 individuals and families with Angeleno cards. Those living in the city qualified if their household income is below the federal poverty line and they have experienced a job loss or income reduction because of the crisis.

None of the programs fully qualify as a true universal basic income, or UBI, which provides cash payments regularly and unconditionally to all individuals without a means test. However, these recent programs do share some similarities  notably giving money directly to people and allowing them to decide how to spend it.

The concept of a universal basic income has been floated in the United States since the countrys founding, supported by leaders as ideologically disparate as President Richard Nixon and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. A version was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970, but failed in the Senate.

Were closer than weve ever been, said Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, a longtime UBI proponent who is overseeing a trial run in his Central Valley city.

In February 2019, 125 Stockton residents began receiving $500 per month for 18 months. Proponents point to research that shows the recipients used the money for essentials, such as food. Their level of employment was similar to a control group of residents who did not receive the payments.

For Laura Plummer, 69, the payments saved her from being homeless. Her apartment burned down last year, and she and her 8-year-old dog, PooPee, have been couch-surfing since then. She just moved into an $800-per-month loft in Stockton. Without the UBI payments, Plummer said, she wouldnt have been able to save for the security deposit.

Id definitely be in the street sleeping in my car with my dog, she said.

The longest continuing direct-cash payment program in the United States exists in the Republican-run state of Alaska, where residents have received an annual payment funded by oil revenue since 1982. The Alaska Permanent Fund is viewed in the state as a birthright, not a form of welfare.

In the nations capital, Democrats have been the most vocal supporters of such programs.

Reps. Ro Khanna of California and Tim Ryan of Ohio introduced a bill last month that would grant $2,000 per month for six months to Americans 16 and older who make less than $130,000 annually. In the Senate, Kamala Harris of California, Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts introduced a bill to provide $2,000 monthly to people who make less than $120,000 annually until 90 days after the pandemic is over.

Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang speaks to guests during a campaign stop on his 45th birthday, at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 13, 2020. (Scott Olson/Getty Images/TNS)TNS

Utah Sen. Mitt Romney was among the first Republicans to pose a similar idea  a $1,000 immediate cash payment  as the White House and congressional leaders hammered out an economic response to the crisis.

That deal resulted in the CARES Act, which provided the one-time federal stimulus checks to single people who earn up to $99,000 or married couples up to $198,000. The legislation was passed unanimously in the Senate and on a near-unanimous voice vote in the House.

Enacting such payouts permanently faces major obstacles, notably funding. Creating a program that is expected to cost trillions of dollars could necessitate deep cuts in other areas and a reimagining of the nations social safety net. Such proposals would also face criticism that they disincentivize work, as critics allege.

It is also uncertain how long bipartisan cooperation will continue once the pandemic  and the accompanying economic pain  abates.

Everyones still in crisis response mode, said Jesse Rothstein, director of the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment at the University of California, Berkeley. I dont know anyone whos done any long-term rethinking. If you asked five years ago whether they thought there would ever be any circumstance where 20% to 30% of people stop working and have government make up that income, it would have been unimaginable.

Lawmakers will face pressure to extend these benefits, said Joshua Rauh, a Stanford University graduate school professor who served as principal chief economist on President Donald Trumps Council of Economic Advisers.

Once these things get started, its very hard to stop them, he said. Once you think about it that way  were getting closer to something that certainly resembles universal basic income.



Seema Mehta of the Los Angeles Times wrote this story.

2020 Los Angeles Times

Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Seoul, May 24 : North Korea has designated the date its late founder Kim Il-sung created anti-Japanese guerrilla forces in 1932 during Japan's colonial rule of Korea as a national holiday, its main newspaper said on Sunday.

The Rodong Sinmun said a decree was promulgated Wednesday to institute the April 25 founding day of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army (KPRA) as a national holiday, reports Yonhap News Agency.

"In order to meaningfully celebrate the founding day of the KPRA, April 25 every year has been instituted as a national holiday," the newspaper said.

North Korea had celebrated the date for decades since 1978 but switched in 2018 to marking February 8 when the regular Korean People's Army was founded in 1948 as the main army founding anniversary.

The latest designation appears to be in line with Pyongyang's efforts to highlight self-reliance, with state media reporting on North Koreans' visit to "revolutionary battle sites" where the late leader staged anti-Japanese, independence struggles.

The newspaper said the founding of the revolutionary army "marked the start of the glorious history of the Korean revolution in which the imperialist aggression forces were repelled and the sovereignty and dignity of the nation staunchly championed".
Madonna has always been a controversial entertainer  a performer boasting a soundtrack to rock the decades, and a tendency for speaking her mind. She owns her sexuality and her femininity without ever minimizing her power, control, or influence. Madonna may cause a stir  and she may often use expletives when getting a point across, but she does not back down. Madonnas recent Instagram post is merely one of her many controversial, but no-less socially reflective and inspiring moments.

Madonna performs live on stage after the 64th annual Eurovision Song Contest | Michael Campanella/Getty Images

Madonna stands for what she believes in, and she fights for causes that she holds close to her heart. And, for that, she is one of the baddest of the bunchin the best way possible. And, shes done it again. So, lets dive into Madonnas most recent post, in which she bared it all, as well as four other times she made her fans jump for joy and smile with pride.

1. Inside the Queen of Pops recent Instagram post

Madonna recently took to Instagram, posting a photo of herself in a see-through bra and black underwear. She bares it all, leaving little to the imagination, and she accompanies the post with an important message:

Current Wardrobe Sitch And for those of you who are offended in any way by this photo then I want to let you know that I have successfully graduated from the University of Zero F*^ks Given. Thanks for coming to my Graduation Ceremony!  Class of 2020!  @stevenkleinstudio

RELATED: How Many Times Has Madonna Been Married?

In short, she predicted the hate that would come from certain individuals  ready to pounce and cancel celebritys at the drop of a hat  and she let them know she doesnt care what they have to say. She is who she is, and will continue to be the woman she has been since the day she rose to stardom.

2. The time she dropped some truth bombs at the Billboards Women in Music Event

Remember when Madonna was honored as Woman of the Year back in 2016? If you dont remember her speech, you must have missed it. She started with the following sentence, as Billboard notes, I stand before you as a doormat, Oh, I mean as a female entertainer. She thanks those present for honoring her career despite the continued criticism and sexism she has faced for over three decades.

RELATED: What is Madonnas Real Name and What is Her Net Worth Today?

3. The kiss with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in 2003

Madonnas musical career speaks of sexual freedom, liberation, and more. The kisses she shared with Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears at the 2003 VMAs was an action that echoed a career defined by such liberation  a musical movement that Madonna helped barrel into the industry, breaking walls and shattering shackles since the 1980s.

4. She said she would rule the world

Madonna appeared on Dick Clarks American Bandstand back in 1984. When asked about her future  the remainder of her professional life that was just beginning  Madonna stated her goals clearly and with conviction: to rule the world. What a response! Well-timed, clear, and lacking any doubt. It was perfectly unapologetic.

5. Every single time she reinvented herself without fear or hesitation

Madonna has managed to remain timeless. While her music is part of this ability, she does so by choosing what works for her fan base. She knows her demographic, and she takes risks that may further eschew those already on the fence when it comes to her whole image.

Yet, Madonna doesnt care. She owns every choice, every reinvention, and every musical shift. For, she does what she wants with her music, not what will appeal to the largest common denominator. And that, makes her a true voice  a unique artist  as opposed to an industry robot.
Indian skies will open up for domestic passenger flights from Monday after a gap of two months amid confusion over what quarantine rules may apply to the travellers but there will be minimum air services and delay in resumption in some states.

Government officials said on Sunday night that the airports in Kolkata and Bagdogra in cyclone-hit West Bengal will not operate any domestic flights between May 25 and 27 but will handle 20 flights each per day from May 28.

The airports in Mumbai in Maharashtra and Hyderabad in Telangana will daily handle 50 and 30 flights respectively from Monday, they said. The Maharashtra government had requested the Centre to keep the air services at a minimum possible level.

All the flights account for equal number of arrivals and departures, the officials added.

Vijayawada and Vizag airports in Andhra Pradesh will not operate any domestic flights on Monday but services will begin from Tuesday, they said.

The revised schedule for resumption of airport operations followed reluctance by some states to deal with thousands of incoming passengers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Bookings had opened for around 1,050 domestic flights planned for Monday but the revised schedule has led to cancellation of several flights leaving hundreds of passengers disappointed. The airlines were allowed to operate one-third of their capacity.

As India enters the last week of the thrice extended lockdown for 68 days, the resumption of domestic flights comes at a time when new coronavirus cases in the country crossed 6,000 for the third consecutive day on Sunday, surging to a record single day spike of 6,767 infections. The fourth phase of national lockdown to fight the COVID-19 pandemic is due to end on May 31.

The imposition of quarantine rules by several states which are at odds with each other also triggered concern among the flying and cabin crew of the airlines.

The Union Health Ministry, meanwhile, issued its own set of guidelines for domestic air, rail and road travel and also said states can also develop their own protocol with regards to quarantine and isolation as per their assessment. Passengers were also advised to download the contact tracing application Aarogya Setu on their mobile devices.

The ministry while listing out its quarantine protocol among other steps suggested thermal screening at entry and exit points and said asymptomatic passengers will be permitted to go after reaching the destination with the advice they shall self-monitor their health for 14 days.

AirAsia said on Twitter that all passengers must read the health protocols of the destination states and it would "not be responsible for repatriating or bearing any quarantine or related costs of any guests".

States like Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu were opposed to immediate opening up of their airports in view of rising cases of the coronavirus infection. The three states are home to some of the busiest airports in the country in terms of passenger traffic.

Maharashtra is the worst affected state with 50,231 cases after it recorded the highest daily spike of 3,041 COVID-19 infections on Sunday. It is followed by Tamil Nadu which recorded 16,277 coronavirus cases.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had sought more time from the Civil Aviation Ministry for restarting the operations at the Mumbai airport. He also said minimum possible domestic flights from Maharashtra be initiated from Monday.

Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Twitter it is "extremely ill-advised" to reopen airports in red zones.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had urged the Centre to postpone resumption of domestic flight services at Kolkata and Bagdogra airports by a few days.

Officials said the first flight on Monday is scheduled to depart from Mumbai for Patna at 4.20 AM. Similarly, the first flight from Delhi airport was for Kolkata at 4.30 AM which now stands cancelled. Both are Indigo flights.

Scores of pilots and first officers PTI spoke to appeared to be concerned about the lack of clarity on quarantine requirements for them. Many of them raised concerns over issues like quarantine procedures, personal and family safety, and flying into regions badly hit by the pandemic.

"There is no clarity on whether I need to go into home quarantine for 14 days after returning to my base or show up for duty on Monday," a pilot said, requesting anonymity.

The Centre's decision to resume services came as the aviation sector reeled under severe stress triggered by the lockdown in force since March 25.

Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Bihar, Punjab, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir were among the states which have announced their respective quarantine measures for passengers arriving at their airports.

Some states decided to put passengers on mandatory institutional quarantine while several others talked about putting them under home quarantine or both.

The Delhi government directed authorities to ensure compliance of the Union Health Ministry''s guidelines on domestic travel, according to an official order.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday questioned the need for quarantine if a passenger is shown green status in Aarogya Setu app. The green status signifies that a passenger is safe.

Several executives from a number of airlines said since Mumbai and Kolkata airports handle a significant share of domestic flights, the operators are expecting the Centre to clarify the "prevailing confusion" relating to quarantine.

"Clarity is required on matters regarding quarantine and flights to Mumbai and Kolkata as it is affecting our bookings. Passengers are reluctant to book in such an environment," an executive of a low cost carrier said earlier in the day.

Amid uncertainty and confusion, representatives of airline and several states held multiple meetings with top officials of the Civil Aviation Ministry on Sunday covering a range of contentious issues like quarantine rules for flyers and standard operating procedures for leading airports, officials said.

The Jammu and Kashmir government said all incoming passengers will have to undergo 14 days of "administrative quarantine".

Similarly, the Kerala government said on Friday that all flyers will be under a 14-day home quarantine and that it has made an exception to those coming for business purpose or for a short duration.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had said all incoming passengers will be put in home quarantine for 14 days while the Bihar government said that travellers will be put on "paid quarantine" for 14 days.

Passengers coming to Andhra Pradesh would be put under home quarantine, said the state government, adding that once their test results for COVID-19 come negative, they will be relieved from quarantine.

The Assam government said it will be putting flyers on a 14-day quarantine. The passengers might be distributed equally in home quarantine and government quarantine, it clarified.

Karnataka government's health ministry made it clear that anyone coming from states where there is "high prevalence" of COVID-19 will be kept in institutional quarantine for seven days and if tested COVID-negative the passenger will have to spend the next seven days in home quarantine.

Karnataka has classified Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh as "high prevalence" states.

The passengers coming through the remaining states to Karnataka will have to undergo 14 days of home quarantine.

However, the state government clarified that special cases where businessmen are coming for urgent work will not require to undergo any quarantine if they bring test results that are not more than two days old and show them COVID-negative.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Not even severe weather warnings could deter brave surfers from risking their lives on the monster southerly swell that pummeled Sydney's coastline for a second consecutive day.

Sunday's dangerous surf conditions along the New South Wales coast from Byron Bay in the north to Eden in the state's far south weren't for the faint-hearted.

The worst of the conditions were in Sydney with five metre swells and 'rogue waves' up to 10 metres.

On Sydney's northern beaches, hordes of daredevil teens flocked to the South Curl Curl ocean pool to chain-surf the terrifying waves.

Teenagers lined the width of the South Curl Curl ocean pool on Sunday to ride massive waves

Further south, these brave youngsters were almost wiped out by the massive waves at Bronte in Sydney's east

Further south at Bronte, three youngsters were lucky not to be swept away by massive waves that crashed into the ocean pool.

'Five metre waves have been observed along Sydney's coastline, along with some rogue waves in excess of 10 metres, which will create beach erosion,' Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Jordan Notara told Daily Mail Australia.

The bureau issued repeated public warnings about Sunday's hazardous surf conditions.

'A monster southerly swell up to 4 to 5 metres and strong winds are moving up the coast today, impacting Sydney, Central Coast and Newcastle beaches,' it tweeted.

'While tempting to get a look, keep clear rock ledges and check your skill level before entering the water.'

The weather bureau issued a separate warning about damaging and powerful wind gusts.

'The dangerous surf conditions have been driven by strong and consistent southerly winds along the NSW coast,' Mr Notara said.

These teens risked these lives as South Curl Curl ocean pool turned into a churning spa bath

Hundreds lined Sydney's ocean pools on Sunday to ride what's been dubbed as the swell from hell. Pictured is South Curl Curl on Sydney's northern beaches

The photos have emerged after brave surfers tackled the huge swells on Saturday.

Crowds of onlookers gathered to watch surfers tackle the monster waves at Bondi Beach, with similar scenes further north at Manly.

Clovelly surfer Joel Pilgrim, was among those willing to take on the 'swell from hell' to score a ride of the massive waves.

'You've got to take a few beatings to get a few waves but when you do it's like flying down a mountain. It's the ride of your life,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Bondi Rescue lifeguard Chase Hardaker, 18, added: 'You just skim down it and there's no exit, you just wait for white water to just swallow you up at the bottom. You just look up and wait to hit you in the back.

Bronte locals in Sydney east woke up the sound of crashing five metre waves on Sunday

Further north at South Curl Curl, daredevil teens chain-surfed the massive waves

Big wave hunter, former world champion surfer Tom Carroll and his brother Nick also braved Saturday's massive swell on Sydney's northern beaches.

'I was just waiting for it thinking 'these beaches are going to get torn apart any minute,' Mr Carroll said.

It comes after hazardous surf and marine wind warnings were issued for the NSW coastline from Eden on the far south coast to Byron Bay on the far north coast for this weekend.

'The forecast weather pattern will produce high winds, damaging surf with significant wave height and substantial rainfall in some areas,' Surf Life Saving operations manager Andrew Ugarte said.

'It will create extremely dangerous conditions for swimmers, surfers, rock fishers and boaters.'

Daredevils surfers flocked to South Curl Curl on Sunday to take on the treacherous conditions

The worst of the conditions were in Sydney, where there were reports of rogue waves up to 10 metres

The Bureau of Meteorology warned the hazardous surf conditions will remain until at least Tuesday.

'We're expecting five metres well along the Sydney coastline on Monday morning before dropping down to four metres by the afternoon,' Mr Notara told Daily Mail Australia.

'The warning will remain in place for much of the NSW coast until Tuesday.'

On the other side of the country, surfers are enjoying similar wild conditions after ex-category one tropical cyclone Mangga brought rain and gusty winds to Cocos Keeling Islands, off Western Australia's north-west coast.

The remains of the system are expected to combine with a cold front to the south, creating dangerous weather, with wind gusts up to 100 km/h possible for nearly the whole of the west coast.
Prayagraj : May 24 (IANS) An ancient idol of Lord Vishnu was recovered on Saturday at Rasoolpur Badagav village in Kaushambhi district during digging of a pond by labourers engaged under MGNREGS.

About 150 labourers were digging Khumbhi pond in the village when a labourer stumbled upon the idol and alerted the village head and block development officer.

District officials rushed to the spot, took possession of the ancient idol and notified Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials.

District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma said that the ASI officials have been informed about the idol which is said to belong to the 12th century.

The idol is currently in possession of the treasury department and teams of ASI and Allahabad Museum are expected to examine it on Sunday.

According to villagers, the idol of Lord Vishnu has four arms, carrying a conch shell, mace and chakra.

Officials said, they can divulge more details after consulting archaeologists. Leaders of Hindu frontal organizations also assembled at the pond to take a glimpse of the idol, have requested district authorities to install the statue in a temple.
When your phone rings, the caller ID shows Public Health with a local number you dont recognize. Wary of scams, but also wary of COVID, you answer the call to find a stranger who knows your name and tells you that you may have been exposed. She wont tell you who or where, because that would violate confidentiality. But she tells you to monitor your symptoms for 14 days, report them into an online tracking app, and stay home if at all possible. Then she asks whether you have any questions. Um, yeah you do.

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Since John Snow investigated the London cholera outbreak of 1854, contact tracing has been a mainstay of outbreak management in public health practice. Its where the now-familiar epidemiology curve bends and twists into the shape of an individual going about her daily activities. For contact tracing to be successful, a public health investigator must first invade an individuals personal life to tell him that he has a contagious disease that he may have spread to infect others. Immediately after launching this personal invasion, the contact tracer has to build instant rapport with the person under investigation (now called an index case), gaining permission to probe into intensely personal details about work, play, activities, loved ones, and other close contacts. Building this kind of instant trust is perhaps most important in the communities where infectious diseases hit the hardest. These are often lower income areas where people live in close quarters. These are areas where access to health care is too often through the emergency room, rather than a trusted primary care provider. These are communities where there is a long history of little trust for the health care system on a good day, and even less when misinformation swirls through the Facebook feed that is the trusted source for news.

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As the United States begins to build a contact tracing workforce to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a variety of projections related to workforce size based on population levels or case counts. Various estimates suggest that America will need an army of anywhere from 100,000 to 300,000 contact tracers. State and local officials across America are mounting efforts to recruit, train, and deploy this army, rebuilding Americas public health workforce. They have to rebuild the workforce, because in 1999, Congress stopped funding the Public Health Emergency Fund.

Americas new public health work in contact tracing may be done by nurses, social workers, librarians, journalists, customer service representativesthe new grads and seasoned professionals who have been laid off or furloughed from their regular jobs that entail the type of individual contact and fact finding that contact tracing demands. But too little attention has been paid to the people who will make up this contact tracing army. For this plan to succeed, we need to ensure that contact tracing workforces are diverse enough to include workers who can connect with people in the most vulnerable communities across America.

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The last massive global contact tracing effort came during the Ebola epidemic of 201416, and one of the things we learned there is that the success of a contact tracing workforce hinges significantly on community trust. When community trust is low for contact tracers, people being interviewed withhold information like accurate and complete lists of close contacts, allowing disease to continue to spread. On the other hand, when contact tracers have high community engagement, case interviews are forthcoming and disease spread is minimized.

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Thats why America needs a diverse contact-tracing workforce, one that includes lots of representation of people from Black, Latino, and Native American communities, which have all been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Contact tracers must also include people from systemically disenfranchised groups like the LGBTQ+ community, refugee and immigrant communities, religious minorities, and non-English speakers. Overlooking these groups can be disastrous, as South Korea learned when an outbreak occurred in the LGBTQ community in Seoul.

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To that end, many state and local health departments from the CDC Foundation to Partners in Health (serving Massachusetts) to Contrace Public Health Corps (serving San Francisco) have included statements about working with culturally diverse individuals during a time of crisis and distress among the list of qualifications for contact tracer positions. Some departments have listed multiple languages as a plus or even a requirement, including Ventura County, California, which requires contact tracers to be trilingual (English/Spanish/Mixteco) to serve its local population.

The job listing for New York City contact tracers went several steps further. Qualifications for New York contact tracers included an ability to understand the concepts of institutional and structural racism and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities, and a demonstrated commitment to supporting communities who have experienced systemic oppression and bias. People from highly affected communities in New York were particularly encouraged to apply.

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Hiring for cultural humility and engagement at the local level is an important first step, and New Yorks detailed announcement is a great example of how one deeply affected jurisdiction moved to target the most affected communities in its hiring. We are not saying, though, that the New York job listing should be replicated everywherethe announcements should be tailored for every jurisdiction with both the size and composition of the workforce designed to meet local needs. For example, in communities with large undocumented populations, a contact tracing job listing might seek people who have demonstrated commitment to supporting migrant and refugee communities, including DACA recipients.

To support all of this, the leading national expert group on contact tracing, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officers, has created a free online course for contact tracing that highlights the importance of being able to work with disparate groups and employing cultural humility in the work of contact tracing. The ASTHO course, among others popping up, will help to introduce the work of contact tracing to the general public including vulnerable and underrepresented communities, demystifying the process and encouraging people to apply for contact tracing jobs in communities nationwide.

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But it isnt enough to have a diverse workforce for the sake of diversity. The right contact tracing teams with the right background must be deployed to cases in the right segments of the community to help ensure that efforts are successful.

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In addition to this hiring and deployment two-step, public health jurisdictions should incorporate a continuous quality improvement approach to audit the patterns of active cases and spread in the community. For example, are neighborhoods with a strong ethnic component, or other cultural groups, showing particularly high rates of COVID cases? Public health leaders can use that information to update the contact tracing workforce with individuals to meet those needs on an ongoing basis as new phases of the COVID-19 epidemic ebb and flow across the nation. Getting the contact tracing workforce right in size and culture is the key to minimizing negative health and economic impacts for every American. The right contact tracing workforce, built with the right cultural and social skills for each community, can navigate us through this outbreak and minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, MI  Dozens of Muskegon County residents lined up Saturday to be tested for the novel coronavirus in a community effort in one of the countys hardest hit cities.

The Michigan National Guard and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency teamed up with the city of Muskegon Heights to offer free testing this weekend.

The free testing will be open again Sunday, May 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Muskegon Heights Farmers Market, 2724 Peck St.

Muskegon Heights is the second hardest-hit city in Muskegon County, making up 20 percent of the countys COVID-19 cases. The city of Muskegon, just north of Muskegon Heights, makes up 34 percent of countywide positive cases.

City Manager Troy Bell believes the need for testing is critical in Muskegon Heights, which he said has been hit disproportionately hard by the novel coronavirus.

Weve been pointing out all along that theres been a disproportionate effect of the virus in our community, he said. The opportunity to have testing done in our community is awesome."

"We cant fight what we cant see, and we cant see what we cant test.

Saturdays testing effort, which included five drive-up lanes and one pedestrian lane, was put together in less than two days, organizers said.

We are doing a phenomenal task in a short amount of time, so this just shows you how a community can come together, said Zaneta Adams, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

It took hard work and people coming together who were willing to put aside their concerns about (the coronavirus) to get it done.

The coronavirus has hit black residents disproportionately hard across Muskegon County. Black residents make up 44 percent of the countys coronavirus cases, despite only making up 14 percent of the countywide population.

Muskegon Heights is made up of about 75 percent black residents, according to the most recent census data.

Muskegon County Public Health Director Kathy Moore previously told MLive she believes there is a direct correlation between the coronavirus and socioeconomic factors in Muskegon County, which has led to black residents being hit disproportionately hard.

When you compare urban environments  which is where a good percentage of our black positive cases have been located  with suburban environments, (suburban areas) have a little more resources and more space than some of our residents in the urban environments," she said.

Muskegon County has 583 confirmed coronavirus cases and 28 deaths linked to the virus, as of data posted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Saturday.

Moore said the impact of the novel respiratory virus has been much less severe than health officials had originally predicted, showing community-wide efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 have proven to be successful.

New coronavirus cases have continued to climb this month as the county has expanded its testing capacity. However, Moore said the county has successfully flattened the curve thanks to social distancing efforts by Muskegon County residents.

Were going to see a few more high numbers (of new daily cases) as we push more testing, but I expect the numbers to start declining over the next few weeks, Moore said.

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.

Read all of MLives coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

The Powering Positivity campaign by MLive Media Group highlights how Michiganders are supporting one another during the coronavirus pandemic. It is sponsored by The MediLodge Group.

More on MLive:

Muskegon County has successfully flattened the curve for coronavirus, health director says

Michigan to report coronavirus antibody test results separately

Michigan National Guard to provide free coronavirus testing in Flint

Michigan tests every state prisoner for coronavirus in less than 15 days
New Delhi, May 24 : States across the country will resume domestic flight services on Monday except Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, said Union Minister for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri.

Airports in Andhra Pradesh will resume services on Tuesday, May 26, and West Bengal will restart on Thursday, May 28.

Earlier on Sunday evening, IANS had reported on the delayed resumption of flight services in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.

"It has been a long day of hard negotiations with various state govts to recommence civil aviation operations in the country. Except Andhra Pradesh which will start on 26/5 & West Bengal on 28/5, domestic flights will recommence across the country from tomorrow," Puri tweeted.

In another tweet, the minister said that starting Monday, there will be limited flights from Mumbai and as per approved one-third schedule from other airports in the state.

For Tamil Nadu, he said that there will be maximum 25 daily arrivals in Chennai, but there would be no limit on number of departures.

"As per request of state govt, operations in Andhra Pradesh will recommence on limited scale from 26 May. For Tamil Nadu, there will be max 25 arrivals in Chennai but there's no limit on number of departures. For other airports in TN, flights will operate as in other parts of country," Puri said.

Domestic flight services resume on Monday after around two months of suspension amid the nationwide lockdown.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
A Chinese company that leased apartments to students from China living in Melbourne has gone out of business because of the coronavirus pandemic, leaving behind scores of renters who have each lost thousands of dollars in deposits.

Homplus promoted itself as an experienced real estate service organisation that provides its Chinese clientele with best service, offering best quality property throughout Melbourne's CBD.

The Age has been told the company leased multiple apartments in the Victoria One tower,

But a large group of overseas students  likely more than 150 people  and some local landlords who rented their properties via Homplus have lost money to the company, which last month applied to deregister itself and all but disappeared.

The company ran a property leasing website, Jia1hao, which targeted overseas students coming to live in Melbourne. It leased dozens of apartments in Melbournes CBD, Docklands and West Melbourne, and then made money by sub-leasing these properties to Chinese citizens coming to the city to study.
The protest on Sunday  the citys first large-scale demonstration since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic  underscored the depth of many residents outrage and fear about Beijings national security push. The protesters flouted social distancing rules and police warnings against illegal assemblies to show their solidarity against the security laws, which many fear would strangle the civil liberties that distinguish the city from the mainland.

But the demonstration also made clear the challenges before the pro-democracy movement. Attendance was far lower than for the massive rallies last year against a bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. Some protesters have expressed hopelessness or a new fear of participating in public opposition. The police also showed that they planned to continue a new pattern of assertiveness toward the protests, trying to stop mass gatherings before they occur.

I keep coming out to protest, said one attendee, Hanna Ng, 16. Bad things keep happening, but I dont know what else to do.

Crowds began forming around 1 p.m., as hundreds of people milled beneath the gleaming facades of Causeway Bay, Hong Kongs biggest shopping district. Ignoring police warnings about the citys social distancing regulations, which prohibit public gatherings of more than eight people, the protesters taunted police officers, hoisted signs denouncing the Chinese Communist Party and sang Glory to Hong Kong, the unofficial anthem of the democracy movement.
AUGUSTA, MI -- The threat of coronavirus did not stop droves of volunteers from showing up at Fort Custer Sunday to honor those laid to rest at the national cemetery.

Hundreds of volunteers from around west Michigan came to Fort Custer National Cemetery starting at 9 a.m. Sunday, marking thousands of 4-by-6-inch American flags beside more than 38,000 graves.

Gull Lake High school graduate and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, David Bacon, 39, stepped up after hearing health and safety concerns would prevent the National Cemetery Administration from organizing the placement of the flags as usual.

I was kind of mad at first, I was like, How is this not going to happen? Its not like were on top of each other out here. But then I just figured, I got to do my part, so thats why I bought 500.

For decades, the cemetery has worked with local groups and volunteers to pay tribute, marking each grave at the cemetery each with its own American Flag. This year, the National Cemetery Administration didnt organize the mass gravesite event due to the spread of coronavirus.

Bacon said the tribute is particularly meaningful for families with relatives buried at Fort Custer.

I just couldnt imagine a Memorial Day go by where nobodys placed a flag on their relatives headstone."

Bacon went to Facebook with a post sharing news that the cemetery wouldnt be organizing the event and asking community members for help in planting the 500 flags he purchased for about $170. His post resulted in a GoFundMe account that raised enough for 15,000 flags. In bundles of 50, Bacon left the flags in his truck Sunday morning for volunteers to pick-up once they arrived.

One of the few people wearing a face mask at the cemetery, Col. Frank Walker spent the morning thanking the volunteers who arrived to honor the fallen. Walker said even if theres not a flag on a grave, veterans and their families still remember.

I knew this community would step up, and regardless if we came out here and put a flag on, it.s Memorial Day and for many of us, Memorial Day is everyday."

According to a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs COVID-19 alert, the agency said its decision not to carry out the large scale tribute is based on CDC, state and local public health guidance to limit the size of gatherings, maintain physical distancing and encouraging vulnerable populations to remain sheltered in place.

Gatherings above 10 are still not permitted, as laid out in Gov. Whitmers latest executive order, but the COVID-19 alert on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website said limiting the number of volunteers is "not practical.

That didnt stop dozens of members of the Almost Legal Truck Club from gathering at Fort Custer Sunday to place around 25,000 flags. Some volunteers adhered to social distancing guidelines Sunday morning while others did not.

Shortly after Bacons supply of flags began to run out, another group, led by Wayland resident Richard King, arrived to complete the job.

After learning the cemetery would not authorize mass flag placements, King rallied his Facebook group, Almost Legal Truck Club. His wife, Lacie King, launched a paypal page that raised $4,385.80, enough for 24,000 flags.

I called the cemetery about it and I kindly told them, you guys may not be placing flags, but we plan to make sure those flags are placed, King said.

King said his group plans to return Tuesday to retrieve the flags, a step in the process usually designated for cemetery staff.

We needed the man power of the community to be able to do the amount of flags we brought, theres 38,000 plus graves here and were going to plant a flag on every single one," King said.

Wearing red, white and blue, ALTC" shirts, members of the truck club gathered in front of the cemeterys main entrance to pass out flags from cardboard boxes in the tailgate of his truck. Around 11:30 a.m., Battle Creek resident, Jennafer Kustche, led a group in the singing of the national anthem.

Grand Rapids resident Shannon Buys was among the volunteers who decided to help after seeing multiple groups plans on Facebook. She drove over an hour Sunday morning to help mark graves at the cemetery.

We just found this last night on Facebook at like 7 or 8 oclock and decided this is something my Mom wouldve done, so its something that we should do because she cant.

Buys credits her patriotism to her late mother and her family, made up of former and active duty soldiers from across the five military branches. After her mother died, Buys said she makes it a priority for her daughter, Rebekah Buys, who joined her Sunday, to show respect to those who have served.

Its important that we teach (kids) this isnt just something we do on a holiday, this is in our DNA, Buys said.

Fort Custer National Cemetery didnt respond to comment earlier as to whether Sundays volunteer plans conflicted with its policy against large gatherings.

Also on MLive: Undeterred by safety concerns, volunteers will mark veteran graves with flags for Memorial Day

Kalamazoo Memorial Day parade canceled amid pandemic

Kalamazoo-area groups will honor fallen veterans on Memorial Day despite cancellations

Citizens congregate for Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Custer National Cemetery
KYODO NEWS - May 24, 2020 - 20:42 | World, All

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned Sunday that the United States is spreading a "political virus" vilifying China at a time when the two nations should cooperate to tackle COVID-19, accusing Washington of trying to trigger a "new Cold War."

"Unfortunately, in addition to the raging of the new coronavirus, a political virus is also spreading in the United States. Every opportunity, this political virus is used to attack and discredit China," Wang said.

The U.S. administration of President Donald Trump "made too many lies," Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the national legislature, adding China "must be vigilant" against attempts by Washington to turn its relations with Beijing into a "new Cold War."

Related coverage:

Hong Kong police fire tear gas at anti-gov't protestors

China's declaring security law in Hong Kong draws global concern

Japan calls for free, open Hong Kong as China eyes security bill

Calling for avoidance of confrontation, China and the United States should work together "to mitigate the impact of the epidemic on the economies of the two countries and the global economy," Wang said.

Wang's remarks came as tensions between Washington and Beijing have been intensifying over issues including trade, responsibility for the outbreak of the virus, which was first detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Since the number of coronavirus infections in the United States started to surge in late March, Trump has been stepping up efforts to pin the blame on China in an apparent bid to gain public support in the run-up to the U.S. presidential election in November.

"Some U.S. politicians have politicized the origins of the virus and stigmatize China," Wang said.

The United States and other countries have urged China to pay compensation for damage caused by the pandemic, but Wang rejected the claim, asking them not to infringe on his nation's sovereignty and dignity.

As for Hong Kong, he emphasized the importance of legal reforms aimed at protecting national security in the territory, which has been wracked by often violent large-scale protests since June last year.

"Violent terrorist activities have been escalating and external forces have deeply illegally interfered in Hong Kong affairs," Wang said.

"It is imperative to establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to safeguard national security," he added.

At this year's session of the National People's Congress, China is discussing a bill to crack down on what Beijing considers subversive activity in Hong Kong, in a move that has already further antagonized protesters opposed to the Communist-led government.

On Sunday, an unauthorized protest against China's plan to enact the controversial bill took place in Hong Kong, escalating into one of the biggest mass gatherings there since the pandemic began.

Wang also accused the United States of interfering in Taiwan, stressing it concerns "China's internal affairs" and that Beijing resolutely opposes "Taiwan independence" encouraged by external forces.

The United States should "fully recognize the high sensitivity of the Taiwan issue," Wang said.

Taiwan and mainland China have been governed separately since they split following a civil war in 1949. Beijing regards the self-governing, democratic island as a renegade province.

Wang, meanwhile, underscored that China has maintained amicable ties with its neighbors, Japan and South Korea, saying the three countries should lead a recovery in the regional and global economy hit hard by the virus spread.

Touching on security in East Asia, Wang also expressed hope that the United States and North Korea will resume denuclearization talks as soon as possible, although their negotiations have been stalled over sanctions relief.

North Korea "has taken many positive measures in the past years," Wang said, referring to Pyongyang's pledge to suspend tests of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles that could reach the U.S. mainland.

"But regrettably, there is no substantial response from the United States. We believe that this is a key reason why North Korea-U.S. dialogue has been at a standstill," Wang said.

North Korea's state-run media reported Sunday that leader Kim Jong Un hosted a military meeting of the ruling Workers' Party to discuss new policies to bolster the nation's nuclear deterrence.

China's annual parliamentary session, which was postponed from March 5 against the backdrop of the pandemic of the new coronavirus, kicked off Friday. The gathering will continue through Thursday.

Wang's news conference was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing via a video call. He received questions from reporters who were tested for the virus in advance and sat 1 meter apart in a different room in the building.

The virus that causes the respiratory disease COVID-19 has infected about 83,000 people in the mainland and killed more than 4,600. The number of new infections has been decreasing in China in recent months.
A 34-year-old man is struggling for his life at a Delhi-based hospitals intensive care unit after he shot himself in ear over an argument with his wife. In a freak accident, the bullet pierced the man's head and hit his seven-month pregnant wife, who was sitting next to him, on the neck. The man is critical, while his wife is said to be out of danger.

The couple is undergoing treatment at Safdarjung hospital in Delhi. They originally belong to Faridabad and live in a rented accommodation in Gurugrams Rampura area.

The incident took place on Friday evening when the man was taking his pregnant wife to a hospital for routine checkup. The couple was in their car when an argument erupted over the man being unemployed.

The man, who was in anger, shot himself in the ear, only to have the bullet travel through his head, and out the other side, and hit his wife on the neck, who was sitting next to him in the car, reported Hindustan Times.

A passer-by found something suspicious in the car and saw the couple bleeding and immediately informed the police, who rushed the injured couple to a civil hospital in Gurugram before they were referred to Safdarjung Hospital.

According to police, the wife has said in her statement that the reason for the shooting is an argument over the man being unemployed for a few months.

Hindustan Times quoted Deputy Police Commissioner (Manesar) Deepak Saharan as saying that the bullet entered through the mans ear and came out of the other side and hit the woman. The ballistics report is awaited. We have lodged an FIR, he said.

The police said 7.62 mm cartridge was used in the pistol. Checking is being done to ascertain whether the man has a licence for the arm.

According to the probe team, the man separated from his first wife in 2017 and moved to Mathura to run a grocery shop. He met his second wife in Mathura and they got married in 2019.

A case has been registered under the IPC section 309 (attempt to suicide) and under the Arms Act at Kherki Daula police station.
 Flash

Another 282 COVID-19 patients have died in Britain as of Friday afternoon, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 36,675, British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said Saturday.

The figures include deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community.

Meanwhile, 2,959 people have been confirmed positive for the virus, bringing the total confirmed cases in Britain to 257,154 as of Saturday morning.

Dr Jenny Harries, England's deputy chief medical officer, told the Downing Street briefing that deaths are starting to come down. "We will be looking to expect that to come down further," she said.

Encouragingly, Britain is also maintaining a downward trend in new confirmed cases, she said.

During the briefing, Shapps announced the government is investing 283 million pounds (344.3 million U.S. dollars) into the public transport system to increase both frequency and capacity of services while ensuring there is enough space on vehicles to allow for social distancing.

"We now have opportunity to use power of transport to improve longstanding national weaknesses," he said.

The transport secretary said the measures are "not just to get through (the crisis) but come out of the recovery stronger by permanently changing how we use transport".

"Transport is not just how we get from place to place, but it shapes the places," he said.

The funding would be divided into 254 million pounds (309 million dollars) for buses and 29 million pounds (35.3 million dollars) for trams and light rail, according to Shapps.

"The mission is to level up Britain," he said, "The COVID outbreak must be the catalyst for getting it done."
jothishX BHPian

Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: KL 01 Posts: 59 Thanked: 313 Times

re: Which city should I move to - Kochi or Trivandrum? EDIT: Bangalore it is!



I'm from Trivandrum. A wonderful decision to shift to the green state . I've stayed in Bangalore for 3 years and been in Bhubaneswar, Odisha for a long time. Here is my feedback on the preferences you listed:



1. Good law and order situation

I may be objective, but you will find better law and order situation in almost everywhere in Kerala compared to Bangalore or other metros. Kochi and Trivandrum are very good in these aspects. There are people friendly JanMaithri police stations with very educated and understanding officers manning them.



2. Cost of living should not exceed what we experience in Gurgaon

In this aspect, Trivandrum is cheaper than Kochi.

Here, you will get a decent 2 bedroom flat with all amenities in the range of 10k-15k approx depending on the location. If you are an IT professional, you will get very good apartments near to your office.



3. Cosmopolitan culture

Here Kochi > Trivandrum. Trivandrum is bit laid back and calm than the active life of Kochi. If you are expecting night life similar to Delhi/Mumbai, then both places are yet to grow in those aspects.



4. Should not have pollen problem (which rules out Bangalore and that is the reason the title does not mention it)

Pollen problem - no experience to comment. I've been to Delhi and felt that the AQI is much better here.



5. City which can be navigated easily with the help of languages we already know - Hindi and English

Everyone understands English. Hindi - Would understand but may not be able to communicate back clearly, same as Bangalore.



6. Decent weekend getaways



In Trivandrum there is Kovalam Beach, Varkala, Museums, Ponmudi Hills etc..

There are similar places in and around Kochi

There are lot of beautiful places in Kerala which can be reached by public transport or a day's drive like Munnar, Wayanad, Vagamon, etc.



7. Less pollution (staying in Delhi, this becomes an important thing to look out for in a new city)



Of the time I stayed in Bangalore, the pollution went from bad to worse.

Trivandrum is a thousand times better than that. Kochi is slightly more crowded, hence you fill find higher pollution levels than Trivandrum. I would suggest Trivandrum. You will love the clean air. And it rains intermittently here. Ask anyone what Smog is, I'm sure many would have no idea what it is.



TLDR;

Trivandrum = Less Pollution and Traffic, Cheaper, Calmer environment

Kochi = More Shopping malls, Higher pollution and traffic, Costlier.



Being from North India, it will take some time to gel with the culture and food here. But once you start feeling comfortable, I'm sure you'll love it here. Hi There,I'm from Trivandrum. A wonderful decision to shift to the green state. I've stayed in Bangalore for 3 years and been in Bhubaneswar, Odisha for a long time. Here is my feedback on the preferences you listed:I may be objective, but you will find better law and order situation in almost everywhere in Kerala compared to Bangalore or other metros. Kochi and Trivandrum are very good in these aspects. There are people friendly JanMaithri police stations with very educated and understanding officers manning them.In this aspect, Trivandrum is cheaper than Kochi.Here, you will get a decent 2 bedroom flat with all amenities in the range of 10k-15k approx depending on the location. If you are an IT professional, you will get very good apartments near to your office.Here Kochi > Trivandrum. Trivandrum is bit laid back and calm than the active life of Kochi. If you are expecting night life similar to Delhi/Mumbai, then both places are yet to grow in those aspects.Pollen problem - no experience to comment. I've been to Delhi and felt that the AQI is much better here.Everyone understands English. Hindi - Would understand but may not be able to communicate back clearly, same as Bangalore.In Trivandrum there is Kovalam Beach, Varkala, Museums, Ponmudi Hills etc..There are similar places in and around KochiThere are lot of beautiful places in Kerala which can be reached by public transport or a day's drive like Munnar, Wayanad, Vagamon, etc.Of the time I stayed in Bangalore, the pollution went from bad to worse.Trivandrum is a thousand times better than that. Kochi is slightly more crowded, hence you fill find higher pollution levels than Trivandrum. I would suggest Trivandrum. You will love the clean air. And it rains intermittently here. Ask anyone what Smog is, I'm sure many would have no idea what it is.TLDR;Trivandrum = Less Pollution and Traffic, Cheaper, Calmer environmentKochi = More Shopping malls, Higher pollution and traffic, Costlier.Being from North India, it will take some time to gel with the culture and food here. But once you start feeling comfortable, I'm sure you'll love it here.
Canadas political parties, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus ruling Liberals, are taking advantage of a historic wage subsidy package that is meant to keep businesses afloat during the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy or CEWS was announced by Trudeau and costs the exchequer $ 73 billion Canadian dollars (CA). It offers eligible outfits, mainly companies, nearly CA$ 3,400 per employee per four-week period and was recently extended till August. It has now emerged that most of Canadas major national parties are using the subsidy to keep their political operations going.

A spokesperson for the ruling Liberal Party confirmed it had been approved for the wage subsidy, noting in a statement that it has met the eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy in recent weeks and received that support. The media outlet CBC quoted a party spokesperson as saying that this was necessitated by the drop off in in-person fund-raising due to the restrictions that came into place in March to combat the coronavirus crisis.

The Liberals are not alone in using public funds to keep their party offices open, even if virtually. The principal Opposition Conservative Party is also on the list of beneficiaries as is the New Democratic Party or NDP and the Green Party.

The only party that has chosen to not use the opportunity is the Bloc Quebecois. In fact, its leader was sharply critical of the other parties dipping into the till. In a tweet in French, Yves-Francois Blanchet said, In order to finance their next election campaign, multimillionaire parties like the Liberals and Conservatives are dipping into money from programmes meant for companies worried about going bankrupt.

All parties have suffered from the pandemic because of the inability to hold fund-raising events and the number of donors drying up due to financial stress.
Jamie L. Smith is 38 years old and lives a few blocks north of me in Albany's West Hill neighborhood.

She has four children: A 23-year-old daughter who's out of the house; a 19-year-old daughter who was slated to begin service in the Air Force this spring, though the COVID-19 pandemic has put that plan on hold; a 16-year-old son; and a 9-year-old son who is about as immunocompromised as you can get. Smith's youngest has had two heart transplants  the first just nine months after being born prematurely (he weighed less than 3 pounds when he entered the world, she said)  and the second last year, in combination with a kidney transplant.

Until March, Smith worked as a supervisor for Waterford Corp., which operates the hotel chain TownPlace Suites. Along with a number of employees, she was sent home in early March and formally applied to the state Department of Labor for unemployment benefits March 16. Her application was approved March 27. Unfortunately, that's where the process seems to have gone into administrative purgatory.

More than two months later, the $2,700 federal stimulus check she received via direct deposit under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, also known as the CARES Act, has been almost expended.

Smith, who moved her family to Albany last year after working for Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie for 18 years, pays $1,100 in rent each month, utilities not included. So far, she has managed to stay paid in full.

But, on Thursday, Smith told me she has $57 left.

"It's mentally draining," she said of the sheer uncertainty of living with the proverbial financial wolf at the door for an extended period of time. " ... You don't know what today or tomorrow will bring."

Of the eight people from her office she knows of who have applied for unemployment, she's one of two still waiting for the funds to start flowing.

The Albany School District has been providing lunches five days a week, and Smith has availed herself of the food distribution being offered by Trinity Alliance. She and a neighbor swap meal-prep duties for their families.

"Wherever there are resources, that's where we're going to go," she said.

As the weeks have ticked by, she has become increasingly desperate in her outreach to people in power. Trying to get some kind of certainty about when her benefits might be coming has turned into a part-time job in its own right.

She joined a Facebook group where members trade advice on the best tactics for moving a benefits claim through the system. Smith has made multiple calls to the Labor Department, which has been understandably overwhelmed by the historic spike in unemployment claims, but she has never had a live conversation with a human being. Smith has also reached out to the offices of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, multiple regional state legislators and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

She said the governor's office put her on hold for two hours  by the time she left a voice mail, it was after 5 p.m.

"I wasn't angry," she said. "I tried to stay civil."

I relate this not to suggest that these people are hardhearted: All of us are living through the nation's greatest challenge since World War II, and most elected officials and public employees are doing their best to get their arms around the sheer scope of it. They are contending with the vast number of people who need to be protected from the virus, and the perhaps even larger population that will need public assistance to get through the economic devastation that followed in its wake.

But Smith is first and foremost a single parent  the administrator of her household  clamoring for assistance.

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter.

It's the domestic version of the pleas being issued by revenue-strapped municipalities that are now engaged in the brutal work of drawing up austerity budgets and deciding who will need to be cut.

Last week, the status changed on Smith's application.

Two months after her initial filing, the Labor Department had advanced to calculating the amount Smith is supposed to receive.

She's expecting $504 a week  which means that more than half of her benefits will go to pay the rent.

Smith's employer has asked if she'd be willing to come back to work when the Capital Region's phased reopening makes it possible. She is understandably worried about being exposed to the virus, and thereby exposing her ailing son to a potentially fatal illness.

She has applied for other positions and even conducted a virtual interview, but opportunities are not plentiful.

When I called Smith back Friday to fact-check this column, she was on hold with the governor's office a second time.

She has no idea why her benefits have not begun flowing.

"Maybe they need me to fill out a different form," Smith said. "Maybe I need to do something a different way."

cseiler@timesunion.com  518-454-5619
Authorities have identified the 39-year-old man killed in a Friday night apartment building fire in Newark that also left seven injured.

Jimmy Escobar, of Newark, died on the 100 block of Magazine Street, the Essex County Prosecutors Office said Sunday.

The injuries to seven others four females and three males  are not considered life-threatening. One of the injured is a child.

Newark firefighters report one death and 7 injuries from 2-alarm fire at Magazine Street. Cause and origin of Fire is under investigation by the Essex County Prosecutors Office and by the Newark Arson Unit. https://t.co/QwXHZgXpVf via @Nextdoor pic.twitter.com/9sUYy1prpK  Dept. Public Safety (@NewarkNJPolice) May 23, 2020

Officials said the fire broke just after 11 p.m. out on the second floor, spread to the third floor and then jumped to an attached building.

The 70 firefighters that responded brought the fire under control at 11:54 p.m. Escobar was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:18 a.m. Saturday.

The Red Cross said it assisted 17 people from eight families with emergency financial assistance for temporary lodging, food, clothing and other immediate needs.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Essex County Prosecutors Office.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
At the bottom of my sock drawer, my passport lies hidden. It is worn and tattered, its pages covered in stamps and visas. The photo inside isnt flattering, but my face is bright with hope, eager with excitement for another trip.



The author with a glass of Franconian wine in Franconia, a wine-growing region of Bavaria. (Courtesy of Janna Graber)

In the corner of my closet, my suitcase gathers dust, waiting for the days when we can travel freely again. Like you, I am staying at home. Like many of you, I am struggling to make the best of it.



To be honest, this is the longest Ive stayed in one place for years, and its given me time to reflect. Its strange the way life can twist and turn. I never imagined how my life would end up, and that Id one day have a job that centered around travel.

Thats because while growing up, I never wanted to travel.

Changing My World Outlook

Why on earth would you want to learn another language? Youll never use it. Yes, I cringe when I think about those words I said to my sister when we were in high school.



When you grow up in the middle of a great big country, far from other borders, its easy to believe that the world is just like the one you grew up in. As a teenager from Colorado, I had no interest in other lands or cultures.

Then I went to university and met Melanie, my college roommate. She had just returned from a summer trip to Europe, and night after night, she regaled me with stories of places I had never imagined.

She talked of dreamy Austrian villages and narrow, ancient streets. She told of tall, handsome Dutch boys, and the thrill of cruising down the German autobahns.

At first, I feigned disinterest, but eventually, I began to listen, picturing these worlds that she painted with words.



Eventually, I wanted to see this new world for myself. We planned a 10-day trip to Europe over Christmas break.

The author in Nevis. (Courtesy of Janna Graber)

Culture Shock

Culture shock set in as soon as we stepped foot in Amsterdam on that trip during semester break. Surrounded by the staccato sounds of Dutch, I felt like a fish out of water. I wanted to rush back into the plane and head for the familiarity of home.

But I was stuck there, so I followed Melanie through the streets of Rotterdam, where we met her friends. She laughed and talked with everyone she met, not afraid of the new things she saw. Slowly, I began to view this new world through her eyes.



We spent New Years Eve in Rotterdam, and I watched in awe as the residents poured into the streets that night, lighting monstrous fireworks, drinking warm drinks, and greeting each other (and me!) with two-cheeked kisses.

The Salzburg skyline. (Canadastock/Shutterstock)

Even though I could not understand a word being spoken around me, I was thrilled. There was a whole new world to discover, and I had just opened a window.

From there, Melanie and I rented a little Peugeot and headed out through Europe. We fumbled our way through the countryside, getting lost, but always stopping to ask cute boys for directions. We ran into difficulties with new languages and cultures, of course, but Melanie just laughed and considered it an adventure.

We drove through Holland and Germany, but it was Austria that broke down any resistance I had to new cultures.

The beauty of the Alps surrounding Salzburg took my breath away, and in the cozy cafes that are such an integral part of Austrian culture, I discovered a never-before-seen side of myself. I learned the quiet joy of sitting all afternoon around a tiny table, drinking dark coffee with whipped cream and discussing questions about life with new friends.

Perhaps that is why we are drawn to travel, for in leaving our homes and venturing into other parts of life, it reveals a side that we would never discover otherwise. In learning about others, we learn most about ourselves.

Finally: Vienna. Wandering with Melanie and my new Austrian friends at midnight down the cobblestone streets of this former imperial city, I could barely contain my delight. Something, I knew, had awakened deep inside of me.

Nine months after that first trek to Europe, I packed up my college boxes and moved to Austria, where I attended university before eventually returning home to the States.

Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna. (Ekaterina Kondratova/Shutterstock)

What Travel Taught Me

My life had turned down a whole new path. I chose to pursue a career as a journalist that would allow me to continue to travel.

Looking back now, I realize that each place I have visited has molded and shaped me in some way. After all, when you experience different things, you begin to see things differently.



Ive had bucket-list adventures, from hiking through the Australian bush to dogsledding in the Arctic. But it has been the people I have met along the way who have changed me.



In Burma, in a home with dirt floors and two small rooms, a tight-knit family showed me that happiness doesnt come from money, but from togetherness.

Austria taught me to appreciate classical music, fine wine, and coffee with friends. In Sweden, I learned what it looks like when a culture puts community first, while Finland showed me that time in the forest can be healing.



Dogsledding in Quebec. (Janna Graber)

My new friends in Quebec taught me to embrace winter, not fear it, and in the Outback, I learned to appreciate Mother Natures wild side.

On Californias central coast, overlooking vineyard-covered hills, a winemaker told me that it wasnt how you make wine, but why. And on the wide-open lands of Kansas, a rancher showed me how to see the unique beauty of the prairie.

Riding Clydesdales in Cambria, Calif. (Janna Graber)

Travel has enriched my life more than I could ever have imaginedand I will forever be grateful. And while I may not be able to venture far right now, I know the world is waiting. For now, Ill stay home and appreciate what the world has taught me, and when we can travel again freely, Ill be ready.

Janna Graber has covered travel in more than 55 countries. She is the editor of three travel anthologies, including A Pink Suitcase: 22 Tales of Womens Travel, and is the managing editor of Go World Travel Magazine.


Despite the #inthistogether and #alonetogether campaigns, not to mention the nearly 94,000 lives lost to COVID-19 nationally, Americans are hardly on the same page, with a psychological obsession with misguided fights for freedom in the form of haircuts and the right not to wear a mask. Nothing can mask growing frustration.

Earlier this week, a video went viral of a visibly frustrated Chicago ER doctor who slammed the government spending on flyovers instead of hospital needs. The Air Force Thunderbirds and the Navy's Blue Angels have performed nearly a hundred flyovers in cities across the U.S. to show their gratitude for healthcare workers across the country. Healthcare workers arent interested in this grandstanding.

You want to help healthcare workers? These are the goddamn N-95 masks we have to deal with. These are painters masks! Get us equipment. Get us PPE. Get us N-95 masks that are worth anything. Get us a test for everybody, okay,? the doctor said, speaking from a hospital hallway.

Right now, the fight for freedom is playing out most ferociously in our nations supermarkets and other stores that have remained or been allowed to reopen.

Another video has gone viral, filmed by a Costco shopper who was asked to leave the warehouse after he refused to wear a protective mask.

The shoppers reasoning was that If everyone else is wearing a mask, then one person should be able to fly by without one.

However, on a deeper scale, the man believes that wearing masks has nothing to do with virus protection; rather it is a blunt violation of his freedom.

I'm not doing it, because I woke up in a free country," the customer said.

"I've got every f------ right to not wear a mask anywhere, because this isn't about not wearing a mask. This is about control, okay," he said to his 3,000 social media followers. Talking to the Costco stuff and other shoppers he said that "...I'm not the f------ sheep. Y'all are the f------ sheep, every single one of you, going along with what everybody else is saying."

While he may seem an outlier, hes not. After all, even US President Donald Trump has become a poster boy of sorts for not wearing a mask. In his public appearances, he is often the only one without the mask. Earlier this month, Trump even toured a Honeywell plant that's manufacturing N95 masks, wearing only goggles.

In late April, the Centers for Disease Control recommended wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain especially in areas of significant community-based transmission."

Though the CDC's guidelines refer to wearing a cloth face covering as a "voluntary public health measure, many retailers such as Costco have adopted face coverings as mandatory for entrance to the store.

After all, as those same freedom fighters would likely be able to point out, this is a free country built on free market principles, which means that businesses are free to refuse service to anyone they please for violating their safety measures. Freedom has long been limited in private establishments, including no shirt, no shoes, no services, signs noting that no guns are allowed, or no dogs. This is America.

Even though that policy is welcomed by the majority of the public, there are also freedom fighters disputing it, along with other measures imposed during the pandemic.

Earlier this month, a Family Dollar security guard was shot and killed in Michigan after he stopped a customer from entering the store because her daughter wasn't wearing a face mask.

Related: Why Big Finance Is Bailing On Fossil Fuels

In Texas, a park ranger was pushed into a lake for asking visitors to follow social-distancing guidelines. And then, again in Michigan, armed protesters in the state capitol, Lansing, replaced their guns with scissors, offering fellow protesters free haircuts in an apparent demonstration of freedom.

Hundreds of protesters turned out earlier this week to protest Michigan's stay-at-home order  and get free haircuts as part of the Operation haircut campaign.

Experts have said this tension will only get worse as more stores across the US reopen and customers return to a new set of shopping rules.

CDC officials recently said this could be the new norm, at least for another year--or more if it takes long to find a cure. So Americans will have to learn to live in a free country where shopping with the masks, along with the shirt and shoes are strictly enforced.

Since the start of the pandemic, nearly 40 million Americans lost their jobs with many businesses that are on hold during the lockdown and that is the main reason for demanding for reopening the country.

However, there are also a number of those who believe that pandemic is a hoax--another Trump-spawned idea that he later backtracked on.

Still, there are numerous conspiracies and misinformation surrounding the pandemic--and much of it isnt even real. The bots have hijacked the issue.

Carnegie Mellon University researchers have discovered that much of the discussion on Twitter around the pandemic and lockdown orders is being fueled by bots. The research found that out of 200 million posts on Twitter, 45.5% of users tweeting about the coronavirus have the characteristics of bots.

By Charles Benavidez for Safehaven.com

More Top Reads From Safehaven.com:
Boris Johnson has pledged to "level up" the country after lockdown ends. Credit: Getty.

Whitehall chiefs could be ready to launch a 25bn ($30bn) taxpayer-backed fund to reboot regional companies struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The country's first ever sovereign wealth fund would see the government buy up shares in key businesses outside of London, according to a Mail on Sunday report

Officials are understood to be "actively considering" the plans proposed by British economist Jim O'Neill.

City investors could also support the scheme, which would form an integral part of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's agenda to "level up" the entire country post lockdown.

The taxpayer would recoup initial investments when the shares are returned to the original owners within 10 years.

The Government could also take so-called preference shares in the businesses, meaning taxpayers would be first in line for dividend payouts and proceeds which could be diverted into public spending projects.

Lord O'Neill said the scheme could help family-owned businesses reach their world-class potential whilst lifting the country out of recession.

READ MORE: Britain faces jobs hell and a return to the 1980s

"My feeling is you should never let a crisis go to waste. Why not use this mess to invest in British businesses while also helping manage our debt coming out of this?" said the former Goldman Sachs chief economist.

As the vice chair of the Northern Powerhouse initiative Lord O'Neill believes the north could benefit from taxpayer funding into companies specialising in advanced engineering, life sciences and green energy.

"The start-ups are often acquired really quickly from overseas or they fail to grow. Something like this would help in the areas where the north has world-class potential and I'm sure you could do something similar in the Midlands too," he added.

Sovereign wealth funds are popular around the world including across the Middle East, where state funds are invested into companies and other assets to generate income and returns for home economies.

Meanwhile Norway's sovereign wealth fund is the biggest in the world, holding 900bn worth of investments in shares, bonds and property.

The Treasury declined to comment.
As we near May 31, all eyes are on how wheels of the economy start to turn. One of the sectors hit hard by coronavirus lockdown has been the micro-loan lending sector. The microfinance institution (MFI) is an important component of this. The available data shows how the sector has suffered in the past few weeks and is now trying to recover. While there is debate on the extent the measures announced by the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) could provide much needed economic stimulus, some of the MFIs say that the banks have already started cautious lending activity. G Padmaja Reddy, Founder and Managing Director, Spandana, an MFI headquartered in Hyderabad, says, "We have received Rs 800 crore in the last two months (March and April) from SBI and Nabard, and others have also been receiving."

"Though we were allowed to operate from April 20th in the non-containment zones across the country, the actual activity in the sector with staff beginning to report back to work has really started in the last one week," she adds.

Sa-Dhan, one of the oldest and largest associations of the MFIs in the country, with around 215 members, has released data on the initial impact of coronavirus lockdown on the sector. The lockdown has apparently badly hit the sector, the data shows. P Satish, Executive Director, Sa-Dhan, says, "The report is based on data gathered between April 12 - April 30, 2020, which saw some of the measures announced by the Reserve Bank of India, before and during this period. The position today is this even after subsequent measures announced by the finance ministry and again by the RBI."

He however, says, "The financial support in terms of liquidity is yet to reach the MFIs at the institution level and therefore it has not yet translated into lending to the end micro-credit borrowers." This apparently is expected to take off, he says. "This report encapsulates the various facets of hardships the industry has been undergoing. However, by end June we will come out with an assessment on the impact of government initiatives for the sector," Satish also says.

The data for the report titled "Impact of Unfolding Covid19 on MFIs & Clients" has been collected for the period April 12 to April 30, 2020 from about 78 microfinance institutions with a portfolio size of less than Rs 10 crore to over Rs 500 crore. Field data has been collected from 112 districts across 20 states and union territories.

"Seen from a bankers' perspective, the lending activity by MFIs had come to a standstill. Pick up in the micro-lending activity will alone give comfort to the banks. Even, the TLTRO (Targeted Long Term Repo Operations), is also new and there is little policy to fall back on for the banks and they began formulating their own policies and by June 10th funds are to be released so we may have to wait and watch," Spandana's Reddy says.

Here are some of the key findings from the report that Sa-Dhan has shared:

Repayment rates are down 11.9 per cent as most MFIs have extended moratorium to clients

15 per cent of clients are willing to voluntarily make repayments of loan instalments

Only 36 per cent of surveyed MFIs can meet repayment obligation till July 2020

Only 4 per cent of surveyed MFIs have wherewithal to pay salaries and meet administrative expenses till July 2020

20 per cent of the surveyed MFIs received funding post March 20, 2020

Most of the MFIs are in constant touch with over 70 per cent of their existing clients

While there is a strong desire to offer emergency loans to clients, only about 3 per cent MFIs from the survey have adequate funds to support emergency loan products

Impact on clients

Over 72 per cent of the surveyed clients have reported a significant decline in income

Nearly 48 per cent have reported total loss of income

84 per cent of the clients surveyed stated that they will not be able to make payment of all installments in the next few months

27 per cent of clients are not in a position to pay any of their installments

While 54 per cent of clients have benefited from various financial and economic packages of the government, the number of clients in urban areas benefiting from such initiatives remains below 30 per cent

"Sustenance of the industry depends on how efficiently funds flow in the days to come. Ultimately, these funds flow through to support the incomes of the underprivileged client, especially in this critical period. While the present situation has created a high liquidity stress, the industry has always bounced back on the face of adversity. Adaptation and investment on technology will play a pivotal role for the industry in the new normal scenario," Satish notes.

Also read: Coronavirus India Live Tracker: Delhi registers 508 new cases in 24 hours; tally over 13,400

Also read: Eid-ul-Fitr: Is the Indian stock market open or closed for trading tomorrow?
MIDLAND, MI - The Michigan Department of Transportation has awarded Midland-based Fisher Contracting an emergency repair contract for the US-10 Stanford Lake bridges.

The eastbound and westbound US-10 bridges over Sanford Lake in Midland County suffered major damage during the record-high flooding the area experienced last week. Fisher Contracting came in as the lowest bidder at $1.8 million.

Fisher crews have already begun working on repairs, MDOT stated.

U.S. 10 is a vital commercial corridor in the region and Im pleased that a contractor has already begun the work to open the road to traffic," stated MDOT Director Paul Ajegba.

He said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer considered it a priority to fix the bridge during her visit May 20, the day after flooding began in the region.

Crews will build a temporary crossover over the bridge, repair the eastbound bridge and shift eastbound and westbound US-10 traffic to the eastbound roadway in early June, MDOT stated. This will allow one lane of traffic in each direction.

Fisher Contracting hopes to repair the westbound bridge and roadway by mid-June. Temporary crossovers are slated to be removed by late June, weather permitting.

Read More

M-30 bridge destroyed after nearby dam failure

Midland County offers free water test kits to well owners concerned with potential contamination

Midland residents urged to stay off lake beds and dams

How a spring rainstorm became a 500-year flood event in mid-Michigan

Economic impact, future of failed dams repair weigh heavy on residents around Wixom Lake
Coronavirus patients can't infect others after 11 days of being ill even if their test still comes back positive, scientists find.

An infected person becomes contagious around two days before symptoms show, researchers from Singapore found.

They then remain contagious for between seven and ten days after they start showing signs of the disease - which include having a high temperature and a new and continuous cough.

Covid-19 'could not be isolated or cultured after day 11' of the illness, researchers said.

Scientists from Singapore's National Center for Infectious Diseases and the Academy of Medicine examined 73 patients with coronavirus.

Coronavirus patients can't infect others after 11 days of being ill even if their test still comes back positive, scientists find. Pictured: A medical worker takes a swab from a patient in Beijing

An infected person becomes contagious around two days before symptoms show, researchers from Singapore found. Pictured: A coronavirus drive through testing centre in Arizona

They looked at whether the bug could be passed from them to someone else, the New York Post reported.

Positive tests in patients that still had symptoms after two weeks could be picking up sections of the bug that cannot pass the virus on to someone else.

The authors wrote: 'Based on the accumulated data since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the infectious period of [coronavirus] in symptomatic individuals may begin around two days before the onset of symptoms, and persists for about seven to ten days after the onset of symptoms.'

They added: 'Active viral replication drops quickly after the first week, and viable virus was not found after the second week of illness.'

It comes as the UK reported a further 118 coronavirus deaths, a 30 per cent drop since last Sunday's 170, taking the total to 36,793

Covid-19 'could not be isolated or cultured after day 11' of the illness, researchers said. Pictured: A coronavirus test being taken in Beijing

It comes as the UK reported a further 118 coronavirus deaths, a 30 per cent drop since last Sunday's 170, taking the total to 36,793.

The daily death figure, revealed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the daily press briefing this evening, is the lowest since the lockdown was put into force on March 23.

Scientists hope that their research on the disease's ability to spread could help hospitals figure out when to send admitted patients home.
COVID-19 has forced museums to turn to online platforms to reach people who are craving culture while they are isolated at home.



The unprecedented coronavirus pandemic, which broke out in late December 2019 and has now engulfed the world, portends to reshape our lives, and the world order as we know it. This is the thirteenth in a series of articles to cast light on the changes that might lie ahead.  ED.



By Kwon Mee-yoo



COVID-19 has forced art museums and galleries to close temporarily, but museums have turned to online platforms to reach people craving culture while they are isolated at home.



The Savina Museum of Contemporary Art in northwestern Seoul saw a surge in digital viewers of its virtual reality (VR) exhibitions after the COVID-19 outbreak. The private museum was one of the first in Korea to offer VR exhibitions in 2012 and it now has an archive of 29 VR exhibitions available online.



"We didn't want our long-prepared exhibitions to be wasted after they closed. We wanted to preserve exhibitions as they were displayed, not just through a printed catalogue," said Kang Jae-hyun, the museum's chief curator. "The VR exhibitions are also aimed at those who cannot visit the museum in person."



Kang said the number of visitors to the VR exhibitions has jumped almost 10 times since the COVID-19 outbreak.



"Our VR exhibitions provide an experience that is as close as possible to an actual museum visit. Viewers can move around the museum and when they approach an artwork, they can enlarge it. They also can watch video art and interviews with artists as they would do at the museum," Kang said. "Most artists have expressed an interest in VR exhibitions, which document their shows in an unprecedented way. Some of them asked us how to create a VR exhibition to archive their other exhibitions as well."



Kang said the art world cannot go back to pre-COVID-19 routines. "Constructing online exhibitions, including VR, will become essential, not an option, for contemporary artists in the immediate future. Though the online edition cannot completely replace the offline exhibition, artists will have to think about the online presentation of their work and their exhibitions," Kang said.






Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), says her commission was forcefully sent packing by a minister.

Speaking in a video tweeted by NIDCOM, Abike-Dabiri accused Isa Pantami, minister of communications and digital economy, of using gunmen to evict the agencys staff from an office that was allocated to them by the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC).

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According to her, staff were not even allowed to take their property before the office located at Mbora district in the federal capital territory (FCT).

In one year, we dont have an office. The office we got, given to us by NCC but we were actually driven away by the honourable minister of communications and digital economy, Mr Isa Pantami, within two days, they drove us out with guns and what happened? The place was given to us by NCC, she said.

You know we all help each other, NCC as an agency of government, said there is a place you can use to settle in, and just as we settled in, I was in Ethiopia when I got a call. I thought that it was a joke. I came back from Ethiopia on Thursday, this happened on Tuesday, by Friday when I went to the office, guns, armed men had taken over the place. I thought it was a joke, but here is the thing, Im a government employee, so is he. Its a government business.

I have complained officially but we let it be. He wants the place, let him take it. That place is still there, a whole floor is still vacant. As I speak with you all our items are locked up. I dont have computer, I dont have printers, everything has been locked up, she said.

So after COVID-19 we are hoping that we can get a space and move in. These things locked are personal printers, personal laptops of our very dedicated staff because when you are just starting a lot of things are not there.

The NCC, however, debunked claims that NIDCOM staff were sent away from its complex, according to theCable.

Henry Nkemadu, NCCs director of public affairs, said, The NCC has not withdrawn the offer but had hiccups arising from the preparation for the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate the Communications and Digital Economy Complex and launch of other projects relating to the mandate of government, Nkemadu said.

Read Also: Lockdown: Abike Dabiri Replies Man Who Cried Out Over Arrest In South Africa

Incidentally, after the offer of the office spaces to the NDC, the Director-General, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa had not visited the Complex to take possession of any of the offices and also the Commission had not started using any of these spaces as offices.

As is usual in ensuring security and accountability before, during and after presidential visits, the building had to be cleared to allow for only known and identifiable persons to have access within the Complex.

Therefore, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, could not have sent armed men to drive the staff of the Diaspora Commission out of the Communications and Digital Economy Complex.
Mumbai, May 24 : Terming it as "extremely ill-advised", the Maharashtra government on Sunday red-flagged the Centre's proposal to resume domestic flight operations from Monday.

Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said here early Sunday that "it's extremely ill-advised to reopen airports in Red Zone." "Mere thermal scanning of passengers inadequate without swabs. Impossible to have autos/cabs/buses ply in current circumstances," Deshmukh said.

He pointed out that adding positive passengers will add Covid-19 stress to the Red Zone.

Officials said that in Maharashtra the three main and International airports - Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur fall in Red Zones, especially in Maharashtra with the highest number of deaths and infectees.

Besides, most other smaller airports like Nashik, Shirdi, Nanded also are in the Red Zone, posing a ticklish issue for the authorities.

However, many people desperate and stranded at different places around the country due to lockdown have appealed to the state government that since they have already booked tickets flights must be permitted.

--IANS qn/dpb

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The images of migrant labourers trudging home, some on top of trucks or walking barefoot, with women and children in tow, have shaken the nations conscience. Tragic accidents with injuries and loss of life have evoked sympathy. However, the images of the Narendra Modi governments Operation Shramik Express, which has helped over four million migrants return home by buses and special trains, is reassuring.

In India, migrant labour are woven into the waft and weft of the economic fabric. It is a measure of the national economic integration as also of regional and rural-urban disparities that force migrants from weaker states to go to metros and other states in search of livelihood. They contribute to the prosperity of their home and destination states, while empowering themselves.

The sudden and unavoidable coronavirus disease (Covid-19)-related lockdown threatens to unravel this fabric. The fragility of the migrant worker-based productive capacities stands exposed. Of the 40 million migrant labourers affected, the blue-collar  the informal sector  workers are the face of multidimensional poverty, inequality and unrealised demographic dividend. Their mass exodus from host states has created a humanitarian and health security challenge and an unprecedented logistical nightmare.

It complicates the governments attempts to stem the contagion. It poses a longer-term risk of labour dislocation and atrophy. It has already impacted post-lockdown economic activities announced under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

The Opposition parties have both stoked and used migrant workers conundrum to critique the governments Covid-19 strategy. As concerned stakeholders, they must recognise the gravity of the calamity and the enormity of the response it requires. Modi, on his part, is driving Indias stupendous response to the crisis in the spirit of cooperative and consultative federalism of antyodaya, with empathy for the predicament of the poor, including the pravasi shramiks (migrant labourers).

A highly infectious and novel virus, Covid-19 has pushed the state and central governments into the uncharted policy and action territory, without the availability of any vaccine or treatment. Unlike China, which militarily enforced the lockdown of a similar scale and scope, doing so in a democracy like India  a socially and federally diverse, but economically weak country  poses a unique challenge. The migrant crisis is emblematic of this, and needs special initiatives.

States are empowered to decide on the extension and enforcement of the lockdown, and are responsible for providing migrants relief in situ. The Centre, therefore, had to persuade states to agree to the mass transportation of workers with attendant risks of contagion. Some chief ministers have been proactive, while others are hesitant and unprepared. For instant impact during disasters, a Centre-state protocol must be established.

It is equally important to collect and update comprehensive migrant worker-related data and statistics, going beyond the 10-year Census exercise  categorising them into skill, sector and gender at the state and national level. Its absence has blindsided us on the scale of the migrant labour challenge and frustrated efforts to reach them to help with food, cash transfers, health services, shelter or relocation to home/host states.

The other side of the coin is the information asymmetry poor migrants faced. Many were unable to access information on the relief, benefit and transport provided by various governments. Many became prey to disinformation, unscrupulous touts, and motivated panic-mongers. Establishing well-functioning hotlines, building outreach systems, and providing low-cost smartphones and IT education are crucial.

Many migrant workers left cities due to the fear of disease and stigma, evictions by landlords, confinement in congested conditions, job losses, income and food insecurity and the psychological impulse to be with their families. Yet, many continued to stay in cities due to pull factors of better wages, jobs, prospects of better economic and upward social mobility. To allow workers to exercise real choices, India must maximise the development of all the states in a sustainable manner.

The challenge migrant workers face on return to home states includes resistance from their communities fearing infection and a lack of income and employment. As economic activities rekindle, many workers have already started moving back. Governments should provide for their sustenance, local employment and return to host states.

Targeted and ecosystem support to migrant workers is a substantial chunk of the mega-economic revival and transformation package of Rs 20 lakh crore. An abhiyan or a movement for migrant workers welfare and empowerment must be driven in collaboration with state governments on a warfooting.

It should: One, ramp up and prioritise direct and short-term food, cash, shelter and health support. Two, fast track the implementation measures on local infrastructure and supply chains, technology diffusion, liquidity, employment, income and entrepreneurship generation. Three, synergistically implement measures to support other vulnerable groups and micro, small and medium enterprises. Four, ensure migrant workers wellbeing and utilisation of their potential.

In this moment of creative destruction, migrant workers wellbeing and unleashing the Ganga of their potential is vital to our survival and Indias economic rebirth.

Lakshmi Puri is a former assistant secretary general, United Nations, former deputy executive director of UN Women, and former acting deputy secretary general of UNCTAD

The views expressed are personal
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SPRINGFIELD  Early Sunday morning the Illinois Senate passed a budget package authorizing $42.8 billion in general revenue spending next year.

Much of that remains tentative, depending on the progression of the pandemic and potential congressional action that could send more financial aid to states. The House approved the budget bill late Saturday night.

Local lawmakers, from opposite parties and chambers, viewed the action in opposite ways.

State Sen. Rachelle Crowe, D-Glen Carbon, said the Illinois General Assemblys passage of the budget was needed for public schools.

While I have faith in teachers and students adjusting to e-learning, investing $12.6 billion in public education is fundamental to our students success and access for future opportunities, Crowe said. To ensure students are not falling behind, we must establish economic relief for our school districts.

State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, was unhappy with the borrowing included in the budget.

We are living in difficult times, he said. Every day people are cutting their budgets, but there was no discussion of Illinois cutting its budget! The budget passed tonight relies on almost $5 billion in borrowing from the Federal Reserve for state operations.

The sooner we get our economy going, the sooner we can help fund important things like education and services for the elderly and disabled, he said.

The budget deal was worked out largely out of public view over the past two and a half months as lawmakers worked remotely in various informal working groups, and it continued to undergo changes in recent days in advance of the House debate.

One key to making the budget work is a plan to borrow up to $5 billion from the Federal Reserves Municipal Liquidity Facility program. That program allows the central bank to purchase certain short-term debt from states to help them make up for the loss of revenue theyve seen since the pandemic forced them to close large parts of their economy.

It also authorizes another $1.5 billion in borrowing between the general revenue fund and various other state funds in order to maintain cash flow throughout the year.

Lawmakers expect to pay back the Federal Reserve loan with federal funds they expect Congress to approve in the next stimulus package for states. But Congress has not yet authorized such a package and there is sharp disagreement between congressional Republicans and Democrats over what that plan should look like.

Both chambers of the Illinois Legislature passed a separate bill authorizing that borrowing Friday night.

The spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year is spelled out in Senate Bill 264. According to an analysis of the package that was circulating among lawmakers Saturday, it essentially calls for flat funding for most state programs, including K-12 schools, which will see no increase in their evidence-based funding over their current levels, although they will not see any decrease either.

Funding for state universities is also held flat at current-year levels, as is funding for the Monetary Aid Program, or MAP grants, and AIM HIGH grants.

A few state agencies are slated for increases in the new budget, including the Illinois Department of Public Health, the agency coordinating much of the states response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its total budget, including federal funds, is slated to grow 144 percent, to more than $1.6 billion.

Included in that figure is $416 million in federal funds for testing and services provided by local health departments.

The Department on Aging, which would see an additional $58 million in order to raise wages for adult care providers, transportation and homemaker service providers to $14 per hour.

The Department of Children and Family Services is also slated for a 20-percent increase in general revenue funding, or about $170 million, to provide rate increases for foster care providers, to hire 123 investigative staff and to address caseload growth.

During debate in both chambers, Republicans urged delaying any action on a budget until the state has a better estimate of how much revenue it will receive in the coming year, as well as how much federal aid will be available, but Democrats did not entertain that suggestion

The 68-44 vote in the House to pass the budget bill appeared to fall largely along party lines, with Republicans arguing it relied too heavily on borrowing and not enough on fiscal restraint. It passed the Senate, 37-19.

The budget package actually consists of two bills  an appropriations bill, Senate Bill 264, which authorizes spending by various state agencies; and a budget implementation bill, or BIMP, in legislative lingo, House Bill 64, that enables various agencies to carry out the budget.

The implementation bill sets up a number of new funds within state government that can receive and distribute money from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, a $2.2 trillion federal relief program that Congress approved earlier this year.

The state expects to receive about $3.3 billion through that program. Harris said that money is being earmarked for direct aid to the states health care industry to help hospitals, nursing homes, mental health centers and other care providers absorb the cost theyve incurred for dealing with the pandemic.

He said another $1.8 billion is earmarked for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and it gives Gov. JB Pritzker authority to decide how it is spent.

That part especially infuriated Republicans who have complained about Pritzker governing by executive authority, and about the General Assembly not exercising its oversight role.

In an interview Friday, Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, said the federal money comes with significant strings attached and that it can be spent only for specific purposes, and therefore Pritzker will be restrained by federal rules.

But the implementation bill also gives the governor additional discretionary authority over the spending of state funds throughout the budget. Normally governors are allowed to shift up to 2 percent of an appropriation from one purpose to another, but this years bill expands that to 8 percent, something that angered many Republicans.

It also sets up a legislative oversight committee to monitor all executive spending in the budget as well as how CARES Act money distributed to local governments is spent.

The implementation bill passed the Senate, 33-19. It later passed the House, 62-47.

Ron DeBrock of The Telegraph contributed to this story.
America loves to honor her Veterans. We embraced Memorial Day to honor those who gave their lives to hold these truths self-evident, that all men (and women) are created equal. Fifty years later America, like the other countries that participated in The Great War, established November 11 as Remembrance or Veterans Day to commemorate the end of the first world war of the 20th century and memorialize those who served. Along the way Americans supported the establishment of pensions for its veterans and created Veterans Homes, like the one in Columbia Falls to care for those who could no longer care for themselves or had family that could assist them. We pride ourselves in telling our military personnel thank you for your service whether it was peacetime or war. Unfortunately, the last two decades have seen a growing number who have seen multiple deployments to war zones around the globe. Its hard on the young men and women we put in harms way and it is hard on those who provide much needed services to them when they return home.

When I finished my military enlistment, I wanted to find a career that continued that spirit of duty, service, and esprit de corps that meant peacetime or war, we left no one behind. I was lucky to find that in my chosen profession and joining my union only heightened that sense of duty, service, camaraderie. Weve been told that our military service guarantees the rights and freedoms we enjoy as Americans and this is why I find it puzzling that more Americans arent fighting back against the union busting activity in the Veterans Administration.

Unions private or public serve the needs of their members whether wages and benefits, workplace safety, or maintaining and upholding the integrity of their profession. As VA employees struggle under ever tightening budgets, hiring freezes, and attacks on their rights as U.S. citizens to organize and collectively bargain, more and more Veterans are being swept aside like so much detritus. We love our Veterans except when its time to fully fund the VA facilities; we love our Veterans except when its time to hire sufficient staff to care for their needs; we love our Veterans when it comes to election season; we love our Veterans but we despise those who care for them because they feed from the public trough; because they refuse to devalue the work they do; because the enjoy the same rights as all Americans, including the right to belong to a union. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a host of shortcomings not the least of which is that unionized local, state, and federal employees are not the enemy or a necessary evil that needs reigning in, they are in fact heroes and none more so than those who are responsible for providing quality care and services to the Veterans we love.

As such, why are we standing on the sidelines as President Trump and his minions eviscerate the women and men who work for the VA and maintain their membership in the American Federation of Government Employees. Since 2017, a series of executive orders has hamstrung their union granting management the right to deny AFGE employees leave requests and changing employee schedules with little or no prior notice. Instead of being lauded for they work they do for our Veterans they are being pilloried by the very people who establish the annual operating budgets for the various VA facilities and services, while proclaiming their unswerving devotion to our Veterans.

Two thirds of Montanas Congressional delegation love to tout their love of country and those who serve but when it comes to walking the walk they dont even take the first step.

Sen. Steve Daines, always quick to appear in a Veteran related photo-op, has towed the line that has resulted in underfunded VA facilities as well as egregious attacks on those federal employees who work for our Veterans and has remained silent about his Republican colleagues' anti-worker agenda. His vote to confirm Eugene Scalia as Secretary of Labor is a concrete example of his disregard for the working people who staff the VA.

Rep. Greg Gianforte wants to be our next Governor. Using his time in Washington to accelerate the decline of the VA is an interesting way to win over the voters of a state with 87,936 Veterans living in it. Montanas VA hospitals go beyond providing for those who served our country, they provide well-paying family sustaining jobs in tight-knit, rural communities.

This Memorial Day, if youre thinking about what you can do for Veterans, start at the ballot box. Cast your vote for candidates who support Veterans as well as those who care for them. Denying us care by destroying the lives of the working people responsible for our well-being is cruel and an insult to everything this country is supposed to stand for. Veterans deserve the best care and support possible, that doesnt happen without the members of AFGE.

James Holbrook is based in Helena and serves as the Business Manager for IBEW 206 and on the Executive Board of the Montana AFL-CIO. He is a veteran of the United States Army.

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The consular department in Kyiv will reopen on May 25.

Czech diplomatic missions in Ukraine have resumed work of consular departments to issue work visas to Ukrainians.

The Consulate General in Lviv began accepting visa applications and documents on Friday, May 22, the Czech Embassy in Kyiv will reopen its consular department on Monday, May 25, Radio Prague International reported.

Read alsoUkraine's central bank predicts decline in labor migrants' remittances in 2020 over COVID-19

"After the second round of talks with the Ukrainian authorities, we were able to reach an agreement and partially resume the visa issuance process," Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek said on Friday. "The Czech economy needs Ukrainian workers. We are trying to ease the situation for the Czech health care sector and agriculture, which lack seasonal workers from abroad."

Ukrainian highly qualified personnel in the field of health care, social services, as well as researchers, students and their relatives who are currently in the Czech Republic will be able to apply directly in Czech territory for the extension of their residence permits.

"Submitting documents through visa centers in Ukraine is not yet possible, as the central Ukrainian authorities have not given permission to resume their work over the epidemiological situation," explained Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Martin Smolek.

It was previously reported that Poland is loosening restrictive measures and will reopen its borders, allowing those categories who are exempt from compulsory quarantine to enter the country.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 16:25:12|Editor: mingmei

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Those who throw mud at the World Health Organization (WHO) will only leave a stain on themselves, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday.

Wang made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual national legislative session. Enditem
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. (Press Release, Prime Minister's Office) On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr religious holiday, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has sent congratulatory messages to the President of the United Arab Emirates, the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tunisia, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lebanon, the King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Emir of the State of Qatar, and to the Emir of the State of Kuwait. The Premier wished them robust health and happiness.

Prime Minister Pashinyan wished peace and prosperity to friendly peoples of those countries and expressed confidence in further expansion of cooperation.
New Delhi: The 128-kilometre journey back to his home village of Kargalo in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand almost killed Ugan Shaw, 50. The father of two walked for 19 km, hitched a ride on a motorbike and then clung to the side of a packed truck with 50 other returnees.

Migrant workers walk to board a special train to return to Agra in Uttar Pradesh state, during a nationwide lockdown. Credit:AP

His joy at being reunited with his family was short-lived - unable to stand and suffering from a fever, he was rushed to hospital where he tested positive for COVID-19. He remained in hospital for 20 days before he was discharged on April 22. Shaw believes he came into contact with more than 100 people during his journey home and in his village.

India has incrementally relaxed its lockdown since May 1 to boost its ailing economy. This has made it easier for 40 million stranded migrant labourers to return home from the cities.

Not only did they take their meagre belongings with them, but, like Shaw, many are carrying coronavirus to India's vulnerable rural hinterlands, where healthcare provision is some of the worst in the world.
Accused wife-killer Fotis Dulos 'meticulously planned' his January suicide, according to a 19-page police report obtained by the Hartford Courant on Saturday.

Fotis, 51, was found unconscious in the driver's seat of his Chevrolet Suburban on January 28 after intentionally poisoning himself with carbon monoxide. He died two days later in hospital.

The property developer had been charged with the murder of his estranged wife, Jennifer, 50, who disappeared on May 24, 2019. Fotis was due to appear in court just hours after he took his own life, where it was likely his $6 million bail would have been revoked.

Fotis filled his SUV with carbon monoxide by running a tube from the exhaust pipe of the vehicle into its interior while it was parked in the garage of his Connecticut mansion. The newly-unveiled police report reveals he removed a carbon monoxide detector inside the residence.

Prior to his suicide, which took place shortly after 11am, Fotis made calls to his lawyer and a bail bondsman, both of whom state in the police report that the accused killer gave 'no indication' he was about to take his own life.

Fotis made at final call at 10.59am to his new girlfriend, Anna Curry.

Accused wife-killer Fotis Dulos 'meticulously planned' his January suicide, according to a 19-page police report obtained by the Hartford Courant on Saturday

Fotis filled his SUV with carbon monoxide by running a tube from the exhaust pipe of the vehicle into its interior while it was parked in the garage of his Connecticut mansion (pictured)

Police are pictured at Fotis' Connecticut mansion after he was discovered unconscious inside his garage

'His skin was gray, he was not breathing, and appeared lifeless': Fotis was pulled from his SUV unconscious and was rushed to hospital. He died two days later

Fotis spoke with his new girlfriend Anna Curry (left) just minutes before his suicide. Fotis had been charged with murder of the death of his estranged wife Jennifer Dulos, who vanished in May 2019 (right)

Curry thought Fotis sounded 'out of breath' and believes he may have already been gassing himself while he was on the phone. However, he did not mention anything about suicide and they instead discussed plans to meet at the courthouse for his bond hearing.

Police rushed to Fotis' house when he failed to show up for the scheduled court appearance. They discovered him unconscious inside his car and a suicide note on the passenger seat.

In the new police report, one of the responding officers, Lt. Sean Bailey, stated: 'I looked in the window of the door and saw that the windows of the Suburban were fogged up and suspected that someone was inside the vehicle.

'Dulos' skin was gray, he was not breathing, and appeared lifeless.'

Fotis was pulled from his SUV unconscious before he was taken to a Bronx hospital for treatment. He died two days later.

Fotis was pulled from his SUV unconscious before he was taken to a Bronx hospital for treatment. He died two days later

Police rushed to Fotis' house when he failed to show up for his scheduled court appearance. They discovered him unconscious inside his car and suicide note on his seat. The not professes his innocence in the disappearance of his wife, Jennifer

The newly unsealed police report comes just one day after another of Fotis' former flames spoke out.

Michelle Troconis, who had an affair with Fotis while he was still married to wife Jennifer, says she should never have trusted the accused killer knowing what she knows now.

Troconis says she knows nothing about what happened to Jennifer Dulos.

She is on bail after being arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder over her involvement in the case.

The dual American and Venezuelan citizen released an audio statement in Spanish with her remarks just days before the one-year anniversary this upcoming Sunday of the disappearance and presumed killing of Jennifer Dulos.

Troconis' lawyer, Jon Schoenhorn, provided a translated transcript of the statement, in which she says people have said cruel things about her and expresses her frustration at not being able to tell her side of the story.

Police allege Fotis Dulos killed his estranged wife Jennifer Dulos at her home and drove off with her body. He is pictured in an image released by police left, while Troconis is pictured right

'Whether or not Fotis Dulos was capable of doing the things the police and prosecutors accused him of doing, I do not know,' she said. 'But based on what I have learned in the last year, I think it was a mistake to have trusted him.'

Police allege Fotis Dulos killed his estranged wife at her home and drove off with her body.

Troconis, who remains free on bail, and Kent Mawhinney, a friend of Fotis Dulos and his former lawyer, have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit murder on allegations they helped cover up the killing.

The children have been living with Jennifer Dulos's mother in New York.

Sunday, May 25 will mark one year since the mom's disappearance.

As the anniversary approaches, the Connecticut State Police have renewed their interest in a home in Avon the family lived in back in 2010, and after questions were raised by the Hartford Courant about how thoroughly the property was initially searched.

Focus on the whereabouts of Jennifer Dulos' remains has shifted to a $3 million home in Avon, where the couple had briefly lived in 2010 (pictured)

The couple had lived in the home at 44 Sky View Drive for a short time in the summer of 2010, two former employees of the Fore Group, Farber Dulos' home construction company told the Courant.

Records show the Fore Group had gone back to the home and spent several months cleaning it after pipes had burst inside. The home had been unoccupied since December of 2017.

The state police had been aware of the Dulos' connection to the home, after interviews with current and former employees at the construction company. It was not clear how vigorously the possible lead was pursued by investigators, sources tell the Courant.

Investigators received a copy of a demolition permit and contacted David Ford, an attorney who currently owns the property and gave them permission last fall to conduct a search, state police source say.

Cops eventually came to the house, but without a search warrant and no cadaver dogs to search in the woods behind the home or a septic tank on the property, as they did at other homes owned by Fotis and Jennifer, sources say.

It was also not clear if investigators knew the the couple lived at the house for several months, while they were waiting for their first home on Jefferson Crossing to be finished.

Fotis was accused of attacking Jennifer in the garage of her rented home in New Canaan in May 2019 after she returned from dropping their five kids off at school.

Police never found her body, but they did find pools of blood in her garage which someone had attempted to mop up and clean.

They also found traces of her blood in her car - which was later found abandoned in a parking lot - and in the vehicle Jennifer was driving on the day she vanished.

Fotis and his then girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, were also allegedly filmed on surveillance footage dumping trash bags at various locations in Connecticut which were later found to contain traces of Jennifer's blood.

Troconis initially gave her boyfriend an alibi and said they had been together all morning.

She then flipped her story in a second interview with police and, according to arrest affidavits, said he'd given her an 'alibi script'.

For confidential support call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255.
Under the shadow of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Sunday marked Eid al-Fitr, but the usual fervour and celebrations were missing. Although the lockdown was partially eased to allow shopping and short travel, people remained indoors and avoided customary meetings with family, friends and relatives to maintain physical distancing and check crowding at public places The rest of the country will celebrate Eid on Monday.

Prayer gatherings, outdoor celebrations and other public events were curtailed or cancelled to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

No Eid prayers were offered for the second consecutive time in major mosques of Kashmir. All the shrines put up banners saying no congregational prayers were being organised.Last year, Eid-ul-Azha prayers could not be offered in Kashmir because the authorities imposed a strict curfew in the wake of the effective revocation of Article 370 that divested the state of its special status and divided Jammu and Kashmir into Union territories -- J&K and Ladakh.

In Kerala too, the usual fervour associated with Eid was missing. Many shopkeepers in Kozhikkodes Sweetmeat Street, famous for its shopping, said their business had been one-tenth the usual level in the last two days. Besides the lockdown norms, lack of money also forced many people to remain indoors, they said. Many religious leaders had asked believers to stay at home.

With other states celebrating the festival on Monday, guidelines were being put in place by governments and the religious heads.

There will be no relaxations for Eid prayers in Uttarakhand. Ashok Kumar, director general (law & order) Uttarakhand police said. The restrictions will be in place as they are at present.

Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee appealed to the Muslim community in Bengal to celebrate Eid and offer prayers indoors so that social distancing norms enforced to counter the Covid-9 pandemic are not violated. The Bengal Imams Association made the same appeal.

For a month you observed Ramzan indoors. I appeal to you to celebrate Eid the same way. Please have faith in me. Mankind will be grateful to you, said Banerjee.

In Madhya Pradesh, Masajid committee (Bhopal) superintendent Yasar Aarafat said, Only five selected persons will offer the prayer on the occasion at the mosque at Eidgaah. People will offer prayers at home. There will be no hugging also on the occasion.

In Goa too, there will be no community celebrations this year, with the president of the Association of All Goa Muslim Jamaats, Sheikh Basheer Ahmed, saying: This year we will celebrate Eid differently. It wont be like every year because this year we will celebrate it individually each in our own homes with our children, parents and family. We should not congregate for the namaz at the masjid, idgah or any other similar place. We cannot congregate and have to maintain social distancing, Ahmed said.

In Chhattisgarh, prayers will be offered in the mosques, but no more than five people will be allowed.

No congregation is allowed during Eid and we have appealed that celebrations should be done inside the house. We have also appealed not to spend money on shopping and purchasing. Instead, the money should be distributed among the poor and sufferers in this crisis, said Shehar Qazi of Raipur, Mohammad Ali Farooqi

The historic Gandhi Maidan in Bihar, after more than 90 years, will not host any Eid prayers in view of the pandemic and the need to maintain social distancing.

On a call by Ulemas and Muftis from all schools of Islamic thought, Muslims in Hyderabad have been offering Taraweeh prayers at their homes during Ramzan month. In Uttar Pradesh too, both Shia and Sunni clerics asked the faithful to keep Eid a low-key affair and offer prayers indoors.

Nawab Malik, Maharashtra minority affairs minister, on Saturday urged people not to gather in basements, parking areas, or any other place to offer prayers.

Our religious leaders have already urged people not to violate lockdown rules and to contribute in the best possible way to fight this challenge. The Muslim community will not be demanding any exemption and ready to celebrate Eid without any gatherings, said Malik.

(With inputs from state bureaus)
A top economic adviser to Donald Trump has predicted that the unemployment rate could still be in double digits by the presidential election in November, as the number of unemployed Americans continues to creep upward due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump administration officials expect the unemployment rate to eclipse 20 per cent by the end of May, the highest such figure since the Great Depression, senior White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said in an interview with CNN on Sunday.

"Unemployment will be something that moves back slower," Mr Hassett said.

Mr Hassett said while he expects the unemployment rate to reach an inflection point in the coming weeks and that it could improve more rapidly than current projections, "you're going to be starting at a number in the twenties and working your way down," which will be a slow process.

"If there were a vaccine in July, then I'd be way more optimistic" about getting the unemployment rate back below 10 per cent, Mr Hassett said.

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Two teenagers have been charged with murder after a man was fatally stabbed in Sydney's west.

The 39-year-old man died shortly after emergency services were called to a home in Riverstone about 12.30am on Sunday following reports of a home invasion, NSW Police said in a statement.

A group of at least five males entered the home and allegedly stabbed the 39-year-old man before fleeing, police have been told.

"It is early in the investigation, but that is one of the lines that we are pursuing, that it was a targeted attack or that the offenders were known to the deceased or the deceased knew the offenders," Superintendent Jenny Scholz told reporters in Sydney on Sunday.
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

From Town & Country

The first royal tour I ever covered began in Canada in 2011. It was the first overseas visit for newly married Prince William and Kate, and I can still vividly recall the anticipation surrounding the trip, and the excitement as the worlds most talked about couple attended the Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa. The crowdsestimated to be 300,000 strongbegan gathering on Parliament Hill hours before the celebrations. And when the royal couple arrived, screams, cheers, shouts, cameras, and flags all rose up.

Photo credit: Gareth Cattermole - Getty Images

I have since witnessed scenes like that one repeated many, many times around the world: from the throngs who lined the streets for the Queens Diamond Jubilee in the UK in 2012, to the screaming University of Johannesburg students crowded onto a bridge overlooking their campus to catch a glimpse of the Duchess of Sussex in 2019. Now people aren't always there solely because of the presence of royalty (Canada Day, for example, attracts huge crowds every year). But the royal family has been positioned at the center of the cheering masses on so many occasions that these moments form an integral part of our relationship withand perception ofmonarchy.

So it feels somewhat strange to be writing about the British royals at a time when we have no idea when we will next see them surrounded by a crowd. The royal calendar has been ripped up and family members are now most often seen on video calls. Where once they shook hands and made speeches to packed rooms, now they sit alone looking into laptops.

Of course, the British monarchy is just one of many organizations forced to dramatically change its working model since the coronavirus pandemic took hold. But it is somewhat unique in being a publicly-funded institution whose working members key duties involve meeting people. Whether it's to draw attention to the work being done by charities or communities, or to enhance diplomatic relations at the request of the British Government, a huge part of their jobs have, for decades, meant getting out and about.

Story continues

One of the Queens most famous quotes is I have to be seen to be believed, and its unlikely that she meant via Zoom.

Photo credit: Handout - Getty Images

Since the crisis began, the royal family has demonstrated a clear desire to use all means at their disposal to be visible and effective while, importantly, complying with government guidelines on social distancing. The Countess of Wessexwhose work T&C profiled last monthregularly volunteers to help those on the frontlines. There continues to be an abundance of videos, images, and messages released of the family supporting charities, NHS workers, and government initiatives. And there is barely a Nightingale hospital in the UK that hasnt been virtually opened by a royal.

Family members have also been inventive in engaging with the challenges coronavirus has presented. The Duchess of Cornwall released her lockdown reading list, the Duchess of Cambridge launched the Hold Still photography project to capture a snapshot of Britain during the pandemic, and the Queen and several other royals supported the virtual Chelsea Flower Show, sharing images and descriptions of their favorite plants.

Photo credit: Clarence House

The material has been, for the most part, lapped up. Increased insight into royal life behind closed doors, including glimpses of normally private royal residences, have provided extra talking points. And you would have to be very cynical not to acknowledge the palpable sincerity of royal family members' desire to do what they can to help.

However, it is also impossible to ignore what is missing when live events are replaced with digital ones, and difficult not to wonder how this may affect the way the royals are perceived if they are unable to meet and greet in person for a significant period of time.

There is the obvious loss in a sense of occasion that surrounds even the most low-key of royal visits, as well as the increased challenge of creating a personal connection and gaining understanding of a situation via video conference call. The variety and quality of images that go down so well with royal fans has also significantly decreased.

Photo credit: Mark Cuthbert - Getty Images

The current set-up necessitates that most material be released by royal media teams, which means we don't get any of the details usually captured by reporters, photographers, or even the public on their camera phones. Some of the most engaging parts of royal appearances are the spontaneous or unexpected interactions. Often these momentssuch Charles and Camilla bursting into laughter while watching a performance, or the Queen telling William off for kneeling on the Buckingham Palace balconyare things that you would never find in a royal press release. But these unscripted moments can do a lot to make relatable the characters in this ancient institution. Because, crucial to the popularity of the monarchy is the publics relationship with its individuals.

Photo credit: Giphy

Recent polling shows they have little to worry about in this regardwith a February YouGov survey finding that 62% of British people think the country should keep the monarchy. A poll by the same firm in January found that 80% of people have a positive opinion of the Queen, 58% of Charles, and 79% of William.

However, its worth noting that these findings precede the UKs social distancing policy. With so many aspects of our lives changing so dramatically, we are suddenly reminded that any part of society can be reviewed when there is a will to do so. And at a time when coronavirus has highlighted inequalities and many are struggling, an institution based on hereditary privilege must tread extra carefully in how it presents itself.

Indeed, despite reports this week that palace exhibition closures will see royal revenues decrease, the money the Queen gets from the UKs public pursethe Sovereign Grantis protected by current legislation. The estimated 369 million refurbishment of Buckingham Palace, funded by the public, continues.

That said, at time when politicians are facing sharp criticism over their handling of the coronavirus crisis, many may cite the benefits of having a politically neutral head of state. The Queens historic address to the nation last month was watched by 24 million people and hailed by those across the political spectrum. At 94 and with 68 years on the throne, her experience, devotion to duty, and the respect she has gained because of it, are unrivaled.

Photo credit: Kirsty O'Connor - PA Images - Getty Images

The Queen will remain at Windsor Castle for some time, but younger family members will likely appear publicly soonerjust as William and Kate made a visit to an NHS call center when rules allowed earlier in the outbreak. Of course, they will only do so once government-set guidelines allow, and will likely be mindful of avoiding backlash over whether or not any visits or work fall within restrictions that others are being asked to follow. It goes without saying that small scale visits, audiences, and meetings will come back before any gatherings or walkaboutswhich right now seem a long way off.

No one is more aware of the monarchy's need to stay popular and relevant in order to survive than the monarch herself. In a 1997 speech for her golden wedding anniversary, the Queen astutely observed that hereditary monarchy exists only with the support and consent of the people. Support for an elected government is expressed through the ballot box where the message is a clear one for all to read, she noted. For us, a Royal Family, however, the message is often harder to read, obscured as it can be by deference, rhetoric or the conflicting currents of public opinion. But read it we must."

It is a timeless message, and one that remains acutely relevant in these unprecedented times.

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China is open to international cooperation to identify the source of the novel coronavirus but any probe should be free of political interference, Chinese state councillor and foreign minister Wang Yi said Sunday.

Chinas top diplomat, Wang heavily criticised the efforts of some US politicians to fabricate rumours and stigmatise China to blame it for the pandemic.

The US is pushing relations with China to the brink of a new Cold War, Wang said, rejecting US lies over the coronavirus.

He said a political virus is spreading in the US causing politicians there to take very opportunity to attack and discredit China.

Defending the newly tabled security legislation on Hong Kong, Wang said it would target a narrow category of acts and would have no impact on the citys freedoms or rights, or interests of foreign firms.

Instead of being more worried, people should be more confident of Hong Kongs stability, he said.

Speaking at his annual news conference on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the National Peoples Conference (NCP), Chinas legislature, Wang touched upon wide range of topics including ties with the US, Russia and Japan and on international cooperation during the ongoing pandemic.

Not surprisingly, he came out most strongly on ties with the US, saying a political virus was at play.

This political virus uses every opportunity to attack and discredit China. Some politicians have ignored the most basic facts and created too many lies and plotted too many conspiracies against China, Wang said.

Unfortunately, in addition to the raging of the new coronavirus, a political virus is also spreading in the US. This political virus is to use every opportunity to attack and discredit China. Some politicians have ignored the most basic facts and made too many lies and plotted too many conspiracies against China, he said.

Wangs comments come in the backdrop of rising tension between Beijing and Washington on a host of issues including the pandemic, Hong Kongs political status and sale of US arms to Taiwan.

Beijing and Washington engaged in a back-and -forth after the US criticised Chinas handling of the outbreak, suggesting that it had come from a laboratory in Wuhan where the virus emerged late last year.

He said China and the US need to start coordinating macro policies for their respective economies as well as the world economy.

The US should stop wasting precious time, said Wang.

China remains prepared to work with the US in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, he said.

China, he said was open the international scientific communitys cooperation in virus tracing research. At the same time, we believe that this process should adhere to professionalism, fairness and constructiveness.

The investigation should be led by WHO scientists, he said.

More than 12 billion masks have been exported to the US, which is equivalent to providing nearly 40 masks for each American, he said.

Wang said China launched the largest global emergency humanitarian operation in the history of New China during the pandemic.

He said China had provided emergency assistance to nearly 150 countries and exported 56.8 billion masks and 250 million pieces of protective clothing to the world.
A cyclist has died after being hit by a car in Melbourne's south-east, with the driver failing to stop and help her.

The 60-year-old woman was hit on Beach Road at Beaumaris at about 5.25pm on Sunday by a Holden Commodore.

She was riding in the bike lane wearing reflective clothing with lights on her bike and was struck from behind.

Bystanders tried to help her before she died at the scene.

A cyclist has died after a hit-and-run crash on Beach Road at Beaumaris on Sunday evening

The driver of the Commodore fled after the incident, with the car later located abandoned at Waller Court in Cheltenham.

Police have spoken to two women who were in the vehicle during the incident and have identified the driver but are yet to find him.

Detective Sargent Mark Amos told 9News he should hand himself in.

'We know who this man is that's driving this car,' he said. 'My advice to him is simple. Turn up at a police station and do it now.'

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have dashcam footage of it has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

There were reports the man had been driving erratically before the crash.

The woman is one of 92 people who have died on Victorian roads in 2020.
Eleven people who travelled to Goa



in the Delhi-Thiruvananthapuram Rajdhani Express train on Saturday, have tested positive forcoronavirus, taking the total number of such cases in the state to 66, officials said on Sunday.

With this, the number of active cases in the coastal state has gone up to 50, they said, adding that 16 people have been so far been discharged after recovery.

As many as 263 passengers, who alighted from the Rajdhani Express at Madgaon railway station in South Goa district on Saturday, were tested. Of them, reports of 11 came out positive in the TrueNat (rapid) tests, a senior health department official said.

"Repeat tests of the 11 people at the virology lab of state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital also came out positive, he said.

All the eleven passengers, including a five-year-old boy, have been shifted to Margao-based ESI hospital, which is the designated facility for treatment of COVID-19 patients, the official said.

So far, over 12,000 samples have been tested for coronavirus infection in the state.

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane is scheduled to meet Chief Minister Pramod Sawant during the day, in view of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the coastal state, an official said.

Rane is likely to urge the chief minister for more stringent protocols, including mandatory COVID-19 negative certificates from authorised private labs for fliers who arrive in the state from Monday, following the Aviation Ministry's decision to resume domestic flight services.

At least 15 flights are scheduled to arrive at the Goa airport on Monday.

Goa's COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases: 66, new cases: 11, deaths: nil, discharged: 16, active cases 50.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
UP assembly polls will be about '80 per cent vs 20 per cent'; BJP will win: Yogi Adityanath

UP: Elections not won on exit polls basis, results will be surprising: Kamal Nath

UP to home quarantine air travellers, outsiders on brief visit exempted

India

pti-PTI

Lucknow, May 24: As domestic flights resume on Monday, Uttar Pradesh government said air travellers to the state will be home quarantine for 14 days unless they are staying for less than a week or if they clear the coronavirus test earlier.

Principal Secretary Medical and Health Amit Mohan Prasad said passengers will have to follow the laid-down home quarantine protocol. They can get themselves tested for the virus on the sixth day from their arrival and end their quarantine if the results come out negative, he said on Sunday.

If the passengers do not have adequate facilities at home, they will be kept at a quarantine centre.

Day 62: Guidelines for domestic flight passengers from different states | Oneindia News

Outsiders on visits of less than a week to the state need not go into quarantine if they furnish details of their return journey, he said.

Ill-advised to reopen airports in red zone: Maharashtra home minister

But they will not be allowed to enter containment zones. All passengers coming to UP will have to register themselves on http://reg.upcovid.in and furnish details of themselves and family members travelling with them.

A message will be displayed on their phones after this and CISF personnel will let them leave the airport only after checking it. Chief Secretary Rajendra Kumar Tiwari said passengers will be advised to maintain social distancing, wear masks, wash hands and not gather under any circumstances.

Domestic flights on some routes resume Monday, amid uncertainty over quarantine protocols to be followed by destination states. Many states are insisting on some form of quarantine for passengers.
Parents have been told to stay away from school grounds, workers are being urged to drive or walk to work, and the city is on high alert with marshalls patrolling the public transport network as Sydneysiders prepare for life with COVID-19.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard on Sunday reported one new infection and an unconfirmed case involving a female high school student who had developed mild symptoms.

"It is crucial that people don't relax over the weekends as we go forward," he said.

The latest industries to be unlocked will be beauty and nail salons that can begin treatments from June 1 under strict COVID-safe guidelines. Zoos, reptile parks and aquariums will also be opened next month.

The government and health authorities were also discussing how gyms and community sport might reopen.

"We are working on it and I as Health Minister am very keen to get the gyms reopened," Mr Hazzard said.

Read more here.
Despite a ban on gatherings of more than eight people, the streets of Hong Kong have once again been flooded with protesters as chaotic scenes returned to the city.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse thousands protesting against Beijing's plan to directly impose national security laws on the city, signalling a return to mass protests that roiled the financial hub last year.

Crowds on Sunday thronged the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay, where echoes of "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," and other slogans rang through the streets.

A protester wearing a black hoodie and surgical mask held a banner that said: "I stand for Hong Kong's independence."

Pro-democracy supporters take part in an anti-government rally on May 24, 2020 in Hong Kong. Source: Getty

A pro-democracy supporter is detained by riot police Sunday. Source: Getty

Calls for independence are anathema to China's Communist Party leaders, who say such a notion for the Chinese-ruled city is a "red line" that cannot be crossed.

The proposed new national security framework stresses Beijing's intent "to prevent, stop and punish" such acts.

The protest  the first since Beijing proposed national security laws on Thursday (local time)  poses a fresh challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping as authorities struggle to tame public opposition to China's tightening grip over the global financial hub.

"I am worried that after the implementation of the national security law, they will go after those being charged before and the police will be further out of control," said Twinnie, 16, a secondary school student who declined to give her last name.

"I am afraid of being arrested but I still need to come out and protest for the future of Hong Kong."

The protestors defied bans on groups of more than eight gathering. Soure: Getty

The demonstrations come amid concerns over the fate of the "one country, two systems" formula that has governed Hong Kong since the former British colony's return to Chinese rule in 1997. The arrangement guarantees the city broad freedoms not seen on the mainland, including a free press and independent judiciary.

The city government sought on Sunday to reassure the public and foreign investors over the security laws, that have sent a chill through financial markets and drawn a rebuke from foreign governments, human rights groups and some business lobbies.

Story continues

Police conducted stop-and-search operations in Causeway Bay and warned people not to violate a ban on gatherings of more than eight, imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.

They said protesters hurled umbrellas, water bottles and other objects at them and they responded with tear gas "to stop the violent acts of rioters."

Some protesters used bins, traffic cones and other debris to set up road blocks, leaving key thoroughfares deserted. Police said more than 40 people were arrested.

China has dismissed other countries' complaints, including Australia, about the proposed legislation as "meddling," saying the proposed laws will not harm Hong Kong autonomy or foreign investors.

In a bold challenge to the mainland authorities, a small group of democracy activists protested outside Beijing's main representative office in the city, chanting, "National security law is destroying two systems."

"It's a moveable red line. In future they can arrest, lock up and silence anyone they want in the name of national security. We have to resist it," protester Avery Ng of the League for Social Democrats told Reuters.

A man cautiously walks past a vandalised clothing shop during the anti-government rally. Source: Getty

The Chinese government's top diplomat said the proposed legislation would target a narrow category of acts and would have no impact on the city's freedoms nor the interests of foreign firms.

Last year's anti-government protests plunged the city into its biggest political crisis in decades, battered the economy and posed the gravest popular challenge to President Xi since he came to power in 2012.

Australia criticises Chinas security laws bill

Prime Minister Scott Morrison does not believe Australia has fuelled its diplomatic row with China by expressing concerns over its proposed Hong Kong security laws.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne joined her counterpart in the UK Dominic Raab, and in Canada Francois-Philippe Champagne, in saying the laws would be contrary to the legally binding Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984.

Protesters seen sarcastically clapping to the police as they retreat from the front line. Source: Getty

Under that pact, China agreed to allow Hong Kong to continue as a capitalist economy after the 1997 handover, with its people extended the same democratic rights and freedoms enjoyed under the British for 50 years.

"We are deeply concerned at proposals for introducing legislation related to national security in Hong Kong," the foreign ministers' statement said.

"The legally binding Joint Declaration, signed by China and the United Kingdom, sets out that Hong Kong will have a high degree of autonomy."

Mr Morrison said the statement was consistent with a position Australia has always held.

"I don't find the statement remarkable, I see this completely consistent with everything we have ever said about this issue, both privately and publicly," he told reporters in Murrumbateman, NSW, just outside of the ACT.

Still, it comes at a time of increasing friction between Australia and its number trading partner. China initially lashed out at Australia's call for an inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus which has since been endorsed by the international community.

with Reuters, AAP

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A weekly programme that examines and dissects the worlds media, how they operate and the stories they cover. Watch The Listening Post every Saturday at 0830GMT
The first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic were a blurred frenzy, as each of us tried to keep pace with evolving circumstances while ensuring that the safety of our loved ones was secured. Government leaders moved on impossible timelines to deliver solutions and adapted in real time to fill in gaps where needed.

I have been spending much of my time grappling with the concept of long-term wellness when leading a life of activism in this time of physical distancing. How do we tackle the challenges before our communities while pacing ourselves for the long road to inclusive recovery that is ahead? How do we take breaks and pass the baton when leadership needs to be transitioned for a fresh perspective or approach?

It is in times such as these it is much more important for us to meet one another where we are (figuratively, of course.) Connecting in earnest with an understanding of who has capacity, and who is stretched far beyond their limits.

It is difficult to know who among us is grieving, buried in work, financially strained, overextended with family responsibilities, or has no additional bandwidth to support an ask. 2020 has proven that capacity can change by the day or the hour. We must leave space to allow individuals to set their own boundaries and ensure mental health is centred in the way we work.

A friend once described life to me as, a race where we are tied to the people around us. Some of our friends and colleagues run alongside us, others pull us forward, and still others are pulled onward by us. It is an interconnected web of support that carries us all through challenging times.

Social media might help us share ideas and connect with like-minded individuals, but where do we act? Where are the spaces we can congregate to advocate change when it is needed?

As we see campaigning and events move online, I realize what I am missing most is serendipity, those chance meetings that allow us to cross pollinate ideas and forge a path forward together. The synchronicity found after running into an old friend that results in you joining forces to work together toward a common goal.

As Don Iveson, the mayor of Edmonton, considers shutting down public transit in his city for the summer, a lot can be learned from the local activism that was sparked in Windsor as public transit services shut down and were later reopened with reduced service. We will fight some of the same battles over again in different regions across the country, and sharing resources will be paramount.

Many COVID-19 response organizations found their beginnings in private chat groups of a few people who cared and wanted to make a difference.

Much of politics is about the support gathered for initiatives that take place outside of formal meetings. Those hallway connections are where many agreements are made and misunderstandings are smoothed over.

In the words of Henry Winkler, Assumptions are the termites of relationships. We must do our best to avoid making assumptions by asking the questions that bring understanding.

This impacts how politicians connect with constituents, how advocacy groups communicate pressing issues to political representatives, and how marginalized voices are amplified through Canadas oversaturated media markets.

What we will need are more organizations and events that help multiple communities intersect. This is why it is crucial to have stable funding for think tanks and investment in innovation toward inclusive design for the spaces where we convene as we shelter in place.

In the coming weeks, months and years, inequities caused by COVID-19 will only grow, which is why the sharing of advocacy resources is paramount.

There are many institutions trying to bridge these gaps. Local business associations are hosting webinars, national convening platforms, libraries, educational communities, and clubs are adjusting their models to deliver content and connection using digital platforms.

This week, bring some serendipity back to your advocacy. Go through your contact list and make a completely random call or email. See where it takes you.

This load is heavier for some than others. Raise your hand, reach out, and carry a little extra weight for one another.
Ramzan celebrations are set to



be a low-key affair on Monday in Tamil Nadu with Muslims preparing to offer prayers at their homes and the usual festival eve sale in shopping hubs have taken a dip and the festive spirit is subdued.

As mosques are also not open for congregational prayers in view of the lockdown, jamaths everywhere have sent messages to the people to offer prayers at home.

"Not only we have been asked to offer prayers at home, but we have also been told to avoid buying new clothes as many people are not in a position to buy anything now. Instead, we have been asked by elders to gift whatever is possible to the needy besides food," said S Mohammed adding "festival eve shopping is not on cards."



Culinary offerings to tickle taste buds including chicken and mutton delicacies are however, on the menu to be shared with the needy and friends, he added.

While some cloth retailers said they still had unsold stocks bought in bulk during Deepavali, there were others who have not purchased more due to lack of both sale and income, Ibrahim, one of the long-time traders in city said.

"Even if some body has stocks, people do not prefer to buy as the mood this time is not conducive. Either someone in family does not have a job or they do not have any kind of income due to the pandemic," he told P T I adding retail outlets have only recently resumed business after commencement of lockdown on March 24 evening.

The advisory to offer prayers at home due to the pandemic was also among the reasons for dampened festival spirit, he said.

Nasser Ahamed, another trader engaged in exports and imports of clothes, said the month of Ramzan is considered as holy wherein people donate food, new clothes.

However, this time around, it did not happen, he said.

"Since people are not having income or not witnessing any business, they are celebrating with whatever is available. That is the situation now," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Representatives of Turkmentelekom Public Telecommunication Company and LLC AzerTelecom held online talks on issues relating to the joint construction, ownership and use of the Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan fiber-optic communication line (FOCL) along the Caspian Sea bed.

The sides noted that the implementation of this project would help connect the cities of Turkmenbashi and Siyazan and strengthen the Turkmen-Azerbaijani cooperation in enhancing telecommunications between Asia and Europe. The Turkmen side already prepared proposals for the implementation of this project and sent them to the Azerbaijani side for consideration and reaching an agreement on economic, technical and other aspects of the project.

The sides discussed in detail issues relating to attraction of investments in telecommunications, as well as terms and conditions for the joint construction, operation, maintenance and protection of FOCL.

 TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2022
At least 80 people were confirmed to have died, provincial health authorities said, but it was not immediately clear whether they included casualties on the ground.

Two passengers survived, including Zafar Masood, president of the Bank of Punjab, a Sindh provincial government spokesman said. The bank said he had suffered fractures but was "conscious and responding well".

The other survivor, engineer Muhammad Zubair, told Geo News the pilot came down for one landing, briefly touched down, then took off again.

After around 10 more minutes of flying, the pilot announced to passengers he was going to make a second attempt, then crashed as he approached the runway, Zubair said from his bed in Civil Hospital Karachi.

"All I could see around was smoke and fire," he added. "I could hear screams from all directions. Kids and adults. All I could see was fire. I couldnt see any people  just hear their screams.

"I opened my seat belt and saw some light  I went towards the light. I had to jump down about 10 feet to get to safety.

'WE HAVE LOST ENGINES'

Smoke billowed from the scene where flight PK 8303 came down at about 2:45 p.m. (0945 GMT). Twisted fuselage lay in the rubble of multi-storey buildings as ambulances rushed through chaotic crowds.

The crash happened on the eve of the Muslim Eid festival, when Pakistanis travel to visit relatives.

"The aeroplane first hit a mobile tower and crashed over houses," witness Shakeel Ahmed said near the site, a few kilometres short of the airport.

The Airbus A320 was flying from the eastern city of Lahore to Karachi in the south with 91 passengers and eight crew, civil aviation authorities said, just as Pakistan was resuming domestic flights in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

A total of 80 bodies were brought to JPMC hospital and the Civil Hospital Karachi, the media coordinator for the health minister of Sindh said in a communique. The airline's chief executive, Arshad Malik, told reporters he knew of 41 confirmed deaths.

Seconds before the crash, the pilot told air traffic controllers he had lost power from both engines, according to a recording posted on liveatc.net, a respected aviation monitoring website.

"We are returning back, sir, we have lost engines," a man was heard saying in a recording released by the website. The controller freed up both the airport's runways but moments later the man called, "Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!".

'IMMEDIATE INQUIRY'

There was no further communication from the plane, according to the tape, which could not immediately be authenticated.

"The last we heard from the pilot was that he has some technical problem ... It is a very tragic incident," Malik said in a recorded video statement.

Another senior civil aviation official told Reuters it appeared the plane had been unable to lower its undercarriage for the first approach due to a technical fault, but it was too early to determine the cause.

Aviation safety experts say air crashes typically have multiple causes, and that it is too early to understand them within the first hours or days.

Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted: "Shocked & saddened by the PIA crash ... Immediate inquiry will be instituted. Prayers & condolences go to families of the deceased."
Whats been griping Staten Islanders during the coronavirus pandemic?

Since March 22 when Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the state-wide PAUSE, Staten Islanders made 11,468 complaints to 311, according to city data.

Some of the complaints, like social distancing and face mask violations, are specific to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Check out the list below to see what complaints made the list:

NYPD  5,057 complaints

The NYPD responded to 1,575 complaints about social distancing on Staten Island since March 22, according to city data.

There were also many complaints for noise related to parties that were not supposed to be going on and face covering violations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the data shows.

Drug activity, illegal parking, and animal abuse complaints also made the list.

(Staten Island Advance/Kristin Dalton)

Department of Parks and Recreation  1,123 complaints

Since March 22, when New York began its PAUSE, Staten Islanders have been making complaints to 311 for the Department of Parks and Recreation about felled trees, broken tree limbs and branches, and other tree-related issues.

There were also many complaints about sidewalks that were damaged by tree roots which are directed to the Trees & Sidewalks Program.

(Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel)Staff-Shot

Department of Transportation  1,707 complaints

Street lights, traffic signals, potholes, broken curbs and missing street signs made up most of the complaints to the Department of Transportation since March 22 when New York began its PAUSE.

Department of Environmental Protection  1,183 complaints

Complaints to the Department of Environmental Protection included construction noise complaints, sewer and catch basin backups, odor concerns and running fire hydrants.

Department of Housing Preservation and Development  650 complaints

Heat and hot water , plumbing, mold and other unsanitary conditions were reported to the Department of Housing Preservation and Development since March 22.

(Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

Department of Buildings  415 complaints

Complaints to the Department of Buildings during COVID-19 are consistent with complaints prior to the pandemic  complaints are for no construction permits, electrical issues, illegal buildings signs, inadequate plumbing, illegal apartments and more.

The only pandemic-related complaint is for non-essential construction, which the city and state said could not happen during the New York PAUSE.

(Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola)

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene  408 complaints

Rodents, missing permits for food establishments, poor ventilation and odors made up a majority of the 408 complaints to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

The only COVID-19-related complaint appears to be for food preparers not wearing masks and/or gloves while cooking and preparing food.

(Don Treeger / The Republican)

Department of Consumer Affairs  435 complaints

Most of the complaints to the Department of Consumer Affairs were about retails stores, bodegas, delis and supermarkets.

The Department of Consumer Affairs, along with Attorney General Letitia James office, has been handling price gouging complaints which have skyrocketed during the pandemic as stores have increased prices on items like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and masks.

Department of Sanitation  379 complaints

Derelict vehicles, dirty conditions, and missed collections make up the complaints to the Department of Sanitation.

(MLive.com)Riley Yuan | MLive.com

Department for the Aging  71 complaints

All 71 complaints to the Department for the Aging were about a missed home meal delivery.

Department of Homeless Services  40 complaints

All complaints to 311 that were handled by the Department of Homeless Services asked for assistance with a homeless person.

*** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK ***

FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER.
The head of the Health Service Executive said that reducing the physical-distancing policy to one metre would give health officials significant extra capacity to manage ill patients and emergency departments.

Paul Reid said the current expert advice of keeping the public two metres apart has created significant implications for capacity across the States health facilities.

The chief executive told the weekly HSE briefing that they have to follow advice issued by the National Public Health and Emergency Team (NPHET).

COVID19 (coronavirus) weekly update from St. Laurences Church, TU Dublin, Grangegorman, Dublin 7 https://t.co/hEmcjEoMo9  HSE Ireland (@HSELive) May 24, 2020

The Government has urged members of the public to maintain a two-metre distance from others when outside their homes.

However, concerns have been raised about peoples ability practice physical distancing while using public transport.

Mr Reid said: Obviously the NHPET guidance and government guidance is two metres and thats what we are planning in terms of framework for new services to work through.

That does have significant implications for us in terms of emergency departments, patients waiting rooms, so two metres will reduce the volume that we could have attending at a particular time.

But we have to work off what the current guidance is  there is no doubt one metre would give us significant extra capacity in terms of managing our ill patients or managing our EDs (emergency departments) or generally managing our services but we will be guided by the current guidance.

HSE chef clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said that some advice has changed as experts gain a better understanding of how the virus works.

Expand Close Dr Colm Henry (Photocall Ireland) / Facebook

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He added: It was only through the measures that were brought in on March 27, which were quite stringent but included social distancing of two metres, that we were able to not just bend the curve but but really reduce it down to where it is now.

We see many countries including the United States and the UK including a distance of two metres bearing in mind that its a droplet-spread illness.

Its based on the projected length a droplet can spread. Initially we thought this was through coughing and sneezing, but as we get a greater understanding of this virus we are more aware of how it can spread in less obvious situations and indeed and how it can spread from people who are asymptotic or pre-symptomatic.

In the HSE we are governed by decisions of NPHET and how they advise is based on the best international advice and that would be informed also by other countries and how they are emerging out of the initial phases of the pandemic.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said there had been no change to advice on the two-metre rule.

On Sunday, the coronavirus death toll in Ireland increased to 1,608 after a further four deaths were announced by the National Public Health Emergency Team.

Ireland recorded 57 new coronavirus cases in the past day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 24,639.

The Department of Health said that community transmission accounts for 59% of cases, close contact accounts for 38% and travel abroad accounts for 3%.
The U.S. warns it will 'simply disconnect' from Australia if Victoria sucking up to China becomes a security risk.

Premier Daniel Andrews signed up to the controversial Belt and Road Initiative that provides loans and investment in infrastructure projects.

Victoria is the only Australian state to sign the agreement and has been widely criticised for doing so.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened to cut Australia off from vital intelligence sharing if the deal compromised telecommunications.

Premier Daniel Andrews signed up to the controversial Belt and Road Initiative that provides loans and investment in infrastructure projects

'We will not take any risks to our telecommunications infrastructure, any risk to the national security elements of what we need to do with our Five Eyes partners,' he said on Sky News.

'I don't know the nature of those projects precisely. To the extent they have an adverse impact on our ability to protect telecommunications from our private citizens, or security networks for our defence and intelligence communities  we simply disconnect, we will simply separate.

'We are going to preserve trust in networks we hope our friends and allies, especially our Five Eyes partners like Australia, do the same.'

The Five Eyes is an intelligence sharing alliance between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Britain, and the U.S.

The Belt and Road scheme is a non-legally binding agreement to mutually beneficial trade, investment, and infrastructure.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened to cut Australia off from vital intelligence sharing if Victoria's deal with China compromised telecommunications

China helps invest in infrastructure projects, particularly in developing Asian and Pacific Island countries, with loans and support.

It is criticised by Western governments as a stealthy expansion of Chinese influence, and as a means to trap smaller countries into debt Beijing then uses as leverage.

Countries also become economically dependent on Beijing because of the amount of investment pouring in crowds out other sources.

Victoria went ahead with the agreement against the position of the federal government and security agencies.

'Every citizen of Australia that should know that everyone of those Belt and Road projects need to be looked at incredibly closely,' Mr Pompeo said.

'It is the case, some of them may just be straight up commercial transactions, if so, fine, but nearly each one of them has some cost to it.

'There is often money loaned at concessional rates, or conditions placed on the debt documents, or concessions that have to be made to the Chinese communist party in order to get those Belt and Road Initiatives projects built.

'Those present real risk, real risk to the people in that region, real risk to country and frankly they build up the capacity of the Chinese communist party to do harm elsewhere.'

Belt and Road is s criticised by Western governments as a stealthy expansion of Chinese influence (Chinese President Xi Jinping pictured), and as a means to trap smaller countries into debt Beijing then uses as leverage

Prime Minister Scott Morrison renewed his condemnation of Mr Andrews for signing up to the Chinese program.

'We didn't support that decision at the time they made it and national interest issues on foreign affairs are determined by the federal government,' he said.

'I respect their jurisdiction on the issues for which they're responsible for. And it has always been the usual practice for states to respect and recognise the role of the federal government in setting foreign policy.

'And I think that's been a good practice.'

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has also derided Belt and Roads as a 'propaganda exercise' by China.

'Victoria needs to explain why it is really the only state in the country that has entered into this agreement,' he said on 2GB.

Mr Andrews blew off Mr Pomeo's warning as he hadn't seen the interview, and defended the agreement as a boost to Victorian jobs.

'With the greatest of respect, I'm not in the habit of commenting on what people tell me other people have said,' he told News Corp.

'I would want to see Secretary Pomeo's comments out of respect for him and his office before I make any comment on that.'

'It is all about Victorian jobs... We will continue to work at a strong partnership. It doesn't mean we agree on everything, there are many things we don't agree on.'

Mr Andrews said having a strong partnership with China was 'in everybody's interests'.

His office later provided a statement holding its ground but pledging not to involve the scheme in telecommunications projects.

'Telecommunications regulation is the responsibility of the commonwealth government,' a spokeswoman said.

'Victoria has not, and will not in the future, agree to telecommunications projects under the BRI.'

Mr Andrew's office said Belt and Road would: 'create opportunities for Victorian businesses and local jobs  opportunities that will be more important than ever as we rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic'.

However, the agreement mentions about cooperating on biotechnology and life sciences, research and high-end manufacturing - which also have national security implications.

Mr Andrews also backed up extraordinary comments by his treasurer Tim Pallas that Mr Morrison's call for an inquiry into the origins of coronavirus 'vilified China'.

'Yes. Any other issues?' he said on Sunday when asked if he supported Mr Pallas' comments.

Mr Pallas said the ban China last week on four of Australia's biggest meat producers was an inevitable consequence of language that 'vilified China'.

'I think I've been pretty clear that I'm not a big fan of the way the federal government has managed the relationship with China more generally,' he said.

'I can't hazard to speculate what goes on in the minds of leaders of other countries. All I can say is I don't suppose it would come as a surprise to anybody that this was the consequences of the way that the federal government have conducted themselves.'

Mr Andrews (right) also backed up extraordinary comments by his treasurer Tim Pallas (left) that Mr Morrison's call for an inquiry into the origins of coronavirus 'vilified China'

Mr Pallas said Victoria's engagement with the BRI should 'absolutely not' be paused while the coronavirus inquiry played out.

'The inquiry, and of course there does need to be an inquiry into this pandemic event, but I think the idea of vilification of any single nation in this context, I think, is dangerous, damaging and probably irresponsible in many respects,' he said.

'What they don't need is vilification of one nation who have gone through a very traumatic time themselves and need necessarily to recover their economy, and we see a partnership with all trading nations as being a vital part of the growth and the opportunity for Victorians.'

Mr Andrews initially refused to make the agreement with China public and only belatedly did so under public pressure during the election campaign.

The title of the 'framework agreement' signed in October is 'Jointly Promoting the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road'.

This has been described but strategic experts as 'boilerplate Chinese government language for the BRI, Xi Jinping's strategy for growing Chinese power and creating a Sino-centred world'.

Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said Mr Andrews was 'incredibly naive' in his dealings with China.

'The focus of state politicians tends only to be on investment and trade and they have little conception of the downside risks of engagement with the People's Republic of China,' he told the South China Morning Post.

'Very few state officials have security clearances or the need to access information from our intelligence agencies and the national security establishment.

'The result is state and territory governments tend to be incredibly naive when it comes to dealing with the PRC.'
Vineet Upadhyay By

Express News Service

DEHRADUN: After Baratiya Janata Party (BJP) functionaries in Uttarakhand came up with Modi Aarti, written along the lines of religious hymn of Hanuman Aarti to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian National Congress has criticised the BJP for allegedly insulting the religious sentiments.

Following the events, the Congress partys women wing lodged a formal complaint with the local police for 'hurting religious sentiments' in the 'Arti' for placing the Prime Minister equal with God.

Indira Hridayesh, leader of opposition, former cabinet minister and Congress MLA from Haldwani said, "Such acts reflect of a dangerous culture. No one can be equated with God. BJP should focus on dealing with the national crisis not indulge in sycophancy."

The aarti has been written by a BJP supporter Renuka Pant and was launched on May 22 at a function organised by Mussoorie MLA Ganesh Joshi and presided over by Uttarakhand Higher Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat.

Commenting on the issues, Joshi said, "Our honorable Prime Minister has done a lot for our country and we hope will will do a lot more in coming years. He deserves praise and his statue to be erected to honor him."

The Modi Aarti is filled with praises for the Prime Minister, from decision on revoking Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir to providing hydroxychloroquine to the US and his initiative to fight terrorism and corruption in the country along with other decisions.
Private hospitals with 50 or more beds will need to set aside 20% of their bed strength for Covid-19 patients, the Delhi government ordered on Sunday in a measure meant to prepare the citys health care system for a surge in infections.

The capital has 117 private hospitals that will be covered by this rule, which officials said was necessitated because dedicated privately run Covid hospitals were now running close to their capacity.

In exchange, the government has allowed these hospitals to add 25% more beds by invoking the natural calamity or disaster clause in the Delhi Nursing Home Rules 2011.

Delhi reported 508 new Covid-19 cases on Sunday, taking the count to 13,418. According to the health bulletin, 30 more deaths were added to the death toll that now stands at 261.The new deaths appeared to have taken place more than 24 hours ago and added to the Covid fatality tally after reviews.

It has been found that in the recent past majority of the beds earmarked for Covid-19 patients in dedicated private hospitals are occupied at any given time. Therefore, there is a need to increase the number of beds dedicated for Covid-19 patients in the private hospitals in the city, the order, issued by director general of health services Dr Nutan Mundeja, said.

The 117 hospitals will be allowed to bill Covid-19 patients as per their rates. But for the extra 25% beds allowed, they can charge non-Covid-19 patients only 50% of the treatment cost in the most economic category.

The billing of non-Covid patients admitted on extra beds shall not be more than 50% of the lowest economy category of the concerned hospital as per earlier practice during upsurge of cases of vector-borne diseases, the order read.

During the 2015 dengue outbreak in the city, when almost 16,000 were infected and 60 people died, the Delhi government had in a similar manner asked private hospitals to reserve beds for the treatment of dengue patients.

An increase in the number of cases in the city is likely, but even if there is a surge, the administration and the health teams in Delhi are prepared to handle it, said Dr SK Sarin, director of Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences and chairperson of a five-member committee set up by the government in March to guide the chief minister on preparedness measures.

Reacting to the government directive, Dr Sanjay Mehta,head of medical services, BLK Super Specialty Hospital, said there was no question of not abiding by it.

I havent seen the order yet but if there is a directive we will abide by it. Even though we are not a dedicated Covid hospital but as a responsible organisation, we have taken steps keeping patient and staff safety in mind such as first-level triaging, separate wards for clinically suspect cases, etc. 20% is a huge number so we will have to arrange for manpower, etc., as you cannot mix the staff, which can be harmful for patient safety, he said.

While large hospitals are expected to cope with the rule, it could lead to feasibility concerns for smaller ones if they were to spare beds from their existing strength.

My hospital primarily offers cardiac services, and at any given time my bed capacity is 90% filled with serious cardiac patients who cannot be discharged unless fully recovered. Currently, you cannot even refer these patients anywhere as not many hospitals would be open to taking patients from other hospitals. In such a scenario, taking out 20% of my 106 beds will be difficult. Its not that I dont want to help the government but theres genuine problem, says Dr RN Kalra, medical director, Kalra Hospital.

Delhi government is working on adding more beds in the private sector next week, said a senior official from Delhis health department.

Eight private hospitals with a capacity of 617 beds are presently treating Covid-19 patients. Of these, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Jasola is at full capacity of 81 patients, according to government data.

Another four of the eight hospitals, Max Smart Super-Specialty hospital in Saket, Maha Durga Charitable hospital in Model town, Fortis Shalimar Bagh and Sir Ganga Ram City hospital in Rajinder Nagar have been running at 80% capacity.

Only the recently added Cygnus hospital was at 20% occupancy, Delhis daily health bulletin shows, but the hospital was shut down on Saturday and the patients evacuated after a fire broke out.

Two other hospitals  Saroj hospital in Rohini and Khushi hospital in Dwarka  with 100 beds in total, have been designated as a Covid-19 hospitals by the Delhi government and are yet to start accepting patients, as they have only recently been designated.

Apart from private ones, two Delhi government and four central government hospitals have a bed capacity scalable up to almost 4,000 beds. These hospitals on an average are running at 44% capacity, according to the data.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is running at about 85% capacity of around 600 beds that are presently operational, but is in the process of adding another 200 beds. The hospital has about 500 patients and space for another 100 or so. But the capacity can be scaled up to 800 beds, said Dr DK Sharma, medical superintendent, AIIMS.

Lok Nayak, which has reserved all of its 2,000 beds for Covid-19 patients, has the highest bed capacity in a government hospital. At present, 536 people are admitted, meaning it is running at almost 27% capacity.

In March, when one of the first cases in the city was reported, nobody thought so many people would get infected. And, now with the lockdown being eased, people are on the streets, markets are open and the number of cases is likely to go up. However, even if there is a surge, the cases can be managed well if the government and the private sector work together, said Dr GC Khilnani, chairman of PSRI Institute of Pulmonary and Critical care in New Delhi and former head of pulmonology at AIIMS.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anonna Dutt Anonna Dutt is a health reporter at Hindustan Times. She reports on Delhi governments health policies, hospitals in Delhi, and health-related feature stories. ...view detail
Terry Lollback had a bumpy start to his investing journey in 2011, when he bought his first property off the plan in the Philippines. He faced delays in construction and red tape, but the investment did eventually pay off big time.

He would go on to make more successful deals, and now boasts a multimillion-dollar property portfolio across three states.

Property investment has now allowed me to create multiple streams of available cash flow. It is a terrific feeling to know that regardless of what might happen in your professional life, all your bills, loans, etc. are covered by returns from well performing assets.

During his property journey, Terry has wound up owning his childhood home north of Brisbane when he purchased it from family.

His earnings from property have also enabled him to extensively renovate his PPOR.

He adds that he has continually found ways to raise the value of his properties, and they have helped him to pursue his life goals and hobbies alongside his wife Mae.

My wife and I travel overseas a number of times a year. Im also a martial artist, and the profits from property investment have made it easier for me to collect original historical manuals and books on the subject, he shares.

I have over 2,000, with some materials that are over 300 years old. Its an expensive hobby, but one that I do enjoy more now!

At a glance:

Best negotiation: A recent purchase in NSW that was 37% off the market value and generated 14% rental yield

Diverse portfolio: Terry owns eight properties across NSW, Queensland and SA ranging from residential rental properties, residential land and commercial sized land, plus another property in the Philippines

Proudest property win: Having a low-ball offer accepted on 200 acres of land one hour from the Adelaide CBD  which Terry soon discovered could be split into acreage lots and sold off.
24 May 2020

Type Media Article



Are you thinking of employing someone to help out on your farm? There are a number of legal requirements you should be aware of and adhere to. Five are outlined here.



Marion Beecher, Teagasc Moorepark and Martina Gormley, Teagasc Athenry

One of the positives of Covid-19 is that there are more people available to work on farms. If you think you need extra help in the spring it is a good idea to consider hiring someone now so that they are familiar with the farm for next years busy spring. The benefit now could also be a better work/life balance allowing more free time and greater flexibility for family and other activities. If you are thinking of hiring a person either part-time or full-time, there are a number of legal requirements you must adhere to, five of which are outlined below:

1. A written terms and conditions of employment in place

Employer must issue its employees with a written statement of terms and conditions relating to their employment within two months of commencing employment. Since 2019, an employer must also notify each new employee, in writing, within five days of commencement of employment, of the following core terms of employment. A template is available at: https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/publications_forms/sample_terms_of_employment1.pdf

2. A written statement of pay or payslip with every payment of wages

The payslip should show the gross wage (wage before deductions) and the nature and amount of each deduction. More info on payslips can be found at: https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/what_you_should_know/hours-and-wages/payslips/

3. Record your employees working hours

This should include start and finishing times as well as holiday and public holiday entitlements received by the employee. This information can be recorded using an OTW1 form which is available from: https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/what_you_should_know/hours-and-wages/

4. Annual leave

Employees earn holiday entitlements from the date of commencement of employment based on the time worked by the employee. Full-time employees earn one week of paid annual leave for every three months worked. Part-time employees are entitled to annual leave consisting of 8% of hours worked, subject to a maximum of four working weeks in the leave year. Employees are also entitled to nine public holidays during the year.

5. Minimum rate per hour

Experienced adult workers in Ireland are entitled to be paid a minimum rate per hour. There are however, some exceptions to the minimum wage, including those employed by close relatives, those aged under l8 and trainees or apprentices. Employees (aged 20 and over) must receive at least the minimum wage (currently 10.10) for every hour worked.

Adhering to this legislation is designed to protect both the employee and the employer. For more information on the legal requirements as an employer go to: https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/

More information on managing employees is available in The Teagasc Farm Labour manual https://teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2017/Teagasc-Farm-Labour-Combined-Book.pdf
Monterey turns 250 next month. The whole state should claim that its our birthday, too.

Montereys beginnings are the closest thing that California, an orphan of a state, has to a birth story. We cant know the exact day, thousands of years ago, when native peoples arrived. European explorers didnt stick around long enough to establish much. And Admission Day  Sept. 9, 1850, when California joined the Union  isnt a birthday, since California was a Spanish and Mexican province before that.

By default, that leaves June 3, 1770, when Junipero Serra, Californias unsaintly saint, and Spanish Capt. Gaspar de Portola founded Monterey, which would become Californias first capital  and most enduring place.

A quarter-millennium later, Monterey is often dismissed as too precious, too much a place apart. But the same has been said about California. Indeed, the peninsula city has long been our emblem.

The mission system began in San Diego in 1769, but Montereys mission, relocated to Carmel, was Serras headquarters. In 1776, Spain declared Monterey the capital of its Alta California colony  inspiring other Spanish settlements, including San Jose and Los Angeles.

In 1822, Mexico took over Monterey, which remained the provincial capital while also becoming an official port of entry and commercial center. In that role, Monterey changed the worlds perception of California  from feudal Spanish backwater into a highly desirable destination.

The cosmopolitan atmosphere created by the international trade helped make Monterey a hotbed of liberal thought, wrote historian J.D. Conway in Monterey: Presidio, Pueblo, and Port. Californias tradition of political revolt got its start when Monterenos rebelled against provincial governors appointed by Mexico City.

The Americanization of California began in 1846 with Montereys peaceful conquest. In 1849, Monterey hosted the convention to produce the state constitution that California used to muscle its way into the U.S. in 1850.

After statehood, a misguided conventional wisdom held that Monterey no longer mattered. Sure, the place suffered some indignities. A land baron stole 30,000 acres. Santa Cruz formed its own separate county. And Salinas stole Montereys status as the county seat through a deal that allowed Hollister to make itself the seat of another breakaway county, San Benito.

Despite these blows, Monterey  a global-facing city proud of its Spanish and Mexican roots  kept prospering. Its sleepy reputation reflected the ignorance of the rest of California, which grew more Anglo, nativist and Protestant.

Californias change from a Hispanic culture to an Anglo-Protestant culture made Monterey appear to be out of the mainstream, Conway wrote.

Monterey quietly kept welcoming people: Chinese fishermen, Azores whalers, artists, marine scientists and migrants from Japan, Sicily, Spain, the Balkans and the Dust Bowl. These enterprising arrivals kept making Monterey the capital of various things. Exploiting revived interest in our Spanish heritage, Monterey mined its historic architecture to become the Adobe Capital of California. Fishing and canning made Monterey the Sardine Capital of the World. The jazz festival and aquarium turned Monterey into a late-20th century tourism capital. Military and educational facilities  the Navys Postgraduate School, the Defense Language Institute, the Monterey Institute of International Studies  allow Monterey to declare itself the Language Capital of the World.

In all this, the historian Conway saw civic schizophrenia; Monterey, like California, clings to its past while relentlessly seeking new identities. That two-sidedness, and fights over water and growth, make Monterey difficult to govern. But the citys ability to remain so attractive  at age 250  also holds an important lesson for Californians: size and political power dont make you great.

Im sad that COVID-19 forced the cancellation of Montereys birthday party. But on my next visit, I plan to stop by Lower Presidio Historic Park, where Monterey got started in 1770, and the 18th century San Carlos Cathedral. There Ill say a prayer that California, and its real capital, might survive to celebrate their birthday together in another 250 years.

Joe Mathews writes the Connecting California column for Zocalo Public Square.
Manila (CNN Philippines Life)  In between prayers, Precious Imam quietly sobs alone in her flat in Manila.

Had the coronavirus pandemic not forced lockdows around the country, Imam would be celebrating Eid'l Fitr in her hometown in Iligan City, Mindanao, with her family, and with her one-year old son. But the archipelagic nation has yet to flatten the curve, and as a doctor, Imam still needs to fulfill her duty as a frontline health worker.

"This will be my first celebrating Eid'l Fitr away from home, and as a parent," Imam says.

Muslims around the world and in the Philippines entered the Islamic calendar's ninth month, Ramadan, confined to where they were when lockdowns hit. Social interaction had been greatly limited at a month when every Muslim is expected to be out and about engaging in charitable deeds and congregating in Mosques every night  a month when togetherness is the norm.

As soon as she finished the Salat al-Eid, a prayer commemorating the end of Ramadan, Imam headed back to the kitchen. She had to cook food that she will share with Arielle Dado, a Christian friend and a fellow health worker.

I actually have a family here, Imam says. Meron akong kapatid na nasa Manila. But I can't go there. He also has children. Police, frontliner din. And recently na-diagnose siya with COVID. He's still recovering. Kaka-diagnose lang niya last week. Kaya mas lalong hindi kami magkikita sa Eid. Ang sad 'no?

The end of Ramadan is as celebrated for Muslims as Christmas is to Christians. Feasts are served, families gather, gifts given.

But this year's holy month is different almost in every way. For Imam, Dado fasting with her is just a small act, yet a much appreciated semblance of Ramadan she has had this time. "It fills that tiny hole in my heart," Imam says.

"I felt the heaviness in my heart when Eid morning came, and it sank into me that I will spend it alone for the very first time," Imam says.

"But I know Allah has better plans."

"This will be my first celebrating Eid'l Fitr away from home, and as a parent," Imam says. Photo by MARTIN SAN DIEGO

Imam performs the Salat al-Eid, a prayer commemorating the end of Ramadan, in her flat in Manila. Photo by MARTIN SAN DIEGO

A photo of Imam with her one-year-old son. Photo by MARTIN SAN DIEGO

Imam prepares food that she will share with Arielle Dado (background), a Christian friend and fellow health worker. Photo by MARTIN SAN DIEGO

The end of Ramadan means feasts are served, families gather, gifts given. Photo by MARTIN SAN DIEGO

For Imam, Dado fasting with her is a small act, yet a much appreciated semblance of Ramadan she has had this time. "It fills that tiny hole in my heart," Imam said. Photo by MARTIN SAN DIEGO

Imam calls her family in Iligan City three to four times a day. "This will be my first celebrating Eid'l Fitr away from home, and as a parent," Imam shared. Photo by MARTIN SAN DIEGO

Imam shares the Eid'l Fitr feast with Dado. Photo by MARTIN SAN DIEGO

Imam sends a flying kiss over a video phone call to her son who is in Iligan City. Photo by MARTIN SAN DIEGO

***

This project was funded by the National Geographic Society.
Banks are expected to face a tough time given the nationwide lockdown and the extension in moratorium, Umesh Mehta, Head of Research, Samco Securities, said in an interview with Moneycontrols Kshitij Anand.

Mehta also said that banks' balance sheets will be crippled, which will eventually reflect on their stock price.

Here are the edited excerpts from the interview:

Q. It was a volatile week for Indian markets which started with a gap down, and then towards the close we saw the RBI MPC presser which led to a sharp downtick on May 22 wiping out most of the gains. What was the reason the markets fell  is it banks or the negative growth rate which weighed on markets?

A. After a volatile week, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a surprise cut of 0.4 percent, which was expected by the Street. However, there was disappointment as there was no mention of restructuring of loans and other supportive measures for banks.

More so, the extension of the moratorium will bring about a fresh bout of NPA cycle if not from this quarter then sometime down the line.

This will affect the banks balance sheets and in turn, their profitability. Hence, even though the RBI took a calibrated approach to save the economy, it did not favour the banks which led to the negative impact. The negative growth rate just added to the woes.

Q. NiftyBank fell more than 2 percent on May 22. What should investors do if they have a bank-heavy portfolio? How can they minimize losses? And, if new investors who can take risks, do you think some of the banks are available at reasonable valuations? Many banks are trading near their 52-week low.

A. Banks are expected to face a tough time given the lockdown and the extension in the moratorium. Their balance sheets will also be crippled which will eventually reflect on the stock price.

Hence, it would be safer for investors to avoid banking stocks for the moment at least until the pain has been completely discounted in their books.

Investing in banks just because valuations are cheaper would be an incorrect strategy because if there is minimal to negative growth then the investment bet will not turn out to be successful.

As for investors having a bank heavy portfolio, they should try to diversify by investing in fundamentally strong companies from other sectors to safeguard themselves from acute losses.

Q. What are the important events and levels on Nifty which one should track in the coming week?

A. Global cues will continue to shadow Indian benchmark indices in the coming week. Traders should keep an eye out for support levels at 8,700 and resistance levels at 9,200 in the Nifty50.

Q. Negative growth is something that might have gotten investors worried. Do you advise investors to turn conservative from aggressive in this period?

A. Mutual funds themselves have sold approximately Rs 7,965 crores from equities in April alone  the highest since March 2016. It would be safer for retail investors too to remain conservative as there is more pain left to come in the coming weeks.

Q. Any rate-sensitive stocks which could benefit the most from RBI's surprise rate cut and why?

A. Banking stocks and Bank Nifty are expected to remain sensitive to the RBIs rate cut move. However, the news has already been factored into the price.

: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
When Mary-Kate Olsen filed an emergency divorce petition earlier this month, she expected it to remain private, as is tradition.

But legal shutdowns in response to the coronavirus pandemic resulted in her divorce filings becoming public, according to new reporting from Page Six.

Though sensitive legal documents are routinely sealed, the closure of the New York State Supreme Court meant that the 33-year-old fashion designer's petition went into an e-filing system, where they were accessible to the public.

Unexpected reveal: Mary-Kate Olsen, 33, expected her emergency divorce petition to be sealed, as is usual, but it was made public due to court shutdowns from the coronavirus pandemic, according to Page Six; shown in 2017

The intensely private Olsen has found the divorce from French banker Olivier Sarkozy, 50, to be 'extremely difficult,' according to a fashion insider with whom she has previously collaborated.

According to sources familiar with her marriage, Sarkozy ended it unilaterally, leaving her 'petrified' of being forced out of their New York City home on short notice.

Sarkozy, the half-brother of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, also reportedly ended the lease on their Gramercy Park apartment, for which they pay $29,000 per month.

'My husband expects me to move out of our home on [May 18] in the middle of New York City being on pause due to COVID-19,' she wrote in her court filings, though the judge overseeing the paperwork ruled that it wasn't enough of an emergency to proceed immediately.

Technical mixup: Her divorce petition from Olivier Sarkozy, 50, went to an automatic e-filing system because the New York State Supreme Court was closed, which made the files accessible; shown in 2015

Unilateral: Sarkozy, the half brother of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, reportedly ended the marriage and the lease on their $29,000/month Gramercy Park apartment; pictured in 2014

Since then, Olsen has moved out to New York state's tony Hamptons, where she has been staying at a $325,000 rental with her twin sister Ashley Olsen, who alternated performances with her on Full House and was featured in a variety of direct-to-video children's movies throughout the 1990s.

'Mary-Kate is okay,' said one of her fashion connections. 'But it would not have been her decision to end a marriage and move during a pandemic.'

Others cautioned that Olsen's divorce could get much messier as courts begin to reopen in New York.

'[Olivier] seems like a fun guy when you meet him but he is a shark. Very tough,' revealed a source close to Sarkozy who works in Paris. 'Hes not somebody you want to go up against. His divorce from [his first wife] got very messy for a while and they really went after each other. Dont underestimate him if it gets messy with Mary-Kate.'

Relocated: Olsen subsequently moved out to the Hamptons with her twin sister Ashley Olsen and family, though she fared being pushed out of the apartment during a pandemic; pictured in 2018

People recently reported that Sarkozy wanted his wife to sideline her fashion projects in order to be more of a stay-at-home mother, something she wasn't interested in doing.

One person who knew the couple through their New York society connections said that Sarkozy had 'completely changed' toward his wife.

'Even his view of the marriage had changed, which surprised people who knew them,' they said.

A possible factor leading up to the separation was Olsen's reported desire to have children of her own, though the same fashion source disputed that she ever felt that way.

Unrecognizable: People reported that Sarkozy wanted her to be a stay-at-home mother, and a society connection said he had 'completely changed'; shown in 2018

Conflict: Olsen reportedly wanted children of her own, though a fashion source disputed that. 'Im not so sure about that. All I know is that Mary-Kate loves Oliviers kids,' they said; shown in 2017

'Im not so sure about that. All I know is that Mary-Kate loves Oliviers kids,' they said.

Both parties are independently wealthy, and Olsen's fortune was described as comparable to Sarkozy's by one friend of the couple, though they still signed a prenuptial agreement prior to tying the knot.

He did the same with his first wife Charlotte Bernard, whom he married in 1997, though the two reportedly feuded over the prenup during their divorce proceedings in 2011.

'He sees himself as the alpha male,' continued the Parisian source. 'He will get even more French as he fights her. They can turn cold very fast on their wives once the relationship is over.'
The Gujarat High Court on Saturday lambasted the state's healthcare system, especially in Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, and hit out at Health Minister Nitin Patel and Health Secretary, asking whether both knew patients were dying due to lack of ventilators at the hospital.

The court, in its interim order, said: "We wonder how many times the Health Minister has visited the Civil Hospital to take a stock of the situation? Does he have any idea of the problems faced by the patients and even the employees working there? The same goes for the Health Secretary. Is the state government even aware of the hard fact that patients at the Civil Hospital are dying because of lack of ventilators? How does the government prepare itself to tackle this problem of ventilators?"

"It is distressing to know that most patients admitted the hospital are dying within 4 to 5 days of treatment, which indicates a complete lack of critical care," observed the court.

The reasons could be inadequate patient care, senior doctors didn't visit the hospital and left treatment to resident doctors, and health and hygiene were not maintained due to indisciplined staff down the line.

The High Court had taken suo motu congnisance of the matter.

It directed the state to take action regarding the present situation, especially at the Civil Hospital which has reported 62% of the total coronavirus deaths in Gujarat.

The High Court directed the state government to set up on a war-footing a computerized control centre with real-time information of each facility across the state and make it accessible to everyone, including the public. It should be connected to each facility and each computer as well as to the phones.

All government ambulances should be connected to this control centre and all complaints and grievances also be directed to it.

The HC directed the government to appoint its representative at each state hospital for coordination and to remain in direct and constant touch with the control centre.

The government was also told that a website control centre should be created for everyone to know about its activities regarding the coronavirus situation.

It categorically asserted that the government ensure that no patient was made to run from one hospital to another to beg for admission. "This has happened in the past and is still happening," the court remarked.

The court ordered that all government hospitals with more than 50 beds and ICUs in Gujarat be immediately converted into dedicated Covid-19 hospitals.

The state government was directed to provide high-quality N95 masks, sanitisers, sterile and non-sterile gloves, PPE kits, high-flow oxygen masks, ventilator tubing and fittings to all Covid-19 facilities at its own expense.

The court directed the Gujarat government to immediately procure maximum test kits to enable even the private labs and hospitals to test at government rates. The government was directed that it should ensure no private hospitals demanded treatment cost in advance from the patients.

The state was asked to frame a policy on the lines of Maharashtra, wherein all general physicians were asked to run their own clinics or else serve in government Covid-19 hospitals.

The court also directed for punitive action against ward boys who left patients unattended and to fix accountability of senior officials who failed to improve healthcare at the Civil Hospital. Non-performing doctors at the Civil Hospital be immediately transferred to other districts, it said.

In its interim order, the court also directed railway authorities to waive one-way fare charged from migrant labourers. In the alternative, the state governments could bear the expenses.

The court also asked the state government to ensure that all closed private clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes should be immediately reopened to supplement healthcare facilities for non-corona patients.

The court directed that all those released on temporary bail from jails on the recommendation of a high-powered committee continue to remain on bail for further 45 days.

The case is scheduled for further hearing on May 29. The Gujarat government has been asked to file an exhaustive report with respect to all the directions and suggestions issued by the High Court. It said it expected the government to file this report one day in advance.
Associated Press photographer David Goldman visited the homes of 12 families struggling to honor spouses, parents and siblings during a shutdown that has sidelined many funeral traditions. Goldman used a projector to cast large images of the veterans onto the homes of their loved ones, who looked out from doors and windows.
In normal times, for most Americans, Memorial Day conjures up the start of summer - beach and lake trips, barbecues, pool time, warm weather. Many don't even stop to think about the purpose of the holiday. And those who do sometimes confuse Memorial Day with other holidays honoring veterans. But, with covid-19 leaving many Americans stuck at home or unable to enjoy these usual holiday celebrations, 2020 might be an opportunity to recall that Memorial Day is actually intended to be a day to remember those who died while serving in the military.

Over the past 50 years, the nature of war and the composition of the military have not changed significantly, despite the ending of the draft and inclusion of women into combat roles. A small segment of society bears the burden, and the desire to collectively mourn those lost in service remains powerful. Memorial Day offers an opportunity to celebrate the perseverance of those who have endured such losses and know the real meaning of the holiday all too well.

A half century ago, a family and community gathered to honor the sacrifice of one of the more than 58,000 American soldiers killed in Vietnam. Just after Thanksgiving 1969, Marine Sgt. Clive Garcia, Jr., who hailed from Morenci, Arizona, tried to defuse an enemy booby-trap. But, something went wrong, and he died in the blast.

A few weeks later, on Dec. 14, his family, friends and the Morenci community gathered at the Holy Cross Catholic Church on a dreary day where clouds barely topped the always belching smelter smokestacks. Reporters from ABC News and Time observed the funeral, tying it to five other deaths in a group of nine soldiers including Garcia who left for boot camp in July 1966.

It was solemn affair, with tears flowing freely. Garcia's parents and three siblings listened as the popular Irish-born Father Cornelius McGrenra talked about sacrifice and grief.

Soon after, at the gravesite, mourners gathered. The family laid Garcia to rest next to his friend, Robert Moncayo, whose body he had accompanied home in June 1968. At the end, Garcia's mother, Julia, sitting next to his fiancee, Susie Hibbard, rose to say: "Thank you for being my son. Oh, my dear boy, thank you so much." A reporter noted: "And so Sgt. Garcia, U.S. Marine Corps, was laid to rest in the rocky, red earth he loved so well."

The following day, Julia Garcia sat down for an interview with ABC, talking about Garcia and his friends who also died in Vietnam. She concluded: "I thank God for lending him to me. I had him so long, 22 years, and now God wants him back."

After the public scrutiny ended, Garcia's loss never left his family or friends. Morenci erected memorials to him and his friends who joined together, including one outside the new high school built in the 1980s.

But, he and the others remained frozen in time while family and friends aged. In particular, the three who returned from the group bore survivor's guilt, trying to understand why they survived when their friends did not. Holidays were especially hard and even 51 years later, a mix of pride blended with the sorrow of loss.

Garcia's death was far from unique in American history as highlighted by his name's place on the Vietnam Memorial (Panel 16W, Line 124) with so many thousands of others.

The war in Vietnam was fought primarily by the working class and lower middle class, mostly young men barely beyond their teens, often led by college-educated officers. The draft snared many or coerced others to join before they received their draft notices, and many followed in the footsteps of their fathers who served in World War II. But, this war proved much more divisive, and they returned home to a country bitterly divided over it. The deaths of more than 58,000 service members like Clive Garcia were nonetheless as painful as those of America's preceding wars. And American service member deaths did not stop after the United States departed from Vietnam in 1973.

Since the attack on Sept. 11, 2001, about 6,800 Americans have died in Afghanistan and Iraq. By 2001, the military itself had transformed into an all-volunteer force supplemented by the National Guard that continued to draw many of its members from the working and lower middle class (although typically older in this war). These service members were driven by economic necessities and opportunity, patriotism after Sept. 11 and a tradition of military service in families. Increasingly, women joined them, a significant number from the same strata of society.

While the class composition of the military hadn't changed from Vietnam, Americans coming of age in the new millennium witnessed caskets arriving in large numbers from combat zones for the first time. One of those caskets was that of a Navy SEAL and U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Lt. Brenden Looney. He died when his helicopter crashed on Sept. 21, 2010, in Afghanistan. He was on his last mission.

His widow, Amy, who he'd married just one day before he shipped out, struggled with the loss. But she had support including the parents of his good friend, Travis Manion, who had died in Iraq several years earlier.

She asked the Manions to reinter Travis to Arlington National Cemetery. She wanted Looney lying next to his college roommate in Section 60, which increasingly had become the final resting place for many who died in Afghanistan and Iraq. For the Looneys, it was not far from their home in the D.C. suburbs, and it connected their sacrifice to those which other families had endured over the previous century and a half.

A few days before Looney's burial, the Manion family honored the request and reburied their son. Then on Oct. 4, 2010, more than 4,000 people lined the cemetery streets as six white horses pulled a carriage moving Looney's casket. There, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates stood alongside members of Looney's SEAL team, noting: "Your men have to follow your orders. They don't have to go to your funeral." But in Looney's case, they did show up.

As they prepared to lower the body into the ground in Section 60, a 21-gun salute interrupted the sobbing followed by SEALs pounding more than 50 tridents into the casket. The family, including Looney's two brothers, stood by their parents grieving the loss. As a close friend approached Amy, she repeatedly said: "No regrets. No regrets."

There may not have been regrets, but just like for the Garcias and their friends in an earlier generation, the pain of loss will remain with them.

The sorrow will intertwine with pride of service and sacrifice. President Barack Obama visited Section 60 on Memorial Day 2011. He told the stories of the two USNA roommates and concluded, " 'Warriors for freedom,' reads the epitaph written by Manion's father. 'Brothers forever.' "

Many others have joined Garcia and Looney in their final resting places as a result of military service throughout American history. Separated by four decades, however, these Gold Star families never will forget them, nor will many friends and comrades.

Memorial Day is a chance not only to remember the hundreds of thousands who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, but also their families and friends who continue to grieve. It is a significant burden to bear and Memorial Day has a special meaning for them.

- - -

Longley is the Snell Family Dean's distinguished professor of history and political science at Arizona State University, whose books include the edited works "Deconstructing Reagan: Conservative Mythology" and "America's Fortieth President and Reagan and the World: Leadership and National Security, 1981-1989" (with Bradley Coleman).
Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Kashmir on Sunday were a low-key affair as most of the faithful marked the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan by offering thanksgiving prayers at home in view of the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

The festival is being celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala on Sunday, while the rest of the country will celebrate Eid on Monday.

No Eid prayers were offered for the second consecutive time in major mosques and shrines of Kashmir as police enforced restrictions in most parts of the valley including Srinagar city, officials said.

People preferred to offer Eid prayers at home -- either individually or in small groups comprising family members,the officials said.

However, there have been reports of congregation Eid prayers being offered in mosques located in the interior parts of cities and towns.

Police personnel made announcements early in the morning on public address systems, appealing people not to congregate for Eid prayers as restrictions were still in place as part of the lockdown.

Last year, Eid-ul-Azha prayers could not be offered in Kashmir as authorities had imposed strict curfew in the wake of abrogation of Article 370 and division of then Jammu and Kashmir State into two union territories.

Eid marks the end of the fasting month of Ramzan.
Deaths from the coronavirus in New Jersey increased on Sunday to 11,133 lives lost with 154,154 total positive tests as officials continued to see the number of people being treated for COVID-19 decrease in the state.

The latest numbers reported by the state health department include 52 new deaths and 1,065 additional cases reported in the last 24 hours, though officials said weekend totals can reflect reporting delays.

The 71 hospitals around New Jersey reported 2,857 patients with confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases as of late Saturday, a decline of 65% from the peak in hospitalizations on April 14, when 8,084 patients were being treated, according to information reported by state officials.

New Jersey had 760 patients in critical or intensive care, with 639 on ventilators, as of Saturday night.

NEW: NJ has 1,065 new confirmed positive cases of #COVID19, pushing our total to 154,154. Of those cases:

2,857 are in hospitals

760 are in critical or intensive care

639 are on ventilators



Sadly, weve lost 52 more New Jerseyans, pushing our total to 11,133 lives lost. pic.twitter.com/ajYzRAJgpP  Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) May 24, 2020

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

Heres a roundup of coronavirus news:

N.J. is hiring an army to try to stop the coronavirus: Gov. Phil Murphy announced this month that the state would train and hire 1,000 new contact tracers to help out local health departments working to track down infections of the coronavirus.

Wildwood motel owner flouts rules, rents out rooms. I know I made a mistake in hindsight: The Mango Motel and the Blue Diamond Motel welcomed guests Friday night for the start of the Memorial Day weekend, the owner said, even though Wildwood isnt allowing any short-stay rentals until May 26.

Online college isnt worth $15K? Class-action suit against Rutgers seeks refunds: A students father has brought a class-action lawsuit against Rutgers University, seeking refunds for tuition, fees and room and board after the school moved classes online to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

'Its a bad idea for people to go to the beach on Memorial Day, N.J. mayor says: On the eve of the unofficial start of summer, one of New Jerseys urban mayors had a blunt message for his residents looking to go to the beach during the coronavirus pandemic.

I told my residents dont go down there, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka told reporters Thursday during a press conference at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. I told them dont go. Dont come back here with something you didnt leave with.

Rally calling for N.J. to reopen from coronavirus restrictions set for Jersey Shore town Monday: At least two New Jersey state legislators are expected to be among the speakers at a Jersey Shore rally Monday to call for Gov. Phil Murphy to reopen nonessential businesses that have been closed for about two months during the coronavirus pandemic.

Where is the coronavirus in N.J.? See the latest map, update on county-by-county cases.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

NJ Advance Media staff writers Brent Johnson, Matt Arco, Amanda Hoover, Jeff Goldman, Karin Price Mueller and Rebecca Everett contributed to this report.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 11:57:55|Editor: huaxia

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NEW DELHI, May 24 (Xinhua) -- India's federal health ministry Sunday morning said 147 new deaths due to COVID-19, besides fresh 6,767 positive cases were reported since Saturday in the country, taking the number of deaths to 3,867 and total cases to 131,868.

This is the highest one day spike in COVID-19 cases so far in the country, showed the data.

"As on 8:00 a.m. (local time) Sunday, 3,867 deaths related to novel Coronavirus have been recorded in the country," reads information released by the ministry.

On Saturday morning, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country was 125,101, and the death toll was 3,720.

According to ministry officials, so far 54,441 people have been discharged from hospitals after showing improvement.

"The number of active cases in the country right now is 73,560," reads the information.

Sunday marks the 61st straight day of ongoing Lockdown across the country announced by the Centre Government to contain the spread of the pandemic.

The Lockdown, announced on March 25, was again extended last week till May 31. The fourth phase began from Monday. Enditem
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Addis Abeba  In its 01 May 2020 dated note verbale submitted to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Egypt appealed that Ethiopia has an international legal obligation not to impound waters and fill its GERD reservoir without concluding a comprehensive agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD.

The verbatim of which reads as "Ethiopia is under an obligation not to commence the impoundment of waters for the purpose of filling the GERD reservoir without agreement with Egypt". Specifically, Egypt avers that Ethiopia will violate Principle 5 of the 'Agreement on the Declaration of Principles.' If Ethiopia proceed with filling of the reservoir without sealing an agreement with the two downstream countries, it could breach an international legal obligation is Egypt's central argumentation. Is the DoP a treaty and does Article 5 of the DoP say so is thus the issues examined in this piece?

The examination then finds out that the DoP has no any normative status under international law and it is not subjected for enforceability. Principle 5 of this document merely states the importance of cooperation, not the duty of cooperation. And this cooperation has upside-down by Egypt's bad faith negotiating strategy and policy of obstructionism. Ethiopia, without any legal obligation, has traveled extra-miles to accommodate Egypt and Sudan's concern. Hence citing the DoP as a binding treaty is an insincere approach to the knowledge of international law.

All international law scholars who are interested in the Nile issue should know that binding basin-wide treaty on the water appropriations and governance of the Nile is yet to establish. Hence, the legality or not of every single project on the basin cannot be judged in the absence of a prior basin-wide treaty. Negotiating over GERD is like a cart before the horse approach in this case.

The Normative Status of the 2015 Agreement on the Declaration of Principles

Can making a declaratory agreement on the existing principles of international water law between countries be a treaty per se and puts a treaty obligation onto the parties to this declaratory agreement? The 'Declaration of principles' merely restate known principles of international law just to guide the countries future negotiations on the GERD, which in fact cannot be a subject matter for negotiations between the three countries. The principles normative status do not have a difference whether they are embodied in a treaty like instrument or not. Principle of cooperation, Principle of Equitable and Reasonable Utilization, Principle not to cause significant harm, principle of exchange of information and data, principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and principle of peaceful settlement of disputes are the principles agreed by Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan in their agreement of declaration of principles.

These principles are cardinal principles of general public international law and international water laws. There is no need to reaffirm these principles in treaties as a main body of the later. It is not uncommon to restate and reaffirm these principles in the preamble of treaties but it is not usual to make these principles as a sole subject-matter or object of a single treaty like the 2015 Declaration of Principles. General principles of international laws are obviously sources of international law whether they are incorporated in treaties or not. But some of the principles may transform into the status of customary international law. The principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes are for instance principles of customary international law applicable to all general public international law matters. The principle of equitable and reasonable utilization and principle not to cause significant harm are the water law principles attained the status of customary international law. Principle of cooperation is not as such an established principle but it is an evolving principle as a general principle of law.

Hence making an agreement on the known principles is not a treaty which can be regulated by international law and the agreement has no any subject matter than reaffirming the principles of international law. The mere citing of the GERD in this document cannot fully establish the subject matter of the agreement. Ultimately agreeing or not agreeing to a principles of international law does not change states duty arise from the principles in any international relationships. These principles should not also be in contradiction with other principles of international law during their application. Sovereign equality and territorial integrity of states surpass any other principle of international law. One of the manifestation of states sovereignty is the right to engage in treaty-making negotiations with free and full consent. No state is obliged to negotiate and conclude an agreement without its consent. Failure to reach an agreement after a series of negotiations is by no means a culpability for the negotiating states.

Hence the DoP which was signed between the three countries is not a treaty as it does not have a subject matter than being a gadget of pre-existing principles of international law. It is more than clear that the three countries in their relationship should respect for and rely on the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity and settle their disputes peacefully ( any dispute that can possibly be arise on any subject matter). As a co-riparian countries of the Nile River, they should also utilize the waters on the basis of the principles of equitable and reasonable and not to cause significant harm among each other. But for the utilization of the Nile River on the basis of those principles presupposes a basin wide multilateral treaty.

The DoP does not qualify the status of a treaty as it lacks establishment of rights and duties between and among the parties. Treaty and other sources of international laws are nothing but instruments to establish rights and duties to the subjects and actors of international law. The DoP is a mere restatement of general principles of international law and making an agreement on any issue is not a treaty. Even structurally the DoP does not fulfill the required elements of a treaty as provided under the VCLT. The DoP would just remain as a soft non-binding instrument. Moreover, the agreement over GERD as it stands in the DoP cannot be governed by international law since a basin wide agreement is needed as a pre-condition before making an agreement on a single project over the Blue Nile River.

So far, there is no basin wide treaty which governs the utilization of the Nile River and this makes the utilization of the river to be unilateral and an individual basis. Hence, the equitability or the harmlessness of the use by one riparian countries is a difficult task to determine in the absence of a basin-wide treaty. But still, co-riparian countries may bring a suit against another co-riparian state if they are in opinion that use of the waters by some of the riparian countries are inequitable or causing significant harm to the other. This may be possible on the basis of principles of Transboundary-Rivers which are not yet included in a basin wide treaty. But to bring a case on the causing of significant harm, the harm should be materialize, no proactive claim is possible. The forum of the dispute is still unilateral as there is no venue agreed in the basin wide agreement. Hence, Egypt may bring a suit against Ethiopia only when Ethiopia's project causes a significant harm against its water use on the Nile River. That alleged harm, however, should be materialized. The venue would remain Egypt's business.

Hence, DoP is not a binding treaty as every international agreement is not necessarily a treaty. It is a mere collection of known principles without a defined subject matter. Furthermore, the instrument is neither ratified by the Ethiopian parliament nor is deposited to the United Nations Secretariat.

What does Principle 5 of the DoP say?

If we accept the normative status of the DoP as a treaty just for the sake of argument. Article 5 of this declaration does not still impose an obligation on Ethiopia to negotiate and conclude a treaty on the filling and operation of the GERD. The general reason to support this argument is that principle 5 just mention a general principle of cooperation. Cooperation on the first filling of the dam was expected to be demonstrated by the three countries. Hence, this cooperation works only until when the parties are ready and willingness to cooperate. Countries cannot forced to cooperate in any international dealings. And principle 5 requests all parties to cooperate, there is no unilateral obligation imposed upon Ethiopia to concede with all Egypt's and Sudan's requests towards the filling and operation of the dam.

"Principle to cooperate on the First Filling and Operation of the Dam" is the caption of rule 5. Hence it is just a principle of cooperation on the first filling and operation of the dam which is expected from the three countries. But failing to cooperate has no consequence. Their cooperation is defined in (1)"implementation of the recommendations of the International Panel of Experts (IPOE), respect the final outcomes of the Technical National Committee (TNC) Final Report on the joint studies recommended in the IPOE Final Report throughout the different phases of the project."; (2) The three countries, in the spirit of cooperation, will utilize the final outcomes of the joint studies, to be conducted as per the recommendations of the IPoE Report and agreed upon by the TNC. Their cooperation on the respect and implementation of the expert's studies would lead to "Agree on guidelines and rules on the first filling of GERD which shall cover all different scenarios, in parallel with the construction of GERD."

But this is conditioned upon the cooperation of the three parties and failing to cooperate could lead to no agreement on the guidelines and rules on the first filling of the GERD. After all 'agreement' on guidelines and rules never constitute concluding a treaty which is loudly asked by Egypt. The DoP have no definition on the matter and agreement is not necessarily a treaty under the ABC of international treaty-making law. It is Egypt who is blamed for not cooperating in this regard and it is this country who is tirelessly request for a conclusion of a treaty on the filling and operating the GERD. So Egypt's request for a treaty is outside the scope of the DoP as the DoP only requires a mere agreement to be reached in the spirit of cooperation. But cooperation becomes impossible due to Egypt's obstructionism and intransigence. Let alone conclusion of a treaty reaching into a mere filling agreement cannot be attainable in the absence of cooperation. This gives Ethiopia the exclusive mandate to fill the dam on its own plan.

After all the time framework for cooperation is just expired and lapsed as it has been more than 15 months since the two studies were launched by the recommendation of the IPoE. The last statement of principle five reads as "The time line for conducting the above mentioned process shall be 15 months from the inception of the two studies recommended by the IPoE."

There is no ' Legal Dispute' over GERD

As the DoP is not a treaty to be a source of international legal obligation on Ethiopia, no legal dispute can be established on the basis of interpretation and application of it. Hence, every unlawful and baseless claim is not necessarily a dispute under international law. Egypt's statement on the potential violation of international law if Ethiopia commences its dam filling unilaterally can never be taken as the existence of a dispute under international law. The fact that GERD is the unilateral project of Ethiopia and the absence of a river wide treaty is adequate to prove the non-existence of a dispute over the GERD. The DoP merely restates general principle of international law and no specific objective is incorporated in it. Article 5 of the DoP cannot establish legal issue and nothing is there for interpretation nor application as a treaty.

Egypt has argued that there could be a material breach of international obligation from Ethiopia's side in starting impoundments of waters to the GERD reservoir. The breach basically is emanated from the DoP, as per Egypt's claim. But DoP lacks a normative status under international law and it never obliges Ethiopia to sign a treaty of filling and operating of the GERD.

Egypt rather has blatantly violated Ethiopia's sovereign right not to be compelled to enter in negotiation and sign a text of a treaty. This is violation of the UN Charter and Art 6 of the VCLT. It is noted that right of entering into international agreement is an attribute of state sovereignty.

Given to the fact that the utilization of the Nile River is not yet regulated through a basin wide legal framework no co-riparian state request its counterpart to agree on the plan of filling and operating of the dam. Hence political based argumentations, differences and conflicts cannot establish a legal dispute over the utilization of the Nile River. To establish a claim prerequisites the legal basis where your right is established. Egypt cannot cite a single valid legal instrument to support its rights over the Nile River and to counter other co-riparian from using the water as they wish. The obsolete colonial era bilateral agreements are the ever nuanced Egypt's laws which are outrightly rejected by the science of international law.

Conclusion

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The 2015 'Agreement on the Declaration of Principles' signed between the heads of state and government of the three countries is not a treaty and it does not entitle rights and imposes obligations between and among the signatories. The ABC of law of treaty tells us that the mere agreement of states on any subject matter cannot necessarily qualify as a treaty. The DoP is just a mere collection and restatement of general principles of international law which does not specify signatories' rights and duties on the object of the agreement. No objective subject matter is indicated in the agreement without the mere indication of the GERD. The highest normative status the DoP could attain is a soft-law.

An attempt to find the object or subject-matter of the DoP from the preamble remains difficult. The preamble reads: "Mindful of the rising demand of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Sudan on their transboundary water resources, and cognizant of the significance of the River Nile as the source of livelihood and the significant resource to the development of the people of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan, the three countries have committed to the following principles on the GERD:"

The stated purpose can only be achieved through the basin-wide agreement on the utilization of the Nile River. It is not through making of an agreement on the GERD that the three states can achieve their rising demand on the Nile River to use it for the source of livelihood and development of the people of the three countries. The concern on the Nile River is not also limited only to the peoples of the three nations. So much so that the DoP has an objective towards the GERD. Searching the objective and purpose of the DoP beyond the preamble is still difficult and no such provision is included in the text. The body of the text merely states principles. Principle II for example provides the purpose of the GERD which is bizarre as the dam owner has decided and know the purpose of its dam before it started the construction. After all is it acceptable to decide the purpose of a unilateral dam project jointly with non-dam owners? Principle III and IV restates the known principles of international water laws. But these principles are still applicable only for a basin-wide transboundary river agreement not on a single project on the river. Prior agreement is needed to regulate the construction of the dam. But, the CFA which could have govern every project in the basin remains ineffective as the required numbers of states for the entry into force is not yet ratified. What is severe is Egypt and Sudan opposed this river-wide agreement.

Hence, no case or dispute can be established on the basis of the DoP by considering this agreement as a treaty which entitles rights and imposes obligations to Egypt and Sudan in one hand Ethiopia on the other hand. Hence, Ethiopia breaches no international law obligation by starting filling of the GERD without concluding an agreement with the downstream countries. Neither the DoP nor any other international law imposes such obligation against Ethiopia. Furthermore, filling and operating of the Ethiopia's dam has no factual and legal dispute in it.If there is a dispute it is only on the utilization of the Nile River which can only be settled by the entry into force of the CFA. AS

Editor's Note: Dejen Yemane Messele is a PhD student, Addis Abeba University, College of Law and Governance Studies. He can be reached at engochayemane@gmail.com and @MesseleDejen


Days after BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy said that he will sue a senior UN official for attributing a false quote to him, he has said on Sunday that his party - the BJP - is supporting him. Taking to Twitter, Dr Swamy said that he is honoured to receive best wishes from BJP national president JP Nadda and other office-bearers in his endeavour. He also added that he is thankful to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for facilitation.

I am honoured & encouraged to receive from the BJP National President J.P. Nadda and office bearers their best wishes for success on my endeavour to prosecute for defamation the United Nations Under Secretary General Mr. Adama Dieng. I am also thankful to the MEA for facilitation  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) May 22, 2020

Adama Dieng, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, in a note to the media, had expressed concern over reports of "increased hate speech and discrimination" against minority communities in India since the adoption of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in December 2019. In his letter, Dieng made a reference to Dr Swamy, alleging a statement pertaining to religious discrimination that the Rajya Sabha MP denies, and plans to take legal recourse over.

READ | Subramanian Swamy issues first response as Shivaling & idols dug up at Ayodhya temple site

Swamy to sue United Nations Special Adviser

On May 19, Dr Swamy said that Under-Secretary-General Adama Dieng, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, had falsely attributed statements to him and he will sue him. "He has slandered me in a press release in New York saying I had said in an interview to a Pakistani owned TV channel that Muslims are not equal to Hindus in Indian Constitution. This is a blatant lie so I will take steps to sue him in court."

Swamy also wrote a letter to the Foreign Secretary, and expressed his intention to prosecute Dieng for defamation and for relying on a Pakistani owned TV's 'cut and paste interview'. He said a legal notice will very soon be served on Dieng.

READ | Swamy lists 3 pre-conditions to 'seduce' US firms from China after PM's self-reliant pitch

My letter to FS MEA stating that I intend to prosecute for defamation the UN Under Secretary General Mr. Adama Dien for relying on a Pakistani owned TV's cut and paste interview, to allege that I said Muslims don't have equal rights with Hindus in India.  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) May 21, 2020

READ | Subramanian Swamy binges web series 'thanks to lockdown', says it has lessons for India

READ | Subramanian Swamy to sue United Nations top official for 'defamatory lies' against him
The Guard is "always there, always ready to go," Bohac said, wherever needed, at home responding to devastating flooding or the specter of a deadly virus on the loose.

Mobile National Guard testing teams have been dispatched throughout the state, moving into hot spots to identify and measure the danger.

Four mobile test teams and two smaller teams that support Test Nebraska sites in Lincoln and Omaha are continuing to assist local health districts.

As of May 18, the teams had collected 26,353 test samples in support of all 19 of Nebraska's health districts and at locations in 40 counties.

Fifty-two soldiers and airmen are continuing to support food packaging with Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha and food packaging and distribution with the Food Bank of Lincoln.

Altogether, they have distributed 325,000 pounds of food.

Seventeen soldiers and airmen are distributing personal protective equipment to health departments and medical facilities throughout the state, and they've delivered 1.9 million masks and face shields, 20,191 gowns, 2.3 million gloves and 5,500 gallons of hand sanitizer.
Representative Image

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there has been a lot of discussion about the role women leaders have played in handling the crisis. Hailed as the voice of reason among the Coronavirus chaos, many women leaders have attracted praise for effective messaging and decisive action.

In Europe, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway  nations that are winning favourable notice in the fight against COVID-19  are all led by women. In Asia, some of the more successful battles with the virus have been in areas where women have been in charge. They include Taiwan and Hong Kong, as well as the small Indian state of Kerala where a woman holds the health portfolio.

Last week, New Zealand, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, announced that it was largely successful in meeting its ambitious goal of eliminating, rather than just controlling, outbreaks of COVID-19, one of the few countries in the world to do so.

The success of these women leaders during such a challenging time has led to comparisons with many male leaders and ignited a wider discussion around male vs female leadership styles.

On the surface, its tempting to conclude that women are indeed faring better in the crisis, because of their gender. That line of thinking is simplistic and flawed.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

Exceptions To The Rule

For one, it doesnt take into account an obvious caveat  not all women leaders are faring quite as well. For example, Belgium, led by Sophie Wilmes, has had one of the worst outbreaks in Europe in terms of deaths per capita with 9,212 deaths among its 11.5 million residents. Then, closer home there is Bangladesh, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, where the government is arresting citizens, doctors and students for criticising its lacklustre response to the pandemic. This even as it registers thousands of new cases every day, with more than 400 people dead. In the United States, Las Vegas mayor Carolyn Goodman told CNN that its time to open her citys casinos because the Ebola epidemic prepared the casinos for the safe handling of COVID-19.

Similarly, there are also many countries with male leaders, such as South Korea, Vietnam and Greece, which have also succeeded in keeping infection rates down. The reality is that there are competent female and male leaders guiding their countries through this crisis, and there are those who are struggling.

Then, there is also the question of who we are comparing the women leaders to  in most cases, a group of incompetent, science-denialist men, who also happen to be the worlds strongmen, and therefore commanding most media attention. The American presidents dismissive attitude in the early stages of the pandemic and the British Prime Ministers snobbishness in handling the crisis will be remembered for years to come.

Numbers And Styles

That argument is one about leadership styles, and here too the comparisons don't tell us anything useful, because there cant be a cookie-cutter approach here.

To put things in perspective, women account for fewer than 7 percent of the worlds leaders and 24 percent of politicians, essentially making them a minority. At the start of the year, only 15 of the 193 United Nations countries were led by women, according to Axios, and thats now dropped to 13.

Even within the ambit of this small group of women, there isnt a standard style that fits all. German Chancellor Angela Merkel's strict, disciplinarian style of leadership is different from Ardern's leadership style of empathy and politics rooted in social justice.

Inclusive Societies And Values

This is not to take away from the fact that there are certain countries with women leaders that have managed the crisis efficiently. The right question to ask though is not whether they are better leaders, but why women are disproportionately represented among countries that have managed the crisis well.

What if the presence of a woman leader is not a cause of better governance, but a signal that a country has more inclusive political institutions and values? What if the countries that are managing the pandemic better have societies where women find greater representation in all positions of powers?

The World Economic Forums annual study on gender parity supports this hypothesis. As per the listing of the forums Global Gender Gap Report 2020, which ranks countries in terms of their gender equality performance, those that have fought the pandemic most effectively  Norway, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand and Germany  are all led by women and rank high on the list.

Experts point out that women may find it easier gaining power in a political culture in which there is relative support and trust in the government  and that doesnt make stark distinctions between women and men.

In these countries, power is enhanced by the complementary nature of two genders with contributing gender-balanced environments producing better outcomes.

Strong Leaders

So, is there anything that we can say with certainty about women leaders? Its hard to conclude, because any leader, male or female, who reaches the top echelon of political order has to be unusual in some way, but a thing that stands out among women is this: for women leaders to be elected at all, they have to be highly competent and outstanding. This is especially true for countries where entry barriers for women are already set high.

It may also be why we are seeing such strong leadership from these women. They are not just qualified, but more prepared to do this very, very well.

Attributing the accomplishments of women leaders to just their sex is reductionist and detracts from the value of their contribution. Its detrimental to the cause of progressive politics, because it furthers the same sexist stereotypes that have historically held women back.

Lets evaluate individual leaders on the merit of their work, instead of their gender. After all, we do not say that Russian President Valdimir Putin is a controversial male leader.

Finally, women leaders are not the reason for a country faring well. They are only a reflection of a society that trusts and honours them and their work.
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Juhu unit arrested a 38-year-old man involved in more than 30 cases of robbery, dacoity and allegedly financing Maoist groups.

The accused, Dalbir Singh Balwant Singh Rawat alias Raja alias Pappu Nepali was arrested on Saturday with a country-made pistol and three live cartridges when he came with the intention of conducting robbery at a petrol pump in Andheri (West).

According to a press note by the ATS, Rawat along with his associates had robbed 16 kg of gold from a jewellery workshop in Andhra Pradeshs Vijayawada in 2017 and he was still wanted in the case. Rawat has more than 30 past cases of robbery and dacoity in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai.

Following a tip-off, police inspector Daya Nayak of the Juhu ATS unit laid a trap at Mastkar Petrol pump and arrested Rawat.

ATS have registered a case under Arms Act against Rawat and are conducting an inquiry to find out his alleged link with Maoist groups and also trying to find out that the medium through which he used to send money to Maoist group, said ATS officer.
Against the backdrop of an increasingly uncertain global economy, one area of consistent investment has been digital transformation. Within manufacturing, that means the ongoing evolution towards Industry 4.0.

The rationale is simple enough. Manufacturers that are willing to embrace Industry 4.0 connectivity and modern automation opportunities stand to see significant improvements in productivitynot only on the shop floor, but also across the enterprise.

Another reason that these programmes are still being developed is because they can engender a great deal of confidence amidst volatile markets. Industry 4.0 improvements are all very tangible and quickly identified and measured. According to a joint survey on smart factories from PwC and the Manufacturing Institute, productivity gains, reduced labour costs, and uncovering new revenue streams are among the top benefits for manufacturers that have deployed Industry 4.0 technologies.

This confidence is so strong that while many manufacturers are still in the research and pilot stages, the survey reports that 73% of them are planning to increase their technology investments over the next year. But where exactly should manufacturers look to secure these early wins and focus their investment plans to deliver not only resilience but growth?

1. Shop-floor optimization

Manufacturers can use Industry 4.0-ready technologies to help digitize shop floor processes that are still largely paper-based. Today, many manufacturers still use paper trails to monitor the progress of work orders, the location of parts, and sometimes even the assembly sequence and steps for a specific order. This is not only inefficient in the immediate, here and now but it restricts the speed and agility that is vital for new product development to help drive the future growth of a manufacturer.

Modern software provides ways to automate and streamline steps as new functionality anticipates the needs of the user, based on roles and custom-defined workflows. Modern software empowers faster decision-making with easy-to-read dashboards, workbenches, and consumable reporting.

2. Transparent supply chain

Efficiently filling customer orders is top of mind for manufacturers. According to a survey from industry advisory firm BDO, 23% of midmarket manufacturers are looking to supply chain technologies to help speed up order cycle times.

In an age where we can track every personal delivery to our home, businesses (including manufacturers) now realise that they need end-to-end supply chain technologies that give them a network-wide view of inventory on order, so they can see where potential bottlenecks may bewhether its from the supplier during transport, or once it makes it to the manufacturing facility.

3. Workforce augmentation

Automation often strikes a note of fear into many manufacturers, but collaborative robots, or cobots, arent here to replace human workers, but to work side-by-side with them to help handle the heavy work or repetitive tasks that can be hard on employees bodies over time.

With cobots taking on some of the more monotonous tasks, human employees can focus on activities that require more dexterity, creativity, reasoning, and critical thinking. This has the potential to be truly transformative over the long term.

Just as robots can help on the shop floor, workforce management and human capital management systems can help a manufacturers employees succeed as the roles and responsibilities within the workplace shift. These software tools can provide ease of use, automation, and analytics that help managers plan the use of resources and control labour costs, while also enhancing the employee experience.

4. Predictive asset maintenance

Its mission-critical for shop floor equipment and assets to keep runningeven when the machinery is past its prime and needs frequent repairs or even replacement. With minimal resources and numerous demands for their time, maintenance teams need to develop and follow optimal strategies.

Reactive maintenance isnt an acceptable strategyfixing broken equipment, one emergency after another, is an inefficient use of resources and can even result in entire production lines shutting down. A predictive maintenance strategy, however, can catch issues before they become expensive and time-consuming problems.

Modern enterprise asset management software systems contain powerful predictive capabilities combined with innovative business intelligence and artificial intelligence that uses algorithms and data science to identify patterns in data points and project next-likely outcomes. Users can explore what if scenarios and obtain forecasts of likely costs and probable demands to help drive decision-making.

It is worth concluding on a note of realism. Industry 4.0 is not a panacea for the current issues impacting global manufacturing  it wasnt before COVID19 hit and it still isnt now. But it is a set of tools that can not only improve the response to issues such as economic difficulties imposed by the coronavirus, but also drive future growth and strength within the sector.

As an example of digital transformation, Industry 4.0 can lead a lot of businesses forward, but early wins will be critical to maintain confidence and investment levels, helping businesses to realise positive initial progress and develop competitive advantage.

Khaled AlShami is Director, Solution Consulting, Middle East & Africa (MEA) at Infor
The US embassy in Australia has gone into damage control over controversial comments by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that America would simply disconnect if Victorias decision to join Chinas Belt and Road plan impacted telecommunications.

On Sunday morning Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the state government should never have signed the memorandum of understanding with China.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said all Belt and Road projects needed to be carefully scrutinised. Credit:AP

Earlier, Premier Daniel Andrews said he agreed with the comments of his Treasurer, Tim Pallas, who was critical of federal government rhetoric that could be interpreted as vilification by China.

There were also calls from members of the Victorian Liberals for Opposition Leader Michael O'Brien to commit to scrapping the agreement between Victoria and China if the party won government.
An uncertain time highlights the value of the constants on which we can rely. One of these key constants is the ever-churning logistics network, which is working overtime to keep the economy moving and store shelves as stocked as possible.

Central to this effort is a multi-modal network of trains, trucks, planes and ships that moves 54 tons of goods for every American each year. The tenacity of the nations freight rail network especially shines as the industry hauls 64.8 million tons of goods throughout New York annually.
By PTI

INDORE: An Air India flight carrying 93 Indians who were stranded in the United Kingdom arrived at the Indore airport in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday morning, an official said.

As part of the Centre's 'Vande Bharat' mission, the flight from London reached here via Mumbai at 8.04 am, Indore's Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport Director Aryama Sanyal said.

The special flight carried 93 Indians from the UK, she said.

A health checkup of the passengers was conducted and their belongings were sanitised, she said.

The passengers will be kept under the mandatory 14-day quarantine, the official said.

Indians stranded abroad due to travel restrictions following the coronavirus outbreak are being flown back home under the central government's 'Vande Bharat' mission.
Warsaw, Poland

Last Friday, Kazik Staszewski, a rock legend in Poland, achieved a stunningly short-lived success in the country's oldest music chart.

His song "Your Pain Is Better Than Mine" was named No. 1 on the beloved "Radio Three Chart" show  but only for a few moments. Within minutes of the show ending, the results disappeared from the website of the show's state-run broadcaster. Staszewski's anthem had vanished, along with the rest of the chart.

Since Staszewski's song chastised one of Poland's most powerful politicians, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, its disappearance was immediately interpreted by critics as censorship. Over the following week, the furor set off a string of resignations, including from some of Radio Three's most prominent hosts, and saw high-profile artists calling to withdraw their music from the broadcaster.

The Radio Three station has long been a favorite of Poland's intelligentsia. Commonly called Trojka, it is known for promoting noncommercial musical genres such as alternative rock and jazz, though it also features speech-based programming including spirited intellectual debates. Under communism, it was the only institution that was allowed to broadcast music from beyond the Iron Curtain.

Since 2016, Kaczynski's party, Law and Justice, has exerted ever-greater control over Poland's state-funded television and radio outlets, effectively turning them into mouthpieces of the government and promoting a conservative agenda, often steeped in xenophobia, homophobia and nationalism.

Trojka's musical focus had, to some extent, spared it the fate of other public broadcasters, which have seen loyalists of the Law and Justice Party brought in to replace some journalists and hosts.

But since the station erased Staszewski's song from the charts, some artists and politicians have been calling for a boycott. Tomasz Kowalczewski, the station's director, initially tried to blame the incident on the chart show's longtime host, Marek Niedzwiecki, who Kowalczewski said had manipulated the vote. Because the poll had been "falsified," Kowalczewski said in a statement, it had to be annulled.

Niedzwiecki, who has hosted the show since it first went on air in 1982, denied the charges in a statement, and resigned Sunday, outraged by the accusation of fraud. He later demanded an apology from the station and threatened a lawsuit.

Station employees told local news outlets that Kowalczewski had intervened after "Your Pain Is Better Than Mine" topped the chart, calling the head of the music department, Piotr Metz, to take the chart down from the website. On a TV talk show Tuesday, Metz showed a text message from Kowalczewski demanding the radio station stop playing Staszewski's song, sent just hours after the chart show ended.

"Your Pain Is Better Than Mine," which on Friday had more than 9 million views on YouTube, is a not-so-veiled censure of a privilege extended to a top politician during the coronavirus lockdown. Kaczynski, whom the song does not mention by name, was allowed a visit to a Warsaw cemetery in April while it was closed to the public. The visit took place on the anniversary of the Smolensk crash, in which Kaczynski's twin brother, Lech, Poland's president at the time, died. The opening of the cemetery especially for Kaczynski was sharply criticized on social media.

"You alone can soothe your pain; everyone else is in trouble. Two limousines, or one; the entire cemetery just for you," Staszewski sings to the mockingly cheerful sounds of an accordion.

Staszewski, who has been recording since 1979, declined through a spokesman to comment for this article. But in an interview with Polish radio station RMF FM on Friday, he said that the song was about "inequality before the law."

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Through the week, nine anchors followed Niedzwiecki's lead and resigned, joining about a dozen other prominent hosts who have parted ways with Trojka in recent months.

Metz, the music department director, who started working at Trojka as an anchor in 1982 and continued broadcasting after he became a manager, was among those who stepped down. He said in an interview that even the communist regime had more respect for the freedom of speech at Trojka than the current government has.

"Until now, the music department has been mostly free from political pressures," he said. "The news and opinion desks were not so lucky, though. In those last years, Trojka has been promoting one ideology, one political camp and a very simplistic narrative that went against what this radio station used to stand for."

The scandal over Staszewski's song has also been the last straw for many Polish artists, who called on the station to stop playing their music.

Tomasz Organek, the frontman of Organek, an alternative rock band, said in an interview that Trojka had been like "home to him and other independent artists" and that "the decision to part ways is a painful one."

"But this last politically motivated manipulation is unacceptable," he said. "We've been seeing signs of that for years with Trojka, and it's a real shame because it was once a bulwark of independent thought and sound thinking."
The Indian government issued a new set of guidelines that allowed e-commerce companies to resume the sale and delivery of non-essential items such as smartphones, laptops, and electronics. Earlier in the month, the country used a colour-coding system, dividing regions into Red, Orange and Green zones, to indicate the severity of outbreak in certain areas. The new guidelines further divide the Red and Orange zones into contaminant and buffer zones. Apart from contaminant zones, e-commerce companies will now be able to operate in all other areas. Amazon also launched its food delivery service, titled Amazon Food in Bengaluru and currently delivering to four pin codes in the city.

TikToks rating on the Google Play Store currently stands at 1.6 stars. The social media app that has seen so much success in India got hammered by supporters of popular Indian YouTuber CarryMinati. Indians have also criticised the short video app for allowing a controversial video of popular TikTok creator Faizal Siddiqui to remain on the platform. The video shows Faizal simulating and glorifying an acid attack. However, TikTok suspended Faizals account after the video attracted criticism from the National Commission for Women, celebrities, and politicians. TikToks rating has since dropped on Apples App Store as well, going from 4.5 stars to 3.5 stars.

Apple and Google made the first version of their joint exposure notification API available to the public. The software will allow public health officials around the world to build mobile apps that notify people when they may have come in contact with a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Back in April, the two tech giants announced that they would collaborate to create Bluetooth-based technology to aid in the fight against the pandemic. The API was made available through a software update in the Android and iOS operating system. Apple and Google said some states in the US and 22 countries around the world would be using the software. It's worth noting that Apple and Google API tool does not work with Aarogya Setu, the government of India's COVID-19 tracking app, as API prohibits access to location data over privacy-related concerns.

Motorola finally unveiled the Edge+ smartphone in India. The Motorola Edge+ is a flagship handset that will rival the best from Google, Apple, Huawei, and Samsung. The Motorola Edge+ packs a Snapdragon 865 chipset, a 108-megapixel camera setup, a high refresh rate curved OLED display, and a massive 5,000 mAh battery. The Motorola Edge+ is priced in India at Rs 74,999 and is only available in a single 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. The phone will go on sale on Flipkart on May 26.

At the start of the year, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi officially launched a joint collaboration for wireless file transfer, calling it the Peer-to-Peer Transmission Alliance. More recently, Realme, OnePlus, Meizu, and Black Shark joined the P2P Transmission Alliance. The seamless file transfer platform is aiming to enable the speedy exchange of data across different brands. It pairs through Bluetooth, but media and other files transfer through Wi-Fi at a rate of 20 Mbps. The P2P transfer option should be available in the Share sub-menu but is currently unavailable on global devices. While Meizus is a fresh addition to the platform, the arrival of OnePlus and Realme is not surprising considering they are part of BBK Electronics. Meanwhile, Black Shark is a gaming subsidiary of Xiaomi.

The Joe Rogan Experience is heading to Spotify in September. Rogan has reportedly signed a USD 100-million multi-year deal with Spotify. The deal saw Spotify shares surge by as much as 11 percent to USD 179.42. Until now, Rogans podcast was available on Apple and YouTube. However, the show will become a Spotify exclusive by the end of the year. Spotify will also house all of Rogans previous episodes. The comedian also stressed that the show would be exactly the same and he will not be an employee of Spotify. Rogan has one of the most consumed podcasts on YouTube and hosts guests ranging from celebrities and comedians to politicians and scientists, and everything in between.
The public returned to St Peter's Square to receive Pope Francis's blessing from his window for the first time in nearly three months today.

Pope Francis called for a year of reflection on the environment as a few dozen people went to the square, which was reopened on Monday.

St Peter's Basilica was also reopened following the coronavirus lockdown and worshippers kept to social distancing rules and most wore masks.

Francis delivered his message via the internet from his library as those in the square watched on large screens and then went to the window for the silent blessing.

Worshippers returned to St Peter's Square to hear the Pope's blessing today for the first time since it was closed for coronavirus and reopened on Monday

Pope Francis has blessed an empty square for the past three months after the coronavirus lockdown began

A few dozen Nuns and Faithfuls attend the Regina Caeli Sunday prayer, sticking to social distancing guidelines and wearing masks

He has blessed an empty square over the last three months in The Vatican in Rome, Italy.

Sunday was the fifth anniversary of his encyclical "Laudato Si" on the care of the environment.

He called for a reduction of fossil fuels and backed the majority scientific consensus that human activity is partly to blame for global warming.

The Argentine urged Catholics to reflect on the environment for the next twelve months, how they can better protect it and how to help those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Pope Francis delivered his Sunday prayer and blessing on video screens in the square but appeared briefly from the window of his studio to greet worshippers at the end of the ceremony

A priest covers his face with a scarf in St. Peter's Square during Italy's Phase 2 of the Covid-19 emergency

The Pope called for a reduction of fossil fuels and backed the majority scientific consensus that human activity is partly to blame for global warming

He also sent special greetings to Catholics in mainland China on the day they celebrate a national religious feast day.

Catholics in China are emerging from more than half a century of division which saw them split between a state-backed "official" Church and a "non-official" underground Church loyal to Rome.

In 2018, the Holy See and Beijing signed a historic pact on the naming of bishops, meaning all bishops recognised the pope's authority.

But there have been hiccups. In June, the Vatican asked Beijing to stop intimidating clergy who refuse to sign an official government registration.

The Pope has blessed an empty square over the last three months in The Vatican in Rome, Italy

St Peter's Basilica was also reopened following the coronavirus lockdown and worshippers kept to social distancing rules and most wore masks

The deal, which is up for renewal in September, has split Catholics in China and around the world, with some critics saying the pope caved in to the Communist government.

Churches, restaurants, bars, cafes, hairdressers and other shops have reopened in Italy subject to social distancing measures.

The country has entered Phase 2 of the emergency after more than two months of a nationwide lockdown was in place to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Italy imposed a national lockdown on March 10, earlier than any other European country, and only began to lift it on May 4.

The Pope urged Catholics to reflect on the environment for the next twelve months, how they can better protect it and how to help those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change

Church services resumed from Monday, including in the Vatican where believers had their temperatures checked as they entered St Peter's Basilica

From June 3, EU nationals will be allowed to enter Italy without a quarantine period - a move which Italy hopes will revive its tourism sector.

Church services resumed from Monday, including in the Vatican where believers had their temperatures checked as they entered St Peter's Basilica.

Restaurants and cafes opened with their tables are spaced at least two metres (6.5ft) apart.
New Delhi, May 24 : With the increasing number of coronavirus cases in Delhi, the government on Sunday directed 117 private hospitals and nursing homes with a capacity of 50 beds or more to reserve 20 per cent of their total bed strength for coronavirus patients.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, in a tweet, said the decision was taken as the government felt an imperative need to increase the number of beds dedicated to Covid-19 patients.

"The Delhi govt felt an imperative need to increase the no. of beds, dedicated to Covid19 patients. Hence, all 117 pvt hospitals/nursing homes with a capacity of 50 beds or more, have been directed to reserve 20 per cent of their total bed strength for Covid19 patients," Jain said.

In an order issued on Sunday, the Delhi Directorate General Of Health Services said that it was found that in the recent past, a majority of beds earmarked for Covid-19 patients in the dedicated private hospitals are occupied at any given time.

"Therefore there is a need to increase the number of beds dedicated for Covid-19 patients in the private hospitals in the city," the order said.

As on date, it said, there are 117 private hospitals/nursing homes having bed strength of 50 beds or more registered under Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1953 with the Directorate.

"In order to increase the bed capacity for Covid-19 patients, all 117 nursing homes/private hospitals having bed strength of 50 beds or more are directed to reserve/earmark at least 20 per cent of their total bed strength for Covid-19 patients," it said.

The order also allowed the 117 private hospitals and nursing homes to accommodate 25 per cent extra beds depending on space availability for non-Covid patients, if they choose.

"These 117 private hospitals shall bill the Covid-19 patients as per their respective schedule of charges. However, the billing for non-Covid patients admitted on extra beds shall not be more than 50 per cent of the lowest economy category of the concerned hospital as per earlier practice during upsurge of cases of vector-borne diseases," the order said.

Till date, Delhi has 14 Covid dedicated hospitals in the city, including two AIIMS.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
A new study on Covid-19 patients from Singapore highlights just why its important to refine treatment and hospitalisation policies on the basis of science.

Bloomberg News reported on Sunday that a joint paper by the countrys National Centre for Infectious Diseases and the Academy of Medicine showed that patients were no longer contagious 11 days after infection. In other words, they had enough of a viral load to return a positive test, but not enough to infect others. Bloomberg cited a report in the Straits Times to say that the countrys ministry of health will now see if these findings need to be incorporated into its patient clinical management plan.

This is a significant finding for two reasons. One, most scientists now accept that the primary way in which the coronavirus disease spreads is person to person. This, despite the huge obsession researchers have had with surface transmission and the reams of literature on whats safe to touch and what isnt.

A minor digression is in order here: your newspaper is perfectly safe. As I messaged a friend in the neighbourhood who asked whether he should allow the papers to be delivered to his house: Its probably safer than many other things you do; there are no records, anywhere in the world, of anyone getting infected by a newspaper; and, in the worst-case scenario that you become the first person in the world to be infected by the newspaper, then you will be a person of interest to science. Actually, I didnt use the term person of interest to science; I said medical marvel.

Two, if follow-up studies establish the findings of the Singapore study to be accurate and universal, people can be safely discharged after 11 days, even if they continue to test positive. The current discharge policy in India is that a person has to test negative twice before being discharged. A change in this policy may mean less strain on health care resources. It also means people who have physically recovered from the illness, or asymptomatic people who never fell ill, can now be discharged 11 days after they first tested positive.

India has now reached a stage (138,474 cases as of Sunday night; 3,949 dead), where it has to start looking at whether its health care resources are adequate to deal with the pandemic. They probably are at the aggregate level  not at all hot spots of infection.

For instance, Mumbais health care resources are straining under the weight of a high volume of cases and suspected cases (anyone with symptoms is being admitted to hospitals). In the seven days to Saturday, the city saw 1185, 1411, 1372, 1382, 1751 and 1566 cases -- an average of 1,444 cases a day. Sure, many of these are likely to be asymptomatic individuals who get sent to a quarantine facility or be asked to isolate at home, but at least some of them will need hospitals. Then, there are those with Covid-19 symptoms who have been tested and are awaiting results, or are yet to be tested (and have to be in hospital).

On average, between Monday and Saturday last week, 807 Covid-19 and suspected Covid-19 patients were admitted to Mumbai hospitals. The most was on Saturday, 1059, and the least on Monday, 678.

Delhi has been registering, on average, between half and a third the number of cases in Mumbai over the past few days, but the city has been lucky so far in that many of the positive cases have not needed hospitalisation. Between Monday and Saturday, for instance, the number of people requiring hospitalisation increased only by around 114 (the number doesnt factor in the number of people who either died or were discharged, and is therefore an approximation). It also doesnt include suspected cases admitted to hospitals. Still, while a direct comparison of the Delhi and Mumbai numbers isnt possible, the data clearly shows the pressure on the health system in Mumbai.

This should serve as an early warning for planners in Delhi, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. They may never have to cope with a situation akin to what Mumbai is going through right now, but they should be prepared.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR R Sukumar Sukumar Ranganathan is the Editor-in-Chief of Hindustan Times. He is also a comic-book freak and an amateur birder. ...view detail
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 23)  Filipino Muslims will have to celebrate the end of Ramadan differently this year as the coronavirus disease remains a threat, forcing people to stay physically apart.

Eid'l Fitr, also called the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is one of the most important days for Muslims and is an occasion that brings the entire Muslim community together.

During this time, families and friends gather to show gratitude to Allah while celebrating the end of Ramadan, the four-week daytime fast that marks the month Muslims believe their Holy Book, the Quran, was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.

But Muslim priest Imam Rashid Marneld Indasan told CNN Philippines that this year would be different, as quarantine protocols remain in place to contain the spread of COVID-19.

"Traditionally, we Muslims are usually, ngayon pagdating nitong eve na to, tong paglubog ng araw, magyayakapan na kami, maghahalikan kami, brothers, sisters, so isa yun sa mga talagang mahirap," Indasan said in an interivew. "At bukas, kung saan ay dapat masaya kami ay di kami magkakasama, yun po ang ating concern ngayon."

[Translation: Traditionally, during this eve, at sunset, we Muslim brothers and sisters start hugging and kissing each other so that's one reason this year is difficult. And tomorrow, when we should be celebrating, we cannot be together. That's our concern right now.]

Indasan admitted that he was feeling emotional this year because they will not be able to celebrate Eid'l Fitr as a community. Instead, he and his family will celebrate in the local mosque.

Maraming gustong pumunta bukas pero pinipigilan po namin sa pagsunod na rin po ng ordinansa sa lockdown na nagaganap ngayon," Indasan said. "We will do praising, yan ang official call na talagang tapos na po ang Ramadan at ngayon, magbabatian na po kami lahat at may kainan po kami."

[Translation: Many members also want to go tomorrow but we told them not to, following the local ordinance on the lockdown. We will do the praising, that is the official call that Ramadan is over and now, we will all greet each other and have a feast.]

The Eid'l Fitr celebrations focus on the community and family, and a spirit of generosity is encouraged.

Despite the difficulties faced this year, Indasan said he is joyful as he celebrates this day and he encouraged his fellow brothers and sisters to rejoice as they celebrate the Festival of Breaking the Fast.

The Islam celebration of Eid'l Fitr on May 25, Monday is declared as a national public holiday.

In Proclamation No. 944, President Rodrigo Duterte said "the entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eidl Fitr, subject to existing community quarantine and social distancing measures."
A Florida man accused of coughing on and spitting at police officers after claiming to have the CCP virus, commonly referred to as novel coronavirus, has been indicted on a federal terrorism charge.

A federal grand jury in Tampa returned the indictment charging James Jamal Curry, 31, with perpetrating a biological weapon hoax, according to court records. He had previously been charged by criminal complaint last month and could be given up to five years in prison if convicted.

His attorney, Samuel Landes, said in an email obtained by CBS Miami that prosecutors are stretching a law that is meant for terrorists, calling Currys case a standard law enforcement confrontation.

The United States Attorneys position, in this case, would make each of the millions of COVID-19 patients in possession of a biological weapon, Landes said.

According to court documents, St. Petersburg police officers responded to a domestic violence call involving Curry and his girlfriend of almost two years on March 27. Police found Currys girlfriend to be visibly shaken, crying, and with a bruise on her upper right arm, and she told officers that he had been physically violent with her in the past.

Officers interviewed Curry and subsequently arrested him and charged him with felony domestic battery (one prior conviction) and false imprisonment. However, during the arrest, Curry declared that he was infected with COVID-19 and coughed on an officers arm, police said.

He was bonded out of Pinellas County Jail the following day and later that evening, police were again dispatched to the same apartment where he had initially been arrested after Currys girlfriend called them to report that he was outside of the home in violation of a no-contact order.

During his second arrest, Curry violently resisted officers and spat on one officer multiple times, hitting the inside of her mouth with blood-filled saliva, prosecutors said. Curry again claimed to have the coronavirus, laughed and said, I have Corona [expletive], and Im spreading it around, multiple times. He also made several attempts to bite an officer and yelled racist remarks, at officers, according to court documents.

Currys girlfriend told officers that she was not aware that he was ill and had not perceived him to have any symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, dry cough, tiredness, loss of taste or smell and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Law enforcement then obtained a warrant to test Curry for COVID-19, and the result was negative.

The maximum penalty for a federal charge of perpetrating a biological threat hoax that did not cause serious bodily injury or death is five years in prison.
The deliberation by China's top legislature on national security legislation for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has been welcomed by many law experts in Hong Kong as a critical effort to plug loopholes in the national security system and safeguard the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law.

A draft decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security was submitted to the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) for deliberation on Friday.

Legal experts in Hong Kong pointed out that the central authorities bear the ultimate responsibility for safeguarding national security, and the decision by the NPC, China's highest organ of state power, has a sufficient legal basis.

Article 31 of the Constitution provides, "The state may establish special administrative regions when necessary. The systems instituted in special administrative regions shall, in light of specific circumstances, be prescribed by laws enacted by the National People's Congress."

The NPC's decision, which is basically the exercising of the NPC's power in accordance with the Constitution to implement relevant systems in the HKSAR, has a solid legal basis, said Chu Kar-kin, a member of a research association on the Basic Laws of Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.

Wong Ying-ho, a solicitor in Hong Kong and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, pointed out that the Basic Law is based on Article 31 of the Constitution, and the NPC and its Standing Committee have the constitutional responsibility of safeguarding national security in the HKSAR according to Hong Kong's actual situation and needs.

Chan Man-ki, a lawyer and an NPC deputy from Hong Kong, noted that national security legislation should not be simply regarded as a matter within the scope of autonomy of the HKSAR.

It is constitutional for the central authorities to introduce national security legislation in the HKSAR in accordance with Article 18 of the Basic Law, she said.

While Article 23 of the Basic Law authorizes the HKSAR to enact laws on its own to prohibit acts endangering national security, "this authorization does not affect the central government's overall jurisdiction over Hong Kong and its overriding power to establish, improve and supervise the legal system and enforcement mechanisms in the HKSAR for safeguarding national security, as well as to supervise the implementation of the Constitution and the Basic Law in Hong Kong," Chan said.

Some legal experts stressed the need and urgency for the NPC to plug loopholes in the legal system for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong now has laws against crimes of treason, sedition, espionage, and stealing official secrets, but other crimes such as secession and subversion are not included," said Ip Lau Suk-yee, a member of the HKSAR Legislative Council.

"In recent months, some people advocated 'Hong Kong independence,' while some called for disbanding the HKSAR government, which fall under the crimes of secession and subversion, yet Hong Kong doesn't have relevant legislation against such crimes, making such actions hard to handle," she explained.

Legal experts stressed that the NPC's introduction of the national security legislation for the HKSAR is the institutional arrangement at the state level, which does not mean it replaces or abolishes Article 23 of the Basic Law.

"Article 23 of the Basic Law remains effective," said Leung Mei-fun, a member of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee under the NPC Standing Committee," the HKSAR still has the legislative responsibility of enacting the legislation required by Article 23 of the Basic Law at an early date."

Gu Minkang, former deputy dean of the law school of the City University of Hong Kong, said the opposition forces in Hong Kong spared no efforts to demonize the legislation aimed at safeguarding national security and even urged interference from foreign countries such as the United States.

Ironically, the United States has the world's most complicated and complete law system for national security and frequently uses its domestic laws to exercise long-arm jurisdiction, Gu said. "It is typical double standard."
Tehran, May 24 : Tourist sites are set to reopen across Iran on Sunday after a nearly three-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement was made by President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday at a meeting of the National Headquarters for Managing and Fighting the Coronavirus, reports Xinhua news agency.

Holy shrines will reopen on Monday, according to Rouhani.

The shrines would be open for three hours in the mornings and three hours in the afternoons, he said earlier.

Meanwhile, all workers in the country will return to work from May 30, the President noted.

Iran has implemented three stages regarding the pandemic, according to Rouhani.

The first stage was announcing the disease and mobilizing the nation's capacities to rein in the outbreak.

The second involved controlling the disease through social distancing measures, and the third required smart distancing accompanied by gradual reopening of the country.

In the fourth stage, the authorities will aim to contain the novel coronavirus, he noted.

The growth of mortality rate over the virus in the country has begun to decline and hospitalizations are becoming shorter, Rouhani said.

Iran has recorded a total of 133,521 coronavirus infections since February 19, with 7,359 have died.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: Mohammed Fayaz Mohideen, 46, from Sri Lanka is ready to return home healthier and happier after successfully undergoing liver transplantation in Kochi, once the international flight operations begin after lockdown. Fayaz, an employee in a tour company in Colombo, was suffering from end-stage liver disease for close to one year and was told by his doctors in Colombo that he had just a few months to live unless he underwent transplantation. He visited Kochis VPS Lakeshore Hospital in November last year for the initial consultation as Sri Lanka is yet to have liver transplantation facilities. As advised by doctors, Fayaz decided to undergo transplantation here.

He went back to Colombo for the preparations as his 21-year-old college-going daughter Fathima Habsath Mohideen volunteered to be the donor. As Covid-19 was spreading, it was a life-and-death situation for Fayaz to board a flight and reach Kochi. He arrived on March 19, and the liver transplant surgery was performed on May 4.

What made the surgery even more unique was that a small part of a blood vessel which was harvested from a brain-dead donor in Thiruvananthapuram was also utilised to supplement a blood vessel inside Fayazs body, said Dr Abhishek Yadav, head of Comprehensive Liver Care Institute at the hospital, who led the surgery. He also added that the patient was discharged on May 18. S K Abdulla, CEO, VPS Lakeshore Hospital, said this was one among the six liver transplants done at the hospital during the lockdown, including that of a seven-year-old girl.
Ahead of elections, Pakistan pumping in huge number of IEDs into India

The drone threat from Pakistan that India faces is immense

What bonds the Khalistanis and the Pakistanis

Pak will give 'befitting response' to India in case of 'any misadventure': Qureshi

International

pti-PTI

Islamabad, May 24: Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Sunday that his country will give "a befitting response" to India in case of "any misadventure" against it.

"Pakistan wants peace and its policy of restraint should not be taken as weakness, Qureshi told the media in his native town of Multan after offering Eid prayers.

"A befitting response will be given to India if it goes for any misadventure against Pakistan," he was quoted as saying by the state-run Radio Pakistan.

Qureshi said he has contacted General Secretaries of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, drawing their attention towards the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir.

97 dead, 2 survived in plane crash in Karachi: Pakistan

Covid-19: Maha says no to passenger flights, may extend lockdown: Oneindia News

The minister said he has also informed the chiefs of the two world bodies that India may launch a false flag operation against Pakistan to divert world attention from its own internal situation.
Mr. Margolin said by email that the lawsuit involved a dispute between a commercial tenant and a landlord about whether a lease default had taken place. A representative for Mr. Rosens company, RFR Holding LLC, declined to speak about the suit.

The complaint filed by the gallery says that it considers the lease to have been terminated as of April 1. On March 25, it added, the gallery informed the landlord that it was vacating the premises on or about July 1 and demanded the return of the $365,000 deposit.

On April 8, the complaint states, the landlord declared a default under the lease and on April 23 seized the deposit.

The gallery claims it is entitled to end the lease based on two arcane legal doctrines: frustration of purpose, described in the complaint as when an unforeseen event destroys the reason for a contract; and impossibility of performance, which the complaint says allows performance of a contract to be excused if governmental activities render that performance impossible.

Joshua Stein, a commercial real estate lawyer not involved in the lawsuit, said that frustration of purpose is one of several doctrines businesses have considered asserting during the pandemic as a basis to withhold rent or walk away from a lease.

But, he added, it could be difficult to convince a judge that frustration of purpose or impossibility arguments apply in the case of a citywide shutdown caused by a pandemic that at some point will presumably pass.
Press Release

May 24, 2020 P2.4B direct LGUs' food buy from farmers should be part of new, better normal: Pangilinan THE COVID-19 pandemic crisis is an opportunity for our farmers to increase their incomes and for the country to become food secure, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said Sunday. Pangilinan, former Presidential Assistant on Food Security and Agricultural Modernization, was reacting to Agriculture Secretary William Dar's report to the Senate that local government units (LGUs) bought P2.4-billion worth of food directly from Filipino food producers to distribute as food packs among their respective constituents. "Ito na dapat ang bagong normal o ang mas mabuting normal para sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda: Diretso nang bumibili sa kanila ang mga LGU ng mga pangangailangan sa pagkain," Pangilinan said. "At kapag na-engganyo nang mas magtanim pa ang ating mga magsasaka dahil sa mas mataas na kita rito, mas dadami ang pagkain, mas mumura para sa ating mga mamimili at mas magiging secure tayong may kakainin tayo araw-araw," he added. "Lahat tayo panalo sa Sagip Saka," Pangilinan said. The direct purchase of farm produce and fish catch from farmers and fishermen, and the subsequent bypassing of middlemen is at the core of Pangilinan's brainchild Sagip Saka, enacted into law last year. In his report to the Senate Committee of the Whole, Dar said, "Malaking tulong po iyong Sagip Saka niyo." From the beginning of the enhanced community quarantine, Pangilinan advocated that the implementation of his Sagip Saka Law be fast-tracked, pushing for, among others, classifying as front-liners farmers, fishers, and workers in food manufacturing and logistics, as well as issuing quarantine passes to them. To ensure that farmers and fishers thrive during this time of the pandemic, Pangilinan wrote local executives, including the league of governors and mayors, informing them of Sagip Saka Law and the enabling circular from the Department of Budget and Management's Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB). The GPPB circular details how LGUs can tap farmers and farmers' groups as government suppliers. It says that a farmer needs only to have a barangay certificate affirming that he or she is indeed a farmer will be enough for the LGU to purchase food from him or her. "Because now we have Sagip Saka at itong GPPB resolution na pwede nang bumili direkta sa mga farmers, dapat tuloy tuloy na nating gawing new normal ito -- na ang gobyerno ay direktang bumibili sa farmers sa maayos na presyo," Pangilinan said. "We cut out the middlemen, we increase the income of our farmers. That will be the biggest incentive for them to keep planting," Pangilinan said. At the Senate hearing on government efforts during the pandemic, the agriculture secretary also appealed for the Senate's help on their proposed stimulus package for agriculture which funds for an updated logistics, wholesale, retail, and storage systems. "We have this idea of having food markets na malalaki dito sa Metro Manila. Maybe four quadrants for big food markets, na may malalaking warehouses, mga cold storages at retail. Dito rin yung wholesale na galing probinsya. We are detailing this plan and this is part of our proposal for the stimulus package," Dar said. Pangilinan said he supports the plan, saying that this is part of the farmers' "handholding" phase. "Handholding pa rin po ito dahil new normal for the farmers. So we have to give them the capacity to be able to follow through and sustain. Pagtulungan na natin dahil ito naman ang kaligtasan natin. Pagtulungan na po natin," Pangilinan said.
FERDON, Richard Etz

(Dick Ferdon)

Passed peacefully in Tucson on May 6, 2020 from cancer. Dick was born on April 30, 1946, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1961 he moved to Tucson with his family and in 1964 graduated from Catalina High School. It wasn't long before his love of the outdoors led him to a lifelong career as a park ranger. He began as a Seasonal Park Ranger at Saguaro National Park and then at Ft. Bowie National Historic Site. In 1978 he was hired by Arizona State Parks to be the Assistant Ranger at Alamo Lake State Park, where he was soon promoted to Manager.

From there he was transferred to Picacho Peak State Park as Managing Ranger.

The most memorable experience of his life began in 1988 when he was asked to embark on a secret assignment to a privately-owned ranch in southeastern Arizona. He spent the next eleven months in a small travel trailer guarding a limestone sinkhole which we now know as the original entrance to Kartchner Caverns State Park.
How does society establish a new normal during a pandemic?

A key approach involves contact tracing, in which public health officials alert anyone potentially exposed to a newly diagnosed patient within the past 14 days, the incubation period for COVID-19.

Contact tracing can be done with teams of public health officials, relying on a patient's known contacts. Or it can be done with technology, alerting both known and unknown contacts, such as someone walking by at a grocery store.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Bilal Khan has developed a technology solution: a software application system that is ready to pilot. He is working with NUtech Ventures, the university's commercialization affiliate, to find a community partner for implementation.

"Without technology, there is no efficient way to inform contacts who were passively exposed at a public place," said Khan, Happold Professor of Sociology and professor of computer science and engineering. "We also want to give people a richer, more personalized stream of data about how much risk they are taking on -- which will help them make decisions about balancing their health risk with their economic risk."

The software system was originally developed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study how human interactions -- specifically, physical proximity to others -- affect public health attitudes and behavior, as part of a sociology research project funded by the National Institutes of Health.

"Now, five years later, we have this system that already exists and doesn't need to be designed and built from scratch," Khan said. "That's the fortuitous coincidence. Our goal is to leverage it and quickly put something into use."

Users who download the app are assigned an anonymized identification number; it protects privacy by avoiding any connection to personal data, such as names or phone numbers. The system then uses location and Bluetooth data to track users' physical proximity, noting which ID numbers are in close contact with other ID numbers.

If an app user is diagnosed with COVID-19, health officials can easily download a list of all ID numbers who were potentially exposed to that person in the past 14 days and send in-app notifications.

"You get the assurance that if you are exposed to someone today, who 10 days from now is diagnosed positive, then you'll be told about it," Khan said. "This information hopefully gives you additional quantitative measures of how risky things are and whether or not you should go out."

The app also allows officials to ask customizable questions that gauge public sentiment, such as: Do you think it's safe to go outside?

"This information could be valuable for public health officials, because it gives them a real sense of how sentiments are changing over time," Khan said. "Sentiments are a leading indicator of behavior, and behavior is a leading indicator of transmission."

Other countries around the world are developing similar contact tracing systems, including Germany and the United Kingdom -- two countries typically associated with Western democracies, civil liberties and privacy protections, Khan said. His system adds a layer of privacy protection by maintaining data on local servers, which never leave the geographic boundary of a town or county.

Even individuals who don't download the app could still view available data to understand the spread of COVID-19 in their community. Ultimately, Khan's goal is to make public health data more personal and help individuals make informed decisions.

"In the long term, people are balancing their health risk against economic risk and making behavioral decisions -- Should I go out or should I stay in? -- based on those trade-offs," Khan said. "The economic data has hard numbers to it, so it has a kind of advantage -- you can't argue with your rent or your mortgage. Our system is an attempt to help correct that imbalance of personalized information."

###

For information about opportunities to pilot the software application, contact Arpi Siyahian at asiyahian@nutechventures.org.
MONTREALSome business owners in the Montreal area said Sunday that theyre preparing to find a new normal as Quebec prepares to further relax measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.

Masks, Plexiglas barriers, frequent disinfecting and no-touch browsing are some of the measures being put in place by retailers beginning Monday as the city becomes the final region in the province to be allowed to reopen retail stores, as long as they have a door to the outside.

Josee Madore, the owner a clothing boutique in Pointe-Claire village, west of Montreal, said she feels excited and just a little bit worried.

Its the unknown, said Madore, as she put the finishing touches on Kiva Boutique.

Madore plans to open for private appointments on Monday and Tuesday, before opening to the public beginning Wednesday.

Shes limited opening hours, installed Plexiglas shields at the cash, and is planning to disinfect surfaces frequently. Rather than trying on clothes in store, customers are being encouraged to buy first and simply return items that dont fit.

Madore said she didnt have any concerns about her health ahead of reopening.

Im not worried at all, but I know my customers can be, so by respect for them Im going to wear a mask and do whatever I can so they can feel safe, she said in a phone interview.

Quebecs total number of cases rose by 573 to 47,411 on Sunday, and almost 24,000 of them are in the Montreal area.

The province also announced 44 COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the provincial death toll up to 3,984, while 14,331 people have recovered.

Emilie Bordat, the owner of Karibu boutique, says she has mixed feelings about reopening her gift shop in Montreals St-Henri neighbourhood. While shes excited to see her customers, shes not sure how much their habits will have changed.

Already, she says theres been an increase in people browsing online and asking for contactless pick-up and delivery methods. She expects that many of her repeat customers will do their research beforehand, and come to the store once they know what they want.

At the same time, shes hoping to draw some new customers through the door with a display of locally-made face masks offered for sale.

To keep people safe, shes asking everyone to use hand sanitizer at the door, and is asking customers to avoid touching the products unnecessarily. Shell also open Wednesday, to give herself two more days to prepare.

It will be a very different way of doing business, she said.

Despite Quebecs high numbers, she doesnt think its too early for Montreal to relax restrictions. She trusts her customers to be careful, and doesnt see why small businesses should have to remain closed when big stores, such as Walmart, have stayed open all along.

Just as importantly, she says small businesses often provide an important bit of personal connection for their regular clients, some of whom are feeling isolated due to the pandemic.

Just taking five minutes to talk, we can change a bit the loneliness of some people who can feel very (isolated), she said.

I think the role we have also is a social role, as a local business.

The province has been gradually loosening restrictions, allowing outdoor gatherings with a maximum of 10 people from three families with social distancing in place as of Friday.

Dentists, therapeutic-care specialists and pet groomers will be allowed to welcome customers June 1, while hairdressers and other personal-care providers will be allowed to open only if theyre outside the hard-hit Montreal area.

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Pedestrians wearing protective masks walk along the street as a screen displaying a live broadcast of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the National People's Congress in Beijing, China, on Friday, May 22, 2020.

The United States should stop wasting time in its fight against the coronavirus and work with China to combat it, rather than spreading lies and attacking the country, the Chinese government's top diplomat Wang Yi said on Sunday.

Sino-U.S. ties have nosedived since the outbreak of the new coronavirus, with the administrations of President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping repeatedly trading barbs over issues related to the pandemic, especially U.S. accusations of cover-ups and lack of transparency.

The two top economies have also clashed over Hong Kong, human rights, trade and U.S. support for Chinese-claimed Taiwan.

State Councillor Wang, speaking at his annual news conference on the sidelines of China's parliament, expressed his deep sympathies to the United States for the pandemic, where the death toll is expected to surpass 100,000 in the coming days, the highest number of any country.

"Regretfully, in addition to the raging coronavirus, a political virus is also spreading in the United States. This political virus is using every opportunity to attack and smear China," said Wang, who is also China's foreign minister.

"Some politicians have ignored the most basic facts and concocted too many lies about China and plotted too many conspiracies," he added.

"I want to say here: Don't waste precious time any longer, and don't ignore lives," Wang said.

"What China and the United States need to do the most is to first learn from each other and share their experience in fighting against the epidemic, and help each country fight it."
DENVER, April 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Protesters against government-issued stay-at-home/shelter-in-place policies represent a distinct minority. According to a new survey by ROI Rocket, a leading provider of market research-based consulting services, about 90% of Americans favor a stay-at-home policy of one sort or another. Of that number, about three in five (62%) support the active enforcement of such policies. Moreover, only half of the remaining 10% reject stay-at-home orders outright; the other 5% say they don't know if these policies are necessary.

Democrats are more likely than Republicans or Independents to support the active enforcement of government-mandated stay-at-home policies. About three in four Democrats (75%) support this idea compared to only 46% of Republicans and 60% of Independents. But the percentage of partisans in favor of stay-at-home edicts, either enforced or voluntary, is similar: 94% of Democrats support the concept, along with 90% of Republicans and 88% of Independents.

In recent weeks, a number of leading think tanks and universities have issued plans for managing the COVID-19 pandemic that go beyond widespread stay-at-home policies. The ideas put forward in these plans include extensive contact tracing via mobile phone app and mass coronavirus testing. The ROI Rocket survey found that the most aggressive set of pandemic countermeasures acceptable to most Americans would consist of a one-time stay-at-home order of indefinite/flexible duration, plus voluntary contact tracing and testing among those without symptoms, and mandatory tracing and testing among suspected and confirmed cases. This combination of measures is supported by about three in four Americans (74%).

Support for this set of anti-pandemic policies transcends regional and political differences. Regionally, support varies only slightlyfrom about 73% to 75%. Differences in support based on political party are similarly narrow. About 76% of Democrats favor this combination of voluntary and mandatory measures compared to 73% of Independents and 72% of Republications. None of these differences are statistically significant.

Still, most Americans are cautious about ceding too much control to the government. Only about one in three (31%) would support a 'worst-case' policy scenario in which the federal government imposed a one-time stay-at-home order of indefinite duration, along with mandatory contact tracing and regular testing for everyone. The message most Americans apparently want to get across here is not unlike the Hippocratic Oath: first, do no harm.

ABOUT THIS RESEARCH

This study of 1,002 U.S. residents aged 18 and older was fielded between April 14 and April 19, 2020. The results have an associated margin of error of +/- 3.1% at the 95% confidence level in the most conservative case. This means the results come within plus or minus 3.1% of the results that would have been obtained given a census of all qualified individuals. Sample collection was balanced to U.S. Census figures for gender, age, race/ethnicity and household income.

The study is projected to run for another twelve (12) weeks and include separate, supplemental studies of business leaders and healthcare professionals. Press releases will be issued periodically for these studies as warranted by the results.

ABOUT ROI ROCKET

Founded in 2007, ROI Rocket is a leading provider of full-service market research, marketing and sales automation, and digital agency support with offices in Denver, CO, Vancouver, WA, and Jacksonville, FL.

PRESS CONTACTS

For additional information about this study, please contact David McGrath, CEO ([email protected]) or Libby Perkins, General Counsel ([email protected]).

SOURCE ROI Rocket
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

It could be a hard landing for the Santa Fe Regional Airport as it attempts to navigate its way through the economic hurdles of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As tourism in Santa Fe and northern New Mexico has ground to a halt due to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams stay-at-home order, the number of passengers at the airport has also nose-dived.

The airport went from 21,213 total passengers in February to 502 in April, a 98% decline in the two-month span.

When combined with private flights, which comprise the vast majority of flights in Santa Fe, ridership is down around 40% for all operations.

That becomes clear when you arrive at the airport, where runways and gates remain empty for hours at a time. Airport Operations Manager John Dickinson said there are usually multiple planes moving around at any given time.

The airport serves two commercial airlines, American and United. Dickinson said that in the early days of the pandemic, flights were being canceled because there would be no passengers to board, although he is not sure exactly how many have been canceled.

Oscar Dozal, manager for American Airlines in Santa Fe, said the decision to cancel flights usually comes down to operations and is not always an indication of ridership.

American announced in January plans to create a direct flight between Santa Fe and Los Angeles that was set to start in April. The pandemic, though, put a stop to the launch of the route, at least temporarily.

The L.A. flight is not scheduled yet, Dozal said, adding that passengers transfer in Phoenix before continuing to Los Angeles.

Plans for adding other direct routes have also been put on hold, Dozal said.

The reduction in the number of flights directly impacts the finances of the airport, which collects fees every time a plane lands or checks into a gate.

We cant bill for a plane that never comes in, said Bobbie Huseman, the airports administrative manager.

Huseman said the reduction in flights has had a direct negative impact on airport revenues.

As a result, the airport is not exempt from the economic troubles facing most other departments in the city of Santa Fe government. City officials announced May 18 they expect a $100 million deficit across all city budgets for the next fiscal year.

Finance Director Mary McCoy said the airport itself is projected to have a $1.4 million deficit, around 40% of the airports total budget, for fiscal year 2021.

Like hundreds of other city workers, all eight airport employees are currently on furlough for part of the work week, usually totaling four hours per week.

City Councilor Chris Rivera, who serves on the citys Airport Advisory Board, said May 19 that while exact cuts need to be determined, any future cuts to the airport will most likely also fall on employees.

Other than personnel, theres not really a whole lot (to cut), he said.

Rivera also said the Airport Advisory Board has struggled to stay current on information regarding the airport due to technological issues with meeting online.

Weve had a difficult time with that, Rivera said. We probably havent had an Airport Advisory meeting for three months.

Also at risk is the $9.5 million the city received from the state in 2019 to make much-needed renovations to the airports terminal and parking lot. The renovations, once completed, would increase the number of parking spaces and add 10,000 square feet to the terminal for an additional gate and more seating areas.

The renovations are currently still in the planning stage and ground is not expected to be broken until 2021. Huseman said they have spent around $500,000 so far, mostly on the design process.

However, as the state reels from its own economic crisis caused by plummeting oil and gas prices, Lujan Grisham has said planned increases in spending will have to be cut in order to balance the budget with declining revenues. This has left some public bodies fearing the state could take back previously awarded funding.

This could include funding for the Santa Fe Regional Airport.

Weve heard those rumors, Huseman said. Its definitely been put out on the street that thats a possibility.

Huseman and Rivera said the renovations could not be completed without state funding.

Those renovations, Dickinson said, are necessary during the pandemic for the health of the airport, so that passengers have enough space to socially distance themselves.

It would be very beneficial for this airport, he said.

Dickinson also said any reduction in operational funds would hurt the airport, especially if the number of flyers returns to pre-pandemic levels.

However, when that will happen  if ever  remains a mystery.

Its like throwing dice in the dark right now, Dickinson said.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) members on Sunday protested outside the residence of education minister Vijay Inder Singla here, demanding the Punjab government pay the fees of students studying in private schools in the state in view of the Covid-19 crisis.

The AAP activists were joined by a large number of parents of school-going students.

Tajinder Mehta, AAP district president (urban) said the state government is forcing parents to pay tuition fee to private schools. He said, Instead of putting pressure on parents, the state government should pay the entire fee to private schools on behalf of the parents amid this crisis.

Kundan Gogia, another AAP leader, said, Earlier in the morning, the minister promised to meet us, but later he refused to do so. Now, through a video call, he has assured us that the government will strongly put up the parents case in the Punjab and Haryana high court during the next hearing on June 12.

At the time of protest, no social distancing norms were followed. The norms were violated in front of district police and administration.
Independent traders are moving into vacant high street stores across parts of London in a bet that people will shop more locally when the coronavirus lockdown ends.

Property agent Strettons said that since the crisis began in March it had seen a wave of interest from independent butchers, fruit and vegetable retailers and restaurateurs running takeaways.

It said small traders were looking for sites on high streets in so-called urban 'villages' that are growing in popularity. In London, he named Brixton in the south, Walthamstow and Hackney in the east and Deptford in the south-east as hotspots.

Independent traders are moving into vacant high street stores across parts of London

People who live in urban areas have been shopping less often in big supermarkets during the crisis, partly because of long queues due to social distancing restrictions and having been told to travel less.

Experts think this trend could continue after lockdown, with people turning to local goods and services more often to avoid crowds.

A boom in local shopping would be another big boost for struggling small firms, following The Mail on Sunday's groundbreaking scheme to give away 5million of free adverts.

Our newspaper group is helping 1,500 small firms back on their feet with adverts from next Sunday in The Mail on Sunday, Daily Mail, Metro and the i newspaper, as well as online at Mail Online and Metro.co.uk.

Today, bosses at community-focused businesses The Co-operative Group and the Post Office throw their weight behind our campaign to revive the firms that are the heartbeat of our communities.

Co-op chief executive Steve Murrells said: 'The past few weeks has shown what we can achieve as a nation. As we move forwards in managing the consequences of Covid-19, I would encourage everyone now to support their local businesses where they can.

'A thriving local community, driven by small business and enterprise, delivers much more than pure economic benefit for the area. It can fuel community wellbeing, bring neighbourhoods together and create a sense of pride and belonging.'

Cottage industry: Caroline Brook says our adverts will help her firm

Post Office chief executive Nick Read said: 'We were thrilled The Mail on Sunday has launched this campaign to support small firms that are the backbone of the UK.'

High streets have been decimated by more than a decade of retail failures, from Woolworths to BHS, and more recently the collapse of restaurant and coffee chains such as Carluccio's and Patisserie Valerie.

Chris Collins, at Strettons, said big operators were not currently in the market for high street properties but independents were. He said: 'Our experience shows they are grasping the opportunity to move to, or open up in, a prominent location in an up-and-coming area.'

Collins said independent retailers were 'viewing this as the right time to secure themselves a more prominent location at a good price'.

Post Office boss Nick Read backs the Mail on Sunday's campaign to support small firms

One company retailers might turn to after the lockdown is Creative Download  one of the recipients of our advertising giveaway. The visual merchandising consultancy was founded by Iain Kimmins, who has worked at Harrods and Selfridges.

He said: 'I help retailers with the overall look of the store, from shop windows and fixtures to the layout, to create 'retail theatre'.' Getting the advertising, worth over 3,000, was 'absolutely amazing', he said.

Another winner is Caroline Brook, 41, who runs Moonrise Lodges to boost income from her family dairy farm in the Shropshire hills.

'The farm is going through a difficult time because of the fall in the price of milk  a knock-on from the catering and hospitality industry disappearing overnight,' she said.

'We're taking bookings from July on when we are hopeful we will be given the go-ahead to open. This grant will really give my business a much needed boost going forward in this year and into 2021 as well.'
Health infrastructure should be ramped up to ensure preparedness for the next two months in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has conveyed to authorities of 11 municipal areas that have accounted for 70 per cent of the country's coronavirus caseload.

Eleven municipal areas from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan account for 70 per cent of the active caseload, the Union health ministry said in a statement.

The government has asked the 11 municipal areas to step up monitoring in old cities, urban slums and other high density pockets like camps and clusters for migrant workers for management of COVID-19 cases.

Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan, who held a high-level meeting on Saturday through video conferencing with principal health secretaries and municipal commissioners along with other officials from the 11 municipal areas, urged them to focus on prevention through active screening of high risk and vulnerable population along with effective and sturdy clinical management of the admitted cases to reduce the fatality rate.

COVID-19 cases in India saw the biggest spike for the third consecutive day on Sunday with 6,767 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 1,31,868, while the death toll due to the disease rose to 3,867 after 147 more fatalities, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. The active cases of the coronavirus disease rose to 73,560. While 54,440 people have recovered, one patient has migrated to another country, according to the ministry's bulletin.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

"Thus, around 41.28 per cent patients have recovered so far," a Health Ministry official said. During the meeting on Saturday, a presentation was made to highlight the trend in case trajectory with respect to the total confirmed cases, case fatality rate, doubling time, tests per million and confirmation percentage, the ministry said. "It was told that a major challenge lies in those corporations having shorter doubling time, higher mortality rate and a higher confirmation rate than the national average," the ministry said in its statement.

The officials were briefed about the factors to be considered while mapping the containment and buffer zones and the activities mandated in containment zones like perimeter control, active search for cases through house to house surveillance, contact tracing, clinical management of the active cases.

They were also asked to undertake surveillance activities in the buffer zone like monitoring of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and influenza like illness (ILI) cases and promoting social distancing and hand hygiene among others.

It was pointed out that testing needs to be stepped up in some municipal areas to ensure early detection of cases, timely clinical management and a reduction in fatality rate.

"They also need to be mindful of ramping up the health infrastructure to ensure preparedness for the next two months with special focus on isolation beds with oxygen, ventilators and ICU beds," the health ministry statement said.

Other issues that need focused attention include active coordination with government and private labs to address delays in sample collection, partnership with private hospitals to augment the health/bed capacity, waste disposal and disinfection of COVID positive areas, management of camps for migrant labourers, creating awareness regarding issues such as stigmatization of patients and medical professionals in local languages, actively involving community leaders, youth groups, NGOs and SHGs in accompanying surveillance teams for awareness and confidence building measures, it said.

"Maintaining high vigilance and monitoring in areas of old cities, urban slums and other high density pockets along with the camps/clusters for migrant workers are important steps in COVID-19 management in the urban areas," Sudan said at the meeting. The officials were also urged to focus on prevention through active screening of high risk and vulnerable population and groups, and effective and sturdy clinical management of the admitted cases to reduce fatality rate.

While many have operationalised 24x7 state control rooms, others could also follow the lead and start such units which shall not only provide assistance to the people regarding various facilities and services for COVID-19 management, but also have a panel of domain experts and doctors to provide round the clock support and mentoring for clinical issues, the statement said.

The measures taken and best practices followed by the municipal corporations for the management of COVID-19 cases were also discussed at the meeting.

Mumbai Municipal Commissioner briefed about establishing close cooperation between private hospitals and municipal authorities to pool the health infrastructure like ICU beds/ oxygen beds etc.

They shall also soon make public the online portal displaying the bed availability with unique ID numbers for each bed, and also set up a GPS-backed online ambulance tracking system.

Indore authorities have focused on contact tracing and active house to house surveys, the statement said.
Indian skies will open up for domestic passenger services from Monday after a gap of two months, with Delhi-Pune and Mumbai-Patna flights being among the first to take off, aviation industry sources said.

All scheduled commercial passenger flights have been suspended since March 25 when the government imposed a nationwide lockdown to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

Both the flights will be operated by IndiGo on Monday morning. While the Delhi-Pune flight is scheduled to depart at 4.45 AM, the Mumbai-Patna flight would depart at 6.45 AM.

Aviation industry sources said the first passenger flight would be 6E643 from Delhi airport and it is likely to be operated by aircraft VT-ITK, which is an A320neo plane of IndiGo.

The sources added the first domestic passenger flight to arrive at Delhi airport on Monday would be from Ahmedabad and it is of SpiceJet.

"The flight SG8194, which would be conducted by B737 model numbered VT-SGQ, would be landing at 7.45 AM at Delhi airport," one of the sources said.

The Mumbai airport's operator MIAL said in a statement, "The first flight departing out of CSMIA (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport ) will be to Patna at 6:45hrs and flight arriving from Lucknow will be the first arrival flight at 8:20hrs both operated by IndiGo."



It was announced last Thursday that one-third of pre-lockdown domestic flights will operate from Monday. All international scheduled commercial passenger flights remain suspended.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Muslims around the world on Sunday began celebrating Eid al-Fitr, a normally festive holiday marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, with millions under strict stay-at-home orders and many fearing renewed coronavirus outbreaks.

The three-day holiday is usually a time of travel, family get-togethers and lavish daytime feasts after weeks of dawn-to-dusk fasting. But this year many can only celebrate at home with immediate family, with virus fears dampening the holiday spirit.

Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, has reported nearly 22,000 infections and 1,350 fatalities, the most in Southeast Asia. Lockdown orders intended to contain the pandemic mean there will be no congregational prayers at mosques or even open fields, no family reunions, no relatives bearing gifts for children.

'This outbreak is not just dampening spirits of Eid, but also has made the tradition entirely different,' said Andieka Rabbani, a university student in Jakarta. This year, like many Indonesians, he will only see family and friends through video calls.

A church in Berlin has also opened its doors for the muslim holy event, as worshippers have not been able to fit into mosques under social distancing rules.

The festival is usually a time for feasts, travelling and getting together with family. This year, however, it has been changed due to social distancing rules. Pictured: Worshippers in The Grand Mosue of Durres, Tirana, Albania

Prayers have been carried out while observing social distancing in many countries. Pictured above are worshippers at the Hussein Bin Ali Stadium in Hebron, West Bank

Worshippers gather for the festival at the Hussein Bin Ali Stadium in Hebron, West Bank, and stand close together

Worshippers kneel for prayer while observing social distancing in Gaza city, Gaza. Social distancing appeared to be observed

A black cat decided it would be prudent to join the many worshippers in Tirana, Albania, this morning

In deeply conservative Aceh, Indonesia's only province enforcing Islamic law, public Eid prayers can still be performed at mosques and fields, but without shaking hands and with shortened sermons. An annual parade of decorated vehicles with loudspeakers invoking God's name was scrapped this year.

'It's too sad ... the whole week used to be one long festival, but not this time,' said Muchtar Yusuf, an Aceh resident.

The province has reported zero coronavirus cases in the past weeks and has had only one death and 19 confirmed infections. In the rest of Indonesia, authorities have extended virus restrictions to June 4, suspending communal gatherings and banning private cars from leaving the capital, Jakarta.

The virus causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms in most patients, who recover within two to three weeks. But it is highly contagious and can cause severe illness or death, particularly in older patients or those with underlying health conditions.

Eid celebrations also were low-key in neighboring Muslim-majority Malaysia. Businesses have mostly reopened after weeks of lockdown, but mass gatherings are still banned and ethnic Malay Muslims are not allowed to travel back to their villages.

Police have turned away more than 5,000 cars trying to head back to their hometowns in the last few days and have warned of strict penalties for those who try to evade authorities.

Worshippers gather at a mosque in Gaza city, left, and a man kneels wearing a face mask and gloves in Grozny, Russia

One worshipper is pictured wearing a face mask as muslims gather to celebrate the event in Khartoum, Sudan

An Imam preaches a sermon before a crowd of worshippers in Khartoum, Sudan. Few face masks were worn for the event

Worshippers sit apart for the holy festival in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. They maintained social distancing while praying

The pandemic has also led to the cancellation of the "open house" tradition, where Muslims invite family and friends to their homes for a feast. The prime minister and government officials usually host open house events that attract thousands of people.

This year, the government allowed family members living nearby to visit each other on Sunday only, but the gatherings must not exceed 20 people in the same house.

Mosques have reopened but are limited to small congregations of up to 30 people.

Rohaizam Zainuddin said he was blessed he could celebrate Eid with his elderly parents living nearby, but his sister in another state could not return home.

'We feel sad and, being human, we are frustrated that celebration this year is not the same,' he said. 'But there is no point getting angry. We just have to accept it, life goes on.'

He and his family members are still wearing new clothes and preparing traditional dishes. Plates of cookies are set out for any visitors, alongside a thermometer and hand sanitiser, in keeping with regulations.

Malaysia has reported 7,185 infections and 115 deaths, but officials fear the Eid festivities could spark a new wave of infections if people ignore social distancing and health measures.

Pakistani muslim worshippers pray together during Eid al-Fitr in Muzaffarabad. They were not allowed to shake hands

Muslim worshippers sit on matts outside the main mosque in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. They were not allowed to shake hands

Muslim worshippers sit on matts outside the main mosque in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. They were not allowed to shake hands

In Pakistan, Eid is being celebrated in the shadow of the coronavirus and in the wake of a passenger plane crash near Karachi on Friday that killed 97 people.

For the first time, Pakistan is celebrating Eid countrywide on the same day, ending an annual controversy between rival committees over the moon sighting that signals the start of the holiday.

Pakistan has taken measures to control the spread of the coronavirus since mid-March, but Prime Minister Imran Khan refused to close mosques during Ramadan, despite pleas from doctors and a rising number of infections. Pakistan has reported more than 52,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths.

More than 1,000 worshippers gathered and prayed shoulder-to-shoulder in a open field in Karachi on Sunday, with only a few of them wearing face-masks.

Worshippers pray on a lawn in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. They stood apart in order to observe social distancing rules

Muslims lean forward in worship at the main mosque in Tirana, Albania, during the festival

In Jerusalem, Israeli police said they broke up an "illegal demonstration" and arrested two people outside the Al-Aqsa mosque, which Muslim authorities have closed for prayers since mid-March and will not reopen until after the holiday. An Associated Press reporter at the scene said worshippers had tried to enter the compound.

Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in Islam and would ordinarily welcome tens of thousands of worshippers during the Eid. The hilltop compound is also the holiest site for Jews, who know it as the Temple Mount. The site has long been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-25 01:51:59|Editor: huaxia

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-- Cooperation and solidarity are the most powerful weapon to prevail over the epidemic.

-- A "political virus" is spreading in the United States to use every chance to attack and smear China.

-- China is not a savior, but is willing to be a friend in need and a sincere partner.

-- The darkest time will pass, and the light is ahead.

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese diplomat on Sunday underlined the significance of international cooperation and solidarity in fighting COVID-19 to tide over the darkest hours.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a press conference that the novel coronavirus is the common enemy of mankind. "Cooperation and solidarity are the most powerful weapon to prevail over the epidemic."

So far, the pandemic has claimed over 300,000 lives and affected more than 7 billion people in over 210 countries and regions.

FIGHTING "POLITICAL VIRUS"

However, the "political virus" of some politicians losing no chance to attack and smear China is now spreading in the United States, Wang said on the sidelines of the annual national legislative session.

Some politicians ignored the basic facts and made up countless lies and conspiracy theories concerning China. Such lies have been recently compiled into a list and posted on the internet, he added.

"The longer the list, the more it says about how low the rumor-mongers are willing to go and the more stains they will leave in history," Wang said.

Wang's stern message came at a time when some U.S. politicians launched repeated attacks against China's virus response, unjustly blamed China for their own porous response, and filed unwarranted lawsuits for so-called compensation.

"I want to say here: Don't waste any more precious time, and don't ignore lives," he said.

Wang expressed his sympathies to the United States, with the highest number of infections of any country. "We sincerely hope that the American people will get over the epidemic as soon as possible," he said.

Having claimed so many precious lives, COVID-19 serves as a stark reminder that countries must rise above differences in geography, race, history, culture and social system, Wang said.

Journalists attend a press conference given by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi via video link in Beijing, capital of China, May 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

JOINT ACTIONS TO REBOOT ECONOMY

As the pandemic battered the global economy, China called for cooperation and communication to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

The United States and China should start to coordinate and communicate over macro-policies as early as possible to reduce the impact of the disease on both economies and the world economy, Wang said.

The global economy is on track to contract by 3 percent in 2020 as a result of the pandemic, the IMF projected in its World Economic Outlook in mid-April.

Wang called on countries to stand "shoulder by shoulder" and seek positive cycles of mutual success, dismissing narratives of a "knock-out race" in which there is but one winner.

On Sino-Russian relations, Wang said China will stabilize cooperation in energy and step up collaboration with Russia in emerging sectors such as e-commerce, biomedicine and the cloud economy.

Talking about relations with Europe, Wang said the two sides shall explore mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas of connectivity, environmental protection, digital economy and artificial intelligence.

Hailing China-Japan-ROK cooperation as a model of virus fight, Wang advocated raising the level of regional economic cooperation by upholding free trade, cutting tariffs, opening up markets, and tapping new growth engines in health, intelligent manufacturing and 5G.

To help African countries to tackle the grim situation, China pledged to reduce debt obligations for African countries and provide further support to those countries in extreme predicament, Wang said.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and foreign relations via video link on the sidelines of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

CONFIDENCE, DETERMINATION

Guided by the notion of "a community with a shared future for humanity," China has mounted the largest ever global humanitarian operation in decades.

China has shipped medical supplies to nearly 150 countries and four international organizations to meet their immediate needs. It has exported 56.8 billion masks and 250 million protective suits, among other provisions.

"China is not a savior, but is willing to be a friend in need and a sincere partner," Wang said.

Though the virus is profoundly changing the world, it will not reverse the trend of globalization, nor will it undermine China's resolve in advancing international cooperation.

Responding to a question on the Belt and Road (B&R), Wang said the impact of COVID-19 on B&R cooperation is "temporary and limited," and the cooperation will be strengthened.

During the past seven years, China's goods trade with B&R countries surpassed 7.8 trillion U.S. dollars and its direct investment in those countries was over 110 billion dollars.

"By aiming for high-standard, people-centered and sustainable progress, we will make the Belt and Road a model of development, cooperation and health for all engaged," he said.

"The darkest time will pass, and the light is ahead," Wang said.

(Video editors: Liu Ruoshi, Wu Yao, Wei Yin, Yang Zhixiang.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-24 04:15:19|Editor: huaxia

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A screengrab from the website of EcoHealth Alliance on May 23, 2020, shows its latest campaign call "Working toward a world without pandemics" and the motif graphics. (Xinhua)

"We believe that this action sets a dangerous precedent by interfering in the conduct of science and jeopardizes public trust in the process of awarding federal funds for research," said the letter.



WASHINGTON, May 23 (Xinhua) -- A group of 77 U.S. Nobel laureates expressed their "grave concern" for the recent cancellation of a federal grant to a U.S. non-governmental organization which was researching coronaviruses and had collaboration with China.

In a recent open letter to Alex Azar, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the 77 American Nobel Laureates in Physiology or Medicine, Chemistry, and Physics, asked for an investigation into the cancellation of the grant from NIH to EcoHealth Alliance, a group that researches bat coronaviruses headquartered in New York.

"We believe that this action sets a dangerous precedent by interfering in the conduct of science and jeopardizes public trust in the process of awarding federal funds for research," said the letter.

A screengrab from the website of EcoHealth Alliance on May 23, 2020, shows the illustrations of its latest pandemic prevention efforts and projects. (Xinhua)

For many years, researchers at EcoHealth Alliance have been conducting highly regarded, NIH-supported research on coronaviruses and other infectious agents, focusing on the transmission of these viruses from animal hosts to human beings, according to the letter.

Their work depends on productive collaborations with scientists in other countries, including scientists in Wuhan, China. "Now is precisely the time when we need to support this kind of research if we aim to control the pandemic and prevent subsequent ones," the Nobel recipients said in the letter.

They said the grant was "abruptly terminated" by NIH on April 24, 2020, just a few days after U.S. President Donald Trump responded to a question from a reporter who erroneously claimed that the grant awarded millions of dollars to investigators in Wuhan.

A screengrab from the website of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) on May 23, 2020, shows the title and beginning part of its recent report about Nobel laureates' and science groups' demand for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to review its decision to kill coronavirus grant. (Xinhua)

The NIH informed the research organization that the grant was being terminated because "NIH does not believe that the current project outcomes align with the program goals and agency priorities," according to the letter.

"Such explanations are preposterous under the circumstances," said the Nobel recipients.

They said the abrupt revoking of the grant contravenes basic tenets, and deprives the nation and the world of highly regarded science that could help control one of the greatest health crises in modern history and those that may arise in the future.

The Nobel recipients ask Azar and Collins to conduct and release a thorough review of the actions that led to the decision to terminate the grant, and take appropriate steps to "rectify the injustices" that may have been committed in revoking it.

A screengrab from the website of the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) on May 23, 2020, shows the title and freeze shot of its recent report about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) cancellation of a federal grant for coronavirus research. (Xinhua)

The Nobel laureates' letter came a day after a letter of protest from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) to Collins, on behalf of 31 scientific societies.

The overall goal of EcoHealth Alliance's research project is to study coronavirus transmission from species to species. But the purpose of the research project has been conflated with rumors, which is worrisome, said the letter.

International collaboration has propelled the American research enterprise to achieve vital innovations and discoveries; it is the gold standard for the scientific community, the letter noted.

These scientific societies call on the NIH to be "transparent" about their decision-making process on this matter, adding the action taken by the NIH must be "immediately reconsidered."

"The continued politicization of science during this pandemic crisis is an alarming trend that is risking not only the integrity of science, but also the lives of citizens," said Benjamin Corb, public affairs director for ASBMB, in a statement.

A screengrab from the website of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) on May 23, 2020, shows the photo and title of its public affairs director Benjamin Corb. (Xinhua)

According to a report of The New York Times, Harold Varmus, a former director of the NIH, said that the government always sets broad priorities for research that some scientists may disagree with, including restrictions on use of embryonic stem cells, but that this research was squarely in line with federal priorities.

He called the cancellation "an outrageous abuse of political power to control the way science works." 
Coronavirus: The latest updates from Spain and around the world Coronavirus Saturday's news on the global pandemic

That is all for today. Be sure to join us tomorrow for all the latest coronavirus news. Stay safe!

19:54. Foreign temporary workers who come to Spain to work in the fields will not have to go through quarantine, as the Government considers them to be essential personnel.

19:10. The number of people who have died from coronavirus in Spain over the last 24 hours was recorded at 48.

18:48. New York State has recorded fewer than 100 deaths per day from COVID-19 since it peaked in the crisis, with 84 fatalities in the last 24 hours.

18:34. Italy have registered another 119 deaths from coronavirus in the last 24 hours.

18:12. The Dutch health authorities have announced that from June 1 they will carry out a coronavirus test on any citizen who asks, should they have symptoms of COVID-19, and will not be required to undergo a prior check-up at their GP.

17:42. France is reconsidering the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat people with COVID-19, after a study showed that it offers no benefit to these patients and can have side effects.

17:13. The United Kingdom has recorded 282 new deaths from coronavirus in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 36,675 since the start of the pandemic.

14:29. Spanish prime minster Pedro Sanchez has announced that LaLiga can return from June 8 and that foreign tourists will be allowed into Spain from July.

13:57. Brazil now has the second most COVID-19 infections in the world.

13:24. The sector of rural and ecological tourism foresees a high occupation for this summer after the crisis generated by the COVID-19, according to the persons in charge of Mas Salagros, the first 100 percent ecological resort in Spain.

12:37. The vast majority of hotels in Barcelona, more than 75 percent, will remain closed until at least September due to the lack of tourists, as hoteliers do not expect the activity to begin to get going until after the summer, or to recover the pre-COVID-19 situation until 2022.

12:29. The Chinese government plans to maintain its restrictions on international flights until at least October due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to several national media outlets citing sources close to the talks.

11:56. The coronavirus pandemic has already claimed 338,232 lives and infected 5,213,557 people worldwide, with Latin America on track to become the new epicentre of the epidemic, according to the latest report from Johns Hopkins University.

11:13. This was the atmosphere outside the Bundesliga match between Hertha and Union Berlin on Friday night.

10:26. With social distancing guidelines still in place and a very hot weekend on the way, Californian city San Francisco has found a way to make it easier to enjoy the outdoors by keeping your distance: a series of three-metre circles on the ground in its parks.

9:35. Germany has recorded a total of 638 new infections and 42 deaths in the last 24 hours, a daily rise from 460 infections and 27 deaths on Friday. Germany now has a total of 177,850 cases and 8,216 deaths, according to the latest report from the Robert Koch Institute.

8:04. Relatives of a woman who died of coronavirus have filed a complaint against Fernando Simon, the director of the Centre for Health Alerts and Emergencies, and the rest of the health officials for the crime of negligent homicide.

7:53. China has not recorded any new cases of coronavirus in the last day. This is the first time there have been no deaths or infections since the pandemic began in Wuhan.

7:15. German scientists have tested the milk of women who have developed symptoms of COVID-19 after sharing a hospital room after giving birth. Both they and their new-borns tested positive for coronavirus, according to a study published in the magazine The Lancet.

7:05. The World Health Organisation has stated that Latin America is the new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic. Brazil is the most affected country in the area with more than 300,000 cases and 20,000 deaths.
Donald Bushey rarely talked about his military service. The Air Force veteran served for 14 years, including one in the Vietnam War, but he preferred to focus on hunting, fishing and his other passions.

His military service, however, provided a lifeline to his family in recent years. As a veteran, Bushey qualified for a spot in the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, a state-run facility in western Massachusetts. Bushey's placement in the home in January 2019 eased some of the pressure on his wife of 63 years, Jean, and their six children after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and suffered a stroke, one of their daughters said.

But the home's reputation has plummeted in recent weeks amid investigations and political recriminations prompted by one of the deadliest coronavirus outbreaks at a long-term care facility in the country.

At least 74 residents at the Holyoke home who tested positive for the novel coronavirus have died since late March, as have several others who exhibited symptoms. Eighty-four employees and 77 additional residents tested positive and survived.

The crisis led the Massachusetts National Guard to intervene, and guard members have done everything from disinfecting to administrative work to stabilize conditions at the home.

Residential centers for the aged of all kinds have been hit hard by the virus, but the disaster in Holyoke has highlighted gaps in the patchwork oversight of state-run veterans' homes.

Among the dead was Bushey, 83, of Springfield, Massachusetts.

As he lay unresponsive, staff members invited his wife to sit at his bedside as a part of end-of-life care, said his daughter, Colleen Croteau. On one visit, Jean Bushey was offered only a surgical mask for protection from infection. Employees nearby had no face coverings, said Croteau, who connected on video with her mother during the visit.

Bushey died March 27. His widow, 81, was hospitalized with a fever and pneumonia on April 6. She tested positive for the coronavirus and is now in recovery.

"It is my hope that some sort of justice will be served to the people responsible for the negligence," Croteau said.

The severity of the outbreak at the home was compounded by shortages of protective equipment, chronic staff vacancies and lapses in the proper management of infected residents, according to several current and former employees.

A dysfunctional relationship between senior officials at the home and state officials also appears to have played a role.

State officials removed the home's superintendent, Bennett Walsh, on March 30 after they said they became aware of the extent of the outbreak. Eight people had died at the facility within the previous five days, but neither the home nor the state had disclosed the outbreak to the public.

Walsh, a retired Marine officer, has denied wrongdoing and accused the state of letting a "lie" persist that he had not kept the state apprised. In a statement, he said he had requested National Guard assistance on March 27 and told state officials that 28 residents had coronavirus symptoms.

"State officials knew that Holyoke needed as much help as possible," Walsh, who declined requests for an interview, said in the statement. "No one was kept in the dark."

Officials at the home referred questions to state officials. At least four investigations, including a federal probe, about conditions at the home have been launched.

"The tragic situation at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home is a reminder of the insidious nature of covid-19, a virus that is having a devastating impact in our communities," said Brooke Karanovich, a state spokeswoman. "We are deeply saddened by the extent of the outbreak and the loss of life."

This account of the meltdown at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke is based on emails, memos and other documents obtained by The Washington Post, along with interviews with 23 people with knowledge of the outbreak and the home's long-standing troubles. They include family members, current and former employees, and state officials. A few employees spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing concerns about retaliation.

Collectively, they paint a picture of a facility that was operating with unaddressed problems, even as it was lauded as a beacon of support for veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs had recently found that the home met or provisionally met federal health-care guidelines for the third year in a row.

It's not clear how the virus entered the home. But the first resident with symptoms was tested in mid-March, as visitors were banned until further notice.

A positive result came back on March 21 but was not reported to employees and families until the following day. Most received the news in an email.

"I write this letter to inform you that one of our long-term care residents tested positive for COVID-19," Walsh told staff members. "The Veteran is currently in quarantine. We have identified other Veterans who were in close contact with the Veteran and they too have been isolated and have been tested for COVID-19."

But several employees said that the man who tested positive lived in a unit that cared for those with dementia and that he was allowed to continue roaming the facility.

"They all go into each other's rooms, and don't understand what social distancing is," one employee said in an interview.

Even with an infected patient, staff members continued to "float" between units, with some moving in and out of the area with the coronavirus outbreak.

One certified nursing assistant, Kwesi Ablordeppey, said he was disciplined for putting on a mask and gown after he had spent time in the infected unit.

"Your actions are disruptive, extremely inappropriate and have caused unnecessary resources to be deployed that may be needed in the future," the chief nursing officer, Vanessa Lauziere, wrote in a March 20 reprimand, according to a copy that Ablordeppey provided. Lauziere did not respond to requests for comment.

Ablordeppey called the reprimand "nonsense."

On March 17, Walsh told employees that their "core function" had been deemed essential, meaning they were all needed at work. He urged them to be "mindful of supplies."

As other residents were tested for the virus, some employees stayed home.

On March 22, staff members were told in an email that any workers who had been in the unit with the infected resident must wear a mask.

By March 25, an employee had tested positive for the virus, Walsh told staff members in another email.

From there, the problem spiraled out of control.

On March 27, residents from a wing on the second floor of the home were moved to a section on the first floor, putting more than 40 people in a unit with space for about 25, employees said. Nine were put just a few feet apart in a dining room that was turned into a makeshift care center. Some had the coronavirus and others did not, employees said.

That night, the staff received a memo saying nine residents and an employee had tested positive for the coronavirus.

More patients died that weekend.

"It was insanity. They kept saying, 'What else are we supposed to do? We don't have the staff,' " said one employee who worked in the dining room. "There were people dying at the same time that others were in that room."

Families and employees now wonder why state officials did not move faster to address concerns about overcrowding and staffing.

Brian Corridan, who recently completed five years on the home's board of trustees, said that Walsh, the home's former superintendent, has been scapegoated and that a funding gap is the main source of the problem.

State budgets show that another state-run home for veterans across the state in Chelsea historically has received about $28 million per year while the home in Holyoke received about $24 million. The number of long-term residents in Holyoke outnumbers those in Chelsea about 235 to 135.

Corridan and another former official at the home said a previous superintendent in Holyoke had proposed a project in 2011 that included an expansion. The Department of Veterans Affairs would have covered about $80 million for a new wing if the state paid $40 million, they recalled.

The state tabled the project, citing a lack of funding.

Francisco Urena, who oversees the home from Boston as the state's veterans' services secretary, did not respond to questions about the criticism but issued a statement that said, in part, that the impact of the coronavirus has been "heartbreaking" and that his department is committed to supporting veterans.

The new interim administrator in Holyoke, Val Liptak, told the board of trustees that the home is likely to decrease the number of long-term residents to about 170 and is beginning a search to fill vacant senior positions.

Families, meanwhile, are seeking answers to questions about when the home might find a new normal, with a return of services such as physical therapy.

One family member, Cheryl Turgeon, said her father lost 30 pounds and developed pneumonia during the crisis despite testing negative for the coronavirus several times. She has asked to visit him outdoors and with social distancing and has been told it is not possible. National Guard members assisted in bringing some other veterans out for similar meetings, but the practice was curtailed for safety reasons, a state official said.

Turgeon said her father, Dennis Thresher, 89, has been mostly alone in his room for weeks. Thresher, who served in the Air Force during the Korean War, has lived in the home more than three years.

"The emotional roller coaster," she said, "is unbelievable."
The paramilitary police officers march outside the Forbidden City, near Tiananmen Square in Beijing, on May 20, 2020. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Leaked Document: Chinese Regime Cracking Down on Petitioners During Key Beijing Meeting

Confidential documents from Chinese local government agencies revealed that authorities are preventing citizens from visiting Beijing to petition their cases to the central government amid a key political meeting.

Lianghui, or the Two Sessions, is the annual meeting of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)s rubber-stamp legislature and its advisory body to enact policies and agendas. This years meeting commenced on May 21 and will go on for a week.

The Chinese regime has offices set up within regional and central government to hear public complaints, known as petition bureaus.

Around the time of important Party meetings or political anniversaries, authorities typically crack down on dissent.

This year was no different.

Classified documents obtained by The Epoch Times described authorities action plans for keeping track of petitioners. One city government has arranged three staff to monitor each petitioner.

Petitioners, who had arrived in Beijing in the hope of appealing their cases, were detained and sent back to their hometowns.

Meanwhile, authorities in Beijing also detained a large number of petitioners who live in the capital.

Journalists gather at the Media Center, a building where Lianghuis News Center is located, in Beijing, China on May 20, 2020. (Thomas Peter  Pool/Getty Images)

Leaked Documents

One document from the Qitaihe city government in northeastern Heilongjiang Province, explained officials tasks for stabilizing petitioners.

Dated April 24, the document stated that these instructions were made according to central and provincial authorities requests, with the goal of preventing people from going to Beijing or local cities for petitioning.

The document noted that central and provincial authorities have previously designated 45 targeted groups and 203 key people as those who are likely to petition, and also drafted a blacklist of identified petitioners.

For these targets, the Qitaihe government asked that officials assign three government staff to monitor them 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

A document released on April 22, 2019 explained what five types of important targets are: those who have continually petitioned in the past five years; people who petitioned in the past year; people who had conflicts with police while petitioning in Beijing; people who have mental illness or have a family member being treated for illnesses in Beijing; and people who are currently petitioning.

Though local petition offices exist as a channel for people to express their grievances, authorities do not allow citizens to spread petition letters widely, and often harass petitioners who submit their cases or protest in public.

Qitaihe government orders to prevent people from going to Beijing for petition during Lianghui in Heilongjiang province, China on April 24, 2020. (Provided to The Epoch Times by insider)

Detention

Petitioners in Beijing told the Chinese-language Epoch Times that a large number of them have been detained since May 17, after gathering in front of the central governments petition office, called the National Public Complaints and Proposals Administration.

The authorities deployed more than ten buses to transport them to Jiujingzhuang, a black jail in Fengtai district notorious for detaining petitioners. Others were forced to leave Beijing by train.

In the photos they shared, the buses to Jiujingzhuang were packed with people.

Beijing police have also detained petitioners living in Beijing.

Zhang Hua and Wu Linmei are two petitioners from Shanghai. They co-rented an apartment in Changyang town, Fangshan district of Beijing as a temporary living place. They frequently go to the central governments petition office.

On the evening of May 18, more than 20 police broke through their doors and detained them.

The police from Changyang police station and staff from the Shanghai governments office [in Beijing] detained us at the Relief Administration Service Center of Beijing, Zhang told the Chinese-language Epoch Times on May 19. Zhang said a group of Beijing-based petitioners were forced to leave the city and return to Shanghai.

Wang Sue is a petitioner from northeastern Liaoning Province. She has a temporary job in Tongzhou district in Beijing. On May 16 noon, four police detained her at her workplace and handed her to police from Liaoning, who planned to bring her back to her hometown.

Elsewhere, Shen Aibin, who lives in Wuxi city, Jiangsu Province, planned to take a train to travel to nearby Suzhou city on the morning of May 17, but was detained by police at the train station.

On May 15, petitioners Lu Yuanfang, Xiao Chenglin, Zhao Liang, and Hu Guiqin, based in the southwestern city of Chongqing, were en route to Beijing on a train. At a train stop, police boarded the train car where they were seated and detained them. A day later, fellow petitioners Zhao Qunzhen, Chen Lan, and Yang Changhua were detained at the Chongqing train station.
On the morning of Nov. 14, 1899, messages were delivered to the two most important women in John A. Logan Jr.'s life. A telegram arrived at his wife's house in Youngstown, Ohio, and a note was delivered to his mother's house at 13th and Clifton streets NW in Washington, D.C.

It was a painful ritual as old as the country.

The news was dire enough - and Logan important enough - that special circumstances applied. The president himself, William McKinley, had sent the telegram to Edith Logan in Ohio: "It is my painful duty to convey to you the sad intelligence of the death of your husband while gallantly leading his battalion in the charge at San Jacinto."

Theodore Roosevelt, the governor of New York, would send one, too. "Please accept the deepest and most heartfelt sympathy of Mrs. Roosevelt and myself," it read. "Your husband has left to his children the priceless legacy of a hero's death."

John A. Logan Jr. was a curious soldier. He had attended West Point for two years but left before graduating. He married into a wealthy Ohio family. Though he had no soldiering experience, at the start of the Spanish-American War, Logan was able to gain an officer's commission and see action in Cuba.

When that conflict ended, he rolled right into the next: the Philippine-American War, where U.S. forces were engaged in beating down a rebellion by native Filipinos. If some in the military questioned the 34-year-old's meteoric rise, no one could say that he shrank from confrontation.

On Nov. 11, 1899, Maj. Logan was walking point with his battalion of the 33rd Regiment. Enemy forces - 1,200 strong - were said to be gathering at San Jacinto. The Americans were eager to confront them.

It had rained heavily, leaving the terrain a morass of overflowing creeks and sodden rice fields. Soldiers moved through canebrakes and tall grass, the mud waist-deep in places. The column had advanced two miles when a corporal near Logan was felled by a bullet.

Logan leaned over the injured man only to be shot through the head, just above the temple. As Logan slumped over, mortally wounded, a hospital steward moved forward to drag him to the side of the road. The steward was shot dead.

Snipers were hidden in nearby coconut trees, aiming at Americans who had chevrons on their uniforms: those of higher rank.

A Gatling gun was dragged to the front by hand - the mud was too thick for horses - and began shredding the treetops. The battle raged for two hours. Six families besides Logan's would receive telegrams in the coming days informing them of their loved one's death.

The note delivered on Nov. 14 to Logan's mother, Mary Logan, had come from the secretary of war, Elihu Root. Mrs. Logan immediately hurried to the War Department, "very much agitated," according to the Evening Star.

She entered a building that must have seemed familiar to her. The War Department building was designed by the same architect - Alfred B. Mullett - who had designed her late husband's mausoleum, which stands on the grounds of the United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home off North Capitol Street.

And it is the man inside that mausoleum - John A. Logan Sr. - whom we can credit for Memorial Day.

Logan Sr. was a U.S. representative from Illinois who rushed to Bull Run to fight as a volunteer in the Civil War. He then resigned his seat and organized volunteers from his home state. While other so-called political generals were tolerated, Major Gen. Logan was beloved, ably commanding the Army of the Tennessee during the Battle of Atlanta.

"I think you probably can say he was considered one of the finest politicians who became a general during the Civil War," said Stephen Carney, command historian at Arlington National Cemetery.

After the Civil War, Logan headed up the organization of former Union soldiers known as the Grand Army of the Republic. It was in this capacity that he issued General Orders No. 11, decreeing that "The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land."

Logan Sr. died in 1886. Mary, his widow, followed his request that he be buried at the Soldier's Home. Today, about 13,400 veterans are buried there, nearly all under those familiar white stones. Logan rests in a Romanesque revival tomb.

"I think what distinguishes it as a little gem is that it has great detailing, such as the semicircular arch over the entrance and the carving of his initials into the keystone. And the rose windows on both sides of the gable are really nice," said Rebecca L. Stevens, cultural resource manager for Arlington National Cemetery. "And it's built for the ages, with a granite roof and granite walls. It was meant to last a long time and it has."

On Feb. 7, 1900, 14 years after his father's death, the body of John Logan Jr. was borne through the streets of Youngstown and laid to rest in Oak Hill Cemetery. He had, an observer wrote, "sacrificed his all for the flag in which his inanimate remains were wrapped."
President Trump has threatened to block federal funding from states that send mail-in ballots to every voter. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A confession: I voted by mail last week. And it didnt feel dirty at all.

Like every voter, I had been warned against the practice by President Trump.

Mail-in ballots are very dangerous, he said last week. Theres tremendous fraud involved and tremendous illegality.

You get thousands and thousands of people sitting in somebodys living room, signing ballots all over the place, he explained in April.

Busted! In our case, though, it was only three of us, not thousands. My wife, our daughter and I sat around a table, puzzled over the choices for Circuit Court and Board of Education, and shared a pen to sign the envelopes.

In our defense, we didnt have much choice. In Maryland, where I live, our governor, a moderate Republican named Larry Hogan, decided that in-person voting would be too dangerous in a pandemic. Hogan closed most polling places and ordered counties to send mail-in ballots to every registered voter.

It seemed like a sensible precaution. But Trump objected so strongly that he threatened to block federal funding from Michigan and Nevada if they follow the same course. Both states have Democratic governors; oddly, he didnt target any Republicans.

There's no real evidence to support the president's frequent charge that mail-in ballots leads to fraud.

The only large-scale vote fraud in recent years happened in North Carolina in 2018, but the problem wasnt mail-in ballots. It was ballot harvesting, which allows campaign workers to collect ballots door-to-door. The culprit was a Republican.

Every so often, though, the president mentions a political objection too.

Mail-in voting doesnt work out well for Republicans, he tweeted last month.

He said a Democratic proposal to require mail ballots nationwide would produce levels of voting that, if you ever agreed to it, youd never have a Republican elected in this country again.

Many Republican political strategists think Trump is right on that count  that if voting is made easier, more Democrats will participate.

Story continues

Theres long been a fear that measures like automatic voter registration and vote by mail will help Democrats turn out more poor people and more black people, a longtime Republican strategist told me. (He demanded anonymity to speak frankly.) Theres a part of the GOP that is quite comfortable with voter suppression.

Republican political consultant John Brabender was more diplomatic. He said he believes mail-in voting will help Democrats because their voters turn out less consistently, especially in cities.

But he worries that Trump is hurting his own party by denouncing mail voting so fiercely. In states that allow mail voting, GOP leaders have been urging the party faithful to participate  only to be denounced by Trump supporters as turncoats.

If we spend all our time criticizing vote by mail, the results could become self-fulfilling, he warned.

Ironically, voting by mail in its old-fashioned version, the absentee ballot, has traditionally been a Republican specialty.

GOP leaders in California, Arizona, Florida and other states have long urged their supporters, especially older voters, to vote by mail. Trump used an absentee ballot to vote in Floridas primary this year.

Republican National Committee Chair Ronna Romney McDaniel says she still favors absentee voting  just not universal ballot distribution.

We are really against  the ballots being sent directly to people who may or may not want them, she explained.

In other words, voting by mail is fine  just as long as it isnt too easy.

But those nakedly political debates date from before the coronavirus made polling places hazardous to your health.

What are states to do this fall, when we could be contending with a second wave of the pandemic? Can safety trump gamesmanship?

Maybe. In many states, even Republican governors are heeding the call for easy access to mail ballots, no matter what Trump says.

Ohio, South Carolina and West Virginia have all expanded absentee voting. Even Florida, where Trump votes, has maintained relatively permissive rules.

The real challenge is likely to be funding. Mail-in elections will be costly for states and counties  not only from postage, but because they will need more people and machines to count millions of paper ballots.

It will be a tsunami, predicted Richard L. Hasen, an election law expert at UC Irvine. These ballots are going to come whether the resources are there or not. And if the resources are not there, it increases the chances of a sloppy count and litigation, especially if the election result is close.

It may take days or weeks to count the ballots  a problem familiar to Californians, but not to the rest of the nation.

House Democrats have passed a pandemic relief bill that includes $3.6 billion in election funding, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has said he intends to block the measure.

Governors and state election officials are already forming bipartisan coalitions to try to wrangle new funding from Congress.

Running a clean election by mail shouldnt be hard. All it requires is funding, organization and vigilance against fraud. But the president and his campaign seem bent on making it harder than it needs to be.

If the result is close, Trump will charge fraud. He did that even after he won in 2016.

Maybe it's projection; maybe the president really believes everyone's a cheater. Maybe it's just noise to keep his supporters fired up. Maybe he's laying the groundwork to contest the result if he loses.

Whatever the case, he's not only undermining the legitimacy of the November election, hes doing it in the midst of the worst pandemic in a century. No wonder so many Republicans disagree with him for once.




Israel's longest serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces the ignominy of becoming the first sitting premier of the country to go on trial for corruption on Sunday, days after he returned to power following months of political deadlock.

Netanyahu, who is set to appear at the opening hearing at a Jerusalem court, is accused of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three different cases, dubbed Case 1000 (fraud and breach of trust), Case 2000 (fraud and breach of trust) and Case 4000 (bribery, fraud and breach of trust).

He has denied all the charges, claiming that he is the victim of an "attempted coup by overaggressive police, biased prosecutors and a hostile media".

A three-judge panel on Wednesday rejected a request for exemption and directed him to appear in person during the reading of the chargesheet. The panel ruled that the reasoning behind Netanyahu's request for exemption from personal appearance "did not justify such a deviation from the norm", which requires the presence of the accused at the opening of his or her trial.

"This is how it is in every criminal proceeding, and this is how it will be in current criminal proceedings," the judges wrote in their ruling.

Netanyahu on Tuesday requested exemption on the ground that his and his bodyguards' presence would violate Health Ministry's coronavirus restrictions.

In Case 1000, Netanyahu is accused of fraud and breach of trust over gifts he allegedly received from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and billionaire James Packer.

According to the indictment, Netanyahu received cigars and champagne from the two over the course of several years. His family members, the indictment states, also demanded and received gifts from the businessmen, and that the prime minister was aware of this fact.

Milchan and Packer's gifts to the Netanyahus, including the Prime Minister's wife, Sara, are estimated to have amounted to over 1 million shekels (about USD 280,000), according to police investigations.

Netanyahu has not denied that such gifts were given but has argued that they were "tokens of friendship".

The Israeli leader's defence has been that it is allowed to receive gifts from friends. His lawyers have said that he was not aware of the requests made by his family members.

Case 2000 centers around Netanyahu's alleged desire to receive better coverage in one of the country's leading dailies, Yedioth Ahronoth.

According to the indictment, at a series of meetings between Netanyahu and the newspaper's publisher, Arnon Mozes, the two men allegedly discussed a deal calling for the prime minister to try to limit the circulation of rival newspaper, Israel Hayom, which is owned by Netanyahu's longtime political patron, Sheldon Adelson.

Mozes would have given Netanyahu favourable coverage in exchange.

Netanyahu was indicted for fraud and breach of trust in the case. Mozes has been charged with bribery in the matter and will also stand trial.

The Israeli prime minister was caught on tape telling Mozes that he would convince Israel Hayom to limit its circulation which would have benefitted Yediot Ahronoth financially.

Netanyahu's lawyers have argued that the premier's actions were meant to fool Mozes, and that he cannot be accused of an offense since there are no indications that he planned to bring the deal to fruition.

Case 4000 alleges that Netanyahu made decisions benefiting media mogul Shaul Elovitch, the controlling shareholder of Bezeq, Israel's largest telecommunications company, in exchange for positive coverage on Walla News, a portal owned by Elovitch.

It is considered the most serious of the three cases.

Netanyahu and Elovitch allegedly engaged in a quid pro pro in which the prime minister, who was serving as communications minister at the time of the alleged deal, led regulatory steps directly tied to Elovitch's businesses and interests that yielded the tycoon some USD 500 million.

As per the indictment in the case, Netanyahu and his wife Sara made consistent requests to alter the coverage on the Walla website in order to serve the PM's political interests, and target their opponents.

Netanyahu's lawyers have argued that favourable coverage does not constitute a bribe and that, in any case, the Prime Minister didn't try to skew the coverage in his favour, but rather pushed for balanced coverage out of ideology.

They have also argued that the regulatory decisions were approved by the ministry's professional staff.

The courtroom capacity during Sunday's hearing will be limited due to coronavirus regulations. Each defendant will be permitted to have one lawyer in the courtroom.

The other members of the legal teams along with the media, will watch in adjacent rooms, broadcast on closed-circuit television. Those inside the courtrooms will be required to wear masks.

Netanyahu is not the first leader in the country to face trial but his predecessor, Ehud Olmert, and former president Moshe Katsav stepped down to fight the charges. Both of them were sentenced and served jail time.

Several analysts have pointed that there is a contradiction in Netanyahu's conduct, as in 2008, as an opposition leader, he had led the calls for Olmert to leave office, famously saying "a leader up to his neck in legal troubles had no business governing a country".

Netanyahu's government was sworn in on May 17, bringing an end to the longest political deadlock in Israel's history.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
From the U.K. comes the extraordinary news that vaccine manufacturers may not be able to test their vaccines successfully because hardly anyone is getting the Wuhan virus:

Hopes that a vaccine for the coronavirus could be ready by September are hanging in the balance, as the scientists developing it are concerned that a slowdown in the rate of infection in the general population could invalidate the human trials currently taking place. Prof. Adrian Hill, Director of the Oxford Universitys Jenner Institute, has told The Telegraph that there is only a 50-50 chance that the vaccine his team has been developing can be successfully tested. The team has recruited 10,000 people to test the vaccine, some of whom will be given the vaccine and others a placebo. But as it is unethical to purposely infect people in the trial with COVID-19, participants will be asked to go about their normal routine in the expectation that some will be exposed to it naturally. However, that is unlikely to happen if the virus is not spreading, meaning that no conclusions can be drawn one way or the other about the vaccines efficacy. Hill expects that fewer than 50 people in the test population will catch the virus, but if less than 20 test positive the results may be useless.

Waithe is afraid that 20 people out of 10,000 (or maybe 5,000, or whatever number get the placebo) wont catch the virus by going about their normal activities?

It is a race, yes. But its not a race against the other guys, he said. Its a race against the virus disappearing  and against time. We said earlier in the year that there was an 80% chance of developing an effective vaccine by September. But at the moment, theres a 50% chance that we get no result at all. Were in the bizarre position of wanting COVID to stay, at least for a little while. But cases are declining.

Somehow, this is not the impression we are getting from the Democratic Party press in the U.S., which desperately wants the virus to stick around until November 3.

The Oxford team is not the only one facing this predicament. So far, eight potential vaccines have reached the stage of human trials: four in China, two in the US, one in Germany and the one of the Oxford team. With cases dwindling, all of the teams are looking for hotspots globally where they can conduct their trials. You think weve got a problem? Hill asked. What would you do if you were in China? There are three Chinese companies looking for Phase Three and theres no COVID in China. So what do they do?

There is no COVID in China? I had assumed the Chinese government was lying. Perhaps not. Still, if vaccine manufacturers are looking for a sure-fire hot spot to test their products, all they need to do is come to Minnesota and sign up nursing home residents. They wont have any problem getting positive test results.

I frankly have no idea what to make of this story. I assume the Oxford/Astrazenaca team is looking for volunteers in the U.K., and the U.S. is a little behind the U.K. with regard to the viruss time line. But still, if new COVID cases are so rare that it is hard to test vaccines, it is long past time to end the absurd shutdowns that have blighted hundreds of millions of lives.

A final observation: why are new cases becoming rare, when countries like the U.K. and the U.S. havent had anywhere near enough coronavirus infections to approach herd immunity (at least, as far as we know)? Why do viruses die out? Epidemics follow a bell curve; they disappear long before they infect everyone in a population. Why? Am I the only one who feels like epidemiologists know less than I had always assumed?
It hasnt been the campaign any of them expected, but four candidates for the Iowa Democratic nomination for a U.S. Senate seat still are hoping for the outcome they imagined.

Michael Franken, Theresa Greenfield, Kimberly Graham and Eddie Mauro are hoping to win their partys nomination in the June 2 primary to face Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst in November.

The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot has passed. Voters may cast a ballot in person from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 2. Find your polling place at sos.iowa.gov.

Although theres been little independent polling in the race, Greenfield and Mauro have polls showing them being competitive against the first-term Ernst. Democrats also point to polls showing Ernst as the third least popular member of the Senate and other polls showing her favorability rating among Iowans has dropped over nearly six years in Congress.

In short, Democrats say the former Red Oak farm girl and state senator has failed to deliver on her campaign promise to make em squeal, which attracted voters who sent her to Washington to clean up corruption and fight for working people.

The Democratic candidates are highlighting their clean campaigns.

Im her polar opposite, said Graham, a lawyer specializing in child and family law. I dont take corporate PAC or corporate lobbyist money. Ive removed myself from this corrupt system. I have not and never will accept contributions from corporate PACs or lobbyists. You cannot fix a problem by being part of it.

Iowans have gotten a raw deal from Ernst, whose voting record screams special interests, asserted retired three-star Admiral Franken. He promises to put Iowans interests first rather than do the bidding of special interests.

We have to banish special interests by publicly financing elections, he added.

Greenfield also talks about her pledge not to take money from corporate political actions committees because were not going to get results for Iowans on many of these big challenges until we also get big money out of our politics.

Washington is corrupted by big corporate PACs, said Greenfield, who has been endorsed by End Citizens United. Ernst promised to be different, but shes taken $1.9 million from corporate PACs and puts those donors ahead of our families.

Not so fast, said Mauro, who owns a Des Moines property insurance company. While Greenfield may not take corporate PAC money, shes benefiting from the Senate Majority PAC that is advertising heavily on her behalf. A leader, Mauro said, would reject their support.

On many issues, the candidates positions vary by degrees. For instance, they all prioritize health care, but come at it from different angles.

Mauro is promoting a path toward universal coverage, offering everyone the same health care coverage available to members of Congress. He would support Medicare for All, but says its not perfect.

There are gaps in prescription drug coverage, the lack of ability to negotiate for lower drug prices and reimbursement rates for physicians are just a few examples, he said. Any set of proposals should have Medicare as a floor for coverage  not a ceiling.

Franken would ensure universal access to health care by giving every American the option to buy into the kind of health care he enjoyed in the military. That would include dental, mental and preventive care.

Greenfield wants to strengthen the Affordable Care Act with a public option and take on Big Pharma by letting Medicare negotiate for lower drug prices.

Graham wants a universal single-payer health care system so no one is without medical insurance and so no one goes bankrupt from medical debt or dies from rationing medications.

These things should never happen in a moral and wealthy nation, she said.

Theres also general agreement on the need for a large investment in infrastructure from bridges to broadband, for paid family leave and policies to address climate change.

The candidates all point to life experiences as preparing them to serve Iowa in the Senate.

Mauro said hes running to tackle big issues and his lifetime of community involvement as a teacher, a community organizer and business owner have prepared him for the six-year, $174,000-a-year job.

Its getting back to listening to Iowans, solving problems and giving Iowans a seat at the table  not just the establishment and special interests, he said.

Hes best-equipped to do that, he said, because of his experience as a teacher in rural Iowa and building a business in the states largest city  a business he notes provides paid family and sick leave and has a leadership team thats more than 60 percent women.

Overall, Mauro said, the race is about who can best address inequality.

While our families are struggling to put food on the table, the top 1 percent of this country is continuing to enrich themselves off the Trump tax cuts and the COVID stimulus package, he said. I fundamentally believe that those benefiting the most from an economic system have an obligation to pay for the roads they drive on every day, for the police that keep them safe, for the schools that teach their children and for the health care that keeps them safe. No family in the wealthiest country in the world should be going hungry.

Greenfield touts her experience as a businesswoman and mother. She has broad grassroots support, Greenfield said, pointing to her 19,000 contributions from Iowans and endorsements by 24 labor unions, including the Iowa AFL-CIO that represents nearly 70,000 Iowans.

Grahams experience includes 20 years of standing up and fighting for regular Iowans as an advocate and attorney for abused kids and for parents in Juvenile Court.

Its been my job to work for Iowans and Ill keep right on doing that in the U.S. Senate, Graham said.

No one tops his experience, said Franken, who served as President Barack Obamas director of legislative affairs for the Navy and worked for U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy in the 1990s.

Iowans will not be rewarded by sending another amateur to the Senate, he said. Ive been here before.

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Union minister Smriti Irani on Sunday praised actor Sonu Sood for helping migrant workers go back home amid the ongoing COVID-19-induced lockdown.

The actor has arranged several buses for the migrants after obtaining special permissions from different state governments.

Tagging a tweet by Sood in which he asked a migrant to share his number so that he can arrange for his travel back home, Irani said: "I've had the privilege of knowing you as a professional colleague for over 2 decades now @SonuSood and celebrated your rise as an actor ;but the kindness you have displayed in these challenging times makes me prouder still thank you for helping those in need.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A panel of experts assembled by the Archdiocese of New York will create a safe and responsible plan to reopen schools, announced Michael J. Deegan, superintendent of Archdiocese schools last week.

The task force will ensure all children and families of school communities will be protected. Members will provide a diverse range of expertise and experience that includes medical professionals, regional superintendents, and risk managers, according to an Archdiocese press release.

The Catholic Schools Reopening Advisory Council will report to Michael J. Deegan, superintendent of schools in the Archdiocese, according to the press release.

From the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, we have been proactive and thorough in establishing policies to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff, said Deegan in the release. While there is no guarantee our school buildings will open on time for the next academic year, you cannot plan too much or too far in advance for an undertaking of this magnitude."

*** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK ***

Here are the members of the council:

-- Maureen McElduff, coordinator of the Catholic Schools Reopening Advisory Council

-- Frank Napolitano, director of Risk Management and Insurance Service - ADNY

-- Kevin Quinn, operations Manager of Catholic Mutual Group

-- Michael J. Coppotelli, associate superintendent of student services and public policy; Mayors COVID-19 Education Sector Advisory Council

-- Mary Jane Daley, regional superintendent of Dutchess, Northern Westchester and Putnam

-- John Riley, regional superintendent of Northwest and South Bronx

-- Steven Pallonetti, director of Child Nutrition  ADNY

-- Amy Rodriguez, principal of Immaculate Conception School, Bronx

-- Maureen Noonan, head of School Blessed Sacrament School, Manhattan

-- Joann Walsh, associate superintendent of early childhood education - ADNY

-- Jane Schwedfeger, director of property management - ADNY

-- Dr. Walid Michelen, chief medical officer of Arch Care

-- Dean Jackson  senior operations manager, Service Master

-- Paul R Checco, AIA  PC Studio Architects, PLLC

-- Rolando Kraeher  Kraeher Architects

The experts we have gathered on this blue-ribbon committee represent the elite from their fields, including public health, risk management, logistics, architecture and engineering. We have brought together the best because that is what our schools deserve, Deegan said.

Earlier this month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that education leaders, experts and advocates will sit on a council to help guide New York City in reopening school buildings in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Education Sector Advisory Council -- which consists of 45 members -- is one of six Sector Advisory Councils announced by the mayor last week. The councils serve as a link to disseminate information about reopening and providing guidance to shape the citys response during the pandemic.

New York state has also made its own council to help reimagine" what schools will look like in the future.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that as New York begins to develop plans to reopen schools and colleges, the state and the Gates Foundation will develop a blueprint to reimagine education in the new normal brought on by the coronavirus outbreak.

Cuomo later announced the members of New Yorks Reimagine Education Advisory Council, which is comprised of educators, students, parents and education leaders.

30 Photos of the pandemic in NYC: The gradual return to normalcy

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It might seem odd to hear an architect say that the more you leave an old house alone the better, but Nicola Ryan of Studio Red Architects has long experience of what is best for conservation projects.

"There's a certain amount of having to open up and explore what's there and find out what is the right thing to do for the original build," she says, "but mostly it's about letting the building continue to do what it has always done."

This was the approach she took with a 400-year-old farm cottage in Co Wicklow that had been in the owner's family for generations. "Gavin's grandparents used to live there and his own dad lives on the far side of the farm here. He has vivid memories of growing up here - 10 of them were raised here - and nights of card games by the fire and neighbours popping in and out. There was a really strong connection there," says Linda, who, with her husband Gavin, commissioned Nicola to restore and extend the building.

"The cottage was sitting idle for a good 10 years," she says. "It still had the walls and wasn't a complete ruin. It had windows and was sealed and we used it as a store room, but it needed a lot of work to bring it up to standard and modernise it and make it habitable."

Linda and Gavin had strong ideas about what they liked and had decided to do the work without an architect. Then they happened along to the annual RIAI Simon Open Door event at which architects donate an hour's consultation to the public to raise funds for the charity. "I'm so glad we did because from that point on there was no question of not having an architect involved."

The brief they gave Nicola was to keep the character of the original cottage - the old hearth where Gavin's grandfather liked to sit was to be restored - but to add on a light-filled living space that a family with young children would need.

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"Nicola had a very clear vision of how to marry the two," says Linda. Her design preserved the original house but simplified it by demolishing a jumble of rooms that had been added over the years. The cottage roof and floor were replaced and double-glazed sash windows installed, while a large kitchen was fitted out by Linda's father and brother who run Oak Lodge Kitchens. Off it is a little parlour where the kids like to play.

But the hearth was the lynchpin. "That entire cottage culture of the hearth being the centre of the home where you cooked, baked, heated and gathered around, it's so Irish," says Nicola. Gavin had worked as a stonemason and knows all about traditional building methods so he rendered and limed both the hearth and the cottage walls himself.

"Where you're working with old types of building where there is solid masonry and mud walls," says Nicola, "you just have to respect that that wall needs to breathe, the floor needs to breathe, the roof needs to breathe so it's really about specifying materials properly to do that."

This is where specialist knowledge is important to avoid problems such as damp and mould in the future.

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"It's more complex to join an old house to a new house, because the original walls are lime plaster and thick but it is possible to bring the whole house to a spec that works and is very comfortable for modern living," points out Linda.

Adding the new

The extension sits at right-angles to the original and steps down from it via a glazed link. Sited on a slope, it had the height to rise to two storeys at one end and contains a large and airy living space, utility and boot room, a reading gallery and the bedrooms.

The new part offers two very different views. "On one side we're looking at the farmyard," says Linda, "and then, on the other side, it's the converted barn and the orchard. Gavin enjoys being able to stick his head out and check the farmyard."

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Traditional Irish cottages were usually built to take advantage of the shelter of a particular spot, and so sited in a dip, or with a hillside behind them, rather than because they commanded a big view, points out Nicola. The materials used in the build were typically found locally and in the landscape. This means the house belongs to the landscape - there's a special connection there..

What to budget

Undertaking the renovation of a traditional structure is definitely not for the faint-hearted, according to Nicola. She points to the RIAI (riai.ie) cost guidelines for undertaking extensive renovation works of around 2,000 per sqm at a minimum, but every project will present with its own scope and requirements.

It's also important to set aside a 5-10pc contingency for any items that crop up during the works, as they inevitably will with a heritage property.

The couple worked in phases to make the most of their budget. "But you need to choose wisely as to what you can do at a later stage versus what can't be changed," says Linda. They prioritised the things that were fundamental to the design, such as the windows. "To get the right style of windows in a cottage and in a build was a really crucial thing and we were prepared to invest in the glass - it was more affordable than we expected."

Gavin's skills in rendering and conservation also saved money on the build, as did the decision to use galvanised steel for the extension roof instead of zinc, which had been the original plan.

"It's very Irish and that's the look we wanted. We wanted it to be reminiscent of the farm shed, we have them literally surrounding us. It was a massive saving.

"Essentially, there is no real saving here in comparison with undertaking a new build," says Nicola. "However, what you will get is to live in a house that is deeply rooted in the landscape and in our cultural heritage - and that privilege, some would consider, is priceless."

You only do it once

The couple learnt a lot in the course of the build. "We learnt you only do it once!" laughs Linda, but adds: "I would say don't be afraid of taking on an old house. It is, of course, challenging but if you're working with an architect who understands both old buildings and new buildings and how they can work together, I think it's a really good way to preserve our built heritage and still get the living space you want without having to compromise too much."

She also pared back her design ideas to something much simpler. "I'd say, try to stick with one palette or form of design that suits the build as opposed to trying to do everything in one building.

"It's the history that you feel in an old building whether you're connected to it or not," she says. "There's something in old structures that is just quite special."

"Vernacular cottages and farmhouses form such a big part of our social and cultural history," says Nicola.

"It's a really noble thing to protect them, to take one to heart and mind it for the next generation."





ARCHITECT NICOLA RYANS PROJECT TIPS

1 Seek advice from a building professional such as an architect, engineer or surveyor who has experience dealing with conservation or older properties. The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has a list of registered architects working on this type of project, riai.ie

2 Ensure rainwater is gathered properly from the building  this includes making sure the roof is watertight, gutters and downpipes are sound and drainage is sufficient. Id recommend installing a French drain to the perimeter of a traditional structure, says Nicola. This will reduce damp levels at the base of the wall. A leaking gutter over a long period can do terrible damage.

3 Get informed about the best approach to older properties. There are a number of helpful booklets available to guide you published by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht along with the RIAI, spanning roofs to window repairs to energy efficiency and everything in between. They are available free to download at chg.gov.ie/heritage/heritage-publications/ or riai.ie. Pick up a copy of Irish Period Houses: A Conservation Guidance Manual by Frank Keohane, its excellent, while stonemason Pat McAfees books on Lime Works and Irish Stone Walls are a mine of information for dealing with traditional structures.

4 It is essential that materials used within a traditional building should maintain the breathability of the old fabric. Nicola recommends Ecological Building Systems  good for advice, products and assisting with specifications; ecologicalbuildingsystems.com

5 Commit to a regular maintenance programme to ensure the property is kept in best condition. A leak will never fix itself.
CHENNAI: Industrial estates in Chennai that were shut due to the COVID-19 lockdown two months ago have been ordered to resume operations with 25 per cent workforce from Monday. According to a government statement, a total of 17 big industrial estates including Ambattur and Guindy that are present in Chennai will be resuming operations from tomorrow. Industrial estates have been ordered to strictly comply with the safety guidelines issued by the state government on Sunday.

Measures such as thermal screening for all the workers prior to entering the unit and mandatory two-time disinfection of masks has to be strictly followed. The toilets and other places have to be sanitised every two hours, said the guidelines.

Even if one of the workers found with any symptoms should not be allowed to work in the unit, said the government statement. The 17 industrial estates have been ordered not to employ any workers falling in the containment zones of the city corporation.

The entire estate has to be sanitised twice each day in the morning and evenings. Employees who are above the age of 55 are also advised to keep away from work, said the order.

Apart from the guidelines issued, there is also a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that has been provided by the government, which has to be strictly complied with, said the order.
The former head of Ofsted blasted ministers today for failing to convince parents it is safe to reopen schools on June 1 amid reports three-quarters will refuse to do so.

Sir Michael Wilshaw backed the Government's plan for a phased restart from next Monday, saying the UK risked creating a 'lost generation' due to the months' long closure.

But he laid a large proportion of blame for the row over the controversial plans - bitterly opposed by teaching unions - at the door of Government ministers.

He said they had left it far too late to begin a campaign designed to convince parents it was safe to restart, which should have begun almost as soon as schools closed in March.

It came as reports suggested just a quarter of primary schools will heed calls to reopen for reception and years one and six pupils from a week on Monday.

Some 50 councils are believed to be ready to defy the Government's instructions, the Sunday Telegraph reported.

Sir Michael told Sky's Ridge on Sunday that 'countries are opening up in Europe and so should we'.

But he added: 'The government should have spent the past three months preparing the ground well, holding meetings with the teachers' associations, parents associations and so on, to make sure that all the facts are there. Transparency is absolutely critical.

'Parents need something to go on to make that balanced judgement and I'm not sure they have received that.'

Sir Michael Wishaw backed the Government's plan for a phased restart from next Monday, saying the UK risked creating a 'lost generation' due to the months' long closure.

Councils that refuse to reopen primary schools next week risk causing 'lifelong damage' to some of the country's most deprived children, experts warned last night

He continued: 'The critical thing is will parents feel confident to send their children into school safely?

'That is the big issue. It is alright opening up schools but if parents lack that confidence then they are not going to send them in.

'They must naturally be very apprehensive and worried and nervous about doing that.'

A source told the Telegraph last night that they are anticipating a small number of schools returning immediately ,saying: 'You are not going to get a situation where you get 100 per cent of schools going back. You will probably only get 20 to 25 per cent first, but it will pick up.'

Meanwhile a new poll suggested teachers would be prepared to sacrifice some of their summer break to provide extra class time.

Six in 10 polled for the Sun on Sunday said they would be willing to work extra shifts to help struggling pupils.

Councils that refuse to reopen primary schools next week risk causing 'lifelong damage' to some of the country's most deprived children, experts warned last night.

Primary pupils achieve below-average Statutory Assessment Test results in 13 out of the 23 councils that have bowed to pressure from militant teaching unions to boycott plans to bring back Reception, Year One and Year Six classes on June 1.

A Mail on Sunday investigation also found that 14 of the hardline local authorities  including Bradford, Bristol and Liverpool city councils  have a higher than average number of schools rated as 'inadequate' or 'requiring improvement' by Ofsted.

A survey of 151 local education authorities in England by the newspaper found that 23 authorities are strongly opposed to opening up classrooms on June 1, with some dismissing the target date as 'impossible' and 'unworkable'.

They include some of the most deprived areas in the country, with primary pupils in Manchester, Hartlepool and Knowsley almost twice as likely to get free school meals, according to official figures.

Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, said: 'We desperately need to get our most disadvantaged and vulnerable children back with their teachers as soon as possible.

'Every extra week away from school increases the prospects of lifelong educational damage.'

Labour runs 17 of the refusenik councils, three are Tory-led and three have no overall control in their political make-ups.

Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, said: 'We desperately need to get our most disadvantaged and vulnerable children back with their teachers as soon as possible'. Pictured: Tables marked at Kempsey Primary School in Worcester showing where pupils can sit

There are currently plans to bring back primary school pupils in Reception, Year One and Year Six classes on June 1

Alarmingly for the Government, only 18 councils which responded to our survey said they were planning to reopen schools next week.

A further 77 councils have told headteachers they can decide what to do, while 28 authorities did not give an answer to our questions.

Teachers, led by the National Education Union, have strongly resisted a return to school on safety grounds. Ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have signalled that schools will remain closed until August at the earliest.

MP Robert Halfon, chairman of the Commons Education Select Committee, said: 'It is extraordinary to see that in these areas where there is significant under-performance, with disadvantaged children suffering the most from the lockdown, that so many Labour council leaders and Left-wing teachers are most unwilling to get these vulnerable children back into school.

'They are potentially destroying these children's life chances.'
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Inmates brawled among each other with fists and guns at a prison in western Mexico on Friday, leaving seven prisoners dead and nine others wounded.

Jalisco state authorities described the killings at the infamous Puente Grande prison complex as a fight between inmates, rather than a riot.

There was never a riot, said the state's prison director, Jose Antonio Perez. There was never a dispute for control of the facility.

Officials did not explain how the inmates got the two guns used in the fight.

Perez said a group of inmates began attacking other prisoners who had not caused problems, leading the rest of the prison population to turn on the attackers. Prosecutors said five of the attackers were arrested.

The killings followed a prison baseball game, but it was not clear if that was related to the dispute. Nor was it clear if allegiance to rival drug gangs could have been involved in the dispute, as is often the case in prison fights in Mexico.

Of the seven dead, three were shot to death and four were beaten to death. Six of the nine injured were beaten and three suffered gunshot wounds.

Puente Grande was the facility from which drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman staged his first prison escape in 2001.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says Australian state borders will need to re-open before the trans-Tasman bubble can be established

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says Australian state borders will need to re-open before the trans-Tasman bubble can be established.

The 'trans-Tasman bubble' would allow Australians and New Zealanders to travel freely between both countries without a 14-day quarantine period.

The Morrison Government announced on Monday that Queensland's travel ban won't get in the way of a 'trans-Tasman travel bubble' from going ahead.

Australian tourism minister Simon Birmingham said slow-moving states shouldn't hinder the creation of the bubble, saying 'the reluctance of other states to open up their domestic borders shouldn't become an obstacle to progress'.

However, Ms Ardern disagreed, telling Radio New Zealand it was important for New Zealanders to be able to move around Australia freely.

Queensland's Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is standing firm on her decision to keep borders closed despite coming under pressure to reopen inter-state tourism.

Borders were closed for travel in April to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Ms Palaszczuk expects borders will remain closed until at least September.

Australians could be escaping to New Zealand for a winter holiday instead of Queensland this year (pictured: A woman at Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown)

Aussies could be hitting the slopes in New Zealand soon, despite Queensland refusing to budge on its border rules

Ms Ardern said New Zealand government would like Australian states to re-open before Kiwis resume normal travel across the Tasman.

'The states haven't opened up to each other yet,' she said.

'Obviously I would expect to see some of those issues resolved before we'd see them necessarily opening up to New Zealand and you can understand why.

'People want to be able to travel internally in Australia before they'd expect to be able to come across the ditch.'

Speaking later on 1News, she softened her language, saying the 'most likely sequencing' is state borders opening up first.

'I imagine they'll want to see those issues resolved around their domestic border, most likely first, that's my expectation,' she said.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian spoke out last week, calling Ms Palaszczuk's decision to keep Queensland's borders closed 'ridiculous'.

The Sunshine State leader is under pressure to reopen inter-state tourism after it shut down travel in April to slow the spread of the coronavirus

Australians flock to Queenstown every year during ski season, they are the biggest tourism group, behind Kiwis (Pictured: UFC star Red Dela Cruz, at Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown)

'I don't think it's logical to maintain the border closures for a prolonged period of time,' she said.

'For Australia to really move forward as a nation during this very difficult economic time, as well as difficult health time, we do need our borders down.'

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson joined the debate on Thursday by threatening to take the Queensland premier to court over the state's controversial decision to keep the borders shut.

'I raised last week that I think it's unconstitutional what the premier of Queensland is doing keeping borders closed for trade and commerce under section 92 of the Australian constitution', Ms Hanson told Sky News.

'Speaking to other people, they totally agree with me.

'I'm calling on Queenslanders who've been affected by either their families being destroyed, or inconvenience or trade.

'Those tourist operators who rely on tourists coming there have had their businesses affected.

'It's unconstitutional to do what they're doing, it's important to hold her to account and I think it's a political move what she's doing.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian is calling for other Australian states to open their borders for tourism

Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) has hit back at New South Wales Premier Gladys Berjiklian declaring Queenslanders will not be 'lectured to' about opening up their borders

'In Queensland, when we've had 1,058 cases, 12 active cases at the moment and four hospitalised, there's no reason to keep the borders closed.

'And they can't give you a timeline on it, they're saying possibly it could be September - that's not good enough.'

But Ms Palaszczuk has said she won't be shaken by complaints from New South Wales.

'Let me be very clear, we are reviewing this every month. Nothing has changed,' she said.

'We are not going to be lectured to by a state that has the highest number of cases in Australia.

'If you look at the federal government's road map, they do not talk about inter-state travel until July if things are going well.'

Tourism is New Zealand's biggest export industry, contributing $16.2 billion directly to the GDP (Pictured: Supermodel Georgia Fowler poses for a photo in Piha, New Zealand)

The tourism industry has been one of the hardest hit during the pandemic, with flights grounded and travellers urged to stay home.

Queensland's tourism industry is worth $2.5billion a year.

In New Zealand, tourism is the country's biggest export industry, generating $16.2billion directly to the GDP.

And Australians are the biggest contributor to that, with 1.5 million Aussies visiting the country in 2019, pouring $2.5billion into the New Zealand economy.

New Zealanders are the second biggest tourism group behind China, with 1.43 million Kiwis jumping across the ditch for a holiday last year.

But their $2.6billion contribution to the Australian economy is only a fraction of the $12.4 billion Chinese visitors bring.
New Mexico is at a standstill. With the intention to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the governor issued several public health orders that have shut our state down. While it is difficult to estimate the effectiveness of the stay-at-home order in slowing the virus, there is no doubt her public orders have created an economic crisis unlike any in our states history. Record levels of unemployment, small businesses being forced to close, historic declines in the price of oil, and crushing restrictions placed on peoples civil rights have shared the headlines with uneven growth of COVID-19 cases and deaths across New Mexicos 33 counties.

Ive never questioned the governors resolve to fight COVID-19, or her authority to issue public health orders. But what many New Mexicans and I do question is the governors unwillingness to strike a better balance between protecting public health, preserving our economic livelihoods and defending civil liberties. Sadly, the governor and her media staff say there is no option to her nearly obsessive efforts to eradicate COVD-19. In fact, any questioning of her actions is immediately met with outrageous comments by the Governors Office that such doubting voices are part of a death cult.

While the governor has the authority to combat a public health emergency, the law is clear that such authority is not unlimited, and she must manage public health emergencies in the least restrictive manner that protects all of our civil rights and liberties. So far, she has failed to strike the balance between protecting our public health and defending our civil liberties as shes required by law to do.

After several weeks of stay-at-home orders and closures of all businesses deemed nonessential, the governor still refuses to protect our individual liberties. In fact, she has done the opposite by broadly extending them. Further, issuing orders that apply to every county, several of which literally have no cases of COVID-19, is the very definition of violating the civil liberties our elected leaders are obligated to protect.

The governors unwillingness to adapt her orders to balance protecting both health and safety along with our civil rights is a direct attack on the very citizens she is charged with protecting. Did locking down the entire state when 0.1036% of the states population had tested positive for COVID-19 seem rational? Did requiring small businesses to close while allowing corporate, big-box stores to stay open make any sense? Is treating Bernalillo County with nearly 600 cases the same as Lincoln County with only two cases steeped in any real science? Does mandating the use of face masks really prevent the spread of a virus?

These questions have never been answered by the governor. Yet, it is clear her one-size-fits-all approach to combating COVID-19 needs to be adjusted to balance the protection of our health and the defense of our civil rights. I am confident we can protect against the spread of the virus, while also protecting our civil liberties and restarting our economy.

New Mexicans are resourceful and understand that achieving all three goals is essential if we are ever going to return to normal. The measures taken by the governor should not be taken lightly as the consequences of these actions will be felt for years to come. We agree steps must be taken to combat the spread of COVID-19 and every effort must be made to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. However, we must never lose sight of the foundations that make us who we are. Our civil rights are essential and should be treated as such.
Dr. Cheves McCord Smythe, who served as the founding dean of the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth during his long career as both a brilliant diagnostician and compassionate doctor, died May 11 at his Charleston, South Carolina home. He was 95.

He treated thousands of patients and taught countless students, leaving a legacy around the world.

Its been astonishing, the number of people from all over the world who have emailed us and said, Your father had a huge impact on me, said Alec Smythe, the oldest of Smythes five sons.

Smythes interest in medicine came as a child. The would-be doctor treated childhood pets that fell ill and found a passion for caring for others.

The clinician used to tell his son he had 100 years of medical training, because when he attended Harvard Medical School during World War II and his professors were drafted, doctors who retired at the turn of the century returned to the institution to teach. Smythe continued to learn innovation in medicine well into the next century.

He could just look at someone and know what was wrong with them, said Alec Smythe. He was amazing at it.

After Harvard, Smythe trained at Bellevue Hospital in New York. He was later chief resident at Boston City Hospital. He conducted medical research during the Korean War at the Naval Medical Field Research Laboratory at Camp Lejeune, in North Carolina.

He joined the faculty of the Medical College of South Carolina in 1955, where he was named dean in 1962. After three years there, the doctor moved on to a position with the American Association of Medical Colleges, which allowed him to travel and learn about teaching methods at medical schools across the nation.

Smythe came to the Bayou City in 1970 to become the first dean of the University of Texas Medical School, now the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. There, he recruited the schools first leaders, educators and students. He oversaw the planning and construction of the schools facility.

For the medical schools first five years, Smythe led it as dean and eventually became a professor of internal medicine at the college. While he was there, Smythe was recognized numerous times, winning the schools Master Teacher Award, the Humanism in Medicine Award, and the Benjy Brooks Award for Clinical Excellence, among others.

He knew how to bond with patients and make them feel better by being in the presence of a doctor, said Dr. L. Maximilian Buja, a former colleague of Smythes. Rarely do medical educators have the ability to instill diagnostic and humanistic skills. He really was a paragon of that.

Smythe took leave from the Houston campus in the early 80s and 90s to open a medical school in Karachi, Pakistan. He was the founding dean of the Department of Medicine at the Aga Khan University of Health Sciences, a professor and chair of the institution.

In 1995, he returned to the deans office at McGovern to serve temporarily during the search for the schools new leader. Smythe helped recruit Buja, who would serve as dean of the school from 1996 to 2003, and took him under his wing during the transition period.

Smythe retired from McGovern in 2011.

There was only one Cheves. He was really a character, said Bujas, currently a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at McGovern. He was a straight-shooter, a frank-talker and he gave me excellent advice  I will always remember him being a real role model for me as a physician and a dean.

Smythe also served as chief of medical services at Lyndon Baines Johnson Hospital, where he was recognized by his peers for strengthening the teaching at its medical school. He helped develop the geriatric medicine program there and the annual Cheves Smythe Distinguished Lecture was established in 2006. It brings distinguished speakers to the hospitals campus to lecture on aging.

Smythe was full of energy and never gave up on his goals, but he didnt have a problem stepping away for his family. He took his sons fishing and hunting nearly every weekend of their youth and was known to take colleagues along to bond outside of the workplace.

He created a camaraderie atmosphere that I miss, Nachum Dafny, professor of neurobiology and anatomy at McGovern, said of Smythes faculty fishing trips.

Smythes eldest son said one thing he admired about his father was his perseverance.

He never gave up, said Alec Smythe. He taught us that if one approach doesnt work, try a different one.

Because Smythe was born into privilege, his son said he always strove to live up to what hed been given in life.

He had a sense that to whom much is given, much is expected, said Alec Smythe. God had given him a wonderful education, a nimble mind, a strong family and a tremendous amount of energy. He thought that when he showed up to the pearly gates, he better have something to show for it.

The doctor is survived by his wife of 70 years, Isabella Polly Carr Smythe, their five sons, 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

hannah.dellinger@chron.com
Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) on Sunday said its three employees at Chennai-based manufacturing plant have tested positive for COVID-19. The second largest carmaker in the country had resumed operations at Irungattukottai-based plant (near Chennai) on May 8.

"In the first week of our plant operations, three of our employees have shown mild symptoms of cough and cold and were immediately asked to meet medical expert team for further evaluation. They subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 and immediate medical attention was provided to them," HMIL said in a statement.

All three employees are recovering fast towards normalcy and as per the safety protocol, essential information was shared with the district health authorities, it added.

In addition to that all the necessary measures are being taken for contact tracing, self-isolation and complete sanitation, the South Korean firm said.

Well-being of employees is of utmost priority to the company and as a responsible brand it is adhering to all the guidelines set by the Centre, state and district health authorities, HMIL said.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

On Saturday, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) had stated that an employee at its Manesar-based manufacturing plant has tested positive for COVID-19.

The company is also investigating a second case of infection at the facility.

MSI had re-opened Manesar facility earlier this month after around 50 days of closure due to coronavirus-led lockdown.
We cant stay in our pyjamas for ever! These pared-back classics will see you through summer and way beyond

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Styling: Sophie Dearden

Photographs: Andres De Lara

Fashion assistants: Joanne Toolan and Stephanie Sofokleous

Make-up: Lisa Valencia at Carol Hayes using Sisley

Hair: Alex Szabo at Carol Hayes

Model: Cam Roche at Fusion

Production and casting: Lucy Coghlan

Shot before lockdown on location at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Mexico (loscabos.nobuhotels.com). A deluxe king room starts from 350 per night inclusive of taxes and charges. TUI (tui.co.uk) has return flights to Los Cabos from London Gatwick from 579 per person. All prices are for selected dates during October 2020
The world is battling unprecedented times in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. While it has increased social distancing measures, it has also given a chance to people to stand up for one another and offer as much help as one can.

In Rajasthan's Jaipur, when a Hindu man passed away due to cancer, his Muslim neighbours stepped in and performed his cremation with full Hindu rituals with the chanting of "Ram naam satya hai".

According to a report by India Today, the man, identified as 35-year-old Rajendra Bagri, had been living in Bajrang Nagar Bhatta Basti area of Jaipur. He had been diagnosed with cancer for which he was undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Jaipur.

Harmony in the times of #COVID2019



This is Bhatta Basti area of #Jaipur, where muslim neighbours perform last rites of a Hindu man who died today.

In absence of Hindu familes, the muslim community even chanted 'Ram Naam Satya Hai' during the funeral of their neighbour Rajendra. pic.twitter.com/BN1EPlegV4  Mohammad Feroz Khan (@sufekhan) April 13, 2020

He breathed his last on Monday.

Cremation was a challenge as Rajendra had no male members in his family and his relatives could not travel to Jaipur due to countrywide lockdown.

This is the specialty of our country, no matter how much we fight, but always live together in life and in death, we love the countrymen as much as we fight.

(A Hindu brother was cremated by Muslims in Jaipur) pic.twitter.com/ttRPStrjPE  Danish Mughal (@DanishM0072) April 13, 2020

However, Muslims in the locality stepped forward to carry out the last rites of the man with proper Hindu rituals.

He was a cancer patient for a long time. Since there were no other relatives, we all decided to make arrangements for his last rites," a Muslim area resident told PTI.

"This gives a strong message that there are people for whom humanity is greater than caste or religion," he added.

The men carried the bier on their shoulders from the deceased's house to some distance, from where the body was taken to the cremation ground in a van.

Twitter

"In view of the curfew, only five people were allowed to attend the cremation. Muslims neighbours made all arrangements for the cremation and the pyre was lit by the younger brother of the deceased, SHO Shivnarayan told PTI.

In the past, several such cases have come to the fore where Muslim men have performed last rites with full rituals of Hindus in the absence of their family and relatives.




There is often surprise among people when marriages of female Gospel acts collapse because they are perceived in a certain manner.



Such musicians sometimes come under attack for the failure of such marriages but Gospel musician Philipa Baafi has asked Ghanaians not to be quick to judge.



I dont normally comment on such issues, especially if I dont know the cause of the collapse of a marriage. Ghanaians are too quick to judge when we dont even have the facts.



What most people forget is that we are human and we might make mistakes but Ghanaians expect the Gospel musician to live in a certain way. Yes, we are Gospel musicians but its just the Grace of God sustaining us.



I believe we should rather pray for such Gospel musicians whose marriages have failed. We are told to forgive 70x77 times but how many of us are able to do that? It just needs the grace of God to stand firm because marriage is such a difficult task, she told Graphic Showbiz.



According to Philipa Baafi, people should slow down on judgment and bashing when it is no fault of theirs.



Sharing her experience on what has helped her since she got married 14 years ago, Philipa said she had come to tolerate her husband and solve issues internally without involving a third party.



Marriage itself is not an easy task but it takes the two people to make it work. With prayers and determination, God will surely make it work, she stated.



Philipa Baafi advised anyone going into marriage to take their time and get to know the people they want to spend the rest of their lives with.



One interesting phenomenon in the Gospel music industry is how quite a number of female artistes settle down with pastors and explaining how that comes about, Philipa Baafi said it was because they work closely together.



The Gospel musician sings in the church and the man of God comes to preach. Naturally, Gospel musicians and men of God do the same job, its just like doctors marrying nurses, she said.



She, however, advised female Gospel musicians not to marry pastors if they were not ready to be Asafo Maame.



If you are not called by God to marry a man of God, dont even think about settling down with them because the marriage will never work. You need to be spiritually ready to settle down with a man of God, she said.



Moving on to music, Philipa Baafi, who has been off the scene for a while has just released a seven-track album titled Awurade Fa Yen Sie.



This is her 10th album since she started music some two decades ago. The album was recorded by different sound engineers including Dan Bassey, Quick Action and Morris D Voice.

Source: Daily Graphic









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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By PTI

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a history-sheeter working for an aide of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, officials said on Saturday.

Babu Solanki, wanted in offences of robbery, attempt to murder and extortion was held near Adalaj in Gandhinagar while he was moving towards Mehsana, an ATS release said.

Solanki works for gangster Sharif Khan who is an aide of Ibrahim and is reportedly holed up in Pakistan.

Solanki was booked in a case investigated by Gujarat ATS related to extortion, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, among others.

A gang led by him is accused of trying to extort Rs 10 crore from two Ahmedabad-based businessmen on behalf of a stock market trader based in Unjha in Mehsana.

Solanki had fled to Mumbai and worked as a bodyguard there but continued to commit crimes in Gujarat, it said.

He is involved in four offences of robbery, murder, and extortion in Mumbai, Surat, Sidhpur in Patan district and Ahmedabad between 1999 and 2019, the ATS said.
LAKEWOOD, Ohio

Grand theft vehicle: Garfield Avenue

A resident called police at 12:45 p.m. May 13 to report that a vehicle had been stolen from the driveway.

Grand theft vehicle: Lincoln Avenue

A resident called police at 9:30 a.m. May 13 to report tht his vehicle, which had been parked in front of the home, had been stolen.

Criminal mischief: Wascana Avenue

Police responded at 12:35 p.m. May 14 to a complaint of a car being keyed while parked in the street.

Theft: Edgewater Drive

Officers responded at 11 a.m. May 14 to the Lake Shore Towers apartment building regarding a complaint of two packages being taken from the mailroom.

Grand theft vehicle: Roy Drive

A complainant called police at about 9:45 a.m. May 14 to report that a vehicle that had been parked in their driveway had been stolen.

Theft: Detroit Avenue

Police responded at about 8:20 a.m. May 14 to Walgreens after they received a call about a man stealing a prepaid cell phone. Police cited the suspect for petty theft and advised him that he is no longer welcome in the store.

Burglary attempts: Franklin Boulevard

A caller at about 4 a.m. May 14 told police that he had witnessed four men trying to open house doors and windows and car doors. The suspects ran east on Franklin when they spotted the complainant watching them.

Theft: Homewood Drive

A resident called police May 10 to report that a package had been delivered to their home the previous day. Some of the items in the package had been taken out, while others were left in a box that was dumped nearby on Lake Avenue.

Theft: Wilbert Road

Police received a call at 1:18 p.m. May 14 regarding a purse and its contents that were stolen from an unlocked car parked in a driveway.

Theft: Wyandotte Avenue

A caller on May 14 reported that a laptop and an iPad had been stolen from an unlocked car.

Read more from the Sun Post Herald.
By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 23, 2020 | 10:08 PM | GRAVES COUNTY

rd

Primary Election.

The Graves County Clerk's Office is making final preparations for the June 23

Starting June 8th the clerk's office will be open for in-person voting by appointment only. County Clerk Kim Gills says this will allow residents to cast their vote before election day. Residents may start calling to set up an appointment on June 1st.

On Election Day, voters will have the opportunity to vote in-person at Graves County High School. No other voting precincts will be used as in-person voting options on Election Day. The GCHS precinct will be open from 6am to 6pm.

Gills said there will be four scanners and 30 to 40 voting booths set up to accommodate voters. Gills said she will have at least six well-trained precinct workers, and the Graves County Sheriff's Office and Kentucky National Guard will help man the site.

Voters will enter through the front of the school near the office to present photo ID and sign in. Precinct workers will then take voters into the schools main commons area. After voting, residents will move to the area between the commons area and the Eagles Nest to exit through the main doors at the front of the school

Anyone wanting to vote by mail-in should contact the Graves County Clerk's Office to request a ballot. You can email Kim.Gills@ky.gov or Natalie.Brown@ky.gov . After filling out the ballot, residents can mail it back to the Graves County Clerks office. Ballots can also be placed in the drop box located outside the county clerk's office.

Delinquent taxes for 2019 are ready for collection. Presently the public is not allowed access to the deed room. Customers can obtain amounts due by contacting us at 270-247-1697.

The taxes can also be paid with a card by phone, money order or check. The Graves County Clerk's Office cannot take out of state checks.
This, the sixth year of the Daily Mails Aphrodite Mumpreneur Award, is clearly unlike any other. As Covid-19 ravages the world, and with UK consumer spending shrinking by more than a third, its the resilience and creativity of small business that may well help Britain weather the storm.

So this years awards are little different. This year, as well as looking for brilliant women who have founded and built up businesses while raising children, we intend to celebrate those who are successfully steering their companies through the pandemic  surviving, perhaps even thriving, in these unprecedented times.

So how are some of the previous award-winners coping with the crisis? Here, four of this years judges  all exceptionally talented, hugely inspiring women  set out their predictions for the future, explain how our shopping habits could change for the better, and describe the lessons theyve learned during this nail-biting time. Hint: theyre not all bad!

Previous winners of The Daily Mails Aphrodite Mumpreneur Award revealed how their businesses are coping during lockdown. Pictured: Melissa Odabash who is judging this year's competition

My swimwear factories are now making masks

Former model and 2020 NatWest everywoman Award judge Melissa Odabash launched her eponymous swimwear brand in 1999. She lives in London with her husband and two daughters, aged 16 and 21.

Designer Melissa Odabash, whose brand was once described by Vogue as the Ferrari of swimwear, and whose bikinis are beloved by celebrities including Beyonce, Kate Moss and the Duchess of Cambridge, hasnt made any swimwear since mid-March. Instead, shes made face masks.

We have five factories just outside Rome and four of them have been converted to make masks, she says. In Italy, [the virus] came at people like a wave, they were petrified, and I take my hat off to those who still came in to work.

The factories were redesigned to keep people apart, and the specialist sewing machines re-purposed for the task. We were perfect for this because we have Lycra machines and we have the elastic.

The masks were making arent medical-grade masks, but they are protective and reusable if you wash them in hot water.

The Italian government is paying her 70 cents per mask, thats about 60p (the average Odabash bikini, by contrast, costs more than 200), and Melissa hopes to send shipments to the UK too, though not for use in hospitals.

When I speak to her, all physical swimwear outlets are shut. At least, then, her business is still in business, albeit of a radically different kind.

A former model from New Jersey, based in London and married to technology entrepreneur Nicolas de Santis, whos half-Spanish and half-Italian, she sells in 62 countries and all 62 have been, or still are, in lockdown.

Melissa, 50, (pictured) who has furloughed many of her staff in the UK, is spending lockdown at her flat near Hyde Park with her husband and two daughters

She has furloughed many of her staff in the UK and, at a time of stalled travel and cancelled holidays, few are buying expensive new swimsuits. Yet shes defiantly upbeat.

Im a resort product and this has happened at the beginning of my season. But Im not anxious. The world will change and fashion especially will change, she says.

What Ive learned is that we can all cut back and live quite well having much less. Wed gone crazy with the amount of clothes we were buying only to throw away. Yes, we all love to shop, but we wont shop like we dont care any more.

Of course, Melissa, 50, hopes well still buy her clothes, as a brand that in some ways represents the antithesis of fast fashion  though shes also having to rethink the business to take into account the inevitable hit on turnover.

We all need to re-strategise and look at where we were inefficient before  50 per cent of an entrepreneurs day is spent problem-solving under normal circumstances.

Meanwhile, she is staying in her enviably located flat near Hyde Park with her husband and two daughters, Alaia, 21, and Avalon, 16, who have been studying in bikinis on the terrace whenever the sun shines.

Melissa (pictured) said lockdown has caused all of us to slow down and is the perfect time to rethink what makes us happy

On the Queens birthday last month, Melissa decided to take her daily walk to Buckingham Palace and saw her best friend, the designer Julien Macdonald, paying similar homage.

I know what is happening to some people is horrific, but for others there has been a positive side to this and we need to acknowledge that.

I walk through Hyde Park every day and I see things Id never have noticed before.

Maintaining that positivity, she adds: We have all slowed down  its the perfect time to rethink what makes us happy.

In times of crisis, people often turn to chocolate

Helen Pattinson, 49, launched luxury chocolate brand Montezumas in 2000, and won a NatWest everywoman Award in 2013. She lives in Chichester with her husband, Simon, and three daughters, aged 17, 13 and ten.

For a maker and seller of luxury chocolate, the coronavirus emergency could hardly have come at a worse time.

To close our shops two weeks before Easter felt pretty disastrous, says Helen Pattinson, co-founder of Montezumas, which has six stores across the country and, until now, had plans to open a further three this summer.

Helen Pattinson, 49, (pictured) who lives in Chichester, said her business was lucky to have updated its website two weeks before lockdown

Helen and Simon, both former lawyers, started the company 20 years ago after a life-changing trip to see cocoa plantations in South America. Before March, 2020 was shaping up to be a great year.

We re-launched the whole brand in January, says Helen. It was a huge refresh, which had taken about a year to come to fruition. Every piece of our packaging is now recyclable, biodegradeable or compostable.

We also opened another shop in Norwich and, after careful planning, were looking forward to a really nice phase of growth.

And then the bomb of the virus was thrown into it all. No one could have predicted it.

The Pattinson family are self-isolating very strictly because Simon has a lung condition that puts him at higher risk.

Helen oversaw the handling of the companys Easter crisis largely over the phone, juggling it with home-schooling.

In some ways weve been lucky, she says. Wed updated the website two weeks before lockdown, so it was fit and ready for the huge upsurge we then saw online. That side of the business instantly grew about tenfold.

Helen (pictured) revealed she will be discussing new product soon, as her business has benefited from people turning to small luxuries, such as chocolate in times of crisis in the past

Production in the Montezumas factory was halted  102 of the 160 staff were furloughed  and stock was rescued from shops. Senior managers rolled up their sleeves to meet the boom in online orders (and even to clean the office on a rota).

We kept staff safe by using the empty factory as additional packing space, says Helen. Inevitably there were delays in getting orders out, but customers were really understanding. Most were just grateful to get an egg at all.

You can still buy Montezumas chocolate in Sainsburys and Waitrose, and post-Easter sales have held up well. At times of crisis, it seems, hard-pressed consumers often turn to smaller luxuries, such as a chocolate bar.

Weve definitely benefited from that rule in the past, says Helen. People didnt stop buying chocolate during the financial crisis of 2008, either. Well be discussing new products soon. It seems to be business as usual in that respect, which is very reassuring.

Quiet crufts was an early sign

Single mum Suzanne Brock, 49, winner of a NatWest everywoman Award in 2015, founded her posh pet food company Nutriment in 2013. She lives near Camberley, in Surrey, with her daughter, 19, and son, 18.

Crufts is a huge event for Suzanne Brocks company; the annual dog show the perfect showcase for her high-end, raw pet food. But this year it took place just as people started to question the wisdom of attending events en masse, so, for the first time since founding the business in 2013, she stayed at home.

Suzanne Brock, 49, (pictured) who lives near Camberley, revealed the race is on for her to boost the output of her posh pet food company Nutriment

Turnout was down 50 per cent, so plenty of people were anxious enough to think like us, says Suzanne. The thinning crowds were a sign of things to come, and Suzanne read it well, starting to up production quite significantly.

When lockdown began, Nutriment was swamped with online orders. With 40 per cent of business conducted via its website in normal times, the company already had an efficient delivery system in place, plus a deal with Ocado. Now the race was on to boost output.

Weve hired some freezer lorries for extra storage. Ours is a frozen product, so delivery has to be next day, which means everyone working very long hours, often in -28c, in the masks, gloves and heavy boots they always wear.

Suzanne adds: I think a lot of us have relied on small businesses to keep us going. Im hoping they can emerge much more strongly in the marketplace.

Its like being a start-up again - Im working harder than ever from home

Annoushka Ducas founded her eponymous jewellery company in 2009. She has four children, aged 26, 24, 22, and 18, and lives in Bosham, West Sussex.

We will survive. But its going to be really tough for everyone, says Annoushka Ducas, whose fine jewellery  worn by celebrities such as Emma Watson and Gwyneth Paltrow  is sold in luxury department stores and in her flagship boutique near Bond Street, as well as online.

In her entire career, spanning the founding of Links of London in 1990 to its sale in 2006 and the launch of Annoushka Jewellery in 2009, she has never encountered a challenge like this.

Annoushka Ducas (pictured) from West Sussex, who has furloughed 90 per cent of her team said she's working harder than ever

Like Suzanne Brock, she predicts a trend towards local shopping in smaller stores once were out of lockdown.

People are nervous of big department stores and theres a huge drive to support smaller brands and shops instead, she says.

Still, after an agonising wait for online business to pick up, shes at last seeing signs of increased traffic to her website and better sales online (10 per cent of profits from these sales are going to the Coronavirus Appeal at St Georges Hospital in Tooting, South London, to fund mental health support for NHS staff).

People were glued to the news at the start, terrified. They definitely werent looking at jewellery. But we cant stay like that for ever. Life goes on and were slowly seeing our customers adapt and start returning to the website.

We still have birthdays and anniversaries, after all, even if we cant go out.

Oddly, Im working harder than ever. Its a bit like being a start-up again  having to make tough decisions, seeing how things have become overcomplicated and working out how to simplify them.

She has furloughed 90 per cent of the team and worries about those isolating alone. Because for her, the unforeseen silver lining is in spending more time with her four grown-up children  two boys and two girls.

Annoushka (pictured) believes the lockdown will give us a greater appreciation for friends and family, and those who put their lives on the line for others

Weve all had to rub along and get to know each other on different levels again. Ive had to adapt probably most of all  Im not used to people borrowing my clothes or finding my laptop charger gone! But its been a very special time.

Annoushka talks of her jewellery in terms of heirlooms or emotional talismans, but at a time of rapidly shifting priorities, the luxury market is vulnerable  not only to financial downturn, but to a less tangible backlash against wealth.

Well come out of this with a whole different perspective on life, she agrees. Well have a greater appreciation for friends and family, and people who put their lives on the line for others.

Now seize your chance to shine...

If you started your venture while being a mum and want to tell us your story of coping  or even thriving  in the face of the Covid-19 crisis, then enter our Daily Mail/NatWest everywoman Aphrodite Award.

You must be based, or have your chief operation, in the UK, and have set up your own business from scratch while raising a child or children aged 12 or under.

You must be able to show you are the key company owner, and your venture must have been in business for longer than 18 months as of the nomination deadline of July 6, 2020. The business must also generate a profit.

You must agree that your story can be featured in the Daily Mail. You can be nominated by someone else or you can enter yourself.

Nominations and evidence must be received by Monday, July 6, 2020. The judges decision will be final. No correspondence will be entered into before or after the judging takes place.

Enter online at everywoman.com/mumpreneur
As the Centre has



announced the resumption of domestic flights from May 25, the Kerala government has issued guidelines for air travellers to the state, including 14-day home quarantine from the date of arrival.

The standard operating procedure (SOP) issued on Saturday said symptomatic persons will be sent to either COVID Care Centre or Hospital.

As per the guidelines, all passengers had to register their details with the Covid-19 Jagratha web portal.

"After undergoing medical screening for any symptoms of COVID-19, asymptomatic persons shall undergo home quarantine and symptomatic will be sent to either COVID Care Centre or Hospital," the order said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier said that those who reach the state in flights for any urgent "business meets" would require to travel back within a day or two and the state will not insist such persons to not undergothe strict quarantine of 14 days.

"The guidelines are issued for strict implementation by district Collector, district police chiefs and other heads of departments concerned," the order undersigned by Bishwanath Sinha, Principal Secretary and state coordinator for inter- state transits, said.

The order said the airline staff shall insist the details of entry pass obtained from Covid-19Jagratha before issuing the boarding pass.

If more than one person travel in a single ticket details of all persons shall be entered by anyone in the group using 'add family member' option, it said.

The order specifically mentions that all the persons entering the state shall remain under home quarantine for 14 days from the date of arrival.

It also said that the pick up vehicles for arriving passengers will be permitted to enter airport with one person (excluding driver of the vehicle) at a designated place subject to social distancing norms.

"If the persons who pick up the passenger comes in to physical contact with the traveller, they shall also remain under home quarantine for 14 days," the SOP said.

The district administration pertaining to those districts with airports will make arrangements for operating KSRTC buses to other district headquarters or major towns to drop the arriving passengers enabling them to reach home.

The staff at the airports will be exclusively posted for a period of two weeks for airport surveillance and they must undergo two weeks home quarantine upon finishing duties.

A woman, who had reached Kerala from Dubai for cancer treatment and had tested positive for COVID, died on Sunday, and 53 new cases, 47 of them returnees from abroad and other states, were detected, taking the aggregate tally of COVID-19 in the state so far to 847.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 08: An attendee walk by the Huawei booth at CES 2019 at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 8, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 11 and features about 4,500 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 180,000 attendees. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

Conservative members of the United Kingdom's government have pushed Prime Minister Boris Johnson to draw up plans to remove telecom equipment made by the Chinese manufacturer Huawei from the nation's 5G networks by 2023, according to multiple reports.

The decision by Johnson, who wanted Huawei's market share in the nation's telecommunications infrastructure capped at 35 percent, brings the UK back into alignment with the position Australia and the United States have taken on Huawei's involvement in national communications networks, according to both The Guardian and The Telegraph.

The debate over Huawei's role in international networking stems from the company's close ties to the Chinese government and the attendant fears that relying on Huawei telecom equipment could expose the allied nations to potential cybersecurity threats and weaken national security.

Originally, the UK had intended to allow Huawei to maintain a foothold in the nation's telecom infrastructure in a plan that had received the approval of Britain's intelligence agencies in January.

This is very good news and I hope and believe it will be the start of a complete and thorough review of our dangerous dependency on China, conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith told The Guardian when informed of the Prime Minister's reversal.

As TechCrunch had previously reported, the Australian government and the U.S. both have significant concerns about Huawei's ability to act independently of the interests of the Chinese national government.

"The fundamental issue is one of trust between nations in cyberspace, wrote Simeon Gilding, until recently the head of the Australian Signals Directorates signals intelligence and offensive cyber missions. "Its simply not reasonable to expect that Huawei would refuse a direction from the Chinese Communist Party."

Given the current tensions between the U.S. and China, allies like the UK and Australia would be better served not exposing themselves to any risks from having the foreign telecommunications company's technology in their networks, some security policy analysts have warned.

Story continues

"Its not hard to imagine a time when the U.S. and China end up in some sort of conflict, Tom Uren of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) told TechCrunch. If there was a shooting war, it is almost inevitable that the U.S. would ask Australia for assistance and then wed be in this uncomfortable situation if we had Huawei in our networks that our critical telecommunications networks would literally be run by an adversary we were at war with."

U.S. officials are bound to be delighted with the decision. They've been putting pressure on European countries for months to limit Huawei's presence in their telecom networks.

"If countries choose to go the Huawei route it could well jeopardize all the information sharing and intelligence sharing we have been talking about, and that could undermine the alliance, or at least our relationship with that country," U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper told reporters on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, according to a report in The New York Times.

In recent months the U.S. government has stepped up its assault against the technology giant on multiple fronts. Earlier in May, the U.S. issued new restrictions on the use of American software and hardware in certain strategic semiconductor processes. The rules would affect all foundries using U.S. technologies, including those located abroad, some of which are Huaweis key suppliers.

At a conference earlier this week, Huaweis rotating chairman Guo Ping admitted that while the firm is able to design some semiconductor parts such as integrated circuits (IC), it remains incapable of doing a lot of other things.

Survival is the keyword for us at present, he said.

Huawei has challenged the ban, saying that it would damage the international technology ecosystem that has developed to manufacture the hardware that powers the entire industry.

In the long run, [the U.S. ban] will damage the trust and collaboration within the global semiconductor industry which many industries depend on, increasing conflict and loss within these industries.
Chandigarh, May 23 (IANS) Ruling out any complacency despite Punjab posting the highest 90 per cent recovery rate in the country, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said, here on Saturday, 14-day home quarantine was compulsory for all those coming to the state.

Screening of all those entering the state would be done at the border entry points, as well as railway stations and airports. Those found symptomatic would be sent to institutional quarantine, he added.

The Chief Minister was taking part in his Facebook live programme a#AskCaptain'.

Rapid testing teams would monitor the home quarantined people, those found symptomatic would be tested at hospitals and isolation centres, he said making it clear his government would not rely on any certificates of testing from any part of the country or the world.

He cited example of returnees from Maharashtra and Rajasthan, as well as Dubai, who carried medical certificates showing Covid-19 negative but tested coronavirus positive on reaching the state.

Those returning to India via special international flights are required to undergo institutional quarantine, as per the central government guidelines.

With a large number of Punjabis returning home, and more businesses being keen on resuming activities, the Chief Minister underlined the need for strict caution. "We have kept the situation under control and will not let the pandemic spread further," he said.

The Chief Minister said there was likelihood of infection from Punjabis returning home, and the state was taking no chances and had made elaborate arrangements for their testing and quarantine.

Five flights came on Saturday. Over 20,000 people are expected to come from abroad on 88 flights, and 60,000 from other states. "I will not let this infection spread any further in Punjab," he said.

The Chief Minister thanked labourers who had chosen to stay back and contribute to Punjab's economic strength. Nearly half of the migrants who had registered online to return home had decided to stay back and had started working in the industry, said the Chief Minister. "This is your state and you are part of it," he remarked.

Stating that it's vital for industry to function to ensure livelihood, he said 1.5 lakh of the 2.56 lakh industries in the state had resumed operations. Keep following social distancing norms stringently at workplaces to beat the virus, he added.

The state government is reaching out to embassies of various nations, looking to shift manufacturing and businesses out of China. Punjab was in talks with various embassies, like Japan, Korea and Taiwan, and had offered all possible support, in terms of land, infrastructure and other facilities, he said.

Of the 2,028 cases in the state, 1,819 had recovered, he said and expressed the confidence that 200 patients under treatment would also be fine soon. "There is no patient on oxygen support, only one on ventilator support," he said.

He said the high recovery could be attributed to strict discipline by Punjabis in following social distancing norms. It was unfortunate, however, that 39 people died in the state, he added.

--IANS

vg/pcj
Fleabag actor Andrew Scott has left fans reeling with his reassuring tones after reading out a poem to raise awareness for an Irish cancer charity.

The silken-voiced 43-year-old Irish star, most famous for his role as the 'hot priest' in Phoebe Waller-Bridge's hit series, filmed himself performing Everything is Going to be All Right by Derek Mahon.

British actress Emilia Clarke, posted the footage on Instagram saluting Andrew for supporting health charity Men Against Cancer Ireland, writing that as a sufferer of depression, she'd found solace in hearing Mahon's words.

Scroll down for video

Andrew Scott (pictured) filmed himself reciting Everything is Going to be All Right by Derek Mahon for Men Against Cancer Ireland

Andrew is the latest star to perform a poem for an Instagram series run by The Poetry Pharmacy. Pictured: Andrew in Fleabag

The recording is the latest in a series of clips shared by The Poetry Pharmacy, who've also featured the likes of Idris Elba and Helena Bonham Carter.

Fans of the star who is best known for playing a sexy man of cloth in Fleabag, gushed over Andrew's delivery of the poem. One person wrote: 'This is absolutely beautiful and particularly poignant! Thank you for sharing and to Andrew for the incredible delivery.

Another said: 'Lost count of how many times I've watched this now'

A third added: 'I found this so incredibly moving Emilia Clarke, for sharing this and so much to Mr Andrew Scott for his awesome recital it gave me goosebumps.'

Actress Emilia explained the poem offers a push to reassess situations in life that can seem overpowering.

She shared: 'As a great sufferer from depression myself, I find a small moment like this, a sudden splash of serenity and beauty, can provide the impetus needed to run my mood around.

She added: 'Too often, our pain is either in our heads or magnified beyond all proportion.

'If we can learn to manage it, if we can find that oasis of calm in the reflection of the waves, then we might find that out problems are not as all-consuming as we imagined. Thank you thank you Andrew!'

The recording is the latest in a series of clips shared by The Poetry Pharmacy, who've also featured the likes of Idris Elba and Helena Bonham Carter

Scott with co-star and Fleabag writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge; the role of a sexy man of the cloth has seen Scott become a household name

A stream of Instagram users gushed over Andrew's delivery of the poem and labelled it 'beautiful'

Mahon's soothing poem has lines including: 'Perhaps a shaft of afternoon light paints a familiar view an unfamiliar gold; perhaps dust in a sunbeam or the dance of sparks above a fire transport you, for a long instant, to somewhere else altogether.

'The almost magical-seeming reflections of ripples on a ceiling are transfixing in just the same way.

'In moments like these- awe-struck moments when the ferocious beauty of the everyday catches us unawares- we are often moved to a reassessment. One flash of sunlight can be all it takes to give us the sense of possibility that can change everything.'
Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank Uday Kotak on Sunday stressed on the cost-competitiveness of India's professionals across sectors and said that the country has potential to become the world's office. "China is the world's factory, India can be its office!" Kotak tweeted.

China is the worlds factory, India can be its office!



Why should Google pay $200,000 to work-from-home US engineers, when they can cheaply hire Indians here to do the same job on VC. Same with finance analysts, marketing, architects etc. New world creates new opportunities. Uday Kotak (@udaykotak) May 24, 2020

The comment comes on the backdrop of the reports that a number of global giants are looking to shift their manufacturing facilities to other countries from China on account of the coronavirus pandemic. According to a recent Bloomberg report, India is developing a land pool nearly double the size of Luxembourg to attract businesses moving out of China.

A total area of 461,589 hectares has been identified by the government across India for the same purpose, the report also said citing unidentified sources. It includes 115,131 hectares of existing industrial land in states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Luxembourg is spread across an area of 243,000 hectares. Earlier this month, there were reports that Apple is planning to shift nearly a fifth of its production capacity from China to India in wake of pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his recent speech, said that India needs to achieve self-reliance by boosting domestic consumption of locally-manufactured products that would in turn strengthen the domestic industry.

Also read: Coronavirus India Live Tracker: Delhi registers 508 new cases in 24 hours; tally over 13,400

Also read: Eid-ul-Fitr: Is the Indian stock market open or closed for trading tomorrow?
BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The most important thing that can be learned from COVID-19 is that the life and health of people in different countries have never been so closely connected, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday.

Also, it has never been made so clear that all nations live in the same global village and that humanity is in fact a community with a shared future, Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual national legislative session.
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

When voters head to the polls June 2 for New Mexicos primary elections, many will see an assortment of different candidates for whom they could cast their vote.

But one race  that for the District 10 position on the Public Education Commission  will have no names on the ballot and will require those voting to write by hand the name of the candidate on the ballot.

The commission oversees all state-run charter schools in New Mexico, providing oversight to make sure the schools are adhering to education laws and running properly.

District 10 encompasses parts of Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, Taos and Colfax counties. The position was held most recently by Tim Crone of Espanola.

None of the candidates, though, collected enough nominating signatures to have their name placed on the ballot, so the election will be decided by write-in votes.

And while the race might remain unknown to many voters, some around Santa Fe will no doubt recognize at least one of the candidates.

Until recently, Steven Carrillo served two terms over nine years on the Santa Fe Public Schools Board of Education, losing out to Carmen Gonzales last November.

Carrillo said that, despite the loss, he still felt the need to serve the public in an elected office.

I realized that I enjoy being in public service, he said.

Referencing his record as a school board member, Carrillo said he had a history of education-related accomplishments that qualify him to serve on the commission.

One goal he has, if elected, is to increase the collaboration between the states dozens of charter school directors and the commission, which he said is not happening enough.

(Directors) often dont think of the commission as being partners, and I want to be a partner in their success, he said.

The insurance agent will be taking on two longtime educators for a seat on the commission.

William Humbert of Angel Fire moved to New Mexico from Texas six years ago, but had lived in the community the majority of his time for the past 20 years.

He recently served on Angel Fires village council for two years, but worked as an educator in various capacities for 45 years as a teacher, administrator and program director.

While not having direct experience with state-run charters, Humbert said his long ties to the Angel Fire community have familiarized him with the issues facing rural charters in the state.

Because theyre small, its very difficult for them to provide other opportunities for their students, he said. When you have a small school, whether its charter or public, youre constantly struggling.

Humbert said many struggles stem from a lack of financing and a small student population. If elected, he said he plans to advocate for rural charters and the unique issues they face.

Leanne Salazar-Montoyas education career spans across several different districts in Northern New Mexico.

She has served as a teacher, principal and superintendent at Mora and Questa School Districts, resigning from the first and being fired from the latter. She served a little over a year combined at both districts.

Salazar-Montoya said her experience as both a parent of school-age children and an educator gives her the right perspective to serve on the commission.

She also said she would like to highlight the accomplishments of students at charter schools and increase awareness of the unique educational services provided by state-run charters.

I think all too often we dont highlight the successes of charter school students, she said.
I am writing to extend warm greetings to all Muslims across the country on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, being aware this message may come as a surprise to many of you.

But it should not, especially for those who understand the history of humanism and atheism in the country. Humanism is not against Islam. Atheists are not against Muslims. Almost all members of the humanist/atheist community are very well versed in Islamic, Christian and various other religions.

Most of us have religious ties. We have connections to Muslims; as friends and family members as parents and children; as husbands and wives; as brothers and sisters; as uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews; as colleagues and bosses; as business partners, as tenants and landlords, and as fellow teachers and students - but more importantly - as fellow citizens of Nigeria.

We cherish these connections and want them preserved and celebrated, not destroyed. Nigeria being a nation that is religiously diverse is a country of believers and non-believers, theists, polytheists, pantheists, atheists, and people who identify as none of these. Nigeria is a country of traditionalists, Christians, Muslims, religious minorities, and also the non-religious. It is important that we as citizens be mindful of diversity in our everyday dealings.

I know that the past weeks have been the one of the most tense periods in the history of the relationship between the muslim community and the humanist/atheist non religious community in the country. The post that Mr Mubarak Bala reportedly made on Facebook and the reactions by muslims; his arrest and detention without access to a lawyer, have tested and strained that relationship. But know this all muslim friends and fellow citizens of Nigeria, we have had similar incidents in the past that tested the relationship between Muslims and Muslims, Muslims and Christians, Muslims and traditionalists. And just as we overcame those and continued to live in peace and tolerance with one another, we shall overcome the current crisis.

Atheists and Muslims will once again begin to live side by side in peace and harmony. Atheists and humanists do not seek conflict with Muslims in this country, whether in the North or in the South. This country has had enough mindless religious violence and bloodletting. We cannot afford to spill any more blood in pursuit of a needless religious vendetta. Humanists and atheists want to live and relate with Muslims in a way that is marked by equality, dignity and respect; in a way that ensures their right to freely express their thoughts and beliefs. To this end it is important to underscore the fact that people are bound to say things that could annoy or provoke. In fact atheists/humanists say things that Muslims deem insulting, and disrespectful as in the case of Mubarak Bala. Muslims make declarations which some atheists and humanists may consider offensive or disrespectful. Please try to understand that offensive comments are not justifications for death threats, such as we have witnessed in the case of Mr. Bala.

So let us all, as Muslims and atheists learn to tolerate offensive remarks. Let us learn to live in peace and harmony with one another. Once again, warm Sallah greetings. Eid Mubarak.

Leo Igwe holds a doctoral degree in religious studies from the University of Bayreuth in Germany and chairs the board of trustees of the Humanist Association of Nigeria.
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

The Navajo Nation is deciding how to spend more than $600 million in federal aid to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

The Navajo government received the funds earlier this month from the U.S. Treasury Department as part of $8 billion designated for tribal governments under the CARES Act.

Its not a handout  its our share of aid to help us fight this pandemic, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said during a virtual town hall early last week.

The Navajo Nation Council passed a bill establishing the Navajo Nation Cares Act Fund. The bill, yet to be signed by President Nez, would also streamline the traditional Navajo funding process.

Many comments submitted to the council argue for the federal money to pay for water projects.

The Manuelito Navajo Chapter, west of Gallup, passed a resolution in April asking the council to invest in portable water storage, hand-washing stations and shower units.

The Manuelito Navajo Chapter has determined that waiting on water service lines to homes will take years to accomplish, says the resolution, which adds that increased water access could help prevent spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

A 2019 report from the U.S. Water Alliance and DigDeep estimates about 30% of Navajo residents lack running water. Decadeslong delays in federal infrastructure projects and water contamination on some tribal lands are cited as some reasons for the lack of water in many remote Navajo homes.

Were going to be addressing that through the $600 million, Nez said.

It is unclear whether Navajo water infrastructure projects would align with Treasurys specific use guidelines. The guidelines mandate the money be used for necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19. The expenses must not have been accounted for in the most recent budget and must be incurred from March 1 to Dec. 30 of this year.

As of Friday, the reservation had more than 4,400 COVID-19 cases and 147 deaths. More than 13% of the reservations population has been tested for the virus, according to the Navajo Department of Health.

Another bill introduced by Navajo Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie would task a multibranch Navajo government group to craft a spending plan for the CARES Act money. The bill would authorize the immediate spending of about $50.5 million for personal protective equipment, food and water distribution and disinfection of government offices.

The bill would also direct the federal money toward waterline, electricity (and) telecommunication projects as necessary efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.
If wind turbines are allowed to tower up to 680 feet into the sky from a Botetourt County mountaintop, they would be higher than the tallest ones currently in the United States.

But should the countys board of supervisors approve a request from Apex Clean Energy to build up to 22 modern windmills as tall as a 50-story building, it wouldnt necessarily set a new record.

Thats because at least three other wind farms with even higher turbines are likely to go up before Apex completes its renewable energy project, according to Ben Hoen, a research scientist with the U.S. Wind Turbine Database.

Others, in addition to the Rocky Forge Wind Project atop North Mountain, are in the works.

So, although these heights sound enormous (and they are undoubtedly very tall) they are not unique, Hoen wrote in an email last week.

Green energy advocates say the latest technology allows taller turbines to more efficiently generate electricity from the wind, reducing carbon pollution from the burning of fossil fuels. Opponents counter that the bigger they are, the greater the problems with noise, shadow flicker, harm to wildlife and spoiled scenic views.

All the negative impacts of the towers just got a whole lot worse with the 680 -foot height, Tenney Mudge of neighboring Rockbridge County told the Botetourt County Planning Commission during a public hearing earlier this month.

The commission voted unanimously to recommend that the board of supervisors change its ordinance regulating wind farms and amend Apexs special exception permit to allow for turbines up to 680 feet tall. When the board first granted approval in 2016, it was for 550-foot tall turbines.

A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for the supervisors meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Going big

Currently, the tallest operating onshore turbines in the United States stand at 654 feet at the Big Level Wind Project in Pennsylvania, according to Hoen and the American Wind Energy Association.

Apex said it has data to indicate there are 660-foot tall turbines in Missouri and North Dakota.

The average turbine built in 2019 was 494 feet tall.

However, more and more projects are choosing taller towers and longer blades to access stronger, steadier winds and open up new areas for development, such as Virginia, the association said in a written statement in response to questions from The Roanoke Times.

Rocky Forge would be the states first onshore wind farm.

The Federal Aviation Administration has approved more than 300 turbines in three projects  yet to be completed  that are higher than 680 feet, ruling that they would not be a hazard to passing aircraft, Hoen said. One is for 699-foot turbines in Illinois.

Hoen is a research scientist who leads the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in maintaining the turbine database. The American Wind Energy Association and the U.S. Geological Survey also are involved in the project.

There are more than 3,000 turbines taller than 680 feet that are currently under consideration in 18 states, he said.

When Apex first proposed a wind farm in Botetourt County, elected officials welcomed the additional revenue it would bring in addition to its contribution to the green energy movement.

The board of supervisors drafted an ordinance to regulate utility-scale windmills, and in 2016 granted Apex a special exception permit that allowed it to build up to 25 turbines no higher than 550 feet.

But the Charlottesville-based company struggled to find a buyer for the approximately 75 megawatts of electricity the wind farm would produce, and an isolated 7,000-acre tract for the project north of Eagle Rock sat largely undeveloped.

Then, late last year, Dominion Energy agreed to purchase the electricity and then sell it to Virginia as part of a renewable energy package that will also include solar power. The agreement was billed as a way to help Virginia meet its goal of getting at least 30% of the electricity consumed by the states agencies and executive branch from renewable sources by 2022.

A few weeks later, Apex requested that Botetourt County allow the turbines to be up to 680 feet tall.

One way that turbines have become more efficient is by getting taller and having bigger rotors; these changes allow them to collect more energy from the wind, Apex spokeswoman Natasha Montague wrote in an email last week.

As wind turbine technology improves, it is possible to produce more energy from a smaller number of turbines. Furthermore, these technological improvements are allowing new areas of the country to take advantage of the economic development opportunities associated with wind energy generation facilities.

Apex told the county that it will build no more than 22 turbines at a height of up to 680 feet. But the towers may not be that tall, it says. And depending on the final height, fewer than 22 could be needed to meet its energy production goals.

In response to questions from the planning commission at its May 11 meeting, development manager Charlie Johnson said the number could range from 13 to 18 if the turbines are built 680 feet tall.

An exact number is tough to nail down at this point, he said.

County staff issued a report that expressed concerns about the lack of specificity with regards to the turbines models and heights. The planning department proposed changing the county ordinance and amending Apexs special exception permit, but said it did not endorse the move.

Opposition sharpens

Plans for the wind farm have been met with less community opposition in Botetourt than in other localities, perhaps because its location along 3.5 miles of a ridgeline is far from populated areas.

The project is backed by the Roanoke chapter of the Sierra Club, the Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition, the Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund and Conservatives for Clean Energy, among other groups. Supporters outnumbered opponents by more than 2-to-1 at a board of supervisors meeting in 2016.

But with the increased heights, opposition appears to have sharpened.

Eric Claunch of Eagle Rock says an analysis by Virginians for Responsible Energy shows that the turbines would be visible from McAfee Knob in Roanoke County, a popular spot on the Appalachian Trail about 27 miles away.

The irony is that in the interest of attempting to protect the environment, the siting of this project does the opposite, with repercussions far beyond the county, Claunch said.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, however, has not opposed the project. From my perspective, given the distance ... its difficult for me to see how this is an A.T. issue, said Andrew Downs, a Roanoke-based regional director of the conservancy.

Computer simulations done for Apex show the wind farm would not be highly visible in many parts of Botetourt County. Even with the taller turbines, its a pretty minimal change to the eye, Johnson said.

Although the simulations did not include areas as far away as McAfee Knob, the consultant who did the work said it was unlikely the turbines would have a visual impact on the landmark, according to Montague.

Supporters say taller turbines are needed to spur wind energy development in Virginia, where the wind is not as strong as other states that have had wind farms for decades.

A height of 680 feet is on the tall end of the spectrum, according to Jeroen van Dam, a principal engineer for the National Wind Technology Center, but is not unrealistic.

Apex says it hopes to complete its wind farm by the end of next year. New approvals are also needed from the FAA and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

When DEQ approved the project the first time, it found that the spinning blades could be a hazard to flying bats. Apex agreed to turn the turbines off at night during the warmer months, when bats are most active.

Of all the turbines built last year, 38% ended up being smaller than their permitted height, Hoen said. Other proposed projects never got off the ground earlier, including several attempts in Southwest Virginia.

And, again, there are a number of irons in that tall-turbines fire in the U.S., he wrote in an email, so who knows what will happen in the next few years.

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New Delhi [India], May 23 (ANI): As announced earlier, evergreen actor Madhuri Dixit has released her debut single Candle in an exclusive Facebook Live video on Saturday. The 53-year-old star shared the official music video during the Facebook live session. In the video, the actor is seen crooning to the song of positivity.

The video has additional clips of empty roads, and closed institutions, to indicate the impact of the ongoing coronavirus crisis across the world. The song intends to bring high hopes and positivity among people amid these trying times. The music video ends with the actor lighting a candle.

This is dedicated to all those fighting on the frontlines. They are the real heroes today. We need to burn bright like the candles through the hurricane and emerge stronger together, read the caption towards the end of the video.

The live video was joined by scores of fans and was flooded with comments appreciating the music. After treating the fans with music, the Kalank actor spoke that the video was a complete home production  everything was entirely shot at home. She also extended her heartfelt thanks to her entire team and dubbed her vast-loving fans as the candles in her life. (ANI)

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P iers Morgan has vowed to ban all cabinet ministers from appearing on Good Morning Britain unless they didn't support Dominic Cummings over his alleged breach of lockdown rules.

The ITV host announced the move on Saturday evening following new claims Mr Cummings made a second trip to Durham during the coronavirus lockdown.

The latest revelations, which put further pressure on Downing Street, comes after an investigation by the Daily Mirror and the Guardian revealed on Friday that the top aide to the Prime Minister had allegedly breached travel restrictions by travelling more than 250 miles from his home in London with his family.

Downing Street has defended the 48-year-old strategist, insisting his actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines and denying reports he was spoken to by the police.

Dominic Cummings is facing new claims he breached lockdown for a second time / AP

The latest statement from Downing Street on Saturday evening said: We will not waste our time answering a stream of false allegations about Mr Cummings from campaigning newspapers."

After the new reports emerged, Mr Morgan posted on Twitter: "In light of todays developments, I am regretfully forced to ban all cabinet ministers from appearing on @GMB until further notice.

"Only exceptions will be those who didnt publicly support Cummings breaching a lockdown that the Govt forced on the rest of us to save lives."

Earlier on Saturday, Mr Morgan also vowed to drive to see his parents if Boris Johnson did not fire Mr Cummings today.

In a tweet liked thousands of times, he said: "If Boris doesnt fire Cummings today, then I will deem the Lockdown over & drive down to see my parents (from a 2m distance) for the first time in 12 weeks.

Im not having one rule for these clowns & another for the rest of us.

He also called on Mr Johnson to front the Downing Street briefing "or be damned by your cowardice", but Transport Secretary Grant Shapps led the daily conference.

Political leaders have piled pressure on Mr Johnson to sack Mr Cummings, with the Lib Dems branding it outrageous and Labour saying the country deserves answers.
What The Bogota Post got right about America before COVID-19 rings just as true during the pandemic  maybe even more true.

In a May 2019 article, The List of Things Americans Take for Granted, the newspaper examined some of the freedoms and blessings that too many Americans forget they have.

Amid the pandemic  as we all get a taste of having some of our freedoms curtailed  perhaps it should be easier to remember how good weve had it.

Free speech is one right we ought never take for granted.

As we have seen recently in America, political tensions are running at an all-time high, reported The Post. But people are entitled to their opinion and in America, you can express this without fear of repercussions  .

Some refer to our leaders with vulgar, crass expressions. Some make allegations about politicians that facts dont support. Others  a regrettably small percentage  take the high road by making reasoned arguments about what they think of ideas or policies.

Whatever Americans say publicly or post on social media, nobody fears government hit squads kicking down their doors in the middle of the night.
When shelter-in-place orders were announced March 16, Paul Einbund was unsure whether to temporarily close his Mission District restaurant, the Morris. Ive been stressing a lot about whether or not we should be open, even for takeout and delivery, Einbund says. He adds that while there are lots of upsides to staying open, the downside is the safety risk for his employees, which is the most important consideration.

But working with SF New Deal, a new organization that purchases meals from restaurants and partners with community organizations to deliver them to the elderly, the unhoused and less fortunate during the pandemic, gave Einbund his raison detre. Knowing that we are feeding human beings that might otherwise go hungry makes that decision easier. We must help and we must do what we can. And what we do is feed people, now more than ever before.

A number of new organizations like SF New Deal have popped up during the pandemic to help restaurants stay operational by feeding health care workers or those in need. East Bay Feed ER connects restaurants with local hospital workers and first responders on the receiving end; Frontline Foods, in partnership with World Central Kitchen, also provides meals to health care workers. The state initiative High Roads Kitchen is similar, with the caveat that participating restaurants must also promise to provide livable wages for workers.

Generally, the organization raises funds so restaurants can buy ingredients and hire workers, and then connects them to organizations that feed the community. Its hard to find a local restaurant that hasnt taken part or created its own similar program. For many, these organizations provide much more than a steady stream of income: They provide meaning.

It really fits in with our ethos  we are a community restaurant, says Sarah Kirnon of Miss Ollies in Oakland, who has been working with the organization Off Their Plate to provide 100 to 160 meals a week to health care workers at Highland Hospital, San Leandro Hospital and other hospitals.

Stephen Lam / Special to The Chronicle

Christian Ciscle, who operates the pop-up SF Chickenbox out of a bar in SoMa, says working with SF New Deal, which was originally funded by a $1 million investment from Twitch CEO Emmett Shear, has been crucial to sustaining his business.

It enables businesses to pay the bills and put people back on payroll, he says.

Ciscle also finds the work more rewarding than making food for tech company meetings, like his restaurant did before shelter in place. The people hes feeding now actually need to be fed.

Ciscle always tried to give back even before the pandemic. Hes run an annual chicken wing eating contest over the past decade to raise funds for local nonprofits like Homeless Youth Alliance and youth advocate Huckleberry House.

Theres so much money and disparity, and its ridiculous not to take that money from people and use it for people who need it, Ciscle says.

Ciscle and Einbund also see the decision to stay open as playing a role in keeping up the supply chain of purveyors and farmers. By feeding those in need, they are able to order from their vendors and support the immediate food community.

Although it took a pandemic to force such solutions to food insecurity, the bright side is that it shows solutions can be found. What remains to be seen is whether these programs disappear once things start to normalize.

Mourad Lahlou, owner of Aziza and Mourad in San Francisco, hopes not. One of his primary drivers for working with SF New Deal is that it allows him to employ his undocumented workers.

A lot of people on my staff are getting unemployment right now and getting money from the stimulus package. But the people who got really f are the undocumented workers. Those are the ones who have been paying taxes, paying into unemployment funds, but once the pandemic started these people couldnt apply for unemployment, he says.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

(On May 18, California began offering undocumented immigrants the opportunity to apply for pandemic relief.)

Stephen Lam/Special to The Chronicle

Providing meals directly to the needy has also changed the way Lahlou looks at food. Lahlou, whose Financial District restaurant, Mourad, has earned Michelin stars and was recently nominated for a James Beard Award for best chef: California, cooks elevated Moroccan cuisine through a California lens. There are tweezers and smears and caviar.

Bay Area coronavirus food organizations These are some of the organizations and programs created during the pandemic to provide funding to Bay Area restaurants to make meals for those who need food. Dine11SF. This organization works with San Francisco restaurants to provide food to families in need. https://dine11.org/sf/ East Bay Feed ER. Works with restaurants to provide meals to workers at hospitals and other health care facilities in the East Bay. www.eastbayfeeder.org/ Feed and Fuel.Program from Chinatown Community Development Center that works with Chinatown restaurants to provide meals to residents of the neighborhood's public housing units and SROs. www.chinatowncdc.org Frontline Foods. National organization that works with local restaurants to provide meals to health care workers. www.frontlinefoods.org Off Their Plate. National organization that works with local restaurants to provide meals to health care workers. https://offtheirplate.org SF New Deal. Partners with restaurants in San Francisco to provide meals for vulnerable populations. www.sfnewdeal.org See More Collapse

He admits that type of cooking can be disconnecting: Were not grounded anymore when you just cook for a certain type of person. But the work hes been doing has recentered him: When you cook for people in shelters, it gives you a different perspective on what it means to cook food.

Lahlou immigrated to San Francisco after graduating high school without speaking English or having any experience in a professional kitchen. He started cooking because he missed his home country of Morocco. Cooking through the pandemic has brought him back to the reason he started cooking in the first place.

This is what food and a meal is supposed to do to people  sustain them and bring them happiness, he says. Its not about impressing anyone or the accolades, its about helping people smile, survive and feel food secure.

Omar Mamoon is a San Francisco writer and cookie guy. Find him at @ommmar Email: food@sfchronicle.com
The double whammy of rock-bottom oil prices and the economic devastation triggered by the coronavirus lockdown has New Mexico staring at a potential budget shortfall that could be as high as $2.2 billion for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

So its either comforting  or a perplexing case of rose colored glasses  that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said last week that Were in pretty good position where I dont anticipate well have to make deep cuts to next years budget.

The governor made the comment in announcing that lawmakers will convene for a special session in Santa Fe on June 18 to grapple with the budget. She said the states hefty reserves and federal stimulus funds could help the state avoid layoffs and furloughs of state workers and teachers.

Indeed, the $1.7 billion in reserves, wisely put aside primarily from oil and gas money, has been a buffer from cuts for the current fiscal year. But it wont cover red ink next year. Or the year after that.

Lujan Grisham didnt say whether she would support trimming back or freezing hefty raises for teachers and other state workers, or projects shes passionate about like tuition-free college, $320 million for a new early childhood trust fund, the film industry subsidies and another $55 million to once again shore up public employee pension funds. (The Journal Editorial Board supported some of these as innovative ideas that would move our state forward.)

All are among items approved just a few months ago when the Legislature was on a spending binge fueled by the then-boom in oil and gas and a robust economy.

Over objections by some moderate Democrats and Republicans  Rep. Jason Harper, R-Rio Rancho, for example said he was terrified about the spending being proposed  the Legislature approved a $7.6 billion budget that reflected an overall spending increase of 7.6%.

Then, starting in March, the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown to control it took a terrific toll.

First, it triggered a global recession that, combined with Russia and Saudi Arabias price-and-supply war, sent oil prices plunging. New Mexicos FY21 budget had been crafted on oil prices of $50 a barrel. At one point recently, it was trading at zero. Now, that price doesnt matter so much in the short term because many operators in New Mexico have shut down their wells or are in the process of doing so. You have huge lots where all the equipment from the oil fields has been parked, one Hobbs resident says. The industry as we know it isnt bouncing back anytime soon.

Under current projections, revenue for next year could be as low as $5.5 billion (it had been projected to hit $7.9 billion). And given the economic havoc wreaked by the lockdown, dont be surprised if the next official forecast is even lower.

Meanwhile, more than 140,000 New Mexicans have filed for unemployment. Thousands of businesses are shuttered, and tax revenue has dried up. A closed restaurant or bar doesnt collect gross receipts taxes. Nationally, the number of people who didnt pay rent on May 1 soared, and April set an all-time record for mortgage delinquency. There is no reason to think were not in that same boat.

Why is this pertinent to a special session?

Lawmakers and the governor dont need to address just the current budget crisis  as Rep. Patricia Lundstrom, D-Gallup, and chairwoman of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee, says, It hasnt been  in any way  a pretty picture. They also need to lay the groundwork now for the long term. The economists I speak to believe were in for a pretty long haul on this, says Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, and chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.

Indeed, the University of New Mexicos Bureau of Business and Economic Research forecasts employment levels in the state might not recover to pre-recession totals until 2025.

The governor mentions federal stimulus funds, which might help. But the money appropriated so far must be spent on coronavirus-related costs, including expanded unemployment benefits. Its not a budget bailout.

Yes, Congress might appropriate money for state and local government  Santa Fe alone is projecting a $100 million deficit next year  but no government can print enough money to bail out everyone at every level. In the long run, its economic activity that creates wealth and funds government  not the other way around.

The governor should keep that in mind even as her health secretary delivers warnings via State Police to county officials about businesses trying to reopen in a place like Lea County with 71,000 people and a total of 18 COVID cases and zero deaths out of more than 2,000 tests.

When lawmakers reconvene there will be increasing pressure to dig deep into the corpus of the state permanent fund to pay for recurring expenses. Thats a terrible idea. If the current crisis has shown anything, its that the permanent fund is the most stable revenue generator we have.

No one wants teachers or state workers to join the already swollen ranks of unemployed New Mexicans. Every effort should be made not to slash those jobs. But can we possibly justify the raises in this budget?

Whats needed when the Legislature reconvenes is a double dose of reality and responsibility to create a balanced budget going forward without raising taxes or breaking the piggy bank.

Its a heavy lift with certain pain. But its the best plan for New Mexico in the long run.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
Even as the Centre plans to resume domestic flights from May 25, the Maharashtra government has opposed the decision amid an unabated rise in coronavirus cases as the lockdown situation continues until May 31.

In a late-night tweet on Saturday, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh wrote that it was "extremely ill-advised to re-open airports in red zone". According to Deshmukh, mere thermal scanning of passengers was inadequate with or without swabs.

Deshmukh added that "getting passengers to come from a green zone to a red one putting them to risk doesn't make sense." He also said that "keeping a busy airport up and running with all COVID safety measures will require huge staff presence and compound risk in the red zone."

Also read: Coronavirus India Live Tracker: Maharashtra opposes flights from May 25; COVID-19 cases top 1.25 lakh

Maharashtra has 14 red zones, including Mumbai and Pune. Besides, Mumbai is also the worst-affected city in India, with 28,634 active cases and 949 deaths as of May 23, according to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data.

The Civil Aviation ministry recently took the decision to reinstate flight operations from May 25, but in a calibrated manner. Subsequently, thousands of passengers had booked flights. However, later murmurs were doing the rounds that a few state governments were not happy with the aviation ministry's decision.

A source from the civil aviation ministry told India Today that the decision was taken after consultations with various states including Maharashtra and that a rollback wasn't possible since the flights had been booked. The source also added that Maharashtra agreed only in principle to resume flights.

The suspense over the resumption of air operations in Maharashtra has clearly indicated poor coordination between the Centre and the states.

On Saturday, Maharashtra government communicated to the airport operator to fine-tune its operations and also discussed minimum flight operations like, "international transfer passengers from these cities, medical emergencies, students and cases on compassionate grounds only".

An official from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (MIAL) told India Today that they were prepared to restart flight operations in Mumbai and all the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) were in place. He also said that passengers will be taken care of inside the airport.

A Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) official said he was sure that the operations would resume but on a limited basis. "Bookings have been made and even the airlines are ready. This cannot be rolled back now," he added.

Furthermore, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut stated that there were no issues with regard to flight operations in Mumbai. Citing former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, and National Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Raut affirmed, "flights will land. Even Chidambaram has said that the economy should run with safety and the same has been said by Sharad Pawar as well and others".

In the meantime, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged the Centre to postpone resuming domestic flight services at Kolkata and Bagdogra airports by a few days due to the post-effect of cyclone Amphan.

Also read: Odisha allows home delivery of alcohol with 50% 'Special COVID Fee'; all you need to know

Also read: Coronavirus vaccine: 6 Indian firms race against time to develop cure but patience only option
A four-alarm fire broke out at a warehouse on San Franciscos Pier 45 in the early hours of May 23, resulting in damage to seafood processing buildings and equipment.

Flames and thick smoke from the blaze were visible from several miles away. This footage shared by the Nevada Seismological Lab shows smoke rising over the city as the fire broke out just after 4 am on Saturday morning.

A total of 150 firefighters responded to the scene, and one firefighter was injured in the fire with a severe laceration to his hand, ABC 7 reported.

A representative for Water2Table, who said the business suffered $15,000 in damage, told the outlet that the fire could be disastrous for the local fishing community as fish from Fishermans Wharf was shipped both to the state and nationwide.

Firefighters managed to save the historic World War II ship SS Jeremiah OBrien Liberty, which was docked close to the fire. A representative for the ship said it appeared to suffer minimal damage, and thanked firefighters for their efforts. Credit: ALERTWildFire & Nevada Seismological Laboratory via Storyful
I have mentioned many times everything worth saying has been written in country and western music. As New Mexico, our country and the world faces the coronavirus pandemic, I am reminded of Ann Murray and her song, I sure could use a little good news today.

We struggle every day, with hours and hours of media coverage, to find a kernel of good news. It is a little good news that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and her administration have taken early, decisive, data-driven measures to see New Mexico through this most dangerous health threat. In my view, she has shown appropriate concern for all citizens, our institutions, economy and system of governance. I recognize these measures do not always suit our fierce New Mexico independence to go where we want to go, do what we want to do, and to do business as usual.

By the way, it is not exactly the most onerous thing we will do to ask everyone to wear a mask when in public!

I have admired the work of Dr. David Scrase of the governors administration, a fellow I worked with years ago, who brings his immense intelligence, analytic skills and medical background to bear just at the right time. His presentations are detailed, not presented as alarming, but as an accurate depiction of the reality of the pandemic in New Mexico. There is a little good news: Our New Mexico leadership team is on it!

Someday, the coronavirus pandemic will be tamed, thanks to the skills and dedication of scientists, medical personnel, caregivers, first responders and the public and/or private research firms that will develop a vaccine for this virus. However, it is imperative that our current and next generation of leaders address some long-standing systemic social and economic issues that have exacerbated our current situation and will delay recovery.

For starters, they need to advance programs for:

 Eliminating health care and health disparities in our state.

 Achieving an 85% high school graduation rate and increased participation in higher education through lifetime learning to develop an internationally competitive workforce.

 Rationalizing our public finance programs to focus on the systemic problems instead of trying to do a little something for everyone.

If this were to occur, the good news would be New Mexico will be positioned to take on the next big challenge, whatever it might be.
Earlier, when people would organise prayers online, theyd be ridiculed or accused of doing so for putting an appearance of being gen fast forward. But since the lockdown has forced us to stay cooped up inside our houses, praying online has gone from being labelled as fashionable to becoming the need of the hour.

To stop social distancing from turning into a state of isolation, people are turning to the virtual medium to keep their religious routines and faith intact. While many churches around the world are web streaming their mass and services online, temple-goers in India are sharing prayers on WhatsApp, and those observing the holy month of Ramzan are even sharing Sehri on Zoom calls with friends and family members.

Asha Sukh, a homemaker from Delhis Rajendra Nagar, says shes in regular touch with her friends who accompanied her to the local temple, to ensure she doesnt miss her religious routine. She says, I had been going to the temple for decades, and to not to be able to do that now was making me feel like my day is incomplete. So we started sharing kirtan links online; some days we even get on Skype to pray together. Hum toh yehi mangte hain bhagwan se ki ye corona khatam ho (We pray to God that this pandemic comes to an end).

Some have also turned to online pooja services since the lockdown has been never-ending. Santosh Agarwal, who runs a popular website called PujaBhandar.com, informs that some residents have reached out to him to avail such services. We take about four to five days to make all the arrangements and we conduct the rituals on video call, mostly via WhatsApp; with priests who sit in the temple on behalf of the individuals organising the pooja. With the lockdown expected to extend further beyond May, he feels more people will take to online conduction of ceremonies.

Abu Sufiyan, is one of the Delhiites from a group thats running a campaign titled #IbadatGharSe. Herein people share photos of the makeshift mosques they have created at their home during the Ramzan, to be able to pray with their families without venturing out. We are asking people to stay at home and not congregate outside. Social media helps us in feeling a sense of inclusion even during this time, says Sufiyan describing how his father keenly watches Tarawih (ritual prayers in the month of Ramzan) live from Mecca. And Mohammed Furqan, a resident of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, says hes perturbed by the lockdown but stays connected with his relatives on zoom calls. It makes me feel Im not alone during this time, adds Furqan.

During the month of Ramadan, some Muslims are making small mosques at home to pray with their kids.

In Mayur Vihar, Crossway Church of Delhi is organising Sunday sermons online, both on Facebook and Zoom, for its community members. Pastor Stanley Thomas Isac says that the services have been appreciated by regular church-goers due to their inability to make it to the church due to the lockdown. Its easier for people to connect online, specially in a place like Delhi where most complain of traffic and work stress. Moreover, people get a good opportunity to learn to be with God while they are alone at home. Though the physical touch is missing, but something is better than nothing, he smiles.

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National Chief Imam Sheik Usman Nuhu Sharubutu held a virtual Eid-ul-Fitr ceremony for the first time.



The decision to hold a virtual occasion is influenced by restrictions by government to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in the country.



The government has placed a ban on public gatherings, including religious activities as it continues to battle the pandemic.



As Muslim faithfuls across the world gear up to mark the end of Ramadan, a period where persons who practice Islam fast from dawn to sunset for 30 days, a national ceremony was held at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation House.



President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as well as other dignitaries were present for the commemoration of this year's Eid-ul-Fitr.



Watch the event below:











President Akufo-Addo joins Muslim Leaders to celebrate 2020 Eid ul-Fitr

Posted by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Sunday, May 24, 2020



Source: ghanaweb









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Typically around this time, Mr. Day starts getting calls for advice from nervous brides and grooms fearful that cicadas will drop in champagne flutes or disrupt outdoor ceremonies with their loud buzzing, he said. (The sound is made only by the male, which has a membrane in its abdomen that vibrates to attract females.)

But with the coronavirus limiting gatherings, this could be a good time for Southerners to sit in their backyards and marvel at the creatures, Mr. Day said. Some may even be tempted to eat them, according to Mr. Day, who in the past has fried them up with sake and garlic.

This is a biological phenomenon, he said. So we can observe them and maybe even enjoy them.

Debbe Noonkester has no such plans. Ms. Noonkester, who owns Windy Hill Orchards in Ararat, Va., near the North Carolina border, said she was worried about the damage the cicadas could do to her young apple and peach trees.

Cicadas are not poisonous  a big part of their appeal to animals  and they do not harm humans. But they lay enormous quantities of eggs on small twigs, which does little damage to mature trees but can stunt the growth of young trees and vines, or even kill them.

Theyre like those old horror movies, Ms. Noonkester said.

Ms. Noonkester said she had heard the familiar buzz saw sound of the cicadas on a recent Sunday and had immediately thought of the scene in The Shining in which Jack Nicholson bursts through a door with an ax and announces menacingly, Heres Johnny!
A while ago, Mayor of Kajaran Manvel Paramazyan exited the building of the police station in Kapan and told the gathered citizens that he had seen all the detained boys and they had all been exposed to violence.

This intensified the situation. The detainees relatives complained, Paramazyan stopped the clash with the police and called on them to not give in to provocations.

Yes, we love and respect our police officers. They are innocent. We know how this all started, but I ask everyone to not give in to provocations and not use violence. There will be people who will make provocations, but we wont let them join us, he said and called on everyone to stay in front of the building until the demands are met.

Earlier, Governor of Syunik Province Hunan Poghosyan had met with the demonstrators, but failed to convince them to leave. After Paramazyan came, Hunan Poghosyan entered the police building.

As reported earlier, the situation in Kapan is tense. Several residents of Kajaran town have gathered in front of the police building with the demand to release their fellow citizens who were apprehended and later detained and not to transport them to Yerevan. According to the information of the relatives gathered in front of the building, the apprehended were beaten at the police station, but the police refute news about use of violence. There are three detainees, and another person by the name of Nver Khachatryan was apprehended by mistake and released. There are bruises on his body. The gathered demand that the arrestees arent transported to Yerevan and that the investigation is conducted in Syunik Province since they fear that the arrestees will be beaten more brutally in Yerevan. They threaten to close down roads. Head of Kajaran town Manvel Paramazyan has declared that this is political repression against him, adding that a few days ago police officers conducted searches in his apartment and his close ones apartments, after which residents of Kajaran were detained for no reason and through the use of violence.
The Centre has given its



in-principle consent to carry forward the work of the long- pending Bodhghat multipurpose irrigation project in Chhattisgarh, a state government official said on Sunday.

The proposed project, to be set up at a cost of Rs 22,653 crore and considered a boon to the south Bastar region, would provide irrigation facility to an area of 3.66 lakh hectares annually in naxal-affected Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur districts, besides generating 300 MW of hydro power, the official said.

The project envisages construction of a dam on the Indravati River near Barsur village in Dantewada district.

"The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Central Water Commission (CWC) have given their in-principle assent to the pre-feasibility report of the Bodhghat project. Now the work of survey and preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be done at the earliest," he said, adding that the project has been pending for the last 40 years.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel had recently discussed the project with Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat through video conferencing and explained its importance.

The state government had sent a pre-feasibility report to the CWC on April 2 this, the official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
analysis

On Saturday, President Uhuru Kenyatta unveiled a Sh53.7 billion Eight-Point Economic Stimulus Programme to cushion families and companies as we navigate our way out the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the economics of a lockdown, each shilling spent is likely to have a stimulating impact. It is from this understanding that governments are playing the central role in trying to stabilise their economies, just like in wartime, through economic stimulus packages.

Let us start by asking the question: is Sh53.7 billion sufficient to mitigate the Covid-19 impact?

African countries are estimated to lose more than half of their GDP growth to the Covid-19 impact -- they were expected to have four per cent GDP growth in 2020.

So if they are losing this much, it means government stimulus packages should be around two per cent of GDP.

Namibia's plan was at 4.25 per cent of GDP, Egypt at 1.8 per cent, Ethiopia's at 1.6 per cent (but to be implemented in three months), while South Africa has the biggest at 10 per cent, but only half will actually be spent, which brings it to 4.5 per cent.

For Kenya, a two per cent of GDP stimulus programme is around Sh200 billion. The Sh53.7 billion unveiled by the President is 0.5 per cent of GDP, so the plan is underwhelming. Let us now delve into the elements of the eight-point programme.

LOSS OF INCOME

The biggest shock to the economy has been income shock as people lose salaries and businesses shut down.

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This systemic income shock means the demand side of the economy is depressed. Therefore, we expect to see the government address the demand side.

For example, South Africa plans to spend $5 billion to protect and create jobs. In Kenya's plan, we see the government's intent to spend Sh5 billion to hire local labour under the infrastructure element and another 10 billion to engage 200,000 youths in restoring public hygiene.

The government is also disbursing a total of Sh1 billion a month to vulnerable families.

This cannot be equated to a response to the demand side of the economy -- it is not stemming the loss of livelihoods. In fact, most people who stand to benefit are those who were out of the labour market.

The government also plans to make set aside Sh3 billion for affordable credit to SMEs. This has worked well in India. But the amount is peanuts.

COMMERCE

We are talking about a sector that employs close to 15 million people and contributes more than 30 per cent to the national economy.

At a time like this when they are facing their biggest existential threat, we should be seeing an allocation of about Sh40 to 50 billion.

Lastly, in commerce, there is the concept of double coincidence of wants -- the hunter wants arrows and the arrow-maker wants meat, leading to an exchange.

When the government says it plans to enforce "Buy Kenya, Build Kenya" in an economy whose demand-side is depressed, is the government really in touch with reality?
Sharon stone looked years younger than her true age as she enjoyed some fun in the sun on Saturday.

The 62-year-old Casino star posted photos to Instagram of her age-defying figure in a bikini while she lounged around her pool.

She had on a summery quilt-like top with matching bottoms, along with a necklace of cowrie shells.

Still got it: Sharon Stone looked more youthful than her 62 years in a series of bikini photos shared to her Instagram on Saturday as she lounged by her pool while quarantining

Sharon added some flair with a gold luxury wristwatch, and she blocked out the piercing sun with a pair of aviator sunglasses.

'Happy Memorial Day weekend. Thank you for Your Service. Stay Safe,' she wrote, addressing the caption from herself and her cute French Bulldog Bandit.

The 5ft9in Oscar nominee tried something cheekier in an earlier poolside photo.

She stood tall and revealed her trim figure while wearing a bizarre metal helmet that appeared to be inspired by the British rapper MF Doom, whose mask was in turn inspired by the Marvel comics villain Doctor Doom.

Sense of humor: She wore a skimpy quilt-like bikini, as well as a bizarre metal mask in one photo that seemed inspired by the British rapper MF Doom

'Keepin my head together,' she joked in the caption.

Two of Sharon's friends floated around in the pool in the picture, while Bandit followed close at her heels.

On Friday, she spent some quality time pampering her other French Bulldog Joe.

'Joe's getting his summer pedicure, and he decided to go with Chanel,' she deadpanned as she painted his claws a shade of gold.

Though nail polish isn't necessary for dogs and could be toxic if they lick it while wet, he didn't seem to mind as he snoozed peacefully in a follow-up photo.

Spa day: On Friday, she spent some quality time pampering her other French Bulldog Joe

Golden boy: 'Joe's getting his summer pedicure, and he decided to go with Chanel,' she deadpanned as she painted his claws a shade of gold

Though nail polish isn't necessary for dogs and could be toxic if they lick it while wet, Joe didn't seem to mind as he snoozed peacefully in a follow-up photo

Though the actress seemed to be having a great time while relaxing by the pool, her Instagram stories were filled with reposted stories of devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month, Sharon tearfully mourned her 'adopted grandmother' Eileen Mitzman, an AIDS activist who died following a battle with COVID-19.

'We worked very hard together to do a lot of good in this world. Tonight she's going to die in a New York hospital. She has coronavirus, but she will die because she is septic and has other illnesses and none of us can go there to be with her,' Sharon said in a video as a tears fell down her cheeks.

After movingly sharing Eileen's life story, she urged her followers to scream outside their windows that night in her memory.

Heartbroken: Last month, Sharon tearfully mourned her 'adopted grandmother' Eileen Mitzman, an AIDS activist who died following a battle with COVID-19; pictured in 2009
Omjasvin MD By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: With testing of asymptomatic persons already stopped, there is an allegation that the Corporation testing centres are turning away even people presenting with fever and cough.Mallikarjunan K, a resident of Royapuram, had gone to Bharathi Arts College in Mannadi on Thursday. "I presented with fever and constant sneezing, but the survey members present there turned me away and said I should stay home."

"I live with five family members and was having symptoms for a week. My house owner suggested that I get tested, but they turned me away at the centre. Thankfully, now my temperature has come down," he said.

Rathinavelu R also has a similar story. He presented at the Corporation's only Communicable Diseases Hospital in Tondiarpet with body temperature, but was turned away. "I went at 11:30 am on Wednesday. They said COVID-19 testing gets over before 10 am and asked me to come back the next day. On Thursday, after waiting in a long queue to get a token, the staff there said I did not have enough symptoms and was told to come if fever persisted," he said.

Rathinavelu says his fever was severe and he has been sneezing and coughing along with back pain. "My mother is old and has co-morbid conditions. Scared of infecting my mother if I was indeed positive, I went to get tested but was turned away," he lamented.

A domestic help from Pulianthope said she too was not tested, about 10 days ago. I had a cough and throat pain but did not have a fever at the time. The staff at the testing centre said come back after two days if you get fever, said the woman.

Corporation officials agreed that they were not testing everyone. Testing centres are jam packed due to increased awareness. There are long queues. For mild fever, we tell them to come back if it persists but we get the contacts and monitor them, said an official.

The corporations health department official said that priority is being given to vulnerable and co-morbid population.The officials said testing was being done till 2 pm, but residents allege that it is being wrapped up by 10 am.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-25 00:39:24|Editor: huaxia

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Rioters hit police vehicles with bricks and smashed the windshield of one car on May 24, 2020 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo from social media page of Hong Kong police)



Starting from Sunday noon, rioters gathered in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai areas of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. They blocked main roads and committed violent acts, injuring several police officers as well as residents.

HONG KONG, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong police said they arrested at least 180 people on Sunday as a large number of rioters took part in unlawful assemblies and committed violent acts on Hong Kong Island, leaving several police officers and passers-by injured.

Starting from Sunday noon, rioters gathered in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai areas and blocked main roads with rubbish bins, bamboo sticks, rocks and other objects. Some of them dashed onto nearby flyovers and roads, forcing cars to stop.

At a flyover in Causeway Bay, rioters hurled a large amount of stones, hard objects and unknown fluid at police officers. At least four media liaison officers on duty were injured.

In Tin Lok Lane near the flyover, rioters hit police vehicles with bricks and smashed the windshield of one car, injuring one police officer.

A 41-year-old man was confronted by dozens of rioters who had been building barricades with rubbish and was assaulted by several of them with umbrellas. As the victim tried to escape, the rioters gave chase and continued their attack. At least five rioters opened their umbrellas to cover up their assault.

The victim sustained lacerations to his head, hand and back and has been hospitalized.

Identifying the victim as a lawyer, President of the Law Society of Hong Kong Melissa Kaye Pang said her organization felt sad and furious about the incident and strongly condemned the rioters' acts.

An online video showed a woman who was removing road barricades built by rioters was knocked to the ground, surrounded and beaten up by several rioters with long sticks.

Rioters blocked main roads on May 24, 2020 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo from social media page of Hong Kong police)

The police strongly condemned the violent attacks on civilians and police officers, pledging to bring the criminals to justice.

"Rioters have launched intentional attacks on police officers and civilians. Such despicable and ruthless acts are not to be condoned," the police said.

Up to 9:30 p.m. local time, at least 180 people had been arrested, mainly for offenses like participating in unauthorized assembly, unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct in a public place.

As the unlawful assemblies continued, some rioters set fire to debris and allegedly threw glass bottles onto the ground from the rooftop of a building, posing a threat to public safety.

Multiple sets of traffic lights have been damaged while carriageways have been covered in debris. Some shops in Causeway Bay were vandalized by rioters who used bricks and other hard objects to smash glass panes into pieces.

In the evening, the protesters gathering inside the Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui behaved in a disorderly manner, causing disruption to the public peace.

The police pointed out that these atrocious acts in breach of the law are not to be condoned by any civilized society.

"Officers will spare no effort in the investigation and offenders must bear the legal consequences. All members of society are urged to renounce violence and restore peaceful and rational means of expression, a core value that Hong Kong people always take pride in," the police said in a press release. 
Wisconsin is beginning to reopen. But not every door that was closed is opening in the same way or on the same timeline, creating a patchwork of services for communities.

Religious facilities are among those starting to open their doors, but some are finding the decisions to be particularly complicated, feeling pressure from the push and pull of honoring religious liberties and keeping congregations safe.

In the La Crosse area, as of May 20, a majority of independent churches and synagogues were still closed, many with their own plans on when and how to reopen in the future.

Some churches are finding their guidance from the large religious organizations that oversee them, such as the Diocese of La Crosse, which said all of its Catholic churches could open doors at the end of the month as long as they have strict social distancing in place.

The La Crosse Area Synod, which oversees some Lutheran churches in the area, didnt hand down any official requirements of its churches, but released a recommended set of guidelines that follow the phased Badger Bounce Back approach to reopening that its churches could use.

Our council very thoughtfully talked about all the possibilities, and they are very concerned for themselves and their neighbors, and it wasnt a difficult decision to arrive at for them, said Julie Wollman, pastor at Coon Valley Lutheran Church.

The rural church has decided to follow the synods guidelines and open with a slow, phased approach, and doesnt have a set date yet of when it will open to its 150 parishioners.

When it does reopen, though, the church leaders want to make sure it is a safe environment.

I know that people are ready in some ways to get back to worshipping together, Wollman said. But I also hear from my parishioners that they are not ready to come back into a sanctuary together either.

Independent churches have had to make the decisions on their own whether to reopen yet, some of them making set plans while others wait it out.

Its probably better to just wait and see, said David Wick, the interim pastor at Neighborhood City Church in La Crosse.

Wick said he drove around the city earlier in the week looking for outdoor picnic spaces to rent on Sundays that would accommodate his churchs congregation of about 40, but none of them were available for groups larger than 10.

We have a lot of at-risk people, a lot of older people, a lot of people with health problems, Wick said. As we were going down the list, we could hardly not name anyone who didnt have a health problem.

Though they dont have an official opening date, Wick said the church would have strict safety measures in place when they did, like seat spacing, hand sanitizer readily available, required masks and maybe even temperature checks at the door.

Several churches in the area have already reopened.

At Apostolic Life Church in Onalaska, theyll meet this Sunday for the first time since March, for a reunion-type service.

The church usually sees about 70 parishioners at its services, and has given them the option to stay home if they want, but wont be enforcing any safety regulations for those who do attend.

Weve talked with the people from the congregation and given them the option, because we want them to feel safeguarded, said Mark Boyd, who has been the churchs pastor for the last 20 years.

We have plenty of space, Boyd said, and we are kind of leaving it up to them. Were recommending, but were not going to try and enforce anything.

We definitely believe in our freedom, but we believe in not being reckless with it, he said.

Others who have already opened are being more strict about safety precautions.

Were doing our best to just open, but in a way thats comfortable for everyone and being careful as we can be, said Matt Schroeder.

Hes been the pastor at Horizon Christian Fellowship in La Crosse for 10 years, which held its first in-person service on Wednesday with safety protocols in place.

The church spaced out its chairs and had masks available for parishioners, and will also plan to offer outdoor seating with speakers for those who want to remain even more distanced.

Other safety precautions that churches in the area plan to use are propping doors or having designated ushers opening them, not serving any food or passing around offering baskets, requiring parishioners to leave immediately after services, no physical contact or no nursery care or schooling.

Most churches will continue offering the livestreaming services they were doing while shut down, too, many of them using things like Facebook Live, YouTube, Zoom and sometimes local broadcasting services.

And for the long-term, many think that trend will continue.

I dont ever see us going back to having committee meetings in the church building, Wick said.

His church council and committees have been meeting via Zoom since the shutdowns, which has been more efficient and inclusive than ever, he said. He also meets weekly now with other pastors in his ministry across the country over Zoom because its that much easier.

I think its going to be a very positive change coming out of it, he said.

Pastors have been encouraged by the number who are tuning into their videos, said Rev. Jim Arends with the La Crosse Area Synod, of ELCA.

There will be a stronger online presence  that Im certain of, he said.

In general, church leaders agree that things will change for how they worship together, as they find a new normalcy, even after the pandemic subsides.

A lot of times, people feel like the only spiritual care they get is inside the walls of the church building, Boyd said.

The shift will be people will recognize that we are ... easily able to worship in our homes and different places without having to feel confined to a building, he said.

This whole thing has really pushed the church to increase, not to decrease, Boyd said.

The changes arent always positive, though.

For the Neighborhood City Church, about a third of its congregation doesnt have access to internet, so keeping its doors closed means many of them dont get to worship.

Ive got about 25 people who watch that sermon on Sunday, and the others just cant, Wick said.

The church is also a physical contact congregation, Wick said, making worshipping from a distance challenging.

I expect when this epidemic finally fades away were going to be right back to handshakes and hugging right away, he said. I just think its really hard to change cultural practices like that.

Other group leaders are nervous that not meeting could cause harm to some of its constituents.

There are two sides to it. One is obviously: physically. We dont want to hurt anybody. But at the end of the day, if people hurt so bad spiritually, could there be more physical repercussions anyways? Schroeder said, adding his church serves a lot of people who battle with addiction.

So that group of people has missed out on a lot because of this, he said.

The conversation of churches reopening has moved into the political realm, making the decisions for churches that much more complicated.

When things shut down, I saw the reason, Schroeder said. And was really OK with that. But do I think they could shut down forever and not impede on rights? No. I think we certainly have that right to make choices.

Some groups have filed lawsuits or defied government orders restricting them from meeting.

In Minnesota, where Gov. Tim Walz loosened restrictions for restaurants and businesses but not churches, some congregations announced they planned to still meet despite the restrictions and two Twin City churches have filed a lawsuit against the state.

In Wisconsin, a group has filed a federal lawsuit against Dane County, which kept its own stay-at-home order in place, citing that the order impedes on religious liberties.

And on Friday, President Donald Trump called on governors across the country to allow all places of worship to open over the weekend, deeming them essential, and threatening to override any governors who didnt follow through.

It is a little disturbing to me how quickly the government can seize upon an issue like this, Wick said. Hes from St. Paul and has been tuning in to his home churchs livestream every week and closely following the situation in his home state.

But I get why theyre doing it. I dont think Walz is doing it to be discriminatory against churches, its just a fact of the matter, he said. There does need to be a balance.

But others are trying to keep politics out of it.

Some people think their Christianity has to be performed inside the four walls of the building. And if that is the case, Boyd said, then they are already having problems with their religious liberties.

We dont believe this is a matter of religious liberty. No one is telling us we cant worship. Were willing to watch the ways in which we worship to protect the most vulnerable among us, Arends said.

Unfortunately, there is a politics coming into this which we are trying to keep out. It isnt, do we support the president? Do we support the governor? he said.

Its, we are in the middle of a pandemic, how do we best serve our people?

How are La Crosse churches reopening? In La Crosse, a majority of its independent churches remained closed a week after the state Supreme Court reopened the state. Here are some numbers on what area churches are doing in the wake of the virus: 109 reported using some form of virtual service to weather COVID-19

30 specified they were using Facebook to reach parishioners

5 reported using their websites to stream or provide videos

8 reported they were using some form of social distancing

4 noted some form of seat spacing as a safety measure

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An investigation has been launched after a tweet on the official UK Civil Service account branded the government arrogant and offensive and truth twisters.

The tweet was shared thousands of times before it was eventually deleted.

It was sent from the Civil Service account about 20 minutes after the conclusion of Sundays Downing Street press conference, in which Boris Johnson defended his chief adviser Dominic Cummings for breaking lockdown restrictions.

The UK Civil Service has deleted their tweet about Boris Johnsons Dominic Cummings press conference.



Not to worry though, the BBC has broadcast the message to millions of people on BBC One ensuring it cannot be missed! pic.twitter.com/5mylrAllGW  Charlie Proctor (@MonarchyUK) May 24, 2020

The tweet said: Arrogant and offensive.

Can you imagine having to work with these truth twisters?

It had been retweeted more than 16,000 times and had reportedly received more than 30,000 likes before it was then deleted just after 6pm.

It is not known whether the account was hacked or whether the tweet was sent from somebody running it.

A UK Government spokesman said an investigation had been launched into the tweet.

The spokesman said: An unauthorised tweet was posted on a Government channel this evening.

The post has been removed and we are investigating the matter.

Coronavirus: what happened today

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Millions of Muslims in Indonesia are marking a muted and gloomy holiday of Eid al-Fitr, the end of the fasting month of Ramzan a usually joyous three-day celebration that has been significantly toned down as coronavirus cases soar.

The world's largest Muslim-majority nation, with more than 240 million people, has reported nearly 22,000 infections and 1,350 fatalities, the most in Southeast Asia. It means no congregational prayers at mosques and open fields, no family reunions, no relatives bearing gifts for children.

This outbreak is not just dampening spirits of Eid, but also has made the tradition entirely different, said Andieka Rabbani, a university student in Jakarta.

This year, like other Indonesians, he can only greet his cousins and friends through video calls.

In deeply conservative Aceh, Indonesia's only province enforcing Islamic sharia law, public Eid prayers can still be performed at mosques and fields, but without shaking hands and with limited sermons.

The iconic public parade of decorated vehicles with loudspeakers invoking God's name was scrapped this year.

It's too sad ... the whole week used to be one long festival, but not this time, said Muchtar Yusuf, a resident of Aceh's Lhokseumawe city.

The province has reported zero coronavirus cases in the past weeks and has had only one death and 19 confirmed infections.

Unlike Aceh, mosques and fields in Jakarta, which are usually always crowded with Eid worshippers, stood empty after authorities extended the restrictions to June 4, suspended communal gatherings and banned private cars from leaving the capital.

Jakarta has become the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in Indonesia with 6,515 confirmed cases with 501 deaths as of Saturday.

Eid celebrations also were low-key in neighboring Muslim-majority Malaysia.

Businesses have mostly reopened after weeks of virus shutdown, but mass gatherings are still banned and ethnic Malay Muslims are not allowed to travel back to their villages.

Police have turned away more than 5,000 cars trying to head back to their hometowns in the last few days and have warned of strict penalties against those who sneaked back.

The pandemic has also canceled the open house tradition, where Muslims invite family and friends to their homes for a feast.

The prime minister and government officials usually host open house events that attract thousands of people. This year, the government allowed family members living nearby to visit each other on Sunday only, but the gatherings must not exceed 20 people in the same house.

Mosques have reopened but are limited to small congregations of up to 30 people.

Rohaizam Zainuddin said he was blessed he could celebrate Eid with his elderly parents living nearby but his sister in another state couldn't return home.

Usually, the house will be teeming with visiting relatives and well-wishers on the first day of Eid, but Rohaizam said he expects most of them to stay away this year.

We feel sad and being human, we are frustrated that celebration this year is not the same," he said. "But there is no point getting angry. We just have to accept it, life goes on.

Everyone in the family has put on new clothes and traditional dishes, and cookies are ready for any visitors, along with a thermometer and hand sanitizer to comply with health measures, he added.

Malaysia has reported 7,185 infections and 115 deaths, but officials fear the Eid festivities could spark a new wave if people ignore social distancing and health measures.

In his Eid message broadcast late Saturday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is under a two-week quarantine after being in contact with a government official diagnosed with the virus, reminded Muslims to be responsible and follow strict health guidelines.

He urged them to ensure their homes are cleaned up immediately after hosting guests, and also to refrain from visiting graves, a norm during Eid.

To preserve life, we have to sacrifice some of our traditions or norms so as to prevent infection, he said.

For the first time, Pakistan is celebrating Eid countrywide on the same day, ending an annual controversy over the moon sighting, with rival committees disagreeing over the holiday's start date.

In previous years, Pakistan's Khyber Pukhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan, celebrated Eid a day before the rest of the country, but on the same day as much of the rest of the Muslim world. The rest of Pakistan followed the next day.

Pakistan has been in a lockdown to control the spread of the coronavirus since mid-March but Prime Minister Imran Khan refused to close mosques during Ramzan, despite pleas from doctors and a rising number of COVID-19 infections.

Pakistan has more than 52,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(CNN)  Though Columbia University's commencement this year looked a little different than expected, for graduate Qutaiba Idlbi, the conclusion of his studies carried a special significance that a webcast ceremony stemming from COVID-19 restrictions couldn't dampen.

"I feel like things are finally falling in place," Idlbi told CNN.

Idlbi's journey to his bachelor's degree stretches over the course of 12 years and multiple continents, with Syria's political uprising as a backdrop. It concluded this week in New York.

"It was just all meant for me to come here and finish at Columbia," he said.

Inspired by his father's activist past

Idlbi grew up in Damascus, the son of a non-violent political activist. When Idlbi was 15, his father, Yusef, passed away. It was a turning point for Idlbi's own political activity.

"Knowing about his history after he passed away and my own interest kind of shaped the way I started doing things," he said.

Idlbi graduated from high school in 2008. After receiving an associate's degree in finance, he began studying toward a four-year degree at a private Damascus university.

But soon after Idlbi began his studies in 2011, uprisings began again in Syria.

"I was involved from the very beginning, organizing demonstrations, delivering aid to besieged areas," he said.

Idlbi says he was detained multiple times by Syrian authorities for his political activities. After his second detention, as he tried to prepare for his June 2011 exams, another warrant was issued for his arrest. Idlbi decided then it was time to go into hiding, eventually leaving Syria.

In 2013, he was invited to the U.S. for a fellowship program run by the State Department. Three years later, still in the U.S. pursuing advocacy work, Idlbi decided it was time for him to continue his studies.

"Not having my bachelor's -- it was kind of always hovering over my head as this thing I really needed to finish," Idlbi said.

"Mission Impossible"

Idlbi received a scholarship specifically for displaced students from around the world from Columbia and was accepted into the university's School of General Studies, which caters to students with less-traditional college paths.

He began his full-time studies in late 2017, and simultaneously worked full time for a U.S. military contractor.

"It was really kind of like 'Mission Impossible,'" Idlbi said.

But when he wrote his papers, he felt he could freely express his opinions.

"For me, in Syria, much of the whole fight -- the idea of the whole uprising is not to make immediate change, but to allow people to be themselves," he said.

Now, Idlbi is studying for the LSAT exam and planning to apply to graduate school later this year either in law or public policy.

But first, he is taking some time to celebrate in small ways with family and friends, albeit from afar.

"If it's in a year or two when we have our ceremony, it's fine," he said. "I'm just happy that I'm done with this and to continue moving forward."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "A graduation 12 years in the making: One Syrian activist's road to his college degree."
Bishop Kevin Vann in front of Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove. (Christ Cathedral)

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange announced plans for public Masses to resume in phases in Orange County starting June 14.

The first phase includes allowing small groups of healthy people to gather for limited Mass, church officials said Friday in a news release. The second phase will allow for larger groups; the third will permit choirs and social gatherings. All phases will require participants to follow strict guidelines for social distancing and disinfection, officials said.

The pandemic is far from over, so we will begin with small steps, said Diocese of Orange Bishop Kevin Vann in a statement. Realizing that reinfection is a concern, as we saw occurred in Texas and elsewhere, I am asking our pastors to prepare their churches to ensure that these guidelines are followed without exception.

On Saturday, officials announced that Orange County has been approved by the state to mount a more aggressive reopening of local businesses.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has vowed to provide plans on reopening churches Monday, after previously saying such reopenings were just a few weeks away.

In Orange County, the bishops advisors have been working on reopening guidelines for weeks, in consultation with county officials and medical experts, the release said.

Those over 65 or who have an underlying health condition will be encouraged not to return when churches initially reopen, as will anyone who is sick or lives with someone who is sick.

Holy water fonts will remain empty, hymnals will be removed, and people will be instructed not to touch one another, including during greetings. Church rituals that require touching, like the sign of peace, will be suspended.

In most cases, churches will be required to limit their capacity to one-third of normal attendance, officials said. More Masses will be offered than usual, and people will be encouraged to come throughout the week to avoid crowding on Sundays. Vann extended a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday to permit the shift.

Story continues

The bishop also granted a temporary dispensation allowing priests to celebrate Mass outside of church buildings, including in gyms, parish halls and outdoor spaces.

Officials said Catholics should check parish websites for specific instructions on how Masses will be held and when attendance will be allowed.

Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said church service for now remains only via the internet.

I think its clear to all of us that it might be possible in the coming future to be able to open physically the churches and receive parishioners to come. Its not going to be the same in the beginning, because there is the reality of the social distance and also making sure that the churches are sanitized and people are protected when they come to church, Gomez said in a statement Saturday.

And I insist that thats the most important thing  that we protect one another. We know that God is with us, but at the same time we have to be careful and make sure that we protect each other in this challenging time," he added. So, let us keep praying. Let us keep working together."




Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday (May 24) held an online briefing on the prevailing situation on coronavirus in the state and said he is anticipating more cases and that the fight against COVID-19 is going to be a tougher one.

Speaking to the people of Maharashtra, Uddhav said the government needs time to prepare for the opening of the aviation sector. The lockdown, CM Uddhav said, cannot be lifted now.

"We cant say that lockdown will be over by May 31. We will have to see how we will go forward. The coming time is crucial as the multiplication of the virus is picking up. I want to assure the medical fraternity that we are with them in all ways," the CM said during an address to the people of the state.

"I spoke to the Aviation minister (Hardeep Singh Puri) . I understand the need for opening up air travel, but we need more time to prepare," he said.

The resumption of domestic flights -- announced by the Centre earlier this week, had become a matter of contention with the state as Maharashtra indicated its unwillingness to go with the Centre's plan.

The Chief Minister also cautioned the people that since Monsoon season is approaching the state, there will be a surge in related ailments. "We need to take extra precautions," he said.

Uddhav asked the people to not get panic since the state government is prepared with extra health facilities.